I am so thrilled to see that Beading Daily, the online daily newsletter for beading fans of all sorts which comes from Interweave has a delightful new editor, Kristal Wick. Of course we all know and love her already, but this is once more an opportunity for you to begin the unofficial start of summer with some fun for yourself and some relaxation as the warmer days unroll.

Kristal has written her first e-letter for Beading Daily, which is also chock full of photos and free projects and tons of gorgeous online download offerings!

"Summertime and the Beading Is Easy

Summertime Memories

Fireflies, freshly mowed grass, s'mores on the crackling campfire at dusk, hide-n-seek till dark, root beer floats, sand in my toes, collecting seashells on the shore, bright sundresses and groovy sandals—all fond memories of summertime.

Another summertime favorite of mine was the stretchy penny candy necklaces you could wear and eat! This offered me my first crack at jewelry design. I ate all the candy colors that didn’t "go together" in my eight-year-old’s color palette and proudly wore my masterpiece; that is until it melted in the hot sun, leaving my neck a bright, sticky mess!

My design sense has grown a bit more sophisticated since those early days, as I’m sure yours has, too. It’s a pleasure to be able to share and explore beads and jewelry design with you as the new Beading Daily editor.

I am thrilled to be a part of the Interweave family and have been reading Beading Daily forever. What an honor to personally be a part of it now. I'm excited to hear your beady stories, see your creations, and share mine with you (tales of woe as well as go)!

It’s a privilege to enter your studio each and every day, be it a cubicle or kitchen table, bringing with me a diverse background as international award-winning jewelry designer, author (Fabulous Fabric Beads), teacher, vendor, TV personality, Swarovski Ambassador, and inventor of Sassy Silkies handcrafted silk beads.

My motto is Fearless Creativity; come join me on the ride (seatbelts optional).<-- jean likes this!

Need some grown-up summertime inspiration that will bring back the fun?

We have dozens of colorful summery projects for all levels, from easy to intermediate, with all projects 20% off through June 2, 2010. There are several designs that are on my summer "must make-it " list.

So you’re invited to grab a porch swing, a nice chilly lemonade (or a mint julep on the veranda), and start beading the summer away with me, my friends!"

What a great introduction to what looks like a fabulous summer season for all of us, and onwards from then!--jean

you need your pearls n' things when June is coming your way!
necklace by me, vest by Dolly Molly on etsy. This is Eve. She is a Bl Bl. don't ask! :)

A Bead A DayLooking to make some super-sized jewelry just perfect for a princess? Lisa uses large blueberry briolettes and a swarovski mix to create just that!

About.com Jewelry MakingTammy ask in this quick poll about how you use social networking to promote you and/or your jewelry business.

Art Bead Scene ABS is here to help you with your business. Check out Zazzle to customize your earring cards for your jewelry business.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten ArtifactsBook Review: Wrap, Stitch, Fold and Rivet

Beading ArtsHow many people out there are participating in the Bead Journal Project this year?

Carmi's Art/Life WorldCarmi's button maker is the reason for this new vintage image necklace.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork DivaThis week's Wednesday Wire is a free tutorial, "Matchin' by Wrappin'."

Earthenwood Studio ChroniclesLearn about the Raku firing process and see the results of Melanie's new Raku adventures!

HumblebeadsHeather shares some time management tips for creatives.

Jean CampbellJean reviews Kate McKinnon's wonderful new addition, Sculptural Metal Clay.

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!Jean is delighted to review Totally Twisted by Kerry Bogert! You will LOVE this book which focuses on wire and art beads!

Strands of BeadsMelissa discusses the process of reworking a weak necklace design - the revised version of which now appears on the cover of The Best of Step by Step Beads.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Like Czech glass? Andrew hosts a giveaway courtesy of Raven's Journey. Find out how you can win these luminous beads!

Neutrality, by Jennifer Dangerfield



photo by Jennifer Dangerfield

When I first saw this necklace offered by its designer, Jennifer, on Facebook, I said to myself, "This is an example of what I think is a perfect design."

From there I attempted to figure out why I felt this way. Incidentally, Jennifer is getting a lot of reactions on the photo, all as positive as mine, from other people who are having the same sort of intense reaction I have. You might want to see it larger, by hitting on it, here, or going to Facebook.

Jennifer was anxious to let me know that the beautiful art beads are by Dora Schubert ( http://www.doraschubert.com/) . However, you can hold beauty such as this in your hands, and if you do not have a "good eye", the willingness to stick with your desire to express yourself, and, finally, the ability to really fly the way that Jennifer Dangerfield does when she designs, you have nothing.

Jennifer positioned the beads in a sinuous manner in her design. This was assisted in a lovely manner by her choice of smaller, bronzey colored square coin pearls as spacers. These are perfect as a complimentary color which has some kick to it. Also, the pearls are natural, as are the peachy colored freshwater pearls she used as well. Pearls are from Nature, and there is something profoundly earthy and sensual and natural about this necklace. Any neutral necklace could potentially offer this as a concept, but Jennifer's necklace is quietly powerful in this manner of attracting the viewer. I sometimes see a snakelike attraction here which holds me in its thrall.

I was interested to note that there was not a whit of turquoise used in the design of the necklace, except for in the art beads themselves. I think that this empowers the turquoise which is in the actual beads, and compells the viewer to recognize consciously that the turquoise is quite important to the design of the beads as well as the necklace. The turquoise and black designs and the tiny shreds of other colors recall ancient pictograph markings to me. They also remind me that where there are neutral desert colors, there is turquoise blue sky.

The manner in which Jennifer finished the necklace is a perfect, quiet, echo referencing the black dots on the beads.

Jennifer said to me, " The toggle clasp is Karen silver & came from the Fair Trade company of Shiana (http://www.shiana.com/) - there's a link to their mission statement here: http://www.shiana.com/Shop/Control/fp/SFV/29696/view_page/extra4 "

Other things which Jennifer mentioned to me about this beautiful, remarkable necklace:

"How I love the subtle light play of pearls!" and what a success she had evoking that, here.

Then she added, "It's quite a heavy necklace ( 20 inches long) so I used my favourite Twisted Tornado crimps from Via Murano. These crimps retain a pretty decorative texture when squeezed. For me, how something feels is almost as important as how it looks. I personally think this is a nice necklace to handle; it feels a little like a chunky spine & I like the contrast in the more delicate raised stringer work surface decoration on the beads".

When I asked Jennifer's contact details she said,
"My email address is art_of_curiosity@btinternet.com and then there's my website http://www.jenniferdangerfield.co.uk/ which needs a spring clean when I get a round tuit. My blog can be found at http://theartofcuriosity.blogspot.com/ and my Flickr Gallery is http://www.flickr.com/photos/theartofcuriosity/ I'm also on Facebook."

I am thrilled to know I can communicate with Jennifer on Facebook! She is a remarkable, thoughtful (and by that I mean very thoughtful and also full of thought, all the time) woman who has been a dear friend to me for quite a while. Jennifer loves beauty. I hope I have done her necklace justice. I did not analyze it classically--I am presenting this to you from my heart.

I believe that her talents as a photographer are amazing as well. The frame for this necklace, an open, blank paged book, can take you anywhere you want to go. The angle of the photo is engaging as well and it is a clear a photo as any professional photographer could take.

Finally, as a note from Jennifer:
"I've always loved jewellery, but I didn't start making it until 2004. I remember being given a handmade charm bracelet, admiring it & then trying to work out how it was done. And then attempting to 'source the ingredients' on the internet & make one for myself. Shortly after that, I discovered art glass beads and a passion was born! I've learnt the little I know from books & magazines, but mostly trial & error; this is especially true of photography. You can learn a lot of good things when you're busy making mistakes!

What else can I say? That I try to use my creativity to do battle with my demons & bipolar? But you already know how important I think that is :-)"

What an amazing artist Jennifer Dangerfield is, and a great person.

Thank you Jennifer, for letting me analyze your amazing necklace, Neutrality, by Jennifer Dangerfield, in my own way!

jean! xox

Delightful, Exuberant Wirework and Art Glass Design Book!

Totally Twisted

Innovative Wirework and Art Glass Jewelry

by Kerry Bogert

review by jean yates

There are a lot of designers who use beads and wire to make pretty jewelry of all sorts. However, nobody does this fantastic style better than Kerry Bogert! She is the queen of a wonderfully well thought out sort of exuberance which will delight you from page one.

Kerry Bogert's book, Totally Twisted, is intended specifically to show readers how to work with brightly colored wire, sterling silver wire and beautiful art glass beads to make the kinds of jewelry you buy in boutiques. Yes, you can do it yourself! It's a lot of fun, too, with her guidance.

The book begins with an introduction and a reference to Connie Fox. I had to laugh when I saw that Kerry had gotten her start on her own unique path by initially learning from Connie's great online tutorial. I had done the same thing!

Her path "diverged in the woods" at that point however, as she set out to blaze new trails with her coiling, wireworking, and her lovely lampworked beads. She is a true original. Everything she makes is irresistible.

Get ready to be blown away by the energetic yet always clearly explained pages of this remarkable book.

After an excellent and thorough beginning, which even includes a fascinatingly, slightly different type of way to understand the color wheel, the reader will be introduced to the brilliant, charming, well made projects.

There isn't one I wouldn't wear in a New York Minute. The projects often have alternate views, which are terrific as well.

Several of the projects which delighted me were: the very first one, "bang gals!" with several alternative choices of how to make these wonderful bangles, as well as "taken for a whirl", a pair of totally wild, orange and red swirled earrings with accents of turquoise and lime, which make me want to go on a road trip to anywhere, showing these off in the breeze as I drive an open convertible. There is an amazing bracelet called "scrollirific", which does have an lovely elegance to it, as the author says, due to the manner in which she combines the S links she has used to connect the beads. I also fell for "hook line and sinker", a superspecial necklace using one wonderful focal, combined with a lot of coiling wire and many jump rings. I loved the bubbly view of the alternative choice on that one, in particular.

I have to say it is really difficult for me to stop writing about this book. Beads and wire are two of my favorite things in the jewelry world. I believe that if they haven't been yours as yet, try Kerry Bogert's amazing offering: Totally Twisted Innovative Wirework & Art Glass Jewelry. You will be jumping out of your seat with excitement at the way the author teaches her delightful manner of jewelry design.
I was also impressed by her friends who participated by creating some of the beads. They are some of my favorite bead makers.

I guarantee that if you are looking for fun, something different and special, as well as consistent high quality in your jewelry designs,
Totally Twisted has your name on it!

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

As you may or may not know-- I like action movies.In fact, we sleep to a great film called Independence Day. I don't even have to look up at the TV screen to know which part we are at. It is a refreshing change from all the Star Treks we watched for years and it is just an easy film to sleep to. Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum rock.

Here is a compilation where I spotted it twice, called "Get out of there".



here below is a list of all the fims, many of which you will recognize, like Rear Window, without needing a list.

http://www.pajiba. com/guides/get-out-of-there-the-video.php.
here are the movies from which these clips were taken.
Here’s a complete list of films referenced in the montage:
0’00 - The Firm, The Matrix, Revolver, Hollow Man, Dreamcatcher, The Fifth Element, Pushing Tin, National Treasure, The Matrix Reloaded
0’30 - Rear Window, Band of Brothers, Back to the Future Part II, Enemy of the State, Die Hard: With a Vengeance, Star Trek: Wrath of Khan, Black Rain, Armageddon
1m - Lord of the Rings: Two Towers, Sphere, The Perfect Storm, Arachnophobia, Free Willy, Honey I Shrunk The Kids, The X-Files, Ultimate Avengers, Sphere, Antz, Rambo III, Lost In Space, Deep Impact, Alien, War of the Worlds
1’30 - Blue Velvet, A Simple Plan, Apocalypse Now, The Incredible Hulk, Flags of Our Fathers, South Park, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Bourne Ultimatum, Bad Boys II, G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra, Airplane!
2m - King Kong, Spirited Away, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Mad Max, The Mexican, The Manchurian Candidate, Lethal Weapon, The Birds, Lethal Weapon 3, Cliffhanger, Reign of Fire, Cube 2: Hypercube, The Man with the Golden Gun, Pandorum, Crimson Tide
2’30 - Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Grosse Pointe Blank, The Taking of Pelham 123, X-Men: The Last Stand, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Saw II, Sunshine, Eraser, 24, The Fast and the Furious, Bourne Supremacy, Enemy of the State, Ocean’s Twelve, Mou gaan dou (Infernal affairs), Tomorrow Never Dies, Armageddon
3m - Shark Attack 3: Megalodon, Finding Nemo, South Park, Independence Day, Aliens, Do The Right Thing, Black Hawk Down, Die Hard: With a Vengeance, Tomorrow Never Dies, Avatar, The Dirty Dozen
3’30 - Band of Brothers x2, Dreamcatcher, Rescue Dawn, Pearl Harbor, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Top Gun x2, Air Force One, Independence Day, Leon
4m - Die Hard: With a Vengeance, Dune, Cliffhanger
I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!!!

A Bead A DayLisa explains her thoughts behind part 1 of a new bracelet project.

About.com Jewelry MakingTammy recently took a trip to the Bahamas and discovered some souvenir pennies in her purse. They were so bright and shiny they had to be turned into jewelry.

Art Bead Scene It's the fifth month anniversary of the ABS Carnival Blog! Come see how we've grown!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten ArtifactsTake a jewelry class with me at CREATE!

Beading ArtsThe new Rubber Glass silicone has inspired Cyndi to create some beginner projects!

Carmi's Art/Life WorldIn an effort to use all that she buys, Carmi repairs and recycles vintage metal from Paris.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork DivaCindy's starting a new feature on her blog - The Wednesday Wire! Come take a look!

Earthenwood Studio ChroniclesA gift from a local potter starts Melanie on a new clay adventure: Raku!

HumblebeadsHeather explores 23 days of inspiration as she gets ready for the Bead & Button Show. See how Van Gogh has inspired her through the years.

Jean CampbellJean's just full of travelogues, isn't she? This time she went to a Kansas bead retreat.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the StudioVoting has now opened in the Bead Star competition, come check out my 5 entries!

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!The best wedding I never went to! My editor's incredibly romantic wedding -- Australian Beading Magazine

Strands of BeadsLike several of her esteemed colleagues, Melissa has a few pieces in the Bead Star competition to show off this week!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Andrew has six finalists pieces in the Bead Star competition. Please take a moment to vote!

part two

When I miss my father, I go to these films, originally taped by the History Channel and then edited with great affection by my neighbor, filmmaker Phil. We made James Bond films when we were kids, but Phil and Rob, his brother have gone on to make award winning films as adults.

My father is on my mind often, as you know. He died in 2005, five years ago. I don't miss him with the sharp pain I used to, on a daily basis, but I take solace in the fact that I believe in heaven and I know that my Dad is there.

jean

Laura McCabe's

Embellished Beadweaving

jewelry lavished with fringe, fronds, lacework & more

review by jean yates

This book draws the reader in instantly. Just one glimpse of the fabulous necklace on the cover will lead to the delightful realization that a master of jewelry design is at work.

Laura McCabe is famous for her beadweaving, and rightly so. The reader can clearly see the whole intention of a piece of jewelry which she has designed, through her beadweaving skills. At the same time it is obvious how her choice of embellishments specific to each piece add a sort of remarkable brilliance and depth to her designs.

If you are new to beadweaving, have no qualms.
The book begins with an introduction which explains the point of embellishment. The author knows that if you embellish your beadwork with further beads, you reach another level. Beads are empowering in more ways than one, and she notes many of the purposes of wearing or carrying beads. Then the question is asked, "How do we use these beads to their best advantage, to make ourselves beautiful and add fanciful details to our world?"
She answers her own question by revealing the point of this book: to "provide the knowledge and inspiration to take your beadwork to the next level by embellishing beads with yet more beads..."

I particularly like the freedom this book imparts in the introduction by Ms.McCabe.

As she says, "Although I give you step by step instructions, don't feel you have to reproduce the projects in this book exactly; instead, use them as basic building blocks for your own embellished forms.
I genuinely hope you'll take what you learn here and apply it liberally to your own creative endeavors."

This quote marks an exciting and challenging beginning to what is a super fun and educational journey into the world of embellished beadweaving.

Chapter One is a succinct commentary on beads through history. The beautiful photographs of both antique and vintage beaded items such as purses and Victorian beaded wrist warmers counterpoint the author's own modern offerings. She seems to possess an ability to soar in her designs the way the master painters do in their paintings. It adds a third dimension to appreciation of art within jewelry design, to my mind.

Chapter Two contains a nicely laid out list of items required for the basic beader's kit. If you want to make this sort of jewelry, this is what you need to have at the ready. I found this very illuminating, as the author took the time to explain why she chooses certain products over others.

Chapter Three is devoted to the basic stitches and techniques. This is great! I assure you that all is well explained, and here you will garner the understanding of the stitches which you will need to build your embellishments upon. This chapter contains nice clear graphics which are easy to grasp, even for a beginner.

Chapter Four is a Comprehensive Guide to Embellishments. This is really fun! The author's intention is to take the reader, step by step,through organically inspired embellishment forms.
She exudes a femininity and sensuality in her work which is hers alone. The reader will sense this, viewing how to make basic buds, berry clusters, and basic beaded leaves, among other embellishments.

Then get your socks knocked off by her phenomenally creative and unique creation, "Eyeball Creature". It is great to see a fantastic piece like this to encourage your own creativity.

I want something like this for myself! So, how to obtain this sort of creation? Keep on learning, using this book, Embellished Beadweaving, as your mentor and guide.

The designs which are shown in this chapter may make you say "Wow!" out loud. I am certain you will not be frightened off by the loveliness and ingenuity of Ms. McCabe's well photographed pieces. Quite the opposite. With the solid graphic drawings and explanations backing you up, you will be eager to continue learning.

Chapter Five is entitled Approaching Color and Design. Early on, in this lovely book, it is clear that one of Ms. McCabe's finest talents is her appreciation of the beauty of color and its balance within a design. She discusses where her inspiration comes from: items such as weeds and berries from nature, items from the past, and even old National Geographic Magazines. She explains why woven beadwork holds such an appeal to her in this chapter. For one thing, she states that she wishes to "channel the feel or emotions conveyed by the object [which she has been inspired by] to create a fantasy world version of the real-world piece.

I cannot think of a more wonderful way of approaching jewelry design!

Chapter 6 is called The Projects. Here is where you beadweave and embellish, utilizing your newly found knowledge.
There are delightful earrings offered, a Rosebud Ring I particularly love, and a fabulous matching Rosebud Bracelet which almost made me faint with delight when I got to that page. There are necklaces such as the Cherry Blossom Pendant Necklace, an unexpected surprise in a colorway of teals and gold, employing peyote stitch, beaded beads, Czech glass spacer beads, and pearls with Ndeble; well worth the effort, I have to say, if you try it! There is a great Eyeflower Pendant Necklace for you to try. All the projects are wonderful.

I enjoy the fact that she beads her own toggles with great frequency. It is a wonderful added uniting touch to this sort of embellished beadweaving.

When I got to the gallery, my breath was taken away. Nothing but the best from her friends. An awe inspiring collection to finish an awe inspiring yet easy to use book, by a truly great teacher who honestly and openly displays to her readers her true love of beads on every page. If you love beads too, owning this book, Embellished Beadweaving by Laura McCabe, will be well worth the investment.

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

see below:Australian Beading Magazine, for which Kelly is the editor--you can become a fan of the Magazine on Facebook: it is truly awesome. Here: Facebook AUSTRALIAN BEADING MAGAZINE
Little did I know when I was age 5 and "digging to China" at our beach that if I hadn't given up I would have been on time to be able to attend KELLY and STEVE's wedding in AUSTRALIA, which I think is more geographically accurate to Lawrence, Long Island, than China.
don't quote me on that




All the guys, looking amazing. Check out those baby blue eyes--Wowzers!

If you are going to do your wedding up right, you have to get you some fine looking shoes--peacock/teal is Kelly's color and was the color and theme of the wedding--invitations etc.--even cake!

The stupendous Samantha, also known as Sam! Is she dreamy or what? She scattered rose petals. She is ubercool.

she is an editor. An editor who could have been a model. Geesh.

it's legal!
I only put this one up cause they both look great and because of that thing they are under--it is so cool and marvelous!

there they go, off into the world of love, romance, and family

song is from the movie Twilight: Kelly told me yesterday she loves it so much, but that she didn't even hear it when she was walking down the aisle. I think she was walking on clouds.

song: Flightless Bird, American Mouth

...sigh!

Is this possible???

Did Santa Claus come early this year?

If it is not possible or just a Puff piece, I will take it anyway.

Heck I will take it if is spam!!!

I got this in the email tonight, wrecking watching NCIS but maybe it is worth it!

Hello Jean,

I wanted to take a moment to let you know that Snap Out of it, Jean! is a big hit on CraftBlips.com! If you haven't checked out our site yet, you'll see that we're a completely free website dedicated to highlighting the best craft blogs and sites across the web. Snap Out of it, Jean! is fantastic and a great addition to CraftBlips! In fact, we have you ranked 11th across the site and eighth in our jewelry category, which is highly impressive as we track hundreds of great blogs! (<-Jean: "holy cow"!)

I love the snippet posts by the way, linking to other great articles I would have otherwise never enjoyed.We're currently contacting our most popular featured bloggers and asking them to claim their blogs. By doing so, you're making it easier for thousands of new fans to quickly find your blog and read all your great posts.

So what did I do? I claimed my BLOG! That is correct, I have claimed Snap out of it, Jean as my personal property.

I just hope this doesn't blow up in my face as I have no idea what to do next.

As usual.

Plus I have forgotten my password to Craftblips already.

look at Melanie's charms on the earrings from Earthenwood!

A Bead A DayCreating jewelry for special vacations can help you look forward to upcoming trips and keep the memories fresh afterwards.

Art Bead Scene Art Bead Scene has a new look and some new opportunties to get involved. Come see!

Beading ArtsRubber glass? Rubber glass?!? What the heck is rubber glass?

Carmi's Art/Life WorldCarmi uses some amazing digital images to create a new resin filled bezel necklace.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork DivaCheck out the new beads on Cindy's site - Turquoise Sky!

HumblebeadsHeather shares some sketches of possible designs.

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!Jean reviews Kate McKinnon's inspiring new book, Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry, with DVD included!

Strands of BeadsMelissa shows off new designs using cool skull beads and charms from Rings & Things

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Andrew hosts another Thursday Giveaway! This time, the prize comes courtesy of Natural Touch Beads! Find out how you can win some awesome resin jewelry components!

all this gorgeousness above created by:

Davinia Tishbi

http://deeznews-dee.blogspot.com/

Back Pocket Designs

I have had a terrific time writing my column, Our Beading World, for Australian Beading Magazine, for several years now. It is a delight to me when people are willing to share their stories of creativity, or when I get to blather on about what I am up to,
and more, such as reviewing great jewelry design books. I recently reviewed Lisa Crone's lovely book, A Bead In Time, and when the issue was published, her Australian friend Davinia scanned and sent to her her part of the column.
This is where it gets really nice.

Davinia, when she heard that I do not get copies of my column, as the editor and I are great pals but the office is not in the same city as the editor
and I am not in the same country as the office, so sometimes things get bollixed up, through nobody's fault...are you following this? ANYWAY,

Davinia scanned every single one of my columns which she had from her issues of Australian Beading magazine and sent them to me. She didn't have to go to this Herculean effort. It was just plain NICENESS--I recognize this easily. I was so happy to be able to send forward to many of my subjects which I had written about their parts in my column. It was great to also assure them that ultimately the magazine would be sending me formal pdfs --I got brave and asked the editor, even though she is knee deep in work after her honeymoon. She kindly promised she would inquire about it again.

Here is the coolest part!

Davinia then sent me a hard copy of the magazine, which she said she had two copies of, and a pair of her fabulous hip earrings!!!(secret: jean loves earrings made by other designers), which are ultra cool circles, embossed and golden, and totally delightful --suitable for any occasion. I love her work. She is a true artist as well as that rare species, a truly nice person.

I formally asked her if we could be friends. She is now Davania the Great, and I am Jean the Magnificent. We dubbed each other! :)

I love that girl and everything fine that she stands for, to me.

sculptural metal clay jewelry
TECHNIQUES + EXPLORATIONS
by KATE McKINNON

includes instructional DVD

review by jean yates

I have been an online follower of Kate McKinnon and her remarkable journey through the beading and design world ever since I first began to create jewelry, myself. She has always been a generous person, allowing others access to her superb designs, and to her vast fount of knowledge, with good humor. As a teacher, she is nonpareil. This is now demonstrated when you read her latest book, Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry, and view the accompanying DVD.

So what is this book (and DVD) about, exactly?

It contains, quite frankly, everything you need to know to chart your earliest course through the sometimes confusing world of precious metal clay.

The book is perfectly beautiful in its presentation, with excellent clear and informative photographs, whether of the tools you will require or of the projects offered. The DVD reinforces aspects of the book which you may have missed or which were not covered as thoroughly as YOU might like.

It is all a question of how much experience the reader has, because he or she holds in this offering the potential to grow vastly as a metal clay artist.

.
As a person who is unable to get out to meet teachers in real life, because of my family situation, I thank heaven for invigorating, elucidating jewelry design books like this! On the other hand, even if I could get out, I would want this book in my library of jewelry inspiration/information/ how to books.

As Kate McKinnon says in the opening lines of her introduction, "This book is a poem to the possibilities of pure fine silver, which is too often overlooked by traditional metalsmiths."

She is going to grab you, right there, by your heart and soul, if you have any interest at all in this medium. And if, like me, you love this medium but at times find it confusing, she is going to simultaneously clarify all your questions and urge your creativity until you are on fire.

Whether you are a beginner or have experience in this medium, this is the book to own if you love the look of handcrafted, organic, textured or smooth, beautiful metal clay. This is also the book to own if you love amassing ideas which will aid your personal search for further experiences in this arena.

The chapters, or sections, go as follows:

1) Basics: the essentials required for you to have a proper studio to work with metal clay. This includes tools, tips and techniques.
2) Elements: such a great choice of words as it encompasses so many concepts! So does this section. The reader will learn everything from making circles and rings to clasps, toggle bars, bead caps, a sculptural S clasp, charms and branches, band rings of many sorts (I suggest her DVD section on this especially for further understanding--it is great to watch her work!) and MORE. What more, you may ask. Well, drawing a bead, which is essential, fused wire chain, metal clay chain, and so very much more, I am out of breath, as well as breathless.
3)Projects: This section really gets down and gives the reader as much as he or she can handle in the way of the author's integrity and creativity combined. Kate McKinnon's beautiful stacked rings are among the projects, as well as a gorgeous "Circlet of Flowers Necklace", the beautiful "Skyscraper Ring", an evocative "Returning Ring"," which I found really lovely, as well as a terrific "Bird on a Branch Necklace", which has a variation which is great and tips which are really fun. I loved all the projects and these are only a few of them.
4) Terms: in this section are the words which allow the reader to reabsorb and process further the lingo of metal clay, which is a must as he or she comes to the fullest understanding of the medium possible.

As a person who has worked with metal clay, I never thought, " Oh, I am going to know all this! I don't need this!", before I read this book.

However, having now read the book and viewed the DVD, I think with great excitement, "I WANT TO KNOW ALL THIS, AND I want to know MORE!"

Kate McKinnon is a teacher who really ignites sparks!

As far as I am concerned, you will not find a better book than Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry by Kate McKinnon out there in the marketplace if you are interested in learning all you can about this fascinating subject.

And then ... expect to want to get going, having fun using your new information to create beauty, with fine metal clay, in the right way, yourself!

additional info about Kate: she won the Saul Bell Award from Rio Grande in 2005 for her Spiky neckpiece, and then placed again in 2006 with the first submitted metal clay chain, a double neckpiece assembled with, amazingly, no solder.

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

our grandchildren:

portaits by their parents

and enjoys these links to my pals!

A Bead A DayWhat does swarovski sparkle mean to you? Lisa shares the happy feeling brought on by sparkly stars.

About.com Jewelry MakingTammy has some fun in the sun summer time jewelry tutorials for you, including a cute turtle charm necklace.

Art Bead Scene Free Project Alert! ABS has a new necklace project for free on their website!

Beading ArtsCyndi has launched the first installment of her brand new e-book on bead embroidery...and it's free! Hurry over for your copy!

Carmi's Art/Life WorldCarmi finds a way to incorporate vintage turtle beads into a necklace.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork DivaCindy works through her to-do list and lists a new set of glass birdhouse beads.

Jean CampbellJean's been at the grindstone, but also at the gardens...check out these beautiful images from the MoBG!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the StudioLorelei is back on track this week and is giving away coordinating beads with Sab's help, from BeadBead.biz!

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!Jean brags! Yes, she really brags! It's worth a look because it's cool!

missficklemedia.comShould I patina or leave the metal bare naked?

I have always been impressed by the extraordinary, imaginative beading talents of Cyndi Lavin of Beading Arts , with whom I join together each week in a blogging group. I am not a seed beader, nor am I a multimedia beader in essence. However, I AM a visual learner.Expert seed beader and multi media artist Cyndi has now afforded me, AND YOU! the free opportunity to learn the basics of this fantastic sort of beading in her new e book to be found here: http://www.beading-arts.com/p/e-books.html

I suggest you hurry to her site and download her e book. I have read it already and I highly recommend it. I have done some seed beading but NEVER have I found such basic, clear, invigorating and enlightening instructions for new beaders. Not only that, Cyndi gives you the opportunity, by the end of the book, to incorporate what you have learned through her wonderful instructions and excellent large photos to make your own mixed media neck collar. And it is beautiful!

I have always coveted these sorts of beaded collars, but had no idea until now where to begin and how to improvise. Cyndi explains to you how to do both. I am planning on trying once again to become a seed beader, because of Cyndi's free e book.

Wait until you download it. You will understand instantly why I feel so excited about it. It is really fun and very well done! I hope that all of us vote YES on more e books from Cyndi Lavin!

PS: Check out her gallery which is on display at the end of the e book. Such beauty! Cyndi Lavin is a remarkable person! A great teacher.

Wire Masters Weekend! One of the new and fabulous offerings from Interweave--see below! Keep reading for more information at the bottom of this entry! Very impressive group of teachers! I mean, Wow!




Up first, check out this new great offering:

Yay!

Jewelry Making Daily: This is a forum and a fount of information as well, for beading readers on the net. It's a welcoming and informative meeting place for like minded, enthusiastic jewelry makers...It is more than a schedule of events, it is a teaching and sharing offering for all of us. Jewelry Making Daily is more than general AND specific information on items of interest to beaders and wirers of all levels: It's the newest conception from Interweave to connect its readers and offer even more learning and fun opportunities!

That is right! The brand new Jewelry Making Daily !

Offered to you by Interweave! It is almost as if it is able to leap tall buildings in a single bound! ( Well...OK...Thanks to the Internet and Interweave for that)!

I was thrilled when I got this information :

Here is what I learned:

* * * * * * * *
For Immediate Release
Interweave Launches JewelryMakingDaily, a New Online Community for Jewelry Making Enthusiasts.

Malvern, Penn. and Loveland, Colo., May 3, 2010: Interweave officially unveiled a new website and online community for jewelry making artists and enthusiasts today at JewelryMakingDaily

JewelryMakingDaily.com is a community for anyone interested in creating handmade jewelry, whether the person is an accomplished artisan or entirely new to the craft. A sister site to BeadingDaily.com, Interweave’s popular community for beaders, see here: BeadingDaily, JewelryMakingDaily.com will focus on wirework, metalwork, jewelry designs using gemstones; and other jewelry-making techniques. (note from Jean: I see this as a step up to the plate--take the fun challenge! Learn even more!)

The site is the online companion to Interweave magazines Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist and Step by Step Wire Jewelry, and taps into those publications’ vast resources and editorial content. The editors of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist and Step by Step Wire Jewelry will be involved in the new community, posting their own blogs, images, video clips, free projects, free tutorials, and references to help community members.




“This is the site for jewelry makers!” says Step by Step Wire Jewelry Editor Denise Peck. “We are thrilled to finally have this new community--we’ve wanted a website like this for the jewelry making community for a very long time.”



The site offers an incredible multimedia platform, a richer multimedia library, more integrated content from the magazines, and a distinctive “look and feel” that sets it apart from BeadingDaily.com




Members of the JewelryMakingDaily.com online community will be able to:
--Participate in reader challenges and other community events.
--Socialize with fellow artists from around the world and become friends.
--Upload and share images of their projects to the photo gallery.
--Share videos of techniques process by linking to videos from sites like YouTube and Vimeo.
--Customize a personal profile and online gallery.(<--jean likes this!!!) --Engage in conversations in the forums.




Members of JewelryMakingDaily.com can use their sign-in information to access the Interweave family of communities: Artist Daily, Beading Daily, Cloth Paper Scissors, Crochet Me, Knitting Daily, Quilting Arts, Spin-Off. Likewise, anyone who is a member of any of the other communities, like BeadingDaily.com, will have the same username and password on JewelryMakingDaily.com and can access the content on this site without having to re-register.(<--jean likes this, too, as she forgets passwords on a daily basis!)





“This is just the beginning of the exciting things in store for the community,” says managing editor Karla Rosenbusch. “In the weeks and months to come, we will be adding more features, more profiles, more projects, and more resources--everything the jewelry artist needs at the click of the mouse.” (and most of all, jean likes sort of excitement!)





SOURCE: INTERWEAVE
Websites
http://www.jewelrymakingdaily.com/
http://www.interweave.com/
http://www.beadingdaily.com/









While I have your attention, I would like to mention a few new and exciting events which Interweave is involved with. They never stop!
A very wonderful and impressively dedicated company, they care about their readers and beaders!







Bead Fest announces brand-new location:

Bead Fest Texas in Arlington, Texas, October 1-3, 2010
Press room: http://interweave.presslift.com/beadfest
Website: http://www.beadfest.com/





Interweave announces Weekend with the Wire Jewelry Masters, October 28-31, 2010 at Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa in Dana Point, Calif.


Press release: http://www.interweave.com/pressroom/PR_Press_Releases.asp
Website: http://www.wiremastersweekend.com/ (<--note from jean: you must check this out!!! I was agog!)




Bead Star 2010 submission deadline has been extended until May 10:


http://www.beadstar.com/









How exciting all this new NEWS is!








About Interweave:

Interweave, a unit of Aspire Media, is one of the nation’s largest and most respected arts and craft media companies, with businesses in magazine and book publishing, online media, television and video programming, directories, and events. The Interweave Publishing Group features 16 subscription magazines and many more special interest newsstand publications sold on newsstands nationwide. Interweave has more than 250 books in print and annually publishes about 40 how-to books on the same subjects as the company’s magazines. Additionally, Interweave produces several major events for fiber and bead, gem, and jewelry making enthusiasts and has an extensive Internet network of more than 30 websites and daily e-mail newsletters. Linda Ligon founded the company in the 1970s when she began publishing Handwoven and Spin-Off magazines. Since then, the company has grown to employ more than 175 people throughout the country, with corporate headquarters located in Loveland, Colorado and other offices in New York, New York, Malvern, Pennsylvania, Santa Fe, New Mexico, San Diego, California and Stow, Massachusetts. For more information on Interweave, visit http://www.interweave.com/.

I got a great reminder from artist Marsha Hendrick, whom I adore. Why do I adore her? Because she is remarkable at what she does. Just try and not fall for a piece of her work--I dare you! And...She does everything!!! But for now, we will address her totally perfect Mother's day gifts. Here is Marsha writing, in an email to me! ------ Hurry Get Your Mother's Day Gifts NOW!
Just in time for Mother's Day, I have finished up some adorable Children Necklaces. (note from jean--these are enchanting. If you haven't seen them, you MUST go see them!) These Children make wonderful gifts for that special Mom or Grandmother. I have a variety of children on silver plated chains in 18, 20, and 24 inch lengths. These adorable necklaces are in my Etsy shop at http://amazingporcelain.etsy.com/ If you order by Wednesday morning, you should get them by Saturday, just in time for Mother's day. I will upgrade you to priority shipping just to make sure you will get them if you order before noon on Wednesday. If you prefer to make your own necklace, I do have a few complete sets of the children available in the Bead Shop on my website as well. http://amazingporcelain.com/beads.php?p=cvic (note from jean again--Marsha makes many things--it would be a real prize to have a collection of these, as she is so busy creating so many different styles of her treasures! She doesn't make each piece often--they should be absolutely cherished). Marsha then said to me: I would also like to invite you all to follow me on facebook if you don't already. I post more frequent updates there and also pictures of all the latest on my work. http://www.facebook.com/Amazing.Porcelain Thank you all for your support! I hope to see you on facebook and see your Mother's Day order! Visit my web sites: Amazing Porcelain :Beads and Jewelry CeramicBeadArtists : A group of ceramic bead artists. What a delightful and extraordinary artist Marsha is. A true one of a kind. I love every single thing she does! It is all so different and amazing. You won't believe it until you see it. I mean it! jean

Hear ye Hear Ye!!!

I finally got a cool full page photo of the teasers for my area of BeadStyle magazine's lovely issue coming this summer in July! See me, and love my project, which is cool and fascinating. I have rarely worked so hard on a piece before, thinking it through and deciding what I would make, but it is going to be easy for you to replicate it. All the beads come from one source--Artbeads

I loved doing this for you, and I was incredibly proud when BeadStyle

invited me. I didn't even have to gear up, get brave, and submit. What a lovely gesture the magazine made showing such confidence in me, in this manner. Thank you BeadStyle!

PS: isn't the piece above mine pretty too? CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO MAKE IT NICE AND LARGE! :)

from the Broadway Show :"Camelot", which was great! What a cast!














Hot Day in Paris by me, now owned by Sarah Fishburn

A Bead A DayDo you ever find beads in your own collection that you forgot you had?





About.com Jewelry MakingISchool is in session, or at least, it will be when you sign up for one of these free copper clay e-courses.





Art Bead Scene Art Bead Scene's newest member opens her heart and shares how she feels about the Art Bead Scene. Maybe you feel the same?







Beading ArtsHere's a quick little tutorial on how to create a barnacle texture with seed beads!







Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork DivaSpring is the time for new life and new charms at Cindy Gimbrone Beads.







Earthenwood Studio ChroniclesMelanie spreads her wings and designs a new pair of carvings to be made into pendants.







Strands of BeadsMelissa uses lava beads to help teach her son about volcanoes







The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Andrew shares his trip to Denver for the Rocky Mountain Bead Society's Bead Bazaar.