I got the word from my gracious and very good pal at Artbeads that we have to be quick to take part in their super spectacular sale, which is going on now!

Here is what she wrote to me:

"Dear Design Partner,

(nb: that is me, jean)

Just a quick note! Our biggest sale of the year, ‘The Summer Spectacular Sale’ will be ending this Thursday, July 29th at 9am PT. Tomorrow is the last full day to take advantage of great savings storewide.

You can save 20% on orders over $60!

Make sure to tell your fellow beaders and friends.

Enter coupon code ZZW20P-60 at checkout to take advantage of these savings.

To check out the Summer Spectacular Sale, please follow this link:
http://www.artbeads.com/summer-spectacular-sale.html

Warmest Regards,

Duchess"

I think that says it all! I am racing over right now--how about you?

I love Artbeads!

jean

They really rock out in this one! This was videotaped when The Ruse was on tour with Honor by August last spring. Jim plays both lead and rhythm and writes for the Ruse. He is really good friends with the band, Honor by August, and they all toured, together with Luna Halo, which has written some number one hits for Taylor Swift and for Lady Antebellum. I think Jim can play ANYTHING, with ANYONE, and make them sound even better. He makes all potential totally possible. Check it out: you will see.

"Better": Honor By August, with Jim Bilus on lead guitar

two girls out in the hot summer heat...

Art Bead SceneIt's the Art Bead Scene Monthly Carnival Blog. This month's theme is "Commitment."

About.com Jewelry Making Tammy catches you up on some of her latest free jewelry tutorials.

A Bead A DayIf you enjoy recycling, Lisa shared a bracelet idea using an "old" canvas belt.

Beading ArtsYou won't believe the goodies that Mama's Minerals in giving away on Beading Arts this week!

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork DivaMad for Monday features Cindy's new Step by Step Wire Jewelry Double Dip Adjustable Ring Project.

Carmi's Art/Life WorldCarmi has completed the necklace featuring her "found again" bezel!

Earthenwood Studio ChroniclesA shopping spree at an antique mall grants Melanie with some new old treasures! What will she make with these little bits of history?

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!Jean made some summer fun earrings for Artbeads and they are soooo pretty! Go see!
Lorelei's Blog: Inside the StudioLorelei's blog ended up on the Wikio.com Craft category, check out the others!

The Writing and Art of Andrew ThorntonUp for grabs in this week's Thursday Giveaway is an organic, lampwork glass bead by Susan Jones Designs.

Strands of BeadsMelissa has finally hung out her shingle and opened a modest store-front on her website.

my grandfather on my mother's side

a place he and my grandmother used to go to fish (fly fishing) and then took my uncle and my mother , and then my uncle's family, and our family all went there, too when I was little. It was called The Laurentien Club. This one is not a family picture.
Though it was a lot of fun, the land was reclaimed by the government

later on.

In my father's study my entire life until we sold the house in 2005, sat a silver framed black and white photo of my grandfather and my grandmother (my mother's parents, who lived a mile and a half from us) in their fishing outfits--hats, fishing vests with numerous pockets, trout flies sticking out of the oddest places, fishing rods and woven baskets--beaming with joy. Holding the fish they would eat for dinner, after they would be cooked by the cook at the Laurentien Club, in Canada.

Eventually that side of the family all went to the Laurentien Club, until it no longer existed. because the powers that be in Canada wanted the land back. Until then, I recall it as a fascinating place and I cannot imagine when it was started and why it was run the way it was. It was like something out of a different era.

When you arrived there (I can't remember how we travelled--this was the fifties, when I went), you would be shown to your room.

I would share a room with my sister: two iron bedsteads with chamberpots (I had no idea what those were) under them, and a rugged looking dresser.

There was no running water at the Laurentien Club. And no heat either I think!

It was cold, cold, cold at night. There were lots of blankets for your bed. If you wanted to, you could use the outhouse in the dark at night. I would go with someone else and I remember the tiny frogs leading the way on the path to the outhouse. The outhouse was not too bad and had damp toilet tissue on a roll but that wasn't a big deal. I am not sure if there were fireflies, but I do think we saw the aurora borealis once. So this was a magical place, for me.

In the early morning, we would all gather for breakfast in the simple dining hall. The cook would serve delicious pancakes with butter and syrup and there was fudge, both butterscotch and chocolate, in huge pieces on each table. This anomaly was greatly welcomed by me, and is part of the reason I remember this all so well.

In the daytime, we would all go fishing in birchbark canoes, with French Canadian Indian guides, who would not speak to us. They would silently paddle the canoes down river, as the adults and children who were interested would fish for trout. The adults were all really good at this, having grown up fishing. My mother rocked at it.

My father would don his wetsuit and paddle along beside us in the bracken, snorkeling. He never did like regular fishing as much as diving. Sometimes we would ask him what he saw. Not much! I think he would say. I am laughing as I write this. My father was truly his own man.

The guides would give (or sell? I do not know) us beautiful wooden cups to drink the water from. They were arduously carved from the knots of trees and had handles. One I remember had a leather thong tied at the end of the handle and a decorative wooden pine cone hanging from it. Some had burned in decorations with coloring -- pictures of Indian faces, or your initials burned in on the outer sides of the tree knot cups. You could hook them through your jeans at your belt if they had a strap like the pine cone one. Very neat!

When we would get back home, the cook would make the fish which we had caught. There was still fudge on the table!

After dinner, we would go to the game room and play cards, games and a group game my uncle knew called black magic. Sounds scary doesn't it!

The trick with black magic is everyone chooses one object in the room which will be the object which a person who leaves the room as this is done is supposed to identify. When the person comes back in (who knows the secret to the game) my uncle would say, "Is it this leather chair, here?" "No", the other person would say. "Is it this red pillow?" "Nope!" "Is it this.."and so on for around five minutes. Then the question from my uncle, "Is it this black book on the table here?" "No!" his cohort would reply, but that was the signal. The word "black" would indicate that the next item was going to be the object we had all chosen. My uncle would say, "Is it this plaid blanket?" and the person playing the game with him would say triumphantly, "YES!!!" and we would all be astounded and amazed! How could this magic be?

I will tell you something.

That whole place is gone now, but it was magic...as magic as a place can be, for a family passing down traditions and sharing fun together.

My grandfather up there at the top of the picture was a fine fine man but the best thing of all was how much he loved his family. He had a smile like you have never seen and a laugh like you have never heard. My grandmother adored him so much that when he died in 1978, she died in the same month. The doctor said, "I think Jack's calling her."

We already knew that was true.

note: after my sister read this entry, she wrote me an email: " Jeannie, this is so wonderful! It is exactly as I remember it, too!

One thing you have to add --remember we left maps to buried treasure in the bedposts, unscrewing the ball tops and fitting in the birchbark maps?

Everything else is as you say.

Remember , we had matching clothes -- long wool pants and sweaters for dinner? but mostly our bluejeans which got wet every day in that rain!

I never caught any fish, but you did !!!!

xoxo"

hahah! I don't remember catching a fish! Thanks for helping me out on that, big sis! :)

Stamped Metal Jewelry

CREATIVE TECHNIQUES & DESIGNS FOR MAKING CUSTOM JEWELRY

by Lisa Niven Kelly

creator of Beaducation

Way back, when I was first teaching myself how to make jewelry with a few books and a lot of assistance from online sources, I came across Lisa Niven Kelly on the internet. She hadn't even established her fantastically popular online store yet.

I remember when Lisa had two famous projects: her super pretty wide cuff, and her stamped bangle with a clasp. I fell in love with both of them.

I went to my husband Jim and BEGGED him to get me these projects (which were sold as kits with printed out instructions, at the time) plus all the tools, and everything I would need, so I could learn from my heroine, Lisa Niven Kelly. Those kits and tools were what I received for Christmas that year! It was a whole new world for me!

I am delighted to be able to review this wonderful book and DVD, as Lisa Niven Kelly remains the resident All Star at teaching stamping combined with certain kinds or wire work in jewelry design. I continue to be one of her loyal followers. She never quits devising new fantastic creations for us to want to make! Many of them are offered in this fine new book!

Therefore to have a hard copy book available of her careful yet assertive manner of teaching is a pleasure. To have these new projects to try is a total joy!

All the little things I might have forgotten, or wanted to know and never got the chance to learn from the author, are in here.

On the 35 minute DVD, which has two projects, there are some great examples of some of her tips. One is how to center a word properly when you stamp. Another good one is how to stamp with a decorative stamp, which is more difficult than a letter of the alphabet, and make it come out completely perfect.

I watched the DVD very closely and learned a lot. It is definitely a worthwhile addition to the book. The author stresses that you practice, first, on copper blanks or with copper wire so that you don't waste good money on sterling silver. She also explains safety precautions very clearly in the book and on the DVD, particularly when you are oxidizing.

The introduction conveys her excitement at being able to share all her years of experience with the reader. She explains how "compatible" stamping is with other forms of wire work. She explains that within the book you will learn how to rivet, hammer,and dapp, as well as stamp, and that the stamping "adds that little extra something that makes your design special and truly personal".

I agree! The very first "say it on your wrist" bangle I made said "The Ruse" on it. It had a few spiral designs, and a clasp. The Ruse is the name of my son's band. I gave it to his girlfriend, who is now his wife. Wherever she wore it, all her friends would comment on it and ask her how to get one. These bangles thoroughly convey your thoughts, when you make one.

When you yourself learn to stamp, your love of what you are doing will be expressed in such a great manner!

The projects in the book are very flexible and so pretty! It is wonderful to learn to control a hammer properly and gives the reader a sense of empowerment when creating jewelry, as well. I find it to be like meditation, and enjoy feeling strong as I make stamped jewelry. I think it is cool, yet feminine to be able to do this well.

In Stamped Metal Jewelry, I particularly like the textured metal pendant. As an introduction to this lovely piece, the author comes right out and says, "This project appeals to sculptural wire fans who like very few rules". I am certainly drawn to that observation! Additionally, well made, sturdy jewelry is a must in my opinion, and the author always delivers the goods on sturdiness! This piece is terrific and unique. You will love it.

Another piece the reader will love is Lisa's friend's, Tracy Stanly's, "Simply Charming" charm bracelet. It includes instructions on how to make the graceful links which hold together the actual bracelet, and all the stamped pieces which make up the charms, plus an assortment of beads to mix up textures and lengths. It is a good example of another stamper's fabulous style.

At the end of the project, which is very well photographed, there is a section called, "Charmed, I'm sure!" which gives further inspiration on popular charm bracelet themes. The ideas are all excellent. They will bolster your enthusiasm in your ongoing work on a particular charm bracelet you are making.

I like the very clear techniques posted next to each each project as well.

I also love the "make it your own" posts the author offers after the very clear step out photos which show how to make each project.

If you have never heard of Lisa Niven Kelly, and you think you would like to try stamping, you have come to the right place. She is the expert's expert. This is a fine way to learn from her.

This book, Stamped Metal Jewelry, creative techniques and designs for making custom jewelry, with its accompanying DVD, is totally wonderful.

Short of taking a class at a bead show with the author, which is impossible for many of us, we have it all right here.

Lisa Niven Kelly has real talent and she shares it willingly and abundantly with the reader.

She also has included a beautiful gallery at the end of the book of inspirational work from her friends. I am thrilled with this book!

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

Mia Bellini, a retro mama

A Bead A DayLisa learned quite a bit this week about the need to clean beads if they have a powdery residue inside. Stop by if you have a chance for some safety tips.

About.com Jewelry MakingWho says jewelry tools are mainly for metalsmiths? There are plenty of cool tools and gadgets for beaders too!

Art Bead Scene It's July and the Art Bead Scene has a new monthly challenge. Wondering what the prizes are for this month? Come check them out!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts As she gathers inventory for her show, Barbe wonders why no one buys bracelets these days.

Beading ArtsCyndi has a copy of "Beading In No Time" to give away! Pop on over and sign up to win!

Carmi's Art/Life WorldCarmi makes a new necklace featuring the funniest artwork images!

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork DivaThe schedule has been crazy and the studio is in disarray. Cindy is going to take back her workspace by....brace yourself.....cleaning!

Earthenwood Studio ChroniclesSummertime is the inspiration for a new necklace using glass flowers from Artbeads.com and Earthenwood Studio birdie and lumber themed components.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Lorelei gives a sneak peek to the new Craft blog ratings from Wikio.com

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!Jean is thrilled that Margot Potter's latest oeuvre, Bead Chic, is already available at Amazon! This is a super concept for a jewelry design book, and Jean will explain why!

The Writing and Art of Andrew ThorntonAndrew creates a necklace called, "The Keeper of Memory" around one of Anne Choi's sterling silver beads.

Tarantella Butterfly Earrings by Jean Yates

For Artbeads "Summer Fun"

I love summer! It leaves my senses drunk with sounds of the outdoors, the warmth of the sun, the way that nature opens up and offers her endless beauties to us once more.

I love summer nights too...the pretty, lightweight clothes; the beautiful jewelry which glows in the candlelight under the stars.

When I was offered the opportunity to blog about summer fun by Artbeads.com as one of their blogging designers, I was delighted to design these earrings for them!

This time we were to choose between the vast treasure chest of charms, pendants,and glass beads. What an amazing store!

I knew just what I wanted to do!

I wanted to create some huge "gypsy style" hoops to celebrate the endless nights of abandon, dancing, and fun.

I call these "Tarantella Butterfly Earrings" because the Tarantella, a Sicilian folk dance, is a wild and very old folk dance which is danced in 6/8 time: really fast.

That is just the way the butterflies I see on our Butterfly bushes flutter: in a dizzying manner. Off they go, from branch to branch, flower to flower, flying so fast they are almost zooming with joy. It's Tarantella time for Butterflies!

When I designed these earrings, I chose my beautiful butterfly CZ charms first.

They are stunning!!! and can be found here, at Artbeads:

Charms

--specifically, here:CZ Butterfly charm

I wanted to use some crystals in the tanzanite color which is on the bottom of the sterling silver butterfly charms. I love Swarovski Crystal Elements, so I went to Artbead's Glass Beads
and chose their lovely tiny 4mm roundelles.

They look just like real amethyst or actual tanzanite to me!

They are located here: 4mm roundelles

Pulling this together was a snap. I had some beads from Kim Miles in a swirled raspberry color which went really well with the swirling feeling I wanted, and also matched the CZ butterfly charms' inlaid tops to a T.

Then I raced over to Miss Ficklemedia's etsy store and got swirly antiqued earring tops, swirled head pins for Kim's glass beads, and hammered rounds to hook or wire everything onto.

I would like to say this only took me an hour or so to make these earrings but I would be lying. It took me all afternoon but it was worth it. Besides, I was actually finalizing the design as I made them. That takes some thought.
I should mention I used some great sterling, lightweight 24 gauge head pins with ball tips from Artbeads for the tiny tanzanite roundelles. They are found here:sterling head pins

I wrapped them down and then back up (they are 2" long)for a folkloric, hand made effect.

I also want to say that I decided to cut the little top sterling loop off of the CZ butterfly charms in each case, and threaded a 10 mm gunmetal jump ring through instead. I wanted a darker look to go with the oxidized, antiqued components, so every time I used jump rings ( I used 10 mm, 6 mm and 4 mm) I chose the same gunmetal color.

Thanks, Artbeads !!!

for this opportunity to use my designing creativity to combine your stunning beads with some of my favorite friends' things. I got the rhythm and I can't stop dancing now!

The Tarantella on guitar, above

Disclosure: Designer was provided with beads by Artbeads. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

BEAD chic

by Margot Potter

is out!!!

Margot Potter's lovely new book, BEAD chic,

(pronounced "Beeeeeed Cheeeeque" in the alluring French fashion!) is out today! It is available for order at Amazon! Here is the link to the page:

http://www.amazon.com/Bead-Chic-Projects-Inspired-Variations/dp/1440303150

I have checked out the Amazon "search inside" feature on the book, by hitting the Amazon book photo which is featured on the link above. I can tell from this perusal that Margot's exceptional and unique idea has been realized! This idea which she thought up was to offer the reader 36 jewelry projects, and then have us, her fellow designers, show how to make variations. This gives the reader the creative flexibility to make variations on variations--not just copy! How fantastic and brilliant!

All told, 72 designs are displayed in total by using our riffs of her designs!

This is far more than you get in an average jewelry design book!

I haven't seen the book yet as it just came out today, but she has some wonderful jewelry designers assisting her with the variations, some of whom I mention at the bottom of this entry. My short term memory this afternoon has left out some VIPs (whoa there nellie!) so I apologize for that, but I did manage to put myself in there.

In all honesty, I added myself at the bottom of this post because I had SO MUCH FUN being a part of this super cool book. I am proud to be in it.


We shall look forward to reading it and writing more about it shortly!





Margot's website is: The Impatient Crafter Blog

and the full title of the book is:

Bead Chic: 36 Stylish Jewelry Projects & Inspired Variations

thank you, Margot, for more great inspiration!

jean

"If you don't take me to Eclipse I shall stay up here ALL day!!!"--Pip

A Bead A DayIf you are a fan of turning flea market finds into shabby chic treasures, stop by A Bead A Day to help Lisa with ideas for using a bead reminiscent of an antique treasure.

About.com Jewelry MakingTammy has been thinking about Christmas in July this week, starting with beaded ornament covers.

Art Bead Scene Art Bead Scene offers up a unique inspiration piece for July. Stop by and take the ABS Challenge!

Beading ArtsCyndi wants to know: what does your work say about YOU?

Carmi's Art/Life WorldA Napoleon themed medallion is this week's resin project with Carmi!

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork DivaThis week's Wednesday Wire is in the mood - in the mood to make something special so she turns to a fabulous tutorial.

Earthenwood Studio ChroniclesMelanie reviews some of the Song Lore pieces she has finished in the first half year of the project.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Lorelei was a participant in the first Designer Challenge at the Art Bead Scene. Come over and see what she made with her Humblebeads!

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!This book review by Jean discusses making fabulous earrings in 30 minutes flat! How cool is that?

The Writing and Art of Andrew ThorntonHonoring a friend who passed away, Andrew hosts a necklace auction on his blog to raise money for a good cause.

this photo here will be explained later

1) Big Briolette Necklace, by Naomi Fujimoto, courtesy Kalmbach

2) Earrings by Cynthia Thornton

(which she liked so much, she kept them! -- I can see why!)

3) Ocean Bracelet by Jennifer Dangerfield

4) Confetti Collar Necklace by Margot Potter

Hi! jean here!

I have been having a serious urge to write about some of my top favorite jewelry designers today. Then I realized that I didn't feel like being serious. At that point I looked up a bunch of images on google of people snorkeling but they were all owned by Getty and Corbis and I wasn't in the moooood to get sued.

I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them anyway.

I also have a dreadful sense that some people will not understand if they are not on my top favorite jewelry designer list today, they never will be.

However this list is an ongoing project of mine...strictly my own personal feelings, and I don't have any axes to grind here. Why would I be publicizing other people if I did? That would be stupid. And we all know I am not stupid (well at least I hope not), and after all, even if I never got to be a model, I did get to be a hand model. That was my dream come true. But I digress.

I would like everyone to understand that if I decide to make a list of cool jewelry designers, it is just my judgement and my choice--no one else's.

And if I decide to put this list on my blog, I will be getting NOTHING out of it but the pleasure of pointing out why I have chosen these people, whom I have watched grow as designers, over my years as a designer myself.

Please, I want no one's feelings hurt by this. If you are good, original, ignite excitement and you know it, you will no doubt turn up on my list sooner or later. Unless I don't know about you! I could not publicize you if I don't know you, you know.

Let me give you an example of a short list I have pulled up spontaneously off the top of my head (or whatever the saying is), of some designers who have touched my heart with their pensive, and/or ebullient, and/or unique designs. Such brilliant creativity!

It delights my soul and, at times, sends chills up my spine!

#1) Naomi Fujimoto : I almost fell over when I saw what she did with her briolette necklace. She always seems to have the concept of "beauty and balance, first" on her mind.
It appears to be instinctive with her, but is that possible? Anyway, amazing work.

#2) Cynthia Thornton, whose creations are from another world . This world is more mysterious and more entrancing than ours, by far.
Everything she makes has a glow because she touched it.

#3) Jennifer Dangerfield, who blows my mind every time I set eyes on anything she does. I don't know how she thinks of the things she creates...they are like music frozen into jewelry, and then made exquisitely fluid once again...

#4) Margot Potter, who can do ANYTHING and everything and does it. She astounds me. I cannot believe how ubiquitous she is, and how high the quality of her varied creations continue to be. And how funny and great she is. She is getting a special operation to help her breathing problems this week. Let's send her some extra love!

That is it for this particular list: just a short one but it took me a very long time.

I hope you enjoyed it, whether you make jewelry, just admire jewelry, or
buy jewelry!

jean

Amelia's Necklace, by Andrew

from Andrew Thornton:
"I apologize for sending out this mass email (which I, jean, am now blogging exactly as mailed to me).

I wanted to reach out to as many people as possible.

On July 11th, 2008, my friend Amelia Geocos tragically died. She was hit by a minivan while she was riding her bike. A memorial scholarship was set up in her honor at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where we both attended and graduated from. I am trying to raise money for a donation to the scholarship fund by auctioning off a necklace that I made on my blog.

Here is the address to my post about the necklace and Amelia:
http://andrew-thornton.blogspot.com/2010/07/one-in-million.html
If you're able to and would like to support my efforts, please visit my blog and bid. You can also help by spreading the word about the auction. If you'd like to contribute to the scholarship fund, but aren't the highest bidder, you can still donate whatever you like by CLICKING HERE and scrolling down to the Amelia Geocos Memorial Scholarship.

I thank you in advance for your support and for helping me honor my fallen friend.

Simplicity Always,"

Andrew

My pal Eri Attebery, The Jewelry Making Professor, sent me a fun email today.

Here it is:

Hi Jean!

Long time no talk! I hope all is well with you and that you're surviving this hot summer. I imagine New York has been as hot as Philly. Now, I can't wait for fall.

[note from jean: it is SO hot I can barely type this!!!--she's got that right! Where are my Fair Isles sweater, and matching tartan pleated skirt, with the cabled knee socks? Ah Fall....I can only dream of you]

Eri continues:

I wanted to let you know that I am now offering my puffy heart video for free viewing. I thought your readers might be interested in that.

[note from jean: ABSOLUTELY! :) ]

from Eri:

Here's the link: http://www.jewelrymakingprofessor.com/puffyheart.html

Take care.

Eri

ah Eri! what a sweet and PRETTY way to forget about the weather and have some fun! Thanks! You take care, too! Everyone go to see this great video and enjoy yourselves, for free!

jean--who loves hearts even more than Fall!

30-MINUTE

earrings

Marthe Le Van

"Get Ready, Get set, Go!"

review by jean yates

The concept behind this exhilarating, freeing book is that a designer can create something spectacular in just a small amount of "play" time. As Marthe Le Van, who gathered together the forty-five designers, and chose the 60 projects which are offered, says in the introduction, "We invited top designers to break down the barriers that time itself builds up, barriers like self-consciousness,over-analytical thinking, voices whispering "try it a different way", and a hundred other obstacles that can get in the way of pure creativity".

This is how this book came about. The designers were each presented with the challenge to create a pair of earrings ... "flat, and just do it. Let go".

It is apparent from the way the book is laid out that certain skills are required, along with certain tools, for some of the earrings.On the other hand, there are beginner level earrings as well which will require far less in the way of tools and experience. Interestingly enough, I found that it didn't matter which skill level was being presented; each project had a vibrancy to it which followed the initial precept of the 30 minute challenge. You can't make something really quickly and over think it. It is true! Each pair of earrings had a wonderful sort of life and vitality. See for yourself!

Not only that, if a reader were to page through the projects in this sleekly presented book, he or she would note that there is a distinctly cool, modern museum-like feeling to many of the earrings presented. They are truly hip and truly chic. You will want to learn to make them.

After the introduction, there is a list of what is required for a bench tool kit, as well as a soldering kit, including the safety features for each. That is it for the beginning part of the book."Get Ready" and "Get Set" precede each project, and "GO" is the actual project being offered. It is very entertaining. Additionally, as all the earrings are pictured in the beginning of the book, you can take a look at what appeals to you and head directly to that page, if you are ready to get to work right away. If you find it is above your skill level, head back to the front photo of all the earrings again.I promise you, you will find something you love. Plenty of somethings to love!

I am going to give you a example of how this book works. I will choose the charming hedgehogs by Karen Rakowski on page 23, Project:"07". I have a pal who likes hedgehogs, and anyway, who doesn't like hedgehogs? These are gold-filled outlines of hedgehogs facing each other, hanging from simple ear wires. They pack a lot of humor and design punch.Your "Get Ready and Get Set" requirements are the wire for the hedgehogs, ear wires or posts, bench set as discussed earlier, and some fine point round nose pliers. You also get the finished size and a helpful note from the designer, who has included a template for each separate hedgehog.

In other words, pick a design and, like the designer who created it, get to work.

Do you like New York downtown style? Check out Melissa Muir's silver and copper earrings; project:26 on page 61.

You want some evening gypsy allure? Go to the "how did she do that???" earrings made of silver hoops within hoops within hoops by Ingeborg Vandamme, project:32 on page 73.

Help! I can't stop!

Would you believe there is a pair of fab earrings waiting for you to make which requires skills such as sawing, filing, sanding, drilling, hammering, annealing, soldering, finishing and forming? That is correct! For this 30 minute pair of earrings on page 91, you need both a bench tool kit and a soldering kit, plus a ring clamp or vise and a mandrel. Vicki Cook designed and made these beautiful, classic yet modern, twisted hoop earrings; project:41. If I were a person who wished to improve ALL my skills and end up with a gorgeous pair of earrings simultaneously, I would definitely try these beauties.

From swirl shapes, to coat hangers earrings (yes! and they are great!), to copper sheeting curves, to the ones on the cover made of tubing lined with pale blue acrylic, every pair of earrings in 30-MINUTE earrings is great, new, and inventive. I am not a believer of your jewelry "wearing you", but I do love jewelry that gets noticed and is admired. Additionally, I love to make it myself.

None of these earrings are overdone. They are, in a word, smashing.

This brilliant book, 30-MINUTE earrings by Marthe Le Van, and her designing associates, accomplishes what is promised.

As is said on the back cover, this book will help you "break out of your routine and grow as an artist".

I am delighted to recommend it wholeheartedly!

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

Quill as Shuttle Girl for Fourth of July--genuine suit details--however, not so sure about her hair color--really THAT red?

Have a good day, everyone!

About.com Jewelry MakingFiber is a fantastic medium to add to your jewelry designs. Tammy takes a look at some fiber jewelry books she has reviewed in the past.

Art Bead Scene Stumped on this month's ABS Challenge? This post just might help you out!

Beading ArtsDo you like beaded beads? Cyndi shares a tubular peyote bead that takes center stage!

Carmi's Art/Life WorldCarmi transfers some images to shell in order to make this simple necklace.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork DivaThe deconstructed watch makes an encore appearance.

Earthenwood Studio ChroniclesWhat's new pussycat? Melanie finds inspiration from more than one source to create a new line of Kittycat pendants

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Lorelei teams up with 4 other designers to take part in the first Art Bead Scene Design Team challenge.

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!Jean observes that all art has something in common (pssst! it doesn't all come down to jewelry design, every time!) when she reviews the new digital eMag from Interweave: check it out!

Strands of BeadsMelissa shows off her necklace design that won second place in the Metal Clay category of Bead Dreams 2010. <--congratulations, Melissa!--jean

The Writing and Art of Andrew ThorntonKate McKinnon generously offers up THREE copies of her new book, "Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry", in another installment of Andrew's Thursday Giveaway.
--jean

The book and DVD!

Kate McKinnon on left

one of Kate's fine silver rings you can learn to make on right

If you head over to Andrew Thornton's blog here:

http://andrew-thornton.blogspot.com/2010/07/thursday-giveaway.html

you will be entered in his Thursday Giveaway for this week, where three (!!!) lucky people will each win a copy of Kate McKinnon's
fabulous book and DVD, Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry, as seen above.

I also put up Kate's photo, and a photo of one of her beautiful rings, which you can learn to make, via her book and DVD.

Miss Ficklemedia (love that girl!) and I are having a "fake battle" over who owns the rights to the word "impeccable" concerning the description of jewelry creations, but I gotta say that that is one impeccably made and lovely ring which Kate designed and created. You can learn to make it, too, if you win Kate's book in Andrew's Thursday Giveaway. You have three chances to win!

PS: don't tell Miss Ficklemedia that we are having this fake battle--she may be unaware of it. This is part of my cunning plan. I wish to own the rights to the word impeccable.

But back to the subject at hand!

Yes, YOU TOO can make impeccable and lovely rings and other items of fantastic jewelry which will last as long as we can imagine forever to last...which is a long and wondrous time, if you go and leave a comment on Andrew's blog by hitting the link I gave you above. Here's hoping you win KATE'S BOOK!

jean