The book, above!

one of the projects which I particularly love, below,

"Dragonmoon", copyright by Margot Potter



review by jean:

New Dimensions in Bead and Wire Jewelry
unexpected combinations
unique designs

by Margot Potter

I review a lot of jewelry books, and I frequently love them for specific reasons. To be totally honest, I love everything Margot Potter has ever designed because she is so immediate, UNSPECIFIC, delightful, and dazzling in her creativity. I believe that this particular book, New Dimensions in Bead and Wire Jewelry, showcases Margot at her zenith. The best part of all, however, is that you do not have to know anything at all about beaded wire to be able to follow this skillful teacher as she demonstrates through step out photos the 30 wire-based projects (with variations!) in this fantastic book. Another good thing is that her "boutique chic" style is, ultimately, predominately inexpensive for the reader to reproduce when following a project. This is something we all absolutely appreciate in these days. Jewelry is a wonderful thing which is uplifting, and the author demonstrates that repeatedly, but it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg!

After the table of contents, which includes well photographed and well explained answers to questions concerning wire, findings, beads, tools and techniques, there are five chapters.  These chapters build upon understanding the reader gains from the earlier chapters in the book. By the end, the reader is really ready to take wing and fly!

The first chapter is called "Foundations".  This is concerned with wrapped, crocheted and coiled shaping wire designs. As these techniques are all very hip right now, go straight for this book, if you have any interest in learning these techniques in the simple and easy to understand manner promulgated by Ms. Potter, who is a great teacher, I repeat.
One of my favorite projects from this chapter is "Thetis". I adore it. Look like a pro at crocheting in a second and make a gorgeous piece (with a variation included) with the great guidance you will receive from the author!

Chapter Two is called "Thinking in 3-D".  It focuses on woven beading wire designs. The bracelet "Penelope",  made from beading wire, and crystal Swarovski Elements in Fuchsia, Indian Red, and Padaradscha 8mm rounds, makes me swoon. One thing the author is famous for is her eye for color. I really hope one day she writes a book on color alone--she is nonpareil in this area, and I have learned so much from her! The "Penelope" bracelet is stunning, with a variation in cool tones of blues and greens included which is equally terrific.

Chapter Three is "Sculptural Concepts". This is all about "Complex Dimensional Shaping Wire and Beading Designs."
Please see the photo above of  "Dragonmoon". It comes from this chapter. Not only is it beautiful, it is carefully made so that the materials do not irritate the wearer's neck. I especially appreciate a designer who is sensitive to reality and thinks about her projects from every angle. Unwearable jewelry is a pain.
This is one of my favorite designs in the new fab book; however the thirty designs offered are all so different that the reader will be given a multitude of choices. You do not have to follow my taste to love this book.

I really enjoyed Chapter Four: "Architectural Exploration". This involves learning about "Complex Dimensional Beading Wire and Beading Dimensions". It is positively brilliant. As you can see from the chapter subheadings, progress is being made subtlely as each chapter unfolds. Wait until you take in the play of light, balance, airiness, and color in this chapter. "Euclid", for example, with its colored beading wire and bicone Swarovski Elements, is an original and captivating bracelet I suggest  the reader try.  The instructions are very clear, and it is a unique and special project.

Finally, one arrives at Chapter Five: "The Fifth Dimension".  The subtitle for this chapter sums up much of what the reader has been learning in the previous chapters: "Combining Beading and Shaping Wire Designs".
One design the author created which completely flipped me out with joy was the project, "Mesopotamia" earrings.
Constructed of gunmetal Artistic Wire, gunmetal crimp beads, black beading wire and just two baby blue beads (one for each earring), these are AMAZING, powerfully designed, four inch shoulder dusters which you can't buy anywhere--you just must learn how to make thesefrom this exceptional book if you are a jewelry lover and a designer. They are showstopping!

There is a resource list in the back which is easy going and shows how to obtain the simple, interchangeable things which you will need to follow along with these projects. You don't need to follow to the letter many of Ms. Potter's designs.

I am grateful for the opportunity to review this one of a kind, energizing, and timely book. New Dimensions in Bead and Wire Jewelry will be a staple in my jewelry design library for good. It is really worth getting! Thank you, Margot, once again, for a fabulous learning experience!

--jean

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

"Tea" in July

BEADBLOGGERS!

Art Bead Scene
Did you know ABS has a designer of the week? Join us in a challenge and you could be featured on ABS!

Beads & Books
Does your mood influence your jewelry designs? Share your thoughts!  

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Come see what's on Cindy's bookshelf this week.  

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
A special guest stops by the Earthenwood booth at Rust Belt Market: Cari Cucksey of HGTV's Cash & Cari 


Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Are you ready to sign up for Lori Anderson's next fabulously fun and creative Bead Soup party? Jean has the scoop on what to do to sign up! Jean participated before and LOVED it. Once you have had "soup" with Lori, you just HAVE to have more! It's irrestible. See Jean's blog for the details!  

The Bead Dreamer
We don't always get it right the first time. Charlene shares a rework that results in two necklaces created from one!  

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew shares his plans for the future of his online Shop.  

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy shares her favorite summer necklace design.

"Rococo", by jean, a party dress bracelet

I am looking forward to participating in the slide show organized by Beth Stone on Facebook! It begins on August first at midnight, and any beaders or designers are eligible. I sent a few photos in, not including my party dress bracelet above. Hah! I couldn't locate that photo. Beth is really really nice. I was invited to this by Lisa, my friend I just mentioned in the post below. I decided to check this event out, and I suggest you do, too!

Here is more info:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=133238016752171

and a photo icon of the event:

So come on, lets go!  Let's show the world how fun and beautiful our passion for beading is!

Thank you so much Beth for organizing this fantastic slide show which will begin on Aug. 1st  on Facebook  at the site I showed the link for, above! 

--jean

Please do listen to this song. It is beautiful

my new dawn. Thanks to Alla Moda Fishy Face, Fishy Face Designs jewelry.

I cannot express my thanks enough to Lisa Faeth for her encouragement every week, usually on Wednesdays, concerning losing weight and EXERCISING.I lost the weight and I am back in shape that way. However, I was reluctant to begin exercising, mostly because I have arthritis and fibromyalgia, but also because I am LAZY, and didn't feel like starting.

I had an epiphany this morning. My diet might be rigid, but my exercise program can be flexible and joyous.
I decided to use the old ballet moves I was taught as a child, along with some exercising I used to do as a bodybuilder. I did this while I was getting one of my children ready for school, in the bathroom. The towel bars we have are great lightly holding onto for calf raises. I was plieing on the tiles in front of the mirror, I was stretching and doing leg lifts.
I INSTANTLY FELT BETTER, for the first time in ages.
Now I know that not only will I be my old self, weight-wise by my 60th birthday, I know that I also have plenty of time to tone my body and rev up my pace, to enhance the joy I get out of life.

Thank you Lisa. You kept exercising and finally, you got me to join in!
Thanks as well to my dear friends Elizabeth and Rose, who have also inspired me!

I hope you will all visit Lisa's site. It is unique and COMPLETELY wonderful,  truly wonderful!!!
Important:
I am signed up there for a traveling letter which anyone can sign up for. Lisa will explain it if you email her. You can read about it on her site as well. I truly hope you do this and join me in signing up. This is a very special idea which Lisa had which will make us all, all over the world, even closer.
I LOVE LISA FAETH!

xox jean

2011 Beading Contest for Soft Flex! Show your stuff!



For Facebook members who like Soft Flex ... And possibly others as well--check the rules to be sure!:
I got this message from Soft Flex today!



"Hello everybody!

Our 2011 Beading Contest is underway! After the success of the first and second contests we are even more excited about seeing your flex your creativity with this year's challenge. We want you to use both our beading wire and our craft wire together in a design. We can't wait to see how you might mix these two top of the line products to create something really special and unique. You know that we love color! So... don't be shy. Choose a full color palette from either product and BE COLORFUL!

Prizes: GRAND PRIZE: $500 Gift Certificate, Runner Up: $250 Gift Certificate, Honorable Mention: $100 Gift Certificate and TOP 10 WINNERS: Free 30ft spool of their choice

To see full contest details, click here: https://www.softflexcompan​y.com/WSWrapper.jsp?mypage​=BeadingContest.html

We hope you'll like the idea as much as we do, and that even more designers will participate in it. We wish luck to all the participants, and are very eager to see the entries!"

Soft Flex Company
http://www.softflexcompany​.com/

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 4

Hi! sorry I took so long to announce the winner of this wonderful giveaway.  I had a very important meeting this morning.  However you all were on my mind because I always am incredibly grateful for your visits and  you enthusiasm for books and for jewelry making. This truly is a great book and I hope you all get a chance to see/read. it at some point. I had fifteen people enter, as I included steufel, who entered on a lower post.
The random generator
(I never get over my fascination with the random generator), possibly I was one in a former life?


chose Cindy Cima as the recipient of this beautiful book!


Congratulations Cindy!!! Please contact me at jyatesnewyork@aol.com  and I will tell you how to get your copy of chains chains chains!!!

Thank you all for joining in. Please stay tuned for my next giveaway! Have a great day!!!

xox jean

SADIE AND HER BEAR...A JENINK CUSTOM  FROM  ONE OF MY FAVOURITE PLACES, AUSTRALIA! --jean

BEADBLOGGERS!



About.com Jewelry Making
Save time and your sanity this holiday season by making some easy metal ornaments now.

Art Bead Scene
How do jewelry projects flow through your studio? Come to ABS and see how they flow through Cindy's studio.  
Beads & Books
Michelle shares 3 tips for making more time for your art.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi makes a fabric brooch with Clover's latest great tool!  

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Studio Saturday lingers into Monday as Cindy finishes up her metal project.  

Resin Crafts!
There is a new open back bezel tutorial on Resin Crafts Blog!  

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be to be done!
Book Giveaway of the FABULOUS book, chains,chains,chains! You can see Jean's review and sign up! Come to her blog and leave a comment for your chance at this remarkable new book!  

The Bead Dreamer
Make or collect beautiful handmade jewelry? Store it just a beautifully with these jewelry storage ideas.  

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew announces that he'll be helping teach three workshops with his sister at ArtFest in the spring of 2012!  

A Bead A Day
Have you ever used Swarovski hot-fix flatbacks to sparkle up a desk accessory? Stop by A Bead A Day to see Lisa's progress on a new project.

GIVEAWAY!
of this fabulous book:

chains

chains

chains

25 necklaces,

bracelets

& earrings

JOANNA GOLLBERG

and

NATHALIE MORNU

review by jean yates

This fantastic book made me realize a lot of things about the last decade. In this recent period of time, jewelry design has changed its focus in many ways.  One of the ways designers have been following new directions is that chain, which was once mainly used to attach other elements to each other, has been brought to the forefront. Now here is a book which perfectly illustrates the fantastic new trend of metal chain as "stand alone wearable art". There are very few other elements utilised in this book, chains, chains, chains, which is a truly elegant offering of 25 projects collected by the very well respected Joanna Gollberg and Nathalie Mornu. The projects are designed by 22 really cool artists. They will absolutely charm you, inspire you, and encourage your own passion for creating as you look through the book.

Just because "it's just" chain which has taken the spotlight doesn't mean that the reader cannot find a huge amount of things to learn and make from this book. I was astounded at the different sizes and shapes of the chains offered. For example, "Clusters", by Lesley Messam, which is made of stamped copper clay and sterling silver, is a beautiful example of a totally chic, modern necklace.

One of the rare necklaces to use a property other than metal really amazed me as well. Designed by Ingebourge Vandamme, it is called "Great Lakes". It employs a few bits of some maps along with silver. It is riveted, and it is also riveting.

Sometimes I cannot believe to what heights artists and artisans can fly. This book reminds me of my early amazement at jewelry designing in general. It is perfectly photographed and the projects range from beginner (even though they do not look like it) to more complex.

Feast your eyes on "Shell" by Davina Romansky, who somehow manages to create the perfect balance between her domed sterling links, even though they could easily have been overpowering. They are not, however--they are sheerly beautiful. This project can also be made in copper or brass. The reader will find that many of the projects have alternative suggestions to help expand the projects' uses. These projects are meant to be changed up, according to the authors in their foreword, which is called "a chain letter"!

It is very clear throughout how much the reader is getting for the money in this super book.

Aside from the stunning projects and directions and variation suggestions, there is a very good explanation of Metals and their Properties. This includes the precious metals: gold, silver, bimetal, platinum, and continues on to list the alloys, the base metals, the solders, and the ferrous metals. This section also discusses purchasing metals, work hardening and annealing. It is excellently done.

There is also a Bench Tools and Equipment refresher: what the authors consider essential to make the projects in this book, including some optional equipment.

Finally, right before the Gallery (which I shall discuss further on), there is a reference section on Techniques, to help you remember just how to do what you might need to do, properly. This is really clear and really helpful.

On to the Gallery:

If you haven't had enough inspiration from the gorgeous projects, here's a glorious showpiece collection of photos of some other artist's chain creations. It is irresistable, just like the rest of this book.

I cannot recommend this book, chains, chains, chains, by Joanna Gollberg and Nathalie Mornu more highly. When it comes out, nab your copy immediately! It is obvious, from this carefully crafted, stunning, informative, watershed book that this truly is a new millenium, and that we are fortunate to be offered this great ... "chains"!

--jean

Here is how to win the giveaway of Chains Chains Chains

please leave a comment on my blog on today's entry. I will be announcing the lucky winner next Tuesday, one week from today! This book is as yet not even available to the public so this is a fabulous opportunity! 
Thank you as well if you follow my blog -- or hit on that orange and white "boost" tiny square thing  on my sidebar. I promise you  it will not suck you into a vortex. It goes to wikio and my site gets a popularity point.
Thanks!-- jean

Take a look at Bead Soup Parties past!

February 2011

Dec '09/Jan '10

April 2010

What is a Bead Soup Blog Party?

Here's how it works!

First, you must have a blog!

Second, no, you do NOT have to make your own beads!

Third, YES it is open to International beaders!

SO! During the sign up dates, you'll email Lori to let her know you want to go to the Bead Soup Party.  (Become her Follower to keep up with when the next Party is -- she has about three a year! 

a)  Your full name

b) Your blog address

c) Your shop address, if you have one 
d) Your mailing address

 Make sure lori at lorianderson dot net 
is on your "safe list" in your spam folder. 

for more information, go to Lori's Blog here:

...and love what you do!
I participated in the last party and had a blast! I will be doing it again!
--jean

here is my last Bead Soup party entry!
"Follow the Bouncing Ball"

Thanks Lori, for such a fabulous and fun idea!

Nars and Uma hanging out ~~

BEADBLOGGERS!







A Bead A Day
Over at A Bead A Day, Lisa is looking for input on how much bling to add to a desk accessory with her new hot-fixing jewel tool!

About.com Jewelry Making
Don't blow off Christmas in July. Instead, use this time to make some awesome beaded ornaments. 


Art Bead Scene
Come take a look at ABS Editor Cindy Gimbrone is up to in her studio this week!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has found a few new ways to use Apoxie Sculpt!  

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Cindy reviews Hot Connections by Jennifer Chin.  

Resin Crafts!
Resin Crafts Blog received a very pretty samples kit...and turned it into a unique wearable.  

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean is excited to show what she received (not her finished design however!) from Michelle Mach for the "Mostly Metal" challenge which Michelle is hosting!  

The Bead Dreamer
Use a finding in a different way. Try Charlene's chandelier earrings made from bead caps. A tutorial with photos shows you how.  

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew reveals the mystery component for the July Reader's Challenge!  

chains

chains

chains

25 necklaces,

bracelets

& earrings

JOANNA GOLLBERG

and

NATHALIE MORNU

review by jean yates

This fantastic book made me realize a lot of things about the last decade. In this recent period of time, jewelry design has changed its focus in many ways.  One of the ways designers have been following new directions is that chain, which was once mainly used to attach other elements to each other, has been brought to the forefront. Now here is a book which perfectly illustrates the fantastic new trend of metal chain as "stand alone wearable art". There are very few other elements utilised in this book, chains, chains, chains, which is a truly elegant offering of 25 projects collected by the very well respected Joanna Gollberg and Nathalie Mornu. The projects are designed by 22 really cool artists. They will absolutely charm you, inspire you, and encourage your own passion for creating as you look through the book.

Just because "it's just" chain which has taken the spotlight doesn't mean that the reader cannot find a huge amount of things to learn and make from this book. I was astounded at the different sizes and shapes of the chains offered. For example, "Clusters", by Lesley Messam, which is made of stamped copper clay and sterling silver, is a beautiful example of a totally chic, modern necklace.

One of the rare necklaces to use a property other than metal really amazed me as well. Designed by Ingebourge Vandamme, it is called "Great Lakes". It employs a few bits of some maps along with silver. It is riveted, and it is also riveting.

Sometimes I cannot believe to what heights artists and artisans can fly. This book reminds me of my early amazement at jewelry designing in general. It is perfectly photographed and the projects range from beginner (even though they do not look like it) to more complex.

Feast your eyes on "Shell" by Davina Romansky, who somehow manages to create the perfect balance between her domed sterling links, even though they could easily have been overpowering. They are not, however--they are sheerly beautiful. This project can also be made in copper or brass. The reader will find that many of the projects have alternative suggestions to help expand the projects' uses. These projects are meant to be changed up, according to the authors in their foreword, which is called "a chain letter"!

It is very clear throughout how much the reader is getting for the money in this super book.

Aside from the stunning projects and directions and variation suggestions, there is a very good explanation of Metals and their Properties. This includes the precious metals: gold, silver, bimetal, platinum, and continues on to list the alloys, the base metals, the solders, and the ferrous metals. This section also discusses purchasing metals, work hardening and annealing. It is excellently done.

There is also a Bench Tools and Equipment refresher: what the authors consider essential to make the projects in this book, including some optional equipment.

Finally, right before the Gallery (which I shall discuss further on), there is a reference section on Techniques, to help you remember just how to do what you might need to do, properly. This is really clear and really helpful.

On to the Gallery:

If you haven't had enough inspiration from the gorgeous projects, here's a glorious showpiece collection of photos of some other artist's chain creations. It is irresistable, just like the rest of this book.

I cannot recommend this book, chains, chains, chains, by Joanna Gollberg and Nathalie Mornu more highly. When it comes out, nab your copy immediately! It is obvious, from this carefully crafted, stunning, informative, watershed book that this truly is a new millenium, and that we are fortunate to be offered this great ... "chains"!

--jean

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

 

 

 

PS: dear pinetreetreasures: I cannot remember my password any more to the hive!  forgive me for not responding to you!!!

 True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 3

Thanks to Random.org, the result you see above is the true result for the Beaducation DVD giveaway. I carefully counted everyone up, left out my sole personal response, left out double comments (thank you all for those however--that was very sweet!) , left out the number 13, because I didn't want that PERSON TO BE UNLUCKY (sorry, I can be a dweeb at times), and Random.org took over from there. I had a name for every number and :::::::::insert triumphant music!!! Tah Dah!


Darby from darby's closet won!


I am SO glad, because she is brand new to Beaducation! She has certainly got a treat in store for her, and they have a sweet person to get to know--I know, because I looked at her profile. She also looks really good in a hat--this is one of my dreams -- to look good in a hat...so I will just have to live it through her.   Here are some hat pins I made, once...trying to picture myself in a hat. See below.

Darby, I will email you that you have won the giveaway. Then your next happy job will be to go over to Beaducation.com and look at the new DVDs -- you can choose whichever one you want!  They are all wonderful. Beaducation offers some of the all around best visual teaching in DVD  or downloadable format  of any site I know. I have been reviewing for a long time now, and Beaducation is clear, their projects are always pretty, and you learn a TON.

Here are the FAB new DVDs!
Remember--there are also free classes and tons of jewelry tools and  seriously superb jewelry bits and bobs--everything you could want. Something new almost every day!

I was delighted to be associated with Beaducation on the review and this giveaway and so happy that all the readers of my blog kindly entered to win. It was great of you all--once again congrats to Darby--and I hope that the rest of you win NEXT time!

--jean

Hi--I joined this challenge from Michelle Mach, which is now in progress. I want to show you what I got! See the photo below!

I received the divine Gunmetal "Mostly Metal" kit, and my surprise mystery item is the cool chain you see here, in my photo of the fabulous things which I got from Michelle. I believe the bicones from Swarovksi Elements are "cantaloupe"--a color which actually for several years was unique to Joan Rivers' line of jewelry. Don't ask me how I know these things--I just do. And remember it is polite to just nod and look interested and not to correct your elders. The cool thing about cantaloupe crystal is that it is one of the unique color changing crystals which takes on a different look in different types of light. This is ultra fun for me to think about, as I must take that extra color change aspect and try to do it justice. Hearts of all sorts I adore. Pink cabs--whoo hoo!

Wine red silk--well--who wouldn't love that? I think I got the glamour set, here, and I will try to do it justice!

Concerning this challenge,

Michelle Mach wrote on her blog:

"One thing I miss about working on Beading Daily is participating in the Beadwork challenge where several designers get identical materials and need to create a project.  If you've never done this before, let me assure you, it's a great creative workout!
Each time I received a Beadwork challenge kit, I thought for sure I wouldn't be able to make anything.  The colors were not ones I would have chosen and the types of materials were often not my go-to favorites.  But each time, I surprised myself with coming up with a new design. 
I thought it would be fun to try a version of this challenge here.  Rather than pick out items myself (I like surprises, too), I purchased a huge Muse kit (pictured above) from B'Sue Boutiques.  Owner Brenda Sue stuffed it full of all sorts of fun items:  filigree, bead caps, pendants, charms, glass beads, chain, and cord.  I spent a delightful afternoon sorting through everything and coming up with 3 kits of identical materials. 
The Challenge Kits 
Each kit contains a combination of pendants, charms, or links/connectors; bead cap(s); and some kind of stringing material (beaded chain, ribbon, or cord). All kits include a very small package of glass beads and a small vintage cabochon. "

note from jean--you can check it out--and I recommend you read Michelle's blog regularly--it is quite unique and fabulous! This summer challenge is closed to further participants until the reveal on Aug 16th...however, stay on your toes for the NEXT ONE in the fall!
That's right, Michelle will be having another one! She is hoping to do this quarterly and planning to focus on different elements each time!  Very energizing!

Michelle continues:


"I'm calling this the "Mostly Metal" Challenge because all the kits have metal parts.  This does not mean that the rest of your design has to be metal.  Anything goes!
Let me know if you have questions.  I'm so excited about this! (Seriously, for the last week, this has been the first thing on my mind when I wake up.)  I'd love for this to be successful so I can host quarterly challenges with materials from different shops.  Let's play!"

I agree--Let's Play!  thank you Michelle, for a gorgeous collection of items to work with!!!
--jean

          Here comes the sun!  --  Sadie, a jenink custom from Australia!!! She's a princess!

BEADBLOGGERS!



The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew introduces some NEW vintage beads to his online Shop!

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy has a new book review posted that will appeal to those who love little beads.

Art Bead Scene
Take the June monthly challenge blog tour.

Beads & Books
Michelle is hosting a Mostly Metal Design Challenge with 3 different kits of materials: Filigree Fun, Gunmetal Love, and Antique Brass Romantic. Come join the fun! 


Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi creates a peace bird brooch with artbeads.com components. 


Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva
Come take a peek at what Cindy's got on her bookshelf!  

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shares some new designs made with her new Fable Pebbles made by members of the Earthenwood Design Team.

Resin Crafts!
Carmi shows you how to make a piece of crochet look like filigree!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Second chance to sign up for Beaducation DVD giveaway, time lengthened due to last week's holiday! Come on over and see what's up on jean's blog!  

The Bead Dreamer
Join Charlene in a jewelry challenge to celebrate summer and long days. Click to find out how to participate

Hi! It is I, jean, here to remind you about the great GIVEAWAY which Beaducation.com is running. It is connected to my post last Thursday! 
At that time, I reviewed one of their fabulous new DVDs and posted the review and the giveaway last week.
Then, unbeknownst to me, everybody and her sister packed up and went off to the beach for Singapore Slings (<--this shows my age, I bet) and some Holiday fun.  So I am giving you all a little more time to get a chance at the DVD giveaway.  Here is what you do:
1) Read my review from last Thursday.
2) If someone wants to be included in the running for the giveaway, they should then head over to Beaducation and "like" Beaducation's blog. Then return to me and comment on MY post that they did so. If they are already a "liker" of Beaducation, then they should just post a comment to that effect on MY post.

I will randomly pick a winner from comments on MY post. After that, Beaducation will take over and mail the winner his or her prize!
You may leave your comments here on this entry, or on last Thursday's entry.You don't need to repost if you already left a comment on last Thursday's post. No need to worry--I will count the posts from there as well.
I will be choosing and posting the lucky winner next week on Thursday!
There, I am glad I cleared that up for myself!
--jean

I heard from Ray, recently, from Lark Crafts!  To let you know about part of his terrific email,  this is what he said:


"Hi everyone:

Just a note to make sure you took note of some posts from this past week to
mark the release from warehouse next week of Maggie Meister's new book,
Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance, the latest release in the Beadweaving
Master Class series, in case you want to share them on Facebook, Twitter, or
your blog

Artemisia Earrings project PDF from the book:
http://bit.ly/kbJLEJ

Interview with Maggie:
http://bit.ly/j9Vxt6

Our Lark Jewelry & Beading blog will be packed over the next two months with
giveaways, interviews, free projects, and other bonus materials, as we
support our early fall list!"

I didn't think I could get excited about fall on the 4th of July but now I am excited!

--jean!

PS: have  SUPER hOLIDAY!

...have a relaxing day!




BEADBLOGGERS!




The Bead Dreamer
Charlene features a young jewelry artisan and snags a pretty sweet pair of earrings in the process.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Exciting news! Andrew launches his FIRST ever Reader's Challenge! The Design Kit for July features summery shades of green and lots of art beads!  

About.com Jewelry Making
Get some red, white, and blue jewelry inspiration and ideas from these free jewelry tutorials.

Art Bead Scene
Here are some random bead related links for you to enjoy! 


Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi works on a little bit of an antler for a surprising result! 


Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
The Earthenwood Design team is serving up lots of sweet jewelry treats!

Resin Crafts!
This week there is a special piece featuring a mold and a resin pour!  

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews a GREAT Beaducation DVD on soldered rings and bezels and also announces a giveaway from Beaducation of a DVD of the winner's choice just for liking Beaducation's blog! What's not to like?

from the newsbulletin which I got today:

Taylor collection to travel before NY auction

Jun 30, 2011

New York--Auction house Christie’s has planned an international, three-month tour of highlights from the Elizabeth Taylor collection, including pieces of her jewelry, which will begin in September and include stops in Moscow, London, Los Angeles, Dubai, Paris and Hong Kong.
The tour will culminate in New York in early December with a ten-day, museum-quality exhibition of Taylor’s jewelry, fashion accessories, decorative arts and memorabilia, followed by four consecutive days of auctions.
Taylor’s jewelry will be auctioned Dec. 13 and 14 and include pieces from top design houses as well as the actress’s most elaborate custom-designed jewels.
A portion of the proceeds generated by exhibitions admissions, events and publications related to the sales will be donated to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF). Founded in 1991, ETAF provides funding to AIDS service organizations throughout the world to assist those living with HIV and AIDS.
Estimates and specifics of auction items will be available in early fall.

You really should sign up for all the cool news!