Dot's Book case: Diane Fitzgerald

 Diane Fitzgerald's Shaped Beadwork & Beyond

Have you ever experienced a mental block?  I'm sure you have. We are human and sometimes this phenomenon disrupts our happy go lucky life.  I must be very human as I've had many of these.  What is a "mental block" you say?  Here is one definition from Wikipedia:

A mental block is either a repression of painful thoughts, or an inability to continue a train of thought, like in the case of writer's block. A similar phenomenon occurs when one cannot solve a problem in mathematics which one would normally consider simple. In the case of writer's block, many find it helpful to take a break and revisit their topic. Another tactic that is used when people with mental blocks are learning new information is repetition. Mental blocks can be caused by physical disabilities or simply a lack of focus. Mental blocks are also often used to describe a temporary inability to recall a name or other information.^[1]

 ^{My mental block has been with the bead stitch peyote.  I've taken many classes with so talented teachers hoping that the intense focus of class would help me get over my mental block to enjoy and embrace peyote stitch.  I CAN do peyote, but it does not come naturally for me.  I stumble, I focus, and then I just find myself putting it aside.  I tell myself "oh it is years of doing cross stitch and viewing charts that are straight up and down instead of charts and angles".  I've tried tools to help me read charts.  I've bought patterns with word descriptions along with the charts.  And finally, I've just told myself "I CANNOT do this".  I gave up and politely find myself struggling with peyote stitch while other stitches just come naturally to me.  I've had friends and teachers scratch their heads as they see me doing peyote and wonder why I can't learn to just relax and just enjoy it as much as they do.  It is a block and nothing can make me feel relaxed and successful doing peyote stitch.}

^{That is until NOW.  What has broken through the block and made my fingers dance and twirl as I construct intricate designs with peyote stitch?  A book has been my driven through the block and let in the bright creative light behind the sculpted peyote stitch.  Diane Fitzgerald's latest master piece has been that tool that has given me the insight and joy of being able to understand, appreciate and enjoy peyote stitch.  Diane's newest book, Shaped Beadwork & Beyond: Dimensional Jewelry in Peyote Stitch by Lark Jewerly and Beading, has opened up a new world of sculpting and creating pieces of art that before I'd only pushed away due to my thinking I could not understand it.  I embrace this book and am working my way through the projects learning and enjoying each and every chapter.}  

^{I've decided to do something a little different with my newest book review and show my own work of her projects.  It is still slow going as I have to constantly push back that nagging voice that tells me I'm going to fail.  So I just push that voice back and push on discovering that I can.  Shaped Beadwork and Beyond's chapters take me closer with each project built upon the other and then expanding for more dimensional peyote challenges.  The book starts out with understanding the basics then moves on to succeeding with Triangles, Teardrops, Beaded Beads, Bezels, Pointed Ovals, and then to a combination of Potpourri.  Each chapter and project has excellent bead diagrams and written word instructions to help succeed in completing the work.  If you follow me on my Facebook page you will have already seen some of these projects and my joy in learning them and conquering my block.}  

I first learned to make triangles and zipped them together

This project is from the Bezels chapter and Pointed Ovals

After feeling confident in making triangles and peyote bezels, I went on to create the Temari beaded bead and create a little fun sparkly flower.

A close up view of half a Temari beaded bead with peyote bezel to create a flower type structure

My version of the Eye to Triangle Necklace piece using techniques in the Pointed Oval chapter and the Bezel chapter.  I actually had a friend on Facebook tell me this looks like something a Star Fleet officer would wear (you have to be a Trekkie to get this).

Here is two of the Pointed Oval projects on my beading board.  The blue pointed ovals are from the Pirate Eye Bracelet turned into a necklace.

^{Each of these projects have made me feel so confident that I can really say I'm over my mental block with peyote.  I haven't mastered this stitch, and I still have so many more projects to attempt and succeed, but I know now that I CAN do this with Diane's book on my work table being my go to book and Muse in learning to master and enjoy peyote stitch.  Theses next are projects that I have on my to do list.} 

Diane taught this at 1 Stop Bead Shop in Dublin.   Because I was so afraid of Peyote, I did not take this class when I had the opportunity to learn it from Diane, but now I KNOW I can do this after completing the other projects and throwing over my mental block.

 

 

^{I'm amused now that I actually think in peyote.  Imagine that?  My brain has decided to throw out the block and embrace the intricate patterns and projects that can only be accomplished with needle, thread, and peyote.   Next time I see Diane anywhere, I'm going to give her the biggest smile and thank you for helping me break off the yoke of "I CANNOT do this".  I'm not done with this book and a journey of discovering and creating with sculpted peyote.  I can't wait to see what I can do now that I have a firm grip on this stitch.}  

Disclosure...As a reviewer of products from Lark Books, I receive the book above free of charge. I have been asked to review these products and give my honest opinion of the products...positive or negative. I am not being compensated by Lark Books for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received and reviewed. 

Dot's Bookcase: Metal Clay 101 for Beaders

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Metal Clay 101 for Beaders

Create Custom Findings, Beads, Embellishments & Charms

Kristal Wick

When you were young, did your parents have you write out a Christmas wish list?  As soon as the Christmas catalogs started showing up in our mailbox, we’d start the scurry of looking them through each page trying to find THE THING that would make us so excited on Christmas morning.  My Mom would cut out different colored construction paper markers for each of us to use in the catalogs as place markers.  We were each allowed ten markers to choose ten possible things we wanted for Christmas.  Then we wrote down a wish list using the colorful place markers as reminders in our childish scrawl.  I would sometimes help my siblings that couldn’t write to compose their wish list getting just as excited as they were.  My Mom then would SEND our wish list to Santa with the confirmation that we’d be guaranteed at least one thing from our list from Santa.  You never knew which one it was but the anticipation and the hours of exploration kept six active kids busy from Thanksgiving on to the big day.  Now days, I don’t do wish lists as I pretty much buy what I need when I need it, but I actually have a semi-formal wish list for Santa to check out.  And what is it that I put on that wish list?

Well, after looking over Kristal Wick’s newest book published in October 2013, about creating ‘custom findings, beads, embellishments & charms’, I think I might want a kiln.  Metal Clay 101 for Beaders is another amazing book by Kristal Wick teaming full of temptations and ideas for the average Beaders to take their art work one step above by experimenting with Metal clay.  Not only does Kristal show fantastic closing to finish up your beadwork, but also she demonstrates techniques in sculpting and embellishing the Metal Clay.  I really enjoyed the how applied patinas give the whole piece a completely different look.  Who knew that hard-boiled eggs or Miracle Grow plant food could be used to create a unique appearance.

Sculpting, texturing, hammering and creating unique patterns and patinas will take Metal Clay from a lump to a startling piece of art jewelry with insights from Kristal’s book.  Throw in page after page of stunning projects with detailed instructions, experimentation, and a sprinkling of fun to cause you to hold your breath to see what comes out of the kiln.  

Puzzle Bracelet on page 55 uses texture plates to produce this amazing design.  Add semi precious chips to resin to make a stunning addition.

Wire Lace Crystal Netting bracelet has the most amazing toggle and clasp system.  If I could make unique pieces like this then this book definitely is a winner.  Santa, can I have that kiln?

 Lark has a wonderful interview with Kristal here.

Disclosure...As a reviewer of products from Lark Books, I receive the book above free of charge. I have been asked to review these products and give my honest opinion of the products...positive or negative. I am not being compensated by Lark Books for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received and reviewed. 

Dot's Bookcase: Jamie Cloud Eakin Bead Embroidery Jewelry Projects

Bead Embroidery Jewelry Projects: Design and Construction, Ideas and Inspiration

Jamie Cloud Eakin

Imagine a Baseball field with the green grass freshly mowed, blue skies blushing in the late hours, and the Sun throwing down sparkling kisses to caress the faces of those watching from the stands.  Up to the bat comes Jamie with a Bead Embroidered bat slung over her shoulder.  The pitch comes almost blinding her with the twinkling of thousands of crystals.  She swings and makes it to first base with her 2005 Beading with Cabochons.  Looking up the ball is rising higher and higher to touch the Sun so she takes off and reaches second base with her 2010 Bugle Bead Bonanza.  Still the ball is hurtling toward the upper reaches of the stands, so she takes third bases with 2011 Dimensional Bead Embroidery.  Still the ball grabs the sky refusing to let gravity take it, and Jamie hits home base with 2013 Bead Embroidery Jewelry Projects.  The crowd is standing as Jamie stands with at coveted Home Run under her belt.  She finds herself showered with a bucket of energy drink colored crystals as her fans cheer her new endeavor with great enthusiasm.  This is all playing in a big screen in the back of my mine as I greedily work my way through Jamie Cloud Eakin’s fourth marvelous book.  

With each of her four books that evolve around the bead weaving technique of Bead Embroidery, Jamie takes her followers step by step into the world of color, form and texture.  Bead Embroidery Projects is the next logical step by combining design and construction beginning with a tip on how to make your own personal collar to manipulating components using the tips and ideas she has given the designer to advance and compliment their skills in jewelry making to create unique individual pieces of art.  

In the project Loop de Loop Necklace (pg. 29), she explores a simple design made stunning by adding dimensional techniques.  With English Garden (pg. 47), she shows how working with multiple focal cabochons can change the appearance of the piece.  I was excited to see that she suggest recording the experiments with pictures for future references.  I do this, and it is something that I’ll go back to again and again to decide if I really did make the correct adjustments to the design element.

With the project My Fair Lady Necklace (pg 62), the object of the lesson is to using multiple focal components assembled by experimenting with how the draping strands of seed beads and stone at stress connection points can change the design and visual appearance of the piece.

The project Circulating Round Necklace concentrates on design and construction using connections of components and additional connections for a stabilizing effect of the assembled pieces.  Jamie here recommends two connections with each component construction that is a great idea as I myself have struggled with twisting and turning components in past constructed necklaces.

Then Jamie shows how using Asymmetrical designs with the project Waterfall Necklace (pg 97) can change the visual appearance have a piece while taking the assemblage of the individual components to new heights of completion.

The remainder of the book is filled with earring and bracelet projects that though smaller have just as much thought into construction and design as a larger necklace project.  She shows multiple variations for each project to stimulate creative experimentation.  One of my favorite bracelet projects is Marquis Magic Bracelet (pg 133) that pulls a positive visual response with color and the use of multiple components.  And then who doesn’t enjoy a big doses of eye candy in the gallery pages which I was thrilled as I saw a friend of mine (Arline Lewis), whose work I love and several pieces she’s gifted me with, showcased in the gallery.

If you love Bead Embroidery as much as I do, then do not hesitate to add Jamie’s fourth book to your permanent collection.  And if you don’t have the other three books, then definitely go out and purchase them as I can guarantee you will not be disappointed with the thought and work Jamie has put into each and every project. 

 As always, LarkJewelry and Beading has given the reader a fantastic layout with Bead Embroidery Jewelry Projects.  All I’m saying is that Jamie has hit that “ball” so high knocking it outside of the ball park that it just might find itself up in the heavens twinkling down on each of us every night reminding us to create, experiment and enjoy.

Disclosure...As a reviewer of  products from Lark Books, I receive the book above free of charge. I have been asked to review these products and give my honest opinion of the products...positive or negative. I am not being compensated by Lark Books for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received and reviewed. 

Sweet & Simple Jewelry: Review

Aimee Ray's Sweet & Simple Jewelry: 17 Designers, 10 Techniques & 32 Projects to Make

 

When first opening a new book from Lark Craft, the very first thing that grabs my attention is any project using beads, fabric, or fiber.   I just can't help it.  It is my nature, and what I work with in my own work.  I appreciate wire and metals, but for me those big three always win out when I'm creating or searching books or the the web looking for new ideas.  I really enjoyed Aimee Ray's brand new book out from Lark Jewelry and Beading.  This book is absolutely bursting with darling projects from multiple artist.  

One project in particular really kept me thumbing back over again and again to look at the thoughtful and delightful project.  Dandelion Wish necklace by Alicia Henson and Jessica Berner just made me very happy looking at it.  I had purchased several of these glass vials from Gahanna Bead Shop filled with wishbones.  I want to use the wishbones in another project, but then what would I do with the bottles?  Then Dandelion Wish was there answering my questions.  The dandelion seeds sealed inside the corked bottle with the charm "wish" let the imagination of travel the winds where these fragile seeds float away on the breath of a wish.  It wasn't until I read the biography of the two designers of this project that I found out they are sisters.  They both came together to create Dandelion Wish in honor of their sister who had passed away.  The dandelion to each of them is a positive reminder of the world we wake to each day.  

Each of the we projects are described in simple enough language so that this would make a great gift to give to a younger person stepping onto the pathway of creative crafty life.  Some projects to indeed needs adult supervision, but wouldn't that be a great way to spend a rainy day with a young protegee.  But there are also enough projects to entice and inspire those wanting to find a project that could be completed in an hour or a day.  From working with floss, wire, felt, fabric, beads, resin or epoxy clay, so many fun filled hours could be spent making projects from Simple and Sweet.

Especially nicely offered is the two page exploration (pg 24-25) on how to make your very own unique cabochons and cameos by making your own personal mold using silicone molding putting.  Aimee's project Felted Terrarium Necklace is project where you can create your own personal world using needle felting techniques.  You can carry your own piece of heaven along with you every place your travel.

Natalka Pavlysh shares her project Braille Peach Pendent using scraps of linen and embroidery stitches to make a simple but stunning necklace. 

And Donni Webber shows how and adorable pendent can be made using acorn caps and wool to make the Felted Acorn Necklace.

 The best part is still to come as there are 28 more projects in Aimee May's Sweet and Simple Jewelry.  Promise yourself to add this title to you I have to have in my library.  Keep it close at hand when you having a few free moments but want to fill them with fun and adorable pieces of art to share and keep.

ATTN:  Lark has a giveway on Aimee May's book.  Click here to go to register.  Deadline for the giveaway is August nd.  Hurry!  You'll be happy

Disclosure...As a reviewer of  products from Lark Books, I receive the book above free of charge. I have been asked to review these products and give my honest opinion of the products...positive or negative. I am not being compensated by Lark Books for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received and reviewed.

Review of Foxy Epoxy

Today amid the gray gloomy skies over Central Ohio, I decided to open up Kristal Wick's book Foxy Epoxy.  I needed something to take my mind off the numerous thunderstorms that have raced through out community for the past two weeks.  With serious bling in every page of Foxy Epoxy, the gray gloom seemed to disappear for the hours I spent thumbing through the pages admiring the 44 great projects from different artist.  Opening the first page, I was knocked out by the gorgeous Madonna pendent.  It was thrilling to turn each page and go on a journey of discovery with epoxy clay.  I'm familiar with the product having used it numerous times sculpting dolls, and my husband using Apoxie Sculpt all the time as the base for constructing his robots.  But I'd never even considering using epoxy clay for jewelry making until this book.  I've only used Apoxie Sculpt which dries in one color-grayish white.  It adheres to any clean surface which makes it the perfect product for big and small projects.  It was thrilling to find out that epoxy clay also comes in different colors.  How exciting.  Though non toxic, you should always be careful when first using these products.  It is recommended that you wear gloves or use hand lotion to protect your hands.  I've never had a reaction with this product, but it is always prudent to be proactive.  Also, you have to definitely remember to clean, clean, clean everything that comes in contact with epoxy clays as per its property it dries hard as a rock in 24 hours.  Nothing like getting it stuck on your sculpting tools or under your nails when it has dried hard.

Kristal Wick along with other fellow artist share the most delicious 44 projects to give your imagination a boost.   Here are projects to make rings, earrings, brooches, necklaces, and other items.  Add some crystals, beads, or anything hanging around your studio and watch this unique product change how you want to make jewelry.  Some of the projects introduce you into using resin with epoxy clay to add to your jewelry making joy.

On page 26, Kristal shares a project to add more bling to purchased rings using epoxy clay, crystals, and beads.  Each of these are tiny works of art.

I just love this Dragonfly brooch by Christina Orlikowski ( page 69) using chatons, crystal cup chain, and metal stampings.

Andrew Thornton's Crystal Cage ring (page 83) looks so organic that it is hard to believe that the ring is sculpted instead of chiseled out of stone.

And then Debbi Simon's Madonna necklace which was the first project that caught my attention uses epoxy clay and a unique way to do photo transfers onto an elegant pendent.

Plus there is even more from Lark Craft.  They have even more sneak peaks of Kristal Wick's Foxy Epoxy.  I think this a marvelous book for those looking to conquer other new products out that to create and inspire jewelry making to another level.

If you would like to read more about Epoxy clays please click here.  And purchase epoxy clay here.

Disclosure...As a reviewer of  products from Lark Books, I receive the book above free of charge. I have been asked to review these products and give my honest opinion of the products...positive or negative. I am not being compensated by Lark Books for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received and reviewed.

Suzanne Golden Presents...review

Many of my friends are heading out today and the rest of the weekend to Milwaukee for the Bead and Button show.  I had to chuckle last night when I saw someone refer to it as the BEAD MECCA.  And it truly is a place of camaraderie, awe, and just plain old fun.  I wrote to several this morning as they were getting ready to get onto the train, plane, or automobile wishing them good travel weather and then complaining to them that I had to stay here and just be green with envy.  I thought about all those hours upon empty hours as your stomach is churning with excitement to see old friends, lots of glorious classes and shopping, meeting new friends in classes and events, but mostly seeing the displays of jewelry and bead sculpture adorned on people walking through the convention center and on display for the Bead Dream Challenge.  If it was me waiting for the next connection or just at the road side stop for a snack before jumping back into traffic, I would want to wet my appetite for the big show with Suzanne Golden Presents: Interviews with 36 Artist Who Innovate with Beads.  Well, unfortunately for me, I'm not able to attend this year, but that is not going to stop me from taking this week and enjoying using Suzanne's book to cruise from page to page getting to "meet" new artist and "revisit" with those artist I follow on either Facebook or their blogs.  I must say that though not like being there with all the excitement but Suzanne Golden Presents makes feel as if I AM in Milwaukee.

Suzanne's book was published in April 2013 by Lark Jewelry and Beading.  Once again, Lark has given us a delicious book filled with Suzanne's interviews with bead artist throughout the world.  The book "offer...lush images and interviews with every artist [personally chosen by Suzanne}, this volume is pure inspiration.  Suzanne herself is an inspiration for any artist indulging in beads or any other medium through her use of bold colors and beads "that nobody else would have the courage to touch for fear of not being taken seriously"'  Well now, doesn't that just want to make you jump over to her website and check it all out for yourself?  Or why not friend her on Facebook and follow her on her journey of just living full steam.

With Suzanne Golden Presents: Interview with 36 Artist Who Innovate with Beads, I've chosen with this review five artist that I had never been introduced to before.  I've seen their work in magazines or on the Internet, but had never really be "introduced" to them.  I chose these three because they all work with the artistic form just as I love to do.  Many of them like myself use whatever they can find such as plastic toys.  I'd like to also introduce you to these five artist who have made my heart pound a little faster seeing some of the fantastic creations they've come up with. 

Felieke Van der Leest

Felike van der leest is an incredible bead artist  from the Netherlands.  Her work can be seen in galleries in Amsterdan, NewYork, and in Tokyo.  I really enjoy the humor in her work, and she likes to recycle her collection of plastic animals  into works of art that amuse and delight viewers.  She uses bead crochet, bead embroidery, and other bead weaving techniques.  Masterfully designed with a big dash of humor makes Felike an artist I can identify with and am excited to have been introduced to her and her work.  You can see more of Flike's work here on her website.

Sari Liimatta

Sari uses a technique I haven't seen done since I was making Christmas ornaments back in the 70s.  She uses toy animals and actually pins the beads onto them creating unique and original pieces of art that amuse and makes the looker want to reach out an caress  the piece.  Sari says that "I find a toy animal which I examine thoroughly to get an idea of how it NEEDS ME.  Then I connect the toy with a suitable story...sometimes the theme of the piece needs to be told in a very forced manner.  Letting the pins show is a way I can do this.  It is a tool....."  Each of Sari's piece does pull a piece of emotion from the viewer.  You can see more of  Sari's work on her website.

Jan Huling

I got to discovery one of Jan's pieces the year I went to Bead and Button show in Milwuakee.  I stood and gazed at her A Gentle Man getting lost in the multiple colors and hypnotizing designs.  I was amazed to find out that Jan glues her beads onto the form.  Jan states that "I tried needlework, jewelry making, decoupage, and other things but didn't feel super inspired.  Gluing beads onto stuff just felt right".  And she has found an amazing way to share her magical palette and imagination with the work.  More of Jan's work can be seen on her website. 

Uliana Volkhovskaya

Uliana is a self taught artist from the Ukaraine.  She is a supported in her creative work by her husband and her daughter.  Her work is whimsical and announces the joy of life and small things in life. But her work is far from small.  The intricate weaving explodes giving her figures life and joy to the viewer.  What is also amazing is that Uliana states "most of the figures I make are dynamic with MOVABLE LIMBS.  I am inspired by cartoons, funny pictures and scenes from daily life".  To see more of Uliana's work you can visit her website. 

Christy Puetz

Christy works with a group called Beads of Courage, a nonprofit organization that creates arts-in-medicine programming for children coping with cancer and other serious illness.  I really felt drawn to Christy's work as I myself have just started working at Nationwide Children's hospital in Columbus Ohio.  I intend to spend more time investigating this group and found out how I too can make a different on the lives of those small children who are so brave while learning to cope.  Christy has a series that really intrigued me called "Lost Forest".  She states that non of the creatures have eyes.  They hold poses that that make them appear frozen in time, waiting for onlookers to exit so they can secretely move around in the shadows.    She says that choosing beads for a piece is "like going on a treasure hunt with a specific map".  Her pieces all awake a primal desire to further investigate the mystery behind the pose.  More of Christy's work can be seen on her website. 

These are just five of the thirty six artist in Suzanne Golden's book.  There are so many more that are familiar to me and just as many that I've never be exposed to before.  I hope like me, you take the time to explore each and every single one of them.  Enjoy the interview in the book and then go out onto the Internet and further immerse yourself in glorious beads, glorious ART.  Enjoy. 

Disclosure...As a reviewer of  products from Lark Books, I receive the book above free of charge. I have been asked to review these products and give my honest opinion of the products...positive or negative. I am not being compensated by Lark Books for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received and reviewed.

And the WINNER IS.......

Torque Story has left a new comment on your post

"THREE BOOK GIVE AWAY for the New Year":

These look like great books. Best wishes on your new job.

I sent you an e-mail so please send me your home address so I can get the three 30-Minute books out to you.

CONGRATS!

dot

THREE BOOK GIVE AWAY for the New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Well, I managed to stay awake until the crystal ball at NYC Time Square dropped at Midnight 12/31/12.  Usually I work, but this time I wasn't working as I am officially semi-retired. That's right!  I put in my notice to leave Mt. Carmel Health after 29 years and 5 months.  I've seen so many changes at Mt. Carmel West and St. Ann's, but the biggest change was my decision to leave.  When I called Human Resources to find out about my pension, they recommended that I take early retirement.  So I followed their suggestion and decided to go ahead and retire.  So as of today, this is my third day of retirement and what did I do?  Well, I beaded, naturally.  My retirement is short though as next Monday the 7th, I'll be reporting to Nationwide Children's Hospital to work as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in the Core lab.  I'm excited, happy, and ready for a new phase of my life. 

So I decided to celebrate the New Year and my RETIREMENT even though it is short, I'm going to do a give away with three wonderful Lark Jewelry and Beading books for you my friends.  I decided to end the give away on January 6th which will in actuality be my last day of retirement.  The give away is only for anyone as I'll be willing to ship internationally this time around.  To be eligible please leave a comment in this blog post making sure you have a way for me to contact you if you are the winner.  If you do not have a way for me to contact you to get shipping details or if I do not hear back from the winner by January the 14th, then the second name will be the winner.  So please, do make sure you have a way for me to get ahold of you.  Also PLEASE don't be worried if you comment doesn't show up instantly.  I have my settings so that all comments need approved by me. 

What am I giving away?  Well, I have THREE BOOKS by Lark Craft.  These three books are part of a 4 book 30-Minute series edited by Marthe Le Van.  They are 30-Minute Bracelets, 30-Minute Earrings, and 30-Minute Earrings.  Each book contains 60 projects so that makes 180 projects for one comment.  Sounds easy? Well, it is!  Each book is filled with quick-to-make projects for those wanting to have fun while learning new techniques.  The projects in these books are "primarily metal-centric, with some alternative materials, and they reflect a wide array of techniques, styles, and aesthetic approaches".  What a fun way to experiment and tickle the Creative Muse this new year for one lucky person.    

If you can't wait to find out if you are the ONE LUCKY WINNER on JANUARY 7th, then you can always purchase these three books at Barnes and Noble and GUESS WHAT!  They are all 1/2 price!  What a gift.

And speaking of gifts...wait until you hear this!  Lark Jewelry and Beading is giving EVERYONE the best gift this new year.   I counted 29 FREE projects for you to download as a gift from Lark Craft Books.  What could be better?

Many, many, many project PDFs from Lark Jewelry & Beading in 2012 … for you to enjoy in 2013! 

Disclosure...As a reviewer of  products from Lark Books, I receive the book above free of charge. I have been asked to review these products and give my honest opinion of the products...positive or negative. I am not being compensated by Lark Books for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received and reviewed.

Review: Necklaceology by Candie Cooper

 Today I wanted to share with you a review from one of Lark Craft's Jewelry and Beading's books.  This book came out in September, but I was having such a time trying to sort out things with my personal life, that I didn't get a chance to spend quality time with this new book by Candie Cooper.  The book is Necklaceology: How to make Chokers, Lariats, Ropes & More.

Along with the 40 projects, Candie has small tidbits to help you become successful with your necklace making weather you use wire, fibers, beads, or found objects.

 

Loaded with lots of pictures from Candie's sketchbook.  This picture actually answered so many questions I'd had while designing necklaces.  Mostly, I wondered about lengths.  Here Candie, show the different lengths with common names.  She also gives out lots of information on tools and techniques even giving a short demonstration of bead crochet and suggesting that possibly a homemade pendents using apoxie sculpt might be something unique.

Harvest Moon.  Candie writes: I love how the copper bead caps pick up the rust color in my ribbon yarn!  I brought the yarn with me to the bead shop so I could choose beads that would bring out the purple tones in the fiber".  I'm a fiber girl so this necklace really attracted my attention.  I know a whole lot of fiber artist out there who have bins and bins of wonderful yarn that would make a lovely necklace

Candie calls this necklace "GumBalls" and describes it as playful.  I bought three bags of felted balls several years ago while at the Bead and Button show.  I've played around with them, but this project really made my Muse dance.  I love the idea of using black elastic cording along with the colorful felted balls along with a little thread to make a delightful necklace that anyone from 6-96 would find a joy to wear.

Christmas is just days away. This would be a perfect book for your jewelry loving friend.  If you can't get it to them in time, why not send them a note saying that this fabulous book is on its way and meanwhile a link from our friends at Lark of three necklace projects from Necklaceology to  give them something to play with on Christmas Day. 

Disclosure...As a reviewer of  products from Lark Books, I receive the book above free of charge. I have been asked to review these products and give my honest opinion of the products...positive or negative. I am not being compensated by Lark Books for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received and reviewed.

I (REALLY) CAN herringbone review

Can a book make you just jump up and down with joy with each and every turn of the page?  Well, I have to tell you that the answer to that question is a 100% YES! it CAN!  Lark Jewelry & Beading's second offering in the I CAN series is a big hit with me.  Melissa Grakowsky's I CAN herringbone is one of those books that you've always dreamed of when you are tackling learning herringbone bead weaving.  Each of the 26 projects will launch you onto the journey of successfully admitting that you LOVE Herringbone.  Wither 360 illustrations and word directions, you will find yourself wanting to make multiple samples of each project as you work your way from very beginner to advanced projects.

I actually took this book with me on vacation making sure it was tucked away in my carry on bag as I was afraid I would lose it.  As I sat by the pool working on herringbone chains, I would look out at the Gulf of Mexico as pelicans swooped and coasted over the waves thinking about the undulating patterns in Mellisa's final project Sinusoidal necklace.  I still have a few more weeks of practice before I can attempt this tantalizing project.

Now for the good new...I CAN herringbone by Melissa Grakowsy is 1/2 price at Barnes & Nobles!  What a fabulous gift and don't you think it would make the beader in your life extremely happy if they unwrapped with wonderful book on Christmas day?  Don't forget to add a little bag of beads with it.


These are a couple projects that got me all excited abouth Melissa's new book.  And I'm dreaming of even more before I tackle the Sinusoidal Necklace.

Vacation project

Herringbone meets Right Angle Weaving

Herringbone chain

Current Herringbone project

 

Experimenting with some ideas from I CAN herringbone

Disclosure...As a reviewer of  products from Lark Books, I receive the book above free of charge. I have been asked to review these products and give my honest opinion of the products...positive or negative. I am not being compensated by Lark Books for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received and reviewed.