Denise Yezbak Moore

Bead and Button Magazine February 2012

2012-02-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

Bead and Button Magazine

February 2012

The February issue of Bead and Button Magazine features two of my designs in the Michaels national campaign ad. These necklaces were designed using Bead Gallery beads, found exclusively at Michaels. There is a 20% off coupon so be sure to pick up a copy.

Do you like the color pallet? Different shades of orange are going to be a hot color this year.

I would also like to know if any of you ever use Bead Gallery beads in your designs?

Jewelry Affaire Autumn 2011

2011-11-21T10:56:00.000-08:00

Jewelry Affaire Autumn 2011

Hi everyone! Below are my new designs now featured in Jewelry Affaire Autumn 2011.

Many of these designs are for sale on my etsy site. www.etsy.com/shop/rustyroxx

All the designs below were made with Bead Gallery Beads - Halcraft USA. These beads can be found at your local Michaels store. These designs are not for sale.

The Crickets Are Chirping

2011-11-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

2011, what can I say........ I feel terrible that I have not posted in months so I thought I would share some designs with you that I have been working on. I have designed a couple hundred, yes hundred over the past few months.

All of the designs above (except the gold coin necklace) are Bead Gallery Beads that can be purchased at Michaels.

I hope you enjoyed the photos.

Bead Trends Magazine - June 2011

2011-07-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

I am a little behind in my magazine posts. June flew by this year! Here are my designs in the June Bead Trends Magazine. I have been so busy that I have not submitted any designs for July-December. Hopefully I will create something for the January 2012 issue.

Vintaj Challenge Design

June Wedding Jewelry

And the winner is........

2011-06-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

Therese's Treasures

You are the winner of the Earthwood ice cream bracelet.

Please contact email me at Yezy@aol.com so I can get your shipping address.

Earthenwood Design Team - Bracelet Give-a-way

2011-06-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

We All Scream For Ice Cream!

Here is the Earthenwood Design Team pendant of the month. Melanie's ice cream pendant is a perfect accessory for summer.

I had two design ideas. The first was made with Bead Gallery ceramic beads. The second was crafted out of glass pearls. Let me know which design you like better and I will pick a random winner on Thursday, June 23.

The winner will received 2 bracelets. Your favorite will have the ice cream pendant. The other bracelet will arrive without a pendant.

Be sure to visit the blogs of the other team members to keep up with what they are working on: Andrew ThorntonGaea Cannaday Erin Prais-Hintz Erin Siegel Heather PowersLorelei Eurto Lori AndersonJean Yates Marie Dodd Melanie Brooks - Earthenwood

Stringing Summer 2011

2011-06-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

Summer Stringing Magazine is on the newsstands!

Congratulations to Lorelei Eurto for the fabulous cover necklace!

I have three projects in this issue.

The first is "Disc Go". This necklace features Indian Creek Art Glass and Vintaj Natural Brass.

The next design is called "Gleefully Gaea". This necklace is named after one of my favorite art bead designers "Gaea".

The last design is a bracelet with a pendant handmade by myself using an antique poker chip.

This issue is jam packed with beautiful summer designs. Be sure to pick up your copy today!

Bead Trends Magazine - May 2011

2011-05-09T23:57:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that my friend Erin Strother made the cover of this month's Bead Trends Magazine! Congratulations Erin!

I have one project in this issue. It is called "Crush".

The design was crafted using Sari Silk, Vintaj Natural Brass, vintage glass stone and glass beads.

I love the romantic feel of this necklace.

On another note....... many of you might be wondering where the heck I have been. I have to tell you it has been one horrible year for my family. I am thinking of the worst and praying for the best. I am having a hard time even meeting my magazine deadlines. So, I have kinda let my blog go by the wayside. I am sorry about that. I guess I just need to pull it together! Thanks to all my followers for not leaving me.

Denise

Bead Trends Magazine - April 2011

2011-04-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

I love the cover of this months Bead Trends magazine. It is perfect for Easter and the earrings are fabulous!

I have one project in this months issue. The name of the design is "Twigs". The nest pendant was created by Sandhra Lee. Please check out her Etsy site for more great ceramic pendants.

Earthenwood Design Team - Product Review - Earthenoxide

2011-03-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

EarthenOxide is a side project started Melanie Brooks as a place to house her new mixed media creations. While she enjoys success with her ceramic studio site Earthenwood Studio and the related Earthenwood Etsy and Etsy Galleria shops, she wanted a special place where her non-clay creations could have a home without competing with my ceramics.

Some of the materials she enjoys using to create an EarthenOxide item include: old keys and key plates, jeweler's grade resin, fine opalescent powders, vintage book pages, and assorted ephemera.

Hinged Key Pendant Pistachio Green

Collage Key Pendant Plum Gear

Collage Key Pendant Tool Arch

Shimmer Key Blue/Green Triple Loop

Melanie's journey to make these unique jewelry components starts with one of her favorite pastimes of wandering through antique stores and flea markets to find old worn and rusted bits of metal. Vintage keys have so much mystery and wonder to them... what secret places and doors did they once unlock?

Melanie uses the old keys, brush off a little of the oxidation, and coat them with a jeweler's grade resin tinted with muted colors and fine shimmering powders to create these magical pendants, transforming the old and forgotten into something new and dreamy.

Melanie is truly one of the most talented art bead artist on the scene right now. Anything this artist touches turns to bead gold! I love the new Earthenoxide line! The keys are unique and one of a kind! Please visit her Earthenoxide web site.

Bead Trends Magazine - March 2011

2011-03-14T22:08:00.000-07:00

Designer Highlight for March 2011

I am extremely honored to have been chosen as the Designer Highlight for the March 2011 issue of Bead Trends Magazine.

I am sorry that I have been M.I.A. I had a few family emergencies but everything is back to normal now. The winner of the "Heart Lock It" necklace was moonlitfantaseas.

I am hoping to write a "Antique Tuesday" post soon.

I am giving away one copy of the March 2011 issue of Bead Trends Magazine. If you are interested please leave a comment.

Earthenwood Design Team - Necklace Give-a-way

2011-02-22T13:09:00.000-08:00

You can win this necklace!

Here is my design for February 2011

"Heart Lock It"

You can win this necklace! All you have to do is tell my your best or worst Valentine's Day story. I will pick one winner from the stories posted. Please post your email address with your story.

The winner will be chosen Monday, February 28th. Good Luck!

Note from Melanie!

It's a new month, so it's time for a new challenge for the Design Team! This month, in celebration of Valentine's Day (and my own anniversary with my sweetie Alex this week) I have chosen from my newest collection of hearts. I packaged up a dozen little bundles, each with a heart (either one of the Lock and Keys or the Everlasting Heartfires), a Heartfire link, a new Clock Face link, and a pair of little round pewtery link pairs. I have already sent out packages to the core members:

Andrew ThorntonGaea Cannaday Denise Yezbak MooreErin Prais-Hintz Erin Siegel Heather PowersLorelei Eurto Lori AndersonJean Yates Marie Dodd

Antique Tuesday - Victorian Hair Jewelry

2011-02-22T00:06:00.000-08:00

Morning Glory Antiques and Jewelry

Mourning dress was popular throughout Europe in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, but it wasn't until Queen Victoria was widowed in 1861 upon Prince Albert's death that mourning dress spread throughout England, America and the world. Victoria, widowed at 42, proceeded to wear mourning dress for the next forty years of her life and required that her court do the same. The aristocracy followed suit, and mourning dress filtered down to all classes as an expression of dignity and social status. Although Americans were not directly affected by the mourning of England's monarch, they were influenced by world mourning fashion and customs. Several English magazines outlined the length of various mourning periods. The Gentlewoman, for example, recommended fifteen months mourning for a daughter who lost a parent: six in crape, six in black and three in half mourning. Different magazines outlined different schedules, which proved to be quite confusing for the mourner who didn't want to dress inappropriately. Women wore no jewelry during the initial phase, deep mourning, but a booming fashion and jewelry market emerged for the later stages. Mourning was a respectful, yet fashionable practice; women were quite interested in wearing attractive mourning dress and accessories.

Laurelle Limited Antique and Fine Jewelry - $444.18 Circa 1850

For mourning accessories, jewelry items made from the hair of a deceased friend or loved one became hugely popular. Pamphlets featuring hairworking patterns assisted Victorians with creating their own hair jewelry, if they so desired. The jewelry designs are surprisingly complex and varied for consisting of such humble material as human hair. The pieces could incorporate jet, gold and diamonds for later stages of mourning or lockets for hair or photographs. There was also a large market for mass-produced gold fittings that could be personalized with engraving or monograms, so the jewelry items could be commissioned as well. There was some distrust, however, of professional hairworkers; there was a widespread problem of hairworkers neglecting to use the deceased person's hair. Instead, they would sell "custom-made" pieces actually made from purchased bulk hair.

Weston Fine Jewelry - $1,099

Hair jewelry functioned as a keepsake of the dead and as a memento mori, a reminder that death was an ever-present possibility; the wearer was constantly reminded that she should lead a good life because death could strike without warning. Often a wearer would add more hair pieces to a glass-covered brooch when additional relatives or friends passed away. Hair jewelry was not always worn to commemorate the dead; lovers also wore pieces made from the couple's hair.

Above Article from History of Hair Jewelry in Victorian America - Historic Northampton Museum and Education Center.

Adin Fine Antique Jewelry - $3,729

This mourning ring has the hair of little baby that died in 1877 at the age of 11 months. The hair is visible behind the glass window in the center of the ring that is surrounded by 19 little rose cut diamonds. In the inside of the ring we see the name of the child and the day he passed away.


Maryefine Antique Jewelry - $395.72

Woven hair mourning earrings with 9 carat gold fittings dating to the Victorian period, circa 1870.

Pugh's Vintage - $1,250

Antique Victorian snake hair mourning bracelet 12kt gold.

Cutter Gallery - $524.99

Circa 1865 14kt gold mourning hair ring.


Morning Glory Antiques and Jewelry

A. Bernhard & Co. Catalogue, 1870 - 48 of Victorian hair bracelets, brooches, stickpins and earrings.

I hope you enjoyed today's "Antique Tuesday".

Bead Trends Magazine - February 2011

2011-02-18T00:38:00.000-08:00

I have to say that this issue of Bead Trends magazine features my favorite cover ever. I think the flower necklace is fabulous and "No" it is not mine!

My first project in this magazine is called "Dance of the Dragonflies". It features Vintaj Natural Brass and Ranger Alcohol Inks.

I am very excited to be featured in the "Jewel School" section of Bead Trends this month!

Be sure to pick up your copy of the February Bead Trends Magazine to get instructions on how to patina brass with sea salt and apple vinegar!

New Free Projects at Michaels.com

2011-02-13T00:51:00.000-08:00

Here are my latest free projects that have just been listed on Michaels.com. All designs are made with "Bead Gallery" beads manufactured by Halcraft USA.

Click Here for Red Coral Necklace Link

My original photo

Click Here for Turquoise Heart Necklace

My original photo

Click Here for Turquoise and Coral Necklace

My original photo

I hope everyone likes the designs. Be sure to check out Michaels.com for other fabulous and free jewelry designs.

Bead and Button - February 2011

2011-02-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

Michaels National Ad Campaign

I wanted to share with you my first Ad for Halcraft (Bead Gallery Beads). It is a print advertisement for Michaels craft stores. This ad can be found in the February issue of Bead & Button Magazine. There is a 15% off coupon for your jewelry supply purchase at Michaels.

Here is my original photo. It is amazing what a professional photographer can do.

Antique Tuesday - Plique a jour - Art Nouveau

2011-02-08T12:07:00.000-08:00

Circa 1890 - Retail Value $25,073

Today we are looking at 3 pieces of Art Nouveau Period Circa 1890 to 1905 Plique-a-jour jewelry.

Circa 1900 - Retail Value $4,405

Plique-à-jour, (French for "braid letting in daylight"} is a vitreous enameling technique where the enamel is applied in cells, similar to cloisonne, but with no backing in the final product, so light can shine through the transparent or translucent enamel. It has a stained-glass like appearance and is considered very challenging technically. (From: Wikipedia)

Circa 1900 - Retail $2,914

This example below shows the back of the pendant/pin from the top of the page.

Sorry about last week everyone. I have been super slammed with deadlines. I will do my best to publish "Antique Tuesday" each week. Sometimes it maybe only twice a month. I hope you enjoyed this weeks post.

Please visit Adin Fine Antique Jewelry to see other fabulous jewelry!

Bead Trends Magazine - January 2011

2011-01-26T16:17:00.000-08:00

The highlight designer for the January Bead Trends Magazine is Lorelei Eurto. Lorelei has a beautiful 11 page spread of her wonderful jewelry designs. Be sure to pick up a copy.

My design for January is called "Ice". It was created with vintage crystals, Sari silk and sterling silver.

If you would like to submit to Bead Trends here is the August 2011 call for artwork!

You never know unless you try!

Antique Tuesday - Victorian

2011-01-25T06:27:00.000-08:00

A touch of history ... Victorian parure in Classical style with ancient Roman coins, wire works and lotus.

Fashion in the last quarter of the 19th century was strongly inspired by Etruscan archaeological finds and the Pompeii excavations. Combine this with the impact on the fashion of Egyptian motives caused by opening of the Suez channel in 1870 and then take a good look at this magnificent parure. We see original antique coins, skilfully elaborated filigree work, big red stones and stylized lotus flowers.

circa 1880 - Retail Value $5,768 for the set

It then becomes obvious that the jeweler who made this was not only an excellent craftsman but also very creative in combining the distinctive styles into a typical 19th Century Western European interpretation of different styles of ancient jewelry. To have the piece look even more authentic the good man in his enthusiasm incorporated no less then nine original ancient silver coins.

The age of the coins is around a stunning 2,000 years! It would be too much to describe them all but on the one hanging down in the center we recognize an elephant and the word CAESAR. Gaius Julius Caesar (July 13, 100 BC – March 15, 44 BC) was a Roman military and political leader. He played a critical role in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. He also issued coins featuring images of elephants, suggesting that he favoured this interpretation of his name.

To the Adin experts, who are used to see a lot of jewelry, it was the thrill of the month to find a silver parure from the Victorian era that has such a strong historical and classical expression. Although Adin hardly ever offer silver jewelry, they are gladly making an exception for this parure. This "piece unique" and looks even more magnificent when being worn.

Once again, I would like to thank Adin Fine Antique Jewelry. To see more incredible antique jewelry, please visit their site.

And the winner is............

2011-01-24T10:05:00.000-08:00

Shannon C.

For My Sweet Daughter

Congratulations on winning the bracelet.

Earthenwood Design Team - Bracelet Give-a-way

2011-01-21T10:23:00.000-08:00

Earthenwood Design Team

Melanie Brooks of Earthenwood Studio has formed her own design team and I am proud to be apart of this fabulous group of designers.

Andrew ThorntonGaea Cannaday Erin Prais-Hintz Erin Siegel Heather PowersLorelei Eurto Lori AndersonJean Yates Marie Dodd Lauren from Laurel MoonKristie from Colliebug and Company

This months theme is "Cabin Fever". Melanie sent us lumber components. I decided to make a bracelet and I am giving it away on my blog.

To win the bracelet all you need to do is leave a comment with your email address. I will announce the winner on Monday, January 23. Good Luck!

Antique Tuesday - Victorian

2011-01-18T08:08:00.000-08:00

Victorian

Combo Jewelry

This week for Antique Tuesday I am featuring Victorian combination pendant/brooch jewelry.

Circa 1880 - Retail Value $5,058

The 1880 Griffin brooch/pendant above shows how the clasp actually unscrews to transform into a pendant.


Circa 1890 - Retail Value $2,862

In this Victorian diamond rose cut piece the bale folds up to be worn as a pendant or down for a brooch.

Circa 1850 - Retail Value $7,920

Thanks to a discreet placed system in the back, the parts that enable this jewel to be worn as a brooch or pendant can be easily switched.

Once again, I would like to thank Adin Fine Antique Jewelry for use of their photos and information. Please visit their site for more examples.

Free Projects at Michaels.Com

2011-01-16T17:08:00.000-08:00

Bead Gallery Beads

Michaels Craft Store

I wanted to share with you a few free projects I designed that are now listed on Michaels.com. All materials for these necklaces can be purchased at Michaels. The fabulous beads used in these designs are Bead Gallery beads manufactured by Halcraft U.S.A. Please click the link for free project instructions.

River Stone Necklace

Amethyst Art Necklace

Night and Stars Silk Cord Necklace

Royal Iris Necklace

Aqua Dream Necklace

Antique Tuesday - Victorian

2011-01-11T06:28:00.000-08:00

A touch of history ... Victorian gold archaeological-revival necklace attributed to Fontenay.

Circa 1870 - Retail Price $33,548

The continuous uniform fringe decorated with beads, wirework and florettes of this necklace is typical for the work of Eugène Fontenay. A demi-parure of very similar design is illustrated in French Jewelry of the Nineteenth Century, Henri Vever, translated by Katherine Purcell, p. 643. and a similar necklace plus matching earrings were sold at Sotheby's for $52,000 (Important Jewels auction, New York, February 2008 sale N08410, lot 110).

Eugène Fontenay (1823-87) was one of the foremost goldsmiths in France during the second half of the nineteenth century. He was a great admirer of the ancient techniques of granulation and filigree, and became best known for his outstanding work in the 'archaeological' style. Fontenay was no doubt inspired by the Campana collection of ancient jewelery, acquired by Napoleon III in 1860, and his firm produced much work in the antique style based on Greek, Roman and Etruscan examples.

Back of Necklace

Eugène Fontenay, son of goldsmith Prosper Fontenay, founded his own workshop on the rue Favart, Paris, in 1847. By the 1850s he had achieved considerable success, culminating in the execution of a tiara for the Empress Eugènie in 1858. However, it is his work of the 1860s for which he is most renowned. Called the "archaeological style," Fontenay's pieces were influenced by ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan examples, and were certainly inspired by the 1860 arrival in Paris of the Campana Collection, ancient jewelry purchased by Napoleon III. In addition to exquisite gold work, Fontenay collaborated with the enamelist Eugène Richet on a series of jewelry containing enameled plaques which employed antique themes and an antique style. He received a gold medal at the 1867 Paris World Exhibition for his work in this style, and counted among his many prominent clients the Viceroy of Egypt, the Shah of Persia and the King of Siam.

I would like to thank Adin Fine Antique Jewelry for providing the information and photos.

I hope you enjoy today's "Antique Tuesday".

A Jewelry Accord

2011-01-05T08:23:00.000-08:00

Please head over to the "A Jewelry Accord" blog to check out my interview and some of my new designs. While you are there please click the follow button! The book is due out in spring 2012.

Here is a sneak peak at one of my designs.

All of these new designs are listed in my Etsy Shop.

Antique Tuesday - Art Deco

2011-01-04T00:00:00.000-08:00


Please note this bracelet is Art Deco STYLE - Circa 1955 - Retail Value $30,733

The Art Deco style is a very famous and popular art movement that had a lot influence in the world of jewelry. Art Deco was introduced in the 1920s as protest against the Art Nouveau style. Art Deco ended in the 1930s. The style emphasized a very abstract design with geometric patterns and as most favorite colors: black (onyx), blue (sapphire), green (emerald), white (diamond) and red (coral). The baguette and emerald-cuts, which had been developed in the nineteenth century, where very popular in the 1920s because they blended so much with the geometrical lines of the Art Deco style.

Circa 1930 - Retail Value $2,606

Most of the Art Deco jewelry has a very luxury design. This is because of the large amount of money that was made in the war of 1914. All this money gave the opportunity to buy the best fashionable materials like: diamonds, platinum, red gold and yellow gold for the design of the jewels. Of course there are a lot of beautiful but less priced jewels in the Art Deco movement. Years later in the 1960s and 1970s Art Deco came back as a very popular decorative art. Even nowadays you can see that Art Deco style has great influence on our designing in all kind of branches.

Circa 1925 - Retail Value $26,056

The initial movement was called Style Moderne. The term Art Deco was derived from the Exposition of 1925, though it was not until the late 1960s that this term was coined by art historian Bevis Hillier, and popularized by his 1968 book Art Deco of the 20s and 30s. In the summer of 1969, Hillier conceived organizing an exhibition called Art Deco at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, which took place from July to September 1971. After this event, interest in Art Deco peaked with the publication of Hillier's 1971 book The World of Art Deco, a record of the exhibition.


Circa 1930 - Retail Value $10,623

I hope you enjoyed today's blog post. What do you think of the Art Deco Style?

To see additional Art Deco Jewelry please visit Adin Fine Antique Jewelry

Bead Star 2010

2010-12-31T00:17:00.000-08:00

Shoot For The Stars!

I hope everyone enjoyed my interview with this year's Bead Star Erin Strother. Did you like the photo of Erin vacuuming with her trophy and sash?

I have to tell you, I am surrounded by fabulous women named "Erin". My other extraordinary, inspiring friend is Erin Prais-Hintz. She won 1st place in the Under $25 category. Erin is an incredible designer so it was no surprise that she won the category. What is really amazing is that the design was a collaboration between mother and her 3rd grade daughter. Please visit Erin Prais-Hintz blog to read the heart touching story. Leave a comment congratulating the "Tiny Dancer!"

Erin Prais-Hintz and her "Tiny Dancer"

Below are my designs that won prizes this year in Bead Star. I would like to thank everyone who voted in the contest. The magazine is packed full of beautiful designs. Melanie Stafford did an amazing job on this issue.

How cool is this, Erin and I on the same page!

Happy New Year everyone! Please be safe tonight. I am going to Mr. Joe's Annual Poker Party! What are you doing tonight?

Antique Tuesday

2010-12-28T00:43:00.000-08:00

Georgian Mourning Jewelry

Each week I pick an interesting piece of antique jewelry from Adin Fine Antique Jewelry to share with you. This week I am featuring this precious and highly emotional Georgian mourning ring.

Circa 1792- Retail Value $4,532

Georgian Period spans between 1714 and 1837. During this time there was great political upheaval during the reigns of four English Kings named George. Mourning jewelry was common during this period. People often made jewelry with a lock of hair from a loved one.

We have seen the names and dates on tombstones but they rarely move us. This little ring is not the most impressive piece at first glance but turn it over. Read the engraving and suddenly you are transported to a tragic moment 200 years ago…the inscription in the ring reads:

W.A.
aged 4 Yrs
died 6 July
1792
G.R.A.
aged 4 Mo's
died 12 Dec
1792

Then take a look at the top of the ring again and know that the hair used is from two little children from the same family who died in the same year, 1792. One child of 4 years old and then 5 months later the baby of only 4 months old……..

It is an old saying that one is really dead when one is out of people's mind; perhaps it is a warming thought that these children still aren't out of the people's mind yet, not even after 200 years.

I hope you enjoyed today's post. If you have a child please give them a hug in honor of these two little souls who passed away 218 years ago.

Exclusive Interview with Bead Star 2010 Winner Erin Strother

2010-12-22T01:09:00.000-08:00

Erin Strother

2010 Bead Star

Grand Prize Winner

In June of 2009 I meet one of my BBB (Best Beading Buddies) Erin Strother on the message boards of Beading Daily in a Bead Star forum. On her post, she said, “Looking at all the incredible finalists, I’m worried none of my pieces will make it.” This marks the beginning of a beadiful friendship. We chat through phone calls and emails sharing our triumphs and tragedies. Not a week goes by that we do not connect. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that Erin is the 2010 Bead Star. No one deserves this honor more than she.

When I found out she won, I asked her if she would grant me an exclusive interview for my blog. I hope you enjoy interview.

How did you start beading/making jewelry?

I was looking through a big name jewelry catalog, and I really wanted some of the pieces, but they were soooo expensive. Most of what I liked were really simple designs, like a strand of faceted apatite rondelles with a coin pearl in the middle. I thought to myself, “It can’t be that hard to make something like this—this is the same basic thing as stringing macaroni necklaces, but with prettier macaroni! I just have to find a source for the beads and figure out how to get a clasp on it.” I got my hands on a Fire Mountain Gems catalog and it was all over.

How many years have you been beading/making jewelry?

It was either 2006 or 2007 when I started. I can never quite remember.

How many times have you been featured in Bead Star and what place did you come in?

The first year (2008) was the first contest I ever entered. I got one piece in as a finalist in the glass category, and it took honorable mention. The second year (2009) I had 6 pieces that were finalists, and took 1^st place in seed beads and honorable mention in metals. This year I had 7 pieces in the finals and took 1^st in metals, 2^nd in under $25, 3^rd in hearts, and honorable mention in stones. And then the grand prize!

How did you find out you won the Bead Star competition?

I didn’t find out until months after the competition was over. I assumed that the grand prize winner would have been notified a few weeks after the winners were announced. Since I didn’t hear anything, I just assumed I hadn’t won. I came home one day to find a message on my answering machine from Melanie Stafford, the editor of Bead Star. I only remember the first few words of the message—I totally went into shock-- I just stood there with my mouth open for about 15 minutes.

What was your reaction when you found out you won?

I walked around in a daze, muttering “I won Bead Star” to myself for about 3 days. I’m sure everyone thought I was drunk or insane or something.

How long have you known that you were the winner?

I found out right around Labor Day.

Was it hard to keep the secret?

It was horrible! You know me—I have such a big mouth. Can you even believe I didn’t blab it to everyone on the planet?

What inspired you to create the Athena Collar?

I found these great metal components and I hadn’t seen anything done with them before, so I was hoping it would be something different and new. I wanted to make geometric components of connected elements that would repeat throughout the design.

Did you sketch or pre-plan the design?

When I plan too much, things tend to turn into a giant lop-sided mess. My best work happens more spontaneously. I knew the elements I wanted to use, but I did not plan it out—I just started putting pieces together until I had a finished component I liked. Then I figured out how to connect them together.

What will you do with the Athena Collar when it is returned to you?

I’m not sure. Its not the kind of thing you wear with shorts and flip flops, so I probably won’t be wearing it around every day. Maybe I’ll put it up for sale in my Etsy store and see if someone wants to give it a good home.

Who takes the photo for the Bead Star spread?

My fabulous and talented husband George took the photo. He’s a professional photographer, so that was a no-brainer.

What category do you think had the toughest competition this year?

This year I think metals was the toughest, so I am really proud to have won that category. Last year I think it was glass.

Will you enter next year?

Of course! Duh.

Do you have any tips for designers that want to enter the contest?

Yes, I have a million tips, but if I tell them to everybody, then they will have a better chance of winning, which means I will have a less good chance of winning. ;-) Seriously, the best tips I can give anybody are (1) Design a piece that is unique. You will have a better chance of being selected as a finalist if your work stands out from the crowd. And (2) You need good photos! Do not use your cell phone to photograph your necklace lying on your kitchen table with a coffee mug and yesterday’s mail and your cat in the background! Don’t do it!!! I can’t use enough exclamation points here!!!

You are an accomplished, frequently published designer. Do you have any advice for the jewelry maker who is just starting out?

Subscribe to one of the many jewelry-making publications out there. Go to Barnes and Noble and spend some time looking through different magazines to find out which ones appeal to you the most. They all have lots of useful info about basic techniques, and plenty of great design ideas with instructions and where to buy materials to give you inspiration.

What are your favorite beading publications?

Stringing and Step-by-Step Wire are my favorites. I also really like Belle Armoire Jewelry.

What technique or style do you want to learn or master?

I would love to learn more chain maille, and my wire skills definitely need improvement. My wire-work looks like a 5 year-old did it. I pretend that’s on purpose…

Now that you have won Bead Star, what are you going to do next?

I’m going to Disneyland, baby! I’ll be the one walking around muttering, “I won Bead Star” to myself.

You can contact Erin at

Etsy: www.studioEgallery.etsy.com

website: www.studioEgraphics.com

Are you entering Bead Star in 2011? What is your favorite category?

Antique Tuesday

2010-12-21T01:10:00.000-08:00

Tips - How To Date Earrings

Adin Fine Antique Jewelry

Circa 1830 - Retail Value $2,564

When dating a pair of vintage or antique earrings, the first clue that you will look at are the earring findings. These findings can be dated and will indicate when the earrings were made.

Please note that antique wires can break. There are many pieces that have been updated/repaired. The earrings can actually be older than the finding portrays. If you have a similar situation you will need to refer to the motifs, materials and embellishments to date the piece. Please look at ear clips below as an example. The entire earring should be taken into account when dating a piece.

Fish hook or Sheppard Crook earring findings are the earliest type of ear wire.

Adin Fine Antique Jewelry - Fish Hook

Circa 1750 - Retail Value $4,799

Kidney wires are very popular today and have been traced back to the 1870's.

Adin Fine Antique Jewelry - Kidney Wires

Circa 1880 - Retail Value $296

Lever Back Pierced Earrings date to circa 1880. This type of finding features a fish hook style wire with a little lever that secures the earring.

Adin Fine Antique Jewelry - Lever Back

Circa 1880 - Retail Value - $427

Threaded studs are circa 1890's. The threaded studs still used today have a smaller diameter and the nut is usually lighter in weight.

New Example

Screw backs came on the scene around 1909. They reached their peak in popularity in the 1950's. Although they are still used today, it is uncommon to see this type of finding on new pieces.

Circa 1950 example

Ear Clips date back to the 1930's. The first patient was in 1934. Clips were extremely popular in the 1950's and 1960's. They are still are used today and come in many styles.

The set of earrings shown below is a classic example of an antique pair of earrings (circa 1850) that have been altered. The clip finding dates to the 1930's. Therefore, someone has repaired/replaced the fish hooks with ear clips after 1930. Please take this fact into account when you are dating a piece.

Adin Fine Antique Jewelry - Ear Clips

Circa 1850 - Retail Value $2,169

Adin Fine Antique Jewelry has been kind enough to allow me the use of their photos and information from their web site. Please be sure to stop by their site. They have phenomenal antique jewelry.

If you are in need of a great book regarding antique jewelry C. Jeanenne Bell's "Old Jewelry" is the best!

Let me know what you think of "Antique Tuesday". Is this subject something you would be interested in reading about? Did you find the information helpful?

Etsy Treasury

2010-12-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

An Affaire To Remember

Heartsabustin just found out that she is going to be in the Spring 2011 issue of Jewelry Affaire Magazine. To celebrate, she featured myself and some of the other talented ladies who have appeared in the magazine's past issues. She also included a few of her personal favorites from Etsy.

If you get a chance check out her treasury "An Affaire To Remember."

Are you ready for Christmas? I still have a few loose ends to wrap up (Ha, wrap up).

Santa Baby

2010-12-17T18:51:00.000-08:00

Hurry Down the Chimney Tonight

I love primitive folk art. Vintage or recently crafted, I find the rudimentary elements of a piece extremely charming.

These four Jolly fellas were created by me about 10 years ago.

One day when I was antique shopping I came across four vintage Santa chocolate molds. I decided to buy the molds and use them to create my Santa's. The molds are a perfect for Paper Mache' Clay.

The clay takes about one week to dry. After the drying period they are painted, antiqued and sprayed with matte varnished to seal the pieces. I then brushed white glue in specific areas and added the Icy Flake Diamond Dust.

Have you ever created any special holiday decorations? If so, what have you crafted? I would love to read all about it.

All Wired Up

2010-12-15T16:21:00.000-08:00

Wire-crafted jewelry is truly an art. The Phoenicians are the first civilization credited with creating jewelry from wire some 5000 years ago. There are many examples of wire jewelry in ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt. Pieces have been found in the tombs of the Pharaohs. Very few special tools are required to turn wire into a piece of jewelry you would be proud to wear or sell. The artist bends, twists, and cuts the wire to create a beautiful piece of jewelry that is literally held together by a "string" of wire. I prefer to use wire in my jewelry designs because is is sturdy: There is little fear of breakage and the pieces never have to be restrung. When I design on of these pieces, I feel as if I am creating heirloom jewelry for the future.

Belle Armoire Jewelry Winter 2011

My second set of stepped out photos.

I am really excited about Jodi Bombardier new book Weave, Wrap, Coil: Creating Artisan Wire Jewelry. Have any of you purchased Jodi's book yet? It is on my Santa list. I can't wait to see her techniques in this book.

Birds Of A Feather

2010-12-13T15:56:00.000-08:00

Art Clay Silver

Birdhouses

My flight to create birdhouses started a couple of years ago when I took an introductory class into Art Clay Silver. I played around with it for a few months, then I lost interest. Over Christmas break 2009, while making gingerbread houses with my children, I wondered if I could take this technique and create a birdhouse out of ACS. Winter turned into spring, and I ended up wandering through a bead shop in Palm Springs, California. As fate would have it, gleaming in the case was a tiny ACS birdhouse. "Who made this fabulous creation?" I had asked the clerk. She told me that the owner had bought the piece at a bead show back East, but she didn't know the artist's name. After examining the piece, I knew I had to try out my "gingerbread theory." Here is my salute to that unknown artist living somewhere on the East Coast. She/he inspired me to create my own line of ACS bird houses. Thank you whoever you are. You're proof that birds of a feather really do flock together.

The birdhouse can be found in the Winter Issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry Magazine.

My first set of stepped out photos.

I am thinking of selling one or two of the birdhouses in my Etsy shop. I cannot part with all three! Which one do you think I should keep?

Enter Sisterhood of The Traveling Bead Box on Cindy Wimmer's Blog!

2010-12-12T01:46:00.000-08:00

Go To Cindy Wimmer's Blog

Enter To Win The

Sisterhood Of The Traveling Bead Box

Here is an excerpt from Cindy's Blog

For those of you that may be stopping and by and the “traveling bead box” is something foreign, I’d love to share with you a link to the original post! It was fun to go back and see how this traveling phenomenon all began. Beginning with a studio destash, Heather Powers set this creative Give Away in motion. Heather boxed up all sorts of beads and placed them in a small flat-rate box, ready to travel around the U.S. The box has grown and now warrants a medium flat rate box. When the Sister received the box, she simply selected beads and then replaced them with beads from her own stash that were of comparable value. I was happy to join the Sisterhood as the 11th bead box recipient. Here’s a look at where the box has been so far (thank you, Becky for compiling this):

1. ? The Founding Sister ? Heather Powers of Humble Beads- San Antonio, TX.

2. Mikki Ferrugiaro of MFD Beadwork Originals- UT.

3. Nancy Dale of NED Bead -Vermont.

4. Hanna Rosner of Good River Gallery- NM

5. Chris Neit of Good Quill Hunting-Maine

6. Sandy Spivey of Sandy’s Treasure- California

7. Katie Nelson of Katie’s Creations- TX

8. Kristie Roeder of Artisan Clay- PA

9. Lorelei Eurto of Lorelei Eurto Jewelry- New York State

10. Becky Caldwell of The Gritty Bird- North Carolina

11. Cindy Wimmer of sweet bead studio - Virginia

Here is a glimpse of the beads that Cindy could not live without:

Cindy's Blog Link

Please do not post comments here.

You must go to Cindy's blog to enter!

Deadline To Enter: Comments will be accepted until Wednesday, December 15th, at 6pm (eastern).

The Big News!

2010-12-10T15:47:00.000-08:00

A Jewelry Accord

50+ Innovative Styles Using Leather, Lace, Ribbon & Cords

I am thrilled to announce that I have been selected as one of the contributors to Lorelei Eurto and Erin Siegel's new book "A Jewelry Accord". Two other wonderful and talented ladies join me. They are Mary Jane Dodd and Tracy Statler. The book is due out Spring 2012.

We have a fabulous new blog dedicated to this journey called "Jewelry Accord". Please take a look at the new blog and be sure to follow us.

Below is the video announce that Lorelei and Erin made on the blog this morning.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: A Jewelry Accord: 50+ Innovative Styles Using Leather, Lace, Ribbon; Cords
A fundamental jewelry-making instruction book with a focus on the use of alternative materials in beaded jewelry such as, leather cord, suede lace, waxed linen cord, cotton cord, silk cord, ribbons and other cords. This book teaches how to incorporate these materials into jewelry designs using basic jewelry-making techniques such as stringing, wire-wrapping, knotting and braiding.

Bead Trends Magazine - December 2010

2010-12-09T17:02:00.000-08:00

Joolz

My December 2010 submission for Bead Trends Magazine is a vintage style set called "Joolz". The set includes a necklace, bracelet and earrings featuring Vintaj Natural Brass.

Surprisingly, this set is not named after anyone in particular. I picked the name "Joolz" because of the rich gem tone colors.

Bead Trends magazine is published monthly. They have a fabulous on-line edition of the magazine if you cannot locate the publication in your area.

I would love to hear comments about the color combo. Do you like it? Is it too startling? Let me know what you think.

Sneak Peek - Belle Armoire Jewelry - Winter 2010

2010-11-23T18:57:00.000-08:00

Belle Armoire Jewelry

Winter 2010

This issue marks my first appearance in Belle Armoire Jewelry. I am truly honored to be featured on the cover of the winter 2010 issue. Truth be told, when I found out about the cover, I was Christmas shopping at Toys R' Us. I think the shoppers thought I was a little nuts because I was jumping up and down!

Here is a sneak peek at the 2010 winter issue.

I would like to thank Christen Olivarez, Editor-In-Chief & Director of Publishing. Christen, it is privilege to be apart of the winter 2010 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry. I am thrilled beyond words!

Please visit Christen's inspiring blog "The Deliberate Life".

Time Flies

2010-11-16T18:09:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post a few photos our anniversary get-a-way. We stayed at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, California. It was absolutely beautiful and romantic.

I love my black bird photo. We were sitting on the balcony eating breakfast and my little feathered friend flew over and practically sat on my lap begging for crumbs. I adore birds so I like to think of him as a sign of good luck.

Photos from the balcony

Surfers in November

Now I can move on to my son's 13th birthday party. Saturday night we are having a sleep over with Garrett's whole travel baseball team - image 16 teen aged boys! Maybe I will take some photos and write a post about that menagerie. Let me know what you think.

Sneak Peek Of The Stringing Winter Issue

2010-11-12T14:29:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peek of the

Stringing Magazine Winter Issue

The magazine is due out in mid December 2010.

I am honored to have made the cover of "Stringing" magazine two issues in a row.

You can pre-order this issue by clicking on the Interweave Shop.

Make sure you pick up a copy when this issue hits the newsstands!

November Is My Month!

2010-11-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy 15 Year Anniversary!

Today is our 15 year crystal anniversary.

Yes, we were married on Veteran's Day.

Everything happens to Rusty and I in November. We met, married and both of our children were born in November. Even my dog "Demi" was born in November.

I thought I would share some photos of that special day. Below is a photo of myself and "Kimetha" on my wedding day. My November Bead Trends Magazine design is named after her.

I hope you enjoyed the photos.

Bead Trends Magazine - November 2010

2010-11-09T22:35:00.000-08:00

My project in this months Bead Trends Magazine is named "Kimetha". Of course it is named after a family member, my

sister-in-law Kim. She is a beautiful and fierce red head that captured my brother's heart. She does not like to use her real name. I personally like the name "Kimetha" what do you think?

The design features Vintaj Natural Brass, peridot and carnelian gems.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Beads Giveaway!

2010-11-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

Sisterhood of the Traveling bead box-

Originated by the talented Heather Powers of Humble Beads- Heather compiled a large box of beads from her studio, and offered them in a giveaway on her blog. The box has traveled through the hands of about 8 different people!

All you have to do to enter is go to Lorelei's Blog and leave a comment.

Here is the box, all packed up and ready to go to the next lucky beadaholic! Here's what you need to know to play along:

The giveaway: The entire box of goodies, WELL over $200 worth of beads.

The stipulations: You'll pay for shipping: $15.00 for flat rate priority mail.

The rules: You'll take what you want from the box, add in items from your own bead stash to replace the items you took and do the same giveaway on your blog. We'll keep the beads traveling for as long as we can.

To enter: Leave a comment, be sure to include your email.

Bonus: Blog, facebook or twitter about it to enter more than once. Leave another comment letting me know how you helped spread the word.

Deadline: Comments will be accepted until Friday Nov 5th, at 5pm
[the box will then be shipped Monday Nov. 8 to the winner.]

The winner will then have 2 weeks to go through the box and pick out their items and contribute to the box, and then host their own giveaway.

All I ask is that each time it passes hands, the winner will email me when the next giveaway starts so I can enjoy the traveling and help promote your giveaway!

International bloggers: I'm sorry, but due to shipping only those in the U.S. can play along. But I'm suddenly feeling really bad for my non-U.S. blog readers. If you are outside the states leave a comment and I'll also draw one international winner for a bead grab bag from my own stash of beads.

Please go to Lorelei's Blog and leave a comment for a chance to receive the box.

Want To See How I Organize?

2010-10-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

Artist Answer

Marcie Abney of La Bella Joya Jewelry published my "Artist Answer" this week on her blog. My question is "How do you organize". Any beader knows that this is a loaded question!

Please check out her La Bella Joya Blog to see my answer. Also stop by Marcie's Etsy shop to see her amazing seed bead jewelry. Her work is absolutely stunning.

Erin Siegel & Lorelei Eurto's - A Book and a Call for Contributors!!!

2010-10-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

Calling All Contributors!!

Erin Siegel and Lorelei Eurto are writing their first book and are looking for contributors!

Please check their blog links below for more information.

Erin Siegel's Blog

Lorelei Eurto's Blog

CALL FOR CONTRIBUTORS:
We want this to be fun and exciting for you as well! We are sharing this opportunity with all of you here in this beading community. We are looking for jewelry designers to contribute projects to our book! Yes, that’s right, YOU could be apart of this with us and have YOUR work “out there” and published in a BOOK and get paid for it!!! What could be better than that! We have chosen one contributor already, but we’ve decided to open the field up and give some others a chance to be part of this project. We are looking for one other designer, possibly two. If you are chosen to contribute to the book, you will be paid on a per project basis. We would like up to 5 projects from each contributor. Your jewelry designs and complete instructions will be printed in the book along with your name and contact info. You will also receive a free copy of the book when it is published. We are excited to be able to take an opportunity like this and share it. We hope you will be really enthusiastic about this upcoming book project! So, now you want to know what the book is about, right? Well here it goes:

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: A Jewelry Accord: 50+ Innovative Styles Using Leather, Lace, Ribbon & Cords
A fundamental jewelry-making instruction book with a focus on the use of alternative materials in beaded jewelry such as, leather cord, suede lace, waxed linen cord, cotton cord, silk cord, ribbons and other cords. This book teaches how to incorporate these materials into jewelry designs using basic jewelry-making techniques such as stringing, wire-wrapping, knotting and braiding.

Congratulations Erin and Lorelei!

Gaea's Candy

2010-10-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Gaea's Beads and Pendants

Have you ever seen Gaea Cannaday's artisan ceramic beads and pendants? She is an extremely talented clay artist who also creates enchanting jewelry designs that are frequently published in such magazines as "Stringing" and "Jewelry Affaire".

Gaea contacted me after I purchased some of her fabulous art beads. She asked me if I would like to trade jewelry for beads and pendants. I was very honored by this request. I wanted to share with you the beautiful beads I received. Please check out Gaea Esty store, website and blog to view and purchase her creative designs.

One of my local beads shops "Brea Bead Works" featured Gaea's pendants at trunk show last weekend. Below is a photo of some of the pendants I purchased.

Jewelry Affaire - Autumn 2010

2010-10-13T16:15:00.000-07:00

Jewelry Affaire

Autumn 2010

The sophomore issue of "Jewelry Affaire" magazine is now at your local newsstands. Beth and her staff at Stampington & Co. definitely made this issue extraordinary. The magazine is perfect for all skill levels from beginner to advanced multi-media artists. I have 7 designs in this issue.

"Courageous Cara" is named after my fabulous cousin who survived breast cancer. The heart pendant and clasp are handmade by Zoa Art. I love their designs.

"Leann" is named after another fabulous cousin (all my cousins are fabulous). It features lemon faceted chalcedony, sari silk and Vintaj Natural Brass.

"Beth's Beauty" is named after Beth Livesay, Editor of Jewelry Affaire Magazine. She went crazy over this design when I visited the Stampington & Co. offices. So, I gifted the piece to her.

Once again "Shimmering Sara" is named after another fabulous cousin (Wow I have a lot of fabulous cousins!). She is actually my kindred spirit cousin. She creates unbelievable works of art in oil and pottery. Click here to see some of her work "Sara Pescke".

Another family connection "Eau Claire" is named after my Aunt Claire who is more like a sister to me than an aunt. She is a terrific writer and is frequently published. Click here to visit Claire Yezbak Fadden.

Finally, no relation here. "Classic Quartz" is just a simple design created with wire wrapped faceted quartz and Vintaj Natural Brass.

"Flight Of The Fancy" is made out of Czech glass and Vintaj Natural Brass.

Wikio Exclusive - Jewelry Making Rankings for October 2010

2010-10-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

Wikio's New Rankings

for October 2010
Jewelry Making

I was contacted this morning by Oliver at Wikio asking me if I would like to post an exclusive on the October Rankings. I am new to Wikio so I am very excited to have this honor. The rankings will be available on the site later on this week but for now you can only see them here!

Top Jewelry Making Blogs

1	Art Bead Scene Blog
2	Lorelei's Blog
3	Andrew Thornton
4	Beading Arts
5	Carmi's Art/Life World
6	Lampwork Diva aka Cindy Gimbrone
7	Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
8	Earthenwood Studio Bead Blog
9	Pretty Things
10	About.com Jewelry Making
11	A Bead A Day
12	Rings & Things Hot New Items
13	Melissa J. Lee
14	hint
15	Humblebeads Blog
16	Bling On The Blog (Denise Yezbak Moore)
17	Cynthia Thornton of Green Girl Studios
18	Gaea's Ceramic and Art Studio Blog
19	Beads of Clay Blog
20	LLYYNN

Ranking made by Wikio

I am very excited to have made the top 20. It is a honor and I would like to thank everyone who takes the time to visit my blog. If you have a blog I suggest you go to the Wikio site and sign-up.

What is Wikio?
Wikio is an information portal with a news search engine that searches press sites and blogs.
With Wikio you can very easily create pages to follow the breaking news that interests you. Our info is continuously updated!

Wikio is a participative service: you can publish an article directly on the site or comment on an existing item.

You can also vote for an article or a group that captures your interest in order to increase its visibility on the site.

Each page offers an RSS feed that allows you to subscribe to receive the information that appears there in the reader of your choice.

Bead Trends Call

2010-10-04T23:16:00.000-07:00

Here is your chance to be

published in Bead Trends Magazine!

Bead Trends is a series of beautiful idea books. They feature a

great variety of incredible jewelry and bead creations.

Bead Trends (April 2011) Call

Bead Trends is currently looking for designs with the

following themes for our April 2011 issue:

Quick & Easy

Fashion Favorites - Features designs from a

variety of styles and mediums that can be a

personal favorite or necessary staple in any wardrobe.

Birthstone - Diamond/Crystal

Anything Goes - The beaded possibilities are endless and not

just limited to jewelry. What about pillows, table runners,

picture frames, lamps, clothing, candle collars, wine g

lass charms, and home decor?! This category can contain

jewelry and a whole lot more!

Earrings - Beautiful and expressive! The perfect way to

frame the face!

Spring! - Whether using beautiful florals, spring colors,

or natures element like butterflies and dragonflies, these are

fresh styles perfect for the season.

Inspired By...- Designs that were inspired by something you

love including nature, family, memories, art and more. We

want to see your inspirational pieces and hear their stories.

Fabulous Focals - Whether showcased at the center of a design,

creatively asymmetrical, or even on a brooch, focals are the

attention getter for many beautiful designs!

Oh So Charming - Charms and dangles are a wonderful way

to add movement and interest to all types of jewelry.

Teen Trends - Teens have their own wonderful eclectic

sense of style setting many new fashion trends.

If you would like to submit your work to this publication,

please e-mail a photograph, the name or title of your piece,

and contact information to: beadsubmit@northridgepublishing.com.

If submitting multiple pieces, please send a separate e-mail

and photograph for each design.

Deadline for the April 2011 issue is 11:59 p.m. MDT,

October 25th, 2010. All ideas should be your original work

and not previously published.

We will review all submissions, and if selected, we will

contact you by November 1st with additional information.

All pieces will need to be shipped to us directly for

photography and arrive in our office by November 12th.

Your creation will be returned to you insured, after the

issue has been printed.

Bead Trends Magazine - October 2010

2010-10-01T01:03:00.000-07:00

Bead Trends Magazine

October 2010

The October issue of Bead Trends has just hit the Newsstands.

I have one project in this issue "Bel Ami Shari". This piece was named after my friend Shari Vallejos. Shari is a wonderful person. She is a beautiful, strong woman who I admire very much.

I love creating these heirloom designs out of sterling silver and semi precious stones. I am sure this technique must have a name. I call it "intricate wire work." If anyone knows the name of this specific technique, please let me know.

Bead Trends Magazine - September 2010

2010-09-20T22:36:00.000-07:00

Bead Trends Magazine

September 2010

Where has September gone? I have been so busy designing & getting the kids back to school that I have not had a chance to update my blog.

"Frondescence Parure" is my September contribution to Bead Trends magazine. The Parure features a Vintaj brass necklace, bracelet, earrings and ring. Many of the beads used in this set can be purchased at Michaels. I have been designing for Halcraft USA. You may have seen their fabulous beads "Bead Gallery" lining the walls at your local Michaels store. Halcraft manufactures only the highest quality beads at a reasonable price. Next time you are in Michaels be sure to check out the "Bead Gallery" beads.

Lace Is Also Hot This Season!!!

2010-08-26T23:57:00.000-07:00

I love Project Runway. This "Lace" set is in honor of last nights show. Did any of you watch it?

Lace by Denise Yezbak Moore

Other Hot Trends For Fall Are

Pantsuits

Caps, Vests & Ponchos

Fur

Feathers

Pearls

Lots of Gold in Jewelry Designs

Fall Trend Alert - Military Influence

2010-08-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

Military Set by Rustyroxx featuring Catherine Malandrino dresses

Catherine Malandrino Ruched one-shoulder jersey dress
$345 - net-a-porter.com
More Catherine Malandrino dresses »

Balmain Silk-blend tweed military jacket
$6,285 - net-a-porter.com
More Balmain jackets »

Balmain Leather double-breasted jacket
$7,555 - net-a-porter.com
More Balmain jackets »

designer booties - exclusive Designer Mode - mytheresa.com
659 EUR - mytheresa.com
More shoes »

Christian Louboutin Ronfifi 100 Boot
695 GBP - brownsfashion.com
More Christian Louboutin boots »

Lace Up Suede Bootie
$649 - shopsavannahs.com
More Giuseppe Zanotti ankle booties »

Vintage Chanel Duffle Bag
$2,957 - asos.com
More Chanel tote bags »

YSL ROADY STUDDED SUEDE HOBO
$2,295 - nordstrom.com
More Yves Saint Laurent shoulder bags »

JJ Winters Studded Leather Circle Bag
$138 - nordstrom.com
More JJ Winters shoulder bags »

Tylie Malibu Runaway Samantha Black Leather Stud Bucket Pockets Bag
530 GBP - bunnyhug.co.uk
More Tylie Malibu shoulder bags »

Falconiere Swarovski-embellished leather cuff
$525 - net-a-porter.com
More Falconiere bracelets »

Wrap Bracelet: Grey
$198 - intermixonline.com
More Chan Luu bracelets »

CHANEL CC BRACELET
$1,600 - aloharag.com
More WGACA Vintage bracelets »

Adreena Bangle Set
$100 - amritasingh.com
More Amrita Singh bracelets »

Large Gold Crumpled Post Earring
$175 - alexisbittar.com
More earrings »

Tasha Multi Strand Necklace
$128 - nordstrom.com
More necklaces »

Kenneth Jay Lane 22-karat gold-plated Swarovski earrings
$210 - net-a-porter.com
More Kenneth Jay Lane earrings »

Lanvin Leather gloves
$1,075 - net-a-porter.com
More Lanvin gloves »

CHANEL ROUGE COCO Lipstick | Cosmetics | Holt Renfrew
$38 - holtrenfrew.com

Napoleon Perdis Loose Dust Eye Shadows: Beauty
$20 - amazon.com

Amazon.com: Lime Crime Magic Dust Loose Eyeshadow - Enchant: Beauty
$12 - amazon.com

I love this trend! Let me know what you think.

Stringing Fall 2010 Blog Carnival

2010-08-17T01:22:00.000-07:00

Stringing Fall 2010

Blog Carnival

The new fall issue of Stringing Magazine has just hit the newsstands. Danielle Fox and her crew have totally re-vamp the issue. The photos are bigger with close-up shots and the photography layouts are stylish. The issue is absolutely beautiful.

My cover necklace is called "Give A Hoot". My inspiration for this piece was the owl centerpiece was handcrafted by Sandhra Lee. She creates fabulous pendants. Be sure to visit her Etsy shop. I am often inspired by the materials I am designing with at the time. I do not sketch or pre plan my designs. I like to call myself a free flow designer.

My bracelet is number 7. It was created with Vintaj Natural Brass. The turquoise colored stones are matte crackle agate and carnelian nuggets.

I would like to thank Michelle Mach for

hosting the "Blog Carnival"

You can win one of three great prizes:

1. A copy of the fall issue of Stringing magazine.
2. A handmade porcelain pendant and coordinating beads by Gaea.
3. A small goodie pack of filigree, gemstones and other findings from Rings & Things.

All you have to do is leave a comment on my blog or any of the blogs listed below. Please check Michelle's blog for rules.

Below is a list of the fall Stringing contributors that are participating in the "Blog Carnival." Please visit their site for more information on their designs that are featured in this issue.

Kristy Abner

Kelly Angeley

Marianne Baxter

Ruby Bayan

Carrie Beckwith

Melanie Brooks

Gaea Cannaday

Lorelei Eurto

Amy Haftkowycz

Beth Hemmila

Tari Kahrs

Stephanie LaRosa

Michelle Mach

Kelly Morgan

Sharon Palac

Anne Perry

Lisa Petrillo

Erin Prais-Hintz

Molly Schaller

Erin Strother

Heather Trudeau

Jennifer Judd Velasquez

Jennifer Zeiger

Would You Like To Contribute to "Stringing" Magazine?

2010-08-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

Here's How.....

Click on the link below

2011 Stringing Contributor Guidelines .

Stringing encourages you to think outside the box! Send in stylish, original designs that will excite Stringing readers.

2011 Deadlines

Spring 2011: Submissions due in office on or before October 11, 2010 ( e-mailed presubmissions must be sent by Sept. 27, 2010)

Summer 2011: Submissions due in office on or before January 12, 2011 (e-mailed presubmissions must be sent by December 29, 2010)

Fall 2011: Submissions due in office on or before February 25, 2011 (e-mailed presubmissions must be sent by February 11, 2011)

Winter 2011: Submissions due in office on or before June 17, 2011 (e-mailed presubmissions must be sent by June 3, 2011)

Please check the link to confirm dates. Detailed information regarding submitting your creation can also be found on this link.

You never know unless you try................

Can I Get A Hoot Hoot?

2010-08-10T12:38:00.000-07:00

My Design "Give A Hoot" made the cover of the Fall "Stringing" 2010 issue. On August 17, Michelle Mach will be hosting a "Stringing Blog Carnival". There will be a link list of contributors for the Fall issue and a give-a-way if you leave a comment on the contributors post. Make sure you tune in on August 16th for all the details!

Bead Trends Magazine - August 2010

2010-07-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

Bead Trends August 2010

The August issue of Bead Trends Magazine has just hit the newsstands. I have one project in this issue "Cangie". This necklace is named after my friend Angie Emerson. The design features Vintaj Natural Brass, glass and lava beads.

You Can Submit Your Creation Too!

Bead Trends (February 2011) Call For Artwork

Bead Trends is currently looking for designs with the following themes for our February 2011 issue:

Quick and Easy
Fashion Favorites - Features designs from a variety of styles and mediums that can be a personal favorite or necessary staple in any wardrobe.
Birthstone - Amethyst
Anything Goes - The beaded possibilities are endless and not just limited to jewelry. What about pillows, table runners, picture frames, lamps, clothing, candle collars, wine glass charms and home decor! This category can contain jewelry and whole lot more!
Necklaces
It's About Romance - Designs for the season of romance, whether vintage or modern!
Semi Precious Gemstones - Wonderful designs created with earthly and organic gemstones.
Inspired By....... - Designs that were inspired by something you love including nature, family, memories, art and more. We want to see your inspirational pieces and hear their stories.

Recycled/Upcycled - We love those innovative designs created by recycling old pieces or upcycling the unexpected!

If you would like to submit your work to this publication, please e-mail a photograph, the name or title of your piece and contact information to: Beadsubmit@northridgepublishing.com

If submitting multiple pieces, please send a separate e-mail and photograph for each design. Deadline for the February 2011 issue is 11:59 p.m. MDT, August 25, 2010. All ideas should be your original work and not previously published.

We will review all submissions and if selected, we will contact you by September 1st with additional information. All pieces will need to be shipped to us directly for photography and arrive in our office by September 13th. Your creation will be returned to you insured, after the issue has been printed.

Bead Trends Magazine- July 2010

2010-07-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

Bead Trends Magazine

July 2010

Tamara's Tweet

I have one project in the July issue of Bead Trends Magazine. Tamara's Tweet features a carved wood focal pendant, fresh water pearls, Vintaj brass, wood beads and Swarovski crystals. This piece is named after my friend Tamara who is very "tweet".

Art Clay Silver

2010-07-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

I bet you did not know that I dabble in Art Clay Silver. I took a class about 3 years ago. Then, it just kinda sat there. Over Spring break I had a renewed interest in the craft. I have 3 designs coming out in "Belle Armoire Jewelry". I am not yet certified. It takes 3 days of classes to receive your certification, I never seem to have the time. But I think there is a class on Thursday on how to make tube beads. I just might check it out.

I just listed 6 Art Clay Silver bird theme pendants at my Etsy shop. I thought I would share the photographs with you.

And The Winnners Are.......................

2010-07-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

Congratulations

"The Best Bead Give-A-Way Ever!"

Winners

1. Lynn Stevens

2. Leslie Gidden

3. Mybrownwren.blogspot.com

4. Winchell Clay Works

5. Lorelei

6. Tins and Treasures

7. Marsha Hedrick

There are 7 winners - I decided to add a few beads to the Sari Silk. The Sari group will be a mystery package. Maybe the winner can post pictures on their blog.

These winners were picked by randomly generated numbers supplied by Lori Anderson, the hostess of the "Bead Soup Blog Party" and then matched to mixed up entry numbers.

This has been fabulous experience for me! I am so grateful to all my new followers. I will definitely have another contest. The big give-a-way will probably take place once a year. I do plan on having smaller contests so check back.

Winners Please Read!!!!!!

Winner number one gets first pick, winner two gets the second pick, etc.

If you are a winner, please leave a comment with your pick (remember the pick is by rank - rank your choices 1-7) and your email address so I can contact you. I am going on vacation today and will be back on Monday. If you do not hear from me over the 4th of July holiday then I will contact you on Monday, July 5th. Congratulations to all the winners!

Happy Fourth Of July!