shiny little things

New Tutorial - the Laced Hearts Necklace

2012-01-27T11:40:00.000-05:00

click on that pretty picture to see the full instructions for this necklace...and the hearts come in:

New Tutorial - the Happy Heart Charm

2012-01-25T14:14:00.000-05:00

These sweet heart charms are made with kimono cording and wire and they take about 5 minutes.

Read the full instructions here.

Kid Craft Love

2012-01-24T19:30:00.002-05:00

Toilet paper owls by Flora.

(I'm fortunate to be surrounded by LOTS of amazing crafty people, some of whom just happen to be children. I am going to post pics of the most compelling projects here as I find them.)

Glam life of the Entrepreneur

2012-01-21T20:11:00.001-05:00

Saturday night...and we are painting the floor (and maybe a few other things!) at the shop.

Stay tuned for the Party Room upgrade!

Location:N West St,Raleigh,United States

Braided Linen Bracelets from Honestly...WTF

2012-01-19T14:35:00.000-05:00

Erica, of Honestly...WTF (our favorite fashion DIY blog) has a new waxed-linen bracelet tutorial that we love. Check out the full instructions here.

It's not too late...

2012-01-18T22:06:00.000-05:00

to go print this free calendar from My Owl Barn.
Here's the link. Go. Now.

ConTemporal First Friday

2012-01-17T14:54:00.000-05:00

Join us in February for a special First Friday when we have 2 free crafty projects for you to choose from. We'll also welcome the crew of ConTemporal, the NC-based SciFi convention as they cruise the streets of Raleigh telling folks about their upcoming event.

Yes, there will be amazing costumes to see and probably more than one person with a dramatic story to tell. The crew of ConTemporal will stop by Ornamentea that evening and join you as you make one of two charming free projects. We'll have a sparkly Swarovski heart dangling charm and a riveted gear charm for you to choose from.

The ConTemporal event will be held June 21-24 in Chapel Hill, and will host special guests including author Cherie Priest, comic book author Studio Foglio and others. Get more information about ConTemporal right here.
If you want to get updates about this even and other First Friday events here at Ornamentea sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.

New Tutorial - the Raindrop Bracelet

2012-01-13T10:06:00.000-05:00

This new tutorial uses some fabulous pre-looped bead chain that I am newly in love with. I like the fact that this chain is hand-looped, not machine looped. That may be a picky detail, but it matters to me.

Machine-looped chain looks too perfect. The loops on this hand-looped chain are round and look a lot like the ones I make myself. They have some variety, too. Not so much that the chain looks uneven, but just enough to make it interesting.

Click here to see the chain.

This tutorial will be emailed out later today to all of our Dispatch subscribers. Do you get the Dispatch? It's a free project PDF that you can download and make. Sign up for the dispatch here.

Elaine Ray's blog

2012-01-12T10:50:00.000-05:00

Did you know that Elaine Ray has a blog? She does. It is part ceramic-bead-how-to and part gratitude blog and both parts are interesting. You can see how she makes some of the amazing beads she makes and you can read about how she does it with such joy.

Click here to visit Elaine Ray's blog.

And yes, those Cascade Glaze beads are making their way to Ornamentea. You can see them in her on-line boutique soon, or join us for an Elaine Ray trunk show on March 16th and 17th at Ornamentea.

Click here to join my newsletter so you get all the trunk show details.

New Tutorial - Caracas Earrings

2012-01-11T20:49:00.000-05:00

These earrings use one of my favorite quick-earring tricks - hoop findings. The wire is already cut, already curved, already pierced. Yay.

You can click on this post title to download the free PDF now.
You can sign up here and I'll email you two projects every week, for free!

New Tutorial - Time Flies Book Locket Necklace

2011-12-29T22:25:00.000-05:00

We've created a series of 2012 calendars for you to use with our Frame Lockets. They have sweet little vintage graphics on them. This Time Flies necklace uses all three of the Frame Lockets plus a Pocket Watch Body locket for extra drama.

And yes, that is colored ball chain. I love that stuff!

See our newest tutorial here.

Fabric Scrap Necklaces

2011-12-28T19:48:00.000-05:00

I've been having a nice stretch of time home with my girls. I've been in the store a bit this week but we had some computer problems that caused my husband (and business partner, and reluctant Tech Guy) to have to work A LOT.

I tried not too act TOO overjoyed when he had to rush in to work while I lazed around with my daughters, making more hot cocoa and deciding what we'd do to occupy ourselves.

See, that's the way it works in our family-we trade off. When he's at work, I'm probably with the girls (unless they are someplace else) and when I'm at work, he's probably with the girls (unless they are someplace else.) Sometimes we are both at work, but not often. There is school and playdates and Grandma, you know, but there are also teacher workdays, and summer break, and holiday break. His emergency need to be at work meant that I had to stay home as we would usually switch off days over a school break.

Which makes me happy. Yes, I love my job but you beady people will be here for a long time. These two girls won't always be nine and five-and-a-half and they won't always want to hang out with Mom for a long, late-December day.

What do we do at home? Well, we make stuff, of course. These fabric necklaces (picture above from Moomah) are on the list for this week. My older daughter wants to incorporate the sewing machine into hers. My younger daughter wants to use bells instead of beads. Me? I'm thinking waxed linen is just perfect for the stringing material.

Get the full instructions from Moomah right here.

Santa Shops at Ornamentea!

2011-12-19T20:32:00.003-05:00

Of course, he did his shopping back in October...but you can come in this week and we won't tell him you were bad and procrastinated.

2011-12-16T19:42:00.003-05:00

One of the blogs I discovered when I did the Share the Love blog hop was the fabulous, felty Val's Art blog. Valerie and I both like sparkly nail polish and she makes the most amazing things with wool roving and a needle. Check out that super-cute snowman? He's adorable!

I know he's technically a Christmas decoration but here in North Carolina we usually don't get snow until February. I think I'd felt a heart on his chest and give him for Valentine's day.

Visit Valerie's blog here. She's a painter who works with fiber. Or a fiber artist who uses fiber like paint. You decide. I just love that snowman...

New Tutorial - Creative Cluster Necklace

2011-12-16T13:18:00.000-05:00

This project isn't ground-breaking. It's a cluster of beads on a ring, suspended from a chain.

BUT you can make this today, using things you have in your stash.

And it would be a great gift for someone. Wearable, easy, fun.

So, do it. Click here for the how-to.

and you could even use beads like these...

Blog Hop De-Stash Winner for Shiny Little Things

2011-12-15T23:34:00.001-05:00

That blog hop sure was fun. I have now have a bunch of new blogs to enjoy AND I have a winner to mail a box of goodies to!

Yay!

So, Renee G, you posted a comment on this pair of earrings and my ultra-random picking system chose you!

Contact me, girlie, so we can figure out how to get the goodies to you!

(facebook, the store, whatever works for you is fine...)

Share the Love Blog Hop....

2011-12-14T16:29:00.000-05:00

Something I love? This necklace by Beverly Gilbert is so beautiful. She's one of the bloggers I have discovered through this blog hop and I'm really sad I can't win her giveaway!

But you can-

Click through to each of these blogs and enter the giveaways. Today/tonight is the last day/night. Tomorrow we announce the winners.

Beverly Gilbert http://beverlygilbert.blogspot.com/
Val Hebert http://valsartstudio.blogspot.com/
Jeannette Cook http://beadyeyedwomen.blogspot.com/
Carol Dean Sharp http://sandfibers.blogspot.com/
Marcia DeCoster http://www.maddesignsbeads.blogspot.com
Cynthia Deis http://shinylittlethings.blogspot.com/
Lori Anderson http://www.prettythingsblog.com/

New Tutorial - Flower Fireworks Earrings

2011-12-12T10:47:00.000-05:00

This new tutorial we sent out to our Dispatch readers last week uses pretty Swarovski Margarita beads set into these flower dangles I love. I have liked this dangle for years...and used it a lot. Isn't it funny how we can return, time after time, to the same component and it always does something new?

Click here to see the full tutorial or download the free PDF instructions.
And don't forget the Blog Hop De-Stash! Read the rules here, post every day for your best chance to win.

Don't get our twice-weekly project Dispatch? Sign up here. It's free and of course, we never sell or share your information.

My trays in the Green Room

2011-12-10T15:13:00.001-05:00

This is my table in the Green Room at Beads, Baubles & Jewels and those are two of my projects all laid out on the trays the production assistant used to carry them into the studio. I spent a whole day laying my stuff out and then getting my make up done. After a day of waiting I was so relieved to finally get into the studio with Katie that I couldn't wait to get the projects taped.

Now I'm heading back home tomorrow morning...the box is all packed up.

My episodes will start airing in May. Of course, I'll tell you when they are showing! If want to see when B,B&J airs on your local PBS affiliate click here.

Don't forget the De-Stash giveaway is still happening...and all the bloggers listed below are participating. Go see them and comment on their posts, too.
Beverly Gilbert http://beverlygilbert.blogspot.com/
Val Hebert http://valsartstudio.blogspot.com/
Jeannette Cook http://beadyeyedwomen.blogspot.com/
Carol Dean Sharp http://sandfibers.blogspot.com/
Marcia DeCoster http://www.maddesignsbeads.blogspot.com
Cynthia Deis http://shinylittlethings.blogspot.com/
Lori Anderson http://www.prettythingsblog.com/

The rules:
Every blogger has her own rules.
On this blog, one post per day, please.
On this blog, hop around and comment on any post you want.

De Stash Blog Hop!

2011-12-07T22:17:00.002-05:00

It's the holiday season and I want to give you a gift. I'm having a de-stash giveaway here at the blog and you are invited. Just post a comment here on the blog (any post, read away!) and on the the 14th I'll pick a winner. On the 15th I'll notify them and the rest of the beady world.

What's in my stash? Well, this photo is just the beginning. The REAL de-stash gift will include fibers from my personal Jars Of Ribbon (I'll post a picture one day this week), beads from my Way Over Stocked beady bins (again, I promise photos!), and maybe even an unpublished tutorial or project instruction for you to play with! It will all fit in a Priority Mail box and I'll mail it to you, free.

International address? No problem. I'll send you a gift, from me to you!
Are you local? Great, then I won't even have to seal up your box; you can come pick it up at the shop and I'll make you a cup of tea!

Doesn't this sound like a great idea? It is...it's so great the all the bloggers listed below are participating. Go see them and comment on their posts, too.
Beverly Gilbert http://beverlygilbert.blogspot.com/
Val Hebert http://valsartstudio.blogspot.com/
Jeannette Cook http://beadyeyedwomen.blogspot.com/
Carol Dean Sharp http://sandfibers.blogspot.com/
Marcia DeCoster http://www.maddesignsbeads.blogspot.com
Cynthia Deis http://shinylittlethings.blogspot.com/
Lori Anderson http://www.prettythingsblog.com/

The rules:
Every blogger has her own rules.
On this blog, one post per day, please.
On this blog, hop around and comment on any post you want.

Flags by Sara Rabar

2011-12-05T08:34:00.000-05:00

These amazing flags are the work of Iranian American artist Sara Rabar. Made of antique textiles with layer upon layer of stitches they are beautiful and, perhaps, controversial.

All I know is that I really wish my art budget was a bit higher this year. I'd love to have/hold/caress one of these.
Read an article about Rabar in Guernica.
See more pictures of her flags at Boooooom!

Local Greetings...

2011-12-04T08:27:00.002-05:00

I've been a bad card-mailer for the last bit. I used to just buy cards when I saw them and mail them to the recipient.

Not their birthday?

No problem, I sent the card anyway.

I am not organized enough to buy a card in February and mail it in July.

But for the last year or so I haven't really seen cards I liked.

The funny, jokey cards all seemed like something I have seen about a thousand times already. The pat images of a lovely Rue in Paris left me a bit cold. I felt like I was wasting a stamp.

Recently I was lucky enough to see some locally-made cards that really got me excited. The collage of images above is from cards by Raleigh-based (and Virginia-born) Julie Williams Dixon. The images really inspired me to stick a stamp on the envelope and send them off to friends and family. I'm happy to look at our card spinner now, to see the fresh vision from friendly eyes.

That Santa-next-to-a-camper is going to hit at least a few mailboxes from my address book this year.

And, in the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you that Julie is a friend of mine for the last decade and a half. I knew she took pictures and had even admired them on her walls. Imagine my surprise when she said 'hey, I made some cards, will you look at them?' I was smitten.

So, she made some cards. Come look at them.

New Tutorial - Cozy Colorwash Necklace

2011-12-02T09:43:00.000-05:00

click here to see how to make this Cozy Colorwash Necklace with our newest hand-painted fiber.
click here to see Elaine's newest bead color, Aztec.

P.S...I love this

2011-12-01T21:13:00.000-05:00

I just saw this collage on P.S.-I made this and it reminds me of these items.

They are all on my studio table right now, awaiting a final home.

I think I want to combine this necklace idea with a tassel somehow...

Maybe right in the center, made of that green hand-painted cotton? Hmm...

anyhow, check out P.S.-I made this. She's makes amazing inspirational collages...

Metal Night - Thursday, December 15th

2011-11-28T20:24:00.000-05:00

Come help us fill the food pantry at Urban Ministries with-
TWO metal-banging projects!
Free PBR beer!
Special Metal-night music by DJ Mark
Klausie's pizza truck will be in the parking lot-
See you there!

Don't forget to bring your canned food donations. Be generous.

A great gift...

2011-11-24T23:46:00.001-05:00

this video is from last spring but we've had a LOT of folks in the store asking how to do this!

Earring Wardrobe Class Video

2011-11-22T23:45:00.000-05:00

New Tutorial - Create Lotus Flower Hairpins

2011-11-21T10:00:00.001-05:00

$20 on the 20th!

2011-11-19T11:39:00.002-05:00

Did you know that the dollars you spend with a local merchant are magnified in your community?
Of course you did! Purchases made with a local business create more jobs for the community, add to the local tax base and keep Raleigh unique.

One way to make sure you don't forget to patronize your favorite local merchants is to add '$20 on the 20th' to your calendar. This will remind you to make some of your purchases at locally owned businesses every month.

This month I am thinking about the holidays and entertaining. I am going to head to the Corner Store at Marbles Kid's Museum for these fun chopsticks. I don't know what we are serving for meals but I think adding these to the table setting will be sure to keep diners of all ages laughing and engaged. The Corner Store is a great place to get kiddo-oriented birthday gifts all year round, by the way!

For more information about the $20 on the 20th program and the Shop Local Raleigh campaign visit this site. You'd be amazed the impact your purchases make on your local community!

New Felt Pin Kits are available

2011-11-18T12:46:00.000-05:00

These sweet felt pins are a great crafty gift for a friend! Each kit makes 2 pins and the felting form and needle included in the kit can be reused many, many times. Click on the picture to see more details.

Hey! I think I see your cat!

2011-11-16T11:57:00.001-05:00

This exhibit in Amsterdam contains a printed version of every photo uploaded to flickr in a 24 hour period.

Every one.

Wow.

The artist speaks of 'drowning in the experiences of others...'

Read the full post from Craft.com here.

New Tutorial - Woven Bead Collar

2011-11-11T10:53:00.000-05:00

There is a new tutorial up for you today and let me just say it was HARD to write. This is actually not hard to do, but the directions involve an awful lot of 'loop through to point (B) and then through to point (C)' kinda stuff that makes my head spin. I have to tip my hat to the talented artists like Kathy King and Marsha DeCoster.

This necklace is made up in round Czech druk beads but you could use Swarovski crystals, or pearls. I am kinda having a love-affair with druks right now. They work really well in designs where you want to see the design, not the bead. You could make this bracelet in colors to match the necklace, by the way.

And right now I want to go make a version of this necklace in black beads...how pretty would that be?

Raleigh's Holiday Shopping Passport

2011-11-07T11:58:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to ask us for a Shop Downtown Raleigh passport the next time you are in the store. This fun contest is back again this year with GREAT prize packages, including a swanky gift basket from us! There will be 5 winners in all with the prize packages all worth at least $250! I can't enter, but you should!

It's easy, just stop in to Ornamentea (or any of the participating stores) and you can pick up a card and a map. The card has 5 $20 spots on it and you get a sticker for each $20 you spend at a participating retailer. You can fill your card up right here at Ornamentea if you want!

The contest continues through December 24th and the winners will be notified on January 3rd and notified by email. Click here for more details.

Nicole Beaded Ring

2011-11-04T22:16:00.001-04:00

This new ring design uses an 8-loop ring base and Soft Flex. There are no crimps, the beading wire is just knotted at the beginning and end of the design. That is why I love Soft Flex. The super-flexible wire just does not act like beading wire is supposed to-but it is WAY stronger than thread.

click here for the instructions for this project

click here to see those fab $3 lockets, while they last

Beaded Wrap with Pearls

2011-11-03T21:42:00.001-04:00

Check out this version of our wrap bracelet I found on The Look For Less. Pretty, right?

Visit the original post here.

See the directions here.

Midnight Shimmer Feather Necklace How-To

2011-10-30T10:51:00.000-04:00

For full necklace instructions click here!

Create a beady wrap bracelet - a new Tutorial

2011-10-28T16:44:00.001-04:00

click here for the directions

Charcoal Casting...something I want to learn

2011-10-22T07:02:00.000-04:00

I think one of the big myths about owning a bead store-or a yarn store, or any supply store- is that you just sit around all day and play with your merchandise.

Wow, I wish.

I do get to play with the beads and metal and ribbon and wire BUT it's generally in the service of creating new classes and demos and projects and articles. I rarely just play with some technique or material unless it can serve one of those ends. I rarely sit in the classroom as a student.

But I want to. I just don't make the time because it seems so self-indulgent. Work, projects, that kind of thing I can DO but just to make something for the fun of it? Somehow I extol the virtue of creative indulgence all day long but rarely permit it for myself. I'm like some tea-totalling bar tender dispensing doubles on the rocks while sipping a plain ole water. Well, except the bartender probably wouldn't whine to you, right?

No fair, Cynthia! I think I should make it my job to 'audit' a class now and then to make sure things are being taught the 'right' way. Hey, that just might work!

If I can make myself behave I'll be in this class soon. I really want to turn some silver scrap into a carvy, sculptural pendant.

Charcoal Casting, Tuesday, October 25th at 5;30.
Taught by talented metalsmith Sarah Tector.
Get the class details here.

Tutorial - Venice Lace Earrings

2011-10-21T10:47:00.000-04:00

click here for the full instructions

Holiday blues...

2011-10-20T19:43:00.000-04:00

I'm busy finalizing our activities for the holidays this week.
It pains me to write that. Not because I don't love the activities we have planned, but because, for Pete's sake, it's not even HALLOWEEN.

and as a retailer, let me just say that I am running REALLY late.

Out here in retail-land we are supposed to be all done and planned out for the BIG holiday season by about, oh, March.
I can't bear to do that.

We wait. We do think about things. And we place some orders early. And we have that Handmade Holiday event in October but still, I am really not so eager to decide on party refreshments for December RIGHT NOW.

Oh well, I am going to just crank down the A/C and pretend it's all Dicken's Christmassy out there...

And if you want to know what we have planned for Thanksgiving weekend, well, check out the classes page...look for the pink horse, and the stamped pendants, and a snowman or two!

Oh, and although I'm all Shop Local I do love Nordstrom's for this window decal:

image taken without any permission whatsoever from the Consumerist blog...so go read them!

Basha Bead Chatelaine Necklace

2011-10-07T12:35:00.001-04:00

This necklace features a large Basha lampwork bead hanging from a central ring. The side charms add a bit of noise to the whole necklace. I'm a big fan of that super-soft chenille rococo ribbon that I used for the necklace and I was glad to fit it into the project. We've been having a lot of conversations at work about our goth-y roots and that ribbon is something that really reminds me of a bit of Victorian mourning trim.

Mmm....moody Victorians...

To make this necklace you need:
1 large garnet Basha bead
1 silver (imitation rhodium) head pin
1 toggle
1 silver ring, 33 mm
2 antique silver pastille bead caps
1 silver lock charm
1 silver ball locket, filled with silhouettes from this template
15 inches of gray and black rococo ribbon
2 basket weave ribbon ends, 1/2 inch
6 links of stainless steel chain used as jump rings
2 antique silver jump rings, 7 mm

Here's a picture of this necklace being worn, from 365necklaces.com.

Elaine Ray Trunk Show

2011-10-01T16:15:00.002-04:00

New Project - Mina's Necklace

2011-09-30T21:51:00.000-04:00

click here for the project instructions

Try It Tuesday with Dainty Swarovski Dangles

2011-09-27T08:00:00.005-04:00

This week, you will learn to make this beautiful pair of earrings using our Swarovski posts for just $3.00! So tiny and fancy! Try It Tuesday happens all day, so come see us.

Raleigh Treasure Hunt

2011-09-24T08:04:00.002-04:00

The annual Raleigh Treasure Hunt, created by artist Lillian Jones, has begun again...
head here to get the details...

New Tutorial - the Kyoto Posey Necklace

2011-09-23T11:58:00.001-04:00

This necklace uses my favorite kimono cording...click here to see it.

Try It Tuesday with Decopatch Bezel Drops

2011-09-20T08:00:00.001-04:00

Haven't used our bezels before? We will show you how in this week's Try It Tuesday project! Come on in any time today and make this cute pair of earrings for only $3.00.

Earring Wardrobe

2011-09-19T14:00:00.000-04:00

We have a new class at the store that I love to teach.

Earring Wardrobe is a challenging beginner class where participants make 7 pairs of simple beaded earrings in just 3 hours. They learn to loop and measure wire, wrap and trim head pins, form and hammer ear wires. They learn the names of the tools, the names of different kinds of beads AND how to do a bit of designing. Whew! I'm tired just typing that, but I love to teach this class because of the joy and multiple 'a-ha' moments I am able to participate in. Taking someone from that 'I'm not crafty!' space to a place where they successfully make SEVEN pairs of earrings that they can be so proud of is really fun.

Check out the video I shot at the Sunday class-

Bead Soup Blog Party Reveal

2011-09-17T10:24:00.000-04:00

Here is a video of my project for the Bead Soup Blog Party. I was paired with Christine Damm and she sent me a challenging two-strand clasp and a focal adorned with her signature layered patterns. The color palette of the focal and clasp was black with red, white, gold and green accents. If you have been around me lately you know that I have a bright red streak in my black hair, so this palette is obviously one of my favorites! The accent beads Christine sent were mostly in the black-and-white family, although she popped a few green jade pieces and some patinaed brass, too. I used a lot of what she sent me but my big additions were the German hand-dyed rayon cording and the brass ball chain. I love the dots of brass with the dotted-and-striped patterns Christine had on her focal and the red, well, that was a perfect fit.

The parts for this necklace have been sitting on my studio table since Christine sent them to me. I can be very indecisive with beads sometimes. I would put down accent pieces and remove them, over and over, until I came up with the final design. The design you see is not the 'final' design I thought I would end up with! I had actually paired the focal and clasp with this rayon cording and these ceramic Elaine Ray beads but in the end it didn't seem like the best design. The flower printed rayon took the pendant from Africa to South East Asia and the whole design was much more feminine and floral. It was very pretty, but it was too summery and with fall approaching I wanted to make something that seemed perfect for cooler weather.

While I worked, I mixed metals throughout this design; brass ball chain, silver machine ends, brass jump rings, silver jump rings, steel clasp and steel beads, brass head pins. The mix of colors in the focal seemed to demand a mix of metals.

I constructed the necklace by cutting the cording strands and gluing the cording and ball chain into the machine ends on one side only. Then I fed beads onto each cording strand and knotted below the bead so that they wouldn't all fall to the center when the necklace was worn. After I positioned the beads along the cording I attached the other machine ends. For this project I used the Beacon 527 glue, which is a great glue that has just enough viscosity to really get inside that cording and around that ball chain. I have made several pieces using this glue and these machine ends and the results are always sturdy.

After I attached the pendant to the cording using jump rings I began adding the ball chain tassel. Watch the video to see the way I attached the ball chain pieces to the back of the pendant with those clip-in chain ends. I also used the same ends to attach the dangles at the end of the chain pieces. I have to say, those clip-in ends make things easy for an indecisive person like me! I moved several of the charms around on the tassel until I liked the effect.

I worked on this design both on my studio desk and, in the end, on a mannequin at the store. I like working on a mannequin for larger-scale, drapey designs so that I can step back and see what is lying where.

Working on this project was a fun challenge and interesting for me. I usually only design with items from Ornamentea and I select most of them so I am rarely pushed to work with an item I didn't pick out in one way or another. There were several other interesting items in the box and I'll post projects using them in future blog entries over the coming months. The first item up on my list is a twisted, coiled bit of steel wire from Christine's husband. It has an excavated, urban look to it that is very interesting to me. I couldn't make it work in this necklace but I have a bracelet idea for it that I'm pretty excited about.

Here is a listing of all the BSBP participants...settle in and visit as many as you can! I'll blog about some of them over the following month.

The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke

1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York

2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson

3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino

4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner

5. Amanda Cargill Austin and Charlene Sevier

6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins

7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor

8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen

9. Amy Freeland and Christine Altmiller

10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare

11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman

12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps

13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka

14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson

15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy

16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price

17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland

18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John

19. Anna Sabina and Erin Siegel

19. Nan Emmett and Erin Siegel

20. Astrid Boyce and Birgitta Lejonklou

21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase

22. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb

23. Barbara Blaszczyk and DaviniaDesign

24. Barbara Judy and Holly Westfall

25. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll

26. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley

27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala

28. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman

29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz

30. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle

31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen

32. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards

33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson

34. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier

35. Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander

36. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye

37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock

38. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone

39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf

40. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi

41. Cherrie Fick and Cathie Carroll

41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick

42. Cheryl Roe and Jenny Vidberg

43. Chris White and Norma Turvey

44. Christa Murphy and Kathy Alderfer

45. Christie Murrow and Dana James

46. Christina Miles and Collette Collins

47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford

48. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis

49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering

50. Christine Stonefield and Dee Wingrove-Smith

51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes

52. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher

53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya

54. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk

55. Cristi Clothier and Kathleen Robinson Young

56. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent

57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj

58. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman

59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald

60. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick

61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner

62. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert

63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez

64. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris

65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith

66. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday

67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman

68. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore

69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones

70. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz

71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim

72. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable

73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag

74. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post

75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton

76. Heather Marley and Terry Carter

77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride

78. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller

79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley

80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson

81. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor

82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen

83. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman

84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy

85. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora

86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg

87. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann

88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay

89. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh

90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski

91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan

92. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean

93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis

94. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt

95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski

96. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio

97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts

98. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker

99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford

100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck

101. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto

102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark

103. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika

104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen

105. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec

106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson

107. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long

108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson

109. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney

110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson

111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger

112. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy

113. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw

114. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher

115. Lesley Weir and Liz DeLuca

116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser

117. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse

118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington

119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton

119. Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter

120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson

121. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir

122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank

123. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks

124. Lupe Meter and Norma Agron

125. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe

126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon

127. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore

128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller

129. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke

130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson

131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum

132. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr

133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp

134. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara

135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James

136. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz

137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi

138. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman

139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper

140. Mary McGraw and Laurel Steven

141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner

142. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners

143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy

144. Missy Rappaport and Mags Sarri

145. Molly Alexander and Poranna

146. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell

147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry

148. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson

149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna

150. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers

151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari

152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan

153. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag

154. Pat Haight and Mary Shannon Hicks

155. Patty Gasparino and Vonna Maslanka

156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe

157. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain

158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins

159. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub

160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya

161. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs

162. Rochelle Brisson and Teri Baskett

163. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell

164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams

165. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin

166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small

167. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner

168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk

169. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley

170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley

171. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman

172. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin

173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor

174. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa

175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton

176. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin

177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones

178. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser

179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk

180. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager

181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad

that amounts to 362 people making jewelry and finding inspiration in each other's stashes! wow! Thanks to Lori for organizing and coordinating this swap and thanks to Christine for the fab box of goodies I got!

Now I'm off to read some blog posts...

Oh, this necklace will be on my other blog, 365necklaces, maybe today!

Bead Soup Blog Party

2011-09-15T21:42:00.001-04:00

Some of the beads I will be using on my BSBP project...I should have already finished it but OF COURSE I got a totally different idea today and had to change directions...

Why does that keep happening to me?

Is someone stealing your images?

2011-09-15T20:57:00.000-04:00

If you post pictures of your work on your website or a shopping site you have to wonder if they are being appropriated by others. Now Google has given us an easy way to find out.

1. Copy any image you are interested in searching for to your desktop.
2. Go to Google and select Image from the top left hand bar.
3. Drag and drop that image into the search frame and in less than five seconds Google will find all the uses of that image AND give you a treasury-like display of visually similar images.

Wild, huh?

Let me know if you find out that any of your images are being used without your permission!

(the Google image search function works way faster - and to me, better - than the old TinEye.com site did!)

Uncomfortably close...or why we need new chairs

2011-09-13T23:24:00.002-04:00

We currently have a 1940's cut-velvet love seat in our store that is very sweet. The idea is that we have a great space for friends to sit while their crafter shops.

The love seat gets occupied most often by men ('tis true!) and as happens quite often they don't know each other. The way the two men will sit next to each other-so uncomfortable!- is comical.

We decided a long time ago to replace the love seat with two chairs. I have a pair of chairs in my mind that would be perfect. Vintage, of course, and upholstered in easy-to-clean vinyl or a bit of worn upholstery. I'd prefer orange.

Am I asking too much?

Maybe, I can find chairs similar to what I want but they are all very, very expensive. Come on, crafty people! Surely someone out there has an auntie who needs to clean out that spare room?

This is our current love seat. Yes, it's for sale, $250. Almost perfect condition, by the way!

this is a close up (sorry it doesn't seem to be in focus!) of the upholstery

this is what I'd like, but old and worn and a bit less perfect...and two would be good!

I'd even take this one...

Or this one...

Can you please check your aunt's attic? Tell her I have some great beads to trade!

EDITED ON WED. NIGHT:
we sold the love seat! congrats to Melissa from Texas...now how are you gonna fit that on the plane?

Try It Tuesday with Wire Wrapped Wristlet

2011-09-13T08:00:00.005-04:00

This week we are doing the ever popular wrapped bangle. It's only $3.00 per project and looks super fancy!

Getting ready for holiday?!?!

2011-09-12T21:47:00.001-04:00

Tracey's making a lamp and I helped!!!

This weird bag is filled with copper tubing, ammonia and kosher salt.

Sound yummy?

Just wait until you see what Tracey makes out of it...I did shake the bag, though!

Watch this video to see our work-in-progress today. Oh, and I also was interviewed HERE by News14.
Yes, I am throwing a party and hoping you come!

YouTube Video

Make a Little Free Library

2011-09-08T10:57:00.000-04:00

These tiny houses hold books...free to borrow, and can be placed in a garden or along any walkway...

I think I need to make one...or get Kim Joris from The FolksArt in Georgia to make me one...

read the entire article here
thanks to my friend Patti Digh for the link

new tutorial - the September Garden Necklace

2011-09-07T08:04:00.000-04:00

check out a new project featuring Swarovski crystals tucked between leaves and blossoms...and that silk ribbon tie? it feels fabulous on your neck!

see the tutorial here

Lillian Jones' magic fusing juice...

2011-09-06T14:23:00.000-04:00

Have you tried Lillian's new fusing agent, Blue Fuse? We have had so many people use it and LOVE the results. This revolutionary agent helps the silver to fuse fast and correctly and Lillian invented it. She's been busy fielding calls and emails from enamel artists all over the world as they play with her 'magic fusing juice.'

Come take a class with Lillian on Friday, September 9th and you'll get to play with Blue Fuse. If you can't take the class, check out Lillian's blog for more information about the fusing agent...

Try It Tuesday with Swarovski Rhinestone Dusters

2011-09-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

It's the first Tuesday of September and we have a lovely project to start of your month! Come in today and make a pair of lovely crystal chain earrings for just $3.00!

new tutorial - the Ximena Hoop Earrings

2011-09-02T09:01:00.000-04:00

create a pair of colorful hoop earrings using chain tinted with alcohol inks and Swarovski crystal drops...

the full instructions are here

sign up for the dispatch here so you don't miss the next tutorial!

Try It Tuesday with Leather Friendship Rings

2011-08-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

It's a two-for folks! Come to Try-It Tuesday this week and you get to make TWO of these cute leather rings for $3.00. You can make one for you AND a friend!

Create easy beaded hoops...

2011-08-29T11:07:00.000-04:00

I love adding a few letters to the bottoms of these hoops. Or keys. Or watch parts. My hair is longer and I'm rethinking the whole earring thing lately.

See the project instructions here.

We have a winner!

2011-08-25T10:21:00.001-04:00

Congrats to Melissa of Beads of Clay for winning our Heather Power's book giveaway. Melissa, send me a message on facebook or here at the blog and we'll send your package to you!

To all other folks who entered if you place an order on the site today through next Tuesday (August 30th) and type in the code CBB500 to take $5 off this brand-new (and fabulous) book. Are you local? Just stop in the store and you can use a verbal coupon to take $5 off your book purchase.

Thank you to everyone who entered this contest, whether on the blog or on facebook or in person at the BeadFest. This was fun!

How we choose the winner:
each entry was assigned a number and we used the fabulous site Random.org to generate a winner...you should use this site any time you need a really random number or for the fabulous math facts they have on the site.

Create a Fabric Covered Neck Wire

2011-08-24T13:36:00.001-04:00

This technique tutorial will show you how to make a fabric-covered neck wire using any of our fabulous cording styles. The sample uses hand-dyed silk cording from Hanah silks, but you could also use one of these new Kimono cords...

view or download the tutorial here
see the new rayon crepe Kimono cording here

Try It Tuesday with Tulip Drops

2011-08-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

Create a pair of flowery earrings this week at Try It Tuesday. This mixed metal combo is quite lovely and only $3.00 to make!

Win a copy of Heather Power's new book!

2011-08-19T15:28:00.002-04:00

Win a copy of Heather Power's new book Jewelry Designs From Nature and a kit of Elaine Ray beads, findings, ribbon, chain and other goodies that will help you make some of the fabulous projects in the book.
Enter to win by leaving a comment here on this post OR by writing 'I want to win Heather Powers new book!' on our Facebook wall. Click the Facebook link in the tab bar on the top of the blog.

Good luck!

See the book here!

added on Tuesday, August, August 23rd
NOTE: Yes, you can win if you live outside the U.S. To enter just leave a comment HERE or on our Facebook page and we'll enter you. We are taking entries through Wednesday (tomorrow!) and will draw the name on Thursday and announce the winner on the facebook page. You will be contacted via your facebook page, your email or the name you use to post comments here.

Why is it...

2011-08-18T07:44:00.001-04:00

that when I am packing for a trip I suddenly can't remember a single outfit I like to wear?

Yesterday I was packing for BeadFest. Five days in Philly. Why was I suddenly struck with wardrobe amnesia?

My clothes dissolved into a pile of mis-matched items and I couldn't find a single white tee shirt or my favorite sweater.

Yes, this is the actual pile of clothes I ended up packing...

Yes, that's a awful lot of jewelry for a five-day trip. I economize on the shoes!

We made it safely and now I'm up early, eager to set up for the show!

Try It Tuesday with Magnetic Collage Bracelet

2011-08-16T08:00:00.004-04:00

This week for Try It Tuesday, you will learn a fun way to use memory wire. This project is a great way to use those stray glass beads and seed beads.

Bead Soup Blog Party!

2011-08-13T15:39:00.000-04:00

This is a necklace made by my BSBP partner, Christine Damm. Her polymer clay work is layered and lovely and I can hardly wait to see what she sends me...

now to go work on her package!

read more about the Bead Soup Blog Party right here

New Tutorial - Filigree Lattice Necklace

2011-08-12T15:35:00.000-04:00

there is a new tutorial up on the website...just for you!
click here to see it
click here to get our tutorials emailed directly to you

Bead Fest Bound

2011-08-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

Ornamentea will be represented by Cynthia, myself, and the lovely, Elaine Ray, this year at Interweave's Bead Fest. Here's a little video preview of all the goodies Elaine made for the trip to Philadelphia. Next week, we'll all be headed up to Philly with a van load of pretty things to share with the beading world. Bead Fest is August 19th - 21st. If you will be there, you should stop by the booth and say hi!

Try It Tuesday with Felted Drops

2011-08-09T08:00:00.004-04:00

This week's Try It Tuesday features felt balls. They make a cute, swingy earring so come on in today and make a pair for $3.00. Heck, make a pair in every color!

Put a bird on it...

2011-08-08T23:55:00.000-04:00

This ring designed by Susan Reynolds features a bird bead by Lori Flanders of LORiOLA glass. Her birds are one of our most popular beads in the store and they are consistently requested by our customers.

This makes me wonder - what is it about birds? Why do we love them SO much? It's hard to click more than a page or two on etsy without seeing a bird-emblazoned tote or necklace. I have seen the Portlandia video. At least eight years ago I said 'wonder when this bird trend will end?' out loud.

And still it persists. Ask any art bead maker who makes birds and they will tell you their birds are REALLY popular. Ask any tee-shirt maker and they'll say the same. Heck, ask anyone who is really into their back yard chicken flock* and they will tell you that birds are really cool/hot/awesome.

Why do we really like birds?

If you love this ring you can take the class this week. Get the details here.
If you just love the bead, stop by the store for a great selection or see a limited color range here.

*I don't know anyone who would keep chickens in their back yard.

Duet bracelet tutorial with the lovely tulip bead cap...

2011-08-05T16:40:00.000-04:00

this new tutorial is available here...

Free earring project from Lark Crafts

2011-08-04T23:30:00.005-04:00

Directions to make these pretty earrings are up now at the Lark Crafts blog.

I really like these earrings, and am imagining them made all in jet seed beads with jet drops. Okay, that's not so very colorful but I am thinking a lot about Victorian, all-black jewelry lately for some reason.

I downloaded the pattern...I'll let you know if I get a pair made!

go get the pattern here

Felted Goodness

2011-08-03T10:13:00.009-04:00

Many folks have asked me, "What can I do with the felt roving?" Well, here you go! This menagerie of adorableness was created by one of our regular customers, McLeod Skinner. She needle felts adorable critters that make people smile. If you'd like to see more of McLeod's work, you should check out her etsy site: milepost13. If you'd like to learn to make your own felt creations, just come in the store! We'll give you a little demonstration. With little more than the wool roving and a single felting needle, you can create your own little creatures.

Try It Tuesday with Wood Mix Bracelet

2011-08-02T08:00:00.004-04:00

This week's Try It Tuesday is a fun, quick summer bracelet! You will learn a few different ways to create bead dangles and leave with a funky stretchy bracelet. It's only $3.00 per project!

Wall quotes how-to

2011-07-26T21:58:00.001-04:00

via Lucky Kiona and I Am Momma Hear Me Roar...

this is a great quotes-for-the-wall how-to from I Am Momma...and I love the way her dad totally helps her frame the project, he's a top-notch assistant if you ask me!

The framing thing is a good idea.

I have about a thousand quotes I'd love to write on our walls but my hubby is a bit resistant to the writing on the walls (and he does LIVE in the house!) Actually, the bathroom has lots of 1920's sappy love poems and just-might-be-suggestive lyrics from songs written all over the walls. In that case I handed him a book of poems and asked him to read them to me. After a few lines I just got out the carbon pencil and started writing. What could he say?

The bathroom decor predates the children. They like the poems (references to roses and angels,etc.) and totally miss the metaphors.

I love small children.

Try It Tuesday with Summer Sparkle Drops

2011-07-26T08:00:00.001-04:00

This week's design is so simple but so lovely and versatile. Wear these sparkly little beauts with just about any outfit! Join us all day today to create your own pair for just $2.00.

The perfect gift for someone...

2011-07-25T21:13:00.000-04:00

This video of an amazing pair of mechanical pistols with teeny, tiny birds instead of bullets is incredible. My friend Charles shared it with me. Sadly, he did not buy me the pair of pistols. Perhaps we aren't that good of friends?(and I am going to to to find the auction price...they sold on May 30th.)

Tutorial - Rockaway Beach Bracelet

2011-07-20T12:45:00.001-04:00

create a mixed-up bracelet perfect for a trip to the beach...see the directions here.

Try It Tuesday with Beaded Vine Bangle

2011-07-19T08:00:00.005-04:00

This week's project uses bright leather, wire, and seed beads to create a fun bangle! Join us all day Tuesday for $2.00 per project.

The only 4 Pop-Dot beads, ever!

2011-07-18T22:30:00.000-04:00

Check out some of Elaine's newest beads for the store...and find out why the Squash Blossom Pop Dot is not to be!(sorry I'm posting this late...there ARE still 3 of those beads in the store as of close tonight...)

New Video Tutorial - Crocheted Convertible Necklace/Bracelet

2011-07-18T09:19:00.000-04:00

Have it both ways! Just click here to see the video...the fab Tracy T. makes your "I don't know how to crochet blues" slip away!

An inspiring new eMag

2011-07-17T11:25:00.002-04:00

Okay, I have to admit I don't usually care much about eMags. I am an old-school magazine reader.

(OKAY, I am an old-school, blog-author-and-online-content-creator-magazine-reader!)

There is just something about print on actual paper that I really like. There is the whole portability issue; I can chuck a mag in my tote bag and pull it out wherever to read a few pages. There is the sharability issue; I can cut a page out and post in on the bulletin board at work for many to see. Yes, I know there is also the whole wasteful-use-of-finite-resources issue. And I know that digital is where it is at (or going to be at) in the publishing world. I'm just slow to adapt.

HOWEVER, that all said, there is a new eMag you should check out. The Everyday Bracelets issue from Interweave is AWESOME and I am not just saying that because Danielle Fox totally was inspired by a necklace of MINE to make a really fabulous bracelet that uses a sweet house bead by Jubilee Beads. OR because the issue is full of Elaine Ray's beads and bead caps. OR because there is a lovely project that features our Japanese Rayon Cording. Nope. I'm telling you that because this eMag has printable shopping lists.

On behalf of all bead-store staff everywhere, I want to say THANK YOU to the folks at Interweave for the shopping lists. Do you know how often we have to try to figure out what that 'round metal thingy that closes' is when an new beader comes in to make a project they saw somewhere? Do they mean jump ring? Clasp? Bracelet memory wire? We don't know. They don't know. Everyone is frustrated.

We want to help the new beaders, but we are as lost as they are sometime. Now if we could just figure out how to make folks USE the lists! ;-)

Thanks for the shopping lists, and the fab projects, Interweave!

Go download your copy here.

More wrap bracelet fun...

2011-07-16T11:09:00.001-04:00

See those wrap bracelets? They were inspired by my tutorial but the super-talented Erica of the art/fashion/design blog Honestly...WTF? took them one step further...check out her version here. Her blog is my new favorite!

And here's the original tutorial with a printable PDF version of the directions.

(and yes, that WAS me squealing all-high pitched when Erica wrote me to ask if she could feature this project! it's always awesome when someone you like likes your stuff, right?)

Granulation with fine silver...

2011-07-15T23:00:00.000-04:00

If you are interested in granulation, enameling or metal working you should visit the new blog, Experiments With Glass and Silver by Lillian Jones. She's got an excellent post up now about how to fuse the granulated bits with a fusing aid. Lillian writes poetically about the very prosaic work of heating and forming metal and her stepped-out, how-to photos are tremendously clear and helpful. Lillian also demonstrates a method for creating silver granules that was developed by Iris Sandkuhler and will give you something WAY better to do with that Fry Daddy you have in the pantry.

here is a link to Lillian's blog
here is a link to her granulation class at Ornamentea, come take an in-person class with her!

*and Lillian gave me a random, 'six-degrees of separation' moment earlier this year when she told me about her friend, the artist Iris Sandkuhler. Iris was a drawing TA in a few classes I took at Ohio State waaaaayyyy back in the late 80's. She has no reason to remember me: I was a proto-goth, black-clad art student in a sea of Doc Martens on a giant university campus. But I do remember Iris; she had such a musical name and seemed so intently cool in the way graduate students always are. I'm excited to see all the things she is now doing in the jewelry and metals world.

Try It Tuesday with Baby Button Earrings

2011-07-12T08:00:00.003-04:00

Teeny tiny buttons, seed beads, and tiered earrings are on the menu this week! Come join us for Try It Tuesday all day or you can watch the tutorial video and do it at home.

Summer Lovin'

2011-07-11T09:39:00.000-04:00

we have a sweet deal right now for folks who order the charm assortment on line!

check it out, here

Inspired by Nature Retreat

2011-07-09T10:31:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite bead artist, Heather Powers, is holding a retreat in Michigan in September that you should attend. This three-day retreat will inspire with the lovely surroundings of Lake Michigan and the autumnal woods. Oh, and there's three days of beading in a porch, surrounded by nature and new friends.

Doesn't that sound dreamy?

check out all the details at Inspired By Nature.

*and if you are thinking, 'gee, I just love Cynthia and would like to send her off on a retreat to show my affection' this would be a good choice! ;-)

new tutorial - the Sunset Silk necklace

2011-07-08T12:32:00.000-04:00

This pretty necklace tutorial can be found here.

Customer Work - Rosemary modifies a technique Thursday

2011-07-06T10:40:00.000-04:00

See how Rosemary modified a Technique Thursday project to include a few Elaine Ray washer beads. I loved the results.

Try It Tuesday with a Regal Ring

2011-07-05T08:00:00.003-04:00

This week for our Try It Tuesday, we will be creating rings with stretchy cord and glass beads. They look fancy but are quick and easy to make! This would be a great project for kids too!

New Tutorial - Spectrum Silk Necklace

2011-07-01T12:49:00.001-04:00

Oops, this isn't actually that new. It's a project we sent out last week in a Dispatch but I forgot to post it here...

if you don't get the Dispatch you should sign up today.

You'll get 2 free projects every week in your email, what's not to love?

See the directions for the Spectrum Silk Necklace here.

I love these Rope Bracelets

2011-06-30T05:50:00.015-04:00

I'm headed to the mountains in a few weeks on an annual trip with friends and, of course, we are busy planning for the event. It's a beautiful week of hanging out in the woods with adults and children playing and exploring and forgetting the regular world we inhabit every day. There will be hikes up the mountain and scooter races downhill. There will be swimming in the lake and campfire sing-alongs. We'll roast marshmallows, skin knees and look for snakes. We've been going to the same place for years and we revel in the discoveries that can only be made in a place that is just slightly familiar.

After all these years, the planning is minimal with the exception of one subject; Crafts. We talk a lot about what crafts we will bring. The adults range from creative professionals to darn-good-amateurs to all-thumbs. The children are generally an eager bunch who look forward to heading to the craft table in the afternoons. In the past we've made resin magnets, painted rocks, made books, tie-dyed clothes, needle-felted animals, folded origami, made tiny clothespin faeries, paper mache-d, wrapped hair and too many other crafts to completely list.

This year I am bringing felting supplies for a wet-felt-a-thon (maybe pouches felted around smooth rocks?) and possibly teeny terrarium necklace supplies, too. I was also planning on some leather for macrame bracelets like this. My friend Nancy found this rope bracelet project and honestly, I don't think I can wait for the trip to make one. I might try tonight! I've been wearing my usual summery stack of bracelets every day (I have this, and this, and this stacked with some stretchy bead-on-elastic ones today.)

Check out the tutorial over at Honestly WTF for a how-to that will help you make your own lovely stack of rope bracelets. They suggest trying it with leather and I think I am going to do just that.

See the post here...

See my favorite knotting book here...

Try It Tuesday with Swarovski Domed Ring

2011-06-28T08:00:00.001-04:00

It's Tuesday! Today's Try It project is this awesome wire-wrapped ring. You get to do a little doming AND use crystal. It's a good one!

I'm not shy about my age...

2011-06-27T12:37:00.000-04:00

and you shouldn't be either. Commemorate a favorite year with this necklace using our tiny brass number charms and a few bits of Swarovski sparkle. The directions are right here.

Jewelry Storage Ideas...around the home

2011-06-21T16:39:00.000-04:00

I love this image I saw on the Art Bead Scene blog. That is EXACTLY what my house looks like. Okay, well, I do have a frame with necklaces pinned up in it. Okay, the frame is just a cork bulletin board (not pretty picture frames with nice cloth) and it's 3x4 feet wide (not dainty and artfully arranged) and it has at least 150 necklaces on it (not just a few, elegantly edited) but other than that it is the EXACT same...

I do get a lot of questions about how I store all my jewelry. My other blog, 365necklaces means I can't display them in this artful way as I have to sort them into Worn and Pending.* I love the idea of putting jewelry out there where you can see it as the art it is.

Go read the post here on the Art Bead Scene for some other good storage ideas that put the jewelry on display.

*I am wearing a different necklace every day for a year. I post a daily picture. At least, I take a daily picture, I post them when I get around to it.

Try It Tuesday with Sweet Summer Necklace

2011-06-21T08:00:00.001-04:00

Summer is TODAY! It's the longest day of the year folks. Well, at least in the northern hemisphere. Celebrate by coming in today and making this sweet summery necklace for yourself. It's only $2.00 for each one you make or you can check out the video tutorial and do it on your own at home. Hooray summertime!

New Collaged Resin Pendant

2011-06-19T16:31:00.000-04:00

I can hardly wait to wear this necklace. It's so pretty and summery and my favorite color-cherry red!
Get the project directions here.
Oh, and about that Facebook contest? We'll give you the details later this week...

Customer work - Bill Wallace Turned Wood Tables

2011-06-18T20:19:00.001-04:00

YouTube Video

Bill Wallace was in the store trying to find the perfect beads to accent his wood tables. You can see Bill's work in Raleigh at the Visual Art Exchange or check out his website at New Light Woodwork