September 2, 2015
by Tammy
0 comments
The Sept. 2015 Finished Objects thread is now open on my Ravelry group. All types of crafts are cool to share. You can find out the details on how you can enter to win a copy of Coloring Dream Mandalas: 30 Hand-drawn Designs for Mindful Relaxation
September 1, 2015
by Tammy
2 Comments
Here’s a press release from Halstead about its grant competition!
PRESCOTT, AZ (August 18, 2015): The 10th annual Halstead Grant recognizes jewelry design excellence and business strategy acumen with a $6000 award in addition to industry recognition for 10 Halstead Grant Finalists. Finalists receive recognition on HalsteadBead.com in addition to feedback from the judging committee to help build their businesses.
Hilary Halstead Scott, President of Halstead and founder of the Halstead Grant says, “After 10 years of judging grant competitions, we can say without a doubt that most of our past finalists have gone on to successful, long-term careers. This year’s applicants are a select group of amazing emerging artists.” Each group is listed in alphabetical order.
Winner
Samantha Skelton Jewelry Design based in Fairview, Pennsylvania.
Top 5
Bonde: Jewelry that graces the skin and honors the body
ENJI Jewelry Studio: A public statement on an intimate, ornamental scale
Letters to Sarah Metalsmithing: Adornments that celebrate passion and place
Seth Papac: Jewelry to make you feel gorgeous, confident, special, and FIERCE
Tenzabelle: Magical, hand-crafted amulets that tell your story
Top 10
Alexandra Lozier: Natural elements in dramatic jewelry settings
Lucia Pearl Jewelry: Smart, clean, wearable designs inspired by city life
Nicolette Absil: Delicately illustrated jewelry in enamel and metal
Olivia Shih: Gemstone and metal jewelry inspired by bold, organic elements
VIELA, Ltd: Cast metal jewelry imprinted by the forest and the sea
About the Halstead Grant
The Halstead Grant competition began in 2006 to inspire the pursuit of excellence in design and business practices in the jewelry arts community. Applicants must submit a design portfolio in addition to elements of a successful business plan including marketing strategy, production capacity and financial analysis.
Halstead’s mission is to support jewelry entrepreneurs with quality jewelry supplies and great service. The company was founded 40 years ago and is now managed by the second generation of the Halstead family.
August 31, 2015
by Tammy
0 comments
The folks at Pandahall sent me a little bag of jewelry supply goodies and asked that I whip up a project or two. I was immediately attracted to the rainbow of crystals in the package, and of course, most of my jewelry making friends know I love pearls, so why not combine them? For a larger look at the finished necklace, just click on the image below.
Nickel Free Antique Bronze Iron Eyepins, Size: about 5.0cm long
Brass Magnetic Clasp, Nickel Free, Round, Antique Bronze, 19x12mm
Iron Cross Chains, Nickel Free, Oval, Antique Bronze, 4.7×3.3x1mm
Mixed Glass Bicone Beads Strands, Faceted, 6mm
Glass Pearl Beads Strands, Pearlized, Round, White, Size: about 4mm in diameter
The tools used were a pair of chain-nosed pliers, wire cutters, and round-nosed pliers.
1) I began by constructing a chain of alternating pearls and crystals using the eye pins. This included 12 crystal beads and 13 pearl beads.
2) Once I had that part of the necklace assembled, I used wire cutter to cut 83 links of the chain.
3) On one of the ends of the beaded chain section I made, I opened up the loop at the end and slipped on two links from either end of the chain section, thus doubling the chain.
4) Using another eye pin, I slipped a crystal bead onto it and made a loop on the end.
5) On one end of the eye pin, I attached the magnetic clasp (which comes with attached jump rings), and on the other loop of the eye pin, I slipped the center link of the chain section onto it.
August 30, 2015
by Tammy
0 comments
I have already shown off my first Pullip Doll in a short video, and now I’m really hooked on both Pullip and Blythe dolls. I’m even more impressed with the amazing artwork done with these dolls by artists who customize them and turn them into one of kind little works of art. In this video below, Pullip collector Angie shows one of her recently acquired custom Pullips. This really takes these dolls to a completely different level.
August 29, 2015
by Tammy
0 comments
August 29, 2015
by Tammy
0 comments
The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
For August, the Inspired by Reading Book Club read, “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern. See what the participants were inspired to create with this fantastical book in mind!
Cherie introduces some new greeting cards she’s made with her artwork.s/
This easy pillow tutorial uses scrap fabric (from an old receiving blanket) to make a perfect pillow for a little kid’s rest time.
The Crafty Princess takes a look at a new book called “Super Cute Crochet for Little Feet.”
Lost Earring Cleverly Replaced
Eileen lost one of the earrings the very first time she wore this pretty set. Don’t you just hate when that happens?
Snap Out of It, Jean! There’s Beading to Be Done!
Jean reviews the spectacular new book, Fine Art Wire Weaving by Sarah Thompson — what a great design book!
Cyndi has rounded up some of her favorite tutorials from the blogosphere this summer, and most are pretty easy and quick!
Connie has added a new free pattern to her site. It is the first in a series of vase-themed patterns inspired by motifs from vintage samplers.
Check out Mary’s review of the new book ‘Handcrafted Metal Findings’ – it looks awesome!
August 24, 2015
by Tammy
5 Comments
I discuss the book Super Cute Crochet for Little Feet: 30 Stylish Shoes, Booties, and Sandals to Crochet for Babies
August 23, 2015
by Tammy
1 Comment
Coloring Dream Mandalas: 30 Hand-drawn Designs for Mindful Relaxation
I was not really surprised to receive this book as a review copy from the publisher because coloring books for adults is a super popular trend right now, especially among those who enjoy creating and crafting. It is suppose to help relieve stress, and of course, creative people are drawn to colors so it’s a good fit.
This is her third book of mandalas created with the idea that the read/user is able to color inside the book. The designs are all fairly intricate, and many of them also include inspirational saying such as “Follow Your Dreams They Know the Way.” Images she has drawn in the mandalas include dragons, fairies, castles, lots of wonderful fantasy-themed elements.
Wendy is making this a collaborative and interactive book by inviting readers to share their finished colorings on her Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/WendyPiersallArt
And you can also share images through Instagram by tagging them with #wendypiersall or #coloringdreammandalas .
This is a super fun book, and I’m thinking that this and a box of colored pencils might be a wonderful gift for a few people on my holiday gift list.
August 23, 2015
by Tammy
0 comments
Malibu Barbie is back to give a wrap up of the doll crafting experimentation, good and bad.
Do you know how easy it is to whiten plastic yellowed by age? Eileen demonstrates on her Ott task lamp and also whitened a Braun juicer with awesome results! Everything old is new again.
Getting ready for back to school? This easy chalkboard sign is made out of a canvas and is a great prop for first day of school photos.
Cyndi has posted a new tutorial for an older piece she just rediscovered, “Portal to Dreams.”
Connie’s added a new pattern to her Etsy shop called Treasure Hunt. It would be great for an ornament or card.
August 17, 2015
by Tammy
1 Comment
This is the third in a series of three videos where I talk about some crafting experimentation on dolls I purchased at my local Goodwill.
.