Linky Love

About.com Jewelry Making: Tammy has discovered a new product for creating resin jewelry - Ferido ! It's a two part epoxy you can mold and even insert sparklies into.

Strands of Beads: Melissa ponders what to do when you fall into a creative slump

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton: Andrew compiles a shopping guide of 16 eye-inspired jewelry components and finished pieces.

Art Bead Scene: A visit to Studio Saturday. Colorful sculptural beads take wing on a beadmaker's workbench!

Art Jewelry magazine: Art Jewelry now offers free desktop wallpaper--don't miss it!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts: Marketing Monday-Don't blame the economy.

Carmi's Art/Life World: Carmi finds a home for her big resin bead/bauble.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles: Adding pearls and wire to a cable necklace creates a cool, architectural choker perfect for showcasing an artisan pendant

Jewelry & Beading: Paul Bishop shares his wirewrapping skills in a fabulous tutorial!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!: Jean travels down under and shows you the elegantly glossy jewelry magazine she writes a column for: Australian Beading Magazine!

Simply Beads News

For those of you who don't know, Simply Beads is no longer going to be published after the February issue. Sad news, I know! But, if you're a subscriber, the remaining issues in your subscription will be filled with BeadStyle magazine instead. (Read more about it on the Simply Beads website.)

I'm going to miss Simply Beads. It was really cool to be a part that magazine from the beginning. But, lots of exciting new things are on the horizon, including my new column in Beadwork. I hope you'll join me in supporting the other great beading magazines out there!

This Nice & Natural Necklace & Earring Set from a previous issue is available for free download on the Simply Beads website. Look for other free beading patterns at FreePatterns.com.

Free Beading Project from Bead & Wire Jewelry Exposed

Here's another free jewelry project to whet your appetite for Bead & Wire Jewelry Exposed co-written by Margot Potter, Fernando DaSilva and yours truly (F+W Pubs 2009). From wire designs that defy gravity to innovative uses of everyday findings, there is inspiration for the beginning beader and the experienced jewelry designer on every page.

In last week's post, I invited readers to leave a comment to be entered in a drawing to win a copy of the book. The name that was randomly selected from the hat is Lucie. Congrats! (Lucie, please email me your mailing address at Katie@KatieHacker.com.) This week, you're all invited to leave a comment to be entered in a drawing to win this Connections Necklace from Exposed. It's your chance to win one of my handmade creations!

Connections
Excerpt from Bead & Wire Jewelry Exposed
Design Copyright 2009 Katie Hacker

This week's free project from Exposed is a design that I created using toggle rings in an unusual way. Can you spot them? The toggle rings act as links and echo the geometric channel-set crystals.

Materials
18mm crystal sew-on stone
3 14mm cosmic rings
5 8mm Siam round double-loop channel set crystals
3 6mm clear round single-loop channel set crystals
small silver curb chain
17 4mm round silver jump rings
9 8mm round silver jump rings
10 silver toggle rings
silver toggle clasp

Tools
chain-nose pliers
wire cutters

Instructions
1. Pass one 8mm jump ring through the lower hole on the sew-on stone and use it to connect a toggle ring.
2. Pass a 4mm jump ring through the loop on the toggle and use it to connect a Siam crystal channel.
3. Pass one 8mm jump ring through the lower loop on the Siam crystal channel and use it to connect a cosmic ring.
4. Attach another 8mm jump ring to the cosmic ring and use it to connect a toggle ring.
5. Use a 4mm jump ring to attach the three 2" chain lengths to the lower loop on the toggle. Cut the chains so they're slightly uneven in length.
6. Use a 4mm jump ring to attach a clear crystal channel to the end of each chain.
7. Pass one 8mm jump ring through the upper hole on the sew-on stone and use it to connect a toggle ring.
8. Pass a 4mm jump ring through the loop on the toggle and use it to connect a Siam crystal channel.
9. Pass a 4mm jump ring through the other loop on the Siam crystal channel and use it to connect the loop on a toggle ring.
10. Pass one 8mm jump ring through the toggle ring and use it to connect a cosmic ring.
11. Pass another 8mm jump ring through the cosmic ring and use it to connect a toggle ring.
12. Pass a 4mm jump ring through the loop on the toggle ring and use it to connect a Siam crystal channel.
13. Pass a 4mm jump ring through the other loop on the Siam crystal channel and use it to connect the loop on the toggle ring.
14. Use a 4mm jump ring to attach three 4" lengths of chain to the toggle ring.
15. Use a 4mm jump ring to attach half of a clasp to the end of the necklace.
16. Repeat Steps 7-15 to complete the other side of the necklace.

All crystals are from Create Your Style with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements; chain and findings are from Beadalon.

See the book for step by step pictures of the project!

A Lighted Bead Board & Other Cool Beady Products

So, here's a cool invention: The Artograph BeadGlo. Its transparent, removable trays have channels for planning and compartments for sorting, just like a conventional bead board. The genius part is that the whole tray is lighted from underneath.

I always have students who have trouble seeing their beads in somewhat dark circumstances, so this is a perfect way to deal with that issue. Crystals, in particular, reallly pop on the lighted surface. I can see uses for it outside the classroom, too. It's definitely going on my next trip with me - it will be great for beading on the go! (Hmm...BeadGlo on the Go?)

In other new product news:
• Fabulous Fabric Beads author Kristal Wick has a new line of silk beads - they're beautiful and they're coming to a store near you!

• Lampwork artist Carter Seibels' gorgeous glass beads are available by the piece for the first time at Beadtrust.com.

• Thunderbird Supply Company recently announced a new way to identify their eco-friendlier silver products that come from pre-produced sources: "Earth Silver."

More Ideas for Beading Cones

Remember when I mentioned my new Beadwork column? This month's issue includes quotes from several of my fellow beadbloggers about some of the creative ways they use beading cones and caps. Today, I have pix! Heather Powers, Melissa Lee and Melanie Brooks shared ideas in the column and on their blogs.

Heather from Humblebeads posted three cool variations on her blog. Here's my fave:

You'd expect the bead caps to be the other way around, covering the top of the polymer clay beads. Instead, they become little lotus flowers for her Lotus Lantern earrings. Clever!

And, back in December, Melissa posted these sweet Happy Holiday Earrings on her blog. I love the way the cones mimic the look of Christmas trees in a grown-up (ie. not cheesy) kind of way.

Melanie made this sweet little Party Pixie using a beading cone from Jangles for the skirt. The other ceramic beads are from Melanie's line of handmade components.

I love how these ideas show that beading cones can be used for more than just covering the ends of multiple strand necklaces. It's all in how you look at them!

Free Jewelry Project: Cascade Earrings from Exposed

Here's a free jewelry project to whet your appetite for Bead & Wire Jewelry Exposed co-written by Margot Potter, Fernando DaSilva and yours truly (F+W Pubs 2009). From wire designs that defy gravity to innovative uses of everyday findings, there is inspiration for the beginning beader and the experienced jewelry designer on every page.

Leave a comment here to win a free copy of the book, a CRYSTALLIZED jet twist pendant and some other fun goodies. I'll announce the randomly-selected winner with another free project next Wednesday. Good luck!

Cascade Earrings
Excerpt from Bead & Wire Jewelry Exposed
Design Copyright 2009 Margot Potter

Cones can be used in all sorts of ways and Margot loves exposed wire tendrils exploding out of them like they do in these earrings. This beaded wire fringe is a fun new take on a traditional idea. She wanted to make the colors festive, like a fireworks display. This was a more the merrier situation because the more cones she made, the merrier the earrings became.

Materials
5 4mm padparascha CRYSTALLIZED™-Swarovski Elements rounds
5 4mm Indian sapphire CRYSTALLIZED™-Swarovski Elements rounds
5 4mm light topaz CRYSTALLIZED™-Swarovski Elements rounds
5 4mm black diamond A/B CRYSTALLIZED™-Swarovski Elements rounds
8 gold plated cones
8 gold plated eye pins
8 gold plated kidney ear wires
32 gold plated crimp beads
8 3” lengths .018 Satin Gold Beadalon 19
8 2.75” lengths .018 Satin Gold Beadalon 19
4 5mm gold plated jump rings
2 gold plated small toggle circle ends

Tools
Round nose pliers
Chain nose pliers
Nipper tool

1. Cut 8 3” and 8 2.75” segments of Satin Gold wire.
2. Flatten a crimp bead flush to the end of a 3” wire section. Add a light topaz and a padparascha bead to wire.
3. Flatten a crimp bead flush to the open end of wire. Use nippers to cut off any excess.
4. Repeat process making 8 3” light topaz/padparascha and black diamond/Indian sapphire beaded and crimped wire segments then 8 of each color combo using the 2.75” wire.
5. Take a 2.75” and a 3” beaded wire segment each with a different color combo and thread them on to the pre-opened end of an eye pin.
6. Close the eye pin and thread it into a cone.
7. Keep the wires even as you pull the tail of the eye pin inside of the cone. Use round nose pliers to do this.
8. Keep the eye pin secured as you create a coiled loop flush to the top of the cone.
9. Repeat making eight threaded cones.
10. Create coiled dangles with the remaining beads. There should be two of each color.
11. Attach a cone to a jump ring with a light topaz coiled dangle.
12. Attach a second cone to a jump ring with a padparascha coiled dangle and thread it into the bottom of the first, alternating the placement of your cones and coils so they hang on opposite sides of their jump rings.
13. Add a cone with an Indian sapphire dangle and repeat for the final cone with a black diamond coil. There will be four cone and dangle combos on each earring.
14. Attach the small end of a toggle circle to the kidney wires, using pliers to secure. Repeat for second earring.
15. Open and attach the top jump ring of your cascade to the large end of the toggle circle and repeat for second earring.

See the book for step by step pictures of the project!

Peek Inside My Tucson Shopping Bag

Shibuichi components from Green Girl Studios
The warm patina comes from the shibuichi itself, which is a combination of copper and sterling.
Polymer clay pendants and beads from Heather & Pam Wynn
At the show, I learned that Heather is the wordsmith in the family. Check out her blog.
Copper links from Saki Silver
All those years in Cincinnati and I never knew they were right down the street from my favorite coffee shop!
Etched shell pendants and wooden beads from Lillypilly Studios

Those clever girls are at it again - here are some new patterns mixed with old favorites.

Dichroic glass beads and pendant from Paula Radke Dichroics
Paula's booth is a treasure trove of eye candy. These are just a few of the additions to my growing stash!
Resin pendant and dangles from Taina Hartman
This little bicycle charm captured my heart and the birds are going to make great earrings.
Peace symbols from TierraCast
There were lots of peace symbols at the various shows but these are some of my faves.
Glass ring from Murano Glass Beads

I loaded up on gorgeous glass beads from this (new to me) vendor. Great colors and shapes!

Linky Love

About.com Jewelry Making: Is Etsy passe' for jewelry designers? Is it time to move on? Google seems to think so.

Strands of Beads: Melissa ponders how the jewelry of one's youth informs a designer's style

Jewelry & Beading: Using a bead frame, you can create a special necklace.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton: On the heels of a trip to Tucson, Andrew shares a glimpse inside the annual Swarovski Party.

Carmi's Art Life World: Carmi recreates a vintage embroidered brooch using hand sewn linens.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!: The amazing Margot Potter is coming out with a new book, Beyond the Bead, by Margot Potter--next week! Read all about it, here!

BeadStyleMag.com: A great new way to share our free earring project e-newsletters with your friends.

Art Bead Scene: A kiss inspires the ABS monthly challenge.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles: Melanie is touched by the golden fingertips of creativity, in part two of her earworm inspiration journey.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here's a fun way to dress up your tootsies for a big night out tonight! The ballet flats are basics from Target and I embellished them with brass components, ribbon and Elaine Ray's ceramic beads from Ornamentea. Yummy!

I basically stacked the components together and stitched them onto the shoes using needle and thread. (I should mention that I don't really know how to sew. So, if I can do it, anyone can!) This project appeared in the August 2008 issue of Simply Beads. You can download the complete instructions for free.

Tucson Photo Album

Ah, Tucson in February. It's enough to melt this Midwesterner's heart. Join me for a quick tour...

I taught two classes here and was invited to be a Create Your Style Ambassador.
The new venue this year was sparkly and beautiful.

Lots of new shapes and colors on the horizon.

But, watch out for tumbleweeds! This one rolled across the parking lot.
We wanted to keep it, but agreed that it would be taking the natural/organic trend a bit too far.

There are shows all over the city, with venues in hotel ballrooms, suites and tents.
Here's a rainbow of color at DaBeads.

And, it's not just beads. There are lots of other things like finished jewelry, rocks, fossils,
and all kinds of imports. Here's Fernando incognito in scarves at the Holidome.

There's so much eye candy that it can be overwhelming. I ended my trip with a long time
spent poring over Paula Radke's beauteous dichroics.

Free Shipping for Exposed

I'm back from Tucson and our big launch of Bead & Wire Jewelry Exposed at the Create Your Style with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements Event. To celebrate, I'm offering free shipping* for one more week when you order the book from my website. You'll also get a free CRYSTALLIZED jet twist pendant and a few other goodies, just for fun.

I'll fill you in on news from the show(s) once I've had a chance to catch my breath...but, in the meantime, here is one juicy morsel: I've been been invited along with 19 other designers to become a Create Your Style with CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements Ambassador, which is a big, exciting honor. Yay for sparklies!

*Free shipping is equivalent to $6 USPS Priority Mail. Orders to countries outside the United States are subject to any additional shipping charges.

Linky Love

All the usual suspects in this week's beading blog world, plus, a few extras for good measure:

Shiny Little Things: Cynthia Deis' notes and pix from the Craft & Hobby Association Show.

Humblebeads: Take a peek inside Heather's shopping bag: yummy pearls, gemstones and more!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton: Amidst the preparations for the Tucson shows, Andrew whipped a cute Baby Bird Necklace with a new Green Girl Studios fine pewter piece.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts: Barbe reviews The Fabulous Fabric Beads by Kristal Wick, inventor of Sassy Silkies.

About.com Jewelry Making: Check out our Show & Tell forum folder some amazing jewelry eye candy.

Art Bead Scene: Take a risk in your jewelry design. Why a risky color choice works.

BeadStyle magazine: Erin posted some great new stuff to tie in with the March 2009 issue of BeadStyle magazine

Carmi's Art/Life World: Carmi wishes she was going to the prom with her "Urban Corsage" project.

Jennifer Jangles Blog: Jennifer highlights a few posts to help with your jewelry business.

Jewelry & Beading: How about improving your design skills in 2009?

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!: Jean was interviewed by the fabulous and brilliant Barb Switzer! What an honor!