Katiedids™ Design Contest Closing Soon!

Time is running out to showcase your creativity using Katiedids Creative Components! Submit a picture of each of your designs separately to KatiedidsStudio@yahoo.com by midnight May 2 for your chance to win one of these *AWESOME* prize packages. I can't wait to see what you make!

Grand Prize:

Your design will be displayed in Beadalon's booth
at the Bead &Button Show 2011

Beads, Baubles and Jewels DVD set of series 1300

Signed copy of Katie's Beading Secrets

Katiedids Pendant Collection (4 styles)

Variety pack of Beadalon 19 stringing wire

"Buy the Dozen" Artistic Wire pack

2 Honorable Mentions:

Signed copy of Katie's Beading Secrets

3 Katiedids 35mm Pendants

"Buy the Dozen" Artistic Wire pack

Winners will be announced on my blog and Beadalon's blog on June 1. To share the creative ideas, pictures of all entries will be posted on my Facebook fan page after congratulations are announced. See the complete contest rules at Beadalon.com.

Beads, Baubles & Jewels Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek at one of my projects from the upcoming series #1500 of Beads, Baubles & Jewels. My Bead & Wire Jewelry Exposed co-author Fernando Dasilva likes to give me a hard time about my go-to color palette, but I can't help myself. Black goes with everything! I like this cascade style, too, because it works with a variety of necklines.

We have so many great guests and projects coming the upcoming season Beads, Baubles & Jewels! The new shows start airing and the new projects go live at BeadsBaublesandJewels.com on May 6th. Join our Facebook group for updates.

You still have time to enter the Katiedids Design Contest...I can't wait to see what you make!

My New Favorite Color

Don't you love this picture from the new SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Innovations Spring/Summer 2012? I think chrysolite opal is my new favorite color. Here's what they say about it:

"Cool and tranquil, the palest green of soft, new leaves, Chrysolite Opal lends serenity to quiet neutrals and balances intense colors, as well as adding opalescence to fashion-forward looks. Designers will delight in its versatility and the harmonizing effect it brings to the entire palette."



What colors are you using this spring? I just received my advance copy of
BeadStyle Crystals special issue. I have to say, the projects wowed me. Lots of bright colors and big, statement pieces. I love it! I contributed a necklace and earring set that uses shades of pink.

It's Workshop Season!

Bead & Button Show • June 2011

This week-long beading extravaganza is just around the corner! I'm teaching four classes this year and all of them feature simple techniques combined for stylish results. Most students will wear their jewelry out the door! The kits are generously provided by Beadalon & SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, so you just pay for the workshop. There are still a few seats left in each of my classes. I hope to see you in Milwaukee!

• Modern Patina Necklace and Earrings, Fri. June 10, 8:30-11:30am
• Day-to-Night Necklace and Earrings, Fri. June 10, 1-4pm
• Twisted and Coiled Necklace and Earrings, Sat. June 11, 8am-11am
  
• Very Violet Necklace and Earrings, Sat. June 11, 12-3pm

Don't miss these other inspiring classes in May:

Candie Cooper's mixed media workshops at the Honeywell Center in Wabash, IN
Mark Nelson's working with Argentium silver in Albuquerque, NM
Jean Campbell's seed beads aplenty in Newbury Park, CA

If you're teaching or taking beading or jewelry-making classes, please feel free to leave a link in the comments.

Announcing: Katiedids™ Design Contest!!

During the month of April, I'm partnering with Beadalon to launch the first-ever Katiedids Design Contest. Showcase your creativity using any Katiedids Creative Components! Submit a picture of each of your designs separately to KatiedidsStudio@yahoo.com between April 4 and midnight May 2 for your chance to win one of these prize packages:

Grand Prize:

Your design will be displayed in Beadalon's booth
at the Bead &Button Show 2011

Beads, Baubles and Jewels DVD set of series 1300

Signed copy of Katie's Beading Secrets

Katiedids Pendant Collection (4 styles)

Variety pack of Beadalon 19 stringing wire

"Buy the Dozen" Artistic Wire pack

2 Honorable Mentions:

Signed copy of Katie's Beading Secrets

3 Katiedids 35mm Pendants

"Buy the Dozen" Artistic Wire pack

Winners will be announced on my blog and Beadalon's blog on June 1. To share the creative ideas, pictures of all entries will be posted on my Facebook fan page after congratulations are announced. See the complete contest rules at Beadalon.com. I can't wait to see what you make!

Weekend Jewelry Inspiration

I've been meaning to post some of the beautiful jewelry designs that people are making using my Katiedids™ Creative Components. Here are a few. It has been really cool to see my little parts making their way into the world.
This amazing pendant was made by Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor using her faux raku technique. Isn't it awesome? She has lots of pictures on her blog, along with an explanation of the technique. Click the Polymer Clay Tutor link to see more.

Molly Schaller created this pretty necklace using Bead Gallery beads for Halcraft USA. See the rings with the tiny beads inside? Those are my Katiedids 5-hole Components. I love it, Molly!

Debbi Simon demonstrated how to make her gorgeous pavé designs at the CREATE YOUR STYLE in Tucson event and some of her samples used Katiedids 2-hole Components! Click the link for a photo. Debbi also brings her crystal pavé magic to the upcoming series 1400 of Beads, Baubles & Jewels.

I can't wait to see what you make with Katiedids Creative Components! I hope you have an inspiring weekend. Stay tuned for an exciting contest announcement on Monday!