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

Thank you all for commenting on my post about giving. I appreciate your comments!

Using a random number generator at random.org - The winner of the book is JAIME!!! So Jaime, email me at barbe AT barbesaintjohn.com and I'll send this off to you!

Seed Bead Fusion Book Review

Seed Bead Fusion: 18 Projects to Stitch, Wire & String by Rachel Nelson-Smith

WOW. I haven't picked up a beading needle and nymo thread in years but this book has me itching to get back to it. How's THAT for a recommendation on how inspiring this book is?

Ms. Nelson-Smith passion for bead work and jewelry making is evident by this book. It is OUTSTANDING. She has combined seed bead weaving techniques and wire work to create some gorgeous contemporary jewelry. I love how she has taken bead weaving and elevated it to a new level.

There are 18 projects, with very detail instructions, photo's and tips. My favorite is the Bhangra Fusion bracelet, the Shiloh Necklace and the Lincoln Street Bracelet.

If you are a beginning bead weaver or don't know how, don't worry. "Seed Bead Fusion" has a complete section on how to do all the beading techniques. Trust me, not knowing how to do a peyote stitch won't keep you from buying this book. The projects are so gorgeous, you'll be happy to spend a little time practicing your bead-weaving before making all the jewelry in the book.

If you are new to beadweaving or a seasoned pro, you will want to have this in your library.

Time for Tea

It was a gloriously warm, Indian summer day in SF and a wonderful day to go out. I met up with Jessica and she took me out for a belated Birthday lunch at Crown & Crumpet. It's a gorgeous little tea cafe, filled with gorgeous things. Anyway, after a bus trip that took 3x as long as it should have we had a lovely afternoon. And I got prezzies!

I've included a closeup on the vintage Welsh pincushion, one of Jessica's new lotion bars (availble soon on her etsy) and this pretty bar of lush jasmine soap.

Afterwards, I came home and started making some earrings and cleaning up my work table. Been at it for hours but you really can't tell LOL. I realized this week, my ID expired and I need to go get a new one. Sadly you can't seem to make an apt at the SF DMV so I'm debating going over there tomorrow or Tuesday. I think maybe Monday might be a bad day to go over, since everyone may want to go on Monday and get it out of the way.

Rob and I did some cleaning yesterday and I filled up 4 bags for Goodwill. Why do I hang on to thick, chunky turtleneck sweaters??? Its not like I go snowboarding or ever visit anywhere that gets that cold. Off they all went, with the vintage stuff that hasn't sold since we moved in and a ton of fabric,patterns and yarn. Feels good to get rid of stuff I'm never ever gonna wear, use or even want.

I also put up a post over at Objects and Elements blog on my Tattered Garden Rings, go have a look here.

and now Bead Bloggers:

About.com Jewelrymaking -Tammy is already thinking about and making Halloween jewelry so she can wear it next month. What about you?

Art Bead Scene - Keep misplacing your ruler? Get one for free!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts - 29 Days of Giving starts with a Japanese book giveaway.

Beading Arts - So, what to do with all those left over seed beads...?

Carmi's Art/Life World - Carmi discovers Free Trade Kazuri beads from Kenya.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork DivaCindy imagines a movie and writes a script.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles - Melanie congratulates Jean Cambell and shares the beautiful piece she made for Beadwork Magazine using an Earthenwood face stone

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio - Check out the beads and goodies Lorelei bought on her recent trip to London, England

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! - Jean reviews Big and Bold, a really pretty book of jewelry designs culled from BeadStyle Magazine

Strands of Beads - Melissa shows off her new "Twilight" choker made with Swarovski crystal from Artbeads.com

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton - The pace is picking up for Andrew and his BIG SALE. Check out where he'll be next and celebrate his birthday with a special 15% off promotional code!

When you feel empty, give.

I have been planning to start the 29 Day Giving challenge on October 1st. Today I decided it I would start sooner. I felt I needed to take my focus off my own problems and onto the joy of giving. What is the 29 Day Giving Challenge? The premise is: GIVE A LITTLE EACH DAY. MAKE A BIG IMPACT. You give one thing away each day for 29 days. Why? Because to see our world change, we have to do something to change our world. If you are interested in join, go to the 29-Day Giving Challenge website.

So for this first day of giving, I am giving 3 things. First, I want to give you all a HUGE virtual hug. I appreciate all your comments, concern and emails I've recieved over the past few days. The support and love you have all shown me has been so wonderful. I thank you all from the bottom of my sore little heart.

Second, I'm giving to myself-forgiveness, compassion and understanding. I've been really hard on myself over things going on with and in relation to my reunion and beating myself up.

Third, I want to give something creative and fun to someone. I have this fun Japanese Beadwork book that I'd like to gift to someone.

I don't know what the title says but it has a number of really cool ring projects, as well as other jewelry items. It's all in Japanese, but the illustrations are enough information for you to make any project.

Leave a comment below between now and next Wed (Sept 30) and I'll use the random generator to pick someone.

I think this will help me stay focused on all the good things I have in my life, not the down times. Life is short, why waste it on feeling miserable?

The Cheese Stands Alone

This is a cartoon drawing of how I feel right now. I don't think its humanly possible to feel any sadder than I do at this present moment. I don't want to get into to it publicly, but know that if I don't answer your emails or calls - it's not you, it's me.

I like Mondays

Monday and time to get back to work! I had a great birthday weekend and did NOTHING!!! Well, I did things but not work things. I got some wonderful gifts including a painting by Nina Friday, and got to hang out with my friends Shoshanna, Mike and Grey. But today, it's nose to the grindstone. I put in a bunch of new jewelry (above) in my space at Artist Xchange on Friday.

Also, lots of great jewelry blog reading!

• Bead A Day Bead-wiring vs. bead-weaving...which do you prefer?


• About.com Jewelry Making Loving some filigree, check out these new filigree jewelry projects.


• Art Bead Scene Art Bead Scene shows off her top art bead picks for this month's Kandinsky Challenge.


• Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts Barbe goes crazy over Mixed Metals book


• Carmi's Art/Life World Carmis creates a necklace using canvas and leather.


• Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva Cindy makes more Through the Looking Glass Nuggets Charms that match perfectly with Frost Links.


• Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Melanie shares her uncertainty about a new dragonfly pendant design.


• Jewelry & Beading Why wouldn't we talk about fashion on a jewelry and beadwork blog?


• Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Bead cones can be used in more way than one and Lorelei shows an example!


• The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Andrew announces his BIG SALE! Check out all the goodies!

Signals and Signposts

I'm a big believer in the presence of divine signals and signposts. I think the universe put them in our lives to help us along this path. They run the gamut from "Straight ahead" to "You aren't alone, keep going" to "STOP YOU IDIOT". Sometimes they are recognizable immediately, other times not.

Last night at 10pm I heard a weird noise and my cat Pearl attacking the recycle bin. I looked over and see a huge dragonfly. This is odd for a number of reasons- 1: we live 5 stories above ground, 2: it was nighttime and they aren't nocturnal beings and 3: we live 4 blocks from the river where they would be living. I took this as one of those signposts.

I rushed over to save it. Pearl is the self designated household "bug killer" and she lives to catch and eat insects. I didn't want to see this beautiful creature become her late night snack. He was a large brown one, with a wingspan of over 4 inches. So prehistoric looking, I wish I could have sat and studied him for a few hours. I kept trying to shoo him out any of the open windows and he would NOT have it. He wanted to stay in and refused to be put out. Everytime I put him out, he flew right back in. He kept landing on my head and shoulder, flew around my work table, sitting on my stuff, etc... It was so bizarre! If the cats weren't around I would have been happy to let him buzz around for as long as he liked.

Pearl was going bonkers, seeing that juicy treat buzzing around and not being able to get it for herself. I must have put him out the window 7 times but he kept flying right back in. I called Rob down and took the cat in the bedroom. He tried to get him out 4 or 5 times and only succeed because the dragonfly flew into an empty vase and settled down in it. Pearl managed to fill her homicidal needs on a poor moth in the bedroom, so she was happy in the end. Mr. Dragonfly is back outside, hopefully safe and sound.

Dragonfly's are so amazing, they have changed little since prehistoric times except they are smaller. I think one of the oldest fossils of a dragonfly has a wingspan of 3 ft. Can you imagine a huge dragonfly that size buzzing around? The sound would be deafening!. I do love them, I have a dragonfly tattoo on my leg and recently had the Dragonfly Baby necklace published in a recent issue of Belle Armoire. The general symbolic meaning of dragonflies are: a symbol of happiness, new beginnings, renewal and change. This is so relevant to my current state of life right now. I've been going through all kinds of emotions this past week, and seeing the dragonfly reminded me to focus on the NOW and all the wonderful things that are happening. The emotional ups and downs that go with a reunion of this sort are jolting, I wouldn't change going through it for the world. It's made me look inside myself and re examine some of my own fears and insecurities, beliefs and truths. It's brought my husband and I closer together and above all I now have one less hole in my heart/soul. I am experiencing a new beginning of happiness through renewal and change.

Thank you dragonfly, for being the signpost to a new beginning in my life.

Book Review: Simply Gemstones

Simply Gemstones: Designs for Creating Beaded Gemstone Jewelry by Nancy Alden
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Potter Craft (July 14, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307451356
ISBN-13: 978-0307451354

If you’re a jewelry maker, chances are you have lusted after a gemstone or ten.
There use to be a time when the only place you could buy an semi precious or precious bead like an emerald was at a jewelry store but now they can easily be found online and in local bead shops. ”Simply Gemstones” author Nancy Alden is your gemstone fairy godmother. She brings back her popular Beadworks series with this book focusing on greating great gemstone jewelry. As with her other books, she makes the process easy and shows even a novice how to create stunning gemstone jewelry.

This book begins with a primer on gemstone basics and introduces the read to common as well as uncommmon gemstones such as Cornflake Pearls, Pink Sapphire, and Black Spinel, among others.

There is over 5o projects in this book and they lean toward simple strung necklaces and bracelets. The use of an amazing colored or shaped stone can make even the a simply strung necklaceinto a masterpiece. There is even a project with black diamonds! And those are available at Firemountain Gems. Not cheap, but still if you want to wear diamonds you can get the beads for under $61!

The book is a great resource for someone who isn’t familiar with gemstones or is wanting to gain knowledge about stones.

Expect the Unexpected

Sometimes you get a feeling that something is about to change, but you don't know what. You are filled with elation or trepidation, and usually a mix of both. You pay attention more and look for symbols or rhythms. And BAM- there it is! It's been a really amazing weekend. I had planned to put my nose to the grindstone and get a bunch of things done. I needed to finish up these class samples and proposals for Art Unraveled,mail a birthday package off to my birthday twin Kecia, work on more pieces for the galleries and work on design team samples for Objects and Elements as well as for AlphaStamps.

But most of that didn't happen, because the universe had other plans for me. Completely out of the blue and by a monumental number of bizarre coincidences, I met the beautiful young woman I gave up for adoption so many years ago. Not completely unexpected as I KNEW we would always be reunited, but the way and speed with which it all happened is ASTOUNDING to say the least. I feel very very blessed in so many ways right now. Everything else I had planned for the weekend was miniscule in proportion. The emotions have been all over the place this weekend -disbelief, excitement, nervousness, fear, elation, joy, etc.....The floodgates were opened and they all came spilling out. For me the shock has worn off, and I said goodbye to a very long chapter of my life. Now, a new one opens and its exciting to see where it goes from here.

Today I actually got my mind to mostly focus on work that needed to be done ASAP, but I'm not complaining about the reason why I did nothing else on Friday and Sat ;-)

I got the AU class proposals done and off. I gathered up some things for Redux Gallery (photo above) and packed up Kecia's box. This coming week I need to get things for Artist Xchange, start destashing a bunch of yarn and stuff and take more photos. Also, I got a commision request this weekend for a Tidepool Necklace so I'll be add that to my "to do" list for the week. Also need to schedule a haircut too!

There's also a ton of great reading to do from the BeadBloggers linky love too!

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A Bead A Day Design ideas wanted!! If you have an extra minute, please stop by to see if you can help Lisa out with a suggestion for her co-worker's designer Italian pendant.
About.com Jewelry Making Copper is hot right now! Find out about a new book review just posted concerning copper.
Art Bead Scene Art Bead Scene's September Challenge is Kandinsky's Improvisation No. 23.
Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi uses chessboard crystals to create a floor for her ballerina necklace. l
Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva Cindy's obsession with bronze metal clay continues. She shows off her new Art Nouveau floral charms.
Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Melanie shares a sparkly crystal and brass pendant that she unearthed while cleaning her studio http://earthenwood-beads.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-post.html
Jean Campbell Jean reviews the new Crystallized Swarovski Elements #5328 bicone
Jewelry & Beading Cyndi has finished another CopprClay necklace and wants to share the instructions!
Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Lorelei is having fun using lots of Lynn Davis components in her designs this week!
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean comes across her "Digg it" necklace--far out! She's like an archaeologist!
The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Matcha green tea from Matcha Source defeats the doldrums and inspires Andrew to create a new bracelet!

Free shipping at Consumer Crafts

I was recently contacted by a new online craft supply company called Consumer Crafts. They are a fairly new website, who pride themselves on competitive pricing on a wide selection of craft supplies.

They do have a broad spectrum of products on offer. Everything from Swarovski Crystals to Airbrush setup to Scrapbook paper to miniatures. A little bit of something for all your crafting needs.

I ordered a variety of Swarovski Crystals to use. I love Swarovski but my local beadshop charge a bloomin' fortune for them, so when I saw the 8mm Tanzanite bicones at 3 for $1.25 I jumped on them. These are 75c each locally (plus tax!) I also got a few other colors to play with and fun things too. The order came quickly and I'm quite pleased with them.

They are offering a FREE SHIPPING code KQ54RHM right now, so now is a great time to go shopping! It expires in a couple of weeks= *Good until 9/23/2009

Book Review: Mixed Metals

Mixed Metals: Creating Contemporary Jewelry with Silver, Gold, Copper, Brass, and More

Mixed Metals: creating contemporary jewelry with silver, gold, copper, brass & more. Melinda Barta & Danielle Fox
Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Interweave Press (May 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 159668092X
ISBN-13: 978-1596680920

Look at that cover! The authors Danielle Fox & Melinda Barta seem to out do themselves with each book they put out. Whenever I get their lastest, I am blown away with how great it is. I think there is NO way they can top themselves with the next one, only to be happily proven wrong. Mixed Metals had me when I saw the cover-SWOON!!!!

The focus of Mixed Metals: Creating Contemporary Jewelry with Silver, Gold, Copper, Brass & More is about re-thinking the way we use metal in our jewelry designs and "mix it up". Utilizing premade metal beads, charms, clasps. chains and other components accessible at any bead store, this mixed metal jewelry book offers 21 boutique style projects that don’t require any metalworking skills.

The components used in the projects themselves are so lovely and unsual. They did a fantastic job of finding the most lush, antique looking, gorgeous chain, findings and beads. While looking through the book, you'll be itching to run to your local bead or craft store to find some of these for yourself! Sadly, I haven't seen most of these type things in my local stores so I'll be scouring the internet with my huge shopping list.

Mixed Metals begins with projects based on each type of metal – Gold, Silver, Base Metals, Faux/other metals and Mixing Metals. Each chapter has background information on that type of metal, from history, facts, common properties to care, and cleaning. The projects have step by step instructions and detailed photography.

There are also techniques for altering the metals by using liver of sulfur, other patinas, and hammering. A glossary of terms, beading & wirework 101 techniques, resources and shopping guide are at the end of the book.

The diversity of the projects as well as the components makes this book really stand out. I think this book will be liberating to alot of jewelrymakers who feel a bit stuck with just using all one type of metal. You won’t be afraid to throw caution to the wind and mix some gold and silver chains with copper charms after reading this book. Every project in this book is lush so I can’t pick ONE favorite out of this book. It's a gorgeous book not only for it’s projects, but also for it’s inspiration and shopping links.

Another book I recommend that should be in your jewelrymaking library.

I'm a Busy Bee!

Today is Labor Day, a holiday to take a break from working. But we artists never take a break, do we?

I've been working hard all week on photos and editing. Since I live in a loft apt that faces Northeast and our windows are in the recessed part of the building (the apts on either side stick out), we don't get any direct sunlight. I have 2 large full spectrum lights for taking photos but really could use a couple more. Anyway, I usually take 4 or more photos of each objects just to make sure I have one that looks good. Sometimes there are things I dont' see until I get it in Photoshop, sometimes its blurry, or weird shadow or cat hair sticking on it, etc.... So I take a ton of photos and it takes me forever to go thru them.

I went thru alot of them and put up a bunch of new necklaces, bracelets and earrings. You can see them on the "new items" page of the website. I've also got another pile of stuff that needs to be photographed, or rephotographed too. I wish I had a photo taking elf to do all this for me magically.

I've also been trying to put together some new class samples. It's hard for me because I assume that everyone already knows how to make everything. I assume you are all brilliantly clever and dont' need any classes! Of course, there are always people just getting started into jewelry/art making who want to learn. What I need is someone to sit here and say "THIS" would make a great class or "I'd love if you'd figure out a class for THIS". My brain doesn't seem to work that way right now. I need to get over it and put together more classes and samples.

I also sent in 2 show applications, fingers crossed. I have nothing set up for the fall yet. I've been trying to apply for a local craft fair, but the application keeps giving me an error message. I have emailed them with no reply-but it is the holiday weekend so I'll try again next week. I may have trunk show here in November too. Lots to think about, plan and do!

And now-Beady Blog Reading Time!

A Bead A Day
Do you have some favorite beads that bring you joy? Lisa is using "inspirational sliders" to make gifts for friends and would love to hear about your joyful beads!
About.com Jewelry Making
What's in a name, the name of your jewelry pieces that is? Here are a few tips to consider when naming jewelry you sell through the web.
Art Bead Scene
Wondering how big 20mm really is? Here's a handy size chart to keep by your computer. It'll help you out!
Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Let's talk about tools! This time it's hole punching pliers and wire cutters.
Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi shows off her unexpected bead finds from a store in Little Portugal.
Cindy Gimbron aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy brings some color to her new bronze floral medallions.
Jean Campbell
Jean's got a cool job – check out what she's been working on!
Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi shares another CopprClay project, which includes making your own mold! Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
While in Philadelphia for BeadFest, Lorelei met up with Andrew Thornton and he gave her some presents!
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews Contemporary Copper Jewelry by the wonderful Sharilyn Miller.
The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew and Diana Ptasynski of Vintage Blue Studio have a throw down! See how Andrew uses Heather Powers of Humble Beads' Polymer Bird-Head Pendant!

Thank you for being a friend

My dear friend Madame Teasley, aka Ms. Heather emailed me today to let me know she blogged about me. along with some other people she likes. Thank you Heather for the kind words and the shout out!!! You can read what she says about me here. I'm gonna follow Heather's example and do a little shout out about some people whose work I love, own or am coveting.

First is Madame Teasley!!!

I have 3 of her art jewelry pieces and hope to snag an assemblage soon. I love love love her series of mini painted canvases necklaces and have one. She has one up right now that is Pollack inspired on her etsy site right now.

Skelekitty aka Krissi Sandvik is next on my list with her happy artwork.

. Her adorable Mexican Muertos Kitties and Puppies are so kitschy cool. My fave is the one of Skelekitty, weaving around a skeleton ladies legs.

My girl Natasha is not only a yarnspinning goddess but also creates these amazing art buttons. Each one is a tiny work of art and all are one of a kind. I have a few of her buttons but not any of these lace ones YET. They are great to use in jewelry or on your clothing. I love this long bronze one in particular, it would be great to replace the top button of my black swing jacket to jazz it up a bit.

Last but certainly not least is just about everything on Starzselection's Etsy store.

I am coveting a great many things by her including the feather piece shown, this huge brooch, the Marilyn fascinator, this aqua fascinator, Red and Black twisted rose fascinator , etc, etc, etc.... She does some amazing work and I just love it.

Please enjoy this virtual shopping tour, and feel free to send me some links you like!