Post Holiday Goodies

The Holidays are now past and the old man year is ready to step aside and let Baby New Year come forward.  I thought 2009 was pretty good personally and professionally, except for the last 5 weeks. Those have been VERY trying to say the least. I should not complain, I have much to be thankful for but I AM ready for a brand new Year with new goals and focuses. I have a fresh 2010 daily planner for my desk and a fancy journal type date book for personal goals I need to sit down with and fill up. The week between Christmas and New Years is when I always do some introspection and planning for the coming year.

 Alot of people this time of the year are busy taking advantage of the end of the year sales. Its a great time to gift yourself things you've been holding off on or didn't recieve under your Xmas tree. I haven't seen alot of great commercial retail sales or giveaways to entice me, but there are lots of independent things going on.  I've marked everything on the Saints and Sinners site 20% off until Jan 1.  My girl Shoshana at Hannah Grey Curiosities & Drygoods has LOTS of interesting collage/mixed media supplies and goodies on sale. They are also offering free shipping on orders $30 or more placed through midnight, EST on January 1. Enter the code XMAS2009 at check out.   My friend Krissi aka Skelekitty has complied a list of independent businesses with after Christmas sales for you to spend your holiday money at.

Theres also a number of giveaways going on if you are low on funds right now.

AlphaStamps has some sales going on right now as well is doing a "9 Days of Giveaways!" on the blog. Lots of chances to win but its already day 2 so hurry over and see all the great goodies you could win. For full contest rules, click here.

Sew Sweet Stitches has doing her first giveway for a gorgeous Coffee Cozy! This pretty will brighten up your morning joe!   Also Pinky Doodle Designs will be hosting its first give-away of a lovely quilted tote bag. You get to pick the color of your choice too (I'm partial to the red damask).

 I'm going to enjoy part of this holiday weekend reading blogs and seeing how much temptation I can find at all these online sales.

This weeks Bead Bloggers:

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  A Bead A Day - There is still plenty of time to make some New Year's Eve jewelry! Lisa shares an eye catching bracelet using velvety hearts and chandelier-like egyptian crystals.
  
  
  
• About.com Jewelry Making  - Yellow facted CZ fan pendants become gorgeous earrings with just a little chain.
• Art Bead Scene -It's the ABS annual 12 days of Christmas free projects. Twelve days of last minute holiday gifts!
• Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts  -Eco Friendly Gift Wrap
• Beading Arts - Sweet, simple, and silly! Make a barrette that will delight a young girl in your life.
• Carmi's Art/Life World - Carmi makes huge resin baubles from an ice tray.
• Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva - Cindy shares her favorite things this week. You might be surprised to find out what they are!
• Earthenwood Studio Chronicles - Melanie makes a chunky, funky necklace with some unusual wooden chain and findings
• Jean Campbell - Jean shares a free sparkly necklace project, just in time to whip up for your New Year's Evening wear
• Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio - Lorelei goes back in time to remind fellow Etsy sellers about Heart-o-Matic!
• Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! - Jean offers a project called Supercool which features a great focal by Dustin Tabor!
• Strands of Beads -Melissa shares some whimsical lampwork artistry by Debi Cogwell.
• The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton - Using a drilled resin piece from Lynn Davis and some filigree, Andrew creates a necklace paying homage to the faeryworld sanctuaries.

Craftsides's upcycled Gift Wrapping

Late yesterday my friendly UPS man knocked on my door and gave me a pkg. It was a fantastic set of upcycled wrapping paper & gift tags from from Craftside.  Great for use anytime with it's super cool orange and white retro designs on one side, and bookprinting on the other. I've already wrapped up my holiday gifts, so I'm saving these very generous sized sheets to use during 2010 gift giving.

The lable reads: The Story of Craftside’s  “Up-Cycled Wrapping Paper”

This gift from Craftside was created with the environment in mind. While the front of this wrapping paper has a cool, retro design, the back includes colorful images and text from our craft books. This is because our wrapping paper and gift tags are made from our printer’s scraps that are normally thrown away! This is how it was done…

The wrapping paper is made from the “makeready” of two of our newest paperback editions: Intertwined: The Art of Handspun Yarn and Sweater Surgery.   Makeready is the waste created as the printer calibrates the correct ink colors, “making the press ready” for the actual print run that will create the finished sheets. Usually, these 200-300 sheets of makeready are thrown out. Craftside used these sheets to make our wrapping paper.

The gift tags were created from scraps as well – they were made from the makeready of the paperback covers.

We hope you enjoy Craftside’s “Up-cycled Wrapping Paper.”

I love that all this paper is being used and not just thrown away. Also, I have yarn in the Intertwined book and it would have been really cool to see my yarn on the back of one of the pages, but it wasn't on the ones I recieved. I am torn as to which side to wrap with, cause they both are so cool!  

If you'd like to get some of this wonderful Eco Friendly paper for yourself, visit the blog and see how to win some. Also, they will be giving out these cool papers at CHA, Maker Faire, Renegade and other craft shows this year. If you are going to CHA Anaheim 2010, they will be in Booth #2144 stop by and pick up a sample of this awesome wrapping paper and check out the books.

Getting this made me think about my own recycled wrapping habits. I'm always saving bows and ribbons, keeping the largest and smoothest parts of wrapping paper to wrap smaller gifts later one, Attaching a charm or candy to the front of the package both as decoration and extra gift, etc.... Part of it is because I grew up poor and you had to reuse everything, but now I do it because I choose to not litter the landfills if I can help it.  I also like to use foreign language newspapers or comic strips to wrap gifts too that can be read by the recipient and recycled. My friend Kecia does AMAZING wraps with vintage fabric, vintage hankies and ribbons. You hate to open them cause they are so beautiful wrapped up. Having a beautifully wrapped gift doesn't have to add to our trash piles. It can be an exercise in creativity!

The Week End

It seems the year goes by quicker as the months go by. December seems to just FLY by.   I've spent the week trying to catch up on all I should have gotten done 3 weeks ago. Gifts being made, wrapped and sent off, holiday cards addressed and mailed, etc....I have lots of business stuff to catch up on as well.  I haven't finished a couple of design team projects, update the website or work on inventory. One day at a time...... I did make a few small molds this week with some RTV silicone. Its so fun! You don't have to wait 24 hours to use your mold, only 15 minutes!!!!  It is more expensive then regular silicone but worth it for small things.

I would love this holiday week to be chore free so I could just sit and work on things, but have a couple of doc/dentist visits and still need to do a bit of last minute shopping.  Sometimes I using creating as a diversion from doing things I should do.

now onto this weeks bead bloggers!!!!

Bead Bloggers:
A Bead A Day - Lisa shares a special gift she received from a friend, SHRINKY DINK earrings!! Still a great product after all these years!!
About.com Jewelry Making - Sparkle plenty with this endless knotted red crystal necklace project!

Art Bead Scene  - It's the last ABS monthly challenge of 2009. Are you running out of ideas and inspiration? ABS has just the antidote!
Beading Arts -If you can string stone nuggets onto wire, and if you can crochet a simple chain stitch, then you can make this pretty necklace.

Carmi's Art/Life World - One shrunk sweater equals felted beaded mits for me!

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva - Cindy explains why she chose Lee Krasner's painting "Untitled" for this month's Art Bead Scene Challenge.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio -Lorelei tested out some cool chain from Rings and Things.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! - Would you like to investgate a lyrical book which explores all areas of your imagination and challenges your creativity? Try Lisa Crone's!

Strands of Beads - Melissa shares a cute find - sterling silver elephant clasps.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton - Thinking deep thoughts, Andrew offers up a sumptuous bracelet and adds a new bronze charm to his shop.

Teaser Tidbit!

I am going to be doing  a Make and Take and book signing for "Steampunk Style Jewelry" at Winter CHA!!!! Full details to follow soon!

Holiday Sale Extended

I'm a bit embarressed (REALLY!!!).  Due to a technical glitch yesterday, the shopping cart didn't start the sale until 12 NOON rather than 12 midnight.. The techno elves were out to get me! So because it started late I am extending the sale another day. If you were worried you missed out yesterday you still have today!

Holiday Windup

Saints and Sinners Website

I'm having a Super Mega 24 Hour sale on the website tomorrow. From 12:00 am  thru 11:59 P.M Tuesday Dec 15th, everything is 40 % off.  

If you have something on a wish list, or have been wanting to get something for yourself NOW is that time! Pick up some great gifts for someone or yourself at a great price. If you feel bad about buying for yourself, bug your friends, relatives and neighbors to order your gift while the prices are so low. It is tomorrow ONLY, so order quick if you want it! Shipping is guarenteed to to get to you before the holiday (barring any war, act of god/nature, postal strike or zombie/alien invasions).

The month is flying by. There were lots of things I meant to blog about, but I am swamped with podiatrist, chiropractor adn dental visits for the last 2 weeks and continuing thru Jan. When it rains, it pours. Also, I keep losing things. I can't find my Enchanted Adornments book or a brand new purse....sigh... So I guess I'll just make a pot of tea and sit down to do some jewelry blog reading.

This weeks Bead bloggers!
 A Bead A Day :  If you find yourself in need of a quick holiday gift, don't overlook memory wire! With this simple design, you can make one for all your friends.

About.com Jewelry Making : Thinking of making some beaded ornament covers? Then you'll need to know the size bulb to use too.

Art Bead Scene:  It's the first day of Art Bead Scene's annual Twelve Days of Free Projects!

Barbe Saint John - Barbe gets all steamy over the new Steampunk Style book!

Beading Arts:  Cyndi shares a new tutorial featuring one of Earthenwood Studio's fabulous new pendants!

Carmi's Art/Life World :  Carmi wonders if anyone else is working on Spring.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva: Inspired by Grandma's necklace, Cindy creates an edgey look with CZ's.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles : Melanie shows a sneak peek of a pair of earrings she made for the upcoming book Steampunk Style by Jean Campbell

Jean Campbell : Jean shares 3 easy tips for making holiday gift production a little less stressful.

Katie's Beading Blog : Katie's making tons of earrings this season. Here are a few fun ideas for your own last-minute gifts!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio:   Lorelei is saying Thank you and Merry Christmas by giving away a gift certificate to artbeads.com!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! :  When you check out this ornament kit which is available for you to make, it will REALLY put you in the spirit!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton :  Each representing a different spectrum of lampwork glass, Andrew shares the new additions to his bead collection from two different artists.

Book Review: Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Romance

Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Romance: 20 Designs from Rowan for Patchwork and Quilting (Patchwork and Quilting)

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (October 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600852599
• ISBN-13: 978-1600852596

Kaffe Fassett is a well known name in the fabric industry. His latest book is the 11th in a series of quilt patterns featuring Fassett designed fabrics.  It has 20 stunning new quilts with the feel of a long ago romantic era.  The editorial says "Quilt Romance is a study in pastels and tradition." but I found the fabrics in the books were mostly brights and very colorful

I was immediately drawn to this book because I recognized the gate on the very first page. The  book was shot in Portmeirion, an Italianate styled resort village in Gwynedd,  Wales. The quilts are beautifully displayed thruout the villa  I'm not a huge quilt person, but I do love the look of the quilts in this book. I think standard patterns like tumbling cubes, pickle dish and log cabin are made more interesting because of the fabrics used. I think if someone has been using alot of "safe" quilt fabrics (small prints, solid colors) this book will really push them outside their comfort zone into a colorful world. The book has full size piece patterns in the back and concise instructions.

If you are a fan of Fassett, this book will not disappoint!

Dog Parties and Bead Bloggers on a Rainy Sunday

AirShips Ahoy! Necklace  ©Barbe Saint John/Saints and Sinners®

Yesterday I did a small gallery sale that I was hoping would go well. I was feeling terrible when I woke up, and pushed myself to go when I should have really stayed home recuperating. There were alot of lookie Lou's but very very few shoppers. ;-(  I sold 3 pr of inexpensive earrings and a $10 ring.  Not at all good for a 6 hour show and worse than I thought I would possibly do. There were a ton of people at Ft.Mason, but I don't think they were spending any money. Its depressing to do a show like this and sell so little, but I"m lucky because some of the vendors sold NOTHING that day. It makes you feel like you're doing something wrong, when things don't go well. I won't even go into customers trying to haggle on prices or openly saying "oh thats way too expensive" right in front of an artist.   It can be demoralizing and makes alot of people just give up.

I'm discovering that for ME- these small art shows and craft shows aren't my markets. I just don't appeal to the shoppers that attend them. I did really well at the wholesale show and have been talking to other people who seem very enthusiastic about my work and how they would do at  bigger trade shows. I always do alot of reflecting in December, looking over the past year and making plans for the coming one.  I am going to be looking at this and planning what I need to do to make it work right for me.

Today we had a little family adventure to a doggie party.  It was part SF Chihuahua meetup/part Christmas Party and part fundraiser for local rescue groups.  It was held in the gorgeous Hotel Monaco which is a pet friendly hotel in the city (HIGHLY recommend!). The event was beautifully organized, and full of happy little dogs and their owners.  Bettie was relatively good, but preferred to be held the entire time. I think she was a bit afraid of getting stepped on. Isabella was so wired, even though we exhausted her in the morning. But she behaved pretty well too, so after the first 30 minutes there we were able to relax and talk to people. All the dogs enjoyed eating all the jerky snacks and Puny Paws Organic dog treats put out for them. Bettie especially enjoyed my creme brulee, which I caught her eating as I was holding her but talking to someone LOL.

We walked home in the light rain and were completely knackered.  I had planned on getting some things done like cleaning up and doing my Xmas cards but a nap was needed more. I got the bedroom sorted, so it wasn't a complete waste of the day. I'll do some cards tonight in bed, and a few more tomorrow.

I also have some gifts to make and hopefully can start them tomorrow evening or Wed. Tuesday is out for crafting because I have a long dental appt and then going to Cirque de Soleil in the evening.

Now onto this weeks Bead Bloggers!

A Bead A Day:  The sun shines brightly on A Bead A Day when happy yellow cubic zirconia's are used in a simple necklace design.  About.com Jewelry Making :give a beaded jewelry gift that gives twice.
Art Bead Scene:  Be Inspired! Think about creating jewelry that tells a story.
Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts Artbeads Crystalized Elements!
Carmi's Art/Life World:  Carmi is selling jewelery in a show for the first time and is trying not to "jinx" her favorites! Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva Meet the newest addition to the Through the Looking Glass Nugget Charm Family - Alice Blue! Jean Campbell:  Jean discusses how Steampunk jewelry design fits into a larger "Poetic Couture" Jewelry & Beading: Cyndi is sharing a series of Gift Guides for handmade jewelry lovers! Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Taking ya back to the Open House 2008! Now stay tuned for pics for Open House 2009 on Dec. 5!
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!:  The ever breathtaking beadmaker Kim Miles pulls out all the stops for the Holidays and gift giving. But that is not all! If you have the "secret word" on the secret day" every week, you get a fab discount!

Fill up your Steampunk Jewelry Trunk! Steampunk Style Jewelry Book Review

Steampunk Style Jewelry: Victorian, Fantasy, and Mechanical Necklaces, Bracelets, and Earrings

I just got my review copy of this book, and WOW!!!!! It is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! And I'm not biased, it really is a fantastic book! Even the book it self is a work of art, from the embossed cover to the metallic copper liner paper. This is just a lovely book inside and out.

This jewelrymaking how-to book features some really wonderful jewelry work by invited jewelry designers who are influenced by Steampunk. I'm so honored to have been part of this group of talented jewelry artists.

Authored by Jean Campbell: "Steampunk-Style Jewelry" projects focus on "no fire" (cold connections) techniques. Even a beginner can create some clever steampunk style jewelry by doing simple stringing and wirework, hammering, stamping, gluing, stitching, and some easy off-loom beadwork.

The book starts with an introduction to what Steampunk is, Makers Workshop which is all about the supplies and techniques, and then basic jewelry making tecniques. There are 20 projects in the book with a complete materials and tools list, step-by-step instructions, clear illustrations and absolutely stunning photographs. Also through the book are sidebars that talk about the many aspects of the Steampunk movement thru art, literary, music, design and fashion. In the back of the book is a gallery featuring more Steampunk Designs that will have you salivating.

As a teaser, I can show you one of my projects in the book: The Dirigible Aviatrix Necklace. I LOVE the way it look in print.

As a mixed media artist, I love seeing what other people do with similiar items. It ignites my own creativity to think outside the box even farther. I believe this book will do the same for jewelry makers who are curious about mixed media but not really sure how or where to begin. So I suggest you all start making a pile now to use when you get this book. Open up those junk drawers, start rifling through your garage - you are gonna be in mixed media mania once you see all the creativity in here.

I give this book 2 giant brass covered thumbs up and think you all will too!.

About the Author: Jean Campbell is a freelance craft editor,author and creative Goddess. She is the founding editor of Interweave’s Beadwork magazine and has written and edited more than 40 books, most recently including CPi’s Beadwork Inspired by Art: Impressionist Jewelry and Accessories and Beadwork Inspired by Art: Art Nouveau Jewelry and Accessories. Other recent books include The New Beader's Companion, Getting Started Stringing Beads, Beaded Weddings, The Art of Beaded Beads, Beadwork Creates Jewelry, and Beading with Crystals. Jean has a widely followed weekly blog on Interweave’s Beading Daily, and has appeared on the DIY Jewelry Making show, The Shay Pendray Show, and PBS' Beads, Baubles, and Jewels where she gives how-to instructions, provides inspiration, and offers crafting advice.