Eclectica Beads created a chance to take on a fun challenge and help out a charity at the same time. Purchase their $15 Eclectica Design Challenge Kit, and they will donate 25% of the purchase price to breast cancer research. To purchase a kit, stop in their store or call their mail order department at (262)641-0910. The challenge is very flexible! Create a single piece or multiple pieces and feel free to add your own beads. When finished, please share pictures in their facebook gallery. You can even donate the finished piece to a charitable organization to help in their fundraising efforts!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Spotlight on...Harlequin Beads and Jewelry
Harlequin Beads and Jewelry
Harlequin Beads & Jewelry is a full-service bead store with a talented staff available for design and technical assistance. We carry a huge selection of over 10,000 beads with a focus on quality and conscientious sourcing (mostly Europe and USA) including Swarovski beads and pendants, Czech pressed glass & seed beads, Japanese seed beads, gemstone beads, Tierra Cast charms, locally handmade glass, antique and collectible beads and a great variety of other stringing materials, Soft Flex and findings. Stacy says, "We love helping people design, create, repair, restring, recycle and reinvent jewelry."
Article - Taking a Break by Charlene Gary
Color by Margie Deeb - Escape the Dark Metallic Iris Trap
Designer - Diane Zigabarra
Local Bead Group - The Northwest Bead Society
Bead Seller - Harlequin Beads and Jewelry
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Lemon-limeade by Jamie Hogsett
Even though it's now officially autumn, it still feels like summer here. It's going to be in the high 80s today and the warm weather makes me want to be by the pool with a cool glass of something sweet in my hand. Too bad the pool has already been drained for the season! In place of a sugary drink, here's a long necklace in colors that almost bring the tart taste of lemon-limeade to my palette.
This necklace can be worn as one long strand, as a couple of shorter strands, or wrapped several times around the wrist as a bracelet. My favorite part is how the sections of beading wire are braided differently. All of the sections use three pieces each of .019 diameter beading wire in Peridot, Chrysoprase, and Yellow Lemon Quartz. Some sections have the three strands of same color braided together, then all three colors braided together as one braid, and some sections have three different braids with one strand of each color combined in each braid. The braids are almost an optical illusion, since from far away, all the sections look the same. I love how the colors blend together regardless of how they're braided. Java lampwork glass beads, copper Craft Wire in 22-gauge and 26-gauge, and a copper lobster clasp finish the design.
Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.
Labels:
Jamie Hogsett
Monday, September 26, 2011
New Tool Magic
2 OZ JAR TOOL MAGIC
Tool Magic is a must for designers that work with craft wire. It covers the hard surface of wire working tools with a soft and smooth grip. Tool Magic prevents craft wire from scratching, marring and flaking. Tool Magic is simple to apply, remove and will not damage tools.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
5 Tips for a Winning Make-It-Take-It
One of the best parts of my job is teaching others how to use our products. I've had to design and teach a few Make-It-Take-Its over the years. I've certainly picked up a few tips along the way.
1. Consider your audience. Will you be teaching beginners, a mixed batch of people or more advanced designers and trade people. Design the MITI for their skill level.
2. Keep it simple. Most people want to learn something but have it be quick and easy to learn. Unless working with more advanced folks, try to keep the MITI to one or two techniques.
3. Not too small. A lot of people don't have good eye sight and forget their glasses or just have a tricky time working with extremely small parts and pieces. Try to design using bigger crimps and crimping pliers, or larger beads so that everyone can participate and be successful.
4. Give color options. Although the design can be exactly the same, offering color options means that people can have more of a voice in what they are making. It is nice to see different variations.
5. Be flexible. Some people will want to take the parts and pieces that you offer and create something slightly different than what you are teaching. It's fine! What is important is that they are learning the technique and using the products. Creativity is a good thing!
I will be teaching some variation of the MITI shown above at two locations in the next month.
Double Joy Beads
Saturday 10-8-11 12pm-3pm (or until I run out of kits)
7131 E Mercer Ln - Scottsdale, AZ 85254 - (480) 998-4495
John Bead
Wednesday 10-12-11 & Thursday 10-13-11 (hours tbd)
www.johnbead.com - 20 Bertrand Avenue - Toronto, ON Canada M1L 2P4 - (888)755-9055
Labels:
Sara Hardin
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Soft Flex Glass Art And Bead Festival - Honolulu, Hawaii
Soft Flex Company Glass Art & Bead Festival - Honolulu, HI
It will be the Most Spectacular Beading Event of the year in the Hawaiian Islands. Join us at the Ward Warehouse on September 23 - 25, 2011 and March 2 - 4, 2012
LOCATION
Ward Warehouse on the Second Floor
1050 Ala Moana Blvd - Honolulu, HI 96814
FREE Admission and FREE Parking
Festival Location and Map
SHOW TIMES
Friday, 10am - 6pm
Saturday, 10am - 6pm
Sunday, 11am - 5pm
SHOPPING
September 23 - 25, 2011 and March 2 - 4, 2012
Juried Show of 30+ Exhibitors
Beads, Gemstones, Findings, Collectible Glass Art & Jewelry
A truly exciting bead shopping Extravaganza
Friday, September 23, 2011
Spotlight on...The Northwest Bead Society
The Northwest Bead Society
The Northwest Bead Society (NWBS) in Seattle, Washington, was founded in 1983 as a not-for-profit organization open to anyone with an interest in beads. We are dedicated to the study of beads, beading techniques and the historical role of beads in human development. Our current membership is a couple of hundred and growing. Our annual Bead Bazaar is successful enough that we can fund a year of great programming for our members and serve as one of the world's very few sources of funding for bead research. Our website will keep you current on what's happening with the organization: www.nwbeadsociety.org.
Article - Taking a Break by Charlene Gary
Color by Margie Deeb - Escape the Dark Metallic Iris Trap
Designer - Diane Zigabarra
Local Bead Group - The Northwest Bead Society
Bead Seller - Harlequin Beads and Jewelry
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Jewelry Display Ideas for Your Home or Craft Booth by Kristen Fagan
My quest today was to find simple and inspiring ideas for displaying your jewelry. I picked up these ideas from my Internet love, Pinterest and from blogs I follow. With some of you gearing up for holiday craft shows, trade shows and sales within your retail store I hope some of these ideas inspire you!
Show off your jewelry in style with a simply gorgeous wall display using door knobs. You can take this idea and easily adapt it for booth display with a picture frame. I found this idea over at Apartment Therapy.
If you want to organize your jewelry out of sight you won't want to miss this brilliant hidden jewelry box that uses framed artwork on the front creating a secret hideaway for your baubles. Find out how to make this over at Design*Sponge.
I'm drooling over this wooden frame jewelry display. I love frames and this has so much storage space its fantastic! You can find the tutorial to make your own over at The Borrowed Abode.
For the ultimate combination of form and function check out Heather's pegboard jewelry holder I found over at Apartment Therapy.
This is a fabulous retro inspired idea, re-purposing a small patio table into a jewelry organizer. This would add a pop of color and a fun retro vibe to your home or booth. I also found this one at Apartment Therapy.
Here is another re-purposed idea that is super simple and colorful. It's simply an oven rack! I bet you can pick one up at goodwill for pennies. See how to make your own over at Just Sew Sassy.
I'm in love with this garden rack jewelry holder. It it so unexpected yet makes total sense, am I right? It's similar to the tie rack holder I currently use but so much more fun. With the pearls hanging it has a very shabby chic vibe, original pin from Twig Home.
I thought how nice this would be to setup and take down for displaying at a show. It's made from a supply box for a one of a kind jewelry display cabinet. Check out more details at Design*Sponge.
Composed of a piece of driftwood suspended from the ceiling with fishing wire, the concept is simply lovely. Find details at Apartment Therapy.
This has a similar feel to the printing tray jewelry displays I see all over but on a smaller scale. It's made from a cutlery organizer, old door knobs, and scrapbook paper - genius! It would stand up on its own in a booth really well and you can group a few of them for a bigger impact.
This sweet shadow box display would look so pretty in your home (especially color grouped like they did here). It may also travel well for shows. This idea was found at Better Homes and Gardens.
I know there are a lot of branch display ideas out there but, this one is really elegant. A simple twig with tacks was found at Lou & Tom.
Of course no jewelry storage roundup would be complete without a framed display! I love the white lace but, best of all you can customize it to fit any decor you have just by using different colors for the frame and fabric. See how to make your own over at Handmade Spark
Many of these finds were discovered on Pinterest. It's a great way to visually organize inspiration and online finds. Sara talks more about it here. It is an invitation only website. So if you would like an invitation, please leave your email details in the comments and I will invite you to join! If you are already on Pinterest, let's be pinning buddies! You can find me here.
Show off your jewelry in style with a simply gorgeous wall display using door knobs. You can take this idea and easily adapt it for booth display with a picture frame. I found this idea over at Apartment Therapy.
If you want to organize your jewelry out of sight you won't want to miss this brilliant hidden jewelry box that uses framed artwork on the front creating a secret hideaway for your baubles. Find out how to make this over at Design*Sponge.
I'm drooling over this wooden frame jewelry display. I love frames and this has so much storage space its fantastic! You can find the tutorial to make your own over at The Borrowed Abode.
For the ultimate combination of form and function check out Heather's pegboard jewelry holder I found over at Apartment Therapy.
This is a fabulous retro inspired idea, re-purposing a small patio table into a jewelry organizer. This would add a pop of color and a fun retro vibe to your home or booth. I also found this one at Apartment Therapy.
Here is another re-purposed idea that is super simple and colorful. It's simply an oven rack! I bet you can pick one up at goodwill for pennies. See how to make your own over at Just Sew Sassy.
I'm in love with this garden rack jewelry holder. It it so unexpected yet makes total sense, am I right? It's similar to the tie rack holder I currently use but so much more fun. With the pearls hanging it has a very shabby chic vibe, original pin from Twig Home.
I thought how nice this would be to setup and take down for displaying at a show. It's made from a supply box for a one of a kind jewelry display cabinet. Check out more details at Design*Sponge.
Composed of a piece of driftwood suspended from the ceiling with fishing wire, the concept is simply lovely. Find details at Apartment Therapy.
This has a similar feel to the printing tray jewelry displays I see all over but on a smaller scale. It's made from a cutlery organizer, old door knobs, and scrapbook paper - genius! It would stand up on its own in a booth really well and you can group a few of them for a bigger impact.
This sweet shadow box display would look so pretty in your home (especially color grouped like they did here). It may also travel well for shows. This idea was found at Better Homes and Gardens.
I know there are a lot of branch display ideas out there but, this one is really elegant. A simple twig with tacks was found at Lou & Tom.
Of course no jewelry storage roundup would be complete without a framed display! I love the white lace but, best of all you can customize it to fit any decor you have just by using different colors for the frame and fabric. See how to make your own over at Handmade Spark
Many of these finds were discovered on Pinterest. It's a great way to visually organize inspiration and online finds. Sara talks more about it here. It is an invitation only website. So if you would like an invitation, please leave your email details in the comments and I will invite you to join! If you are already on Pinterest, let's be pinning buddies! You can find me here.
Guest blogger Kristen Fagan is the Website Graphic Designer for Soft Flex Company. She also has her own blog and etsy shop. She'd love to hear from you! So, please feel free to leave comments or email her at Kristen@SoftFlexCompany.com.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Live in the moment - My bridal shower
I can't believe that I am getting married in 45 days. Because our time before the big day is getting shorter and shorter, every evening and weekend is jam packed with endless lists of things to do: shopping lists, yard projects, home repairs, dress fittings, vendor meetings, etc. Much like the new Sarah Jessica Parker movie, I Just Don't Know How She Does It, the lists run continuously in my head like a movie reel day and night. I constantly feel behind.
I was pleasantly surprised when my inner monologue turned off at my bridal shower last weekend. I felt myself "be in the moment." Something I haven't felt since my last yoga practice a few weeks ago. I didn't feel as if I had a care in the world. Perhaps it was being surrounded by some of my favorite ladies? Perhaps it was the setting, Morning Glory Cafe, or that I requested that we keep it a simple brunch? Or maybe it was having my Mom by my side? Regardless, it felt so nice to just BE. When is the last time that you remember living in the moment?
Labels:
Sara Hardin
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Willowy Earrings by Jamie Hogsett
If you're on the hunt for a light-weight pair of earrings to take you from summer to fall, these just might be perfect for you. Three colors of green beading wire (Fluorite, Green Emerald, and Chrysoprase) and green basketweave carved Kazuri beads are accented with copper beading wire, craft wire in 22 gauge and 26 gauge, crimp tubes, crimp covers and ear wires, similar to the way the leaves on the trees around here are just starting to change for fall. I love seeing the first glimpses of yellow, orange and red tinting the many shades of green in the leaves. Even more, I love having new earrings to wear!
Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.
Labels:
Jamie Hogsett
Monday, September 19, 2011
Spotlight on...Spotlight on Wire by Melissa Cable
Spotlight on Wire
by Melissa Cable
Last month while visiting Fusion Beads, I had the extreme pleasure of meeting two friends of author Melissa Cable. They were kind enough to give me a copy of her latest book, Spotlight on Wire. This book contains 28 projects. We (Soft Flex Company) feel complimented to be one of only 11 sources listed. The book features projects created with a wide spectrum in gauges of wire, 16-28 gauges. There are even a few strung designs using Soft Flex Beading Wire. With metallic colors being so hot right now, I have no doubt that every single project is going to wow your friends and family. I love that she covers so many different tools and techniques. I think that even an intermediate or advanced beader may learn something new by reading this book. That is not always the case.
Article - Taking a Break by Charlene Gary
Color by Margie Deeb - Escape the Dark Metallic Iris Trap
Designer - Diane Zigabarra
Local Bead Group - The Northwest Bead Society
Bead Seller - Harlequin Beads and Jewelry
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Gorgeous Gemstone Pebble Beads
I was wandering through the Soft Flex website looking for a few things and stumbled across these beautiful pebble beads. Here are just a few of the options that we offer:
BON-CAR11526
Price $14.00
BON-AGT10763
Price $12.00
BON-AGT10762
Price $12.00
BON-QTZ11841
Price $14.00
If you need inspiration, my co-worker Lisa Vernon created a lovely design using these pebbles.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Bead Soup Blog Party - The Unveiling
I had a lot of fun with this challenge. I used just about everything that came in my Bead Soup. I added two Damask components from Aria Design Studio. I used the Antique Brass in Soft Flex Beading Wire and Vintage Bronze Craft Wire (which happens to be on sale this month) with 1x1 and 2x2 gold filled crimp tubes to put it all together. I'm quite proud of the outcome and enjoyed using beads and findings that I probably would not have chosen for myself. The hand painted flowers were especially unique.
My partner is in Germany. It has been really fun getting to know someone with a shared passion who lives so far away. I hope that she enjoyed creating from the soup that I sent to her. I can't wait to see what she made!
Check her out on her blog: Stories from the City of Brass.
So this is the largest Bead Soup Party yet. Here is a list so that you can join the party and see what everyone made.
The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke
1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York
2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson
3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino
4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner
6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins
7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor
8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen
9. Amy Freeland and Christine Altmiller
10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare
11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman
12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps
13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka
14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson
15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy
16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price
17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland
18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John
19. Anna Sabina and Erin Siegel
19. Nan Emmett and Erin Siegel
21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase
22. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb
23. Barbara Blaszczyk and DaviniaDesign
24. Barbara Judy and Holly Westfall
25. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll
26. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley
27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala
28. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman
29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz
30. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle
31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen
32. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards
33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson
34. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier
35. Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander
36. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye
37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock
38. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone
39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf
40. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi
41. Cherrie Fick and Cathie Carroll
41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick
42. Cheryl Roe and Jenny Vidberg
43. Chris White and Norma Turvey
44. Christa Murphy and Kathy Alderfer
45. Christie Murrow and Dana James
46. Christina Miles and Collette Collins
47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford
48. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis
49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering
51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes
52. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher
53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya
54. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk
56. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent
57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj
58. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman
59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald
60. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick
61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner
62. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert
63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez
64. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris
65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith
66. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday
67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman
68. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore
69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones
70. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz
71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim
72. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable
73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag
74. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post
75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton
76. Heather Marley and Terry Carter
77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride
78. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller
79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley
80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson
81. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor
82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen
83. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman
84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy
85. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora
86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg
87. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann
88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay
89. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh
90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski
91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan
92. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean
93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis
94. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt
95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski
96. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio
97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts
98. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker
99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford
100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck
101. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto
102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark
103. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika
104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen
105. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec
106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson
107. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long
108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson
109. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney
110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson
111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger
112. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy
113. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw
114. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher
115. Lesley Weirand Liz DeLuca
116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser
117. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse
118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington
119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton
119. Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter
120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson
121. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir
122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank
123. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks
124. Lupe Meter and Mags Saari
125. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe
126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon
127. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore
128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller
129. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke
130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson
131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum
132. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr
133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp
134. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara
135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James
136. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz
137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi
138. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman
139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper
140. Mary Hicks and Laurel Steven
141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner
142. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners
143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy
144. Missy Rappaport and Norma Agron
145. Molly Alexander and Poranna
146. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell
147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry
148. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson
149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna
150. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers
151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari
152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan
153. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag
154. Pat Haight and Mary McGraw
155. Patty Gasparino and Vonna Maslanka
156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe
157. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain
158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins
159. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub
160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya
161. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs
162. Rochelle Brisson and Sheryl Stephen
163. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell
164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams
165. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin
166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small
167. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner
168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk
169. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley
170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley
171. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman
172. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin
173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor
174. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa
175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton
176. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin
177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones
178. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser
179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk
180. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager
181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad
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