Get ready for 2013 with Lapidary Journal's 2013 Gemstone Price Index

Photo by Lapidary Journal

Whether you’re going to the show of gem/bead shows in Tucson this February or just trying to get ready for your 2013 projects, you’ll find the 2013 Gemstone Price Index from Lapidary Journal’s Jewelry Artist Magazine really handy.

Just click HERE to download it, save it, print it, and take it with you to all the gem shows this year to be better informed when it comes time to buying all those lovely gems. Just know that the Index is limited to gem rough available to amateur cutters at shows, internet and wholesalers. Sharon Elaine Thompson, GG, FGA, compiled the list and states that "for this reason it does not include rough such as emerald, ruby, exceptional quality blue sapphire, or imperial topaz, materials that are not readily available except to professionals."

What Lapidary Journal's Gemstone Price Index does include is dozens of transparent faceted gems and faceting rough and will give you an idea of gem prices generally – especially handy if you are new to buying stones.

Check out the link above to download your copy or just click HERE.

Jazz Up Your New Year's Eve Outfit

Photo and Pattern by
Beadwork.about.com

Christmas will be over before you know it and many have New Year's Eve plans already in the works.

Whether you plan on spending a quiet evening at home with love ones or attending a fun, splashy party - what do you plan on wearing? I'm a big fan of the "little black" dress or top and pants, but that can sometimes get boring.

One of the easiest ways to update your holiday party wear is to make Beaded Button Covers. Button covers were all the rage in the 80s and I still think they are a great idea to help embellish an outfit on a temporary basis.

Button Cover
Photo by Beadwork.about.com

They look this:



Best of all you just need a few beads and button covers. I've seen button covers in packages of 10 at Michaels and Hobby Lobby.

Click HERE to go get the directions.

Now, go bead!

2013 Escapist Mentorship Program - For Artists

Do you want to learn how to take your art to the next level – perhaps submitting it to local, national, even international galleries? How would like to have the support of a professional artist, attorney and others guiding you along the way for free for an entire year?

John Ross Palmer's Escapist Mentorship Program was founded in 2009 as a casual way for a fun group of local Houston artists to meet, communicate with each other about art and business while learning by example from Artist John Ross Palmer as a group leader. However, in 2010, the program required applicants to submit images and answer a series of essay questions in order to be accepted into the program.

To become an Escapist Artist, the individual must complete – in full - the Application that you can obtain by clicking HERE. All timely submitted, complete applications are scored by a five-person jury composed of Artist John Ross Palmer, FCC members, former Escapists and John Ross Palmer art collectors. There is no cost to apply and there is no fee for the countless hours that Mr. Palmer pours into promoting the talented artists that have been admitted into the program.

If you are selected, the program is fun and casual. Laid-back group meetings are regularly scheduled in addition to personal visits by Mr. Palmer to the respective Escapist artist studios. Depending upon the stage of your career, this could mean Mr. Palmer visiting your studio or the space where you create out of your home. You will also get light homework and get to write about your goals and intentions in journals that he has created. Each Escapist Artist is also provided with unique Escapist stationery for the purpose of sending correspondence to collectors and potential art collectors.

In addition, John Palmer coaches the artists not only on evolving their art technique, but also on how to promote your art, retain exclusivity, have savvy business salesmanship and overall personal and professional confidence. John Palmer's business and life partner, attorney Ryan Lindsay, is highly involved too - meeting with the Escapists at their discretion to coach them on effective marketing, running a small business, the advantages of sharing your art online and how to improve their website design.

As if that’s not enough, works by the selected Escapists may be featured at local events held at the John Palmer Gallery and Studio as well as national events. For example, in 2010, some Escapists were featured at An Evening of Escapism, the Black-Tie Gala held at the Gallery, Art Chicago 2011 and the 2012 Los Angeles Art Show.

Unlike many other artists that are concerned with the competition, John Ross Palmer sees the benefit of elevating all artists to add power to the profession. For more information about this program and about Artist John Ross Palmer, visit the website by clicking HERE. To download the application, click HERE.

Good luck!

Christmas Tree Earrings

O'Christmas Tree Earrings
Photo and Pattern by
Beadwork.about.com

You still have about 10 days to make some beady Christmas gifts and earrings are quick and easy to make.

Look what you can make with just a few beads, some ear wires and Brick Stitch know-how - these adorable "O'Christmas Tree" earrings by Beadwork.about.com.

They should work up in less than 30 minutes. Don't have red for the "ornaments" - don't fuss (remember Santa is watching). Instead, use what you have and change it up. I would love to see some gold or silver ornaments instead.

Have fun ya'll.

Click HERE for the pattern and directions.

Need Photographs?

The Houston Polymer Clay Guild has made arrangements with local professional photographer Jeremy Pierson to come to the February guild meeting to photograph their work and have generously extended that opportunity for HBS members as well.

If you would like your work professionally photographed, you can purchase a spot for $30 per item. You will receive at least one professional-quality digital image of your item suitable for use on websites, blogs and online stores or to submit to contest, galleries, shows or whatever you wish. To purchase a slot, visit the HPCG website at www.houstonpolyclay.org and click on the "upcoming events" link.

For questions or more information contact Milli Jewell at jewell600@msn.com.

HBS Annual Holiday Party

Hello Everyone!

This year sure flew by fast! That must mean we've all been having fun with those beady little things we find so enticing. Our holiday party will be held on December 15 at Bayou Manor, located at 4141 South Braeswood. The party will run from 10:00 a.m. to12:30 p.m.

Michael Miles will be our host again this year and will be bringing drinks and ice.

PARKING:
Please park in the uncovered spaces in the rear of the gated parking lot. Covered spaces are for residents of Bayou Manor only. After parking, walk back through either the pedestrian or vehicle gate and access the building through the main entrance. Please check in with the receptionist for an ID badge before proceeding to the auditorium.

WHAT TO BRING:
As a reminder, members have been asked to bring goodies to munch on during the party. If your last name begins with A-L, please bring something sweet. M-Z should bring something savory.

Tablecloths, napkins, plates and cups will be provided.

Members are asked to bring a beady gift with a maximum value of $10 to participate in the gift exchange. Michael will issue numbered tickets and when your number is called, you may select a gift from the table or you may appropriate a gift that has already been opened. However, if that recipient wants to keep the gift, he or she will have to sing for it. A gift can be appropriated three times, with that third time being the charm. Then it goes home with whoever is in possession.

VENDORS:
Any current member can be a vendor at the monthly meetings. The cost is $10 for one 6' table, payable when the Treasurer, Carolyn Slater, comes by to collect, not once sales are generated. Vendors must provide their own table coverings and may arrive at 9:00 a.m. and sell until the President, Diane Mayes, announces that the party will begin. Vendors are expected to cover their tables at that time and may resume sales once the party is over. Everyone must vacate the auditorium no later than 12:30 p.m. If you would like to vend this month, please contact me at slnowlin@yahoo.com or 713-294-9886 by December 14.

LIBRARY:
The library will not be open for checking out materials but our Librarian, Lillian Skogsberg, will be accepting returns that are scheduled for this month. Please note that there will not be a library raffle this time.

MEMBERSHIP:
For those beading friends who keep their membership current, we are very appreciative of your efforts. It allows you to attend monthly meetings and have the opportunity to participate in the monthly programs. Dues are $30 per year for an individual and $40 per year for a family membership (two persons living in the same household). Our Membership Coordinator, Kim Butler, will be glad to assist you in effecting your renewal.

Our annual holiday party is always a lot of fun so I'll look forward to seeing you there.

Shirley Nowlin
HBS Vice President - Programs

Beads Baubles and Jewels

If you're a fan of Beads Baubles & Jewels, then you'll be glad to know you can view segments from the 1700 Series. Featured artists include Mary Hettmansperger (my personal favorite), Candie Cooper, Kate Richbourg, Brenda Schweder and more. Click HERE to go to their YouTube channel and start watching.

HCCC Call for Resident Artists

Photo by Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts

The Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts has issued a Call for Resident Artists.

Application Deadline: March 1, 2013

Media Accepted: Wood, Glass, Metal, Fiber, Clay, Mixed Media

A residency not only means your own studio for a minimum of 24 hours a week, but access to wide variety of professional opportunities and resources!

• Five to ten residencies awarded
• Three, six, nine or twelve-month residencies
• Stipend & housing allowance
• Free studio space with 24-hour access
• Ongoing professional development

To learn more and/or apply for a residency, click here and it will take you to the Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts website.