WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT: Amee K. Sweet McNamara

Houston Bead Society is proud to confirm that Amee K. Sweet McNamara will be presenting two one day workshops the weekend of September 7 and 8, 2013.

And, plans are in the works for a couple of new projects that she will unveil in Houston!

Amee is well known for her Soutache jewelry - a beautiful technique that combines soutache braid with bead embroidery. And the projects are stunning - here are a couple samples of her projects.

For more information, click on the Workshops page. 

Registration is limited so be sure to sign up soon.

Tutorial: Sweet Little Wire Spiral Clasp

Spiral Class Tutorial
by Sweet Beads Studio

One of my last posts was about wire gauges and their general uses, so this time I thought I'd post a tutorial on this sweet looking Spiral Wire Clasp by Cindy Wimmer at Sweet Beads Studio.

I love tutorials and what I really like about this one is not only her "messy" looking spiral, but Cindy's concise, clear instructions and awesome, close-up pictures.

So pull out some 16 gauge wire, a few pliers and check out her sweet Spiral Wire Clasp tutorial HERE.

I just love the generosity of artists who share their techniques and projects.

Now, go bead something!

Soutache Jewelry Workshop with Amee Sweet McNamara and 2013 HBS Summer Bead Fling

COMING SOON!

Announcement about a September workshop with Amee Sweet McNamara.

Soutache Jewelry by Amee Sweet McNamara

And, the first HBS Summer Bead Fling - a weekend of fun classes.

Check back often for updates on these two exciting events!

A Peek into a Gemstone Cutting Processs

Ever wonder what all goes into creating some of those sparkly gemstones we love so much?

Picture from John Dyer Gems

Click HERE to watch a short 5 minute video from award winning gem cutter, John Dyer, that gives you a short peek into the long, drawn out - but, thoughtful - and often, tedious process that yields such spectacular results!

All About Wire Gauges

Chart from whimsie.com 14 - 16 Gauge  Very thick wire often used as a base or frame for pieces that must hold their shapes. Use 14 to 16 gauge wire for bracelet bases, as inserts inside beaded or coiled bracelets (such as those using circular peyote or brick stitch), for beaded napkin rings and other projects requiring some sort of rigidity. 16 gauge wire is also often used for clasps and closures – depending on their style. 18 Gauge Thick wire that is ideal for making clasps or for use with beads with large holes (some lampworked beads). Can also be used for large jump rings (especially if you are using fine silver and are going to fuse them together) and chains. 20 Gauge  20 gauge wire is a good, general purpose medium size wire especially good for making jump rings, head and eye pins, earwires and smaller clasps. 22 Gauge A lightweight wire used mostly for for wirewrapping beads and odd shaped stones. Some beaders use this gauge for bead crochet or knitting. I use this gauge wire to make head and eye pins when I’m using keishi pearls. 24 Gauge A thin wire used for wirewrapping smaller beads such as crystal and pearls. This is typically the gauge wire used for most bead crochet and bead knitting projects. 26 Gauge  Extremely thin wire used for wirewrapping very small beads. I’ve seen some metalworkers use this gauge wire when making a “corset” wrap to connect several pieces of metal together. Higher gauge wires such as 28 and 30 gauge wires are used for some freeform wirewrapping as well as wire knitting and crochet. Remember - like metal and sewing needles, the larger the number the thinner the gauge. Now, go bead something.

Tutorial: Simple Wire Wrap for Head and Eye Pins

There are probably as many different ways of wrapping an eye or head pin as there are flowers in the world and every artist you speak to has her own way or a particular favorite technique.

Picture by beadaroo.com

When I first learned how to wrap a head pin for a simple bead charm (you know, back in the stone age), it involved twisting my wrist in a very odd way. It worked, but after wrapping 10 or 20 charms, it started to get painful.

What I really love about this wire wrapping tutorial from beadaroo.com is the clear instructions and pictures and no funky hand position.

To get the complete instructions on this technique, click HERE.

Now, go bead something!

Professional Photos of Your Work

There is nothing like a professional photograph of your work to really showcase all of the hard work you have put into it. As a matter of fact, more and more often, many galleries, contests and juried shows are requesting professional photographs of your work to be judged. But, professional photography is expensive.

The Houston Polymer Clay Guild has secured the services of professional photographer, Jeremy Pierson, to photograph some of the work of their members at a highly reduced price and has generously extended the same offer to Houston Bead Society Members.

The cost is just $30 per piece and will take place between 1:00 and 3:00 pm during their regular meeting on February 16.

For more information and to register to have photos taken, click HERE.

Beads East - 2012 Finalists Announced

Beads East has announced their 2012 (Bead) Challenge Finalists. And, they are looking for your vote in the People's Choice category. All entrants received the identical set of beads and the same set of rules.

The 17 pieces that are up for the People's Choice Award are amazing -  not only for the skill in design and workmanship, but in how different the individual beaders interpreted their vision for the same set of beads they all received. 

The Beads East Challenge site has both still shots and a video with closeup details of each of the pieces. It is narrated by long time beader and author, Ann Benson.

To see the pieces and cast your vote for your favorite, click HERE.

By the way, Houston Bead Society and bead embroiderer extraordinaire - Lynn Little - is one of the finalists. Her piece is No. 34. Lynn says she was inspired by a pattern in a book by Robin Atkins who happens to be one of my favorite bead artists.

What's Liver of Sulfur?

Liver of Sulfur in liquid form.
Picture from www.riogrande.com

 Liver of sulfur, also known as potassium sulfide, is used to bring out the textural details in metal jewelry and even give them an antique or vintage look almost immediately. I’ve heard people refer to this process as oxidation or oxidizing, but it is really just a form of patina. Liver of sulfur works on silver and copper, but not on gold. And, although you can get some effects on brass, I don’t think the patina is as effective as it is on the other two metals.

Liver of sulfur comes in three different forms: liquid, gel and lump. I personally like the gel form because it is easier to control and I find that I waste much less of it too. Be aware that liver of sulfur deteriorates in sunlight so if you use the lump type, either make up a small batch or keep the gel/liquid form in a dark, cool place away from your other tools and metals (lest, you get some accidental patinaed effects). And, it stinks (like rotten eggs) so be sure to have some ventilation when you are applying it to your pieces.

Live of Sulfur in pellet or lump form.
Picture by www.riogrande.com

I always apply liver of sulfur to a very clean piece of metal that has been textured – even etched (one of my favorite techniques) – or slightly sanded (something with a little “tooth”). I like to scrub it clean with a soft brass brush and a cleanser such as Comet and then I make sure not to touch the area I want to patina. I either dip the entire piece into the liver of sulfur solution or use a soft, inexpensive artist’s brush to apply the liver of sulfur to certain areas and wait a few minutes. Once it has reach the color I like, I use my soft brass brush and dishwashing soap (I love Dawn) over the entire piece. Most of the times, I simply clean, rinse, dry and then use some fine steel wool or even a green scrubby to remove some of the patina around from certain areas of the metal.

Some artists also get great effects by heating the metal first and then applying the liver of sulfur.

Liver of Sulfur in gel form
Picture by www.riogrande.com

To keep the patina color, I apply a light coat of Renaissance wax or even give it a couple of light sprayings of Nikolas Spray Lacquer.

So, you don’t want to mess with the chemical? Good news – you can do the same with boiled eggs. Simply boil one or two eggs (depending on how large and how many pieces you want to patina); As soon as you can handle them, chop coarsely and place in the plastic zip lock bag. Add your pieces and wait. It can take anywhere from an hour or so to a couple of hours – even days. I’ve actually tried this technique and it does work!

Remember – safety first. Be sure to wear safety glass and rubber gloves, especially if you are particularly allergic to certain solutions. 

Experiment, have fun and be safe!

JANUARY 2013 MEETING

Hello Everyone,

Last year 2012 is but a memory and we’re into a new year. For our Bead Society it starts with new slate of Officers:

• Shirley Nowlin – President & Show Chair
• Lillian Skogsberg – Vice President – Monthly Program Coordinator
• Carolyn Slater – Secretary
• Tish Reed – Treasurer
• Vickie Backer and Diane Mayes (Immediate Past President) – Library
• Kim Butler – Membership

I’ll be writing the monthly meeting notice and, with Shirley’s help, keeping our monthly programs as fun as they have been. We plan to continue our vibrant monthly meetings with bead activities to keep you on your beading toes. If you have any thoughts on our monthly program please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Program:

Tish Reed is going to lead the group in our annual production of bead squares for the Bead and Button Bead Quilt auction benefiting breast cancer research. 

This year’s theme is: “Flowers: Stitching to Find a Bloomin' Cure.” All you have to do to participate in this fun and worthwhile project is create one or more 1.5" x 1.5: (3.8 x 3.8 cm) beaded squares (stitched onto a 2" square) and send them to Bead & Button. You can use any bead technique you want – provided it includes a flower.

The complete rules and guidelines, as well as sample patterns can be downloaded HERE:

The deadline for submitting squares is March 1, 2013, so we have plenty of time to create squares. The beading fun will start at 12:00 noon in the area outside of the first floor Solarium and then continue inside the Solarium at 1:00 pm after the Polymer Clay meeting concludes and we'll finish at 3:00. But, remember ‐ you have until March 1, 2013 to send in your squares ‐ so feel free to continue at home on your own. But, I would like to have all completed squares in by February 16 (our next meeting date), so I can make sure they get to Bead and Button on time.

As in the past, I will bring the base squares, some flower beads and what's left of my bead soup to start the fun. You need to bring:

• Beads (seed beads, flower beads – whatever you want to include in the square) 
• Bead needles 
• Bead thread 
• Bead mat or other surface 
• Light and extension cord 
• Scissors 
• Light snack and/or drink to share - optional 

HBS has been delighted to be a part of this worthy cause for several years now – won’t you join us this time? To see examples of past bead squares created by members and friends of Houston Bead Society (including Peanut, Nancy Jones' beloved pooch), click HERE.

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.

Vendors:
Any current member can be a vendor at the monthly meetings. The cost is $10 for one 6' table, payable when HBS Treasurer, Tish Reed, 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 HBS President, Shirley Nowlin, announces that the meeting will begin. Vendors are expected to cover their tables at that time and may resume sales once the meeting is over. Everyone must vacate the auditorium no later than 12:30 p.m. If you would like to vend this month, please contact Shirley at slnowlin@yahoo.com or 713-294-9886 by January 18.

Library:
The library will be open for checking out materials. The monthly raffle will be underway until Shirley announces that meeting will start, so be sure to purchase your raffle tickets before the meeting starts. Tickets are $0.50 each.

Membership:
For our members 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, can handle your renewal.

Looking forward to seeing you at the meeting!!!

Lillian Skogsberg, HBS Vice President - Programs

Call for Entries - Showcase 1000 Beads

LarkJewelry & Beading seeks excellent photographs of original, contemporary beads in all materials to publish in a new juried, international collection in our 500 Series of books: Showcase 1000 Beads. This book is scheduled to be published in January 2014. The book will be juried by Kristina Logan.

We welcome and encourage submission of photographs of your handmade beads in all materials (glass, metal, polymer clay, metal clay, paper, fiber, plastic, stone, etc.) and design styles. All work must be made no earlier than 2010, and the more recent the work the better—we’d prefer to see your 2012 work over your 2011 work, and your 2011 work over your 2010 work.

We strongly prefer images of beads that have not been published previously, and please do NOT submit images of pieces that have been published in any Lark book. We can accept only high-quality digital images. Artists will receive full acknowledgment within the book and a complimentary copy. Artists retain copyright of their work. There is no entry fee.

All submissions must be submitted electronically through Juried Art Services. Note that there is no fee for using Juried Art Services. The entry page can be found at the following link: http://bit.ly/VTfT6E or, the full URL,  http://www.juriedartservices.com/index.php?content=event_info&event_id=614.

Entries must be submitted by February 14, 2013. We strongly encourage early entries.

All visuals submitted must represent work that is original in design. Please choose work that reflects the book’s concept. A maximum of four entries per artist is allowed, so please submit your best work. An entry may consist of no more than two visuals: an overall shot and one detail (or alternate view); the detail shots are not required. The primary images you submit should each be different designs. For example, do NOT submit four variations of very similar beads; instead, submit one bead from each of four series.

Important: Lark will only publish photos of entries containing images and text that are free of copyright or for which the artist (or approved institution) holds copyright.

Call for Entries - Texas Biennial 2013

The Texas Biennial is an independent survey of contemporary art in Texas. The fifth edition of the exhibition will take place in the fall of 2013, making the Texas Biennial the longest-running state biennial in the U.S.

For the first time in the project's history, in 2013 the curated group survey that is the central feature of the Biennial will be installed in a single venue and will represent all artists selected from the open call. This exhibition will take place September 5 – November 9, 2013 at Blue Star Contemporary Art Center in San Antonio.

During the run of the exhibition, selected performance works will also be presented at CentralTrak–The Artist Residency of the University of Texas at Dallas. Another first in the Biennial's history will be the inclusion of a commissioned artist project presented by Ballroom Marfa.

In celebration of the 5th anniversary of the project, the Texas Biennial is also pleased to announce a special exhibition of current work by selected past Biennial artists. This exhibition will be presented simultaneously at Lawndale Art Center in Houston and Big Medium in Austin, August 23 ‒ September 28, 2013.

For more information about this exhibit and Call for Artists go to their website at http://www.texasbiennial.org/tx13.html 

(All information and graphic from the Texas Biennial Organization).

Pantone 17-5641 Emerald, a “lively, radiant, lush green,” is the Color of the Year for 2013. For more information about this color click HERE.

Read more at Design Milk: http://design-milk.com/pantone-color-of-the-year-2013-emerald/#ixzz2GnExjZtz

Easy Way to Clean Sterling Silver Wire

Here’s a tip to help you both clean and straighten sterling silver wire at the same time.

If you use a cloth to straighten sterling silver wire, simply add a small amount of baking soda on a cloth and then run the wire through it as you are straightening it. The baking soda will remove any tarnish from sterling silver wire as well as that dull coating that gold wire often accumulates after time.

This technique also works for cleaning liquid silver necklaces.

Happy New Year!



Happy New Year everybody!
Hope you have a happy, safe, healthy,
properous and beady New Year.