2013 Bead It Forward Bead Quilt Squares

I am so happy to announce that we had a total of 84 bead squares go to Bead and Button for the 2013 Bead It Forward Bead Quilt project and auction that benefits breast cancer research. This year, the theme was "Blooming to Find a Cure." The rules were to bead a tiny, 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" area onto a 2" x 2" square of stabilizer and, although you could use any bead technique, it had to include a flower or flowers. To find out more about this project click HERE.

This is just a small sampling of the squares that were created. To see the entire set, go to the HBS website by clicking HERE.



The list of HBS members, friends and Tiny Dog Seed Bead gang who participated include:

• Audra Gladney
• Boots Tyner
• Carole Wiley
• Connie Eicher
• Dixie Nichols
• Jannie Davis
• Jo Ann Schmitt
• Kathleen Stauber
• Katy Edwards
• Kim Butler
• Lillian Skogsberg
• Linda Magee
• Margaret Jordan
• Nancy Jones 
• Pat McAdams
• Pat Powell
• Pat Rogers
• Pattie Berg
• P. Credeur
• Tish Reed
• Vicki Backer

and last, but not least - Peanut Butter Jones ("el Cacahuate"), Nancy's much loved fur baby and everyone's favorite bead store manager

From the bottom of my heart - thank you to everyone who participated in this worthwhile project. It was a pleasure organizing and coordinating it on behalf of Houston Bead Society.

You guys rock!!!

Chain, Chain, Chain...Bracelet

I'm glad to know that although I work with enamels, kiln formed-glass, saws, hammers, metals, solder and a torch almost every day, I'm not the only one a little intimidated by chainmaille.

So, like a "Knight in Shining Armor," to the rescue is Crap at Crafts with this really simple and cute chainmaille-like bracelet.

Emily uses ready made chain cut to bracelet length, braids them together, attaches a jump ring and clasp and Voila! - you have a pretty neat looking chain bracelet in practically minutes.

Picture and design by Crap at Crafts

I always have some leftover chain laying around; but, wouldn't this look great with the vintage chain you bought at the last estate sale?

Check out the instructions by clicking HERE.

Now, go bead something.

February Meeting Highlights

So, what do we do at our monthly meetings?

Meet-ups with friends:


Immediate Past President, Diana Mayes, with long time HBS members, Ziggie Vansickle and Laura Joyal.

Fun, new learning opportunities:


Pat Powell was kept busy with over 20 members who participated in the program.
Left - Pat Powell with Michael Mayes. Right - Janine Calmes, Linda MaGee, Jo Ann Schmitt and other members
working on their projects.

 

Top - Janie Fitzgerald, HBS VP - Lillian Skogsberg, Michael Mayes, Pattie Berg and Dixie Nichols.
Bottom - various HBS members.

HBS VP - Lillian Skogsberg, Dixie Nichols, Pattie Berg and other HBS members
busy working on their projects.



And, did I mention shopping? Every month, we have several members who sell beads, beading components, finished jewelry and other assorted beady goodies.

Don't miss out on all the fun - join us for our next meeting on March 16, 2013. Check out our website at www.houstonbeadsociety.org or click on the Programs tab for more information.

Wearing of the Green Earrings

Is it me, or is the month of February just zooming by?

Before you know it, it'll be time for the Wearing of the Green! Right in time for St. Patty's day is this cute pair of green earrings by Fusion Beads.

The Emerald Coast earrings use 4 mm green Swarovski crystals, some wire, a flat circle element and a pair of ear wires - simple - huh?

Emerald Coast Earrings by
Fusion Beads

Not much for celebrating St. Patty's day? All you have to do is change up the color of crystals (or try silver or brass wire) and you have a cute pair of earrings for any occasion.

To download a pdf file of the instructions, click HERE.

Now go bead something!

Basic Beading Tools

Round nose pliers, rosary pliers, flat nose, flush cutter - even if you're a seasoned beader, sometimes the tool terminology can be confusing - even downright intimidating for the beginners.

Picture of Round Nose Pliers
(aka Rosary Pliers)
by Annie's Crafts

I found this really nice explanation of the basic beading tools that you should have in your tool box on the Annie's Crafts website. Not only is there a pretty good explanation of the tool and what it's used for, but a really good picture accompanies the explanation.

To check out the list of tools and what they are used for, click HERE.

Now go bead something!

When Design Plans Go Awry

What happens when you find beads or another jewelry component that you absolutely love, know exactly what you are going make with them; but, as you are creating your piece, the entire plan goes awry?

There is the old adage - when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

By Pat Powell of Pat Powell Designs

And, that is exactly what HBS member, Pat Powell of Pat Powell Designs did!

Pat fell in love with some matte olive green and purple beads that she thought would be perfect for a brick stitch bangle - at least that was the plan. Midway into the project, however, Pat realized that it wasn't going to work after all and came up with an "Evolutionary" plan.

To learn about Pat's thinking process as she had to alter her plan, check out her blog by clicking HERE.

It really is a lesson in listening to what your work (or materials) is telling you and maybe, just maybe, coming up with something even better.

Now, go bead something!

Call for Artists Deadline Coming Up

The Call for Resident Artists application deadline for residency at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is coming up soon - March 1, 2013

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

Acceptance includes access to a wide variety of professional opportunities and resources!

Five to ten residencies awarded
Three, six, nine or twelve month residencies
Stipend and housing allowance
Free studio space with 24 hour access
On going professional development

To learn more and to apply, visit http://www.crafthouston.org/artists/residents/

Adorn Me! Jewelry Retreat

Did you know there is a huge jewelry making retreat coming up in our very own town of Houston? It's called Adorn Me! and it starts on Thursday, February 28 and goes through Sunday, March 3rd.

Adorn Me 2013

Put on by the wonderful pair of Chuck and Linda Young of Phoenix Rising Productions - the creators of the fabulously, wonderful and enormously popular Art Unraveled retreat that takes place in Phoenix every year in August - Adorn Me! features over 40 workshops on a number of different jewelry making techniques like torch fire enameling, learning to saw and solder, resins, metal clays, encaustics, metalsmithing and many, many more. They are taught by some pretty popular artists/teachers like Thomas Mann, Kim St. Jean, Mary Hettmansperger, Susan Lenart Kazmer and Richard Salley just to name a few.

So if you have wanting to check out what jewelry making is all about - some of the techniques taught can be applied to all mediums - check out all the workshops by clicking HERE. Just know that online registration is closed, but you can still register in person at the hotel.

Tip of the Month - Amber

Amber
Picture by wikipedia.com

Amber is fossilized tree resin that people have appreciated since Neolithic times. Its gorgeous color, natural beauty and, if you're lucky, inclusions like plants, insects or other small animals trapped within, makes it a wonder to look at.

Amber is available many different sizes and shapes - like chunks or nuggets, chips and ready made cabochons, just to name a few.

It's no wonder that Amber is one of my favorite stones, but with the abilities of today’s factories, how can you tell whether or not it’s genuine? Obviously, the first thing to do is always buy amber from a reputable dealer. But, you can also look at its structure. Fake amber looks like it came out of a mold - very smooth and regularly shaped. If you’re still not sure, this test may help you determine whether your amber is a fake:

Try dropping the piece of amber in a cup of very salty water (3-4 heaping tablespoons of salt per cup). If it floats, it’s probably the real thing. If it doesn't, it’s most likely a fake. This is probably the least invasive method I've heard about for testing amber (others recommend using a match or chemicals).

Make Your Own Jump Rings

Picture and Tutorial by
Magpie Gemstones

Why buy jump rings - when you can make your own? You don't need any special kind of metalsmithing skills and they are so easy to make. Also, if you are beading in the middle of the night (yeah, it happens) and you run out -  no worries; just pull out your pliers, some wire, a hammer, a small file and VOILA! - you have jump rings. Best of all, you can make them any size or shape, for that matter.

Check out the video tutorial at Magpie Gemstones by clicking HERE.

If you do happen to own a jeweler's saw, I would recommend you saw through the coil - for a much cleaner, straighter cut that might not need to be filed.

Have fun and go bead something.

FEBRUARY 2013 MEETING

By Lillian Skogsberg, HBS Vice President - Programs

February 2013 Program 
Pat Powell is going to lead the group in making beautiful Faux Repoussé metal squares into brooches. She is going to supply the materials & additional materials will be available for a small fee. Repousse is defined as shaped or ornamented with patterns in relief made by hammering or pressing on the reverse side of metal. Pictures of squares and program details are available in the Programs page. Looks like it will be fun!!

Bead It Forward Bead Quilt Squares
Don't forget to bring your completed Bead It Forward Bead Quilt squares for Tish Reed to forward to Bead and Button. If you need the base squares to create more, Tish will have a few available. Don't forget, the deadline for getting your squares into Bead and Button is March 01, 2013. The squares are always beauties and fun to do, since they’re a small project. For more information and guidelines go to: http://bnb.jewelrymakingmagazines.com/en/Community/Bead%20Quilt%20Project/2011/10/Bead-It-Forward%20bead-quilt%20project.aspx

Summer Bead Fling and Upcoming Workshop:
There will be announcements about our upcoming Summer Bead Fling scheduled for June 22-23 and Soutache Workshop in September. Details will be available in emails, but come and hear the details and ask questions at the meeting.

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 the 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 the 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 Lillian at Lillian_skogsberg@earthlink.net, 713-557-7329 by February 14.

Library:
The library will be open for checking out materials. And, the monthly raffle will be underway until Shirley announces that meeting will start. Tickets are $0.50/each. If you have something you would like to donate something for the raffle, please bring it to the meeting.

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, can handle your renewal.

As always, looking forward to seeing you at the meeting!

Crystal, Pearl and Wire Heart Earrings

Just in time for Valentines Day from The Daily Bead blog - these adorable earrings.

Oh my gosh... these are so cute and supereasy to create! All you need are some round nose pliers, wire cutters, 24 ga wire, ear wires, a couple of jump rings, a few crystals and pearls - all of which you probably already have in your stash.

Wired Heart Earrings at
My Daily Bead blog 

In fact, they are so easy to make, I made four pairs in about 2 hours. It probably only took that "long" because I decided to ball up the fine silver wire I used on the crystals (I love how it looks like I added tiny silver beads to the ends) - but, you certainly don't have to. Also, while the designer used 24 gauge wire to create the hearts, I used 20 ga fine silver wire and since I'm a fan of all things wonky, I made my heart charms wonky. I love how they turned out and so did my mom and my sister.

Created by Tish Reed

Click HERE to watch the video and make these by dozens as I'm sure all your friends will want a pair when they see you wearing them.

Now, go  bead something!

Call for Art - Showcase 500 Metal Clay Jewelry

Lark Jewelry & Beading seeks excellent photographs of original, contemporary handmade metal clay jewelry to publish in a new juried, international collection in our 500 Series of books: Showcase 500 Metal Clay Jewelry which is scheduled to be published in Spring 2014.

Lark welcomes and encourages submission of excellent photographs of your handmade metal clay jewelry in all design styles. The jewelry must be predominantly metal clay or, at a minimum, have a dominant metal clay focal piece, but other materials of course may be incorporated.

All work must be made no earlier than 2010 and the more recent the work the better; in fact, Lark prefers to see your excellent 2013 work over your 2012 work, 2012 over 2011, and 2011 over 2010.

Lark also strongly prefers images of jewelry pieces that have not been published previously, and please do not submit images of work that have been published in any Lark book. They will accept only high-quality digital images.

There is no entry fee. Entries must be submitted between January 15 and April 26, 2013. Lark strongly encourages early entries. Artists will receive full acknowledgment within the book, a complimentary copy and will retain copyright of their work.

A maximum of four entries per artist is allowed, so 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 jewelry pieces; instead, submit one work from each of four series.

Submissions that do not meet the requirements will not be considered.

Check out all the details, including photographic requirements, by clicking HERE.

Beaded I-Phone Case by Mellisa Grakowsky Shippee

A little eye candy to get you inspired on this last day of the work week and the beginning of what looks like a rainy weekend (the most perfect time to be beading or creating something - anything).

Here is an awesomely wonderful, Beaded I-Phone Case created by Mellisa Grakowsky Shippee (MGS Designs). I understand she is teaching it at Beadfest Philadelphia.

Original picture and Facebook post can be
found HERE

Someone please take her class because I am dying to see this in person and up close!

Crystal Heart Pendant for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is only eight days away! So, you still have plenty of time to make a batch of these cute crystal hearts for your mom, sister or sister in law, best friend - or even just for you.

All you need are 44 4mm crystals, 60 3mm crystals and some soft beading wire. Add a chain and you have a sweet little pendant that you can actually wear all year long.

Picture and project by
BeadJewelryMaking.com

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something!

Measuring for Beaded Bracelets and Metal Cuffs

Sandy Martin demonstrates how to accurately
measure for custom beaded and metal cuff bracelets.
Still from the video on www.iceresin.com

Here is a neat little video from the website of one of my favorite artists, Susan Lenart Kazmer. 

Have you ever finished a bracelet only to find out that it is either too big or too small? When you spend hours or days on a project and it doesn't fit, it is more than just frustrating - it's maddening. And, in my case, it usually includes a few choice words. 

Well, solve that problem now - before it occurs. In just over 3 minutes, Sandy Martin, from Susan's design team at www.iceresin.com, shows you how to measure accurately for custom beaded bracelets and metal cuffs. 

Check it out by clicking HERE.

Now, go bead something!

Easy Macrame Bracelets by the Crafty Chica

Picture by the Crafty Chica

Remember Macrame? You probably do if you grew up in the late 60s to early 70s. Well,  macrame has come a long way - baby! From potted plant holders and funky wall hangings to some pretty sophisticated jewelry. Joan Babcock, Annika de Groot and Katie DuMont are just some of the macrame artists that come to mind. 

However, if you don't want to go to that level - just yet - and merely want to try out a quick project then check out this video tutorial on some cute plain and beaded macrame bracelets by the Crafty Chica herself, Kathy Murillo. Best of all, you only have to learn one knot and one of the projects even uses pre-strung Mardi Gras beads. 

So pull out some cords, fibers, even C-Lon, check out her video tutorial by clicking HERE and make some macrame bracelets just in time to wear to all those Mardi Gras parties and parades.

Now, go bead something!