My BFF Marcia gifted me her kit from Beading by the Bay called Carousel. I just finished it! It never ceases to amaze me how truly talented my 'beady' friends are. The spinning component, which is aptly named, is really genius. Not that all my friends aren't geniuses...
The way the layers of the 'Carousel' fit together is brilliant. The piece was exclusively designed as a project for Beading by the Bay, but I'm telling you as soon as Marcia begins to teach it, sign up quick!!
I was told that I was famous the other day! I got quite a chuckle out of that. It appears that some of my designs and those that I collaborated with my friend, Ron Rock, are now on Swarovski's website. The pieces were designed for the DIY (Do It Yourself) market of Swarovski Elements and we were told would not be for publication. We were to create designs using the latest innovation products at that time. Working with a color palette of Jet, Crystal and Golden Shadow got to be a bit of a challenge though. Also, that of using big holed beads! Honestly, how many ways can you string up big-holed beads? So why are they now appearing on the website? I know not. However, if I'm asked again, I will name my pieces and then send it off to Austria! Hopefully, I'm a little more creative than calling a necklace piece "Bracelet". A big lol.
It seems like forever since I've blogged, but I was busy scheduling our Summer 2011 class schedule. I have a sneak peek for you all. A little bit of a beautiful necklace called "En Pointe" by Marcia DeCoster. For all of you gals in the neighborhood the class will be on Saturday and Sunday, August 13th and 14th. You may check out the schedule in a week or so by going to The Beading Frenzy.
My friend Jamie at J'me Boutique in downtown San Mateo is once again reinventing her business by launching a vintage clothing section in her shop. Today was the grand opening and the Mimosa's were yummy! If you're local ladies, check it out at 60 East Third Avenue. I wish you could see an up-close picture of the brooch necklace she is wearing, very cool!! And don't forget to recycle your old jewelry into something new. Stop by TBF on Saturday, April 16th or 23rd from 2:30pm until closing and let us help you give a new look to your old pieces.
It's hard to believe that our second annual Beading by the Bay retreat is in the past. The weekend was awesome! Beginning with a great Trends presentation by my friend Ron Rock of Swarovski Elements, having great food prepared daily and last but certainly not least three awesome women who taught three terrific projects. We certainly shared many laughs together. I want to personally thank all of you who made the weekend a truly wonderful experience.
I'm looking forward to next years workshops featuring Sherry Serafini, Rachel Nelson Smith and Marcia DeCoster.
Yikes, Silver today was almost $37 raw/ounce. Well until it starts to drop, (ha ha) if ever, I have discovered that brass is a great alternative. Most silver jewelry being done today is translatable to another metal besides silver. Unfortunately, I do have trouble offering chain maille in copper or brass. In my opinion, sterling is still the best metal when weaving jump rings together forming simple to intricate chain designs.
This past Sunday, I sat in on a class by master Metal Smith, Iris Sandkuhler. I was interested in her techniques for texturing, stamping, antiquing and riveting metal. The class was suitable for beginners and was a pleasant way to spend a rainy afternoon. I have a new appreciation for brass components. I will continue to bring in more variety of brass items so that students have a reasonable alternative to the higher priced silver.
Vintaj makes some great brass filigree beads and components, Tierra Cast has introduced a new brass plate to their wonderful line of casted clasps, beads, findings and charms (and they are manufactured in California to boot!) and Softflex has manufactured a great craft wire called Vintage Bronze which goes perfectly with our collection of brass beads, findings and chain.
This past Sunday, I sat in on a class by master Metal Smith, Iris Sandkuhler. I was interested in her techniques for texturing, stamping, antiquing and riveting metal. The class was suitable for beginners and was a pleasant way to spend a rainy afternoon. I have a new appreciation for brass components. I will continue to bring in more variety of brass items so that students have a reasonable alternative to the higher priced silver. 
