Thursday, April 26, 2012

Book Review: Showcase 500 Rings

Lark Jewelry & Beading is preparing to release their debut title in their Showcase 500 Series.
Showcase 500 renames and lightly redesigns their popular 500 Series.
The 2004 publication, 1000 rings has sold more than 50,000 copies !!

This release revisits the design topics and updates the contemporary style we see, almost ten years later.

Showcase 500 Rings is not a How-To book. In fact, many of the pieces may not really be functionally wearable, as you and I define wearability. However, this collection brings together an amazing representation of art that the viewer is drawn into - page by page - through the journey of the definition (or should I call it a redefinition) of the ring.

This redefinition is done in the most artful representations !!
The introduction even goes as far as explaining the definition of "clunk" as to prepare the viewer for what he/she is about to embark upon.
Be prepared to react with "Oh - that's a ring?" to the barely there gold dust on one's hands to the "You Cant Miss It" ring from Rachel Timmins (Growth One).

One of my favorites appears toward the end of the journey on pg 406. This is the "Mussorgsky" by Ian Henderson. Something about the texture, the interlocking mechanisms, and the spirals makes you want to reach into the photo & touch it !!
You can view more of Ian's work here:

Here's a pic of "Mussorgsky":




This is a true discussion book. Leave it on your coffee table, in your studio for inspiration, in your office for visitors, and even in your crafty retail store to evoke expression from the people that pick it up to view it. Even my father, in his mid-60's couldn't resist a peek and an opinion of some of the pieces.

Great job on making unique selections, Brad Metcalf !
As always, kudos to Lark Jewelry and Beading for a well put together publication for us !


Monday, April 23, 2012

To organize or to bead....a type "A" dilemma

Only another person with strong type "A" tendencies will understand my dilemma.

Fact:
I can create a mess just like any other creative soul.

Fact:
I like to organize things.

Fact:
Most of the time, I handle organized chaos really well.
There might be a small pile on my desk, but if you ask me for the electric bill, I've got it at my fingertips!

Fact:
I can not be creative in a messy work space.
I can't even work on an existing project until the materials that I've pulled out for the projects that I've recently finished have been put away.

For the readers out there that know me, you know that I really don't get too much time to actually work on beading projects. I own and operate three businesses, manage a team of staff, take care of my house, my fiancée, and my little kitty, teach beading classes, design new projects on occasion, and volunteer for a bead society. Beading? Don't laugh, it's true! I am a bead store owner that loves beads, loves to work on bead projects, but rarely gets to work on them.

So, wouldn't you think that my workspace would be rather messy? If I rarely have time to bead, why do I make time to clean it up and organize it so well? I could be spending that time starting a new project!


So, tell me - does anyone else need a really clear workspace and well organized materials to be able to get to working on your craft / hobby?

I'm interested in hearing your thoughts!

Free Projects from Sabine Lippert AND Sonoko Nozue AND More !!

The people at the Lark Crafts Blog are doing it again... !!

They're sharing projects from two of their newest publications so we, the readers, can get a feel for each of the book's layouts, type of projects, and skill levels.

OH! And - while you're visiting their blog post - make sure you scroll down....
There are TONS of free projects from other artists and publications from Lark.
A little treasure trove of beading patterns to keep you busy for quite a while!

Lark Crafts Blog


And when you're there - be sure to check out two projects that were shared earlier this month.
Tracy Stanley & Janice Berkebile have a new book, "Making Wire & Bead Jewelry: Artful Wirework Techniques."

Two Wire Projects at the Lark Crafts Blog


Now - GO !
:)

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Lark Books Giveaway

Lark publishing is celebrating the number 1,2, and 3 spot on a popular book buying website! That's a big accomplishment for them. While we wholeheartedly support Lark Books, we hope you will come preview their publications at Bead and Glass Boutique. In the meantime, hop over to their blog for info on how to win a set of some of the best beading publications out today!

. Lark giveaway

Stop by to see all of these great books !!

www.BeadAndGlass.com

Monday, April 9, 2012

NEDbeads giveaway !

Nancy Dale put together a beautiful piece of jewelry using a focal button by Lisa Peters Art and some of the upcoming new colors of the Long Magatama Beads.

Preview the jewelry - and WIN the cuff by visiting Nancy's Blog, NEDbeads




Visit Nancy's Etsy Store for some great tutorials !!


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