Also at the Dallas Museum of Art (King Tut, Part 3)

I'm back! Life got a little busy and I took a break.

A while back we went to see the King Tut exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art. While there, we also took in the Ancient America's exhibit. It was very enjoyable, and they let me take photos. Most of the photos were taken through the glass of the exhibit cases, so there's an odd reflection here and there. Click on the photos to go to my Flickr account where you can see larger, more detailed photos.

I was really impressed with some of the jewelry.





This set impressed me the most, in part for the excellent metal work, but also for the sheer size of some of the pieces. From top to bottom they are: headpiece, earspools, nose piece, large concave ear pendants, and a pectoral. The ear spools were probably about 2.75 inches in diameter and the large ear pendants must be five or so inches. I thought they were some sort of breast plate. They're the same size as the old fashioned breast plates I wore when I started fencing back in the 80's.

This set is all gold. The gold sheet appeared to be fairly thin, maybe about 24 gauge in places. Still, it's very difficult to imagine someone wearing those ear pendants.

There were some silver pieces, such as this one:



This is an outstanding piece:



Notice the mask face is "wearing" a smaller set of earspools.

Frogs seemed to be very popular, and there were several examples, ranging in size from some exquisite pieces about 3/8 of an inch to a couple of inches.



These are typical. The spiral at the frogs mouths represent bubbles.



There were also some figural jewelry pieces like this one:



This was Ralph's favorite piece:



This statue is about three feet high.





And lastly, here's a shot of me in the sculpture garden/courtyard.

Canton Marketplace

I have a store on Etsy, Essential Adornment. I don't spend a lot of time on it, so I haven't had a lot of sales. Recently we started an Etsy team made up of people in the northeast region of Texas. This is morphing into Netsy art/craft guild. I'm really excited because we've opened a booth at the Canton Marketplace in Canton Texas.


Martha, of Menagerie Studio, and I will be anchoring the booth and every month during First Monday we will share the booth with two other members. Last weekend (April First Monday) was our first weekend.


Here's the booth just after we put a fresh coat of paint, with some displays that will be living at the booth.




Here's a couple of shots of the booth in action. The right side of the photos was cut off in blogger so click on them to see the full shot. We still have some decorating to do and things to tweak. We need to get a sign. The layout may well change from month to month as our stock changes with different members coming in.






We also are taking items on consignment, three or four or so from various members. April had items from Billye of Silvermoon Studio and Katie of KatherineKouture. Here's some detail shots showing how things were displayed.



Front of the booth. l to r: wire mannequin with pink resin necklace by Billye, rose necklace by Menagerie Studio; large mannequin: yellow necklace by KatherineKouture, cross necklace by Menagerie Studio; tall wire mannequin: necklace by me; front: large cross by Menagerie Studio.



l to r: necklace by me (No Stone Unstrung), Treasure Box earrings by me, necklace by Silvermoon Studio, charms (in tray) by Martha of Menagerie Studio.



Charms by Menagerie Studio and earrings and necklace by KatherineKouture.



l to r: pink necklace by Silvermoon Studio with pendant by Menagerie Studio, bracelets by KatherineKouture, earrings and large coral necklace by me, necklace by KatherineKouture.

We didn't have a lot of sales in April, but we made money. Things should pick up, especially since the Canton Marketplace is improving their signage and a winery is moving into the building in June.

For those who don't know, Canton Texas is like one big market every first Monday weekend of the month. It started with antiques, and now you can get pretty much anything you want. The Canton Market Place is just one of the many, many buildings in operation, and there are also people who set up in outdoor tents and canopies. Unlike the rest of Canton, our building is air conditioned and open until 8 pm. This should be a real advantage come summer and in rainy weather.

Tutorial Monday-Resin Tutorials

John Golden has a series of three resin casting tutorials that are very detailed and complete. He's posted them on You Tube. If you've ever wanted to make your own resin jewelry this is a good start.




Here is the link to part 2 and part 3.

Mr. Golden also has this video at Mind Bites in one part. The video quality is better. It's not free, but it is only one credit and part of the money goes to a selected charity. A single credit is only $1.99, less if you buy in bulk.

So many viewers of his videos had trouble finding the jewelry blanks that he is now selling them at his website, and in one of his Etsy stores, Golden Supply. While you're over on Etsy, check out his digital art here, and at this store, Mot and Dot, that he runs with his wife.

Sherri Haab has written a great book on creating resin jewelry.




I have this book and have been very pleased with it. Ms. Haab also has kits available for projects in her book.

Tutorial Monday-Earrings by Erin

photo by Erin


I just purchased two tutorials: Moana Hoop Earrings and Framed Cabochon Pendant from Earrings by Erin. These are great tutorials by Australian wire artist Erin.


The Moana Hoop Earrings features 32 color photos and 12 pages. You also get a video link with the tutorial showing how to do the Koru spiral motifs. I found the tutorial to be well illustrated and well written. The experience level on the Moana Hoop Earrings is listed as novice to intermediate.


The Framed Cabochon Pendant tutorial is listed as an advanced tutorial. This tutorial has 28 pages and 68 color photos. Like the earring tutorial, it has good photos and is well-written.

One of my favorite things about these tutorials is that they are designed for use with round wire. I know a lot of wire workers like square wire, but I prefer the more ethnic look of round wire.

Read an artist interview of Erin at For You Designs.

Tutorial Monday-How to Make Fabric Beads

photo: Monica Magness


This week's tutorial review is something a little different. Instead of a wire project here is a tutorial on a fresh style of fabric bead. Most of the fabric beads I've seen involve rolling the fabric into a cylinder. Not this design! Instead, scrap fabric is turned into a round bead, embellished with seed beads. It's perfect for all those little fabric scraps left over after a project. I always think they are too pretty to throw away but I never know what to do with them. Aaack! Now I really do have to save them!

This bead design is easy to customize since you can add your choice of beads. I think you could also wrap some ribbon or yarn around the bead and stitch it on. And if you just have to have wire, a little colored art wire wrap would be pretty. You could wire the seed beads on instead of sewing them.

This beautiful design and tutorial comes from Monica Magness of Girl-Gone-Thread-Wild. Monica is active in the Pink Artist project. You can help out and enter the drawing by making a donation to benefit the Susan B. Komen for the cure Foundation.

Tutorial Monday-JewelryLessons.com

Eni Oken has started a new jewelry site: Jewelry Lessons by Eni Oken and friends. The site is loaded with good info, mostly on wire wrapping, but undoubtedly with much more to come. In addition to articles, profiles, pictures and more, there are quite a few tutorials for sale, and also some free ones. The tutorials have been authored by Eni Oken and other artists. I can't speak for all the tutorials, but I have purchased Eni's tutorials from her site Eni Oken's Jewelry Journal before and found them to be immensely detailed and well written, with excellent close-up photos of every step.

Eni writes in her journal that "The site will be a community, sales venue and bank of knowledge all wrapped in one. It will have articles, tips, tutorials, Q&A section, member profile pages, student galleries and a lot more. The idea is to SHARE information on jewelry making -- not only wirework, but all artisan techniques -- and store it in more efficient ways than the traditional forums and newsgroups."

Tutorial Monday-Wire Frame Bracelet

I stumbled across this Wire Frame Bracelet tutorial from Belinda Spiwak the other day. The bracelet is somewhat freeform and allows for lots of individualization. While there are good close up pictures of the finished bracelet this tutorial doesn't have step by step pictures. It does have good text instructions. If you have a little experience with wire I think you could have a lot of fun creating your own version of the frame bracelet. The design lends itself well to mixed media type art, found objects, and eclectic mixtures of metals, beads and charms.

For more inspiring wire bracelets, check out the pictures of Susan Lenart Kazmer's beautiful and arresting bracelets.

Belinda includes a tutorial on booklace pendants at this same URL. Check it out!

Tutorial Monday-Multistrand Hook & Eye

I ran across this very interesting tutorial Finishing Triplicate Chain Weaves by Theresa Olin from a concept by Desert Rhino. The tutorial is intended as a finishing technique for chain mail, but I believe this hook an eye could be easily adapted to multi strand necklaces or bracelets, chandelier earrings, and other uses. This style hook is also very sturdy.

The tutorial has good close up pictures and is easy to follow. She also has some other good tutorials at Theresa's Beadwork and Chainmail Tutorials. See her beautiful chainmail at The Maille Market.

Photo by Theresa Olin.

Tutorial Monday-Beaducation Classes

Beaducation is an on-line commercial shoppe with on-line video classes. I've both shopped with them and done free and purchased classes. I've been very pleased with both my purchases and the classes.

Beaducation currently has 10 free classes, 29 classes available for purchase, and 9 classes marked "coming soon."

The ten free classes include stamping on metal, intro to chain mail, byzantine chain, making your own ear wires, and torch safety. I've done the stamping on metal class and found it very clear and helpful. I also plan on doing the torch safety. I've been using a torch for a while to fire art clay and a review of safety never hurts.

The "for purchase" classes range in price from $12.00 to $38.00 with most being in the $38.00 range. I purchased the Mermaid Braid Bracelet class and have found it very complete and easy to follow.

The classes show a close over-the-shoulder view from the angle you would be working from. Classes never expire, so this means you can go back again and again and watch it as many times as you want to . Each class is divided into fairly short segments, so you can review just the ones you need. The Mermaid Braid Bracelet class is divided into ten segments:

1. introduction
2. tools and materials
3. step one: braiding with copper wire
4. step two: braiding in lap
5. step three: adding the cap
6. step four: braiding with sterling wire
7. step five: making the loops
8. step six: shaping the bracelet and adding the clasp
9. design ideas
10. get to know your instructor

Purchased classes also include good "print yourself" instructions with pictures. There are no printed instructions on the free classes.

Techniques taught include chain mail, metalwork, mixed media, seed bead work, and wire work. At the time of this posting the mixed media classes are marked "coming soon." These include classes utilizing felt. All of the classes are graded according to skill level required.

Instructors include Lisa Niven Kelly, Barb Switzer, Laura McCabe, Dallas Lovett, Kate Richbourg, Lisa Claxton, Kriss Silva, Emily B. Miller, Mel McCabe, Colin Mahler, Gail Crossman Moore, and Iris Sandkülher. Quite an impressive list!

The shoppe also carries kits for many of the classes. Other supplies and tools are also available. They have a good selection of metal working tools, including some that I've not seen other places. You can buy stainless steel shot in convenient two pound bags, as well as metal punching pliers in two sizes, bracelet bending pliers, and their "fat daddy" cutting pliers for heavy gauge metal. They have a good selection of pattern stamps for metal, including some exclusive designs. Metal blanks in sterling, copper, and gold filled are available. One thing about their supplies, especially their metal stamps and cutters: they frequently sell out. If you don't want to be caught waiting until their next order arrives, buy quickly.

1000 Jewelry Inspirations

Sandra Salamony delivers tons of inspiration and some sensory overload in 1000 Jewelry Inspirations. I mean that in a good way; there's so much in the book that I have to look at it a few pages at a time.

Pieces range from simplistic to complex, yet each will jump start you on your own projects. The book is divided into several sections. Each photo is numbered. Chapter 1, Beads and Baubles, is by far the largest section with items 1 through 313. Next up is Paper + Mixed Media with 314 through 440. Polymer + Precious Metal Clay follows with items 441 through 602. Chapter 4 covers Vintage and Repurposed items with numbers 603 through 749. Fibers + Fabric is next with items 750 through 864. Items 865 through 1000 are covered in Wire + Metal. The book concludes with a very short appendix of jewelry-making techniques (beginner level), an artist directory and index, and resources.

There is something for every skill level here. The type and style of jewelry is very broad, so if you've been doing only one type you can get inspiration on types and styles that you are unfamiliar with.

The Impatient Crafter Oo La La Collaged Pendants

I'm out of town for the rest of this week so I'm leaving you this fantastic video from Margot Potter, the Impatient Crafter™. I think this is my favorite one so far, probably because I have been working on some collage pendants myself. So far I'm doing digital collage but Margot makes the ink look like fun.

Tutorial Monday-Mei of Wirebliss

This week for Tutorial Monday I'm reviewing the Sparkly Crystal Ring Tutorial from Mei of WireBliss.


Lately I've been really interested in doing rings. This is a very lovely ring, and I purchased the tutorial on Etsy. The tutorial is delivered as a PDF. It's well written with lots of good detailed photos. I found it very easy to follow. The directions were clear and complete.

Here's a sample page from the tutorial. Remember that the resolution of my blog will not be nearly what the actual tutorial is.

Here are the first practice rings I did using the tutorial.

Mei calls for 22 gauge wire, but I wanted to start out learning with my less expensive craft wire, so I used a 20 gauge tarnish resistant wire in gold and copper, and some leftover beads that I had handy. This worked well, although the 20 gauge doesn't have the beautiful dainty look of Mei's rings. I also experimented with Czech glass firepolish in the center rather than using all Swarovski. Swarovski will definitely be more sparkly so I'll use that next. If you like to use heavier wire with rings I think 20 gauge is probably the heaviest wire that can be used with the small crystals, but 19 gauge might work. Now that I've had some practice I'm going to do some with 22 gauge sterling and gold filled wire. Pearls can also be used in this ring design, and Mei has a picture of a ring made with pearls that is very attractive.

This is a good tutorial for beginners as well as more experienced wire wrappers. I've never done any complex wire work so I consider myself a beginner. I found the directions easy to follow. The tutorial is also very reasonably priced at $6.00 USD.

You can view Mei's wire jewelry on her blogs, WireBliss Jewelry , WireBliss: Handcrafted Wire Wrap Jewelry, and her etsy store, Wirebliss. Be sure to check out her Wire Wrap Donut pendant tutorial that is available at Etsy.

Update on Tonia Davenport

Since I just reviewed Plexi Class I thought I would post this quick update on the author, Tonia Davenport. She has just opened an etsy store. Check out the cute bracelets. I especially like "dark chocolate."

Also her bracelet project "Save the Trees" from Plexi Class is featured as a free project on MyCraftivity.com.

Tutorial Monday-Sharilyn Miller

In my seemingly never-ending quest to impose structure on my blog here is the inaugural post of Tutorial Monday. Eventually I might write some tutorials of my own, but right now I'll be reviewing other's tutorials. These will range from intensive DVD workshops, to down loadable PDF tutorials, on-line tutorials, video tutorials and everything in between. Many will be jewelry tutorials but some will cover other interesting subjects.

First up will be Sharilyn Miller. Sharilyn Miller is the author of several books, including Bead on A Wire, arguably the best wire jewelry book around. Sharilyn has published four DVDs:

1. Tribal Treasures Bracelet Workshop



2. Rings of Beauty Workshop



3. Bohemian Bangles Workshop



4. Ethnic Style Jewelry Workshop

These are all reasonably priced through Film Baby at the links above. Current prices range from $29.95 to $39.95. You would pay much more for a workshop, and this is in essence a workshop on DVD. The DVDs range in length from 2.5 hours to 4 hours. If you search Sharilyn Miller's name at the Film Baby website some bundled offers will come up allowing you to buy more than one DVD at reduced rates.

Here are two silver rings I did from Rings of Beauty Workshop. (The top ring is an heirloom turquoise ring that was a gift from my mother-in-law.) The middle spiral ring has been antiqued with silver black. The bottom ring has a Swarovski crystal in it. I had a lot of fun making these. These are only two of the many designs featured on Rings of Beauty Workshop.

I also have some pics up of some copper rings I did. See them here.

I have the Rings of Beauty Workshop, and the Bohemian Bangles Workshop DVDs and have just ordered the new release: Ethnic Style Jewelry Workshop. The DVDs are filmed over Sharilyn's shoulder, so you have a clear close-up view of what she's doing. It very easy to follow the directions. Each DVD contains extra material on various subjects such as antiquing the finish of your jewelry, using the tumbler, polishing, etc. I'm very impressed with the level of detail in the DVDs. Sharilyn goes into enough detail that even beginners will be able to use the DVDs. Each DVD is broken down into sections, so you can easily review just the parts you need. I liked these so well that I actually bought a portable DVD player so I could watch them in my workroom, or any place else I want to work.

Sharilyn also has a great website. Her teaching schedule is posted there. She has a new blog. Her Yahoo group, Bead on a Wire, is my favorite email list.

Plexi Class - Instruction and Inspiration

Author Tonia Davenport was at MakerFaire in Austin in October 2007 where I saw her demonstrating her techniques. I've been waiting for this book to come out and I'm really pleased with it.

Plexiglas and Lucite are great materials to work with and this book offers solid instruction in basics. This is a great book for those who want to learn to work with these plastics.

The book is visually pleasing, with a good layout and clear pictures. "Plexi Pointers" provide interesting additional information on alternate techniques or ideas.

Most of the projects involve jewelry or wearable items like hair clips and pins. Those who are beginners at jewelry making won't find instructions here on making loops or attaching findings, but you will learn how to work the plastics. I was glad to see that the author stuck to shaping and manipulating the Plexiglas, leaving more room for projects.
This book will interest both jewelry designers and mixed media artists looking for a different medium.

One of the great things about working with this medium is that it requires only a few inexpensive tools to get started. Many artists will already have the tools; the only one I'm going to have to purchase is a cutter to score the Plexiglas.

My favorite projects are the solo exhibition earrings, the purse, and the notebook cover.

My only disappointment in the book was that the gallery didn't show items in more detail. They are shown life-sized. I'd like a couple of close-ups.

You can see I did take my own close up of the heart box pendant. This necklace is in the gallery section of the book. I can really get into making little "treasure boxes" like this.

Check out the book at Amazon.

The Impatient Crafter Glitterati Skull Earrings

I'm out of town on some family business and not sure when I'll be back. I won't have my computer; already I'm going through withdrawal pains just thinking about it. I'm trying out Blogger's scheduled post feature; hopefully this works.

Here, for your viewing enjoyment, is author, Bead Queen of the Universe, and blogger Margot Potter with a new fun video. The Stickles Pirate is really cute, too. Margot's blog is one of my favorites. I just wish I could write like her!

Quadrangle

It's crunch time as I try to finish up a few more things and get all my gear ready for my first fall show. Naturally it's raining, so I won't be able to waterproof the canopy as I had planned.

This weekend I'll be at the Quadrangle in Texarkana, USA. For those who aren't aware, Texarkana is on the border literally between Texas and Arkansas. Even the show will straddle the border. Here are some wire bracelets that I've been working on:

My aunt and cousin, of Tejas Trade, will also be showing with their jewelry.

Jewelry at the Calico Cat

Here's my friend Billye of Silvermoon Studios with her display of gorgeous jewelry at the Calico Cat. Most of the visible pieces in the picture are her jewelry. Billye likes to use a lot of semi-precious gemstones mixed with glass and pearls. She also designs jewelry for the Calico Cat label.

We both really love the clothes at The Cat, especially the Flax. In fact, Billye is wearing some Flax she got at the Cat in this picture.

Happy Birthday to Me

My best friend Billye made this necklace and earring set for my birthday recently.

Yes, I am a cat lover! The beads are bone, coral, and chrysanthemum jasper. I like it so much I have worn it several times this week.