Guest Contributor: Monica Pryor

Today we are welcoming jewelry designer Monica Pryor of Feminine Genius Jewelry as a guest contributor:

To me, creating jewelry with art beads is like composing a piece of music. You start with an idea of the main melody and the story you want your piece to tell, the feeling you want to elicit in the audience. Then you flesh it out with other colors and shapes as harmonious accompanimens. Two of my favorite "melody" artists at the moment are Anne Choi and Cathleen Zaring.  

Anne Choi's handmade sterling beads each tell their own story, either with a brief line of poetry or miniature illustration.  This first pic is Anne Choi's Wheat bead, combined with a soldered leaf charm by Sasha Crow that ties together the rustic fall gemstones and Harvest feel.

The next is another Anne Choi, her Maple Leaf bead, combined with Green Girl Studio's pewter squirrel and a copper leaf by Patricia Healey with a rainbow assortment of gemstones to represent the array of colors in the changing seasons.

I recently created one with a special Valentine's Day theme, that my heart really went into. It's a hug to everyone who has ever hurt on Valentine's Day, and a reminder to be Single and Fabulous! It features Anne Choi, Susan Woodworth, Jolene Riley and Cheryl Kiyoi.

Another source of wonderful inspiration (and catalyst for my shameless hoarding) is Cathleen Zaring who works in copper enameling. Each piece with its shape, colors and decorations, is its own tiny vignette. I especially enjoy her pieces that have holes in the bottom, offering great opportunity to add bits and treasures to flesh out the story.

The first one of these "Treasure Earrings" I made combined denim blue and copper Cathleen Zaring pieces with Green Girl Studio's decorative link with "Strength" inscribed on it, combined with Sodalite and copper chain.  

The next pair uses soldered Splash headpins by Susan Woodworth that give an element of oceany movement and glimmer and complete the story of an underwater garden full of little treasures. 

The last pair uses offbeat edgy mismatched charms by Cathleen Zaring in bold spicy colors.  These were perfectly complemented by handmade Sari silk and Pyrite drops made by Anna Pierson, with their own bit of random shape and striking colors. 

Some of Monica's favorite beadmakers:

Anne Choi: http://www.annechoi.com/

Cathleen Zaring: http://www.bluehareartwear.etsy.com/ 

Sasha Crow: http://www.crowscachesupplies.etsy.com/

Cynthia Thornton at Green Girl Studios: http://www.greengirlstudios.com/

Susan Woodworth at Susie Designs: http://www.susiedesigns.etsy.com/

Anna Pierson at SagaHus Components:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1752766821604005/?fref=nf

Jolene Riley : https://www.facebook.com/jolene.riley.5

Cheryl Kiyoi: www.kiyoidesigns.etsy.com

To see more of Monica's colorful art bead jewelry visit her Etsy shop, Feminine Genius Jewelry and her Facebook page. 

Jumping Out of Your Comfort Zone -- Take a Class!

Last year, I decided to reduce my craft show circuit from about 20 shows and knock it down to only five.  I wrote a separate blog about it, figuring it would keep me accountable.  The idea was to take a bunch of classes, try a lot of new techniques, and hopefully expand upon my current style, or maybe even develop a new one.

My usual style, with beads by Jane Perala

What I ended up finding out was classes scare me.  

Now, I looooove a trip to Barnes and Noble.  LOVE to peruse Amazon.com.  I have a ton of beading magazines and a healthy bookshelf FULL of how-to books -- everything from metalsmithing to micro-macrame.

one of my many, many bookshelves

However, the vast majority of those magazines and books go unread.  

I always have an excuse, which usually has something to do with not enough hours in the day.  There's always a deadline.  Or a school function.  Or the weather is too nice to stay indoors.  Or or ... and or.

So the only way I can really ever learn anything is to sign up for a class.

Attending class is a very humbling experience for me.  First comes knowing what to wear.  I know everyone will be wearing something SMASHING they made themselves -- probably from a two-week art retreat in the Italian Alps, which may or may not involve wrapping wire for three days straight on a hair-thin mandrel or encasing the fur of a unicorn in resin.  I'm totally joking around, but you get the level of my anxiety, I'm sure!

Unicorn shoe by Bete Noire Forge

Needless to say, I've been making jewelry around eight years now but I am THE newbie in the class.  Not just a newbie, but a rank beginner -- the person who cuts things wonky  (accidentally), pounds her thumb with a hammer (repeatedly), and sets things on fire (allegedly).

the inauspicious beginnings of ... something... at my class with Stephanie Lee

I'm the one who sits with shoulders hunched, looking with wild eyes at my neighbors confidently tackle their projects, armed with the perfect tools, the perfect packets of ephemera, the perfect ideas running through their heads.  I glance at the teacher, and all the teachers I've met -- they know That Look.   

And they stop and help.

Not only do they stop and help, but they encourage me to continue to ask for help -- not to the point of nuisance, but just often enough for a few seconds-worth of "is this right?".  And then I move on.

Sometimes it works out OK in the end, and all it takes is one class.

pendant I made during a class with Tracy Stanley

Sometimes it takes a couple of classes before I get things down.  For instance, the first time I took Barbara Lewis' enameling class, I burned things up.  Blechy beads.  Nothing salvageable.  So when she showed up in my neck of the woods nine months later, I took a refresher course, and it finally just... clicked.  I got comfortable.  I relaxed.

my second set of beads from Barbara Lewis' class

I still worry every time I take a class that I have a neon sign over my head that blinks "Caution!  Does Not Know Anything!" and "Doesn't Have a Clue!" over my head.  I am still awed when I walk into the class and see the amazing art around the students' necks.  And I still often wonder what was possessing me when I signed up for the class in the first place, because I feel I don't belong there.

Which, of course, is the entire point.  Why would you take a class if you DID belong there?  It's all about learning something new, isn't it?

necklace I made in Stephanie Sersich's class

Jumping out of my comfort zone means I REALLY take a cliff dive into an entirely new realm of jewelry design.  All of the classes I take are so far removed from what I normally do they require a different zip code.  However, after taking the class, I'm never sorry I took it.  I always learn something, even if I (allegedly) caught the piece on fire once or twice.

My challenge to you -- jump out of your comfort zone this year by taking a class in something that is totally unlike your norm.  Be it jewelry or cooking, sign up, take a deep breath, and jump.

I promise someone will catch you.

Lori Anderson creates jewelry for her web site lorianderson.net.  She writes the blog Pretty Things .  She lives in Maryland.

Embellish an Etched Metal Hinged Cuff with Art Beads!

As a contributing editor for ABS, I am constantly blown away by the amount of talent that comprises our readership. It is both a thrill and a pleasure to be able to bring to attention items and people I have fallen in love with that I think may interest the rest of our wonderful community of devoted art bead enthusiasts.

  

One such item is this Etched Metal Hinged Cuff Bracelet Kit put together by artisan jewelry designer Riki Schumacher. Riki is a warm and wonderful woman who, in addition to having published work in Belle Armoire Jewelry and Jewelry Affaire magazines, has also taught at art jewelry retreats such as Adorn Me and private workshops.

 One of her most popular designs is the Romantic Etched Metal Cuff with its unique, bold, rustic style that contains mixed metals and an antiqued finish. I see a lot of potential in these kits for jewelry designers who use art beads, not only does the wide face of the hinged cuff give us a good sized canvas for various art beads of polymer, metal or ceramic (I am picturing a Humblebeads wire-wrapped to the center of a filigree frame) but the metal itself is one that can be altered through a variety of techniques (you all know I am dying to splash it with patina!).   

 I recently emailed a Q&A to Riki and she kindly took the time to answer some of my questions.

  

 ABS - I love your hinged cuff bracelet and I am so glad you are offering a kit! What inspired this design?

 RS- Thanks so much! The kit was inspired by loving cuffs, and wanting to make one more comfortable.  I had just learned to etch metal from Stephanie Lee, so using that to make a hinge was just icing on the cake.  I had traveled to France to study with Susan Lenart Kazmer years ago, and was inspired by her simple technique in making hinges.  So why not make it available to anyone who wants to make an etched hinged cuff?

ABS – Normally I avoid wide bracelets because they restrict movement, but you state in your listing description that they are adjustable and comfortable to wear? Do you wear your hinged cuff a lot?

RS- I do, because they are so comfortable.  They can fit almost any size wrist, because it is adjustable. I love wearing cuffs as an accessory, to have a little touch of beauty I can enjoy seeing.

ABS – I see that the etched brass is 24 gauge, which lets me know we can punch holes in it easily. This opens up a world of opportunities to embellish our cuffs with riveting, wire-wrapping, bezels and weaving. What other variations have you made on your own Romance Hinged Cuffs?

RS –  Oh, there are so many things you can do to this basic design, just like you mentioned.  I love to solder on stampings as well.  And adding a touch of bling, or cold connecting stampings is fun as well.

ABS – Riki, thank you for putting the tutorial and kit together.Taking the time to measure, cut, etch and assemble the parts lets us get straight to the fun part of crafting our beautiful hinged cuff.

RS - I just taught this project at my home last fall, and the woman present had a great time.  I am always available for questions, and would be happy to help in any way I could.  There will be a new workshop in the fall, so stay tuned for that announcement!

 To view more of Riki’s lovely work, please visit her flikr photostream.

And to learn more about this wonderful woman, be sure to visit her blog. 

Being an Entrepreneur -- the Work-at-Home Edition

If you've ever wondered what it's like being a work-at-home entrepreneur, well, let me tell you. It's a lot more than simply shambling down the stairs in your pajamas with a cup of coffee and an endless day of joyful creating ahead of you.

If only.

Yesterday my plan was to spend all day tackling my To-Do list, which consisted mainly of updating my web site, making some jewelry for an upcoming show, and ordering some new booth displays.

However, the day ran like this:

1) Oversleep. I have an excuse. I was up until 2am the night before working.

2) Due to oversleeping, missed my window of good light for photographing new jewelry for the web site.

3) Make coffee. Leave coffee on the counter when the dryer dings. Forget I made coffee.

4) Sit down at the computer to order the booth displays. Remember I have to stick postcard stamps on a 10" stack of cards for the craft show.

5) Remember coffee. It's cold. Make it again.

6) Run upstairs to put on real clothes as Zack has just been invited to go play kick ball. Watch for a moment and remember why I hated grade school gym. 

7) Where the heck is that danged coffee.

8) Sit back down at the computer. My order for booth displays has timed out and I have to find everything all over again.  

9)  I check email and see I have three orders that need to be sent TODAY. Stop everything to pull orders, wrap, pack, and stamp.  Yell to whomever will listen to turn the television DOWN.

Beads by The Gritty Bird



10.) Say a Very Bad Word. It involves lack of coffee.

11) Open computer programs to work on web site. Notice that it is now 7:30pm.

12) Upload exactly two (2) pieces of jewelry before it's time to read to Zack.

13) Finally drink my coffee. It's 9pm.

14) Everyone goes to bed, and thanks to coffee, I am up until 4am making jewelry.


Woody Allen was right. "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans."


When Lori isn't searching for a Venti Starbucks Mocha, she's (trying) to create jewelry in her Easton, MD studio. She writes a blog, Pretty Things, and you can see her work at http://www.lorianderson.net/.

Designer Interview with Rosemary Hill

The Art Bead Scene would like to welcome designer and author Rosemary Hill for the blog tour for her new book Elements of Style: Knit & Crochet Jewelry with Wire, Fiber, Felt & Beads.

1. What inspired you to write Elements of Style?

I love jewelry making and needle crafts, and I had just started writing patterns for knitted jewelry pieces when a couple of friends of mine said they were talking to publishers about writing knitting books. I thought to myself "I'd like to do that!" And then I wrote to Interweave really quickly before I could chicken out! I had first thought of doing a wire knitting book, but they wanted it expanded to include fiber and felt. And I am so glad they did, because the fiber section has turned out to be my favorite part of the book!

2. Looking over your website, your business is mainly accessories for scarves. For the book were the jewelry designs ones you've created over the years and variations of those? Or was the creation of the book a great exploration in what kind of jewelry could be created from knitting and crocheting a wide range of materials?

Yes - I started making shawl and scarf pins because I couldn't keep my knitted shawls on! Then I really caught the designing bug, and had some some knitted jewelry patterns published. The book idea came out of my first couple of patterns, when I realized that my aesthetic was different from the other knitted and crocheted jewelry I was seeing. When I design, I imagine wearing the project in many situations. Would I wear it to a business meeting? Would I wear it to a party? With jeans? With a cocktail dress? I wanted to create a body of patterns for pieces that people wouldn't necessarily realize were needlework. I wanted the first impression to be "Wow! That's a cool piece of jewelry!" So with that in mind, I set off on a real exploration of different materials and techniques, and all of the designs were created specifically for the book.

3. You've introduced the bead world to a new material: stainless steel silk yarn. Can you describe this material for my readers and the possibilities it has opened to you as a jewelry designer.

My favorite topic! I love love love the silk/stainless steel! It is amazing stuff: very easy to knit or crochet because it is so fine, but with this amazing sculptural quality. Knitted and crocheted fabric has certain properties: the way the stitches lay and curl, the spaces between stitches.... The Habu yarn is wonderful because of its delicacy and its ability to hold a shape when you pull it into place. The wire portion of the yarn is angel hair gauge, but with the silk to strengthen it, the knitted or crocheted fabric is capable of holding lovely organic waves and ruffles. The Sail Earrings are a great example. They are very simple knitted triangles, but the project takes advantage of the natural curl of knitted material and the ability of the silk/stainless steel to hold a shape. The possibilities are infinite! I have so much of this yarn in my stash that I'm not sure I will ever live long enough to use it all!

4. What advice would you give to beaders who want to include fibers into their jewelry?

First and foremost: be true to your own design aesthetic. Second: don't let what people have done in the past stop you from doing something totally different. Think of creating different textures. Experiment with different types of fiber: silk, linen, hemp, wool, synthetics.... Think of color as it interacts with texture. Then get what catches your eye and experiment!

5. In your jewelry what comes first: the material or the design? Does your jewelry come from sketches or from playing and experimenting with the materials?

Both! My designs with the silk/stainless steel came from playing with the material and asking myself "what would happen if....?" Mostly, though, I'm not a linear designer. Everything tumbles around in my head! When I went about designing the projects in the book, I decided what materials I wanted to use, and then with a set of parameters in mind, I threw everything together in my mind and came up with mental images of the pieces I wanted to do. Then I put them down on paper as quickly as I could! Once in awhile, the materials would behave differently, but mostly, the finished pieces were what I had visualized.

6. What are your influences and inspirations for your jewelry designs?

I've always found this to be the most difficult question to answer! I guess I mostly find inspiration outdoors, but not really directly. I love being outside walking or biking, and when I am, I invariably come back with all sorts of ideas. Other than that, I have always soaked up every sort of visual around me: yarns, beads, metals, stones, shapes, colors, architecture, photography, organic forms, clothing design, cars, bicycles, appliances, you name it! I just love looking at it all.

7. What would we most likely find in your hands: knitting needles, crochet hook or pliers?

Right now, I would have to say pliers! If you had asked me two months ago, it would have been knitting needles. That is what I love so much about what I do; it is never boring, always changing, always interesting.

I want to thank Rosemary and Interweave Press for including the Art Bead Scene on this fun virtual book tour. Here is the schedule for the other blogs on the tour, follow along to learn even more about Rosemary and her book:

Dec. 15: Scout J

Dec. 16: Art Bead Scene

Dec. 17: And She Knits Too!

Dec. 18: Sweater Surgery

Dec. 19: Turtlegirl’s Bloggy Thing

Wirework, Color and Jewelry Designer Interview

Every so often, I spot unique jewelry designs that inspire me and make me want to know more about the creative hands and mind behind them.

When I saw Kerry Bogert's work, I was facinated by her distinctive and different use of wire and colors to make her jewelry. I can picture her wirework complementing many different styles and kinds of art beads. Her designs are fresh, exciting and contemporary, using innovative methods of forming wire to make chain, toggles, bracelets, earrings and clasps.


I wanted to ask her lots of questions about her work.

Several of her jewelry designs have been featured in the inspirational jewelry book "Wire Style: 50 Unique Jewelry Designs" by Denise Peck, her colorful necklace design landed on the cover of the Nov/Dec 2007 issue of Step by Step Beads magazine, and she has had several published articles in other jewelry and wirework magazines. She has a fun and informative blog and website.

She generously shared the following insights into her process, her studio, the creative flow and her future projects.

1. What is your personal name, business name, website and location?

My name is Kerry A. Bogert and I am the artist behind KABs Creative Concepts at in Webster NY, just outside Rochester. My blog is http://www.kabsconcepts.blogspot.com/

2. What kind of beads do you make? What kinds of processes do you use? What is your favorite beadmaking technique?

I create lampwork (torch worked) glass beads from Italian and American soft glass. I work on a GTT Bobcat torch and it is set up with an oxygen concentrator and propane gas. I use traditional techniques to make my beads. You can see a video of me making a disc bead.

I am torn between making hollows and stringer work as my favorite techniques. I love when a hollow goes perfectly round with a thin wall of glass and the way it catches light. At the same time, I love laying the grid work of intersecting lines that make my plaid style beads too. There is just something about those straight lines that makes me sigh with contentment.

3. How did you get into beadmaking? What are some of the important things you do for your business?

I started making jewelry about 5 years ago. I discovered forums at Bead&Button.com that led me to the work of artist Cassie Donlen . Until then, my only experience with glass beads had been the mass produced ones that I saw in catalogs. I thought they were horrible and wondered why anyone would want to use such ugly beads in jewelry. When I saw Cassie’s beads, I said, “wait a minute… you can make your own… and they can look like these? I wanna learn how!”

I took a 3 hour class in April of 2005, rented some torch time, fell in love with making beads and the rest, as they say, is history. I have been making beads almost daily ever since.

Some of the important things I do for my business are stalking the craft section of books at the local Barnes & Noble (knowledge is power and I love all the inspiration that can be found there), following color trends in fashion for the people buying my beads or wearing my jewelry, and having an open enough mind to try any design at least once.

4. What is your workspace like and how do you work in your studio? What is a typical day like?

I moved to a new home this summer and setting up the new studio has been a challenge. I am still trying to get things settled in there. For now, the studio is in a large second basement with three windows that let in a lot of light.

A typical day has me making beads for a few hours each afternoon while all three of my kids are in school. The next morning as the kids eat their breakfast, I am cleaning the beads from the day before.

Mid morning is spent updating my blog and website, then I work on making jewelry with my daughter helping (I have a five year old fashionista that is my best and worst critic).

By lunch my little one is out the door to school and I am making beads again.

5. How do you stay inspired and motivated?

I like the routine of my day but to stay motivated I need to mix things up and keep my art life interesting. I have a ton of “craft” (not bead) based blogs I read. Their photography and projects keep me inspired.

I love going fabric shopping and the colors and patterns in fabric influence the beads I make. I have also been inspired recently with challenges that take me out of my design comfort zone.

I was asked to contribute on two new books coming from Interweave Press next summer, one on earrings and one on working with chain. Both are subjects that I don’t normally work with and they gave me tons of new ideas for other projects.






















6. What type of beads and jewelry designs do you feel best complement your art beads? Do you design your own jewelry too?


For me, it's hard to answer “what came first - the bead or the design”.

Oftentimes I get an idea for a necklace or bracelet and I can’t move forward in design thoughts until that piece gets made. So I make the beads that I think will work with that project.

Sometimes, I get ideas for beads first and then design a project around them.

Most of the time, if the beads are intense and complex, the jewelry design should be simple to highlight the beads.

If the beads are simple, I go a little crazy with the wire design.

It is interesting, I find the beads I make and sell for others to use tend to be on the fancier side. For my own jewelry pieces, I love working with wire and want to show that off, so I keep the beads simpler.

7. What beady plans do you have for the future? Do you have new designs or ideas you will be exploring soon?

Oh wow… big things are coming in 2009! I just signed on with Interweave Press to write my first book!! It is set for publication in Spring 2010, and I will be spending a HUGE chunk of my winter this year finishing writing the book and creating the jewelry that will be in the pages. I am so excited about this project.

I am going to get to show off the work of a number of my favorite self representing bead artists and teach jewelry makers how not to be afraid of wire working and color. It is a thrill.

I also have the two books I mentioned before coming out in Fall 2009.



8. What kind of jewelry do you make? What types of materials do you prefer? what kinds of art beads do you use?

I think the jewelry I make is really a reflection of my mood at any given time. Each of us has so many sides to our personalities and it is the same with my jewelry. Each piece is a chunk of some part of my personality.

Sometimes it is smart and sophisticated… sometimes it is whimsical and wacky… sometimes simple and independent.

The majority of my current work uses wire as the main component of its construction. I love sterling wire and add fun to it with colored copper wires.


I recently started what I call “The Lemonade Stand For Art” policy in my studio. The idea is to use up what you have before ordering more supplies. I tend to be an order-one-of-every-color kind of findings shopper until now. I have tons of materials just wasting away.

I started taking a look at what I had on hand and finding new ways to work it into designs. So, I started working with seed beads I had around for years now, and Greek Ceramic beads that I have billions of, and experimenting with colors of glass that aren’t usually my favorites. It has been great.

I do this with what I think are “bad beads” too. Ones that I think are not quite right, I save in bowls on my desk. Eventually, a project comes along that is just right for that bead and I figure out it wasn’t as “off” as I thought it was.



9. What kinds of art beads do you look for? Is there a bead you wish an artist would make for you?

When I look around at the beads of other artists I look first at quality (are the ends puckered nice, have they cleaned the bead release out, is it balanced), then I am hit by the colors the artist uses (I really like colors), and then it is the uniqueness of the design (I like bold design).

10. What's your experience with getting a magazine article placed, and the process of participating in publication of a book?

I can remember the excitement of hearing I was going to be published for the first time like it was yesterday. It was actually in January of 2006. I ran around the house screaming my head off... "I'm gonna be in a magazine!!!! " Getting that first acceptance letter gave me the little boost of confidence I needed to send out email inquires to other publications.

My first tutorials were in Step By Step Wire Jewelry magazine. Once the first pieces were accepted, the editor got to know me and my work better. It allowed me to email her more designs more often.

What pieces didn't work for her, she would send on to another editor within the publishing company whose magazine theme it would work for. I would encourage anyone who feels like they have a unique design they want to share to do an internet search on their favorite publication and look into their submission guidelines. What is the worst they could say?

How I came about writing for books was through the magazine editor that first published me in SBS Wire, Denise Peck. I had sent in some new designs I thought would be fun for the magazine and she said she was working on a book and would I be interested in putting the new designs in the book instead. I love teaching wire work and I love writing... I feel lucky to say that they come easy to me. Being self taught, I think I know how to explain what to do in a way that is easy for beaders to understand.


11. What magazines have your published articles and designs, and do you have any upcoming articles?

I have had pieces published in Step By Step Wire, Step By Step Beads, Step By Step Jewelry, Creative Jewelry, Stringing, Bead Style, and Bead & Button. Coming up, I have projects in Easy Wire (coming Nov 2008) and look for projects in the Summer 09 issue of SBS Wire. I also have a submission into Belle Armoire Jewelry as well, though no publication date for that one.

I have tutorials on my blog, one is how to make a silver wire toggle that works great with art beads, and how to make a breeze style chain link.

Kerry
http://www.kabsconcepts.com/

I really appreciate the information, background and insight into her creativity shared by Kerry, and hope you enjoy learning about her wirework and jewelry as much as I did!

Reported by Lynn Davis - expeditionD

Jewelry Designer Interviews

We've had the pleasure of interviewing both well-known and up-and-coming jewelry designers who incorporate art beads in their handmade creations. Here is a handy index:

Melanie Brooks Lukacs

Margot Potter

Shari Bonnin

Jean Yates

Patty Woodland

Melissa Lee

Katie Hacker

Lori Anderson

AJ Reardon

Mango Tango Designs

Lorelei Eurto

Kelly Angeley

Timothy Adam

Ishita Ghosh

Lunalove

More to come!

Spotlight on Jewelry Tales

Everyone has a story to tell and jewelry designer Cynthia Newcomer Daniel has created a blog that combines her love of writing with her incredible jewelry designs. This has to be the most clever blog I've ran across.

She combines her skills with wire to feature an amazing collection of art beads. Be sure to check out the jewelry in her older posts.

Thanks to Beverly Herman for sharing the link with us.

Jewelry Designer Interview - Patty Woodland

What is your personal name, business name, website and location?
Patty Woodland
Broken Teepee Designs
www.brokenteepeedesigns.etsy.com

art bead by Beadles - Gail Koppsphoto

What kind of jewelry do you make? What types of materials do you prefer? what kinds of art beads do you use?
I create beaded jewelry utilizing bead wire and sterling silver. I love, love, love lampwork! I discovered it while learning about beading and fell in love with the way the artisans create such beauty with glass.I have some excellent relationships with a few select bead artisans whose work I incorporate into my designs. I know their quality is high and their beads are unique. I have recently discovered beads made with polymer clay - I couldn't believe the designs! So I am starting to work with these beads as well. I also use semi precious gemstones and other stones - it's really all about color, texture and balance.

Art bead by AJ Beads - Annette Johnson

How did you get into jewelry design? What are some of the important things you do for your business?
It's a funny story. My eyesight was giving me problems and I ended up with two pairs of glasses - now I have three; an extra pair for beading! I wanted to make beaded holders for my glasses so I bought what I needed and found a new love! I discovered a talent and it grew from there. I do have a lot of health problems and it takes me a while to get my pieces completed but I enjoy what I do and love what I create.
I have joined a street team on Etsy - The Eclectic Jewelry Artisans. It has been one of the best things I have done for my business. The group works together to promote each other through sales and advertising. We are also there to support each other and provide answers to questions.
I consign some of my work in a shop in my town and that is working very well for me. I am looking for other outlets to do this.

Art beads by Canterbury Keepsakes - Lezlie Balanger

What is your workspace like and how do you work in your studio? What is a typical day like?
Right now I am living in a 400 square foot fifth wheel trailer. My husband and I have been traveling around the country for three years. We recently bought a piece of land in Montana and are building a house. Right now my workspace is my dining room table. So everything is has to be unpacked from its boxes, laid out, used for the day and then packed back up again. This can be a bit time consuming. The new house will have a room I can use for my beading. I don't work everyday as I don't feel well enough everyday...
When I do work I usually have an idea that has been floating around in my head for a bit and I piece it together. Some creations come together quickly; others take a few days. It all depends on how complicated they are.

How do you stay inspired and motivated?
New beads! Aren't we all motivated by new beads? But otherwise I will see something out my window that will inspire me - the scenery here in Montana is awe inspiring. Or I will just start putting beads side by side and inspiration will strike. Or it might be the design that doesn't let me sleep for three nights....

Art beads by A Bead is Born - Melissa Willette

What kinds of art beads do you look for? Is there a bead you wish an artist would make for you?
I love lampwork that is bright and colorful! I think because I don't see all that well I love bright colors. I am also drawn to abstract patterns with strong elements. And on the other side I love cute beads; like little animals or cupcakes and things like that.
Actually I did have a bead wish fulfilled. I belong to an organization called ChemoAngels. It supports people undergoing chemotherapy. I wanted to make a necklace for someone with a lampwork angel. I made a request of a lampwork artist with whom I work and she made me the most beautiful angel - and she GAVE it to me. It was a lovely gift for my buddy.

What beady plans do you have for the future? Do you have new designs or ideas you will be exploring soon?
As I mentioned I am exploring polymer clay beads. It is like a whole new world has opened up. Just what my budget needs! I am also working more with semi-precious gemstones and I plan to add gold fill and vermeil to my line.

Art beads by Humblebeads - Heather Powers

If you have a discount code you would like to give our readers, please list it here, including the expiration date:
I would like to offer your readers a 25% discount on non-sale items good until September 30th. Just mention Art Bead Scene in the notes to seller.

Jewelry Designer Spotlight - Beverly Herman

Website: www.noeasybeads.com
Blog: www.noeasybeads.blogspot.com
Location: New Orleans, LA


Bead crochet lariat with art beads by Siren's Song

Today's Jewelry Designer is bead artist, Beverly Herman of NoEasy Beads. Not only is she a talented designer who loves to incorporate art beads into her jewelry, she happens to be my mother. So Happy Mother's Day to all you moms, but especially to my super talented and creative beading Mom!


Netted Bracelet with art bead by Humblebeads



Bead crochet necklace with raku art beads, artist unknown.


Bead crochet necklace and bracelet with focal bead by Susan Barnes