Bead & Button Events and New Bead Preview

Hello! I have been quite the busy bee over the past few months. Since April I've shared my skills with the Baltimore Bead Society, sailed the Caribbean on the Bead Cruise, moved into a new home and then spent four awesome days teaching with the Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild and in the middle of all of that my latest book was launched into the world.

The bead-making awesomeness contained in the book is going to fill your days with inspiration and creativity. 52 bead-making projects using clay, plastic, wire, paper stone, wood and fiber. I had the best time creating the beads and exploring all these different materials and ways to make a bead. You could try a new one each week for entire year! The Bead-Making Lab can be found in your local book shop or online at Amazon. (affiliate link.) I am going to host an official party for the book on June 22nd with free projects, giveaways and more! 

Whirlwind? Why yes it has been. The move was unexpected and has quite turned my life upside down. But box by box, it's being put back together as we settle into our sweet little home near the shores of Lake Michigan. Thankfully the move was just down the road. But a move is a move - are they ever easy?

With the Bead Cruise in May and a full teaching schedule I had made the decision last year not to have a booth a Bead & Button. I confess, it was one that I went back and forth wishing I could do it all. I will miss visiting with all my customers and sharing new work in person. But I am going to be at the show, shopping, doing demos and signing books. And while my head knows it's not show time, my hands have not got the message and I have just uploaded lots of new beads to my Etsy shop.

Bead & Button Events
In between my shopping adventures you can find me on the show floor this weekend doing a few demos and signing books!

Vintaj Willow Metal Sketch Demo
Booth 921 (Vintaj) 

Friday 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Stop by the amazing Vintaj booth to shop, visit and catch my demo featuring the Willow Metal Sketch using Vintaj metal blanks featured in my book Beautiful Elements.

Book Signing and Wrapped Silk Bead Demo
Booth 401 (Kalmbach Books)
Saturday 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

I'll be signing copies of Beautiful Elements in the Kalmbach book on Saturday. Along with signing books I'll demo how to create the silk wrapped beads from the book. I have free silk bead kits for the first 20 participants.

Stony Creek Beads Trunk Show

If you are within driving distance of Ypsilanti, MI stop over and visit me at one of my favorite bead stores this weekend!

Stony Creek Beads is hosting a trunk show on Saturday from 10am - 4pm on February 9th.

2060 Whittaker Rd ~ Ypsilanti, MI 48197

I will have my latest spring beads and limited edition pieces that you won't want to miss!

Hope to see you there!

Prepping for Autumn Events

 

The studio has been a filled with fall inspired activity as we prep for our trunk show next weekend.  I am all about the leaves.  I can't get enough.  The colors are starting to change around here and it just thrills me to no end. 

I snapped this pick the other day to capture the colors of these leaves.  They were glowing.  I love that.  Add in a little rain and I'm totally smitten with the fall scenery.  When I looked at the photo I thought it was funny that it looked like lower and upper Michigan - which reminded me of my fall retreat here that is fast approaching!  (Inspired By Nature Retreat Link)

I still have six spaces left, are we saving a place for you?  I ordered some cards that will be sent out to a few nearby bead shops to reach out to some local beaders who may not be online.  I ordered these from Zazzle.  They are called chubby business cards and they are 3 1/2" x 2 1/2".  They are like a tiny compact postcard and offer a little more punch than a regular business card.  I'm digging them.  (That's an affiliate link to my Zazzle shop where I have some of my illustration and earring cards.)

I'm so excited about heading to Galena next week for the trunk show at Rustic River Finds. I have been working on some special pieces for the event - like these translucent leaves.  LOVING fall!  Did I mention that?  If you looking for something fun to do next weekend and are within driving distance head on over to Galena.  It's Oktoberfest, so there will be all sorts of fun and mischief to be had!  I'm looking forward to spending time with old friends and meeting new beady peeps. 

Fall Beads

September? I really shouldn't be surprised. I think I live in some science fiction time warp bubble where months disappear in the blink of an eye. My teens are back in school, which means more of a set schedule here in the Humblebeads headquarters. 

Over the next few weeks I will busy (translate: consumed) with making new fall beads for my trunk show at Rustic River Finds in Galena.  This is the new bead store owned by Trish Italia, the very lovely and talented mother of Jess Italia Lincoln of Vintaj fame.  My trunk show will be going on during the Vintaj 2-Day Workshop and Oktober Fest.  Rosanne and I are planning a whole weekend out of it and enjoying a little mini-vaca in the beautiful and inspiring town of Galena. 

So if you are in the area the trunk show is September 22nd from 11am - 6pm.  Check out the Rustic River Finds Facebook page to keep up to date with happening at the store.  I will be selling beads and signing books.

These just popped up on the table yesterday - I didn't plan them but I'm glad they showed up.  If they look somewhat familiar - they are the same design used in my Chrysanthemum beads. 

Lots of new things happening this month.  Fall is my favorite time of year and this one is already action-packed and filled with new work, events and opportunities that are waiting for me! 

Trunk Shows

Last month, Rosanne and I headed east to visit Stony Creek Beads for a trunk show and book signing. This gem of a bead store is located in Ypsilanti, just south of Ann Arbor.  Rosanne and I knew were where in trouble the moment we walked in the door.  The owner, Jennifer Schwartzenberger, has amassed a treasure trove of Czech glass, seed beads, stones, crystals and oh so much more!  Stony Creek Beads is also one of the most 'art beady' stores I've ever visited.  She had lampwork, polymer clay, pewter and ceramics on display from various local and national artists. 

If you are on the east side of Michigan or anywhere within driving distance, Stony Creek is worth a visit!

Jennifer and her mom, Susan Schwartzenberger. 

And yes, I have a feeling they have enabled many a bead addict!  The best thing about Stony Creek Beads is that you immediately feel welcomed when you walk in the door.  There wasn't a customer who came in that day who wasn't asked, "What can I help you find?" I loved that!  And their regular customers who came to visit that day were treated like family. 

It was a fun to meet some online friends in person, like Marla James of Marla's Mud - who brought me the cutest ceramic owl pendant and Lisa Lodge from Pine Ridge Treasures.

Another fun thing was to see was Stony Creek customers arrive wearing jewelry they had made using my beads.  The bead store purchased beads before the trunk show to introduce me to their customers.  They arrived wearing the sweetest creations.   I'm so sorry, I don't remember names.  I'm terrible at that - so if you know who is in the photos please let me know! 

This lovely lady created the Birch Forest Bracelet from my book!

My Van Gogh goes were very popular and had made their way into several bracelets!

My friend Susan Kolovson stopped in sporting her Humblebeads! Susan has joined me for several Bead Cruises and my Inspired by Nature Retreat.  I'm always so happy to see her!  Another Bead Cruise buddy, Liz Thompson, spent the day with us too visiting with us during lunch.

Rosanne and I had a great time. At the end of the day all of my books were sold, the bead trays were much lighter and we had bags of new beads after shopping too! Pure joy!

Trunk shows and book signings are by far my favorite kind of events.  I love meeting new people, the bead stores are always fun to visit and I'm appreciative of the owners efforts to promote my work.  I always make new things just for trunk shows, so customers get to see exclusives before I offer them online.  I love meeting people and talking about jewelry design, beads and inspiration!

I hope to get a few more trunk shows scheduled soon - my traveling shoes are itching to go!

Grand Rapids Trunk Show

Hello everyone.  I've missed the ol' blog and I'm happy to be a in place where I can be creative again and we are getting back to normal around here.  There is a lot that has been happening and tons of fun things on the horizon, so I'll just jump in with what's going on next weekend. 

I will be returning to Bead Quest in Grand Rapids for a Spring Trunk Show.  I've created some fun new beads in the last few weeks.  Above you can see some new hearts and variations on older designs.  I've also been making tiny houses that I'm pretty excited about.

The trunk show is February 11th from 10 am - 5 pm.  If you are in the West Michigan area please stop out and say hello. 

I will have a little gift for blog readers at the show if you tell me you read about it on my blog!

This was my display at last weekend's trunk show at La Bead, Oh! in Springfield, IL.

I'm also teaching my Sundry Bracelet class from 1-4pm. 

There are still spaces in the class and you can register here.

What is a sundry? A sundry is a small, miscellaneous collection of items and that is what I've collected for the luscious fringe on each of these bracelets.  I've used Czech glass, crystals, stones and pearls to create playful beaded clusters that compliment my handcrafted disk beads, also in a sundry of patterns.

The bracelets look complex, but they are actually quite easy to make.  If you can sew a button, you could make one too!  I promise.  In the class we will also make a fun and versatile wire clasp and I throw in a little color theory for beaders too.

Bead Quest has been doing a smashing job of promoting the trunk show.  I'm looking forward to meeting more Michigan beaders next weekend.  (Above, my display in the store!)

What does Bead Quest have in their shop?  They do these great monochromatic displays along the wall with Czech glass and seed beads.  They have chain and cording in all sorts of yummy colors and patterns. 

Pearls and gemstones along with wire and metal working supplies and tools.

And all sorts of fun finds around the counter, like art beads, filigree, crystals and these lucite flowers caught my eye yesterday.

So that is where we will start back with blogging for today - always love a fun trunk show and the chance to partner with a local bead store!

Join me for my Inspired by Nature Retreat

(Photo credit: adapted from Andrew R. Whalley via the Creative Commons on Flickr.)

What is a retreat but an invitation to walk with the instructor on a creative journey?  To open your eyes to the possibilities around you, to learn to trust in your artistic instincts with the encouragement of your fellow travelers.  The instructor offers new insights into both the minute and vast beauty in nature, leading you to come up with new ways to translate that experience into something tangible.

And whether you feel like an artist or not, you are given the skills to express your vision into an object. By the time you leave the retreat you are renewed and energized, ready to return home with a deeper understanding of yourself and your creative process.

(Photo credit: Christina Harrison via Flickr)

I was talking to someone yesterday about my retreat and realized that creativity without any kind of boundaries or safety net can be scary for some.  I'm a "let's-dive-in-there-and-see-what-we-can-come-up-with"  kind of girl myself so I hadn't thought of that before.  The classes and structured lessons make the process less intimidating.  You don't have to be an artist to enjoy my retreat, but hopefully you'll feel like one by the time you leave.

Creativity is the willingness to take risks.  Artists realize there are no mistakes, only learning opportunities.  It's part of the process. 

So I invite you to go on a creative journey with me for 3 days.  It will be a safe place to try new things.  We will play with resin, seed beads and wire, we'll study color, texture, and the design lessons in nature.  We'll have fun making jewelry together. We'll walk on sandy beaches, explore the delights of the garden and visit the still quiet of the forest. 

Visit the site to learn more about my Inspired by Nature Retreat and celebrate the release of my book with me!

Bead & Button Prep

Okay folks, the countdown has begun!  I have a new booth number for Bead & Button, #1212.  I like that!  There are so many little details to think about along with making beads and making beads and did I mention making beads? 

I designed postcards, business cards and two banners for my booth.  I ordered the banners from Vista Print.  I hope they turn out.  I ordered them early enough that I can come up with a back up plan if they don't.  That is my banner design above.  I also did a banner for the Bead Cruise. They are 3' x  2.5'.  I use Vista Print for postcards all the time, so hopefully the banners will rock.

How cute is this?  They put the image on all sorts of products and ask if you want to add them to your cart.  And why yes, yes I did.  They also had it on a coffee mug and journal and that has me thinking about opening a little zazzle or cafe press shop with some of my bead images and inspirational quotes.  I mean, I know you like Humblebeads, but I'm sure you'd rather have some nice little saying on a bag or journal rather than my business name!

Okay, you've read this far - let's have a nice giveaway today.  I will pick on random winner on Friday to win an egg bead.  All you have to do is answer this question - what Humblebeads would you like to see at my booth at Bead & Button?  It's okay if you are only dreaming about going, I'd still like to hear from you!

Why 1255 is my lucky number

Okay, so what can possibly be bigger than a book deal?  Not much really, that is the tippy top of the mountain as far as I'm concerned.  But what is the next best thing in this career path? Oh I don't know, how about a booth at Bead & Button in June?

Yep, that'll do it.  I still squeal every time I think about it.  And 1255 - my booth number, right in the first row with the all the other beadmakers.  It's a very happy time at Humblebeads manor. 

Now come back tomorrow for news about the next Bead Cruise.  Until then, here is a set of beads inspired by one of my favorite new songs, Captains and Cruise Ships by Owl City.

Visit my Etsy shop to see more of the new beads.

Humblebeads Across America

My beads are feeling like a rolling stone, they have rambling ways, they have their bags packed and are leaving on a jet plane. Where the heck are they going?

Sept. 24 27 - Portland, OR - BeadFest. Stop by Bello Modo's booth and say to hi to Pam while you check out her awesome stash of Humblebeads.

Sept. 25-29 - Raleigh, NC - Oramentea Trunk Show. I have some limited editions beads, lots of fall inspired creations and my favorite Humblebeads that will be featured at the shop. (That's their awesome banner above!)

Oct. 3 -4 - Galena, IL - Galena Beads Trunk Show. Humblebeads and Vintaj brass are like peanut butter and jelly or more like chocolate and cherries! Some things just go together. I will have limited edition pendants featuring etched Vintaj bezels, lots of branch beads and other signature Humblebeads visiting Jess and the girls for the weekend.

Gee, now I just need to do a show in the south and I'd have the 4 corners of the country covered in Humblebeads! Better get back to the beadmaking.

Jazz Trance

My early days were filled with selling my jewelry at shows and I seem to have come full circle because this weekend I am selling my jewelry at a small show. My friend Stella invited me to have a booth at a Jazz festival in Schertz, TX this weekend. There are only a few artists selling work: ceramics, photography, woodwork, wirework and jewelry. It's from 2 - 8pm.

Usually I wouldn't do a first year show or one where the art is not the main event, but a pile of jewelry that is growing out of control has me saying yes. We'll see, if nothing else it will be nice to sit in the park, listen to Jazz music and hang out with artists for the day.

My only prep work is putting earrings unto cards and slipping on a few price tags. I can handle that. It should be fun! If you are in the San Antonio/Austin/Hill Country area stop by for some tunes and to say hi.

Jazz Trance - Funny skit from the Mighty Boosh

Catching up, as always!

I've had a few emails asking what music I played on my blog this week, it was "Human Thing" by the Be Good Tanyas. Here is another one of my favorites, called "The Littlest Birds."

Which fits well with tonight. I just finished 80 bird beads. I did a few different colors. Why in the world did I make that many birds? I have a bead show coming up next weekend.

If you haven't stopped by the Art Bead Scene this week, I'm giving away a free bird bead to one random winner who chimed in about procrastination. Tomorrow is the last day to enter. Speaking of last days, you have until 10pm tonight to enter my Link Back Contest. Scroll down to read the details. Thanks to everyone who participated so far. I'll be visiting blogs tomorrow. There have not been enough hours in the week.

1st Monday Sale!

50% off holiday items in my Winter Wonderland section and free gift with every purchase. (one per customer.)

With almost 50 other Etsy Texas Crafters having sales today, it's a nice day to treat yourself to a little something something!

See today's list of sales:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5402123

Upcoming Holiday Events for Humblebeads

Where have I been? Getting ready for my biggest show of the year!

I learned a few years ago that I'm happiest if I only concentrate on one show each holiday season. It's a gamble, but it does keep me sane during the month of November!

This year I will be returning to the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in San Antonio for their Hecho-A-Mano/Made-by-Hand show. This will be my 4th year for this event.

So many new things are flying out of the bead oven. I wish I could show them to you - maybe if I have time to take photos later this week. I created an incredible new version of my William Morris beads in shades of blue, loving them!

In the meantime, today is Cyber Monday and I have free shipping today in my etsy shop or use promo code M2007 for my humblebeads site.

Next Monday is the Etsy Texas Crafters 1st Monday Event. Stayed tuned for more details!

Bead Week

What do Hallmark Cards and I have in common? When we want to celebrate a holiday, we go ahead and declare one!

I wanted to celebrate Bead Day this year, but much to my horror no such day was on the books. So with a little brainstorming with my partner in beady crime, we came up with Bead Week. You have about a month and half to come up with a plan to celebrate.

This is a grassroots celebration, you make the week whatever you'd like. I have some suggestions on the Bead Week website. There is also a place to sign up if you'd like to declare that you are a Bead Week Enthusiast.

So stop on over, join in the fun and most of all pass this news along!

Humblebeads National and Local News

Boy those humblebeads get around.

First, I'd like you all to celebrate with me. One of my beads has made it's cover debut. Yes, you can see a humblebead on the cover of Beads 2007. Two of them in fact. I'm on the inside too...an editor's pick. It's a banner day in the studio. Now to get the entire cover to myself. mawhahaha. (that's evil laughter, in case you were wondering.)

Second, kind of national - another shout out at Polymer Clay Daily. Oh that makes my day! Lots of visitors today, so welcome, welcome, take your coat off, make yourself at home. If you haven't seen my beadmaking tips for polymer clay, here they are.

And the local news, I'm going to have a booth at the San Antonio Bead & Ornament Society's Annual Spring Show, May 5th & 6th. So if you are in the Southwest Texas area, this is your personal invite to come say a beady 'howdy' to me.

And that's the news for tonight folks. Happy Creating!