Phew! I finally completed the first-draft manuscripts for my upcoming Quick Tips books and can now get back to my regular schedule for a while. To begin, I have a new short article on working with brass wire and components. Brass is economical, hypoallergenic, malleable, and can be oxidized to create really interesting finishes. Next week I'll have a follow-up article detailing some methods for achieving a beautiful antiqued patina. If you haven't worked with brass for a while, it may be a good time to experiment with it. A couple of weeks ago I also published a review of the book Beaded Weddings by Jean Campbell. If you're getting ready for a wedding or planning a wedding gift - or even if you're interested in beaded decoration and decor in general - I highly recommend it. As always, if you have hints, tips or questions about brass, beaded wedding adornments, or anything else in the world of jewelry making, be sure to post them in the forum! Until next time, ~ Chris
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Book Review: Beaded Weddings Save money and have a truly custom wedding by making your own beaded invitations, decorations, jewelry, and accessories. This book will show you how. Click here for the review | |
Announcements Metalchasers New Design Critique Group The social networking site MetalChaser has announced a new design critique program for members. The critique group will be moderated by three experienced designers, and everyone is welcome to participate by submitting photos of their work. For the complete guidelines, sign in to your free account at Metalchasers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Jewelry Making Books Available for Pre-order A couple of interesting-looking book titles are set to be released this summer. First, Heather Dismore and Tammy Powley are back with a follow-up to their popular Jewelry Making & Beading for Dummies. The new book, Jewelry & Beading Designs for Dummies, "provides detailed projects for fashion accessories like pins, hair pieces, purses, necklaces, bracelets, and rings" and will cover a wide range of materials and techniques. Next, Margie Deeb, author of The Beader's Guide to Color, is releasing a new title called The Beader's Color Palette. The book aims to be a source of inspiration for designing with color, as described by the publisher: Author Margie Deeb presents 220 palettes inspired by five diverse themes, along with examples of finished jewelry and 20 step-by-step projects that interpret those themes. From the four elements (air, fire, water, and earth), to artists’ palettes (from ancient Egyptian through modern art), from world cultures (including Latin America, India and Tibet, Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East) to environments (rainforests, the Southwest, the Mediterranean), to the natural world (marine life, birds, insects)--these palettes capture the essence of countless human experiences and dreams. Beginners will love the basics section on off-loom stitches, loom weaving, and stringing; more advanced beaders will be inspired to take on the wide world of beautiful color. Both of these books can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com, or you can keep an eye out for them at your local bookstore in the coming months.  |
