Just a little bit about us.......

by Staci Louise Smith

I just got back from Bead Fest, where I was both vending and teaching.  If you want to read about the fun trip from a behind the scenes perspective, you can check out my personal blog here

http://www.stacilouise.blogspot.com/2015/08/bead-fest-blood-beads-and-beady-friends.html

There is something really energizing about being around other creative people.  Bead Fest, as I am sure other bead shows and guilds are too, is just buzzing with energy.  Everyone is happy, and friendly, and you can stop just about anyone to talk about what they made in class or what or who they are wearing!  

While I was there I met a lot of new people, and directed many of them to this site.  So, I just wanted to take a minute to talk about our little creative group here.  Love my Art Jewelry is made up of a variety of artists from many different backgrounds.  We try to share what we have learned, and hopefully save you some of the trial and error we have all inevitably experienced.  

Did you know we have a great tab at the top of the page for "tutorials"?  Here you will find a TON of information on wire working, soldering, tools, making clasps, resin, polishing, antiquing, metal clay, making molds and much much more.  

If you search the blog you can find things about applying to juried shows, outdoor show set ups and tips, and marketing information.

You can also click on the "shop" tab to find links to all of our shops.  There you will find tutorials for purchase, jewelry, beads and other supplies.

Are you interested in becoming a guest blogger on our blog?  check out the "guest" tab to see how.  We would love to "meet" you and see what you have to share!

Anyhow, I hope you enjoy the blog and find a little community here that supports you and helps you to learn and grow !!!!!

Happy Creating!!!!

Happy: Digging for buried treasure

by Patty Lakinsmith

This might be of interest to those of you who work with clay, whether metal, polymer or ceramic.  I'm exploring some new organic shapes to complement some of my floral-styled disc beads, and made these in Precious Metal Clay (fine silver) the other day.  Here they are after patina and tumbling overnight. I swear, opening the tumbler and picking out the goodies is almost as fun as digging for potatoes.

These are destined for some very special pieces.

I used some new tools from Green Girl Studios for some of the texture with these, and it's working wonderfully for me.  Here's the swirly tool:

The possibilities with this tool for any kind of clay are endless, and I found that the shape worked very well for my organic forms.  There's also some great detail on the bottom end of the tool.  There are several variants of these available on the Green Girl Studios site, but I got mine in person from Andrew when they were at the Best Bead Show.

I also used some dried poppy seed pods for texture - see this image (courtesy of Auntie P on Flickr).  Look at that pattern!  Wonderful stuff!

Anyway, not much from me here today, but thought you might like to know about this wonderful tool.