Sunday 25 March 2012

Wirework DVD Giveaway

Lori of Pretty Things is giving away 3 amazing DVDs by Scott David Plumlee. The giveaway is open internationally, and all you have to do to enter is post on Lori's blog with contact details. Plus there are ways to get extra entries!

Two of the DVDs cover chain maille techniques and tips. The third is on 'precise & chaotic styles' of wirework. Read Lori's post for more details.

I'll be sharing what I've been up to with wire on the Beady Eyed Bunny tomorrow. It involves copper, hammer, and headpins ;-)

International Swap

I'm so excited on this bright and breezy Sunday. Over on the Bead Soup Cafe, FB page for the Bead Soup Blog Party by Lori McDaniel Anderson, we're having a mini bead swap before the BIG one in June (see widget on right of my blog). This little swap has over 90 participants, and I've been partnered with the lovely Marci of Krafty Max Originals.

I can't wait to dive into my stash later today and find treasures for her! There's nothing quite like a bead swap amongst artists, and an international one makes it even more satisfying when that bundle of treasures arrives.

On Marci's blog, she's having a huge giveaway to celebrate her blog and studio anniversaries. Head over there, say hello, and enter for a chance to win the amazing prizes! I'm off to look at beads...

Tuesday 20 March 2012

Giveaway on Beadinggem.com

Pearl Blay of beadinggem.com is holding an international giveaway on her blog. The prize is a haul of beads by Preciosa and includes their new two hole beads.

She has some great ideas on her blog for using the new beads in wirework - they're not just for seed beaders anymore! Check out Pearl's blog to see how you can win.

While you're there, be sure to have a look at her tips and tutorials. Pearl has a range of info for beginners, wireworkers, and more!

Friday 16 March 2012

Art Bead Scene

I found Art Bead Scene's fantastic blog by chance, and I'm glad I did. The blog itself is packed with gorgeous photos and inspiration from a number of contributing artists. It's kept fresh and interesting with daily posts and fun weekly events like 'Studio Saturdays' where artists are interviewed about their work.

Not only is the blog filled with inspiration and beady eye candy, they hold a monthly contest. The theme for this month's contest is a beautiful painting by Van Gogh. I was lucky enough to find the blog in time to participate in this month's contest, and here's what I made.






The focal is by Tan Grey, the small bead above it by Sue Simmons, and the swirly lampwork beads by Julia Hay. I incorporated carnelian, citrine, and labradorite gemstones, as well as beautiful Czech glass beads. I framed the piece with copper plated connectors and handmade bead caps.

Have a look at the other entries for this month's and previous contests on the ABS's Flickr and check out their blog for more details on the contest.

Tree Wings Studio

I've been following some truly inspiring blogs as of late. And I've just come across Tree Wings Studio by Rebekah Payne. Rebekah is a talented polymer clay artist who moulds and sculpts her detailed beads individually, then antiques them with gorgeous acrylic paints.

What's even better than her beads? Her beads and a giveaway! Check out her blog for how you could win a set of her beautiful art beads.

Thursday 15 March 2012

Complete!

And here it is, my entry for the UKBeaders contest. This turned out to be a challenge for me. I racked my brain between working on commissions and other contests for a design that suited the 'babbling brook' theme. Luckily, I'd done a personal swap with the lovely Tan Grey for some of her gorgeous lampwork.



The lampwork beads and focal fitted in beautifully with the theme. I chose to keep accent beads to a minimum, using only a few colours, and focused on making the necklace flow. I used my wire whirlpools as connectors with this idea in mind.


I'm really pleased with how this necklace came out - mostly because it was such a challenge for me. It's one of a few pieces that reminds me jewellery making is art.

Babbling Brook

I'm excited to nearly have my entry for the UKBeaders competition complete. The theme is Babbling Brook with a wonderful prize offered by the Old Bicycle Shop. Irony would have it that I suggested the theme, and I've been stumped by it!

Things are finally coming together now. I used some gorgeous lampwork beads by Tan Grey, Chinese crystals, and added my own touch of wirework. I'll post more details and pics in my next blog post.