SUMMERTIME GARDEN AT NIGHT

"Summertime Garden at Night"

PRODUCT REVIEW CORNER

There are a few color combinations that I believe we all feel go together and one of them is black, yellow and white. With that in mind, it was time for me to get searching for the components to use in Artbeads "Summertime" theme.

Murano Glass Curved Diamond Pendant- Yellow Millifiori
Product Code: MRG-PEND006

LINK: http://www.artbeads.com/pendants.html

Measurements: Height 40mm,

Width 41mm

Color: Yellow

Material: Glass

Shape or Style: Diamond

Place of Origin: Italy

This lovely yellow Murano glass curved diamond pendant has a large hole for threading ribbon and is decorated with random fields of white and yellow flowers. The white and yellow flowers lay on a yellow field. The design of each of these handmade pendants will vary according to the artist's wishes. To create a pendant, the artist cuts multi-colored glass rods into thin circles that display a floral pattern. He adds these into his diamond design, fuses them together and shapes the diamond into a curve.

Venetian Glass 20mm Zanfirico Millefiori Disc - Jet

Product Code: VZDC-JET20

LINK: http://www.artbeads.com/glass-beads.html

Measurements: Length 22-23mm,

Width 22-23mm,

Height 11-12mm

Color: Jet

Material: Venetian Glass

Shape or Style: Disc

Place of Origin: Italy

These millefiori disc beads are among the most famous Venetian glass beads being used today. The literal translation of millefiori is "thousand flowers," and the intricate flower embellishments in these beads are infused using world famous Murano glass rods and adorned with brilliant gold foil. These beads are created with the Zanfirico technique, which consists of heating glass rods, twisting them together, and coating them with a clear glass encasing. This results in an intricate filigree effect. The combination of the gold foil and black glass gives these beads beautiful color. Use these Venetian beads as focal points on necklaces or simple earrings, or string them together for a beautiful effect. Artbeads suggests to use wire when working with these beads due to slightly ragged glass edges. I always work with Fireline and that has worked beautifully. Once again, the quality of these pieces are extraordinary.

As you all know, every few months I am privileged to write a product review for Artbeads, a Washington-based full scale bead company. As the artist, I am asked to choose my product, free of charge, from a list of potential items, and give my readers an honest review.

Disclosure: These items were kindly provided free-of-charge by Artbeads.com, within the frames of Artbeads.com blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.

THE BEAUTY OF SPRING

The Components

I just love it when these little packages arrive from Artbeads! They always use this wonderful purple tissue that wraps around each and every delivery. In the photos above, you can see the products I used in my "Beauty of Spring" piece.

Everyone I talk to is waiting for spring!! How about you? Depending on where we live, for some it's early, others later. Here in southern Oregon this last week has been beautiful: cold in the AM's and warmer in the afternoons. Trees are in bloom and have been for a few weeks and the daffodils and tulips dot the hillsides.

So, with spring in the air, I wanted to work on a spring necklace with products from Artbeads.com. As you all know, every few months I am privileged to write a product review for Artbeads, a Washington-based full scale bead company. As the artist, I am asked to choose my product, free of charge, from a list of potential items, and give my readers an honest review.

I decided that a freeform piece would be really fun with this spring Bulgarian ceramic donut. In my opinion, the focal piece is another wonderful Artbeads pendant, and not too heavy. A nice glaze finishes off the handpainted focal piece. I also used Czech glass flowers to compliment the pendant design. Since a photo is worth ...well, you know...here they are.

Company: Artbeads (Artbeads.com)
STONEWARE DONUT PENDANT:
Measurements: Height 38mm, Width 38mm
Color: Light Green/Red
Material: Stoneware Clay
Shape or Style: Donut
Place of Origin: Bulgaria

PURPLE FLOWER:
Measurements: Length 14mm, Width 14mm
Color: Purple
Material: Glass
Shape or Style: Flat Flower
Place of Origin: Czech Republic

I invite you also to check out Artbeads and their fabulous sweepstake offers:
http://www.facebook.com/artbeads#/artbeads?v=app_28134323652

Disclosure: These items were kindly provided free-of-charge by Artbeads.com, within the frames of Artbeads.com blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.

OHMYGOSH!!

Is This Heaven?

Woke up to a rainy Saturday morning, untangled myself from around the dogs and rolled myself upright ~ turning a few corners, just a few more feet and I was in my little studio. Now I used to have the whole back room in the back of our house - but, but, but the computer wasn't in there, no TV (though usually I listen to music or the Food Channel) and worst of all, little natural light and no visual access out a window. Well, I don't mean to sound spoiled, (and I am) but after a few years of making quilts and doing beading in there, the frustration mounted.

So this winter I slowly started transferring my books and graphic supplies to the back room and schlepping my beading inventory into the front tiny office. Many trips, many, many trips!

Now I am all squished into this much smaller space but, but, but...I have huge windows that look out on the forest that we share with our 4-legged creatures, a tiny TV in the corner and my computer. I have a little bubbly fountain on my work desk (necessary for creating) and feel totally content surrounded by colors and textures, soothed by the fountain and music, and with my two hairy darlings stretched across my feet and under my chair.

What I noticed this rainy morning as I gazed at my table is that I'm very close to being out of control here! (Gads, please don't tell my husband I actually said that). I absolutely never have only one project in process together; more like 4-6, and then I'm pulling colors for a 7th, well, you get the picture. While one piece is drying (E-6000) I'm working on 2 others, and casting glances at a few projects still in very early stages to see where I'm going to go from there with them. This last week I had 3 projects going, and all in greens. I got bored with the color ~ and voila, time to start something new in a different color just to keep my interest up!

The result is what you see above. And that's only the view in one direction! I suppose your workplace is organized and free of clutter? No reply necessary. Oh well, Onward!!

THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP

It was raining yesterday here in southern Oregon, again. The mailman came and went and I decided to wait until a break in the rain to go out and collect the contents of our mailbox.

Later....piles of catalogs, a few bills and a Priority Mail box from Michigan. Ahhh, the few wonderful poly pieces I had just purchased from RachelesOriginals for my own work. And another surprise package!

Rachele and I are good friends. We are also partners in managing The Beadweaving Emporium market which we founded at 1000 Markets. We are also team members together at Etsy BeadWeavers . I have always admired the exquisite work this woman does. And now I am the proud owner of this very generous gift; one of Rachele's magnificient creations!!! More thank yous, Rachele ~ so very much!

See Rachele's creations at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RachelesOriginals

http://www.rachelesoriginals.blogspot.com

http://www.1000markets.com/users/rachelesoriginals

PRODUCT REVIEW CORNER

This product review seemed to come right on the heels of the last one but the timing was wonderful, as far as I'm concerned! With Valentine's Day right around the corner, look at this beauty that I choose to work with.

As you all know, every few months I am privileged to write a product review for Artbeads, a Washington-based full scale bead company. As the artist, I am asked to choose my product, free of charge, from a list of potential items, and give my readers an honest review.

I mused over several ways I could work with this great lampwork glass heart and found, in the end, that all it really sung out for was an elegant, simple Herringbone necklace to show case the pendant. Anything else would have detracted from the centerpiece.

Company: Artbeads (Artbeads.com)
Product: #1839959 JC-HTRED
Description: Red sparkle swirl dichoic heart pendant
Measurements: 50 X 30 mm,
Material: Glass
Place of Origin: USA

I invite you also to check out Artbeads and their fabulous sweepstake offers:
http://www.facebook.com/artbeads#/artbeads?v=app_28134323652

The eye-catching detail and craftsmanship of this artisan dichroic pendant makes it a perfect focal piece for your jewelry designs, not just holiday time. Each bead is handcrafted in the USA. There are no sharp edges and colors are accurate and intense. Their quality is indisputable ~ at least, this is my own opinion.

Disclosure: #1811995 LMP-0054, Hot pink and purple free style Kalera Beads, were kindly provided free-of-charge by Artbeads.com, within the frames of Artbeads.com blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.

PRODUCT REVIEW CORNER

Kalera Lampwork

Every few months I am privileged to write a product review for Artbeads, a Washington-based full scale bead company. As the artist, I am asked to choose my product, free of charge, from a list of potential items, and give my readers an honest review. This time I choose one of their wonderful lampwork pendants and I designed a simple necklace around 2 of them together.

Company: Artbeads (Artbeads.com)
Product: #1811995 LMP-0054
Description: Hot pink and purple free style KaLERA Beads
Product Link: http://www.artbeads.com/lmp-0054.html
Link: http://www.artbeads.com/cubic-zirconia-jewelry-beads.html

I invite you also to check out Artbeads and their fabulous sweepstake offers:
http://www.facebook.com/artbeads#/artbeads?v=app_28134323652

Measurements: Length 38.5mm,
Width 19-20.5mm
Color: Pink/Purple ~ Hot Pink and Purple Free Style Kalera Bead
Material: Glass
Place of Origin: USA

The intense detail and craftsmanship of this artisan lampwork bead makes it a perfect focal piece for your jewelry designs. Each bead is handcrafted in the USA. Despite the tiny variations between each bead, (I got 3 each) the incredible similarity from one to the next will astound you. There are no sharp edges and colors are accurate and intense. Their quality is indisputable ~ at least, this is my own opinion.

Disclosure: #1811995 LMP-0054, Hot pink and purple free style Kalera Beads, were kindly provided free-of-charge by Artbeads.com, within the frames of Artbeads.com blogging program. The author of this blog has not received any payment from above-mentioned company. The post above represents only personal opinion of the blog author.

HOLIDAYS IN THE STUDIO

View from the Studio Window

Welcome to Beadazzled's studio! We're pretty busy, especially this time of year, but we invite you to slide into your slippers, get a cup of tea and "Take 5". Mosey through our shop, if you would like more information about anything you see there please don't hesitate to contact me. Often pieces can be altered to meet your own measurements; if not, we love making custom pieces expressly for our clients. It costs no more and you can really designate your color preferences, etc.

Now I hope you're also thinking about the other folks on your holiday shopping list as well! If you don't see something that catches your eye, we can always issue a Gift Certificate for your holiday present-giving. Then, when the holidays are behind us and the decorations are once again back in their boxes, we can sit down with the recipient and create some specialness just for her.

It's a wonderful time of year! Beadazzled wishes you and yours a blessed season full of good health and surrounded by loved ones. Is there really anything else that matters?

Bestest, Dini

BLESSINGS OF NATURE

BACKYARD WINTER MEMORIES

NEWBIES: The Chevron Collection

The Chevron Series

This series was developed especially for the discerning jewelry shopper. Many of these pieces are 2-sided and all are designed to turn heads in a crowd! Each piece is made from thousands of Miyuki delica beads and most all of them can be custom made in your particular color choices.

HANDPAINTED PORCELAIN from ARTBEADS

HAND PAINTED PORCELAIN and STERLING PENDANTS

Measurements: Height 69mm,

Width: 40mm

Color: Black/Silver

Material: Ceramic (Porcelain)/Sterling Silver

Place of Origin: China

Product #: PB-PEN61

Handpainted Porcelain and Sterling Pendant Black Swirls and Checks - 15% OFF!
This sterling silver and hand-painted porcelain pendant is a must-have item. It is truly wearable art in sterling silver frames. Its black swirls and checks create a unique pattern that is both artistic and captivating. Each piece is handmade in the USA and is the perfect piece to set your designs apart.

Every pendant is large enough for a complicated, multi-strand design, and stunning enough to stand alone with a simple chain or ribbon. Despite being handmade, these pendants are virtually flawless in their similarity. Though the consistency from bead to bead is amazing, there will be slight variations due to the handmade nature. Rest assured that these pendants are extremely high quality and variances will be minimal. Add a small work of art to your designs for a unique, one of-a-kind touch. Use this pendant when you want to create a designer fashion look or even an everyday classic.Save 15% on select black and red jewelry components. Whether you want to create a Twilight®-themed piece of jewelry, or you simply love red and black, you're sure to be inspired by the items in this sale. From beads to links, crystals to necklaces, these stunning items will help you create beautiful jewelry for every occasion. Simply enter coupon code SCW15P-PCS at checkout. Shop now! The quality of this pendant is top notch. This sale ends at 9am (PST) on Thursday, November 5, 2009.

Hand-Painted Porcelain Pendants
Link: http://www.artbeads.com/porcelain-ceramic-pendants.html
HTML link: http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20title="> Hand-Painted Porcelain Pendants

See http://www.artbeads.com/

"WORKSHOP IN THE BARN" - Beverly Ash Gilbert

"Beads on Metal" Luncheon

Workshop in the Barn; October 6, 2009

Classroom; The Barn

WORKSHOP PARTICIPNTS; Washington

Yours Truly

Grants Pass, OR

Each day of the worshop there was a bounty of delacacies having nothing to do with beading and everything to do with friendship. Late every afternoon the wine bottle(s) would come out to accompany the absolutely wonderful hors d'oeuvres made by Beverly. One day Beveraly treated us to a wonderful luncheon - exotic salads, fresh fruits and a dessert to die for. One evening when we worked (beaded ~ is that work?!) until 9, she created a fresh salmon meal for us ~ the wafts of her kitchen expertise wandered up the stairs to the barn above where we all were gathered. The Saturday brunch was another milestone - her dining table set like it came right out of Bon Apetit magazine.

Carol Sween

Gig Harbor, Washington

Carol is a "newbie" at beading - she was hosting Adrienne during her stay here from Wales and never anticipated even participating. No one else was really surprised when she ended up creating some wonderful beading on metal. Her excitement was contageous ~ here she works on her free-form wandering with color necklace in blacks and deep blues ~ I would love to see it finished and Carol wearing it to her son's upsoming wedding!

"Wander with Color" by Kerstin Martin

Bellingham, Washington

Kerstin was one of the few "locals" attending - a professional photographer by trade, Kerstin's sense of color lit up the room! Here she worked on a free-form bracelet using Dark Chocolate, Grass, Tropical Punch, Fuchsia Bead Soups.

"BEACHCOMER Pendant" by Betty Hensley

Betty flew in from North Carolina to join us in the "Workshop in the Barn". A vibrant woman, Betty's personality added spark and pizazz to the entire unit. Not intimidated by the use of color, this rich piece of Betty's was one of her "blander" pieces. She encompassed this beach glass piece in Hydrangea Bead Soup. For some reason, the only photo we have of Miss Betty is during our luncheon so look for her there.

Choosing colors and creating blends between the main colors.




After the first 4 rows, the larger beads are added for interest.

Almost finished, just to add the clasp!

"WORKSHOP IN THE BARN" PARTICIPANTS

ADRIENNE GOODENOUGH
...flew in from Wales, yes Wales! She is an extremely talented, willing to try anything, humorous woman who warmed the barn with her infectious smile and was a quick study in new friendships. It really was her admiration for Beverly's work that got her started in encouraging the creation of "Autumn Festival; Workshop in the Barn" with Beverly.

Adrienne had never really beaded before and her intention was to learn free-form peyote ~ the photos above are samples of some of the exciting pieces that she created via the workshop classes.The first half of the 2 day "Wandering with Color" class is described In Adrienne's own words: "The first half day explores colour theory, and includes collage exercises which reinforce the colour theory, but which also give participants a couple of colour schemes for future use with beads, or even interior design! Beverly then explains how she creates her wonderful bead soups, and evrybody begins to think about the colour scheme for their pieces, and we blend beads to make new bead soups which work as transitions between the bead soups in the colours chosen for the piece. That's probably as clear as mud, hopefully the photos below makes it clearer. I worked with the 5 main colours in the photo, but made blends so that the transitions between colours were not abrupt."

BEVERLY ASH GILBERT

BEVERLY ASH GILBERT

(Photo by Diane Ahern)

Bead Artist

Educator

Author

Extraordinaire

"WORKSHOP IN THE BARN" ~ Kirkland, WA

Beverly Ash Gilbert is one of those extraordinarily talented spirits that lights up the room before she even enters - she shared some of her many talents with a handful of us "hungry" beaders during a weeklong workshop that she held in her barn in Kirkland, Washington. After my own year of challenges with 4 hand reconstruction surgeries and a mountain of physical therapy, I was so ready to indulge myself with the pleasure of spending a week with other "like enthusiasts" who spoke the same "Bead Language" that I did. It was far more than I ever anticipated and the memories continue to linger on, and on,...already thinking and planning next year's reunion.

Beverly travels and teaches as well ~ if you ever get the chance to fit one of her classes into your life, I encourage you to make it a priority. See her traveling schedule at: http://www.beverlygilbert.blogspot.com. She is the creator and author of "Eye for Color"; a unique collection of interchangeable templates and color wheel system and a "must-have" for any beader.

She is the creator of "Bead Soup", (with the assistance from one of her sons) a unique, broad blend of colors, textures, and sizes of beads and gems neatly packaged in a see-through plastic box. It is a feast for the eyes and they are inspirations for the soul. You can find them on her website: .http://www.gilbertdesigns.net/beadmixes.html. I invite you to take a look and drool!

Tomorrow I will introduce you to the eclectic group of beaders who I spent the workshop week with; talent from all corners of the world: literally. See you tomorrow.

USE THE MUSE III CONTEST

This is a photo of the colors and items in the next Use the Muse III contest.

The only item that is missing is "the Muse" itself. Be sure to stay tuned to see

what Beadazzled does with the items above. Deadline: Oct. 19, 2009.

The fabulous Use the Muse beading design contest is back for another exciting round of competition.

Scarlett Lanson has selected another mystery muse component from Artbeads' artisan designer collection that will provide inspiration to hundreds of jewelry designers from around the world, all sworn to secrecy until the "Big Reveal."To compliment the muse component, Scarlett has selected an assortment of TOHO seed beads, Swarovski crystal beads, Swarovski pearls, Swarovski crystal yarn and a number of copper-plated pewter components from our co-sponsor TierraCast.

Everything is elegantly assembled in the Use the Muse contest kit available from Scarlett for only $30 plus shipping ($5 U.S. / $10 international). The Use the Muse contest is the brainchild of Scarlett Lanson who has a regular column in Beadwork magazine and has won some prestigious contests herself. She placed first in the 2009 KGI Wordwide Design Contest and fourth place in the 2007 Swarovski "Create Your Style" competition. Scarlett's goal was to create a competition with a shortened timeline that would offer a big payoff for beaders, stringers, bead weavers and embroiderers.

http://www.Artbeads.com is once again proud to sponsor this wonderful beading competition which provides inspiration for so many jewelry designers. The popularity of this contest continues to grow with this round of contest kits selling at a record pace. If you're up for the challenge, we encourage you to order your contest kit today before they sell out. Take a look at the past "BIG REVEAL" to see the designs that won the Grand Prize, 2nd Place, 3rd Place and each of the 10 Category Prizes. You can also see the entire gallery of designs from all the contest participants along with the comments from each designer regarding their creation and how the muse component inspired them.

Join me ~ it's such fun!

A Necklace for Michelle

"First Ladies of Style"

Length: 28.0"

Pendant: An exquisitly beadwoven geometric pendant made of delica beads compliments the design of the entire necklace. This necklace is made for Michelle Obama - and if there ever was a "Lady of Style" (the theme for our August challenge) it is truly this First Lady.

I have spent some time studying the colors and styles this first lady wears and enjoys. It started out as a bit of a dare and ended up a reality! This is truly a one-of-a-kind; exclusively for our First Lady. It will be sent to her after our challenge is over.This is my current entry in the Etsy Beadweaver's August monthly Beadweaving Challenge. The subject of the challenge is: "FIRST LADIES OF STYLE". Beadazzled is a proud member of this creative, beadweaving group.

Vote at: http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/

Voting Dates: August 9-15th

AND ALWAYS SEARCH: for the tags EBW TEAM (for unique beautiful beaded creations) and EBWC (for our monthly challenge entries) in your Etsy searches. See you there!

HAND PAINTED RUSSIAN ARTIST PENDANTS

These hand-painted Russian pendants are absolutely top-quality; really divine! A great deal of craftmanship goes into each unique and intricate design. Made in limited qualtities, these little gems are sure to become a highly sought-after product. Worth every penny, these hand-painted Russian pendants are real treasures. Get them at ArtBeads.

I used this scrumptous Deco-Art piece (which I absolutely adore) in this freeform beadweaving. It is a 30X40mm rectangle black onyx ; the painting is extremely detailed with a high polish finish.Find this product (AB-CHL1) at: http://www.artbeads.com/russian-artist-pendants.html. They have many more exclusive pieces to choose from. See all products at http://www.artbeads.com/. Don't miss them!

"HERE COMES THE BRIDE"; EBW Challenge

The VOTING has begun at the Etsy BeadWeavers team, the challenge theme is "Here Comes the Bride" These friendly & fun challenges are beneficial to our market for several reasons. They are a great way to increase our beadweaving skills, inspire us in a new and unexpected ways, and give us the opportunity to showcase our works. I ask that you please take the time to review the challenge pieces and vote for your favorite at: http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com.

The voting polls will be open from July 9th through July 15th, 2009.

"NEW HORIZONS" Challenge

The VOTING has begun at the Beadweaving Emporium Market, for our first challenge themed "New Horizons" These friendly & fun challenges are beneficial to our market for several reasons. They are a great way to increase our beadweaving skills, inspire us in a new and unexpected ways, and give us the opportunity to showcase our works. We ask that you please take the time to review the challenge pieces and then go to our offsite Beadweaving Emporium Blog at http://www.thebeadweavingemporium.blogspot.com to vote for your favorite.

The voting polls will be open from July 9th through July 15th, 2009.

The participants are as follows:

1. Sandfibers with You are my sunshine
2. Njema with New Horizons Bowl
3. Slavetobeads with Green Earth the New Horizon
4. Beadazzled of Oregon with A New Horizon; Sunrise
5. Three Fates Design with Rising Sun-New Horizon Necklace
6. Rachele's Originals with A New Horizon Barrette
7. Enchanted Beads with New Horizons Wedding Necklace
8. Beadsforever with Night Vision Necklace

Thanks again for your support!!

RED, WHITE and BEADWEAVING SALE-e-BRATION!

A 4th Firecracker SALE!

BLOG ANNOUNCEMENT:

Many of the shops that are members of The Beadweaving Emporium (BEM) market at 1000 Markets - Beadazzled of Oregon is one of those - have teamed together and are planning a fantastic 4th of July SHOPPER-TUNITY SALE in their shops. Items on sale will be designated by their SALE-A-BRATION badge; some shops will have selected items and others may have every item in their shop on sale.

Participating beadweaving shops will be:

1. Cigarboxbeads..................Marilyn

2. Beadsforever........................Linda

3. Nossubgallery.........................Ana

4. Mytreasures.........................Tanya

5. Enchantedbeads.................Ileana

6. Pvener...............................Patricia

7. Conlinscreations.............Amanda

8. BeadazzledofOregon.............Dini

9. RachelesOriginals...........Rachele

10. Littlestonedesign..............Cheryl

111. Hannahrachel..................Hannah

Be sure to check out each and every designated shop for outstanding handmade items and generous sale prices! Look for the SALE-e-BRATION badge in the participating shops for their SALE ITEMS.

Below is your own invitation to join us at BEM anytime the first week of July in our own Independence Celebration. Use scissors to cut out this reminder ~ Shop right here at home!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RED, WHITE and BEADWEAVING SALE-e-BRATION!

DATES: July 1 through July 8th, 2009

WHERE: http://www.1000markets.com/groups/bem

WHAT: unique and creative beadwoven art

HINT: shop early for the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and more!