Back to the Metal...at least for now!

by Staci Louise Smith

I have been working with my polymer and wire so much, that I haven't made time to get into the metal studio (that is, the other side of the studio for me).  

Man, do I ever miss it!  I have accumulated quite a few cabs this year.  I have bought lots of silver since the price is down, and I am determined to make some really fun rings and necklaces in silver!

I know I still won't have a lot of time to work on metal with Spring

Bead Fest around the corner (I need to prepare my classes!) but I am hopping to have some playtime to get back in the game.

I thought this would be a good time to remind you all that we have quite a few tutorials and such on wire work, cold connections and soldering.  We also have some on cleaning your metal, patina......you name it, we may have a little something on it.  

You can check our tutorials tab to browse!

Here are a few that I think are very informative when starting out, or in my case, starting again after a LONG hiatus! 

Here is one on how to set a tube rivet from Patti V!

http://lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com/2015/05/how-i-set-tube-rivet.html

Balled Head pins is always a good one to know!!

And I think you learn a lot about heat and your torch when you make them

http://lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com/2013/01/art-jewelry-challenge-balled-headpins.html

Here are some liver of sulfur tips as well!!!

http://lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com/2013/01/art-jewelry-challenge-balled-headpins.html

So I hope that you can find some useful information here to help you in your studio endeavors.  I will keep you all posted as to my metal playtime progress.

DON'T FORGET THAT WE HAVE THE DAVID BOWIE BLOG HOP HERE ON March 10th!!!

Have fun and create something inspired by Bowie, a song of his, or just something you think he'd wear or be happy to see on someone.  Be bold, be fun.....reach for the stars!

Hope to see you here!!

An Interview with Ginger Allman of the Blue Bottle Tree

by Staci Louise Smith

I know I have referenced her site a million times.  It's because she does her homework.  When Ginger posts to her blog with a review, new info, or a how to, I KNOW it has been tested and she has asked questions and contacted people who have used these products for years, and manufacturers..........she is thorough.  That is why I send anyone who is new to polymer, or has any kind of questions to her site.  

There is a lot of mis-information out there on the web.  In the age of You Tube and blogs, anyone can post a tutorial, even if its the first time they have done something.  I cringe when I read tutorials giving people mis-information.  I read them, and I know what they make won't last (like using too thin wire to make a bracelet or clasp, or not finishing ends of things, leaving pointy wire...not sealing things that go against skin....I could go on and on).  Or they say to varnish your polymer clay beads in nail polish (never ever ever do that ....please!!!!  Ginger has a few great posts on finishing your clay too!!)

http://thebluebottletree.com/varathane-best-polymer-clay-sealer/

http://thebluebottletree.com/seal-polymer-clay/

http://thebluebottletree.com/spray-sealer-for-polymer-clay/

Anyhow, you get the idea.  She is the real deal for solid info on polymer clay.  

Well, she did an interview with me for her blog.  I am honored, and it was a cool experience to be featured by her.  You can read it here.  

http://thebluebottletree.com/staci-louise-smith/

You all know I put my life out there through various social media outlets, but it was fun to answer some questions on things you may not have known about me.  Enjoy!

(and while you are there, take a peek around her site- there is so much information there- just amazing!)

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!!!!

Tutorials and Boot Camps at your Finger tips

by Staci Louise Smith

We are having a snow day here in Eastern PA today.  I think we are all ready for Spring by now, though this is a "nice" snow.  Fluffy, packs good, there is enough to make it fun and pretty and not just a messy clean up.  It is not covered with an inch of ice.....ect.  So, hopefully it is the last, but its at least a nice pretty and peaceful snowfall.

Anyhow.............................due to tax prep, tax appointment and kids being around, I am just getting to my post.

ring by karen mcgovern

There have been some nice changes to the blog that I want to share with you!

Last year we had a fun time doing Boot Camps, which were composed of many tutorials and posts on one topic of jewelry making.  They were wonderful and packed with information as well.  

earrings by barb bechtel

We have also posted random tutorials as a group through the years.

  Well, MaryAnn has organized them, and if you click on the tabs above, you can either go to tutorials and see what we have to offer- which is everything from basic wire wrapping to soldering bezels!

bezel by staci smith

Or, you can browse through the Boot Camps.  There was A LOT of information in each one, all written by different authors.  That way you not only got different tutorials and tips, but you get them from many different perspectives.

earrings by maryann carroll

Right now we are deciding on some new things for the upcoming year!  So stay tuned from more tutorials, tips and hopefully videos too from us!

Happy Creating!  

Technology - Friend or Foe? By Karen McGovern

We live in a digital age.  We hover online via computer or hand-held device nearly constantly.  We have almost instant access to a sea of information, 24/7.  You are online right now to read this blog, whether it is on your laptop, desktop. tablet or smartphone.  I know I am a fan of gadgetry--quietly lusting after the newest iPad (iPhone not so much--I am a Samsung phone fan), and am drooling over the recent Office Depot commercial that features THAT UNBELIEVABLE BLUETOOTH LAZER KEYBOARD AND THE TEENY-TINY PROJECTOR!!!  Yes, I am all over that stuff, whether I need it or not.  I just WANT IT SO BAD!

 

The mighty Internet and Google Machine are no longer references used occasionally, they have become an integral part of our lives.  I know I rely on these tools of technology on a daily basis.  Heck, I just checked on Google to make sure I spelled "technology" correctly! (which I did not.  I stuck a "k" in there for no apparent reason.  I suck at spelling)  Whether used for mundane reasons or as a teaching tool, the digital world is just that...a tool.  How you use it is up to you (Seriously, how many cat videos have you watched today?). 

 

Whether you think of the Internet as a soul stealing time vampire or gateway to nirvana, it has transformed our lives without question.  The word "Frenemy" comes to mind--"refering to either an enemy pretending to be a friend or someone who really is a friend but is also a rival. The term is used to describe personal, geopolitical, and commercial relationships both among individuals and groups or institutions."  I just got that from Wikipedia, which I looked up via Google.  See???????

 

I have written about how YouTube has helped me IMMENSELY through the availability of instructional jewelry design videos and tutorials.  You can find a video for just about any technique you can think of, all free for the viewing.  I learned fold-forming, simple soldering, riveting, and SO MUCH MORE all courtesy of YouTube and the generous artists that post videos free of charge. 

 

How many of your supplies are purchased online?  Can you imagine not being able to purchase online?  I doubt it.  The virtual world is here to stay and most of us would not be able to do the work we do without it.

 

And, on to selling.  Online storefronts like Etsy, Artfire and more (plus Facebook and individual websites) are the only way many of us sell our works, besides out of our homes or the occassional local art show.  (Applause to you that make your work full-time and travel to art shows around the country, etc.).  And when we are at those art shows (which we applied to enter via online application) we use our smartphones and apps like Square and PayPal to accept payments.  As a marketing tool the Internet is vital.  Period.

 

So, how do we best harness this technology in our trade?  First of all, LEARN HOW TO USE IT.  A few of my good friends who are artists are still balking at using selling tools like Square and online storefronts.  I am in the process of walking them through some of this and strongly suggest everyone become 100% comfortable with handling online transactions.  These tools are the bare bones of business, and you can't ignore them or expect your clients to work around your reluctance to use them.  Now-a-days there really is no excuse for not being able to accept a credit card, anywhere, anytime, using nothing but your smartphone.  All of these online resources offer in-depth online tutorials that walk you through every step of the process.  You do not have to be a computer geek to do this, I swear.  Just go to the website and follow along.  I use Square and love it, and Square as relatively recently launched its own online selling platform, Square Market.  I'm looking into that... 

Speaking of online storefronts...it's not that hard to set up your own, you know.  I decided to do that since Etsy and I are on a "break" (It's complicated, I found out Etsy has been cheating on me with overseas re-sellers.  We're in couples therapy, but I'm not sure we can ever truly trust each other again...sigh).  I set up my own website and shop through Wix, and am very happy with the results.  Yes, it costs a bit more, and yes, you need to be a bit web savvy.  But, the site is very, VERY easy to use with tons of instructional pages and videos, as well as tons of storefronts and themes to choose.  All the hard work is done for you--you just choose the look you like and go!  Sets up with a PayPal account for sales, or you can use Wix's own marketing platform.

 

Beyond buying and selling, the Internet is also a source of endless inspiration.  I can't imagine not being able to reference favorite artists, view current works and exhibits I am interested in, and having access to a BAJILLION images.  Pintrest, anyone?  All my favorite magazines have online versions, all jam-packed with drool worthy designs and insightful articles.  THERE IS SO MUCH OUT THERE!!!  I am inspired every time I am on Facebook by the works artists I follow are creating, and I use Facebook to show my own work and am ETERNALLY GRATFUL for the feedback I get.  I recently got a "like" on one of my designs from Richard Salley.  RICHARD SALLEY!!!  I am such a fan of his that when I saw the "like" I got goosebumps.  FOR REAL. (Yes, I am a nerd.  Deal with it)

One of Richard's delicious designs...sigh.

Even if you hate the 'Net, your computer can be a vital tool to store information.  I photograph all of my work using my smartphone.  I then download all of that to my computer so I have a record of what I am working on as well as access to past designs.  Just going through that can be an inspiring (and mortifying) adventure.  Sometimes I will stumble across an old design I had totally forgotten about and become inspired to revisit it.  I also look at some of my first works and cringe a bit, but still am very proud of how far I have come.  Everyone should photograph their work and keep these images for reference!!!  Then display them on a wall using the AMAZING TEENY-TINY PROJECTOR FROM OFFICE DEPOT.  Ahem, I digress....

 

Speaking of design--a tablet is now a WONDERFUL design tool.  Currently I am obsessing over the Apple "Paper" app and the electronic pencil/stylus 53 that works with it.  My iPad is too old and doesn not work with the 53, and IT'S DRIVING ME INSANE.  If you like to sketch out your design ideas on the fly, a tablet is for you.  I sketch ideas quite a bit, but don't always have the appropriate pen and paper handy when the muse stikes me.  That is why so many scraps of envelopes, lined note pad paper, napkins, etc, end up strewn all over the place with ideas scrawled on them.  With one of the bazillion art apps available, a tablet and stylus (or your finger), you can sketch like mad, save, and viola!  You have an easy reference.  Take a peek at the cool stuff Karen Totten of Starry Road Studio is creating with Paper.  A fantastic way to sketch your ideas and connect instantly with your computer...Like Etch-A-Sketch on MASSIVE STEROIDS. (Sue me, I'm old).

 

Not all of us can afford the newest tablet or gadget, but we all use smartphones and computers, and many of these apps and programs are available (inexpensively or even FREE) for both.  Bottom line, when we discuss the tools of our trade, the Internet, smartphones, computers and tablets all have to be included in one form or another.  And just like all the other tools we need, we must become proficient in the proper use of ALL OF THEM.  Who doesn't love a new tool???  So, go out there and play with all the tools available and create something WONDERFUL!

I just finished the pendant shown here, inspired by a spectacular work by Linda Ladurner I saw on Facebook.  Now available in my online shop!

 

 **Update - I just got an updated Ipad and Pencil for Valentine's Day!!!!!!  So, I am completely obsessed with the app and gadget.  If you don't hear from me ever again, I am in my bedroom doodling like mad.  Please send in the occasional pizza....

 

Teamwork. It Makes You Think, it Makes You Work--by Karen McGovern

Two years ago I was approached online by a woman named Becky Nunn.  She contacted me to inquire if I would be interested in becoming a part of her Innovation Team for Nunn Designs.  Prior to meeting Becky, I had not heard of Nunn Design, and rushed to the Google Machine to find out more.

 

 

Turns out, Becky is the force behind an extensive line of really lovely jewelry design products.  Bezels, rings, pendants, settings, chains, charms, collage sheets, resin, molds—the list goes on and on, with the line expanding every year.  I was intrigued (the products are really great), and especially liked the fact that Becky does her best to get her team members published (because of her I have had work published in several print and online magazines and blogs).  The requirements were simple, create a few sample designs per month using Nunn products.  This may sound restrictive to us creative/outside the box-type artists, but Becky was very emphatic that we take her products and put our spin and design ethic into each creation.  I said "YES" and have been enjoying myself ever since.  You can see more of the designs I have created using Nunn products here.

Some of my favorite designs created using Nunn products.

Who doesn’t like working with new components and materials??  Becky keeps me flush with super-cool goodie boxes crammed full of the newest Nunn products to play with.  And, I also enjoy the challenge of taking her stuff and making it my own with each design.

 

Also, and perhaps most importantly, this agreement (now into its third year—I guess Becky is a glutton for punishment with me), forces me to create something new each and every month.  “Forces” isn’t the right word—no one likes to be “forced” to create and Becky is super-cool, super-nice and totally understanding if you have a crap month where life gets in the way of your creativity and leaves you high and dry in the design/time/space department.  What our agreement does is allow me the incentive to take, and MAKE time to design and create, while giving me new challenges and inspirations through the ever-growing line of cool products Becky sends my way.

 

Exposure is always appreciated, and Becky works her ASS off to get all her team members out there in cyberspace and beyond, but working as part of her team also given me something really special.  I am a part of something bigger than myself.  My ideas are not only solicited, but LISTENED TO.  I am very grateful for the opportunities that have come my way directly because of this collaborative affiliation.  I owe Becky a lot.

 

So, if you have not heard of NunnDesigns, hurry up and take a look.  They have a great blog full of tutorials, info, artist bios and more.  AND, if you have ever considered becoming part of a team like the Nunn Innovation Team, I say GO FOR IT.  It’s a wonderful opportunity to grow as an artist, try new products, meet new artists, and expand your design vocabulary.  Lots of opportunity out there…grab some for yourself!

Self-Taught...You Sure About That? By Karen McGovern

One of my favorite 'fridge magnets from Mincing Mockingbird.

I have referred to myself as a self-taught artist/jewelry designer on many occasions.  I have no formal training, have never taken a class or course in any form of jewelry design or construction.  BUT, Since I began blogging and writing articles for my website, posting tutorials, etc. I have come to the realization that calling myself self-taught is actually a load of crap!  I am anything but self-taught.

The first book I ever purchased that really propelled my jewelry career was Making Connections by Susan Lenart Kazmer.  I poured over every page, eager to try every technique shown.  Then came Semiprecious Salvage by Stephanie Lee, that spring-boarded my own creation of storybook designs and poetry pieces.  Now my bookshelf is loaded with fantastic publications covering everything from mixed media art, to surface techniques in metals and polymer clay, to studio design, to history (Five Centuries of Jewelry Design--fantastic) and on and on and on....you get the picture, I love books!  And don't get me started on my magazine collection.  I already told you I hoard Art Jewelry Magazine, Jewelry Artist Magazine and Ornament Magazine, just to name a few.  Talk about a wealth of information...

One of the six loaded shelves on my book case...

But wait!  We cannot forget or overlook the glory that is YouTube.  Bless the magic video machine!  There is a video for just about any jewelry or design technique you can think of, created by generous home artists and professional jewelers alike.  Hours and hours of detailed, FREE information!  It's mind boggling, and I am ever grateful to those artists willing to share their talent and expertise so publicly.  Here I learned soldering basics, annealing, mold making, fold-forming and so much more!

A tiny screenshot of Youtube taken when I put the words
"jewelry tutorials" in the search box.  Notice the "About 155,000" results!!

My point is that from the moment I picked up wire cutters and a pair of pliers I relied on other artists to teach me, and continue to do so.  I still remember my sister Lynn teaching me years ago how to do a basic wire wrap with a bead on a headpin...At the time I thought it was impossible!

Just because I haven't attended a formal class or course "in person" doesn't mean I taught myself...NOT BY A LONG SHOT!  I am the product of those artists whose techniques I mastered through their books, articles, tutorials and videos.  I wish I could thank them all in person...some have directly influenced my work, ethics, and desire to explore.  I am deeply grateful and anxious to learn more!

By that same token, I hope I can offer something in return to new artists taking those exhilarating first steps into the wonderful world of art jewelry and design.  I plan to post more tutorials on my website and here, as well as share whatever I can about  my own artistic journey.  I've said it before--art is a community, and I believe we must support and encourage each other as much as possible.  We'll only become better artists for it!

So, here are the top five books in my collection (besides the three I already mentioned), in no particular order.  I highly recommend them all...find them on Amazon!

Amulets and Talismans, Robert Dancik
Soldering Made Simple, Joe Silvera
Mixed Metal Mania, Kim St. Jean
Heat, Color, Set & Fire, Mary Hettmansperger
Metal Artist's Workbench - Demystifying the Jeweler's Saw, Thomas Mann

Next, a few artists (new to me) that are blowing my mind right now:
Note:  All these artists also have Facebook pages, so go "Like" and "Share" them!

Rosy Revolver

Mister Finch
Hanna Hedman

6shadows
Katie Poterala

I'd love for you all to share your favorite books, publications and artists here as well, that way we can all learn something!

Until next time, get those hands dirty!!

Boot Camp Clasp Round Up

In case you missed it, Monday was our Boot Camp Blog Hop for our current topic, Securing the Perimeter AKA CLASPS! There's still time to hop on board because of this busy time of last minute summer/ back-to-school! We've extended the hop to add your links through Friday, so if you thought you missed it, be sure to add your blog link here!


There's been some lovely and really insight-FULL posts on clasps this time around, so I thought I would go back and give everyone an overview!

Copper Tube Clasp - Boot Camp Tutorial -Mary Ann starts off our bootcamp with a great tutorial on forming a clasp using copper tubing as a closure!

Adventures in making a new clasp design....  -Stacie Florer challenges finds inspiration in some forms around her home to come up with a new and unique clasp.

Clasps: Practical, Pretty or both? -Staci Smith shares her inspiration and her tips for finding your go-to clasp.

boot camp - button & fiber closures - Mary Jane gives her tips and suggestions for making beautiful and strong button closures.

Twisted, Crusty Toggle -Kelli shares a beautiful and pataina-ed tutorial for a handmade toggle.

Boot Camp: Tackling the Toggle  -Staci Smith shares how to make a beautiful wire toggle clasp

Clasp Tutorials & How to work a clasp into your Design. -Genea shows off some of the lovely clasps made by LMAJ members and around the interwebs and her tips for incorporating them into a necklace design artfully. 

Finding Closure

Carol shows us how to beautifully bead woven clasps can effortlessly become part of a design and even enhance the final piece.

Boot Camp: Securing the Perimeter aka: clasps -We start off boot camp by showing a oldie but goody of a standard wire wrapped clasp tutorial by Kelli.

Art Jewelry Boot Camp: Clasps that identify -Barbara shares her signature clasp and how she changes it up while maintaining a signature style.

Book Review: The Missing Link: by Cindy Wimmer -Stacie Florer reviews Cindy Wimmer's forthcoming book on links and shares how useful it could be in transforming some of the ideas into clasps!

 

forever learning

mary jane dodd

this necklace (which is my submission for the art spark this month) is a result of years of practice and 3 techniques... 

i love learning... i love books and tutorials... the leaf above was born because i bought charles lewton brains's fold forming book, barbara lewis' enameling tutorial (though now she has a fabulous book) and took a class with ruth rae... not all at once of course, they built upon each other during 'what if' moments... 

but the first things i tried to do on my own were those that could save me money - like making my own hook clasps, ear wires and ball end headpins... once i figured those out - i got inspired to try more things on my own... it's addicting... 

there are so many wonderful retreats and large teaching venues - like some of you, i sigh and wish i could go... because of distance or money, some of us simply cannot... 

but what i have found is that there is a wealth of teaching out there... and most of it is very affordable... 

www.beaducation.com - has some really great online video classes... like bodacious bangle with kim st. jean... 

www.fundametals.net - has tutorials that start at $4

you can learn how to patina metal with missficklemedia for $20... this is an incredibly comprehensive tutorial that has taught me about more than patina... it was a great investment...  shannon has other tutorials on her site as well for $10 a piece... 

because i love books (and had some sales on etsy) i am going to treat myself to stephanie lee's 'handbook of elements' online class... 

our own patty lakinsmith has lampworking technique tutorials... 

one of my new personal discoveries is  nancy l hamilton - her videos are terrific... 

search etsy for all items - tutorial and there are 17,809 results... 


how about 'creating beautiful bead caps'? you can find it here...

purchase a jewelry magazine like step by step wire, belle armoire jewelry, or others and you will get stepped out directions and often photographs for each project... 

and what about youtube? free!

afraid to use a jeweler's saw? get some tips from susan lenart kazmer 

www.riogrande.com has over 100 videos there... 

the point is, there is so very much to learn and know - and you can do it at your own speed... at your financial comfort level... 

another nice thing about the videos is that before spending money on tools and supplies, you can get a feel for whether something clicks with you or not... 

personally, it isn't usually about the projects that i get excited (though they are beautiful and inspiring) - it is about the technique or some wonderful tip that takes me to the next level... 

and that is what i love so very much about this community - sharing and supporting so that we all can reach our potential...