Getting Ready for 2010!!

With two weeks left in the holiday shopping season I can't help but think about 2010. It will be a very busy year with exciting new adventures and endeavors. First on the list is the Pasadena Bead And Design Show in, of course, Pasadena. It's being held January 14-17, 2010. How exciting. I wandered through the summer version of this show and thought it would be a good one to try for January. And I got in. I'll have tons of beads. And a bunch of Lea Anne Hartman's silver and shibuichi work. Should be a good time.

Speaking of the holiday shopping season I've got one more Sunday at the Silverlake Art Craft and Vintage this Sunday, Dec. 20. Come on down for some last minute shopping. They hold this at the Citibank parking lot at the corner of Glendale and Silverlake Blvds. And for anyone interested in my last bead making class of 2009, it's being held this Saturday at Lighthouse Stained Glass from 11-4. There are still a couple of spaces left. You want to learn to make beads don't you? Speaking of making beads...time for me to make some more. Don't you think you should go make something too?

Holiday Shopping

I've been neglecting this blog again...not good. Anyway, here I am to talk about my plans for this December just in case you need a bunch of holiday gifts. Each Sunday, Dec. 6, 13, and 20, I'll be at the Silverlake Arts Craft and Vintage shindig that Ghetto Gloss puts on. I'll have beads and jewelry and tools so if you need something made into jewelry I can do that too. It's from 10-4 and takes place in the parking lot of the Citibank at the point where Silverlake and Glendale Blvds. meet. There's always alot of cool stuff. Hope to see you there!

And then there's next Thursday over at Citizen LA's Downtown Art Park on Main St. between 4th and 5th streets. There are a bunch of cool artists selling cool art stuff. Me too!! And it's happening on 2nd Thursdays which is a hell of a event. Downtown really comes alive. All the galleries in the area have their openings. Such a good time. So I hope to see some of you out there but if you can't make it try my etsy store! 'Tis the season for holiday shopping!!

Now if you feel the need to take a glass bead making class I've got one left this year. It's over at Lighthouse Stained Glass in Hollywood. From 11-4. It's a good time for sure. Limited space available. I haven't scheduled any 2010 glass bead making classes yet but there will be a bunch! I do have a macrame owl wall hanging scheduled for January 14th at Home Ec in Silverlake. It'll be posted on Jenny's web site sometime soon. Sadly, Jenny Ryan, the owner of Home Ec and a fabulous lady just recently lost her mother and my heart goes out to her. Please think good thoughts for her and her family.

If you need anything special drop me a line over to my email beadbrains@sbcglobal.net. And Happy Holidays!! Talk to you all soon...now go make something!!!

The Bead Show!

Well it was yesterday! The Bead Society of Los Angeles did it again!! A successsful bead show in Culver City and I want to thanks all of the people involved in putting it on. And especially Tim and Angie Meikle, who took over running the show from Judie Davis (a girl needs a break sometimes, love you Judie!). It was great seeing the customers and vendors. I didn't do the show last year so I had some catching up to do with some of my customers.

So I did the show...what's next? I've got a class Thursday night at Farrin O'Connor, in Pasadena. We're working on Chandelier Earrings from my book Mod Knots. Let's macramé wire. They're so pretty! There's still a few spaces left. If you're interested call them and sign up, 626-796-5300.

I've added a glass bead making class. It's over at Home Ec in Silver Lake on November 29th. I know it's Thanksgiving weekend but what else are you doing. Digesting...maybe shopping. How about making your own glass beads? I think so!! Call and sign up!!! 323-906-8826.

I made some new beads for the bead show and some of what's left is going up on etsy today. Check my etsy store...I insist!! www.beadbrains.etsy.com.

My next show will be out in Newberry Park at Creative Castle. That's right on the edge of Ventura County, just past Thousand Oaks. Carole has got a really cool store so come on down. I'll be sharing the day with Cathy McNassor and Jackie Mixon and Bernadette Fuentes. If you like glass beads you'll like this show. It's from 10-5 on Saturday November 14th.

Now with all this info you can set up your calendar of events...planning ahead is a good thing. Now you should go make something!

Bead Show Sunday!

Here's a gentle reminder about the bead show I'm doing this Sunday here in the LA area. It's the Bead Society of Los Angles' show in Culver City at the Veteran's Memorial Hall. That's on the south/west corner of Culver Blvd. and Overland Ave. The show runs form 10-5. Come on down!! I'll have a lot of cool beads and jewelry. And I'm sharing space with Liz Eister of Eister Glass so if you need some boro beads, she's got them. Both of us will also have findings and pendants by Lea Anne Hartman.

Unfortunately I wasn't accepted in the shows I mentioned in the last blog but I'm not bitter (yes I am). So bitter I'm not mentioning the names of the shows. But if you can't make it to Culver City come see me at Creative Castle November 14th in Newberry Park. I'm doing a trunk show there with some other bead makers. that should be fun. Also I'm launching a store on the Artfire web site. My user name is beadbrains like on etsy. Sometimes there may be cross over in the two sets but I'm going to try to keep things separate. I'll try to post reminders here...

Got a class the weekend of November 7-8. Interested? Email me for more info. beadbrains@sbcglobal.net. Now go make something!!!

Shows and stuff...

It's show season. I've got a number of shows coming up so it's time to make beads! More beads, more beads! A few of my shows are confirmed like the LA Bead Society Show at the end of the month in Culver City and the trunk show in November at Creative Castle in Newberry Park. I'll have dates and times listed below and continue to remind everyone as they approach. I'm awaiting decisions on two other shows, Unique LA in December and Handmade Brigades show at The Camp in November. There are a couple more here and there and as I get more information I'll pass it along.

I've got a weekend workshop coming up for beginning glass bead making the first weekend of November in Altadena. Actual address and all the particulars is coming soon. If you're interested let me know and you can sign up with me. The fee is $250 for a two day class from 11-5. It includes all materials and lunch each day! Email me @ beadbrains@sbcglobal.net if you want to attend or have questions.

I taught a 2-day class this past weekend over at the Mandrel in Redondo Beach. Good times were had by all. Donna has such a great shop and she can satisfy all of your glass bead making needs. I know I left with a bunch of new glass. She carries Double Helix glass which I can't get enough of. So good. Got some other colors I haven't had before. That Donna's in the know about what available out there in the glass world.

So if you have any questions about upcoming shows or classes email me. And if you need some beads or something check out my etsy store. There's always something new. beadbrains.etsy.com. Now go make something!!

Show dates:

LABS in Culver City - October 25, 10-5

Veterans Memorial Hall at Culver Blvd. and Overland Ave. in Culver City, CA.

Handmade Brigade at The Camp - November 1st.

2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA.

Creative Castle Trunk Show - Nov. 14. 10-5

2321 Michael Dr., Newberry Park, CA.

Unique LA - December 5-6

California Market Center in Downtown LA, CA

More info to come!!

Back in my studio

I am trying very hard to make room for the stuff I brought back from being the Artist in Residence at Hands on 3rd. It was all here before I went over there. I just spread out a bit while I was away. A yard sale would be a good thing right now but I hate hosting those things. I think a trip to the thrift store is in order later today. So much stuff!! Anyway, here I am sifting and organizing in between making beads and planning my future. Egad...at least I know what I'm planning.

So I'm teaching a two day beginner bead making class at the Mandrel this weekend. I think there's still space available. Come on down. Two day classes are always great since you're a bead maker on the second day. That changes everything. And the class is at a cool studio in Redondo Beach. Donna of the Mandrel has everything you could possibly need to make beads. Tools and great glass and books and other goodies. I'll have to keep myself from doing too much shopping.

If you can't make it to my class and you love glass go to Pacific Art Glass this weekend for Glass Fest. If only I could clone myself, I'd be at two places at once. Glass Fest has demos and a big sale and glass good times. I'm going to stop by Sunday morning for a fraction of a moment on my way to class. Got to absorb extra glass vibes!!

So when I was checking my email this morning I noticed that I was mentioned in a great newsletter called StyleSubstanceSoul. Yay!! I met these lovely ladies while at Hands on 3rd. They have a great web site that promotes women and creativity and you should check it out! Sign up for their newsletter. It's pretty cool. Kind of like Daily Candy but I think better.

And for those of you music lovers, come up to Eagle Rock Saturday for the Eagle Rock Music Festival. There's tons of music!! From 4-11pm along Colorado Blvd. between Eagle Rock Blvd. and Townsend. My sweetheart Jack has a stage for his store Future Music and will be playing drums with The Black Dynamite Sound Orchestra. Also one of my new favorite band, Random Patterns is playing. So much great music!!

And finally don't forget to check out my glass blog I write for at craftgossip.com. It's the Glass Arts page.It'll keep you informed about some of the glass info you need from around the web! Now isn't it time for you to go make something? I know it is for me!!

Some things have to come to an end...

My residency is almost over. Hanging out at Hands on Third is almost done. It's been two months and I can't believe it's time to go home...and time to plan for my own studio. Yes I am! I'll be opening up my own glass studio sometime early next year. A glass facility where you can take classes...rent studio time...rent kiln time...buy goodies...and supplies...maybe even a tool or two. And what kind of glass are you interested in? Fusing? Bead making? Mosaic? All of the above? Good since I'll have classes in all those things and I'm sure many more.

I'll keep up with the studio updates here on this blog...and if you want to read about the happenings in the world of glass check out my other blog I write

for...http://glassart.craftgossip.com/.

Check out some of my blog entries...

If you've got a chance head on over to http://glassart.craftgossip.com/. I've been writing about glass and things about glass. There are tutorials and the latest posts are about some studios I was using for inspiration. I'm wanting my own glass studio and I'm searching around looking at the set-ups of other spaces. Interesting. And inspiring. My goal is for sometime next year. In the meantime I will make beads and more beads and more beads...check out some of my new beads...on etsy! www.beadbrains.etsy.com! I'll be back soon with more interesting goodies to share!!

I'm at Hands on 3rd...

So I've started hanging out at Hands on 3rd. It's that Artist-in-Residence thing. I like it. Part zoo animal, part artist. I'm making beads in the window. And I've been doing some macramé. I'm inspired by the Ace Hotel windows in Palm Spring but on a much smaller scale. Check out my little domain.People watch me and I lure them in...they find out about Hands on 3rd, or HO3 as they're also known. Such a cool place. And we've got classes coming up. I'm teaching glass bead making and macramé and PMC and mosiac. Check their schedule to see if it fits in your schedule.

I'll be at HO3through September if you want to stop by and see what's happening. They're closed on Mondays and I'm off most Tuesdays but the rest of the time you can find me melting glass or tying knots or wrapping wire or glueing glass...hope to see you too. Now go make something!

Blog Neglect...

Howdy Everyone that visits this little blog. And my apologies for neglecting it. I've been busy working on my other blog...http://glassart.craftgossip.com and getting ready for my residency at Hands on 3rd. Well the day has arrived. Today I began my month hanging with the ladies at Hands on 3rd at 8377 w. 3rd. St. in the mid city area of Los Angeles. I should be there just about everyday making glass beads and doing macramé and making jewelry. They're closed on Mondays though. This should be fun. And I have all of my beads and jewelry there to sell.

On August 7th we're having a little shin dig there from 6:30pm-9:00. Come on down. I'll be posting invites on Facebook and sending out emails but if this is how you learn about stuff I'm doing come on down. I'd love to see you! And I've got a variety of classes I'm teaching there too. Glass bead making, macramé and pmc. Good times for all. Now don't you think you should go make something? I think so! Go make something!!

Check Out My New Blog

I have a new gig. And I'm so excited! I'm writing about glass. I know I do that anyway but this is as the Glass Craft Editor for craftgossip.com. If you follow me here...follow me there. It's a blog about all things glass. Here's a direct link to my blog. http://glassart.craftgossip.com/. I'll talk about beads and fusing and mosaics and even stained glass occasionally. Everyone needs to represented. I'll also talk about upcoming conferences and classes and meetings and events related to glass. I'll review new products and even talk about what's already out there if I feel like you need to know about it. It's pretty cool. So if there's something I should know about please pass on the information. The more posts the better. I'm always looking for stories about glass. It's all about the glass!!

Now here's a bit about me...August is coming up and I'll be Artist-in-Residence at Hands on 3rd all month. I'm very excited about that. I'll be making beads in their window as well as working on PMC, macramé and some lampshade projects. All good fun. I'll be teaching a bunch of classes there too. I'll post a listing here once I know more. We will be having a reception on August 7th, so come on down.

I've added a couple of places to teach at...Santa Clarita Craft Lab for those of you that live in that northern area of Los Angeles County. I'll be teaching bead making in September and macramé in October. I'll post that info soon! And I'm teaching at Farrin O'connor in October. It's going to be a wire macramé class with a project straight out of my book. Details coming!

Over at Reform School we have a bead making class next Friday and Saturday evening. It's July 24-25 from 7-10 each evening. Check out the Home Ec website for more information and to sign up. I think there's still space available. Did you see their booth at the Renegade Craft Fair last weekend? So cute. And what a fun show. Something I hope I can do next year.

About the Renegade Craft Fair...etsy was there. Do you etsy? I live for etsy!! I get a nice chunk of my income through etsy so I really believe in them. It was great to see them representing at the show. And there was a great meet-up after the show for sellers and a buyer...Anda and Sara were there to answer questions and to help put a face to their avatars. I'll post something all about etsy very soon. I'm actually joining an etsy group so I'll have even more to say. But alas...it's time to go make stuff. How about you? Isn't it time for you to go make stuff? I think so. Go make something!!

New Adventures Ahead

Howdy All!

Today was a great day for my beads on etsy. At least one of them. I had a cute little sundae bead on the front page of etsy. Whoo hoo!! My first appearance on the front page. So happy. And a really cute treasury. It's only up for another day...here's the link http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=69230

The glass show I'm in at the Howeeduzzit Gallery closes Sunday and we're having a shin dig to celebrate the show. From 12-2 all of the artists in the show will be working on a glass mosaic sign for Howie's gallery. the rest of the festivities start at 2. There will be food and music and glass art. Come on down.

Other new stuff to write about is all the writing I'm going to be doing. I'm just awaiting the technical set up but very soon I will be a bit of a professional blogger. I will have a blog on craftgossip.com as their new Glass Craft Editor. So exciting. I'll be looking for all of you glass folks...interviews...tutorials...stories...projects...meetings...all things glass. I'll post my launch as soon as I know more. I'm very excited about this. Now isn't it time for you to go make something? Oh yes it is!

Happy Fourth of July!!

Hi Everyone!!

Hope you're all having a happy 4th. I'm looking forward to fireworks, bbq, pool time...maybe not in that order. So it's been a strange week with the deaths of superstars and then Billy Mays too. Michael has been the toughest to comprehend. I wasn't surprised but I didn't think it would happen so soon. I thought he had a little more time. It's so sad. But we must remember how amazing he was! And try to keep that smile on your face. Making stuff brings that back. Making goodies and jewelry and other fun things makes me smile.

So I cleaned up my torch space so I can create more stuff. Stefanie's visit really brought my attention to what a pig sty (spelling?) my torch area had become. I was working on terra cotta tiles since they are fireproof. But the dust factor and glass bits were just too much. I had recently picked up some galvanized sheet metal to use when I'm out demoing or teaching and thought that would make a great surface. Easy to keep clean...the bits don't fall between the tiles any more. Check it out.

It's so clean and tidy!! I love it. Soon there will be new beads!! Yay!! And the glass bits that I leaned up go into my glass bit box to be taken over to my friend Leigh Adams' studio. She works with homeless and low income people teaching mosaic and glass fusing. The bits will be made into beautiful art pieces that they will then sell. It's a great group...Piece by Piece is the name. Makes sense. And they make beautiful art. So everyone wins by me cleaning up.

I'm going to start making super jumbo beads for a macramé project I've got coming up. I'll be Artist in Residence at Hands on 3rd for the month of August. So I'm doing up the window with macramé and glass beads. What else could I do? I'm inspired by The Ace Hotel in Palm Springs and their fabulous windows.

This is one of the windows.

And this was one of the others. I love this place!

So I'm getting myself some cotton rope and maybe a bit of hemp and creating something inspired by these windows. My take on jumbo macramé. Now I must go make beads in my clean and tidy work space...and now you should go make something too! Happy 4th of July!!

Playing with Stefanie and PMC

Last week my crafty buddy Stefanie Girard came by my studio to play with PMC (Precious Metal Clay). She had a few projects she wanted to give a try and since I've done my share of PMC projects, working in my studio seemed like a good idea.

I have a kiln to fire the pieces as well as the tools to work it and polish it up. Stefanie came prepared...she had the book she was reviewing, Jewelry Arts Workshop: Pure Silver Metal Clay Beads by Linda Kaye-Moses, three types of PMC (paste, syringe and clay), a sack of tools and a bunch of ideas. She made herself familiar with the materials, encountering some clay issues which she conquerred successfully. Dry clay, wet clay...she managed just fine. She made some really cool pendants utilizing molds she'd made, cookie cutters and rubber stamps. Check out some of the adventures...

After firing her projects we got out some power tools and polished up the finished goods. Shiny metal is good!

She took her new skills and fabulous pendants off to her studio to finish them off and make them into jewelry. All was well...

This makes for a great segway into announcing an upcoming class I have with PMC at Hands on 3rd next week. We'll make pendants or charms and use a torch to fire them. The power tools will come out for some polishing and by the end of the evening everyone will have a cool solid silver trinket they made themselves. You can also find a PMC project in my book, Mod Knots...

So check out Stefanie's blog at http://craftside.typepad.com/ or her other blogs...sweater surgery @ http://sweatersurgery.blogspot.com/ or http://recycledcrafts.craftgossip.com/.

Now go make something!!

Demoing on Friday and a craft show on Saturday

What a fun filled, busy weekend I just had...parties and a book signing and an art opening. Loads of fun. So this week I'm back to work (like I stopped). I just wanted to give the heads up on a couple of things coming up soon. Friday night, June 26th, I'll be over at Reform School for their Open House. I'm bringing my torch and lighting my fire...gonna make some beads. Come on down. They're over in Silver Lake on Sunset. Check out their web site for more info on their location...http://www.homeecshop.com/blog/events/.

Then on Saturday, June 27th, I'll be back to Tall Mouse Crafts in Laguna Niguel for the Handmade Brigade craft show. Come out my OC friends and my LA friends. Pick up some yummy handmade glass beads and jewelry and other fun stuff! Here's that info...

So I hope to see you this weekend...and don't forget to check for new items in my etsy store...www.beadbrains.etsy.com or check www.pixieindustries.etsy.com. There's always new stuff being posted so go look. You might actually find something you can't live without. Now go make something!!

Time Flies

Howdy Crafty Types!!

Time sure does fly if you're not careful. I can't believe how much time has passed since my last post. I've been busy and that's a good thing. And summer starts this weekend!!! Here's this weekends list of activities...

Book signing tomorrow at Tall Mouse Crafts in Laguna Niguel from 2-4pm. 

But before I go there I'm stopping off at The Mandrel in Redondo Beach to say hi to my bead making buddies for the local quarterly meeting. And I'll probably pick up some glass too. 

Tomorrow night is the first party of the season at my honey Jack's store, Future Music. A good time will be had by all. My new favorite band, Random Patterns is playing at about 11pm. Stop by if you can...5112 York Blvd., Highland Park, CA 90042.

Sunday starts with cupcake baking...then I'll be taking those yummy vegan cupcakes to the art opening  for the show Glassifications. It's at the Howeeduzzit Gallery in Alhambra. Gorgeous glass in this show. It's an honor to be in it. 

After the opening it's a bit of fun (like all I've listed isn't fun) out at Mar Vista Park in West LA for the annual Summer Solstice Softball Game and BBQ. I'll be seeing some faces I haven't in a very long time. Should be very interesting...

Now next Saturday, June 27th I'm back at Tall Mouse for the Handmade Brigade Craft Show. Come on down and get some cupcakes (glass) and other beads as well as jewelry and I'll have more books. Check the flier above for more info.

Next Friday night June 26th, from 7-10, I'll be demoing at Reform School in Silver Lake at their Open House. See how the magic happens at the torch and then sign up for my class in July. Should be super fun.

My next post will have some great pictures from the fabulous macramé that decorated the best hotel in Palm Springs, The Ace Hotel. I stayed there for a couple of days last week to get away and work on the jewelry that's in the glass show. There was macramé in the lobby and restaurant and let me tell you I lost my mind. I've got to get the pictures off of my iphone and then I'll post them. Very inspiring!! Now I must make stuff and shouldn't you too...go make something...no really...go now and make something! And Happy Summer!!!

Book Signing & Class

I've got a class tomorrow. I know it's short notice to mention it but it's not the first time I've mentioned it...so it's a macramé class...donut necklace. It's pretty cool. Here's a note Hands on 3rd made.
Cute ad. So if you're interested it starts at 6:00pm tomorrow. If you can't make it...bummer. But that doesn't mean you can't learn how to make the necklace. There's a video on DIY's web site from the DIY Jewelry Making where I first made this necklace...check it out here http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/crafts.

On Saturday, June 6th, from 10:00am - 6:00pm I'll be at the San Gabriel Bead Company for a book signing for my new book, Mod Knots.


I'll also be bringing my beads for a bit of a trunk show. Whoo hoo! So if you need some cupcakes or beads for your donut necklace come on down. It's at 325 East Live Oak, Arcadia, CA 91006...626.447.7753. They're having a bead sale that weekend! 20% off all beads (except mine but my prices will be about 20% lower than retail in the store). Come on down! There will be some make and take projects...beads...books...macramé!

There are more good times ahead so check back and I'll tell you about them...now go make something!!

Fused Glass and a Flame Heart Wall Sconce

Well, I finally got to see it. Had to get up at 6:30 in the morning but it was worth it. I was on Craft Lab this morning with Jennifer Perkins, the most fabulous hostess, and we were making a couple of fused glass wall sconces. Sure I could have used a bit of make-up but otherwise I was quite pleased with how it turned out. The episode first aired last year on DIY and wouldn't you know I had just accidentally cancelled DIY from my cable TV line up. I could see my name in the description but couldn't watch the show. So this time I saw it and it was on HGTV. Whoo hoo!
Here's a picture of one of the lamps we worked on. I love it! It's design is based on a metal clay pendant I made. Check it out below.


I'm teaching metal clay at Hands on 3rd soon. Check out their web site for the schedule...
www.hands-on3rd.com. There's a basic class coming up in June...

New stuff is being posted on etsy all the time so check out my beadbrains store for my handmade glass beads and jewelry and my pixie industries store for Lea Anne Hartman's amazing silver and shibuichi pendants, clasps, charms and beads. Now go make something!!

Vegan Cupcake Recipe

I just got done posting my vegan cupcake recipe on the blog Haute Whimsey so I figured I should post it here too. Since I make little glass cupcakes all of the time it seemed only appropriate to post an actual recipe I use...so here goes.

So I'm lactose intolerant or lactartded as a friend of mine says. I do love cupcakes though!
So I found a really great recipe for vegan Boston Cream Pie...the cake part is awesome! And here it is. Give it a try. I've been told by milk consumers that these guys are amazing. Let me know what you think. Oh and the frosting recipe is based on Sprinkles Cupcakes cream cheese frosting. It's good enough for frosting shots!!

Vegan Cupcake Recipe
Use organic ingredients whenever possible!

Dry Ingredients
2 C all purpose flour
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
½ t salt

Wet Ingredients
1 ¼ C sugar
½ C oil (I prefer walnut or olive)
½ C soy yogurt
2 t vanilla extract
1 ¼” soymilk


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together dry ingredients and set aside. In a separate bowl add sugar and oil and mix well. I like to do this by hand with a wisk. Next add yogurt and vanilla and mix well. Finally add in the soy milk and again mix well.

Gradually add in the flour mixture about 1/3 C at a time making sure it’s not lumpy. Continue adding in the flour mixture until it’s all included. Make sure the batter is well mixed. There should be no lumps.

Prepare the cupcake pan with paper liners. This recipe yields over 12 cupcakes so I like to make a small extra cake on the side. That way if I have to give away the cupcakes I still have a bit of cake for myself. Bake cupcakes at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. I have found 28 minutes to be perfect in my oven but some oven temperatures vary so always test for doneness with a toothpick or small knife. It should come out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
1 stick vegan margarine
8 0z. Tofutti cream cheese or some other vegan cream cheese
3 ½ C powdered sugar

Allow the margarine and cream cheese to soften to room temperature. Mix with hand electric mixer to a smooth consistency. Gradually add the powdered sugar a cup a time. Mix thoroughly but try not to over mix. Chill before frosting the cupcakes.

Enjoy!!

Upcoming Good Times

Howdy Crafty People!!
It's been way too long since my last posting and I will try so much harder to write more stuff more often. I've got classes coming up that everyone should know about. First is a two evening glass bead making class at Home Ec at Reform School in Silverlake on Sunset Blvd. Check out their web site @ http://www.homeecshop.com/. It's Friday and Saturday night, May 22-23. It should be a really good time. We'll make stringer (which is used to decorate your beads and allows you to get to know hot glass before you try to make a bead) and then an assortment of cute little beads. When you're done with the two evenings you'll definitely have enough beads to make a bracelet and totally impress your friends.

Next up I'll be teaching at a new spot in the mid-Wilshire area of LA. It's a cool new store/studio called Hands on 3rd. It's on 3rd near La Cienega. Check out their web site @ http://www.handson3rd.com/. I'm teaching an assortment of classes there...macramé...precious metal clay...and a cool rhinestone class known as "Bring it and Bling it". We'll be starting with macramé on May 29th and then again on June 4th and we'll be making the Donut Necklace that was first seen on DIY Jewelry Making. There's a basic PMC class on June 11th as well another June 26th. "Bring it and Bling it" is on June 12th and there's a mother daughter version on June 14th. Another more advanced, two part PMC class will be July 1st and 8th. This will include making your own molds using the photo emulsion plate techninique I did on CraftLab, another DIY TV show. You'll use your own artwork that will be drawn onto a piece of transparency material and expose it via UV light onto a light sensitive photo emulsion plate. It's pretty cool. We'll then make PMC pendants with those plates. Lots of fun ahead! Also, I'll be artist in residence at Hands on 3rd for the month of August. I'll keep everyone posted on that and when I'm there you can come on down and see what I'm up to.

I've also got another glass bead making class at Lighthouse Stained Glass in Hollywood, June 13th. That's a 5 hour class and is always a good time. Lots of beads will be made.

And check out all of the cool charms and pendants and beads and clasps I've got posted on pixieindustries.etsy.com by Lea Anne Hartman. Don't forget to also go to beadbrains.etsy.com and pick up some cute handmade glass beads by me...my web site has all the class information listed as well as links and other good stuff.

I must not forget to mention my upcoming book signings scheduled in the month of June. First there's June 6th at the San Gabriel Bead Co. They're having one of their big sales that weekend so bargains will be abundent!! On June 20th I'll be at Tall Mouse Crafts in Laguna Niguel doing another book signing. Whoo hoo! It should be a good time!! The following weekend I'll be back at Tall Mouse for the OC Handmade Brigade's craft show. Hope to see you all at any of these fabulous events. Now isn't it time for you to go make something?!

Fabulous new goodies!!

Howdy!
I'm so excited. I've gotten my first batch of the most fantastic silver and shibuichi around!! What is shibuichi you ask? It's a copper and silver alloy that artist extraodinaire, Lea Anne Hartman makes sing. I've received pendants and beads and clasps and charms that are to die for!! You must go to http://www.pixieindustries.etsy.com to check them out. I'll be listing more...right now there's a large dragonfly and some skulls and a winged elf-girl and...her work is so beautiful!! Please check it out.

I also have some new venues for teaching which is very exciting. I'll be teaching in Silverlake, at Reform School, on Sunset. They have great classes through there crafty side, Home Ec. We'll be setting dates soon. We're looking at a two evening Glass Bead Making class and possibly some PMC classes. I'll keep you posted on that. Check them out here...http://www.reformschoolrules.com/blog.html.

Then there's the new place opening on 3rd St. in the mid-Wilshire area called Hands on 3rd. It's so cool. They offer alot of different classes. I'll be teaching macramé and PMC and a cool rhinestone class. I'll post the dates in the next couple of days. Their grand opening celebration is May 1st. Be there or be square...check them out at http://www.hands-on3rd.com/. I'm also going to be their artist in residence in August. Whoo hoo!

One other place that I already teach glass bead making, Lighthouse Stained Glass in Hollywood, at is adding PMC to the schedule and yours truly will be teaching it. I'll keep you posted on the dates...I am teaching bead making there June 13th.

On a kind of sad note...I've been informed that all classes at the San Gabriel Bead Co are cancelled until further notice. As soon as I know more I'll pass the info along. I hope it gets figured out soon.

So check out all the goodies I've written about...especially Lea Anne's new beads...and then go make something!!

Baby Squirrel

Have you ever found a baby squirrel that was recently orphaned by it's mom? We did the other day...what a cutie! About 5 weeks old according to the pictures and information I found on line. Did I say how cute this little guy was? My uber studdly cat Earl discovered this little fella first and had a bit of an obsession. Not good. We kept Gordon inside the first night...yes, he got a name...and were going to find somewhere to take him the following day. But we saw mom and decided to reunite if possible. So Gordon was left at the base of the tree, where he had been first discovered and I spent a good portion of the day keeping the cats in...of course Earl managed an escape and had to be bribed inside with some sliced chicken...sucker! Hours later I check to see where Gordon is and lo and behold I can't find him. Yay! His mom got him. Upon closer inspection I find the little bugger and a chase insues. He's pretty frisky. He gets away and I hope that all will be well. Silly me. The next day, after a full day at the Silverlake Arts Crafts and Vintage shin dig I come home to find Gordon being used as a toy by none other than Earl with Vinnie and Peachie watching. Is he suffering...that's Vinnie thinking that. I shoo the cats away and get them inside for lock down. When I go to get Gordon he's super scared and manages to scratch me. He runs and hides...but about 45 minutes later I hear him crying. He's gone around the house and is hanging out under a chair. Egad...after reading up on what to do I put gloves on and gather him up in a box with a sheet in it...a towel isn't reccommended since their claws can get stuck. Releaved, Gordon curls up in a ball and goes to sleep. We get some Pedialyte and a dropper container and get him some fluids. He liked that. Another night indoors...what are we to do? The next day (yesterday, Easter Sunday) I did a bit of online research and found a place out in Calabasas that takes baby squirrels. Did I mention how cute this guy is? They'd take him that day. Away I go! And I have to say...if I were a baby squirrel in need of rescue I'd want to go to this place. It's beautiful! Good place to rehab baby squirrels. It's the California Wildlife Center and it's awesome. Gordon has a great chance to have an amzing life out near Malibu. So save a baby squirrel...now back to crafts!

Beads...beads...beads...can you say de-stash?

I make beads...but I used to buy a lot of beads. So I've started a de-stash on pixieindustries.etsy.com as a way to cut down on the clutter and free up some beads and buttons for the rest of the world. There are vintage glass buttons...semi-precious beads...silver charms...all kinds of goodies. Check it out...

I should be seeing some things from Lea Anne Hartman soon. I can't wait to open the box. I know I'll make some jewelry and I know I'll sell some of the pieces on pixieindustries.etsy.com shop. I'll keep you posted on their arrival. We're going to be working on a few of my designs too. There's going to be an update to my bead ring...it was recently seen with me on DIY Jewelry Making. You know they air that show at 4:00am EST. The next episode I'm in should be on soon. It's the recycling show where I make glass beads with an olive oil bottle.

Did everyone indulge in an hour of darkness onSaturday for Earth Hour? We found it rather refreshing and actually kept the lights out for almost 2 hours. Talking to each other rather than mindlessly watching TV or sitting in front of the computer. It should be a regular thing.

Is anyone else out there a bit bored with Facebook? I know I am...but I'll probably log in anyway at some point...I guess my feelings are about it as a time suck...shouldn't we all be making stuff? Goodies and crafts and stuff to give as gifts or indulge ourselves with? I think so...I'm going to go make something...what are you going to make?

My book is in stock at Amazon.com

Well, I've gotten great news!! My book, Mod Knots is in stock at amazon.com. Yippee skippee!! It's started shipping to those of you that were kind enough to pre-order it. Let the shameless self promotion begin!

I'm starting the shameless self promo tour tomorrow with the spring meeting of the So Cal Flame Surfers at Glass Obsessions. Let's let the crazy bead makers see it first. And so the book signing shin digs begin!!

If you want a taste of macramé go on over to DIY's web site @ http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_djmk/0,2044,DIY_16161,00.html and check the jewelry making section. There's a video of my macramé on there you can watch. That's how all of this started...let's get knotty!

Spring has arrived and with that will come better weather and many graft adventures. I'll be starting Saturday and Sunday Crafternoons with Cathi and friends really soon. Announcements of dates and projects will be posted really soon. Now, I must go make stuff...and so should you!

Happy Spring!!

New Etsy Store Open

It's official! I have another etsy store. pixieindustries.etsy.com. There's only a couple of things up, but more are in the works. This will be what I like to think of as a craft general store. There will be vintage goodies, like what's up now, some West German intaglio glass pendants. They're super cool. And there will be more posted. There will also be other beads and craft supplies as well as some lovely metal beads and pendants and findings by Lea Anne Hartman. She does the most beautiful work in sterling silver and shibuichi, an alloy of copper and silver. T-shirts are coming too. I've got my screen printing set-up just about worked out...whatever that means. I think it's going to be a fun online store. And of course, if you still want my handmade glass beads and jewelry they'll be at beadbrains.etsy.com.

What's up with macramé? I've scheduled my first book signing shin dig at the San Gabriel Bead Company in Arcadia. June 6th. Be there or be square...knot that is. Bad pun. I've got a macramé class there this coming Wednesday...come join us. There's still time to sign up.

I've been wandering the web and have added a few blogs to my blog list. Check them out. And come visit me on facebook sometime. Be my friend...

I was seen on DIY Jewerly Making the other day making my ring bead. 4am eastern time is when the show airs. WTF? I suppose anytime is better than no time. There's been a good buzz about my ring findings and there are more updated versions to come now that I'm working with Lea Anne. I'll keep you all posted...now I must go make something. What about you? Don't you need to go make something too? Yes you do!

What are we going to make today?

Everyday brings the challenge of what am I making today. Sometimes I have a list that someone else has given me but alot of the time I need to be the one making the list. So what are the priorities of the day? How do you decide what to make? Something to think about...

I've been doing macramé a lot lately...I've got that book coming out in May. I'm working on the traditional hippie staples, the plant hanger and the trusty owl wall hanging. I'll post the step outs and resulting photos soon! They will also be miniaturized for jewelry. Pretty cool stuff...

There are always new beads being posted on my etsy store and I'm starting up pixieindustries.etsy.com to sell supplies and vintage beads and stuff and gorgeous silver and shibuichi metal beads and findings by Lea Anne Hartman. As soon as I get the first box of goodies from her I'll post pictures. Her work is fabulous!!

I've got a bunch of my jewelry in an eco-fashion show this Saturday evening. I'll post pictures as soon as I have them. Quite a few of the pieces are from my macramé book. Fashion macramé!!

I've got a macramé class March 18th at the San Gabriel Bead Co. in Arcadia. The twisted beaded bracelet. It's quite nice. I'll be booking more classes both in macramé and glass bead making so check here or my web site www.beadbrains.com for new info. Also, as soon as the weather warms up a bit I'm going to be starting Sunday Crafternoon at Cathi's. There will be bead making, wire wrapping, macramé, screen printing, glass fusing and so much more...

Now make your list, and go make something!!

Rainy Days and Makin' Stuff

Yes, it's winter. In Southern California we're not good at cold weather. That's why we're here. Well, outside it's cold and rainy and all I want to do is sit in front of my kiln and make beads. It's warm there...

Taught a heart themed class this past Saturday, Valentine's Day, at Lighthouse Stained Glass in Hollywood. A good time was had by all. I'll teach there again in April on the 18th. Come join us for hot glass fun!

I've been making a lot of really cute beads lately that I'm going to post on etsy today. And I've been macraméing up a storm. Is that a word? Macraméing? It is now. So I've finally started posting some of my macramé necklaces on etsy too. It's about time. And I'm working on a kit for my donut necklace that'll be available soon. Whoo hoo!

I've recently upgraded my screen printing equipment and am expecting good things to be printed soon. The kits and t-shirts and other goodies will be available at my new etsy store, pixieindustries.etsy.com. It'll be a craft general store of sorts selling supplies, both handmade and commercial, t-shirts, jewelry making kits and whatever else suits my fancy. It should be fun.

Now it's time for beads...and isn't it time for you to go make something?

Back to Beads

Now that CHA is a fond memory it's back to work at the torch. More beads!! And more etsy postings. But I have to say, CHA is such a fun trade show. And I can safely say it's my favorite trade show. Since I love art and craft supplies I was really in heaven. One part of me wants to use everything to make stuff and then there's the other part of me that wants to make stuff for other crafters to use. One of my first things will be my macramé boards. That'll be the first part of my future macramé kits. Of course this all coincides with the release of my book, Mod Knots. Hey check me out at CHA doing my demo...



Speaking of Mod Knots...I am so happy with my book. My publisher, North Light, has done a beautiful job on it. Happy, happy, happy!! You can pre-order it at amazon.com or crafterscorner.com or target.com...

I'm trying hard to build up my blog and add stuff like other blogs and pictures and goodies and I do feel like I'm getting better at it. Check out this picture of macramé in motion!!
And check out my cute little macramé rings with sparkling dichroic beads I made.
Now go make something!!

Another day at CHA and this time I was there to demo and talk about my book. Very exciting!! And I hung out with some great crafters and saw lots of cool craft supplies. It's a fun show. Especially if you like art supplies. I happen to love art supplies.

I was looking at the Speedball booth of all places. I'm playing with linoleum cuts and printing right now. It's old school crafts. The tools have not changed a bit. Well, they do have cute colored handles on the cutters.

I'm going back tomorrow for another round of craftmania. I'm demoing at 10am and then it's off to look at supplies. I should have some pictures from the show to post in the next day or so. And I'll be writing about my favorite products from the show. Now, shouldn't you go make something?

So I went to the first day of CHA...lots of people we're gathered...oh no, I've stumbled on Paris Hilton. Well, at least I stumbled on her booth where she was hocking her craft kits and signing autographs. It was a mob scene. My buddies at the Soft Flex booth were right next door so I hung out there while the madness continued. Finally she was wisked away...I got a glimpse. But I may get a couple of shots of her to post. Scott of Soft Flex was right up front and got some really amazing shots of her. She is pretty cute. And what a scene she caused. At a craft show no less...

So I'm going back tomorrow. It's time for me to demo macrame. I'll be there at 2:00 to do my thing...I'll report back tomorrow. Now go make something!

Holding the Book

What a great surprise in the mail today...a copy of my book! I'm so thrilled. It looks amazing! This is the start of a big weekend launching my book at CHA. Monday and Tuesday I'll be at the F&W booth doing demos. Macrame for the masses!! And of course I'll get pictures. Maybe I'll even figure out how to post them.

Still working on the screen printing scene upgrade with the addition of a light table/exposure unit. Whoo hoo! But now I must make beads...and shouldn't you go make something too?

more on CHA

So I get an email today from the good folks at CHA to announce the celebrities that will be in attendance. Well, on Sunday Paris Hilton will be there to promote her new craft line. Huh? Hey, I've been saying...if there's ever an industry that can survive an economic downturn it's crafting. Let's hope so...now go make something!!

Congratulations America!!
We have a new president!! Let's party!!! I just had to share my happiness and hope. Thanks!!

CHA

Howdy Crafters!!
Just one week away from CHA and I'll be there to promote my new book, Mod Knots. Whoo freakin' hoo!! I'll be demoing macrame on Monday and Tuesday of the show. You've never seen so many different crafts and stuff for crafts in one place. Amazing!!

Also, I've started getting my screen printing scene together. I've printed some t-shirts for the fabulous Battery Museum located at my boyfriend's store, Future Music. I'll be printing some macrame boards for CHA next.

And don't forget to check etsy for my new goodies I've posted, at beadbrains.etsy.com. There's always some cute sweet treats or monsters...

And lastly, I am so excited about our new President and the Inauguration on Tuesday! It's a new beginning for a country. Yay!!

Now go make something!!

Happy New Year!!

Welcome to 2009!! I am so excited about the new year and our new president starting work to fix the mess made by the out-going guy. I'm getting set up to do a bunch of screen printing. I'll be starting with t-shirts in the next couple of days and will be moving onto other surfaces soon.

And then there is that book thing that's happening this year!! My book, Mod Knots is coming out in May. Whoo freakin' hoo!! For any of you out there that'll be going to CHA, I'll be demoing and signing some books a couple of the days. Check back for the exact times. And you can pre-order my book on amazon.com or target.com or a bunch of other online book seller. It's pretty cool.

Also, check my web site, www.beadbrains.com for any up-coming classes or shows I'm doing. There is a class at the San Gabriel Bead Co this Thursday evening on macrame...sign up while there's still time and space. And check my etsy store, www.beadbrains.etsy.com for new bead and jewelry goodies. I'll be opening up a new etsy store soon. www.pixieindustries.etsy.com and it'll have t-shirts (go figure) and other printed goodies, jewelry kits and tutorials, and supplies, both commercial and vintage and handmade. It's going to be a craft general store of sorts. It should be fun.

That's all for now. I've got cupcake beads to make. And now you should go and make something!!!