Bead Knots

Blue Turquoise Tube Bracelet is Published in The Creative Home Arts Club Magazine

2011-01-19T14:04:00.000-08:00

New copy of The Creative Home Arts Club Magazine is filled with lots of home decor, art, & craft projects.

One of them is my Blue Turquoise Tube Bracelet.

The instructions are so simple... even if you don't know how to bead, you'll enjoy making this project. Learn basic Peyote Stitch Beadweaving technique and have a great Bracelet to wear.

And for those of you how do know how to bead and have a special appreciation for Miyuki Delica beads - you'll love this bracelet too.

If you need supplies - Miyuki Delica beads, beading thread, beading needles, bead mat and of course all the sterling silver findings and more ... check out my web site www.Beadknots.com

You'll find more of my patterns and beadweaving kits here

Create & have Fun !

New Miyuki Delica colors are in ...

2010-08-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

New shipment arrived with more Miyuki Delica colors... size 11/0 and size 8/0.

If you bought Miyuki from me before, you know I only select best colors :) well, don't get me wrong they are all very pretty ....

All beads are being sorted right now in your favorite rectangular storage boxes, so please be patient ....I'll do my best to post them on the web site, as quickly as humanly possible.

Here is a little preview of Miyuki sitting in bags :)

Here is some Miyuki delica that have been packed into storage containers

Creative Cocktail For Thirsty Creative Soul

2010-08-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

Once in a while we all feel a little "Off " on creativity.... Something just doesn't click.

I have used this amazing recipe for a long time and ..... well see for yourself :)

!!!!! Very important !!!!! Use your favorite Mug to fully enjoy this Creative Drink !

Brew some of you favorite coffee. I usually use French Press, not because I am French :), but the flavor is the most preserved and the coffee is usually nice and strong.

Next, put 2 scoops of your favorite ice cream right into Hot Coffee...

Ice Cream will start to melt and create this wonderful, soft, frosty foam on top - this is an absolute Delicacy!

No need to put any sugar or milk, as it's already in it :). You can drink it while it's still warm, there is a really nice contrast between hot coffee and melting ice cream ..... or throw in a few ice cubes to get it really cold.

Enjoy, Create and have Fun!

Cheers ! :)

Upcycle Craft Project "Garden Collage Picture Frame"

2010-05-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

Looking for some Fresh ideas to Upcycle your old Picture Frames ....

In the June issue of "Crafts'n Things" Magazine you can find my project

"Garden Collage Picture Frame".

You'll have so much Fun making it ... In fact, invite friends over, have a Party and each make your very own!

On the picture is me with my Favorite Bulldog Feodor, who always helps me in the Garden :) ... at least he thinks so LOL!

2010-04-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the Air and creative spirit is growing.

Time to plan some Art Shows...

Here are some of the confirmed dates
Art Sprees at The Illinois Artisans Shop, Chicago

100 W. Randolph Street, Atrium First Floor

Chicago, IL 60601

Body Adornment Art Spree

Thursday, July 15, 2010 through Friday, July 16, 2010 , 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Fall Fashion Art Spree

Thursday, September 16, 2010 through Friday, September 17, 2010 , 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

I'll be exhibiting my New Bead work, Hand Woven Jewelry, Lampwork Glass Beads, and Fused Glass Pendants. Both events are Free to the public and there will be live Demonstrations by various Artists. Hope to see you there!

New Choker Necklace Designs with Stretchiko elastic cord

2009-09-30T11:55:00.000-07:00

With the arrival of New Stretchiko colors I've been inspired to make some cute Choker Necklaces...

Check out some new Designes that I've made! There are about 12 different colors, including New Black and Chocolate Brown. My favorite of course is Purple :) :) :)

To see all Stretchiko colors, please click here

2009-09-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

This was a great show !

Some of the Artists I discovered:

Kevin Lahvic ..... filled with messages and symbols, his art will make you stay and wonder and absorb the wonderful energy....

James Monroe ... shows nature in it's beauty through a lense of simplicity and warmth - his paintings are so soulfull and close to heart.

Joseph Sikora filled with movement, his paintings are so lively, energy is bursting through them... his style reminds me of impressionism but more mordern and urban...

Marketa Sivek - color intensity is so amazing you can almost feel it on your skin. It is an amazing feeling to be surounded by her paintings

many more artists were there and the energy was just amazing

2nd Annual Fall smARTshow!"3 DAYS, 150 ARTISTS, 1 PLACE TO BE.

Art in Chicago

2009-08-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Next 2 days I'll be displaying my jewelry at the Art Ethnic Bazzar organised by Illinois Artisans Program.
Come and see some of my new designs I made recently with laser engraved pendants and copper artifacts.Some other artists will be there to sell ceramics, photography, wearable art and more....
Stop by Thompson Center, 100 Randolf Street, Chicago.
Thursday and Friday, August 20-21. 9:00 am - 4 pm

Hope to see you there

Discovering Nature's Beauty

2009-08-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

As much as I love beads, here is something different...

My totally New project is published in Fall issue of "Create & Decorate" magazine - "Framed Autumn Leaf".

I found the leaf in my backyard, laying under the pine trees. I picked it up when it was "dying" - loosing it's fibers.

There was something so magical about the texture and color of the leaf, that I decided to preserve it. So much beauty around us waiting to be discovered...

Back from CHA show, new tools to play with

2009-08-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

This past couple of weeks were crazy! Preparing for the CHA ( Craft and Hobby Association) Craft Show, which is held twice a year.

I displayed my artwork at the Designer Showcase for all the Manufacturers, Publishers and Editors to see. It was great to meet everyone in person!

There were a lot of talk about how many changes have been in the Craft and Hobby industry for the past few years. The tools we have now are amazing and continue to improve.

Here is a gizmo I loved from Clover Manufacturer.

Protect and Grip Thimble and Natural Fit Leather Thimble. I couldn't decide between the two ... they were both so cool. The leather one feels so comfy on your finger, just like a little shoe and the leather is very soft.

The Rubber Thimble has really nice grip and of course the color :) .... how could I resist this Fuchsia Pink ...LOL

For all of you beaders, sewers and other creative souls out there ..... Thought you might like one of these to protect your precious fingers :) Happy Beading!

Body Adornment & Accessories Art Spree

2009-07-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

Visit me and other Illinois Artists at " Body Adornment & Accessories Art Spree"

Everything is Made in Illinois

Presented by Illinois State Museum Artisans Program

Thursday & Friday July 16 - 17 2009 at 10:30am - 4:00 pm

Location: James R. Thompson Center Atrium
100 W. Randolph Street
Chicago, IL

Shaping up my Breakfast menu - is it Healthy?

2009-07-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

Making Healthy choice and adding more variety of foods, I decided to have a totally new breakfast today.

Organic Cottage cheese and strawberries, blueberries, raspberries.

Lately, I have a strong desire to have all the foods to be colorful and arranged nicely on a plate:

Food = Art !

2009-06-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

Trunk show is comming up ! Mark your calendar June 27 11-6 pm

"Briolette Beads and More" located in the heart of downtown Forest Park at 7322 West Madison St.

If you have never been here - it's a great store to visit, lots of beads and scrapbooking accesories, jewelry making tools and gadgets - you'll LOve it.

At the Trunk show I'll have some of my one of a kind pieces - Lampwork beads, electrofomed fused pendants

and beaded jewelry making kits and patterns.

Come and visit me if you are in the area and share with everyone you know :) Thank you and hope to see you

Trip to Bead & Button show

2009-06-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you felt like a kid in candy store? Well, I just came back from "Bead & Button" show in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Every time I go, there is always lots of surprises.

The most beautiful part of the show are Lampwork Artists. It is unbelievable what people can make from a piece of glass ... So many one of a kind beads, marbles, glass sculptures in one place - it is simply overwhelming.

Another thing I love about "Bead & Button" - lots of tools and gadgets and the best part - you get to play with them right on the spot. Some of the tools you may never even heard of and there is usually a person to show you how to work it.

Artists are such friendly people, the minute you walk into the show floor you feel the energy that surrounds the place.

Scott Bouwens, who once introduced me to Lampworking.... It was years ago and I already had my torch sitting in a box for months. Back then I had no idea how to connect it to oxygen and propane - the whole idea wa

s just too scary. I remember walking into his booth and his beads are absolutely fantastic - truly I am just fascinated by his art.

He also makes a line of tools for glass makers and lampworking artists. Really cool gadgets like spinning mandrel, hand stabilizers, enamel and frit vibes - all super duper high quality hand made stuff you won't find anywhere else. More on his web site...

SO, imagine me, walking into his booth, totally clueless, asking all those questions about what's what ? and my torch is being still in a box....

He told me how easy it was to hook up the torch, not only that, he told me what book to buy and he walked with me through the show floor to show me what kind of glass to buy !

I started making my own beads a week later :) Thank you, Scott.

By the way, every time I go to "Bead & Button" I graze over his new gadgets - they are just too cool to miss.

You see what I mean... by saying Artists are very friendly crowd of people.

Easy way to learn a Peyote Stitch.... watch my video

2008-12-23T15:55:00.000-08:00

Watch my Video here....

One of the most versatile stitches in Bead weaving - Peyote stitch...

Learn how to make it and enhance your bead weaving, bead making or jewelry making skills......

My Jewelry is on display ...

2008-11-06T15:24:00.001-08:00

If you are in Illinois, please stop by Lake Villa District Library to see my latest Jewelry Designs and Lampwork beads on display ...
It is right at the entrance hall.

Hope you enjoy it :)

Mosaic Cards

2008-10-01T18:19:00.000-07:00

I love Fall and all the beautiful gifts she has to offer !

This season I 've experimented with leaves ... Mosaic Cards is one of the ways you can make this Holiday season more fun.

Learn how to make them here

Congress is about to take our copyrights on our work! You can take action right now

2008-07-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of the Orphan Works Bill ? It's not about the Orphan Children like many of you might think ..... I was surprised to hear that many of those in congress, who actually are voting for the bill are thinking that's what it is ..... I know it's unacceptable!

In a few words.... the bill proposes all of the unsigned or unidentified artworks to be considered Orphans, so that they can be used by anybody for any purpose without your consent ( and it lumps everything from your home photos, that you posted on the web site to music, art, paintings, 3D designs -everything!!!)

You may think, ok I'll just sign everything, guess what not everything can be signed and stickers can be removed - got the idea ? :)

Right now Copyright protects you as the owner of the artwork from being infringed upon, the bill as it is being proposed, weakens the protection of those rights.

The good news, that we, as crafters, artists and designers can take action to stop the bill right now.

You can e-mail mambers of Judiciary Committee , that you want them to vote against this bill. This is the most important step for all of us right now.
Use the link to send prepared letter to the representative, based on your zip code :

http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartne...ertid=11389061

To learn more about the bill itself and to send a prepared e-mail letter, please log in to: www.OWOH.org

also See video of Joanne Fink and Brenda Pinnick regarding the Orphan Works Bill interviewed by Megan Araujo -host of When Creativity Knocks

http://www.whencreativityknocks.com/craft-and-hobby-episodes/videodirectlink-19.html

New Bracelet Designs in "Bead Unique"

2008-07-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

There are 2 Bracelet designes published in this Summer issue of Bead Unique Magazine.

Upcoming Classes

2008-05-11T14:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a preview of upcoming classes. To see the dates, time and description, please visit www.BeadKnots.com and scroll down once you are on the front page.

Roman Goddess Cuff" "Bee Hive Bracelet" "Amethyst Pillows with Silver Discs Barcelet"

2008-03-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

It was so great to meet everyone at the show - Thank you all for coming!
I will be posting all the bead patterns on the web site very soon.
Please, check under www.BeadKnots.com and click on "Beads" and then "Bead Kits".

All of the Bead Kits include instructions, beads and all components (clasp, findings, etc.) to complete the same exact project. You provide basic tools and thread - that's all.

Have a super creative day!

Spring Bead Bazaar this Sunday

2008-03-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

See our incredible selection of Czech glass beads, Japanese Miyuki including Delica, Rocailles, Magatama.
New Lampwork Beads including one of a kind pieces.
Greek Leather Cord, Stretchiko and more exciting bead goodies.

Visit us at Spring Bead Bazaar

Sunday, March 16 , 2008

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location:
Hilton Garden Inn
1818 Maple Ave
Evanston, IL. 60201

Price of admission is $3.00. Receive $1.00 off with Admission Coupon.
Click here to Download an Admission Coupon

2008-02-21T12:22:00.000-08:00

News! My Bracelet "Dual Delights" was published in "Bead Unique" Magazine

issue #14 Fall 2007. See pages 26, 27.

Know how to Buy Lampwork Beads

2008-02-18T13:03:00.000-08:00

Here is a question I recieved recently about Lampwork Beads and think it would be helpful to everyone.

Q: I bought a set of lampwork beads in my local store and after I got home two of them cracked, they almost exploded. I didn't droped them, they were laying on my desk and I heard a strange sound I turned around and saw pieces of them laying next to each other - what happened ??

A: The beads you purchased were not properly annealed. It's a special process of slowly cooling the beads after they were made.
All the glass beads are created under very high temperature, once it melts and becomes very pliable special molds are used to create shapes.
During this process all the molecules inside the glass structure start moving really fast and as soon as glass starts taking the shape it is important to cool it down very very slowly to let these molecules to calm down again and keep that shape. For examle: when hot glass is taken out of the hot temperature into cold it cracks, that's because the molecules don't have time to adjust so quickly.
The process of slow cooling is called anealing and hot glass is usually put into the kiln at a special temperature, which drops very slowly for a certain period of time ( depending on the size of the glass item). Once it's done, the molecules inside the glass are rebonded and the structure of the glass becomes more stable.
Lampwork beads have been produced for centures and become very popular nowdays. Today's Artists are really going wild and creating amazing beads, pendants and other shapes. No wonder, they've become a collector's item.
It all starts with a simple glass rod melted in a flame torch at a very high temperature, once it is soft the glass is rolled on a steel mandrell. There are so many different techniques to make it a desired shape, lots of different colors applied in layers and melted over and over.
It is a very slow process and requires a lot of skill to make a nice piece and make the glass to "behave". Very intriguing too, because you can't really see the colors untill the glass cools down. So once the bead is done, it is going into the kiln to cool down and the result can be amazing ! ... But you never know....

Buying lampwork beads, pay attention to the following:

1. It's best to buy from the person who makes the beads. They know all about the process and you can ask any questions directly. Plus, every Artist takes a great pride in their own creation, so you know you are buying geniune quality product.

2. Check for visible cracks, if you see at least one, don't buy it - the bead will fail aventually.

There are a lot of replica beads on the market today ( mass produced from the work of original artists - sometimes without their consent ). These, usually, have not been properly annealed to speed up the manufacturing process. Not only they detract from value of your jewelry piece, but can be dangerous, as they can sort of explode in peices at any time.

3. Check the bead hole. If you see a white chalky substance inside ( bead release, so the glass doesn't stick to the mandrell while hot) it means it wasn't properly cleaned. Serious artists clean their beads thoroughly before putting them up for sale.

In most cases it's an indication of a low quality mass production of beads.
These simple steps can help you to identify good quality, original lampwork beads, which certainly adds value to your design.

Beads, Beads, Beads

2008-02-12T17:01:00.000-08:00

They have been around forever and still atractive like nothing else = Beads !
Magical creatures....