ArtBLISS 2012

 Last weekend I had one of the best weekends of the year. I got the opportunity to attend and teach at artBLISS Workshops hosted by creators, Cindy Wimmer and Jeanette Blix. I've wanted to be apart of this event ever since Cindy and Jeanette founded it back in 2010. I had only experienced it through blog posts and pictures of past years and even then, I had felt it was a special place I wanted to be. A community of creatives I was drawn to and I felt a strong urge to be apart of it somehow. There are people there that I greatly admire. Ladies I wanted to connect with. And it sure did look like a ton of fun!

Reading those blog posts and looking at the photos of years past, I would daydream about attending the next future event. Early this year, I even seriously considered mustering up enough courage to apply to teach a class there. Then, something truly amazing happened...I received an email from Cindy Wimmer inviting me to come down and be apart of artBLISS! I was just over-the-moon. I couldn't believe this was happening. I would have been happy to just attend, but the fact that I was on Cindy and Jeanette's radar and they wanted me to be apart of their fantastic line-up of authors and instructors, made me so happy and grateful. I am truly so grateful when things like this come my way. I don't have much in the way of photos, but I'll share what I have with you.

Me and my Mother-in-Law, Nancy Siegel. She is my travel companion and assistant. I don't know what I would do without her! Photo credit: Cindy Wimmer.

On Saturday, I had a table set up next to the artBLISS Annex, where I demonstrated macrame knotting. I also had supplies, tools, kits, tutorials, books and jewelry for sale. In the photo, I'm demonstrating a macrame square knot, as used in my Macrame Flower Bracelet. I use a macrame board and T-pins to hold my work as I knot.

Lori Anderson tying the knot in class! :)

 Macrame flower bracelet project made in class. 

It's now available as a PDF digital tutorial in my Etsy Shop.

Saturday night, I held my Macrame Flower Bracelet class. I felt completely at ease with a class full of friendly familiar faces! I'm honored I had Lori Anderson, Cindy Wimmer, Jeanette Blix, Kelly Fogle and Nancy Siegel in my class. These ladies handled the square knot very well. They made my job pretty easy, even though they were working with fine waxed linen cord and making the tiniest knots!

I'm thrilled to say artBLISS was everything I imagined it would be and so much more. What impressed me the most was the loving and supportive atmosphere and vibe. It seems to be the smaller, more intimate event that helps facilitate that experience for everyone. The sense of camaraderie is incredible. I met some of the sweetest ladies and I was excited to see some familiar faces as well. Everyone is warm, friendly, inviting and genuine. I was shown lots of love and generousness both emotionally and financially. I am thankful to all the lovely ladies at artBLISS for their kindness and support! Also, a gigantic THANK YOU to Cindy and Jeanette for having me there. I feel so BLISSED and I just hope they will want to have me back again next year.

Knotted Friendship Bracelet TUTORIAL

 Knotted Friendship Bracelet TUTORIAL

It's time to show off my first project tutorial designed for Ornamentea.com! Wear and give these adorable friendship bracelets. I'm so excited about these colorful lil' cuties. They are made with my favorite Irish waxed linen cord and Swarovski rhinestone ball beads that add just the right touch of sparkle. I had a blast creating them and playing around with the rich-hued linen and glittery rhinestone beads. I know you will, too. They are simple and oh-so-chic and stylish. These bracelets are a great way to add just a touch of those trendy bright colors for Fall and they are wonderful projects to make for the holiday season. You will want to make a whole stack of them. Find all the supplies for them and the FREE tutorial HERE on the website. Plus, with the quantities of the materials on Ornamentea's  website, you can make exactly two of the same bracelet. That works out perfectly! You can keep one and give a matching bracelet to a friend, hence the friendship part. I love that you can make a whole bunch of these and give them as gifts. Absolutely ideal for any gift-giving occasion.

 Knotted Friendship Bracelet

Ingredients

- 2 ½ yards of 4-ply Irish waxed linen cord
- 1 Swarovski rhinestone 8mm ball
- 16 antique brass 2mm beads

Tools

- Scissors
- Ruler
- Macrame board and T-pin or clipboard

1. Cut a 16" piece of cord. This will be your "core" bracelet cord. The remaining long piece of cord will be your "working" cord you will be knotting with. Bring one end of each cord together.Measure 3" from the ends and tie an overhand knot with both cords as shown.

2. Pin the knot to your macramé board with the T-pin or clip to a clipboard. Use the "working" cord to tie half-hitch knots around the "core" cord as shown. Hold the "core" cord taut as you knot and pull the knots tight. The knots will twist, creating a spiral pattern as you go along. Continue tying
half-hitch knots around the "core" cord for 3". Use the "working" cord to tie an overhand knot after the last half-hitch knot. Trim close to the knot.

3. Use the "core" cord to string 1 brass bead, the rhinestone ball and 1 brass bead. Tie the "working" cord back onto the "core" cord with an overhand knot just under the last bead as shown. Trim tail. Use the "working" cord to tie half-hitch knots around the "core" cord for 3". Tie an overhand knot with both cords after the last half-hitch knot. Trim both cords 3" from the overhand knot.

4. Place the left and right bracelet tails parallel to each other with ends in opposite directions as shown. With the remaining piece of your "working" cord, you will create the sliding knot closure for the bracelet.

5. Place the "working" cord on top of the bracelet tails. Loosely wrap the "working" cord around the bracelet tails and the tail of the "working" cord. Wrap the cord around your finger to keep the wraps loose and to help keep track of the wraps. Wrap about 5 times around, moving towards the
tail end of the "working" cord as shown. Insert the end of the "working" cord through the wraps you just made, exiting through where you started wrapping. Pull the ends of the "working" cord tight.


6. String 1 brass bead onto the "working" cord tails; tie an overhand knot and trim as shown. String 3 brass beads to each of the bracelet tails; tie an overhand knot and trim.

I'm designing for Ornamentea!

Gold Glam Earrings 

These earrings were designed for Ornamentea. The tutorial for them appear in the 2012 issue of 101 Bracelets, Necklaces and Earrings on newsstands now.  All materials can be found at Ornamentea.com.

Hello all, I have some really exciting news to share! I'm pleased and very, very proud to announce I'm now a contributing designer for Ornamentea.com. Ornamentea is a shop and online store known for unique, high-quality jewelry and craft supplies, cool classes, awesome Elaine Ray ceramic beads and hip, chic jewelry projects and tutorials. I am just bursting-at-the-seams giddy about this amazing opportunity that owner, Cynthia Deis has bestowed upon me. There isn't a person or business that I would want to be associated with more than Cynthia and her fabulous Ornamentea. We are a perfect match and I couldn't be happier with this partnership! I hope she will want me to design for her forever and ever and ever.

So what will my role be as an Ornamentea designer? Every month, I will be creating a jewelry project and step-by-step photo tutorial with supplies and materials all from Ornamentea.com. My jewelry tutorials will be available for free download on their website, located on the Free Tutorials and project ideas page and the tutorials will also go out in Ornamentea's project newsletter, the Dispatch. If you don't get the Dispatch newsletter, you'll want to sign up. It will keep you up-to-date with all the new free tutorials and projects! My finished projects will be on display at the physical store location in Raleigh, NC as well.

In the coming days, my first project will be available online. I. can. not. wait. to share it with you! I hope you will enjoy my projects and creations from goodies you can find at Ornamentea...Stay tuned.

Macrame Flower Bracelet Class @ ArtBLISS!

 The artBLISS retreat is coming up soon! I'm really super excited to be going to this event and to be teaching. I'm debuting my new class, Macrame Flower Bracelet. In my class, you'll be knotting up a stylish bracelet, while learning all the ins and outs of my favorite material, Irish waxed linen cord. If you've been looking to add knotting and macrame techniques to your jewelry-making repertoire, this class is for you. OR if you want to try Irish waxed linen in your jewelry, this class is for you. Or if you just want to have some fun and make a cute bracelet, this class is for you, too!  

I'm gearing up now and starting to get ready for my class. While I was at Bead Fest a few weeks ago, I picked up some awesome Hill Tribe pure copper findings specially for my bracelet class kits. I've always been a huge fan of Hill Tribe silver, so I'm thrilled I can enjoy the same quality beads and findings in pure copper! I'm in love with them. The hook clasp is perfect in size and great for making the bracelet adjustable. I love adjustable bracelets. I snagged the cute little lotus charms, too. How adorable are these? And they are the perfect finishing touch at the end of the bracelet. I love dangles a lot, too. :) When I got my new findings home, I was so excited I had to make up a new bracelet sample for the class, Here's just an idea of what you can make...

 Macrame Flower Bracelet Class - $60

Date: Saturday, September 22nd

Time: 6:00pm- 9:00pm (Evening Workshop)
Instructor: Erin Siegel
Level: All
Kit Fee: $15 (includes all materials needed to make one bracelet)

Class Description:
Macrame is once again chic for jewelry! Learn classic macrame techniques to make this unique flower motif bracelet. Knotting techniques covered in class will include: Lark's head knot, square knot, overhand knot and slip knot. Using Irish waxed linen cord, you will learn how to tie colorful gemstone rounds and accent beads into a pretty flower pattern. You will also learn how to connect your cord to a metal clasp using a slip knot. Finish your bracelet off with an adjustable chain extender, wire-wrapped bead dangles and a sweet flower charm. Color choices for beads will include: red, orange, chartreuse, green, turquoise and blue. You will also have a choice of waxed linen cord colors for your bracelet as well. Variations of the design made in class will also be shown and discussed, so you will be able to expand on what you've learned.

Tool List: Students should bring the following tools to class:
ruler
scissors
macrame board and T-pin or office clipboard
round nose pliers
pair of chain nose pliers
wire cutters 

 Click Here to Registrar

So, what do you say? Come join me. Here's a little sneak peak at the kits I'm preparing for you... 

 

This is just a small sampling of what I will have available for your kits. You will be able to fully customize your bracelet. You'll have your choice of gemstone bead colors as well as your choice of Irish waxed linen cord colors, too! Each kit will also include the pure copper Hill Tribe accent beads and findings.

Looking forward to seeing you at artBLISS and hope to have you in my class!

Bohemian Knotted Earrings TUTORIAL and KIT

 Bohemian Knotted Earrings 

PDF TUTORIAL

$29.95 

now available in my Etsy Shop.

I know not everyone can get the opportunity to attend a show, let alone take a class or workshop. There are a multitude of reasons that might be the case for many people. So, I've decided to turn my Bohemian Knotted Earrings Workshop into a downloadable PDF TUTORIAL! I've heard from quite a few that expressed interest in my class, but could not travel to attend it in person.  I'm so very excited to offer my workshop in this way. Now, you can purchase my Bohemian Knotted Earrings Tutorial along with my Bohemian Knotted Earring Kit in my Etsy shop. I hope many more will enjoy making these earring designs as much as I do.They are so much fun to make!

Bohemian Knotted Earrings Tutorial

$29.95

Learn simple knotting techniques to make a trio of bohemian chic earrings! You will learn 3 unique ways to attach colorful beads to a ring component. This tutorial contains full materials lists, clear instructions, color step-by-step photos and resources. You will learn basic knotting and macrame techniques to make all THREE pairs of stylish earrings shown. "Sun Earrings, "Fringe Earrings and "Chandelier Earrings". Knotting techniques covered in this tutorial included: lark's head knot, half-hitch knot and overhand knot.
You will receive a PDF file containing 20 full-color pages of instructions via email to the email-address specified. You must have some type of PDF reader to open and read the tutorial. The PDF will be emailed to you within 24 hours upon receipt of your payment. Please make sure to include the email address you would like your tutorial sent to.

 CLICK HERE to purchase.

Also available...

Bohemian Knotted Earrings Kit

$30
Now available in my Etsy Shop.
 

This kit is designed to be a companion for my Bohemian Knotted Earrings TUTORIAL.
Earring kit includes all beads, findings and materials to make all 3 pairs of stylish earrings in my Bohemian Knotted Earrings tutorial. 1 pair of "Sun Earrings", 1 pair of "Fringe Earrings" and 1 pair of "Chandelier Earrings". Each kit contains artisan metal components handmade by Miss Fickle Media on Etsy.

Each kit includes the following materials:
6 antiqued and hammered 25mm artisan copper links
3 pairs of antiqued copper artisan ear wires
2 antiqued copper 4mm jump rings
52 round 4mm beads (assorted colors)
24 round 6mm beads (assorted colors)
5 yards of dark chocolate 4ply Irish waxed linen cord

In your kit, you will receive a random assortment of beads and not necessarily the colors shown in the photos. If you have any specific requests for bead colors, you may indicated your color preferences to me at the time of purchase or you can leave me comments on this post. Please be advised that bead colors for the kits are subject to availability.

* PLEASE NOTE * Instructions are NOT included in this kit. The tutorial may be purchased separately.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

Art Bead Swap at Bead Fest

A few of the attendees at the Art Bead Swap held at Bead Fest Summer 2012. Thanks to Amy's husband for the great group shot! Photo Credit: Amy Freeland

A fun time was had by all last weekend at Bead Fest Summer in Philadelphia! Check out my special post for the Art Bead Scene blog...

Bead Fest Philadelphia!

Bohemian-Knotted Earrings Workshop

Saturday, August 18th

I'll be at Bead Fest Philadelphia this weekend! WHO'S WITH ME? If you are going, I'd love to meet up with you. I'm there all weekend long this year. Friday, August 17th - Sunday, August 19th. 

Here's a list of events where you can find me:
 

Friday, August 17th

Meet The Teachers Event

11:30 am -1:00pm

I have a table at the 'Meet the Teachers' Event. I'll be promoting my workshop, Bohemian Knotted Earrings and I'll have samples, kits and handouts for the class on display. I'll have a few of my bohemian knotted earrings available for purchase as well as, books, kits, tools and Irish waxed linen cord! Come see me and see my earrings in person. There's still spaces left in my class and still time to sign-up at the event!

Friday, August 17th
Knotting Demonstration at the Demo area on the show floor
3:15 pm

I'll be demonstrating some of my knotting techniques to make my earrings. Come see how it's done in person.

Saturday, August 18th
Bohemian Knotted Earrings Workshop
Room #20
8:00 am - 11:00 am

Students will learn basic knotting techniques to make three pairs of stylish earrings. Techniques covered in class will included: lark's head knot, half-hitch knot, overhand knot and how to use knotting tweezers for precise knotting.

Online registration for classes is now closed BUT, you can still registrar at the event. There's still time and a few spaces left! 

Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry BOOK SIGNING! Saturday, August 18th

Primitive Earth Beads Booth #528, 530, 532

1:00 pm -2:00pm

Meet me and Lorelei! Get your copy of our book, Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry signed by BOTH of us. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the Primitive Earth Beads booth #528-532 all weekend long.

Please come and join us! See you there this weekend.