Seen at my local Michaels

I got a few funny looks when I took out my phone and shot this picture, but I was excited! What are you crafting for Christmas?

Exciting News & a Book Giveaway

It was just announced that Mostly Metals, my beginner jewelry-making book, is going into its second printing.

Yea! In honor of the occasion, I'll give away a copy of the book on November 1. Here's how you can win:

1. Leave a comment about your favorite jewelry "look."

2. Double your chances by becoming a follower.

3. Triple your chances by linking to this post on your blog.

4. Bonus: if I get more than 20 comments I'll do a second drawing for jewelry made from a project in the book.

Good luck, and don't forget to check back to see if you've won!

Design exercise

I believe little design decisions can have a big impact on the jewelry you make. At my last book signing, I was demonstrating how to make plain and wrapped loops. I had a strand of crystals and some headpins. I decided to take my own advice and see how many different looking earrings I could make with the exact same materials. Here's how far I got, in between chatting and talking books ...

Come visit me at my next event:

Milwaukee's 13th Annual BeadShow

Sunday October 4

10 am - 4 pm $2 admission

Free parking

Wyndham Airport Hotel

4747 So. Howell Street

Milwaukee, WI

More info: knotjustbeads.com

Jewelry that works for you

Have you heard of the jeweler's handshake? That's when someone reaches out to touch your necklace as part of saying hello. Where I work, it's an everyday occurrence. Not only is the building filled with the editorial teams for the three leading jewelry magazines, almost everyone from reception to accounting to shipping is hooked on the hobby in one way or another. Needless to say, I only wear jewelry to work that I've made myself, and I usually wear more jewelry to work than I do in other aspects of my life.

That is, until I get to my desk and start to work. Within minutes, I'm stripping off rings and bracelets so I can get comfortable at my keyboard. Because, although everything I do is about jewelry, knitting, or some other craft, it's all done electronically. I usually have a tidy, but sparkly, pile next to my computer.

Lately, I've been thinking about jewelry designs with the keyboard in mind. Here are a few of my favorites. They wear well, drape nicely, and most of all, they are unobtrusive when my wrists rest on the desk:

These traditional Byzantine chain mail bracelets are wardrobe essentials:

Find directions on how to make this one in Mostly Metals.

Directions for this one will be in the new book.

How about you? Do you accessorize for work, or do you find your accessories just get in the way?

Virtual Book Signing

First, I'd like to thank all of you who've purchased my books, written reviews, or just given me a "thumbs up." It means so much to me :)

In honor of the nearly 1-year anniversary of my publication dates, I'm re-inviting all of you to my virtual book signing. Here's how it works: If you purchase Mostly Metals or Altered You! online, send me a quick e-mail or comment on this blog and I'll mail you a signed book plate. Also, if you've made any projects from the books, send me a pic -- I love to see what you're working on!

Mostly Metals Book Signing and Demo

I'll be signing books and demonstrating a project at the Suburban Bead Encounter in Naperville, Il. on Sunday April 19 from 10 am to 2 pm. Come and say hi! It looks like a great show.

A. C. Moore Event

I had a fun weekend in Florida, visiting the new A. C. Moore store in Cape Coral. I really enjoyed meeting fellow jewelry-making enthusiasts, especially Laura and the other A.C. Moore staffers. I signed a few books, helped a few folks perfect their wrapped loops, and spent a relaxing afternoon making jewelry.


Before the book signing, I escaped for a walk along the Ft. Meyers beach. I forgot how beautiful the sand is (it’s been about 10 years since I visited the Gulf Coast). I was pleased to see many of the shells I remember from my childhood – cat’s paws, cockle shells, scallops, mussels, and even broken bits of sand dollars and sea urchins. I know the shelling is not the same as it once was, but it wasn’t as sparse as I expected. I couldn't help but stoop and collect a precious few.

Mostly Metals Book Signing and Demo

I'll be in Cape Coral Florida on Sat. September 27 to do a Mostly Metals book signing at the Grand Opening of the new A. C. Moore store. I'll also demo a project from the book. I ordered some beads from A.C. Moore online, since we don't have a store in Wisconsin. Here's what I'll be using for the demo:

I'm going to make a version of the cluster bracelet pictured on the cover.

Here are some close up shots of the beads.

I really like the colors in the Czech glass assortment, and I love the organic look of the clasps, word charms, and tags. I had to order several of the clasps because I couldn't make up my mind!
Details:

A. C. Moore Store Grand Opening

1811 NE Pine Island Road

Cape Coral, Florida

Sat. September 27 from 1 pm - 3 pm.

If you live in the area, please come by to say hello!

Olympic achievement

Here is one project I finished while watching the Olympics (lots of hand-turned S links):





and here's another view:





Disclaimer: I am not a metal smith nor do I play one on TV. My Mostly Metals book is about designing jewelry with silver and gold beads and findings. However, I had a blast making this project. Sometimes I think not knowing how to do something gives you more freedom. I've been kind of obsessed with creating some outdoor art and finally decided to go for a wind chime. I started with copper disks in different sizes from Metaliferous. I hammered them with my ball-peen hammer on both a rubber block to get the curve and a textured block to get, well, the texture. Then I played with color -- ammonia for the blue and a torch for the pinky reds. I made all my links, and connected everything. I used chain to suspend the strands for longevity and I'm happy that the whole piece (except some decorative beads) is made from metal.

Working on my workspace

Margot Potter's post about her studio cracked me right up. It reminded me of my studio description in Mostly Metals:

I have a fabulous studio that streams with sunlight. My well-organized shelves keep all my beads at my fingertips and I’m free to design all day long. Well, in my fantasies, I do. The truth is that I make all my jewelry at my dining room table (although I do get some nice sunlight). Realities, like dogs and cats (sometimes not behaving), telephones, car pools, forgot-my-lunch emergencies, the need for dinner to be made, and the rest of life means even on a day dedicated to beading, I’m up and down a lot. And, because we eat a family dinner at the dining room table (aka my studio) every night, I need to be able to clean up quickly. I’d love the luxury of my own space and for now I can dream about it.

I'm determined to have a functioning studio some day, and I visualize it every day. By the time I raise the funds, it will practically build itself!

Mostly Metals Project

Chapter 5 is all about designing with spacers -- using these little metal darlings to solve a design problem or enhance a focal bead. The "mother's bracelet" project on p. 78 uses a lot of metal spacers to make a primarily silver bracelet accented with children's names and birthstone crystals. These bracelets are extremely popular and I don't claim to have thought of the design myself. However, it's an excellent illustration of how spacers can drive a design, and help unify elements. I also love the project because it's so personal and you will never see two exactly alike. Here's a version I made years ago for my mother, when she became the grandmother of three:

This version uses tiny gemstones to signify the birth months, and since I don't do anything mainstream, they are the "alternate" birthstones (really, now, who decides this stuff?) tourmaline, lapis and quartz.

I also enjoy making these bracelets without the letter beads. The pattern is driven by the birthstones, and the mom knows that what may seem to be just another pretty bracelet to others holds a special significance for her.

My First Book Review

Mostly Metals was just reviewed by Tammy Powley on About.com. Read all about it here!

Come to my Virtual Book Signing!

It's easy! Just order Altered You! or Mostly Metals (or both). Send me an email (karinbuckingham@yahoo.com) or post on this blog and I'll send you a custom, signed book plate for your book. Thanks!!

Thanks, Lesley!

I just came across a review for Mostly Metals by Lesley Wiess, posted on the Bead & Button magazine Editor's blog. Thanks, Lesley! I love reading the Editor's blogs because they always have something interesting to share. And, I've had fun watching Lesley (formerly of Books) grow into her new (well, not really new anymore) position as Assistant Editor for Bead & Button. What a great feeling it must have been when she won reader's choice for her custom necklace design featuring this year's commemorative show bead.

Mostly Metals is here!!

I'm so excited! Mostly Metals: A Beginner's Guide to Jewelry Design arrived from the printer! It's amazing how great it looks. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks to Mary, Lisa, and Becky who took it from a black and white manuscript to a stunning book. Check it out (and order your copy, hint hint) at Amazon. And, let me know if you make a project or two. I'd love to see your version.