They have an entire page full of great jewelrymaking tips lfrom making interesting findings like the Clover leaf Toggle to how to make your own flex shaft stand to resin jewelry ring to fused glass and SO much more!

• How did you start doing jewelry (or bead making) as a business? 
  After creating a sculpture of a woman bound by forks, University of South Carolina’s art professor Fran Gardner (Perry) suggested during a critique that I incorporate this sculpture into a shrine in order to make it more special.  The gallery owner and director, Christina Chastain agreed and pointed me in the direction of personal shrines.  My shrines became smaller and smaller until they were almost wearable.  I started putting chains and beads on the shrines in order to create necklaces so people could carry their personal shrines with them.  My style has evolved into incorporating found objects, vintage items and artistic elements as well as creating the shrines.  I find that each object that I come across has a supernatural energy within it that is secretly telling a story that only I can hear.

• Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you ever made?
  My first piece of jewelry was created out of a fork and art glass.  I bent and twisted the fork.  Then, I added the art glass using a two-part epoxy.  The final touch to my project were chains and beads so it could be worn. 
• You are stuck on a desert island for a year and can only take 5 things to make jewelry with-what would you take?
  Wire, dremel with a really small drill bit, steel block, pliers set, dremel reinforced cutting wheel – I could use the other stuff on the island to help me make jewelry.
• What would you like to work with/or what skill would you like to learn that you haven’t yet?
  Wow.  There is so much that I need to learn!  I would like to learn more about etching metal.  I’m afraid of chemicals because I have a toddler around so I’ve not dabbled in the etching yet. I would also like to learn how to fuse glass.

• What do you do when you aren’t making jewelry?
  I am a freelance graphic designer.  I also paint and create mixed media art pieces.  I’m a board member for the Artisan’s Center and Galleries in Lancaster, South Carolina.

More about Madame Teasley:
I am from Savannah, Georgia, which has allowed me to grow up exposed to all areas of the arts.  My husband Michael and children, Erin – 12 and Joel 4 – are the most wonderful inspirations that a gal can have.  I live in the Metrolina region outside of Charlotte, North Carolina.  My formal education is in Computer Information Systems and Computer Science.  Art has always been a solace for me in order to escape from the hectic world of IT.  I can be found on Etsy at http://madameteasley.etsy.com and my constantly under construction web site is http://www.oncepossessedstudios.com.  You can also keep up with my ramblings at http://madameteasley.blogspot.com.

Today’s Artist Mini-Interview is wth my new friend Deryn Mentock.  Deryn is an extremely talented mixed media artist and her work is outstanding, as you can tell by the teaser photo.

How did you start doing jewelry (or bead making) as a business? 
I finally decided that I needed to find a way to pay for my passion!  Much more than that though, I found a personal, spiritual voice, expressed through my jewelry.  It’s important to me to share that.

Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you ever made?
Probably, the first piece of jewelry I ever attempted to make was a beaded headband, created on a beading loom when I was in Camp Fire girls.  I think I got about one inch completed.  Needless to say, that type of beading isn’t my thing!  I also remember a lovely, colorful telephone wire ring made in CFG.  I wish I had that ring today!
 
You are stuck on a desert island for a year and can only take 5 things to make jewelry with-what would you take?
Well, I’d have to have an endless supply of wire, of course.  Also, pliers, nippers, a hammer and…sheesh, I can’t decide on the fifth thing…can I have a laptop with internet? One of my favorite tv shows is Gilligan’s Island so I know a lot about island survival.  I could probably use a rock as a bench block, make  beading thread from palm fibers and beads from rocks and shells then I’d…oh, do I have to be stuck on a desert island???
 
What would you like to work with/or what skill would you like to learn that you haven’t yet?
I’d like to learn lampwork bead making.  That would open up a whole world of new supplies, equipment, tools…possibilities.
 
What do you do when you aren’t making jewelry?
I love creating collage, artist’s books and artist trading cards.  But, when I’m not doing any of that, my favorite thing is camping with my guys.
 
All about Deryn:

Deryn Mentock has been passionate about art, especially jewelry design, for as long as she can remember.  Her designs mingle unique, worn and well-loved finds, religious pieces and faceted, semi-precious stones as well as one-of-a-kind handmade elements, combined in unexpected ways. She prefers the look and feel of vintage, unusual and found objects and delights in blending these treasures into her work.  Each composition, infused with color and texture, reveals an intuitive message of faith conveyed through the artist’s hands.
 
She enjoys teaching nationally and is a design team member for Susan Lenart Kazmer’s “Objects and Elements.”  Her artwork has been featured in several books including “Mixed Emulsions” by Angela Cartwright, “Exhibition 36” by Susan Tuttle  and, most recently, “Collaborative Art Journals and Shared Visions in Mixed Media” by LK Ludwig.  You can also find her work in many articles and publications, including Step by Step Wire Jewelry, Belle Armoire Jewelry, Belle Armoire, Art Doll Quarterly, Stampington’s Gallery, Correspondence Art and Stampington’s book Artist Trading Cards. 

You can see more of  Deryn’s work at her blog; http://somethingsublime.typepad.com and her online store; http://mocknet.etsy.com.   She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Creative Souls.

Thank you so much Deryn for the interview!

 Art Jewelers Susan Lenart Kazmer and her business partner Linda Larsen ; owners of Objects and Elements webstore,  have been busy the last few months.  They’ve been updating the store with all kinds of unique goodies you won’t find anywhere else  like Ancient Roman Glass beads,  antique African   Dougan, unique bezel settings and cast bronze Ammonites . 

I’m a big fan of ICE resin  and it’s what I use in my jewelry work.  You can buy that online at the Objects & Elements store  .  There is also lots of unique  bezels,  fibers,  resin molds and tools for your art jewelry making needs.

In addition to searching out great jewelrymaking supplies, they have just revealed a new blog and a new Objects and Elements Design Team. 

The Objects and Elements blog has just gone live and will soon have lots of content such as  jewelry by Susan Lenart Kazmer and Linda Larsen, design team jewelry inspirations, updates on new store items,  guest artist features, reader challenges and more. You don’t want to miss out on any of the fun, so be sure to add the RSS feed to your blog links or add to bloglines or Google Reader

I am extremely happy to announce that I am on the Objects and Elements Design team. The other Design Team members are:  Jen Cushman, Deryn Mentock, Kristen Robinson, and Jane Salley .  In the coming weeks, you’ll be able to see the design teams creations on the new Objects and Elements Blog.  The team wil be creating some lovely projects using the amazing supplies from the Objects & Elements store, along with various found objects, beads, wire, etc… to inspire you to create your own unique jewelry.

If you are unfamiliar with Susan and her work, please check out her amazing  jewelry work, check out her blog , get her book “Making Connection” or  look at her workshop schedule  to take a class with her.

Bottle Cap Jewelry Supplies Giveaway from Ten Two Studios

Remember that gorgeous  Romantic Rose Necklace by Ten Two design team member Peace Schuyler that I blogged about last week?

Lisa Vollrath; the owner of  Ten Two Studios, thought that one of our lucky readers would like to create their own necklace so she has sent me a nice package of supplies to giveaway!   You will get everything pictured above - 20 gorgeous bamboo tiles, lots of bottlecaps, and 2 pretty collage sheets.  You will be able to create a bunch of pendants, charms, necklaces or bracelets with this fun lot of supplies from Ten Two Studios.

For your chance to win-leave a comment below. I’ll pick the lucky winner on May 30!

 Mixed Metals: creating contemporary jewelry with silver, gold, copper, brass & more. Melinda Barta & Danielle Fox

•  Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159668092X
• ISBN-13: 978-1596680920

The authors Danielle Fox & Melinda Barta seem to out do themselves with each book they put out. Whenever I get their lastest, I am blown away with how great it is. I think there is NO way they can top themselves with the next one, only to be happily proven wrong.  Mixed Metals had me when I saw the cover-SWOON!!!!

The focus of Mixed Metals: Creating contemporary jewelry with silver, gold, copper, brass & more is about rethinking the way we use metal in our jewelry designs.  Utilizing premade metal beads, charms, clasps. chains and other components accessible at any bead store, this mixed metal jewelry book offers 21 boutique style projects that don’t require any metalworking skills.  Whether an experienced beader or beginner, these gorgeous projects will inspire you to “mix it up” and have fun with a variety of premade components.

The projects themselves are so lovely, you will be running to your local bead or craft store to find some of the unique items shown in this book. I have a HUGE shopping list already compiled.

Mixed Metals begins with projects based on each type of metal – Gold, Silver, Base Metals, Faux/other metals and Mixing Metals. Each chapter has background information on that type of metal, from  history, facts, common properties to  care, and cleaning.  Each project had step by step instructions and detailed photography.

There are also techniques for altering the metals by using liver of sulfur, other patinas, and hammering.   A glossary of terms, beading & wirework 101 techniques, resources and shopping guide are at the end of the book.

The diversity of the projects as well as the components makes this book really stand out.  I think this book will be liberating to alot of  jewelrymakers who feel a bit stuck with just using all one type of metal. You won’t be afraid to throw caution to the wind and mix some gold and silver chains with copper charms after reading this book.   I can’t pick ONE favorite out of this book because the are all so lush.  Its a gorgeous book not only for it’s projects, but also for it’s inspiration and shopping links.

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She hasn’t chosen winners for any of the weeks so far so anyone can still leave a comment on the blogposts  to enter to win a free copy of the book.

The blog links are: Fabric Scrap Bracelet, Shredded Junk Mail Ping Pong Ball Necklace, Fabric Necklace,  and Wear Your Collection Bracelet

So hurry on over to her blog, leave comments and fingers crossed for you!

Started by charming Amber Dawn, International Charm day is a day to make, wear,enjoy, share, buy and giveaway charms. Check out the International Charm Day blog for a TON of charm inspiration,tutorials,  links to blogs having charm giveaways and lots more!

Some of the swaps and giveaways you could participate in are:

Julee Herrmann (recently interviewed on CraftGossip!)is hosting a charm swap on her blog,

Life Goes On is giving away 2 charms to lucky commenters.

Tracy from Magic Lantern Musings in Canada is giving away a very colorful charm to one lucky blog reader.

Grace Necklace

Not only is Julee a Jewelry Making Goddess, she is on the Design Teams of ZNE and Hannah Grey; and a proud member of the California Crafters Club of Etsy (cccoe team).  Her work is currently on display at Lafayette Art Gallery, Savvy Seconds in Downtown Pleasanton, CA and Tangerine in Dublin, CA.  She has an Etsy shop for those who aren’t local. and will be vending and teaching some Make & Take classes at the ZNE Art, Paper & Pleasantries show May 2 & 3rd in Dublin, CA. You can read more about what she’s up to on her blog .

How did you start doing jewelry (or bead making) as a business?
I started selling my work when my dear 4 year old little girl asked me, “Mommy, how are you going to wear all of those necklaces?” and at first I really tried to say that I have lots of outfits and I would manage to wear them all at once or a little at a time, but when people kept stopping me and asking me if I sold them I finally got the hint and started selling them at a craft fair in Pleasanton just about a year and a half ago. I also started an Etsy shop at about the same time and have expanded into selling at a few local dress shops, a charming gallery in downtown Lafayette, CA and a gift shop called Tangerine!

Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you ever made?
The FIRST first FIRST piece of jewelry I ever made was a necklace made from Vintage (although I don’t think I called it THAT!) wallpaper. My paternal grandmother taught me how to make wallpaper beads and then string them together like a strand of pearls and I was HOOKED and I still have one! I made some last year and finished them with UTEE… too cool!

You are stuck on a desert island for a year and can only take 5 things to make jewelry with-what would you take?
Just for fun…If I were on a deserted island some place perfect and fabulous and I could only have 5 art supplies they would be:

1: Solar powered Soldering Kit including glass (I say the whole kit is really one supply – like that?), 2: Dries Clear Glue from Art Institute,3:  Art Institute GLITTER (duh!), 4: water colors (I could make my own brushes… well, I *COULD*),5: caulking (you should try it, you may LOVE it!)

What material would you like to work with/or what skill would you like to learn that you haven’t yet?
I would like to learn more metalsmithing type work… I would LOVE to learn to make a bezel, I would love to learn the type of soldering that you do with a torch.

Fairy Tale Bracelet

What do you do when you aren’t making jewelry?
When I’m working, but not making jewelry I am making tiny shrines, teaching workshops on soldering and shrine making, blogging, editing photos and “networking” (a.k.a. Feeding the Facebook addiction) LOL I’m also the wife to a charming young man and Mommy to a brilliant, darling, UBER TALENTED 5 ¾ year old kiddo (not that I’m biased or anything:) and volunteering at her school. In my free time I try to get the laundry fairy to fold the clothes!

Thank you for the interview Julee and letting Craft Gossip readers get to know you a bit better!

 

Don’t miss out on your chance to be a STAR!!!

The deadline is soon approaching for Bead Star jewelry competition, last day to enter is May 1, 2009. The grand prize is an all-expense paid trip for two to Bead Fest Santa Fe 2010 and $1000 shopping spree from Fire Mountain Gems!!! Who WOULDN’t want to enter with a prize like this!!!

Check out the fun YouTube.com video slideshow of the 2008 winners. Its the first time they’ve been shown outside of the magazine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAfXtM8ej0g

The editors of Bead Star, Stringing, and Beadwork magazines will select the top 20 finalists among submissions in each of nine design element categories:Crystals, Seed Beads, Glass, Pearls, Stones, Metals, Plastics, Designs Under $25, and Designs with a Heart.   Then enthusiasts around the world will be able to log on to BeadStar.com May 15-30, 2009, and cast their votes for their
favorite designs among the finalists.  Check out the Bead Star website for full details and how to enter. Best of luck to you all!

Do you love making & collecting charms? If so, join the Cloth Paper Scissors Charm Swap!  It’s easy and fun!

All you have to do is: will create up to five original charms, 1½” in diameter or smaller.  Attach a jump ring to each one then send your charms, a SASE, and your entry fee to their offices no later than April 13, 2009.

They will swap your charms with some made by other artists and return them to you by June 1, 2009. You’ll receive the same number of charms you sent in. Doesn’t that sound like fun!!!!

Be sure to follow the complete rules: Get all the details on the Reader Challenge page of their website.

Margot Potter’s new book all about mixed media jewelry making “Beyond the Bead” has hit the bookstands!!! Expect a book review here soon, but for now you can do one of the projects in the book.

Margot has put up a tutorial for the mixed media necklace “I’ll Fly Away” (the necklace on the book cover) her blog. You’ll love it so go check it out.   And thats not all,  she is giving away a copy of the book to one lucky winner as well!!!  You’ll need to visit her blog and leave a comment there.  Margot will randomly select a winner on Tuesday the 17th so go comment NOW!!

The February schedule is up and includes a number of great craft classes but 2 super jewelry classes! First there is the VERY cool Papier Mache Brooches class by Cathy Callahan and a sweet class for kids: Valentine’s Day Charm Bracelets.

You can find full details here on the blog, but be sure to bookmark HomeEcShop.com, the new sister site (which will be launching soon!). You can also call or stop by the shop in person to check out samples of the fun stuff you can make in class.

•  Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sterling/Chapelle (March 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402722133
• ISBN-13: 978-1402722134

The authors of this book are sisters and have been in the crafting business since they were little girls. They are also daughters of famous crafting legend “Aleene Jackson”, yes THAT Aleene!.

Paper jewelry-Its hard to make paper jewelry that isn’t too “crafty” or too “artsy”, but this book bridges the gap. Some of the projects are more “crafty” and some a bit more ”artsy” but over all its got a great mix of project types.  The projects all seem to be easy skill wise, so no one should be intimidated doing any of the projects.  One of my favorite projects is probably one of the more simple ones-Notary Seal Lapel pins.  I also loved the Forget Me Not mini notebook necklace.  The book also has a section of paper images, that you can scan and print out yourself which is great.

I this this book is full of creative ideas for any jewelry artist. Its also a visually gorgeous book too with lots of fantastic photographs. If you are looking for a book that is ‘out of the norm’ for jewelry making, add this to your library.