Cindy's Page

Auntie's Jewelry Videos

You are probably already familiar with the jewelry and beading supply vendor called Auntie's Beads. They are ads all over the net as well as many magazines. What you may not know, though, is that they also have tons of free jewelry making videos. In fact, in the company's on-line video library, they include over 100 video tutorials. Most deal with beads, of course, but they also include some wire jewelry videos, mixed-media, and lots of basic techniques as well.

You can either access the videos at the Auntie's Beads web site or via YouTube.com. I've stumbled across these a few times on YouTube and have always been impressed with the quality of their videos. Sometimes, it just helps to be "shown" rather than "told" how to make a piece of jewelry.

Auntie's Jewelry Videos originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 07:01:05.

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Big News for Pearl Lovers

If you love working with pearls but get frustrated because of those tiny holes most of them have, then you will love to hear that Beadshop.com has some new pearls with super big holes in them. Yes, you can use a bead reamer and make holes larger, but that is not only a pain in the you know what, but a good way to destroy perfectly good pearl beads if you aren't careful.

You've probably seen similar jewelry in fancy catalogs and always wondered how they managed to string those pearls on such thick media. These pearls have holes so large you can even string them on leather (or pleather). Pictured above is a free bracelet project posted on Beadshop.com that uses pleather and one large-holed pearl bead.

Big News for Pearl Lovers originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 17:48:44.

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Jewelry Junkies Link Love 11/08/09

Jean Campbell
Jean describes what it's like to edit someone's book and shares her thoughts on Marcia DeCoster's latest, Beaded Opulence.

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi is giving away a copy of Ronna Sarvas Weltman's unique polymer clay book called "Ancient Modern". Come and get in on this contest!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Liver of Sulfur is finally in Lorelei's repertoire of jewelry techniques.

Snap out of it Jean! There's beading to be done!
jean is amazed by the treasures you find in Cynthia Thornton's spectacular wonder of a book, Enchanted Adornments!

Strands of Beads
Melissa tries out Friendly Plastic (and likes the results).

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew adds new pieces from Hawaiian artist, Candice Wakumoto, to his shop.

A Bead A Day
It's Arts & Crafts Week on Lisa's A-Bead-A-Day Blog! A different craft product is featured each day with ideas for incorporating them into jewelry pieces. Stop by and share your ideas!

Art Bead Scene
An Art Bead Scene first - the December sponsors collaborate on a special set of art beads for the December monthly challenge prize!

Barbe Saint John - New Treasures from Forgotten Artifacts Barbe is the last link in a Necklace Round Robin; Check out the finished pieces!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi uses a leather button to make a wearable collage.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy has developed a new line of jewelry to remind us all to live life slowly and enjoy what we have. First in the series is "Grounded."

Jewelry Junkies Link Love 11/08/09 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Saturday, November 7th, 2009 at 18:49:07.

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Make It Merry

Thanks to lots of talented crafters, and especially About.com's DIY Guide, I have a list of fun projects to make and enjoy over the holiday season, from Thanksgiving goodies all the way to Christmas.

Clothes Pin Holiday Card Holders
What to do with all those holiday cards? Hold them up with clothes pins as dazzling as twinkling lights with this how-to from Kate Pullen.

Make a Gingerbread House
Ever want to create the perfect gingerbread house? Okay, I have yet to master this skill..but you can! Our Barbara Rolek will show you how.

How to Draw a Christmas Tree
Here is one that will come in handy for all those handmade cards. Master sketch artist Helen South will show you how to draw the perfect tree from start to finish.

Paint a Glass Ornament
Turn a plain glass ball into a work of stained glass art. Our Guide to Painting will show you how to create this delicate trimming.

Silent Night Cross Stitch Pattern
Don't just get cozy, get your stitch on. Create a Silent Night design with this free pattern from Connie G. Barwick.

Stitch a Pear Trio
Hang up something special in your home for that Thanksgiving gathering. This free 'Pear Trio' needlepoint pattern from Cheryl Fall is just what your walls needed.

Easy Christmas Ornaments
Start a tradition for the kids to make new ornaments each year. Sherri Osborne has the shape patterns and project ideas for these ornaments that reflect Christmas traditions.

Print Thanksgiving Placecards
Add some warmth to your table with these Thanksgiving place cards that will have your guests saying 'awwwww'. Barbara Crews has the free printable for you to personalize.

http://phyllisdobbs.info/2009/11/03/christmas-approaching-time-start-handmade-items/ ">Wine Bottle Wrap Pattern
Instead of giving a bottle of wine in one of those skinny bags, make a felt wrap that the bottle can be displayed in all season. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how.

Make a Miniature Christmas Tree
Why are tiny things always so darn cute? Learn how to make a little pine tree with Lesley Shepherd.

Interchangeable Thanksgiving Pins
Sometimes you just can't commit to just one pin. With this interchangeable Thanksgiving pin by Tammy Powley, you can tell everyone when you're ready for pie...and when you're overstuffed.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Make It Merry originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 09:24:58.

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New Digital Craft Magazine

I just heard about a new magazine that sounds kind of interesting, and not just for jewelry folks. It is called Totally Creative, and according to the web site's description, it covers all types of crafting such as jewelry making, beading, sewing, polymer clay, and mixed media.

Other than the fact that is covers jewelry as well as lots of other crafts, another interesting aspect is that it is a digital magazine that comes in the form of a pdf file. From what I can tell reading the site, there is no hardcopy option. Subscriptions are normally $24.95 but right now they are $19.96, and this includes 6 issues a year. There is also an option to get a free trial issue that you download right away.

With all the magazines that seem to be coming, going, and transforming lately, this idea of a strictly digital magazine may be something that we see more of in the future. What do you think? Have you seen the trial issue of this magazine? Do you think digital is the way to go now? I'm off to download my freebie, so my thought are still in flux as to what I think about this and the digital magazine idea in general, but I'm interested to hear what other jewelry designers think.

New Digital Craft Magazine originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 15:40:15.

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