WINNER

Gail Devoid of Boscawen is the winner of the Lark Book contest ending May 15th. Congragulation Gail. We're sure you will enjoy the signed copy of "Making Wire Jewelry by Janice Berkebile and Tracy Stanley.

30 Minute Bracelets, 30 Minute Rings & 30 Minute Necklaces

3+1=4

I recently reviewed Lark Books 30 Minute Earrings by Marthe LeVan, so that is where the mathematical equation comes into play.  “Three’s company and four’s a crowd” is certainly not true in this case. The 45 designers create 60 playful and fanciful projects.  Each book is filled with clever and easy-to-do assortments of bodily adornments.

The beginning introductory section in each book prepares one for a wonderful creative adventure. Every conceivable material is utilized to create the imaginative objects. Author posts clever time driven organization in each section.  GET READY emphasizes skills needed.  GET SET focuses on tools and materials, GO guides one down the instructional path.

Each project makes one feel the time is now.  There is something for every spirit and season.  I wanted to get started immediately.  How exciting it would be if I were a creature from outer space.  That way, I would have enough fingers, wrists, necks, and ears to parade across the universe bedecked in all my finery.

Beaded Fantasies

“Beaded Fantasies”


Sabine Lippert

A Night on The Town

Have you ever viewed the wonderful photographs by Bill Cunningham in the New York Times? His bi-line is “On The Street.” This week’s photo montage “Fabulosity” said it all. Women bedecked in fabulous jewelry and gowns.

“Beaded Fantasies” by Sabine Lippert says it all. Inspirational chokers, pendants, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and broaches exemplify her wonderful sense of design and color. The author practically takes the viewer’s hand as she leads one from list of supplies and techniques to her exciting world of bead design projects. The photographs are outstanding and the directions very well defined. It is captivating to note how each design evolved. The gallery pieces illustrate wonderful examples of what has been created by a world of talented beaders.

The page after page of “beaded fantasies” lured me into a state of euphoria. To prepare for “my night on the town,” I’m going to make a bee-line to my favorite bead store and adorn myself in some of these fabulous creations. Maybe Bill Cunningham will take note and you’ll see me in his next photographic spread if and when he comes to town.

  CLICK IMAGE OF BOOK TO BE LINKED TO AMAZON.COM WHERE YOU CAN PURCHASE THIS BOOK AND OTHER ITEMS.

Knitted, Knotted, Twisted, & Twined – The Jewelry of Mary Lee Hu

                            

Rapunzel

Through the years some artists have had an impact on my jewelry making life.  Among those most prominent is Mary Lee Hu.  I discovered her amazing wire work when my husband and I were in Los Angeles.  We walked into a gallery and her jewelry was exhibited there.  The light reflective shimmering undulating surfaces were spellbinding.  I contacted her at the University of Washington and subsequently signed up for her textile technique and wire workshop in Arizona.  As far as my story goes, I was hooked.

Mary’s jewelry and sculptural pieces exhibited in the retrospective show at Bellevue Arts Museum are her history.  The beautifully crafted catalog/book of 100 exceptional chokers, earrings, broaches, and neck pieces chronicles her artistic growth as a student and subsequent master of her craft.

All renderings and notations are very insightful.  They demonstrate an artist working on a concept and then carrying it to fruition.  This is a wonderful way for the viewer to experience the creative process.  One example is the bracelet on the first page of the portfolio section.  Another example is the bracelet #37.  Each piece is flawless.  The fine silver and gold wirework, whether knitted, knotted, twisted, or twined, is an extension of self.

Mary always brought some of the beautiful twine structures, as featured in this book, to her workshop sessions.  Her students were able to personally visualize their movement, design, and intricate wire and fabricated construction first hand.  She also shared many of the chains and belts that she had collected during her many travels throughout the world.  It is obvious that many of these samples constitute a major influence on her growth as a critically acclaimed international artist.

This book/catalog also has a section in the back that explains various techniques for “working with wire.”  Great starting point for those whose interest has been whetted, but don’t know where to begin.

I was also fortunate to be able to study with Heikki Seppa.  Heikki was a friend and colleague of Mary Lee Hu and a devoted admirer.  Several of her small fine silver wire insects were nesting under the glass top of his coffee table.  Since he knew I was fascinated with textile techniques, he would take them out for me to touch.  Instead of firing up the torch, we would spend the afternoon studying and discussing the life-like renditions of these small creatures.

 I am so proud to know Mary Lee Hu and be the recipient of this beautiful catalog/book.  The photographic details are breathtaking.  If one doesn’t own one of her spectacular fine silver or gold pieces, the next best thing would be to purchase this catalog/book and marvel at the unbelievable “Knitted, Knotted, Twisted and Twined” creations featured in full splendor.