Art Jewelry Community

Friday Highlights from the Subscriber Gallery: Round 2, Jill's choice

Jill Erickson — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:19:00 GMT

Time flies! I'm up again to choose three favorite posts from our online Subscriber Gallery. I'm going for a theme here this week that I like to call, Keep on a-Rockin' it (work that incorporates some kind of stone in its design).

From the Wire/chain mail gallery: "Basia Mille" by Aden Angier. This necklace shows off a polished drop chalcedony, and a pair of faceted blue topaz stones. Simple and elegant.

From the Metal Clay gallery: Patrik Kusek's wrapped jasper pendants. Patrik is firing the metal clay with the stones in place!

From the Metals gallery: A lovely brooch by Monika Roos. The use of mixed metals in cool and warm colors provide a striking complement to the lapis focal stone.

Keep posting your work. The gallery "doors" are always open for new submissions! Happy Friday, Jill :)

PBS series Craft in America interviews artists in their studios

Jill Erickson — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:20:00 GMT

I don't know about you, but I love going to artists' studios, listening to their stories, and watching them work. That's why the PBS series, Craft in America, is my favorite show right now. If you can't watch it when it airs on TV, you can check out full episodes online. Each Episode focuses on a particular theme, such as Process, Community, Landscape, and Memory. Of course I'm delighted when jewelry-makers are featured, but I like learning about the artists working in all the other disciplines too.

Episode II focuses on Landscape -- how it influences what each artist makes and why he or she makes it. In Chapter 2, metalsmith Jan Yager shares her processes and invites us into her Philadelphia studio. Her's is an urban landscape. The work she makes is informed by the objects, textures, and city-tough plants that grow within a one-block radius of her studio.

In Chapter 8, metalsmith and sculptor Kit Carson takes us on a walk among saguaro cacti in the Sonoran desert. His studio is in New River, Arizona which couldn't be more different from Philadelphia.

If you have a favorite artist from this series, I'd love to hear about it! Have a great week. Cheers, Jill

Friday Highlights from the Subscriber Gallery: Hazel's choices

Hazel Wheaton — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:15:00 GMT

It's Friday again! And it's my turn to take a stroll through our online subscriber's galleries to find a trio of pieces that catch my eye.

"ajewelfool" (real name unknown) posted two pieces to our metals gallery this past week, and I was hard put to choose between them. But I had to go with this box pendant for the way the artist used microscope slides to provide dimensionality and shading.

I picked Silver Lilies for the Bride, by Donna Lewis (aka "Belladonnasilver"), from the Metal Clay gallery. Lewis definitely used metal clay to its advantage here, to make origami lilies. And she also works the varying shades of silver well, leaving some of the white silver finish of fired metal clay to contrast with the burnished highlights to nicely complement the three different kinds of pearls.

"Erna" (full name unknown) made this ring out of etched copper covered with enamel and bezel-set in a sterling silver ring. This ring looks simple, ancient — and most of all, like something I would love to wear!

Thanks everyone! Jill will be on deck next Friday with her picks. If you're a subscriber to our print magazine, you can upload images of your work — you might find yourself in the spotlight. If you have a Web site, be sure to put that information in your bio, and we'll link to it from our blog!

Philadelphia, here I come!

Hazel Wheaton — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:32:00 GMT

Bright and early tomorrow morning, I'm going to be hopping on an airplane (or maybe trudging, seeing how early I'm going to be doing it) to make the trip to Philadelphia. My reason for going? A true gem of a craft show — The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show. The show, now in its 33rd year, regularly includes some of the most amazing craft artists I've seen.

On the slate this year is a group of 26 visiting artists from Korea, showing work in all craft media.

There's also a series of demonstrations and lectures to give you a chance to rest your feet and stretch your mind. Of special interest to jewelry aficionados,Thomas Mann will demonstrate sawing techniques; Jill Hurant will demonstrate how to make fused classical link loop-in-loop chains; and Steven Ford will talk about his longtime creative collaboration with David Forlano, and the incredible metal and polymer clay pieces they create.

Of course, there's also a presentation by the brilliant masterminds behind local chocolatiers John and Kira's Chocolates, in which they'll tell us how they're making the world better through chocolate.

So, I'll be at the show — if you see me, please feel free to say "Hi!"

Heard about anvil shooting yet?? You've got to watch this video!

Addie Kidd — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:22:00 GMT

A quick hello here from the Art Jewelry magazine headquarters.

So I came across this video the other day, and absolutely had to share it with you. You won't believe what this guy can do with an old jeweler's anvil! The gentleman in the video, Gay Wilkinson from Missouri, is apparently a World Champion Anvil Shooter. Who knew there were such things?!?

Video: How to Shoot an Anvil 200 Feet in the Air.

To sum up the video:

Put a whole bunch of gun powder beneath a heavy (think 100 lbs [45 kilos]), traditional blacksmith's anvil.
Using a fuse, ignite the powder. When the powder explodes, the anvil launches high into the sky.
Run.

My "inner giggling adolescent" got such a kick out of this video. I think my favorite part (besides the obvious explosion), was the aftermath - I was fascinated to see how deeply the anvil's impact embedded it in the ground.

Of course, I don't recommend trying this at home. As cool as this "sport" is to watch, I'm glad I have the distance of YouTube and the internet to protect me. I may just be a bit too much of a fraidy-cat to hang out in that field while they're shooting off anvils. Even with safety gear, how exactly do you predict where a flying anvil is going to land?

And if you just can't get enough anvil shooting, here's another video link. It's an anvil-launching montage!

Take care, and have an explosive Tuesday!

~Addie~

[Via Kottke]

Friday Highlights from the Subscriber Gallery: Kristin’s choice

Kristin Sutter — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:12:00 GMT

Welcome back to our weekly installment of Friday Highlights from the Subscriber Gallery! Where the Art Jewelry editors showcase three jewelry pieces uploaded to the online Subscriber Gallery by Art Jewelry subscribers. To see previous subscriber picks, check out Hazel's first blog about it, Jill's first picks, and Addie's choices from last Friday.

Despite my best efforts, my picks this week didn't coalesce into a nice, thematic bundle. I was going to try for "uber-simplicity," but I just couldn't deny that I liked the Noir Pathway Pendant Necklace from Jan Geisen (username: JanaG). Of course, it's uncomplicated in its own way (I love the contrast of the tailored frame and the textured "canvas"), but I have a weakness for Impressionist art, and it strikes that same emotional chord in me.

My second pick is Art Deco Style Brooch by Mel-James. I've had a thing for Art Deco for as long as I can remember. This reminds me of the Arts & Crafts style, too, which is also a favorite. I love the strong lines, the repetition, the symmetry. But mostly, I love how it's an example of how something simple can be beautiful.

My third pick is, for me, an aesthetic/emotional combination of the first two. Something about the organic-looking texture resonates with me on some primitive level, as though there are many possibilities in all those turns of light and shade. And yet, Nancy Lee's (username: metalnan) Silver Cup Necklace is very uncomplicated.

Thanks to everyone for sharing images of their work. Art Jewelry subscribers, remember that you can upload images to our online Subscriber Gallery!

See you next week for Hazel's picks!

—Kristin

Psssst: If you're not a subscriber, click here to find out why you should be, or click here to subscribe.

Friday Highlights from the Subscriber Gallery: Addie’s choice

Addie Kidd — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:56:00 GMT

If you haven't already heard, we've got a new weekly feature on the Art Jewelry magazine Editors' Blog. Every Friday, a different member of the Art Jewelry team will check out our Online Subscribers' Gallery and select 3 extra-special handmade creations that our subscribers have uploaded.

Click here to read Hazel's post that started it all.

And here are Jill's picks from last week.

Autumn is my favorite season by far. I'm a sucker for color, so all the beautiful yellow and orange and red leaves on the trees this time of year always put a smile on my face. So in homage to this magical, earthy season, I pored through all the beautiful gallery submissions and found three images that brought to mind all things autumn-y.

My first pick is a silver cuff bracelet from Kristin Summerlin (User name: TinCupDesigns). This lovely and uncomplicated bracelet caught my eye immediately. But I was even more excited when I read in description that the actual leaves used to emboss the design onto sterling silver are from the designer's home state of Alaska, one of my most favorite places I've ever visited! It would be hard not to find inspiration in such a breathtaking state.

My next choice is another cuff bracelet, this time made of copper clay and bronze clay, by Patrik Kusek (User name: patrikstudio). I love the almost cartoonish and kitschy faux bois texture created through the use of the two metal clays. This bracelet just makes me smile.

[If you'd like to learn how to combine bronze and copper clays, check out the article "Bronze and Copper Clay: 5 Ways to Inlay," by Catherine Davies Paetz in the November 2009 issue. Bonus! Subscribers can instantly download a bonus 6th inlay technique.]

And last, but certainly not least, is this hilarious leashed metal flea sculpture called "A Walk in the Park" by User name: Purple Shoes. A silver chain leash connects the riveted copper flea to a dog registration tag that's formed into a ring.

Though there are no leaves, pumpkins, or gourds with this piece, it still made me think of autumn. It could be the earthy patina of the copper, or maybe it's the thought of all the little critters that start to make their way indoors this time of year. Either way it's funny, and a touch creepy, and very well done. I love it!

Check back in with our blog next Friday for round 4, with Kristin's top picks from our Subscriber Community. Remember, if you're a Subscriber to our magazine, you can upload images of your own work for free. And maybe you'll even be one of our next featured artists!

Happy Halloween weekend!

~Addie~

Friday Highlights from the Subscriber Gallery: Jill’s choice

Jill Erickson — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:54:00 GMT

Last Friday, Hazel got our new "editor's picks" weekly blog post rolling. We'll be aiming the spotlight on three pieces of jewelry made by our subscribers who've generously posted work in our online galleries. Today, it's my turn! Without further ado, here are my selects:

From our Alternative Materials Gallery: Long Stone Bracelet by Shelly Daly. I really like the scale and simplicity of this piece. And of course there's that whole beach stone thing going on.

From our Enamels and Glass Gallery: Juicy Earrings by Juice Glass. That cobalt blue is marvelous.

From our Metal Clay Gallery: Arbol de Vida pendant by Lorena Angulo. Lorena's interpretation of the "tree of life" motif employs hand-sculpted bronze metal clay.

Enjoy and have a great week. Keep posting your wonderful work on the Subscriber Galleries! Cheers, Jill

Chicago's Field Museum re-opens the renovated Grainger Hall of Gems!

Addie Kidd — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:50:00 GMT

This Friday, October 23rd, the permanent gem collection of Chicago's Field Museum, the Grainger Hall of Gems, will finally re-open to the public! This grand re-opening coincides with the opening of a temporary exhibit I've been waiting excitedly to check out – The Nature of Diamonds. (You can check out The Nature of Diamonds from October 23, 2009 – March 28, 2010.)

The Field Museum's gem exhibit first opened in 1921, and this is it's third renovation (1941 and 1985, previously).
It's been completely redesigned, and features 600 gemstones and gems, and 150 pieces of gem-laden jewelry, including some never-before-seen pieces from the museum's collection, some dating back to 1893!

Here's just a taste of all the pretties you can expect to see in the new and improved Hall of Gems.

Tanzanite:

Ruby:

Emerald:

Diamond:

Aquamarine:

Tourmaline:

Growing up in the Midwest, I made a lot of visits to the Field Museum, and the gem hall has always been one of my favorite stops. And I can't help but think that those visits played a part in fostering my inner goldsmith. Actually, I'm not sure how young I was when gems finally nudged their way past dinosaurs on my museum excitement-o-meter...

Don't get me wrong, dinosaurs are still extremely cool!

In fact, here's a photo of fellow associate editor Kristin and me during a visit to the Field Museum this past summer. Behind us is Sue, the largest, most complete, and best preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton in the world.

But, gemstones have a special little nook in my heart. You know what I mean – I'll bet they're tucked into your heart too.

No exaggeration, I could hang out in a museum silently staring at sparkling gemstones, breathtaking jewelry, and massive mineral specimens for hours all by myself. Of course it probably wouldn't hurt to bring someone along with me when I head down to Chicago to check out this exhibit, just so that I'm not giddily pointing out gorgeous stones to random nearby museum-goers. I think I made some folks uncomfortable the last time I did that...

Of course, if you see me down there feel free to point out your favorite stones to me. We can drool along together at all the sparklies.

Have fun gem-gawking!

~Addie~

Introducing Friday Highlights from the Subscriber Gallery: Hazel’s choice

Hazel Wheaton — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:13:00 GMT

One of the perks of being a subscriber to the print edition of Art Jewelry magazine is that you get to post images of your work in our online Gallery. One of the perks of being the Editor of Art Jewelry magazine is that I get to call attention to artists whose work catches my eye. (Of course, it's not just a perk, it's a part of my job description, but it's one of the fun parts of my job, so I'm going to go ahead and label it a perk.)

So, a perk of being a subscriber and a perk of being an editor come together in this new project. Every Friday, one of the Art Jewelry editors will take a look through the online subscriber galleries and pick three pieces that she found particularly challenging, charming, intriguing, or just plain pretty — and we'll spotlight those pieces here in the Editors' Blog. The idea is to focus on recent work — highlight work submitted in the previous month, since each editor will get one set of picks per calendar month — but we reserve the right to go back in time and choose work that was posted in previous months, or years.

Here are my three pieces, all of which seemed like appropriate choices for autumn and the fast-approaching Halloween:

From our Metal Clay gallery, Liz Hall's Indian Summer brooch, of metal clay and polymer clay with an orange sapphire.

From our Metals gallery, an Opal Spiderweb ring (with removable spider!) by Jessica Dow and Mark Anderson, made of hand carved and cast sterling silver, Australian opals, enamel, and pink spinel.

And from our new Alternative Materials gallery, these adorable ceramic Multiple Monster pendants by "Potterygod."

New metal clay technique: Catherine Davies Paetz teaches you how to make inlay designs with bronze clay and copper clay

Jill Erickson — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:25:00 GMT

Getting your hands on new materials is inspiring for artists. The newest additions to the metal clay family (bronze clay, and copper clay) inspired artist Catherine Davies Paetz to push this medium into new territory. You can learn about her techniques for creating inlaid designs with these clays in the November 2009 issue of Art Jewelry magazine. Subscribers can download instructions to Catherine's bonus technique, read Art Jewelry's editors' experiences when we tested bronze metal clay, and brush up on kiln terminology with our kiln diagram. All registered Web users can check out Mardel Rein's 20-page primer on working with BRONZclay.

While I'm on the subject of metal clay, here's a link to our latest technique series video on metal clay basics. This series walks you through the basics of working with silver metal clay, and includes a PDF of a beginner level project to get you started. As always, let us know what else you'd like to see us demonstrate and write about here at Art Jewelry magazine. Cheers, Jill :)

Make your own clasps and elevate your work

Hazel Wheaton — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:10:00 GMT

This week, the editorial and art staffs of Art Jewelry sat down for our monthly "New Proposals" meeting. This is the time set aside for evaluating all the new material that has been submitted to us — either for a proposed how-to project, a technical article, or Gallery. We refer to the process as "jurying," much like judges will do for a show or a competition.

By far, the greatest number of proposals come in for our Gallery — which isn't surprising at all. One of the most common observations among the staffers is, "It's nice work, but why did she/he have to use pre-bought findings?" Making your own ear wires or clasps or connections is relatively simple — and certainly it's within the skill set of the artists who make the complex and beautiful pieces that cross our desks for evaluation. It's a finishing touch that shows a level of artistry and attention that goes beyond just stringing on a set of earwires that come 10 to a bag. And yes, people do notice.

If you're looking for a how-to on making your own clasps, Art Jewelry Associate Editor Addie Kidd recently filmed a tutorial for Kalmbach's new Jewelry Classes on Demand series.The tutorial shows you how to make an S-hook clasp, two kinds of hook-and-eye clasps, a spiral hook clasp, and a toggle clasp — all using basic wireworking techniques.

Free Museum Day! Saturday, September 26

Hazel Wheaton — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:15:00 GMT

The very good people at Smithsonian magazine have enlisted the participation of museums across the United States to open their doors to visitors at no charge for one day — tomorrow.

To get your pass, go to the Web site that the Smithsonian has set up. After a quick registration, they'll present you with a pass you can print out and take with you. The pass will get you and one guest in the doors of any of the participating museums across the country for free. On the site, you can do a quick search to find museums in your area that are taking part in the program.

Whether it's an institution that you've always meant to check out and never quite gotten the time, or whether it's a museum that's one of your favorite places to spend an afternoon, this is a great way to spur interest in museums in the U.S.

New online earrings project — free to subscribers!

Hazel Wheaton — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:27:00 GMT

In the November 2009 issue of Art Jewelry (coming to a newsstand or your mailbox in the next two weeks), we introduce a brand-new regular column, Metalsmithing 101. The idea for this column came about during a discussion with a coworker on a different magazine, who sighed and said, "Someday I'll be able to make one — just one — of the projects in your magazine." She can make intricate bead tapestries that leave me shaking my head in wonder, but somehow just the idea of picking up not just a torch but a saw or a file intimidated her. Metalsmithing just seemed so hard. I tried to convince her that it wasn't necessarily true; we run lots of beginner projects, designed to appeal to all levels, but she wasn't having it. She insisted, "I just wouldn't know where to begin."

Well, this is where you begin. Metalsmithing 101, which will appear in each issue, authored by Michael David Sturlin. Michael is an experienced metalsmith, with a rock-solid grasp of the basics of metalsmithing. He'll get you started, and get you started right.

In his first column, Michael tackles the proper way to saw. It's one of the most fundamental processes in jewelry making, but also one of the most frustrating. Broken blades, jagged lines, sore wrists all conspire to frustrate novices, but if you know what you're doing, sawing can actually be a relaxing and almost Zen-like experience.

And if you're a subscriber to our print edition and are looking for a quick and funky project to put your new-found sawing skills to use, check out our new free online project. Associate Editor Addie Kidd whipped these space-age earrings up in our in-house studio, with two saw cuts — one for each earring.

Before and after photos prove that I'm not a hoarder, but things were getting out of hand in my home office/craft room

Jill Erickson — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:40:00 GMT

Yes, I have a paper problem. One that I slay vigilantly at work, but that I let get wildly out of control in the room of our home that is supposed to be my office and craft station. For the last 3 and one half years (curiously, the same time I started here at the magazine), my home space became a Venus fly trap for paper. I kept the door closed, except when I'd have to open it to toss in more paper!

Even though I have a basement studio that's quite well organized, the "messy room" weighed on me. It got to the point that I had to convince myself that I wasn't a hoarder. That I could pitch, recycle, and donate my way to a state of feng shui.

Yeah, it was pretty bad. Hadn't seen the floor in quite a while.

Stay with me here, I'm about to share the big reveal...

Ta da!!!!

With the help of a friend and fellow artist, I'm proud to say that the clutter has been busted! I have reclaimed an oasis for creativity. (No, the wallpaper border was not my idea -- it came with the house).

I am going to relocate my beads and stringing supplies to this room. And I've got bins and cork boards at the ready to make sure I keep things neat. The extra bonus is that I'll have more elbow room in the downstairs studio for my metal work, metal clay projects, and my polymer clay experiments.

Was it worth the 7 hours it took us to transform this room? Absolutely. It felt liberating to shred old documents, fill up recycle boxes, and donate stuff to the local Goodwill. Now, if I can just remember to get a new battery for that wall clock!

Thanks for letting me fess up. ;) Have a wonderful week. Cheers, Jill

Download a Free tutorial on how to etch without acid

Jill Erickson — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:22:00 GMT

Just a quick blog to give you a heads up about a solder inlay technique article that I've been working on for the January 2010 issue. I know, you're thinking -- "Hey, it's just September! What's the hurry?" Well, I wanted to make sure you took advantage of the FREE limited time offer we have for a related article. Go ahead, download Ron Pascho's article, D Battery + Saltwater = Cheap, Acid-Free Etching. You've got until Friday, September 25th to get it for free. Cheers, Jill ;)

30% off all jewelry-making project tutorials! Plus two free tutorials: how to drill through glass and how to etch using saltwater

Kristin Sutter — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:31:00 GMT

Good news this week for anyone itching to stock up on new jewelry-making projects! You have 5 days left to get 30% off when you buy any of the individual downloadable projects from our Yahoo! store. That means you can get PDFs of individual articles from past issues of Art Jewelry for $2.75! So, let's say you weren't a subscriber in 2004, but you really want to know how to make Anne Mitchell's Byzantine and Queen's link chain mail necklace, right. All you have to do is visit our Projects For Sale tab at www.artjewelrymag.com or Art Jewelry's Yahoo! store to buy a downloadable PDF of that project.

You can search Art Jewelry's projects by type (necklace, brooch, earrings, bracelet, etc.), by medium (metals, metal clay, chain mail, enamel, etc.), by article type (project, technique, reference), or by magazine issue. Not sure what you're in the mood for? Try browsing through Art Jewelry's Yahoo! store instead--it's organized by project type (necklace, brooch, earrings, bracelet, etc.).

Of course, you can't pass up the free stuff: Until September 25, 2009, you can download the metals technique article "D Battery + Saltwater = Cheap, Acid-Free Etching" by Ron Pascho from the November 2008 issue of Art Jewelry for free. For another great free tutorial, check out Associate Editor Addie Kidd's technique article on how to drill a hole through glass. It's a handy thing to know how to do, especially if you're interested in incorporating sea glass into your jewelry, like Monica Branstrom did in her project "Genuine Sea Glass: How to Bezel-Set an Irregular Stone," page 64, in the September 2009 issue of Art Jewelry.

Have fun with all this jewelry making! And send us pictures so we can see what you've been up to. (Subscribers, don't forget that you can upload images of your work to our Subscriber Gallery.)

—Kristin

Jewelry Classes on Demand

Linda Augsburg — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:26:00 GMT

In May and June, I had the pleasure of spending time in the video studio with some very talented women--Jill Erickson and Addie Kidd from Art Jewelry magazine, Tea Benduhn and Anna Draeger from Bead&Button magazine, and Jane Konkel and Naomi Fujimoto from BeadStyle magazine. Each of them created a video for our latest endeavor—Jewelry Classes on Demand.

It was interesting working on the videos while in the throes of the Bead&Button Show. As I looked around and saw the enthusiasm of the people taking classes, my passion for this project became even stronger. While I was thrilled at the turnout we had for the show and happy for the folks taking classes, I also realized that there were so many more jewelry makers out there who couldn't attend. And even more, many jewelrymakers who can't just take a class at their local shop, because their local shop may be not at all local. I remember when I moved back to Illinois from Florida and I went on a hunt for a bead shop, the nearest one was 40 minutes away and it offered limited classes.

These are some of the reasons we created the Jewelry Classes on Demand lineup. The assortment of classes runs the gamut. Jill Erickson demonstrates her photo transfer method to polymer clay, in addition to tons of tips and a fabulous overview of tools and supplies and what to do with all that cool stuff. Tea Benduhn shows how to make a very versatile right-angle-weave necklace, and I really loved the segment where she shows how different choices of beads create very different looks. I'd love to have Jane Konkel's copper and bead necklace, bracelet, and earrings hanging on my accessory pegboard at home, but the part of her video I love the most was the process of how to add a blue patina to the copper chains and which parts of the project should and shouldn't be patinated and why! That's what I appreciate most--learning from someone else's experimentation rather than my own!

As for quick-to-make jewelry, check out Anna Draeger's three crystal bracelets—okay, two crystal bracelets and one watch. Each piece has a twist; these aren't your typical strung pieces, but they're easy enough for a beginner since Anna walks you through each of them, offering tips along the way. And Naomi Fujimoto's video walks you through the process of creating five different styles of earrings and shows two additional variations on each style for even more inspiration. And as a great finish, Addie Kidd creates five styles of clasps.

As for my own studio time, I demonstrated a little bit of everything. If you're curious, check out the two Venetian bead and chain necklaces, two chain mail pieces, and an easy-to-stitch crystal V-drop necklace.

In addition to the multi-chapter videos that download right to your computer, you also receive a PDF of the instructions for the project to give you a reference, a place to add notes, and a complete materials and tools list. I love the idea of jewelrymakers across the country curled up on the couch in their jammies watching the video and working through the project along with each instructor. So if you haven't checked out the classes yet, go over to Jewelry Classes on Demand and look around. And if you have downloaded a class, we'd love to hear your thoughts, so leave your comments below.

There are more classes to come, so if there's anything in particular you'd like to learn, let us know! And tell your friends who want to learn to make jewelry about us. That way, you'll have someone to create with AND you won't have to sacrifice your creative time to get their skills up to speed!

Collecting stones along Agate Beach at Patrick's Point state park, California

Jill Erickson — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:46:00 GMT

When you think of beaches, do you imagine sandy shores? Or do you conjure up images of a coastline piled with gazillions of smooth stones and pebbles? Or maybe you picture tide pools? I like all three, but I'm a rock hound at heart, so my recent trip to California's northern coast had to include a stop at Agate Beach in Patrick's Point state park. This strip along the Pacific coast is stunning; with its super-sized ferns, beautiful redwoods, and banks of fog that roll in and out like the tides, it's downright enchanted.

As much as I enjoyed the beach for its sunshine and refreshing breeze, I was most excited about spending time looking for agates. Which seems to be about patience, luck, and perhaps a little concentration. Here's a snapshot of my favorite finds:

I also collected other smooth, flat-ish stones similar to the ones in the photo below, that I intend to drill and make into pendants. You can download Addie's tutorial on how to drill through glass and use her same technique to drill through stone. Just be sure to inspect your stones to avoid drilling through cracks or fissures.

And then of course, I wouldn't have considered my trip completely successful unless I also made a banana slug siting. Yes, there is such a creature. Check out this beauty. My friend's son spied this guy during one of our hikes. Special shout-out to Sam and Ben :)

I hope your summer has been a good one. And that you've had some time to make jewelry, visit family and friends, and enjoy moments of rest and relaxation. Cheers! Jill

Check out Art Jewelry's new free wirework project (it's a necklace and earrings!), metal clay template, enameling how-to videos, and more!

Kristin Sutter — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:23:00 GMT

Last Friday was Web-update day here in the Art Jewelry offices. We put a bunch of new content on the site, including a new free project for subscribers, new videos, a template for making "3 Surprising Ways to Integrate Polymer clay and Metal clay" from our September 2009 issue, a packing checklist to reference as you're getting ready to go sell your jewelry at art fairs and/or craft shows, and more.

Check out our new subscriber-exclusive project, "Wire Celtic Knot Necklace" by Irina Miech. I think the layered figure-8 links she shows you how to make for the necklace's chain are simple, clever, and beautiful. (Not a subscriber? Click here to remedy that situation -- it'll save you money compared to buying the issues on the newsstand. Money you can then use to further feed your jewelry-making habit.)

Our beautiful cover piece for the September 2009 issue is Cindy Silas' domed metal clay and polymer clay pendant. You'll find instructions on how to make the project "3 Surprising Ways to Integrate Polymer clay and Metal clay" on page 56. Subscribers can click here to download the metal clay dome template from page 58 so they don't have to cut up their magazine.

If you sell your work at art fairs or craft shows, Business Savvy columnist Marlene Richey's packing checklist is a must have. Subscribers can download the free PDF, which is an excerpt from Marlene's award-winning book, Profiting by Design: A Jewelry Maker's Guide to Business Success, available from MJSA Press.

Enamel-lovers will be happy to know that we've now posted videos on four methods for doing sgraffito enameling. For a great sgraffito project, check out "Scribble into Enamels — Sgraffito Revealed" from our July 2009 issue. Also, don't forget to check out our new video on using a tumbler to polish metal.

Did you know that you can always check out our "What's New?" box on the Art Jewelry homepage to see the latest content we've added? Even if the home page isn't the first place you visit on our Web site, make sure to check back there so you don't miss any of the great extras we add regularly. And speaking of great extras that we add regularly, be sure to watch for "Tour the Art Jewelry Web site" in our November 2009 issue. We'll show you how to navigate the site so you get the maximum benefit out of being a registered user and/or subscriber.

Enjoy!

—Kristin

Free Metals Project Article: "All About Gravers." Plus a sneak peek at the product reviews (pliers and more pliers!) and shopping list for the September 2009 issue of Art Jewelry magazine

Kristin Sutter — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:02:00 GMT

In the wake of the Bead&Button show, the Art Jewelry offices have been slightly manic. (Yes, we still feel aftershocks more than a month later!) The last day of the show dropped us right in the middle of crunch time to get the September 2009 issue to the press. All creative maneuvering aside, we're really happy with how it turned out! Click here for a preview of the September 2009 issue of Art Jewelry -- you'll be finding it in your mailboxes and on newsstands in just a few short weeks!

If you like to make sure your studio is stocked before your issue arrives so you can start in on the projects right away, click here to download a free PDF of Art Jewelry's September 2009 Shopping list. The list includes all the materials, tools, and supplies you'll need, plus a listing of suppliers that you can get the goods from.

For subscribers, the sneak peek is a bit more Technicolor: check out the results of Editor Hazel Wheaton's hands-on test of two kinds of pliers: Davidchain's mandrel-tip pliers (chain mail artist Scott David Plumlee collaborated with Swanstrom Tools to develop these) and Professional Precision Tools pliers (they come in a set of five).

And now, on to the free project! If you've ever wanted to try engraving, you have about 10 days to click here to get a free downloadable PDF of "All About Gravers" by Associate Editor Addie Kidd. Addie's article starts with the very basics: how to buy, size, and shape your own customized engraving tool. (We originally published the article in the September 2008 issue of Art Jewelry to complement Jessica Dow and Mark Anderson's metals project, "Try Your Hand at Engraving.") For a limited time, we're offering the PDF of Addie's graver article free; but on July 24, 2009, it will go on sale along with all the other projects from the September 2008 issue. After July 24th, look here to buy individual downloadable PDFs of the projects from the September 2008 issue of Art Jewelry.

Have fun checking out our newest online perks!

—Kristin

On the road in Montana — jewelry at the Museum of the Plains Indians

Hazel Wheaton — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:39:00 GMT

I just got back to the Art Jewelry offices after spending a week in Western Montana — a place that I'm convinced is the most beautiful landscape on Earth. (I'm sure there are other regions that might also plausibly lay claim to the title, and all I can say is, I'd really enjoy doing the footwork to determine the winner!)

One of the places we stopped on our road trip was the Museum of the Plains Indians in Browning. The building is modest and unprepossessing, but contains a fascinating collection of artifacts and artwork extending back two centuries from the Blackfeet, Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Sioux, Assiniboine, Arapaho, Shoshone, Nez Perce, Flathead, Chippewa, and Cree peoples. The samples of different types of beadwork were simply stunning. Among the jewelry, however, the necklace made of a complete set of grizzly bear claws made the greatest impression on me. Imagining the animal who once possessed those daggers... it was no wonder that the necklace would be a trophy to be worn proudly, a visual reminder of a hunter's skill and courage.

On our way out, we stopped in the museum store, which offers current work by contemporary Native American artisans. I bought a piece of jewelry, of course — a lovely pair of brightly colored hoop earrings. The maker had split and dyed porcupine quills, then wrapped them around a wooden armature; a modern variation on the traditional porcupine-quill jewelry and adorned clothing seen in the museum displays. The result is an eye-catching splash of color with practically no weight at all.

Jennifer Kahn's Etsy video

Jill Erickson — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:31:00 GMT

Jennifer Kahn is a young, accomplished jewelry maker who works in traditional metals and metal clay. When Hazel found a snazzy video that Jennifer made, I just had to call dibs on it for blogging! Check out Jennifer's fast-paced, syncopated Etsy video that features the creation of a metal clay pendant.

For a slower paced video on how to use a handheld butane torch, go to the Art Jewelry magazine video demos!

Have a great week. Cheers, Jill :)

Enamel jewelry by Jamie Bennett at the Racine Art Museum

Jill Erickson — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:31:00 GMT

Has the sgraffito bracelet project in the July issue of Art Jewelry magazine piqued your interest in enamel? It's got some of AJ's forum participants talking about this colorful medium.

Currently, the Racine Art Museum in Wisconsin is featuring a retrospective exhibit of enamel jewelry by artist Jamie Bennett. Bennett is an internationally acclaimed artist and innovator in the world of contemporary jewelry and enamel. The exhibit, which runs until September 6, 2009, has an accompanying show catalog. So, even if you can't make it to the museum, you can check out Bennett's explorations with paint, pencil, and enamel by ordering a catalog from the museum gift shop.

Let us know what other types of enamel techniques you'd like to learn. Cheers ~ Jill

Show-and-Tell Treasures from the 2009 Bead&Button Show

Jill Erickson — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:46:00 GMT

Yes, we're all back in the office now, cranking away on the September issue of AJ (and even getting to work on the November issue!). Our week of B&B Show excitement is behind us. Now we've got treasures on our desks that tempt us to find time to work in the studio.

It's tough to keep to your budget when you roam the B&B exhibit show floor. Every aisle is dazzling, every booth beckons. Although I stuck to the short list of tools I planned to purchase, I did splurge on artist-made components and a few antique goodies. All in that spirit of stimulating the economy, of course. ;)

Here are a few show-and-tell photos:

One-of-a-kind items from Gary B. Wilson, my go-to lapidary-dude for all things fossilized and repurposed.

Spectacular Raku beads and a funky "eye" from Lisa Peters. I adore her experimental spirit with ceramic glazes.

Sterling silver lost-wax cast ornamental skulls by Anne Choi.

Antique typewriter keys from Bronwen Heilman, aka "Ghost Cow Glassworks," and antique horseshoe-shaped findings from Bead Paradise.

Thanks for indulging my tendency to show off my B&B show finds. Let us know if you were able to make it to the show and what kinds of treasures you found! Cheers, Jill ;)