Art Jewelry magazine Editors' Blog : bloggers

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]

April 24 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:40:00 GMT

Check out the Jewelry Gems of the Web this week over on BeadAndButton.com.

April 20th Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:30:00 GMT

Check out the links from my creative pals!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off a new necklace design inspired by Sir Thomas Wyatt's poem "Whoso List to Hunt"

Candie Cooper
Mother's Day is coming fast! Do you need a project idea? Candie and Katie have just the thing!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi creates a punched fiber collage necklace.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Taking advantage of Artbeads.com's free shipping and fast, friendly service, Andrew attempts to capture the beauty of a Lord Byron poem with the new Crystallized - Swarovski Element Disk Pendants in his new necklace design, "Cloudless Climes".

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Marketing Monday: It's all about word of mouth

About.com Jewelry Making
Puzzle piece jewelry is perfect to make during the month of April since it happens to be autism awareness month. Here are a few projects to help you make your own puzzle piece jewelry.

Art Bead Scene
Worried about the economy? Take care of your bead business with these tips.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews an excellent wire wrapping book, Beautiful Wire Jewelry for Beaders, by Irina Miech

Jewelry & Beading
Make a fiber and wire necklace that will slide right on with no clasp!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Spring is here and Melanie announces a big springtime sale on her website, going on from now until Earth Day.

Art Jewelry magazine
Demos and more planned for the Bead&Button Show 2009

Jewelry Gems of the Web for April 10

Linda Augsburg — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:58:00 GMT

Check out the latest Jewelry Gems of the Web!

March 27 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:12:00 GMT

On time and on track! A little change this week in the Jewelry Gems of the Web. You won't notice it, because all the links are posted this week on the Art Jewelry site. But in coming weeks, I will post them on the other jewelry sites here--namely BeadStyleMag.com and Bead&Button.com as well as this site. No worries though--I'll let you know where they're posted each week with a little announcement and link on each of the three jewelry magazine Web sites.

But for this week, it's ArtJewelryMag.com's turn. And what's the crew up to these days? Let's see!

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Jennifer invites you to attend her Creative Celebration.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie finds inspiration, right at her front door!

Jewelry & Beading
Thanks to some inspiration from beadmaker Melanie Brooks, Cyndi has an article in a jewelry magazine!

About.com Jewelry Making
What sparks your creativity? Take the lastest poll, just takes 1 minute or less!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Inspired by Spring, Andre compiles a shopping guide for egg-themed beads and components.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi experiments with UV resin!

Katie's Beading Blog
Check Out Katie's Fabulous Beaded Fruit!

Art Bead Scene
Needing more inspiration for this month's challenge? Here are a few ideas for you!

Strands of Beads
Melissa discusses the usefulness of the preliminary sketch in her design process

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean designs a colorful parrot necklace with a treasure of an exquisite, hand painted Russian art bead

Art Jewelry magazine
The Bead&Button Show is featured in USA Today!

March 20 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:20:00 GMT

It's Friday!! And my post for Jewelry Gems of the Web is going up. I know, some of you might be surprised that I'm posting this on Friday, but I am thrilled that I am getting in posted so early Friday, as it gives all of you readers the chance to check out the links this weekend. And though it's officially Spring, not everyone is anticipating springlike weather, so you'll surely have the time to click around this weekend.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Finding inspiration in an unlikely place, Andrew creates a necklace based on a Jell-o dessert.

Strands of Beads
Melissa discusses shopping opportunities for unusual stone-wrapped chain

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Come read Jean's review of this super new book by Kim Gover: Designing Jewelry with semiprecious beads!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie ponders the beauty and symbolism of butterflies and lets herself fly free with a new pendant.

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Katie Hacker designed a fabulous necklace using some of Jennifer's pinwheel beads.

Jewelry & Beading
We've been concentrating on organic materials for jewelry making this month, and Cyndi has rounded up a few of her projects that fall into that category!

About.com Jewelry Making
Jewelry and taxes, ick! But maybe these tips will help you navigate through this beader's nightmare.

Art Bead Scene
We all need a little bit more organization. Here's a nifty organizer for your tools.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe talks about her love of Egyptian Jewelry

Carmi's Art/Life
Carmi prints her favorite images onto cotton to create a new fiber necklace.

Bead&Button magazine
Lesley shares tips on getting organized from her and the staff

March 13-16 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:20:00 GMT

Okay, this is getting ridiculous. I know, it's my third week of posting after the weekend and not before. I won't even make an excuse, just a promise to aim for Friday this week. Meanwhile, everyone else has been working on projects and creating up a storm, so check out their great blog posts.

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off her stash - a selection of beautiful clasps from Green Girl Studios

Jewelry & Beading
Seed bead artist Beverly Ash Gilbert shares her amazing creations

Katie's Beading Blog
The Bead&Button Show will be here before we know it! Be sure to sign up today!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean is delighted to receive a surprise from Lisa Kan...what could it be?

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi turns a gift of hand felted beads into some lovely new rings! Perfect for spring.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie ponders her passion for porcelain, inspired by a brass embraced pendant she created

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Jennifer has announces the official rules of the Creative Celebration, check it out.

About.com Jewelry Making
New Lucky Earrings Project - Hot off the jewelry press table, here's a new earring project just in time for St. Patrick's Day

Art Bead Scene
It's March and the snow is beginning to thaw. Color comes alive in Red Fish for this month's challenge.

BeadStyle magazine
Jane talks about her admiration for Brenda Schweder and her work

Late again...March 6 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:16:00 GMT

I was absolutely unplugged this weekend. Though I brought my laptop along on my trip to visit family and friends and take a quilt class, I never even took it out of its case. I had a terribly creative and marvelous weekend, but taking Friday the 6th off for a class meant that Monday had its share of back-to-work-catch-up nuttiness. So now it's Tuesday and I'm posting my Gems for the week. But post I will, and here's hoping that my March 13th Gems are on time this Friday.

About.com Jewelry Making
Resin Bead Experimentation! Tammy has been a mad jewelry scientist lately.

Art Bead Scene
Are you a new jewelry designer looking for a way to finance your budding jewelry business? There are lots of options out there even in a poor economy. Why not apply for a grant?

Barbe Saint John - New Treasures from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe reviews Amy Hanna's Rejuvenated Jewels book

Candie Cooper
Candie's back with some beading adventures...check out some earrings she made with her editor!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi shows off her ceramic bezel!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shows how she made a quick and elegant Victorian inspired collar using a thrift store belt, some lace, and a hot glue gun

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Jennifer shares some tips for photographing jewelry.

Jewelry & Beading
All this month, Cyndi will be featuring jewelry designers who work with organic materials!

Snap out of it , Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean thinks Barb Switzer's new book looks extremely cool!

Strands of Beads
Melissa finds unusual beady shopping opportunities at museums

Bead&Button magazine
Anna offers some bead graphing information and some links to useful tools

A belated February 27 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:44:00 GMT

It's amazing how it works sometimes. Passwords and shortcuts don't just magically transfer themselves from the old computer to the new one and I haven't yet taken the time to actually make it happen manually, so thanks for your patience with my Jewelry Gems of the Web post. Sometimes when you don't get things done on Friday afternoon, they don't happen until Monday morning.

But enough about me. Let's talk a little about my friends. You've been getting to know them lo these last many months, and here they are, back with more to share.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Adding pearls and wire to a cable necklace creates a cool, architectural choker perfect for showcasing an artisan pendant

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew compiles a shopping guide of 16 eye-inspired jewelry components and finished pieces.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi finds a home for her big resin bead/bauble.

Strands of Beads
Melissa ponders what to do when you fall into a creative slump

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Marketing Monday--Don't blame the economy.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean travels down under and shows you the elegantly glossy jewelry magazine she writes a column for!

Art Bead Scene
A visit to Studio Saturday. Colorful sculptural beads take wing on a beadmaker's workbench!

Katie's Beading Blog
Another exciting free project from Bead & Wire Jewelry Exposed, plus, a jewelry giveaway!

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy has discovered a new product for creating resin jewelry - Ferido ! It's a two part epoxy you can mold and even insert sparklies into.

Jewelry & Beading
Paul Bishop shares his wirewrapping skills in a fabulous tutorial!

Art Jewelry magazine
Art Jewelry now offers free desktop wallpaper--don't miss it!

February 20 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:00:00 GMT

We're expecting a big snowfall this weekend, which is actually fine by me. Not that I'm not getting tired of winter, but I've got a lot of stuff to do at home, so being snowed in isn't so bad. Aside from creative endeavors and general housekeeping (real and figurative), I'm going to set up my new computer this weekend. And one of the first things I'll be doing is bookmarking links to some of my favorite blogs. You better believe the folks below will be added right away.

About.com Jewelry Making
It's party time! Mix it up with your own beaded cocktail! Tammy shows you how and what to do with the mess afterwards.

Art Bead Scene
It's cold outside! Get a clasp on things.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe reviews the fiber jewelry book Elements of Style

BeadStyleMag.com
Tips on submitting your work to BeadStyle magazine (and click the following titles for Bead&Button and Art Jewelry's submission guildelines).

Carmi's Art/Life
Carmi "repurposes" a belt into a new necklace.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie's finishes her Alchemical Glove costume project: an intricately articulated metal glove constructed of brass filigree and jump rings.

Jewelry & Beading
Combine wirework and embroidery with stringing to make a beautiful one-of-a-kind necklace.

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off an unusual stash acquisition - mammoth bone beads

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew shares six new earring designs, utilizing some of his favorite artisan made components.

February 13 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:36:00 GMT

Are any of you superstitious? I only ask because I'm writing this on Friday the 13th. I've got my own good and bad connections to Friday the 13th, but I don't think of myself as a superstitious, except for my occasional "knock wood" reference. (Or as others say, "touch wood.") Nevertheless, I read somewhere that some people don't like to start a new project on Friday the 13th. If that's you, I hope you have something creative already started so you don't lose creative time! And speaking of creative time, my creative friends are working feverishly to get you going. Check it out.

Jewelry & Beading
Using a bead frame, you can create a special necklace.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
On the heels of a trip to Tucson, Andrew shares a glimpse inside the annual Swarovski Party.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie is touched by the golden fingertips of creativity, in part two of her earworm inspiration journey

About.com Jewelry Making
Is Etsy passe' for jewelry designers? Is it time to move on? Google seems to think so.

Strands of Beads
Melissa ponders how the jewelry of one's youth informs a designer's style

Carmi's Art Life World
Carmi recreates a vintage embroidered brooch using hand sewn linens.

Art Bead Scene
A kiss inspires the ABS monthly challenge.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
The amazing Margot Potter is coming out with a new book, Beyond the Bead, by Margot Potter--next week! Read all about it, here!

Katie's Beading Blog
Katie's spreading the beady love with free shipping and a CRYSTALLIZED� jet twist pendant with your purchase of the new book, Bead & Wire Jewelry Exposed, from her website. Offer ends Thursday, Feb. 19th.

BeadStyleMag.com
A great new way to share our free earring project e-newsletters with your friends.

February 6 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:52:00 GMT

Is it Friday already? Where HAS this week gone? I guess traveling will do that to a girl. And though the weather here in Milwaukee isn't quite the same as what I had in Anaheim, Long Beach, and Phoenix, we're supposed to warm up to a seldom-seen-in-February-in-Wisconsin 50 degrees Saturday. I imagine the national news outlets will be talking about Milwaukeean's showing off legs that haven't seen the light of day for months. But those won't be my sun-starved limbs, for I'll be heading to the Flatland (Illinois) for some friend and family time. But before I go, let's catch up with my gems.

In jewelry creations this week:

Strands of Beads
Melissa is inspired by dream catchers to create a spring necklace

Carmi's Art/Life Blog
Carmi creates a brooch using old fashioned rug hooking techniques.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Inspiration comes to Melanie in an unusual form... an earworm and musical artist that she dislikes.

Jewelry & Beading
Seed bead mania hits Jewelry&Beading. Wanna play?

Art Bead Scene
It's cold outside. An art button succeeds as the finishing touch on a handmade neck warmer.

In business and creative ventures:

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean is honored to have her jewelry design book, Links, by Jean Yates, get a jolly good review by a really cool beading magazine over in Great Britain!

About.com Jewelry Making
Valentine's Day is a big jewelry day, or is it? For those who sell jewelry, you may find this poll interesting.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Need to get your jewelry business office skills up to date? Check out this source.

Bead&Button magazine
A new design resource for beaders--check it out!

Do you have favorite jewelry or beading blogs that you follow? If so, leave a link to it in the comments below and I'll include one of the nominees in a future Gems blog here.

January 29 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:21:00 GMT

What a crazy week. Between the CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) trade show, catching up with my pal Vickie, and looking forward to some time with my sister, I've had a lot of fun. In addition to seeing friends at CHA, I also saw some cool new products. From Judikins, new shapes for pendants and a new product not yet on the market to work with them--a UV-activated glaze, so look for that soon. From Blue Moon Beads, some great new lines, including one that's coming soon--Noir (see photo).

Meanwhile, my Web Gems pals are busy too. So let's check in.

About.com Jewelry Making
Check out our Show & Tell forum folder some amazing jewelry eye candy.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Amidst the preparations for the Tucson shows, Andrew whipped a cute Baby Bird Necklace with a new Green Girl Studios fine pewter piece.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean was interviewed by the fabulous and brilliant Barb Switzer! What an honor!

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Jennifer highlights a few posts to help with your jewelry business.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi wishes she was going to the prom with her "Urban Corsage" project.

Jewelry & Beading
How about improving your design skills in 2009?

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe reviews The Fabulous Fabric Beads book

Katie's Beading Blog
Katie shares more DIY tips for stylish and fun beading. Check it out!

Art Bead Scene
Take a risk in your jewelry design. Why a risky color choice works.

BeadStyle magazine
Erin posted some great new stuff to tie in with the March 2009 issue of BeadStyle magazine

January 18 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 01:50:00 GMT

It's warming up around here weatherwise. And it sure was warm on Tuesday when the Bead&Button Show class registration opened and all of you jewelry makers around the globe signed up for classes of all skill levels and interest areas. If you haven't registered yet, check out the classes and events. And trust me when I say, May and June in Milwaukee can't be beat! Speaking of the Bead&Button Show, Ann Dee Allen, editor of Bead&Button Magazine, invites beaders to enter the Bead Dreams competition.

Meanwhile, my jewelrymaking buddies have been keeping busy. Here's what they've been up to.

About.com Jewelry Making
Jazz up a necklace with a unique focal point or add it to a simple chain for an instant necklace. Pendants have lots of possibilities, and Tammy has some projects to get you started making them.

Art Bead Scene
Do you have a book inside you but not sure you could work with an editor? Consider self publishing. Take a look at the lovely results from one beadmaker who did!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe reviews Junk to Jewelry & Vintage Redux books

Carmi's Art/Life
Carmi stuffs some yo yos to make a fabulously light necklace!

Carter Seibels for Divali Glass Jewelry
Carter looks back at Divali Glass Jewelry designs come and gone, and sees the similarities in her creative style over time.

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Jennifer shows off what's new for Valentine's Day at Jangles.

Jewelry & Beading
Stamping and beads? The best of both worlds!

Katie's Beading Blog
Beads, Baubles & Jewels is back for its fifth year. This week Katie shares what's coming up in the new season. Check it out!

Strands of Beads
Give your found-object jewelry a new twist by using cute Japanese trinkets.

January 11 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:54:00 GMT

Sorry for the delay in posting--I've been under the weather, probably due to the weather, this weekend. I walked home from the car repair place on Saturday morning and then spent two hours shoveling the drive and sidewalk, and I think the exposure to the cold acted as an invitation for some little germ that was lurking inside me to attack. And the 14 hours of sleep last night didn't kick it out, so I'm still laying low. But I didn't want to let the chance to share this week's links pass by, so here they are.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Book Review from Jean: Add some sparkle to your New Year with Crystal Chic, a super pretty book by Debbi Simon

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi is hosting an educational blitz this month, and she's wondering if you know of classes she should add to the list.

Calling All Students!
The Impatient Crafter Margot Potter is teaching two sensational classes at CHA and the Tucson Gem show. Here's the 411!

Art Jewelry magazine
Jill's teaching at a retreat; check out the information.

About.com Jewelry Making
Since many of us are trying to get our jewelry studios organized this year, Tammy collected some excellent ideas to help out jewelry designers and crafters of all kinds.

Strands of Beads
Looking for new shopping opportunities? Melissa suggests visiting your local rock shop!

Carter Seibels for Divali Glass Jewelry
Carter looks forward to the exciting year ahead and shares some photos from her time away from beads.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew creates a buying guide of skull related beads and pendants.

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene's January Challenge is Inspired by Irises. Enter a piece of jewelry and win free beads.

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Gather some New Years inspiration from the Jangles Blog.

Carmi's Canvas Flower Bracelet
Carmi has a short demo using the new Sticky Back canvas.