November 2005 Archives
People seem to struggle with wire-wrapped loops, so I thought I'd poke around the net a bit and see if I could find some good instructions. Neither of these are exactly how I do it, but The Bead Shop and WigJig both have good pictures and lots of description.
And incidentally, the wire-wrapped loop instructions on this project at HGTV aren't too hot, but the project idea is great! I have some nice long fancy-tipped head pins that would probably work well for this....
I've been intrigued for a while by the chandelier earring parts in Rishashay's magazine ads, so I finally took some time to browse their on-line catalog. It's a tad cumbersome, navigation-wise, but the pictures are clear (and the "click for bigger" actually goes to a bigger picture instead of one the same size in a new window--personal pet peeve!) and they do have some really cool-looking stuff.
Having just had my ears re-pierced, I'm looking forward to sampling the world of earrings again, and I think this might be a place to start :-)
Surfing around today I found this cute pocket watch (and she sold it already--go Hill Wench!) which reminded me of a trinket I saw in a recent Chico's catalog:
(I couldn't find the item on the Chico's website so I went ahead and scanned the catalog page....)
The MO would no doubt roll his eyes heavenward, but I think a pocket decoration (the chain, not the rivets in the fabric, in this case--although I guess they're okay, but maybe not together) is a super idea. The more beads the merrier! Plus it prob'ly jingles when you walk :-)
Ornament seems to have tracked me down (previous name, current address).... I just received a copy of the latest issue with a subscription offer. I may re-subscribe. I enjoyed it for years, but it seemed to sort of go off into "Capital A Artist" la-la land1 and I let my subscription lapse. The magazine store that I frequent here in town doesn't carry it, so it has been a while since I've read an issue. I'll see how it goes, and maybe give myself a Christmas present :-) Artsy-fartsy artist statements or not, you really can't beat the photography, and I actually really like the fiber stuff. You don't seem to get that anywhere else.
1This is subjective opinion, of course. I want to know how people make stuff. Not because I have any intention of replicating the process (lack of expertise, tools, time and determination all factor in here), but because I think it is the process that is interesting. Generally speaking, I find the "I get my inspiration from the wind" type statements to be (a) baloney and (b) boring. YMMV.
Diane is going to be in Florida in December and January!
Diane Fitzgerald is a warm and wonderful lady. Both of the Magpies have had the chance to take several classes from her over the years. She has a great eye for color, comes up with wondrous designs, and writes instructions that actually make sense!
Her website provides a nice overview of her work (see the Bead Art and Instructions sections) and you can even find some freebie instructions in the Articles section. If you ever have a chance to take a class with Diane, I enthusiastically recommend the experience. I also suggest buying one of her kits to go with the class. The quality won't disappoint and as I mentioned, her color selections are gorgeous. You really can't go wrong....
The Magpie happily introduced an unsuspecting neighbor to the addictive beauty of beads! Peggy made a great Pisces necklace for a son's girlfriend. She took to wire-wrapping right away--look at those dangles, and she made ear-rings, too.
Marianne conquered the crimp and made two necklaces and a pair of ear-rings.
I extended the Party into Sunday and ended up with six necklaces :-)
It's all about the mimosas, my friends.
