Jean Campbell

New Website!

2011-03-07T06:19:00.000-06:00

Wondering where I've been these last several months? Look no further. Just go to www.jeancampbellink.com. There you'll find my nifty new site that includes my new blog, which I promise won't be neglected for so long...

Beadbloggers Sunday

2010-06-13T11:26:00.000-05:00

Just back from Milwaukee. I don't teach at the Bead & Button show, I visit. Visit all those wonderful people I talk with on the phone and via email all year long, but don't get to actually see. It turns into a big whirlwind love fest that feeds my heart until we all see each other again in Tucson in February.

This year I made the car ride with my childhood buddy, Heidi. We stopped in Madison to visit another sandbox buddy, Disey. There's really nothing better than having longtime girlfriends who remember your Dorothy Hamill haircut, buck teeth, and big comb. Even though years have passed, sometimes with long stretches between where we haven't been in contact, these are the people who know me down to my core.

I have dozens of photos from the show, which I'll share in another post. For now I need to pack! I'm heading to Denver in the morning to teach lots of classes for the Rocky Mountain Bead Society.

In the meantime, check out all the wonderful happenings my beading buddies have been involved with:

A Bead A Day
Do you have crafting or beading get togethers with friends and family? Lisa shares the anticipation of "Craft Night"!

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy is proud to announce some of her jewelry designs were recently published in BeadStyle magazine.

Art Bead Scene
Join the Art Bead Scene Carnival Bloggers as they pay tribute to Bead and Button by creating a statement necklace.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Look at all the fun I have have playing with fire.

Beading Arts
Shhh...don't tell Cyndi's Mom! Cyndi made her a necklace from some wonderful lampwork beads from Artbeads.com!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi recycles a beautiful tea box to create this necklace..

Cindy Gimbrone, the Lampwork Diva
The Empress models a statement.

Jean Campbell
Check out Black Crow's Gothic Contest winners...fantastic!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei started up a new website, and would love to hear your input on it!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Lydia Muell's mesmerizing art beads and her free giveaway this week!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off her entry that won the Grand Prize Gold Medal in the 2010 Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Metal Clay, Metal Beads, Wirework and Chain Jewelry-Making Contest

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew hosts the BIGGEST prize in Thursday Giveaway history ever! Find out how you can win a set of beautiful lampwork glass beads by Barbara "Basha"!

Gothic Contest

2010-06-11T06:43:00.000-05:00

A while back Netherlander Black Crow asked if I'd contribute a book for her upcoming contest. I was happy to help out. What I didn't know was how wonderful the entries to her contest would be! Click here to see all kinds of great Gothic-themed jewelry. Here are a couple of my favorites:

It's always a challenge to make good-looking jewelry, but when your natural palette is black, it's an extra challenge.

Throw an edgy Goth theme on top and you've got a pretty big mountain to climb. Nice work, contestants!

Beadblogger Sunday

2010-06-06T10:11:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for my big trip to Denver, where I'll be teaching 5 classes AND giving a lecture on Steampunk for the Rocky Mountain Bead Society. My son and I are driving to Colorado for the trip...I'm very excited!

I'll be teaching Uncle Julie's Cuff on Sunday, June 20 for the Rocky Mountain Bead Society. Classes will be held at TACtile in Denver, Colorado.

I've been preparing for the trip by putting together kits. Lots and lots of kits. Hundreds, in fact. It's a funny business, kit-making. It takes a long time, lots of patience, and there's always something you've missed....the printer goes dead mid-stream....you realize you've just filled 20 bags with 2 grams of gold seed beads instead of the necessary 5 grams....things like that. There can be lots of cussing for such a sedentary activity.

Movies always help. This weekend I watched Zombieland (gross, but quite funny) and Paris, Texas (moody and sad, but riveting right down to the core). Terminator 2 (seen it so many times I didn't even have to look up) and Monster-in-Law (JLo and Jane Fonda--horrible) were on the boob tube. You know, kit-making is truly the only time I sit on the couch and watch television. Maybe it's good for me?

And here's what's good for you: A list of what my beading pals have been up to this week.

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy is getting back to the basics, starting with jewelry making tools. What is your must have tool?

Art Bead Scene
Gearing up for that big bead show coming up? ABS has the top ten tips for your bead buying trip!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe is having a "City of Love" giveaway!!!

Beading Arts
Chapter two of Cyndi's e-book is available for download! "Altered Surfaces" begins the exploration of the exchange between mixed media and bead embroidery!

Carmi's Art/Life World
A handmade bezel results in a new necklace for Carmi called FAITHFUL.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
A set of smokey quartz beads inspires a new necklace.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie celebrates her 1000th blog post with Ten Days of Giveaways!

Jean Campbell
Jean reviews Nathalie Mornu's Leather Jewelry, a bang-up book.

Katie's Beading Blog
Get the 411 about BeadStyle's gorgeous All Star Issue!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei has been answer some of her reader's questions from a previous giveaway post. Read up on what everyone wants to know!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean is thrilled to be in BeadStyle magazine's July All Star issue, with pals Tammy Powley, Heather Powers, and Katie Hacker who made the cover so beautiful! Come and see!

Strands of Beads
It's Melissa's turn to review Kate McKinnon's fabulous Sculptural Metal Clay

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
The prize for this week's Thursday Giveaway comes courtesy of Green Girl Studios! Find out how you can get one of these fine pewter beauties!

missficklemedia.com
The Staples of Jewelry Making

Wikio June Rankings

2010-06-04T08:52:00.001-05:00

I thought this was kind of interesting. The folks at Wikio (a news-search engine) approached me about giving my readers a sneak peek of their June rankings in the Jewelry Making category.

And whaddaya know? I made the list! (Twice, kinda, if you count my involvement in Beading Daily....)

1	Art Bead Scene Blog
2	Andrew Thornton
3	Lampwork Diva aka Cindy Gimbrone
4	Margot Potter The Impatient Crafter
5	Earthenwood Studio Bead Blog
6	Lorelei's Blog
7	Carmi's Art/Life World
8	Rings & Things Hot New Items
9	Melissa J. Lee
10	About.com Jewelry Making
11	A Bead A Day
12	Jean Campbell
13	Humblebeads Blog
14	LLYYNN
15	Jennifer Jangles Blog
16	Beading Daily
17	hint
18	Pretty Things
19	Beads of Clay Blog
20	MadDesigns

Ranking made by Wikio

I never know if these things are just stacked popularity contests or what, but I'll go with it for now until someone tells me otherwise.

Leather Jewelry

2010-06-04T08:18:00.001-05:00

Look what I received in the mail the other day, complete with a big chunk of leather to play with!

Leather Jewelry is a great book put together by my lovely colleague, Nathalie Mornu. It features 16 different designers who've contributed 30 different projects. The photography is chic, showing beautiful models wearing the projects...You know, I realize that I really appreciate seeing some skin in jewelry books. It's nice to be able to see what pieces look like ON, and for the projects in this book, which are more on the avant garde side, it's especially important.

Leather, like metal, has enjoyed a resurgence these days....at least it has in my studio. Steampunk has been the impetus for me to get to working with leather again, but the projects in this book are beyond such thematic genres. These projects are most definitely contemporary, pushing the notions of modern jewelry design to new levels, mixing leather with other media like chain, feathers, gems, wire, and inks. It's quite exciting, actually!

The book is rounded out by a great Basics section where we learn how to set all kinds of different snaps, eyelets, and rivets, as well as a good how-to on punching and pounding leather. The project instructions are clear throughout, and the delicious gallery will inspire you to cut up your old purses and get to work. Highly recommended!

Beadblogger Sunday

2010-05-30T23:59:00.002-05:00

I found myself home alone this weekend, so after teaching two really fun classes for the UMBS on Saturday, I took advantage of my solace and went into full-on deep-clean mode.

You know, I've moved around a lot in my lifetime, but have been planted in this house for about 9 years now. When we moved in we didn't have enough junk to put into all closets. Now it's like a Fred Flintstone-style nightmare every time I open a closet door, complete with boulder bowling ball hitting the head and pterodactyls flying around the growing bump.

My biggest hoarding item, I've found, is printed matter. If I like anything printed, I seem to keep it. For years. For example, check out these paper doll clothes I guess I've hung onto since 1969. I found them in a sealed brown envelope. There was no doll left--just these sassy outfits, but who cares? These clothes are straight out of an Austin Powers movie and I love them. (I must love them...I've moved to St. Louis, 3 homes in Minnesota, 3 homes in Los Angeles, and 2 homes in Colorado...sheesh!)

You know what else I seem to keep? Letters. Dozens and dozens of them. And not just love letters from old boyfriends (you CAN'T throw those away, right? ). I seem to have kept every letter from my mom as well as from my first grade teacher. Hmmm. Seriously starting to wonder if I have an issue? Could quite well be.

The happy thing is that I completely cleared out 5 closets and a store room in the last 24 hours. Both the recycling bin and the garbage can are full. So, if I have a hoarding issue, I've just wiped the slate clean. And you can call me by my superhero name: The White Tornado...

(Thank you, f5hunter.com for letting me swipe this photo you took of a nice funnel in Sleepy Eye, MN.)

Want to know what my beading buddies have been up to this week? Read on, dear reader, read on...

A Bead A Day
Looking to make some super-sized jewelry just perfect for a princess? Lisa uses large blueberry briolettes and a swarovski mix to create just that!

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy ask in this quick poll about how you use social networking to promote you and/or your jewelry business.

Art Bead Scene
ABS is here to help you with your business. Check out Zazzle to customize your earring cards for your jewelry business.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Book Review: Wrap, Stitch, Fold and Rivet

Beading Arts
How many people out there are participating in the Bead Journal Project this year?

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi's button maker is the reason for this new vintage image necklace.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
This week's Wednesday Wire is a free tutorial, "Matchin' by Wrappin'."

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Learn about the Raku firing process and see the results of Melanie's new Raku adventures!

Humblebeads
Heather shares some time management tips for creatives.

Jean Campbell
Jean reviews Kate McKinnon's wonderful new addition, Sculptural Metal Clay.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Bead storage has been a question amongst my fellow beady peers, and so I thought I would share a link to how I utilize my bead storage.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean is delighted to review Totally Twisted by Kerry Bogert! You will LOVE this book which focuses on wire and art beads!

Strands of Beads
Melissa discusses the process of reworking a weak necklace design - the revised version of which now appears on the cover of The Best of Step by Step Beads.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Like Czech glass? Andrew hosts a giveaway courtesy of Raven's Journey. Find out how you can win these luminous beads!

Visit with Annie

2010-05-27T05:54:00.002-05:00

I took off a couple hours yesterday to go visit my friend, Annie Singer.

Annie is one of those consummate artists. Whatever she envisions, she figures out how to make it and then goes for it. She's an accomplished illustrator, jeweler, and now is making some pretty killer assemblage pieces. Annie's recently brought part of her studio up into the garage so she can spread out, hammer, drill, and generally make a mess. I had so much fun poking around in her boxes of stuff.

I was amazed at her level of organization..I mean, I have stuff like this all over the house, but it's not together in their own boxes, you know?

It was really an inspiration, not only to get back into doing this type of work (which is kind of where I started?), but also to organize all my junk.

Sculptural Metal Clay

2010-05-26T09:02:00.001-05:00

Have you seen Kate McKinnon's latest book, Sculptural Metal Clay?

You know...whether you're a metal clay aficionado or not, this one's worth picking up, if only for Kate's extraordinarily inspirational pieces. I was lucky enough to edit this book, so was able to fondle the real pieces as I was editing. I'm not usually one to gush, but trust me...these are fantastic pieces. Kate is, quite possibly, the best jewelry engineer I have ever met. Her work is not only structurally sound--built to last and comfortable--but it has just that right edgy *snap!* to make it truly artful.

Take, for example, my favorite piece from the book, the Skyscraper Ring.

This image, which I pulled from the gallery on Kate's site, contains rings that are similar, but not exactly the same as the ring I'm talking about...when you pick up the book you'll see the real deal.

This seemingly unwearable ring is actually quite comfortable to wear. The way Kate worked as an architect to not only construct the lovely building, but also to integrate the building's base into the body of the ring so that the shape prevents the building from teetering back and forth is sheer genius. Bravo, Ms. Kate!

The beauty of this book is that Kate shares, in great detail, how she constructs all these pieces by starting with several pat "Elements" (a whole section in the book) that she's developed, many combining metal clay with fine silver wire. Her knack for creating simple findings like rings, simple clasps, ring bands, head pins, chain, and more, brings both metal clay and metalsmithing to a new level. Kate considers herself primarily a maker of elements, so this is truly where her creative light shines.

Another fantastic part of this book is Kate's very clear and concise discussion of metal clay and fine silver basics. Not only how to work with them, but also safety concerns, which Kate is quite versed on.

The book wraps up with several very lovely projects that combine the Elements Kate discusses throughout the rest of the book. Again, these are beautifully designed, all very clear, and each is worthy of any fine arts/crafts gallery. There's another bonus in this book, too--a DVD where Kate discusses the finer points of some of the techniques listed within the pages.

So yes, add this one to your collection! And congratulations, Kate, for another great addition to the metal clay/metalsmithing canon.

Beads Gone Wild!

2010-05-24T11:22:00.001-05:00

Spoke to Glenda at Beads Gone Wild in West Palm Beach, Florida this week and we nailed down the classes I'll be teaching November 12 to 14:

Friday it's (what's turned out to be the quite popular) Lilium:

Saturday it's good old Star of India:

And Sunday it's a brand-new design, Marlene:

I'm really excited about teaching at Glenda's shop--she's got a great following and I'll be in the company of an incredible alumni. (And getting out of the Minnesota cold and heading to Florida mid-November won't be such a bad gig, either!)

Beadbloggers Sunday

2010-05-23T23:00:00.005-05:00

I met Annie Singer and her neighbor over at the 331 Club today for the monthly Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School figure drawing extravaganza, and I'll tell you, I haven't had that much fun in months!

Here's the down-low: Dr. Sketchy's started in New York and has branched out throughout the U.S...Basically, this once-a-month or so event combines burlesque, a bar, and sketch pads for a fun day of figure drawing.

Today's event featured Tomahawk Tassels, a beautiful woman in tongue-in-cheek Native American garb. (She did a whole schpiel before she modeled about her choice of costume...she's actually quite savvy and smart--pointed out the irony of it all, etc.)

It was all very kitschy and 40s and whatnot, but the reality is, she was a great model. For me, it was rejuvenating....I haven't done any figure drawing in about 18 years (drawing was my major in art school). Getting out of the suburban bubble and exercising the power of my pencil made me feel great!

I was also pleasantly surprised to find the Northeast Arts District in Minneapolis looking so good. Made me want to pick up and settle in there.

What a fantastic way to exercise my creativity today. My goal now is to find a figure drawing class every week. What is your goal? How do you flex your creative muscle?

Beadblogger Sunday

Want to see how my beading buddies flexed their creative muscles this week? Check it out:

A Bead A Day
Lisa explains her thoughts behind part 1 of a new bracelet project.

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy recently took a trip to the Bahamas and discovered some souvenir pennies in her purse. They were so bright and shiny they had to be turned into jewelry.

Art Bead Scene
It's the fifth month anniversary of the ABS Carnival Blog! Come see how we've grown!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Take a jewelry class with me at CREATE!

Beading Arts
The new Rubber Glass silicone has inspired Cyndi to create some beginner projects!

Carmi's Art/Life World
In an effort to use all that she buys, Carmi repairs and recycles vintage metal from Paris.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy's starting a new feature on her blog - The Wednesday Wire! Come take a look!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
A gift from a local potter starts Melanie on a new clay adventure: Raku!

Humblebeads
Heather explores 23 days of inspiration as she gets ready for the Bead & Button Show. See how Van Gogh has inspired her through the years.

Jean Campbell
Jean's just full of travelogues, isn't she? This time she went to a Kansas bead retreat.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Voting has now opened in the Bead Star competition, come check out my 5 entries!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
The best wedding I never went to! My editor's incredibly romantic wedding -- Australian Beading Magazine

Strands of Beads
Like several of her esteemed colleagues, Melissa has a few pieces in the Bead Star competition to show off this week!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew has six finalists pieces in the Bead Star competition. Please take a moment to vote!

missficklemedia.com
Vote for your Bead Star Favorites!

Kansas!

2010-05-19T10:23:00.000-05:00

Drove to Kansas...

...to spend the weekend at the Bead Society of Greater Kansas City's retreat. Man, do these ladies ROCK! They arrived Friday afternoon and I swear they didn't leave the beading tables much other than to catch a few winks. Intense.

On Friday we did one of my new projects, Zsa Zsa Chain, which I think I need to finesse a little. It's a pretty little chain, but I could see the gray hairs sprouting throughout the room with frustration. Not an easy one! At Susie's suggestion, I'll redo the instructions by numbering all the beads so it'll be easy to see what goes where and when. I usually refrain from this kind of over-explaining, but sometimes I think drastic measures are required.

On Saturday we did both Star of India...

AND Pacifica...

I really don't know how these ladies kept it together. Each of these projects are pretty dang tough. As I often tell people, beadwork is like Sudoku for creative people!

I think there was a lot of caffeine involved, actually...

Thankfully we were in a beautiful setting, out in the country, at a bed and breakfast called The Barn. It was lightly raining all weekend, so we didn't feel the need to be outside.

The food was good and the company was lovely. What a fun bunch of women!

There really isn't anything better than settling down to a table with a bunch of like-minded people for the weekend, no matter what you're doing, don't you agree?

Beadblogger Sunday (+ 1 day!)

2010-05-10T07:55:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was Mother's Day and I spent just about the whole day hanging out with my kids, talking with friends, and just relaxing...away from the office, away from the phone, away from the computer. What a treat!

I hope that all you mothers, no matter who or what you mother, had as wonderful a day...

The downside is that I completely forgot about Beadblogger Sunday! So, for those of you who read my tomes regularly and were having a bit of a letdown because I was a no-show and you need your feeds, here are the top posts from my beady friends in the blogsphere this week. Enjoy!

A Bead A Day

What does swarovski sparkle mean to you? Lisa shares the happy feeling brought on by sparkly stars.

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy has some fun in the sun summer time jewelry tutorials for you, including a cute turtle charm necklace.

Art Bead Scene
Free Project Alert! ABS has a new necklace project for free on their website!

Beading Arts
Cyndi has launched the first installment of her brand new e-book on bead embroidery...and it's free! Hurry over for your copy!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi finds a way to incorporate vintage turtle beads into a necklace.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy works through her to-do list and lists a new set of glass birdhouse beads.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
A song about hammers, nails, labor, and social involvement inspire Melanie to create some new woodlike components

Jean Campbell
Jean's been at the grindstone, but also at the gardens...check out these beautiful images from the MoBG!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei is back on track this week and is giving away coordinating beads with Sab's help, from BeadBead.biz!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean brags! Yes, she really brags! It's worth a look because it's cool!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off a new version of her Cabinet of Curiosity pendant.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew starts the month of May off with another giveaway by Lillypilly Designs! Find out how you can win a set of tribal-inspired wooden beads!

missficklemedia.com
Should I patina or leave the metal bare naked?

Checking In

2010-05-07T14:45:00.001-05:00

Lots going on in my world lately...so much so that I haven't had a minute to blog! For one thing, I've been working a lot. Finished editing Kate McKinnon's book. Finished editing Jodi Bombardier's book. Working on tech edits for Beadwork magazine. Blogging for Beading Daily. CraftEdu had its beta launch this week. And I'm prepping for a retreat with the Kansas City Bead Society for next weekend. Phew!

The highlight of my time away from the blogosphere was my trip to St. Louis, where I taught a few classes for Ladybug Beads. It's always great to see the now-familiar faces of the sensational beaders there. When I go to St. Louis I get a double treat, too--my wonderful sister lives there and we always have a great visit. This time my niece and nephew even came back from school, just to hang out! Here's Kate, Mary, and Tom in front of Ted Drewe's, where they insisted we go...after polishing off one tub of that cement custard, now I get it! That was the best rule-breaking I've done in a long time.

Another bonus for this trip was that my lovely brother, Jim, came to visit, too.

We spent a whole day at the Missouri Botanical Gardens and were in absolute heaven. A highlight was the Dale Chihuly sculptures in the gardens. There's something really special to me about glass sculptures outside. Maybe it's the fragility of the glass next to the fleeting blossoms that jive?

I especially liked this sculpture of glass balloons that seemed to float on the water...

The tulips were blossoming while we were there. Aren't these double tulip blossoms astounding?

And the AZALEAS! Man, oh man, the azaleas. Everywhere. Doesn't this one look like a Hostess SnoBall?

The azaleas were in so many colors, just painting the landscape...

The Japanese gardens were especially gorgeous. Get a load of these wisteria:

The koi were ravenous, hoping for a snack or two from those passing over the bridge...

I must have taken 100 or more shots that day, thinking about how I might translate some of these shapes into jewelry. These dogwood, for example, wouldn't they make a lovely necklace?

I was so lucky to be able to spend the day surrounded by such beauty and in such stillness and grace. Literally taking time to smell the flowers. When the day is grinding with work and family, it's so nice to go back there in my mind. So here...I'd like to share that gift with you, too.

Some of this and that

2010-04-15T07:46:00.001-05:00

I've got the Civic packed to the brim with beads and books...snackies within reach...a few audiobooks...and toothpicks for my eyes to stay awake as I drive south to St. Louis today. While there I'll be teaching 3 classes: Hedy....

Marlene....

and Le Temps...

Want to come? It's all happening at Ladybug Beads--a fabulous shop!

I'll also get to hang out with my sister who lives there. My oldest brother is coming for a visit, too, so it'll be a regular old (partial) family reunion.

Before I go I wanted to fill you in on a few exciting things happening out there in Beadland:

-Katie Hacker is doing a giveaway on her blog...with my Steampunk Style Jewelry book!

-Barbe Saint John has a call-for-entries out for an upcoming Steampunk Inspirations compendium. If you do anything in this vein, submit! She's looking for 1,000 pieces...

-Margot Potter is heading up a tour of the Big Apple. Now tell me, how fun would that be?

-The CraftEdu Beta launch is happening next week...the full roll-out is planned for June. Make sure to sign up to receive updates.

Okay..I'm off down Highway 35... Minnesota... Iowa... Missouri... St. Louie here I come!

Bead Cruise!

2010-04-11T07:12:00.004-05:00

I am absolutely over the moon! I've just been invited to be one of the teachers for the March 2011 Bead Cruise. I'll be teaching along with Beverly Herman, Heather Powers, Dallas Lovett, Tracy Stanley, and Marcia DeCoster. Can you think of anything more fun? It's a great combination of teachers, for one, but then you throw in some sun, the sound of steel drums, and a little rum punch over the top? Holy moly!

I guess we head out from Galveston, Texas on March 27 and have stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica, then head back to port on April 3. Want to come, too? This one warrants a new swimsuit, that's for sure...

Beadblogger Sunday

2010-04-11T06:56:00.002-05:00

As I type there are 2 girls sleeping in the family room and 4 boys sleeping in the basement. The kids had impromptu sleepovers here last night, so the house was full of activity and laughter and fun. I love it when the house feels so full and happy. I know I will miss this terribly when my children leave the nest, so I'm soaking it all in. I know that's the only thing I can do: to enjoy this fleeting time. It's bittersweet. I'm sure anyone reading this who has grown kids knows how I'm feeling.

So, as the sun slowly rises over the neighborhood, reminding me that the Sunday-morning pancake-making for the hordes will soon begin, I will capture this moment of stillness and say some words of thanks. I'm a grateful soul.

=============================================

Beadblogger Sunday!

I hope you take the time to enjoy this week's Beadblogger digest. It really is the best way to discover all the best things going on in the beadworld:

A Bead A Day
Do you have a knack for using unusual odds and ends in your jewelry designs? Lisa is looking for ideas if you have a minute to stop by!

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy looks at easy metal jewelry making this week on her blog.

Art Bead Scene
ABS Editor, Cindy Gimbrone asks the readers to weigh in on where she should go next.

Beading Arts
Cyndi has found a *lot* of seed bead tutorials lurking in her blog's archives!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi makes a jacket pin in order to justify another crafty purchase.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy follows her heart and stripz and makes some new beads.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
A mix of brassy metal components and chain from ArtBeads.com inspires Melanie to make a springtime woodland owl necklace.

Jean Campbell
Jean shares yet another travelogue. This time, it's Portland, one of her new favorite cities.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Designing jewelry that is unique can be hard. Lorelei got some cute Signature tags recently and shows them off in this post.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean emphasizes the importance of checking out the auction of gorgeous treasures from tons of artists which is being held for Michele Goldstein, lampwork artist, organized in a stunning way on Ebay by Anne Mitchell and Gail Crosman Moore! It is not too late to bid on something amazing!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew hosts another Thursday Giveaway! This time, the prize comes courtesy of LillyPilly Designs!

Prancing in Portland

2010-04-08T06:28:00.003-05:00

I told you about my travels in San Francisco last week, so this week (risking the "let me show you my travel slides" task of your patience), I thought I might share about my trip to Portland, which was right on the SF trip's heels...

I headed straight from San Francisco to spend the week in one of my favorite new cities. I was booked to do a lecture and some classes for the Portland Bead Society, but had a few days in between to relax and regroup. The bonus was that I was lucky enough to have friends that toured me around. That's a rare combination when a teacher goes to a city--you usually just see the inside of a shop or hotel and are busily teaching all the while, but this time I had time, wheels, and friends.

I did a lot of walking around the city. Here I came upon a row of houses, embellished with tin and cans and pieces of decorative wood. As many of you know, I adore things like this.

On my walks I also came across this huge tree fort in someone's front yard. See? This is what I love about Portland: Got a dead tree? Don't cut it down...just trim it up and turn it into something functional.

A view of Mt. Hood from one of the bridges that crosses the river...

I got to visit the Oregon College of Art and Craft, which felt so homey and wonderful. Wanted to just sidle in and start learning/teaching/working/living there. If you visit Portland, I'd highly recommend a stop here that includes a lunch. I had a soup/salad combo served up by students that was not only delicious, but inexpensive.

Not far from OCAC is Washington Park, which was absolutely bursting with flowers...

The day I was there it was raining fruit tree blossoms.

Being landlocked in Minnesota makes me want to see the ocean any time I'm close by, so I got to go to the beach...

I'd never been to the beach in Oregon. It's different than the rest of the West Coast. Rockier, wilder.

Luckily it was a beautiful day (not common in those parts), so the vistas were extra beautiful.

Another fun thing I got to do was visit the Worldwide Headquarters of Bead Cats, Virginia Blakelock and Carol Perrenoud's wonderful business. Carol gave me a tour of the business...

and the farm that surrounds it.

It was an absolute joy to see Carol in her element! She is such a gem.

I was lucky to catch Carol and Virginia for dinner that night right before they headed to Australia. You know, I just love these ladies and I feel fortunate to have struck up such a nice friendship with them. Can't wait to see them again in Milwaukee in June...

I was grateful to have been able to do so much site-seeing, but I had to get down to work! First order of business was my Creating Your Own Beadwork Inspired by Art lecture at the Portland Bead Society's monthly meeting. Here's a shot of their show-and-tell, where a group was sharing their beaded bag challenge. This is one of the most active bead societies in the country, and if you live in the area I'd highly recommend you attend the meetings. What great energy!

I got to teach Peyote Buttons and Le Cirque to two groups of very talented students. Plus, the spot where the society holds classes is wonderful...HUGE windows with natural light pouring in. Luckily we had enough sun both days, so there was plenty of light.

Being with these women helped remind me, once again, how important it is that we do what we do. Not only the creating part, but being together...

Sharing ideas and generating new ones...

Working hard, but finding time to laugh...

And creating a true circle of creative consciousness that holds us together long after we leave the classroom.

It was a wonderful trip. Thanks for hosting me, Portland Bead Society! Just can't wait to get back to that part of the country.

Bundt Cake Winners!

2010-04-07T07:46:00.002-05:00

About a month ago I shared a story about a mysterious package that came to the house. No, I still haven't thrown the bundt cake away. Yes, I plan on soaking it in resin and keeping it forever.

Since this seemed like such an incredible occurrence, rife with creative possibilities, I put out a challenge to my readers: see how a bundt cake might act as your muse.

I was surprised, actually, to see how many entries came in! So this week I got the whole family together and we picked the top two winners. It wasn't easy, believe me!

The from Lisa Lamothe Mackin of Boston Baked Beads:

Mystery arrival - a moveable feast,
Who's it from asked the family - a priest?
A friend or a foe?
Don't eat it Joe,
Cause you might just end up deceased!

Congratulations, Lisa! You are now the proud owner of a signed copy of Bugle Bead Bonanza by the fabulous Jamie Cloud Eakin.

The next winner is Jeannie Dukic of Jewelry by Jeannie, who not only wrote this little poem...

Mystery of the Unsolved Bundt Cake
We all meet, and sit to eat the bundt cake.
We cut, chisel, pry and what to our surprise is a fruit cake baked inside.
Attached is a note: To avoid the Christmas rush I sent this early, so keep it hush, hush.
On Christmas day you will know who sent this cake your way.

...but also created some wonderful polymer clay visuals to go along with it! (I love the idea of working your pipes with fruitcakes instead of barbells!)

Thanks for the great effort, Jeannie! You are now the proud owner of a signed copy of Creative Native American Beading by Theresa Flores Geary.

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Beadblogger Sunday

2010-04-04T05:17:00.002-05:00

Happy Spring!

With each sprinkly rain and every
blustery day comes a new bud of life.
Today may you discover that adversity
often comes calling with great opportunities.

Happy Easter!

Easter's message is an ancient one:
Suffering and dormancy are components

of what it takes to transform and rise up.
Today, may you shed the cold of your winter,

feel the sun on your face, and revel
in your pending metamorphosis.

Happy Bead Blogger Sunday!

A Bead A Day
Do you love a craft project AND making jewelry? Lisa is looking for some interesting ideas for new glueable findings! Stop by and share if you have a minute!

About.com Jewelry Making
It's time for a fling, a spring fling that is, and why not start by making a pretty beaded flower?

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene Free Project: Bead Cap Tutorial.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
I'm certified!

Beading Arts
Cyndi shares how she constructs her bead embroidered cuff bracelets for the Bead Journal Project.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy re-interprets a traditional Easter icon into Grunge Bunny!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie sees a new line of beads in the internet adventures of Molly the Owl

Jean Campbell
Jean tells all about her adventures in San Francisco during Beading by the Bay--a creative retreat.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Although Andrew has posted about this,Jean wants to emphasize how beautiful the motivation and the necklace Andrew and Loreli made, for Relief for Haiti!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew collaborates with fellow designer, Lorelei Eurto, on a necklace to be auctioned off to raise money for the Red Cross's Haiti Relief Fund. Bid while you still can!

Beading by the Bay Report

2010-03-31T06:59:00.001-05:00

It's been almost 2 weeks since I was in San Francisco teaching at Beading by the Bay, but I still want to tell you all about it. First off, and I think you know this already, San Francisco is my favorite city in the whole wide world, period. And being in California after freezing my buns off in Minnesota for so many months was heaven. Marcia DeCoster and Susan Kazarian sure had a good idea to get this started. Check out this view from my room:

Thursday night was a Meet the Teachers/Dessert Reception at the hotel...uh, yeah, that's what I'm talking about...

Ron Rock--who I'd never met before and who is extremely nice and very talented in addition to having the best name ever--gave a presentation that night on the new Swarovski Elements. I'm a Swarovski ambassador, and I learned more about the company from Ron that night than I ever had! (I know this photo is blurry, but I kind of like it, don't you? Ron is a gesticulator...)

There were major giveaways...big boxes of crystals and books and kits. Plus, the tables were decorated with splashes of crystals and everyone at the table could take what they wanted.

Friday started early with class.

I taught Lilium for three days straight. The exciting thing was that many of the fantastic beaders that attended this retreat actually FINISHED their projects. I get such a thrill seeing students complete my designs (is that goofy?).

The students were wonderful. Really talented, fun, energetic, and patient with the fact that I hadn't taught this project before. Since it was created specifically for this retreat, and they were the virgins for the design, they were all very good about dealing with little typos in the instructions, helping me clarify things, etc.

And tell me, how sweet is this photo?

Another joy about this retreat was, of course, my fellow teachers.

I have adored Marcia ever since working on her right-angle weave book. But I'd never spent any time with Maggie Meister. We became instant pals--she is an absolute delight. I also got to know Susan Kazarian, owner of the Beading Frenzy in San Mateo and co-producer of this event, who is just a doll...really savvy. Here's a photo of Susan with Marcia during one of the prize giveaways during class break:

One night the teachers, Lisa Garoon, and Rachel Nelson-Smith (who I'd never met in person before, even though we gave birth to her book together--what a thrill!) headed over to Huib Peterson's house. I've never seen so much beadwork all in one place in all my life. This man is truly amazing, and if you're a beadworker, you can add him to your worship shrine right this very minute. We had so much fun rummaging around in his trays.

Huib and Jeffrey prepared the most amazing dinner. I think they must have spent 3 days preparing it? It was a Japanese theme with the most unusual and delicious items: salmon with jalapenos, savory meatballs, at least three different kinds of pickle which I know Huib made from scratch, and several different absolutely delicious items that I couldn't get enough of.

Oh, and there was a little bit of saki involved, too...actually, lots and lots of saki....

What an amazing adventure! And the bonus? We've all been invited back for next year at the same time. If you can swing it, definitely make the trip. It was truly one of the nicest retreats I've participated in. Just sign up on the website to receive updates for 2011.

Where in the World is JEANCAMPBELL?

2010-03-29T17:02:00.004-05:00

It's been literally WEEKS since I've written a post here. I was off to San Francisco for Beading by the Bay, which was fantastic. Then spent a week in Portland, hanging out and lecturing/teaching for the Portland Bead Society.

I really wanted to share all of my adventures, photos, stories, etc. in real-time because there were so many. But not having a laptop made instant blogging near-impossible. (Saving up for a tricked out MacBook now; the kitty is at $400...just about $1,600 more to go!) Please stand by for full reports later this week.

Anyway, came home and hit the virtual cement, bounced off with a few scrapes and bruises, then put on my Mercury-winged tennies and edited like mad all week. Kate McKinnon has another book in the works, and it's going to be wonderful. Kate is an amazing designer and I like her a whole lot, too. She called me her "Raven-haired Warrior" in her blog last week, so she is at the top of my love list right now... We're just about finished with the edit. Then comes galleys and whatnot, but the hard part is within hours of being done. Hurray!

So, with that long trip crossed off the list and Kate's book just about done, I woke this morning with an utter sense of clarity that I haven't had in a really really long time. I've been so tired, burning the candle at both ends and in the middle, that I've been muddled and floaty. Plus, when Andrew tagged me as a cyborg earlier this week, I think that was the beginning of a huge wake-up call.

The moment of clarity when I opened my eyes today was about what's next, in my career, mostly. We did our taxes this weekend and that's always eye-opening. Though I did okay $-wise, especially as a freelancer in this economy, my expenses were so high that I wasn't as productive financially as I need to be for our family. So I realize I need to give this gig one more year. One more year of fun in my career; this fulfilling career that I have created on my own, but work much too hard on...a career that turns me into a half human/half machine. If at the end of the year things are looking up financially and are less stressful, great. If not, it may be time to look for a real J...O...B... What that would look like, I don't know. We'll see.

So, if you think of it, please send me some good juju every once in a while. This "instructacon" (as someone else called me this week), could use a little head-rubbing from her friends...

Taking off to Bead by the Bay and the River

2010-03-10T21:12:00.001-06:00

I've been woefully absent in the blogosphere this week, preparing for my back-to-back trips to San Francisco for Beading by the Bay with Marcia DeCoster and Maggie Meister...

...and my lecture and classes for the Portland Bead Society.

Who's the luckiest girl? Eleven days in two of the nicest cities on the planet. Believe me, I'll be saying my prayers of gratitude as soon as I step off the plane from Minneapolis and touch California ground. Though I love and respect the Midwest, there's something about the West Coast that completely rejuvenates me, making me feel whole again. And a trip out West is just what this weary bead warrior needs about now after turning in a major book, editing two magazines, writing numerous essays, and all the while slinging hash and taxiing the rugrats over the last couple months. Oh, I'm not complaining--I thank the powers that be every day for these things, too--but I'm telling you, a break every once in a while, even if it's a working break, is so important. I hope you remember that, too. It's not only good for your health, but for your spirit, too.

Beadblogger Sunday

2010-02-28T07:16:00.002-06:00

We went to a wedding last night that didn't include a dance, so we ended up rolling back the carpet, getting out the disco lights, and grooving to some righteous beats in our living room. It was truly one of the most entertaining nights ever. Grandma and Grandpa were the first ones out on the floor.

After that, everyone let their hair down and boogied all night.

The evening helped me remember that it doesn't take much to create joy. It can be as simple as taking a turn on the dance floor, even if the dance floor is your own living room. You just have to take that first step...

As you may know, it's Beadblogger Sunday. These talented folks create joy through their creativity every day!

A Bead A Day
Have you ever fallen in love with a piece of jewelry? Lisa fell head over heels for a bracelet on a fellow beader's blog and ended up trading for it!

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy got the 411 on some very cool new metal stamps. Though these can also be used with clay as well.

Art Bead Scene
The Art Bead Scene begins a new monthly feature - the ABS Carnival Blog! Let the Carnival begin!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Bopping Along the ICE Resin Blog hop - My resin version of Little Egypt.

Beading Arts
Do you want to try lampworking? Cyndi's been busy at the torch again.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi uses a candy mold to make a new resin pendant.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy takes a bead shopping trip to the Great White North and almost passes out!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie unleashes her grumpy feelings with a little rant and a bead sale!

Jean Campbell
A mystery package is the catalyst for this creative challenge. Up for it? You could win a free book!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei had a chance, a while back (2008) to have a nice little interview with etsy seller, Patina Queen! This is Lorelei's wire supplier, and she ROCKS!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean is breathless with delight when she receives a gift from her friend the artist Lisa Kan!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew shares his feelings about the awesome new Spring issue of "Stringing" magazine.

Mystery Bundt

2010-02-25T06:32:00.003-06:00

This story has nothing to do with beads or art or anything, but I think it's worth telling because it's caused such excitement around the Campbell Enclave. It all started with a package. The mailman brought it up to the door, dodging the icicles dripping off the front of the house.

I took it from him and noticed it was for my husband. Joe doesn't get packages that often, so I checked out the return address. Hmm. I guess he sent it to himself? Or, whatever was in the box was so important that it just shouldn't be returned to sender...

The return address was stuck on top of a sticker that read, "Fr. Joseph Campbell OP, Momma's Bountiful Bakery." Who's this priest and where's that bakery? A quick online search came up dead... The plot thickened as I inspected the box...by the look of all the markings and postage stickers, this thing had definitely been around the block and back. What a mystery!

I left the box on the kitchen counter in a prominent place so Joe could open it when he got home. He did....and inside was a lot of bubble wrap...

And inside the bubble wrap was a CVS Pharmacy bag filled with...

Something covered with a layer of waxed paper...

A bundt cake!

No note. No card. No anything. Just a mysterious, heavy, hard bundt cake on a styrofoam plate.

So the questions, of course, ensued. Was this package addressed to the wrong Joe? Perhaps this was from one of his lovesick students? Or from a student who didn't receive a good grade and it was laced with poison? Someone had obviously spent a lot of time and money making and sending this thing, so what had occurred in the last 48 hours that brought on this delivery? Should we cut it open, or would that be dangerous? Should we dip it in resin and make a doorstop? Or should we find another Joe Campbell to send it to, furthering the mystery for someone else?

The bundt cake incident is too ripe not to pass up. It's the perfect impetus for some creative play. SO, I challenge you, dear readers, to write a story, fashion a poem, do a drawing, make a piece of jewelry--anything creative--surrounding the Mystery Bundt. The top two entries will receive one of these two SIGNED books, so generously sent to me by Ray Hemanchandra at Lark Books, just for an auspicious occasion like this:

Bugle Bead Bonanza by Jamie Cloud Eakin, a book filled with 30 innovative, creative, fashionable, and fun-to-make bugle-bead-based projects;

or Creative Native American Beading by Theresa Flores Geary, a beautifully-photographed book featuring 19 Native-American-inspired projects with a definite modern feel.

Who's up for the challenge? Post your entries in the comments section here, or email me at jean@jeancampbellink.com by March 31.

Foot in the Door at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts

2010-02-22T19:13:00.001-06:00

We busted out of the domicile bubble yesterday to head to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts' "Foot in the Door 4" show.

This exhibit, put on every 10 years, is made up of entries of artwork from everyday (and not so everyday) Minnesotans. The only rule is that the piece fit into a 1'x1'x1' box. This year there were 5,000 pieces!

I'm usually not so patient at museums, but this show was completely riveting.

As you might suspect, the entries were all over the map. Kid art. High school art class art. Hobbyist art. And they were all hung or set right next to one another, with hardly a space between.

Every once in a while you'd run across a gem, like this alluring oil painting.

Or this beautiful print.

There was lots and lots of pet art. I liked this dog...

...and this sweet quilted birdy...

...and I've always been big for rabbits in unusual situations (like wearing ruffled collars and sitting in thrones).

I also adored these extreme Victorians...

and busted a gut at this seed painting of Baron Von Raschke and his infamous CLAW!

There was actually a lot of bead art in the exhibit. Here is a beautiful beaded vessel by Dulcey Heller (yea, Dulcey!)...

...and this absolutely kick-butt necklace. Look at this clasp! The momma mantis is pulling off the dadda mantis's head...just like in real life! (Look at her string of heads!)

Strangely enough, I was completely drawn to this baby-rooster. It seems archetypal...basic. Like a totem of some sort?

I think the photograph below ended up being one of my favorite pieces. Please read the inscription for the true flavor. Perfection! The composition and the subject matter is divine, but how the artist has tied the words into the piece to make it even better is sheer genius.

I wish I could share the names of the artists, but they weren't readily available. Are you one of the artists I've shown here? Let us all know who you are! And if you're not one of these artists, are curious to know more, and happen to be in the Twin Cities, you must go see the show yourself. It's on until June 23.

Beadblogger Sunday

2010-02-21T07:06:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love babies, especially when they're learning to crawl?

And don't you just love Beadblogger's Sunday?

A Bead A Day
Are there color combinations that are always in style? Black and white seems to fit that description.

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy reminds you about a thriving jewelry community and how to keep up with news on her site.

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene teams up with Margie Deeb for a color challenge.

Beading Arts
Cyndi's new bead embroidered necklace has everything but a name!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi restrings a strand of cheap plastic beads with a wristlet. Repurposing is great!

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Inspired by the color of summer gardens in a seed catalog, Cindy creates a new bead.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Celebrate the many uses of Ice Resin with Melanie's blog latest blog series which highlights some of her newest works

Jean Campbell
Jean reviews Margie Deeb's (pretty fabulous) Spring/Summer 2010 Color Report.

Jewelry & Beading
Have you heard of Zulugrass? Find out about the wonderful industry that's helping to support the Maasai, and enter to win a piece!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei is still a little nervous to try her hand at using resin. But the pendant in this necklace turned out nice at any rate.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean is embroiled in a conundrum--help a girl out!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Working with Jill MacKay's new line of decorative bezels, Andrew experiments with resin and takes advantage of the bezels' deep walls.

Margie Deeb's New Color Report!

2010-02-19T08:18:00.000-06:00

My very talented friend Margie Deeb has just released her latest Color Report for Bead & Jewelry Designers:

It's always a thrill to see what Margie's done with the 10 hottest colors of the season. Her helpful combination and proportion charts are exactly what a color-challenged person like me needs! She takes one of the season's colors and pairs it with several other colors to make the color either hop or swoon. Since she uses Pantone swatches, you're never guessing about her color combinations...you know they're solid, whether you're looking at a computer screen, paging through print, or playing with your Pantone color fan.

The other amazing thing about Margie's report is that she peppers it with jewelry examples that show the fashion color combined with other colors. As a visual person, this is so important to me! Especially when sometimes I look at the "hot" color and think Yuck! until I see it incorporated into a piece.

The report culminates with a beautiful gallery of jewelry designs and an array of helpful graphic color palettes. I also like to see her artist credits...people like Frieda Bates, Sara Beth Cullinan, Marcia DeCoster, Jamie Cloud Eakin, Margo Field, and Jamie Hogsett have all contributed designs.

Overall, Margie's seasonal report is something that as a jewelry designer--or heck, a fashion ANYTHING-- you would be silly to miss. Kudos to you, Margie, for yet another sensational production!

Beadblogger Sunday

2010-02-14T17:04:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentines Day!

I usually consider this a Hallmark holiday, but this year Valentine's Day feels different. Love is truly the best reason of all to celebrate!

It's also Sunday, which means you get a list of the best bead-blogging posts of the week. Here you go!

A Bead A Day
Need a quick gift or new piece of jewelry for work tomorrow? You can't miss with black Econoflex Softflex wire!

About.com Jewelry Making
Ever thought of applying for a jewelry making grant? If so, here is news about how to do so as well as some important tips to follow.

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene Unveils the February Monthly Challenge - Luna Park by Vestie Davis.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Avoiding work by showing off some new jewelry pieces and other eye candy

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi attempts to explain how one necklace turns into two.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
An addition to the Grunge Bead Series - Grunge Faux Bois!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shows off the necklace she made for the Bead Soup Party: a delicious blend of stone, pearls, glass, ceramic, and brass ingredients.

Jean Campbell
Jean did a little product scouting in Tucson...check out her favorite finds!

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi has a great giveaway going on: TWO gift certificates for Murano glass jewelry!!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
The connection you can have with a customer, is a treasure. Collaborating on a necklace, Lorelei and JoAnn create a wonderful keepsake.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Book review by jean: feel like learning new techniques? Try this new text with fab photos!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Using components from Artbeads.com, Andrew creates a Valentine's Day worthy necklace named, "Not Without".

Tucson! (Part III)

2010-02-14T16:26:00.002-06:00

My week in Tucson culminated with a nice day with Peg Cox up in Phoenix on Thursday morning...For those of you who know her, she's doing great...looks even better than when I stopped to visit her last year! She's looking like a fashion plate in this photo, isn't she?

Of course I got pulled over by a cop on my trip up to Phoenix... I wasn't going that much over the speed limit! I think he was just bored and looking to chat up girls because he made me get out of the car and walk back to his. Silly policeman...

Thursday night brought a really fun party at Kate McKinnon's house. Kate's house is just as I'd pictured it... a great 50s/60s vibe, and the backyard is filled with wonderment. I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, skewering meat with Andrew Thornton and Jamie Hogsett...

And Marcia DeCoster was around, too...(hey! I straightened my hair--what do you think? I think it was a lot of work for the results...)

And here's Bob Burkett with Kate, who was all smiles all night.

I was up and at 'em on Friday for a great day of teaching for Create Your Style (Swarovski). First up was Fiori--a very full class. We packed a 6-hour advanced class into a 4-hour class. It was pretty intense, but I think everyone learned a thing or two...

Right after, I taught Le Temps to a smaller group. Each one of the students finished their project. That's never happened to me before! I think I need to start teaching metalwork more often...I love the instant gratification.

That night brought the famous Swarovski party. This party is the one where everyone gets their bling on and lets their hair down. This year they did this beautiful set up with lights and cozy couch nooks and color everywhere. It was beautiful!

Here are the Bead Unique girls, Joanna and Pam:

And the Beaducation crew (see that mojito in Kate Richbourg's hand? they should have put a skull and crossbones on those glasses...they were so lethal!):

Said hello to the Creative Castle ladies...

And there's Haley Hertz and Kellie DeFries:

Sandra Lupo, Brenda Schweder, and I stopped for a snap:

Here's proof that grand dame Judith Schwab showed up for the party:

Here I am with the ever sweet and talented Diane Whiting:

Here's Melinda Barta, Sara Hardin, and Jamie Hogsett:

There's Tatiana Van Iten with me and Lana May:

Hello, Marlene Blessing and Beki Haley!

Ran into Tina Lilja--it was fun to see her out of the snow:

Then I made the HUGE mistake of going to the after-party with the Swarovski crew...curse you, Anna Draeger! Here she is with "the Austrians":

If you've made it this far through this ridiculously long blog, thank you for traveling along with me on my little adventures in Tucson! Hope to see you there next year.

Tucson! (Part II)

2010-02-11T22:58:00.002-06:00

I spent a lot of time schmoozing and teaching and running around Tucson last week, but I also made some time to do some shopping. First I hung out at the Gem Mall. For those of you who have never been to Tucson, this is just one venue!

Picture a football field full of beads...then double your vision...

There are rows upon rows of beads...

It's truly amazing...they're on tables, on the walls, just everywhere!

The big wholesale shows are pretty overwhelming, so I headed over to Best Bead...a little more my speed.

I saw lots of friends at Bead Bead, but forgot to take out my camera until I saw Karen Lewis.

Look at these amazing new pendants she's doing! I just love the seed bead and pearl detailing. This is a beautiful new mixed media direction, don't you agree?

Next I buzzed over to the Doubletree, where I ran into Kenji Katsuoka from Miyuki...I always love seeing Kenji. He makes me feel like an old lady, though...I first met him when he was in college, when he was sporting the coolest Elvis-style pompadour ever. Now he's all business up top, but I'm glad to see he's still sporting a little bling on those lapels...

Kenji was showing off a couple of new things I'm excited to tell you about. First up is their new line of Duracoat galvanized beads. Those of you who know my work know I'm a galvanized bead junkie, so anything more durable than the kind of coating that just rubs off in your hands is welcome news to me!

I've got just about every color of the Toho permanent galvanized, so the fact that Miyuki is making them, too, is dorkily exciting for me! I haven't worked with these Miyuki ones yet, but they look very good, very clean, and the sample card features a beautiful blue, a color I haven't been able to find in a permanent galvanized bead.

He also showed me the new Tila bead. It's like a square chiclet bead, but finer and with two holes. He had some beautiful samples of work from Japan. Here's one he had me shoot up close...aren't they great? Some great potential here for beadwoven work...

I also stopped by and visited the TierraCast ladies. Julie Young, Pam Arion, and I posed next to their fabulosa calaca, for which they have a wonderful name, but it escapes me... maybe it's the traditional Catarina? Anyway, as you may know, I love all things Day of the Dead, so I was so happy to hang out here.

Did you know that Tierracast has a new line of Mexican-influenced charms? I was SO excited to see these!

Brilliant lady that she is, Julie Young showed off a bracelet she made using their fat bead posts as sort of rivets through chain. Check out this (blurry and I'm not sure why it's posting sideways) photo...I'm really adoring the Steampunkness of this, but mostly the brilliant way she's put it together through the chain. Smart!

Speaking of Steampunk, I strolled past the C. Koop booth and guess what? Sara's made some kick-butt charms! I saw her a few months ago and she said she wanted to see a little more color in Steampunkland, and look what she's gone and done...sensational!

On Wednesday night of my trip I got to meet with the other Create Your Style Swarovski Ambassadors. What an incredible group. A powerhouse of creativity, really! We sat around and chatted, brainstormed about things we could do together as a group, and discussed the website. Then a tall, dark, and beautiful Austrian named Christian gave us the lowdown on the newest releases. There are loads of great new shapes and styles, but here are my favorites. First, a cone-shaped bead with a concave end so they can be nestled or you can nestle beads within it. It's called the Artemis Bead.

The next thing that really floated my boat was this new color called Fern. It is truly the missing green in the Swarovski palette.

Provence Lavender is the other new crystal color...this one is very elegant and goes great with the new green.

And here's the latest pearl color...an absolutely stunning lavender:

And last, but not least, are the new CERAMICS! Oh my goodness, I didn't think I'd be so excited about these, but they are absolutely gorgeous. I was surprised Swarovski is doing ceramic beads, but they really are stunning and look so good paired with crystals, providing just the right visual weight...(sorry for the not-very-good photo, but you've got Christian's nice profile to look at there, so don't complain too loudly!)

So there are the shopping highlights of my trip...I was a snap-happy girl on this trip, so more photos of fun and frolic to come!

Tucson! (Part I)

2010-02-10T13:00:00.003-06:00

I returned from my trip to Tucson on Sunday and have been scuttling around my office ever since, trying to make sense of the piles of stuff I left behind...isn't it funny how these piles don't magically disappear while you're gone? I think the problem is that while my body is in frigid Minneapolis, my mind is still in Tucson...it was an absolutely wonderful getaway, filled with rest, old and new friends, beautiful beads, and a bit of partying on the side...

I was gone a whole week, so I'll split my tales into a few posts. Here's what I did the first part of my trip:

I started my week off at JOGS, a show that hosts mainly finished-jewelry dealers, but offers classes, too. There I met fellow teachers Kathy St. Martin, Dale Cougar Armstrong, and Meredith Arnold. What a great group of ladies.

And here's the amazing Lana May in action. She organizes the classes at JOGS. I think she may be the most prolific beader I've ever met? And incredibly talented designer...

Fire Mountain Gems & Beads' Chris and Stuart Freedman stopped by the JOGS class area for a little visit. It's always great to catch up with them!

Tuesday night has become a cornerstone of everyone's week in Tucson: The Interweave Party at the Museum of Art. This is the place where folks from all sectors of the beading community come together: those in publishing, vending, buying, teaching, and designing. It's truly an event! And what a pleasure to see friends and others that I work with all year long face-to-face rather than just only over the phone and through email.

Here's David Pyle, the VP of Interweave's Beading/Arts/Knitting groups, giving his schpiel. Such a stand-up guy, and always with a conversation-piece tie...

The ever-lovely Jeannette Cook and Kate Richbourg with her sassy new Chinadoll 'do...

Those sweet, hard-working, ever-present Fusion Beads ladies, Katie Wall and Lindsay Burke...

Carla and Heather from Glass Garden Beads in Northfield, MN, Doris Weinbaum of Bead in Hand in Oak Park, IL, Judith Schwab of Bodacious Beads in Chicago, and Shelley Nybakke of HOLY COW LOOK AT THAT NECKLACE!

Here I am with the fantastic Andrew Thornton. You know...Andrew has become a lighthouse for me at these shows...he's always so good to see.

Here are two of the most talented ladies ever--Karen Lewis and Marcia DeCoster, both sporting new hair color since the last time I saw them!

And last, but not least, Beadwork's editor Melinda Barta and Step-by-Step Wire Jewelry's Denise Peck. Talk about talent!

There were so many other people at the party I didn't get a photo of...I was too busy yakking! How wonderful to be surrounded by friends.

More from my trip to Tucson to come!

Beadblogger Sunday

2010-01-31T00:52:00.001-06:00

Well, it's a small miracle, but I finished tech-editing Beadwork; I've written my next Beading Daily blog; I pressed SEND on the majority of The Book today; I finished kitting my kits; and I packed up my bags. I guess I really AM going to Tucson! A bit haggard and the worse for wear currently, but a week in the sun should clear up any and all weariness. Oh, shucks...I'm just happier than a pig in poop. Woohoo!

Before I dash, though, I wanted to be sure you knew what those beadblogging buddies of mine have been up to this week:

A Bead A Day
Is it too early to "think spring" or will that make it get here faster? Lisa used her Soft Flex Trios in an attempt to hurry spring along.

About.com Jewelry Making
Are you ready to load up on some Valentine's jewelry tutorials? Are you even making jewelry for this holiday?

Art Bead Scene
Meet the pretty girl with lots of brains plus a whole lotta soul!

Carmi's Art/Life World
After a week at CHA Carmi chooses the sweater surgery necklace as her favorite event.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Instead of biting her fingernails down to the nub, Cindy makes Grunge Beads!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie looks to the skies for the inspiration for some new cloud carvings

Jean Campbell
Jean met up with two very cool artists this week: Gorgeous wool designs (including wool beads!); wonderful women.

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi is so happy that the third year of the Bead Journal Project has started. This year, she's making a bead embroidered bracelet for each month of the project.

Snap out of it, Jean, There's beading to be done!
book review by jean: here's a cool title, harking back to the 60s...Crunchy Granola Charm eBook by Yvette Doss !

Strands of Beads
Melissa creates a new necklace design using cute heart beads from Rings & Things

Laurie Jacobi Design

2010-01-26T05:48:00.001-06:00

I had one of those incredible experiences yesterday...you know, the kind that shapes who you are just a little bit...and it all came about through beading!

Backstory: I was at our nephew's wedding and ran into this beautiful woman with a stunning, bold, collarlike necklace that looked like a string of river rocks. On further inspection I realized it was made with wool. I'm not sure how often I "squee", but I definitely squeed that night.

Always the beader, I did the beader's handshake (brazenly inspected her necklace) and asked how she strung it. She told me she was having a difficult time keeping the crimps crimped, so of course I invited her to come over to get a quick crimping demonstration.

What I found out is that the person I'd just met was none other than Laurie Jacobi, a sensational designer who specializes in wool. She works with Pendleton to make gorgeous blanket designs, then receives bolts of the fabric to work with in her studio. Her long-time business partner, Mary Jane Miller, helps design and sew the blankets into beautiful garments, working with customers to achieve a unique, perfect look.

Yesterday Laurie and Mary Jane came over for a quick visit. As I've found all craftswomen do, we gabbed about family and health and art and how to keep all of our many supplies contained in one (or two) rooms. They brought absolutely drop-dead gorgeous pieces over to show me and I knew right then and there I need to start saving up for one of their incredible coat designs like this Gingko Leaves Coat.

I showed them a few pieces I've been working on, too, then gave them a quick crimping how-to with suggestions on how to specifically work with those beautiful wool rocks. Then, out of the blue, these lovely ladies handed me this!

I was flabbergasted! Isn't it incredible? It was one of those experiences that makes you feel so humbled by the generosity of others. So grateful for being in a community of creative people. So connected to the pulse of the universe.

So thank you, Laurie and Mary Jane. Thank you for the sweet visit, the beautiful necklace, but most of all, the wonderful experience. I'm so grateful for our new friendship.

Beadbloggers Sunday

2010-01-24T06:58:00.003-06:00

It's a happy day when projects for a book are completed, so yesterday was a VERY happy day, indeed! Meet Carmen, the 20th project for The Book.

It's a surprisingly comfortable ring that works up in a couple hours. I think I need to make at least eight, one for each finger!

Mr. Campbell asked me what I'm going to do with myself now that The Book is just about completed. Do I remember how to putz around the house, for instance? Contemplate my navel? Well, geez, I thought...a regular exercise and hygiene routine would probably be a good start. But I suppose he knows deep down that I'll probably fill the time with another huge project. I can't help it. I'm a project junkie.

So now on to building kits for my classes in Tucson next week. Will you be down there? If you see me, please tackle me and say hello. Better yet, come take a class and spend the day with me! Here's my schedule:

Monday, February 1, 10:15-4:15: Star of India at the JOGS Show

Tuesday, February 2, 10:15-4:15: Bling Bracelet at the JOGS Show

Wednesday, February 3, 10:15-4:15: Peyote Buttons at the JOGS Show

Friday, February 5, 8:00-noon: Fiori Necklace at Create Your Style (Swarovski)

Friday, February 5, 1:00 - 5:00: Le Temps Necklace at Create Your Style (Swarovski)

With all this ice and snow up here in the tundra, I'm really looking forward to some sun and warmth to thaw out these bones. Being around 40,000 other stone and bead enthusiasts won't hurt, either! Hope to see you there.

I'm sure you're curious about what my bead-blogging buddies are up to, too. They always have good things going!

A Bead in Time
Is there such a thing as social networking jewelry? Lisa dug through a bag of Necco valentine candy hearts to create a one of a kind "twittery" necklace.

About.com Jewelry Making
Catch up on the latest jewelry related podcasts. Tammy found some excellent ones for you to listen to.

Art Bead Scene
Do You Rock? Here's your chance to show others that you do!

Carmi's Art Life World
Carmi has an easy idea to thank a sponsor.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
An Emily Dickinson poem describes Cindy's newest piece of jewelry.

Jean Campbell
Jean reviews Kerry Bogert's wonderfully whimsical new wirework book, Totally Twisted.

Jewelry & Beading
How do you feel about using inexpensive materials in your designs? Chime in and let your voice be heard!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Want to know what rubber duckies and Autism Awareness jewelry have to do with each other? Check Jean's site out!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off a new earring design made from beautiful cubic zirconia from Artbeads.com

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew shares the new additions to his bead stash - goodies from Cindy Gimbrone, Diane Hawkey, and Nancy Schindler.

Totally Twisted

2010-01-22T08:10:00.005-06:00

As I've said before, I often feel like a book doula. A manuscript midwife. And I'll say, Kerry Bogert's wonderful new book, Totally Twisted: Innovative Wirework & Art Glass Jewelry was a delight to deliver!

Do you know Kerry? Not only is she an absolute sweetheart, she is very talented. She makes beautiful lampworked beads...

...as well as does some pretty fanciful, colorful, and fun wirework to feature them.

This is no easy task! Incorporating big, honkin' glass beads with wire can be a challenge. But Kerry does so in ways that make it look effortless.

In Totally Twisted, Kerry shares 24 of her signature projects. It's filled with colorful, whimsical projects, and the step-by-step photos are so clear that any beginner could learn how to work wire just by spending time looking at the photos. In it, she covers all the basics, like wrapped and simple loops, but also goes into great detail about making and utilizing coils, one of her favorite wire components. There are also some great clasp ideas featured--things I hadn't seen before. (I just love it when I learn something new when I edit a book!)

So yes, get this book whether you're a newbie or a pro. It'll make you smile!

Beadblogger Sunday

2010-01-17T11:30:00.001-06:00

I laughed at myself this morning: When I woke up and flipped on my office light, I was struck by the fact that I have not only created a general to-do list, but a separate, sub-to-do list...a to-do list for things that need to be taken care of right away. Boy, for an artist, I'm pretty dang anal retentive...

Maybe I need to stop spending time making to-do lists and get to work?

And maybe you'd like to see what the Beadbloggers have been up to this week?

A Bead A Day
Unraveled star beads become springy coils in Lisa's wintery white dangly earring project.

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy has developed a quick link list to help you find the jewelry info you need.

Art Bead Scene
January's Art Bead Scene Challenge is a snowy landscape with a solitary magpie painted by Monet.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe will be tooting Jean's horn for her new book Steampunk Style at CHA.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has a special Paris post on photographing jewelry.

Cindy Gimbrone, the Lampwork Diva
Rewind: Cindy's Art Noveau inspired Stile Floreal bronze clay pendants.

Jean Campbell
Oh, geez. Jean's tooting her horn again about her new book, Steampunk Style Jewelry.

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi wants to know, wanna be facebook friends?

Katie's Beading Blog
See pix of Katie's workshop offerings for the Bead & Button Show in June. Registration opened this week and classes are already filling up!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei tests the waters with some new bead elements from Pork Chop Show.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
I really think Barb Switzer is a super person and editor! I was thrilled when she interviewed me last year for the online newsletter, Simply Beads!

Strands of Beads
Melissa has a fun time exchanging bead stashes with a friend to create a new bracelet.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Inspired by a lampwork glass champagne-hued Basha Bead and a shibuichi mermaid pendant, Andrew creates a whimsical and sophisticated necklace.

Steampunkery

2010-01-13T08:45:00.008-06:00

Can I just say I'm dang proud of my new book, Steampunk Style Jewelry?

It's been getting some really nice early reviews in blogland, and I'm feeling the need to toot that horn:

Jean Campbell does an outstanding job of presenting and describing what the steampunk style is all about....Well written, fabulous pictures and detailed instructions make the book a real winner. Let your imagination run wild using this book as a guide to the world of Steampunk. Your collection of jewelry has never looked like this before!--Diane Geisel, BellaOnline

This is the most amazing craft book I’ve ever seen. You want one.--Jen Hilton, JLHilton Jewelry

Even if you're an experienced steampunk jewelry artist, this book will inspire you with it's wonderful ideas. Don't miss it!--Steampunk Supply

Even the book it self is a work of art, from the embossed cover to the metallic copper liner paper. This is just a lovely book inside and out....I give this book 2 giant brass covered thumbs up.--Barbe Saint John

How does a girl get her head through the office door with kudos like that? Wow! Feeling very honored...

Speaking of the book, my friends at Ornamentea will be throwing a reception for the book on February 5 at their Raleigh, NC store. There's a rumor that contributors Cynthia Deis, Jen Hilton, Jane Mormino, Tracy Thomasson, and Madelyn Smoak will all be on hand to sign books, provide creative inspiration, and show off their steam-generated laser weapons. I'd be there, too (yes, of course I have a ray gun!), but instead I'll be teaching for Swarovski that day, halfway across the country. I guess I'll just wear my spats and goggles in solidarity while basking in the Tucson warmth...

And speaking of Ornamentea, they sent me this handful of very lovely ceramic flower pieces by Elaine Ray that just smack of Steampunk! Wouldn't they make nice links for a stitched vintage-inspired bracelet or necklace?

AND speaking of Steampunk necklaces...if you're in Tucson and want to take a little break from your mad shopping, come take my LeTemps Necklace! I'll be teaching it for at the Create your Style Pavilion on Friday, February 5, from 1:00 to 5:00 (just click here to register). We'll be coiling and riveting and hammering and yakking it up and having a grand old time.

And yes, I'll bring my ray gun...

Beadblogger Sunday

2010-01-10T13:31:00.001-06:00

It's been a great weekend alone in the house...the boys are in Duluth for a hockey tournament and Emma's been hanging out with friends. I felt 20 again last night when I went to my brother's house for dinner alone, drank mulled rum cider, and watched the whole second season of Mad Men...Ah, Don...you sexy man...

I also got a lot of beading done this weekend for The Book...project #19 out of 20...I'm almost there! Terribly behind, but the work is feeling solid and everyone I've shown the pieces to seems to love them. This latest one is called "Jamilla". What do you think? I just need to find a good pair of earring findings to add to these babies...

I also made headway on the coolest of all super-secret projects I'm working on with a bunch of other artists. I really feel this new endeavor will help propel my career into a completely new direction, and it feels so hopeful, so exciting! I promise to tell all as soon as I'm allowed.

So that's what I've been up to the last couple days. Want to read what the rest of the Beadbloggers have been up to?

A Bead A Day
If you are looking for some unique findings to use in your valentine jewelry (or Twilight jewelry), Lisa uses some interesting domed filligree pieces to house a bright red mysterious bead.

About.com Jewelry Making
Artfire, Zibbet, Etsy, which of these is the right selling venue for your jewelry?

Art Bead Scene
ABS Rewind: Art Bead Scene isn't just about art beads, it's about artist made buttons too!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Demon Monkeys appear in Carmi's projects this week.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy's made a New Year's resolution to clean out the studio with a January clearance sale!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie starts the new year with a new source of inspiration... a project she calls Song Lore.

Jean Campbell
Jean is sharing stories and images this week about her stops in CA. Monterey brought the most creative inspiration of all.

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi has started a new series, called "What would you do" to discuss some of the sticky dilemmas we face in jewelry making.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Looking for just the right clasp? Lorelei reviews a few from Artbeads.com.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean meets a cool new friend who offers us a great jewelry teaching site!

Strands of Beads
Melissa is the author of Softflex Company's Spotlight On...Article for January 2010

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
A luminous Golden Cloud Series Basha Bead inspires Andrew to create a bracelet ready to take flight!

My Week in California, Episode 4: Vista

2010-01-08T06:33:00.020-06:00

After a great home-cooked meal with the Grants, we made a late-night drive down the Southern California coast to Vista, a town nestled in the hills between Oceanside and Carlsbad, just north of San Diego.

My brother Joe and his family live in a beautiful home that overlooks the valley. On a clear day, like the one we woke up to, you can see the ocean from his backyard.

After being cooped up with each other in a small car and in small hotel rooms for so many days, it was funny how we all scattered like magnets with opposite poles. Uncle Joe and Dylan were eager to play guitars together...they called it "Jamnation". After receiving a flamenco guitar for Christmas, Dylan was lucky to not only have an uncle who is actually quite an accomplished flamenco guitarist, but who also just happened to have an extra one laying around. They ripped it up pretty well on the electrics, too.

Emma had a ball with her cousins, Cameron and Logan. The big entertainment this day was Cami's new shades and Bear, the Bengal kitty...

This visit to Joe and Dannikka's place was all about slowing down, visiting, and eating. It was absolutely what the doctor ordered.

Logan was so animated, telling stories with his whole body like a wild man.

I took great early-morning walks, watching the blue moon set behind the inky hills and watching the sun rise. While the boys went to work out or bike or whatever they were doing, I napped, ate, puttered and helped around the house, chatted up my wonderful sister-in-law Dannikka, then napped and ate more. All this resting felt like such a luxury. I really needed it.

Here's a tip for anyone looking for something to get that 50-something man who has everything: a power slingshot. That thing provided hours of entertainment!

On New Year's Eve Day Joe took us out on his boat. I'd never seen it before. Larger than expected, I guess? Absolutely thrilling.

Joe's a dashing captain, isn't he?

We set out across the bay, past the pelicans on the rocks...

...by the seals clinging to this loud, clanging buoy...

...and out into the open waters.

I love the ocean. I told a friend recently that it woos me like a lover. I know that may sound a bit treacly and poetic, but I really do have that feeling when I'm around the Pacific. I must have been a mermaid in another life.

The salty, moist air just lets a person's skin breathe, you know?

It feels so refreshing and alive...

...like a purification.

Joe and Dannikka were so sweet to us ragged travelers. They threw a New Year's Eve party at their house that just continued the hospitality and congeniality they are so known for.

A bit hung over, but totally revived and relaxed, we headed back to Minnesota and the sub-zero temps on New Year's Day. It was quite harsh to return, and even Emma, the most die-hard Midwesterner in my bunch, said when she saw the thermometer's -17 the morning of January 2, "Mom, I think I might be open to living somewhere warmer..."

Ah, yes. Somewhere warmer. Or maybe it's just about taking that warm feeling and putting it into my everyday existence. That's the plan for now, anyway.

My Week in California, Episode 3: Los Angeles

2010-01-07T06:00:00.019-06:00

We were up and out of our roomy Monterey villa as early as is possible with teenagers. We packed into our little tin can rental with our homemade sandwiches and set off across the mountains to Highway 5 south to Los Angeles...

We were greeted in Santa Monica by our dear friends, John (aka Li'l Jo), Susan, and Suji Grant. Jo has been like a brother to me and an uncle to my kids. They are such loves. I really miss seeing them.

We packed into our tiny hotel room right across from the beach. We chose it for its location, not its size. Things are so roomy here in the Midwest that I tend to forget about that constant feeling of tininess in L.A. (We lived in a one-room apartment for 7 years when we lived there...the baby slept in the kitchen...)

Anyway, the great thing about L.A. is that a person has all of the outdoors year-round, and when you can wake up to a view like this, you forget that you've all been snoring in each other's ears all night. Life is just simply good.

The next morning we set off to Watts Towers, easily one of the best-kept secrets in Los Angeles.

This structure was built by tile-setter Simon Rodia over 33 years (1921 to 1954).

He did it in his spare time, apparently because "I had in mind to do something big and I did it."

Its basic construction is pipe and mortar, with tile, glass, and found objects set into the face. Isn't it amazing?

Reminds me of Gaudi's unfinished Sagrada Família:

Anton Gaudi's Sagrada Familia

The kids loved it! I was so happy to have Jo with us...he gets so pumped up about this kind of stuff and we took a million photos...

...including this one of a house across the street. Aren't the colors and images wonderful?

Afterward we made our way to Little Tokyo for some lunch. I've been down there a bunch of times, but don't remember the wonderful public artwork set into the concrete. Jo and I were delighted to find this pie...Jo makes the most delicious pies...

When we got back to Jo's in Ocean Park, he and I sat down to make some cards to send to friends. This is one of Jo's favorite pastimes, and I think I need to start doing this more, too. I know it produced about 3 hours of laughter, and that much laughing is just plain healthy! Plus, how wonderful to get something other than junk in the mail...

To give you an example, here's a card I received from Jo right before the holidays. It includes a 1995 photo of all our friends having dinner at his place...ah, to be in a community of artists like that again! I feel so lucky to have been part of it.

Next stop, Vista, just north of San Diego, where we see the family!

My Week in California, Episode 2: Monterey

2010-01-06T09:45:00.016-06:00

After leaving the hustle bustle of San Francisco, we buzzed down Highway 1 to Monterey. Our destination? The Monterey Bay Aquarium, a place we've all been eager to visit. Even though we saw many beautiful things on our trip, I think this portion was the one that will affect my work most. I was just stunned by these otherworldly creatures.

Just meditating on the structure and movements of living forms like these sea anemones seemed to crack open a whole new vista for creative exploration at my worktable.

And the jellies! Ah, the jellies. What a mesmerizing bunch of animals. Don't these moon jellies remind you of a Dale Chihuly sculpture like this one?

Sea Form by Dale Chihuly

These sea nettles seem so peaceful, but so deadly, too. This tank was huge--a watery wall of slow movement. It was strikingly beautiful.

I was amazed by this crystal sea jelly. Its main form of defense is transparency. The fact that it's clear in the water and can't be seen means it won't as easily be eaten. And doesn't it look like a delicate chandelier? It was about this time that I started getting overwhelmed by the beauty of this place...

And look at this squid egg case! What an elegant way to lay eggs. Squids are artists, too, I thought...oh, boy, the emotions were really building up...

When we turned into the seahorse exhibit, it was all over for me. I saw this grouping of leafy sea dragons and had the most profound experience. I was blown away by the fact that there are such beautiful creatures roaming the ocean depths, sharing our planet with us. Animals we never see or hear about in our day-to-day lives, especially out here on the tundra. I began to well up right there and then.

I stopped to think if my emotions were the result of menopause, too much frantic holidays/vacationing/togetherness, a break-down from my working so hard lately, or if they really were just from the sheer beauty I was experiencing. All of those things were probably at play, but I decided to go with the beauty option...

So I mentioned to Dylan that I'd been struck with God's beauty and it brought tears to my eyes. Oh, geez. Huge mistake. He looked at me like I was nuts. Of course it went like wildfire through the family and it was all over. For the remainder of the trip I got seahorse-crying jokes constantly. "Mom, I think I'll order the seahorse sandwich...do you want one?" etc. Oh, well...happy to be the source of entertainment, but I guess that's the last time I spill my soul to those goofballs!

Next stop...a trip down the coast to hang out with my buddy Li'l Jo in Los Angeles.

My Week in California, Episode 1: San Francisco

2010-01-05T06:25:00.015-06:00

There's nothing like a week in California to rejuvenate a person! How nice to drop everything and take off. It was a great trip, full of adventures and beauty, so I thought I'd share some of what I saw along the way. I have a feeling much of the imagery will creep into my work over the next months, so in a way it was also a creative study...It was a very full trip, too much to fit into one post (too much to fit into one week!), so I'll split it up into parts. Here's Episode 1: San Francisco...

When we left on Christmas Day, 2 feet of snow had fallen in Minnesota.

But 24 hours later, we ended up here...

We flew into San Francisco and got in late. Blew our dough on a swanky high-rise hotel where we could see the city, much to the thrill of my teenagery kids. We woke up early and headed to Muir Woods. Ah, the lush green forest was like a salve to our winter-hardened selves...

On our way back we stopped to climb around a little on the Golden Gate Bridge. The kids were just awestruck. This bridge is so elegant and symbolizes so much...it's definitely part of our national psyche...our pride. I've driven over it many times before, but never actually stopped and got out of the car to really look at it. It really is a beautiful, graphic form.

When we got back to town it was raining hard, but we're Minnesotans! So we donned our rain gear and headed to Chinatown.

Emma and I explored the little bazaars and shops, Joe and Dylan searched for tea. It got to the point that it was raining too hard, though, so we ditched into the first restaurant we could find. I asked the waitress what her favorite dish was, ordered it, and joked with the kids that it might come back staring at me. She brought me this. As predicted, it was staring at me, and yes, it was absolutely delicious.

We had a fun night, running around Union Square shopping, something we absolutely never do. Emma and I discovered Forever 21 (I've since found out they have a local store at the local MOA), and we both found something for ourselves--what fun to shop with, not just for, your daughter! The next morning we were up and off to head down the coast, but before we left San Francisco we crossed the Bay Bridge--another dramatic form--to visit Berkeley, a place I know Dylan would love to go to school.

This stop in San Francisco gave the kids only a taste of this favorite city of mine, of course. They can't wait to go back--especially Emma. I think we may need to save up for a mom/daughter trip for a special birthday, don't you think? (And I'm excited because I get to go back in just a couple months for Beading by the Bay, where I'm teaching with Marcia and Maggie!)

Will write more about my trip soon...next stop, Monterey!

Beadbloggers...Friday?

2009-12-25T07:09:00.006-06:00

The rest of the Campbell elves and I are headed off for a much-needed California vacation today, but before we go I wanted to wish you all a very happy Christmas. I hope today finds you at peace and surrounded by love.

Since I hope to be walking on a beach on Sunday (far away from the 2 feet of snow we've received in Minnesota this last week!) I'll fill you in now on what the Beadbloggers have been up to. Enjoy!

A Bead A Day
There is still plenty of time to make some New Year's Eve jewelry! Lisa shares an eye catching bracelet using velvety hearts and chandelier-like egyptian crystals.

About.com Jewelry Making
Yellow facted CZ fan pendants become gorgeous earrings with just a little chain.

Art Bead Scene
It's the ABS annual 12 days of Christmas free projects. Twelve days of last minute holiday gifts!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Eco Friendly Gift Wrap

Beading Arts
Sweet, simple, and silly! Make a barrette that will delight a young girl in your life.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi makes huge resin baubles from an ice tray.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy shares her favorite things this week. You might be surprised to find out what they are!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie makes a chunky, funky necklace with some unusual wooden chain and findings

Jean Campbell
Jean shares a free sparkly necklace project, just in time to whip up for your New Year's Evening wear

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei goes back in time to remind fellow Etsy sellers about Heart-o-Matic!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean offers a project called Supercool which features a great focal by Dustin Tabor!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shares some whimsical lampwork artistry by Debi Cogwell.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Using a drilled resin piece from Lynn Davis and some filigree, Andrew creates a necklace paying homage to the faeryworld sanctuaries.

A Little New Year's Ice

2009-12-23T07:52:00.003-06:00

While watching the flakes fly yesterday I put together an icy-looking necklace for my mother-in-law, Joan. She loved it! It's sparkly enough that I think it'll be a perfect addition to her New Year's ensemble, but it's understated enough that she could wear it every day.

It's a fun, quick project to do, so I thought I'd share how to do it as my holiday gift to you. Here's how it's done:

Supplies
3 crystal 5x10mm bezelled crystal navettes (Swarovski #13-304)(you can actually use any 2-holed bead that's roughly the same size...)
26 light sapphire 4mm crystal bicones (Swarovski #5301)
1' of sterling silver 22-gauge wire
2 sterling silver 2" head pins
2 sterling silver 5mm jump rings
1 sterling silver 10mm toggle clasp
16" of sterling silver long and short chain
Wire cutters
Bead stopper
Round-nose pliers
Chain-nose pliers

1) Cut 2" of wire and form a double simple loop at one end. String one bicone and pass through a hole on one of the navettes. String another bicone and form another double simple loop.

Repeat to add a wire and bicones to the navette's second hole. Repeat this entire step to wire all 3 navettes. Set them aside.

2) Use the head pin to string 1 bicone; pass through the bottom right loop of one navette. String another bicone and pass through the upper right loop of the same navette.

3) Repeat Step 2 to connect all the navettes. String one bicone.

4) Place a bead stopper at the end of the head pin holding the right side of the navettes. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to connect the left side of the navettes.

5) Snug the beads on the left side of the navettes, trim the head pin to 3/8", and use round-nose pliers to form a simple loop.

6) Remove the bead stopper and repeat Step 5 for the other head pin. Set the pendant aside.

7) Cut the chain into two 8" pieces.

8) Gently open one of the simple loops on the pendant, attach an end link of one of the chains, and close the loop. Repeat to add the other chain length to the other side of the pendant.

9) Use jump rings to attach the clasp to the other end of the chains.

Happy holidays!

Beadbloggers Sunday

2009-12-13T08:29:00.010-06:00

It's been a crazy busy week at Studio Campbell, but I knocked down a few more April/May Beadwork technical edits and crossed four more pieces off my list for The Book...just 6 more to go before Christmas. I'm starting to believe that I may just actually be able to get this thing done without spontaneously combusting like a Spinal Tap drummer.

Detail from the piece I finished just this very second for The Book. (Sorry--can't show the whole thing yet--publisher's rules!)

Got a package from Marcia DeCoster the other day that included a ton of postcards for Beading by the Bay, and it made me realize I needed to mention it here again!

This retreat--which will be held March 12-14, 2010--is going to be THE best bead retreat of the year. First off, I can't think of anywhere else I'd like to be other than San Francisco, my favorite city in the whole wide world. Throw beads and beaders in the mix and you've got a party. But the best part of the weekend are the teachers. I really consider Marcia and Maggie right up at the top of the heap in the bead community. They both make such smart, interesting, wearable designs, and each project teaches an innovative new way to use a stitch or combine materials. I'm honored, of course, that they asked me to come along. Must be for my scintillating charisma and contagious laughter. All kidding aside, I'm pretty dang pumped to share the piece I designed especially for this retreat, Lilium. It represents a new design direction for me that's more sculptural and layered...

Interested in attending the retreat? Come on, you should! Hey, why not ask for this as a holiday gift...way better than another iGadget, right? And you can register by clicking right here. Easy peasy! It would be great to hang out with you in San Francisco...there's a trolley car with our name on it, and I'll arm wrestle you over who gets to ring the bell...

Alright, back to business. I've got some beading to do!

While I'm slaving away, deepening the circles under my eyes, and sprouting new gray hairs, why don't you take a peek at what my beadblogging buds have been up to this week?

A Bead A Day
If you find yourself in need of a quick holiday gift, don't overlook memory wire! With this simple design, you can make one for all your friends.

About.com Jewelry Making
Thinking of making some beaded ornament covers? Then you'll need to know the size bulb to use too.

Art Bead Scene
It's the first day of Art Bead Scene's annual Twelve Days of Free Projects!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe gets all steamy over the new Steampunk Style book!

Beading Arts
Cyndi shares a new tutorial featuring one of Earthenwood Studio's fabulous new pendants!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi wonders if anyone else is working on Spring.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Inspired by Grandma's necklace, Cindy creates an edgey look with CZ's.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shows a sneak peek of a pair of earrings she made for the upcoming book Steampunk Style by Jean Campbell

Jean Campbell
Jean shares 3 easy tips for making holiday gift production a little less stressful.

Katie's Beading Blog
Katie's making tons of earrings this season. Here are a few fun ideas for your own last-minute gifts!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei is saying Thank you and Merry Christmas by giving away a gift certificate to artbeads.com!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
When you check out this ornament kit which is available for you to make, it will REALLY put you in the spirit!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Each representing a different spectrum of lampwork glass, Andrew shares the new additions to his bead collection from two different artists.

My Neighbors Bake

2009-12-12T05:31:00.011-06:00

We moved to Minnesota from Colorado about 8 1/2 years ago now. It's a neighborhood built in the 1960s, and there are lots of original owners still populating the houses. We were happy to find out that there were a few folks more our age, though, so I was so delighted when during the holidays that year the group of "young" neighbors invited me to a holiday-themed baking party. "Oh, yeah, just bring some dough and we'll bake your cookies at my house," Tracy told me...

I pictured a raucous group of suburban moms, using baking as an excuse to get together, drink a little wine, have a few laughs, and get in the holiday spirit. I even brought the then-3-year-old Emma along with me to join in the fun.

What we walked into was quite possibly the most surreal scene I'd ever encountered. It was dead silent for one. And there was much flurrying in robotic precision. It smelled great, and there were cookies everywhere, but these people actually got together to bake. Just bake.

It was like an elven Stepford Wives cookie factory located in Twin Peaks. These ladies had on oven mitts, hair nets, aprons, and Tracy even had out a ruler to perfectly measure her chocolate chip shortcake bars. Emma, even at 3 years old, knew something was amiss. We didn't last long.

The next year they invited me back. By then we all knew each other a little better, so I told them that "party" wasn't really quite the right word for what I'd witnessed the year prior.

I told them I'd come and watch, as a cultural anthropologist would, but that I wouldn't be bringing any dough. Ever since, I've mainly been the one to bring in a little extra holiday cheer, provide a few laughs, and generally be another warm body. And I think maybe I've rubbed off on them a little bit over the years, because this year they busted out the wine at a somewhat early hour.

Even though our basic differences are strikingly obvious, I have fully embraced my neighbors. Over the years these girls have become my confidants, my Mighty Mice, my beacons. Baking hats and rolling pins aside, I feel incredibly grateful to have them in my life. Another reason that I'm a lucky girl...I love you guys!

Holiday Gift-Giving Jewelry Factory Tips

2009-12-10T06:44:00.002-06:00

Every year I promise myself I’ll be better, and every year I do the same thing: I put off gift-making until just a couple weeks before the holidays. My studio turns into a nutmeg and peppermint storm as I whirl into a tailspin, the perfect caricature of an grumpy elf on too much caffeinated maple syrup.

I emerge with a handful of neatly-wrapped gifts, set them under the tree, and promptly collapse on the couch until someone dribbles spoonfuls of Hot Toddy and a few Russian tea cakes into my gaping mouth, turning me back into a happy elf.

I’ll say, though, each year I get a little better at staving off the mayhem. For instance, this year I’ll employ another resident elf (Emma) to help me on the production line. It’ll be fun! We can sing “Santa’s Elves” and eat copious amounts of red and green M&Ms…

Having a helper is one good idea for getting lots of jewelry made all at once, but I have a few other ideas, too:

Choose a standard design
Instead of reinventing the wheel for each and every gift you make, choose one or two basic designs. A simple one-stranded bracelet or chain and crystal earrings, for instance.

Make changes in the design
Once you choose a design, you can personalize it by making small changes. For instance, if I chose my Sassy Sisters Bracelet for my gifting project, I could easily change the found objects and seed beads to make the bracelets look very different from one another. That way, when Suzy, Molly, and Mary open up their gifts all at the same time, they might not even notice I made them production-line style.

You could also just change the metal color in a project. See how my Bling Bracelet looks drastically different in gold...

vs. silver?

(Do you like this blingy bangle? I'm teaching this class and others at the J.O.G.S. show in Tucson on February 2...come take the class! Oh, this post is full of uncharacteristic shameless promotion today!)

Set up a production line
You don’t want to be impersonal about holiday gift-giving, but you have to be practical since time is of the essence at this time of year. So, if you’ve got warm bodies around to help you make jewelry, use them! Kids, husbands, friends, neighbors, co-workers. I know that when I get my elf factory going this week, I’ll have Emma turning colored copper wire into coils while I rivet found objects. This will cut my production time at least in half, and she’ll get some of her gifts finished, too. That means more time for both of us to cozy up under the tree.

What other tips for cutting down on jewelry-production stress at this time of year do you have? How do you avoid becoming an angry elf?

Superior Scribbler Award

2009-12-06T14:45:00.005-06:00

Hey--look at the cool award I just received from Sig Wynne-Evans! Sig does whimsical, creative beadwork and writes a really fun blog that, well...doesn't dice words. My kind of girl! Check her blog at Beadedbear's Nonsense and Complete Waste of Time. This feels like a definite honor to receive an award like this from such a talented person. Thank you so much, Sig!

Now I have the traditional responsibility of following the rules ascribed to the recipient of this award. They are as follows:

* Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy friends.

* Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & name of the blog from whom he/she has received the award.

* Each Superior Scribbler must display the award on his/her blog and link to This post which explains The award.

*Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List.

That way, we'll be able to keep up to date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor.

* Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

And now, it's my turn to pass on the award to 5 other bloggers. Oh, this is too hard to pick--there are so many good ones out there, but here are a handful I enjoy:

Jean Yates

Andrew Thornton

Kate McKinnon

Marcia DeCoster

Kathleen Kimball-Baker

Hurray! Who doesn't love an award?