Bead & Button 2012 Class Previews!

The previews are UP!!! That's right. You can peruse the gazillion classes that are scheduled for the  biggest bead show of the year, Bead & Button in Milwaukee, WI.

I teach three of the gazillion classes:

Crystal Frame Ring

Simple Soldering

Dapped, Capped and Soldered Beads

Here are a few samples that students have made in past classes:

Lovely Crystal Frame Rings. This photo also shows the two metal practice rings that students make in class. You'll finish 3-4 rings during class.

Here a a few dapped beads that feature tube riveting with some small soldered beads in brass and sterling. A great start to a lovely necklace design.

 Stacks and stacks of rings are just a few of the things students make in Simple Soldering.

Registration opens Tuesday, January 10 at 12 noon CST. Hope you can join me!

Today I wish...

...I was here.

With my friend Susan. And Mary. And Beth. And Monet. And my Mom.
Susan would be spinning.
I would be weaving. (Okay. I would be napping.)
My Mom and Mary would be quilting.
Beth would be watching football.
Monet would be making Bloody Marys.

 It would be the perfect day.

Pearls of Wisdom

I love pearls. Pearl knotting is a great skill to have in your beading repertoire. The luscious look of a knotted pearl strand compliments any outfit.

Wait? What is that you say? You don't know how to knot pearls? You think it's too difficult? Pshaw! Look here...

It's the only pearl-knotting how-to you'll ever need in the upcoming January 2012 issue of BeadStyle Magazine.

Let's check it out.

 Look at all of those lovely strands. And that author photo looks familiar...

Yep! It's me. I teach you all about how to knot pearls, how to choose thread, some alternate designs, plus more tips and tricks.

As a special bonus you can also check out my quick guide to necklace lengths in the Bead Room online forum on the BeadStyle magazine website.

I am so excited. My Mom and I are going to have to go on another magazine hunt to find this issue. You can find it at your local book and craft stores in the next couple of weeks.