Hey, January...I got you.

January 1st feels good, doesn't it? Holidays over and done. New ideas brewing. Morning sun shining and post New Years revels hydrating.

2015. I got you. 

I have a couple of thingsto share that might help you ease into making 2015 a good one.

Have you heard of the Passion Planner? I hadn't either. I found out about it on Facebook when some bead-world friends posted about it. It's planner, journal, idea-keeper and motivator all in one.

I've started mine for 2015 and I already love it. I have so many random thoughts and great ideas and stuff that I want to achieve that I can't always keep track of everything that flies through my head. It's laid out for non-lineal thinkers like me. Includes space to plan life and work. Exciting!

There are a couple of new publications that I am excited about, too. First is a revamp of The Crafts Report (a favorite of mine) called Handmade Business. It looks like it's going to be full of good info. Currently they are offering a free subscription to their digital version (the free version includes the majority of the content of the paid edition) but I think it's a cool way to check it out. Looking forward to seeing what they have to share.

The second is a special edition magazine from Interweave Press and the editors of Cloth Paper Scissors called Artists & Makers. I got my hands on the debut issue along with a few extra copies. it has helpful articles, interesting profiles and general inspirational goodness. I have three copies to share. If you'd like one, leave a comment and I'll pick three at random on Monday. Leave a way for me to reach you in the comments so I can get your mailing info.

Are you on my mailing list? There are great new classes and events coming up in my studio for 2015. I have done some rearranging and added a some new tools and equipment. More information to come in a few weeks. You can also check out my website for all the latest information.

All the best to you in 2015!

Upcoming classes! Online and in the studio.

Exciting news! I have THREE classes scheduled at my studio in South San Francisco. (It's about time I know, and more are coming soon.) Plus one online at Craftcast.com!

First up in the studio, on December 7, "The Art of the Bangle." Bangle bracelets are all the rage right now and they are so fun and easy to make. $95 for the day includes all materials and tool use in class. Everything is provided, all you need to do is show up. We are going to make a bunch of bangles and cuffs, and other components that use a simple round link (like hoops, rings and chain links). This is a brand new class based on a technique that my friend Bob Burkett generously shared with me.

I only have 5 spots available in class so sign up early as it's going to fill fast. The enrollment link in my Etsy Shop is here.

The Art of the Bangle

An speaking of Bob Burkett. Next in the studio is a special guest artist class with one of my favorite bead artists. "Zen and the Art of Waxworking" with Bob. He is just starting to teach his techniques and is really excited to share his knowledge with you.

Bob at work.

It's coming up on Saturday and Sunday, March 2 & 3, 2014. 10-5 both days. Cost is $225.00 and all materials are included. There are only eight spots available so sign up soon at this link. A complete description and details are listed there too. This class is sure to fill up quickly. It's a great opportunity to learn from a master. I CAN'T WAIT!!

Next up another newish class, Tube Set Pendants and Stack Rings. I am teaching it for the first time this weekend at the BABE show in Oakland, CA. It's full (as are all of my classes there, yay!) but I really wanted to teach it at my studio, so here it is! Saturday, March 15, 2014, 10-5. Cost is $150 for the day with all materials (sterling silver!!!!) and tool use in class included. Complete description and enrollment at this link on my Etsy store.

And just to give you class overload, I have a LIVE ONLINE class coming up next week on Wednesday, November 20th for CraftCast.com. Sign up here for Getting Loopy: Simple Chain Making and Beyond. It's all about chain making and the art of the metal link. How it works is you watch the live class presentation, ask questions, watch video tutorials and listen to me talk. Can't make the specified time? Want to watch the class over again? The enrollment fee includes a link to the video class so you can watch again and again, whenever you want! It's gonna be fun and super informative.

I am really excited to be a part of CraftCast and hope you can join me on Wednesday!

Getting Loopy!

Okay, gang. That's it from the class front. Check you calendars and hope to see you in class, soon!

Ten Life Lessons From IKEA

Happy New Year!

The New Year is a time for assessing, pondering, putting plans into place and moving forward. But for me it is also a time for learning. Most of all learning about me, it seems.

So this is how it went. I needed a shelf space in my new studio for shipping and receiving all of my Etsy Shop products. Plus a space to store all of my shipping supplies. Enter the IKEA catalog. I found the perfect thing, but WOW (!) that sucker was heavy. 75 lbs to be exact. I knew I couldn't move that thing on my own so I grabbed my friend Mary and we managed to select, purchase and wrangle it into my car. (LIFE LESSON #1 Teamwork always works.)

But Mary had to get home as she had a skirt to make. (Like you do.) So I was on my own getting this behemoth out of my car. (LIFE LESSON #2 Don't worry too much about the future. The solution will present itself.) So I dropped Mary off and went on my merry way up to my studio.

As I pulled into my parking space I saw two guys standing around and chatting. So I got out of my car, smiled and asked if they would mind helping to slide the heavy thing into my wheeled cart (that I had put in my car just in case), and I could take it from there. (LIFE LESSONS #3, 4 & 5 Be polite. Ask for what you need. And have a backup plan.)

After the nice guys helped get the package in the cart I wheeled it into my studio, dumped it over, opened it and got out the directions. I gathered my tools and got started. (LIFE LESSONS #6 & 7 Read the directions, they are there for a reason and always use the right tool for the job... and keep 'em in a tool box so you can find 'em.)

I was a bit daunted. I mean I make stuff, but I don't really build furniture you know? But I thought "Heck... I can do this. How hard can it be?" (LIFE LESSON #8 Stay positive.) 

 I checked the directions and started in step-by-step (LIFE LESSON #9 Heed the warning signs) and you know what? In 45 minutes I was done!

One last consult of the directions gave me LIFE LESSON #10 (Don't do anything stupid) and presto my shipping station was complete and I felt like a super hero.

So you know what? Bring it 2013... If I can build IKEA furniture, I can do anything!

Classes & Party at My New Studio

It's almost ready!

The hammers are hung.

The metal is sorted.

The kitchenette is stocked.

So here are the details. Some of you may remember the days of my former bead store in San Francisco. It was fun. I hosted cool events, great classes and gathered the most interesting and fun students.

Well, that is what's happening here. Nope, don't get too excited. This is NOT a retail bead store. What it IS is, a place for people to gather and learn. A place for my classes. A place that will host terrific Truck Shows from special vendors that sell high-quality jewelry supplies at great prices. A place that will host guest instructors and special events (remember Bead Brunch?)

I have a page on this blog dedicated to the happenings at the studio that is updated frequently with the latest happenings. (Click this link) The address, directions and details are all on that page. Bookmark it so you'll always see the latest classes and events. Better yet sign up for my newsletter and get the news delivered right to your email box.

My classes are listed on the page above and are on my Etsy store for purchase.

Now all that is missing is you! This is an open invitation to join me at my kickoff event on December 8, 1-4 PM. I'll have my new book available for purchase, a FREE Make & Take sponsored by Tierra Cast and a TRUNK SHOW with beautiful semi-precious strands at great prices. Refreshments are served and the party is going to be GREAT! 

BONUS!!!!! All class sign ups are 20% off when you enroll at the Studio on the 8th. BUT if you want to make sure you get a spot in an upcoming class, you can take 20% off right now by using code OPENINGPARTY upon checkout at the Etsy store. (PSST...the code is good on everything in the shop... not just classes, but you didn't hear it from me.)

I hope you can join me and thanks so much for your continued support!

I Have Dreams...

Yep. I am dreaming of my new studio space in South San Francisco.

Some of you will remember the days of my former bead store in San Francisco, Beadissimo. Boy, those were fun times. And sometimes hard times. But you know what. I missed it. Not the day-to-day grind of owning a retail store, but I missed having a space to call my own. I missed a great classroom where my students could create and learn. I missed hosting special events like trunk shows and having visiting instructors come teach.

So I did something about it and found the coolest space ever for my new little enterprise. It's not a retail store with regular hours. It's a cozy space where students can come and learn and buy a few things and hang out and be creative.

Saturday is moving day and things will be up and running by December with great plans for the New Year. You can find a schedule of classes and events on this page. The calendar is empty now, but not for long! Bookmark it and while you are at it how about joining my email list to stay in the loop? Your info is private, of course and you'll just get stuff from me about what's happening at the new studio.

Dreams? You bet. I have dreams.


(Thanks to my cousin Zoe... she made this video from our ring making extravaganza at this year's Maker Faire 2012)