Behind the Scenes at Beads, Baubles and Jewels

Many of you are familiar with the great PBS show Beads, Baubles and Jewels hosted by the talented Katie Hacker. It's the show to watch if you love making jewelry. I have heard from a few of you that you don't get it in your area. Not to worry. You can find all of the episodes right here online. They feature artists and projects from the bead and jewelry world and the episodes are informative and interesting.

So this past week I got to back my bags and travel to Cleveland, OH for a return trip to film segments for the upcoming new season. It was a quick overnight trip. (Two flights in two days... OUCH!) It was such fun. I always think it is interesting to see how things happen behind the scenes so I thought I'd share the highlights of my quick trip.

First, let me say that this is the most professional team ever. Working with them is such fun. I was sponsored by the fine folks at JewelryTools.com to demonstrate some of the tools that they carry online. (As their tag line says "EVERY tool you need, and then some.")

Here is what happend...

After a long (through Atlanta!) flight I landed and got my rental car. I was surprised to find not just any car, mind you. It was a house on wheels. Check out how fancy I was!

 I was driving in style.

Seriously. That stereo system was better than the one I have at home. (iTunes, kids!!) Sunroof open, I hit the road to the hotel, dinner and gabfest with friends (Barb Switzer and Jennifer Chatshow-Van Benschoten) who had completed their segments earlier that day.

After a quick sleep, it was off to the studio. Also filming that day were the lovely and talented Jean Campbell, Erin Siegel and Jill Wiseman. What great company.

Erin and Jill getting ready for their segments. Jean was already on set.

Erin's pretty projects all ready to go on air.

So I dropped my stuff at my prep table and perused the tools that JewelryTools sent for my segment. Now I always like to do something interesting for TV and this time was no exception. But really, who's idea was it to demo the rolling mill on live TV? (Okay, live to tape, but still... OH right! My idea.) For those of you who have never unpacked a fresh rolling mill, it's uh... messy.

There is no time like the time RIGHT BEFORE YOU GO ON TV to get your hands dirty. Thankfully they had gloves. My hands look barely passable at best most of the time, so an added layer of machine grease was not doing me any favors.

Rolling mill sorted and situated. Tools laid out and readied. Then off to the makeup chair.

My favorite part! Karen is a makeup whiz!

All prettied up and ready to go. Now it was time to iron my dresses. (Where were you Mary Cravens when I needed you? Oh right, making more dresses for my next teaching gig.)

All suited up and time for my closeup. All of my tools get carted out to the set.

My view.

Katie and I start off the segment with some hijinks...

and then get down to business.

Take two when the wire twister gives me a little sass. Note to self, all the practicing in the world and still tools have a mind of their own!

Really?

But we got back on track and filming went smoothly. Those camera guys really know their stuff.

Brett works his magic.

Look at that closeup.

Then it was a wrap. Some final fond farewells and I was off back home. Thanks so much BB&J. It was a great 24 hours. You can see the segments when the new season airs around December.

I'm teaching at JSI in July!

Okay gang... I KNOW that I am in the midst of Bead&Button prep, but I have another upcoming exciting event to share with you.

Some of you are familiar with Jewel School On JTV. I periodically join them on-air to demonstrate my favorite soldering tools. But now they are taking educating jewelry makers one step further with classes.

Fast forward to the Jewel School Institute!

From the website... "The Jewel School Institute is the classroom learning department of Jewelry Television^® and Jewel School. It is our dream come true to extend learning opportunities to our customers beyond our live television shows. Education is an important part of JTV’s commitment to the customer. Introducing new jewelry making venues and offering the latest in jewelry making supplies are important elements in our mission of empowering women and men to stretch the boundaries of their creativity.  Jewelry Television uses the medium of live television to educate the shopper about gemstones and jewelry and the beauty they can bring into her life."

Cool, huh?

I am so excited that they asked me to do a three-day workshop for them coming up on July 19-21. Here is the class description...

"This 3-day workshop is definitely "metal-immersion".

In fast-paced day one, students will complete an instructional sampler based on the unique sampler section in my book, "Simple Soldering". You will learn to saw, solder, rivet and set stones and really hone your technique without fear of “messing up”. We’ll have plenty of 1 x 1 copper squares and materials to use and experiment with in this section. We will use a simple and portable soldering station featuring butane micro torches, which is safe and easy to replicate at home. 

Next we move to day two devoted to the wonderful world of ring making and stone setting! Taping on the skills learned in day one, students will learn how to size, shape, design, and set stones to make rings for every finger (almost!).

On day three we will put the torches away and work on cold connections and patinas. Students will explore a variety of patinas on metal and create unique pieces featuring colored metal mixed with riveting techniques. (I can’t wait to share these great techniques with you.) These three days are going to be jam-packed, but promise to be educational, interesting and most of all, fun!

Three days of all the metal techniques you can imagine! Class runs from 8-5 each day and by then end you'll have a great understanding of a variety of metal working techniques. Plus you'll leave with beautiful jewelry. This is a perfect class for students who want to get started working with metal. You will have to bring some tools, but I will have a bunch of specialty tools and the soldering stations all set up for you. Materials? No problem. They are all included in the kit fee.

Find the link to enroll here.  I hope you'll join me. I can't wait to share these techniques with you.
JTV is located in the friendly town of Knoxville, Tennessee. The folks at JTV are so nice, and accommodating. I know we will have a great time

Psst... Beaducation is having a sale!

Just got this notification in my email box from Beaducation.com

"We are blowing out our inventory, putting over 500 items on sale. The savings start at 25% and a few closeout items are an incredible 60% off! There's something for everyone -- stamping materials, blanks, chain, Swarovski crystals, and tools. 

Sale prices are valid through Thursday May 30. Then we rearrange our warehouse to make room for NEW product! Now is a great time to stock up on your favorites, as well as try something new while the prices are this low!"

Now that sounds like a great thing to do this Memorial Day... There are lots of tools, materials and metal blanks at great prices. Find the sale link here.

I'm off to do a little online shopping!