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December 31, 2007

Lampwork Beads and Off Loom Bead Weaving in Prescott

Oh_ivory Ivory Moretti Glass Rods were used in Lampworking these beads. I created this necklace using off loom bead weaving with some free form stitches. "Oh Ivory" is the name of this piece.

Here in Prescott you can learn off loom bead weaving at the bead shops or join the High Desert Bead Society and learn from members. Beadprojectsbook

If you aren't near a bead shop where you can take classes, check out the two beading books written by Georgene Lockwood. I have 2 pages in the Guide to Beading Book which was put out last year.

The new "Beading Projects" book, pictured here, is out now and the Fish Mobile Project of mine is featured in Beading for Baby session.

Seed Beading Stitches can be learned one stitch at a time and it progresses from there.

Check my online store for both books: http://rowenaart.net/store/

You can also find this book at Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery on Whiskey Row in my jewelry case.

Have a safe New Years Eve! Rowena Tank at the end of 2007!

December 30, 2007

Majacraft Jumbo Bobbin from Loom N Essence

MajacraftbobbinCheck out this new Majacraft Jumbo Bobbin

from Loom N Essence.

http://loomnessence.net/Home_Page.htmlMajacraftjumbobobbin

I own a Majacraft Jumbo Bobbin for my Susie Pro already, but the new design by Majacraft is far more Superior.

Check with Sharon Poplawski at Loom N Essence about the new Majacraft Jumbo Bobbin design.

December 29, 2007

Vintage Beads and Faceted Stone - Rowena Tank-In My Studio

Prescottclouds Using cut stones and vintage crystal buttons together creates glitz and lampwork.

"Clouds Over Prescott" was made with one of the faceted stone pendants I purchase while visiting Wendy Simpson Conner in L.A. last year. I only found 4 and they are all sold set in one-of-a-kind necklaces. Rowenastudiosm1

Wendy produced and directed "The Bead Movement", a documentary about beads and people who love them. Glenda Campbell and I were invited to Antonius Glass Studio to be interviewed for the film. What a fun day. You can find "The Bead Movement" at most bead stores and don't forget my on line store:

www.rowenaart.net/store/

The cobalt blue lampwork beads in the necklace are created from Recycled Riesling Wine Bottles. The light blue beads are vintage German Glass Beads from a Southern Germany Bead Shop.

I have been in my bead studio most of the day for the past 3 weeks. Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery has been so busy that each day I need to drop by and replenish my bead work. I have not been able to add many loss beads to my "Beads for Designers" cube, so if you have been looking for new beads there please be patient.

December 28, 2007

Arizona Bead Soup Amulet Brooch - Prescott Art Walk

Amuletbrooch My Off-Loom-Bead-Woven Amulet Brooch has become a fun piece showing at Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery on Historical Whiskey Row. Amulet Bag Necklaces have been around a long time and I decided that the Amulet Brooch would be even more fun to wear. I call them "Arizona Bead Soup" Brooch

Tonight is the 4th Dimension Art Walk in Prescott so pick up your tour maps at Arts Prescott and go on the walk. Check out my Amulet Brooch created from Rowena's Arizona Bead Soup while you are there at the gallery. Read what is on the Prescott Art Walk Calendar: http://www.artthe4th.com/

December 27, 2007

SAORI Hand Weaving - The Maya Gotami Foundation

This SAORI Hand Woven bag was given to me by Sharon Poplawski from Loom N Essence.

http://loomnessence.net/Home_Page.htmlSaoriwoven_bag_2

The Maya Gotami Foundation led by Ajahn Mitsuo Gavesako created a SAORI Hand Weaving as Occupational Therapy to help the victims of the Tsunami disaster in Southern Thailand. This is a long term recovery effort aimed at creating employment and using the arts for mental rehabilitation. I know how weaving and spinning grounds me and I am sure that this project is working for many people.http://www.th.emb-japan.go.jp/en/jis/2006/0613.htm 

"SAORI is a hand weaving program founded in 1968 by Mrs. Misao Jo in Osaka. SAORI cloth is made by freely weaving wool threads across hundreds of warp thread that are stretched on a simple wooden loom. The cloth is used to make pouches, pen cases, mufflers, dresses and so on. Its technical simplicity and wide variety of colors and patterns have won SAORI a large following in Japan; and its popularity is now spreading worldwide", writes The Maya Gotami Foundation.

In Worcester, MA you will find a Free-Style Weaving Gallery and Studio. The certified teacher and Artist's name is Minhoko. Minhoko is a member of the SAORI Leaders' Committee. Her goal is to make SAORI as popular and successful here as it is in her native land in Japan. http://www.saoriworcester.com/home.htm

The looms are imported from Japan and have only two pedals, making them easy for anyone to use. The loom is made easy for several people to take turns using the same loom to continue a project. This might be something you would like check out yourself. If you have a small shop and want to carry their products check out the web sites listed.

December 26, 2007

Löwenbrau Recycled Bottle - "Loves A Brew" - Vivid Green

"Loves A Brew" - Vivid Green Recycled Löwenbrau Beer bottle glass!  So far most all of my recycled glass lampwork jewelry has been created from recycled wine bottles. This Löwenbrau Beer glass bottle drew me to my torch. The green is like the Shiraz Wine Bottle glass.

Lowenbrauglas_2Lowenbrau Beer is imported from Munich, Germany as you know. The traditional-style beer is an original Lager beer.

Note the 3 cut glass green beads which we found in a small bead shop in Neu Gablonz, a suburb of Kaufbeuren, in southern Germany. Kaufbeuren is not far from Munich.

The Löwenbrau recycled glass lampwork beads are among off loom bead woven seed beads and beads from all over the world in this piece called "Loves a Brew.

The bumpy lampwork bead on the left is named "Arizona Sun Flake". I named these beads after our Arizona Sun, considering we do not have much snowfall during the year in our state.  Phoenix has no snowfall and that is where I began melting glass to make my own beads for my creations.

This piece actually made it back to Germany. It was purchased by a German Female doctor who was visiting a friend here.

December 25, 2007

Prescott Art Docents

Love Art? Got some free time? Looking to help your community? Discover the Prescott Art Docents - a non-profit volunteer organization whose mission is to bring art and enriching art experiences especially to the children in our community. Is this what your New Year needs? Come meet some Art Docents and learn more about the training program and membership benefits. You do not need previous art experience! www.prescottartdocents.com

December 23, 2007

The Daily Courier Features Judith Skinner Polymer Clay Christmas Stars by Lorin McLain

Dailycourier_2  I opened the Scene on Friday and found Lorin McLain's article "Jewelry Artist Applies Special Techniques to Christmas Stars".

If you click twice on the photo of the article it will enlarge so you can read with ease.

It is always great to open The Daily Courier and read about local artists. The Courier supports the artists in the area and that is one reason why I get the paper. To be in the know of what is going on in town and what artist is showing where is a plus for me.

I would hope that out of town visitors pick up The Courier on Fridays. Fridays the Courier includes a magazine called "The Scene". The Scene lists all of the shows in town, movies in the area and of course what music group is playing and where. This is a plus for Prescott.

You can see photos if you go to my December 12th blog entry. The scanner did not want to scan the newspaper photos this morning. The stars are worth checking out. I know I will be checking on the limited edition star soon.

Judith Skinner will be taking orders for the limited edition star 2008. You can order by e-mail: polyannie@aol.com

December 22, 2007

Rowena'a Pink Lady Brooch - Join In on the Prescott Art Walk on the 4th Friday

Thepinkladies I found this pink button in my button collection and I was inspired by the movie Grease...remember The Pink Ladies? This brooch is named "Pink Ladies"

The brooch is adorned by a clay bead I purchased from a clay bead artist in Sedona. I included some Quartz beads, fresh water pearls, and a lampwork bead drop created from gold stone and clear amber glass.

This brooch along with many others which are all one-of-a-kind pieces can be found at Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery, 134 S. Montezuma St. on Historical Whiskey Row.

Join us for the 4th Dimension Art Walk here in Prescott and pick up your maps at Arts Prescott. This Prescott Art Walk is always on the forth Friday of each month and our galley will always have the tour maps on hand. Don't forget the Art Walk!

For more information on the art walk: http://www.artthe4th.com/

December 21, 2007

The Bead Museum

Tradebeads_4 Visit The Bead Museum http://www.beadmuseumaz.org/

The photo is my Trade Bead Collection.

December 19, 2007

Hand Made Christmas Ornaments by Glenda Campbell, Janet Childress, Paula Euell and Vera Führer

Verafhrer

Glendacampbellornament_2

Years ago Glenda Campbell and I got together to paint Christmas Ornaments. Glenda's were all one-of-a-kind paintings. This cute little animal looking out of a Christmas Stocking adorns our tree each year.

While in Germany I received many Christmas Ornaments for my Birthday. Having your birthday in December invites creative ornament gifts each year. This red wooden heart was painted Danish Style by Vera Führer. Vera lived in Schleswig, Germany which was 5 kilometers from our home. We had many a great cup of coffee together.

Janetchildress_2 Janet Childress, a member at Arts Prescott Gallery, created this Horse Ornament for as one of MANY donations for H.O.R.S.E.S with Heart. She filled a stander with these horse ornaments and donated all of the money from the sell of them. That was the gallery raffle for 2006. It was a total sucess because the organization got behind the fund raising and helped it be one of the best raffles during the holidays for the gallery. Janet worked hard putting the raffle together because the organization is close to her heart.

Paulaeuellangel Paula Euell, High Desert Bead Society Member creates these Christmas Angels and each one is dressed elegantly. We did the Veteran's Christmas Bazaar one year and she was selling these ornaments along with her beaded jewelry.

StainedglasssantaDriving up Thumbutt I found an art show in a private home. This Stained Glass Santa just had to go home with me.

Each year I purchase one special ornament and the Santa found its way to my home in 2007. I lost the card of the Santa's maker, so if anyone knows the name of the artist please make a comment and leave it for everyone.

I hope you all are having the Happy Holidays we are.

 

December 18, 2007

Recycled Glass Pendant - "Night Skies Over Prescott"

Recycled_blue_glass Lampworking using recycled glass is art using broken objects.

It seems like there's never enough time for my passions of beading, spinning and weaving.

Here is a cobalt blue piece that I call, "Night Skies Over Prescott".

I created this piece from scards given to me my Cindy Myers, a member of Arts Prescott and glass blower. Attached is an vintage glass piece Jürgen and I picked up in Neu Gablonz, a suburb of Kaufbeuren, in southern Germany. That bead searching trip brought many great fiRowenalaughsnds. We found cut glass beads which were created with such precision. In the cellar of one of the bead shops we came across a bag of glass buttons. I would say it weighted about 4 lbs. These glass buttons were so dirty from the dusty cellar that the colors were nearly impossible to detect. I love those buttons and I use them making many of my off loom beaded cuffs. They make great closures for many types of jewelry.

As you can tell I have fun enjoying all of my bead and fiber friends. Laughing keeps one young and feeling great.   

December 17, 2007

Mary Kaye O'Neill Creates a Warmer that I use as a Bead and Fiber Artist

MarykayeoneilwarmerIf you are a Beader, Knitter, Spinner, Weaver or just do crafts to the point your joints and muscles hurt check out Mary Kaye O'Neill's Warmer. I know when I walk through a room and my Spinning Wheel winks at me I need to spin a bit. A bit turns into a couple of wonderful hours enjoying my fiber.

Mary Kaye O'Neill, a friend and a fellow jeweler at the Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery makes these wonderful "Bed Warmers". I have one and I have discovered that they not only are perfect to pop into the microwave for a few minutes and place under the covers about 15 minutes before bed time, but they also releave tension in my shoulders. Mary Kaye writes, "You'll have to wrestle other folks or critters who happen to inhabit the bed with you... to fight for the warmer."

I discovered the first night I had The Warmer that it works great for the shoulders and elbows after a long afternoon of seed beading all of those brooches for the gallery. I don't warm it quiet as long as before I warm it at bed time. Everyone needs to be careful not to make it too hot. The good thing is if I do heat The Warmer too much I just lay it near me for a minute or two and then it is ready for my shoulders.

You can have a Mary Kaye Warmer too...contact her at: mkoneill@cableone.net

December 16, 2007

Jacqueline Sweginnis Paints on Wood and Just a fine Evening

Jacquelinesweginnis2 What a great evening at the Tank's.

Jacqueline Sweginnis painted this Christmas Wooden Paddle as a gift for me. What a surprise and delight at the same time.

More photos will be coming soon. Terri Sweginnis took several great photos of us girls in front of the tree.

"The Beading Woman of Peppertree Lane"

3peppertreebeaders_2  from left to right: Jacqueline Sweginnis, Rowena Tank, and Marilyn Corradi

December 15, 2007

Monsoon-Northern Arizona Arts and Entertainment and Prescott Events

Check out the December issue of Monsoon Magazine.They wrote about Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery and the new member Don Rantz. Not only did they write about him joining the gallery, but they also included information about the winning  of an award from the 16th Annual National Pastel Painting Exhibition in New Mexico. Great work Don, Congratulations.

It is always great to open up a magazine or newspaper and read about fellow Arts Prescott Members. The gallery, Prescott's Hometown Gallery, is open 7 days a week from 10 to 6.

The Monsoon often writes about our guest artist shows as well. The gallery supports local artists by these shows each month. Whiskey Row is a great location to show your work and the guest artists enjoy the exposure.You can pick up Monsoon Magazine at nearly any coffee shop or in front of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.

December 14, 2007

Knitting for the Holidays by Kristin Hansen, Prescott

Kristinhansenholidaysocks_2Prescott Knitter, Kristin Hansen just finished 16 pair of socks, 3 vests, 2 sweaters, 2 hats and 3 scarves for the holiday gifts she sent off to her family.

In 2008 my plan is to learn how to knit socks. When I spin with the ladies I only have one pair of hand knitted socks. That would be the pair Kate Campbell Taylor created for me with her space dyed yarn.

I have taken several of my Treasure Tails and knitted some wonderful scarves but 2008 looks up for me in the knitting department.

Kristin knits for other people when time permits, so if you have started a project and need help or need it finished Kristin is there. What a fun way to earn more fiber money! You can find Kristin teaching knitting classes at The Fiber Shop, in Prescott.

December 13, 2007

Red Glass Tree Ornaments by Bandhu Scott Dunham in Prescott

Bandhuscottdunham Yes, more tree ornaments at the Tank House.

Lampworking isn't only for glass beads. Bandhu Scott Dunham, Prescott's leading Lampwork expert creates some excellent tree ornaments for the holidays.

I acquired this Glass Red Apple along with several others during an Open Studio Tour several year ago, which took place here in Prescott.

Glassredpepper This year, Mary Kaye O'Neil, a member and President of the Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery gifted me with one of Bandhu's Red Chile Peppers for the holidays. She gave all of the committee member heads one of these Bandhu ornaments. These hollow lampwork ornaments are excellent gifts for glass collectors.

Redglasstreetopper This year we added a straw angel to the top of our tree. This lampworked Red Tree Topper by Bandhu was used inside our tree this year and didn't make it to the top like the previous years.

Bandhu Scott Dunham was part of the PAHC Open Studio Tour 2007. The Open Studio Tour will take place each year so watch my blog next year for more information about that event.

If you are interested in Bandhu's Lampwork Ornaments or his books he has written on Lampworking go to: http://www.salusaglassworks.com/ One of Prescott's Best Kept Secrets!

December 12, 2007

Judith Skinner's Wonderful Christmas Tree Polymer Clay Stars

Judithskinnerstar1_3 If you know anything about Polymer Clay ... You know the name Judith Skinner.

The past couple of years I began collecting Polymer Clay Christmas Stars created by Judith Skinner. These stars are between 4 and 5 inches in diameter and each one has its own design.

Judithskinnerstar2_4

I met Judith Skinner at Yavapai College about 8 years ago. We both were taking a Jewelry Making class taught by Bill Ford.

Judithskinnerstar3_2 Judith's Christmas Stars adorn our dark green tree. They are strategically placed throughout the tree along with the white candles we had on our tree in Germany each year. At that time we actually burned the candles on our real tree during family gatherings. With our desert climate here in Prescott that is not done today.

Judithskinnerstar4_3 Each artful star has a different shape and character. Some have a bit of glitter and some do not.

Judithskinnerstar5_2 These stars are created by Judith with the same exactness as her polymer clay jewelry line.

August 15 to September14, 2008 Judith will be a guest artist at Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery.

I am sure she will enjoy her artist reception during the 4th Dimension Art walk at that time. I will be sure and add this show and photos at before the show opens.

Judithskinnerstar6_2

Also, in August Judith will be teaching a workshop at the Mountain Artist Guild.Be sure and sign up early because it will fill up fast.

Judithskinnerstar8_3 Judith's work shop will be on Polymer Quilts and she will share her vast knowledge about Polymer Clay and what you can do with it.

Judith creates Quilts from Polymer Clay. I can just see it now...quilts and lampwork beads!

You can contact Judith Skinner at: polyannie@aol.com

December 11, 2007

Sterling Silver Wire Work Simple Necklace

Rowenaflamelogo_2 Aromatherapyvesseloh_silver_3

Here is a simple wire work necklace I created not long ago. I first formed the lampwork glass beads with Moretti Glass Rods to fit the idea of this necklace. The pendant is actually an aroma therapy bottle.

Some of these components made of sterling silver were created by my sister Patricia Brockert during the time she never met a wire she couldn't bend to perfection. She gave me a box of wire to recycle into a Cuddle-fish form pendant. That would be remelting the silver and forming it once again. I rescued several pieces and added them to this necklace.

I made the closure and all of the jump rings as I described in one of my earlier posts on my blog.

This simple necklace is made up of creative bending and forming of the sterling silver wire. I didn't add complicated wire beads in this necklace.

Each wire component was hammered to give the sterling silver strength for long wear. Hammering will harden the wire and jewelry makers call this annealing the wire. It does this by lining up the molecules. I actually call this tapping flat or tapping strength into the wire. If you hammer the wire too much -- the wire will break easily. I use a jewelers hammer, but if you find a nice flat surface hammer in your hardware store that works too.

When doing your wire work it is good to have a anvil to be used while hammering your wire. I have a small one in my tool case to take along for classes. They run about $17. in any jewelers supply shop.

December 10, 2007

Prescott's Acker Night - Arts Prescott- Wine Brooch

Acker Night brought winter weatAckernight_2her and many great visitors to Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery.

Here playing Christmas songs is Mark Tamerin.

Members enjoy the evening while taking care of all of the guests visiting our gallery.

New Members enjoy their first Arts Prescott Acker Night and holiday season and they look forward to Marktamerin2008.

Brooch

Vintage Buttons and Recycled Wine Bottle Glass kept me busy all week. I wanted to fill my case for the event.

The modern looking horse is a button created in Europe and it has been in my button collection for some time. I turned it into a brooch with Rowena's Wine Drops hanging from it and encircled with Peyote Stitch. The Cuff is done with Flat Peyote Stitch and Merlot Wine Bottle recycled into a flat pendant for the cuff. Merlot Ear Rings can not be forgotten for the holidays to come. 

December 09, 2007

Lampwork Fish Mobile Project Presented in Georgene Lockwoods' Beading Projects Book

Rowenaprojects2 Here is just one more beginning step in creating the Fish Lampwork Bead Mobile which is presented in Georgene Lockwood's new beading projects book. Note the wirework around the two copper tubing pieces. The hand dyed silk cording is pulled through the tubing using thin wire twisted around the end of the cording. This transports the silk cording through the tubing.

Each step of this process is described in detail in the beading projects book. This mobile can be created with any type of larger beads.

Arizonabiglipsfishbead Lampwork Fish can be used in all types of beading. Here is "Arizona Big Lips Fish - Prescott Fishing Expedition" which I donated to the Yavapai Human Society at the first of the year for their raffle.

This necklace has the lampwork fish as the pendant and then off loom bead weaving is used to create the bead work around the fish. Note the blue Arizona Sun Flake beads. These beads are created by adding drops to the lampwork bead in all directions. I call this an Arizona SunFlake.

December 08, 2007

Book Signing and Fish Mobile at Arts Prescott Gallery

Beadprojectsbook_2Today come to the Artists Book Signing, Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery, 134 S. Montezuma St.-Heart of Whiskey Row, Prescott.

I will be on hand to sign the paged of my Mobile Project in "Beading Projects" along with Linne Thomas and her Amazing Arizona book, Don Ranz and Beth Neely who illustrated several children's books and Bret Blevins with his illustrations in Red Wall.

Beadingprojectsbook Georgene Lockwood took this great photo of my Lampwork Fish Mobile in the Prescott, Arizona skies. This is the photo at the beginning of the Mobile Project by Rowena Tank pages.

Pick up this "Beading Projects" book and see the step by step beading project I put together just for this book. Each step has a photo either taken by me or Georgene.

About a year ago, Georgene called me and asked if I would like to create a Mobile for her new being book. I immediately said yes, I am always up for a challenge. After making several prototypes I came up with the copper tubing method which is now written in detail in this new beading projects book. The first thing I did was go directly to True Value Hardware store on Miller Valley Road here in Prescott to find the exact diameter I needed for the hand dyed silk cording. True Value here in Prescott is quite a delight for anyone!

You can find this book at the gallery along with Georgene Lockwood's first book "Guide to Beading, Illustrated", where 2 center pages contain photos of some of my work. Get it today at the book signing or go to my web store and pick it up -- No shipping charge.

www.rowenaart.net/store

December 07, 2007

Arizona Fiber Art Shows coming up in 2008

JoannemanginelliMy day began at Wild Iris Coffee House -- the Courtyard in Prescott. I met with Joanne Manginelli to drop off her huge Skein I used to photograph for my blog.

Wild Iris serves tasty coffee and the baker comes from a Chicago Bakery. OH MY! The Coffee House lends itself for meetings and drinking your chosen coffee. It is what we say in Germany, "Gemütlichkeit"

We talked about the Arizona Federation Show in Tucson. The Arizona Federation "Fibers Through Time-2008" will take place at the Holiday Inn, 4550 S. Palo Verde Blvd. in Tucson, Arizona. April 3 - 6, 2008. The Federation of Weavers and Spinners Guilds will welcome vendors of weaving and spinning supplies and equipment. The conference includes weaving, spinning, dyeing, basketry, knitting, quilting, metal weaving, felting and surface design classes.

The vendor area at "Fibers Through Time-2008" is open to the public. If you want to take a class that is great .. but if you just want to shop --  the vendor area will be open from 1:00 to 7:30 pm on the 3rd which is registration for the students taking classes. On Friday, the vendors are open 11 am to 5 pm and Saturday vendor hours are 8 am to 5 pm. If you missed something you can drop by Sunday from 10 am to noon. I hope everyone will attend. Check out "Fibers Through Time - http://www.azfed.org/
Then, May 15, 2008 Joanne Manginelli will be guest Fiber Artist at Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery, 134 S. Montezuma St. in Prescott. Joanne introduces, "Earth & Fiber in Harmony". She will be integrating Pottery and Fiber. Jo has a few surprises for you. The show runs from May 15 to June 14 from 10AM to 6PM. Reception during the 4th Friday ArtWalk in Prescott from 6PM to 8PM.
September 15 -- October 14, 2008 "Sisterhood of Spinning Tales - Hand Spun" Showing at Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery. A local group will show their hand spun and what they create with it. 10AM to 6PM and the artist reception will take place during the 4th Dimension Art Walk on the 4th Friday. http://www.artthe4th.com/

December 06, 2007

Wire Work Made Simple - The Caulder Bead

Caulder_bead During my wire work classes I always express the many creative ways to use the components I teach. Each wire configuration can be converted into a design, big or small, to add to your artful jewelry creations.

The Caulder Bead is universal and it can be used all through out a necklace. It also can be a single pendant for a chain.

Use 16 or 18 g wire. Cut 8 inches. Don't forget to file down the ends of your wire with a #2 jewelry file. Find the center of the wire and note it by bending or marking the wire.

Begin with using your round nose pliers and make a circle on both ends of the 8 inch wire. Begin using the flat nose pliers to coil the wire holding the pliers flat on the coil and wind until you get to the center of the wire. This is flat at this time. Then begin to wind the opposite end to create the beginning of your Caulder Bead. You can use this as shown or continue to make a complete Caulder Bead.  Step_2_caulder

Using your round nose pliers push out the two circles or coils making them appear to be cones. Using your flat nose pliers bend center of the wire around to create the complete Caulder Bead. I call this closing the circle or cone. It is simple when you think of bending the cones together at the center or the mark you made on your 8 inch wire at the beginning of this process.

Caulderbead_complete_2 You can create a complete necklace just connecting these wire beads together with the jump rings I wrote about in a previous blog posting.

You may encase a glass, wooden, clay or any other bead with a Caulder Bead. Do that by slipping the bead inside the two coils before you bend them together to complete the coil wire bead.

Drop back to my blog and see future wire work ideas. Once you begin to love wire you will be designing your own in an instant.

December 04, 2007

Kahlua Cuff-Off Loom Bead Weaving-Fresh Water Pearls

RowenacaseRecycled Wine Bottles hang through the top of my jewelry case at Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery on Whiskey Row. This is always a draw for people when they come into the gallery.

Kcuff

Kahlua seems to be one of the recycled bottle glass favorites.

Here is an Off-Loom-Bead Weaving cuff created with free form peyote stitch. I adorned the piece of Kahlua glass with Fresh Water Pearls and an agate oval formed bead purchased at the Arizona Gem and Mineral Shop in Prescott Valley. As always the closure is done with vintage buttons.

December 03, 2007

First Friday at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia

First Friday at the National Liberty Museum!

Fabulous First Friday Nights
Gather your friends or come to meet new ones as you enjoy a fabulous evening out at the National Liberty Museum. Glass art, live music, refreshments, dazzling jewelry!   

Treat yourself and others on selected items discounted 20% - 50% off in our gift store!

First Friday in December
National Liberty Museum
DATE: December 7
TIME: 5pm - 8pm
  FUN!  SHOPPING! GREAT GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS! 
National Liberty Museum
321 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

December 02, 2007

"Sundown in Prescott" - Hand Woven Fiber Amulet Bag to Adorn with your Bead Collection

Purplehandwovenbag Rowena's Purple "Prescott After Sundown" - Hand Woven Fiber Amulet Bag - Adorn this bag with your own design of beads, buttons and charms (Wear your bead collection) You can add more fringe or trim fringe any shape you wish. Each one of Rowena's Fiber Amulet Bags are One of a kind.

These Fiber Amulet Bags sell for $45 unadorned in Fiber and Bead Shops and $125. adorned in Galleries. Each bag is one of a kind!

Body measures 3 1/2+ inch in length - 2 3/4 inch wide.

15 inches from top of bag to tip of fringe

Hangs on a 16 inch long braided strap (32 inches length)

Look for some exciting additions to Rowena Aesthetics in Feb. 2008!

Fibers in bag: Merino Wool, Novelty Yarn, Silk, Bamboo, Handspun yarns

Check out this eBay addition this week. I insert one or two eBay specials to bring people to my blog and web site. This has been a fun experience and great PR for my site.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280180063688&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=018

December 01, 2007

Joanne Manginelli Spins -Gearing up for Coming Spinning Show

Joannefiber Joanne Manginelli and I share trade secrets when it comes to fiber. She discovers something fun and shares it with everyone!

Jo writes: "I have always been drawn to the element of texture ever since I can remember.  Two years ago  I attended the Taos Wool Festival and spotted the wool roving with silk moil.  I had to have it.  I spun the wool on my Majicraft Saxony which has been a great source of enjoyment and inspiration to me .   I  then decided to ply it with some mohair I had in my stash so I could have a nice fluffily, fuzzy yarn.  I was delighted with the result.   I have enough to make a second skein which will probably be knitted into a sweater or woven into a poncho on my triangle loom.  One delightful project leads to another. I've been a spinning fiend ever since I purchased that Majicraft Saxony from Rowena.  I plan to spin several skeins of yarn for our upcoming show."

"Sisterhood Of Spinning Tales" at Arts Prescott on Whiskey Row in Prescott,  September 15 - October 14, 2008." 
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