Crystal Jewelry Inspiration Bloghop

It's real! After almost 18 months of anticipation, the book by the CREATE YOUR STYLE with Swarovski Elements, Crystal Jewelry Inspiration, is here!!!






 Crystal Jewelry Inspiration from the CREATE YOUR STYLE Ambassadors features projects from 30 of these talented designers from North America. The CREATE YOUR STYLE Ambassadors approach crystals from every conceivable angle in projects as diverse as the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS they’ve used. Wide-ranging techniques, from modern bead stitching and elegant stringing to intricate wire crochet, help beaders polish their favorite skills plus learn something new. Styles range from vintage to funky to show-stopping glam, all sporting the sparkle that only crystals can provide. Jewelry makers will get first-hand information, expertise, and instruction from the most enthusiastic and passionate crystal jewelry designers working today. The gallery will inspire you with projects from Ambassadors around the world.

It was a great experience working with Kalmbach Publishing's Karin Van Voorhees and Swarovski North America's Nicole Harper. They were so encouraging of my project decisions and colour choices.

I am so honoured to be a CREATE YOUR STYLE with Swarovski Elements - to be a part of a group of phenomenal designers and teachers in the DIY market who share my love of teaching and Swarovski crystals.

When thinking about what I should submit for the book, I wanted to choose something that is readily identifiable as "me". When I think of Debra Saucier - Crystal Clay instantly comes to mind. When I think of Kristal Wick, I think of her fabulous fabric beads.  Both of these products and techniques are in the book! I decided to go with Sparkle Sprockets, which I created as a demo on the 2011 Swarovski Cruise. They were a big hit! This little component can be used in so many different ways. See the gallery of pictures on this blog for examples of Sparkle Sprockets in action!

Please participate in the bloghop organized by Kalmbach and you could win a prize!!!

Like Kalmbach Jewelry Books on Facebook ------> https://www.facebook.com/KalmbachJewelryBooks
Like my page on Facebook -------> https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dixon-Chick/145579212127055
Leave a comment on this blogpost and you will be entered into a draw for a prize pack!

I am currently arranging a book tour and firming up arrangements. Stay tuned for details. I highly recommend you contact your local bead store to see if they carry the book. If they don't, you can purchase it directly from the publisher at http://www.kalmbachstore.com/67019.html

Please check out the blogs of my fellow Ambassadors - they may be having giveaways as well!

Monday, 1/14 June Beach www.beachhausdesigns.blogspot.com Lilian Chen www.liliangoldgatsby.blogspot.com Fernando daSilva www.modern-expressions.blogspot.com Marcia DeCoster www.maddesignsbeads.blogspot.com Stephanie Dixon www.thedixonchick.blogspot.com Tuesday, 1/15 Anna Elizabeth Draeger Diane Fitzgerald Leslee Frumin Katie Hacker www.katiehacker.blogspot.com Monica Han www.cysdreambeads.blogspot.com Wednesday,1/16 Linda Hartung Facebook Diane Hertzler www.dianehertzler.blogspot.com Val Hirata www.cbysparkle.com/blog Jamie Hogsett www.jamiehogsett.blogspot.com Tamara Honoman www.thonaman.com/Tams_blog_dir/blogs/index.php Sandra Lupo www.sandsstones.com/blog Jamie North www.glitznkitz.com Thursday, 1/17 Lisa Pavelka www.lisapavelka.typepad.com Margot Potter www.margotpottertheimpatientcrafter.blogspot.com Pat Riesenburger www.urbanstitchstudio.blogspot.com Leslie Rogalski www.sleeplessbeader.blogspot.com Nadia Sanchez Ramos www.foufouchat.blogspot.com Renata Sanchez Ramos www.foufouchat.blogspot.com Debra Saucier www.debrasaucier.blogspot.com Friday, 1/17 Brenda Schweder www.BrendaSchweder.com Debbi Simon www.debbisimon.blogspot.com Kim St. Jean www.kimstjean.blogspot.com Laura Timmons www.therabeading.blogspot.com Kristal Wick www.kristalwick.wordpress.com Diane Whiting www.sparklesandsmiles.blogspot.com

Beaducation's Mister Twister

I know that I have posted about Beaducation's Mister Twister before (click here), but it bears revisiting.

There are two sets of mandrels available in the Mister Twister line: the round and the oval.

The round mandrel set comes with 8 mandrels in sizes 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm. Each mandrel is 6" long.

The oval mandrel set comes with 6 mandrels in sizes 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, and 6mm. Each mandrel is 6" long.

I have been using the Coiling Gizmo for coiling and making my Sparkle Sprockets, but found that I was limited by only having two mandrels available. The advantage of the Mister Twister Hand Coiler is that you have 8 sizes to play with in the round and 6 with the oval. The Mister Twister sets come in lovely aluminum cases. They are very sturdy and durable. Each set is less than $40 and is well worth the small investment. If you like to make your own jump rings, then you definitely need to purchase these sets.

An added bonus from Beaducation, is that Kate Richbourg, Director of Education, provides step by step instructions on how to use the Mister Twister in a well produced video on their site.

Another advantage I found was that with inserting your wire directly into the mandrel instead of wrapping it around your mandrel, saves on how much wire is "wasted". This is particularly important if you are using precious metal wire.

In the Fall, I taught a Crystal Clay class at my sister Tiki's place. After the class, I was showing her how to make a Sparkle Sprocket using the Coiling Gizmo. At the time, I didn't have my Mister Twister sets with me, so Tiki improvised and bent a steel knitting needle in the vice in the garage. Now I don't recommend this, but I'll  tell you, it worked like a charm. Of course, if you knit with bamboo needles, this transformation is not going to work!

Here are some examples of jewellery made using Sparkle Sprockets:

 I taught this Sparkle Sprockets Mesh Necklace at the Toronto Bead Society Fall 2011 Fair.

I am teaching a similar cuff to this at the CREATE YOUR STYLE in Tucson Event February 2012. The colorway I'm teaching with is Crystal, Crystal AB, Jet and Rose. Click here for more details.

This is the Sparkle Sprockets Charm Bracelet that I teaching at Bead&Button 2012. You can see all the classes I am teaching in Milwaukee here.

It Begins...

January 10, 2012 - the day beaders around the world have been waiting for! 

Bead and Button 

class registration

begins

TODAY!!!

CLICK HERE

I have heard via Facebook that people have been making draft schedules since the classes were announced. Not just one or two, but upwards of 10 times! Well, with over 700 classes to choose from, it's no wonder! 

I am excited too, as I am teaching 4 classes this year. My first time teaching at Bead and Button! It is such an honour just to have my classes be chosen - but let's hope people actually sign up!

B121920 SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Presents: Crystal Crocheted Cuff

Sunday June 3, 7 - 10 pm

Description: Create this hot-off-the-runway look cuff bracelet in a colorway you can wear 365 days of the year! Learn this wire crochet technique that incorporates over 300 Swarovski crystals. You won't believe you made it! Prerequisite: Ability to crochet a swatch in single crochet stitch.

Project will be completed in class.
Supplies to Bring: Beading mat, cutters. Optional: Task lamp.
Pliers: Chainnose without grooves, flatnose standard.
Materials in Kit: 26-gauge wire, Swarovski crystals, jump rings, connectors, clasp, crochet hook. Portions of this kit are underwritten by SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS and Boye.
 

B121942 SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Presents: Treasures of Atlantis
Monday June 4, 7 - 10 pm

Description: Indulge and delight in this crocheted wire necklace dripping with over 250 SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. This necklace evokes the mystery that is Atlantis with crystal coral, fish and shell pendants, as well as pearls, crystals, and fish beads. Students will learn the basics of wire bead crochet to make the “Treasures of Atlantis” necklace and matching earrings. The focus of this class will be on crocheting different sizes of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS into uniform strands and using cones for a professional finish.
Project will be completed in class.
Supplies to Bring: Cutters, work surface. Optional: Task lamp.
Pliers: Chainnose, flatnose standard, standard roundnose.

Materials in Kit: SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, 26-gauge wire, cones, toggles, jump rings, head pins. The crystal portion of this kit is underwritten by SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.

B122139 SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Presents: Sparkle Sprockets Charm Bracelet
Friday, June 8, 5 - 8 pm

Description: The Dixon chick is thrilled to introduce you to the wonderful world of “Sparkle Sprockets!” These fun and fast components are made using wire coiling techniques and dazzling crystals from the Swarovski collection. Combine mini “Sparkle Sprockets” and crystals to create charms and attach them to a complementary silver-tone chain. A beautiful colorway of purples, amethysts, violets, and silver will be sure to please everyone! You will take your wire coiling and wrapped looped skills to the next level with this sparkling design.
Project will be completed in class.
Supplies to Bring: The Coiling Gizmo, flush-cut wire cutters, work surface.
Pliers: Chainnose, flatnose standard, standard roundnose.
Materials in Kit: SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, chain, head pins, 22-gauge wire, clasp. The crystal portion of this kit is underwritten by SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. 

B121938 SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Presents: Crystal Mocca-licious Necklace
Sunday, June 10, 9-noon

Description: Create a beautiful six-strand wire crocheted necklace with over 200 SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS! Students will learn the basics of the popular wire bead crochet techniques, including the chain stitch and the beaded chain stitch. If you have always been intrigued by this technique, then this is the foundation course for you. You will also be introduced to Crystal Mesh from the Swarovski collection. As an added bonus, the technique to make matching earrings will be demonstrated.

Project will be completed in class.
Supplies to Bring: Cutters, work surface. Optional: Task lamp.
Pliers: Chainnose, flatnose standard, standard roundnose.
Materials in Kit: SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, 26-gauge wire, cones, toggle, jump rings, crochet hook. The crystal portion of this kit is underwritten by SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.

ACCEPTED at Bead & Button Show 2012!!

As I posted on Facebook, would someone please peel me off the ceiling?

The Bead & Button Show 2012 has accepted 4 of my classes!

I am absolutely thrilled to have an opportunity to spread the crystal love at this wonderful show which takes place in Milwaukee every year in June. I have been attending for many years as a student, a shopper and demonstrating techniques in booths for Crystal Clay, EH Ashley, Parawire, Rings and Things and Merchants Overseas. I love this show! There are so many talented teachers giving classes and I am honoured to have been chosen.

So I bet you are wondering what I will be teaching.....

Well this is the line-up, which is of course, subject to change!

Crystal Crocheted Cuff
B121920
Sunday June 3, 7 - 10 pm

Treasures of Atlantis
B121942
Monday June 4, 7 - 10 pm

Sparkle Sprockets: Charm Bracelet
B122139
Friday, June 8, 5 - 8 pm

Crystal Mocca-licious
B121938
Sunday, June 10, 9-noon

The Bead & Button 2012 catalogues will be sent out in December and online registration starts in January. Please visit www.beadandbuttonshow.com for all the details.

Stay tuned for more details!!!