Creativ Festival Recap

The Fall Creativ Festival in Toronto is an annual pilgrimage for crafters of every ilk: jewellery makers, knitters, crocheters, quilters, sewers, scrap bookers, felters, cross stitchers and so many more. I remember going to my first show many years ago with my Aunt Penny and Aunt Min. Penny is a weaver, beader, sewer and knitter. Min makes the most glorious quilts. Obviously, I come by my craftiness honestly, it's in my genes. 

It was also the first place that I got introduced to beading. I took a class with William Hodge. All about beading around the world. He showcased so many different types of beading including needlework of which he had made a beautiful vest and he also showed some Mexican beading such as gluing beads onto a skull. Little did I know what an impact this first foray into the world of Creativ Festival would have on me and my career. 

Fast-forward many years when I was the volunteer coordinator for the Toronto bead society and had to organize our booth at the festival. At the time I was crocheting with wire to make beautiful necklaces with beads and wire. I was lucky enough to meet Laura Timmons who also was crocheting with beads and wire. We hit it off immediately and my life was forever changed. Laura invited me to be her assistant in her classes at Bead&Button in Milwaukee and what a grand time we had. I was lucky enough to room with her and the inimitable Kristal Wick. My eyes were opened to a entire new world of beading. 

Since that serendipitous meeting with Laura, I've taught at the Creativ Festival numerous times and even taught at Bead&Button. In fact, I've never missed either show since. 

This year's Creativ Festival saw the debut of my fellow CYS Ambassadors in Canada, June Beach, Pat Reisenburger and Fernando DaSilva. Added to this mix was Calgary's Jamie North and Newmarket's Alison Layton. Although it wasn't formally announced until after the show, Alison is the newest addition to the talented group of CREATE YOUR STYLE with Swarovski Elements Ambassadors. 

I had a grand old sparkly time demoing for Dreamtime Creations and Silver Dawn Jewels. I think I did a good job of spreading the sparkle love and enabling a whole new group of people. 

As a CYS Ambassador, I attended training in Rhode Island, the headquarters of Swarovski North America. I've kept up with my training and try to learn as many different ways to incorporate Swarovski into my work. This came in particularly handy when I had to temporarily step in to start teaching Pat's class as she encountered travel difficulties. I was happy to be able to teach her class how to make a felted bar of soap and embellish it with Swarovski. 

I love what I do and hope I get an opportunity to inspire more people at the next show. 

Blinging Up My Sneakers

I don't profess to be as good as The Crystal Ninja, Kellie Defries, when it comes to gluing, but with her awesome tools, you can do some amazing things!!

I bought a pair of Roxy sneakers in a silver black colour and knew I wanted to add more sparkle to them. Because that's how I roll. The sparklier, the better. And nothing sparkles quite like Swarovski flatbacks. Well, other Swarovski products do!!

Using supplies from Kellie's Professional Glue Kit, I filled a syringe with Gemtac and started laying down glue dots. Not a line of glue, individual dots. Then using her Crystal Katana, I picked up the SS 20 Jet Flatbacks and placed one in each dot. Flipping the Crystal Katana around, I used to chrome end to press each crystal into place. 

Some tips for you:

1. Wear your shoes long enough to have creases appear where they will. This allows you to see where you have to glue the stones a little looser, so that they won't rub up against each other. Heaven forbid that you you glue everything tight and then can't bend your foot in the shoe!

2. Work on even distribution of glue dots and not dispensing too much glue. Easier said than done. But after 1,000 hours of doing this, you'll be a pro. 

3. Work on each shoe evenly. I did the outline on each shoe and then started to fill in each one bit by bit. Why? Because I wanted both shoes to have the same amount of crystals. This way, I have enough crystals for both instead of doing one full shoe and running out of crystals. I know I could just buy more crystals, but I wanted to wear them this weekend!! 

I finished as far as I could last night, Halloween, while watching a horror movie, at home all along. In case of intruders, the Crystal Katana could work as a weapon. Lol. 

I'll be wearing these this weekend at the Toronto Bead Society fall fair. Come by and take a sneak peak at my sneakers! I will have Kellie's Professional Glue Kit, Crystal Katana and the newest Tanto available for sale along with oodles of Swarovski Crystal. 

Congratulations to Pam Kearns

What a year it's been for my friend and co-worker at beadFX, Pam Kearns! Getting published for the first time in a magazine, BeadWork and now......

Congratulations to Pam Kearns on being accepted to teach at Bead&Button for the first time!! This is a huge accomplishment and a testament to her excellent skills as an instructor and designer. 

This will be Pam's debut on the international bead scene. beadFX's well kept secret will not be so secret anymore!! I know many of you have taken classes with Pam or attended Open Bead Night and Afternoon Bead Tea when she is hosting, so you know how lucky the students at Bead&Button will be. 

Pam will be teaching three Moonlight Sonatas scheduled for June 1, 2 and 3. These are evening classes usually from 7 - 10 for those beaders who just can't get enough after a full day of classes. 

June 1 - Chainmaille on Regalize Leather Bracelet

June 2 - Beaded Wire Macrame on Flat Leather Bracelet

June 3 - Reversible Swarovski Pearl Flat Spiral Bracelet

beadFX is pleased to be providing sponsorship of Pam's classes at Bead&Button 2014. 

So, if you're in the store and you see Pam, make sure you congratulate her. But don't be surprised if you see her floating on air, as her feet haven't touched the ground since she found out. 

Congratulations, Pam, from everyone at beadFX. We are so proud of you! 

This Weekend: Grand River Bead Society show

I'm excited to be traveling to Guelph, Ontario this weekend for the 12th Annual Bead Show and Sale hosted by the Grand River Bead Society. 

I'll have oodles of Crystal Clay for sale along with Swarovski chatons, beads and yarn. Here are four new mixes of chatons available. 

Roses Mix

 

Autumn mix

Crystal AB mix

Ocean Mix 

 

I'm most excited to share with you my new line of Dixon Chick bezels. This exclusive collection contains 9 rings and 2 necklaces, competitively priced at $7 and $11. 

I am pleased to announce that I now accept Visa and MasterCard! See you there!

Crystal Clay Eye Candy

I taught an Intro to Crystal Clay class yesterday at beadFX as part of their March Break line up. There were two sets of mothers and daughters along with one of the Open Bead Night regulars.

It was so much fun introducing everyone to Crystal Clay and Swarovski Elements. Everyone used chatons in their pieces. One innovative young lady used top drilled bicones inserted with the drilled part into the clay. Smart cookie!

I also had a chance to see some new bezels I bought in Tucson from Nunn Designs. They are pendants and brooch pins in one. Such a smart design!!!! I love the heart and round shapes. The edges are beautiful. These are really stunning bezels which I am happy to say will be available from me at the Toronto Bead Society Spring Fair.

Crystal Jewelry Inspiration Editor: Karin Van Voorhees

Here's a video by our awesome editor, Karin Van Voorhees! She was amazing to work with on Crystal Jewelry Inspiration.

Source: kalmbach.com via Kalmbach Jewelry Making on Pinterest

Don't forget to see yesterday's blogpost to enter the contest and hear what I have to say about being part of this fantastic book.

http://www.thedixonchick.blogspot.ca/2013/01/crystal-jewelry-inspiration.html

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

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.

Skip The Turkey, Let's Get Out The Beads!!!

This Saturday, October 8, I am thrilled to be teaching two classes at beadFX that are among my most popular. So, if you are a fan, you may have already taken them, but if not, why not bring a friend or relative and join me for a day of laughs, learning and sparkle!

First up from 11-1 is CRYSTALLIZED BLING RINGS. In this class geared to any level of expertise (or not!), you will have a fun time creating three rings with The Dixon Chick.  

Incorporating shapes of Crystallized Swarovski Elements you may not have seen or used before, you will learn how to use a mandrel, wrap wire, learn how to properly size rings to create sparkley rings.   

Materials used are: 22 gauge non tarnish silver wire and a whole lot of fabulous SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS!!

You can end your day then, or you can stay for WIRE BEAD CROCHET BASICS. In this course you will learn the basics of wire bead crochet and create a truly unique necklace that will make you the envy of all your friends!

Using 26 gauge wire, a variety of different sized beads ranging from size 6/0 seed beads to 6mm firepolish and a crochet hook, you will transform the wire using the chain stitch into a unique piece of wearable art. The course will focus on creating a necklace.

Here are some samples of my wire bead crochet necklaces. It's so much fun to use coloured wire and to also further embellish the necklaces with pendants.

So call 416-701-1373 to book your spot today!! See you Saturday!!!

Swarovski Wish Tree Unveiling TODAY!!

Today is a special day in Toronto at the Eaton Centre. I wish I could attend, but can't. Hopefully you can!

Swarovski Crystal Wish Tree Unveiling
Thursday, November 18, 2010 12:00 pm to 08:45 pm


THE SWAROVSKI

CRYSTAL WISH TREE

UNVEILING NOV 18TH


HOSTED BY

Dina Pugliese and Kevin Frankish
from Citytv’s Breakfast Television

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT BY:

Brian Melo ~ 12:30 pm
Meaghan Smith ~ 2:00 pm
Andy Maize ~ 4:00 pm
Suzie McNeil ~ 6:00 pm

DON'T MISS
an exclusive Canadian-first
during the event unveiling!
6:00 – 7:00 pm
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

TBS Fall Fair

On Saturday, I handed in samples of the class I'll be teaching at The Toronto Bead Society Fall Fair.

Learn the basics of wire crystal crochet with CREATE YOUR STYLE with Swarovski Elements Ambassador, Stephanie Dixon. You will create two pairs of earrings using 26 gauge non tarnish silver wire and silver ear wires.

Good as Gold: Crystal Golden Shadow Aquiline pendant focal surrounded by the CGS Xilion pendant and Colorado Topaz AB2X bicones.

Bargello: Erinite Briolette focal Pendant surrounded by Xilion bicones in Mocca, Sand Opal and Erinite.

Stay tuned to www.torontobeadsociety.org for more details!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

This Weekends' Classes

I'll be teaching two fabulous classes at beadFX this weekend. To the best of my knowledge there is still room available.

Wire Lace Crocheted Multistrand Necklace

Saturday, April 10th, 2010 2:00 - 5:00

Learn how to create a beautiful multistrand crocheted necklace using Crystallized Swarovski Elements and Wire Lace. Choose from a variety of beads and colours of Wire Lace. This necklace is beautiful and a bit funky too.

Skill Level:Beginner

Prerequisite: None

Price: $30 (+GST), payment in advance required

Supplies: $45 plus tax. Kit includes written instructions, crochet hooks, wire lace, Swarovski Crystallized Elements and findings. The kit makes a 3 strand necklace.

Need to Bring: A positive attitude and a smile!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crocheted Cuff Bracelet
Sunday, April 11, 2010 1:00 - 4:00

Learn how to create a beautiful cuff bracelet with the single crochet stitch using beads and Artistic Wire. Choose from a variety of beads and colours of Artisitic Wire. Cuff bracelets are so hot right now and are all the rage in fashion magazines. This would be the perfect accessory for any outfit - but I'm thinking prom dresses at this time of year!

Skill Level: Intermediate

Prerequisite: Wire Bead Crochet Basics class recommended. Must know how to do rows of single crochet.

Price: $30 (+GST), payment in advance required

Kit Fee: $30.00

Need to Bring: A positive attitude and a smile!
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To enroll in either of these classes, please call 416.701.1373 or toll free 877.473.2323

Rings on her Fingers

So you want to make a ring?

Feel the need to ramp up your bling factor?

Have I got a class for you!

On Saturday, May 9, I taught the inaugural Bling Rings class at bead FX. Six wonderful ladies braved the hail storms to join me in a very organic class. Congratulations to all who attended for the rings you made were INCREDIBLE. I had no idea what to expect as I know I like to go a little crazy with the ring wire work - but these ladies - nay - artistes - took it to a whole other level!
It's a two hour class - and I figured that MAYBE....time permitting - they could make 3 rings. Well, well, well! At last count there were 23 rings done by 6 women. YOWZA!

The class started with creating a sample ring with no beads to determine appropriate size and to understand the shape of the ring and the wire wrapping.

The first ring was done with glass beads - all sorts of czech firepolish, tiny flats - well too many choices to write down. The second ring incorporated semi-precious beads. And the third ring - well that was made with Swarovski's!!

Congrats to all the ladies (Deborah, Ana, Beth, Heidi, Helen and Cathy) for their great work. A special shout out to Beth and Cathy - who claim to be very symmetrical in their designs - who really stretched outside their creative box. I knew you could do it!

Next Bling Ring Extravaganza:
Sun. May 31, 11:30-1:30: Bling Rings at Bead Junction
followed by
Sun. June 14, 11-1: Bling Rings at beadFX

update: Here is some positive feedback I received from Ana:

Hi Stephanie,

THANKS for a great class! I love the rings I made and so do my teenage girls (which as you can imagine are sooo hard to please). My 16 year old has actually "borrowed" two of my rings and got huge compliments from her friends.

Your class was a lot of fun and you have a great sense of humour. I look forward to taking another class of yours sometime soon.

- Ana

Tangled Web

Cynthia and I had some gorgeous beads to work with for this month's Celebrity Designer Challenge at BeadFX. We were given some 8mm Swarovski's rounds in Light Azore and Violet, a 20 mm Swarovski Square Donut in Crystal Vitrail and an 11/0 Colour FX mix called Samba. I absolutely loved the colours! But those darn 11/0's I could have done without. I like my beads BIG!

But I am always up to a challenge. To work with the 11/0 seedbeads, I bought myself a bead spinner. I have always wanted one, bought one for my Aunt Penny, but had yet to get one myself. This was the perfect opportunity.

My first idea was to load the beads on a thread and combine that with a complementary novelty yarn. It looks fabulous. But the piece I made was to long for a bracelet and too short for a necklace. So back to the drawing board.

I ended up creating a wirework base with 20 gauge Artistic Wire. Then a la Rachel Nelson Smith, worked in the seedbeads between the 20 gauge wire on a smaller gauge wire. After that, I worked in the Swarovski's.

I am pretty happy with the results and you should see how this sparkles in the sun. Not that there has been much sun lately.

Cynthia created a spiral rope and some "chicken feet" with hers a la Kate MacKinnon.

It's so fun to see how different our designs are - and that I have yet to submit something crocheted!!

Cynthia and I have both received our next challenge beads - woo hoo - bigger than seedbeads! Stay tuned!