Beady Vacation

Just arrived back in Canada from a week's vacation in New York. The vacation isn't over yet, as it's a long weekend here in Toronto, celebrating Simcoe Day. 

I spent a great week with my hubby and son at my Aunt's house in the foothills of the Adirondacks. Kayaking around the pond, speedboating, tubing, waterskiing. Okay... I didn't tube or waterski, but my son and hubby did... Much to my amusement. 

One of the highlights was a visit from Jennifer VanBenschoten, who is the editor of Beading Daily. We spent a great day beading. 

I'd been struggling to decide which odd count peyote technique to try, there are a surprising number of ways to do it out there. Luckily Jennifer made it all seem so easy for me. Thanks!!!

Spool envy... Mine is a measly 125 yards. Jennifer's is 1,500!!!

I also worked on some felting with the merino rovings available from beadFX. 

They will be embellished with seedbeads and Swarovski Elements, of course!!

Speaking of Swarovski, I have a new series of pieces that incorporate batik fabric, Dakota Stones, Parawire and Swarovski Elements. 

Rose Gold 2X and Fuschia Crazy Lace Agate with Rose Gold Parawire

More Fuschia Crazy Lace Agate, Rose Gold 2X Swarovski Elements with the addition of Volcano! I love how well the Volcano goes with the pink. 

 

Here is some Swarovski 18pp cupchain wrapped around red silk from Taipei with matte black onyx, natural crystal nuggets and 8mm Swarovski Elements bicones in Jet Hematite 2X. 

Hope you are enjoying your summer!!!

Crystal Wrist Wraps

I recently taught my Crystal Wrist Wrap class at beadFX. 

In this class, students embellish a pre existing rubber bracelet with an array of Swarovski Elements bicones and 22 gauge ParaWire. 

It's really an easy design and makes up quickly. Watch for the pattern in an upcoming issue of BeadStyle. 

Swarovski Elements 2014-2015 Preseason

Oh happy day!!! New Swarovski Elements are on the horizon. I received many notifications this morning in my email that there is a sneak peek at the Swarovski Elements Innovations for Fall Winter 2014/2015 preseason. And the new blended crystal colours of Provence Lavender and Chrysolite along with Montana and Crystal look fantastic!! I'm a big fan of the blends: Amethyst, Topaz and the original FireOpal.

Follow this link to the complete innovations booklet via Harman beads.

http://www.shopharmanbeads.com/assets/images/SW%20201415%20Innovations/SE_InspirationsInnovations_May2013.pdf

While doing a search for more information, I came across the blog from Beadaholique. See the link below for a more fulsome blog about the new products.


http://www.beadersblog.com/2013/05/swarovski-elements-pre-season.html?m=1


I can't wait to get my hands on these!!!

All images courtesy of Beadaholique.

Book signing in Milwaukee

I am super thrilled to be participating with my fellow CREATE YOUR STYLE with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Ambassadors in a group book signing of Crystal Jewelry Inspirations at the 2013 Bead&Button Show in Milwaukee. Hope you can come out and get your book signed!

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.

Fish Felt Crystal Cuff

What? A fish felt crystal cuff? Yes!!!

I received the latest product in the Metal Complex line from John Bead, Second Skin. It's a soft and supple product that comes in a juicy assortment of colours. Craft goddess, Carmi Cimicata, invited me to participate in a blog hop to showcase the different ways that the product can be used. I'm looking forward to what my co-creators have come up with as I had a blast with the challenge.

Supplies used:

Second Skin Fish Leather in Fuschia
Brass cuff
Special leather scissors courtesy of John Bead
Felt rovings
Pre-made felt balls
E6000 glue
SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS:
Art. 5000 6mm Fire Opal
Art. 5744 Flower Bead 8mm Fuchsia
Art. 3240 16mm Crystal Volcano

Watch the video for how I made the cuff.

Ask your bead store for Second Skin and other Metal Complex and Dazzle-It products. Or visit www.johnbead.com yourself.

Let me know what you think of the movie. I created it on my iPhone 4S using the iMovie app!!! My first of many instructional videos to come.

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

Crystallized Nails

I am excited to be demoing two of my favourite things: flatbacks from Swarovski Elements and nail polish at the Creativ Festival on Saturday, October 12 at 5:00 pm. I have been blessed with finger nails that are really strong and grow quickly. I love to wear nail polish and like having nail art and crystals on my nails. So when I was asked to submit demo suggestions, I knew immediately what I wanted to do.

My "To-Do" was soooooo difficult (not)
1. Research nail art with crystals
2. Buy nail polish
3. Look through my stash of hot fix and flatbacks from the Swarovski Elements collection.

Here are my first attempts...


My research started and ended on Pinterest. I created a board called Crystal Nails. Then I searched for Swarovski Nails....Crystal nails....Bling Nails..... There were quite a few pictures that came up. Here are my favorites for your viewing pleasure.









Who says you have to only do your finger nails?
Toe nails need love too....

Crystal Bangle

Sometimes you come across a beading pattern that makes your heart sing.

"My Heart Sings" Mixed Media Art by Rachelle Hartley

I found that pattern on Gwen Fisher and Florence Turnour's website, www.beadinfinitum.com.

Crystal Bangle made with filled net stitch
 
© 2005 Gwen Fisher and Florence Turnour

The pattern for this exquisite bangle is available for FREE on their website.
http://www.beadinfinitum.com/Kits/index.html#Crystal_Bangle

I made a bracelet of this last night using 4mm Swarovski rounds in White Opal AB and size 11/0's and 15/0's in Galvanized Silver. I audibly gasped on row 3 as it all pulled together. It's like a magic trick, you won't believe your eyes. The architecture of this piece is amazing and you will know what I mean when you make it for yourself.

And I encourage you all to make it. This bracelet is deceptively easy to make and you will create an heirloom piece that will be a coveted piece for years to come.

Why does this piece make my heart sing? It's because you can change the beads used in many different ways to achieve endless combinations. You can use 4mm Swarovski crystal bicones, 4mm Swarovski pearls, 4mm Czech Fire Polish or any 4mm round beads. You can use one colour throughout, or how about one row of colour A and another row of colour B? I am currently working on one that has three different 4mm Swarovski bicones per row and they are starting to spiral as I make it. I'm using Crystal, Provence Lavender and Tanzanite with Steel and Antiqued Silver tones of 15/0's and 11/0's.

I'm making mine as bracelets that will have magnetic clasps, as the width of my hand is just too big for a bangle to sit nicely on my wrist. I wonder what it would look like if I used 2.8 mm drops in place of the 11/0's.... I better finish this purple toned one first. And I have all day to play today as it's Thanksgiving here in Canada. My husband is off golfing and my son is coaching football.


Happy Thanksgiving Day to my fellow Canadians! I am thankful for so much in my life: a wonderful husband, the best son in the world, loving family, great friends, a job I love and the opportunities that being a Create Your Style with Swarovski Elements Ambassador has brought to me.

I am thankful that you, gentle reader, took the time to visit my blog today.

Instant Glam by Fernando

Fernando DaSilva, fellow Create Your Style with Swarosvki Elements Ambassador and Creative Manager for John Bead launched his new line, Instant Glam by Fernando. This is a line of bezels and Swarovski Crystal Rocks that were inspired by the shapes of architecture found in Tuscany.

CONGRATULATIONS, FERNANDO!!!

I am so excited to use these!!I can see them filled with the Crystal Rocks, of course, but how about some Crystal Clay? Resin? Leather? My mind is exploding with all the possibilities.                                               

Here I am sitting beside some lovely embellished pillow. Are they Versace? No! They're Instant Glam by Fernando.

Which shape do you like the best?

Crystal Clay Adventures - Changed to Sept. 29

I'll be teaching Crystal Clay Adventures at BeadFX Saturday, September 29 from 2-5!! 

Call 416-701-1373 to register today!!!

Course Outline
This in depth workshop provides students with the opportunity to create an embellished ring or pendant. Students will be lead through the basics of using the clay. 

Techniques covered: Applying texture, sculptural aspects, colour blending and basic jewelry making techniques. Students will have the opportunity to work on many pendants, jewelry components and more. 

Crystal Clay is a two part epoxy clay that is easily mixed and formed into any shape. Working time is approximately 1 1/2 hours after mixed and clay is fully hardened in 24 hours. Simply mix and knead both parts of the epoxy clay together for several minutes. Add SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS fancy stones and bling out anything! 

Skill Level: All levels
Prerequisite: N/A

Special Instructions to Students: The following needs to be purchased for this class: 1 Crystal Clay kit in the colour of your choice, bezel of your choice (round or oval shape preferred), 1 package of Crystal FX and 1 package of MetalFX. These supplies are eligible for the 15% student discount, on the day of the class.

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!!!