Bead Blog

Happy Friday from Bead

Issue 36 is winging its way to subscribers as we speak! As well as being a jam-packed issue, crammed full of stunning Oriental inspired designs we are also extra excited as this issue sees the launch of the British Bead Awards 2012. For full details make sure you check out page 40.

Some of our 2011 award winning artists feature this issue, including cover star Rebecca Anderson’s Sakura Lei, a unique collar combining beadwork and wirewrapping. Kristal Wick was another of our big winners – taking two awards last year – try her sparkling necklace, a variation on her show-stopping piece. 

A new designer to Bead is Erin Simonetti – a beadwork artist with an unrivalled passion for looming. You're going to love her Prosperity Dragon Cuff. This project takes bead looming to a whole new level.

There are designer profiles this issue on Bead designer Sian Nolan and Satoko Parsons, a creator of unique origami jewellery, as well as projects from both.

We’ve also got all the lowdown on The Big Bead Show, taking place at Sandown Park, Esher on March 31. Don’t miss this issue to claim your free ticket! We’re holding workshops again too and all the info on these can be found on page 48. 

Subscribers to the digital i-Mag can view their copies online now! General on sale is January 18.

Other exciting stuff from us includes some fabulous new films released today on Bead.TV! Be the first to watch Bev Pilarzyk’s Convertible Knitted Necklace or learn how to make some elegant filigree jewellery with Beth Kraft.Watch them now at www.bead.tv 

 
What a way to end the week! Have a fab weekend and happy beading! 

x Chloe x

 

Help sheets for Bead.TV

Below are the help sheets for Yvonne Horracks latest Christmas films: Star Decoration, Crystal Wreath and Bauble (coming soon), available on Bead.TV. Merry Christmas!

Download Wreath

Download Bauble

Download Star

Bead.TV has had a makeover!

Bead.TV has had a makeover! The great new-look online TV channel now makes it even easier to watch great projects and learn new techniques. It's easier to navigate with a helpful search function, you can quickly locate a film by skill level, project type or presenter. There's new channels too including Polymer Clay and Holiday Projects.

The Favourites area allows you to save your favourite films, letting you come back and watch them again at the click of a button! All the films are also categorised by skill level, making it possible to see at a glance if it's one for you.We love it and hope you do too!

The new format also looks brilliant on the iPad! As well as a new site we also have a brand spanking new studio! Although you may not notice anything different from the films, we've moved our UK studio and now have much more space for making our bead and other hobby related films. We're also working on bringing you more close-ups so you can really get in on the action and see all those tiny beads in minute detail.

Jennifer Airs was one of the first of our presenters to grace the new studio. She came in yesterday armed with plenty of bezelled cabochons, and has filmed four new series. Look out for these coming soon, these films follow the Cabochon Crazy Series as seen in Bead.

Yvonne Horracks visited us too, bringing with her some stunning advanced beadweaving projects. We've also had Diana Casey and Tine Donahue back into the US studio for more great projects including Diana's gorgeous Vintage Heart pendant which uses basic soldering techniques.

Jema Hewitt came in to visit, dressed in all her Steampunk finery. She filmed two unique Steampunk mixed media projects. These will be available really soon!

Take a look around and explore the new site, don't forget you can get in touch with us here at Bead.TV if you have any concerns or feedback. We love to see pictures of your makes inspired by Bead.TV - you can email them to me or post them on the Bead Facebook page.

If you're not already a subscriber check out the great free films on the site, and get making! For a limited time only we're offering a fabulous free gift too when you subscribe for the year. Visit www.bead.tv to see the exciting new changes.

Enjoy!

Chloe

chloe@beadmagazine.co.uk

 

 

Holidays are coming!

Apologies, we’ve been quiet on the blog front here lately, but we’ve been busy busy here at Bead magazine and Bead.TV! 

I’m currently hard at work on Issue 36 which has an Oriental theme. If you saw the teaser in the last issue you’ll have seen the brilliant PMC origami crane which we will be featuring. I’ve been up to my elbows in origami diagrams but was very pleased to successfully create this one! (He’s a little wonky but practice makes perfect, so I think I’m going to make a few more before attempting it with PMC). Look out for this project in the next issue!

 

I was lucky enough to sneak off on holiday for two whole weeks. I went out to visit family in America, and experience my first Thanksgiving. I also managed to squeeze in some bead shopping which was excellent fun. I of course spent too much (don’t we always) and found some gorgeous custom coated Swarovski Rivolis, which are tricky to come by in the UK. Hurrah! Can’t wait to do some designing with these.

I also visited the World of Coca Cola whilst in Atlanta, and found this giant hand-beaded bottle from South America, which was amazing! It’s hard to tell from the photo but it’s about 8ft tall.

In my absence the lovely Yvonne Horracks came into the Bead.TV studio to film some wonderful new advanced beadweaving programmes, with a bit of Christmas zing to them, so look out for them coming very soon!

Talking of Christmas, it seems to come earlier and earlier each year I’m sure of it, every year catching me by surprise! I have yet to start my Christmas shopping let alone my Christmas makes! Oh dear! I really must get started. If like me you are starting to panic there are some lovely present ideas in Issue 35 including Sue Graham’s Sparkle Set and Liz Thornton’s Crystal Shapes Pendant.

If you are super organised and all set for Christmas, (like my colleague who enjoys reminding me at least twice a day that she has finished and wrapped all her presents) why not enjoy the rest of the festive season by adding some personal touches to your tree with handmade ornaments. We have plenty for you to choose from, whether it’s Julissa Case’s unusual natural seed bauble in the latest issue, Lynn Firth’s stunning sparkler in Issue 34 or even one of our golden oldies. All of these are now available as digital downloads from www.beadprojects2go.com handily organised into the Holiday Projects category!

 
I’m off home to put up my Christmas tree hurrah! Have a lovely beady weekend, and I solemnly swear to crack on with my Christmas makes…just as soon as I’ve decorated the tree…

Happy Beading! 

x Chloe x

PS We have some VERY exciting news coming soon to Bead.TV so keep your eyes peeled!

 

What's new on Bead.TV?

Lots of exciting new films have been released on Bead.TV lately. We've got more great semi-precious stringing projects by Harriet from Ilona Biggins - if you've ever been stuck for inspiration when using gemstones, then these gorgeous necklace projects are for you!

If you haven't already seen them, don't forget to catch the brand new polymer clay films from top tutor Bonnie McGough. More of these are going up all the time to satisy your clay cravings!

We went out on the road again to visit Linda Jones in her studio, this time for some festive inspired wirework makes, look out for these in the run up to Christmas! She even decorated her studio especially!

We've really gone all-out for the festive season here at Bead.TV - I spent a morning in the studio filming a whole host of quick and quirky festive makes including some cute snowman earrings and some sparkly beaded stars!

 There will be some new faces on Bead.TV soon, including Steampunk queen Jema Hewitt aka Emilly Ladybird who has designed some fabulous mixed media projects especially for our viewers. You'll be able to see her quirky mad scientist inspired earrings and cog style polymer clay brooches on your screens soon.

We're looking forward to welcoming back Michaela Carrington too, this time for some fantastic fused glass films. Michaela has been working with fused glass for years and you'll be able to see some of her stunning designs very soon on the channel (including her dazzling diamond pendantwhich will also be appearing in Issue 35). We'll also be heading over to East Sussex to visit Rebecca Weddell in her friendly studio for more lampwork films.

There's lots coming up over the next few months, the perfect way to spend a cold winter evening! Check out all the new projects by clicking 'Latest Films' when you visit www.bead.tv

Don't forget that we are currently offering a free Miyuki Mascot kit to all new subscribers to Bead.TV, visit www.bead.tv and click Join Now to claim yours!

Chloe

Chloe Menage, Editor

chloe@beadmagazine.co.uk

 

Spooky Specials at HobbyWorld.TV!

Save $10 when you spend $75 at HobbyWorld.TV!

There are lots of tricks and things that go bump in the night on Halloween, so why not treat yourself to something that makes you smile instead? 

This week only, treat yourself to a spooky special on anything in our store. When you spend $75 or more, you will receive $10 off your order!

Visit us at www.hobbyworld.tv and enter in the special coupon code SPOOKY11 at checkout to receiveyour special savings. (US customers only)

Happy Halloween!

 

What's new on Bead.TV?

We've had some new faces in the Bead.TV studio lately. Fused Glass and Lampwork bead artist Michaela Carrington came in to show us how to create some stunning and surprising easy designs using lampwork beads. It can often be tricky to know how to best use those beauties in your stash, Michaela uses simple ribbon and stringing techniques to create elegant jewellery - watch her films now and be inspired to create your own!

Another new face is polymer clay artist Bonnie McGough. Bonnie came in for the day armed with as much Fimo as her car could carry, as well as a glorious selection of canes and finished pieces. Her enthusiasm is infectious and she loves to share her wealth of knowledge. Bonnie's full series of films will be coming soon to Bead.TV, you'll be able to learn how to make textured pendants and a whole range of colourful beads and canes. Check out our interview with her and learn how to make a stunning dragonfly, look for her under Latest Films or in the Mixed Media channel. She's also got a great new book out, The Wonder of Polymer Clay.

We went to visit Linda Jones for another wirework installment too and they will be coming to your screens soon. 

Over the Atlantic Bev Pilarzyk came all the way from Wisconsin to our Minnesota studio to film some stunning new wire knitting and crochet films. Bev is a talented artist who specialises in knitted and crocheted wire jewellery. Keep your eyes peeled for her stunning tutorials coming soon.

'The Queen of Beads', Nancy Eha has been into our US studio again too for more stunning bead embroidery projects and inspirational programmes, you can watch these now! 

If you've not watched Bead.TV before why not sign up for a free 7 day trial! You'll get access to hundreds of great projects straight away, and if you find it's not for you, then just cancel within the 7 days. Or you can subscribe today and get an excellent free gift - we're excited to now be offering a cute Miyuki Mascot Kit when you take or renew a subscription!

Check out all the new projects by clicking 'Latest Films' when you visit www.bead.tv

Chloe

 

Spoilt for Bead Fairs!

We beaders are spoilt for bead fairs next month! Not only will October see the autumn Big Bead Show at Sandown Park on 15^th, but the first weekend of the month will see the annual Beadwork and Bead Fair. Held by The Bead Society of Great Britain the fair takes place on Sunday October 2^nd at Uxbridge College, Park Road, Middlesex. I’m planning on toodling along myself with one of my beady friends and an empty shopping bag!

It’s their 22^nd event and this year promises to be just as fantastic as always. Last year saw a move to a new venue after many years at Harrow Leisure Centre. After the completion of building works this year there will be more space and refreshments will be greatly improved.

As well as plenty of beady exhibitors there will also be displays of beadwork and demonstrations by groups and societies.

Tickets are free to members and cost £2.00 to non-members. The show is open 11.30am-5.30pm. There is plenty of parking and Uxbridge Station and the bus stop are a short walk away.

The Bead Society is a non-profit organisation, which was founded in 1989. To find out more about the society, the event or to become a member visit their website www.beadsociety.org.uk

For information about the Big Bead Show hosted by Bead magazine or to book tickets visit www.thebigbeadshow.co.uk

x Chloe x

What's New on Bead.TV?

It's been an exciting few months for me and I've been doing lots for Bead.TV. After a lot of hard work and preparation I flew over to Minnesota to visit our US Bead.TV studio. I filmed a total of four brand spanking new DVDs, each one packed full of projects. 

‘Nautical Wonders’ will have you looking forward to next summer, for sure. Full of fun and inspiring projects and techniques, reminiscent of the sea these red, white and blue treats are bang on trend. Filming this DVD wasn’t as relaxing as it looked though, we shot it outside and I became a tasty snack for the local mosquitoes! 

I also brought some of my favourite Bead Magazine projects to Bead.TV with the ‘Editor’s Picks' DVD. This features projects by Bead designers such as Judith Hind, Bobby Gedling and Chrystal Adcock. These were great fun to make, although we had to pause filming half way through because of a huge thunderstorm!

Both of these DVDs, along with ‘Beadwork Tips’ and Techniques are available now from Hobbyworld.tv for just £19.95. The final DVD 'Bridal Designs' is coming very soon.

We went to visit Linda Jones recently too on another excursion from the studio (really we feel quite spoilt). Our crew trotted along to her lovely studio in Kent to film a series of films with her on making chains. You can watch all of these now on Bead.TV and see the different techniques you can use to make chains using just wire and beads.

We did some skill sharing with two of our sister stations lately too! Nancy Eha popped over from Stitches.TV to demonstrate the art of bead embroidery and prove just how easy and effective it is! I was also kindly given a selection of perfect miniature breads from Tanya Waughman over on Dollshouse.tv. I turned them into some cute and quirky jewellery! Check them out by clicking 'Latest Films' when you visit www.bead.tv

x Chloe x

Workshops at The Big Bead Show!

More beads than you can shake a stick at, new taster workshops, free demonstrations from top designers, plus see the winners from this year's British Bead Awards...

This October's Big Bead Show promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Not only have we got exciting new demonstrations for you (free of course), there will also be a stunning gallery of work from the winners of The British Bead Awards. As well as this we are thrilled to bring you exclusive taster workshops taught by the esteemed Liz Thornton and Linda Jones and sponsored by Beads Unlimited.

With a record number of stands, covering everything from beadwork and metal clay, to lampwork and polymer clay, you're bound to find everything on your shopping list and more besides!

As always there will be free demonstrations running throughout the day from the Bead stand. For this show we are pleased to announce demonstrations from:

Edith Mattausch-Burrows is a long standing contributor to Bead magazine and her inspiring designs have featured on many a front cover! Edith will be sharing her love of spirals and demonstrating several different stitched variations.

Julie Holt, founder of the Surrey Jewellery School has a background covering a range of mediums. As well as exhibiting at the show, Julie will be showing visitors just how easy Chainmaille can be.
www.surreyjewelleryschool.com 

Helen O'Neill founder of the PMC studio and regular Bead.TV presenter will be demonstrating the magic of precious metal clay.
www.thepmcstudio.com

Chloe Menage, (yours truly)  will be demonstrating basic jewellery making techniques and showing what you need to get yourself started in the hobby.

The Beadworkers Guild will also be there with a display full of inspiring work from members. So come along, shop till you drop and be inspired at the UK's biggest all-beading event!

Workshops

Wirework with Linda Jones

A short introduction to Wire Jewellery with this esteemed author and designer. You will have the opportunity to learn basics like threading beads with wire, creating jump rings, making spirals, creating a bead-cage and linking. 45 minutes, running three times throughout the day. Max 10 people per class.

 Linda is a regular presenter on Bead.TV, so come along and let her show you just how easy and fun creating with beads and wire can be.
www.wirejewellery.co.uk and http://wireworkersguild.blogspot.com/

Beadweaving with Liz Thornton

Perfect for beginners, be inspired by Liz's passion and experience and learn how to create a simple beadwoven bracelet, the St Petersburg Chain. A great taster on how to put together this fabulous bracelet and all the knowledge to allow you to finish the piece at your own pace. 60 minutes, running twice in the day. Max 12 people per class.


 Chair of the Beadworkers Guild, Liz is an experienced beader who loves sharing her passion and skills with others. 
www.lizthornton.co.uk

All workshops cost £12 on the day or £10 if booked in advance. Price includes all materials - kindly provided by Beads Unlimited. For booking visit the website www.thebigbeadshow.co.uk, email elizabeth@ashdown.co.uk or call 01903 884988 and speak to Elizabeth. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

See you there!

Chloe x