CBC 2000 Giveaway Blog Hop!!

Welcome to the CBC 2000 Giveaway Blog Hop!   I recently signed up for the special CBC 2000 Giveway Event on Creative Bead Chat Group on Facebook.  CBC is a gathering place of amazing jewelry artists and I've met so many wonderful people.  So many talented artists donated their gorgeous creations for this event and I was so thrilled to be the lucky winner of Lee Anne Messerschmidt's wonderful creations!  

I've known Lee Anne for couple of years and I've always admired her work.  We met on Barbara Lewis' Painting with Fire Ning and share the same birthday!  She has a knack for mixing and laying colors on her enamel pieces.  I've always drooled over her work.  I’ve never met Lee Anne in person but I feel like we have been lifelong friends and we share the same birthday!   She truly mastered Barbara Lewis’ immersion enameling method and have made so many unique and delicious enameling pieces.  You can check out her Facebook page and see her enameled beautifies at Wired Hammered N Worn Facebook page!  I can’t tell you how ecstatic I was to be the lucky winner of Lee Anne’s goodies.

Here are the beautiful items I received in a package! 

With so many possibilities swarming in my it was hard to decide on the design.  I love the color mix she sent me and everything just complimented each other.  

I decided to mix the enameled components and the beauty of copper and made a necklace featuring the most adorable flower focal.  I just couldn't get over how cute the flower focal is!

I wish you can see the depth of the color of the turquoise blue the leaves Lee Anne created.  They simmer in the sunlight and there are layers of different colors that reminded me of the pristine ocean.  I used the two small leaves and made earrings.  I used the enameled head pins to connect the little birds.  Kept the design simple to show off the beautiful enamel colors.

There was a small little enameled disc with a little bird and I just had to use that piece to attach the leaf.  I braided a leather cord and threaded through couple of the larger enameled components to accent the necklace.  

As you can see I still have lots of goodies left over and can't wait to use them in future designs.  I haven't done much enameling lately but seeing all the beautiful enameled pieces.  Thank you so much Lee Anne for the beauties!  I will cherish them and think of you every time I wear them!   xoxo!

Please hop over to the other participants!

Sandra - http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.com

Carolyn - http://artisanwhimsy.com/profiles/blog/list?user=07ase2t9q0suy

Kay      - http://kayzkreationz.blogspot.com

Jana     - http://lasjoyasdejana.blogspot.com

Alenka  - http://pepita-handmade.blogspot.com

Rose    - http://handedcraftedjewelrybyrose.blogspot.com

Melissa - http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com

Malie   - http://kumifisher.blogspot.com

Connie - http://artisanwhimsy.com/profiles/blogs/creative-bead-chat-2000-tha...

AJE Earring Challenge Reveal #8 & #9!

Time is flying by this year and with lots on my plate I decided to combine the blog post for Reveal #8 & #9.  

Week #15 ~ Copper Leaf with Pearls
I was shaping copper wires to use with beaded head pins but it didn't quite turn our right.  After hours of trying various different ways and getting frustrated, I sat back in my chair and saw freshwater pearls within the chaos of my workbench.  So I decided to hang a hammered copper wire with freshwater pearls as the stem of the leaf.   Sometimes a great idea comes when you can't make something you originally planned work the way you planned.  

Week #16 ~ Enameled Beads Earrings

My girlfriend Lynda came over and we had a fun afternoon making enameled beads using Barbara Lewis' immersion method.  I tried to make a matching pair but when you are layering and mixing colors, it's not quite easy to do.  I think it adds a unique one of a kind look when it's not exactly the same.  Well, I guess I'm going for the organic look lol!  The challenge of dipping into multiple enamels is I forget to take copious notes and if someone asks me to make the exact pair, I probably won't be able to duplicate.  Note to self...take better notes!  I made a swirl headpin with copper wire, added some beads and attached sterling silver ear wires to complete.  

Week #17 ~ Leather Hoop Earrings

I love working with leather and making leather hoop earrings is my latest obsession.  I love the light weight and the color contrast between the leather and the beads.  So many possibilities and design ideas are spinning in my head.

I think I'm going to make varieties of these leather hoop earrings.  I'm stocking up on inventory for a reason...stay tuned for announcement soon :)

Week #18 ~ Copper Heart Earrings

I got a special Mother's Day order and I made a heart component which I used for a necklace then the light switch went on!  Why not make earrings with the same design!  Sometimes the simple design turns out to be the best bet.  I had fun shaping the wire to cute hearts, adding glass and copper beads on the stem, and attach them to ear posts.  Ta da!



Mahalo for visiting and wishing you a creative day!  Please visit all the other wonderful artists!
Kumi ♥

Kreativ Blogger Award - so honored!

I received a big surprise message from one of my dearest friends, Heidi Kingman from My Bead Therapy.  She included my blog amongst 9 other fabulous bloggers as her pick for the Kreativ Blogger Award!   Thank you Heidi for a special recognition and I will do my best to be deserving of this award.  With so many deserving bloggers out there I'm so humbled to be included on her list!

So...when you receive the Kreativ Blogger Award, here are the rules to follow:

1. Post a link to the person who awarded you
2. Share 7 well thought-out random things about yourself
3. Grant the Award to 10 other deserving bloggers and let them know

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Let me introduce you to my dear friend Heidi Kingman!  I met Heidi while attending the Weekend with Wiremasters in 2010.  From the first time I met her, I just had a connection with her and the more I get to know her, the more I appreciate having her in my life.  We have so much in common and I rely on her support and guidance.  Every artist needs a Heidi in her/his life!  She is part of the Artisan Group and her incredible Guitar Bracelet will be included in the official gift bag for the 46th Annual Country Music Awards!

She is truly a super woman!  She works full time as an attorney, happily married, and mother of three beautiful children and one gentle Mastiff.  Here is how you can find out more about Heidi Kingman and My Bead Therapy ~ Website, Blog, and Facebook Page!

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Here are 7 random things about me :)
1.  I'm a huge Dexter fan!  C'mon Season 7!  I can't wait to find out what happens!
2.  I love pasta and noodles!  I will never be on a no-carb diet!
3.  My favorite red wine is Prisoner...yum!
4.  My studio looks like I can be on the Hoarder's show >_<
5.  I'm a jewelry class and tool junkie :)
6.  I love listening to This American Life and the Moth during my commute.
7.  I have a white Standard Poodle named Kea who we rescued 13 years ago.  She was matted from head to toe and very skittish when we first adopted her.  She has been the kindest and most gentle soul.  Just love her!

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I'm so happy to give the following 10 bloggers the Kreativ Blogger Award in no particular order.

1.  Painting with Fire by Barbara Lewis ~ I first discovered Barbara Lewis' work on Belle Armoire Jewelry Magazine.  When her book Torch Fired Enamel Jewelry: A Workshop in Painting with Fire came out last year, I pre-ordered it.  Painting with Fire Ning is a enameling community she hosts and I have met so many talented and supportive people.  When I took her classes at Bead & Button in June of 2012, it was a dream come true.  She is an amazing artist and an incredible soul!  Love you Barbara!

2. Kelsi's Closet Jewelbox Design Journal by Melissa Muir ~ I've been following Melissa's blog and a big fan of her Tool Time Tuesday and I was pleasantly and humbly surprised when I was partnered with her for Lori Anderson's 6th Bead Soup Blog Party!  She is one of the sweetest and talented person I am honored to know!

3.Eva Sherman Designs ~ I found Eva's blog during the 6th Bead Soup Blog Party and fell in love with her blog!  She has tutorials both in step by step photos and videos and many were published in magazines.  Her copper cuff designs are so gorgeous and inspirational.  She offers workshops at Tuscon, Beadfest, and Create in 2012.  Sure wish I can take one of her classes one day!

4. Sadafulee by Kashmira ~ I met Kashmira online on couple of Facebook groups this year.  When I found out she contributes to Project Why and donates most of the proceeds from her jewelry sales, I was so touched.  It's so great to know someone as passionate about learning new techniques and venturing into the creative journey together.  You can find Kashmira's work and support her cause at her online store.

5. Knot Just Macrame by Sherri ~ I also found Sherri's blog through the 6th Bead Soup Blog Party. Having just learned micro macrame with Joan Babcock, I truly appreciate Sherri's blog.  Her blog is full of eye candy creations by Sherri!  If you want to see beautiful micro macrame jewelry, check out her blog!  Here is her Etsy store.

6. Song Beads by Rebecca ~ Another great find is Rebecca's blog.  I found this talented lady while blog hopping during the 6th Bead Soup Blog Hop Party.  She is one of the contributors for Artbead Scene Blog which has a large following, her work has been published in multiple publications, she teaches and is a singer!  Whew, what an artist!  I can just scroll through so many of her photos and the colors just pop out.  Her Etsy Shop is filled with her beautiful designs!  Check out this talented artist from the UK!

7. Blue Antiquities by Laura ~ I met Laura in the Painting with Fire Ning and have admired her work ever since.  She is a talented mixed media artist and the way she combines colors is simply stunning.  I can just sit and look at the photos of her creations for hours!  She is getting ready to open her Etsy store soon :)

8. Yay Jewelry by Kristin ~ Kristin keeps posting eye candy jewelry creations on FB and her Etsy Store is filled with not just jewelry but gorgeous pursues!  I love her color and material choices.  Check out her blog and store!  The way she photographs her beautiful jewelry is something I would love to master!

9. Sue Lacy Designs ~ If you like fold forming, this is a must follow blog.  Sue just attended Charles Lewton-Brain's workshop and I savored every post reading her blog updates about the workshop.  She is also the host of Fold Forming Central FB Group and it's filled with great photos and supportive members. Her recent post about green patina is a must read and her bracelet she posted is just to die for!

10. Lorelei's Blog ~ Last on my list is certainly not the least and her blog is one of my very fav!  Lorelei Eurto is one of the author of the Bohemian Inspired Jewelry book which is a huge hit.  I follow her blog and FB page like a stalker as everything she makes is simply amazing!  I don't think it's any surprise she is on my top 10 list and I'm sure she is on so many other jewelry artists' list too!  Get ready to drool when you visit  Lorelei's Etsy Store!

Coming up with my list of 10 blogs was not easy as there are so many others that I diligently follow.  Mahalo for visiting and enjoy blog hopping over to the fabulous blogs above.  Have a creative and soulful day!

adorn your heart,
Kumi

Bead & Button Show 2012 Recap

Just got home from Bead & Button Show and what an exhilarating experience it was!  I signed up for 10 classes this year.  It was a crazy schedule with three days of back to back day and night classes but I had to pack in as much as I can while I was there and it was so worth it!

Here is the recap of B&B 2012!

Day 1~Painting with Fire with Barbara Lewis

From the moment I met Barbara I knew I made the right choice to sign up for two of her classes this year.  I've been admiring her work for several years on various magazines, watched her video, read her book from cover to cover so I felt as though I was meeting a celebrity!  Her husband, Jim, and assistant Chris were such huge help during the two workshops not to mention how warm and skillful they were.  It was a full class and the three of them did an incredible job being attentive to all the students.  The immersion method is truly amazing.  Talk about instant gratification.  You can literally make beautifully enameled beads in minutes! The Painting with Fire workshop gave me the solid foundation for the immersion method.  Look at all the beads I made during class!

Day 2~Balance Beam Bracelet with Richard Salley

I took Richard's class last year at B&B and really loved his relaxed zen like teaching style.  I wanted to build a solid foundation in soldering and I so appreciated learning the technique from Richard.  His lovely assistant Martina Stein was there too.  She just has such a calming spirit and such a talented jewelry artist.  The two of them make such a perfect teaching duo!

The bracelet required 12 soldering points so it was a great way to dive in and learn the technique.  I was so happy I took this class with my dear friend Julie as we kept telling each other how we couldn't believe we were making this bracelet.  Everyone in class made beautiful bracelets and lots of oooohs and ahhhhs were going on at the end of the class.  Just another reminder not to limit what you can accomplish.  With great teachers like Richard, he makes your dream come true!  See you next year Richard and Martina as I'll be signing up for another class for sure!  

Day 2 Night Class~Soldering a Copper Bezel with Kim St. Jean 

I decided to take advantage of evening classes this year and signed up at a chance to take a class with Kim St. Jean.  It's great to learn the same technique from multiple teachers as inevitably they all have something different to share.  Soldering paste was used for this class which works totally different than solder sheets and wire.  It was so great to see different method and how to use different materials.  I'm used to working with PMC/Art Clay syringe and I was way too stingy in applying the solder paste to my bezel.  Kim finally came over and squeezed a very generous amount of paste and it flowed like a charm.  Note to self...apply more solder paste.  Working with thin copper bezel allowed us to bezel interesting shapes.  I originally picked out a rectangle turquoise but changed it to ammonites to challenge myself during class.  It was a great experience working with odd shapes.  I learned lots of great tips from Kim during the 3 hr class :)

Day 3~Micro Macrame with Joan Babcock

I was really into macrame back in the day but I couldn't remember a single knot (I guess it shows how long ago that was lol!).  When I saw Joan's work, I was so intrigued how she incorporated cords, beads, and wire into her work. But I just couldn't figure out how to do the different steps by reading her book.  I learn best from demonstration.  This class was such a nice change from my usual working with metal and I actually found myself enjoying a quiet soothing class working with threads and seed beads :) It was the most quiet class I took this year lol!   I bought several kits, her book and DVD so I can continue to learn and incorporate macrame into my work.  Joan and her husband Jeff were so sweet and helpful and patiently taught us through the multiple steps.  There are so many color cords to choose from and I quickly added them on my shopping list :)  Joan will be soon offering online classes on her Website and I will definitely be .  As you can see I still need to finish this bracelet but I can see myself doing micro macrame projects while watching TV.  

Day 4~"Soar" Surface Decoration for Enameling with Barbara Lewis

This was a 2nd class with Barbara and boy was I glad I took her Painting with Fire class first.  It really made a huge difference working with multiple shapes of the birdhouse.  I finally figured out how to get better coverage to the area around the mandrel near my hand.  My dear friend Julie and I sat right next to each other and we had a great time as usual.  I originally intended to have the main part of the birdhouse in cobalt blue with millefiori flowers around it but it ended up with specks and the millefiori flowers just turned ugly brown :(  I hate it when your original idea doesn't turn out the way you planned and I had to figure out how to make it work.  So I decided to coat it with layers of white and aqua.  Now with multiple layers of enamels, I used another mandrel and twisted the molten glass to get a unique effect.  I told Julie that this is either going to turn out to be the ugliest piece or surprising beauty.  When the glass cooled I was so happy with the result!  The great thing about working with enamel is you can always coat another layer if you are not happy with what you see :)  Just love working with forgiving materials!  It was a bit tricky putting fusing the floor, body of the birdhouse and the roof together.  We used Eugenia Chan's torching basket for that final process.  It's a must have tool and you can get it from Barbara's Website

Day 4 Night Class~Hand Stamped Spinner Ring with Chris Mode

I wanted to take this class last year but it sold out super fast.  I signed up within the first couple of minutes when the online registration opened and it was one of the first sold out classes this year.  Even though it's a 3 hour class, Chris was so organized and clearly explained the step by step process so I was able to finish this ring and had 30 minutes to spare.  It was a bit tricky to get the base ring aligned perfectly to be soldered but with a little help, the solder flowed so nicely.  I have so many design ideas in my head, I can't wait to start making these rings! 

Day 5~Hinged Treasure Boxes by Linda Larsen

Hinges can add movement, flexibility, and design element that simply can't be accomplish with a flat sheet of metal.  So when I saw Linda offering this class I jumped on the opportunity.  It was a full class and the time flew by quick.  I didn't get to finish the piece but I learned the step by step techniques.  Linda shared a great tip on using your thumb nail as a guide when you start sawing.  I always had a hard time to get the blade make that first cut and this made sawing so much easier to start.  She had many wonderful pieces on display and I just love the way her work looks.  I still need to attach the top part to the box on the bottom, thread the bail, and attach the necklace.  We used mica as the little window which was sandwiched between the two metal sheets and all three were riveted together.  Now I need to decide what treasure to put inside the box which will peak through the window.  What a fun piece to wear when it's all done.  I'll have to make it a point not to add this project on the ever growing "I'll finish that later" pile...  Linda is a fun and energetic teacher and she will keep you moving through the class.  I also had a great time sitting next to my new friend Lucie from Calgary during this class!

Day 5 Night Class~Metal Etching 101 with Cristina Leonard and Gail Lannum

I've been admiring etched metal for sometime and been wanting to try it but I was timid using ferric chloride so when I saw this class being offered at B&B, it was a perfect timing!  The class was taught by Cristina Leonard and Gail Lannum.  They are two great ladies who kept the class fun and informative.  We learned how to use both the PnP sheet and Sharpie Markers to create the resists.  Each copper were in the etching solution for about 45 minutes and created beautiful images.  Since I don't have a rolling mill (yet), this will be a great way to add designs and texture to metal sheets I use.  The possibilities are endless as you can basically etch any image even photos by using Photoshop.  Cristina and Gail are both talented artists.  It was so nice to be in their first B&B class.  I look forward to seeing what they will be teaching next year :)

Meet the Teachers Event

This is a must attend event at Bead & Button Show!  All the teachers showcasing their work and kits for sale.  I can't imagine a more exciting place to be!  If you want first dibs, come early as you can see the long line to the event.  The place was buzzing with students interacting with teachers.  I purposely avoided getting any seed bead kits this year as I still had some from last year and focused on metal and wire related kits.  It's also a great way to see the classes you may have missed and buy kits, or meet the teachers you may want to take classes from in the future.   It was a long but happy day and many of us left the event with bags of goodies :)

Day 6~Engraved Tapestry Bracelet with Melissa Cable

I took Melissa's class last year at Bead & Button simply because I was fascinated with a material I never heard of called Faux Bone.  When I found out what a great teacher she is, I kept a close eye on what she was going to offer this year and this class was one of my top choices.  Her classes are well organized with handouts with lots of information and she is so attentive.  Faux Bone was developed by Robert Dansik which is a non-toxic PVP which can be heated to form any shape.  It's truly a versatile material and you can use many medium to color it.  I originally cringed at the thought of engraving as I have such a hard time engraving on metal.  The engraver dances all over the metal and I can never get a clean design or lettering let alone intricate designs.  When Melissa told me I'm going to love engraving on Faux Bone, I was skeptical but once I started I was amazed how easy it was!  Everyone in the class had such amazing designs.  She introduced the Frame Flaring Tool which was used to make the bezel and so glad I reserved them during Meet the Teachers as they were sold out by the beginning of this class.
I'm looking forward to what she will be offering next year as she is truly one of my favorite teachers :)

Private Preview Shopping!

I was so much prepared this year for this shopping event.  I had address labels with my name, address, phone number, business license number and copies of my business license.  So many vendors appreciated this so they didn't have to write my information on the invoices.  I also made a list and tried to get to them first.  My first stop was Humblebeads and Heather Powers had so many beautiful beads!  Once I got my stash from Heather, I bought beads and cords to compliment them.  I really wanted to get a bunch of chains but decided to just write down the item numbers and order online as I knew I was close to the weight limit with all the new tools I already bought.  I was there until the closing announcement at 9pm and still had 1/3 of the floor to go.  Finished the rest of the vendors after the last class the following day.  With over 300 vendors, this is truly a beaders/jewelers heaven!

Day 7~Pierced and Stacked Pendant with Julie Sanford

One of my goals this year was to tackle my apprehension about using the jewelry saw.  I was definitely intimidated by this class but Julie has a gentle way of showing the techniques and step by step instructions.  I also contacted her prior to class via e-mail about the jewelry saw and she responded in great detail.  Once I got the rhythm going, I actually enjoyed sawing metal.  I put my headset on and listened to my favorite playlist and sawed out the entire design in one sitting.  I never thought I would say this but it was very relaxing listening to the sawing sound.  This was definitely another milestone reached :) 

After the shopping floor closed I went to the Miller Pub at the bottom of the Hilton and ordered a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup.  It was soooooooo good and I'm definitely ordering that again next year!  I managed to pack away all the goodies and went to bed with a big smile.  What an amazing week.  My experience this year was better than last year.  May be because I was more familiar with where to go and felt more comfortable.  I also saw many friends from last year and made many more new friends.  I had great teachers and creative fellow students.  My roommate Julie was icing on the cake!  It was so nice to share the day's event with someone at night.  It just wouldn't have been the same without her.

Mahalo Bead & Button Show!  You have once again made my dream come true :)  

Milwaukee you were so good to me once again.  I will see you next year! 

Meet the Teacher ~ Barbara Lewis

I truly value how much I learn from taking classes.  Personally I can only do so much from reading books and watching online videos.  I will be going to Bead & Button Show for the 2nd time and wanted to feature the fabulous teachers/artists I will be taking classes from!

Barbara Lewis with Painting with Fire

I am so excited to finally take Barbara's class to learn the immersion torch fire enameling method! I've been a huge fan of Barbara Lewis ever since I saw her work on Belle Armoire Jewelry Magazine.  Her book Torch-Fired Enamel Jewelry was the Best Craft Book of 2011 at Amazon and I have read it from cover to cover multiple times.  Barbara also hosts Painting with Fire Ning which is a wonderful and supportive torch enameling community.  I've met so many wonderful artists and great friends on that site.   If you are remotely interested in torch fire enameling, I highly recommend getting her book and join the Ning group. She just moved and opened her new studio in St. Petersburg, Florida. Barbara teaches the immersion technique which is different from sifting enameling on top of copper.  She is an incredibly supportive and talented artist who shares her knowledge.  For those of you who can't make the trek to St. Pete or other venues she teaches, she is offering a 2nd e-course this summer.  Check out the details about her e-course on her Painting with Fire Website!  You can also follow her blog at http://paintingwithfireartwear.blogspot.com/

 Here is a video of the immersion method that Barbara teaches.

I'm also taking Barbara's Surface Decoration for Enamel class while at B&B.  I just couldn't resist learning how to make those cute enameled birdhouses!

I'm sooooo looking forward to meeting Barbara in person!