Superior Scribbler Award

Hey--look at the cool award I just received from Sig Wynne-Evans! Sig does whimsical, creative beadwork and writes a really fun blog that, well...doesn't dice words. My kind of girl! Check her blog at Beadedbear's Nonsense and Complete Waste of Time. This feels like a definite honor to receive an award like this from such a talented person. Thank you so much, Sig!

Now I have the traditional responsibility of following the rules ascribed to the recipient of this award. They are as follows:

* Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy friends.

* Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & name of the blog from whom he/she has received the award.

* Each Superior Scribbler must display the award on his/her blog and link to This post which explains The award.

*Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List.

That way, we'll be able to keep up to date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor.

* Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

And now, it's my turn to pass on the award to 5 other bloggers. Oh, this is too hard to pick--there are so many good ones out there, but here are a handful I enjoy:

Jean Yates

Andrew Thornton

Kate McKinnon

Marcia DeCoster

Kathleen Kimball-Baker

Hurray! Who doesn't love an award?

Beadblogger Sunday

These are toothpicks. I'm using them to keep my eyes open.


I knew this month was going to be difficult, but I didn't count on it being quite so challenging. I sleep about 4-5 hours a night, get up and write instructions, do my magazine editing work, then spend the rest of the day designing, beading, schlepping kids, slinging hash, and staving off complete and utter garbage house syndrome. I've definitely bit off more than I can chew, and am currently quite frayed around the edges...

But the reality is my work is incredibly enriching. I feel so filled up that I get to do what I get to do everyday. My favorite work project right now is The Book (will be released a year from now). I've got quite a bit more designing and writing to do for it before we leave for the holidays. It's due January 1, so I really need to crank. I don't think I've ever beaded so much so quickly in my entire life. My hands are even starting to cramp... but I really feel good about the results so far. I hope readers will like the results, too.

Here's the design on my work bench today. I'd been going round and round with it, but had a wonderful construction epiphany yesterday afternoon. Now I feel I can plow forward and get this sucker done today.


I don't think my current mania is much different than lots of you who read this have experienced. Oh, mine might be a bit more intense this week than other people's, but it seems to me that many of us artists do a intricate life dance to juggle work, family, and creative expression. Seems like it'll be a lifetime for me to figure out how to do it gracefully.

Want to read more about what other creative people are doing? Check out these links for the Beadbloggers:

A Bead A Day
The sun shines brightly on A Bead A Day when happy yellow cubic zirconia's are used in a simple necklace design.

About.com Jewelry Making
Give a beaded jewelry gift that gives twice.

Art Bead Scene
Be Inspired! Think about creating jewelry that tells a story.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Artbeads Crystalized Elements!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi is selling jewelery in a show for the first time and is trying not to "jinx" her favorites!

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Meet the newest addition to the Through the Looking Glass Nugget Charm Family - Alice Blue!

Jean Campbell
Jean discusses how Steampunk jewelry design fits into a larger "Poetic Couture"

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi is sharing a series of Gift Guides for handmade jewelry lovers!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Taking ya back to the Open House 2008! Now stay tuned for pics for Open House 2009 on Dec. 5!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
The ever breathtaking beadmaker Kim Miles pulls out all the stops for the Holidays and gift giving. But that is not all! If you have the "secret word" on the secret day" every week, you get a fab discount!

Poetic Couture

You know there's a lot of talk about Steampunk jewelry these days, but jewelry artists have been working in this style for at least 20 years now.

Grouping of found-object art by Bob Ebendorf.

In my upcoming book, Steampunk Style Jewelry, I describe the trend as "Mad Max meets Jane Austen", which I think an appropriate pairing of images for getting a handle on what this thing is all about. When you envision that pair of images, you'll realize you've seen jewelry in that style for years.

Jean Campbell, Uncle Julie Says Goodnight, 2008.

For example, when I met my friend and great influence Bob Ebendorf in the early 1990s, he was finding most of the materials for his unique works in the back alleys of Santa Monica and in the tide wash-ups on Venice Beach. He'd create grand necklaces of squirrel paws and tail lights; simple rings with rusty washers and concrete with a single pearl set in; pendants made from broken vodka bottle glass and vintage photos.

Robert Ebendorf, Fragments (brooch), 2006.

I don't feel that when Bob started experimenting with found objects in his jewelry-making he was working directly from the same science-fiction bent that Steampunk comes from, but the stew... the collective artistic consciousness from which he picked his materials...the stuff floating around in creative people's heads at the time...definitely included the works of the sci-fi writers like K. W. Jeter and James Blaylock.

K.W. Jeter, Morlock Night, 1979.

When I think about it ,I feel that Bob's early work with found objects was probably more directly informed by the assemblage work of artists like Joseph Cornell. Cornell's work exemplifies beautifully the drive by artists in the mid-20th century to incorporate the flotsam and jetsam of our everyday lives into our aesthetic sense. Artists like Cornell used that stuff as they would paint--it was just another rich material to create works of art.

Joseph Cornell, Cassiopeia 1.

When Bob and other jewelry designers like Thomas Mann, Richard Salley, and Keith LoBue started using that same detrius to create wearable art, the "found object jewelry" aesthetic took on a life of its own. We might call it "Steampunk" now, but I think it might be more aptly named "Poetic Couture".

Keith Lo Bue, Mesmerism, 2008.

It's interesting to see how the groundbreaking work of found-object jewelry artists like these, scrounging through the human condition for materials and bringing their fruits back to their studios to create beauty, eventually informs high fashion. My friend Jan Calligan just sent me this link. Jewelry designer Lorenz Baumer has created this piece for Louis Vitton using white and yellow diamonds, sapphires, spinel, and garnets.

Lorenz Baumer Necklace for Louis Vitton.

Do you see the direct influence of Poetic Couture on this necklace design? How 20..30..40 years later, after the Poetic Couture found its roots, it has made its way to the Paris fashion houses? There's no denying its found-object feel and very direct reference to cogs and gears.

What stuff on your work bench right now is informed by Poetic Couture? Maybe you're using words in your pieces? Or adding resin to photos or drilling holes in stuff you've found on the street? Know that you're part of a smoothly rolling trend, not a fad. You're part of a line of craft poets.

Holiday ReCap

Got swallowed up in family time over the weekend. We headed over the Mississippi River and through the Wisconsin Woods to my sister-in-law Molly's brand-spankin' new house.


It was a real Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving, complete with barking dogs and horses in the yard...


rosy-cheeked kids...


a beautifully cooked turkey...


mayhem around the serving table...


and pumpkin pie...Isn't Molly looking the part of the country girl hostess?


As always, I took up my job as dish-doer after the meal. There's something about taking a break after a big meal like that, letting the water run over my hands, and staring out the window that rejuvenates me. The best part about doing dishes at Molly's is the view. I mean really, can you believe this friggin' view? I'd do dishes all day long if I had this view.


Thanksgiving weekend at our house the last few years also means attending a hockey tournament, so I spent three days with my buns frozen to a bench in Roseville, screaming my head off. I really don't like to watch sports, but it's different when it's your kid out there (they came in second place!).


Because of all the hockey, hockey, hockey, Emma and I ended up spending a lot of time together. I was so happy to watch What Dreams May Come with her. If you haven't seen it, check it out! So life-affirming and hopeful, and if you're an artist you'll especially appreciate the visuals...


Now it's back to the around-the-clock grind, as I attempt to finish designing projects for and writing The Book before the holidays. Might be a bit sketchy...might deepen my crow's feet...but I'm still absolutely thrilled about how it's coming together. Please stay tuned!

Beadblogger's Sunday

This weekend has been simplay looflee...today involved a spin class, where I wore the nifty new bike shoes I received as a birthday present. Now that I have the equipment, I guess I'm going to have to stick with this thing...


As I was riding I was thinking how thankful I am to be surrounded by the people who inhabit my life. And I don't mean just my family and friends, but even total strangers. For instance, just last weekend I was teaching in St. Louis and noticed one student's (Michelle) pretty little bowl she was using to hold her seed beads. I made a comment about how much I liked it--I'm a bit of a raven lunatic. Michelle turned the beads out onto her mat, then handed the bowl to me, just like that. "I really want you to have it." "What? Noooo...." "No, take it. I'd like you to have it." Isn't that wonderful? Small, spontaneous gestures like that are what make life so special to me. And now I have this bowl on my workbench and think of her every time I see it.


I had another instance like that while in St. Louis. Kristen Winter, the class coordinator at Lady Bug Beads came up to me with a box. I opened it up, and look what was inside!


Isn't this a wonderfully beautiful Steampunkian pendant? That girl is so full of surprises...so talented. And what a generous gesture! Again, it's those kind of random acts that I know make my life so rich...

Speaking of Steampunk and giving, look what Ornamentea is doing! They're offering a free bag of Steampunk goodies with every purchase of my new book. Isn't that the coolest? It's a great way to get your Steam collection started...you just need to add the punk.


I'm sure you're curious about what Team Beadblog is up to. Here you go with the links...have a great week!

A Bead A Day
Do pearls go with everything? Lisa pairs glass pearls with chain and interesting findings. What do you think?

About.com Jewelry Making
What do you do with a weird piece of chain made from wood? How about making a fabulous necklace out of it.

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene gives you the scoop on findings worth finding - check it out!

Barbe Saint John
I've been a bad blogger!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi makes a brooch with a cameo and other odds and ends.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy has a new shop on Etsy - the bleeding heart. Check it out!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shows the piece she made for the new book Chain Style, and talks about her struggles with letting go of her published jewelry pieces.

Jean Campbell
Jean kicks off a new era of self-indulgence with a funky Steampunk necklace.

Jewelry & Beading
Gather up some little beaded flowers and turn them into a very special necklace!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei's annual craft fair adventure is over and she share's some photos of the Aftermath.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Artbeads teamed up with Nintendo DS to create a fantastic virtual learning game for jewelry lovers! Style Lab! Jean shows it off in a youtube clip! FUN for the HOLIDAYS! :)

Strands of Beads
Melissa discusses the virtue of buttons in jewelry-making

Steampunk Heart Necklace

After spending 45 years on this planet, I've decided I need to tip the scales away from the self-denial I'm become accustomed to as daughter, mother, wife, and worker. Yes, it's about time to tip those scales toward self-indulgence. Nothing drastic--just a little more pampering, you know? Yesterday was my birthday, so I decided to kick off this new era in my life with a pedicure, something I'd never done before. There is truly nothing better than an hour's attention to the feet and calf, with the warm soaks and buffing and clipping and oils and massage. I felt like the Tin Man when he first got to Oz--totally rejuvenated and refreshed.

I made this decadent and delicious birthday tart while talking to a good friend on the phone...right in the middle of a workday. (My goodness! What's happening to my work ethic?)


And then I sat down and made myself the necklace I had discussed plans for on Beading Daily this week. The piece features this wonderfully whimsical Steampunk-inspired heart by Jeannie Dukic.


I incorporated colored copper wire, Swarovski pearls, and chain to create the necklace portion.


I concocted the clasp loop by soldering together a key plate from Beadbury and a conduit locknut from the local hardware store. The clasp bar is simply a brass bolt that I wrapped with 26-gauge wire to form a connection loop.


My fantastic day was topped off by a party at Dan's, complete with singing and games and great food. My nephew Josh played One-Eyed Mad Pirate Jenkins:


And here are brothers John and Dan, looking uncharacteristically serious. Dan's got a nice Stephen Colbert look going on there, doesn't he?


And here's Charlie with Aunt Suzy. Little Chuck's looking quite bulked up since the last time I saw him.


What a great day!

So, how about you? Which way is your scale currently tipping? What nice thing have you done for yourself lately?

St. Louis Recap

I packed up my little 1998 Honda Civic and headed to St. Louis last Friday. Space girl that I can sometimes be while on a trip, I missed the turn-off to Waterloo because I was so wrapped up in Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman--a wonderful story about all kinds of love. The result was that I got to read the whole thing since I spent more time driving the Iowa highways than planned.


(Here's one of my fellow travelers...there were horns on both sides of the cab...)


I wasn't too upset, though. It was so nice to 1) read; 2) talk to my buddies on the phone; and 3) let my hands be still for 11 hours. Quite rejuvenating!


I taught a couple classes at Lady Bug Beads. What a pleasure to finally meet the staff! Susan, Kristen, and Myra were so helpful and friendly. And the students! What great students. Saturday I taught Le Cirque to Kristen, Barb, Anne, and Marjorie. It was a pleasant day, filled with creativity, laughter, and stories.


Marjorie came in wearing her Quercus necklace, one of my Designer-of-the-Year projects from the Aug/Sept issue of Beadwork magazine. The funny thing was that I was wearing my Quercus, too!


On Sunday we had a rousing class of 14, all learning Katarina. It was the first time I'd taught this one, and it was a relief to see so many students catch on and create this pretty chain. There was even a contingent from the Bead Society of Greater Kansas City that showed up. What a great group!


After class, my sister Mary treated me to a birthday meal at Blue Sky, a wonderful little restaurant in Kirkwood. My sister and I keep in touch pretty well via technology, but it's just so much better to talk in person. She's a real sweetheart, and since she's WAY older than me (right, Mary?), she's been an invaluable fountain of wisdom.


The trip back home on Monday was much faster--made it in almost 8 hours. I did stop a few times due to the copious amounts of green tea I was drinking to keep alert. I can't help but share a few snaps of my favorite rest areas. This one is the fanciest one I think I've ever been in, replete with an Iowa gift shop:


This one is very exciting because of its signage.


You just don't see that Grateful Dead-type font anymore on public spaces, do you?


And this was my favorite stop, where I pulled over to catch my breath a little. The Iowa landscape is so mesmerizing...


Now back at home and writing writing writing. Need to get 1/4 of my book turned in to my editor by week's end. Can she do it? Yes, she can!