Every other year the PMC conference hosts an important international exhibition of preeminent work made using metal clay. In the summer of 2010 this exhibition will be on display in the gallery at Purdue University.

This juried exhibition is open to all Guild members and will receive national coverage. It will celebrate the many and varied forms of symbolic expression from ancient to contemporary times. You may submit up to five (5) images of functional, non-functional, and/or jewelry pieces for consideration.

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In under four minutes, you can see how to work with them on this Darice youtube video:

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I am very much looking forward to seeing a copy as soon as my library gets it.  It’s probably (but not certainly) not a book I will purchase, but I am intrigued and somewhat charmed by the idea.

An excerpt:

It would never have happened if not for Saddam Hussein. When U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Madeleine Albright criticized the dictator, his poet in residence responded by calling her “an unparalleled serpent.” Shortly thereafter, while preparing to meet with Iraqi officials, Albright pondered: What to wear? She decided to make a diplomatic statement by choosing a snake pin. Although her method of communication was new, her message was as old as the American Revolution—Don’t Tread on Me.

From that day forward, pins became part of Albright’s diplomatic signature. International leaders were pleased to see her with a shimmering sun on her jacket or a cheerful ladybug; less so with a crab or a menacing wasp. Albright used pins to emphasize the importance of a negotiation, signify high hopes, protest the absence of progress, and show pride in representing America, among other purposes.

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At first, Marlene’s post sounds like a lesson in design composition: balance and color are key to catching the eye.  But then she dives into a couple of topics that will get you noticed by the magazines that you might want to submit to: originality, simplicity, and photography!  Whether or not you want to see your work in a magazine, these tips are worth reading through.

The second post that made me think was written by Jean Campbell, contributing editor to Beading Daily.  Jean discussed how to make your beadwork last.  It’s not good enough for people to fall in love with your necklace: your necklace must not let them down!    I’ve not yet been convinced to use Future floor polish on my pieces, but I’m starting to consider it

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About.com Jewelry Making
Sparkle plenty with this endless knotted red crystal necklace project!

Art Bead Scene
It’s the last ABS monthly challenge of 2009. Are you running out of ideas and inspiration? ABS has just the antidote!

Carmi’s Art/Life World
One shrunk sweater equals felted beaded mitts for me!

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy explains why she chose Lee Krasner’s painting “Untitled” for this month’s Art Bead Scene Challenge.

Lorelei’s Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei tested out some cool chain from Rings and Things.

Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done!
Would you like to investgate a lyrical book which explores all areas of your imagination and challenges your creativity? Try Lisa Crone’s!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shares a cute find – sterling silver elephant clasps.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Thinking deep thoughts, Andrew offers up a sumptuous bracelet and adds a new bronze charm to his shop.

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Five golden rings bracelet

Poinsettia necklace

Holiday earring bead patterns for every winter holiday

Sugar plum swirls necklace

Five golden rings bracelet

Evergreen star earrings

Berry bracelet bead pattern

Snowstorm earrings

Starry night Hanukkah earrings

Holiday beaded bracelet

Holiday zipper pulls

Sugar plum swirls necklace

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Artist: Geneviève Crabe
Business name: Amaryllis Creations
Location: St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada

Websites & Blogs:
Amaryllis Creations
Amaryllis Creations etsy shop
Crafters’ Internet
Geneviève Crabe blog

I would describe my work as bold, colourful, eclectic wearable art. I get my inspiration from everything from flowers to architecture; everywhere I look, I see shapes, patterns, and colours to incorporate in my work. I enjoy learning new things so I read books and take classes in a variety of subjects including painting, beading, bead embroidery, polymer clay, and mixed media. I enjoy the cross-pollination that happens, and I like to incorporate a variety of components in my work: hand-painted wood, pen & ink, glass, beads, fibers, Kumihimo braids, etc.

My mother was an artist, and I have been surrounded by arts and crafts my whole life. While I enjoyed artistic pursuits in my spare time, after a 30-year career in hi-tech, I now enjoy being a full-time artist. An important part of my artistic life involves networking with other artists. I belong to three local art guilds, and I attend as many bead shows and decorative painting conventions as I can. I find that just being around other artists, whatever their medium, is very inspirational. I also enjoy teaching, which is often a learning experience for me, and more recently creating and selling kits and handmade jewelry.

I also like sharing my knowledge through writing and I have two published books under my belt. In 2001, I combined my computer and crafting skills in a book titled Crafters’ Internet Handbook: Research, Connect, and Sell your Crafts Online. I am now working on The Crafters’ Internet 2.0, a blog dedicated to informing crafters about resources available to them online.

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Jama wrote: “I’d really like to try my hand at bead crochet.”  And Laurie Brown entered with: “Doing wirework. While I’d love to get into metal clay, doing wirework won’t require buying as much new equipment, and there are so many wonderful things being done with it these days!”

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From the website:  If you’d like to share your inspiration and detailed how-to instruction for creating beautiful jewelry with readers, we want to hear from you. Belle Armoire Jewelry covers a broad range of mediums, from art clay to polymer clay to found object to fiber to wire to beads and much, much more. Whether you are a creator of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches, pendants, rings or other jewelry, we welcome you to submit your artwork for consideration of publication.

Please read submission guidelines before sending your submissions to: Stampington & Company · C/O: Belle Armoire · 22992 Mill Creek, Suite B · Laguna Hills, CA 92653

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Design Excellence, for designs that exhibit exceptional creativity, craftsmanship, and marketability.

Visionary Technical Solution, for designs in which specific technical challenges-such as combining two non-complementary metals-were overcome to take the piece from concept to completion.

Laser Distinction, for entries in which the design relied upon the use of a laser (sponsored by LaserStar Technologies).

Gold Distinction, for entries that include a minimum of 75 percent of a karat gold alloy in the design (sponsored by Hoover and Strong).

In addition, students in any jewelry-related program may submit rendered designs for the Future of the Industry Award, which recognizes exceptional design achievement and potential.

Award winners will receive up to $1,000 and will be honored on March 16, 2009, at the annual MJSA Expo New York show. In addition, winners will receive recognition in MJSA Journal, as well as other trade publications, and on MJSA Online.

Entries must be postmarked by Jan. 15, 2010. For submission guidelines and further information, or to request an entry form, contact MJSA Vision Awards at 1-800-444-6572, e-mail info@mjsa.org, or visit mjsa.org.

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