Kristal Wick is the well-known creator of Sassy Silkies, and she has a fun book out now that will teach you how to make the fabric beads that she’s famous for!  Kristal says that she first thought up her bead-making methods in response to complaints from people that their earrings were just too heavy.  “I wanted to make something colorful yet lightweight that could change each season for my fashion-conscious customers,” she says.

Fabulous Fabric Beads
by Kristal Wick
Kristal has 30 different custom bead designs for you to learn to make in this fun book.  The colors are sumptuous, and your mind …read more

Guest author: Kathy Mary
Website: http://kathymary.multiply.com
To make beads for a rosary:
Gather the roses one dry day and chop the petals very finely. Put them in a saucepan and barely cover with water. Heat for about an hour but do not let the mixture boil. Repeat this process for three days and if necessary add more water. The deep black beads made from rose petals are made this rich color by warming in a rusty pan (I.E.Iron) It is important never to let the mixture boil but each day to warm it to a moderate heat. Make the beads by working the …read more

What’s Up Wednesday

The Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking
by Kimberley Adams
I still love Cindy Jenkins’s book called Making Glass Beads, because it was the first lampworking book that I bought. But I have to say that if you are just beginning the artform now, I’d have to recommend Kimberley Adams book. There have been some changes in availability of different tools, torches, kilns, and glass since Cindy’s wonderful book was published, and Kimberley writes of her gratitude to her early teachers.
I found this book to be a wonderful refresher on the basics, plus it had intermediate and advanced sections with …read more