Yay for Cindy Lietz! Lucky number 69 is the winner of the book Ancient Modern!!

Totally Creative magazine is a relative newcomer on the scene, but I think it already shows a lot of promise.  The sample issue that I saw contained articles by several artists whose work I know and love, including the fabulous Barbara Matthiessen, who wrote an extensive tutorial on creating multi-layered surface design effects on fabric.  I also found an article by my friend Beth Wheeler, who shared a felting project.

So what you’ll find are professional designers, whose names you’ll know from other magazines and books, who’ve created projects in all different media and for all different skill levels.  Sound interesting?
There …read more

David Kodner Personal Jewelers is holding a design contest from November 1- November 20 for a piece created around a beautiful 5.20 carat moonstone. The winner will be determined by the amount of votes it receives on the David Kodner Facebook fan page. The winner will receive $500 cash, plus David Kodner will create an actual piece of jewelry from the first place submission, to be on display in the jeweler show room.
This might be a great opportunity for you to try their hand at jewelry design, as the competition is open to any skill level.
For more information and the …read more

Saul Bell Emerging Artists, deadline 12/03/09
The Saul Bell Emerging Artist competition is open to artists who are 18 years of age and younger.  Now in its third year, this design competition focuses on the creativity of young designers.  Pieces will be jusded on innovation and uniqueness of the design, and the quality of the workmanship.  Registration can be done online or through the mail.

Last year’s first place winner, Kelsey Oswald

Over the summer, I wrote a review of Ronna Sarvas Weltman’s unique polymer clay book called Ancient Modern.  Well, now I’ve got a copy to give away!!  If you remember, I told you that Ronna’s style is primitive, organic, and full of joy.  Now here is your opportunity to drop all the rules and enjoy yourself with clay!
***FREE STUFF ALERT***FREE STUFF ALERT***

Would you like to have this book?  Just leave me a comment below telling me what’s your favorite jewelry style: classic?  edgy?  cyberpunk?  elegant?   Whatever description best fits your faves.  Next Monday, I’ll be randomly selecting a winner!

Want some free SoftFlex?  Who doesn’t?
Visit and enter!

Would you like to participate in one of  Beadwork Magazine’s challenges, where you get to design a a piece using one of their challenge kits?  Just email an image of your work to Beadwork Magazine, and you could be a winner!  Beadwork wants to get a sense of  your style, technical excellence, and the scope of your beading knowledge, so make sure you send your very best piece.
Deadline: November 20, 2009
Rules and submission information

Nancy Eha has put out a call for all tiara lovers: she says it’s “All About the Sparkle!”  and you can join in this fun challenge if you can get your act together by Sept 30, 2009.

Time is short, so contact Nancy today to obtain your tiara challenge package for $16.  It includes a Tiara Pattern, a Crown Magic Tiara Base, Hook and Loop Closure, Challenge Bead and Thread Packet. There is no additional charge when submitting your photo entry.
There WILL be prizes

How would you like to see your design walking down the red carpet (on someone’s neck, of course!) at the People’s Choice Awards?  You have a chance to experience that thanks to a special project arranged with PCA by Kendra Scott. The winning designer will receive a trip to Los Angeles in 2010 to rub elbows with the stars at the People’s Choice Awards and an additional trip to Austin, Texas to visit Scott’s design studio and stay at her chic, downtown loft.
The People’s Choice Awards is the only show voted on entirely by the public for awards in …read more

Fire Mountain Gems has been sending out their brand new Jewelry Maker’s Comprehensive Catalog for 2009 to 2010 over the past couple of weeks.  Long  before I got my copy, I was getting emails and wall posts on Facebook from friends who had seen my piece from a year ago in the new catalog!
Andromeda’s Pearls (shown below) was the gold medal winner in the pearls category for 2008.  And there it is on page 454, less than half way through this bohemoth of a catalog!  You can also see it on the Fire Mountain Gems website or on my own …read more