If, however, you look at the vast array of jewelry and beading books out there and think, “I could contribute to that…I’ve got good ideas!” then keep reading.

Kathy Cano-Murillo, well known as the Crafty Chica, has posted How to write a non-fiction book proposal.  Let me warn you: it’s not quick or easy.  But if you are bursting with things to say and ideas to share that haven’t been said or shared before, Kathy’s article is a good place for you to start.

Kathy knows what she’s writing about.  She has seven published craft books.  So far!

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Earring kit by Laura McCabe available from Beads East

For example, my friend Dulcey Heller creates kits and patterns for a site called simply Buy the Kit.  Despite the name, they also sell “bead-less kits”, a clever way to refer to patterns, as well as kits that contain everything you will need, just add hands and eyes.  This site specializes in seed beadwork.

If you are more interested in learning wire techniques, check out Jewelry Lessons.  There are lessons on polymer clay and beadwork too, but wire is king (or queen) at this site owned by Eni Oken.

Etsy is another place that you can check out for kits and patterns.  I had the most luck by searching on the term “tutorial”.  This lovely shop by WireBliss is just one of the sites I found that had education for sale.

If you’d like to sink your teeth into a really big project, you might want to check out Beads East.  There are free tutorials, both video and printed available here, as well as kits and patterns by artists like Laura McCabe and Sherry Serafini.

JewelerMe is a new site, started by a mother and daughter team.  They specifically package kits that can be done in a group setting like a bridal shower or a girls’ night out.

Finally, here are two more sites that I’m not as familiar with that have patterns and kits.  They look like they’re worth investigating as well:

Beaded Patterns

Simply Beads Kit of the Month

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The deadline is July 18, 2009, so hurry!

All the information on entering the contest can be found at the Beading Daily website.  Scroll down to the 3rd message for the official rules.  There are prizes being offered, so get your entry in soon!

Image: Beading Daily

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Artist: Francisca Bastos
Website: Francisca Bastos Design

For almost 25 years, I have worked with stones in every shape and color, originating in different mines in Brazil and coming straight to my hands. As I receive them, they are transformed into jewelry, handmade with 18kt gold. Pearls, corals, mother of pearl, and amber, to name a few, are all organic in themselves. Pearls have their own light, which has fascinated humanity for thousands of years, amber carries energy within itself, corals bring the sea in their soul, as well as mother of pearl. The gold comes directly from the depths of earth or from rivers. Additionally, my inspiration comes from nature and all the natural wonders that Brazil offers, such as the mountains, leaves, flowers, birds, the sea, the rivers, etc…

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As part of our on-going emphasis on education this year, I want to share some previous posts that may help you fill in some gaps! From creativity to color, from design elements to jewelry school, these resources can point you in the right direction.

Do you want to design for yourself?
This is the conclusion of my series of articles, with links to all the previous articles

Beadwork basics online

Dictionaries, glossaries, and encyclopedias of jewelry making info online

Creativity online

Color training and tools online

Jewelry design tools and articles online

Jewelry class listings by geography

Beading shows with classes

Design school directory

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Carmi’s Art/Life World
Carmi makes some felt bundles for rings!

Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done!
When beadist Kim Miles comes up with some new ideas, they are always fantastic! Check these out!

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy takes a look in her jewelry box and picks out her top 10 jewelry projects for 2008.

Art Bead Scene
ABS Editor Cindy Gimbrone shares her favorite post from 2008. Junk Envy!

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Image: Tammy Powley

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Rena Klingenberg has gathered a variety of responses to the question of how to deal with the situation, and I think it’s well worth reading through all that her respondents have to say.

Here’s a very small excerpt, which I think is very well written and I agree with 100%, especially the first point, which I’ve stated here many time. Don’t worry so much about copycats as about moving on and leaving them in your dust! I highly suggest that you go and read the rest of Rena’s fine article. There are situations where this “move on” attitude will not be enough, and her interviewees explain their own feelings well.

They stay ahead of knockoff artists by focusing on:

• Continually creating and promoting new jewelry designs.
• Using unique or hard-to-find jewelry supplies that make their work difficult to copy.
• Constantly learning new techniques to incorporate into their work.
• Creating designs that require specialized tools or equipment.

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Artist: Tammy Powley
Location: South Florida

Website & Blog:
About.com Jewelry Making
Crafty Princess Diaries

[Editor's note - As the Jewelry Making guide at About.com, Tammy provides many projects for her readers.  She has graciously chosen images to share with you for which there are instructions!!  The link is below each picture.  Thanks so much, Tammy!]

Tammy, how do you describe your work?
My jewelry designs are usually petite and practical. I like to make jewelry that I find comfortable to wear, and I’m too klutzy to wear anything overly large. While I don’t totally “diss,” trends, I lean more towards classic looks with a little added zing. I like to use all kinds of materials, but very often you’ll find beads mixed in some how, even if the piece is primarily made of metal.

Silver and Crystal Autism Adjustable Puzzle Necklace

What is your creative process like?
I normally work best when I have chunks of time, and I usually work when it’s quiet because I’m easily distracted. When I hear music, I tend to zone out and my mind goes elsewhere, so I find it hard to concentrate. I don’t necessarily sketch out every design I create, but I do keep sketch books around and when I don’t have time to try to make a prototype right away and I have ideas floating around, I will sketch them out so I can refer to them later when I have more time.

I have a range of processes for creating work. For example, sometimes I will design a project around a specific item, so I’ll pull various odds and ends and see what I think looks good with it. Other times I may have a specific need, such as a new pair of earrings for an outfit I want to wear, so I’ll purchase specific supplies for that design and go from there. If there is a holiday coming up, then I will focus on creating projects related to the holiday because those are usually very popular with my readers, and hey, they are fun to do too.

Queen of Hearts Metal Clay and Crystal Earrings

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
I have taken a lot of classes in jewelry making, lapidary, sewing, wearable art, book-art – you name it. I like working with different media, so whenever I get a chance, I try to take a class of some kind. For me, the classroom is a good learning environment because I’m a million-questions kind of person. I like to have a teacher nearby so I can ask questions as they pop into my head (which obviously can require patience on the teacher’s part!) Even if I don’t have time for a class, though, getting together with friends who have similar interests and crafting together has also provided me with wonderful learning experiences.

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
If I had to go with one jewelry tool, I think round-nosed pliers are just essential for me.

What inspires you to create?
Colors and textures – I think that’s one reason I like to often mix beads and fibers in with metal.

There is no Frigate like a Book

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
I really don’t ever have a time that I feel like giving up on crafting. Because my time is limited, I really look forward to my “play time. I also find it very inspiring to write and publish my designs. I have gotten some wonderful and supportive feedback from my readers, so that also makes me keep doing what I’m doing.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
Never stop learning and educating yourself. Classes are great to take if you can, but if not, books, the Web, DVDs, rock clubs, and bead societies are good alternatives. I learn so much from other artists who share their expertise.

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
I’m an English teacher, so that means lots and lots and lots of papers to grade!

Raku Bead and Hemp Necklace Tutorial

What are your favorite other hobbies?
I like to do all kinds of crafts, but other than making jewelry, my crafty time is often spent dabbling with paper-art and crochet.

Crocheted doll outfit made for one of Jean Yate’s dolls

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