Betsy wrote:

Thank you for blogging! I love to hear about and see what you’re working on. I secretly envy your goody bags from Artbeads. Oh, I have lust in my heart for a stoneware pendant from Artbeads. I’m preparing an order for Artbeads even as I write this… but, unfortunately it’s only for necessary supplies. That pendant keeps trying to sneak its way in..

Her great comment isn’t the reason she won (that is thanks to the randomizer), but it makes me happy to congratulate her!

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Unfortunately, most of the serious polymer clay artists don’t seem to be too impressed.  The price isn’t too much lower than the other name brands, but the main concern is that it’s extremely soft.  This may not be a problem for casual hobby work, but it’s not a good feature for those who like to do intricate work.

Both Cindy at the Polymer Clay Tutor and Angela at Crafty Goat felt that it was not the most amazing clay they’d ever worked with.  I’m being nice.  Angela feels that it’s a good clay for kids, and Cindy thought it was too brittle once cooked to be much use at all.

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***FREE STUFF ALERT BELOW***

Artbeads.com has also made it possible for me to give away a $25 gift certificate here on Jewelry&Beading.  If you win, maybe these CZ beads are something you’d like to have.  You can choose anything you want from their online catalog!

To sign up for a chance to win the $25 gift certificate, leave me a comment below, telling me what type of beads or supplies you’d most like to have.  In a week, I’ll be randomly drawing a winner from all the commenters below.  Please make sure you type your email address correctly!

And Artbeads.com has another way for you to win too: visit their facebook page and sign up there to win a $100 gift certificate!

As regards FTC disclosure guidelines: I have received the CZ beads shown free of charge from Artbeads.com in order to create a project free of charge for you.  I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received.

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Since shipping is always free in the U.S. and is only $1 to Canada, this special offer is really worthwhile.  Artbeads has a wide selection of beads, findings, and other jewelry making supplies available on their website.  No minimum purchase is required to use this offer!

10% off coupon code: SCF10P-ARTBEADS-0424
expires 12/31/09

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I am thrilled to hear it.  I love the CopprClay that I’ve worked with, but it will be lovely to have one that’s a bit easier to fire.  Even as we speak, artists in the UK are testing it out and tweaking the instructions for its use.  They’re also experimenting with torch firing, something that is impossible with CopprClay.  One downside is that it cannot be used in conjunction with silver clay…they will contaminate each other, even by using shared tools.  I’m sure there will be ways around this that will emerge.

So far, it is not available for sale in the USA.  I’m not sure if it’s available anywhere outside of the UK yet.  But it’s a coming!  Visit Metal Clay Academy to read all about it.

Image: WikimediaCommons

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Here’s what FMG has to say about the new colors and shapes:
* Cyclamen Opal – a color-play of amethyst purple and baby pink shades with an underlying opalescence
* Greige - a smoky, subtle color with just enough luminescence
* Crystal Coral Pearl - both glamorous and organic – a beautiful match to genuine salmon coral

* Navette pendant - an elegant look inspired by famous fine jewelry cuts
* Divine rock flat fancy stone – an innovative combination of matte and sparkling facets
* Chessboard Bead – an Art Deco-inspired style with a perfect round shape and square facets that take you back to the disco days

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But for those of you who do wear glasses and consider them as important as your necklace and earrings, check this out.  You can now custom design your own eyewear or sunglasses with Indivijual Custom Eyewear.  Although you’ll need to have pretty deep pockets to do it, the process looks intriguing: you create a model of your nose and the front of your face, and they will help you with additional tools like a personality profile if you’d like.

I don’t know anyone who’s used this service, or anything remotely like it, but I’d love to hear from those of you who wear glasses…have I been neglecting you?  Do you consider your glasses an important fashion accessory?

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Selene Bracelet

Nikki and Barb, site owners write:
We’ve been making our own jewelry for years now, but when we first started it was daunting to search for the right findings, the correct beading wire size and strength, the right size clasps, and even the best beads. After searching through a variety of stores, trying to find a good deal without having to buy in bulk, we thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to buy everything we need in a kit, and then all we have to do is put it together?”

Thus Jeweler Me was born. The beauty of the Jeweler Me kits is that you can
customize them however you want. You’re not stuck with a one-size fits all product. You can string the beads in whatever order you prefer, add your own beads that you have at home, turn a necklace into a bracelet, or whatever you prefer!

Diana Necklace

It’s also a great activity to do at a bridal shower or girls night out. Buy kits for all of your friends and by the end of the night everyone has a beautiful piece of jewelry that they made themselves.

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Beverly’s packet has two color wheels and six color harmony templates with a unique snap-together construction.  There is a beautiful inspirational booklet that comes with the system, full of lovely photographs to help get you started.

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