New Calendar by Lampworker Corina Tettinger

For friends and fans of Corina Tettinger, you need to know about her new calendar. There seem to be one or two "old" photos, but regardless, her beads are all stunning and rightly deserving of a calendar!

It is great to see that she seems to be doing better lately, and I look forward to visiting her website more often.

Monday Bead and Jewelry Updates

I got three very interesting updates in my e-mail box today!

1. Connie Fox - as mentioned in a previous post, tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. PST is when registration for Connie's classes begins. Classes book up fast, so have your desired classes ready (with alternates, just in case), and be ready to call right at 9 a.m. PST (that is 11 a.m. CST and 12 noon EST).

2. Sharilyn Miller - If you make wire jewelry, then you probably know Sharilyn Miller (if you don't, check out her wire and jewelry class website here). Here e-mail newsletter was chock full of updates, including the release of her new instructional DVD on Bohemian Bangles, in addition to her other instructional DVD's covering other wire jewelry techniques. Sharilyn's newsletter also announced the remainder of her 2007/early 2008 workshop schedule, and I hope to take one of her classes. The most exciting tidbit of information was about a Wire Art Jewelry Intensive, taking place in September 2008 - IN SANTORINI, GREECE! For more information, stop by Sharilyn's site at the link above. And if you don't already own her book Bead on a Wire, you really need to look at it!

3. Kim Miles announced her new lampwork beads, Memorial Beads. These beads are a different way to memorialize your loved ones who have passed, as she infuses a small amount of cremains into the bead. It is a beautiful way to keep your loved one near you all the time.

Kim Miles Lampwork Sale

If you love Kim Miles, or if you just love lampwork beads, this announcement is right up your alley.

I just got a notice that Kim Miles is clearing out her inventory, and her lampwork glass beads are marked down 30%! If you haven't seen Kim's beads before, they are amazing (she is one of my first inspirations for making floral beads, and below is an example of her work). They are on the pricey side, but demand for her beads is still strong and her beads typically sell as soon as they are listed.

Good luck getting the bead that you want!

Connie Fox Wire Jewelry Classes

Connie Fox has posted her class schedule for her wire and metal classes (as well as fine silver clay classes in her San Diego studio by Pattie Phipps), and registration opens on January 8th! Classes fill up fast, so take a look at Connie's class schedule so you are ready to reserve a space as soon as registration opens.

Connie's classes for the Winter/Spring term include: Basic Wire Skills, Earrings and Gemstones, Homage Bracelets, Designing Jewelry, Brangles, Cuffs, and Cold Joints.

I went to San Diego a few years ago with two of my friends to take her Charm Bracelet class (my class bracelet is pictured below). This class really opened a lot of doors for me in terms of developing my skills (both in jewelry design, wire technique, and teaching) and was one of the best things I've done for myself. Not only did I learn a lot, but I had a nice weekend trip to San Diego!

Happy New Year!

I just wanted to say to everyone that I hope you have a very prosperous and successful 2008!

I am a lampwork beadmaker, and haven't made beads in over a year. I sat down at the torch for the first time on New Year's Eve as I watched Ryan Seacrest and Dick Clark count down to the new year, and I decided that I can't turn my back on my creativity any longer.

There is going to be a lot of glass and sterling wire in my future for 2008, and I hope that you find your heart's desire in expressing your creative spirit.

2008 Bead and Button Show - Milwaukee

The Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee is destined to be bigger and better than ever. While the actual show only lasts 3 days (June 8 - 10), there are several additional days of pre-show classes involving all types of bead and jewelry media. If you love making your own handcrafted jewelry or beads, you will be in heaven with this year's class selection.


The B&B Show is the largest jewelry and bead show in the US, and this year features 360 vendors. Offering over 500 classes during this year's show, some of the teachers on the roster include Stephanie Sersich and Justin Tabor (who are teaching a Master Class), Milon Townsend, and include such topics as seed bead stitching, wire jewelry design, lampwork bead making, loom work, polymer clay, precious metal clay, and more.


Some special events at the Bead and Button show include the Meet the Teachers Reception, Private Shopping Review, Bead Social and Auction Night, and the awarding of the Excellence in Bead Artistry Award, honoring Diane Fitzgerald, a Minneapolis seed beader who is famous for her ginko leaf necklaces (pictured below).


There are some dates you will need to keep in mind, the most important of which is January 15, which is the day class registration opens. The popular classes/teachers fill up fast, so have your schedule planned (and include alternates) before this date.


If you plan to sign up for classes for B&B 2008, be sure to check out this blog's companion site, Beads Central, for some of the best bead deals available on Ebay. At Beads Central you will find any kind of bead you need, including Swarovski crystal beads, handcrafted lampwork beads, seed beads, gemstone beads, and much more.

Glass Rod Sale at Olympic Color Rods

I got an e-mail message that Olympic Color Rods is having a sale through Monday night, December 31! Check out the Olympic Color Rods website, and you will find specials on Gaffer colors, as well as 10% discounts. Also, Olympic Color is increasing the standard quantity discount.

The sale ends Monday night, so hurry over there and take advantage of these great deals!