The ChainMaille Lady @ Quality Jewelry Designs

I'M TEACHING CLASSES!

2012-01-16T06:04:00.000-08:00

JewelryTools is sponsoring jewelry making classes at the Tucson Electric Park (Kino Sports Complex) during the 2012 Tucson Gem Show and I'm one of the instructors! If you haven't yet, head on over to JewelryTools.com and sign up for a class today!
Dale "Couger" Armstrong, Jody Bombadier, Lillian Chen, Stephanie Eddy, just to name a few, are some of the fabulous teacher's who will also be teaching classes!

They start at just $99 and space is limited, so act fast.

New Chainmaille Video

2011-09-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to announce that a video of me demonstrating the European 4-in-1 weave has been posted at JTV's Jewel School. To watch the video click here. On the website click the "watch now" and click again on the on the big screen. If it starts buffering and you can't see the picture than you can click on the << on the bottom left of the big screen.

Lauren Andersen

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.thechainmaillelady.com

All About Jump Rings

2011-09-20T15:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.beadalon.com/aw-chainmaillerings.asp

Did you know that there are two main wire gauge measurements that we use in the United States? The first wire gauge measurement is the “Standard Wire Gauge” or SWG. The SWG is primarily used for industrial metals such as aluminum, steel, etc. The second, and the measurement used for making the Artistic Wire® Chain Maille Jump Rings is the “American Wire Gauge” or AWG, also referred to “Brown & Sharpe”.

The AWG is the primary gauge system for nonferrous metals or precious metals. And to confuse you further the larger the gauge number the smaller the wire diameter!

Why is this important you ask? The SWG wire measurements tend to run smaller than the AWG wire measurement. Say the instructions call for your jump rings to be 18 AWG and you purchase 18 SWG rings. You will find more likely than not that the SWG rings will actually be a smaller wire diameter than the AWG even though they are both 18 gauge rings. This means that the SWG rings may be too small for the chainmaille pattern to work.

Another term thrown around in chainmaille is Aspect Ratio. What the heck is that? Well, quite simply it is the way of describing how thick or thin a jump ring is. Technically the AR is equal to the inner diameter of the ring divided by the wire diameter of the ring. If you are a beginner, I wouldn’t worry about AR at this juncture. Most chainmaille instructions that you purchase or find for free on the Internet will tell you what size jump rings you should use.

Jump ring mandrel sizes. To make a jump ring the raw wire is wrapped around what is called a mandrel. Mandrels come in two basic measurements for chainmaille, inches and millimeters. You may have noticed on the Artistic Wire® Chain Maille Jump Rings packaging that the jump rings are listed by wire gauge (18Ga) and then in inches (9/64”), then in millimeters (3.57mm). This is because instruction writers will list their jump rings in either inches, millimeters, or if you’re really lucky both! Some creative chainmaillers use aluminum knitting needles or wooden dowels as mandrels.

And the final fun fact about jump rings is that they can “fly”! Just try holding the jump ring in your pliers to tightly and you will see what I mean!

Lauren Andersen

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.thechainmaillelady.com

Tips for Chainmaille: Lauren Andersen

2011-08-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

I would like to share with you a few of the tips that I teach my students. Shh.... don't tell anybody. It will be our secret!

1. "Choke up on those pliers." Don't be afraid of your pliers! Put your hands as close the tips of the pliers as is comfortable. The closer you are to your ring, the more leverage you have over the ring.

2. Use shorter-tipped pliers. The shorter the tip, the more leverage you will have to control the jump ring instead of the jump ring controlling you!

3. If you are going to pre-open and pre-close your jump rings, use either two pair of flat nose pliers or one pair flat nose pliers and one pair bent nose pliers. The flat nose and bent nose pliers allow you to grasp more of the jump ring and therefore easily open and close the jump rings.

4. If you want to make smaller tighter weaves, you will want at least one pair of chain nose pliers. You will find when working with tighter weaves you will run out of room to place your flat nose pliers. If you have a pair of bent nose pliers you can turn them so that you are using the pointy part of the bent nose to get in and close the rings.

5. If you find yourself using what I call the "death grip" on your pliers, try holding out your pinkies. Just like you would if you were to have tea with the Queen. I know it sounds funny, but it works. For some reason, when your pinkies are extended away from the pliers, your grip loosens. If your jump rings tend to "fly across the room," chances are you are gripping your pliers to tightly. Loosen Up!

Lauren Andersen

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.thechainmaillelady.com

My First Video!!

2011-08-20T00:58:00.000-07:00

My very first video has been posted on Jewelry Television on Jewel School! I cannot tell you how excited I am. The folks in the editing department did a fabulous job of editing! You can hardly tell that I didn't have a clue how to make a video.

The Jewel School Crew shot this video right before Kim & Margot went on live on air on July 24th. I was so nervous. But I had so much fun making the video. Please let me know what you think.

I will again be on Jewel School September 18th. Be sure to tune in!!

Jewel School On Jewelry Television

2011-08-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

WOW have I been bad at keeping this blog up to date!!! I am currently preparing jewelry for my upcomming appearance on Jewel School. For those of you who don't know about Jewel School it is a TV show that is on Jewelry Television every Sunday and Thursday morning. Kim Prentiss is the host along with Margot Potter, The Impatient Beader.

I had the privilage of being a guest on their show July 24th. I was promoting two new kits made by Beadalon just for Jewel School. The first kit "Basic Chain Maille Kit" sold out on air but the second kit "Advanced Chain Maille" is still available on JTV.

I read the reviews on the Advanced Kit and here is my response:

"I am so sorry that you are having problems with the instructions. I wrote the "Advanced Chain Maille" instructions for those people who have had previous chainmaille experience. My book "Basics of Chain Maille" is intended for new chainmaillers. I realize now that I should have made this clearer on air and I appologize.
Sincerely,
Lauren Andersen, The ChainMaille Lady"

If you don't have cable or you don't get JTV, you can always watch the show on your computer by going to JTV and clicking in upper left hand corner on "Airing Now", "Watch Us Live".

I am so excited to be on the show again. The hosts and staff at JTV are so wonderful to work with and they make you feel comfortable.

I hope you will watch me on Jewel School September 18th from 10am - 2pm EST.

Chaimaille with Pearls: Lauren Andersen

2011-06-03T00:19:00.000-07:00

I love combining pearls with the ancient art of chainmaille. I set the pearls inside KatiedidsTM 19.5mm Stick pieces. Aren't they fabulous?

I took a headpin, threaded it through one end of the Stick, added three Swarvoski® rose colored pearls to the headpin, then threaded the headpin through the other end of the Stick. I coiled the headpin to make it look like a link in a chain so that it would seamlessly fit with the chainmaille weaves.

On the earrings, I used the Byzantine weave found in my "Basics Of Chain Maille" book, and for the choker I used the Half Persian 3-in-1 weave from my "Advanced Chain Maille" book. Also on the choker I added six Swarvoski® pearls to head pins and made a simple loop on each then added these pearls to the first link in the chainmaille. Have fun!

-Lauren Andersen
Beadalon Design Team Member
http://www.thechainmaillelady.com/

As posted on the Beadalon Blog

New Beadalon Design Team Member: Julianna Hudgins

2011-05-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

Julianna Hudgins is a well-known International Spokesperson, TV personality, Author and Jewelry designer. Julianna is the "Fire Behind the Wire" and she is proud of the role she's played in bringing the Artistic Wire brand to life within the Craft & Hobby Industry.

Julianna has made numerous appearances on national televsion and loves helping people connect with their creative spirit through crafts. She says, "I love color and start most of my jewelry projects by falling in love with a bead, gemstone or pendant that catches my eye."

Catch Julianna live on JTV's Jewel School May 22nd, 9-12CST or take her workshop at the CHA Summer Conference & Tradeshow. Learn more about Julianna and look for her designs coming soon to the Design Workshop at http://www.beadalon.com/hudgins.asp.

Originally published on Beadalon Blog 5/16/11

Tri-Mobius Chainmaille Earrings in Artistic Wire®

2011-04-21T16:03:00.001-07:00

These cute little earrings are lightweight and so easy to make! With a few jump rings and a pair of ear wires you can make these this afternoon to wear tonight. Who knew chainmaille could be so easy?

Materials:

18 (9 per earring) 18 gauge 15/64” AW Chainmaille Jump Rings in Non-Tarnish Brass

12 (6 per earring) 18 gauge 9/64” AW Chainmaille Jump Rings in Non-Tarnish Silver

2 (1 per earring) 20 gauge 3/32” AW Chainmaille Jump Rings in Non-Tarnish Brass

1 pair of ear wires

1. With an open 20g 3/32” brass ring add two pre-closed silver rings and the ear wire, close the small brass ring.

2. With an open 18g 15/64” brass ring scoop up the two silver rings added in step 1, close the brass ring.

3. With an open 18g 15/64” brass ring scoop up the two silver rings added in step 1 then weave the large brass ring through the large brass ring added in step 2, close brass ring.

4. With an open 18g 15/64” brass ring scoop up the two silver rings added in step 1 then weave the large brass ring thru the large brass ring added in step 2 and the large brass ring added in step 3, this creates the “mobius,” close brass ring.

5. Add two 18g 9/64” silver rings to the mobius created in step 4.

6. Repeat steps 2 thru 5.

7. Repeat steps 2 thru 4.

Lauren Andersen

The Chainmaille Lady™

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.thechainmaillelady.com

UNIQUE Los Angeles Show

2011-04-20T10:22:00.001-07:00

On May 7th & 8th the California Market Center will play host to Unique Los Angeles! There will be tons of vendors and in the Craftside area there will be several make-&-takes! I will be there Saturday May 7th from 10am - 5pm. I will be hosting a make-&-take table where you will be able to make a cute little key chain using chainmaille techniques. I will also have my books "Basics Of Chain Maille" and "Advanced Chain Maille" there for you to purchase.

For a look at Decembers Unique LA Craftside area please click here. I hosted a make-&-take at this show and it was so much fun!! I hope to see you in May!

California Market Center

110 E. 9th Street

Los Angeles, CA

May 7 - 8, 2011

Katie's Beading Blog: Announcing: Katiedids™ Design Contest!!

2011-04-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

Katie's Beading Blog: Announcing: Katiedids™ Design Contest!!: "During the month of April, Katie is partnering with Beadalon to launch the first-ever Katiedids Design Contest. Showcase your creativity usin..."

What To Do With Those Left Over Rings

2011-03-01T23:50:00.000-08:00

Why not make a simple yet elegant necklace. Better yet, make to and make a pair of earrings!

What you need to make one of these cute little whirly gigs:

2 (A) 18gauge 9/64” Artistic

Wire® Chain Maille Jump Rings
6 (B) 18gauge 7/32” Artistic Wire® Chain Maille Jump Rings
1 (C) 18gauge 11/64” Artistic Wire® Chain Maille Jump Rings
1 (D) 18gauge 3/32” Artistic Wire® Chain Maille Jump Rings
6 6mm pearls, I used Swarvoski™ pearls

1 8” piece of .015mm Wild Fire™ beading thread, I used Frost

Beadalon® Bead Stringing Glue
A chain or a pair of ear wires
Scissors
Bead buddy – optional

1) Close the six (B) rings
2) Open the two (A) rings
3) With an open (A) ring, scoop up all six of the (B) rings, close the (A) ring
4) Repeat step 3 with the second (A) ring
5) Place a bead stopper at one end of the beading wire
6) Thread the other end of the wire through any of the six (B) rings
7) Thread a 6mm pearl onto the beading wire
8) Thread the beading wire through the next (B) ring

9) Repeat steps 7 and 8 until all the pearls have been added to the thread

10) Make sure both ends of the beading thread are protruding from the same space, tie a surgeons’ knot with the beading wire

11) Place a dab of bead stringing glue onto the knot, let the glue dry

12) When the glue is dry, cut the ends as close to the knot as possible without cutting the knot!

13) With an open (D) ring scoop up any one of the (B) rings, close ring

14) With an open (C) ring scoop up the (D) ring added in step 13

15) Thread the chain through the (C) ring

Chainmaille & Crystal Earrings

2011-02-14T17:38:00.000-08:00

This is a fun, sparkly project that would make a perfect gift for Valentine's Day. Each of the ladies in my family received a pair of these lovely Byzantine chainmaille weave and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Baroque Crystal earrings for Christmas. I made my earrings using several different colored crystal baroques and then wrapped them each and did not put names on the packages.

When it came time for the ladies to open their gifts, each one got a different color crystal and then they began to trade with each other for the colors that they liked! We all had so much fun!

The earrings are very easy to make. Take a pair of ear wires and work your section of the Byzantine chainmaille weave directly off of the wires. Attach a Baroque Crystal to the end of the weave using a jump ring. Repeat for a matching earring, and then you’ve just created a gorgeous pair of blingy earrings using one of my favorite techniques!

The instructions for the Byzantine chainmaille weave are in my book “Basics of Chain Maille,” available at your local bead shop or on my website www.TheChainMailleLady.com.

Lauren Andersen

Beadalon Design Team Member

http://www.thechainmaillelady.com/

CHA In Los Angeles

2011-02-12T12:51:00.000-08:00

WOW! I had soooo much fun at CHA this year!! I was a full time demonstrator in Beadalon's booth. I demonstrated using Artistic Wire Chain Maille Jump Rings to make gorgeous chainmaille. Met some new friends and of course saw alot of my old friends. Here are some of the pics that Maria Del Pinto took and also that Yvette from Beadalon took.

Cathie Filian & I At Plaid's Booth

Me in Beadalon's Booth at my demo table.

Stefanie Girard, Steve Piacenza, Cathie Filian, Me, Margot Potter

Chain Maille with Artistic Wire® Chain Maille Rings

2010-11-30T11:52:00.000-08:00

We're thrilled to introduce our new Artistic Wire® Chain Maille Rings made especially for use in chainmaille designs. We worked closely with chainmaille expert and Beadalon Design Team Member Lauren Andersen to develop rings that are the perfect size and temper for a variety of chainmaille patterns. These jump rings are precision cut and system matched for diameter and color consistency.

The accurate inside diameters retain design aspect ratios and the consistent shape maintains consistent geometric weave. Rings can be opened and closed using the regular or bent Chain Nose Pliers. Each package contains an ample supply of jump rings to create many fashionable designs.

For easy reference, eight of the most popular chainmaille weaves such as the Byzantine, Turkish Round, Foxtail and more are noted on the back of each package, along with the sizes needed and quantity of rings to create the weave.

-Yvette Rodriguez

Beadalon Advertising, Travel & Event Coordinator

Beadalon Blog: Chain Maille: It's Not Just for Jewelry!

2010-11-08T15:58:00.000-08:00

Beadalon Blog: Chain Maille: It's Not Just for Jewelry!: "Here are some ideas for other items you can make with Beadalon's Artistic Wire jump rings using one of my favorite chainmaille techniques, t..."

Chainmaille Hand Flowers

2010-10-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

Just finished this pair of lacy chainmaille hand flowers. I love them! They turned out better than I expected. I just started creating & connecting, and creating & connecting!! I hope to wear these on one of my episodes on Beads, Baubles, & Jewels. They are made using Beadalon's new Artistic Wire Jump Rings. I would love to know what you think!

Please Comment On My New Website!

2010-10-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

I have created a website using Weebly®. It was so easy! I tried using Website Tonight® to create a website and it really didn't look good. There was advertising across the top, yuck! One of my fellow Etsy Twitter Team members used Weebly® to create her site and it is gorgeous!

I would love for you to stop by my website and let me know what you think. Right now I can't move my large banner, but other than that I would love your constructive criticism.

Thank you all for your help!

Etsy Shop Of The Week is FromNancysHeart!

2010-09-27T23:22:00.000-07:00

Cover Girl: Lauren Andersen

2010-09-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

When I saw that the October issue of Step By Step Wire Jewelry, the bracelet on the cover immediately grabbed my attention. It's a silver chain maille bracelet woven with beautiful AB Swarovski Elements crystal beads.

I quickly leafed through the magazine to find more photos and was pleasantly surprised to see that it was created by our very own Beadalon Design Team Member, Lauren Andersen!

Lauren created this Helm’s weave bracelet, “Crystal Quad Cuff” with sterling silver jump rings and strung the crystals using Beadalon wire. The step-by-step photos perfectly show that even a novice can recreate this design.

We discovered Lauren and her talent at the CHA show early this year and couldn’t help but be amazed at her chain maille work. Her self-proclaimed title, The Chain Maille Lady, isn’t an exaggeration! In fact, her expertise led us to publish several booklets to teach the beginner and advanced chain maille techniques, which will be available soon.

-Yvette Rodriguez
Marketing & Event Coordinator

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week Frosted Treats!

2010-08-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

Frosted Treats provides you with simply adorable accessories and charms to sweeten up your day.

**Free Shipping to US/CAN 8/30-9/5 to celebrate being the Etsy Twitter Team's Shop of the Week!**

Check out her Blog at http://frostedtreats.blogspot.com for a Sneak Peak at what's to come!If you see something on my Blog that's not in my shop, simply Convo me and I'll make one for you!

Shop of the Week - bellabeadjewelry

2010-07-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

Our Etsy Shop of the Week is bellabeadjewelry, where you can find handcrafted beads, findings, and even completed jewelry made from them! They are created by proprietor, Linda Lawrence. Her art and the the Etsy shop in which she sells it, are only one of the creative sides to her life. During the day, Linda is an art teacher in a local elementary school and, as she puts it, she "plays with fire by night!"

Linda has been making glass beads and jewelry for several years. She finds it interesting and challenging because there is always something to learn and improve upon when working with glass beadmaking. Many things inspire Linda in her creations; in fact, anything that catches her eye could possibly spark an idea for a bead or jewelry design. Linda adds, "the students I teach are a huge influence on me. I adore children. They are not complicated and are so free and open generally". Linda has a very personal feel about her work and says "the love that I have for making my glass baubles comes through each piece. I want my customers to enjoy it as much as I did creating it!"

Linda's main goals for her Etsy shop are to work smarter, try new things, and keep bellabeadjewelry stocked. Her take on it? "Its hard juggling it all but I believe good planning is key!" Tweeting must be hard for Linda to work into her busy schedule, but she uses Twitter to entice her followers into "popping over to my shop, blog or visit our shop of the week". Linda feels her greatest tools are her blog (to direct people to my etsy shop) and her newsletter.

bellabeadjewelry is offering a
15% discount
for the week of July 26, 2010
~~~~~~~
Please visit bellabeadjewelry!
Shop: http://www.bellabeadjewelry.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.bellabeadjewelrybylinda.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BellaBellaBeads

Written by Judy of Wellspring Creations

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week - smutopia

2010-07-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

Our EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week is smutopia (smoo-topia), which offers jewelry and accessories by Jessica Smutek. Jessica uses primarily stone, glass and metal beads and components in her work. There is such a variety of materials and techniques, she told me, that it is impossible for her to get bored! She says she “has always been inspired by the diversity of nature--so much so that when looking at my collection as a whole nearly every design falls into one of three categories: Sea, Earth, or Sky.” Her inspiration is very personal and so her art is very personal. As she puts it “Each piece I create is a reflection of the beauty I see in the world around me. I love the thought that my designs are bringing the beauty of nature to my customers’ as they are worn.”

On the business side, Jessica has some modest sales goals in mind for the year, but her artistic goal is to use more of her own lampwork glass beads in the designs she sells on Etsy. “I began making my own lampwork beads in April of this year and am completely hooked! I hope to introduce smutopia Jewelry made with ‘beads by Smu’ sometime in the next few months.

This summer, she’ll not only be working on improving her lampwork skills with the torch, but plans to get out and do some up close and personal collecting of materials. “Think beachcombing”, she says. Later, in the fall, she plans to set up the “smutopia traveling road show” at the Designers Downtown Market in Raleigh in September and November of 2010.

In the meantime, she’ll keep tweeting. Her Twitter philosophy? “Interact with people! Promote others, or offer advice and feedback. You’ll attract followers in greater numbers if you’re more than just a self-promotion machine.” Jessica feels that listing new items is the best way to bring sales to her shop “I find that keeping my inventory fresh keeps the gears turning by bringing in new customers from the Etsy homepage/categories, giving returning customers a reason to check in, and by giving me something new to promote through my social media connections.”

smutopia is offering a Shop of the Week
special from July 12-18:
a free zipper-pull charm with every purchase!
PLUS, through the end of July:
FREE Domestic AND International Shipping
~~~~~~~
Etsy Shop: http://smutopia.etsy.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/smutopiaJewelry
Facebook: http://facebook.com/smutopia
Blog: http://smutopia.blogspot.com

Written by Judy of WellspringCreations

Look Who's Showing Off One Of My Creations!!

2010-07-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

Look what Beadalon posted on their blog!! I made that bracelet using Artistic Wire from Beadalon. That bracelet was actually a gift for one of my friends at Beadalon. Thank you Beadalon!!!

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week!

2010-06-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

Be sure to stop by this wonderful shop!

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS AD?

2010-05-28T04:04:00.000-07:00

This is my bracelet!! If you would like to learn how to make this bracelet you can visit Beadalon's website and click on the Design Workshop tab, then the Design Team, then on ME! If you have any questions on this bracelet or you would like to purchase something from my shop my email address is QJDesigns@yahoo.com and my shop is located at The ChainMaille Lady™.

Chainmaille Workshop At The Dragonfly Shops & Gardens

2010-05-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

May 16, 2010 11:00 AM
Sunday May 16th
Chainmaille Workshop
11am - 1pm

This is a 2 hour workshop where you are welcome to come in and have me help you complete a chainmaille project and answer any questions you may have. I will not be teaching any new weaves I will just be assisting you in completing a chainmaille project. You don't have to have taken one of my classes. You can just come and bring your pliers and rings and weave along with the rest of us. The cost for the workshop is $10, with a first time/one time fee of $5. The nickname for this workshop is "Pliers And Fliers". I will have a drawing from those in attendance and the winner will get a special gift!

To sign up for the workshop call The DragonFly at

(714) 289-4689.

The Dragonfly Shops & Gardens

260 North Glassell Street

Orange, California

dragonflyshops@aol.com
http://www.dragonflyshopsandgardens.com/

Renaissance Faire

2010-05-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

I must start by saying I love, love, love to attend the Renaissance Faire. This past weekend was my first experience selling at the Ren Faire. Now I know why all the jewelry sellers encase their jewelry in glass! I like to display my jewelry out in the open so that customers can touch it and feel it and try it on. I had brought a swifter duster and canned air and attempted to keep my jewelry clean. My sterling silver was soooooo dirty and dull, I was totally embarrassed! I did however meet some wonderful people and everyone loved my designs and even bought some. I didn't sell nearly the amount that I was told that I would but I had a fabulous time!!! A couple of my hubby's co-workers stopped by to give him a hard time for being "out of uniform"!!!

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week is My Sassy Glass

2010-04-12T17:33:00.001-07:00

Be sure to stop by this wonderful shop!

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week - Purple Lemon Designs

2010-04-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

Be sure to stop by this wonderful shop!

I'm The Newest Member Of The Beadalon Design Team!!

2010-03-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

Wooo Hooo! I am so honored to have been asked and accepted to be a member of the Beadalon Design Team! That's me, the one circled in red!! My chainmaille designs will be featured on their website along with the instructions. And my chainmaille designs will also be used in their advertising and displayed at the different national trade shows that Beadalon attends.

I just finished the instructions for "My Baby Pink Dragons' Scales" weave. Now I need to write the other two so that they can be posted. (First I have to finish my taxes, yeck!)

I hope that you will visit their websit and see the gorgeous designs created by the other three fabulous designers.

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week - DeeJayPhotography

2010-03-09T23:45:00.001-08:00

Be sure to stop by this wonderful shop!

More Chainmaille Classes In Orange County!

2010-03-02T15:48:00.000-08:00

I wanted to let you know my latest teaching schedule. I will be teaching several classes at The Dragonfly Shops & Gardens in Orange California. Here's what's happening:

Friday March 19th & Saturday March 20th
11:30am - 2:30pm Friday & 10am - 12noon Saturday
European 4-in-1 Chainmaille Bracelet
Cost for Friday's class is $35 plus the cost of the class kit. If you need to come back on Saturday it will be an additional $20. The cost of the class kits are: $45 for sterling silver and $25 for copper.

Saturday April 10th & Sunday April 11th
12:30pm - 2:30pm Saturday & 11am - 1pm Sunday
Foxtail, (a.k.a the Full Persian weave) Chainmaille Bracelet
Cost for Saturday's class is $35 plus the cost of the kit. If you need to come back on Sunday it will be an additional $20. The cost of the class kits are: $50 for sterling silver and $25 for copper.

Sunday May 16th
Chainmaille Workshop
11am - 1pm
This is a 2 hour workshop where you are welcome to come in and have me help you complete a chainmaille project and answer any questions you may have. I will not be teaching any new weaves I will just be assisting you in completing a chainmaille project. You don't have to have taken one of my classes. You can just come and bring your pliers and rings and weave along with the rest of us. The cost for the workshop is $10, with a first time/one time fee of $5.

Saturday May 22nd & Sunday May 23rd
10am - 12:30pm Saturday & 11am - 1pm Sunday
Daisy Flower Chainmaille Bracelet
Cost for Saturday's class is $35 plus the cost of the kit. If you need to come back on Sunday it will be an additional $20. The cost of the class kits are: $65 for sterling silver and $25 for copper.

To sign up for classes you can call The DragonFly at

(714) 289-4689.

The Dragonfly Shops & Gardens

260 North Glassell Street

Orange, California

dragonflyshops@aol.com

http://www.dragonflyshopsandgardens.com/

Crystal Quad Chainmaille Cuff in Sterling Silver

2010-02-19T20:11:00.000-08:00

Wowy Kazowy, what a cuff! This cuff bracelet is absolutely stunning. I created the jump rings from raw sterling silver wire and then I wove those jump rings into this fabulous cuff. I added Aqua Comet Argent Light Swarvoski Crystals down the center of each of the four strands of Parallel Chainmaille Weave. These crystals are very interesting in that they are light aqua on one half of the bicone and silver on the other half. There are a total of 92 crystals!

This bracelet measures 1 1/16" wide and has a four-strand sterling silver slide clasp. It weighs almost 2 troy ounces.

Let me know what you think!

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week: Foxy G. Knits

2010-02-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

CHA Craft Super Show

2010-01-28T22:04:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness!!! I had such a wonderful time at this show!! I met so many wonderful people. Alot of the people that I met knew about chainmaille but had no idea what was involved in making jump rings. I brought all my jump ring making equipment and demonstrated how to make jump rings and my hubby sold my gorgeous jewelry, kits and instructions.

The CHA people were fabulous to work with! I also got to meet several "Craft Celebraties". Carol Duvall, Cathi Milligan, Cathie Filian & Steve Piacenza of Creative Juice, Mary O'Neil, Vivian Peritts, Donna Kato, and tons more.

I really want to thank Sara from Craft Critique for allowing me to be one of the 8 artists invited to demonstrate at the show. If you have never been to Craft Critique you are missing out. Every day they critique new craft tools and there is tons of information about crafts.

I am now a proud member of the Craft And Hobby Association.

Spread The Love For The Week Of November 9 - 15

2009-11-09T11:51:00.001-08:00

I belong to a fabulous Etsy Team called The Handmade Artists Forum or HAF Team for short! Each day we promote a shop. Here is the list for the week of November 9th - 15th. Please visit each shop, peruse all the items in their shop, and be sure to heart all the items you love in the shop!

Monday, November 9, http://ambientgirlsupplies.etsy.com/
Tuesday, November 10, http://helenapuck.etsy.com/
Wednesday, November 11, http://creativeartstudios.etsy.com/
Thursday, November 12, http://breadandcircuses.etsy.com/
Friday, November 13, http://bizeebeecreations.etsy.com/
Saturday, November 14, http://lasuzcreations.etsy.com/
Sunday, November 15, http://mikicatdesigns.etsy.com/

Thanks everybody for your love and support!!!!

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week is Linda B's Beaded Jewelry

2009-11-08T17:29:00.000-08:00

Be sure to stop by her shop and look at all her beautiful jewelry!

Spread The LOVE!

2009-10-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

I belong to a fabulous Etsy Team called The Handmade Artists Forum or HAF Team for short! Each day we promote a shop. Here is the list for the week of October 19th thru the 25th. Please visit each shop, peruse all the items in their shop, and be sure to heart all the items you love in the shop!

Monday, October 26 http://makinthebestofit.etsy.com/
Tuesday, October 27 http://coffeebreakdesigns.etsy.com/
Wednesday, October 28 http://annmadestuff.etsy.com/
Thursday, October 29 http://kittysartandstuff.etsy.com/
Friday, October 30 http://taogem.etsy.com/
Saturday, October 31 http://sedgeworks.etsy.com/
Sunday, November 1 http://cyberfiber.etsy.com/

Thanks everybody for your love and support!!!!

The San Francisco Bead & Design Show

2009-09-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Just signed up to be a vendor at The San Francisco Bead & Design Show November 20-21, 2009. The show is at the historic Hotel Whitcome on Market Street. I am really excited about this show. It will be the first time doing a show in Northern California. I will be selling as well as teaching chainmaille. The three classes I will be teaching are, the European 4-in-1 Bracelet, Spine Of The Centipede Bracelet, and Daisy Flower Bracelet. On my website under "Sections in this shop" you will see a section for San Francisco Bead & Design Show. Click on the link and you will see a list of my classes. You will see 6 listing. There are two listings for each class. One listing is for the class fee and a sterlng silver kit, and the other listing is for the class fee and a copper kit. You can register for a class right from my website!! Space is limited to 7 students per class, so don't delay, sign up today!! :)

If you would like more information about my classes you can email me at QJDesigns@yahoo.com.

New Japanese Chainmaille Cubes!

2009-09-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

I have been making these cute little Japanese Chainmaille Cubes for quite some time buy I have never listed them in my shop. I sell quite a few of them at the shows I go to. They come in two different sizes, 1" cubes and 3/8" cubes. They make great key chains, zipper pulls, rear view mirror decorations, cell phone decorations, or anything else you can thing to hang them on!! Please visit my shop to purchase one of these little cuties! Hope you like them!! :)

New Necklace In My Shop! Malibu Waves Chainmaille Necklace

2009-09-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

I love living in Southern California. I also love the beach, sand, and especially the "waves". I made this necklace in honor of my favorite place, Malibu. We used to surf there when I was young until my brother got hit in the head with his scag of his surfboard. It scared the crap out of mom and she wouldn't let us surf anymore. But of course, what she didn't know wouldn't hurt her! So my brother and I would drive down to Malibu and surf. Luckily there were no more mishaps in the ocean. To find out more about this necklace and to purchase it, click here.

Item Of The Day

2009-08-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

Today's new item in my shops are this gorgeous pair of Sterling Silver Dragon Scale Chainmaille Earrings. I made them to match my Coat of Arm(or) Bracelet Dragon Scale Weave also in my shops.

Sterling Silver Micro Maille European 4-1 Chainmaille Bracelet

2009-08-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

Here is Sunday's new item just added to my shop. This gorgeous European 4-in-1 Micro Maille Bracelet feels like liquid silver. The clasp is from Clasp On-Clasp Off. I met the ower of Clasp On-Clasp Off at the July-August Pasadena Bead And Design Show and she not only bought a pair of earrings from me she gave me this clasp and asked me to use it to make something "chainmaille" with it. It is perfect for micro-chainmaille.

New Item In My Shop

2009-08-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well I said I was going to try to list at least one new item in my shop everyday. Today's new item is my Capri Blue Spine Of The Centipede Chainmaille Bracelet. This bracelet is made using 17 guage sterling silver jump rings and 5mm Blue Capri Swarovski Crystals. Please stop by my shop and give it a heart!

BlockHead Radio, Music 24/7

2009-08-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

BlockHead Radio has made the decision to no longer have talk radio programs and therefore, no more "New Discoverie" show. I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to be one of their talk radio hosts.

BlockHead Radio continues to play fantastic Indie Music!!

Thank you so much Rod & Huck :)

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week is UberArt

2009-08-04T09:11:00.000-07:00

All of Beth’s books are made with tender loving care, with superior workmanship, and great attention to detail. She is a self-professed super-perfectionist and if it doesn't pass her quality control, it doesn't leave her studio!

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week: Gritzy Events

2009-07-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week

2009-07-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

Special for this week: All items are already marked down 15%. Mention "Etsy Twitter Team" at checkout and she will include a free gift!

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week!!

2009-07-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

Special Deal Offered : 10% discount offered to Twitter customers until July 12. Use code "EtsyTwitter" in the Message to Seller and 10% of purchase price will be refunded.

ShesThatGirl

2009-06-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

Please visit one of my favorite EtsyTwitterTeam Teammates!

ETSY TWITTER TEAM'S FEATURED SHOP - ROCKIS SUPPLIES

2009-06-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

One of our new EtsyTwitter Team members is Etsy Seller, Deb "Rocki" Adams, of RockisSupplies.etsy.com, creates “handcrafted metalwork findings & jewelry in a finishes using Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, 14k Gold Filled & now Copper."

Including handmade findings in your handmade jewelry would definitely increase the value of your work as a whole. Plus you’re buying handmade for your supplies and everybody wins!

“My tag line pretty much sums it up that my findings are more than supplies, they are ‘Handcrafted Pieces of Art For Your Artistic Creations’ - I truly put my heart and soul into my work and although my days are quite long, I value the integrity of each piece I make and customer care is most important to me. I appreciate each customer and am thrilled when they share their creations with me - makes my heart happy!”

So, please visit her Etsy shop and tell her that Linda B. sent you.
Thanks,
Linda B.

Shop of the Week: NDN Chick

2009-06-09T17:01:00.000-07:00

Leanna Pierre, of NDNChick.etsy.com, has been beading her whole life! She’s a member of the Colville Tribe in Cusick, Washington. Her work also includes greeting cards and bookmarks. Her bead work is intricate and the color choices are well designed. Some of her work is also very playful.

“I bead pretty much what ever I can get my hands on. I have made everything from hair barrettes to a beaded whistle. When I need to give my wrist and fingers a break from all the bead weaving and tacking I also make greeting cards.

When I make an item it's not just an item to me. A piece of myself goes into it while I am creating it. If I am feeling sad or mad I don't create anything, I don't want those feelings transferred to the new owner. Each item I create is special to me and sometimes it's hard for me to let it go.”

Follow Leanna on http://twitter.com/ndnchick
Read more on her blog at ndn-chick.blogspot.com

Special Offer This Week: Free shipping on all orders including international all week. The shipping prices are already changed so no need to wait for a refund or invoice.

Shop of the Week: That’s Headley!

2009-06-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

Ginny Headley Maserang, of That’s Headley!, creates artisan jewelry, mostly one-of-a-kind pieces in semi-precious gemstones, art glass, and sterling silver. Her shop features bracelets, necklaces, earrings, jewelry for special occasions and holidays, and has a unisex section for jewelry for everyone.

The “Hope for Whirled Peas” section of her shop has cute green pearl “pea pod” items whose proceeds go to benefit Fisher Houses. For more information about this fundraising effort by Ginny, please see her blog.

“I am dedicated to crafting pieces that are fun, well-crafted, and timeless in design for a lifetime of enjoyment. I make the jewelry I wear, but I like to share with folks who appreciate color, texture, balance, and uniqueness.

My creative inspirations most often come from the beautiful materials I work with - I've loved pretty rocks since I was a little girl, and nothing pleases me more than to pull all my treasures out like a glittering box of crayons and have them tell me what they want to be. I love, too, the color combinations in nature, and can't keep myself from looking at a sunset or garden and imagining the colors coming together as a work of wearable art.”

About Twitter: “I admit I'm pretty much a novice at Twitter, but appreciate so much its community and sense of shared experience. I love its search function to find folks talking about the same things that interest me, and then follow to find out more about what interests them.”

Custom work: “I love to do custom work, too, so if you have something inspirational you would like to have a custom piece to wear with, send me a picture or description of what you would like and we can be creative together!”

She is happy to ship internationally and offers free shipping to the US on all her items.

Follow her on Twitter @thatsheadley

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week "A Cagey Bee"

2009-05-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

I like the creative name for this Etsy shop. The artist is Kris G. Brownlee – or KGB = A Cagey Bee! Very clever!

“I'm a painter, so my first love is creating the actual paintings - from sketching to swirling the paint around my canvas. But because I know a lot of us can't afford to buy original work, I try to offer a variety of lower cost reproductions: prints, notecards, and even little pendants with my characters!

I want my customers to know how much heart and soul and pure joy is poured into my work. I think most of my customers *do* know this, but it's not always easy to get a sense of who someone is via the internet. I was a very quiet, shy child and spent years creating elaborate stories for my imaginary friends. It's really no wonder that I've started to bring some of them to life in my paintings. The idea that I get to share that with my customers? That new friends from all over the world look at my girls and smile? I couldn't have dreamed up a better possibility for my life. :)”

That inspires you to create? “Everything! Favorite storybooks, movies, lyrics to songs, interesting characters I meet in real life... my biggest fear is that I'll never have enough time to paint all of the things I want to paint. If I ever run out of ideas, I can just walk out my front door and almost always see *something* interesting. There's this one woman in my neighborhood that I see every so often who I've been itching to paint since the first time I laid eyes on her. She walks this pack of 6 or 7 dogs - those giant long haired Afghan hounds! It looks like a scene straight out of a cartoon with their hair swishing and bouncing and swirling along!”

What are your Twitter tricks of the trade? “My newest favorite Twitter trick is installing Friendbar. It adds a toolbar to your browser so you don't have to load the Twitter page to tweet plus it makes it really easy to just click 1 button & tweet about the page you're currently viewing, including an already shortened URL. You can set it to update your Facebook status too. Very handy!”

Read her blog at www.acageybee.com
Follow her at Twitter: twitter.com/acageybee

As a special thank you to her Twitter pals, all prints in her shop are 2 for the price of 1 this week. Buy one print and simply enter the name of the second print you'd like in the notes to seller box. Double the cuteness!

All photos copyright to Kris Brownlee/A Cagey Bee

Ramblings Of The ChainMaille Lady

2009-05-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

I have two huge Shows coming up in the month of July. I have the Int'l Gem & Jewelry Show July 3rd through July 5th and the Pasadena Bead & Design Show July 30th through August 2nd.

Since I sold a lot of my gorgeous jewelry at the January B & D Show I now am scrambling to make enough product to sell at these shows! In addition to making chainmaille jewelry, which I love, I am teaching 4 chainmaille classes and the Pasadena Show. I have just finished writing all the instructions, which are posted on my website at Quality Jewelry Designs By The ChainMaille Lady.

I also just finished my instructions and article for the Step By Step Wire Jewelry magazine. One of my beautiful bracelets will be featured in the Winter issue!

And if that doesn't keep me busy enough, I have a radio show on BlockHead Radio every Tuesday & Thursday.

I just love being on the radio and wish I could do more shows! Oh well, maybe some time in the future. That's all for now, Take Care!

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week

2009-05-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

PIGATOPIA

2009-05-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

I love this seller! Shannon is extremely talented! Whether it's creating "Pigatopia" books, water colors, or pencil sketches, you are sure to get a one of a kind item to treasure forever! Shannon makes artwork to rescue animals ranging from pot bellied pigs to cats, dogs, and even chickens! She currently has 13 pigs, 8 dogs, and 1 cat, all of which are rescues. Please visit her shop and purchase one of her magnificent creation!

?GUESS?

2009-05-07T19:46:00.000-07:00

IT'S A LONG WAY..TO THE TOP..

Beautiful Jewelry

2009-05-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

I found some gorgeous jewelry in this shop!!

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week!

2009-05-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

Look What I Found On Art Fire!

2009-04-22T12:56:00.001-07:00

Can't you just smell the lovely Magnolia blooms? Ummmmm, smells sooooo goooood! This great candle artist is from Brandenton Florida. He has a great selection of candles at http://www.candleguy821.artfire.com/.

Int'l Gem & Jewelry Show

2009-04-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

WooHoo!! I was accepted to the Int'l Gem & Jewelry Show!

Pasadena Convention Center

300 East Green Street

Pasadena, California 91171

July 3, 4, 5, 2009

I will be in Booth #10, stop by and say Hi!! :)

~Chain~

New Items In My Shop

2009-04-06T23:45:00.000-07:00

I am slowly easing into the supplies portion of chainmailling. Now available in my shop:

Chain Nose Pliers

Flat Nose Pliers

Tutorials/Instructions

Please stop by my shop and take a look! http://www.thechainmaillelady.com/

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week

2009-04-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

This weeks shop is JaybirdDesigns

You gotta try these. If you have never used these hand crocheted Scrubbie & Washcloth then you are really missing out!! Made from 100% organic cotton, this bath set is so soft and luxurious!! You'll never got back to a regular washcloth again! Great for babies and adults!

Carry those hooks in style with this yummy sweets inspired Crochet Hook Case!

New Discoveries Radio Show!

2009-03-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, March 31st at 7pm EST, I will be debuting my new radio show "New Discoveries" on http://www.BlockHeadRadioLive.com!!

My first guest will be Tony Ford, COO and Co-Founder of ArtFire!! You won't want to miss this! Tony will make a very special announcement regarding ArtFire. Please join us in the chat room and ask Tony questions that will be answered on the air.

Every Tuesday and Thursday I will introduce you to artisan shops from all genre's, i.e. ArtFire, Etsy, ShopHandmade, CafePress, etc. Each show will last about 30 minutes. From time to time I will interview founding members of the various artisan sales sites. If you are interested in being a guest or have any suggestions or comments, please email me at Chain@BlockHeadRadio.com.

Hope to see your name in the chat room!!

VOTE FOR ME!!

2009-03-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

BlockHead Radio is sponsoring an "Artisan Challenge".

My gorgeous "Indian Pink" bracelet has been included in this first Challenge.

Please go to this link, scroll down to the bottom of the page and VOTE FOR "Indian Pink by The Chainmaille Lady":
http://blockheadradiolive.com/jewelry

Thank you sooooooooooo much!!!!

Sneak Attack LIVE! Wednesday March 23rd

2009-03-23T22:41:00.000-07:00

Tune in to www.BlockHeadRadioLive.com to hear whose shop will be "attacked" this week. There will also be several announcements on upcomming events.

You don't want to miss this weeks show, Wednesday, March 23rd at 7pm EST. That's 4pm for those of you like me who live on the West Coast!!

!!Artisan's Challenge!!

2009-03-12T23:52:00.000-07:00

It's Back! And a Chance to WIN!!!

All you Artisans out there make a note of this date:

March 23rd

Some may remember... some may be hearing about it for the first time! Either way there's a bit of construction goin' on over at Blockhead Radio as we prepare to relaunch a cool weekly contest. Seriously, if you head over there you will hear power saws, drills and jack hammer's workin' 24 hours a day. Okay, no you won't but you WILL hear some really great music by indie artists :)

Formerly known as the Etsy Challenge (the name was change to protect the innocent...) and then renamed as the Artisan's Challenge because there are soooo many great venues out there for selling handmade.... and then the whole shebang came crumbling down. It was feared that the challenge would never be heard from again.

Yes, the Artisan's Challenge is being dug up from the depths of the internet graveyard!

For those who may have never heard of the Artisan's Challenge, let me tell ya what it's all about. There are 12 different categories with 60 different artisans every week (5 submissions in each category). The winner's of the categories from the previous week then face off in a weekly challenge!

So head on over, read the rules and enter your submissions now! You'll be notified when it's your week in the challenge. Then its up to you to tell your friends... your family... your neighbors... the people in the checkout line at the grocery store... to go vote for you in the

Artisan's Challenge!

What's in it for you? Besides lots of people seeing your item when they vote?? Besides FREE publicity for your shop??? Besides all the fun????

It just so happens that the winner of the weekly challenge will now win a audio commercial with a banner to play the entire following week on Blockhead Radio! That's even MORE FREE publicity for your shop!

Remember, it's ANY selling venue! Entries are being accepted now so hurry and get your submission in.

Twitter Shop Of The Week!

2009-03-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

This week's shop is Angel Kisses Jewelry ~ a family collective of Michelle, her mother Sherry and sister Annette.
Their passion for jewelry design and beading started as an innocent hobby and creative outlet in 2006 and quickly developed into a fun business. They each design and create our own one-of-a-kind pieces.

All of their items are handmade using only the finest products available. They specialize in working with gemstones, Swarovski crystals, pearls, semi-precious metals, and handmade glass and sculpted polymer clay beads.

They guarentee each piece they create is a one of a kind couture treasure. Jewerly designed by them is unique.

You can follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/angelkisses
They also have a MySpace page: www.myspace.com/angelkissesjewelry

Listed Two New Bracelets On Saturday, Enjoy!!

2009-03-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

My Day At The Gem Fair

2009-02-27T18:45:00.000-08:00

Went to the Gem Faire today in Costa Mesa, California. I went as a wholesaler but was really there to scope out the show. I'm thinking of doing the show May 8, 9, &10. Well I must say I was pleasantly surprised. We got there around 10am, not alot of people but it was only open to wholesalers until noon. At noon the general public were welcome. There were bead sellers, rock and mineral sellers and some beautiful jewelry being sold. I thought it was going to be all beads and component sellers, not that that's bad, but like to see a variety when I go to a show. And if I'm going to sell at the Gem Faire in May, I had to scope out the competition. Unfortunately there are already two chainmaille artists there but their main focus in on classes and I of course have gorgeous finished chainmaille!!! I teach classes also, but at this time I mainly sell finished chainmaille. Did I tell you that the chainmaille I make is gorgeous?

Around 12:30pm I looked around and the place was packed!!! So many buyers, you could hardly get near a booth! And, they were buying merchandise!! People were buying alot of finished jewelry as well as components and beads. I guess I better get off my dead a@@ and submit my application before all the spaces are taken!!

Tootles!!

Sneak Attack!!

2009-02-25T09:50:00.000-08:00

Please join us in this etsy thread, http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6057495, as I announce tonight's lucky recipient of the Sneak Attack!! The shop will be announced at 7pm EST in this etsy thread.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Radio Show “Sneak Attack LIVE!” will not be aired tonight. But WILL return next week at it’s regularly scheduled time. Thank you for understanding…

Please help support our fellow artisians by purchasing from tonight's Sneak Attack shop!!

Indian Pink Bracelet in Sterling Silver

2009-02-19T14:40:00.000-08:00

Here is my latest creation. The crystals are the latest color from Swarvoski. I hope you like it!

You can find it for sale on my website: http://www.thechainmaillelady.com.

FaveCrafts.com

2009-02-19T10:46:00.000-08:00

WoooHooo!!! I'm famous!! The instructions to a pair of my chainmaille earrings has been published on FaveCraft!!

Guest Project: Pink Passion Flower Earrings
By: Lauren Andersen, The Chain Maille Lady
The step-by-step photo project to make these stylish pink and black earrings comes to us from an expert in chain maille jewelry, Lauren, The Chain Maille Lady. The earrings have a bit of 80s chic, which is so hot right now.

Here is the link: http://www.favecrafts.com/Jewelry-Making/Guest-Project-Pink-Passion-Flower-Earrings

If you would like the kit with the instructions, please visit my website at www.thechainmaillelady.etsy.com. Here is the link for the kit: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21002245

Thank You!!!

See BlockHead Rod In A TuTu!!

2009-02-16T11:19:00.000-08:00

Yes, you read that right! Get on over to the blog, share it, pimp it,blog it, and most of all, BUY ADVERTISING and share it with anyone whomight want to also get great rates and customer service on avertising!YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO! http://blockheadradio.blogspot.com/2009/02/see-blockhead-rod-in-full-ballernia.html

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week!

2009-02-12T00:47:00.000-08:00

Tinker and Po… doesn’t that name make you want to click on her shop? I did the first time I saw it in the Etsy forums. Lisa Gergets, of Tinker and Po, creates the most wonderfully warm fingerless gloves/arm warmers and accessories that are made from felted and repurposed merino wool, angora, cashmere or lamb’s wool sweaters. She selects source materials for her fingerless gloves from used sweaters, which present endless possibilities in color, pattern and texture. Tinker and Po has been selling on Etsy since July of 2008.

Read more about our Shop of the Week on our blog: http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2009/02/shop-of-week-tinker-and-po.html .

Tucson Arizona Bead Show

2009-02-11T23:59:00.001-08:00

I recently attended some of the bead shows in Arizona. I was surprised at just how crowded they were! I figured with the recession and all that the shows would be slow. Not only were the shows crowded but there was money changing hands!

I suppose that even in a recession people still appreciate handmade items. There were what I would call an excessive amount of "general bead dealers", people who did not hand make their beads but rather purchased them just to resell them. But nestled in with the "general bead dealers" were so absolutely fabulous bead makers. I met Bridget Beck of Emeral Artistry from Dayton Ohio. She makes the cutest glass beads. A lot of her beads are cute little animals, frogs and such, but she can also make a bead from a picture of your dog! How great is that! Bridget's email address is bridgetb@emeraldartistry.com.

Kim Fox, award winning designer of unique clasps and such was also there. Her designs can be found at www.findingsdesign.com. I had met her previously at the Pasadena Bead & Design Show and bought several clasps that I have incorporated into my chainmaille jewelry.

We also met Judy Peterson who makes gorgeous free-standing wooden jigsaw puzzles from exotic woods. We bought on of her books so hubby could practice his scroll saw skills. Judy's website email is FanTamdsp@aol.com.

If you do happen to contact any of these people, please let them know that you found them on my blogspot. Thanks! :)

Sneak Attack! Tonight 7pm EST

2009-02-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

Three times a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, The Handmade Movement sponsors what is called a Sneak Attack. A shop, on Etsy, with no or very few sales, is posted to their website at http://www.handmademovement.com/. The idea is for people to go to the “attacked” shop and buy items from the shop. The result is a bunch of sales for the shop.

On Wednesday at 7pm EST, Blockhead Radio helps promote the Sneak Attack by promoting the shop LIVE on the air.

If you would like to listen to the show, go to http://www.blockheadradiolive.com/ and click on “Click Here To Listen”. If you would like to participate in our chat room you will need a “user name”. Click on “Sign up for a Username/Update account” and follow the directions on the screen. You can also call us at (727)474-1064.

Don’t worry if you can’t tune into the radio show. There are still two places that you can find out which shop is being attacked. The link to the shop will be listed here in this thread http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6039325&page=2 (once the radio show has announced it) and also, you will find the name of the shop and a link to the shop at http://www.handmademovent.com/.

Etsy Twitter Team Shop Of The Week

2009-02-02T10:37:00.000-08:00

Every week a new Etsy Twitter Team member's shop is chosen as our "Shop of the Week".

Our Shop of the Week this week is BEAUTIFUL BRIDGET!

Kimberly Ferrugia, of Beautiful Bridget, has a lovely shop filled with handmade crochet scarves, cowls, scarflettes, hats, accessories and more.

Quote of The Day

2009-01-29T14:05:00.000-08:00

The refusal to rest content, the willingness to risk excess on behalf of one's obsessions, is what distinguishes artists from entertainers, and what makes some artists adventurers on behalf of us all. ~ John Updike

When I read this I thought of all of us handcrafting artists. I know that I love creating new designs and not just repeating old ones. Let's see, "risk excess", would that mean draining the family bank account in order to support my chainmaille weaving? If yes, than I can truly call myself an artist!

Live Interview At Blockhead Radio

2009-01-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

Do you love getting to know other artists? LIVE interview with www.sewhappydesigns.etsy.com Thurs. @ 9pm EST - www.blockheadradiolive.com

Sneak Attack LIVE!

2009-01-25T22:34:00.000-08:00

Sneak Attack LIVE! on http://www.blockheadradiolive.com/ has moved to Wednesdays at 7pm EST. I will still be the fabulous co-host to Blockhead Rod. Between you and me, I don't think the show would be as much fun without me!! :) Just go to Blockhead Radio Live and click on "Listen" to hear the show. You can also join us in chat. Also, feel free to call in and chat with us!!

Lower Prices In My Shop!

2009-01-19T14:10:00.000-08:00

Since the economy is in the crapper, I have lowered all my prices to wholesale! Please stop by my shops and check it out!

http://www.thechainmaillelady.etsy.com
http://www.thechainmaillelady.1000markets.com
http://www.thechainmaillelady.artfire.com

My Etsy shop currently has the most complete list of items. I am in the process of updating each of my shops.

Pasadena Bead & Design Show

2009-01-13T10:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm getting really nervous now!!! The show is the day after tomorrow. I've never done such a LARGE show!

I also want to sell at the Tucson Bead Show but I have a dilemma. I don't want to sign up for the Tucson Bead Show until I find out how successful I will be at the Pasadena show. But if I'm wildly successful, like I'm hoping, then I won't have anything to sell at the Tucson show!! If I'm not successful then I don't want to spend the $825 fee for the Tucson show.

Oh my, such a dilemma!!

Important Article From Ruthie! Please Read!!

2009-01-12T12:46:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Change is in the Air!
Have you heard all the excitement about the new selling venue that's opening - the Artisan Shoppe? I know many of my readers have because they also follow Block Head Radio, and it's by the same awesome people! Well, the sad news is that the Artisan Shoppe is going to be down for the rest of the week. BUT, the good news is that when it comes back up it's going to be chock full of new features, a new look, and in general it will just be a better all around! I know it's frustrating to have the site down, but trust me, after a long talk with the "man behind the scenes" it's going to be more than worth it, and wouldn't you rather have it go down at the beginning and be done RIGHT instead of him trying to slowly fix things after its going full swing? Don't worry, as soon as it's back up I'll tell you more about it!The other change that's in the air right now is with Block Head Radio. BIG and FUN changes. Are you ready for it...drum roll please.... Block Head Radio is going to be going 24/7!!! It's also moving from being hosted by BTR to being our entity. I'm really excited! This is going to give us a lot more control and solve some of the problems that have been cropping up with BTR.Don't worry - you'll still be able to find us at www.blockheadradiolive.com! However, if you have one the players on your blog, you'll want to take it down. We'll have a new one for you soon! The new format should be up in about a week :)Please help me spread the word about the changes in the Artisan Shoppe and Block Head Radio - it's going to be great when it's all together!
Posted by Rose Works Jewelry at 8:57 AM
Labels: Artisan Shoppe, Block Head Radio, changes

Pasadena Bead & Design Show

2009-01-07T22:50:00.000-08:00

January 15 - 18, 2009, 10AM to 6PM

I will be selling my chainmaille at the:

Pasadena Bead & Design Show
Pasadena Hilton Hotel
168 South Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena, CA

Please stop by my booth (#I166)!http://www.pasadenabeadanddesignshow.com/exhibitorlist.php

Spotlight On The Chainmaillers' Guild Team of Etsy

2008-12-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my hopefully weekly blog about Etsy Teams. Each week I hope to post a new blog featuring an Etsy Team. This weeks spotlight is on the Chainmaillers’ Guild Team. Thank you Deanna of http://www.youvegotmaille.etsy.com/ for being the first brave sole to bare your heart for your team.

Why did you start up an Etsy Team? -- When I first started on Etsy I discovered Teams and saw that there wasn't a chainmaillers' team. I started asking around and heard that it had been discussed but no one had stepped up to lead it. I have pretty good organizational and online skills so even though I was/am kind of a noob at chainmaille, I got the team started.

What are the goals of your Team? -- Basically just to help promote each other and our craft, share knowledge, and have fun.

How many members do you presently have? -- 62. Wow, I hadn't counted in a while!

Do you have members outside of the United States? If so, where? -- Yes, a few in Canada, several in Australia and I think one in New Zealand.

Do you have a special Etsy site where people can go to learn about your Team and how to join? -- http://chainmaillersguild.blogspot.com/

What are the requirements to join your Team? -- Not many. You have to have chainmaille in your shop pretty much at all times, tag your items, mention the guild in your shop announcements, join the Yahoo group. I think that's really it. Obviously we prefer active members but not all of them are. We have several on our Yahoo group (but not officially in the guild) who don't even sell on Etsy but I figure, in general, the more the merrier.

Where else can people find your Team on the web? -- Flickr: http://flickr.com/groups/chainmaillersguild/ and our Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chainmaillersguild

Tell us about how you promote your Team? -- I really don't need to recruit. Occasionally if I come across a new mailler or someone whose work I think is really cool on Etsy, I send them a message and invite them. But for the most part, they tend to find us. As for promoting our team members, we have had a team Trunk Show in the virtual labs, and we have contests and swaps. We often cross-promote via blogs and other venues. I put up new favorites on the team blog weekly to highlight our members, and I do a feature member on the blog as often as I can (or as often as someone volunteers).

Have you every applied for and/or received a Grant from Etsy? If so, what did you use the grant money for? -- No, we haven't, but in the future we may. I'm thinking about a team ad in, say, Renaissance magazine, or a jewelry magazine. I also think it'd be really cool to have a team booth at a Renaissance faire or craft fair or bead show, but those are long-term goals.

Do you set up a Forum thread dedicated to your Team? If so, how often do you create a new thread? -- Not really. I became pretty disillusioned with Etsy's forums after about two weeks of endless work trying to keep the threads I participated in alive. I hate the format. If we have a special event going on I do post it.

What are your Team’s plans for the New Year? -- We'll be having more contests and swaps. I'm planning a team-wide (but optional) sale. I try to keep an eye on the Teams section of Storque for ideas, and there have been some good ones.

What have you found to be the most effective way to keep your fellow Teammates informed of upcoming events and happenings? -- The Yahoo group, definitely. I originally wanted forums but people tend to forget about anything that doesn't invade their email box. I also keep the blog updated with current events.

What is the biggest benefit in joining your Team? -- The vast repository of knowledge! We have many members who have been mailling for years and speaking for myself, I have learned more from the team than I can even begin to tell. I think other members would say the same. Besides that, the sense of camaraderie is terrific. :)

What do you think makes your Team successful? -- The members' enthusiasm and willingness to share their knowledge. I am so impressed with the maille community's willingness to do this; I have attempted to learn other crafts in which pretty much everyone wanted to charge for their knowledge, $4 to $10 per tutorial. Nothing wrong with tutorials, but just looking at www.mailleartisans.org -- there are tuts for virtually every weave out there, FREE. These people love their craft and love sharing it, and the same spirit has carried over to ECG.

Would you suggest that your members join other teams in addition to yours? -- I have absolutely no problem with that. In fact, yes I would suggest it. I think that if you are going to be member of a team, you should invest the time and energy to be a contributing member, so you shouldn't join more teams than you have time for, but if you have the time, they're great. I belong to 2 (maybe soon to be 3) myself, besides ECG.

And lastly, but not leastly, what have you found to be most rewarding about being a Team Leader? -- It's great to see people enjoying something I organized. The last contest we had: Linked to the Sea, was a great success and I think everyone had a lot of fun, participants and voters alike. That's hugely rewarding. It's also just great to be a part of this wonderful group. :)

If you would like your team spotlighted on my blog, email me at QJDesigns@Yahoo.com.

Thurday Spotlight On Artisan

2008-12-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

This was written by Ruthie of Roseworks Jewelry:

Are you a major fan of Blockhead Radio? If not - you should be! The Monday night show (9pm, EST) has been rocking on for awhile now, and now we're starting up a Thursday show!

Thursday Spotlight on Artisan is going to be a show, by artisan's, interviewing artisans! Our first show is scheduled to run Dec. 4th, 12pm EST. Come check it out! We will be interviewing the fantastic and fabulous Lauren of http://www.thechainmaillelady.etsy.com/

I'll be co-hosting the show with the wonderful Lily of http://www.tulipstreasurebox.etsy.com/ - Go check out her shop!

New to Blockhead Radio? To get to the shows go to www.blogtalkradio.com/blockheadrod

You can check out any of the shows, and get to the archives! If you sign up for blogtalkradio (and they won't spam you!) then you can come chat with us too!

So come join us!
Ruthie of http://www.roseworksjewelry.etsy.com/

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

2008-11-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

For the month of November & December 10% of your purchases on my website, http://www.thechainmaillelady.etsy.com/, or from a craft show, will be donated to the PKD Foundation (Polycystic Kidney Disease) in honor of my father and uncle who lost their lives to the disease (I also have the disease). PKD not only effects adults, it also effects children.

For more information on the foundation please visit http://www.pkdcure.org/. Thank you in advance for your support.

Featured Artist

2008-11-02T12:13:00.000-08:00

Yeah!! I am Featured Artist in the CCCOE Member Studio Tour!! Here is the article if you would like to read it: http://californiacraftersclubofetsy.blogspot.com/. I am honored to featured by such a wonder group of people. Thank you sooooo much California Crafters Club of Etsy....you guys ROCK!

Breat Cancer Awareness Month

2008-10-20T12:10:00.001-07:00

For the month of October, when you purchase anything in my shop, 10% of what is purchased will be donated to the Susan G. Koman foundation for a Cure. My grandmother died from breast cancer so this is a cause that is dear to my heart. Thank you all who have purchased from me.

Me, Featured Member!

2008-10-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

The Chainmaillers' Guild has chosen me to be their featured seller. Please visit http://chainmaillersguild.blogspot.com/ and leave your feedback. I would love to hear what you have to say.

What's Been Happening

2008-09-19T00:26:00.000-07:00

I have been busy making bracelets and necklaces for a bride. Her wedding is September 28th. I have to tumble the bracelets and necklaces for several hours to make them gorgeously shinny. Then they will be ready to deliver to the bride. I will package the items in gift boxes with gift bags so that all the bride has to do is write the names of who they belong to.

We still have a booth at the Covina Crafters Fair & Farmer's Market every Friday night. We are doing quite well. I have sold several chainmaille pieces and educated hundreds of people on the art of chainmaille. It is interesting how many people do not know what chainmaille is. It is my goal that everyone own at least one piece of gorgeous chainmaille.

I have started to create chainmaille jewelry for men. According to my husband, men don't go for the "shiny" sterling silver so I have oxidized two of my "chunky" bracelets. I dipped them in liver of sulfur and then tumbled them for several hours. They are now a handsome shade of chocolate brown. I will be posting pics on my flickr (http://www.thechainmaillelady.flickr.com) soon. And also list them at my Etsy website: http://www.thechainmaillelady.etsy.com. I have gotten positive feedback from the men I have shown them to.

I have also been creating chainmaille dream catchers both large and small. I hope to have them posted soon also.

Well that's all for now!

I Got My Computer Back!!

2008-08-15T02:02:00.000-07:00

We were without our computer for almost the whole week! Talk about withdrawals!! You don't know how necessary it is until it's gone. I have a laptop but our Internet service is thru cable which does not plug into our very old laptop. So it was pretty much useless. Our computer caught a virus. It's a "virus checker" that is a virus! The screen says that you have numerous potential errors on your computer and that you must download this "virus cleaner" to repair your computer. When you begin to download the program, you have infected your computer!! The program even has one of those shields that you see on the anti virus programs.

It is impossible to run a business on the Internet without the Internet! I took my computer to a repair place a block from my house. The place is fantastic! Only $75 to clean up my computer. We did not loose any data. The best thing is this repair shop is also an Internet cafe. So I spent a lot of time there trying to run my business.

The name of the business is First Step Computer in Covina. They are wonderful!!

Don't forget to visit my website at http://www.thechainmaillelady.etsy.com.

Return Of My Bride!!

2008-07-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

Whoohoo! My bride returned last night to the Covina Crafter's Fair and ordered 8 sterling silver Byzantine bracelets and 8 sterling silver byzantine earrings with CZ stones for all her bridesmaids!! Thank you so much "bride"! If anyone else out there would like to order gifts for their bridesmaid's feel free to contact me! www.QJDesigns@yahoo.com. I give personalized service with custom ordering. My bride wanted specific CZ crystals and ear wires for her earrings, no problem!! The clasp on her bracelets are cute heart clasps, no problem!! Thank you for reading!!

Crystal Centipede

2008-07-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

This latest creation is similar to the Centipede. It is made from Jeweler's Brass and 6mm Capri Swarovski Crystals. Isn't it beautiful? I am in the process of making another one using Light Rose Crystals. I can't wait until it is done!

There was no craft fair last Friday night. My honey had to work and I had to take care of Miss Gizmo. She is usually pretty good about the fireworks but sometimes they scare her. I really missed not being at the craft fair. I always meet really nice people. We are starting to get repeat customers!

The bride really loved the earrings and bracelet that I made for her bride's maids. I will meet with her on Friday to finalize the details of her order. She is not sure if she is having 6 or 8 bride's maids. And I can't make the bracelets without the correct sizes. I custom make all my jewelry to my clients specifications.

Just Need To Bloooooggg

2008-06-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

I met a "bride to be" on the second night I was at the Craft Fair. She wanted to buy her wedding jewelry and the jewelry for her bridesmaids from me. She was all excited, and so was I. It would have been a "huge" sale. Then, she did not return for several weeks and I thought she was never coming back. Then 2 weeks ago she showed up at my booth!! We made an appointment to meet at her house on Sunday. I brought my sterling silver jewelry and she had her bridesmaids there. She did not buy her "wedding jewelry" from me, but she did buy the bridesmaids bracelets and earrings from me! Then her and two of her friends bought 3 of my new design "Centipede" bracelets!! And another gal bought another bracelet I had brought! The bride and her bridesmaids were such nice people. I had such a good time.

The jewelry that the bride is going to wear is very sparkly and pretty! She showed me her dress and she is going to be a gorgeous bride!!

Covina Crafters Fair & Farmers Market

2008-06-21T01:38:00.000-07:00

We just got back from our weekly trip to sell our wares at the Covina Craft Fair. It was sooooo hot! We began set-up at 3:30pm, the fair starts at 5pm. We were huffing and puffing, we would assemble something and then sit, drink water, and rest for a few minutes. We thought that as the sun went down it would cool down, but noooooo, the wind stopped blowing, there was no breeze, and it was humid!! At one point I got giddy, and dizzy and had to sit and rub ice on my arms and neck to cool down! Poor little Miss Gizmo was hot and her ears turned red. Luckily we had plenty of cold water and ice. Mis Gizmo loves licking the ice!!

We took pics of our displays. My jewelry did not show up to good, my hubby's boxes came out better. Miss Gizmo is the one with the weird eyes. I don't know why her eyes turned out that way.

Anyway, enjoy the pics........

HomeStudio

2008-06-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

I just received my first scrabble tile necklace from http://www.homestudio.etsy.com/. Is is sooooo cute! As you know my best friend is Miss Gizmo, and when I saw this little gem I just had to have it! It has a sterling silver clasp and is ready to hang on a necklace! After I ordered it I noticed that the shop has a buy 2 get 1 free offer! Silly me I didn't notice this until later!! Oh well, I am perfectly happy with my new necklace!

Visit their shop of Etsy at http://www.homestudio.etsy.com/. Tell them you heard about them from The ChainMaille Lady!