My Studio I May Have to Leave Behind

Currently, the house is for sale and that means I will loose the studio I created last summer (2010).  It was very much thought out and I decided to use nothing but white pegboard walls.  I figured it would allow me easy changes to where I might hang/store things in the 10 x 12 feet area.  I also added to that a 6 x 9 feet area of shelving on both sides for storage.  Wonderful way to keep things from showing.  So now I am waiting to see if all will happen with the move.  I haven't packed up any of my studio except the books.  Oh, I even found brackets that fit on the pegboard walls to hold magazines and books.  That was a great find!  The area was down in the basement, which was the only drawback.  I had a very small window to the world outside and it faced West, so I did get some sun, but I prefer more open spaced windows.  I feel more motivated that way.

 So here are pictures of the new studio.  Before I was kind of in a walkway from the basement area to the
garage.  This way I have my own area with doors I can shut. Love it. I sure
 will miss not being in this space if I move.

Found New Books on Creating Jewelry

Well, I made another trip to Ft. Wayne yesterday.  Stayed overnight.  Since our town doesn't have a Michaels or Barnes & Noble, it's a treat to come and see what's new.  While at Barnes & Noble, I found some very interesting books that some of you may be interested in.  I've begun creating wire jewelry.  Just finished a copper wire bracelet that I did using twined copper.  So I wanted to see what might be available for different types of jewelry books.  I found, Beading Vintage-Style Jewelry by Marty Stevens-Heebner & Christine Calla.

I love antiques and moved from an Itallianate 10-room home not long ago.  I've loved antiques as long as I can remember.  And so recreating vintage jewelry appeals to me.  The book has many examples of reproductions from many eras and shows the "how-tos" for each. 

Another book that I picked up for reference is, Wire Jewelry Workshop by Susan Ray. Again this book, too, has great examples for using wire, which I enjoy.  And also has "how-tos" for creating wire jewelry and wire jewelry parts.  Speaking of...I didn't know about a form called a WigJig that allows you to create an amazing amount of decorative wire elements to use in all types of jewelry.

The last book (I know $$$$, right, but couldn't help myself), is called Beyond the Bead by Margot Potter. An amazing book.The cover says, "Making Jewelry with Unexpected Finds".  Very true!  Great ideas and this one, too, shows how to construct everything shown in pictures.  I know Juls does her flowers, but might think about expanding after viewing some of these special books. (Thought of you Juls) as I was looking through these books.   Anyway, for any of you interested in making jewelry, these are great references for your library.

I will post my new bracelet in my next post, hopefully soon. 

Happy Crafting,

Gregg