Batik Cotton Knitted Shag Purse

Today I finished my Knitted Shag Purse  using Batik cotton.  The purse is knitted and then I tie on the shag pieces.  Handles are of bamboo

Cindy Lietz Ivy Leaf Charm of Polymer Clay

Cindy Lietz never fails to come through for her loyal Polymer Clay Artists.  This week her video tutorial was on making Ivy Leaf Charms that you can use as a pendant or on a bracelet.



Those of you wanting to learn the Polymer Clay craft can check out her blog at this link Beads and Beading Blog and sign up for her weekly video tutorials.  You will not be disappointed.

Cinco De Mayo and Polymer Clay

Today is Cinco De Mayo and I was surfing the net to see what "Pretties" I could find in polymer clay that celebrated this Mexican Holiday.  Here is a link to the blog of Anita Brandon at Melody O'Beau Designs and here is a picture of her "Fiesta Necklace".  I thought she did a great job of capturing the look of the Mexican pottery.

Animal Prints with Polymer Clay

One of the Trends this year is the "animal print".  You will see it in clothing and furniture and beautiful jewelry.  I love black and white, so I am drawn to the beautiful Zebra patterns.

  Iris Mishly has a wonderful tutorial on "How to create animal skin millefiori canes" on her website.  There are 7 amazing animal canes and I'm sure you will have fun creating all of them.  Here is my take on a few of them.  I haven't decided exactly what I will design with them, but my creative juices are flowing.

Lori Anderson Bead Swap Party

Yippee! Another Bead Swap Party with Lori Anderson.  She is looking for all you jewelry artists that would like to participate in this fun Party.  Last time we had over 80 participants and it would be fun if we could top that this time.  Here is the link to participate "Bead Soup Party" .  Jump in and join us for some fun.  You will receive beautiful and interesting beads from your Swap Partner, and you will in turn send her some.  Creations will be made from these beads and you will display them for all to see.

Stella & Dot "Little Girls" Jewelry

Launch day is finally here for the Stella & Dot "Little Girls" jewelry collection.  You can locate this stylish collection on my website at www.stelladot.com/loretta.  

Can't you see that favorite child or grandchild wide eyed with excitement when she receives one of these fun pieces of jewelry.  She will love the bracelets, rings, charms, and necklaces all in her own size and colors, and very affordable.

For that special Mom or Grandmom there are also Mommy & Me sets for their special day coming up May 9th.  Order now right on my website so that you will be sure to have them in plenty of time.  You can find them here  Stella Dot 

Enjoy your search!

Stella and Dot "Little Girl" Lookbook

April 23rd is the launch date for the Stella & Dot "Little Girl" jewelry line.  Click here  Lookbook.  . for a peek at what's coming.  This link will take you to the regular Stella & Dot LookBook, and then just click on the little picture above to go to our little girl line.

Find the cutest necklaces, bracelets and earrings for your little ones, and there are even Mommy and Me sets for that special Mother's Day gift.  Check it out!!!

Marilyn Forrester - Teaching At The Top Of The World

My friend, Marilyn Forrester, has led a very interesting life and has written a book to tell about it.  Marilyn went to Alaska in 1977 to seek her fortune and became a teacher in the Alaska Bush.  A must read for all you adventurers.  Order Marilyn's book at Amazon.com or on her website at www.marilynforrester.com.  You can also catch glimpses of her interesting life on her blog at www.marilynforrester.blogspot.com.

Jewelry Studio Organization Tips by Tammy Powley

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Tammy Powley writes a weekly blog at about.com, and has very interesting articles for jewelry artists and designers.  This week she focused on Jewelry Studio Organization and I thought I would share this with you.  If you are like me (and what she describes in her post) my beautiful jewelry projects get spread all over the house.  I am hesitant to put them away because if they are out of sight, then they are out of my mind.  Just reading this article makes me want to get in and GET ORGANIZED!  How about you?  Here is the link to Tammy's article. Tammy Powley