Published!! The Art of Bead Stringing: Artist to Entrepreneur

I am pleased to announce the launch of 'The Art of Bead Stringing: Artist to Entrepreneur'.  

In the Spring of last year I was commissioned to write a manual on 'how to make beaded jewelry and create a cottage industry out of  jewelry making' for the country of Rwanda.  One result was the realization that, though there are many books on how to make jewelry, I could find none with a focus on how to design jewelry. In addition, should one wish to turn this art form into a business, there should be an easy guide on how to do so included. This knowledge, and the encouragement from my students, inspired me to spend the last year and a half writing this book. 'The Art of Bead Stringing: Artist to Entrepreneur' is designed to provide a foundation with step by step instruction on how to make and sell beaded jewelry with a focus on design.           

                                                 Shake hands with your new best friend.

The tools used to make jewelry affect the quality and finish of each piece made. Tools must be chosen correctly, cared for, and held properly for best results.

                     Of course you have to have beautiful beads - in this case green, blue, and lavender jade,

                     London blue topaz, lemon quartz, citrine, amethyst, and smoky quartz.

In the glossary these gemstone beads and others are identified which helps to familiarize the reader with terms and types of beads, shapes of beads, tools, findings, and more.

                                               No design is simple.  Some just look simple.

                      Some look complicated.

The principles and elements of design are explained in detail with examples.  The idea being to share how each designer can reach their full potential creating original designs, using these principles.   

                    The final step in a technique.

The introduction of a material and techniques new to most, a reminder to others. These offer so many new options to artists and craftspeople.

                   Earring cards (front & back), Necklace/bracelet tags, bronze jewelry tags, business card with logo.                                                                       

Important for those who wish to sell their work is the section on how to turn a craft/art into a business inclusive of tips that are cost saving and easy.   

 And when this book was finished, another beautiful sunset in downtown Silver Spring filled with promise. A reminder that while one task has been completed and is available in my studio and some bead stores, it is time for me to get back to making new pieces for the Holiday Season. So many designs waiting for me to make them, so little time! I assure you I am on it!!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

The Art of Chanda Champagne

It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to the awesome designs of an incredibly gifted jewelry artist, teacher and my first born, Chanda Champagne.  She specializes in metals and resides in the  San Francisco Bay  area.  Chanda has been creating breathtaking wearable art for over  thirty years.  I am convinced it is because in our family,  art is in our DNA.

                               Recycled Aluminum, Glass Beads, and Copper, 

Chanda describes her work as earthy, and spiritual, made for today's contemporary  woman.  I describe it as amazing.  Long before I started making jewelry she was creating beautiful miniature works of art and calling them earrings.

She starts with thin light weight sheets of aluminum, copper, brass, and silver.  She then hand cuts, the shapes she wants and meticulously hammers, etches, and polishes each piece creating designs that are chic, glamorous, and timeless.      

                    Brass, Aluminum, and Silver

My clients that have seen her work have asked me repeatedly why I don't have more of her earrings.  So, (drum roll) I am happy to announce that as of this week I am now carrying a collection of her earrings in my studio. I am pleased to take this opportunity to present pieces from Chanda's Collection.

                    Bracelet and Earrings,  Copper, Aluminum, Glass

                   Elaine and Chanda

At the end of the day It is after all a family affair.  

Odyssey Network 2014, Naples, FL

In a setting on the Gulf of Mexico at the Ritz Carlton Hotel,  for the 4th year I participated both as an artist and as an attendee at the Odyssey Network Business Retreat for affluent and influential multicultural women.   Linda Bradley-Dunn the founder of Odyssey and her 'Dream Team'  take the retreat to amazing new heights each year..  This year was the celebration of the 15th year of Odyssey.

Linda Bradley Dunn, the visionary behind Odyssey, and I outside one of the ballrooms.

 One of the many enlightening  sessions we had inside the doors  behind Linda and I was an interview  with Dianne Carroll  by Susan Fales Hill.  

There is nothing like up close and personal!  with a woman who is a legend in her own time.  

When we were not listening to the wisdom of brilliant speakers there was time for those attending  to relax and shop in the lounge.  Below is a peep into the lounge, my jewelry on display, and next to me, the chic Saks Fifth Avenue. 

By the time I thought to take this picture a good portion of my inventory had attracted  new owners.

It is always good to see old friends and to meet new ones.  Oh and of course you must see some of the pieces and who I made them for..

Charlotte Yeh, MD Chief Medical Officer, AARP wearing Starlight a piece designed for her.   A sophisticated necklace of sparkling spinel sure to compliment her and her wardrobe day or night.

It is so exciting to design jewelry for accomplished, beautiful women.  Women who shape our world and elevate the roles of other women by excelling at all they do.  

Soladad O'Brien, CEO of Starfish Media Group,  who from time to time can be seen wearing an ERM piece as she reports on the status of the world on television.   I am wearing Fish and Tornadoes made of polymer clay, Hill Tribe Silver, and rubber.  

Beatriz Ramos CEO of Dancing Diablo on the left and Gina Stern CEO of d_parture spas  on the right.  Contemporary women sure of their role in the future. 

At every event there are wonderful opportunities to learn, to grow, to share, to network and to relax.  Now this is my idea of heaven!  

Linda Bradley, MD Prof. of Surgery and Vice Chair at the Cleveland Clinic OB/GYN  & Women's Health Institute ,wearing her necklace "Space" made with basalt stone beads shaped and hand drilled over 200 years ago.  The stories these beads could tell!  She is in the Odyssey lounge for the evening's activities.

Leslie Lewis, Producer a woman who is intuitively always in the right space, wearing her  'Limeade' resin beads from Brazil and lapis lazuli a perfect accessary for Summer frocks.  Oh and notice her sculpted silver earrings.  

Janice Frazier, CEO at Jay Gregory Enterprises, wearing geometric patterned earrings that truly support a woman who is light years ahead of her time in all things.

 I am happy to report that there  is not enough room in this blog to highlight every woman wearing an ERM piece at Odyssey 2014 and that this was not my primary reason for this look at what I believe is a remarkable network retreat.   

Sadly nothing last forever.  A few days is all we get - just enough to refuel dreams and shore up networks, before stepping back into real time.  As always there is a spectacular sunset this time over the Gulf, a sign that all can be well in the world - until we meet again next year.   

Sunset over the Gulf of Mexico