Bead Chat Magazine - December Issue

I wanted to give a big shout out to the entire crew at

Bead Chat Magazine. 

 

 

Would you just look at these earrings on the cover by Claire Lockwood?! 
Super Pretty!

 

 

 

If you're not familiar with Bead Chat Magazine, it's an online magazine started by Melinda Orr and run by her, Linda Younkman, Cynthia Machata, and Natalie McKenna with several other amazing jewelry artists as contributors.  

 

What started as a Facebook group of bead, jewelry and mixed media artists sharing information, supply links and support for each other turned into an amazing online community called ArtisanWhimsy.net  and it's definitely the 'hub' of our "beady-world".   And the online monthly magazine, Bead Chat, is the icing on the cake (if you ask me).

Cynthia over at Bead Chat Magazine contacted me a couple of months back to say they would like to do an interview with me and feature pearls in their December issue and believed I was their "Go To Pearl Girl".

I was thrilled to hear this!  (insert happy dance at desk upon reading that email!!)

Over the past several weeks, Cynthia, who writes amazingly well for the magazine, Natalie, who does a fantastic job on the photos and layout, and I exchanged emails, links, photos and details and they managed to put together an outstanding interview and Pearl Article complete with supplies links, knotting tutorials and educational information.  

And for this, I am truly grateful.

 

These two women are professional and super fun, creative (indeed!!) and just all around good people! I have to say 'easy to work with' is an understatement. They take everything you give them and turn it into beautifully laid out, eye-catching content and interesting words!

 

 

There's quite a few people, many of whom I didn't get to converse with, who, on a monthly basis really put their heart and soul into this magazine and make it the successful and much enjoyed magazine that it is.  Each month, the entire staff and their contributors work around the clock (from what I can tell!) to bring those of us in the bead and jewelry crafting world one of the most top notch magazines related to our industry - online or in print (IMHO, anyway).

 

In the pages of Bead Chat you will find links to tutorials, fun interviews, feature articles on really interesting and talented artists, helpful tips, trends within our industry and completely amazing photos of all types of jewelry - super stuff!

 

Super Cool Earrings by Lisa Lodge!

 

Yep, inspiration galore! 

Beautiful Shimmering Necklace by Lynda Carson!

 

 

Thank you again to everyone involved with Bead Chat, you're greatly appreciated and deserve all the kudos you are getting online from all of us in the beading/jewelry world!

 

So, whatcha waitin' for?  Head on over and take a peak inside! 

 

 

 

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Feeling Grateful (and excited)!

Cheers,

~Shel~

Shop Handmade Artists - Cyber Monday Sale!

Please take a moment this holiday season while you're shopping to check out all the various handmade items that are being offered by so many talented artists. 

 

One of the places you can find an abundance of amazing skill and talent along with some super cool gifts is here:

Shop Handmade HERE!

 

  

 

I'm participating in this line up along with some extremely talented artists and we'd be honored for you to purchase our wares to give to those you are shopping for this holiday season.

 

 

Some people are offering specials, so check each shop to see what's going on. There's a list of the participating shops at the bottom of this post for your convenience.
Just click on each photo to go to their shop.
 

 

In my MiShel Designs Etsy shop, I'm offering 20% OFF your total order from now through Monday, December 2nd, 2013 when you use Coupon Code "TURKEY20" upon check out with Etsy.

Click HERE to shop MiShel Designs on Etsy

 

 

It can be challenging for small businesses, especially the ones whose items are handcrafted, to compete with the deep discounts of the big box stores.  So while you may not see a ton of 50% off coupons or 'buy one, get one free' type of deals while shopping handmade this  holiday season, you will find unique, quality items that are priced fairly and support those who create for a living, keeping the arts alive. 

 

 

Please, shop local, shop small business, support the creative arts and purchase handmade items anytime you possibly can this gift giving season.  

 

 

Thank you so much for shopping handmade!

It's the small things that count!

 

Until Next Time,
 

Peace, Love and Enjoying Handmade!
 

Cheers,

~Shel~

 

Focusing on Life - Week 48: Giving Thanks!

This is week 48 for the Focusing on Life: 52 Photos weekly photography challenge and our prompt from Sally over at

The Studio Sublime was:

 

 

 

Giving Thanks!

 

What are you thankful for?

 

 

I do know that I am thankful for this journey through life that Sally has 'prompted' us to take this year and I'm so very thankful for all of you.

 

Every one's been saying how they're sad this photo challenge is coming to a close and they are hoping Sally (or someone) will keep things going on some level or in some capacity.  I'm hopeful of that too, and would take on that challenge if my life didn't seem to be headed in what I believe to be a totally different direction next year.

 

Right now I'm thankful for hot tea, soft blankets, the warm fire and the festive way the cabin is decorated by my sister for Thanksgiving!

 

I'm thankful for the various stringed instruments that have been played by my nephew, my brother-in-law and my son and the joy I get from hearing their music!

 

I'm thankful my hubby's restocking the wood pile and keeping the fires lit! 

 

I'm thankful I have a good, loving and fun family!

 

 

click photo collage to enlarge

 

 

I guess most of all, I'm thankful for the life I have been blessed with and for those in it.  

 

Until Next Time,

 

Peace, Love and Giving Thanks!

 

Cheers,

~Shel~

Giving Dad Bunny-Ears!



 Be sure to stop by and see what everyone else is 'Giving Thanks' for this weekend!

Shop Handmade - Sale This Weekend!

Please take a moment this holiday season while you're shopping to check out all the various handmade items that are being offered by so many talented artists. 

 

One of the places you can find an abundance of amazing skill and talent along with some super cool gifts is here:

Shop Handmade HERE!

 

  

 

I'm participating in this line up along with some extremely talented artists and we'd be honored for you to purchase our wares to give to those you are shopping for this holiday season.

 

 

Some people are offering specials, so check each shop to see what's going on. There's a list of the participating shops at the bottom of this post for your convenience.
Just click on each photo to go to their shop.
 

 

In my MiShel Designs Etsy shop, I'm offering 20% OFF your total order from now through Monday, December 2nd, 2013 when you use Coupon Code "TURKEY20" upon check out with Etsy.

Click HERE to shop MiShel Designs on Etsy

 

 

It can be challenging for small businesses, especially the ones whose items are handcrafted, to compete with the deep discounts of the big box stores.  So while you may not see a ton of 50% off coupons or 'buy one, get one free' type of deals while shopping handmade this  holiday season, you will find unique, quality items that are priced fairly and support those who create for a living, keeping the arts alive. 

 

 

Please, shop local, shop small business, support the creative arts and purchase handmade items anytime you possibly can this gift giving season.  

 

 

Thank you so much for shopping handmade!

It's the small things that count!

 

Until Next Time,
 

Peace, Love and Enjoying Handmade!
 

Cheers,

~Shel~

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

To all those in the United States

celebrating today, Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

 

May you have the luxury of spending time with your family, friends and loved ones this holiday weekend!

 

Safe travels to you all!

 

Until Next Time,

 

Peace, Love and Gratitude!

 

Cheers,

~Shel~

Shop Handmade this Holiday Season!

Please take a moment this holiday season while you're shopping to check out all the various handmade items that are being offered by so many talented artists. 

 

One of the places you can find an abundance of amazing skill and talent along with some super cool gifts is here:

Shop Handmade HERE!

 

  

 

I'm participating in this line up along with some extremely talented artists and we'd be honored for you to purchase our wares to give to those you are shopping for this holiday season.

 

 

Some people are offering specials, so check each shop to see what's going on. There's a list of the participating shops at the bottom of this post for your convenience.
Just click on each photo to go to their shop.
 

 

In my MiShel Designs Etsy shop, I'm offering 20% OFF your total order from now through Monday, December 2nd, 2013 when you use Coupon Code "TURKEY20" upon check out with Etsy.

Click HERE to shop MiShel Designs on Etsy

 

 

It can be challenging for small businesses, especially the ones whose items are handcrafted, to compete with the deep discounts of the big box stores.  So while you may not see a ton of 50% off coupons or 'buy one, get one free' type of deals while shopping handmade this  holiday season, you will find unique, quality items that are priced fairly and support those who create for a living, keeping the arts alive. 

 

 

Please, shop local, shop small business, support the creative arts and purchase handmade items anytime you possibly can this gift giving season.  

 

 

Thank you so much for shopping handmade!

It's the small things that count!

 

Until Next Time,
 

Peace, Love and Enjoying Handmade!
 

Cheers,

~Shel~

 

Hidden in the Hills - Studio Tour

I just wanted to give a shout out to all those here in Arizona and let you know that the 17th Annual Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour and Sale is happening again this weekend, November 29th, 30th and December 1st.

 

Presented by the  Sonoran Arts League, this Favorite Fall Event spotlights artists of all mediums in and around the Carefree, Cave Creek and North Scottsdale areas. 

 

The self-guided tour of 46 studios and 168 working artists is a staple each fall in this area the weekends before and after Thanksgiving.

 

This exciting event provides a unique art experience allowing you the opportunity to interact with the artists and see first hand their creative process. 

 

This is the perfect outing for the family, art enthusiasts and serious collectors and gives you the chance to view and purchase many of these phenomenal items.

 

And, best of all, it's free! 

 

I have three very talented friends who are studio #18 this year on the tour and I wanted to show you a glimpse into their studio show and creative world!

 

 

 

 

I can't even begin to tell you how talented these three women are. Their work as jewelry artists is incredible, but they do so much more than jewelry, and man is their art superb!!

 

From glass to metal, casting to sculptures,...these innovative women have more talent in their little pinky fingers than I could ever hope to possess. Yes,...I am in awe of them. Rightly so. Take a look:

 

Jennifer Hanscom

 

 

 

 

Judy Carr





 

Patricia Shepherd

 

 

 

Their studio this year is located at Pat's Desert Jewel Studio in Cave Creek. 

 

I'm just happy to get to see their creations first hand.

And touch things,....yes I fondled their wares!

And drooled!

 

So, after you've stuffed your belly with some good turkey and fought the rush of crowds in the big box stores, do yourself and your family a favor,....go check out all the artist participating in Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour this year.

 

Shop Local. Shop Small Business.

Shop Handmade (True Handmade!) 

Keep The Creative Arts Alive!

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Enjoying the Arts!

Cheers,

~Shel~

Focusing on Life: Week 47 - Centerpiece

It's week 47 for the Focusing on Life: 52 Photos weekly photo challenge hosted by Sally over at The Studio Sublime and our prompt this week was:

 

 

 

 

Centerpiece

 

"This week focus on what is the centerpiece, the central, most important feature in your day, week, life!  It makes you comfortable, brings you joy, brings you peace of mind, or is simply a place of comfort."

 

For me, this one was easy! Well, I thought it was going to be anyway.

 

These two. Yep - they're my "Centerpiece". My hub. My Rock. My World. My Everything!

 

My Goofy Boys!!

 

 

Only they're not much into having their photo snapped. I told them I didn't want to 'cheat' this week and use a photo of them that I already had and so they had better stand there and let me take their picture!

 

So they agreed. But only for a second.

And only for 1 photo they said.

 

Well, I think it was about 5 seconds, then they bolted so I couldn't get a second shot! Stinkers!

 

I played around with some editing and overlays, etc. I used one called 'Logan' on Pixlr. How appropriate, eh?!

 

And here's the rest of my "Centerpiece".  This was taken at our family reunion this summer up near my sis's cabin. With the exception of just a few who weren't able to make it, it's my sister and our two brothers and their families. These wonderful people are also my 'Centerpiece' and part of my 'Everything'!

 

 

 

 

I'm going to be spending Thanksgiving with some of these folks. Wishing I could spend it with all of them, but grateful for those of us that will be together! 

 

I'm wishing all of you here in the U.S. a wonderful Thanksgiving Day this Thursday and a fun, yet relaxing, holiday weekend.

 

May you have the luxury of spending time with your family, friends and those you are close to and may you be healthy, happy and 'full' of love and light!

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Finding Center!

Cheers,

~Shel~

Focus on Life: Week 46 - Reflect

This is week 46 for the Focusing On Life: 52 Photos weekly photography challenge and our host, Sally, from over at the Studio Sublime gave us this prompt:

 

 

 

Week 46: Reflect

 

"The start of the Holiday season is coming up quickly whether we are ready or not, so before jumping in to all the hustle and bustle let's take a moment to slow down and reflect on all the joy, peace, happiness and love we already have in our life."

 

Wow - how on earth do I capture all the joy, peace, happiness and love that surrounds me in one photo - especially when all those I love and find joy with are spread through out the country?

 

Yep - a bit more challenging than it sounded when I first read this prompt last Sunday!! 

 

Last year during this time of year I was whining to my brother-in-law (aka - Older Wiser One) one day about how rude people were during the Holiday Season and how I thought this was supposed to be the "Happiest Time of the Year!"  And  his response went something like this,....

 

"There are people who don't feel the same as you do during this time of year Shelly because maybe they've lost a loved one and they're missing them.  Or maybe they can't be with the ones they love during the holidays and this makes them sad. Or, perhaps they are trying to figure out how they're going to put food on the table and they're worried there won't be enough money to feed the ones they love. Or maybe, they just don't have people around them who care about them like you do."

 

UGGHHHH! 
'Older-Wiser-One' is such a downer sometimes! 
But he was right. 

I needed to step out of my 'bubble' and realize how lucky I was and just accept things for what they were and not expect everyone to feel the same or act the same as I was acting and feeling.
(Just take things as they come and don't judge or be offended!)

 

So, this week I chose to "Reflect" on how lucky I am. 
(Truly Blessed - despite how some weeks I seem to forget this!)

 

And I wish those who might be feeling down or in despair the comfort and luxury of Joy, Peace, Happiness and Love as our year slides into its final weeks.

 

 

 

 

Until Next Time,

May Everyone Find Their Little Slice of Joy, Peace, Happiness and LOVE!

 

Cheers,

~Shel~

Bead Chat Magazine and Artisan Whimsy

I wanted to give a big shout out to Melinda Orr and all the ladies over at Bead Chat Magazine and Artisan Whimsy.

 

The November issue of Bead Chat Magazine is out and it's Fabulous!
 

 

 

 

Bead Chat Magazine did a tribute to Bead Trends Magazine, since it ceased publishing this summer, and featured several of the jewelry designers and their designs that were in the 'hopper' about to be published by didn't quite make the last publication. And, they did a feature on me since I was going to be the Beads Trends October Designer Highlight.  They did a super job including all the designs that were to be in the spread and made everything look just wonderful.

 

 

I can't thank them enough for publishing everything they did in the November issue of Bead Chat - thank you, thank you!!

 

I wanted to give a special thanks to Cynthia Machata over at Bead Chat. She put up with my endless email problems as I was switching computers and going from Windows 7 to Windows 8 at the same time.  Such a patient, creative and friendly soul - I don't know how she does it all, but she does. And, she does it with such grace. Thank you Cynthia - you made everything super easy!! (And you should see her jewelry! Yep - Pretty. Darn. Cool! :-)

 

This month's issue is jam packed with all sorts of goodies so be sure to click here and check it out.

 

And, some more exciting news - this month's the start of the all new and improved Artisan Whimsy site - be sure to go check it out as well.  The comradery on this site is unmatched. People sharing, helping each other - it's pretty cool!  There's lots of things in the works over there, so be sure to check back often.

 

Okay - time to get back to work!  I hope everyone enjoys their week!

 

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Diggin' Bead Chat Mag!

Cheers,

~Shel~