“Friends, you and me…you brought another friend and then there were three.
We started our group, our circle of friends, and like that circle there is no beginning or end.”
~Eleanor Roosevelt
Art Bead Scene is like that ever-widening circle of friends.
Every time someone joins as a follower, comments on a post or participates in a monthly challenge, the circle gets wider. And using art beads makes the circle grow deeper, expanding exponentially so that the relationships within this community are strengthened.
As a designer, I am always looking to the Art Bead Scene to introduce me to new art and art bead artists. There is something so special about using art beads in your work. You can see the hand of the maker all over each piece, and to hold one is to hold a tiny treasure that is suitable for display in any gallery. And every time you use an art bead, it is like adding another ripple to the circle, because often by using them you become more than just a buyer, a client, a number to the maker…you become a friend.
There is just one place that I go each year to find new art bead artists to start a friendship with, and that is the annual buyer’s guide called Beads presented by Beadwork magazine.
I always cheer when I see the issue released as it truly is inspiring to see all of the best and brightest beads in one location. If you cannot make it to a bead show, then Bead 2011 is the next best thing. Over 330 new beads along with 15 projects by extremely talented designers is the focus. And with tools and trends explored along with ads for stores you may know about and some that may be new, this publication is always something that I hang onto for a long time.
This issue jam-packed with awesomeness and it is heavy on the art beads, which I particularly love. Since there were so many art beads all in one place, Art Bead Scene had a perfect opportunity to celebrate, especially since five of our contributing editors had pieces included in the issue. So, what is a party without treats? I put out a call to as many of the artists and companies that I could find and asked them to contribute to a giveaway in honor of all the beady goodness that is Beads 2011. I was overwhelmed by the response, and after fondling, er… admiring all the tiny packages that came my way, I can tell you that I honestly wish that I had the chance to win.
- Floral: Beads with Blooms
ceramic beads from Elaine Ray
arte metal from Vinaj
ceramic beads and pendants from Jennifer Heynen, Jangles - Wild West: Beads with Spirit
silver clay charms, Beth Hemmila, Hint Jewelry
original cat drawing ceramic decal beads, Marsha Minutella, Marsha Neal Studios - Skyborne: Beads with Wings
assorted wood tile pendants, Marie Cramp, More Skye Jewels - Chain & Fiber: Materials with Texture
Silver plated colored wire, Soft Flex Company
plus special surprise goodies not pictured but coming from C Koop Beads and Ornamentea
assorted components including hand painted glass and plexiglass, aluminum chain, rubber tubing, jump rings and colorful o-rings from Yvonne Irvin, MyELEMENTS - Customizable: Items to Personalize
- Sentiments: Beads with Heart
three months of the ‘simpler truth’ sampler club, Erin Prais-Hintz, Tesori Trovati Jewelry
ceramic heart beads from Gaea Cannaday
ceramic textural pendants and a hand painted sculptural pendant, Jennifer Davies-Reazor - Steampunk: Beads on Trend
ceramic lumber escutcheon, Melanie of Earthenwood Studio
enameled components, Sue Kennedy, SueBeads - Woodlands: Beads au Naturel
mixed media metal pendants, Jenny Friske-Baer, Divine Spark Designs
ceramic toggle, Mary Harding Jewelry
enameled bead caps, Mary Jane Dodd, mairedodd
ceramic blue owl, Kylie Parry
ceramic tree pendant, Sharleen Newland, Shaterra Clay
five amber leaf glass headpins, Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads - World Beat: Beads with Culture
- Glam: Beads with Sparkle
five iridescent kaleidoscope headpins, Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
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| order your copy today! |
So clean up that puddle of drool on your computer and enter to win this massive beady prize! Since I love to spoil my friends, you have three ways to enter, and each must be in a separate comment to count.
Chance #1: Answer one of the following questions:
- Which trend are you most excited about from the ten in the issue?
- If you have a copy of the issue, what is one bead artist that was new to you that you are most intrigued by and can’t wait to try?
- What is the reason that you use art beads in your designs?
Chance #2: Blog, Facebook Tweet, skywrite, take out a billboard or otherwise share your love for this giveaway to the rest of your world, then come back here and tell us what you did.
Chance #3: Here at Art Bead Scene, we consider our followers part of our circle of friends. You don’t have to be a follower of the Art Bead Scene to win, but if you are a friend who follows us (nearly 1,900…that is some growing circle!), post a third comment for an additional chance.
I will choose a random winner of the entire prize package at midnight on May 30th and announce it during the monthly ABS challenge blog hop on May 31st.
Thanks for being a friend of Art Bead Scene!