NEW A SNEAK PEAK - NEW DESIGNS!

I've been doing some work in sterling silver and learning how to solder. Soldering was a real challenge for me, but I did finally get it - at least the jump rings - it's a start. The designs are pretty much unplanned - I just start something and see what it works into. I hope to get some of these items on Artfire within the next week. Thanks for looking!

A BEADAZZLING GIFT FROM JEANNE

At the spring craft show that Jeanne and I did together, I told her I'd love for her to make me a "BeaDazzled Doll" for my display. So..........she did this wonderful red beaded doll and I fell in love with it instantly! She said, "I think that's going to be your BeaDazzled Doll." She left it at that and a few days later, she gave it to me. I am so thrilled - I absolutely love this doll, but most of all because it was created by Jeanne - my friend of many years. THANK YOU, JEANNE - for sharing your talents and for your gift of friendship.

Vist Jeanne's web site at: http://gammiebrat.blogspot.com/ to see more views of the doll (and clearer, too)!

A FRESNO CELEBRATION

We were in Fresno to see our youngest daughter graduate from Fresno State with a Masters in Business Admin. She had a 4.0 gradepoint average and we are very proud of her, as is her hubby Andy and his family.

While there, of course, we shopped til we dropped. I made a trip to Barnes and Noble where I purchased a wonderful book - Beautiful Wire Jewelry for Beaders by Irina Miech. I highly recommend this book - it had wonderful "wirework designs for all levels." I also visited Beads Etc. (http://www.beadsetconline.com/) in Clovis and brought home some goodies from there!!! I just can't visit a bead store without finding something to bring home and they were very helpful.

We had a wonderful time, and it's good to be home. Now, it's time to get back to the business of beading and wire work!!!

FIRST BOOK CHARITY EVENT - MAY 15TH

The Ohio Jewelry and Metal Arts Guild is hosting a charity event for First Book at Barnes & Noble on May 15th. Please stop by any Barnes & Noble on May 15th and purchase a book or magazine using the attached voucher and a percentage of your purchase will go to First Book of the Mahoning Valley. First Book puts books into the hands of children who might otherwise, never own a book of their own.

Please click on this link for your voucher: http://www.ohiojmag.com/special_events/ohio_jmag_voucher-youngstown.pdf

If you are in the Boardman, OH area, please visit Barnes & Noble in Boardman and there you can see a photo display of jewelry art by local artisans. There will be an Artists' Reception at 7:00 p.m. on May 15th, but your purchase with a voucher is good at ANY BARNES AND NOBLE, ANYTIME, ON MAY 15TH. Other stores that have artwork on display include:
Akron/Fairlawn
Cleveland/Woodmere
Columbus/Sawmill
Youngstown/Boardman

Please try to participate in this charity event to benefit First Book of the Mahoning Valley. For more information on other Barnes & Noble stores who have a photo display of local jewelry artists, please visit http://www.ohiojmag.com/.

Thanks for participating. I hope to see you on May 15 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Boardman Barnes & Noble.