A Day in the Life of a Busy Beader!

I know, I have been bad! I have not posted to my blog in several weeks. As you know, I had a couple big art fairs in July and have Milford Memories coming up in August. Believe it or not, that is next week! NUTS! I have been working to restock some of my inventory, but still have a ways to go. If you would like a flower ring, but have not gotten around to purchasing one, you might want to get on it cuz they are going quick! They ARE a Summer Sunsation and may need to be retired at the end of this summer. You can still get yours on Etsy!

In between art fairs, I have been teaching classes at Michigan Bead Supply in Walled Lake. Pictured above is Denise, one of my great students! Denise has taken a couple classes from me, but her first was the Open Heart Pendant. I am writing to brag about her a little bit because since she took the class, she has made FIVE hearts! I cannot believe it! She has made different colors and sizes and is really putting me to shame. That's ok because I am so proud of her, she is doing a great job. She wants to make these pendants for Christmas presents so she has several more to make. I told her that before she knows it, she will be selling her wares on the side of the road like me. WARNING: Beading is addictive!

Inspiration

Crystal Ring

Inspiration can come from many different places for an artist. From our surroundings, from people watching and of course, other artists. I have to give thanks to all the artists I have met over the last several months who have opened themselves and their creative processes up to me. I am relatively new to the artist scene and I have definitely benefitted from the kind words and advice of others. I feel blessed to know you!

Maurice, from Michigan Bead Supply, is the artist who inspired me to design the ring above. Artists from all over town come by the shop to garner inspiration from Maurice. While there one afternoon, I asked him if they carry any beads with a center hole to make more rings. Maurice showed me several pieces, including these square crystals. I was not sure how the square would look at first, but I thought I would give it a try. I am so glad I did, because it looks amazing! I am thrilled with the result! I cannot wait to show it off this weekend at the Plymouth Art Fair, I think they will go fast!

Inspiration is an amazing state of being!!!

July Class Schedule at Michigan Bead

Photo by Scottie Magro Photography

July Class Schedule at Michigan Bead Supply

Whimsical Wire-Wrapping Class

Tuesday, July 7 @ 6pm

Learn how to use wire to sculpt out and create a beautiful bracelet! A variety of beads are wrapped with wire to form a unique piece of art.

Beadwoven Crystal Heart Pendant Class

Saturday, July 25 @ 1pm

If you like the “Puffy Heart”, you will love learning how to make this Beadwoven Crystal Heart Pendant! This fun project uses two different size crystals to weave a crystal heart pendant.

Join artist and designer Kelly Hoffman of Joyfulgrrl Jewelry to learn both techniques!

Call Michigan Bead Supply to reserve your spot today!

(248) 960-2216

Sign Up for My Beadwoven Crystal Heart Pendant Class

Beadwoven Crystal Heart Pendant Class

Saturday, June 25th 1pm - 3pm

$10 + the cost of materials

If you love this heart and want to learn how to make it for yourself, I will be teaching a class this Saturday, June 27th from 1pm - 3pm at Michigan Bead Supply in Walled Lake. Michigan Bead Supply is a great bead store in the heart of Walled Lake, Michigan. The people are great and so are the customers. You gotta stop on by! If you cannot make this date, no worries, I will be teaching another class Saturday, July 25th from 1pm - 3pm. Give Michigan Bead Supply a call and sign up today!

Michigan Bead Supply Co.

1123 E. West Maple

Walled Lake, MI

(248) 960-2216

Maple Days was a HUGE Success!

Photo by Scottie Magro of SEEDS Studio

Maple Days was a great success!  Thank you to everyone who came out for the festivities.  I met a lot of great new people, including lots of talented artists.  I would like to thank Scottie Magro of SEEDS Studio and Kim Szalay of Michigan Bead Supply Company for doing a great job organizing the event.  Both should be very proud!

I also had the pleasure of meeting Julie King and Gertie of Gertie Gear. Gertie is a sweet beagle and spokesdog for Gertie Gear, fantastic pet beds! These are handmade air beds with cute covers.  You gotta check 'em out!

Finally, I met Jill Hamilton-Krawczyk of Barrel of Monkeys.  Jill makes super cute buttons and button jewelry.  She is a graphic designer by trade and is incredibly talented.  

There are so many talented Michigan Artists and only a few were featured at Maple Days this past Monday.  You can find even more by visiting the Michigan Indie Crafters of Etsy (MICE) Blogspot.  This is the perfect summer to check out local art fairs and see for yourself all the talent Michigan artists have to offer.  Michigan summer art fairs are great places to see this talent on display.  I hope to see you out and about this summer!

Maple Days is a Week Away!!

Maple Days is only one week away!  That means the unofficial start to summer is near.  I have been working hard preparing new summer items to debut at Maple Days.  So, mark your calendar and come on out for the awesome event! Tents open at 9am and the Walled Lake Parade starts at 11am.  It's the perfect way to kick off summer with the entire family!

Maple Days

I just returned home from a great meeting at Michigan Bead Supply with Scottie Magro and Kim Szalay.  Both women were super nice and super talented!  We spoke about many things including Joyfulgrrl Jewelry's participation in Maple Days in Walled Lake.  This is the first year Walled Lake will host an art fair during their Memorial Day parade.  It sounds like it will be a lot of fun and I look forward to participating!  Mark your calendars for May 25th and I will see you in downtown Walled Lake!

In the meantime, I look forward to getting to know the folks at Michigan Bead Supply over the next several weeks.  It is a really cute bead shop!  I noticed lots of unique items and am excited for the opportunity to check it out even more.  If you are a beader or just love unique jewelry, I encourage you to stop in.  If you ever thought about learning how to bead, Michigan Bead Supply offers a lot of really cool classes, so this is a perfect opportunity to start!

Michigan Bead Supply 

1123 E. West 

Maple Walled Lake, MI

You can also find Michigan Bead Supply on Etsy.