Sweet Bead Studio — Handcrafted jewelry by Cindy Wimmer

Easy Wire 2009 – With a Give Away!

by Cindy on October 21, 2009

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It’s here!!! Easy Wire 2009 is out (officially on Oct. 27th)…complete with 60 new designs! I am honored to say I have contributions to this wonderful publication….and you’ll find tutorials from my friends Jeanette and Sharon as well! It just feels so good to see this year’s issue in print after all of the designing and writing…and months of anticipation.

Want a little look behind the scenes? Here’s a peek at the “Inspire” bracelet in the beginning stages…back when I was trying to decide upon the right links, and before it was oxidized and tumble polished. I’m glad I ultimately used the versatile copper washers.…they are really fun to texture with a hammer and layer for a little depth.

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I am so thrilled to say I also contributed a copper/lampwork bracelet tutorial, a selection of wirework clasps, and earrings in a classic wirework style. You can find all of the tools and supplies you need for these projects at fundametals.

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And now the part you’ve been waiting for…..

The Blog Give Away! (2 winners)

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To celebrate the release of Easy Wire 2009, I’ve put together a BIG selection of goodies for your creative enjoyment! (Especially if you’ve been wanting to start stamping or designing with metal)

Grand prize:

– A copy of Easy Wire 2009

– 36 piece 1/8″ Letter and Number stamp set

-Eurotool metal punch

-110 piece copper washer set

-Sheet metal: copper and nickel silver

-18 gauge pure copper wire, 10 yard spool

Tadaaaaaaaaaa! And I know everyone wants a chance to win, so the lucky 2nd place winner will win a copy of Easy Wire 2009.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post….and if you’d like your name in the “hat” twice, please share this give away on your blog! 🙂 Give away ends at midnight EST on Oct. 27th.

Thanks for stopping by and celebrating with me – and to all of my friends and blog followers here in this online community, YOU have been my inspiration!

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I {heart} Sepia

by Cindy on October 19, 2009

Hope you had a great weekend….how does Monday always come so soon?

I enjoyed a nice treat this weekend and actually saw a jewelry designer friend. Normally my world of blogging meets online only…but every once in a while blog land becomes in-person, which is really great! I had a chance to visit with Lori Anderson at the Craftsmen’s Classic here in VA (same location as those big bead shows I so love to attend). We never get to chat long though because her booth is always full of customers. Her beautiful designs sure draw in the crowds! 🙂

Remember I promised to share some 1st birthday pictures? Here they are all fancied up using a new technique I learned in Susan Tuttle’s Visual Poetry class (which has sadly come to an end today). I just love this old-timey sepia look…now my photos can look just like those vintage photos many of us adore. Oh, and by the way…see in this first photo – the boys made their little brother this adorable owl at Build a Bear Workshop…it is SO cute (accessorized with birthday cupcake and all).

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And before I go, just thought I’d share the link to a beautiful blog I just discovered, Rebecca for Vintage Living. Stop by her blog for to see some great vintage finds, wonderful jewelry, and to read her post about her recent art retreat {and shhhh! she’s having a give away!}. I hope to post a blog surprise soon too -hmm, wonder what it could be? – Better check back!

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Beautiful treasures from France

by Cindy on October 14, 2009

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Isn’t this necklace just gorgeous?? I must confess I did not make it…some of you may recognize who did though! I have loved Esther’s one of a kind jewelry since I first saw them…and we recently decided to do a trade with our necklaces. This beautiful copper piece came wrapped carefully in it’s own lacy jewelry pouch.

Remember that box I pictured in my blog post about the Round Robin? Now I’m going to show you all of the surprises I found inside from Esther of Mes illusions baroque. I cannot tell you how exciting it was to unwrap all of the tissue paper to find one of a kind boxes and containers…there was no detail spared, and Esther made packaging an art form!

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Would you believe Esther created this handmade box, filled with vintage buttons and religious medals. I have never seen anything like it – with beads for knobs and all of the stamped layers (made from wax?)….Esther you always amaze us with your talent…I know we have all said this, “Is there anything you cannot do!?” 🙂

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Oh would you look at these pretty soldered pendants! I ordered one from Esther’s new Etsy shop, Les Illusions Baroques, and the other along with the fabric pillow bead were sheer surprises!

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I was warned that she was snooping around in past blog posts for a picture…now I see why! This is an altered metal tin – again, I’ve never seen anything like it!

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And this journal…I think I just about gasped when I saw this special gift. A couple of us in the Round Robin group have joked that Esther must have some sort of French Secret for all of her endless creativity (not to mention speed at creating!). I am so thankful that yes, Esther has shared many of her little “secrets”, as she is a very generous soul. Whenever I visit her blog I am truly filled with admiration …her jewelry and mixed media art is sheer inspiration (and yet she is truly very humble). When you visit Esther’s blog you’ll feel it too, as if you’re visiting an old friend…and you’ll want to keep going back for another visit. 🙂 THANK YOU, Esther and Romizouuuuu!

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