Lark Crafts » Jewelry & Beading

The Great, Big Bead&Button Book Giveaway!

Nathalie Mornu — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:07:17 +0000

If you’ve been to Bead&Button, you know how amazing this event is: beading royalty around every corner, exciting classes, happy crowds, funky hair color, zillions of products to choose from. (Oh, and miles of corridors to walk…grin!)

So many Lark Jewelry & Beading authors are going to be at the show! In celebration, we’re giving away one great big set of 20 books—all of these were written by Lark authors attending B&B 2013. Here’s what one lucky winner will receive:

To enter for a chance to win these 20 books, simply leave a comment on this post by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, May 27, 2013. One winner will be selected at random from among all eligible entries on May 28, 2013. Click here for the official rules.

The 20 books are:

Making Bead & Wire Jewelery, by Janice Berkebile and Tracy Stanley
Metalworking 101 for Beaders and Necklaceology, both by Candie Cooper
The Art of Enameling, by Linda Darty
Marcia DeCoster’s Beaded Opulence, by Marcia DeCoster
Diane Fitzgerald’s Shaped Beadwork and Diane Fitzgerald’s Favorite Beading Projects, both by Diane Fitzgerald
Suzanne Golden Presents, by Suzanne Golden
I CAN Herringbone, by Melissa Grakowsky
Heat, Color, Set & Fire, Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet and Mixed Metal Jewelry Workshop, all by Mary Hettmansperger
Sabine Lippert’s Beaded Fantasies, by Sabine Lippert
Laura McCabe’s Embellished Beadweaving, by Laura McCabe
Japanese Beadwork with Sonoko Nozue, by Sonoko Nozue
Beadmaille, by Cindy Pankopf
Steel Wire Jewelry, by Brenda Schweder
Metal Clay Beads, by Barbara Becker Simon
Jill Wiseman’s Beautiful Beaded Ropes, by Jill Wiseman

Giveaway! Win the New Book “Soutache” and a Bracelet!

Nathalie Mornu — Wed, 15 May 2013 05:16:41 +0000

Anneta Valious

We’re celebrating the release of the new book Soutache, written by Anneta Valious, with a fabulous giveaway! Three lucky winners will each receive a copy of the book, still hot off the presses. And—drum roll, please—one extra-lucky person will win a copy of the book PLUS a piece of jewelry made by the author and featured in the book, the gorgeous Zenith Bracelet shown below!

To enter for a chance to win one of the four prizes described above, simply leave a comment on this post by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, May 23, 2013. The winners will be selected at random from among all eligible entries on May 24, 2013. Click here for the official rules.

Releasing Soon: Soutache, by Anneta Valious

Nathalie Mornu — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:21:01 +0000

If you haven’t yet discovered jewelry made with soutache, you’re in for a treat. And if you have seen this type of jewelry before, you’ve probably been wondering how to make it. Mystery solved! Be on the lookout for the new book by Anneta Valious (the first ever covering this technique in the English language), releasing next month!

Soutache is a type of braid or trim that’s been around for centuries. For a long time, it was used to embellish garments, but check out this wee sneak peek of projects taught in Anneta’s book to see what beautiful things it can do for jewelry!

Pretty dazzling, huh?

Check Lark’s blog again on May 15, 2013, for a chance to win not only a copy of Soutache, but a project from it!

May the fourth be with you! Celebrating Star Wars Crafts

Shannon Yokeley — Sat, 04 May 2013 14:00:27 +0000

Today is the day for celebrating Star Wars! Well, every day is, but today is especially special, as it is May 4^th. Today is “May the fourth be with you!” day! (For those not in the know, it is a play off “May the force be with you.” Come on, get with the geek times!)

Since we’re crafters here, we decided to share our love of Star Wars be scouring Etsy for some fabulous finds on our favorite subject. Who wouldn’t love an R2D2 quilt for cuddle times? Show which side you are on with some rebel or empire jewelry. We even found a fantastic Yoda stained glass panel!

Enjoy, and…

From left to right:

Han & Leia Rings by SpiffingJewelry

Master Yoda Amigurumi by SoulSundries

Imperial Insignia Necklace by sudlow

R2D2 Pixel Art Quilt by GoodwinsCustomCrafts

Ewok Miniature Plush by wishwithme

Storm Trooper Vans by ShoesBySmiley

Boba Fett Amigurumi by MCraftCreations

Darth Vader Embroidery by OccasionallySubtle

Felted Mini AT-AT by famished

R2D2 Earrings by petiteVanilla

Chewbacca Plush by peludossa

Rebel Alliance Ring Sterling925Silver

LEGO Light Saber Earrings by emmadreamstar

Yoda Stained Glass Window by TerrazaStainedGlass

Star Wars Converse by ThoseInFavor

R2D2 and C-3PO Art 3D Pop Artwork by PopsicArt

Lookin’ Good this Mother’s Day with Handmade Wearables

Gavin Young — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:32:09 +0000

As the mom of two toddling boys, I don’t always (okay, never) have time to focus on how I look. With Mother’s Day on the horizon, I’ve naturally been thinking about myself a lot lately—hey, it’s my only chance! And I’ve determined that this year I will focus on looking good for once! When I say good, I don’t just mean showered, although that sounds pretty wonderful. I mean… creative, interesting, funky, head-turning. Just for a day.

I’m guessing you know someone in a similar situation. So why not make a handcrafted unique gift for the mom in your life this year, something wearable that she can show off and that gives her a little extra flare. Who wouldn’t be more appreciative, right? And who isn’t more deserving? You’ll have so much fun making her feel loved, beautiful, youthful, individual, and all those other things that sometimes get neglected when she’s busy being mom.

I will help you! I have chosen some of my favorite wearables (totes do count) from a selection of Lark Books. Yes, I’ll be sharing this blog link with my husband—he could always hire someone to knit me that gorgeous vest! And to his credit, he could totally pull off a wire necklace using some of his “shop” tools.

These projects (from left to right, and top to bottom) are all part of Lark’s Spring Sale at BN.com.

1. Newkirk Intarsia Vest from Sock Yarn Studio. Page 134.

2. Bittersweet Necklace from Necklaceology. Page 99.

3. Springtime Francie Earrings from Shrink! Shrank! Shrunk! Page 32.

4. Cages from Chains Chains Chains. Page 39.

5. Mod Boots from Mod Podge Rocks! Page 16.

6. Coffee-bag Tote from Eco Craft. Page 42.

7. Lake-Scene T-shirt from Making an Impression. Page 95.

8. Unrequited Love Recycled Belt from Steel Wire Jewelry. Page 105.

Go MAKE your mama proud!

Spring Bling! Gorgeous jewelry books in Lark’s Spring Book Sale

Beth Sweet — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:01:50 +0000

Add some bling to your spring with inspiration (and let’s be honest: complete eye candy) from a number of our gorgeous Jewelry and Beading gallery books! Right now, hundreds of Lark books are included in a 50% Off Spring Sale on BN.com, where you’ll find everything from master beadwork to enameling instruction to easy beginner techniques.

Included in the Spring Sale are the following stunning gallery books, which spotlight no end of artistry and craftsmanship, as you can see in the featured photos. Click here for a link to the complete listing of Lark books in the BN.com 50% Off Spring Sale.

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500 Earrings

Polly Wales

“Gypsy Wedding”

Each 7 x 9 x 0.1 cm

Gold plate, sterling silver, 9-karat gold, aquamarines; hand pierced

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500 Silver Jewelry Designs

Jasmin Winter

“Friends of Mine: Two Sides”

63 cm long

Sterling silver, enamel, resin, thread; annealed, oxidized

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Masters: Gemstones

George Morin

“Jaded Sun”

3.6 x 4.9 x 3 cm

Gold, jade, Paraiba; hand fabricated, pavé set

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Masters: Gold

Rike Bartels

“Untitled”

3.2 x 3.1 x 2.8 cm

22-karat gold, coral, tourmaline, glass; assembled, mounted

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Masters: Glass Beads

Yoshiko Shiiba

“Hana Ranbu”

22.5 x 2 cm

Lampworked; soft glass

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1000 Glass Beads

Kaleigh Hessel

“Rain Forest Lost”

3.6 x 2.5 x 1 cm

Flameworked; latticino; complex and reduction stringer; soda-lime glass

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Celebrate Spring with these Free Flower Projects!

Amanda Carestio — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:23:40 +0000

Spring has sprung, friends! Whether you’re planning to learn a new craft this new season or looking to use all the craft supplies you hoarded over the long winter (guilty!!!), celebrate with this bounty of free projects…and a spring sale! Right now (until April 26), all of these featured books are on sale at 50% off their list price at BN.com.

Pretty Stamped Stone from Making an Impression

Blooming Flowers Bracelet from Shrink! Shrank! Shrunk!

Crocheted Leaves & Berries (a bonus project from Crochet Garden)

Easy Paper Marigolds from Paper Blooms

Mushroom Terrarium from Stash Happy: Felt

Lavender Sachets from Heart-Felt Holidays

Here’s a link for more info…and the full list of books in the sale!

Spring Book Sale! 50% Off Lark Books on BN.com

Beth Sweet — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:08:38 +0000

We’re celebrating Spring with a big 50% Off Sale of hundreds of our books on BN.com!

Just in time for Mother’s Day (and with summer break on the horizon), you’ll find this Spring Sale abuzz with how-to guides, gorgeous gallery inspiration, and insights into the technical and inventive processes of wide-ranging creative categories. From jewelry to clay, crochet to paper art, pies to moonshine, and more, Lark celebrates creativity in its myriad forms, and our 50% Off Spring Sale on BN.com celebrates creative readers and makers everywhere!

Are you ready to try a new creative outlet?

Are you seeking the perfect gift for a special mom in your life?

Are you that special mom whose bookshelf needs a little love?

Making plans for a summer break filled with creative activities?

Planning ahead for the upcoming school year?

Now through Friday, April 26, say hello to spring with a bevy of books—visit the entire list of sale titles here:

Spring Sale of Lark Books on BN.com

*And remember, as with all BN.com orders of $25 or greater, readers get free shipping!

Spring into Journaling!

Lookin’ Good this Mother’s Day with Handmade Wearables

Spring Bling! Gorgeous Jewelry Books in Lark’s Spring Book Sale

Celebrate Spring with these Free Flower Crafts

Pastel Earrings – Spring Jewelry Finds

Beth Sweet — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:33:26 +0000

Raise your hand if you’re ready for spring!

Now raise both hands if you’re ready for spring accessories!

You and I both know we don’t have to look far when it comes to pretty eye candy on Etsy, and with the delicate, sweet, light colors of spring, Etsy is a treasure trove of delightful, pastel earrings.

So off with your overcoat and on with the pretty jewelry—three cheers for spring!

Thanks to the Etsy sellers featured above and below for giving us all something sweet and springy to cheer about!

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Brass Chevron “Fin” Earrings :: ILIOS

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Jade Teardrop Earrings :: LoveLittleDarling

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Wooden Geometric Earrings :: LiKeGjewelry

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Pastel Flower Earrings :: HelgaYutt

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Jade Dipped Brass Earrings :: AcuteDesigns

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Peach Flower Droplet Earrings :: rockspapermetal

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Pink Dipped Brass Earrings :: mycellardoor

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Gold-Spattered Lilac Stud Earrings :: diamblond

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Chevron Earring Studs :: MistyAurora

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Mint Geometric Earrings :: knobbly

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Pale Blue Enamel Earrings :: VerreEncore

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Boho Beaded Pearl Earrings :: TamarKeny

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Lemon Yellow and Turquoise Beaded Earrings :: BeadSoupJewelry

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Mint Green Wooden Post Earrings :: paragraphloop

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Pale Pink Quartz Earrings :: PreciousSweetThings

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Suzanne Golden, Just for Kicks

Nathalie Mornu — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:45:27 +0000

Pretty early in the process of producing Suzanne Golden Presents, I learned that Suzanne is kuh-razy about footwear. (No surprise, you’ll spot bead-encrusted shoes in the book—those would be by artists Nick Cave, Tom and Kathy Wegman, and Marina Dempster, who all make other types of art as well.) To celebrate the book’s release, I asked Suzanne to share with us 4 or 5 pairs of her current favorite kicks. (All photos courtesy of Suzanne herself.)

Shoe by Simone Rochas

Shoe by Givenchy

Shoe by Prada

Shoes by Calvin Klein

Another shoe by Simone Rochas

Click here to check out Suzanne Golden’s website and view her extraordinary beadwork.

Read my previous post about Suzanne here.

Suzanne Golden Presents features artwork by, and interviews with, 36 trailblazing bead artists from around the globe, with all content curated by Suzanne Golden. It’s currently on deep, deep discount online at a ridiculously low price—less than $5!—so order your copy before the price goes back up.