REAL LIFE STRINGS

By Sindy P.

 

 

I recently received this delightful Zentangle book created by the talented photographer, Sindy P.  She is a certified Zentangle teacher, who has incorporated her keen eye for the essence of objects with the wonderful meditative art form Zentangle. 

Her photographs in the book are enhanced with eye popping patterns which take the viewer along on her journeys.  Starting with either undulating or simple forms, each object is transformed by structured patterns.  One can follow this path by viewing both the before and after images. 

Sindy gives the viewer to opportunity to create their own zentangles on some of her photographs replicated in this book.  One does not have to acquire a large cache of supplies; a couple of micro pens and some white or black zentangle tiles will complete the list. 

If one is interested in purchasing this book, “Real Life Strings,” you can contact Sindy at sindyp@aol.com and you will soon be on your way to join her on this wonderful trip.  No extra baggage needed, just a desire for the experiences of a lifetime.

 

Alphabet Stencil Book

Stencil Fonts by Jeff Levine

 This book is a wonderful tool for capturing both letter and number images.  There is also a small section with beautiful borders and an assortment of other images.  The stencils are created on heavy paper and the lines are very sharp.  Each page has a perforated edge and therefore it is easy to place the stenciled images anywhere.  

If one doesn’t have the artistic ability, but still a creative eye, everything is here.  Lettering and numbering of all shapes and sizes are available to explore. There is a very good section on “how to.”  Brushes, and techniques are described in detail.  I recently started a beading project utilizing the “bird” image and was absolutely delighted how easy it was.  No messy transfer agents, hot iron, or ink jet printer to utilize.  Within a very short time my stenciled project was ready to enhance with the tiny seed beads.

 

My collection of stencils is quite large, but all of them require a sharp knife and a keen and steady hand.  This book makes the act of stenciling quite easy and very professional looking.  Way to go!

 

 

The Book of Zentangle

Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas

 

Do you believe in fate, or do events just occur happenstance?  This is a question I often ponder.

How fortunate that these two kindred souls came together and created Zentangle, a meditative form of art.  This book presents a most joyous presentation of the history and discovery of Zentangle. 

When reviewing other Zentangle books, I told Maria the patterning reminded me of the beautiful illuminated manuscripts that I had studied while pursuing my Art-Education degree, and the fractal concept discussed with one of my professors. She agreed and in fact there is a beautiful example of a manuscript on page 14. 

In their book, “The Book of Zentangle,” one’s focus is on creating basic repeating patterns and together they brought their zen like concept of this methodology to fruition.  Tools, methods, exercises, and projects are handled in great detail. Stories and comments are shared about the feelings of contentment and peace one achieves putting pen to the paper tile and taking their life on this new path of discovery.

Fate, or happenstance – you be the judge!

500 Tangled Artworks

 

One doesn’t need soft or loud music or a partner to “tangle.”  A pencil, micron 01 black pen, and 3 ½” square drawing paper tile are all of the supplies needed to begin the dance.

Quarry Books and Beckah Krahula has produced a masterful book “500 Tangled Artworks” – a Showcase of Inspired Illustrated Designs.  The drawings, both in black and white are examples of creativity at its apex.  The art is a visual meandering journey seen through the eyes of the creator.

The zentangles in this exciting book illustrate movements both spontaneous and fluid.  Many of the drawings are abstract, while many others take on a recognizable form with tangled components.

The use of colored pencils and paints add another dimension to these luscious reproductions.  The fractal nature of the colored sunflower center is a wonderful model of the zentangle patterning.

I had a stimulating conversation with Jan Huling, one of the featured artists.  She creates intricate beaded structures while exploring the zentagle concepts.  Her use of tiny round seed beads paints a fascinating utilization of both the material and technique.

I have picked up this book several times and enjoyed the contents immensely.  There is always something new to discover in their inspirational course.

The Beauty of Zentangle

I have been a doodler since childhood and still meditate to this day.  When one is presented with the ability to combine both, it is an empowering experience. 

Individuals of all ages are capable of drawing Zentangles.  One can begin with a simple spiral and complete the section by repeating the spiral design, similar to the fractal repetition of a sunflower, and then go on by adding repetitious curves, lines, shading, etc.  In other words, the skies the limit. 

Design Originals has published a bevy of wonderful books covering the subject “Zentangles.”  This art form and method was created by Rick Roberts & Maria Thomas.  The “Zen” is defined as a meditative state.  Maria began by drawing background patterns on a manuscript.  She stated that during the process, she experienced a tremendous sense of well being and ability to focus her energy to the task at hand.  She shared this powerful sensation with Rick and thus “Zentangle” was created. 

As I viewed many of the patterns so beautifully presented in “The Beauty of Zentangle,” I thought of the wonderful illustrated manuscripts created by the monks hundreds of centuries ago.  I’m sure they experienced an exceptional feeling of self-discovery upon the execution and completion of their work.

I marveled at the beauty of the forms and the serenity it must have provided each of the artisans whose work was presented in this book.  Design Originals, an Imprint of Fox Chapel Publishing provides us all with a myriad of books on this subject so one can begin a wonderful new journey of creativity and meditation.

Mah Jongg-The Art of the Game

First of all, I thought this was a wonderful title for this beautifully photographed and researched book about Mah Jongg.  The authors, Ann M. Israel and Gregg Swain took me on their painstaking journey of discovery.  The lush photographs are a compilation of tiles created from a variety of materials starting with simple paper sets, tin, rubber, and Bakelite, to exquisitely engraved mother-of-pearl and ivory.  Many of these elaborately carved tiles depict celebrations featuring musicians and dancers.  The artistry is lovely with their full color palettes.

Chapter I provides a brief history of the game whose earliest name was “Beating the Sparrow.”  I was always under the impression that Mah Jongg was an ancient game and was surprised to learn that it dates to the early to mid 19^th century in China.  Joseph Babcock, an American working in China was astute and very entrepreneurial.  He became fascinated with the game and exported it home.

Some of the members of my Mah Jongg groups own sets.  Most of them are plastic.  Their cases are aluminum or faux leather.  The Lucite pushers help keep the rows of tiles as straight as soldiers as each player breaks her wall.  But none of our sets have the charm and amazing presentation of the colorful tiles, racks, and storage cabinets featured in this book. 

There is a definite rhythm and cadence as each tile is discarded in the center of the table.  This book “Mah Jongg - The Art of the Game” rekindled in me an appreciation of this lovely art form’s both frustrating and exhilarating experience of playing this game with friends of all ages.

I am looking forward to sharing this book with both my artist and Mah Jongg friends and placing it front and center on my coffee table.

Contemporary Geometric Beadwork

Kate McKinnon

Vol. I and II

 

Math was never my favorite subject in school.  I have an excellent memory, so the time tables were easy to master.  But, when it came to Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, and Probability, I froze.  But, in reading the introduction to this book, I dove in and savored page after page. 

The basics are there in the introduction, like so many other books, but “Contemporary Geometric Beadwork is unlike any other beading book that I have recently reviewed. Just seeing the wonderful examples of the geometric shapes in this mind boggling book was inspirational.  The beaded structures were contributed by an extremely talented sisterhood and brotherhood.  Kate McKinnon has exposed all, who are lucky to own this book, to a higher level of creativity.

 
The structures dissected are a Warped Square, MRAW Bellybands, Triangles, Tetrahedrons, Pyramids, Cones, and other forms still waiting to be explored.

Each section begins with a shape, maps out the path of “how to” with the tiny delica beads, and shows a myriad variety of completed bangles, and rings. These “jewels” whether zigged or zagged, horned or winged, takes on a life of its own. 

The book is truly an adventure in exploration of geometry in the purest artistic form.

 

 

 

 

Get Ready, Set, Go

 

"Twist, Turn, and Tie"

50 Japanese Kumihimo Braids

 

Over the years, I have created many kumihimo braids.  Started with a Marudai loom and a set of printed instructions on "how-to."  At first it was like the blind leading the blind.  My first attempts were rather inept and the braids were either too long or too short, too thick or too thin.  The patterns were inconsistent and were rather haphazard in their direction, sometimes twisting to the right and then suddenly to the left.  Fortunately, I have the patience of "Job" inasmuch as I taught first grade and often worked with 30+ students at a time.

My collection of Kumihimo braiding books is extensive.  Some are written in Japanese and others in English.  A couple of years ago, Makiko Tada sent me her foam loom and three of her books which had recently been translated into English.  Wonderful instructions with great layouts for the various patterns.  But, nothing about "beaded braids." 

If you are having similar problems as described above, this book, "Twist, Turn, and Tie" written by Beth Kemp, and published by Barron's,  is a wonderful introduction to the art of Kumihimo.  There is a disk provided so one can jump right in and start creating.  All of the basics of "Getting Started" are spelled out.  Answers about thread and bead quantities are provided and one does not have to be a rocket scientist to process the calculations.  If I had this book for a frame of reference, my silk thread supply would not have dwindled so rapidly.   

The basic techniques such as setting up the round and square disk are very well illustrated.  "The projects include braids with fancy patterns or designs, and a whole section is devoted to beaded braids, all with step-by-step diagrams."   

On your mark, get ready, set, go.  No reason that with this wonderful collection of patterns, one can not become the maven of 50 Japanese Kumihimo Braids.

 

 

SAINT PATRICK'S DAY

 

As a child, I would often kneel on all fours, searching for that elusive four leaf clover.  The ground was covered with thousands of dew sprinkled three leaf ones, but finding the "lucky" one was always a challenge.  This mutation of the shamrock only happens in approximately "1 in 10,000 times."

My fortune changed when I was introduced to Clover Needlecraft, Inc., a few months ago.  Fox Publishing had forwarded me the book "Bead Weaving on a Loom" which I subsequently reviewed on my blog site at http://www.rite-it.com/ and I noted it featured the Clover Beading Loom 9910 on the inside cover.    

 

It is lightweight and very well constructed.  One can easily follow the directions and warp the loom and adjust the tension.  I have made numerous length adjustments to accommodate my various beading projects ranging from bracelets and rings, to necklaces and pendants.  The 2.8" width dimension makes all of the above very wearable and aesthetically pleasing. The warp thread spacing groves (A & B) are utilized for either round or cylinder beads.  If one changes the intervals between the warp threads and tightens the weft threads, the weaver can utilize a myriad of bead sizes.

Clover Needlecraft (www.clover-usa.com) is a treasure trove of supplies for all hands-on-needlecraft enthusiasts.  Thread, kits, templates, knitting, crochet, embroidery, etc., products, are available in all sizes and prices.  The catalog and shopping cart is user friendly and their service is impeccable.

If you believe in the "luck of the Irish" you will be happily rewarded when you explore all that Clover Needlecraft, Inc., has to offer.  The choice is yours.        

Chapter 2: Bead Canvas

The bracelet featured is an example of a design that was made possible by the use of the software program  "Bead Canvas."

A New Chapter: JEWELRY SUPPLY COMPANY

Many years ago when I was teaching first grade students, I wrote a book "The Bees Dilemma."  This family of bees were facing a serious problem.  A group of bears were devouring their golden honey trove.  In order to deal with this problem,  the bees visited their many friends at the zoo and posted the question, "What should we do?"

Interesting, I am now faced with a dilemma, but not nearly on such a grand scale.  I have my own honey trove of bead weaving books, looms, patterns, beads, tools, etc.  What should I blog about and where should I start?  Well, after consulting with my inner self, I have decided to begin Chapter One: "Jewelry Supply Company" at the start of this writing adventure. 

Jewelry Supply Company (www.jewelrysupply.com) provided me with a wonderful array of 3gram tubes of  Miyuki size 11 delicas.  There are approximately 110 beads to each gram.  Their web site is a visual delight featuring beads of various shapes, sizes, finishes, and colors.  Their prices were good and much more reasonable than comparable beads at my local bead store.  They also offer a 25% discount for orders over $40.00 and if one takes advantage of the other jewelry supply items offered on their site, this expenditure can be reached in no time.

I would highly recommend Jewelry Supply Company for all my beading tools and supplies.  They certainly solved my dilemma.    

 

 

 

 

PLEASANT MEMORIES

 

 

PLEASANT MEMORIES 

 

I remember the exact day.  How could I forget?  The lottery number came in and my winnings were an unbelievable $500.00.  Also, the cat had kittens.  Their mewing woke us up.  Wild assortment of tiny pink noses and little pointed ears.

 

But, best of all, the wonderful book "Bead Weaving on a Loom" published by Designs Originals, and co-authored by Carol Porter and Fran Ortmeyer, came in the mail.  Although it is not a very large book, it is very thorough.  The beader is taken step by step thru all the challenging interesting phases of bead weaving.  At the beginning all materials and supplies are listed.  Naturally if one has decided to attempt the projects in this book, a loom is certainly a necessity.  The Clover Loom is the loom of choice in this publication.

 

The eleven projects are beautifully photographed with detailed instructions.  Once your loom is dressed, away you go on a colorful beading adventure.  Bracelets, necklaces, and earrings and additional decorative items are discussed.  All patterns are easy to follow.  One does not have to be a maven in the art of bead weaving.

 

The book "Bead Weaving on a Loom" takes one on a colorful and joyful exploration of creativity. 

 

Razine Wenneker

 

 

The Earring Style Book

 Stephanie A. Wells

 Random House

 

The fetching pair of earrings on the cover of this book pulled at my creative sensitivities.  My husband and I had recently returned from California.  We spent a beautiful sun-filled day at Laguna Beach.  There were many young and old people strolling the boardwalk, exercising their pets and doing all kinds of calisthenics to help keep fit and trim.  Several groups were playing sand volleyball.  Their sleek bodies glistened.  Most noticeable to me were the wonderful earrings that dangled back and forth as the players streaked across the warm sand to score their points.

 

The multitude of earring styles could have been inspired by this book.  All types of metal and  gemstones were incorporated into the designs.  "Penelope" featured on page 88 is a wonderful example of stones cleverly integrated.  As the author states, "the design creates a wall of color across the frame."  Chains, coiled wire, twisted wire, fabric, etc. were utilized.  The various techniques were well laid out and easy to understand.  All necessary tools and materials were listed.   Also, the author shared the approximate amount of time, ranging from 15 to 45 minutes, to construct each pair of  earrings. 

I would definitely recommend this book to any aspiring designer.  Who knows, maybe you will spy your creation framing a lovely face on a Laguna Beach sand volleyball court.  

Winner

Congratulation to Laura Showler.  She will be receiving her book shortly.  New random drawing book contest begins on June 15th and ends June 30th.

Metal Jewelry in Bloom

Melissa Cable

Kalmbach Publishing

We turned our clocks back last month. Now that I finally remember to "Spring ahead and Fall back," the task has become much easier.

Spring is in the air. The birds are chirping early in the morning. Two tiny humming birds flew into my daughter's open kitchen door the other morning. Pretzel, the frisky poodle, was mesmerized by the hovering aviators.

One of the lovely things about Spring is the wonderful smell in the air. Blossoms are beginning to emerge, poking their spindly leaves and buds thru the rain moistened soil.

Melissa Cable, in her book "Metal Jewelry in Bloom," presents us with a lovely garden of tiny delicate "how-to" flower shapes. One doesn't need rain nor fertilizer to create these blooms. She does provide us with templates and demonstrates step-by-step techniques for shaping the metal sheets into a delightful array of delicate flowers. She acquaints us with the various components of each and then recreates the flowers in metal.

One is provided with a list of tools and metal choices to facilitate your garden inventory. Determining petal shapes and then a follow-up cutting and filing lesson is presented. One can then go on to apply texture, dimension, and embellishments to the colorful garden.

All of the techniques are well documented with excellent instructions and photography. Your profusion of flowers will add a wonderful addition to your necklaces, earrings, and rings. The only element absent is the olfactory sensation.

Winning American Mah Jongg Strategies

A Guide for the Novice Player

Elaine Sandberg

Tuttle Publishing Company



I normally write craft book reviews for some major publishing companies, but when the cat is away, the mice play. I participate in social Mah Jongg games at least two times per week. The winnings from one game are contributed to a student fund at Washington University in St. Louis.

I had purchased the book "A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jong by Elaine Sandberg a few years ago and found it most helpful. Her new book on strategies is a "thinking" person's tome.

Chapter 1 covers finding the right hand and discusses power tiles such as combinations of "pairs, pungs, kongs of any tiles, etc., including flowers and jokers." Many interesting examples are given utilizing a 2010 card. There were some minor misprints on pages 58 where there were too many craks on the rack. In addition, page 66 showed eleven hands and not seven as stated ,but I did not consider this a problem in any way.

Chapter 2 discusses the Charleston and additional decisions about what to keep and what to discard. Once again there is a summary and practice section.

Chapter 3 presents "Let the Game Begin." Now one is ready to get down to the business of "playing." Time to seriously consider discards, safe tiles, hot tiles, discards and exposures, changing the hand, if necessary, and finally what hand to choose.

No need to pull out your heavy mah jong case if you want to practice a few hands. The cardboard laminated tiles (cards) were colorful and light weight. I would highly recommend both Elaine Sandberg's newest book and her boxed mah jong game with the very useful instructions. Have game, can easily travel with no extra baggage.

WINNER OF METAL CLAY BEADS

Congratulations to Margot Gregory. She is the winner of the above Lark book.

"Mixed Metal Jewelry Workshop"

Mary Hettmansperger

Lark Jewelry


The author, Mary Hettmansperger enthusiastically endorses metal clay. She has a solid background in metal fabrication so she used this knowledge to combine the two successfully. Nothing is more rewarding than having the vision to combine various mediums to deliver a message.

The author takes the pliable clay which is like putty in her hands, and sculpts, molds, and twists to end up with multiple designs. This jewelry workshop in book form teaches one the basics of sheet metal and metal clay. Sheet metal is the choice for the first five designs. The following three sections concentrate on the large variety of metal clays now available such as silver, bronze, and copper. Each has it's own wonderfully unique properties which lends itself to various design concepts.

As my children were growing up I spent many evening exploring Playdo with them. We would twist and combine colors often ending up with endless piles of muddy chunks. As we learned to handle this material, I could then help them create visions of fancy. However, nothing was really permanent. The Playdo would dry out, a limb or two would fall off, and we then had to start again. Metal clay does not present these problems. What you see if what you get, although there is a huge price differential. This material is definitely not child's play.

All the tools necessary for working the metals are well documented in this book. Rolling, cutting, piercing, texturing, stamping, etc., are discussed. Patinas are also explored. There are also instructions regarding working with wire. Many variations on a theme are presented and the finished projects, as pictured in this book, gives one a wonderful opportunity to explore all materials in depth.

What a long way we have come in setting out on a new explorative journey with the engaging book.

Draw better

Dominique Audette

Brynmorgen Press

We recently traveled to visit our family in California. As I thought back on this delightful trip, I contemplated the many sites we had visited and highways and streets over which we had traveled. Geometric shapes surrounded us. The beautiful buildings and homes on their small and large rectangular lots, the lovely cylindrical swaying palm trees, the profusion of squared off green electrical power boxes, all assailed our visual senses.

This book, "Draw Better" presents the readers with a simple text and a multitude of illustrations to aid the student in a wonderful practical drawing experience. Well presented lessons demonstrate the concepts of geometric solids, perspective, and shading.

Author points out that any reproducible object can be reduced to its basic shape. Various examples of this are illustrated such as a light bulb, cup, earthenware pot, spinning top, watering can, and lamp. He then goes on to illustrate more advanced shapes by utilizing the same concept which might require the addition of more shapes to complete.

The section on single drawings showing several views of an object is very well defined. The author then directs the student to a series of exercises that illustrate the concepts of perspective, light, and shadow which helps give an object volume.

Part 2 demonstrates how "simple geometric volumes can be transferred into everyday objects." The book concludes with Part 3 which is a wonderful definition on combinations of forms to create a realistic image. We are also introduced to "Special Cases" which offer a visual representation of shapes to be manipulated by slicing, bending, stretching, etc.

I highly recommend "Draw Better." I agree that this book is for visual learners. My eleven year old grandson has excellent drawing skills. He truly "sees."

Metal Clay Beads

Barbara Becker Simon

Lark Books


This book blew me away. I have often seen wonderful examples of this artist's creations, but never in one place all at one time. I contacted Barbara upon receipt of this book and told her that I would love to incorporated her bead on one of my Kumihimo woven ropes. Please note this focal bead pendant, which she was kind enough to send me, featured on the necklace image.

Barbara Becker's first introduction to metal clay was at a workshop taught by Tim McCreight. This workshop was sponsored by the Florida Society of Goldsmiths. Our world is truly connected. I do book reviews for Brynmorgen Press, Editor Tim McCreight, and my first workshop was also with the Florida Society of Goldsmiths. Phil London, President of this guild, was very helpful in assisting me in creating our not-for-profit organization, The Society for Midwest Metalsmiths in 1995.

Her book clarifies the properties of Precious Metal Clay, along with the necessary tools and equipment utilized. She also discusses at great length both the forming procedure, in addition about how to join, and finish.

The section on adding stones, glass, and other materials is very comprehensive. It covers both gems suitable for firing and how to set in both wet and dry clay. The textured process is explained and there are beautiful photographed examples of many of these beads. I was intrigued by the use of this material in all the featured projects in a multitude of bead forms.

If you are interested in a wonderful explanation of this material and aesthetic use, "Metal Clay Beads" provides a great educational journey to this inspirational world.