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Does anyone have art training?

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BJ And John

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Sep 15, 2002, 4:01:54 PM9/15/02
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Did anyone train in visual art or have art experience before they became
beady?
I have none and I have a hard time with color choosing and I'm quite slow at
visualizing.
What do you think, would a basic art course help, or a basic art book? A
little color wheel?
Do you look at quilts and fine art for ideas? symbolry?
Any recommends would be helpful

Beej


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Carol

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Sep 15, 2002, 4:24:07 PM9/15/02
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I look at mags that come in the mail, quilt, gift, and all the rest. Then I
search the web too. I get inspiration from everything. Color schemes and ideas.
I try not copy completely, just get the color schemes they used and change it
up some.

This week I got a quilting mag and found some animal faces that I want to try
doing some face canes in poly clay of.

I didn't take any art training, but I'm making my daughter because my art never
really completely developed. I want hers to be.
Carol
http://www.justbeads.com/search/ql.cfm?s=714936000

Kathy N-V

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Sep 15, 2002, 5:07:10 PM9/15/02
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in article 3d84e...@news.newsgroups.com, BJ And John wrote on 9/15/02 4:01
PM:

> Did anyone train in visual art or have art experience before they became
> beady?
> I have none and I have a hard time with color choosing and I'm quite slow at
> visualizing.
> What do you think, would a basic art course help, or a basic art book? A
> little color wheel?
> Do you look at quilts and fine art for ideas? symbolry?
> Any recommends would be helpful

I did, in high school and college. I used to do a lot of clay sculpture and
pottery, and later, painting. However, I am singularly lacking in any real
talent: everything I make is "cute," not artistically touching or anything
like that. (i.e., all my animals look like cartoon animals)

For colors, I don't use a color wheel at all, although I have one
(somewhere). For new color combinations, I take the tubes of seed beads and
dump them on the floor, or pick two tubes with my eyes shut -- anything that
gives me a couple of random colors. I try to make them work, even if my
initial reaction was "eeeggh."

That invariably leads to new color combinations and "what if I did X instead
of Y," and things of that nature. It's a lot of fun, too.

Kathy N-V
--
A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.

BJ And John

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Sep 15, 2002, 5:16:36 PM9/15/02
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LOL
Thats similar to how I've been coping.
I get halfway thru something and go ichhh and tear it up.
Beej

"Kathy N-V" <kath...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
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Kandice Seeber

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Sep 15, 2002, 6:04:49 PM9/15/02
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Take a trip to your local fabric store and look at the quilting books. You
can get a lot of color info there, and at the same time, look at all the
colorful fabric. That's where I learned the most about color - I used to
work in a fabric store. The people who work there are usually really
helpful in terms of what kinds of colors to put together and how to arrange
them. You can also buy little color wheels at most fabric and quilt shops.
I did take art appreciation in college and a couple of art classes in high
school - but most of my inspiration comes from the heart and the living
world around me. :) Hope this helps!

--
Kandice
Air & Earth Designs - Beaded Jewelry
www.eclecticbeadery.com
kseeber.rubylane.com
"BJ And John" <bis...@ywave.com> wrote in message
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Kandice Seeber

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Sep 15, 2002, 6:06:03 PM9/15/02
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WRONG, girlfriend! You have lots of talent!

--
Kandice
Air & Earth Designs - Beaded Jewelry
www.eclecticbeadery.com
kseeber.rubylane.com

"Kathy N-V" <kath...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:B9AA6EBE.1F49E%kath...@hotmail.com...

> However, I am singularly lacking in any real talent


Nita

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Sep 15, 2002, 9:25:35 PM9/15/02
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I started out as a commercial artist, magazine adverts sort of thing, I
still draw a lot of inspiration from fashion magazines or I just sit and
play, mixing beads together to see what the combinations look like,
a big box of colour pencils work really well, I have a box of 72 artist
pencils, (Derwents, an English brand) scribble away and see what you can
come up with.
paint sample chips can be fun too.
enjoy!

--
Nita,
~ White Raven Designs ~
view my current auctions on line at........
http://www.stores.ebay.com.au/id=41299363


"BJ And John" <bis...@ywave.com> wrote in message
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Kasey Briggs

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Sep 15, 2002, 11:26:36 PM9/15/02
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Another place to look for color schemes is the fabric store. Pick a
print with colors you like and look at the selvage (finished edge).
There's usually a color test strip with all the colors used right there.

Another fabric trick: After hearing customers at shows ask "What would
this go with?" enough times, I started going to the shopping mall early
each season to check out the current colors. Then I hit the fabric store
or my scrap stash and cover some of my displays with the current popular
colors. Nothing like having the right visual aid!

Kasey

In article <20020915162407...@mb-me.aol.com>,

Deirdre Sandstrom

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Sep 15, 2002, 11:43:52 PM9/15/02
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This sounds like a great idea. One of several I've read recently from
you. Thanks!

Deirdre

Kasey Briggs wrote:


--
===========================================
UBI INJURIA, IBI REMEDIUM
Where there's a wrong, there's a remedy.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Deirdre Sandstrom
deir...@att.net
===========================================

Sooz

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Sep 16, 2002, 12:14:24 AM9/16/02
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I've been a professional artist most of my life (my first published artwork was
at age 4). But I kept getting interrupted at school and work by illness, and
never got to finish much!

Here are some terrific sources for color:

Any books showing Kaffe Fasset's quilting, mosaic, or knitting work. The guy
is a color genius.
His books:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1564772780/ref=cm_huw_sim_1_
6/104-1754140-0824754?v=glance

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0517708531/qid=1032148189/sr=2-2/re
f=sr_2_2/104-1754140-0824754

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/156158438X/qid=1032148189/sr=2-1/re
f=sr_2_1/104-1754140-0824754

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1561585688/qid=1032148189/sr=2-3/re
f=sr_2_3/104-1754140-0824754

Another couple of gorgeous art quilt books that someone here on RCB suggested
to me:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/157120105X/ref=cm_huw_sim_1_2/104-1
754140-0824754

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1571200525/ref=cm_wl_ovu-pg.1-pos.9
/104-1754140-0824754?coliid=IFWGPBVQNR5NF

And this amazing book about flowers -- it'll melt your eyeballs:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0847824438/ref=cm_wl_ovu-pg.1-pos.6
/104-1754140-0824754?coliid=I5M5GFBEOYNMC

Plus, a color wheel and color info:
http://www.colormatters.com/colortheory.html

And, for all your beady needs, links:
http://www.maychristdesigns.com/soozs_infamous_links_list.htm

>> Did anyone train in visual art or have art experience before they became
beady?
>> I have none and I have a hard time with color choosing and I'm quite slow at
visualizing.
>> What do you think, would a basic art course help, or a basic art book? A
little color wheel?
>> Do you look at quilts and fine art for ideas? symbolry? Any recommends
would be helpful
>>
>> Beej


~~
Sooz
Absence of stress means you're dead.

Deirdre Sandstrom

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Sep 16, 2002, 12:21:26 AM9/16/02
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Thanks! I'm forwarding these to myself at work so I can look them up in
our catalog tomorrow and see if we have any of them.

Deirdre

Sooz wrote:

Message has been deleted

Karen_AZ

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Sep 16, 2002, 1:38:30 AM9/16/02
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YES YES YES to Kaffe Fasset!!!! I used to teach knitting and weaving, and
his designs are one of my favorite resources.

I think traditional color theory is always a good place to start. I took
several years of art classes before resigning myself to the fact that I
couldn't draw, but graph paper loved me. I got some counted cross stitch
designs published, then fell in love with spinning and dyeing (a really
convenient excuse to never have a "finished" product). I love weaving, but
crawling in and out of my old loom was getting to be too much. Beadmaking is
instant gratification, and much more portable. <G>

--
KarenK
Desert Dreamer Designs
http://members.cox.net/desertdreameraz/index.html


crazyred head

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Sep 16, 2002, 1:43:58 AM9/16/02
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Marisa Cappetta

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Sep 16, 2002, 8:06:51 AM9/16/02
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in article 3d84e...@news.newsgroups.com, BJ And John at bis...@ywave.com
wrote on 16/9/02 4:01 AM:

Yes Beej, I have a BA degree as a jewellery/metal worker with a minor in
textile arts. I've read through this thread and all the suggestions here
are excellent. If you can, it doesn't hurt to learn some colour theory,
either by taking a class or boning up in the library, many 'how to' books on
painting, drawing and crafts cover it. At the end of the day, experience
makes a good colourist. Keep trying new combinations. It helps to work to
a theme, such as trying to achieve a certain texture, perhaps a 3
dimensionality, a mood, trying to evoke a season, working to music, a land
or sea scape, drawing from nature. You might also draw inspiration from the
use of colour in different cultures and in history. For instance, African
tribal art is very different in colour sense to eastern European folk art.
The use of colour during the Byzantine empire (my fave) is different to the
Nordic peoples of the same era. What about looking at colours as used in
various western art periods, for instance, looking at the difference in
colours used by the Impressionists as opposed to the Fauvists or
Expressionists. Some research can really get the creative juices flowing.
Learn the rules, then break them to see what happens. Experiment, play, have
fun.
Marisa

MG

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Sep 16, 2002, 9:22:54 AM9/16/02
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This thread is so full of great info! Thanks for all the links you
guys have posted.

I almost took an art class in high school, but had to drop it in favor
of the required American History class. :( I got some color theory
studying hair and makeup, though the artist's palette and the makeup
artist's palette are a bit different. So my sense of color is pretty
much all instinct. I've begun studying color wheels and will
investigate all the helpful links that have been posted.

If left to my own, I'll just use "safe" colors, ones which obviously
go together. In order to get past this, I've been doing what a few
others have mentioned - throw some random beads together and try to
make the colors work in a new (to me) way. It's fun!

MG
Save "Farscape"! http://farscape.wdsection.com
*remove the block when replying by email*

mkahogan

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Sep 16, 2002, 9:45:31 AM9/16/02
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Beej,
I do not have any artisitic training. I know what looks good to me. It
also seems to appeal to other people.
I do look at fabric and things like that when they strike me as having a
beautiful color combination. Nature is a big clue too. Especially this time
of year, for me.
I am taking a 3 hour color theory interior design class next week.
Hopefully that will enlighten me to color wheels, etc.
I fugure any additional knowledge can't hurt.
Kathy

"BJ And John" <bis...@ywave.com> wrote in message
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mkahogan

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Sep 16, 2002, 9:46:52 AM9/16/02
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I second that.
K H
"Kandice Seeber" <see...@attbi.com> wrote in message
news:fv7h9.280985$kp.9...@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att.net...

mkahogan

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Sep 16, 2002, 9:48:17 AM9/16/02
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Yeah, like that real effective use of the black background with the
brilliant colors that one sees so often in Amish quilts.
I love that and have used the same color technique in my work.
Kathy

"Kandice Seeber" <see...@attbi.com> wrote in message
news:5u7h9.112610$Jo.30805@rwcrnsc53...

mkahogan

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Sep 16, 2002, 9:50:18 AM9/16/02
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Sooz, you are a veritable endless pool of resources for us all. What A
Woman!!!
Kathy H
"Sooz" <diva...@aol.comeatpeeps> wrote in message
news:20020916001424...@mb-fq.aol.com...

Lee S. Billings

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Sep 16, 2002, 11:17:28 AM9/16/02
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In article <cre8tivewmn-7F7F...@news.comcast.giganews.com>,
cre8t...@comcast.com says...

>Another fabric trick: After hearing customers at shows ask "What would
>this go with?" enough times, I started going to the shopping mall early
>each season to check out the current colors. Then I hit the fabric store
>or my scrap stash and cover some of my displays with the current popular
>colors. Nothing like having the right visual aid!

Ooh, good idea!

Celine (making notes)

--
"Only the powers of evil claim that doing good is boring."
-- Diane Duane, _Nightfall at Algemron_

Sooz

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Sep 16, 2002, 2:44:18 PM9/16/02
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Haw!!

>And when you get tired of that just use my handy-dandy glossary of
>color theory terms for beadworkers ;-) ;-)
>http://www.flash.net/~mjtafoya/extras/colorglo.htm

Sooz

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Sep 16, 2002, 2:49:18 PM9/16/02
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Haw! I just was looking at Mr. Fassett's books (the ones I don't have yet) at
Borders when this thread came up, and drooling my fool head off. He has the
most amazing color sense. My eyes get so happy!

One thing he does is put small amounts of yellow-orange with
magenta/purple/blue, and I'm really loving that this fall. Then, what do I
get?!?!?!?! KANDICE BEADS in the mail!!! HOLY GOD ALMIGHTY! In those
colors!!! I don't know how she knew, but..........>klunk<

They're gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>Sooz, you are a veritable endless pool of resources for us all. What A
>Woman!!!
>Kathy H

Arondelle

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Sep 16, 2002, 3:20:15 PM9/16/02
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Sooz wrote:

> Haw! I just was looking at Mr. Fassett's books (the ones I don't have yet) at
> Borders when this thread came up, and drooling my fool head off. He has the
> most amazing color sense. My eyes get so happy!
>
> One thing he does is put small amounts of yellow-orange with

> magenta/purple/blue, and I'm really loving that this fall. <snip>


One of the color schemes I used to use a lot when I was doing
needlepoint and bargello was teal, violet and orange. Sounds ghastly, I
know, but the designs were predominently green and purple, with small
amounts of the orange to make the other colors POP!

Hmmm. I wonder if I can recreate that design from memory in beads...?

--
Arondelle

===========================================================
"Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is
better than not to think at all."

"To teach superstitions as truth is a most terrible thing."

(attributed to Hypatia of Alexandria)
===========================================================

Visit Arondelle's Dream Worlds at:
http://www.angelfire.com/nh/arondelledreams/index.html

Christina Foster Peterson

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Sep 16, 2002, 6:40:57 AM9/16/02
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My grandfather was curator of an art museum. That has been the core of my
sense of art and color. Various classes came along all my life. And color
is instinctive for me, but I also took a color and design class.

I feel color. I feel the golden glow of evening sun, and the blue sky,
fresh spring grass. When I choose bead that feel good for me to look at.
(No wonder I only work with what I like). Use your sense of feeling and
your sense of play to choose beads and combinations that appeal to you.

As to reference books. Any art books. Renaissance art, Faberge jewelry,
Susan Sedon Boulet. But my most effective references are still my sense of
feel for color and play.

Tina


"BJ And John" <bis...@ywave.com> wrote in message
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Shirley Shone

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Sep 16, 2002, 6:04:44 PM9/16/02
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Now Sooz you have recently spoken to a woman who had the good luck to do
a weekend course with Kaffe Fassett. Yes it is me.
This was when he was in his knitting phase,
It was a wonderful weekend, he signed the two books that he wrote and I
have.
Love
Shirley


In article <20020916144918...@mb-bh.aol.com>, Sooz
<diva...@aol.comeatpeeps> writes

--
Shirley Shone

BeckiBead

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Sep 16, 2002, 8:12:29 PM9/16/02
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I have a degree in Interior Design, which I have never used. So I tell
everyone that making jewelry is just like interior design -- you take beautiful
things and put them next to other beautiful things, LOL.

Too-dah.


Becki

Deirdre Sandstrom

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Sep 17, 2002, 12:23:08 AM9/17/02
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I like this, too. Black is the only color in which I have used up an
entire half-kilo of size 11 seed beads.

Deirdre

mkahogan wrote:

Deirdre Sandstrom

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Sep 17, 2002, 12:31:52 AM9/17/02
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mkahogan wrote:

> Sooz, you are a veritable endless pool of resources for us all. What A
> Woman!!!

Yeah, I reserved several Fassett books at work today. Merci!

Deirdre

Sooz

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Sep 17, 2002, 12:55:38 AM9/17/02
to
>> Yeah, like that real effective use of the black background with the
>> brilliant colors that one sees so often in Amish quilts.

I adore a black background, with vibrant flowers, in a fabric or wallpaper
print. Ohhhh dear......

Sooz

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Sep 17, 2002, 1:58:23 AM9/17/02
to
I remember that! It knocked my socks off!

>Now Sooz you have recently spoken to a woman who had the good luck to do
>a weekend course with Kaffe Fassett. Yes it is me.
>This was when he was in his knitting phase,
>It was a wonderful weekend, he signed the two books that he wrote and I have.
>Love
>Shirley

Kaytee

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Sep 17, 2002, 11:30:56 AM9/17/02
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>I adore a black background, with vibrant flowers, in a fabric or wallpaper
>print. Ohhhh dear......

... in dresses....
Kaytee
"Simplexities" on
www.eclecticbeadery.com

Sooz

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Sep 17, 2002, 3:00:37 PM9/17/02
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Yes yes YES!

>>I adore a black background, with vibrant flowers, in a fabric or wallpaper
>>print. Ohhhh dear......
>
>... in dresses....
>Kaytee


~~
Sooz
Bat, bat, come under my hat
And I'll give you a piece of bacon.
And when I bake
I'll make you a cake
If I am not mistaken.

Karleen Page/vibrantjewels

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Oct 8, 2002, 3:31:26 PM10/8/02
to

"Kasey Briggs" <cre8t...@comcast.com> wrote in message
news:cre8tivewmn-7F7F...@news.comcast.giganews.com...
...>


> Another fabric trick: After hearing customers at shows ask "What would
> this go with?" enough times, I started going to the shopping mall early
> each season to check out the current colors. Then I hit the fabric store
> or my scrap stash and cover some of my displays with the current popular
> colors. Nothing like having the right visual aid!
>

> Kasey

This is a neat idea! But I usually say... buy the necklace, etc., if you
love it and then buy something to go with it!
--
Vibrant Jewels
http://www.vibrantpages.com/jewelry/welcome.htm
JustBead Auctions
http://www.justbeads.com/search/ql.cfm?s=21770
Thanks for your business!
Karleen Page/vibrantjewels


Karleen Page/vibrantjewels

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Oct 8, 2002, 5:42:09 PM10/8/02
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Hey Becko! You know I'm addicted to HGTV, and guess what? A lot of the
Interior Designers are using beads in their designs now...

But I wouldn't say you've never USED your degree... Your creativity and
color sense come thru every time you design a piece of jewelry.

Hugs, Karleen

"BeckiBead" <beck...@aol.combuybeads> wrote in message
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Lori Greenberg

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Oct 8, 2002, 7:51:16 PM10/8/02
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I have a friend that tells people, if you love these colors, you probably
have something that goes with it already.

--
Lori Greenberg

Pre-Auction Exclusives for r.c.b-ers
http://www.abundancebox.com/preauction.htm

justbeads auctions:
http://www.justbeads.com/search/ql.cfm?s=47723

"Karleen Page/vibrantjewels" <jew...@vibrantpages.com> wrote in message
news:ioGo9.16342$lV3.1...@newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net...

CCA/camdeon

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Oct 10, 2002, 12:36:23 AM10/10/02
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You might want to also find some resources for what the trends are for
the next season. That way you can also tell the customers how they
can be ahead of the game. A lot of people like that. When I was
younger I always kept up with what the story for the next season was
when making purchases.

I noticed a report about the turquoise and coral combinations before
they got it in the stores. I was on one bead web site that put out a
newsletter informing their customers that coral was the next hot trend
(I don't remember what season that was for). I would say for the
person in the bead or jewelry business this type of information is
vital. If you are a hobbyist like me...well I can't say I really
care...If I have to be honest :-) hee! hee!

CCA

Karleen Page/vibrantjewels

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Oct 10, 2002, 12:45:55 PM10/10/02
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Good point!!!! I'll have to try to remember that... I also saw a website
once where a guy made beaded jewelry who believes that if you are drawn to a
piece, it was meant for you! Of course, you gotta be drawn to the price
also! LOL

--
Karleen Page/Vibrant Jewels

"Lori Greenberg" <ne...@abundancebox.com> wrote in message
news:UbKo9.16771$lV3.1...@newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net...

Karleen Page/vibrantjewels

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Oct 10, 2002, 12:59:48 PM10/10/02
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The problem that I have personally with "what's in style" is that I HATE for
someone to dictate to me what I should wear, what colors, what length, what
fabric, etc, don't you? It's hard for me to get into that mindset when I'm
making jewelry. I put together things I love to make something lovely, the
heck with fads. Of course that doesn't help sales, where are lot of
customers are slavishly tied into what the fashion mags say! And how the
fashion "industry" says we are supposed to look... don't even get me started
on the "thin is in" nonsense.

Another thing I dislike is production - you know, if one piece is nice and
sells, make a hundred. I'm not saying production work is bad... for me it's
boring! LOL Even though at times if I have enough beads I do make multiples
of some of my kits ... but I only usually do that when I first create the
kit, and if someone wants another like it when all the multiples are gone...
too bad! I do have one kit that I can do multiples because I bought tons of
the beads that go in it... here:
http://www.vibrantpages.com/jewelry/Kits/kit104.htm

By the way, in answer to the original question, Does anyone have art
training? For me the answer is yes. I was originally an art major, have
done different kinds of arts & crafts all my life. I think it does help with
matching colors and creativity EXCEPT for the fact that the reason I changed
my major was that I believed the dept head when he said I didn't have any
talent, although I made A's & B's in all my classes. I think ppl with
creative natures are extremely sensitive - and prone not to believe in
themselves generally. I didn't do any painting for 7 years after that, the
wound was so deep, although I did embroidery, cross stitch and needlepoint.
After that I started taking an art class at our local library, had a fab
teacher, and it built up my confidence. So I'm saying art classes don't
necessarily help - if you have a cruddy teacher! If you have a fab teacher,
go for it!!! The great thing about my fab teacher was that she encouraged
everyone to develop their own style, and not imitate hers, plus she taught
for free simply because she loved it.

--
Karleen Page/Vibrant Jewels


"CCA/camdeon" <camde...@removemeyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:3h1aqucpce5dddhih...@4ax.com...


> You might want to also find some resources for what the trends are for
> the next season. That way you can also tell the customers how they
> can be ahead of the game. A lot of people like that. When I was
> younger I always kept up with what the story for the next season was
> when making purchases.
>

>...If you are a hobbyist like me...well I can't say I really

CCA/camdeon

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Oct 10, 2002, 1:35:24 PM10/10/02
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On Thu, 10 Oct 2002 16:59:48 GMT, "Karleen Page/vibrantjewels"
<jew...@vibrantpages.com> wrote:

>The problem that I have personally with "what's in style" is that I HATE for
>someone to dictate to me what I should wear, what colors, what length, what
>fabric, etc, don't you?

Yes now, however, when I was younger that was not so. Now I don't
care, I prefer to go with my individual tastes. Now if I ever got
into the retail end of the business then I would have to deal with the
reality of many of the consumers and not what my personal tastes were.
I would also think if my beaded jewelry were more along the line of
individual one of a kind art pieces in an art gallery then it would be
important that I stick to my personal tastes than what the consumer
wanted because in that market I would assume the customer is indeed
purchasing my personal "interpretation or style."

(snip)

CCA

Diane V.

unread,
Oct 10, 2002, 4:45:59 PM10/10/02
to
Yep, a B.S. and M.S. in Art Education. By day, a mild-mannered computer
programmer (post-grad degree in programming). By night, a polymer clay
artist. And on the weekends, a polymer clay teacher (including next year's
Bead & Button conference!).

BTW, I suffered for years from a remark made by an art prof in college. The
good side to that is that I'm very sensitive to my students' feelings and
emotions.

Diane V.

"Karleen Page/vibrantjewels" <jew...@vibrantpages.com> wrote in message

news:8mip9.20093$OB5.1...@newsread2.prod.itd.earthlink.net...
snip

CCA/camdeon

unread,
Oct 11, 2002, 12:29:43 AM10/11/02
to
On Thu, 10 Oct 2002 16:45:59 -0400, "Diane V."
>BTW, I suffered for years from a remark made by an art prof in college. The
>good side to that is that I'm very sensitive to my students' feelings and
>emotions.
>Diane V.

Bravo to you for taking a different approach to teaching! Keep on
nurturing those students. My sister suffered the same fate as you.
She never recovered and gave up on an art degree and got some other
degree.

Now she is getting her MBA. I strongly believe she will suffer the
same fate as me now. I also got an MBA and never truly followed my
heart. My heart said art and my brain said otherwise. Now I am
middle aged and trying to develop my artistic side. Seems that
artistic side has dried up and shriveled. But I gotta believe that I
can still retrieve it even if it takes the rest of my life.

My sister sometimes reflects on what would have happened if she had
pursued the art thing and ignored her professor. Unfortunately when
her predatory professor attacked her, she was a freshman, first time
away from home and at that young age when she was still developing her
self confidence. An important time for an artist. If she were older I
doubt her professor would have attacked her and if he did she would
have popped him a good one.

I think I'll go have a vodka tonic, put my feet up and nurture that
artist dying to get out of me!

CCA

Karleen Page/vibrantjewels

unread,
Oct 12, 2002, 1:52:19 AM10/12/02
to
Good grief! I didn't realize that art profs did it to so many ppl!!! Wonder
why? Jealous of REAL talent maybe? Another thing that really discouraged me
was the whole juried art show thing... good quality work was often dumped
for something "different" ... The year that a "piece" with a lime green wish
bone (yeah from some poor dead chicken) as focal point won convinced me I'd
be better spending my time elsewhere!!!

I guess one reason I really love beads is that usually beading ppl are more
supportive of each other and less devastatingly critical of each others
efforts (I'm ignoring some of the ugly remarks made here during the OT
debate).

Although as soon as I get one of my tables cleaned off, I plan to do some
painting again. I have a really lovely (I think) semi-abstract floral done
in shades of purples that I'd like to attempt to bead weave one day too,
when I figure out how to convert it to a pattern.

"CCA/camdeon" <camde...@removemeyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:gjkcqu0p8nmpr2t3b...@4ax.com...

Karen_AZ

unread,
Oct 12, 2002, 2:27:28 AM10/12/02
to
Okay, here's my "rant" of the evening. <G>

Personally, I *like* jurying. That said, I haven't done any juried shows
since I turned back to beading 5 years ago. However, in my previous
incarnation as a handweaver/spinner/dyer, I was a member of the PA Guild of
Designer Craftsmen and enjoyed it very much. I was tickled when someone
suggested that I apply (a mentor whose opinion I REALLY valued) and even
more so when I was accepted on my 2nd try. There is definitely a level of
cliquishness (that makes our alleged board cabal a total joke), but it's
possible to at least ignore it.

What I like about jurying, and juried shows, is that it ummmmm.....weeds out
the chaff. Whereas a church basement "craft show" is almost inevitably a lot
of imports and buy/sell junk, that's never going to happen with a good
juried show. OTOH I recently went to a show here in Phoenix (Harvest
Festivals) and was really disappointed by the lack of quality and obvious
buy/sell/import vendors, considering I THOUGHT it was at least somewhat
juried. Back east, with my fiber stuff, I did a few of the Sugarloaf shows
and the old WBAI shows in NYC, and they were rigidly juried. I'm still not
sure how I got into the WBAI shows, but what a rush!

What it boils down to for me is that I'm tired of doing shows where anything
goes, and watching folks trot out with their mass-produced, stenciled wooden
snowman lawn markers while my very individual work goes totally unnnoticed.
Granted, maybe my stuff just doesn't fly, period. However, I've sold to a
few dress shops and upscale galleries, so I don't think I'm totally wasting
my time. <hopeful smile>

The "service" the jurying can perform, when done correctly (BIG assumption,
admittedly) is that if your stuff doesn't belong in the market that the show
promoters are targeting, you don't get picked, you don't waste your time and
effort (and ego, occasionally). In a perfect world, those doing the jurying
know what they're looking for, what will fit, and what will sell. They get
to be the gatekeepers, and save you subsequent heartbreak. An anything goes
show can be a total waste of time and energy. Jurying at least removes the
factor of dumb luck.

<plunking down her loose change and blowing away the pocket-lint>

--
KarenK (beadshow hint #42.....take some unfinished projects along to work
on...that way, even if it's a deadly dull show, you haven't wasted ALL of
your time)
Desert Dreamer Designs
http://members.cox.net/desertdreameraz/index.html


Sooz

unread,
Oct 12, 2002, 2:35:44 AM10/12/02
to
Good points, Karen. As a customer, I much prefer juried shows. We went to one
about a week ago that was not juried, and it just wasn't interesting....except
for one booth of lampworked beads (that were splendid) and one booth of these:
http://www.beadranch.com/

It was such an awful show that we wonderd how these two terrific vendors got
in! At a juried show, at least I know I'll see things that are -- for the most
part -- beautiful, well made, and not imported slave labor or mass produced.

>Personally, I *like* jurying.
~good points snipped for bandwidth~
~~
Sooz

Steve & Susan Wright

unread,
Oct 12, 2002, 9:59:56 AM10/12/02
to
We decided last year that we would only do bead shows or juried art shows.
We have done a couple of craft shows and find that the public wants things
that we don't fit in with at these. Our price points are above a mom needs
a hobby and wants to get back a little to keep hubby happy stuff. We don't
fit in with country and we need an educated public that knows bead work and
beads as an art form not a hobby lobby kitchen craft. We have also found
that we would rather do fewer shows with a public that is looking for what
we do than a bunch of shows that you fight with the imports, buy/sell. You
do get different crowds at different types of shows and promoters should
select upon what their public wants. Some juried shows are a hoax. We
juried in a couple and found that if you had the money you juried in. One
was in Independence Mo several years ago and the people down from us still
had the made in china tags on their "handcrafted" items. Brought this to
the attention of the show and yet they were there the next year.

Susan W

"Karen_AZ" <desertd...@cox.net> wrote in message
news:khPp9.137292$S32.9...@news2.west.cox.net...

Lee S. Billings

unread,
Oct 12, 2002, 12:32:03 PM10/12/02
to
In article <20021012023544...@mb-cg.aol.com>,
diva...@aol.comeatpeeps says...

>
>Good points, Karen. As a customer, I much prefer juried shows. We went to
one
>about a week ago that was not juried, and it just wasn't interesting....except
>for one booth of lampworked beads (that were splendid) and one booth of these:
>http://www.beadranch.com/
>
>It was such an awful show that we wonderd how these two terrific vendors got
>in! At a juried show, at least I know I'll see things that are -- for the
>most part -- beautiful, well made, and not imported slave labor or mass
>produced.

Yes, and to me the one less-than-ideal factor about the Intergem shows is that
you have to walk past so many booths selling cheap imported "fashion jewelry"
to find the good vendors. But then, I recognize that the people who will buy
the cheap imported stuff are also part of their target market. (I do feel a
little sorry for the person who has to set up opposite the sequined purses,
though -- by the end of the day, they must be blinded!)

Celine

--
Handmade jewelry at http://www.rubylane.com/shops/starcat
"Only the powers of evil claim that doing good is boring."
-- Diane Duane, _Nightfall at Algemron_

Karleen Page/vibrantjewels

unread,
Oct 13, 2002, 12:28:01 AM10/13/02
to
I agree with you on juried craft shows where you actually sell things ... I
should have been clearer, I was specifically talking about "art shows",
where you usually don't hope to sell anything, and the judges are looking
for the outlandish, not necessarily the best. Might be different in other
areas, but the few I've dealt with have been nightmares.

I haven't tried for any juried craft shows ... maybe I'm too timid for that
yet.

"Karen_AZ" <desertd...@cox.net> wrote in message
news:khPp9.137292$S32.9...@news2.west.cox.net...
...> What I like about jurying, and juried shows, is that it


ummmmm.....weeds out
> the chaff. Whereas a church basement "craft show" is almost inevitably a
lot
> of imports and buy/sell junk, that's never going to happen with a good

> juried show. ...


crazyred head

unread,
Oct 13, 2002, 1:28:42 AM10/13/02
to

Barbara Otterson

unread,
Oct 13, 2002, 8:14:52 AM10/13/02
to
On Sun, 13 Oct 2002 00:28:42 -0500 (CDT), redc...@webtv.net (crazyred
head) wrote:

>I been to 2 Juried Shows both were Rip offs One let in all the Mass
>produced stuff and the other (this last weekend) The Members of the Art
>group had the non members Jurie though they were sit down stairs,

It can't be said long, loud or often enough. Research the
show before you give them your money. If someone says
"it's a good show", take a look at what they make. Compare
it to what you make. If they make 5.00 bunnies for kids and
you make nice jewelry in the 25.00 to 500.00 range there is
absolutely no reason to think it will be a good show for you.
Do your homework. Buy Crafts Report and Sunshine
Artist. Read the reviews. Call the promoter and ask the
right questions.
I wouldn't touch an unjuried show with a 100' pole.
I even perfer the shows that have an entry fee. It helps
weed out the people who are just there to be entertained.
I want buyers. Preferably educated art buyers. So I look
for shows that work on attracting the same.
Get Sunshine Artist from a couple of months back. The
200 Best issue. There are many articles in there about
how to choose the shows you do, all of them good. And
I'm not just saying that because my work is going to be on
the Dec. cover. It is a valuable resource. Read the reviews
learn what they mean. Read between the lines. Make sure
you're comparing apples to apples when someone says
a show is good. Wasted money you can earn back. Wasted
time is gone forever.
Barbara
Dream Master
www.dreamweaverstudio.com

A human being should be able to change a diaper,
plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship,
design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts,
build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take
orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations,
analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer,
cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly.
Specialization is for insects.

Lazarus Long (Robert A. Heinlein)

Contemporary Beadwork

unread,
Oct 13, 2002, 8:32:33 AM10/13/02
to
I design what I like and what I think is beautiful. I would NEVER follow
a trend....why do that when you can be a trend MAKER. I would feel like
a machine, not a true artist, if I followed trends.
That is evient in all of my artful involvements, including webssite
building which I have been taking online classes in for the last year.
SRS

Tink

unread,
Oct 13, 2002, 8:59:02 AM10/13/02
to
I love this...

On Sun, 13 Oct 2002 12:14:52 GMT, drea...@dreamweaverstudio.com
(Barbara Otterson) wrote:

>Wasted money you can earn back. Wasted
>time is gone forever.

Tink

"Pilulas vitreas fingo, ergo sum"
Visit here for lampwork & my book ~ http://blackswampglassworks.com
eBAY! http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/blackswampglassworks/

snootyvixen

unread,
Oct 13, 2002, 11:58:59 AM10/13/02
to
Got any pics? Website? Would love to see your work.

Vikki

--
---
"Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn." Gore Vidal
www.snootyvixen.com
www.rubylane.com/shops/snootyvixen
www.eclecticbeadery.com
"Contemporary Beadwork" <erthl...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:20873-3DA...@storefull-2113.public.lawson.webtv.net...

crazyred head

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Oct 13, 2002, 2:52:45 PM10/13/02
to

Steve & Susan Wright

unread,
Oct 14, 2002, 10:11:09 AM10/14/02
to
There are several good resources for shows including the Harris list and Art
Fair Source Book. One other question to ask is how much parking? Went to
one juried show and the parking was for about nine cars which for some
unknown reason the promoters took up with their cars. Any other parking was
several blocks away and on busy streets. The parking might not be an issue
for shows that have a track record but it can make difference. If you can
do check out a show and the community. Another rule is to always be in the
main room. If you find that they are opening another new area beware of
being there.

Susan W
"Barbara Otterson" <drea...@dreamweaverstudio.com> wrote in message
news:3da95f77....@news.earthlink.net...

crazyred head

unread,
Oct 14, 2002, 2:16:14 PM10/14/02
to

Sooz

unread,
Oct 22, 2002, 3:24:00 PM10/22/02
to
I think it has a whole lot ot do with anger they can't express elsewhere in
their lives. It's a covert, subtle evil....like an undergrounder zit. It
damages people's lives.

>Good grief! I didn't realize that art profs did it to so many ppl!!! Wonder
>why? Jealous of REAL talent maybe?

~~
Sooz
Bat, bat, come under my hat

And I'll give you a slice of bacon.
And when I bake,
I'll make you a cake,

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