Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Making Wire & Bead Jewelry Review and Giveaway


Janice Berkebile and Tracy Stanley have written a delightful book full of techniques and 500 how-to photos to create jewelry with simply executed techniques with wire and beads. These two well-known teachers in the field start at the very beginning with information on tools and materials, wire working and finishing.
Being a fiber artist not a metal worker, I was amazed at the sophisticated results possible with wire working. I particularly appreciated the Tips sections that provided the details needed to do a job well. 

If you would like to be considered to win this book, leave a comment and a way to contact you by June 9 and I will published the randomly selected winner by June 12. 

Nancy

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

How Does Art Look on Walls of Color?

The 2012 Handcrafted Exhibition at Maria V. Howard Art Center is now history. Before it closed, Catherine Lloyd arranged photography of Mossy Cup Oak: Quercus Macrocarpa while it was still on the red wall at the entry of the upstairs gallery. I love what the deep red wall does for the piece.


The amount of breathing room allowed artwork in these galleries is wonderful. You can really focus on one piece of art at a time. This was a great juried exhibition of high craft that moves directly into the art world. It was really exciting that a wonderful piece of fiber -- a tapestry - took best of show.

This is the second time that I have seen this recurring juried exhibition of artists from across the country, and it is now on my calendar to see again. While I love art in general, I find that I am more and more drawn to high craft to view for pleasure and admiration.

Nancy