Bangle Bracelet Bling!

I’m so excited to be giving small workshops in my private studio overlooking the Colorado mountain range with a crackling fire, a glass of vino or coffee (depends on the time of day!) and some goodies to munch on while we explore my techniques and projects. Here’s the Bangle Bracelet Bling class I’m giving this Sunday 12:30-2pm. We start with Ellen Medlock's wonderful bracelet blanks (http://www.ellenmedlock.com/), add splashes of fabric, fiber and a bit of bling. Very fun...Come play!

Open Studio!

OK kids, the studio is all cleaned up, fire going, brisk outside, handmade chocolate fills the air and baubles and gift abound for your shopping pleasure! It’s my favorite holiday event, my Open Studio! This Friday and Saturday, Dec.4, 5 and Dec. 11 & 12 we’re having quite the soiree! Fridays 4-8 wine sipping and chocolate munching, Saturdays 10-4 lots of fun free demos given by myself and my BFF Karen, the CMQ (Chocolate Making Queen). There’ll be pottery, jewelry, silk scarves and my new “Mommy & Me” pet jewelry sets. Swing by for a cup of good cheer and chuckles! Contact me for my Colorado studio address via email: Kristal@KristalWick.com or 303.667.9573.

WHERE'S THE SNOW?

My great peeps at Rings and Things sent me a goodie bag full of lovelies to play with…I just HAD to show you all as these cuties are sure to get you in the mood to make your own holiday gifts! Always inspired by the holiday season, I giggled over these cute holiday lamp work glass beads, the penguin was my fav (http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=230&idproduct=21236) with the snowmen (http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=230&idproduct=21237) a close second! I used a new gunmetal chain with some cool textured close links; added my red and green Batik Beauty fabric beads (http://www.kristalwick.com/) with a splash of CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements (http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=15) . Finished it up with a magnetic clasp and call it "Where's the Snow".

Now the hardest part is deciding which gal pal gets this treasure in her stocking!

Today I'm a DIVA!

I had the best time with Craft Diva™ Danielle Forsgren and The Duke of Crafts,
Rayme Royale today as I was the guest on their show on Diva Craft Lounge http://www.divacraftlounge.com.

We laughed a whole bunch and had a virtual party chating about crafting. Check it out!

CHA SUMMER!

What can I say about this FAB event? It was a riot! A whirlwind of activites, crafty folks, cupcakes and make& takes! A picture is worth a thousand words so take a peek at my great adventures...

First stop, a video taping for Michael's website with the delightfully entertaining Jo Pearson. Here I am with Lisa Pavelka and Jo setting up and drinking coffee before the doors open, the crowds trample in and live taping begins.

The lull before the storm...
The crew getting the "studio" set up for Michael's tapings.

Lisa Lambright dreaming of her own TV show...

Making sure everything is ready for the camera...

Hooking my microphone up and trying not to giggle...that tickles!

Lights, camera, ACTION!

Is the camera working???!

More than loads of laughs with these two...

That's a wrap!

Our lovely fans with questions, comments & many hugs. Love you guys, thanks for stopping by!

Next stop - teaching a couple cell phone charm Make & Takes for Michael's.

One of the highlights was meeting and chatting with Mary Engelbreit!

Such an inspirational icon in my life (also VERY cool she loved my book!).










One of my favorite things in life is to hear my mentors' stories...they all have such fascinating backgrounds and it's exciting to hear some of the secrets of what makes them tick...

Thanks Mary, what a pleasure!

Next stop, a testimonial filming for Ott Lights (which I use every day in my studio and LOVE!).

No time for rest...onto my book signing at the Crafty Cafe.

Sooooo fun chatting about my book, quilts, jewelry, everything bling!

Here are some of my crafty celeb pals...

Matt Fox & Shari Hiller

The famous AND infamous Margot Potter...

Clay queen Lisa Pavelka and glam Jill McKay

The Chic Crafty Chica and rockin' daughter Maya

Mega talents Claudine Hellmuth & Candi Cooper












Never met a cupcake I didn't like...or two, or three or...

WHERE'S RUSS?

Is this the cutest BEAD or what??? Yup, he's a bead!

It's Russ the owner/founder of Rings-n-Things. 

I put him in a pile of my Batik Beauty beads, So fun!

SEW NEWS

Sew News did a full page review on my fabric beads, BATIK BEAUTIES and SASSY SILKIES!

Thanks Sew News! 

Check out page 71...

I'm ready for my close up Mr. DeMille...

Fun times taping for the PBS TV show, Beads Baubles and Jewels 1000 series! I did a couple of segments Sponsored by Rings & Things (www.rings-things.com) & and TierraCast® (http://www.tierracast.com).

It’s always a blast working with such a professional TV crew and hanging out with the jewelry "cream of the crop" in the green room sharing trade secrets and dishing exciting tidbits like trends, winter colors and what's new in bling-land. I thought you all might like a behind the scene tour…

It's all about the makeup!!!

Prepping the set

The producer-Kathy Stull, host-Katina Forte and myself discussing my segment

Kathy and Katherine (the best grand wazoo helper EVER) and myself fluffing and folding all the pretty bling!

Hooking up my mic...

Katina and I am ready for ACTION!

Magic in the Control room...

Silk Resin Bracelets show 1005-5

Oooooooo LaLa!

My latest creation totally inspired by this handcrafted Russian pendant based on Alfons Mucha's painting Emerald: http://www.artbeads.com/ab-pt03.html

Check out the entire selection:
http://www.artbeads.com/russian-artist-reproduction-pendants.html

Of course it's loaded with my fav Swarovski crystals: http://www.artbeads.com/swarovski-crystal-beads.html

I made some special Sassy Silky beads from my book, Fabulous Fabric Beads: http://www.kristalwick.com/

I used a interchangable hinged bail so I can swap pendants: http://alacarteclasps.com/Bails.aspx

Also some of the lovely Tierra Cast http://www.tierracast.com/ and Vintaj findings http://www.vintaj.com/

You like? This Blingy Babe needs a name, any suggestions?

Swarovski Demo at Bead & Button

Besides giving 5 classes at B&B next week, I'll also be demoing WIRE WHIMSEY in the Swarovski booth Sat. June 6th 2:30-3:30. Stop by!


http://www.create-your-style.com/Content.Node/events-and-stores/events/BEADBUTTON-2009.en.php

SWAROVSKI SPONSORED BEAD & BUTTON CLASSES

CRYSTALLIZED™ Presents: Relique

Explore metal surface design treatments with stamping techniques to create this elegant necklace. Play with a wide variety of stamps and inks to create this unusual combination of metal, chain, pearls, and crystals.

When: Thu. June 4, 8:00am-11:00am
Level: All Levels
Cost: $110,00 Code: B09741

CRYSTALLIZED™ Presents: Resin Bezel Bling

Create your own customized crystal bezels! Play with wonderful resin techniques to make a wide variety of bezels for your jewelry, cell phone charms, mixed media projects, and anything else your imagination dreams up.

When: Sun. June 7, 9:00am-noon and Tue. June 2, 7:00pm-10:00pm
Level: All Levels Cost: $125,00 Code: B09742 and B09743

http://www.create-your-style.com/Content.Node/events-and-stores/events/BEADBUTTON-2009.en.php

KUDOS TO ARTBEADS!

ArtBeads rocks!

I've had a long and rockin' relationship with ArtBeads for awhile now and am please they have recently posted me as their featured author on their website. Check it out:

http://www.artbeads.com/featured-author-kristal-wick.html

Can't say enough about their product lines, quality and fab customer service. They're a fav for sure!

Thanks ArtBeads!

BRING ON MORE BLING!

As one of my exciting opportunities as an official Swarovski Ambassador, I was asked to do some product testing on the new 5328 bicone awhile ago. I LOVED the new product and know you will too! Here's the 411:
Swarovski Elements introduces the new 5328 Xilion® bicone bead, which will be replacing the discontinued 5301 bicone bead. The 5301 and 5328 bicone beads are designed to be used interchangeably, as their dimensions and geometry are complimentary. Swarovski® will transition one color at a time as their supply runs low. During this transition period, if the 5301 bicone is not available, the new 5328 Xilion® bicone will ship in its place. CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements XILION® Bicone Bead -- Article No. 5328 Resembling the flash of a diamond, the revolutionary 5328 Xilion® bicone bead offers:
Unique Xilion brilliance
Increased number of facets
Alternating large and small facets
Higher brilliance and intense light reflection
Slightly rounder girdle for added comfort in wearabilityIn addition, this cut is differentiated from all other products on the market and is copyright protected.