Merry Christmas!

Bead Metaler Patterns

Don't you just hate it when you find a bead pattern in a magazine and you can't figure out what the heck you are suppose to do? Lets face it, some of them expect you to be mind readers. Wouldn't it be great to be able to take all the classes that you wanted to when you wanted to? I know that there are times that you just can't make the class on the date I have it scheduled, or maybe you live out of town? I do sell all my patterns for $20.00 a pattern. My patterns take me hours to write thats because I take step-by-step digital photos so you are able to follow them easy.
If you ever see a project that I have taught that you would like to purchase, just email me at: cfmcgraw@cox.net, tell me what the project was and how you would like me to get it to you, U.S. mail or email, as soon as I have a pay pal payment I will send it off to you.

Wholesale shows

I have been so slowed to get this information to you but yes this week was the week of the G.L.D.A. show at the Mirage and the Gift show at the Las Vegas Convention center. The shows are great but you do need to have a business license and tax I.D. to get into them. These show both come to Las Vegas twice a year and worth going to. Here is just a little information on both of them. I went to both the G.L.D.A. show on Monday and then tackled the ASD show on Wed. great prices!! lots and lots and lots of walkiing.

The Gem & Lapidary Dealers Association would like to welcome you to the 2010 G.L.D.A. Las Vegas Gem & Jewelry Show at the Mirage Hotel and Casino. Over 300 booths will be fully stocked to sell one of a kind jewelry creations, estate jewelry, diamonds, semi precious stones, gold, pearls, beads and so much more! Exhibitors from every corner of the world are participating this year including many overseas direct source dealers as well as a large selection of fine U.S. Gem & Jewelry companies.

What is ASD?
Since 1961, ASD has been bringing buyers and sellers together to create the most dynamic B2B merchandise marketplace in the industry. Whether you're looking for value merchandise, apparel, style & beauty accessories, home décor, gift or jewelry, ASD has a show to meet your needs.
VALUE & VARIETY
Encompassing the Upper & Lower Levels of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Value & Variety is the place to go for the best VALUES on apparel, convenience items, household and outdoor goods, electronics, military & personal security merchandise and SO much more. The selection of merchandise will impress you, the prices will delight you.

STYLE & BEAUTY
Located in the Upper Level of the Sands Expo Center, Style & Beauty features the latest in affordable fashion accessories, health and beauty aids, and travel accessories.

JEWELRY
Now, adjacent to Style & Beauty on the Sands Expo Center Upper Level, ASD Jewelry caters to the buyer who is looking for supreme quality on fashion and fine jewelry to sell at a pricepoint that consumers will be happy with and make an impact on your bottom line.

GIFT & TOY
Looking for incredibly priced, margin building gift, toy & novelty merchandise that allows you to wow your customers and make a profit? Then, start at the Lower Level of the Sands Expo Center because ASD Gift & Toy has everything the savvy gift retailer needs for success!

Before & After

I know, I know it's been a very long time since I posted on this blog. So much going on around here I haven't really had a chance to much of anything. One thing I did do the other day was to take 5 min. out of my day to play with my cool Jool Tool...you know my little milkshake maker that was the post before this one. Well I am really happy with the results, remember I only spent 5 min. polishing this ring and I really don't even know what I am doing yet ....can you imagine when I get this thing mastered?
The first ring is what it looked like right out of the tumbler, I really didn't do too much work in the clean up stage before I tumbled it. The second ring is after spending just 5 min. polishing it with the Jool Tool. VERY COOL, don't you think?

Jool Tool

Okay ....can life get any better? Check out my newest toy, I call it my milkshake maker. I mean honestly it kinda looks like one and it does just about everything under the sun when it comes to polishing jewelry and stones. Its called the "Jool Tool" and if you want to see it in action click on the "Cool Stuff" button at the top of this page to see a short video.

Faux Bone

How cool is this? Last week my sister and I took a day off and just Played. I love this product sold by Robert Danick, it's super easy to work with and there are so many things you can do to it and with it. Check out his website to see more cool stuff you can do with it.
http://www.robertdancik.com/dancik

It's good to be Irish

Art & Soul Riches

I have just spent 2 amazing days taking part in the Art & Soul classes here in Las Vegas in the Bally's/Paris Hotel. I was so lucky to have the opportunity to learn from 2 very talented and creative minds; Richard Salley & Robert Dancik.

Robert's Class was learning the art of using concrete in jewelry making. At first thought you might think ... concrete wouldn't that be really heavy? but that is just not the case. Here is the piece I made in class using a frozen Charolette I had found on Ebay.

Richard's class was a beautiful copper hinged locket. The photo inside is one of my Grandmother's Wedding photo, I love this piece.


Both classes were great, relaxing and so creative. Thanks to both Richard and Robert for sharing so much of themselves.

Don't miss the Art & Soul in Portland Oregon in October ... both these guys will be teaching.

MY FUNNY VALENTINE

I know, I know ... most woman want flowers, candy or jewelry for Valentines Day ... Nope not me; I love to get tools and this year my husband bought me a great little Rolling Mill. A rolling mill is used for a lot of things some of them are to change the gauge of metals or to make wire or to pattern metals. If you want to see it in action go to my "Cool Stuff" page on this blog.
Thank you honey! I love you and I love my new rolling mill. Happy Valentines Day.

Check out my new copper & Dichoric cuff bracelet. Susan Philpot is an amazing local glass artist here in Las Vegas, my class last week was making the copper cuff with the copper bezel. Her glass worked so well with my cuff I just couldn't resist. For more information on Susan's work check out her blog.
http://catsmeowjewelry.blogspot.com/

Art & Soul Retreat In Las Vegas

February 21-24, 2010
at Bally's/Paris
Vendor Show Saturday 20th!
check the activities page for exciting info

Registration is now open!

www.artandsoulretreat.com/