2016 Art Charm Swap and Beads of Courage Benefit Sign-Ups are Open

2014 charm by Niky Sayers

For several years I have coordinated an art charm swap with people from all over the world  participating. Each year is assigned a specific theme that artists interpret into their charms any way they want. Some of the previous themes include: Play, Laugh, Love, and in 2014, it was Soar. You will see examples from some of our own AJE team members sprinkled throughout this post from that theme. 

This years theme is.... Fairy Tales. I'm actually really excited about this one. 

2014 charm by Lesley Watt

In addition to the fun and exciting charm swap, I decided early on to add a charity auction via ebay, which makes the swap that much more fun. We have raised over $3000 for Beads of Courage through our auctions. Why BOC? Because I love their mission, which is "providing innovative, arts-in-medicine supportive care programs for children coping with serious illness, their families and the health care providers who care for them." Oh, and because BEADS. What's not to love?

2014 Charm by Jenny Davies-Reazor

So how does this art charm swap thing work anyway? First, there are rules to read and the sign-up process to go through. 

Next, each participant makes 10 charms to swap, plus 1 extra to be auctioned off on ebay, which is done through giving works, with 100% of the bid price going to Beads of Courage. 

Then everyone sends their charms into me, and I get to count, sort, separate, and store until all charms arrive by the deadline. 

2014 charm by Sue Kennedy

Once I have all the charms, I lay them all out on my table and swap them in a very un-scientific manner so that every participant ends up with 10 charms from 10 different artists. 

Then I get to package and ship all these charms out across the world. There are usually between 40-50 packages to send. 

But that's not the end. I get to take photos of all the charms for the auction and write up the listings. We have a blog hop about 2-3 weeks after I ship the charms, and the auctions go live close to the same time as the blog hop to help promote the auction and share the charms they made and possibly  show off all the cool charms they got from other artists. 

Once the auction is over, I ship those charms all over the world. 

2014 charm by Jen Cameron

If this sounds like something you would love to participate in, sign-ups are going on right now on my personal blog. Be sure to READ EVERY SINGLE WORD so that you know the procedure for signing up. It isn't difficult, but there can easily be misunderstandings.  Sign-ups end May 9 at 11:59pm. 

2014 charm by Caroline Dewison

FYI~ there are additional ways to raise money for Beads of Courage other than directly donating (although donating directly is definitely appreciated by the organization!). One of those ways is through Amazon Smile. Simply go to this link: http://smile.amazon.com and shop as usual. Make sure you select Beads of Courage as your charity of choice and they will get a small percentage of the money you spend at Amazon.

If you're interested in signing up, here is the link again. Sign-ups end Monday May 9 at 11:59 pm.

Book Review - Polymer Journeys

Polymer Journeys is the brainchild of Sage Bray, Editor of The Polymer Arts magazine which the book was conceived alongside over a five year period. For three of those five years a board of curators: Anke Humpert, Cara Jane Hayman, Christi Freisen, Debbie Crothers and Iris Mishly; polymer artists renowned within the polymer clay community have worked with Sage to research and communicate with other artists and to evaluate and advise on the artwork that features in the book.

Like The Polymer Clay Arts magazine the book is not pitched at those looking for tutorials or techniques but rather aims to show what can be achieved by those who really hone their skills and innovate to give polymer clay it's place as a serious art form. 

"Our primary goal was to stick with artists whose work has some focus on innovations or who are doing things that cannot be done with any other medium. We also wanted to show how polymer is being used by artists to express themselves". Sage Bray

The book showcases work from many artists and covers a broad and varied spectrum of technique and design aesthetic. 

Deborah Banyas & T.P. Speer United States

The 'Journey' theme (explained fully in the editors introduction) creates a number of threads within the book beginning with the Foreword by Cynthia Tinnapple who details the development of polymer clay art to the current day and questions the possibilities for the future.

This book is also much more than just a gallery of beautiful work because each submission includes the artists own description of their background and inspiration, sometimes with sketches and studio shots that allow us an insight into their own creative journeys. For me, getting to see something of the background and working process of an artist makes the interaction much more rewarding. I also know that some of the the most popular posts with AJE readers are those where we as authors open up and share with them so I'm particularly pleased to see it here too.

The way the book is laid out takes the reader on a journey moving from a section on globally recognised artists, to those who have given back to the community and then on to a geographical tour of current artists with sublime talents and it flows very well.

I'm doing this review from a digital copy of the book so I can't comment on the physical feel but I can say it is loaded with stunning illustrations of work which, for someone like me who is new to the medium and uses it fairly simplistically in my mixed media work is almost beyond comprehension. Organic, architectural, urban, mixed media or pure polymer clay - it's all here in forms that I would have never envisaged possible with this medium.

I could go on a lot longer about this book but since its enjoyment is largely from a visual perspective I don't know that I would add much more of value. I think think the book has an obvious appeal to anyone currently working in polymer clay and/or mixed media but more than that, it will appeal hugely to anyone with an interest in texture, colour and form and in pushing the boundaries of their own work, whatever the medium. I certainly found it very inspirational and see it becoming one of those books that will get pulled from my bookcase time after time when my own creative muse needs waking up or I just need to look at something lovely...my hard copy is on order.

"I send out this book, my own attempt to have an impact on the lives of others through a concept that I hope will be a vehicle for a wider and deeper appreciation of this young medium and the artists that bravely test its limits and their own". Sage Bray

Polymer Journey's is available to purchase here.

Eva Thissen Germany

Joseph Barbaccia United States

Jewellery to make you feel fabulous

Today’s post was inspired by a piercing I got a few weeks ago. You may have heard of Daith piercings, I’ve been tempted to get one for over a year, but never been brave enough. Finally, after speaking to a friend who'd had hers done, I plucked up the courage to go for it myself. It's the one on my inner ear. This was taken about half an hour after I'd had it done so it's a bit red and swollen... it's also really hard to take a picture of your own ear!

Daith piercing.

For the last few years I’ve suffered really badly with silent migraines. They’re just like a regular migraine, you get all of the same symptoms, visual disturbances, nausea, irritability, except there’s no pain. It’s like walking around in a fog and they can really ruin your day. After visiting a specialist who’s answer was permanent medication, I started to look around for other alternatives. That’s when I came across Daith piercings. Migraine sufferers who had had the piercing were noticing massive improvements in their symptoms. The reasons are still unknown, but it has been suggested that there is a point on your ear used in acupuncture that is stimulated by the earring, relieving the headaches. 

I must add in a disclaimer at this point, I spent a long time researching before I had mine done, and there are as many negative stories as positive. It doesn't work for everyone! I’m thrilled to say though that it has made a massive improvement in my symptoms. I’ve just got back from a 3 day fair where usually I would be feeling it by lunchtime on the first day, and I didn’t have a single attack. I can’t tell you what a difference it’s made. I have had the odd one, but they seem to come and go quickly rather than linger for days at a time, saying that though, I've only had it for a month, so I'm not sure of the long term results yet.

It's also not for the faint hearted, it must be done by a registered piercer as it involves long needles and clamps, it’s not like having your earlobes done where it’s a quick click of a gun. (if you want gory details, there are videos on youtube!) My guy came with a recommendation and did a brilliant job, I was expecting pain and crying, but it was over in a couple of minutes and I hardly felt a thing. Aftercare is pretty easy, although I was warned it can take up to 6 months to heal… just keep it clean with surgical spirit and don’t poke it.

I think I’m just going to stick with the bar when it is healed, but you can get some really pretty earrings to make more of a statement.

Acupressure is becoming more popular in jewellery, cravings, addictions and unwanted habits can be treated using ear seeds. These are small seeds from the vaccaria plant that are taped in to place to stimulate points on the ear. And for those who want something a little fancier, you can use seeds made from swarovski crystals. I think they look really pretty and they're less permanent than a piercing!

Crystals have long been said to have healing powers attributed to them. I once read that wearing an Amethyst would ward off drunkeness, unfortunately though after thorough testing, I think I might have got a dud one. 

Amethyst studs by Palomita Jewellery

Amber is said to ease stress and clear the mind.

Amber necklace by CyberSilver Jewellery

Garnets are associated with passion and energy and are considered a love stone.

Garnet Earrings by The Amber Sunflower

Opal is said to aid creativity and imagination.

Opal rings by FeatherOak

And Quartz is a conductor and storer of energy.

Quartz Bracelet by Abiza Jewellery

As well as stones, metals are also believed to have healing properties. Copper has been used since Egyptian times to ease pain in the joints, and has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve circulation.

Copper Rings by Palmate Jewellery

Silver is a natural antiseptic and has been used medicinally for years. As colloidal silver, it was used as a disinfectant until the discovery of penicillin.

Twig ring by Serafina Silver 

Gold is said to increase the healing powers of stones when they are set in to jewellery and has symbolised power and wealth since the beginning of time. 

Gold earrings by FluidByDesign

Steel is said to give similar protection as a suit of armour when worn.

Steel Cuff by AnnaMcDade

And bronze is a gentle healing metal.

Bronze pendant by Grey Mountain Studio

When chatting with the AJE Team, Lindsay recommended this book as it covers the different lore from all over the world and timeline. 

Crystal Enchantments

It looks like a great read if you’d like to find out more… I love the idea of your jewellery having an effect on your wellbeing, it doesn’t just make you look fabulous, you feel it too! 

May Component of the Month Winners!

The winners of the May Component of the Month, Baby Cabochons, are:

Alison of Alison Adorns

and

Lola of Bead Lola Bead!

Congratulations Ladies!  I'll be sending you an email tonight! Thanks to everyone who commented.  If you still want to play but didn't get chosen, or didn't comment, you can pick up some baby cabs in my SueBeads etsy store.  You are always welcome to play along!