Newsletter Special Edition: The Future of the Crafters' Internet

As many of you know, about eight years ago I wrote a book called Crafters' Internet Handbook: Research, Connect, and Sell your Crafts Online. The intent of the book was to cover all the things that artists and crafters can do on the Internet to support their craft. I also have a companion web site for the book, the Crafters' Internet.

I have been toying with the idea of writing a second edition of the book, but things are changing so quickly on the Internet that it would likely become out of date even faster than the first edition did.

I came up with an alternate plan: the Crafters' Internet blog. It occurred to me that having a blog would mean I could talk about cool Internet stuff for crafters as it happens, without the limitations of a book. It seems like the ideal vehicle for this kind of information.

What do you think? Would you read a blog on this topic? Do you have any suggestions? I look forward to hearing from you.

Newsletter #71

Donna Dewberry's New TV show

Donna has a new show called Create with Donna Dewberry on WHDO, a local Orlando channel. The station streams live on the Internet, so you can watch the show on the WHDO web site. The show is currently scheduled at 7am, 4pm, and 10pm Eastern.

Creativity Corner: Art Apprentice Online

Art Apprentice Online is an online interactive art educational resource created by five artists: Sue Pruett MDA, Susan Abdella MDA, Donna Richards, Gaby Hunter, and Neadeen Masters CDA.

Artist of the Month: Joan Dixon

Joan Dixon is a very busy artist and teacher. She has a full travel teaching schedule, teaches in her own studio, and published her work in books, pattern packets, and magazine articles. Her passion for cottage scenes is evident when you look at her creations.

Beading Corner: Glenda Payseno

Glenda Payseno is a prolific designer of beading patterns. Many of her patterns are available in her discussion group, BeadChat, which has over 2,800 members. She also has patterns and books for sale in her Lulu bookstore.

On YouTube: Painting Roses

Here are two videos where you can watch Brazilian artist Maneco Araújo painting beautiful roses.





Crafters' Internet: eMagazines and Newsletters

In the last newsletter, I gave you a page of link to magazines. Of course, since this is the Internet, there are more and more electronic magazines and newsletter available.

(Please let me know if you have links to contribute, or if you find any broken links.)

Ottawa Beading Retreat

The Ottawa Beading Retreat was great. In addition to teaching a bead embroidery class, I took several classes and enjoyed them all. Here are some of the results.

This necklace is from the Dare to be Knotty class with Roxann Blazetich-Ozols, where I learned how to do a Chinese button knot, among other knotty goodness.


This is from the Dreamcatcher Earrings class with Janus Wilson.


This necklace was fun and easy to do in the Pinch & Twist class with Diane Reda.


When I took this Wire-Wrapped Cabochon class with Wendy Hunt, I had never done any wire-wrapping before. I love how this turned out.


This Wire Crochet around a cabochon with Roxann Blazetich-Ozols was challenging, but it turned out pretty good.

Creativ Festival

In October, I attended the Creativ Festival in Toronto. In addition to meeting the fine folks from Shades of Clay at the trade show, I took two very cool polymer clay workshops.

The first was with Lisa Pavelka; I learned her amazing faux dichroic technique and made this bracelet.


Then I took another polymer clay workshop with Donna Kato. (I haven't had a chance to finish the project.) Here is a photo of Donna doing a demo for the class:


and this is me chatting with Donna while she autographed a copy of her book for me.

Newsletter #70

Ottawa Beading Retreat

The beading retreat earlier this month was wonderful. I taught one class, and took six classes. I'll be posting pictures of my finished projects here on the blog shortly.

Creativity Corner: Ann Kullberg's Theme Show

Coloured pencil artist Ann Kullberg's latest art show for subscribers to her online magazine - the theme was Seasons. As always, the entries are spectacular.

Artist of the Month: Donna S. Slade

Donna Slade is a prolific artist who works in several different media: colored pencil, pastel, acrylic, and pen & ink.

Beading Corner: Sandra Halpenny

Ottawa bead artist Sandra Halpenny is well known for her lacy necklaces, beaded snowflakes, and beaded ornaments.

On YouTube: Watercolour Pencils

Artist Bob Davies recorded several videos on the basics of using watercolour pencilc. Here is the first of these videos:



More Bob Davies videos on YouTube.

Crafters' Internet: Magazines

Here is a collection of links to around 100 arts & crafts magazines.

(Please let me know if you have links to contribute, or if you find any broken links.)

Newsletter #69

Upcoming Event: Ottawa Beading Retreat

Following the Friendship Bead Retreat in Montréal, my friend Sharron Weinberger has decided to organize a retreat in Ottawa. The Ottawa Beading Retreat will take place on December 5-7, 2008.

There are several classes scheduled, including a bead embroidery class with yours truly.


Creativity Corner: Web Sites for Artists

On the Artist's Magazine web site, I came across this list of 73 Best Websites for Artists. You can download the whole list in PDF format with clickable links.

Artist of the Month: Gretchen Evans Parker

This month, I introduce you to Gretchen Evans Parker, who paints in watercolours, and in coloured pencil. Her floral paintings are breathtaking.

Beading Corner: Barbara Natoli Witt

Jewelry artist Barbara Natoli Witt creates elaborate necklaces that combine beads with micro-macrame.

On YouTube: Gary Garrett

This is "Wild Flowers and Bee", a time-lapse painting demonstration. Remember that YouTube is not just a video repository, but it's also a two-way conversation. If you check the comments on Gary Garrett's videos, you'll see that he answers viewers' questions.

Crafters' Internet: Color Theory

Here is a collection of links that are related to colour theory and colour schemes.

(Please let me know if you have links to contribute, or if you find any broken links.)

Newsletter #68

Friendship Beading Retreat

Last weekend, I attended the Friendship Beading Retreat in Montréal. You can read my blog entries for day 1, day 2, and day 3.

Donna Dewberry on The Shopping Channel

Donna will be on The Shopping Channel in Canada on Monday, July 28th, at 12pm, 5pm, and 11pm, all Eastern time. You can watch online on The Shopping Channel web site.

Artist of the Month: Coloured Pencil Artists

Once again, coloured pencil artist Ann Kullberg brings us her annual competition which is open to all subscribers to her monthly newsletter. Check out the gallery to see the remarkable submissions.

Creativity Corner

A few months ago, Scientific American had an interesting article titled How to Unleash Your Creativity, featuring a discussion with John Houtz, author of The Educational Psychology of Creativity, Julia Cameron, author of The Artist's Way, and Robert Epstein, author of The Big Book of Creativity Games.

Beading Corner: Katie Hacker

If you watch the television show Beads, Baubles and Jewels, you know Katie Hacker from her beading lessons. Katie is also the author of several beading books including Hip to Bead. Check out her web site, and her blog.

Crafters' Internet: Museums

On the Crafters' Internet web site, I have a nice collection of links to museums. Set aside some time to visit these great museums around the world.

(Please let me know if you have links to contribute, or if you find any broken links.)

Friendship Beading Retreat Day 3

On the third day, I took an introductory class in silver Art Clay, and made this silver pendant.


Here I am with Marla Novy, organizer of the Friendship Beading Retreat.


And this is me with Barb, Miriam, and Pavlova, the wonderful ladies of McBead Creations.