Invitation for a Challenge in a Themed Design - Cave Paintings

You're invited to participate in a global (world wide) design challenge in wearable art with the theme of cave paintings!
Details:
1.-Independent artists may submit up to 4 submissions per artist
2.-Designs must reflect the theme of Cave Paintings
3.- artist must include name, website (if you have one) , city,state, country, and
     personal photo(this is a human interest story...not just a jewelry show)
4.-Pictures must be minimum 600x600 pixels and no larger than 900 by 900 pixels.
    Slightly off square will be accepted for example 600x500 pixels ect. Rectangular images
     will not be accepted.


5.-Submission Deadline is February 20th, 2011--- send submissions to
    mhair@pdq.net
6.-Jewelry show of submissions will be hosted on February 27th in the internet
    broadcast room of The Jewelry Connection at http://www.jewelryconnection.tv
    at 12pm PST, 1pm MT,  2pm CST, 3pm EST,  9pm in Europe, 8pm in the UK,
    6am in Australia.


   If you miss the show don't worry. It should archive at this site and be up for viewing within
   an hour after the    show! I'll also be preparing a presentation video of all  submissions and
    uploading that video to YouTube  the same day.
    Location of the video will be  http://www.youtube.com/mona77401


7. As a precursor for the show The Jewelry Connection is hosting a program on
    January 9th to share pictures of cave paintings as inspiration and to underscore
    the details of what is necessary to participate in  the challenge!
8.-Judges for this event have been selected who have a history in this subject and
    are eagerly awaiting your submissions! Prizes will be announced at a later date.
    Prizes will be awarded to First, Second, and Third Place.

As a final note, You don't have to be a seller of original wearable art. It isn't
necessary to have a shop on the internet or anywhere else. If you design jewelry
for the pure enjoyment and would like to join us in this challenge you are very
welcome to participate!

Warmest Regards,
Mona Hair
Producer and Host of The Jewelry Connection

Meet Guest Artist Sean Purucker of LA

Join us this coming Sunday for an on-line internet LIVE interview with Costumer/Designer, Sean Purucker, of LA. Sean is a successful designer of wearable art. Get the scoop on what its like to create wearable art using larger design space directly from this fascinating designer! A memorable human interest story!

Date:            November 28, 2010 
Show Time: 12pm PST, 1pm MT, 2pm CST, 3pm EST, 9pm Europe, 8pm UK, 6am Australia
Location:   http://www.jewelryconnection.tv

Looking forward to sharing this wonderful artist's story with you!
Mona

Where My Beauties May be Found!

In the not to distant past I moved my shop to a new location!  Art Fire is the Up and coming place to be for artisans and it's where I am too! Come see me! I'm in the process of moving all of my listings of available design work to this location!
Love and Light!
Mona

Pushing the Envelope in Design of Wearable Art

Usually we explore original art jewelry. We're going to expand the horizons just a little bit with this show and go for some wearable art of a broader range and offer resources on where you can find patterns for hats, gloves, hand bags, and much much more! Join us for some fun, some eye candy, and an exploration into t...he possibilities of where our art may go!
Location: http://www.jewelryconnection.tv/
Show Time is: 12pm PST, 1pm MT, 2pm CST, 3pm EST, 9pm in Europe, 8pm in the UK, and 6am in Australia.
With the time change occurring tonight this might throw international timing off a bit. No worries. You can catch the archive!
Looking forward to sharing this adventure with you!
Mona
Producer and Host of The Jewelry Connection

Meet Guest Artist Wendy Gell

World wide, well respected independent jewelry artist Wendy Gell will be joining us for a live interview, exhibition of work, and question/answer session! Wendy is famous for her Disney and Glamor wristies among many other types of designs! This is a show not to be missed! I'm very much looking forward to sharing this wonderful artist with you! The program is an internet (on-line) event. No travel is required. You can watch this at home on your computer monitor! High Speed internet access is recommended.

High Speed internet access is recommended.


Date: 10/10/2010
Time: 12pm PST, 1pm MT, 2pm CST, 3pm EST, 9pm Europe,
8pm in the UK
Location: http://www.jewelryconnection.tv/

Love to All,
Mona

Invitation for a Collaboration - Holiday in Jewels

You're invited to join us in a collaborative activity called "Holiday in Jewels". Our group has done this project for two years in a row and it's been a really beautiful and exciting sharing experience.  The invitation is for independent jewelry artists, creating one of a kind work, to submit up to three designs for a holiday themed on-line jewelry show and holidy jewelry video to be uploaded to YouTube!  You can see previous videos http://www.youtube.com/mona77401 to get an idea of what the videos look like. The broadcast room of The Jewelry Connection is http://www.jewelryconnection.tv
This is where the holiday jewelry show will be hosted.

Submissions must be in to me via my email address: mhair@pdq.net by November 14th and the jewelry show will be presented on November 21st. That allows 4 and 1/2 weeks of shopping for our fans to see the video, visit our shops, make their purchases, and get items shipped.
To Participate:
1. pictures need to by at 300dpi and no smaller than 600 x 600 pixels
2. up to three submissions per artist
3. include with your email, name, location, website
4. send all to mhair@pdq.net
5. Deadline for submissions November 14th 2010

Looking forward to sharing in this holiday adventure with you!
Best Regards,
Mona Hair
Producer and Host of The Jewelry Connection
www.jewelryconnection.tv

Free Tutorial Live on Sunday August 29th - Polymer Bracelet

On Sunday afternoon August 29th, 2010
Show Time: 12pm PST, 1pm MT, 2pm CST, 3pm EST, 9pm in Europe, and 8pm in The UK
This is an on-line presentation with live video and audio. High speed computer access is necessary to participate during the show.
Dial up is so slow that the audio and video will not stream well.

...We'll be hosting a tutorial in the broadcast room of The Jewelry Connection!
People have been requesting this tutorial for a while and I've been dodging it until I could get a good archive on it. Now that we are getting great archives at our new home I'm going to break out the toys and host a tutorial on this project! Pictures of similar bracelets are exhibited here!

A list of supplies and tools for this project if you want to follow along:

Tools:
Clay - Sculpey
Pearl-X powders - lots of colors - $26-$50
Pasta roller - $27.00
http://www.cistamps.com/rollagraph_jumbo.htm
Wheel embosser - Rollagraph jumbo $6.00 for handle
Shadow Leaves Rollagraph embosser wheel $7.50
Sculpey blade - $2.00
Clay Roller - acrylic tube- $7.00
Ink - varies
Brass bracelet cuff - 3.50
Amaco Polymer Clay Oven - $60.00
with additional Sculpey oven thermometer $13.00
Work mat
Baby powder
Flitz - metal polish long wearing to reduce tarnish
A rubber glove
Fine grit wet sander or sand paper
Basin of water
Soft polishing cloth
Future Liquid Floor Polish
Fine Sponge - make sponge is good

You're welcome to work along with me as I make the bracelet or you can simply take notes and refer to the archive at a later time as you wish! I'll be offering a lot of special tips on how to handle this design to create a very nice quality piece of work!

Looking forward to sharing this tutorial with you!
Love to All,
Mona Hair
Producer and Host of The Jewelry Connection

Papier (Paper) Mache' in Jewelry

Something interesting and a throw back to the 60's and 70's is the subject of use of paper mache' in wearable art.










What's interesting about paper mache' wearable art?

1. Ingredients are inexpensive and are probably in your home right
now!
2. The process goes way back in the history of wearable art!
3. The possibilities are endless for making jewelry, beads, and
masks of all sorts!
4. It can be molded into forms for solid/dense structures of design
5. It can be used to create a base design the over-layed with ornamented
scale work and other designs to create textural excitement and dimensional effects!

It is recommended in various different sites that adding a touch of salt or a few drops of Clove oil will retard growth of mold in the glue, but consider the other possibilities! Perhaps some chocolate scent in a dark brown flower of paper mache', or a magnolia scent in a gorgeous big brooch of a similar design!

It's a creative outlet that offers almost immediate gratification, allows anyone to indulge in a creative attempt, and can even be a terrific family project ---creating gifts for loved ones. Designs in any style are possible! Try something Pop Art, Romantic, Contemporary, Cubist, Religious, ......RUN WITH IT!
Please let me know what you do with this! I would love to see pictures!

Website resources on Papier (Paper Mache) include the following:
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/05/papier-mache_floral_brooches.html#more

http://www.squidoo.com/paper-mache
Newspaper Pulp Recipe familycrafts.about.com/cs/papermache/a/blpmpulp.htm
Resin Paper Mache Recipe - familycrafts.about.com/cs/papermache/a/blpmpastes.htm
Cooked Recipe for Paper Mache' - familycrafts.about.com/od/papermache/a/cookpmpaste.htm
No Cook Recipe for Paper Mache' - http://familycrafts.about.com/od/papermache/a/nocookpmpaste.htm

Love To All!
Mona

Thoughts on Inspired Design - Mona

Greetings Friends!
It's been a while since I posted anything here of a personal nature! I'm so wrapped up in doing the shows, editing images, creating videos, that I rarely have time to breath! I have the day off from work today and there is something that needs saying!

The idea that inspiration is hardly worth considering at all is exactly the kind of mentality that degrades the value of the inspired work of artisans by society and has people hacking out below par design work because they don't explore from within as they work. If creating was easy everyone would be doing it. If inspired work didn't exist there would be no differentiation in the quality and admirability of works at large.

That thing that happens in our heads that helps us design things with long enduring intellectual properties may be called anything we like, but it can never be called common or unnecessary.

This I can say with some authority as in my own experience I have made things that were uninspired and created designs via inspiration. I've also witnessed this phenomenon in others as well. These two processes are not exclusive of one another, making versus creating. You may begin to make something and then become inspired...that's when what you initially began to make morphs into something else but you like it better! Alternately you may have an inspired design that you tinker and mentally outmaneuver until it becomes less than it began. That's always a let down. If you have been at it long enough, you'll have experienced all of these things!
You may find yourself moved to create by your own dream or another's. You may be moved to create by visions of exciting architectural elements or a visit to a rose garden. Inspiration may come from anywhere at all! Don't live at your work table or in your studio. Get out and experience some life so that you have more to enjoy and more to share!
If you haven't been designing long I hope you find encouragement from my observations to reach within and bring those special visions of yours out and into the world where we may all enjoy the beauty of what and how you think!

With Love,
Mona

Greetings Friends!
It's been a while since I posted anything here of a personal nature! I'm so wrapped up in doing the shows, editing images, creating videos, that I rarely have time to breath! I have the day off from work today and there is something that needs saying!

The idea that inspiration is hardly worth considering at all is exactly the kind of mentality that degrades the value of the inspired work of artisans by society and has people hacking out below par design work because they don't explore from within as they work. If creating was easy everyone would be doing it. If inspired work didn't exist there would be no differentiation in the quality and admirability of works at large.

That thing that happens in our heads that helps us design things with long enduring intellectual properties may be called anything we like, but it can never be called common or unnecessary.


This I can say with some authority as in my own experience I have made things that were uninspired and created designs via inspiration. I've also witnessed this phenomenon in others as well. These two processes are not exclusive of one another, making versus creating. You may begin to make something and then become inspired...that's when what you initially began to make morphs into something else but you like it better! Alternately you may have an inspired design that you tinker and mentally outmaneuver until it becomes less than it began. That's always a let down. If you have been at it long enough, you'll have experienced all of these things!
If you haven't been designing long I hope you find encouragement from my observations to reach within and bring those special visions of yours out and into the world where we may all enjoy the beauty of what and how you think!

With Love,
Mona

Join The Jewels of Fall 2010 Collaboration of Artists!

You're Invited to join a video collaboration. It's that time of Year! Jewels of Fall!
Who's up for another video?? We did a fantastic presentation with last year's video. Once the submissions are all in, I'll create a presentation video for You Tube.
This has served us all very well for soft advertising! On September 26th..., Dr. Gail Devoid and I will host the video with all of it's contributors as our show at The Jewelry Connection!

I'm accepting submissions for Jewels of Fall 2010:
8-15-2010 through 9-19-2010.
What's needed:
!. a picture of your Jewel of Fall design
2. a picture of yourself to lead into your photo
3. a brief bio - name, city, state, country and web address
Please allow me to add the text information to your pictures.
Depending on how I pan and/or scan the shot, it might not be in the right place
if you have put the text there in advance! Also keep your photos as squarish as possible. Long rectangles vertical or horizontal do not work into a video very well.
Photo size requirements no smaller than 600x600 pixels. Anything larger is ok. It gives me more room to create a great video!

Send all submissions to mhair@pdq.net
This invitation if for designers of one of a kind wearable art. Mass Produced items are not represented by this video collaboration.
We had a great world wide representation of artists last year! I'm looking forward to sharing this project with you all!
Mona
Group Moderator
Producer and Host of The Jewelry Connection

Guest Artist Kate McKinnon Live Interview!

The Jewelry Connection is honored with an opportunity to invite you to meet Kate McKinnon! Kate is recognized world wide as a fine designer of wearable art in Metal Clay with publications in book and DVD form! Her edgy, exciting, and innovative design work has long made her a favorite among admirers of wearable art!
This will be an internet- on-line computer event that may be enjoyed from your own home with your computer!

Locati...on: www.jewelryconnection.tv
Date: August 15th, 2010
Show Times are: 12pm PST, 1pm MT, 2pm CST, 3pm EST, 9pm in Europe and 8pm in The UK.

We'll enjoy an interview, exhibition of work, and more!
Please join us for a rare opportunity to explore this incredible artist!

Warmest Regards,
Mona Hair
Producer and Host of The Jewelry Connection
www.jewelryconnection.tv

PS: if you are operating with dial up the program will be difficult for you to watch. Streaming audio and video operate much better with high speed internet access!

Meet Guest Artist Michael Mara

Join us for a live interview with talented and prolific artist Michael Mara of Illinois. Designer of jewelry, knives, and free standing sculpture, Michael's interview is sure to stir your own muse, excite your eye, and inspire your vision! Join us for this extraordinary live internet event!
Date: Sunday afternoon June 13th, 2010

Date: June 13th, 2010
Location: www.livevideo.com/liveshow/the-jewelry-connection

Show Time in the US: 12pm PST, 1pm MT, 2pm CST, 3pm EST
Show Time in Europe is generally 9pm and in the UK 8pm.
In Turkey show time is 10 pm!

Meet Artist Betty Stephan

Join The Jewelry Connection for an interview and exhibition of work with independent jewelry artist Betty Stephan! Betty is a member of the Etsy Bead Weavers and a very accomplished artist! We are looking very much forward to sharing her interview with you!

Her website is: http://www.bettystephan.com and you'll find a link to her Etsy shop there as well!
Date: Sunday May 16th, 2010
Location: http://www.livevideo.com/liveshow/The-Jewelry-Connection
Time: 12pm PST, 2pm CST, 3pm EST 9pm in Europe 8pm in the UK

With a history of 69 countries visiting our site we enjoy a vastly international audience! You'll find our shows interesting, inspiring, and fun! When you use the link to the website allow a few seconds for the broadcast room to load.
You do not need a membership at this site in order to watch and hear the show. If you want to participate with live text during the show and/or webcam, you will need a user ID for the site!

Meet Guest Artist Harriete Estel Berman

Join Mona and Gail in the broadcast of The Jewelry Connection on Sunday to meet Harriete Estel Berman! Harriete is a very well known and much revered artist creating fantastic wearable art and equally beautiful decorative art! We will enjoy a live interview, an exhibition of Harriete's work, and a question/answer session!
This is an internet event and may be watched from the comfort of your home anywhere on the globe! Over 60 countries have visited our shows!

Date: Sunday May 2, 2010
Time: 12PM PST, 1pm MT, 2pm CST, 3PM EST, 9pm in Europe,
and 8pm in the UK
Location:
http://www.livevideo.com/liveshow/The-Jewelry-Connection


You may explore Harriete's online sites at these web addresses!
WEBSITE: http://www.harriete-estel-berman.info
BLOG: http://www.askharriete.typepad.com
www.harriete-estel-berman.info/profguidelines/profguide.html
www.snagmetalsmith.org/Publications/Professional_Guidelines/
VIDEOS: http://www.harriete-estel-berman.info/gall/videos.html
ETSY: http://www.harrieteestelberman.etsy.com/
OBJECT FETISH JEWELRY: http://www.objectfetish.com/jewelry/harriete-berman-v-52.html

To watch and listen to this show you only need to go to the link provided.
To participate with live text during the show you will need to acquire a user ID for the site at www.livevideo.com It's free and takes 30 seconds or less to get a user id for this site. You will need to be signed in with your user ID to participate during the show!
We're looking forward with great anticipation to sharing this talented and inspiring artist with you!
Best to All!
Mona
Producer and Host of The Jewelry Connection

Meet Guest Jewelry Artist Kerrie Slade of England

Please join us for an online, LIVE interview and exhibition of work of our guest featured artist at The Jewelry Connection!
Kerrie Slade of the UK will be joining us for an interview and exhibition of some of her work. Kerrie is an artist with vision and skill.
The show promises to be memorable!
Please note that this is an online internet live show. You do not have to travel. You may watch and hear the show from the comfort of your home sitting at your own computer!
To only watch and listen to the show nothing more is required than to show up at the internet site on the date and time!
To participate during the show you will need to get a user id at the site and be logged in. www.livevideo.com
Please allow the site a few seconds to load.

When: April 11, 2010
where: http://www.livevideo.com/liveshow/The-Jewelry-Connection
Time: 12pm PST, 1pm MT, 2pm CST, 3pm EST in the US
In Europe 9pm except in the UK - 8pm

Looking forward to sharing this wonderful artist with you!

Mona
Producer and Host of The Jewelry Connection

Meet Guest Jewelry Artist Peter Sewell

Please join us today, Sunday March 28th for a live interview and review of work with independent jewelry artist Peter Sewell of Wakefield England!
Peter's extraordinary fine beaded jewelry incorporates some magnificent stones and crystals! Major Eye Candy today and his live interview will provide a special glimpse into the world and work of this fine artist.

Show Time: 12pm PST, 2pm CST, 3pm EST, 9pm in Europe, 8pm UK
Location: http://www.livevideo.com/liveshow/The-Jewelry-Connection

See You There!

Mona Hair
Producer and Host of The Jewelry

Meet Guest Artist Jay Whaley

Presenting Jay Whaley of Whaley Studios in SanDiego!
Metalsmith, jewelry Artist, Teacher, and Mentor!
Join us in the broadcast room of The Jewelry Connection on Sunday Afternoon March 21st, 2010 for a LIVE interview with our guest artist!
Time: 12pm PST, 1pm MT, 2pm CST, 3pm EST, 9pm in Europe, 8pm in the UK

Location: The Jewelry Connection

This is an internet event. You may enjoy this show from the comfort of your home via your computer! To participate during the show with web cam and/or live text you will need a user id which may be obtained from the home page of www.livevideo.com and then you must be signed in during the show.
Nothing is require to simply watch and listen to the show!
Hope to see you there!
Best Regards,
Mona
Producer and Host of The Jewelry Connection

The Latest from TJC and from SNAG Conference

Greetings!
It's been an awesome week! SNAG conference has been in Houston all week! Jay Whaley along with Terrie and Greg Masters have been my house guests and we've had a really terrific time getting to know one another! Jay's work at SNAG conference has involved capturing interviews with some of the worlds most revered jewelry artists! You may find the audio interviews here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/whaleystudios

for the Video with Audio Archives visit here: http://www.metalsmith.tv/

On Thursday March 18th At Whaley Studios Blog talk:
Kate McKinnon - a globe-trotting metalsmith, who has devoted herself to the study of how things are done, and how they could be done better. She lives in Tucson

, Arizona, and loves warm weather, nice people, and good books. Please join Jay Whaley at his blogtalk radio site for a live interview with Kate! Show time is 3-4 pm PST, 5-6 pm CST, 6-7pm EST!



Also coming up very soon is WIRE FANDANGO with Annette Kinslow! Wire Fandango is a retreat that will be hosted in an historical bed and breakfast! In the plans are a wine tasting with a local vintner a limo ride to a fabulous dinner, and much much more! Get more information about the fee and the plans here: www.kinslowart.com

Thank you Shay Stone for a terrific interview on Marh 14th!

In Addition Perry Jackson will be hosting a work shop soon at Gahanna Bead Studio in Ghanna Ohio where she will be teaching some outrageously fine wire wrapping techniques!! Dates are: March 26th, 27th, and 28th! Link for more information is:

http://www.gahannabeadstudio.com/page/6724204

Meet Guest Artist Shay Stone - Live Interview!

Join us in an ON-LINE internet broadcast room of The Jewelry Connection (an internet event) to meet visiting guest artist Shay Stone of Laytonville California! Wire wrapping beautiful wearable art full of love and light would best describe this wonderful artist's work! Join us for a live interview and review of Shay's work on:
Sunday Afternoon - March 14th, 2010

Location:
http://www.livevideo.com/liveshow/The-Jewelry-Connection

Show Times by Zones: 1pm PST, 2pm MT, 3pm CST, 4pm EST
10pm in Europe, 9pm in the UK

Our show is starting one hour later on March 14th to allow for everyone to calibrate with Daylight Savings Time -spring those clocks forward one hour!

Looking forward to sharing this wonderful designer with you!
Best to All!

Mona Hair
Producer and Host of The Jewelry Connection