“Lisa, I looked inside your book and see that you’ve got some interesting projects – explained really well.” ~Freda-K
A cool thing about the Internet is how it allows us to meet and interact with so many great people that share similar passions and interests.
Lisa Crone from A Bead A Day, is one of those people for me. On her blog, she features new and different examples of beads and bead related items… including many things you probably would not have seen on your own.
She even did a Polymer Clay Tutor post about a month ago… so she definitely ranks right up there in my books :-)
And speaking of books, Lisa recently sent me a review copy of her new book, A Bead in Time
When the package arrived, the first thing that caught my eye was the inspiring cover graphics. This is the type of book that you would be happy to leave out on your coffee table to help bring some flavor and interest to a room.
In fact, the photos are one of my favorite parts. Similar to how I create color palettes from photos of flowers in my garden, Lisa draws inspiration for her jewelry from snapshots of her vacations and other scenes of daily life.
Sometimes it’s the colors in the photo. Sometimes it’s the shapes. But mostly it’s the overall feel of the pictures that she captures and encapsulates into her jewelry designs. I love it!
Just look at how the beach imagery in this cover shot beautifully showcases the bead items that Lisa chose to lead with.
Other wonderful examples inside the pages of the book, include some brilliantly inspired dandelion jewelry, as well as a bracelet framed by the backdrop photo of a wrought iron fence.
Probably my favorite project in the book is of the Summer Salad Cuff Bracelet made from colorful beads and a fork… because you all know how much I love that Silverware Jewelry!
Now this book doesn’t have any polymer clay beads in it, and a lot of the techniques are ones I already know, but for me the big value was the visual inspiration it offers.
Lisa does an excellent job at bringing you into her world through the stories she tells. After reading this book you look at your surroundings in a whole new way.
Every color, every form, has the potential to become a wonderful piece of art jewelry. It is just a matter of opening your eyes to see the possibilities!
Thank you Lisa for allowing me the opportunity to share your wonderful book with everyone here at my blog. I wish you enormous success with it. If anyone is interested, it is available through Amazon at this link: A Bead in Time
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| Disclosure: With the understanding that I would publish a review, Lisa Crone sent me a complimentary copy of her book, A Bead in Time, published by North Light Books. The thoughts and opinions shared above, are honest and sincere. I would not say anything that wasn’t. If you purchase a copy of the book via one of the Amazon links on this web page, Amazon will provide me with a small kickback. It is nothing to write home about, but in the spirit of full disclosure, it’s best that you know. | ||
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Thank you for the review Cindy, and the information about Lisa’s blog. I am always on the lookout for new ideas and new ideas often come to me when I am looking at something that is not “polymer”. In fact, I am often inspired to try to “re-create” or see if this or that can be done in clay. Also, thanks for the disclosure statement. It is very refreshing to see the value of honesty really demonstrated. The world needs to see more of that now more than ever.
Happy Weekend!
I have some semi-precious stones that I need to put holes in for necklace making. What tool would do this, especially since the stones are so thick?
It’s Lisa’s ability to garner inspiration that made her book so special. I am sure anyone working with polymer clay will still be inspired.
Hi Cindy! Thank you so much for all the kind words!! It really means so much to me! I knew going into this it was a little bit different and I’m so glad you understood that I wanted to share what I was discovering in hopes of providing inspiration to others. :)
I just wanted to point out one thing on Lisa’s blog. One of her friends made polymer clay beads to match her book! The link is here if you want to see: abeadaday.blogspot.com/2010/02/beads-in-time.html . The beads are really pretty.
Cindy, I think it’s awesome how forthcoming you are here with the disclosure. You’re such an amazing lady; a genuine inspiration in your work (beautiful quality,) your hard work (the sheer quantity,) and your work ethic (such an honest, go-getter, who helps everyone despite juggling so many things!) Wait, work, work, and work? Luckily, you also get to play, play, play with clay!
Yep, I know. The last part was dumb, dumb, dumb! My back needs to feel better soon so I can get out of bed and DO something!
It is such a lovely book, I know I will go back to it time and time again for ideas. Thanks for the nice words everyone!
@Sue: Have a happy weekend too!
@Patricia: I don’t have much experience with drilling semi-precious stones. My guess is it involves a lubricant like water or oil and and a diamond drill bit. Maybe one of the others here is more an expert in that field and can help?
@Pearl: Nice to see you here! I agree with what you said!
@Lisa: My pleasure! It must have been a ton of work and I can tell you put your heart and soul into it. Hope you sell a Gazzilion books! :-)
@Phaedrakat: I hope your back gets better soon. I feel sad that such a lovely lady as you is in such pain. Thank you for everything you contribute around here. You have become an invaluable asset! You are not only doing something, but you’re doing something big that means a lot to a lot of people. Thanks!
@Phaedrakat: I saw those fabulous beads you speak of yesterday and I was so enthralled with her work that I bookmarked her blog so I could check out more! Her textures are fabulous!
I’ve actually seen a review of this book before and really wanted it but I haven’t been able to find it in town. I might have to order it on line… darn, I like buying in town.
@Melinda Herron: Nice beads, huh? I know what you mean about “buying in town.” I feel the same way. I don’t go out & shop very often, but I much prefer it to ordering online (you would think I’d rather save the trip.) It’s that darn shipping charge that bothers me, as well as the fact that every once in a while, you get the wrong thing. Then you have to mail the return, and all that mess. I guess I’m kinda old school when it comes to shopping. I’d probably feel differently if I lived in a remote area, but there is so much shopping nearby. I should be able to find ANYthing!
Hi there! Thank you all so much for the kind thoughts and comments! For right now, I have been advised the book is in most Borders Books stores. :) From what I have seen so far, the best price is currently online through Amazon.
@ phaedrakat – I hope you feel better. I know how horrible it feels when you want to get up and about and have so much you want to do an dyou can’t. Kind of also slows everything you do too.
@Cheryl – Thanks! It helps when someone understands how you’re feeling. I just caught a cold from my nephew, on top of my back problems. One of those colds where your head feels like it’s stuffed with cotton. ARG! I’m trying to get more sleep so that I’ll get better faster. I read on another post that you are a music teacher, that is so wonderful. I love to sing, but I’ve never learned to play an instrument. I’m envious of those who play piano — I always thought that one day I would learn. But the way things look right now, “one day” is far away. At least I can sing (and I do it everywhere!) I have music in my life, which is important!
Phaedrakat, thank you so much for all your help. I just finally accomplished getting everything on Facebook thanks to you. I’m sorry to hear your in bed with a bad back. I know, it’s very painful. I just finished getting back surgery. Has your doctor mentioned back surgery to you? I couldn’t walk for about five months because my legs were so bad from my back. Well, anyway, I hope your out of bed soon and feeling better. Luv, Honey
@Helen (honeyclay): I’m so glad it all worked out! You’re welcome for anything I did to help; let me know if I can do anything else. I’m sorry about your own surgery — it’s so painful, isn’t it? It’s hard for people to imagine if they haven’t been there. I’ve already had 2 back surgeries, but the metal they left in there is still bothering me. I need another surgery to get the metal out, as well as surgery for my neck; but my insurance is gone. As you might imagine, I’m having lots of trouble getting new insurance (and that’s a different kind of pain!)