A New Day

Image from WikiMedia Commons by Peter

Today is a new day and I’m going to focus on possibilities and positivities. (Yes, I know that isn't a word, but it works!) I'm working on more book projects...and the great news is that I’m almost there. I’m waiting on some materials to arrive this week so I can finish. I’m really looking forward to playing with some new toys! Yay!

We bought two guinea pigs this past weekend. They do better in pairs or small groups because they’re herd animals. We named them Finn E. Pig and Truffles. So far they’re still getting used to us, but slowly warming up. We’ve been hand feeding them carrots while talking softly to them. We had guinea pigs when I was a kid and I really loved them. They are truly endearing little creatures.

Yes, it’s true, fifteen chickens, two pot bellied pigs and a cairn terrier weren’t enough pets, so we had to get two guinea pigs. The menagerie grows on!

I have a big phone meeting this afternoon and I’m hoping it goes well. I’ve been trying to get the right combination of idea and opportunity to coalesce in this format for a while. It’s a lot of hurry up and wait and a lot of almost...but not quite. This is where you have to persevere. I think a good portion of ‘failure’ comes from giving up too soon. It’s easy to get discouraged or to feel inferior when people dismiss us. No matter how good you are, you can’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Try not to take it personally, chances are if you keep plugging away at it, you’ll find someone that likes your flavor!

I’m going to have a free project for you tomorrow. It’s a fun and easy mixed media design and I think you’ll enjoy it.

Until then...craft on with your bad self. Or as Finn E. Pig and Truffles would say, “Squeep, squeep.”

Cheers,
Madge

R E S P E C T

Image Copyright Enoch Bolles

I have been waiting for months for six of my designs to be returned by a magazine publisher. One of them has been held hostage for over a year. I’ve emailed them, messaged them and sent smoke signals begging for my projects back...and I occasionally get a reply that yes...my six projects will be returned...after they find them...and then nada. What...did they send them on vacation? Are they wearing them?

I love these designs. Several of them are made with one-of-a-kind materials I simply can’t replace. I sold them the right to publish them, but I did not sell them the actual pieces. The understanding was they’d return them to me. They’re fully aware of that...but they keep stonewalling me.

Then today I returned home from the hair salon feeling like a Breck girl and in a lovely mood only to find a thinly padded envelope with THREE class samples tossed inside. Where did the bubble wrap packages I created for them go? Why couldn’t they have used a box? I’m amazed they weren’t shattered into a zillion tiny pieces. PLUS they actually GRADED them with RED PEN! What?! Are you friggin’ kidding me? I got a low ‘B.’

Uh, okay, what...ev...er.

I give them a big red ‘F’ for packaging followed by a very juicy raspberry.

Sheesh.

I don’t think it’s asking so much from my clients that they treat my work and me with the respect we deserve. They don’t have to like my pieces, but they should return them in a timely manner and packed with some semblance of care and respect. I’m seriously considering not working with either of these companies again. Sorry, Charlie. I’m not going to let people walk all over me.

The point of this rant is to remind everyone that we do not have to allow other people to treat us like crap just because they think they’re in a position of power or because they appear to wield so much importance we’re afraid of standing up to them. So maybe we won’t do business with them again, but who wants to work with people who don’t respect us? Everyone deserves professional courtesy. After 12 long years waiting tables...I made a deal with myself that I was NEVER going to do a job I hated again.

Find another sucker.

I know some folks are willing to work for the honor of associating their name with something big or are so happy to get a book deal or a magazine article they’ll pretty much do it for nothing and suck it up. I’m just not there anymore. I’ve built something and when you get me, you get my considerable talent, insight, hard work, dedication and my brand. It’s a mutually beneficial situation.

Aretha was so right on. Sing it, sista.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

It's a damn good thing my hair looks this good or I'd be a mighty grumpy Gertie.

xoxo,
Madge

The Balancing Act for Beadalon

I'll be appearing on Lifetime TV's The Balancing Act on July 2nd. Considering how much juggling I've been doing lately, it's highly appropos. The good folks from Beadalon asked me to film a segment on jewelry making featuring their fabulous products. What fun! I flew to Tampa and had a delightful time on set showing hostess and crafty maven Kathy Peterson a simple double needle ladder stitch bracelet technique that's easy and fun for anyone to recreate.

Here's a press release they sent about the segment! Tune in!

Cheers,

Madge

The Balancing Act On Lifetime Television Offers Creative “Gems” For At-Home Crafters

Learn the Latest Looks in Do-It-Yourself Jewelry

For Immediate Release

(Pompano Beach, FL ) – A great way to display your creative side is through jewelry-making. To learn the latest trends and styles, The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television welcomes Margot Potter, a multi-talented designer for Beadalon, a provider of do-it-yourself jewelry supplies; how-to videos and other instructional aids. The segment airs July 2nd as part of the Tribute to the American Family Special.

“Jewelry-making is a super way to show off your unique personality by making one-of-a-kind pieces,” she says. “Not only is it a great family hobby, but also gives you quality time to spend with your teenager.” The end result is beautiful, wearable art that doesn’t cost a lot of money.

Beadalon provides all the goods you’ll ever need: stringing tools and other supplies for do-it-yourself jewelry fabricators. The firm lends a hand by also offering detailed instructions, animations and streaming videos on its website (www.beadalon.com.)

“If it’s not fun, it’s simply not worth doing,” says Potter, an actress, vocalist and noted author of books that include The Impatient Beader how-to series. She invites people to “think outside of the box” when designing high-quality pieces to either wear or give away as special gifts. “Coordinate the jewelry with your wardrobe as an expression of your own personal style,” she encourages.

Beadalon has been serving the at home jewelry market for the past 33 years. And long before “going green” was the environmental watchword, the firm created stainless steel jewelry parts with 60 percent recycled content. It continues to lead the way with new “green” initiatives.

Potter’s signature approach kick starts the creative process for do it yourself crafters. She invites everyone to the table for a helping of hand-designed fun and family camaraderie with crafting supplies from Beadalon.

“With Beadalon, you get to spend time together making exceptional jewelry designs in a green-friendly atmosphere,” says Doug Campbell, Executive Vice President of Programming, BrandStar Entertainment, the producers of The Balancing Act. “I know our audience will enjoy this segment.”

About Brand Star Entertainment The Balancing Act: The Balancing Act TV show on Lifetime Television is America’s only morning show about women, for women, trusted by women. Celebrating life and all there is to accomplish, The Balancing Act inspires and empowers with entertaining and educational segments, placing women in the best position to achieve success in every area of their lives. The show is produced by BrandStar Entertainment and airs on Lifetime Television 7 a.m. Eastern/Pacific (check local listings). Additional information and each segment can be accessed on the show’s website, www.TheBalancingAct.com. Each episode is also available on www.Google.com/video and www.YouTube.com. Sign up for the show’s newsletter at www.thebalancingact.com/join.php. For more details about BrandStar Entertainment please visit www.brandstarentertainment.com.

DreamScape

Last night I had a long and winding dream that culminated in stumbling upon a lovely outdoor stall filled with handcrafted metal and gemstone jewelry from an artist I admired (in the dream.) Her jewelry was draped over layers of velvets, silks and lace. I had been saving my money to purchase one of the pieces for my collection and was excited to finally make my selection.

I looked further into the booth to see an ethereally beautiful woman with aqua blue and powder white shiny straight hair. She was dressed in diaphanous layers of sheer blue and white organza. She approached me and began showing me things entirely unrelated to jewelry. First she rummaged through a stack of thin folded leather pouches and unfolded one to reveal a wooden wand. She explained that it belonged to a Native American Goddess and was very rare and magical. Then she talked about the socially restrictive nature of the tribe from which this came and I decided rather quickly this item wasn't for me.

We moved to another section of her stall and she began taking out colorful wigs and outrageous costumes. I thought them all delightful, but I explained that I already had plenty of these items and was there to purchase one of her lovely jewelry designs as I was a fan of her work.

She smiled, nodded and walked away leaving me to peruse her wares.

What did this dream mean? I can't say. Dreams are where our minds process our emotions and experiences. I've been going through a lot of changes lately professionally, big and small things ebbing and flowing for me. Perhaps I'm feeling a need to let go of magical thinking and wearing masks. I believe that we make our own magic and it's within us to do so. Maybe this dream was there to remind me to trust my instincts and keep moving my energy outward and not to be distracted by illusions.

Perhaps.

Or perhaps the colors I used in a design I did yesterday inspired me to dream in soft aquamarines and smoky greys and powder whites...one never knows does one?

xoxo,
Madge

Embossing on Slick Surfaces Mixed Media Technique

Stained Necklace and Earrings from Beyond the Bead Copyright 2009 Margot Potter

My new book Beyond the Bead is overflowing with fun and easy mixed media techniques for the jewelry maker. One of my favorites is using embossing powder on slick surfaces. I've embossed on acrylic, glass, frosted glass and even ceramic. You can seal the final result with a clear laminate so it doesn't chip.

1. Use a dryer sheet to clean your surface to remove any static electricity.
2. Get a rubber stamp with an interesting image that isn't too detailed or tiny. Stamp with an embossing medium.
3. Pour regular or ultra fine embossing powder on stamped image (on the surface you're embossing, not on the stamp!) Feel free to use colors if you like and even use a variety of colors for a varigated look.
4. Shake off excess powder on a scrap paper so you can put it back into the jar. Use an exacto knife to remove any stray particles. There will be a few that you won't be able to remove without damaging the image, I just let that go.
5. Use a heat tool to melt embossing powder.
6. Allow to dry.
7. You can (if you choose) use Alcohol Inks or Adirondack or other glass friendly pens to color the image in.
8. If you aren't sandwiching the image, use a clear laminate to seal it.

Tips:
Don't overheat plastic items or you'll end up with a melty mess! Some surfaces take longer to heat up, so be patient. Don't overmelt your powder, it's ready as soon as it turns glossy, you'll see it happen. Move the heat tool around to get the entire image. Don't use a hair dryer, it won't get hot enough, you need a heat tool designed for crafts!

(I used Ranger embossing medium, powder and inks and Diamond Glaze as a laminate.)

Here are a variety of projects I've done with this technique. I'd love to see what you do with this...so feel free to send a jpeg of your work to theimpatientcrafter@gmail.com and I'll post the images in my blog with a link back to you!

Earrings on Left Embossing Powder on Acrylic (earrings on right feature Earthenwood Studio beads)

Vintage Optical Glass Lens with Embossing Powder sealed with laminate from Beyond the Bead by Margot Potter copyright 2009

Glass frame from HHH Enterprises with Embossing Powder and Alcohol Inks From Beyond the Bead by Margot Potter for North Light Books Copyright 2009

Embossing Powder on Ceramic Copyright 2008 Margot Potter for Simply Beads

Variations on a Theme

All Eyes on You Mixed Media Recycled Paper and Quick Links Necklace copyright Margot Potter

Variation Copyright Angela Bannatyne

Mixed Media Paper and Metal Necklace Copyright Angela Bannatyne

My work has been expanding out from center since my second book. At the time, I didn't have a name for what I was doing, I was just restless. I wanted to make my own beads and components, not just string or wire someone else's creations. If you check out The Impatient Beader Gets Inspired, you'll find it is filled with ideas that would now fall into the "mixed media" category. At the time, it was simply a natural progression of my work, but some folks were rather confused methinks at what I was throwing down. I can recall quite clearly the owner of a very large jewelry making website poo-pooing that book completely. I wonder if she's reconsidered her assessment after seeing the surge in interest in mixing things up creatively!

I got an email yesterday from a lovely woman I met at Ranger U named Angela Bannatyne. Check out her blog! I wore my All Eyes on You necklace to class one day and everyone really loved it. Angela has a bead and paper crafting store in Florida and asked if she could do a version of it for the shop and I said absolutely as long as she gave me credit. Well check out what she did! Two fabulous versions! I love the papers and the colors and the yummy colorful beads Angela used! Simply fabulous!

This is why I do what I do...even if some folks scratch their heads in confusion...my goal is to inspire creative folks to forge their own new pathways. There will always be people who stand on the side of your work and make snide comments or try to pull you down...screw it. Do what you do in that glorious way that you do it and inspire others to do the same. Be ahead of your time, it's far more intesting than being behind the times!

What a boring, pedantic, grey world it would be if we all made the exactly same art. Snoresville, Daddio!

Thanks, Angela! You truly made my week! And if you, gentle reader, create something inspired by my work...please let me know and I'll post it here!

xoxo

Madge

My Agenda

Image Copyright Enoch Bolles

It's all aboard the Madge makes a book express! So far I've got 30 out of 72 designs completed! Woot! Woot! I hope to be halfway there by Wednesday and get the instructions written up so I can ship out the first half of the book and breathe a small sigh of relief.

I really haven't had time for anything else...even though there were some vague flip flop project promises. Do forgive. I'm getting there!

I only have two hands and they've been juggling a lot of balls lately! Insert circus music...here.

I read an e-mail this morning that kinda got under my skin a little. I can't say why. E-mail's funny stuff. It's a highly imperfect form of communication. Plus artists are all a little touchy and extra sensitive creatures.

The good news is in writing the reply that I shall never send, I found some renewed clarity on my agenda. You may wonder what it is and I'm here to express it to you.

This career found me. I had no intention of being a lifestyle expert or creativity guru. I was a professional performer who also happened to love crafting and design. I was going to get an MFA in acting and work at a regional repertory company making great theatre.

Life's funny sometimes. There was an unexpected detour sign, I took a side road and twelve years later, here I am. Doing not what I planned, but doing what I love and making a living doing it and being present for my lovely daughter at the same time. I quickly realized that this career allowed me the space to explore all of my many talents on a daily basis.

What an amazing adventure! What a gift! What fun! Huzzah!

I'm here to inspire you, gentle reader, to 'create without filters.' I'm not just here to show you how to make a cool pair of flip flops or a sparkly necklace. I'm not just here to sell you soap flakes or brand Madge. I want to show you how to craft a life of joy and wonder and creativity! I'm a pied piper of juicy, sparkly, crafty, messy goodness and I want to show you how to follow your bliss, do what you love, make glorious mistakes, live out loud and if you should so choose...to make some money in the process.

I'm also here to share some of what I've learned about the complexities of making money doing what you love. When I talk about the fine art of shameless self promotion, I'm seriously not ashamed. It's okay to simultaneously pursue your dreams making art and to be a savvy business person. It's incredibly freeing to be transparent.

I spent a lot of years living on ramen noodles and quite frankly, I prefer being able to afford a steak now and again. After all, money is just a form of energy. It's only worth something because we've all agreed to subscribe to that illusion. It's no longer backed by anything tangible...as we've all seen recently with the collapse of some mighty big financial illusions.

Ultimately the point of this life walk is to connect with others and to fine tune the practice of unconditional love. The rest is just the stuff we do to pass the time. We might as well do what we love and inspire others to do the same.

Carpe gaudium, my friends, seize joy.

xoxo

Madge

TastyLinks™ Sunday!

Crafty Cabaret Cruise Logo Copyright Brini Maxwell 2009

What ho, what hey...it’s TastyLinks™ day!

I simply can't bring myself to refer to Linky Love Showers today, it's been grey, gloomy and rainy here for so long I'm about to start building an Ark. It's either that or my blog posts are going to get their Goth on.

I survived my appearance at AC Moore yesterday mostly unscathed. These things are almost always a little awkward. It’s not like I’m a household name...so people treat me like the sample lady at the grocery store with a platter full of tasty Spamwiches. They give me funny looks as they make a wide arc around my demo table...or they accidentally look me in the eye and nervously say, “Hello” and scurry away.

My family couldn’t join me, so it was just little ol' me all alone at a small bridge table near the exit and the front registers. There wasn’t any signage on the table, and more than a few folks thought I was just someone who worked there (who opted to wear a ginormous plastic necklace, platform shoes and a floor length dress to work that day.)

People kept asking me things like, “Where are the popsicle sticks?”

“Uh...I dunno...I don’t actually work here, I’m here signing my new books. I’m doing some metal and bead wire wrapping demonstrations if you’d like to learn about that.”

“Oh...huh...okay....”

Awkward silence...followed by backing away slowly...looking frantically around for an actual employee.

A few little kids came over to see what I was doing, but their parents quickly pulled them away after giving me funny looks. I did manage to get one person to converse with me at length. I personally escorted her to the bead area to find all of the tools and products she needed to get started making jewelry. I should get a sales commission. Catherine, it was delightful meeting you. May you enjoy making jewelry for years to come.

At least the 3 hours of driving were scenic...if soggy.

Ah well...one day people will know who I am and be excited to meet me.

No, really.

And while I continue to indulge in my delusions...here’s this week’s round up from the Crafty Bloggers Gang:

About Family Crafts What is in your craft cupboard? What craft supplies can you not live without? Has there been a craft item that you purchased thinking it was the greatest invention of all time and then never used?

Aileen's Musings Aileen needs your help! She's created another whimsical character in her curalicious series and needs a saying or quote to go with her! Post your quote or saying and enter to win a curvalicious coffee cup!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner Create fun and graphic letter & number decoupage jars in a flash!

Cathie Filian Recycle old jeans and fabric scraps into a quilted 4th of July Table Runner in under 2 hours!

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world This week at Craftside there is Jenn Mason's episode of Look, Learn & Create where she shows us how to make a fun matchbook card and dyed plastic tube necklace, a window-screen art journal tutorial from the new book Re-bound and a mini journal with a recycled scrapbook paper catalog, a discussion of rule breaking in logo design and a recipe for roasted chickpeas.

Crafty Princess Diaries Cat Domination at Jewelry Bench! “Where oh where can I work on jewelry?” Tammy asks.

CraftyPod Take a handful of buttons and some craft wire and make charming button monograms to wear as jewelry.

Cross Stitch at About.com Dinosaurs rule in the Land of the Lost and they also rule at About.com Cross Stitch. There are three of them stalking through Connie's latest free pattern collection.

Mixed Media Artist Here's a way to combine planning with serendipity when you paint fabrics!

Naughty Secretary Club Think all the marketing at a craft show is already taken care of for the vendors? Think again. Jen shares some marketing tips.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Another of Stefanie's Happy Bunnies-This one created using the help of the cool book: Stray Sock Sewing

The Artful Crafter What new mom would not be delighted with this precious keepsake pendant? Eileen gives you step-by-step instructions for making it using polymer clay and decal paper.

The Impatient Crafter Madge went on a bead buying trip to NYC! Get the scoop!

New and Improved with Better Crafting Action!

I am running behind on prep for my appearance at the new AC Moore in Allentown. I just now got my demo materials together and have to spackle and blush my visage so as not to frighten the little children.

I'll post my weekly links tomorrow...but for now please go visit my brand spankin' new website! Big thanks to illustrator Vlad Alvarez for my new logo and to my lovely and talented mom Sharon Scanlin for the header design. I love the transparent layers she created. I did the rest of the design and layout...but I'm not a web designer so cut me some slack, okay?! The site is seriously content rich, so pour yourself a cuppa and surf away! I'll be updating the content regularly so visit often and please send your friends and family!

Until tomorrow...

...craft on with your bad selves!

xoxo

Madge

What's New!

Fruit Salad Charm Bracelet Copyright Margot Potter for DRG

Image Copyright DRG

Greetings and Salutations!

Besides working on the hyper speed deadline for my new book, I've been hard at work on a few other TSPs (Top Secret Projects). I'll be revealing one of them very soon. It's my new DIY website! Yes, I did it myself and no unfortunately it's not as cool as my old site...BUT...it's far less static and it allows me the ability to change it whenever the mood strikes or new information arises. That's a very good thing because there's always something new in my world...that and I'm easily bored.

Have I mentioned that I'm impatient?

All of these endeavors have kept me so busy, I've run out of time for the blog. I don't really have anything new and exciting to share. If you follow this link to the project in the pic above that I designed a few years back you can by at the e-PatternsCentral website. It's a perfect retro summertime charm bracelet that's bursting with yummy Czech glass beads.

A quick reminder from the folks at ArtBeads...Scarlett Lanson's Use the Muse II contest kit order deadline is rapidly approaching. If you want to play, you need to get that order in asap!

I'll be at the brand new Allentown AC Moore this Saturday signing books and doing demos from Beyond the Bead. If you live in the area...please come and visit. I feel like such a dork if no one talks to me!

AC Moore

926 Airport Center Drive, Allentown, PA

Saturday June 20th

1-3PM

MARGOT POTTER-author of Beyond the Bead, demo and book signing

xoxo

Madge

Some Extra Linky Love!

Image Copyright Enoch Bolles

I'm sharing a little Linky Love today! It's always important to say, "Thank You." If you post a link to my blog, email me and let me know so I make sure to thank you too! Beadalon is giving away a copy of Bead and Wire Jewelry Exposed! Go leave a comment on their blog to enter the contest! I really think this book breaks new ground for designers and has a lot to offer.

Big thank you's to Stefanie Girard who posted my Spirograph project on her fabulous new Craft Gossip Recycled Crafts Blog!

Big thanks to Leslie of Mad Maggie Designs for posting my videos on her blog!

Shout outs to Rachel at One Pretty Thing for regularly posting links my projects and articles!

Linky love to Amy of Mod Podge Rocks blog for posting my All Eyes on You necklace set!

Merci beaucoup to my friend and fellow author Fernando DaSilva for his kind words and linking to my American Idol post. Nando makes gorgeous jewelry, so do check out his blog!

Gratitude to Wheat Carr for quoting a post from The Impatient Blogger (it's not online any longer folks, sorry) in her blog Wheat Said What?

Dawno linked back to my Chagall inspired design in her Wandering the Beadosphere blog. Thank you!

I truly appreciate all of the Linky Love.

If you live near Allentown PA, I'll be at an opening of a brand new AC Moore on Saturday signing my new book Beyond the Bead and doing demos from 1-3pm! Come say, "Howdy!"

Here's the address:

AC Moore

926 Airport Center Drive
Allentown, PA 18109
(610) 596-4007

Until next time...craft on with your bad selves!

xoxo

Madge

NYC Bead Buy!

Some of the new stash!

My Personal Assistants Avalon and "Penguiy" sort and tray the new beads!

Vintage goodies.

Howdy Campers!

We had a great day in NYC yesterday, but somehow we managed to get a rather late start. When we arrived at our first bead buy location I realized we had about 40 minutes before we had to go meet a friend for lunch in Greenwich. Oops. So I shopped fast and with an unrelenting sense of purpose. I needed smaller beads, more gemstones, a variety of colors and lots of new and different. I also needed chain...lots of chain...at good prices. I was able to score some great discounts, which helped immensely. I still managed to spend a small fortune and I have a few more things yet to buy...egads!

I'm planning on getting some nice focals from art bead makers. So far I've got a pretty good stash rounded up and my lovely daughter is traying it all this morning. I hit a regular haunt for some chunky vintage plastic I'll use for my over the top pieces I wear and will also hopefully start selling here soon. Yup, I've been amassing vintage goodies and I plan to share my stash in the near future! Stay tuned.

We met a friend for lunch at had an AMAZING meal at a place in Chelsea called Vynl that I HIGHLY recommend if you're in NYC. The head chef is a past Iron Chef winner and he takes diner fare to a whole new level. Our friend took us down the road for delicious cupcakes at Billy's Bakery. I was stuffed to the gills, but what a treat! Thankfully I did a crap load of walking yesterday so I've rationalized that I worked off the calories. Sure, sure ya did Madge.

And no, I can't share all of my NYC sources...but if you come along next year on my Beads and the City trip, you'll learn them all. I'll keep you posted on the details as they get firmed up!

I'm off to work on the new book! Until next time...craft on with your bad selves!

Cheers,

Madge

Gone Bead Shopping!

Gone Bead Shopping in NYC...will return tomorrow!

xoxo,

Madge

TastyLinks Saturday with Bonus Ranger U Images!

Making art requires the willingness to get your hands dirty!

Inks brushed across tags with foam applicator creepy girl stamp and flourish accents in archival.

Alcohol ink pens on transparencies. One is glued with Glossy Accents and the other with white paint. I sprinkled alcohol ink blending solution to make the splots.
Various colored embossing powders hand sprinked for a tie dye effect. I love this stamp!
I want to do this one on a big piece of furniture. It's a resist with paint dabbers and masks. I love the silver over these hot colors.
Layers of inks with a mask...nice colors here!
Some of my tags!
Alcohol inks with stamped archival in black.
Adirondack pens on frosted and embossed class...so fun!

I got my camera back! Above are some shots of what I learned at Ranger U! I'm still processing things! Tim and Claudine did tags, Suze had us make a little shadow box frame which is super cute but I don't have a handy pic of Suze or Claudine's samples so I'll pop them up later. We could do the technique with the colors we wanted and use stamps we liked...(I brought stamps from home so I could use materials I use regularly...again I will point out that my tags are not super cute because I was going 'off book' and experimenting with every technique we learned. It was so much fun!

And without further ado..it's time for my weekly Linky Love Shower! Grab your slickers and your wellies and get ready to splash in some crafty puddles!

Yippee!

Here's your weekly sampling of TastyLinks: All the good blogs wrapped up in one!

About Family Crafts Check out photos of home-made Father's Day cards and submit your own photos to this gallery.

Aileen's Musings Aileen offers you another printable freebie...a word sheet for you to download and use in your art . . .

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner Alexa shares several craft projects that she has every intention of eventually making.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside has the latest episode of Look, Learn & Create featuring William F. Powell showing us some great methods of mixing paint colors, and there is an explanation of the different types of clay, how to plan a business, draw an outline for an illuminated letter, and finally how-to's for beading and embellishing filigree jewelry from Karen and Ann Mitchell.

Crafty Princess Diaries Have you heard of the book Weekend Sewing? Tammy offers some tips for making copies of the patterns in this new book by Heather Ross.

CraftyPod Sister Diane's latest podcast is all about how to write a great craft blog.

Cross Stitch at About.com An unsettling project has Connie in a contemplative mood. What do you think of this project?

Mixed Media Artist Let's do the twist! Cyndi demonstrates a fun way to paint fabrics with a surprise ending.

Naughty Secretary Club Jen gets crafty with wallpaper! A review, how-to project and contest to win a copy of Wallpaper Projects.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Modern Sweater Surgery Toilet Paper Cozy Inspired by the new book- Felt Furnishings by Anne Kyyro Quinn

The Artful Crafter Eileen helps a reader who needs to start her Christmas crafting early with instructions for a beaded glow-in-the-dark star ornament.

The Impatient Crafter Ranger has a three day intensive university and Madge has the 411 after spending a weekend getting fully certified! Inky and crafty goodness was enjoyed by all!

Free Mixed Media Jewelry Making Project Upcycled Spiral Spirograph Necklace!

Upcycled Spiral Spirograph Necklace Copyright 2009 Margot Potter

I love a good estate sale. Especially when they've got a ton of old paper and games and no one else wants them. There aren't many places these days where you can get that much fun for a quarter! Woo hoo!

I bought a Spirograph set and a bunch of old books at a local sale last year. I knew immediately that I wanted to make the pieces into jewelry. Yes, in my world, EVERYTHING can be repurposed and ANYTHING can be jewelry. Well, almost anything. A little adirondack ink, some old medical book pages, a little Mod Podge, a few well place drill holes...voila!

I submitted the concept to a magazine, they loved it. I sent them a pic of the finished project, they loved it. I sent them the project and had to go on eBay to buy a second game for the "before" photo for the article (for a lot more than a quarter as apparently Spirograph is a big ticket item over there. Who knew?) Unfortunately, the magazine decided not to run this quirky set.

Insert trombone sound...here.

Maybe one day it will come home to me so that I might enjoy wearing it! I plan to do some more with the plethora of Spirograph pieces I've amassed. Yay for thrifty goodness!

Their loss is your gain my fine friends!

Upcycled Spiral Spirograph Necklace
Copyright 2009 Margot Potter

Materials
7 Vintage Spirograph wheels in varied sizes
Old book paper
3 6mm olivine CRYSTALLIZED™-Swarovski Elements rounds
3 6mm indicolite CRYSTALLIZED™-Swarovski Elements bicones
9 10mm silver plated jump rings
Silver plated ring back
5-link section, 6-link section Quick Links ovals chain
Large silver plated swivel lobster clasp
6 silver plated ball tipped head pins
Ranger Alcohol inks lettuce, bottle
Mod Podge Matte
Beacon Dazzle Tac glue

Tools
2 pairs chain nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Electric Drill with 1/16” bit
Ink applicator with Felt Pad
Scissors
Marking pen

1. Apply inks to backs of Spirograph pieces using applicator tool and felt. Continue working until you reach desired effect. Allow to dry.

2. Trace Spirograph pieces on to old book paper. Cut paper with scissors or craft knife.

3. Use Mod Podge to glue paper to back of game pieces. Allow to dry.

4. Paint a coat of Mod Podge on backs of game pieces. Allow to dry.

5. Mark holes with pen and drill. There are existing holes you may be able to use, so survey the pieces before you drill!

6. Connect pieces as you desire using jump rings and two pairs of chain nose pliers.

7. Attach chain segments to the game pieces on each end of your center design using 10mm jump rings and chain nose pliers.

8. Create coil topped dangles with the crystals. Attach to a 10mm jump ring and to the second link from the center on the longer chain.

9. Attach lobster clasp to the longer chain using a 10mm jump ring.

10. Attach a second jump ring to the end of the shorter chain.

11. Use Dazzle Tac to attach a smaller game piece on a larger piece. Glue the back of the larger piece to the flat top of the ring blank. Allow to dry.

Supplies
Spirograph pieces and old book paper from estate sale, alcohol inks Ranger, crystals CRYSTALLIZED™-Swarovski Elements, ring blanks Ornamentea, findings and chain Beadalon

What I Did!

Whisper Down the Lane Copyright 2009 Margot Potter

(Click on image to view close-up)

So here's the story, Morning Glories. I have two months to produce my next book. I usually have a year. So this is a ride on the super speed train and I can't make too many stops. That means the bloggy here is mostly going to be about my new book and the steps it takes to make a book. That's useful info for you, gentle reader. I'm hoping you'll hop on board with me...until the end of August. I can't really show too much, but I can share my process. So think of it as more of a tell than a show. I'll give you sneaky peekies though, but only if you're nice.

Above is the final design I made using the ArtBeads Chagall pendant. This looks far better on a body than it does on a crackled old shutter. Trust me. It's too dark in here today to get a really super deluxe shot...but this gives you the idea. I pulled from the geometrics in the pendant into the chain and the folk artsy stripe into the ric-rac trim ties. I love me some ric-rac, yes indeedy do. You could use thin leather or rattail instead. I wanted the eye to be drawn to the pendant, so I only pulled black and cream accents out in the 3mm crystal and pearls. I added a little asymmetrical chain drop to give it some movement, but it's light and open enough that it doesn't compete with the focal bead. Simple, striking and serves the focal bead...me likee!

Here are some other ideas from my design savvy readers:

"I feel the same way about the one I got (it's a Mucha pendant) - it's going to stay on a very simple, short necklace because it deserves to be the center of attention.Right now it's on a black wire choker form, but I've been thinking that a thin satin ribbon would be a great choice." Dawno
"I immediately thought of bead embroidery when I saw this fabulous piece. I'd create a pin/pendant using a bead embroidery technique." Liz Revit

"I would make it the focal on a sterling silver bookmark, with some saphire and black bicone swarovski crystals." Marie Cramp

Check out the original post for more great ideas in the comments section! Oh and here's the piece that inspired this variation...because I'm always thinking in series and making design connections. Sometimes it's just a matter of changing your focal element and everything falls into place from there.

All aboard...the Madge Writes a Book at the Speed of Light Express is leaving the station!

xoxo,
Madge
www.margotpotter.com

Runaway Train...

This week has been thrown off completely...and I'm trying my best to catch the train but it's barreling down the tracks without me! Eek! Monday I took the day off to recover from Ranger U, Tuesday we had crazy storms and power outages, here it is Wednesday and I've got to get x-rays on my foot this afternoon so that's half of my day and I've got an overnight at QVC on Friday so I'll have to catch up on my sleep during the day. Good...grief...I need more hands!

Above is a simple design I created using absolutely yummy beads and chain from the folks at Auntie's Beads. I love these warm, autumnal colors. If I'm not sporting technicolor, I'm definitely at home in these shades.


I'm going to do a variation on this idea with the other beads they sent...totally different scale and design feel as you can see, but I'll do a similar asymmetrical approach with the beads on one side and the chains on the other. I'm not sure the scale of this pendant will work...so there will be some problem solving on that front. If it doesn't work here...I'll find another home for it!

I try to let the beads guide me. I hunt and gather and bring them back to the studio and eventually they tell me how they want to be combined. Just call me The Bead Whisperer.

Okay please don't...that's just weird.

I'll be back as soon as I catch that train...until then...craft on with your bad selves.

xoxo
Madge

Ranger U

I spent the past three days at Ranger University. I'm now officially a fully certified Ranger Instructor. It was three information packed days of techniques and products taught by crafty rock stars Tim Holtz, Suze Weinberg and Claudine Hellmuth. We learned, we played, we explored, we questioned...and in true Madge fashion I made a ton of glorious messes. We made manilla tags as we went along of many of the techniques for reference later. A lot of folks made pretty tags, embellishing each one perfectly into a miniature work of art...but every technique made me wonder...what if I did this...or that...or added this? Therefore I have a bunch of pretty ugly tags...but a brain full of great ideas. Since I don't have to hang my tags up a store, it's okay! I took a ton of pictures...which I'd love to share...but I left my camera there. Oops. I promise to share later...scout's honor!

Ranger U is a three day 9-6 intensive overview of the Ranger product line. You leave with product and with ideas and fully certified. You learn synergistic techniques that integrate a variety of products you can apply to your specific disciplines. It's an amazing experience! You can go here to read more and to apply.

I was completely exhausted at the end of every day. It was so much information to process and I literally collapsed in my hotel room after dinner at around 9 each night. I'm still exhausted today, but there are a lot of ideas percolating in my brain. I wish they sold everything in gallon sizes, because I'd like to distress my furniture and my walls! I want to crackle and ink my supply drawers, emboss and paint my new TV stand...color wash my curtains...I'd distress the whole house if I could! I'm sad my new book isn't mixed media focused, because I've got some great ideas for making beads and jewelry. The bonus for you is that I'll be sharing them here and in my videos. I find it hard to concentrate on stringing beads these days when there are crafty potions to be brewed and new mixed media techniques to discover.

Thank you so much to all of the wonderful folks at Ranger for inviting me back. Thanks to Tim, Suze and Claudine for the creative inspiration. Big thanks to Patti and Mario for all of your hard work supporting the classes. Thanks to Robin Beam for introducing me to the wonders of Ranger products. It's kinda like Willy Wonka with crafty products instead of candy...which is like all the best stuff wrapped up in one glorious three day weekend!

Until tomorrow...craft on with your bad selves!

xoxo,
Madge

What Would You Do?

Russian Artists Chagall To The Moon Handpainted Pendant from ArtBeads

I’m packing for Ranger U and I won’t be back until Monday. I won’t post while I’m away so consider this a mini-vacation from The Impatient Crafter™. In the interim...I got this AMAZING bead in the mail from the folks at ArtBeads. They have an entire collection of these focal beads from Russia on their website. I selected this hand painted miniature reproduction of a Marc Chagall painting.

I am truly, madly and deeply in love with this bead.

It is so exquisite, so extraordinary, so fanfreakintabulous...I simply can’t bring myself to slap together a quickie free design project with it. I want to take my time...gaze at it lovingly...give it a pet name and keep it in my pocket...take it out and whisper to it. Okay maybe not so much the last part...but I do want to let it simmer on the creative back burner.

My question to you is...what would you do with this bead?

Think about it and let me know and I’ll post some of the best answers in a future blog with hot links to your site.

xoxo
Madge

Dear Reader

Please excuse Margot from blogging today. She’s buried under a largish pile of straw and frantically whipping up a DIY pitchfork. There’s a big web project she’s been obsessing over and until it’s ready to reveal, she’s got to keep on plodding away. Insert plodding sounds here.

Please feel free to comment with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your time and understanding. You can get your daily dose of Madgey goodness on her interview about turning your hobby into a business at Reclaim U Radio today!

Warmest regards,
Madge
Margot’s Personal Assistant
Okay, really Margot

Social Networking Fatigue Syndrome

The Incomparable Lily Tomlin as Ernestine

Is it just me, or after a while does social networking start to feel like a huge, annoying chore? I used to get emails from friends, now I get messages, tweets, virtual cocktails, meaningless quiz requests, meaningless quiz results and TMI wall posts. I spend far too much time accepting or denying friends and followers, answering random messages, approving comments, deleting application requests, Tweeting and posting and blathering on and on about the most minute and inane details of my day to day life...ugh. Does anybody really care, and if they do...why?! I'm not here for the virtual cocktails...I'm here for the Fine Art of Shameless Self Promotion. If ya wanna chat, shoot me an email. If ya wanna get me a drinky, give me a real one, please! I love you...truly...but I absolutely do not give a flying you know what through a rolling donut what your five favorite breakfast cereals are.

I think I've developed Social Networking Fatigue Syndrome.

"I grow weary of the Interwebs." She says in her best Scarlett O'Hara voice bringing the back of her hand up to her forehead and making a rather largish sigh.

I need a Social Networking Assistant. Someone efficient, charming and ruthless. One day when I grow up I’ll be a big time Lifestyle Expert, NYT Best Selling Author, TV Host and International Celebrity with a horde of assistants and people who get paid to tell me I’m cute and smart. People who will laugh really loudly at my lame jokes and make my hair look good every day.

Someone will carry my umbrella when it rains and lug my bags through the airport...someone will clean my house, landscape my yard, care for my animals and cook gourmet meals...whip my flabby arse into shape and keep my face from falling...someone will organize my paperwork and keep my studio together...

Ah...it’s nice to dream...and no I can’t hire you so don’t Facebook message me about it. I can barely pay myself!

Until tomorrow...craft on with your bad selves!

Cheers,
Madge

Madge's Spicy Cajsian Shrimp

Madge’s Spicy Cajsian Shrimp
These spicy grilled shrimp have both a Thai and a Cajun flair. Enjoy with a loaf of warm crusty bread or cook up some brown rice. Try them with a side of mango salsa for a hot and sweet combo. Highly recommended with a glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Ingredients
1lb. medium frozen or fresh shrimp
2 large cloves garlic
2 limes juiced
½ lemon juiced
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
1 tbsp. red pepper flakes (to taste)
½ tsp. Franks Red Hot sauce (or other red pepper sauce)

Side salad/garnish
3 large leaves Romaine lettuce
3 thickly sliced Campari tomatoes
Paper thin sliced Vidalia onions
Diced bell pepper
Lemon wedge



1. Peel and devein shrimp leaving tails on.
2. Squeeze two limes and ½ lemon into a large bowl.
3. Chop two large cloves of garlic and place in bowl.
4. Chop 1/3 cup cilantro and place in bowl.
5. Add pepper flakes and hot sauce to taste. (We like it really hot around these parts.)
6. Marinate shrimp for an hour.
7. Skewer and cook on grill.
8. Prepare garnish.
9. Bon appetit!