An Embarrassment of Riches

A Thing of Beauty - by Laural I bought a book. As a librarian I don’t normally admit that but it happens. I buy what I think is the best, what I can’t live without and borrow the rest. I borrowed from the library 1000 Jewelry Inspirations by Sandra Salamony. I was so enthused by the pieces in the book I had to own it.
I’ve been making jewelry for fifteen years - mostly simple necklaces, earrings, and bracelets with beads using the techniques of wirewrapping and softflex wire with crimp beads. If you make jewelry or you love looking at jewelry you will love this book!  Salamony includes full color photos of excellent pieces by 200+ creators. In all there are 1000 photographs of fantastic beaded art.  Most styles are covered: peyote stitch, ribbon chokers, wire wrapping, crimp beading, metal working, and bewitched materials made into ethereal concoctions. This is a confirmation that there are artists out there using pliers, needles, beads, blowtorches, metal, gems and ingenuity. They are creating amazing necklaces, earrings, and bracelets for the pleasure of jewelry wearers and the community at large.  Be inspired - take a look at this beautiful book.

Bringin' Domestic Back - by Laural

I am in love with The Gentle Art of Domesticity by Jane Brocket!  I did not want to return it to the library.  That being said, you need to know this is a beautiful and well written book with color pictures on almost every page.  Brocket loves color, quilts, fairy buns (cupcakes), embroidery, knitting, cooking, books, tea, and family among other things.  She brings her colorful style to all of these endeavours.  And at the same time reminds the reader how worthy these endeavours are without being uptight.  Her philosophy is the relaxed and fun approach to domesticity.  

Brocket at the same time answers the question of mass produced or homemade with the resounding answer of HOMEMADE!  Why would we want homemade?  Well, she sums it up concisely when she says “The answer lies in the not-so-revolutionary idea of seizing the means of production.  It’s as simple and as complex as that.  A modicum of practicality in the domestic space empowers us to make our own choices about what we make and eat, rather than handing over control of our homemaking to profit making companies.  It may sound surprisingly radical, and it is.”  I agree.  

If you are hungry for more you can also check out her blog!