The Beading Buzz

FINALISTS in the CYS CREATIVE BEADING AWARDS

2011-12-07T14:10:00.000-08:00

For many months this year I was engrossed in making my entries for the 2011 CYS Creative Beading Awards in Australia. I have entered this competition for the last 5 years and my boys have been entering in the Youth Division for the last 2 years. I personally find that entering competitions really stretches my creativity and takes me out of my beading "comfort zone". The thought process that goes into deciding on a theme/design is very intense and can often take much longer than the creation of the actual piece. Shopping for the components is always lots of fun but my favourite part is finally seeing the finished item and being able to breath a sigh of relief.

Anyway...VERY pleased to announce that my two boys and I are FINALISTS again and we are looking forward to hearing the results in the 2012.

My Life....

2011-10-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

Two months ago my younger brother James died suddenly and tragically as the result of undiagnosed depression. I can't tell you the absolute sadness, excruciating pain and incredible loss this has been to our family and to James' close friends and work colleagues.

James was a loving father to three children and a caring & considerate husband to his wife. He was a highly trusted and successful banker and spent his weekends playing with his young boys and coaching a junior soccer team. He loved is family and respected his parents and ensured he visited them on a regular basis. Silently however he was suffering greatly with agonising feelings & impulses brought on by depression...my brother was in his early 40's and although he was taking action to help create more positive thoughts in his life he was unable to sustain them. With the pressures & demands of modern day life my dear brother was clearly unable to cope and worse still he was unable to reach out in order to seek the help he so desperately required.

As human beings it is vital that we take care of each other whilst having compassion and understanding for those around us. We need to reflect on the importance of life and what we can do to help or serve others better. In this fast paced modern world everyone seems so busy with their own lives & technology (computers, mobile phones, tablets, ipods etc) that we are forgetting that as human beings we need hope, love, touch, acknowldegement, respect, appreciation,understanding, comfort, reassurance, support, attention, etc etc. Before my brother passed away he had even initiated a "media free" night once a week in his own home...a very worthy idea for those of us who live with people glued to their devices.

The end of my dear brothers life must have been a terribly sad & lonely experience despite working full time & living in a busy household with his wife & children. The feelings of insignificance & unworthiness were obviously all too much to live with.

I ask that you really take the time and make the effort on a regular basis to really know what is happening in the lives of those you love, live with & work with. Often the signs of depression are there but we must be receptive to those around us and acknowledge when they are not acting themselves or embarking in strange behaviours. When things aren't quite right take action...take them to a Dr, take them to a counsellor, talk to others about your concerns, contact their family & friends to see if they have noticed anything strange. In the majority of cases depression is a treatable disease...believe me you never want to experience the loss our family has, the pain is intense and the questions and "what ifs" become consuming on a daily basis.

May peace be with you now James and may you continue to shine your light on others...may God bless you and watch over you forever.

In memory of my brother his mate has set up a Facebook page for him (rather ironic though as my brother hated Facebook). Still...it gives his family a place to share their memories, look at photos, reflect on his life and keep his memory alive.

https://www.facebook.com/wemissjamesplayer

Read all about me on this month's SYDNEY MUM blog...

2011-07-19T16:18:00.000-07:00

Over the last couple of years I have been fortunate enough to have had a profile done and my work displayed in Australia's Creative Beading Magazine. During that time I met freelance journalist and blogger Sharon Quill who edits and compiles the profile stories and other articles for the magazine. After completing another recent story for the magazine she asked if she could "blog"about me on her Sydney Mum site, of course I was thrilled to be asked... http://sydneymum.wordpress.com/2011/07/08/what-a-beading-beauty/

Swarovski Create Your Style WATER Magazine OUT NOW

2011-06-03T05:49:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS to my lovely friend Diane Whiting who is a fabulous Create Your Style Swarovski Ambassador for her role in the newly released WATER ISSUE. Diane in conjunction with Lilian Chen created an amazing crystal purse which can be viewed within the pages of the magazine along with Diane's stunning Wirelace and Crystal necklace.
For information on where to get a copy of this new magazine please go to: http://www.create-your-style.com/Content.Node/inspiration/specials/Magazine_Water.php

If you are interested in joining a creative and fun website where designers who LOVE to create with Swarovski Crystals meet ot share their ideas and designs then please visit: http://community.create-your-style.com/

Melissa Player:Creative Beading SWAROVSKI Competition Results 2010

2011-03-18T02:08:00.000-07:00

After many, many months of waiting and anticipation the results for the 2010 Creative Beading Swarovski Competition are finally out and all place winners and finalists have been published in the March edition of the Creative Beading Magazine.

I'm very pleased to announce that I received my magazine in the mail this week and I received 8th place for my crystallized Akubra hat "Australiana" and 10th place for my necklace "PREY: Protect Our Children".

I'm just thrilled for the 2010 winner (a lovely lady & a very deserving entrant) and I'm also very excited to see so many of our Beading Forum members being recognised for their amazing vision, skills and talents.
www.beadingforum.com.au

This is a very difficult competition...after a few years of entering I still can't figure out the judging criteria but as long as you have a go, express yourself and enjoy your craft then you are certainly in with a chance.

Sandy Forster for Australian of the Year

2011-03-10T22:48:00.000-08:00

This week I read some very happy news on my Facebook page....Australian Mentor and Law of Attraction expert Sandy Forster has accepted a nomination for Australian of the Year. Sandy is an amazing lady who lives in sunny Queensland and her passion is to teach others how to use the Law of Attraction in everyday life (both personal and business). She has literally gone from welfare to millionaire in a few short years and her story is truely inspirational.

For the last decade I have been listening to & learning from Sandy. I started off listening to her free teleseminars, I have also participated in her fun & free Millionaire Money Game , I have done her Magical Money Manifestation course, I have done her Secrets to Business Success Course and other smaller courses as well.

What I love about Sandy Forster is that she has something to offer everyone....she's not one of these bells & whistles gurus but rather a very down to earth genuine Aussie gal!

So...if you've ever wanted to learn how to develop & improve your life, money situation, love life, realtionships, health, business, personal life etc etc then Sandy is your lady. One of the most powerful activities I have ever done was Sandy's "How to be Wildly Wealthy Fast Book" with accompanying workbook - it really was a step by step plan to awaken your vibrations towards money & wealth and for around $50 it was worth far more than the many thousands of dollars that most of the US gurus are charging.

Anyhow....take a look for yourself at www.aussieinfopreneurs.com as everyone has something to learn from this Wildly successful and multi award winning mentor.

Good luck Sandy with the nomination for Australian of the Year...I know you have many thousands of followers from all over the World who would LOVE to see you be rewarded and recognised with such an incredible award.

"Pele's Whisper" by Peter Lik - Inspiration for Swarovski Competition Piece

2011-02-23T17:19:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd show you my place winning entry in the 2010 Creative Beading Swarovski Competition held in Australia/NZ each year.

This year they added some more divisions and my "Volcanic Eruption" ring received 9th place in the Creative Division - all hand wired using Swarovski 4 mm bicones and inspired by Australian photographer Peter Lik's incredible photo "Pele's Whisper".

Earring Earrings Earrings

2011-02-23T02:17:00.000-08:00

Have just loaded over 20 pairs of earrings to my Ebay store http://stores.ebay.com.au/beadartdesign. I'm really excited about some of the new designs and the great new components I have found to include in my designs.

I love making one of a kind items because I think they reflect my creative inspirations and moods on certain days. This year I have decided to try to work more towards having a few "ranges" throughout the year so that I can cement some of my ideas & designs more formally. Of course there will still be plenty of one off items as I have soooooo many bits and pieces that need to be used up but I feel as though more consistency is now required.

I'll let my hair down once and while when I work on those more extravagant competiton pieces but at the moment I'm getting organised, so stay tuned...

SWAROVSKI Crystal World ,Wattens AUSTRIA

2011-02-05T00:50:00.000-08:00

SWAROVSKI Crystal World- Swarovski Kristallwelten in AUSTRIA....some pics

Hi Everyone...well after a 7 week adventure through Dubai & Europe we are safely back at home and I am just starting to find my feet again. Kids are back at school, a mountain of paperwork awaits and
beads are resting peacefully!!

Just thought I'd share some of my photos taken at Swarovski Crystal World in Wattens,Austria (Kristallwelten). I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE this place and have been very fortunate to have been able to visit there twice in the last couple of years. The artworks, installations and retail shop (including a retail shop for designers) is just amazing and very inspiring. It's also worth googling Swarovski Kristallwelten if you are a true Swarovski fan!

If you are interested in taking a peek at this sparkling crystal wonderland head over to my Bead Art & Design page on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Bead-Art-Design/62804332660

Make sure you "Like" my page while you're there so that you can be in the running for future giveaways. Enjoy.....

1st Place Winner 2010 Creative Beading Swarovski Competition

2011-01-22T21:43:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to my son Nicholas Player for being awarded 1st Place in the Youth Division of the 2010 Creative Beading Swarovski Competition for his necklace Razor's Edge. Awesome work...enjoy your fantastic prizes. Nicholas' brother Matthew won 2nd place (see below post). Nicholas also placed 5th & 7th in this competition as well...hooray for beading boys! For more photos please see our Facebook page "Bead Art & Design".

Creative Beading Swarovski Competition Winner - 2010

2011-01-22T21:34:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to my son Matthew Player for being awarded 2nd place in the Youth Division of the 2010 Creative Beading Swarovski Competition (Australia).

Breast Tests & Breast Screening

2010-09-26T04:26:00.000-07:00

"The Z-Bra: Love the Skin You're in" by Melissa Player

When I was in my early 20's I lost an Aunt to breast cancer and saw first hand the devastating effect it had on her family & friends. Ever since then I have been very conscious to ensure I was tested on a regular basis. For the past 25 years I have had regular breast ultrasounds because there really is NO excuse not to have this simple breast screening procedure done on a regular basis. When I reach a certain age I will go from breast ultrasounds to mammograms.

Sadly, too many women ignore getting regular checkups and tests done because of a number of reasons or excuses. I know that one reason this simple procedure is often neglected is because many women are uncomfortable with their bodies or the "skin they are in" and thus they feel too embarrased to get these checks done (you know who you are!!!)

I put in over 50 hours of work in the "Z-Bra: Love the Skin You're In" to try to inspire and encourage you to have these simple screening tests done.

If you haven't had one before...or if it's been a few years then please make an appointment this week to see your GP to get a referral for either a breast ultrasound or a mammogram - don't ever think it can't or won't happen to you.

OPRAH Channel 10 Australia exclusive interview

2010-09-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

It's been said that Oprah loves a good hat...she'd certainly look amazing in this one:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Australiana-for-Oprah/126651277385001

You can see this exclusive interview with Oprah and Angela Bishop here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaCdoew2EDc

OPRAH in AUSTRALIA to wear an AKUBRA

2010-09-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

As most of you know Oprah Winfrey will be winging her way downunder to AUSTRALIA in December along with a very joyous and excited selected studio audience from one of her recent shows.... who can forget the looks, tears and sheer shock on their faces when Oprah announced "WE are going to AUSTRALIA"- several times!!!!! Whilst here they will be doing some touring around Oz and also filming a couple of shows from the Sydney Opera House.

Oprah is coming to Australia ....let's give her a bit of sparkle http://www.facebook.com/pages/Australiana-for-Oprah/126651277385001

Now...my friend in the US (Diane Whiting) has created a Facebook page for a Swarovski Crystal Akubra hat that I recently created called AUSTRALIANA for the 2010 Creative Beading Swarovski Competition here in Australia. We decided it would be FUN to see how many LIKES we could get for the hat and then maybe Oprah staffers would be receptive to the idea of Oprah wearing the hat during one of her shows from Sydney - it's just brimming with Australian wildflowers!

Oprah is coming to Australia ....let's give her a bit of sparkle http://www.facebook.com/pages/Australiana-for-Oprah/126651277385001

So please...help us out with this social media exercise and "LIKE" the hat then forward it onto your friends.

Oprah is coming to Australia ....let's give her a bit of sparkle http://www.facebook.com/pages/Australiana-for-Oprah/126651277385001

Thankyou so much....Melissa
www.ebeads.com.au

SWAROVSKI Crystal FERIDO Treasure Box by Melissa Player

2010-08-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

I wanted to use up some of the shells in our collection box so I went in search of a little wooden treasure box which I finally found on ebay! Anyhow...I have finally covered this cute box in sparkly Swarovski Crystals & Pearls, Sterling Silver Sea Creatures & lovely seaside shells that my boys have collected over the years when we go on family holidays. Using Ferido in Aquamarine I went about hand setting all the Swarovski flatbacks, pearls, coral twigs and the beautiful big AB Seashell. The colours are just beautiful and the contrast of the organic shells against the glistening crystals makes for a wonderful effect.

So...I give you Treasured Seaside Memories which was made for the 2010 Creative Beading Swarovski Competition

SAFARI by Melissa Player

2010-08-07T04:58:00.001-07:00

Many thanks to Australia's Creative Beading Magazine for featuring me as the profiled designer in your recent edition (Vol6 No2). I had no idea how much work goes into writing an article for a magazine, getting the photographs right, getting the copy right etc,etc. I really have a whole new level of respect for such processes.

Pictured: SAFARI - Hand crystallised Leather Corset, 2009 - 3rd Place Creative Beading Swarovski Crystal Competition

VOLCANIC ERUPTION by Melissa Player

2010-08-07T04:36:00.000-07:00

For the last few years Creative Beading - an Australian based magazine has been running a fabulous competition with Swarovski being the major prize sponsor. This year they have added a cool new category where you have to design and make an item using only Swarovski crystal bicones in any size.
A couple of years ago when I was visiting Kristallwelten (Crystal World in Wattens, Austria) I couldn't resist buying a few rings blanks. Up until recently they have been sitting in boxes awaiting inspiration. So, whilst lying on my couch a few months ago starring at one of my favourite prints called Pele's Whisper by the world renowned landscape photograper Peter Lik I was struck with inspiration!!
Many hours of colour matching & wire twisting later my Volcanic Eruption was born - so thanks Peter Lik (an Aussie lad) for not only providing amazing photographs to adorn my walls but for also providing the inspiration for this unique wireworked ring.

Crystal Brilliance:Making Designer Jewelry with Crystal Beads

2010-07-30T03:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a copy of the review I posted on the Swarovski's Community website in July 2010:
http://community.create-your-style.com/

Crystal Brilliance

Firstly, I'd just like to say a very big "thankyou" to Admin for sending me Crystal Brilliance to review. I have thoroughly enjoyed browsing through the pages and viewing the delightful treasures that Anna Elizabeth Draeger has set out before us. Now... to be honest I rarely ever make anything I see in a Beading Magazine or Book but I have to say that there are a number of projects & techniques in this book that have seriously caught my attention!!

This book is 95 pages in length and is essentially geared to the crystal enthusiast who likes to use a needle and thread! For those of you who have not stitched before this lovely book with concise materials lists and instructions will certainly have you on your way in no time at all. Projects are designed for varying levels of skill and competence.

What I loved about this book include:

An insight into the artist Anna Elizabeth Draeger and her inspirations
Several pages in the front and the rear of the book which cover all sorts of jewellery making tips & tricks, crystal information, stitching basics and jewellery making basics (ie opening/closing jump rings, the plain loop, the wrapped loop and crimping)
The projects have been divided up into 4 main categories being: CLASSIC, ROMANTIC, GEOMETRIC & ORGANIC
Each project has a design option which helps many of us with our ability to think outside of the square

I loved many of the designs in this book and will be really looking forward to trying these projects from the following sections:

Victoria - CLASSIC
Antique Lace - ROMANTIC
XOXO - GEOMETRIC
Curved Branch - ORGANIC

So...for all of you out there who haven't yet embarked on a stitching adventure with crystals I would certainly recommend this book as a terrific way to inspire and motivate you into creating your first project.

For me...I have previously stitched with seed beads and added a few crystals into the mix but now I will look forward to making a treasure trove of stitched sparkling creations with charisma and confidence!!

Enjoy...Melissa

DUSK - Swarovski Elements

2010-07-28T23:59:00.001-07:00

Recently I underwent a challenge to design some beautifully sparkly jewellery using only Swarovski crystal bicones (up to a total of 200). I managed to produce three pieces but I think these chandelier earrings are by far the most glam!!
I think that often the hardest concept of design is finding inspiration so I love to flick through glossy fashion magazines until I find an item of clothing or a scene backdrop that just "pings"with me!
The colours I used in these Swarovski earrings
reminded me of that visually stunning time of the day called DUSK.

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Selling Your Handmade Jewellery

2010-04-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

When it comes to designing and making jewellery I'm sure you'll all agree that there comes a time where the supply far outweighs the demand for your creations and you are left with boxes of beautiful beaded treasures just "waiting" for new owners.

I know that many,many people just LOVE to make jewellery/jewelry for either their own pleasure or as a potential career! When we first start out we are so excited about our beautiful unique handcrafted items that all our female (and male) friends & family members seem to receive jewellery for the various occasions that pop up throughout the year.

After a while many of us decide that making jewellery/jewelry would be the pefect dream career and we set out searching for ways to try to become proficient in making, marketing & selling our designs. Now, as many of us can confirm this can be an extremely competitive industry and if you take a look at the handmade jewellery/jewelry categories on two of the worlds largest platforms being Etsy & Ebay then you will find that selling jewellery online is not for the faint hearted - it really is hard work and it takes many hours of dedication for often very little monetary returns.

However, on the bright side there are numerous other ways that you as a jewellery designer or small business operator can source productive and lucrative ways of selling your handmade jewelry/jewellery items.
Recently I came across a fabulous idea of creating a jewellery shopping service for potential clients. Essentially it involves setting up a business model where you are the personal shopper for your clients using your own handmade jewellery as the main product. Sounds ideal doesn't it!

The other benefits of this model include:

You'll be selling directly to your clients at full retail prices, so you won't be paying any booth fees, shop commissions, party hostess incentives, wholesale discounts, etc.
You'll have very low sales-related expenses because there's no "middleman". Nearly 100% of the proceeds go directly to your business.
And, you'll be able to find high paying quality customers that will love your customized products, personal service, and the way you take their problems out of their hands.

So...if you're ready to take your handcrafted jewellery to a whole new PROFITABLE level then I recommend your read more about the benefits and features of this business model from a lady who is in the jewellery/jewelry design business and who can teach you her proven steps to a very successful and profitable buisness.

http://ebeads.com.au/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=196

I'd love to hear of your own personal success stories...

FUN with FERIDO

2010-02-27T03:09:00.000-08:00

Last year I noticed around the traps a newish product called Ferido. This groovy product is a 2 part resin that when kneaded together in equal parts works just like a soft clay before setting rock hard in just a few hours. It comes in a number of colours and can be used to set a variety of objects such as crystals, stones, shells,pearls, fibres,buttons,metals etc. The Ferido website states that it can be "machined, drilled, tapped, turned, filed, sawn, sandpapered and painted"...it can also bond to "wood, brick, cement, metals, concrete, plastics, glass etc". I'm sure you'll agree that these features will allow for a multitude of uses in the jewellery and design arenas!

After doing a bit of research on the product and seeing some of the lovely work that Lisa Pavelka had been doing with this product I decided to give it a go for myself. So with less than one pack of black Ferido I managed to create this piece.

The above necklace "Coco Goes Seaside" recently won 10th Place in the 2009 Swarovski Create Your Style Creative Beading Competition held annually for Australian & New Zealand residents. I essentially encrusted a large Swarovski starfish using Ferido with an assortment of small Swarovski crystals and pearls - I have to say that I was very pleased with the result! The inspiration for this multi strand beaded necklace came after watching the movie "Coco Avant Chanel" at the cinema.

Happy VALENTINES DAY

2010-02-13T16:45:00.000-08:00

This is going to be brief (cause it's already midday and I'm still in my pj's figuring out all this blogging stuff!) but, I just wanted to wish all my friends a very happy & enjoyable Valentines Day. Being a beaded jewellery designer certainly has advantages...I've made myself a little something special!!!

Swarovski Crystal red siam heart earrings adorned wire wrapped drops in an assortment of summer berry colours...hmmm, good enough to eat!

Is BLING your thing?

2010-02-13T03:48:00.000-08:00

Ok, it has to be said that being an active forum member in the wider beading community certainly has both its advantages and disadvantages!!! I'm sure that those who have participated in any type of forum will agree that there are some wonderful stories of special friendships and opportunities that have evolved from the daily chit chat on forums and then again there are some horrible, hellish tales of nasty cat fighting and behind the scenes (private messaging) backstabbing....meow!!!!

What I love about the forums I belong to is that I get to discuss, learn, participate and grow in an area that I am passionate about...and in my case it's beads and jewellery. Sometimes I think there really needs to be a 10 Step programme for all of the bead addicts around the world - I know I could fund a small community in Africa with some of my bling and I truely feel guilty about this sometimes! To give me some peace of mind I have set up a regular contribution to World Vision which has certainly been a valuable & worthwhile activity for our whole family. But, until such a time that I can work out a way to curb my obsessive complusion to buy all things shiny & sparkly I thought I'd share with you a couple of forums that have been incredibly supportive in my beading career to date.

Beading Forum dot com dot au is an Australian beading forum but there is large membership base which spans the globe. It's an amazingly supportive place to belong to and there are some incredible designers that create inspirational jewellery from scratch with impeccable skill,artistry & precision that would blow anything commercially produced right out of the water .

This is a picture of Caroline Fung's award winning necklace 'CINDERELLA"

Another forum I'm proud to be a member of is the Swarovski Create Your Style Community - there are many, many international jewellery designers that frequent this forum and who post their creations in the design section. Of course if BLING is your thing then Swarovski leads the way in shiny, sparkly beads - in my opinion there is simply no better quality than what these incredible elements lend to a designers palette.

There is also a special Ambassadors section where you can read reviews, receive tips & tricks, see new designs & learn a variety of techniques. Such internationally famous designers include: Margot Potter, Diane Whiting, Val Hirata, Lisa Pavelka, June Beach, Lilian Chen, Jean Campbell, Linda Hartung, Brenda Schweder, Leslie Frummin...and several more.

See link at the bottom of this page....

And here is a picture of Diane Whitings Award Winning "CRYSTAL BOW PURSE" with over 10,000 hand sewn Swarovski crystals - WOW!

I hope you have enjoyed my first "blog" entry and I look forward to sharing my beading world with you. I know how frustrating it is when starting out to find good information, reputable sites to buy bead goodies from and places to go to get a bead-u-cation!

Thankyou & please feel free to leave me your own personal comments, forum stories or areas that you would like to see covered in this blog....