Buy Handmade at Local Craft Shows!

Whether it's a local temple's Hanukkah bazaar, a school fair or a church's Christmas Art Raffle, find the best gifts and decorations for the holidays at local craft shows, from local artisans. We empower the artists of our community by supporting their craft, and at the same time we find extraordinary and one of a kind things to present to family, friends, co-workers, teachers, everyone to whom you wish to give something to say, "you are special to me."

I'll be in such a show myself on November 21 and 22nd, at the first Holiday show of the Haverford Guild of Craftsmen, St. George's Church in Haverford, PA, corner of Ardmore and Darby Roads. I  only joined this group last Spring and found myself among the warmth and camaraderie of dedicated artists working in all different mediums. Our common bond– a generosity of experience, sharing tips in craft, marketing, running a business, setting up displays, exhibition opportunities, using new technology, and more.

The Haverford Guild is a local branch of our state guild of craftsmen, the Pennsylvania Guild.   Our members will put on a fine show, diverse and affordable! From copper flowers to silken scarves, joyfully colored ceramics to glistening, modern glass... and of course, like myself, plenty of jewelry artists selling styles for everyone.

If you live near me, come on out for our show. But wherever you live, check out the local craft shows for the really special gifts.  And just go to the mall to see Santa!

Happy, healthy Winter Wonderland to all!

New tax ruling for artists

You intend to make a profit from your art. You work at it full time, but just don't make a lot of money. And you try to claim deductions and so on, but the IRS says whoa, you aren't making enough money to call this a real job.

UNTIL NOW.  A new ruling says that you CAN claim your pursuit of art as your job even if you do not make much money. There are still rules, of course. You must show that you work to make a profit and that this is not your hobby.

Please read this article and share with your accountant. Don't have an accountant? Get one. Take your art seriously as a business and so will the IRS.

Learn it. Make it. CRAFTSY!

I am excited to announce I am now an instructor on Craftsy.com! CLICK HERE to review and sign up for my class: Essential Seed Bead Techniques

In several lessons I take you through the basics of five popular stitches and variations: even and odd count peyote, tubular peyote, flat brick stitch with increase and decrease, circular brick stitch, flat right angle weave and faux cubic RAW, square stitch, flat and tubular herringbone... plus a special lesson on closures. Each lesson includes a finished piece of jewelry we bead through together.

Tubular peyote empowers you to make cool beaded beads.

If you're getting started or want to learn more, I hope you consider taking my class Essential Seed Bead Techniques .

Of course I use my Doodlebeads drawings to help make things clearer, in combination with watching actual stitching, step by step.

Faux cubic right angle weave is just a step beyond flat right angle weave.

About Craftsy.com:
Craftsy presents a variety of advantages over live classes and other online education venues. Here are some of the most important highlights of Craftsy:
• Our classes are yours to keep--watch any time and as many times as you like.
• We select only expert instructors with authoritative knowledge.
• Classes are interactive, so you can ask your instructor and classmates questions.
• Our production team ensures the videos for every class are of the highest quality.
• Craftsy classes are filmed in high definition so technical details are easy to see.
• Every class is equipped with helpful features like video notes and 30-second repeat.
• You can share projects for feedback and tips, or browse for inspiration.
• If for any reason you are not satisfied you can return your class for a full refund.

See you at Craftsy.com!

Happy beading!