Favorite Publication or Websites - Merry Go Round

It's Merry-Go-Round topic blogging time! This month's topic is to answer the question..."What is your favorite publication(s)? Is there a book, books, magazine, or web site that has become the bible of your art/craft?

I can't say I have one favorite publications or web sites for jewelry making. In the world of jewelry making there are many, many, many different sources for inspiration and information. Also, many web sites, magazines, etc start of being valuable but are now out of existence or has made company changes that affected my use of them.

As some of you know, there are literally thousands of styles and techniques to be found when it comes to jewelry making and design. Funny thing is, they all have a place since self-adornment is such a subjective thing. One persons diamonds can be compared to another persons trade beads.

But there is joy in variety right? So here is just a small variety of book, magazines and web sites I’ve found helpful and inspiring for many different reasons.

Books:

- The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity [10th Anniversary Edition] - A must have for any artist
- The New Beadwork - Love seeing how something simple like seed beads can be transformed in so many different ways.
- The Artist's Resource Handbook - Information, services, opportunities and advocacy.
- Crafters' Internet Handbook (Miscellaneous) - Even if your not an internet guru you can learn a few things from this book.

Magazines:

- www.lapidaryjournal.com - Combines both jewelry and lapidary info. Even has tutorials
- www.beadandbutton.com - Great all around for inspiration, projects, contests and info of all sorts

Web sites:

- www.jjill.com - Love the clothes and jewelry. Very modern
- www.neimanmarcus.com - Helps me keep up with the hottest jewelry and fashion trends
- www.beadshop.com - Beading tools, supplies, beads, classes, and jewelry repair
- www.artbeads.com - Includes Swarovski crystals, glass beads, gemstones, charms, wire, chain, and findings.
- www.firemountaingems.com - beads and beading supplies since 1973. Largest selection of beads and jewelry making supplies at wholesale prices.
- www.sunshineartist.com - Magazine for crafters. Includes listings, reviews, articles, and resources.
- www.snagmetalsmith.org - Society of North American Goldsmiths is the premier association for jewelry, design and metalsmithing.

Some jewelry designers / makers like to tap a certain section or style of jewelry making and make that their signature mark. While I do think it’s important to find your “niche” and to develop a look that customers can recognized you by….I don’t feel that you should limit your self when it comes to learning and being inspired. I find a lot of people lock themselves into a limited section creative and business wise.

Now there’s nothing wrong with that. If you find something that works for you then great…but if I had to look at magazines that only feature diamond and gold jewelry I’d get crossed eyed. LOL. Same with if I had to look at beads…gemstone and seedbeads… without any metalwork to add some flair. So my advice? Be open to checking out different things even if you don’t think it’s your style…you might just discover something new.

So that's my contribution for the Merry-Go-Round project this month. Wonder what the other members of the Merry-Go-Round crew shared? Go take a visit and see. Each month a group of creative folks get together, pick a topic and then blog about it at the same time...give or take a time zone.

Agathe @ Le Bar du Vent

Andreanna @ Glamasaurus

Charlotte @ Fancy Picnic

Fabienne @ Easterya

Jenny @ Jenny Karlsson Design

Lily @ Lily Pang Art

Marian @ Florcita

Ruth @ Birdland Creations

Sara @ Sara's Texture Crafts

Wendren @ Wren