Just wanted to announce a new show coming to SoCal (Culver City) this summer:

The SoCal Bench Project Artisan Fair
Saturday August 9th 9:30a-3p

http://www.socalbenchproject.com/

The event will feature over 30 vendors and benefits the Non-Profit Organization New Directions, Inc. which provides a variety of services to homeless veterans.

Veterans' Memorial Complex
Garden Room
4117 Overland Ave
Culver City, CA 90230

I saw this press release today and thought it was perfect for craftsters. The contest is to design a dress from everyday objects you would find in an office (tape, bubble wrap, calendars..etc). It is part of a campaign to promote the TV show Ugly Betty. AND You don't have to actually make the dress you can just submit drawings!
I would enter but I can't since I work for the company... but I would LOVE it if a craftster won!!
Here is the site with more info:
http://www.abcuglybettycontest.com/

I have been playing with some silver and resin and came up with these rings... I know the picture is not that great, but they are kind of glittery.

My friend and I bought some silver forks at a thrift store last year and I just got around to playing with them.

I bought this glass piece at a gem show a while back and thought the two went together well.

This only took about 1.5 hours to complete.
before:

after:

Is there a local store in the Los Angeles area that sells silversmithing supplies? Specifically I am looking for sterling silver sheet, solder and bezel wire. I just found out that Bourget Brothers is going out of business -

I appreciate any help!!

I know I am not posting a link, so technically this post belongs elsewhere I think... but I thought it would be useful for others in the future.
So - who knows where to get decent priced sterling silver sheet? I live in the Los Angeles area and wish there were more resources. The one store we had just went out of business (that I know of).

Are there any good sites around for buying sterling silver sheet?
thanks for your help!!

I just wanted everyone to know that Jonathan's Book is now available!
It is called Walls That Wow: Creative Wall Treatments without Fancy-Shmancy Painting.
I think a lot of you are familiar with his creative genius, but if not take a look at his website, it is chock full of creative ideas for crafters at every level.  His fine art chairs are my all time favorite.

 You can order it from Amazon- here is a link to his site

http://www.jonathanfongstyle.com/

My husband made this workbench for me this weekend. I think he was a little tired of how I took over the guest bedroom to the point to where you couldn't walk into it. I am very excited because there is lots of room for my fabrics underneath and the table itself is 6 feet long. This isn't exactly a houseware as much as it is a tool for crafting, but I had to post because I am  impressed with his craftmanship.  The only thing is I have to craft in the garage now. I guess its not to bad, I will make it cozy for craft time out there.

Hi,
Does anyone have a good bulk supplier of Swarovski Crystals? I am looking and looking but am not having much luck.
Has anyone here used czechbeads.com? they have a great selection and I can not seem to get registered on their site.

thanks!

I found this awesome item on Joanns website the other day and wondered if anyone has tried to use it. It is a pen that you use to trace your needlework pattern on regular paper and you then iron it onto your fabric. I think this is the coolest item i have seen in a while and I can't wait to try it out!!
http://www.sulkyonline.com/transferpens/
So has anyone used this item before? what were the results? and was it easy??
Thanks!!