okay, hi again! I’m really going to do better about updating over here, I miss writing for fun so much. I’ve been slammed (as usual, blah blah blah) but at least today I have some other things I’ve been working on to finally share…

First, I’ve been meaning to post about this for ages and have only linked to it here and there, but I’ve been writing jewelry and beading posts (as well as some fun general craft stuff here and there) for CraftStylish — along with some of my favorite designers, like Linda, Kayte, Daphne, and Diane. I’ve posted a mix of how-tos, favorite materials and shops, and spotlighting various other things I’m excited about — and I write at least three times a week over there, so please stop by and check it out if you’re interested! There are lots of other craft categories, like sewing, crochet, and paper crafts, to browse, too, and a gallery, videos, and plenty of other resources.

And this month the site is hosting its first ever contest: The Tote-ally Crafty Bag Challenge. Make a tote bag in one of four categories, post photos in the gallery by July 31st, and you could win one of the prize packages of gift certificates, knitting and sewing supplies, and seven craft books (including Bead Simple, yay). To get you started thinking up your own design, this colorful bag was designed by one of my favorite seamstresses, Nicole of Queen Puff Puff — very inspiring! All the details are here on the site.

One last CS mention: the new magazine issue, Quick Stuff to Make, is out now and includes tons of great project tutorials. Christina made the bright, pretty necklaces on the cover, Nicole‘s quilted bag above is featured as well, and the issue includes the Trio Earrings Kayte and I designed from Bead Simple, which I’m so excited about. They also interviewed me for their featured crafter profile, which was so sweet of them. Andrew snapped that photo of me in my studio, nine months pregnant (which maybe you can’t tell?) in front of my beloved card catalog-turned-jewelry supplies organizer, and I got to ramble on about my favorite childhood crafts and all kinds of other stuff.