Loren Damewood DVD is available!!!!

At long last...the Loren Damewood DVD is available!!!!

They are two-disk sets (because there's just too much material to fit on one) and can be ordered directly from hiswebsite:http://www.golden-knots.com/kits_tools_order.html

The cost is $40 plus $5 shipping.

There are also a number of really great kits for doing some of the fun things the Loren teaches. Each kit will consist of a specialized fixture created specifically for the purpose of tying a particular knot, and the bare minumum of tools required for its use in that task, along with printed instructions. Some of those tools are off-the-shelf items, available everywhere, but they are provided to make sure you're ready to go as soon as it shows up. Kits come with some copper wire to practice with.

http://www.golden-knots.com/

In 12 separate contests, one each month through 2009, covering every important category, National Jeweler's Best of Awards will recognize our industry's most outstanding jewelry design and retailer marketing.

Check the monthly schedule below to determine which monthly contests you should enter.

Don't miss your chance to be recognized as our industry's best in your area of specialty! Once entries are in, voting will open to industry members to determine industry's choice winners. In addition, an expert panel of judges will determine overall winners for prizes as outlined below.

A $50 application fee applies for each entry submitted.

Prizes:

Judge's Pick - One winner will be chosen in each of the 12 monthly contests and will receive:
Mention in a 4/c ad in National Jeweler magazine
Editorial announcement in National Jeweler magazine
Editorial announcement on NationalJeweler.com and the Daily News newsletter
Showcased on NationalJeweler.com

People's choice - Recognition along with the category winners

Monthly Award Categories:

January - Print Advertising

February - Colored Stone Jewelry

March - Online Advertising

April - Silver

May - Outdoor Advertising

June - Gold Jewelry
July - Platinum Jewelry

August - Direct Mail Advertising

September - Diamond and Bridal Jewelry

October - Radio Advertising

November - Watches

December - TV Advertising

Judges - Editorial, creative and marketing experts in the field will review and judge entries. Judges for 2009:

Design
Victoria Gomelsky, Couture International Jeweler
Lorraine DePasque, National Jeweler
Amanda Gizzi, Jewelry Information Center

Marketing
Ellen Fruchtman, Fruchtman Marketing
Ellie Parpis, Adweek
Whitney Sielaff, National Jeweler

Enter today and win! http://njn.nielsencontests.com/bin/Register

Elemental My Dear...from Stringing Magazine

from Stringing Magazine comes a new challenge (earth, air, fire, water) Vote for your favorite at: http://www.stringingmagazine.com

Elemental, My Dear
(earth, air, fire, and water)
Stringing Challenge Gallery

• About the challenge: The challenge theme was "Elemental, My Dear (earth, air, fire, and water)" Stringing publishes stringing and simple wirework designs.
• Voting: Voting ends April 6, 2009.
• In the spirit of fairness and friendly competition, please vote only once and from only one e-mail address.

Maybe this will get your attention! A great example from Dori who chose water (ice) as her muse - her entry, named "Titanic's Bane" incorporates pearls, glass, silver and a magnificent lampwork focal by Crystal Gilbreath
http://crystalgld.com

Looking for a Gem & Jewelry Show Near You?

OK - the last thing I need is another blog to keep up!!!!

The lastest offering from "A Fly On The Wall" is GemShows at: http://gemshows.blogspot.com/

This is just a listing site - no reviews - just a monthly list of gem & jewelry shows. Shows range from huge International Shows - to - local Gem & Mineral Society offerings. I have also included a listing of Commercial Show Promoters so you can check on the shows in your neighborhood!

These are shows geared to professionals and hobbyists alike - but - for the most part will give you buying options NOT selling options - there are LOTS of sites that list selling venues already!

Feel free to leave info for any shows (as long as they meet the qualifications listed above) I may have missed in the comments...and I love new followers - and subscribers!

See you at one of the family of "A Fly On The Wall" Blogs:

The Daily Jewel http://dailyjewel.blogspot.com/

GemShows http://gemshows.blogspot.com/

Tucson Gem Show - Live! http://tucsongemshow.blogspot.com/

Jewelry & Gem Artisans http://jewelrygemartisans.blogspot.com/

A Fly On The Wall's Views and Reviews http://flyviewsandreviews.blogspot.com/