Shiny, shiny sparkles - and a giveaway.

I love a bit of sparkle. I like shiny sparkle, Christmas sparkle, grungy sparkle - if it glitters there is a fair chance I am gonna like it. I have never subscribed to the less is more philosophy when it comes to shiny stuff. Of course my favourite shiniest and sparkliest stuff to use in jewellery making has always been Swarovski crystals. When I started out on a beady pathway they were like my Holy Grail. I wanted to get my skills to a point that justified using them in my designs. Well I have come a long way baby - and so too it would seem have Swarovski crystals. I have just spent a deliciously indulgent amount of time perusing the latest "Create Your Style with Swarovski Crystals" magazine and I gotta say I am a bit gobsmacked. This issue is called "Issue Sound" and is themed around the idea of music. It is chocka block full of drool worthy pics, like this one on the front cover ...

That is what I call some serious decoration for your decolletage! Scattered throughout the magazine are articles about current fashion trends, new releases from Swarovski and did I mention the fantastic pictures? Oh yeah I did - well, they are pretty inspiring! The thing I really appreciate about the stuff in the mag is that it isn't just about stringing a few glitzy beads together. Oh no, there are all sorts of ideas about creating mixed media jewellery and accessories, utilising a range of skills - from wire-work to plaiting. The best bit has to be the amazing "how-to" section. This is so well done - lots of pics ( yay, someone who gets that creative people are visual people!) and the instructions are really clear. Have a gander at these little gems ..

A stack of fun designs to make ...

Really good instructions that make everything seem absolutely achievable.

The projects presented have good design elements and really you could use them as a guide to create stuff in your own style. I have to admit I gave up on most of the "beading" mags currently available as they  regurgitate the same old designs  and mostly seem to be about promoting the products of the various advertisers. This magazine is all about Swarovski for sure but we already know it is an awesome product, so it doesn't have that try-hard feel. I really, really like this magazine. Really. The good news is that I have one to give away! AWESOME! Let me know you would like to own this gem of a magazine by leaving a comment. I will leave the give away open until next week when Rex the Wonder Dog will select a winner by random - well he is a dog after all!  Hmmm - back to immerse myself in the luxe lovelies ....  Oh and head over here to see some much lovelier pics from the mag. And if you do the facebook thing you can go here for more gorgeousness - and competitions and stuff ...