Lena Prima describes how to make jewelry with travel theme in new book

Lena Prima creates music for a living. She writes and performs it, part of her family legacy as the daughter of the late bandleader, Louis Prima. Music isn't her only creative outlet, however. She also creates beautiful handmade jewelry as part of her Pennies from Heaven company. Now Leisure Arts has published a book written by Prima on making jewelry as part of its reference line and she joins the ranks of authors who share their craft through do-it-yourself books.

In “Wanderlust,” Prima shares instructions for making jewelry pieces inspired by her own travels. Her love of fun jewelry carries over into her designs for bracelets, necklaces, charms and earrings. The jewelry making guide offers a series of travel-inspired pieces, with a background story, materials list and step-by-step instructions for each design.

With section titles such as “Seaside Memories,” “Music Festival,” “Road Trip” and “City Girl,” the wide range of flavors becomes apparent. There are two project themes under each section, and themes can include more than one piece of jewelry. For example, the Sparkling Sand project under “Seaside Memories” provides instructions for a necklace, bracelet and earrings.

Crafters of all skill levels will enjoy the volume. Prima’s designs allow novice jewelry makers to succeed because she uses readily available findings and the only tools required are two pair of chain-nosed pliers. The finished products look great, creating an environment of success to encourage the newbie.

More experienced crafters will find inspiration which they can easily adapt to more intricate projects, as well as thrifty designs which utilize every bit of the purchased pieces in interesting ways.

“Wanderlust” is available at Hobby Lobby and JoAnn stores and online at Amazon.com in both print and electronic formats.

Disclaimer: This review is based on a purchased copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Originally appeared 5/14/2016 at http://www.examiner.com/review/lena-prima-describes-how-to-make-jewelry-with-travel-theme-new-book

Artist, author Sara Bynum brings her story of children of war to film

Film maker Saran LaJoie Bynum began life with everything stacked against her. Born of a wartime liaison between a Vietnamese mother and an African-American soldier, she was rescued from the street as an infant and taken to an orphanage. She came to the United States as part of Operation Babylift at the age of three. Once in the U.S., she began a new life with adoptive parents from New Orleans.

Although her situation improved, she still had difficulties. She encountered prejudice from many ethnic groups due to her biracial heritage. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed her home and she had to flee for a second time. Yet through everything, she maintains a positive attitude.

She has registered her information on sites dedicated to reconnecting service members and the children they conceived while on duty overseas. While she hasn’t found her birth father yet, her efforts led her to connect with the man she considered her Pretend Dad, Larry Taylor, a Vietnam veteran. He told her a great deal about what circumstances were like in those days. Taylor passed away in late 2015, but not before giving his blessing to her new project.

With her latest endeavor, she seeks to share the story of the children of war from their point of view. “Where I Stand,” a film based on a fictionalized version of Bynum’s life, begins filming in May 2016. In the script, an orphan of the war seeks her missing father and discovers he is suffering with cancer caused by the chemical warfare which took place in Viet Nam. The young woman seeks answers to his situation and runs into danger and intrigue as she investigates.

Bynum promises adventure and conspiracy in the independent film. As part of the process, she has started a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe to raise the rest of the budget. To join her efforts, contribute here. Look for “Where I Stand” in the fall of 2016. A book version will release after the movie’s release.

Originally appeared 04/15/2016 at http://www.examiner.com/article/artist-author-saran-bynum-brings-story-of-children-of-war-to-film

Book Review - "Blood Bayou" by Karen Young

Calling all lovers of tense mystery – “Blood Bayou” is a wonderful way to get your adventure fix while immersing yourself in the atmosphere of Louisiana’s bayou country. Author Karen Young has crafted a story of old wounds and new beginnings, with enough close calls to satisfy the biggest literary thrill seeker.

Camille Vermillion has sought redemption for her troubled past by working as the head of the Truth Project, a legal team investigating the cases of wrongfully convicted death row prisoners. Her ex-husband Jack has traded his briefcase for a pulpit, pastoring a small church in the town of Blood Bayou. Both are scarred by their mutual past and tiptoeing around their still simmering desire for each other.

When murder claims Jack’s sister , the evidence seems to point to a man recently released from prison by Camille’s work. Can Camille clear the man a second time? Can she and Jack escape the pain of the past to build a future? Will the two of them survive the investigation of Jack’s sister’s death?

Young, a bestselling secular author, makes her first attempt into Christian fiction with “Blood Bayou.” She succeeds admirably with a tight story of human frailty and the renewal of forgiveness. Although Jack Vermillion is a pastor, there is no preaching in the way of the action.

Buckle in for a high-speed ride through the Louisiana countryside when you open “Blood Bayou.” You will find enough suspects to fill a cellblock and enough drama to set your heart racing. “Blood Bayou” is a powerful story, well told.

“Blood Bayou”
By Karen Young
Published by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster
ISBN-13: 978-1-4165-8750-7


© 2009 Mary Beth Magee