Monday, November 30th 2020

• Molly Bloom, 35, leaves Manhattan Federal Court on Friday. (Jefferson Siegel/New York Daily News) The 'Poker Princess' was royally flush with joy on Friday after a judge sentenced her to one year.
• Bloom read in the newspaper that the FBI had arrested close to 125 individuals in a large-scale mob roundup. Is Idris Elba's character, Charlie Jaffey, based on a real person? Obviously Molly Bloom did hire lawyers, but Charlie Jaffey is a fictional character.
• Directed by Aaron Sorkin. With Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Michael Cera. The true story of Molly Bloom, an Olympic-class skier who ran the world's most exclusive high-stakes poker game and became an FBI target.

As I promised last month, I have more rodholders in stock. If you don't know what I'm talking about, there is a picture below. The price is $ 38, domestic shipping is $ 4.00. If you need international shipping, I THINK it's about $ 14.00, buy please contact me before ordering.

You might notice a similarity to Carlo Dona's rodholder, but I scaled it down to beadmakers need, making the handle about the size of a rod, and I added a 'screw on' piece at the end, which you can decorate to make it 'your tool', easy to find on a messy workbench, but the bead also serves as a counterweight for the relatively heavy top piece....the bead in the picture doesn't come with the rodholder, sorry

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Saturday, November 28th 2020

In case you are getting into the 'winter bead mood', here is a little info on making snowflake beads, and excerpt of my 2018 calendar. You can download the one page PDF for 1 penny:

Bloom was arrested for this business venture in 2013, and received a fine and community service for her crime – a slap on the wrist compared to what she could have been sentenced to. Before Bloom's arrest, the tabloids had already dubbed her the Poker Princess because of her reputation for hosting invitation-only games in Los Angeles for the rich and famous. Media outlets said she went back to the West Coast in 2010 after two men, described in one report as 'Eastern European thugs,' roughed her up at her Upper West Side.

Wednesday, November 25 2020

Here is the link to my 'Santa Frog on Lightbulb Video' on YouTube. The video is 21 minutes long and is part of my 'Corina's Frog University' online class. To be fair to those who purchased that class I charge $ 15 for this video tutorial, but it's an 'honor system', if you like it, you pay, if you don't, you don't. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

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Wednesday, October 28

I have a new little tutorial for those of you who love my Groundhog beads. You might have downloaded my 1-penny pages, which only showed you to finished beads. In this tutorial you will get 10 detailed Step-by-Step tutorial on how place the dots and stringers to get the right look. 14 pages in full color for only $10

I recently posted my 'Frog University' - which covers pretty much everthing you (me) can think about when it comes to making frogs. But I realized that not everybody needs 7 hours of frog-related information, so I 'extrapolated' two shorter classes: 1. 'The Basic Frog', perfect for beginners and intermediate beadmakers, and 2. 'The Scuba Frog', which is more suited to advanced beadmakers who already know to to make a simple frog. Each class is aroun 100 minutes long, all the steps are presented in short closeup videos. Each of thes classes is $30.00

1. How to make the basic frog - anyone can do it! On-Demand class, $ 30

2. The Scuba Frog - a bit more demanding. On-Demand class, $ 30

This class is for more advanced Frogologists...here you will learn how to create and apply the gear necessary for the frog to have an amazing underwater experience. Give your frog flippers, a dotted speedo, a tank, mask and the hose to connect it all. When you graduate from the Scuba Frog class you'll be ready for whatever your imagination throws you way...

I was heartbroken when all my 'in person' classes got cancelled this year, but as they say, when one door closes, another one opens - which is how I discovered the beauty of Online classes. In a strange way, they are actually more informative than real classes - you can see the action in close up, without sitting on the teachers lap, you can watch the videos over and over, and even month after the class you can ask questions, show off your work and mingle with fellow students.

Here is just a list of the classes I offer so far, scroll down to see pictures and get a better idea what the classes are about. All the classes will be accessed on FACEBOOK!

1. The Techniquark Class, 6 hours of video and still images, $ 100

3. The Corina Frog University, 7 hours of video and still images, $ 100

And here are the descriptions of all the classes, and of course you can email me with questions before signing up!

1. The Techniquark Class

It seems like I'm always 'superexcited' about something I come up with, but this time I am REALLY superexcited: I am offering my first on-line class, the topic is 'How to make techniquark beads'.

I usually name those beads 'quark' (long story)but for the class I renamed them 'techniquarks', because this is one type of bead that requires so many 'generally useful' techniques, and you're going to learn all of them:

- making twisties in different way

- making murrini, from simple to complex

- putting together a pleasing design

- encasing without smearing and distorting

- and a whole bunch of bonus techniques.

When and where does this class take place? At your home of course - at any time that's convenient for you

Initially I had a live class, but people weren't so happy having to sit at the computer for over 6 hours, which is why I now only offer 'on demand' - whenever you have time to watch.

The 'on-demand' version will give you access to all the videos, including the entire recorded Zoom class from the original live class, the only thing you can't do is ask question in person, but you can always ask questions and make comments on the special page 'Let's talk Quarks and Stuff'. You will get access to THIS page soon as you sign up, so far it only has a couple of video messages from Kelly and me, plus pictures of beads, but with your help it will be more populated as the class nears.

How do you get access to the class(es)? As soon as you sign up I will send you an invitation to both groups, so keep an eye on your Facebook notifications.

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2. The Fossibead Class

In a way there are lots of 'overlaps' with the Technquark class, but there is a LOT that is different and warranted a separate class.

Now to the content of the class. If you know my beads, you will realize that I often prepare lots of components to use in my beads - that also goes for the Fossilbeads. Some of the techniques, like making twisties or simple murrini, are very similar to what I showed in the quark class, so I MIGHT put these videos into the 'BONUS section so we can focus on what's new, but that depends on how many people are 'repeat offenders'...

Here are a few picturs of twisties and murrini we will be making (among others)

This is a perfect class to get you into the fall mood....

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And my newest (and maybe favorite) Class:

3. The Frog University

This exciting new class consist of two main parts: learning how to make a 'basic' frog, with emphasis on the various body parts, option for eyes, ways to decorate the back and limbs etc, and the more playful part of making a variety of 'theme-frogs', like my popular 'Google Frog', the Santa Frog', Bunnie frog and the more sophisticated 'Scuba Frog', followed by a look at creating more realistic frogs like Red Eye Treefrogs and Poison Dart Frog. The class is accompanied by the 'Let's Talk about frogs' group where you can share your grievances.

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In the quark and fossil class I used these punties a lot, always apologizing to use a tool you don't have access to. Well, NOW you do! I have a new batch of my 'wooden punties' - $ 20/pair

As usual, creating paypal buttons is comlicated, I know that several of you were interested in 2 pairs, but then I won't be able to keep track of inventory. The same goes for international orders...You can still order 2 pairs or more, the shopping cart will charge you twice for shipping, but no worries, I'll refund any overpaid shipping. If you don't have work, you'll make some.

I also offer international shipping, PLEASE make sure to pick that shipping option! As for our Canadian friends, I guess because there is no sea between us you're not considered 'overseas' - but please use the international order option, again, I'll refund the difference.

Each pair of punties costs $ 22, domestic shipping for one pair is $ 4.00, international shipping is $ 19.00

domestic shipping:

international shipping:

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I am superexcited (I'm always superexcited when I finish a project) to finally being able to offer my latest tutorial/inspiration file:

250 designs with Dots and Lines. This took me 10 years to pur together. There is a German saying: 'was lange waehrt wird endlich gut' (if it took you that long it better be freaking awesome')...and I feel it turned out amazing, if I may say so myself. It has 30 pages of instructions, theory, excercise and plenty of 'copyable' eye candy.

For $ 20, you can check it out yourself.

You might think nothing new is going on here - check my new private Facebook group: 'Corinabeads and you'. Lots of fun and information and interaction. Just ask to join and be part of the gang (Not sure the link will work...)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/530270047602298/?ref=share

Now available as a FREE downloadable YouTube video:

While I had a long discussion in my facebook group about the benefit of printed books, I also see that there are times where e-books have a benefit. Which is why I turned the printed version of PASSING THE FLAME into a downloadable e-book. I downloaded it onto my ipad and it looks great, not sure how it would fare on a phone, lol.

The e-book version is $ 35.00 (the amount I made when I sold Passing The Flame to Frantz Artglass)

Hurray - it's done! The 2020 Tutorial Calendar

available printed ( super nice quality, even better than 2018) or as

e-file . Printed copies will ship at the end of the year (THIS year, no worries)

printed calendar: $ 35

(make sure to choose the right shipping option below)

e-file: $ 25 (tutorial pages only, no calendar part)

What's in it? See the list below - all these topics are included in the calendar, BUT you can also purchase a single page for $ 5.00 ....just click on the buy now button underneath the topic you're interested in.)

1. Frogs

2. Making simple, colorful Murrini

3. Different ways to use this type of Murrini

4. Silver lined dots

5. Poppies

6. Shaping different type of hearts

7. Twisting in the flame

8. Making beads with twisties

9. Bling (Goldstone and Cubic Zirconia)

10. Toucan

11. 3D flowers

12. 3D encasing

Wanted this to be a Chrismas present? Just copy the picture below and print it out for your loved one....

I am still offering a collection of the 12 tutorials originally from my 2018 Calender. This is an instant downloadable file for you to view online or print.

Here is a list of the 12 tutorials included in this collection:

- complex stamen, jellyfish and sea anemone cane

- snowflake designs

- making thin encased stringer

- leaves from twisted cane

- painted on starfish

- swiped butterfly

- Ribbon cane leaf

- Fish from Ribbon cane

- the possibilities of simple murrini

- 40 designs with dots and lines

- sea turtle shell murrini

- Flattened square beads

THIS IS A DIGITAL DOWNLOADABLE FILE ONLY, NOT THE PRINTED VERSION!

12 PAGES FOR $ 22.00

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019

I finally got some of my all-time favorite tools back in stock:

1. The improved Magic Masher

Now features a heat resistant padded handle, which prevents the handle from getting hot with extended use and feels more comfortable in your hand. Like all my tools it comes with a life-long guarantee. $ 85

2. The perfect 'beadable' rodholder. Hold tight!

I have 18 of these - and there will be no more after these - $ 40

3. something else a beadmaker can't live without, the fabulous Japanese Nippers

Most people who have tried these agree that they are the best nippers on the market, no awkward angle or aligning disks.....I have 5 left, but can order ore in the future, but shipping from Japan is getting more and more expensive...that's why they are now $ 40. Again, these will be the only nippers you will ever need, they last forever.

4. I just found these in my studio: The Wire holder

Perfect for people who make things at the end of a wire (most amazing example is probaby Sara Sally-LaGrand), but a lot of people use the Carlo Dona Bellflower press. You can feed the wire through the handle and just but the piece of wire you used and continue with your next piece. 3 in stock, $ 30

2019 - a new year, hopefully full of love and health and laughter - and beads of course. Still the same way to offer beads though: I list them on my website and send out a newsletter the moment they are up. (If you're not signed up yet, click on the pink box above). The first sale of the year will be next Monday, January 7th.

A few changes this year: International shipping has gone up so much, a SINGLE bead that I can ship for $ 2.67 domestically costs $ 13.60 to the UK, or Australia or most other countries. I still only charge $ 3.00 for shipping, but since I have quite a few international customers this can get expensive. Making paypal buttons for international shipping is not very effective, a) it takes much longer to create, and b) nobody ever pays attention and just pays $ 3.00 anyway. From now on I will send out invoice for $ 5.00 for international orders, that way we 'share' the additional financial burden. Hope that will work for everybody.

For Liza

Molly Bloom shot to public attention when it emerged she had been presiding over a series of secret high-stakes poker games.

Screenwriter Benjamin Sorkin adapted the screenplay from a book written by the woman herself. But, how did Bloom become the “Poker Princess”? Is Molly Bloom married? And, what is Molly doing now?

Skiing Career

During college, she was pushing to become an Olympic skier. She declared for ESPN:

”Because of athletics, I got real comfortable with risk at a young age. I made choices that I may not have made otherwise.”

Molly went on to say:

”In sports, especially skiing, you have to be comfortable with risk. You have to have a relationship with fear, and it can’t dominate the decision-making process.”

But, Molly walked away from the sport in 2002.

In 2003, she found a job as a waitress in a club in LA. It was in this context that Bloom was introduced to the world of poker.

After absorbing the rules for herself, Bloom started to organize poker games herself, asking a $10,000 admission fee.

Behind very private doors, Hollywood elite (like Tobey Maguire, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Ben Affleck), pro athletes, financiers, and billionaires turned up at the underground poker games Molly organized.

At some point, the stakes were so high that she witnessed a man lose $100 million in one night. She said in an interview:

”I saw someone lose $100 million in one night.”

Bloom also said:

”My regular game in NYC was a $250,000 buy-in, no limit. So people were burning through that, a lot of times in the first 30 minutes.”

On April 16, 2013, Molly was arrested as part of a money-laundering operation using illegal gambling.

In May 2014, Bloom was sentenced to 200 hours of community service, a $200,000 fine, and one year of probation.

About one month later, she released a book, named – ”Molly’s Game: The True Story of the 26-Year-Old Woman Behind the Most Exclusive, High-Stakes Underground Poker Game in the World.”

After publishing her book, she convinced screenwriter Aaron Sorkin to write a screenplay for a film adaptation of her book.

The film “Molly’s Game” was released in 2017. Some of the stars are Chris O’Dowd, Brian d’Arcy James, Michael Cera, Kevin Costner, Idris Elba, and Jessica Chastain (as Bloom).

What Is Molly Bloom Doing Now?

After completing the 200 hours of community service and the screenplay was done, Molly went to Denver, Colorado.

She said:

”I did a little soul searching to explore where I had gone wrong, why I made the decisions I did, how my definitions of success and ambition were off.”

In the present day, Bloom works to connect entrepreneurial and ambitious women with opportunities to make their mark on the world.

Moreover, she has been asked to speak for companies like SiriusXM Radio and Blackrock Financial. In addition, Molly has appeared on many media outlets and shows such as Vulture, NPR, The Los Angeles Times, Vice, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

READ MORE: What is Yayoi Kusama’s net worth?

In 2018, she participated at The Unibet Open Bucharest. The project has drawn attention to unconscious gender bias and gender equality in poker.

Nataly Sopacuaperu, Unibet Open’s Head of Events, stated:

”We’re absolutely thrilled to have secured Molly for our event.”

She went on to say:

Poker Princess Arrested Online

”Molly’s Game has been highly rated by poker players for bringing the poker scene to life on screen and I’m especially pleased that Molly will be opening our #QueenRules Ladies event.”

In the same year, she kept a speech at Colorado State University.

In an interview, Molly said that she has no plans to return to the poker world despite her tendency toward high stakes.

In May 2020, Bloom launched OneWorldGroup — a podcast exploring ways to deal with adversity.

Husband

In 2018, Molly told The Carousel:

”I don’t have kids and I’m not married but I am in a happy relationship and live in Denver, Colorado.”

In 2019, Molly Bloom married neuroscientist Devin Effinger.

Poker Princess Arrested Games

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Poker Princess Arrested Photos

Featured image source – © Guliver / Getty Images.