www.lapidaryjournal.com

From The World’s Favorite Gem, Bead & Jewelry Arts Magazine

This online companion to the well-known magazine for lapidary enthusiasts provides the reader with an excellent source of information about the craft. Some interesting features contained within this site include articles, product reviews and suggestions, as well as a calendar of events.

The website is easy to navigate, making it extremely accessible to anyone interested in pursuing lapidary.

Lapidary Journal was the world"s first jewelry-making magazine. It is regarded as the comprehensive journal of gems and jewelry makers. A few of the resources available are its monthly step-by-step project, the classified section of materials and services, as well as interactive discussions with experts. It is encouraging for beginners to have a place to pursue this hobby compiled by proven experts.

One of the most valuable features of the website is the links to past articles. The navigation bar is also worth a click for those that have never used the site before or for fans of the magazine that are already familiar with its different sections. There is also a "special resources" section which provides links to clubs, museums, schools, books and videos. LapidaryJournal.com can provide a very specific point of view for people that have been involved in lapidary for years as well as a broad spectrum for the beginner dabbling in different mediums of the hobby.

Reviewed by FIDM R&RC staff member Melissa Rubio - O.C.

Title: RES Magazine

Publisher: RES Media Group, Inc.
601 West 26th Street, St.
1150 New York, NY 10001
ISSN: 1539-4654
Published: Bi-Monthly
Web Site: www.res.com
Subscription Rate: $19.95/year

RES magazine (otherwise known as "Resolution Independent") was born in the age of digital filmmaking and has remained true to its roots by providing cutting-edge, thoughtful information and advice about all things DV (digital video.) The director profiles, technology reports and film reviews reflect the recent democratization of the film medium with the increasing usage of digital video. RES is an invaluable resource for filmmakers and an exciting read for anyone interested in the future of cinema.

The feature articles range from higher-profile interviews with directors like Steven Soderbergh (July/August 2002), to more intimate portraits of young, up-and-coming filmmakers like Shunji Iwai ("All About Lily Chou-Chou.") RES also offers in-depth reports on the latest technological toys, and is probably the best resource to guide one through the myriad of choices when buying digital video equipment. Music, book and film reviews reflect a fringe attitude that"s both refreshing and stimulating.

For anyone interested in learning more about digital video, the first place to turn should be RES magazine. It"s current, hip and above all thoroughly passionate about the digital video revolution.

An Extraordinary Makeup Designer...

Kevyn Aucoin"s Making Faces is not one of those books that can easily be judged by the standard of other makeup books. One may expect to find a run of the mill "how-to" on applying makeup, but this is not the case with Aucoin"s book. If you are familiar with the artist — and he is an artist — you will know that his attitude towards makeup is to beautify, not to cover up. It is this attitude of accentuating and highlighting a person"s features that makes his book an interesting read. He is never demanding nor does he try to set beauty standards. Aucoin continuously assures his readers that there are no rules when it comes to beauty and that your imagination is the only limit.

The book is worth picking up if only to browse through the amazing photos. It is divided into three sections that are all wonderfully illustrated with color photos of celebrities, Aucoin"s family, and people from the street. Making Faces covers skin preparation, shaping facial features, shading and contouring and different looks from neutral to glamorous. "A Gathering" showcases Aucoin"s magic touch when it comes to transforming individuals from plain or pretty into extraordinary and striking. His final section, "Great Looks," is an avant-garde make-up artists dream: beautiful looks that include The Vamp, Flapper, Bombshell, Diva, Anarchist, Exotique, Minimalist and everything in between.

Unfortunately, Aucoin passed away earlier this year, but we are fortunate that he left behind a series of books that changed the faces of men and women into works of art. Faces were his canvas and through his work we learn that inner beauty shines through everything we do. His life is a story of inspiration to create and appreciate the beauty that is in all of us.

Reviewed by FIDM R&RC staff member Diana Valdez - O.C.