The Beading Gem

Let's Party
Part 1 of 2
Talk about blinged out lips!  Drinking and eating would be a tad difficult but you'll be turning heads at your New Year's party!  I have no idea what glue the fashion photographer, Monica Barrenche used, but I'll bet the model lost a few epidermal layers in the aftermath.

It's almost the end of 2010! What could be more fitting than one of Margot Potter's favorite mixed media As Time Goes By Necklace?

Thanks for the memory, Margot! I am glad you re-featured your tutorial again this year for it is a timeless design.

I just love her use of a silhouette picture to add to the design's yesteryear charm. She gives the free source of the image in her instructions but you could also make your own silhouette. Just check out the link below.

Crystal Wave Ear Cuff

Let's Hear It For Ear Cuffs
Part 2 of 2
Ear cuffs may seem like funky informal things to wear but they can be utterly gorgeous and elegant and perfect for more formal occasions. It just takes a special kind of wire jewelry artisan to magically transform bits of wire, beads and gemstones.

Susan Henry of Zannedelions is just that person. Her ear cuffs ( sometimes called ear wraps or clips) are utterly exquisite. Her designs show her creative wire virtuosity in her chosen specialty.

Let's Hear it for Ear Cuffs
Part 1 of 2
Ear cuffs or wraps are wonderful and increasing popular. They are alternatives to earrings as they do not require pierced ears.  Amelia Lune generously created this awesome ear cuff tutorial  (Update : link no longer works) after she was inundated with requests for instructions!

Her tutorial includes a basic ear cuff for those who aren't into showy pieces. The extended ear cuff tutorial does allow for all sorts of creative license by adding beads and chains. It's stunning when the ear cuff is attached to a regular ear dangle.

British artist, Jeremy May says, "Paper is many things: a carrier of text, illustration, history and emotion." If paper is all that then books bundle those altogether. His amazing paper jewelry collection, Littlefly - Literary Jewels is made by laminating many pages together, carved into jewelry pieces, colored and then completed with a high gloss finish.

Perhaps it's time to reflect on the past year now that the new one is fast approaching. RoughMagicCreations was the curator of a clever Etsy treasury, For Auld Lang Syne, My Dear and she was kind enough to include my vintage style spike necklace. Thanks Mollie!

The designs she picked all have that yesteryear style. Just a wonderful mellow collection.

Theresa is the artisan behind Flight Fancy on Etsy or as she puts it "unique jewelry to tickle your fancy".


She is also the design author of a marvelous wire work tutorial to create a wire woven cabochon frame.

This is such a clever concept. A key ring shaped like a keyhole which can be worn like a ring! What a wonderful idea to wear your keys on your fingers so they don't get lost. They are a much nicer alternative to those ugly coiled bracelet key holders.

I was actually a fire hazard when I was pregnant because I would sometimes forget to turn off the stove! Many pregnant women can relate. The forgetfulness is not a figment of our imaginations. Researchers have confirmed the subtle memory losses especially when multi-tasking during pregnancy.

But there is more to it than being just forgetful. In poorer parts of the world, health care resources are limited and illiteracy is rampant. UNICEF put out a call for designs to help such communities monitor pregnancies and births.

The star is an enduring traditional emblem of Christmas as it often tops Christmas trees. It symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem and it seems like the perfect design element to feature on this special day.

Stars also appear in many country flags, in heraldry and even as sheriffs' badges. They are super to feature in beaded designs for jewelry, accessories and decorations. Make some star earrings, charms or perhaps a key chain ornament with these tutorials. Shown on the left is the gorgeous beaded snowflake star tutorial by Beadjewelrymaking.com.

It's Christmas Eve!! A very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year ahead to all my readers! If you do celebrate Christmas, your tree is probably all decorated and lit by now. We've switched to energy-saving LED lights in my household but I regret not keeping the old lights. I wish I'd kept them because Tiffany Threadgould had a far better idea than chucking them into landfill sites!

Cathy

Ready made hoop earrings make earring designs very easy to accomplish. The tear drop ones which Debbie (Widgets' Beads) keeps in supply, have been very popular at workshops.

Shown here are some of the designs created by Cathy and Carol. The use of different beads sure changes the look and makes each design pretty and unique.

If you're like me, the first thing I do after I am finished with the loaf of bread is to toss the plastic bread tag into the garbage bin. But there are some eco-minded artisans who do not look down at the humble bread tag.


Australian Wizzy Bliss (link no longer available) has collected thousands of bread tags over the years. She has developed a way of molding the tags together to create a unique range of jewelry shown above.

Art Bead by Zeborah Loray

Just the other day, a blog reader emailed me to ask if I could help her find the tutorial she once saw on how to make angel hair fiber beads. So we hunted together on the internet!  The reason why Lacey had so much trouble finding it was due to the different terminology used by different suppliers.

Angel hair fiber is also known as fantasy fiber or Angelina fiber, popular with  crafters for all sorts of projects. It comes in a variety of shimmering colors. The fiber can be cut, woven, glued or heat bonded.

Zeborah Loray's wonderful fantasy bead tutorial shows how an unique art bead can be created. She starts with a paper bead and embellishes it with embossing enamels, fantasy film and fibers.

I have to confess I'm not that fond of working with multiple chains. But I know I am missing out because they can result in some awesome designs. Here are a few truly inspirational creations from some couple of top designers. Falconiere is the designer of this incredible Chandelier Swarovski- embellished necklace on Netaporter.com. Note the amount of work that went into linking those chains!

This is going to date me for sure. But I do remember the clips available back in the 80`s which were worn at the back to make shirts and blouses more fitted. Well. Carmi`s Art Life World`s Sweater Jewelry idea revamps these clips with beautiful buttons and odd findings. Just the ticket to keep a shrug or cardigan snug!

There is not much time left. Art Beads email gift card giveaway for their customers ends this Wednesday. If you are one of these, then you hurry on over their giveaway page for more details on how 10 of your family and friends can receive a $10 gift card.

Just one thing to remember, the cards have to be used up by February 29, 2011.

Have you ever wondered what jewelry design trends might be?  Perhaps you make handmade jewelry for sale and want to know what might be popular in the future. Or you are simply curious about what you might be wearing in years to come. There is indeed a way of finding out "what's cool before it's cool."

Cool Bracelet Ideas
Part 2 of 2
Cellphone watches with touchscreens are already available (see this review on the LG Watchphone). It'll only be a matter of time before we can wear computers on our wrists. Already on the drawing board is the Nextep Computer bracelet by Hiromi Hiriki. This high tech concept design is based on a flexible OLED touchscreen.

Cool Bracelet Ideas
Part 1 of 2
I rather liked the Swarovski-crystals-in-a-vase idea I wrote about before. Using your beads in a home decor project is yet another way to use up your beads!

Michelle who writes the Mich L in La blog has a wonderful  idea she called Vase Jewels . Her "decorate with a little flare" idea dresses up otherwise boring glass vases.

Most women will agree that vacuum cleaners are pretty much at rock bottom on the list of potential gifts for Christmas. Covering them with Swarovski crystals isn't going to improve matters either. But hey, maybe there is someone out there who wants one for all I know.

Shown here is the Electrolux Crystal Ergoripado designed by Polish concept and fashion designer, Lukasz Jemiol blinged all over with 3730 crystals from Swarovski's CRYSTALLIZED™ Elements collection.

I want to wish all my wonderful readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Here is hoping next year will be full of joyous beading! And perhaps inspirations with Swarovski crystals?


This year's crop of bejeweled Christmas trees around the world are glittering inspirations. First stop is Hong Kong's  Swarovski Crystal Christmas Tree. This 30 metre tall tree is sheathed with window panes and decorated with over 20 million Swarovski crystals!

Beaded rings are wonderful alternatives to metal rings especially for people who are allergic to some metals. They are also great to show off your beading skills! Here are some excellent and innovative tutorials.

What could be more current than a Princess Diana engagement ring inspired beaded ring tutorial?  This awesomely clever tutorial for a Faux Gold and Sapphire Ring is by Shala Kerrigan over at Bellaonline. Via

Remember my past post on how to use jewelry tools like the saw, stamping set and dapping block to make metal stamped jewelry? Well, I won't repeat those instructional videos but instead, here are some fresh tutorials on how to make different kinds of stamped jewelry.

There is more than one way to cut discs (jewelry saw or tin shears) and to make those connector holes (metal hole punch, drill). Or you could just buy the ready made discs or washers from your local hardware store.

Source : NASA/JPL-Caltech/R. Hurt (SSC)

Remember the old Beatles song, "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"? Well, there are really diamonds in the sky. But far, far away.

Astronomers have discovered an extremely carbon-rich planet - the first of its kind - which suggests its terrain may be littered with diamonds.  The lead scientist, Dr NikkuMadhusudhan said, "You might see land masses and mountains made up of diamonds". It's core is likely made up of molten diamonds or other carbon compounds.

Many chain maille enthusiasts will be familiar with Blue Buddha Boutique. Rebeca Mojica, the founder and owner has just published her very first jewelry making book Chained : Create Gorgeous Chain Mail jewelry One Ring at a Time. Her colorful work is wonderfully intricate and a joy to behold for fans.

As most of us cannot be at the book launch in Chicago, I was invited to participate in a novel virtual book tour this week (December 11-18). Today is the day you find out what it took for Rebeca to produce her book. Be sure to check her tips for aspiring jewelry book writers at the end of this post.

Well, some of you were familiar with tagua beads prior to last week's giveaway! Willi mentioned they are very light so that's another plus for these eco sourced beads.

Many thanks to arasevera for these very kind words about my blog and how right you are about knowing where our materials come from :

I first knew of Wan Norzita Megat Othman when she invited me to take a look at her bead work on her blog, Endless Beads. I am glad I did pop over to see because she is an exquisite bead work artisan, passionate artist who loves baking too.

You've heard of Bali beads, right?  Ever wonder where they come from and who the people are who make them? Wonder no more as we are about to do a little armchair traveling.

Dana Lorenz is the successful designer behind Fenton Jewelry who is known for her beautiful statement necklaces. Her work has been featured in top magazines around the world. She also started her Fallon, a lower priced collection to compliment her high-end Fenton jewelry.

Times must be hard. This year's Victoria Secret's Bombshell Fantasy Bra is "only" $2 million, down from last year's $3 million affair I wrote about.

Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima trotted out the gemstone embellished bra at the Victoria Secret Fashion Show last week which also aired on CBS.

3,000 brilliant cut white diamonds - 60 carats worth - and 82 carats of sapphires and topazes were set in white gold. Every gem was hand set by a team of 6 craftsmen who labored a total of 1500 hours.

I actually like bugs. As a child, I raised caterpillars to see the beautiful butterflies they became. I even tried to build myself ant farms - but these were dismal failures because I never found the queen ants.

Katie VanBlaricum of Aquakej on Etsy shared the same childhood fascination I had for insects. She also collected insects, read tons of insect field guides and even had a closet museum.

2mommysscrapin was kind enough to include not just one but 2 of my designs in her latest Etsy Treasury, Christmas Gift Ideas.

They are in the bottom row - the Swarovski Floral Bouquet Picture Necklace and the Pink Lamp Work Bracelet. Thanks ever so much!

The sales of all these designs will benefit either the American Cancer Association or cancer research.

Entomological Inspirations
Part 1 of 2
Do you agree that one of the best tests for creativity is to make jewelry out of the most unlikeliest material? I wouldn't have guessed this necklace was originally a fly swatter unless told otherwise!

Michelle who writes the Mich L in LA blog is the truly creative jewelry artisan who came up with the idea of deconstructing a fly swatter, and oh so cleverly. Do click on her blog post for a proper look at all the imaginative designs she came up with. It's amazing how many pieces one fly swatter yields.

I've never participated in a cookie exchange during the Christmas season. But some of you may enjoy doing so. Here is a delightful edible cookie necklace tutorial (update : line no longer available) by the Daily Mixer blog that's sure to please little "cookie monsters".

Wire wrapped rings are really popular. It's a good thing artisans are always coming up with different approaches and variations of wire wrapped rings. So here are more! The first one by me is really a review of a single bead wire wrapped ring.

Fake prong ring
Using montees for single bead wire wrapped rings is a cheat way of  getting the look of prong rings! These are  Swarovski rhinestones   in different colors which are foil-backed and come all pre-mounted in a cup setting. They do provide a lot of design flexibility as they have 4 holes for you to thread in two different directions. But as you can see I needed only two of them.

A number of designers are diverting PET plastic used in plastic bottle containers from landfills by turning it into spectacular jewelry. One recycled water bottle artisan is British designer, Tonya O'Hara. Her contemporary style jewelry, PET:cell is wearable eco art for sure! Every piece she uses is shaped by hand.

Shown here are her rings and earrings. She even uses the bottoms of large plastic bottles as packaging. Check out her online store and see!

Two things were certain from last week's Wire Wrapped Bangle Giveaway from Melisma Wirework. Not only did many people love hand crafted wire work and appreciated Aparna's design, others were also impressed by the beauty of her homeland.

Nina said it all, "What a beautiful country she lives in! I wish I could visit there and learn about the culture. The shell being the primary focus instead of the pearls, already tells me a lot. This would make a very meaningful gift."

Never heard of tagua beads? You are in good company - I hadn't either. Well, ever since Fabrizio Vera of EcuadorianHands.com contacted me about a giveaway, I've learned lots!

Tagua nuts are the seeds of ivory palms (Phytelephas) found in Central and South America. Their scientific name means "plant elephant". That's because the nuts are so hard, they can be carved just like elephant ivory. They are also easily dyed.

I am now planning to go check out leaves in the silk flower sections of my local craft stores. The reason is this super easy Chic Steals Leaf Chain Earrings tutorial. It's quick to do and voila! You've got a classy looking pair for your next party.


What I like about Carly's creation is not just the ease but the potential to do more. Gluing on some glitter or even changing the color of the leaves with spray on paint are some ideas.

She created this design for Style Sample Magazine and New York Design Shop's Create Couture Challenge. Way to go, Carly!

More Chain Jewelry Inspirations :

• How to Make Chain and Tassel Jewelry
• How to Make Chains from Jewelry Connectors
• More Easy Chain Jewelry Tutorials

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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips 

The Japanese corner the market on kawaii or cute but perhaps no longer. MochiMochiLand takes that cuteness up a notch with her tiny knitted plush toys. Anna Hrachovec, the Brooklyn knitter behind MochiMochiLand, was indeed inspired by Japanese kawaii designs as well as Dr Seuss, to create her original designs.

Here's a tutorial which lets you practice making lots of wire loops. The result is a stunning vine inspired necklace cleverly called the D'vine necklace.  The creator of this cascading wire looped necklace tutorial is Lanie V on Cut Out and Keep.

It's a very versatile design as you can use any color of crystals and alter the sizes too.  Make earrings, regular necklaces or a lariat style one as shown in the picture.

Looking for a stocking gift or party favor ideas for children? Or something far more interesting than a bought gift for gift exchanges? Here is a wonderful idea from Mariska who writes the No Time 2 B Bored blog.

We jewelry artisans take inspiration from nature, paintings and all sorts of things. Other designers also take inspiration from jewelry. This is one.

Designed by Studio Weave the reclaimed hardwood bench stretches for over 324 meters (1063 feet) - that's space for 300 people to sit on. It is located on the beach near Littlehampton in England.

There is a whole ton of wire work jewelry books out there. They vary in quality and also in approach. If you are already an intermediate or advanced wire worker, you might be interested in this new book I received from Kalmbach Publishing.

Irina Miech's Beautiful Wire Jewelry for Beaders 2 is the follow up to her first book, Beautiful Wire Jewelry for Beaders: Creative Wirework Projects for All Levels.