Evie's Tool Emporium $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway

Hooray!  Michelle and Dave over at Evie's Tool Emporium on Etsy are sponsoring yet another giveaway, their third on this blog.  One lucky reader will win a $25 gift certificate towards tools from their store. Don't we all need more tools?

Sensational Beaded Statement Earrings Tutorial by Sherry Serafini

OMG. That was my reaction when I saw the Arizona Sunset beaded earrings by Sherry Serafini. It's definitely statement jewelry par excellence.  The free tutorial pdf can be downloaded from Lark Crafts. It's from her upcoming new book appropriately called  Sensational Bead Embroidery .

These are masterclass projects for advanced beaders. You can see more pictures from the book and find out more about the author in this interview article.

The Projector Ring

This projector ring is super cool! Miniature slides are incorporated into the ring so that the images can be projected onto a wall in a darkened room using a light source. This ring was created by Luke Jerram and jeweler Tamrakar for Jerram's wedding to Shelina Nanji.

His ring is so unique he has been asked to make more for other people. His reply, "Congratulations on your engagement! I'm afraid this ring was a one off, made for my wife. I'm afraid you'll have to make your own unique ring for your own unique partner!"

How to make crimped textured copper earrings

Usually textured jewelry involves hammering metal pieces. So I was really intrigued with the video tutorial featuring Mark Nelson of Rio Grande making this pair of Fiesta earrings.

He demonstrates how to use jewelry snips to cut out triangular shapes from copper sheets. He then uses a special mill to create a waffle or corrugated effect on the metal. It took me a while to search out what that tool is called - it's a Knew Concept Microfold Brake. This metal work tool is not cheap either - US$295.  But you must agree the result is pleasing.

Far Out Jewelry by Imme van der Haak

The vast majority of jewelry wearers play it safe. Something probably not too bold and something conventional like the usual earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings.

But just as body piercers seek to adorn in a different way, some designers seek to turn upside down our view of what constitutes "normal" jewelry.

Scroll Work Designer Jewelry

Scrolls, Coils and Spirals
Part 2 of 2
I always do my best to check out the profiles of followers for it's one great way to find wonderful designers to feature. Another artisan who joined my Twitter community was Clarity Collins. She is the creative artist behind Scrollwork Designs.

Many artisans distinguish themselves via their chosen technique. Wire work, polymer clay, chain maille and in Clarity's case, metal smith.  Others are known for the materials they use, for example, paper jewelry. But Clarity is unusual as she often focuses on a design element which, as you can guess easily from her shop name, the curling scroll.

Scroll Wire Work Chain Necklace Tutorial

Scrolls, Coils and Spirals
Part 1 of 2
Some wire work projects are worth the effort you put into them. One such example is the  wire work necklace tutorial by leopardstripes on Craftster.

This awesome chain necklace featuring an art clay pendant is fashioned from scrolled sections linked together. Some beaded wire work accents are spaced out along the necklace which gives more visual interest plus an opportunity to match the pendant.

Gorgeous Beading Wire and Swarovski Crystal Necklace Tutorial

I save up my beading wire scraps and use them in necklace designs by crimping short lengths on a necklace. But I've only used a few lengths per project. Now feast your eyes on this gorgeous Sparkling Crystal Feather Necklace design by the Jewelry and Polymer Clay Tutorial Heaven site. The necklace is truly scrumptious when a great many wire lengths are used.

Knotty and Nyce's Awesome Macrame Pendant Jewelry

I checked out Tiffany's Etsy store, cleverly called Knotty and Nyce, after she starting following me on Twitter. I was delighted to see her awesome and inspiring modern macrame work.

Tiffany, who is based in Fort Wayne spends a lot of time studying "vintage macrame texts, modern micro-macrame, Cavandoli knotting, Celtic and Chinese knotting".  Well, her research certainly pays off!

How to Make Macrame Jewelry Tutorials

Macrame is thought to have originated with Arab weavers about 700 years ago. "The Spanish word macramé is derived from the Arabic migramah (مقرمة), believed to mean "striped towel", "ornamental fringe" or "embroidered veil."  This makes sense as the weavers decoratively knotted the excess threads at the edges of their hand-loomed work.

How Karen Hill Tribe Silver Beads are Made

There are six main hill tribes in northern Thailand, Laos and Burma (Myanmar) who are known for their lovely silver jewelry. One of the largest are the Karen. Half of Thailand's hill tribe people are the Karen. Their tribal lore tells of their ancestors crossing "a river of running sand". Many of them think this refers to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. If so, their ancestors left there many centuries ago.

Karen Silver Necklace picture by Silver Canyons on Artfire

How to Sandpaper Texture Metal for Jewelry

I came across this short video on Youtube and thought what a great idea it was. The instructor, Don Norris, is a metal smith who demonstrates how clear tape (probably packing tape), an exacto knife and sand paper can be used to texture metal in just minutes.

Even if one isn't a metal smith, this little trick can be used to create patterns of your own on bought flat metal pieces like discs.

Two Easy Wire Wrapping Jewelry Tutorials for Beginners

Most wire artisans will probably agree the only way to get good at wire work is to practice a lot. So here are two easy wire wrapping jewelry tutorials to get you started.

The first is Mariana Kirkpatrick's double wire wrapped hoop earrings video tutorial. It's a classic style with loads of potential color and bead variations.  Stop at the outer wrap if you like. A 20G (half hard) and 26G wire combination will also work.

Time-Telling Jewelry - New takes on Ancient Timepieces

Sun and star dials were some of the earliest crude instruments used to tell time. The sun dial related to the position of the shadows cast during the day while star dials told time via the position of stars. Many different clock innovations have come along over the centuries.

Jewelry artisans really got into clock and watch making back in 16th century when the French pastor Jean (John) Calvin brought his Protestant reform movement to Geneva, Switzerland. Laws were brought in to enforce modest and moral behavior such as no dancing, no singing, no theater....and no personal ornamentation. The wily jewelers quickly switched to making beautiful gem encrusted clocks and watches which were not subject to the ban!

How to Make Jewelry from Recycled Electrical Supplies

Hat tip to Joyce of Happy Cloud Moments blog who told me about the fun rings made by Ecoterre and available on Grain. They also have a tutorial showing us how to create unisex rings from recycled covered electrical wire. These come in various colors. As the covering is plastic, these rings are ideal for those who are metal allergic.

I loved the clever way they described their rings, "There's no better way to convey how much someone sparks up your life!"

Toothbrush Bangles Anyone?

Some time ago, I featured an artisan who makes toothbrush bangles from brand new ones. Jamie said then the process is time-consuming but I hadn't really appreciated how long it really takes.

Cabochon Wire Work - Border Wire Wrapping Tips

Fire Agate and Sunstone Necklace from Szarka's blog

Most wire work artisans prefer to wire wrap cabochons using square wire and half-round wire. Square wire has flat sides so multiple lengths will butt against each other better than round wire.

However, using square wire to wrap these lengths together is tricky because the square wire can twist. Round wire is not easier either as it's harder to get a firm wrap when much of the wire is not going to be in contact with what you are wrapping. So many artisans use half-round wire where the flat side lies on the group of square wire lengths.

Chain Maille Book Review - Chained

Many Rings Rule!
Part 2 of 2
Last December, I didn't actually review Rebeca's Mojica's first book,  Chained: Create Gorgeous Chain Mail Jewelry One Ring at a Time. The past post was all about how a jewelry book got published.

Her book deserves a review as Rebeca has done much to advance this branch of jewelry making. It's growing in popularity because the innovations and creativity of chain maille artisans like Rebeca have won over the people who thought chain maille as too masculine or too dull.

Stamped Copper Heart Earrings Tutorial with a Twist!

Remember that fabulous Impressart stamp set giveaway a few weeks back? Well, I just discovered PJ Tool and Supply also contacted Lori Anderson over at the Pretty Things blog who also ran a giveaway.  One of her test projects were these clever copper earrings. Just perfect for Valentine's Day!

Awesome Chain Maille Jewelry Video Tutorials

Many Rings Rule!
Part 1 of 2
Chain maille is growing in popularity. So if you'd like to learn, here are more tutorials! This collection features the popular European weaves.

Rebecca (Agliaia1stGrace)`s chain maille video tutorials are just awesome! She demonstrates how one should really NOT put down the work in progress in order to save time.

Lost Wax Casting - Doing It On Your Own

Casting via Wikipedia
This Guest Post is by Leon Harris who writes for Pennsylvania Precision Cast Parts, a leading medal casting manufacturer specializing in the lost wax casting process.

There are plenty of ways to design and make your own jewelry. Most novices begin with simple beading, whereby they purchase ready-made materials (charms, beads, chains, closures, etc.) and assemble them into finished pieces. Some people even get crafty by purchasing a small furnace or forge to turn their own glass beads.

Easy Way to Make Earrings for Bought Necklaces

Beaders sometimes bring bought necklaces to our workshops in order to make matching earrings. We've done well with some pretty close matches simply because Debbie and I have so many beads and findings. But what if you don't have the right beads?

Wire Knit Necklace Designs for Winter Brides

Art Beads' design challenges are always fun. For this round of their blogger design partner program, they chose a "Winter Enchantment" theme. I wonder if many of the designs will be white or silver based like mine!

I just had to pick the gorgeous solid sterling silver snowflake pendant I spotted in their pendant section. I also choose clear Swarovski crystals with an AB (aurora borealis) finish for added sparkle as well as the necessary sterling silver findings.

Dead Animal Jewelry by Art Duo Idiots

Taxidermy has its uses. I remember seeing a stuffed dodo at London's Natural History Museum and thinking that it was as close as I would ever be to a real extinct bird. I was also quite surprised how large it was.

But stuffed birds as jewelry? Chalk that one to yet another use of taxidermy you didn't know about. Art Duo Idiots have combined stuffed birds with embroidery, beads and pearls to make these vivid necklaces.

Upcycled Fluorescent Light Cover Chandelier Earrings

Chandeliers for your ears
Part 2 of 2
I never gave a second thought to fluorescent light covers but perhaps I should because they can be quite pretty close up. These upcycled chandelier earrings  by The Opulent Project are wonderful examples of how to reuse cast out materials to make stunning earrings.  Thanks Michelle, for this great tip!

How to Make Bead and Wire Chandelier Earrings Tutorials

Chandeliers for your ears
Part 1 of 2
Chandelier earrings are statement pieces for your ears! Most of us make chandelier earrings by using some sort of finding which allows us to hang several dangles from it. But if you wish to create your own bead and wire chandelier earrings without bought findings, read on!

Beading Daily's Free Bead Weaving eBook - Herringbone Stitch and RAW

Beading Daily usually wows with their beading patterns. Their latest free eBook is no different.

These 6 beading patterns focus on herringbone stitch (Ndebele) and right angle weave (RAW) although other stitches are used. Both tubular and flat herringbone is featured. If you don't have much patience for bead weaving, try the RAW patterns as they use large crystals!

Children's Art Turned into Jewelry

Swedish metal smith, Mia van Beek of Formia Design makes the most whimsical jewelry sure to melt the hearts of parents who commission her work. They will treasure these pieces forever because Mia creates them based on the drawings of their children!

Nothing daunts her! She is able to convert little sketches and doodles into really adorable pendants, key chains, bookmarks and charms using a range of metals such as sterling silver, gold and stainless steel.

Auntie's Beads $50 Gift Certificate Winner!

You'd think most of us have enough beads to open a shop! But judging from the great response to last week's giveaway, there is definitely no such thing as too many beads.

Deci put it quite succinctly, "Help, help..I need more beads!" Ashley added she could always make room for more even if her beading area is already bursting at the seams!

5 Reasons Why Online Jewelry Sales are Slow

One of the most common complaints from artisans who have set up shop online is the slow jewelry sales. It's a misconception the internet will instantly bring loads of customers.

In reality, getting traffic and getting customers to buy present the same challenges whether you have a physical store somewhere in town or sell online.

But there are also other unique challenges facing online jewelry sellers. The good news is they are not insurmountable. It helps to know what they are in order to deal with expectations and come up with solutions.

Where Freshwater Pearls Come From

Did you know that the vast majority of freshwater pearls come from China? If you are like me, you'd probably curious what Chinese freshwater pearl farms look like and want to learn more about cultured pearls.

Pearls of Joy's Presidential Lavender Freshwater Pearl Necklace

Kevin Canning is the founder and president of Pearls of Joy. Kevin is very knowledgeable and keen on pearl education - the Learning Center on his website is a useful guide. He has kindly shared his fascinating pictures from a freshwater pearl buying trip so we can all enjoy another arm chair travel post. These pictures show the process from farm to market.

How to Wire Wrap Personalized Pendants

Remember those tutorials I featured which allowed you to make informal beaded wire wrapped pendants (see links below)? Well, take that wire wrapping up a notch and make custom initial pendants with today's tutorial.

Shawn Wilson of Shaviq Designs has a great video tutorial on how to make personalized pendants. She makes it look so easy to make a truly one of a kind design.

The Shadow Heart Ring - Romantic or Not?

Love is in the Air
Part 2 of 2
The limited edition Heart of Love ring by D. K and Wei is unusual. There is no diamond or gemstone. A small metal circle sits on top of a concave beveled ring where a stone would be. The play of light due to the shape of the ring band casts a heart shadow.

Love is in the Air - Valentine's Day Inspired Jewelry tutorials

Love is in the Air
Part 1 of 2
According to the Diamond Information Center's market research, 11% of all diamond rings sold back in 2003 were purchased in February. Yep, February is definitely the month when love is in the air. So let's celebrate with some awesome Valentine's day inspired tutorials!! (Also check my past posts at the bottom for more!)

How To Make Butterfly Jewelry Tutorials

I have been fond of butterflies ever since I was a child. So it comes as no surprise that I have come up with butterfly jewelry designs of my own. Here are some awesome tutorials to help inspire you to make butterfly jewelry.

First up is the Butterfly Pendant by Carolyn Baum (for Beading Daily). The wire design beautifully highlights one focal bead. As you can see, she uses a drawn template to help her form her particular design. It'll be fun to doodle some wire butterflies of our own!

Butterfly Jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels

Papillon Inspirations
Part 1 of 2
People who consider themselves bug haters will more than likely make allowances for butterflies.

These delicate beautiful creatures are not surprisingly a popular motif for jewelry makers.