Pearl Blay
beading
beadwork
tips and tricks
Useful Free Printable Graph Paper for Different Beading Stitches
Color pencils and a blank beading graph paper help us plot out our beaded designs. Experimenting before you actually bead anything is a good thing. Here are some useful printable charts for different beading stitches. Free. The way we like it.
Pearl Blay
jewelry
necklace
supplies and displays
tutorial
video tutorial
I've written about a tutorial on how to color washers with alcohol inks before. The effect is somewhat like water color. What if you wanted more depth to the design? Reader Aims pointed me to this tutorial by Tammy Tutterow (no longer available) who shows how to make crackled metal pendants with alcohol inks. The designs do have a distressed look about them.
How to Make Crackled Metal Pendants with Alcohol Inks
Pearl Blay
kids' jewelry
ChewBeads - Baby Safe Necklaces for Mums
It's been several years since I wrote about chewable jewelry for mothers and babies. Allowing babies something safe to gnaw on is good for healthy teeth development. Another line of food safe silicone jewelry from Chewbeads I came across is noteworthy. Their necklace and bracelet collection offer mothers a colorful range of necklaces and bracelets. These keep babies and mums happy!
Pearl Blay
giveaway
Winner of the Bead Embroidery Stitch Samples Book Giveaway
Last week's giveaway for a very different kind of bead embroidery book drew a very different crowd. That's because this book attracts people who do or love embroidery as well as little beads! People like Carol who said "I already do embroidery but learning how to add seed beads would be fantastic!"
Pearl Blay
book review
giveaway
Book Review & Giveaway | Mastering Beadwork
Some years ago, I reviewed the Absolute Beginner's Guide to Stitching Beaded Jewelry. It still is a book I would recommend to total novices. But what if you are not just started out but wanting to improve your basic beading skills a bit more....and have some fun while doing so. This book might just do the trick.
Pearl Blay
beadwork
earrings
jewelry
tutorial
4 Pip Beaded Earrings Tutorials to Try!
Pip beads from Preciosa Ornela are fun to work with. They are petal shaped so are often used in floral designs. Here are 4 pip beaded earrings tutorials to try! Ulrika of Pretty Nett's earrings tutorial shows the pips used at the bottom of her orchid flowers.
Pearl Blay
earrings
tutorial
wire work
Ear Wire Tutorial Shows Off Lampwork Beads
I've covered how to make French or kidney style ear wires before. This style of ear wires has a secure catch which reduces the chances of losing the earrings. But I also love Robin Atkin's ear wire tutorial over on her blog Beadlust. It is a clever way of showing off lampwork beads or other kinds of beautiful beads. The wire loop at the back doubles up as the catch.
Pearl Blay
Christmas
polymer clay
seasonal
tutorial
Adorable Polymer Clay Christmas Tree Charms Tutorial
I wish all my readers who celebrate, A Merry Christmas indeed and for everyone - a most happy holiday season and a wonderful creative and Happy New Year! What tutorial could be better than this adorable polymer clay Christmas tree charms tutorial by Caroline Dewison over on Art Jewelry Elements. Something to consider making for next year, eh?
Pearl Blay
Huge While Stocks Last Tagua Bead Sale!
Long time readers will remember that I wrote about natural tagua nut beads from the ivory palm tree from time to time. Ecuadorian Hands also sponsored a number of past giveaways. I enjoyed using these natural beads to create unique designs and more importantly to help raise awareness of the terrible plight of wild elephants and rhinos in Africa. However, this might well be my last tagua bead post.
Pearl Blay
macrame
necklace
tutorial
Easy Peasy Macrame Pendant Tutorial for Irregular Nuggets
It pains me to admit I remember macrame plant holders when they were popular some decades ago. They are b-a-a-c-c-k. But I much prefer the miniature version. Gina Michele's tutorial for an easy peasy macrame pendant tutorial utilizes the same technique to capture an irregular nugget.
Pearl Blay
cultural
feature designer
jewelry
A Brief History of Native American Jewelry
This is written by Andrew Hoffman. He is a freelance writer and journalist from Los Angeles, CA. In addition to writing on various topics of interest (including turquoise jewelry and physical fitness), he enjoys working out, surfing in Santa Monica, and collecting classic, first-edition novels. You can get in touch with him over here .
The handmade production of Native American jewelry is a celebrated tradition with profound cultural significance. If you have ever beheld or owned authentic Native American jewelry, you surely understand the beauty and the intricacy of the production process, but you may not be aware of the immense work that goes into it. From bracelets to earrings to bolos, every piece of jewelry tells a story, and it may surprise you to learn just how elaborate a process is involved in bringing its unparalleled beauty to life.
The handmade production of Native American jewelry is a celebrated tradition with profound cultural significance. If you have ever beheld or owned authentic Native American jewelry, you surely understand the beauty and the intricacy of the production process, but you may not be aware of the immense work that goes into it. From bracelets to earrings to bolos, every piece of jewelry tells a story, and it may surprise you to learn just how elaborate a process is involved in bringing its unparalleled beauty to life.
Native American silversmiths ca. 1930-45 |
Pearl Blay
giveaway
Winner of the DIY Wrap Bracelets Book Giveaway
Reader Zan had it right :"This looks like some winter fun. Making new bracelets while it is cold outside!" So true. The DIY Wrap Bracelets book giveaway from Interweave/F+W attracted both novices as well as those who have made such styles before. Phil said, "I have been making plenty of these and would love new inspiration."
Pearl Blay
bead embroidery
book review
giveaway
Book Review & Giveaway : Bead Embroidery Stitch Samples
When we talk about bead embroidery, we usually mean the elaborate beaded bezels and surfaces covered with lots of seed beads. Did you know there is another version of bead embroidery, one that is delicate and perfect for embellishing clothing, bags, hats, fabric based home decor and even canvas shoes?
Pearl Blay
Christmas
jewelry
necklace
resin
seasonal
tutorial
How to Make Leaf Resin Pendant or Ornament Tutorial
Canadian Shireen Nadir, of the Blue Brick, who was featured on this blog before, is an extraordinary crafter as well as a jewelry maker. She started making resin jewelry after photographing many leaves. It was a natural progression to embedding them.
Pearl Blay
beadwork
jewelry
necklace
tutorial
Peyote Side Stitch Tutorial for Easy Decorative Tubes
When you design a rope style necklace - kumihimo, Viking Knit, wire crochet, chain, leather etc - you could leave it plain or add a pendant. Consider another alternative. A beaded tube! This peyote side stitch tutorial for easy decorative tubes is so easy, beading novices can do it. It is by Melissa over on Tangible Daydreams.
Pearl Blay
Christmas
flower
seasonal
tutorial
video tutorial
wire work
wirewrapped
How to Make a Bead and Wire Poinsettia Plant
Poinsettias, despite their bad rap, are actually only mildly toxic to pets, No treatment is necessary unless the symptoms are severe. My poinsettia is usually placed high up away from pets and small children. But if you rather not have them around, use the french bead and wire technique to make a poinsettia! This mini poinsettia tutorial (update : video no longer available) is by Fen of Bead Flora Jewels whose gorgeous bouquets are amazing. I wrote about her work before.
Pearl Blay
earrings
jewelry
metal work
tutorial
How to Make Metal Work Bell Flower Earrings
Just last week, reader Aims mentioned in the comments of the Christmas Wreath Tutorials how she liked to wear festive earrings. She has "One pair with bells that drive everyone nuts but me!" What about silent bells then? Judy Larson, a fantastic instructor who often shares her tutorials here, did indeed come up with a noise-free design.
Pearl Blay
beading
beadwork
bracelet
chain mail
chain maille
tutorial
Combined Beadwork and Byzantine Chain Mail Bracelet Tutorial
One way to be innovative is to combine techniques. This clever combined beadwork and Byzantine chain mail bracelet tutorial is by Sheryl Yanagi. Yes, you guessed it. Each ring is beaded! From 15/0 seed beads no less!
Pearl Blay
earrings
feature designer
jewelry
Hand Drawn Animal Art Jewelry by Periwinkle Nuthatch
There are many ways artists can express themselves in wearable art designs. One of New York based Emily Thompson's favorite ways is drawing on shrink plastic. Her hand drawn animal art jewelry on her Etsy, Periwinkle Nuthatch, shows her gift for illustration. Her charming designs are mostly drawn with colored pencils although she has also used acrylic paints.
Pearl Blay
giveaway
Winner of Parawire's $50 Giveaway for Wire, Wire Wire!
You really, really, really like wire. The entries almost went through the roof for the Parawire giveaway last week. No wonder. They do have a huge range of colors and gauges. Plus the opportunity to buy in very large spools. Don't forget the 10% discount code for the rest of December is bg1215
Pearl Blay
book review
bracelet
Book Review & Giveaway | DIY Wrap Bracelets
Wrap bracelets have been around for ages but they never seem to lose their popularity. Perhaps it's because of the tribal look. Or the ease in which they can be made. Whatever the reason, they are comfortable to wear and have infinite possibilities in terms of colors and style. Many people love wearing several together.
Pearl Blay
brooch
Christmas
jewelry
necklace
seasonal
tutorial
wire work
wirewrapped
Wire Wrapped Holly Jewelry Tutorial
The bail forming pliers and its stepped cousins are very useful for making wire. Indeed it is one of my favorite wire forming tools because of its versatility. This wire wrapped holly jewelry tutorial makes use of the different sizes of stepped bail forming pliers to create the edges of the holly leaf. The instructor is Christina of CSL Designs who comes up with many innovative designs.
Pearl Blay
bracelet
necklace
rings
tutorial
Safety Pin and Beads Jewelry Tutorial
Safety pin jewelry is not new. It started in the punk rock era. The well known designer, Tom Binns integrated them in his statement necklace designs and inspired others to incorporate this utilitarian fastener. I've also covered various safety pin and beads jewelry tutorials before. This recent one by Misty Spinney over on Brit+Co shows how good this particular style of safety pin jewelry can be. Not just for the younger set, eh?
Pearl Blay
beadinggem designs
earrings
jewelry
Pearl's Designs
tutorial
wire work
wirewrapped
How to Make Wire Flower Earrings Using a Mini Flower Loom
I'm always on the hunt for simple tools from other crafts to use in wire jewelry making. I found some inexpensive yarn flower making jigs by Clover. The mini- flower looms are just the perfect size for earrings - or even a necklace if several are connected together. So here is my how to make wire flower earrings tutorial!
Pearl Blay
necklace
tools
tutorial
wirewrapped
Wire Wrapped Pendant Design Tutorial using the Bail Forming Pliers
Trust me. The bail forming pliers is one tool you will use again and again. Not only can you use it to make the stock items like ear wires and clasps, the pliers can also be used for all sorts of design elements. One great example is this tutorial for versatile funky pendants by Gayle Bird.
Pearl Blay
beadwork
jewelry
necklace
tutorial
Three Pretty Beaded Flower Necklace Tutorials
I am always delighted when I come across a design that is different from others. Usually beaders tend to incorporate beaded flowers in a necklace in a regular manner. But this offset beaded flower necklace tutorial by Melanka.org.ua is refreshingly different....and lovely.
Pearl Blay
bracelet
earrings
feature designer
jewelry
Hand Painted Wood Jewelry by VivaArcenciel
Natali is the Ukrainian artisan behind VivaArcenciel on Etsy. She makes colorful hand painted wood jewelry reminiscent of traditional Ukrainian ornamentation and visual art forms. With deft brush strokes she paints mostly floral motifs. The use of color is very important in Ukrainian culture as is the distinctive motifs and compositions.
Pearl Blay
giveaway
Winner of The Best Beads Shop's Czech Beads Giveaway
Wow! There are a lot of Czech beads fans judging from the large number of entries for The Best Beads' giveaway last week! My thanks to all of those of you who left such kind comments about my wire vase pendants.
Pearl Blay
giveaway
supplies and displays
Parawire $50 Wire Giveaway | Wire Flower Earrings Design Feature
Parawire, a US manufacturer, has a huge range of premium craft wire and they are back for another awesome giveaway (and a special reader discount)! The type I have been using lately are the fine silver plated copper core ones which are also coated and thereforetarnish resistant. The wire is soft and easy to manipulate.
Pearl Blay
necklace
polymer clay
tutorial
Amazing Polymer Clay Peacock Necklace Tutorial
It`s not surprising polymer clay is popular with the artistic crowd especially those with a talent for sculpting. Designs can really wow with this material. One amazing tutorial for a polymer clay peacock necklace is by Christi Friesen over on Fire Mountain Gems. Her complex Peacock Pizzazz design appeared on the cover of their catalogue some years ago.
Pearl Blay
Christmas
earrings
necklace
patriotic
tutorial
wire work
How to Make a Seed Bead and Wire Snowflake
Bead and wire snowflakes are not only fun to do but versatile as well. Use them not just in jewelry designs but for the Christmas tree! I missed this tutorial from Preciosa Ornela last year. No matter, the design is perennial and won't melt either. The designer, Helena Chmelíková, came up with 3 distinctly different designs.
Pearl Blay
beadinggem designs
flower
jewelry
necklace
Pearl's Designs
pendant
wire work
How to Make a Wire Vase of Flowers Pendant Tutorial
The best thing as far as I am concerned about handmade jewelry is the freedom to do anything you want...within reason. So I like to make fun designs like vases of flowers. I've done this before. This time, I have adapted the tree of life design idea and made it into a wire vase of flowers pendant. Here is the basic tutorial.
Pearl Blay
beading
beadwork
Christmas
earrings
seasonal
tutorial
video tutorial
3 Awesome Beaded Wreath Earrings Tutorials
Beaded wreath earrings are not only fun but quick to make. One added advantage is they can also be used as ornaments! So here are 3 awesome beaded wreath earrings I absolutely love. The first is wire work; the other two are beadwork. The wire work tutorial is by Christina of CSL Designs.
Pearl Blay
beadinggem designs
Pearl's Designs
Grand River Bead Society Museum and Library Displays
The Grand River Bead Society ,where I am a member, holds meetings once a month except for the summer months. We have lots of fun learning new techniques and there is plenty of opportunity to talk about our favorite subject and show off our creations. We also have a few vendors among our members and an annual garage sale for destashing! So if you're not near enough to Guelph, Ontario to join, check out if there is something similar in your city. If not, consider starting one up!
Pearl Blay
bridal
earrings
feature designer
hair jewelry
jewelry
necklace
recycled
upcycled
Gorgeous PET Upcycled Jewelry by Gülnur Özdağlar
Gülnur Özdağlar is an award winning Turkish architect who has a passion for recycling unwanted material such as PET (plastic) bottles for water and beverages into something beautiful to wear. Her gorgeous PET upcycled jewelry achieves that aim in spades.
Upcycled Bridal Hair Picks |
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