The Beading Gem

Abstract Recycled Plastic Earrings by ellybead | A Brief History of Waste and Recycling

We have 8 billion people on this planet today, all of whom generate trash. Perhaps some more than others but collectively, trash is a huge problem today. The biggest culprit is plastic. Don't get me wrong, we do need some plastic for many applications but the throw away culture means a lot of plastic ends up in the environment.

So it is a great pleasure when I come across an artisan who can elevate what is an unwanted material into fashionable earrings and divert waste from the landfills. The transformation by ellybead, a US designer based in Ohio, is remarkable. Her recycled plastic earrings are beautifully coloured and the abstract shapes is on trend.

ceramic feature designer feature supplier

Beautiful Handmade Ceramic Charms and Cabochons by PoppyBis

Nothing says more about a design being handmade than if as many components as possible are indeed handmade. However, few of us are masters at all kinds of techniques. So artisanal supplies are sought after for their uniqueness.

One such artisan is French ceramic artist, PoppyBis. Her designs come as charms or cabochons. She also offers a custom service for text cabochons. My favourites from her collection include the ever popular flowers, mushrooms and the whimsical designs such as the cats and corsets.

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The Beading Gem's 19th Anniversary | The Year in Review | Tariffs and AI

I actually made it! This year on January 4, marks the 19th blogging anniversary of The Beading Gem's Journal. I've bucked the trend as the average lifespan of a blog is just 2-3 years. This blog was and still is a passion project. I have kept it a one woman blog all these years with no desire to grow beyond what one person can do.

I would not be still be blogging if it were not for you, dear readers, as well as all the wonderful designers and instructors who inspire us all. I will continue to do so if I still see a need to do so.

crown recycled plastic tutorial

How to Make a Butterfly Crown Using Recycled Plastic

Remember the fabulous stained glass style suncatchers by BanwellDesigns? I featured their work before here. While they probably used a commercial glass printing technique, you can also achieved the same effect at home using glass paints and texture applications.

Check out this fabulous stained glass look butterfly crown tutorial by Sanne which uses not glass as the base but recycled plastic. Great tips there.

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2025 Teen Maker Program at the Cambridge Makerspace and Holiday Market

My blog readers will likely remember the first year (2024) of the Teen Maker Program at my local Makerspace in the city of Cambridge in Ontario, Canada. This is where volunteer mentors as well as the helpful staff at the Makerspace assist and guide young crafters for the city's annual Holiday Market. Well, the city generously sponsored a second year with a table for the children. I again volunteered as a mentor.

The Makerspace is on the top floor of a renovated historic building, the Old Post Office which backs onto the Grand River. It is part of the city's library system so it is free for all to use although users have to pay for the cost of materials.

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Repurposed Book Christmas Angels by TreeCycledCrafts

These amazing Christmas angel ornaments were handmade by repurposing old books. The designer is Judy of TreecycledCrafts. She also crafts all sorts of beautiful designs besides her angels for one of a kind home decor.

I wish all of you a wonderful Christmas and hope everyone have had and will have a special festival and celebration this year. Here is to a crafty New Year for one and all.