Pearl Blay
jewelry
photography
Invitation to My How to Photograph Jewelry Talk!
As you know, I love sharing all the new things I learn about taking jewelry pictures on this blog - always an ongoing learning experience. Photography is a tough subject for the majority of online jewelry artisans. Good product photography is important but for many, still a stumbling block. I've now completely revamped and improved the talk I gave last year at the Grand River Bead Society, where I am a member.
Pearl Blay
bracelet
feature designer
Ethos Custom Brands is a group of leather work artisans who specialize in what they call the "Midwest meets Manhattan" design philosophy. Whatever you call it, their guitar straps, boots, belts, cuffs and other leather pieces are incredible examples of old world leather craftmanship.
Amazing Leather Cuffs by Ethos Custom Brands
Ethos Custom Brands is a group of leather work artisans who specialize in what they call the "Midwest meets Manhattan" design philosophy. Whatever you call it, their guitar straps, boots, belts, cuffs and other leather pieces are incredible examples of old world leather craftmanship.
Pearl Blay
giveaway
Winner of Ecuadorian Hands' $60 Tagua Beads Giveaway
Many thanks for all your kind comments about my designs for last week's Ecuadorian Hands' giveaway for $60 worth of tagua nut beads. They are awesome to work with! But they also serve to bring awareness to the terrible plight of the wild elephants and rhinos as these natural nuts look like ivory but are actually derived from a type of palm.
Pearl Blay
bracelet
tutorial
wire work
Wire Work Bangle Tutorial on a Thick Gauge Wire Form
Sharilyn Miller is one of my favorite wire jewelry designers and instructors. I credit her with introducing me to bail forming pliers. She has a wonderful idea with her Fisherman's Cuff wire work bangle tutorial over on her blog. I love how she used a very, very thick gauge copper wire as the form underneath.
Pearl Blay
necklace
rings
tutorial
wire work
wirewrapped
Beadiful Night's Wire Work Ring Base and Glue On Bail Tutorials
Sure you can buy findings. But making your own really helps make your designs really handmade and save some money at the same time. Aleshia of Beadiful Nights on Youtube is mostly known for her beadwork tutorials. But there were two wire work projects she shared which shows you how to make your own glue on bails and ring bases.
Pearl Blay
earrings
macrame
tutorial
Colorful Macrame Cross Earrings Tutorial
Perhaps the way to get into micro macrame work is to pick smaller projects like earrings. Colorful ones also help as beginners will not get confused with the multiple cord strands being used. One awesome tutorial which fits these criteria is the colorful macrame cross earrings project by the splendid instructor from the Macrame School.
Pearl Blay
business tips
photography
How to Blur Your Jewelry Photo Backgrounds the Easy Way
Some artisans like to take jewelry photographs with a blurry background. It makes sense to focus on the main subject if there are busier backgrounds and in the process, deliver captivating pictures. Here are some examples from a few awesome artisans who also know their way around dSLR cameras. First up is Shireen of The Blue Brick whose resin jewelry was featured here :
Pressed Flower Resin Jewelry by The Blue Brick |
Pearl Blay
book review
jewelry
supplies and displays
Book Review : Fabulous Jewelry from Findings
Findings are essential for jewelry making. The various connectors, tubes, bead caps, spacers, clasps and so on enable us to connect, to space, cover and finish pieces. But that is not all they can do. With imagination and dollops of creativity, they too can have starring roles in our jewelry designs.
Pearl Blay
bracelet
tutorial
wire work
wirewrapped
Easy Wire Wrapped Crystal Bangle Tutorial
Sometimes transferring what is a common wire wrapped ring design and adapt it for a bangle is the way to go! This easy wire wrapped crystal bangle is made rather like the ring version except that there are a few crystals around the larger bangle. The tutorial is by Emily Kaniasty over on the Art and Soul Beads blog.
Pearl Blay
feature designer
metal work
rings
Contemporary Dainty Jewelry by Lunaticart
Simple yet distinctive designs are not so easy to come by. They are harder to create because they do not have the innate richness of complex designs. But one metal work artisan who does well with her contemporary dainty rings is Parisian, Berenice of Lunaticart.
stacking rings |
Pearl Blay
giveaway
wire work
Winner of Debora Mauser's $30 Creative Wire Jewelry Video Class Giveaway
The most commonly cited reason for entering last week's giveaway for Debora Mauser's $30 Creative Wire Jewelry Video Class was learning how to improve on wire work. Wire work needs practice and a teacher to guide you is a huge asset.
Pearl Blay
beadinggem designs
earrings
giveaway
necklace
Pearl's Designs
Ecuadorian Hands' $60 Tagua Beads Giveaway
One thing I love about tagua beads is how colorful they can be. These beads come from the nuts of palm ivory plants which grow in Central and South America. The natural color of tag nuts resemble that of the real ivory. The material can also be carved and dyed.
Pearl Blay
beading
beadwork
tutorial
Missing Beaded Net Scarf Necklace Tutorial Found!
I know many of you were very disappointed to see that the link to this morning's post for the beaded net scarf necklace tutorial wasn't working. I did update the post with another tutorial and explained how it is done. However, thanks to this amazing community, the missing beaded net scarf necklace tutorial has been found!! (Update : but the link is now gone. Please click on the link above for other tutorials.
Pearl Blay
beading
beadwork
necklace
tutorial
How to Make a Beaded Net Scarf Necklace and Inspirations
I've always liked beaded designs which use the netting technique. The necklaces have a beautiful open look. But I came across this wonderful tutorial which creates a beaded net scarf necklace. The design softly drapes rather like a front facing shawl. The tutorial was posted by Elena Tsvetkova over on biser.if.ua. She included a fantastic collection of inspirational variations. Must see! This one is my favorite :
Pearl Blay
jewelry
tips and tricks
tutorial
Leather and Copper Chain Bracelet Tutorial
Chains are popular items in the jewelry maker's arsenal. But you can make them truly unique if you dress them up! The 3-Peat copper bracelet tutorial over on Domestic Diva Online is well named and inspirational! That's because leather and copper chain bracelet design features 2 different kinds of copper chain and a copper colored flat leather cord.
Pearl Blay
bracelet
earrings
jewelry
necklace
polymer clay
tutorial
video tutorial
How to Make Silkscreen Polymer Clay Jewelry Tutorials
I remember doing silkscreening in art class waaaaay back in secondary school. It really didn't interest me that much. Large projects rarely do which is why jewelry making appeals to me. But it didn't occur to me one could do silkscreening (or stenciling) on a smaller scale! Check out this super easy silkscreen polymer clay jewelry tutorial by Johnnie over on Saved by Love Creations.
Pearl Blay
earrings
tutorial
wire work
Spiral Wire Work Earrings Tutorial
It's fun to make spiral or scrolls with round nose pliers. But it is even more stunning if you could make more than one. Anacely's wonderful spiral wire work earrings tutorial on her Fradany blog uses 3 in a row and in descending sizes too! She uses 20 G wire.
Pearl Blay
bracelet
tutorial
wire work
wirewrapped
Easy Wire Work Bangle Tutorial
Wire work doesn't have to be hard. Here is another easy and forgiving design - a leaf and vine wire work bangle tutorial by Rena Klingenberg. The informal swirls and wraps are what makes this a forgiving one. You don't have to be precise and you can come up with your own look.
Pearl Blay
feature designer
necklace
Vicki Butler (Miss Vicki to her friends) and her crafty and handy husband are the creative duo behind Tzaddishop on Etsy. Based in Denver, Colorado, they are graphic designers so naturally gravitated to some pretty awesome decoupage jewelry. Their unique work is detailed, colorful and looks richly textured.
Graphic Design Decoupage Jewelry by Tzaddishop
Vicki Butler (Miss Vicki to her friends) and her crafty and handy husband are the creative duo behind Tzaddishop on Etsy. Based in Denver, Colorado, they are graphic designers so naturally gravitated to some pretty awesome decoupage jewelry. Their unique work is detailed, colorful and looks richly textured.
Pearl Blay
giveaway
Winner of Nunn Design's $110+ Giveaway for the 2015 Winter Collection
Last week's giveaway for Nunn Design's $110+ Giveaway for the Winter 2015 Collection certainly wowed! Some of you already know about her jewelry findings and are big fans. Reader Aims said, "The quality of her components are by far the best. Using her designs automatically raise the value of one's work. Why? You can see that she has put her heart and soul into every single piece she offers."
Pearl Blay
craftsy
giveaway
online class review
tutorial
video tutorial
Debora Mauser's $30 Creative Wire Jewelry Video Class Giveaway
Many people love the look of wire work jewelry. But they are often taken aback when they first start working with it. Wire has a will of its own so it takes practice to get it under your control. We all learn differently. So also helps to take classes if the self teaching is not working out. Debora Mauser is an experienced teacher who has a Creative Wire Jewelry Video Class on Craftsy for those who cannot get to a live class.
Pearl Blay
beading
beadwork
Easter
jewelry
necklace
seasonal
tutorial
video tutorial
Superduo Beaded Cross Pendant Tutorial
We tend to think of the cross symbol with a typically longer vertical compared to the shorter horizontal component. But other cross designs show a more symmetric approach such as the Coptic, Canterbury, Occitan and even St George's cross. Reader Ioana's video tutorial for a superduo beaded cross pendant is of the latter category.
Pearl Blay
bracelet
tips and tricks
Tutorial on How to Make a Stretchy Bracelet More Durable
I am not really fond of stretchy bracelets. You know, the kind where you use beading elastic. They do eventually break and have to be restrung. I inevitably change over to beading wire at first opportunity! However, I changed my mind after seeing the tutorial by Jennifer VanBenschoten over on Beading Daily. Her way of making a stretchy bracelet more durable as well as her tips all make sense.
Pearl Blay
beading
beadwork
Easter
seasonal
How to Bead an Easter Egg Tutorial
Tired of coloring Easter eggs? Here is an excellent alternative. Bead an Easter egg. Better yet, bead a number and have a beautiful bowl full of them to decorate your home! The tutorial is by Russian beader, Inna Rogachev over on Livemaster. It is in Russian so please translate the page - easiest way is to right click on the page in Google Chrome and select Translate to English.
Pearl Blay
book review
jewelry
Book Review - Stylish Leather Jewelry
Leather is a popular material for jewelry making. But it has long been on the more sombre side as far as color is concerned. They are ideal for unisex styles. Lately though, the leather products out there have a decided feminine look with more patterns and hues available.
Pearl Blay
bracelet
jewelry
tutorial
video tutorial
wire work
How to Make a Watercolor Cuff Using Armature Wire
Some time ago, I found some excellent water color earrings tutorials. Making a watercolor bracelet/cuff is definitely more ambitious! Check out this excellent video tutorial by Ross Barbera who shows us how to do so using armature wire ie a wire frame.
Pearl Blay
bracelet
feature designer
necklace
Exquisite Needlelace Jewelry by Land of Dante
People in the past came up with so many ways to make lace for decorative trims and home decor. One method, which surely has to be the most arduous, is handcrafted from many tiny knots using just needle and thread. This traditional Eastern Mediterranean craft is often known as Oya or Armenian needlelace but it is also practiced in other places besides Armenia. Pinar Arat, a Turkish artisan, is one of these highly skilled practioners. Her Etsy shop, Land of Dante showcases her exquisite needlelace jewelry.
Pearl Blay
giveaway
Winner of the Resin Jewelry Book Giveaway
Last week's giveaway for Shireen Nadir's Resin Jewelry book saw a gamut of entries - from newbies to seasoned resin jewelry makers who wish to learn more. But all were in agreement that the book looked helpful as there were so many ideas to learn from.
Pearl Blay
giveaway
rings
tutorial
wire work
wirewrapped
Nunn Design's $110+ Giveaway for the Winter 2015 Collection
Most of you who read my blog regularly will no doubt be familiar with Nunn Design. Becky Nunn is the extraordinary innovator and designer of these beautiful jewelry making findings. She is a very inspiring woman who dared to dream and is living the dream of "a small company, producing findings of the highest quality, with generational artisans based in the United States. Our vibrant, extended family produces uniquely classic, handcrafted pieces, each individually inspected down to the detail."
Pearl Blay
blog
book review
business tips
As a jewelry designer and a blogger, what I do a lot of the time is to hunt for ideas. Way back when my blog was new, I also actively wrote for Toronto-based Trendhunter, the world's largest trendspotting blog which was then starting to take off. The experience honed my hunting and blogging skills - see the Trendhunter report and interview about me . During my time with Trendhunter, I got to write on a wide variety topics which interested me - particularly art, design and eco trends - and some downright quirky ones.
Trendhunter and The Proven Path to Unstoppable Ideas : BETTER and FASTER
As a jewelry designer and a blogger, what I do a lot of the time is to hunt for ideas. Way back when my blog was new, I also actively wrote for Toronto-based Trendhunter, the world's largest trendspotting blog which was then starting to take off. The experience honed my hunting and blogging skills - see the Trendhunter report and interview about me . During my time with Trendhunter, I got to write on a wide variety topics which interested me - particularly art, design and eco trends - and some downright quirky ones.
Pearl Blay
polymer clay
resin clay
supplies and displays
tutorial
How to Make an Easy Clay Ring Holder Tutorial
I've covered ring holders before. These are very useful items to safely hold rings when you take them off to wash your hangs. This clever polymer clay ring holder tutorial by For the Makers is just the ticket, not just for the bathroom but perhaps on your dressing table.
Pearl Blay
necklace
tutorial
video tutorial
How to Make a Long Dreamcatcher Necklace Tutorial
I don't know why dreamcatchers appeal. But if you like them, here is another great video tutorial on how to make a dreamcatcher necklace. This particular design by Aira Tran is on the large size so it lends itself very well for being a long necklace too. It looks great with round necklines.
Pearl Blay
bracelet
design makeover
recycled jewelry
tutorial
video tutorial
Use Up Scraps and Broken Jewelry with this Rhinestone Cuff Tutorial Idea
Crafter Mark Montano's rhinestone cuff video tutorial so reminds me of bead embroidery! He uses both metal and rhinestone chains to surround cabochons for very eclectic, colorful and easy to make cuffs. You just need a cuff base and E6000 glue (or use 2 part epoxy). I also like his tip of using scotch tape to keep the cabochons in place while the glue is setting up otherwise they will just slide off!
Pearl Blay
beading
beadwork
necklace
tutorial
Beaded Jewelry Tutorials using O Beads
The range of bead types for bead work is fantastic. Have you tried using o beads? As the name implies, they are small donut shaped beads. You can use them either sideways or with the hole in the top down position. Dutch beader, Akke Jonkhof's wonderful o bead necklace tutorial is particularly striking! She uses these beads sideways. The link to the PDF is at the end of her post.
Pearl Blay
brooch
chain maille
feature designer
necklace
recycled jewelry
resin clay
Kathleen Nowak Tucci is an extraordinarily talented Gulf Coast eco designer. Her recycled Nespresso cup jewelry is stunning and highly memorable! How did did she get started with these used aluminum coffee machine capsules? It wasn't a straightforward path.
Amazing Recycled Nespresso Cup Jewelry by Kathleen Nowak Tucci
Hummingbird Necklace |
Kathleen Nowak Tucci is an extraordinarily talented Gulf Coast eco designer. Her recycled Nespresso cup jewelry is stunning and highly memorable! How did did she get started with these used aluminum coffee machine capsules? It wasn't a straightforward path.
Pearl Blay
giveaway
Winner of Kazuri West's $75 Giveaway
Both Paulette and I are pleased that so many of you loved the new Kazuri ceramic disc which was designed specifically with the tree of life motif in mind. So thank you all for leaving your comments on last week's Kazuri West giveaway for $75 worth of Kazuri necklaces or Samunnat Nepal polymer clay beads.
Pearl Blay
book review
bracelet
giveaway
necklace
resin
Book Review and Giveaway : Resin Jewelry
One of the best pressed flower resin jewelry artisans I have ever come across is Canadian, Shireen Nadir of The Blue Brick. Do have a peak if you missed the feature on this multi-talented designer last week. She has been making resin jewelry for a number of years. She said," In that time, I 've made some beautiful things but also had some tragic failures." Eventually, she distilled all she had learned through the hard way and put in into her book, Resin Jewelry (eBook on Etsy; printed book on Book Blurb). I received a copy for review.
Pearl Blay
beadwork
cultural
historical
magazine
100 Years of South East Asian Nonya Embroidery
I haven't usually had the time to submit to magazines but last year, I was invited to do so. My thanks to Brenda from the Grand River Bead Society who made the recommendation to A Needle Pulling Thread magazine, a beautiful publication which encompasses many fiber arts. My article came out in the Fall 2014 issue but I was not able to reprint it until now.
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