Pearl Blay
feature designer
recycled jewelry
unusual jewelry
Rosalie McMillan Makes Jewelry from Recycled Coffee Grounds!
So many of us cannot start our day without coffee. That cup of java is a vital pick-me-upper. But did you know it can be recycled into jewelry? UK metal smith Rosalie McMillan shows how something we view as fit for only the compost heap can be turned into something beautiful. Her handmade Java Ore collection is made with gold vermeil, recycled or fair trade sterling silver combined with Çurface, a beautiful unusual material derived from recycled coffee grounds.
Pearl Blay
giveaway
Jet Beads' $25 Giveaway for Jewelry Supplies and How You can Great Discounts from Fire Mountain Gems
Have you drooled over the discounted prices over on Fire Mountain Gems and wish you could buy enough so you qualify? Not everyone needs to or can afford to purchase 200 items to get the lowest price. But there are ways to get round this. I for one belong to a buying group of friends so we do get those prices. But believe me, it is a lot of work doing group buys especially for my friend Bonnie who does all the purchasing and sorting out. Waiting for a group buy is also a tad inconvenient if you have run out of a critical item.
Pearl Blay
earrings
jewelry
necklace
tutorial
wire work
wirewrapped
How to Make Wire Looped Flower Jewelry Tutorials
It's been a while since I have come across a wonderful wire and bead flower tutorial. This one for a wire looped flower is very clever too! It was written by Olga from the Pezotka blog. The best and easiest way to translate the page is to use the Chrome browser, right click and select Translate to English.
Pearl Blay
jewelry
tutorial
video tutorial
How to Grow Your Own Crystal Jewelry Tutorial
Talk about coincidences. I was just looking at possible glass globe supplies when my friend Aims called my attention to this fun video tutorial by Mark Montano. She knew I would love it as I do have a background in science. But really, anyone can learn to grow your own crystal jewelry! This is a staple of grade school science projects.
Pearl Blay
jewelry
tips and tricks
vintage
6 Tips on How to Start a (Vintage) Jewelry Collection
I make jewelry. But I also collect jewelry. It is a modest collection but one which gives me pleasure as I am able to admire other designers both far away and from the past. Some were gifts, others have been handed down to me or were bought in different places. Some are vintage and some are not. The most important tip for starting a vintage (or not) jewelry collection of your own is to collect only what you love.
Pearl Blay
earrings
jewelry
tutorial
wire work
Tired of the Same Old Earrings Style? These Hoop Tutorials will Change Things Up!
It's always fun to change things up if you are tired of the same old earrings style. I've written and featured many tutorials for different types (see below) before. I do like the rectangular hoop ones though. Donatella's tutorial over on her blog, Inspiration and Realisation is great because she uses a DIY jig with nails and some wood. This saves having to measure and mark wires. She made the lower part of her hoop narrower than the top.
Pearl Blay
macrame
pendant
tutorial
video tutorial
wire work
wirewrapped
Amazing Tree of Life Jewelry Designs by CSL Designs
I've been so bowled over by Christina Larsen of CSL Design's work as you can see from the feature I did on her work. She is also a superb teacher. These two amazing tree of life jewelry designs should remove all doubt! Both are for advanced wire or macrame workers. The first one is a truly unique wire woven and chain tree of life pendant tutorial (update : this is no longer available).
Pearl Blay
bracelet
earrings
feature designer
hair jewelry
jewelry
macrame
necklace
wire work
wirewrapped
Wire and Micro Macrame Jewelry by CSL Designs
Were you amazed by yesterday's braided wire micro macrame bracelet tutorial? You should because Christina Larsen of CSL Design is a wonderfully talented British designer. Her inspirational work using varied techniques definitely encourages one to try different techniques. She is skilled in macrame and micro macrame work where many of her designs are nature themed. Christina explained, "I love creating unexpected things out of simple materials and I am still intrigued by what can be created by using nothing more than cord or thread."
Pearl Blay
giveaway
Winner of Little Windows' Giveaway for Resin Jewelry Supplies
Many of you were keen to try resin and were amazed with Little Windows' 3D resin designs and tutorials featured in last week's giveaway. One reader, Meshanna, was so fascinated she confessed, "I watched the video and got "stuck" watching several more of her videos! My boyfriend kept saying, "how many videos can you watch on basically the same thing??" LOL I can't wait to try this technique and many others!!! LOVE the ideas!!" It is a fun medium to use and Little Windows has many great ideas.
Pearl Blay
bracelet
macrame
tutorial
video tutorial
wire work
How to Make a Braided Wire Macrame Bracelet
It really, really helps to be skilled in more than one jewelry technique. British jewelry designer, Christina Larsen works with wire as well as kumihimo and macrame. In this video tutorial, she does a mashup of two as she shows us how to make a braided wire macrame bracelet. Isn't it gorgeous with two different colored wire?
Pearl Blay
jewelry
tutorial
wire work
How to Make Your Own Chains without Soldering
Making your own chain means your jewelry design will be as handmade as you can possibly manage. Using jump rings is probably the easiest way. But there are others. Check out Keirsten's wonderful post on 4 different ways to use some basic metal work techniques and convert wire into awesome chains without soldering.
Pearl Blay
bracelet
earrings
macrame
tutorial
Beautiful Macrame Beaded Earrings and Bracelet Tutorials
If these two beautiful macrame beaded jewelry tutorials don't convince you to try this technique, I don't know what will. Both these tutorials are from the Macrame School. The open netted designs as well as the curvy style are really elegant.
Pearl Blay
earrings
polymer clay
tutorial
How to Make Wisteria Polymer Clay Earrings
I adore wisterias. Their cascading blooms are magnificient in any garden. I planted a wisteria in my garden last year but it will probably take a while before I see any of the purple blooms. But I could make some with polymer clay! Check out this wonderful tutorial on how to make a pair of wisteria polymer clay earrings! It is by Catherine Starkov. The link is a translated one so will take longer to load.
Pearl Blay
brooch
tutorial
wire work
How to Make Fun Button Brooch Tutorials
Whittle down your button stash! Or if you're like me - make room for more! This collection of button brooches uses different techniques but they all share something in common. They are simply fun button brooch tutorials! Use them as pins for coats, hats and fabric bags! First up is the whimsical wire and button brooch tutorial by Diane Gilleland over on Crafty Pod.
Pearl Blay
jewelry
necklace
tutorial
How to Make a Stunning Paracord Macrame Necklace Tutorial
Paracord comes in many colors. As the most common size (550) is fairly thick, the cord lends itself very well to big and bold designs. I just love this easy and stunning paracord macrame necklace tutorial by Viviana Soler over on the Alonso Sobrino blog.
Pearl Blay
bracelet
feature designer
hair jewelry
jewelry
Coordinated Leather and Faux Suede Jewelry by Vacation House
Jewelry is just one of the different kinds of accessories we wear to compliment any outfit. Sometimes we team up with a couple - like the right brooch for a scarf or shawl. Well, New York based Jean of Vacation House on Etsy does something entirely different. Her coordinated leather jewelry goes well with her line of handmade hats - headbands and wraps, slouchies, beanies and tams. The combined look is reminiscent of the 1960's hippie style.
Pearl Blay
giveaway
resin
supplies and displays
Little Windows' $60 Gift Certificate Giveaway for Resin Jewelry Making Supplies
If you thought resin was only to be poured into bezels or on top of flat components, think again! You can indeed make 3D resin jewelry pieces. Just check out Little Windows, where owner Fran shares some really cool resin tutorials. I previously shared her bendy resin ring and 3D resin jewelry tutorials here. She now has a video tutorial which shows how you can make twisted resin jewelry.
Pearl Blay
beading
beadwork
bracelet
tutorial
video tutorial
Superduo and Crystal Beaded Bracelet Tutorials
Can't get enough of superduos? I don't blame you. These two whole beads are wonderful for increasing the design possibilities. Pair them with crystals and you will not only add a little bling but making beaded designs will be quicker. Not having to deal with gazillion seed beads is a bonus! First up is Aleshia's designs. Her beaded video tutorial combines superduos with crystals to form a diamond patterned beaded bracelet.
Pearl Blay
bracelet
jewelry
polymer clay
tutorial
2 Easy Peasy Polymer Clay Bracelet Tutorials
Haven't yet ventured into the polymer clay world? Here are 2 easy peasy polymer clay bracelet tutorials to get started on. They are both for bangles and are by Lindsay of Delighted Momma. While they are basic, once you get the hang of it, change it up with any polymer clay color mixes and patterns for truly unique designs! And make several to be worn altogether!
Lindsay's faceted polymer clay bangle tutorial requires just simple hand carving to get the basic shape. But her tip about putting the bangle in the freezer for a few minutes to make it easier to do so was most helpful. I also like her simple use of sanding and a bit of acrylic paint to get that look.
Her braided polymer clay bangle tutorial is definitely for those who love chunky.
Another suggestion is to try the same tutorials but with resin clay. Blinging up with rhinestones or painting them will customize them!
Before You Go:
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
Lindsay's faceted polymer clay bangle tutorial requires just simple hand carving to get the basic shape. But her tip about putting the bangle in the freezer for a few minutes to make it easier to do so was most helpful. I also like her simple use of sanding and a bit of acrylic paint to get that look.
Her braided polymer clay bangle tutorial is definitely for those who love chunky.
Another suggestion is to try the same tutorials but with resin clay. Blinging up with rhinestones or painting them will customize them!
Before You Go:
- Gorgeous Polymer Clay Pendant Tutorials
- How to Make Beautiful Polymer Clay Bracelet Tutorials
- Statement Polymer Clay Necklace Tutorials
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
Pearl Blay
polymer clay
tips and tricks
tutorial
How to Make Beads from Double Sided Molds
Ever come across a button design that you really liked but wish it were a bead instead? Well you can make it into a disc bead by using double sided molds! The tutorial over on the Russian Hobby Box site shows how simple it can be. The original idea for double sided molds using scrap clay is by 2GoodClaymates on Etsy.
Pearl Blay
beadinggem designs
earrings
Pearl's Designs
tutorial
video tutorial
wire work
All in one buttons earrings are my favorite not only to wear but to make. They look elegant without being too dangly. Choose good looking buttons and you'll soon be cranking them out. I should also mention they are very fast to make. All you need are the buttons and some wire and you are good to go.
How to Make All in One Shank Button Earrings
All in one buttons earrings are my favorite not only to wear but to make. They look elegant without being too dangly. Choose good looking buttons and you'll soon be cranking them out. I should also mention they are very fast to make. All you need are the buttons and some wire and you are good to go.
Pearl Blay
beadinggem designs
earrings
necklace
Pearl's Designs
product review
tips and tricks
Many jewelry makers use charms and buttons in their designs. Without a doubt, the final pieces make or break on the quality of these vital components. So it really is worth our while to try and use top notch charms and pendants. Those from TierraCast certainly fit the bill.
TierraCast's It's a Small World and Bird in a Tree Charms and Buttons Collection
Pearl Blay
feature designer
jewelry
necklace
Amazing Stacked Statement Necklaces by Boutique Vaganza
Want to be extravagant? Glamorous? Turn heads? Or simply turn your inner goddess on? Then you've got to see the handmade collection by this Georgia based US designer. Shirley's shop is called Boutique Vaganza. What she makes is amazing stacked statement necklaces worthy of any runway or red carpet event.
Pearl Blay
giveaway
Winner of Goody Beads' $50 Giveaway - Stacked Riveted Earrings Feature
One reader once commented that it is only on giveaway posts do the comments come flying! While they did fly even given the quieter warm weather season for the recent Goody Beads Giveaway, it was two unusually long comments which Goody Beads and I most appreciated. So special thanks to Deborah and Enchanting Accents for their kind words!
Pearl Blay
beadwork
bracelet
tutorial
How to Make a Seed Bead Morse Code Bracelet Tutorial
Wearing a hidden message or simply a coded form of your name is a lot of fun. I made one for my best pal out of wire coils, beads and chains based on the dots and dashes of Morse code. That past post also includes the inspiring tutorial which uses knotted cords and long metal tubes. Got lots of seed beads? Then you've got to check out Erica's version of Morse code bracelets over on Honestly WTF. Seed beads allow for longer messages not just names.
Pearl Blay
beading
beadwork
bracelet
tutorial
How to Make Memory Wire Cuffs with Two Hole Beads
Memory wire bracelets are wonderfully easy to put on as the coils are quickly wrapped around the wrist. But there is an easy way to convert them into cuffs if you use twohole beads like Tila beads. Check out Polly's tutorial over on the Rings and Things blog to see how it is done.
Pearl Blay
jewelry
polymer clay
supplies and displays
tutorial
How to Make Polymer Clay Jewelry Dish Tutorials
Polymer clay is a versatile medium. Use it for jewelry, for sure. But also consider it for original jewelry holders or displays as well. Polymer clay jewelry dishes, as Laura Gummerman said, are perfect for "ring litterers" - people who leave rings, especially stacking rings around the house and lose them. Her gorgeous tutorial over on A Beautiful Mess shows off a marbled design. I like how she added gold gilding around the edges.
Pearl Blay
necklace
tutorial
Make a Woven Paracord Necklace with Big Hole Beads
Do you have some big hole beads you don't know what to do with? Well, team them up with paracord! This woven paracard necklace with big hole beads tutorial is by Tarun Upadyaya over on Instructables. He called it an ethnic necklace "because it resembles Indian ethnic jewelry which is popular and worn over traditional saree dresses." But the bold style will also suit plain dresses.
Pearl Blay
beadinggem designs
earrings
metal work
Pearl's Designs
product review
tools
tutorial
How to Use a Center Finder to Make Riveted Earrings
Riveting is a fast, no heat way of connecting components. But finding the center of metal blanks can be tricky. So this tutorial shows you how to use a center finder to make riveted earrings. Finding the true center especially of round metal blanks is much easier with this simple carpenter's tool. All kinds of components - bead caps, rondelles, small metal blanks, can all be used to stack up unique designs.
Pearl Blay
beading
beadwork
jewelry
necklace
tutorial
Amazing Beaded Dragon Jewelry Tutorials
Dragons are part of the myths of many cultures. They also exist in the wonderful creative work of many artisans. Here are two amazing beaded dragon jewelry tutorials for fantasy fans to enjoy! The first is by a remarkable Estonian artisan, Viko, who freely shares a number of beaded creature designs on her Devianart.
Pearl Blay
feature designer
jewelry
polymer clay
Painted Wearable Polymer Clay and Resin Sculptures by Gatobob
March 18, 2013 was a big day for Jo Techsmith, of Alberta, Canada. That was the day she quit her website developer job as it was "making her die on the inside". She is a true artist who couldn't find anything creative about coding. She had made her own wedding cake topper as she said she was too cheap to buy one. That initial foray led to her painted polymer clay and resin sculpture jewelry line.
Pearl Blay
beadinggem designs
earrings
giveaway
metal work
Pearl's Designs
Goody Beads' $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway - Stacked Riveted Earrings Feature
Goody Beads are back with another great giveaway! This Minnesota based online beading supply company offers an ever changing array of supplies. I spotted some cool supplies and a tool from their site to feature. These riveted earrings are easy to make. Just stack different findings for unique designs!
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