How to Make Beaded Dreamcatcher Earrings Tutorial

I've covered Native American inspired dreamcatcher jewelry tutorials before (see links below). Earrings though are a particular challenge due to the smaller sizes involved.  But it can be done! Sonysree Creations has a marvelous DIY to inspire.

Read More

Using Linoleum Cutting Tools for Making Polymer Clay Jewelry

I remember making lino cut prints in my secondary school art class. At the time, I thought it was a lot of fun but little did I know then that the technique and tools could also help in jewelry making! Especially if you hold a high premium on custom designs.  Designer and instructor, Ludmila Bakulina, shows how you can make your own custom stamp for polymer clay work.

Read More

Ancient Warrior Helmet Inspired Jewelry by Tsirikaua

Somewhere on a small Greek island in the middle of the Aegean Sea is the studio of a Greek metalsmith and leather craftsman, Nikos Douvogiannis, the artisan behind Tsirikaua.  He creates different kinds of jewelry and leather work but what stood out were his ancient warrior helmet inspired designs. 

Spartan Helmet Bracelets

Read More

Book Review and Giveaway : Lazee Daizee's Outer Limits - Viking Knit and Beyond

I love my Lazee Daizee tools because they make Viking Knit so much easier. No more wooden dowels and awkward wire clovers!  But Stephanie Eddy (inventor) and her husband, Michael Eddy have shown there is a lot more one can do with the technique.

Read More

5 Unisex Adjustable Thick Cord Bracelet Tutorials

It doesn't have to be paracord. You could use thick cord to make some awesome unisex adjustable bracelets.  These will be lovely for men who like to wear this style or women who aren't into blingy, ultra feminine jewelry. I do like this unusual loop closure tutorial by CbyS Paracord and More.

Read More

Gemduos Really Make These Beaded Star Pendants Perfect as Christmas Ornaments

Deborah Roberti of Around the Beading Table created her beaded star pendants or ornaments using two holed DiamonDuos. But she also points out in her tutorial that you can substitute with GemDuos with a slight change in bead types as these beads are not quite the same size as DiamonDuos.

with Gemduos

Read More

Mandala Inspired Ombre Beaded Circle Earrings Tutorial

I've always like the idea of mixing bead work with metal components. Estelle of Petit Bout de Chou has a pretty mandala inspired earrings tutorial which shows off ombre colored beads within metal. rings.   You do not have to use the graduated color scheme at all if you prefer a patterned look.

Read More

Craftsy's Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale Starts Today!!

Not all of us are able to attend the classes of some of the best jewelry making instructors out there.  Craftsy is one platform which allows you to learn through online video classes from the comfort of your own home.  Once you get a class, you can dive in whenever you want and as many times as you want. They do a wide range of crafts - even cooking.  I have saved the links to all my past reviews on the jewelry classes here on my Pinterest board.

Read More

Hammered Metal Bracelet Tutorial has Great Tips

You don't have to own a whole bunch of expensive tools to make this hammered metal bracelet. The tutorial is by jillsmoker on Instructables.  What is outstanding about this DIY is that the instructor shows different tools and techniques at each major step of this completely handmade design.  For example, you could use metal shears to cut the brass sheet. Alternatively, a jewelry saw or band saw can also be used if you have them and know how to use them.

Read More

Bead Mosaic Jewelry by BYART

Betsy Youngquist  is the Illinois based artist behind BYART.  She is an internationally renowned mixed media artist best known for her amazing sculptural bead mosaic sculptures. She "started applying beads to the surface of her watercolor paintings over twenty years ago."  But she also creates smaller designs such as her bead mosaic resin clay jewelry which are available on her Etsy store.

Read More

Winner of Shades of Clay's Holy Cabezel Jewelry Mold Giveaway

One reader made me chuckle with her comment on last week's giveaway for Shades of Clay's latest Cabezel jewelry mold. Sue Duffy said, "Holy Cabezel Batman!" Those of us of a certain vintage will remember the cheesy "Holy..." exclamations of Batboy in the 1960's  Batman tv series. There is actually a long list of them. Holy Cabezel naturally isn't on the list but the Cabezels are certainly notable for their fun shapes.

Read More

Easy Wire Coil Glue-On Bail Tutorial

I had fun with Shades of Clay's Holy Cabezel as you can see from last week's giveaway (the close is later today so you still have time).  My favorite way of wearing pendants like this is to use thick leather cord.  I also thought this modern style looks best as close as possible to the cord. I also wanted to match the color of the polymer clay Cabezel.  So here is how I made easy wire coil glue on bails.

Read More

3 Superduo Earrings Tutorials Score with Great Bead Combinations

Sometimes bead combinations come together in a delightful way. I was charmed by this wreath like earrings tutorial by Beads Magic.  Why?  It is a great example of modern beadwork - simple yet visually effective. The superduos sit just so with the carefully selected seed beads to form a circle. The square tila bead makes a visual contrast and acts a focal area to the design.

Read More

Another Beaded Angel Earrings Tutorial

Nothing could be more suitable for the Christmas season than beaded angel earrings! Here is another one to collect. The brick stitch design tutorial is by Paola over on Ricamar Gioielli.  It is an Italian blog but the tutorial is schematic and clear enough to follow.

Read More

Easy Lace and Bead Headpiece Tutorial

Know someone who is into cosplaying?  Or perhaps a gift for a little princess? This easy lace and bead headpiece tutorial by Spanish crafter of Veva of My White Idea might just be the thing.  She calls it a tiara but it is more of a headband to me. Very pretty.

Read More

How to Marble Polymer Clay Tutorial

Polymer clay canes are definitely not my forte. Far from it. So what to do when you need a colorful design as a veneer? I loved this marbling tutorial by the Unruly Housewife. It is simple with lots of potential for experimenting. As she says, it is a great way to use up scrap clay!

Read More

Herringbone Chandelier Earrings Tutorial Uses End Tubes

End tubes are wonderful for beaded bracelets as they give designs a professional finish. But Estelle over on Petit Bout de Chou has a fun herringbone chandelier earrings tutorial using the end tubes most creatively!  I also loved how she used metal dangles to complete the design.

Read More

Holy Cabezel Clay Mold Giveaway is also for International Readers

I made an error for this week's giveaway. Wendy of Shades of Clay says the giveaway is open to everyone. So international readers are included!

Read More

Stained Glass Amulets by ParrishRelics

Every successful designer creates memorable and often, one of a kind pieces. One such designer is Jen Parrish-Hill, the designer behind Parrish Relics. It is easy to see why she calls her collections Parrish Relics. The first part is obviously from her name but the second reflects the antique look of her designs.

Read More

Review and Giveaway : Shades of Clay's New Holy Cabezel Clay Mold Collection

When I first spotted Shades of Clay's cabezel clay molds, I could instantly see their potential.  The molds allow you to create both the pendant bezel as well as the insert cabochon. You can have a lot of fun with creating unique art pieces.  Bonus point - if you also make the bails out of clay and use, say simple leather cords with no metal findings, the jewelry pieces will be ideal for those who are metal allergic!

Read More

How to Make Wire Bell Ornaments for Christmas Trees!

I think I will start looking out for bells in craft stores or even an old bell from an antique store or thrift shops!  That is because they can be used as the "mandrel" or form to make easy wire bell ornaments!  This craft tutorial is over on Moji Dilo, a Czech site.

Read More

3 Fabulous Christmas Beaded Necklace Tutorials

There are some wonderful beaded necklaces you could make for the upcoming Christmas season.  Nothing like wowing at the office party, right?  I shared this awesome Christmas Cascade design tutorial from Beaddiagrams on my Facebook page  recently and many of you loved it. No wonder! It is a gorgeous design with seasonal colors!

Read More

Easy Peasy Jewelry Gift Pouch to Sew !

I've written about fabric jewelry bags, organizers and roll ups before.  They are great as gift bags for jewelry items. Or use them for travel as they will protect your pieces.  Some of the tutorials I featured before do take some time to make.  However, I found this really easy peasy jewelry gift pouch tutorial from Handmadediya to be just the ticket if time is short. 

Read More

Easy Alcohol Ink and Liquid Polymer Clay Cuff Bracelet Tutorial

One of my favorite instructors is Gloria Uhler of Domestic Diva Online. Why?  Her tutorials are always refreshingly different and often, not hard to do.  One of her latest is this easy alcohol ink and liquid polymer clay cuff bracelet tutorial .

Read More

Using Hardware Store Escutcheon Pins as Rivets!

I don't know about you but having to order rivets specially for jewelry making can be a pain.  But I loved the idea from Tracy Stanley, the designer and author of the wire and metal book I reviewed not too long ago.  She showed in this tutorial how easy it is to use just regular hardware store escutcheon pins as nail rivets.

Read More

Contemporary Polymer Tubing Jewelry by Pevalek Art

It's not what you use, but how you use it that counts. Croatian designer, Iva of Pevalek Art,  uses uncommon materials like polymer tubing to create her bold contemporary jewelry designs. She often favors black tubing with just the odd splash of vibrant color.

Read More

Winner of Jewelry Shoot's $150 Photoshoot Giveaway

You can almost feel the angst of some of the people who commented on last week's giveaway of a professional photographer's service.  Gerry Maffris summed it up for all  -  "Getting good images is a huge stumbling block for me."  

Read More

Easy Swarovski Crystal Resin Clay Ring Tutorial

Remember my easy peasy wire wrapped tutorial with Nunn Design's open frame rings? Well, wire wrapping is not the only technique you can use to dress up these dainty rings.  This tutorial uses resin clay which requires no baking at all because it hardens at ambient temperatures.  The resulting hardened clay is very durable. Plus, it is an adhesive clay to boot!

Read More

Polymer Clay Poppy Field Jewelry Tutorials for Remembrance Day

Back in 2014,  I was deeply moved when I saw the amazing ceramic poppy art installation, "Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Poppies" in the Tower of London's dry moat to mark the centenary of World War I. There were 888,246 poppies -  one for each British and Colonial fatality during the war. The poppies pouring over a wall and out of a window were particularly vivid and poignant (see this video)

Read More

Shrink Plastic Hand Print Key Chain Charm Tutorial

There are all kinds of family keepsake designs you can make using jewelry and craft supplies.  For example, birthstone jewelry is a perennial favorite. Or see links below. But I also love this shrink plastic hand print key chain charm tutorial by Hayley over on Grey House Harbor.

Read More

Innovative Wire Wrapped Bracelet Tutorial

This innovative wire wrapped bracelet tutorial by Vietnamese wire artist, Lan Anh is a must see.  It is a clever start where the first bend becomes the loop where the clasp will catch.  You do need a good eye and careful strokes and bends of the wire to be consistent.

Read More

Mokume Gane Polymer Clay Wood Grain Tutorial Uses Gilder's Paste

There are many products you can use to color polymer clay. Gilder's Paste which is typically used for metal is one of them. They come in many colors.  Samantha Burroughs of Jessama Tutorials has an easy mokume gane polymer clay tutorial for wood grain effects!  You can have a lot of fun coloring lots and lots of squares of polymer clay shapes. These are then stacked into a tall layer. The multiple colors as well as the translucent clay used are key to the complex design result.

Read More

Cubic RAW Ankh Pendant Tutorial

Italian beader, Sara Spoltore rose to the challenge of making a beaded ankh pendant using cRAW (cubic right angle weave).  She shared the information on how to construct one. She assumes you have learned the cRAW so these instructions are not for the beginner.  She gives the number of beads for each "side" including the rounded portion at the top.  She uses both 15/0 and 11/0 seed beads for the straight sides but had to omit the smaller beads for the curved portion.

Read More