The Beading Gem

Craftsy is merging with Bluprint, their streaming division.  Starting on January 8, Craftsy will become just Bluprint. So they are hosting an Open House this weekend right through to January 8.  You can explore all the classes, new categories (not just crafts), check out the project kit and supplies section - all for free.

Starting Friday and going right through to Monday, Craftsy is having a huge black Friday and Cyber Monday deal. Sweet.  You'd be able to pick the online classes you most like from their huge assortment covering many different crafts.... for just $15 or less.  These classes can be viewed as many times as you want and at any time.

I have reviewed many of the jewelry making classes - you can see the review collection which I have pinned to this Pinterest board of mine.

Sweet deal starting this Friday until Sunday.  All Craftsy classes are under $20!  Not just in jewelry making but over 1000 convenient online classes covering a huge range of creative pursuits - quilting, crochet, art, bag making, cooking, sewing, embroidery and so.

It is well worth the wait to get a good deal on excellent online classes!  You get to learn advanced techniques from top instructors in the comfort of your home, whenever you want. Starting today until Sunday, June 10, all Craftsy classes are under $20. No coupon code is needed. The discounted classes for diehard creatives cover many crafts like knitting, cooking, art, sewing, quilting and so on.

Craftsy isn't just about online jewelry classes - they have classes on several topics such as cooking, knitting, crochet, sewing, quilting, weaving, painting and so on.  I have reviewed several of the jewelry making ones and have found the in-depth classes to be excellent.  Ideal for those who do not live near where these top instructors teach.

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.

Making your own linking connectors out of wire creates unique chains!  Just check out this lovely free copper chain bracelet tutorial by Cindy Wimmer over on Craftsy.  Her idea of using 2 pen barrels to form the oval is brilliant!

Tatting is a "relatively" new craft which began in the early 1800's.  The lace-like work is much easier to accomplish than the devilishly complicated bobbin lace making. Not many tools are needed either. Tatting can be done with either the traditional shuttle or long needles.  Needle tatting can be very fast but you will be limited to a few needle sizes which may not suit the thread you want to use. So shuttle tatting is more versatile as any thread can be used.

Many of you were already fans of Kate Richbourg. So it is was not surprising that those readers entered her Metalsmithing at Home Craftsy class giveaway last week. Grete J said, "Kate Richbourg is a very inspirational teacher, an I have tried some of her projects from one of her books." Vicky F admitted. "This is a Craftsy class I have been coveting."

Metal work doesn't have to involve expensive tools or a studio. Often metal smiths will tell you that it can be done in a small space such as a kitchen or even dining table. So this Metalsmithing at Home Craftsy class by renowned instructor, Kate Richbourg aims to show how it can truly be done in your home.

Want to save big and help you keep New Year resolutions to learn new skills? Craftsy is offering another round of their super holiday class sale. All their classes will be under $20 for a limited period. It starts today and lasts through Monday, December 26th  until 11:59 pm MT. This is a huge deal because some of the classes are more than $50 each!

Last week's giveaway for  Lisa Niven Kelly's Make Your Own Wirework Findings class  drew people like Denise Kunz who said, "I've played around trying to make my own findings and while functional, they're not very professional! Think this could be my ticket to a more polished look!"  Not only that, you will also be able to save money!

Customizing your own high quality fine silver jewelry is possible if you use the metal clay technique. The one good thing about this technique is you don't need expensive tools unlike metal smithing. You can torch fire small pieces but for larger and more complex ones, the only way to go is to use a kiln.

This has to be the best deal all year for Craftsy fans.  Every single class will be US$17.99 or less all through out Black Friday weekend. The Craftsy sale will begin just after midnight tonight  - Thursday 11/24 (12:01 am MT) - Monday 11/28 (11:59 pm MT).

Sure you can buy components like toggles, clasps and ear wires. But if you really want to make truly handmade jewelry, then making your own components is the way to go.  You can customize your jewelry and make it distinctive.

Boo! A little Halloween treat.  If you ever admired a Craftsy class - not just the jewelry ones I review - now is your chance to get one for under $20.  Starting from tonight at midnight until Monday 10/31 11:59 PM MT.  The classes from seasoned instructors are excellent for in-depth learning at your own pace.

Peyote is just one of many bead stitches.  Yet, there are some firm fans of peyote judging from last week's giveaway for free access to Nancy Cain's Bead Stitching Shaped Peyote class.  The challenge of moving from flat peyote to something more dimensional is what appeals. Keri said, "Love peyote would be very interesting to learn 3D versions."  

Peyote is arguably the most versatile of all of beading stitches.  It is easy and fast to do. But more than that, the stitch can be used to build 3D structures to be used as jewelry components. The humble seed bead, when used in multitudes, and in skilled hands can indeed astound with their elegance and detail.

It is no surprise wire work and wire wrapping in particular is such a popular technique. The use of metal is always a plus as the material is durable and strong. But best of all, it is a cold connection method which allows you to connect components with just inexpensive tools. No soldering or torch work needed!  Team it with lovely gemstone crystals as shown in this Craftsy class and you will have luxurious designs.

Epoxy clay or resin clay is a cousin of the popular epoxy resin.  Although it has been around for decades, it's only been in recent years that the material has been used for jewelry making.  There are two major benefits to using this type of clay.  Firstly, it cures without heat.  Secondly, its inherent adhesive qualities make it a fabulous cold connection material besides wiring and riveting.