The Beading Gem

Sometimes I have to kick myself.  I usually think of using wire or yarn for making crochet necklaces.  But why not good old fishing line to make a light and airy crochet necklace?

Perhaps beaded cabochons might be too big a project to start with especially if you are relatively new at beading.  So maybe these easy beaded bezel ring tutorials might do the trick!

Californian Annett Malone makes a variety of accessories on her Etsy store Ascot Handbags  - small purses and clutches, zippered pouches, necktie clips, hair clips besides jewelry.  Quite a range but they are all made from the same thing - vintage neck ties!

Stamping is a great way to add yet another "facet" to your jewelry making skills.  Judging from the responses to last week's ImpressArt Letter Stamp Set giveaway, many of you clearly agree!

Thank goodness for rhinestones.  These fake diamonds are so affordable. Definitely divine and perfect for jewelry. Erica over at Honestly...WTF thought so too. I really loved her woven chain collar necklace tutorial which features a length of large rhinestone chain.

Life is not easy but for many women in some parts of the world, life is especially difficult. Job opportunities are few and women are especially disadvantaged when they are uneducated.  It's not all bad news though. There are success stories like Kazuri Beads, the well known hand made ceramic beads from Kenya.

Remember my past post on Romi's lovely bead and wire knitted earrings tutorials?  Well, here are a couple of delightful and easy wire crochet earrings to make! Aoibhe Ni, a crochet designer wrote in her blog, Thread Bear's Picnic,  a tutorial for a pretty pair of Daisy Drop earrings!

Brooches are coming back in fashion but with modern twists.  One great example to update brooch use as well as add a stronger visual impact is to add a ribbon to it.

Did you know there are nearly 50 jewelry designers from around the world in Swarovski's Create Your Style Ambassador program?  These designers were recruited to promote the beautiful crystals and components since most teach and many are published authors.

I know some of you are reluctant to venture into metal smith techniques. But really, there are some simple things you can learn to do.  Here is an easy start - use a metal ring blank as I did for one of the Impressart metal stamp designs I showed earlier for this week's giveaway ! 

ImpressArt is a line of high quality metal stamps that are specifically designed for jewelry and mixed media designers. When I first featured them in a giveaway quite a while back, they only had a limited range.  Since then, what they now offer in terms of letter and design stamps is fabulous!