The Beading Gem

The Russian leaf is a lovely design to bead up as earrings.  If you are already an experienced beader, you'll love Beading4perfectionist's video tutorial for a gorgeous double Russian Leaf pair using peyote.  The gold and black make a beautiful combination.

Hoop earrings are fun to make, even more so when you can embellish. A bit of wire and beads and viola!  You don't have to be a wire expert either. This Swarovski crystal earrings tutorial starts with ready made hoops. Just remember to be firm when wrapping!

Flowers wilt.  So what could be better than a sparkling beautiful brooch bouquet on that special day?  Noaki on Etsy offers some absolutely stunning ones which brides can keep forever.  Her work is indeed breathtaking.

DIY Beading Club's generous giveaway last week was stupendous because so many people will get lucky enough to win a month's worth of tutorials.  It is a boon for wire and bead workers. 

One of my most popular past posts was the Hisssssterically Awesome Snake Earrings.There are apparently many people out there who love wearing snake jewelry.  You really don't have to like snakes to be able to make or wear snake jewelry!

Margaretha Geertruida Zelle (1876-1917) was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan best known as Mata Hari. She once half jokingly said to friends, "I will be celebrated or notorious." She also thought she would eventually die on the scaffold. It all came to pass except that she was shot not hung, accused as a spy during the First World War.

Mata Hari, 1906

I like coiling wire to add to my wire work jewelry designs.  Making your own wire coils to cut up into jump rings saves money especially when you need lots for chain maille or for some designs.

Conferences are in full swing in the winter/spring season.  This leads to this question. Why do name tags have to be so ugly?  You know the type I mean - plastic envelope with either a safety pin behind it or hung with string.  Well, beaders can do so much better!