The Beading Gem

Do you knit or know someone who does?  If so check out Fiber Fool's tutorial on how to make shanked buttons from beads!  It's a clever "cross-over craft" idea to use a bit of wire and beads from jewelry making to make the buttons for knitwear.

It's all in the family with sisters, Leslie Huston and Shelly Harper.  Accessoreez,  their collection of contemporary art glass jewelry is a successful amalgamation of their respective skills in art glass borosilicate, bead work and metal work.

I am so glad they joined my Twitter community because that's how I came to know about their gorgeous work. Their multi-disciplinary collection is truly inspirational!

Brenda Sue and I thank all of you who added such lovely comments.

It didn't surprise me to know that some of you were already familiar with Gilder's Paste and B'Sue Boutiques long before last week's giveaway.  Although Beverly said she only has one pot and wants more, more, more!

Sixth and Springs  recently sent me a new jewelry book to review and there is an extra copy for one lucky winner! It's called Creative Wire Jewelry and it's by Ariella Nachshon who lives in Tel Aviv.

It's a 40+ design book that will help assuage the demand for ever popular wire jewelry projects!  The jewelry style leans towards contemporary and funky.  There are also a number of long necklace and chain designs  reflecting current trends.

Furniture Inspirations
Part 2 of 2
I must thank reader Waldemar who commented on one of my past posts on recycled paper jewelry and introduced me to an amazing Italian designer, Gian Luca Bartellone. He creates outstanding one of a kind jewelry pieces from paper.

He calls his collection Body Furnitures. It's a rather clever moniker. Furniture after all is furnishings for a room. So why not bejeweled "furnishings" for our bodies?

Many of you are likely familiar with the balling of silver wire when held in a flame (see tutorial link below).  Well, check out this awesome basic metal smith project using double balled wire to make a rondelle ring.

The tutorial is by Janice over at the Jewelry Artists Network. The process involves filing, coiling, soldering, hammering, making holes and making the double balls to hold the bead.  What's really neat is the trick the metal smith used to protect the bead when making the second ball.

One of my local clients has such a passion for handmade jewelry she has a huge collection to prove it. She says she devotes a hutch to storing jewelry rather than chinaware!

Well, thanks to a reader, Karri, who sent me this tip,  here is a great furniture idea for other jewelry mavens who find the common storage units too small.