The Beading Gem

While a perennial favorite, chain in jewelry designs took a huge leap in popularity this year. This collection is all about how to use chain differently in jewelry designs for a refreshingly new look.  Perhaps you will be inspired to  repurpose or dress up an unloved necklace chain hiding in your jewelry box.

Image by Rebecca S

Israel based Sari Glassman is accomplished in not one but a number of jewelry making techniques.  She is a lampwork, fused glass and wire work artisan with a wonderful eye for color and design.

What first caught my eye were her colorful lampwork
jewelry although she does make neutral hued pieces as well. Check out her store on Boticca and you will see what I mean.

One of the easiest ways to create a pendant is to incorporate paper or even beads, fibers, glitter and small findings to a purchased bezel which is then filled with some sort of resin. Resin can also be used to coat and seal.

Resin is definitely a popular trend. If you are wondering which resin or which types are safer to use, wonder no more!

Magnetic beads are not new. But Klik Klik Jewelry Kits  (link no longer works by Brooklyn designers, Al Kelly and Kellar Williams, really ups the design possibilities of magnetic jewelry.

They use high quality neodymium magnets - these are the strongest permanent magnets known. You get 300 neodymium magnets per kit ($65). Then the fun begins...

Calling all Canadian artisans!  There is a new selling site called Zaybia (Update : Link no longer works) which aims to showcase handmade in Canada. Zaybia naturally is open to the world for browsing and purchasing!


According to one of the founders, Lee who is currently based in Montreal, the site does not charge anything, at least not just yet as it is still in beta.  That's right,  no fees at all. Nada.

Image by Anna

The dynamic duo have done it again!  The beaders I mean are Mandy and Anna whom I featured before in my previous post about the Sultan's Turban bead tutorial.

Mandy  in her quest to learn how to bead likes to try out tutorials from amazing European beaders. Anna then helpfully figures out the steps for English speaking readers on her blog.

There is an easy solution if you are stuck wondering what sort of colors to use for a jewelry gift. Make rainbow inspired designs!

Cathy made these colorful bracelet and earrings. The pieces are guaranteed to go with any outfit!  The crystals were from Debbie's (Widget's Beads) collection.

Mug Shot of Diamond Thief

Here is a cautionary tale or should I say, "tail" about leaving your jewelry making components lying around where pets, especially dogs, might accidentally eat them.

It does happen. The latest incident occurred in an Albany, Georgia store as reported in a local tv station's video . Honey Bun doesn't really guard the John Ross Jewelry store. The new pup is more like a greeter and shop mascot for owners, Chuck and Ann Roberts.