The Beading Gem

Estelle, a French beader based in Hong Kong, shared this Miyuki tutorial on her blog, Petit Bout de Chou.  These beaded frangipani (pulmeria) flowers can be uses as pendants and earrings if you add the necessary loops. However, if you adapt the pattern and make these larger, they could become pretty awesome coasters! The Miyuki Delica beads are so even for this purpose.

Laser cutters are increasingly being used by jewelry designers. One such group is the Italian artisans behind Mr Nico.  Theirs is a unique collection of laser cut and laser engraved geometric jewelry. They combine new technology with craftsmanship as each piece is hand finished and painted.

I first stumbled on Little Windows' creative resin jewelry tutorials years ago.  They  still spark my creativity each time I see them.  Fran Valera has come up with the latest video on how to personalize resin jewelry.   She covers 9 different techniques which take great advantage of this medium. Resin jewelry looks like glass but doesn't easily break.  Best of all, you can embed objects for unique mixed media styles.

Lots and lots of people love minimalist jewelry styles. So this tutorial by Estelle of Petit Bout De Chou delivers for beaders. You do not have to be into metal work to create delicate designs!  This Delica seed beads is easy to do. However, what I liked even more about it is how she put it together using a gold and black palette.  She also spaced them out with chain.

You don't have to be a Marvel Superhero movie fan to notice the roaring opening success of  Black Panther. This movie tells the tale of the new king of Wakanda, a secretive but highly technological African nation harboring a metal which imparts superhuman capabilities. He has to face a vengeful challenger and naturally, save the world in the process.  Lots of action all round (see trailer ) but what really caught my eye were the amazing costume and jewelry designs. I can't wait to see the movie soon.

Oxanacrafts has a lovely wire wrap cabochon tutorial which is different from the typical ones I see. She wraps a small tear drop cabochon.  In some ways it is easier than the more usual round and oval cabochons. First, she only had to wrap the half round wire at the base. Usually there are at least 2 more wraps at the sides of the cabochons.

It never fails to amaze me how many of you adore Nunn Design's components. There were a lot of entries for last week's giveaway for their Winter 2018 Collection. So you know the competition is going to be tough for this one! Some of the adjectives readers used to describe these components - "droolworthy"- "earthy, simple, elegant" -"eclectic" and as I also said, "organic"!