tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53287915938680443232024-02-07T03:50:18.752-08:00How to make jewelryUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-38195955291938978822017-04-28T12:56:00.000-07:002017-04-28T12:56:44.193-07:00How to Make a Polymer Resin Bracelet<div class="MsoNormal">
You know how you sometimes have an idea for something you want to make but you just can't find the right item to match the picture in your mind? Well, you don't have to search any more if you use resin. Resin is one of the simplest methods of making jewelry. You can make your own mold (very simple) and can cast your own jewelry pieces in any shape you want. Resin pieces are hard and look like glass. Like these:</div>
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You will need:</div>
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Mold with square shapes</div>
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Tiny beads or glitter</div>
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Resin</div>
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Resin catalyst</div>
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Plastic cups</div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mixing stick, such as a wooden craft stick or plastic straws</span><br />
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Spray the mold with a mold release spray. The spray prevents the resin from sticking to the mold, which simplifies the process of removing the cured resin pieces later. Let the spray dry then reapply.</div>
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Pour ½ ounce of the resin into a plastic cup and pour a small amount of resin catalyst into a different cup. For best results, follow the manufacturer’s directions for exact measurement of the catalyst. Pour the catalyst into the resin and mix thoroughly. Do not whip the mixture to avoid creating air bubbles.</div>
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Pour a thin layer of the resin mixture into the molds and sprinkle a small amount of glitter or beads into it. Let the resin become firm.</div>
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Mix another ½ ounce of the resin and catalyst and pour it into the molds. Set the mold in a warm place and let the resin cure for about three days. Push the pieces out of the mold when they are fully cured.</div>
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Sand the edges of the pieces under water until smooth. Make sure the shavings wash off the sand paper as you work to avoid sanding them into the resin pieces. Dry the pieces. </div>
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Drill two holes through one side of each piece. Ensure that they are spaced at an equal distance from the edge. Clean out the shavings.</div>
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Cut two pieces of elastic thread and thread the resin beads to form a bracelet. Tie the ends of the thread with a square knot. Place a drop of glue on the knot to secure it. Let the glue dry completely. </div>
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And voila! Your bracelet is ready. Enjoy!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-1496860630034559632011-12-22T20:06:00.000-08:002011-12-22T20:06:01.412-08:00Hello, folks! It's been a loooong while, I know (shamed face). I got distracted, playing catchup in other areas of this life. I have not given up on jewelry-making, although I did have to put it aside for a while. I just returned to it with renewed vigor and I've been making new things at an almost feverish pace since last week. The ideas have been coming thick and fast, and I have to sketch them quickly before I forget. I look forward to sharing tutorials on some of them soon.<br />
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For now, check out my Etsy store, Adamma, to see what I've been making: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/adamma">http://www.etsy.com/shop/adamma</a>. Here's a preview, enjoy!<script src="http://www.etsy.com/assets/js/etsy_mini_shop.js" type="text/javascript">
</script><script type="text/javascript">
new Etsy.Mini(5444509,'thumbnail',4,3,0,'http://www.etsy.com');
</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-16996208561741720972010-10-03T23:50:00.000-07:002010-10-03T23:51:59.092-07:00What are Chamalia beads?<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Chamilia beads may be the answer to questions you didn't know you had! I know you have jewelry pieces you love but don't you get tired of wearing the same things over and over again? Sure, you can create any number of jewelry pieces but the point is, once you create them the beads cannot be changed. That is, without destroying the piece and starting again. Also, have you noticed that the gift-giving season is almost upon us again? If you have a large number of people on your list, the idea of creating jewelry for each of them may be overwhelming. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>Chamilia beads, also called pandora beads, are informally named after the founding company, Chamilia. The wonderful idea behind this company was to produce changeable beads that women can use to personalize their jewelry as they wished whenever they wished. These beads have large centers that make it easy to string and remove them as you like. And to do it with style! The beautiful beads are available in valuable elements such as 14K gold, silver and Swarovski crystals.<br />
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Here are a few of the Chamalia beads that I like:<br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajqbOdGeGgFALJxr9wQDwbfHvhZjm5l31rEgD7MFLhNyQ7c8_URvxzeg5geZ8VisDMtv05gnAZeTElepmJV3Y9R_xKJ44_7ReBCX1pwPqsChc6DnVuvs09oxKdoCvN9hfVTSi6arb6R0/s1600/chamilia.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajqbOdGeGgFALJxr9wQDwbfHvhZjm5l31rEgD7MFLhNyQ7c8_URvxzeg5geZ8VisDMtv05gnAZeTElepmJV3Y9R_xKJ44_7ReBCX1pwPqsChc6DnVuvs09oxKdoCvN9hfVTSi6arb6R0/s320/chamilia.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">And this is how to use the beads: <a href="http://www.chamilia.com/us/en/jewelry/how-to-assemble/">How to Assemble</a><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">If you are here, it means you enjoy creating jewelry for yourself or as gifts. The complicated design techniques produce beautiful and unique jewelry but face it, those take a long time! If you are used to working a long time on one piece then it may seem like cheating to create bracelets and necklaces quickly with something so simple. However, if you want something beautiful in a pinch that you can customize everyday then Chamilia beads are the way to go, I think. There is such a large variety of beads that no two compositions will look the same. Have fun with it!</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-83170668641729400992009-06-15T09:08:00.000-07:002010-10-03T22:24:38.614-07:00How to Bead Crochet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXXCD2EuT38XcZn7rjQb3K9haW0ikIiYzOf9pXRULXR6RIgstQ_YZQKYNbG5qWU1fHMTXJM7bgWH7ABRdcHki099hGsrGsu6pUUG82NKyf-brYdovZogTLvt8j_7BMfrnRN71ttijbHo/s1600-h/bead-crochet-necklace+(2).jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347602758426656114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXXCD2EuT38XcZn7rjQb3K9haW0ikIiYzOf9pXRULXR6RIgstQ_YZQKYNbG5qWU1fHMTXJM7bgWH7ABRdcHki099hGsrGsu6pUUG82NKyf-brYdovZogTLvt8j_7BMfrnRN71ttijbHo/s200/bead-crochet-necklace+(2).jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 166px;" /></a>I didn't know how to crochet when I decided to learn to bead crochet. That shows that it's not that difficult to learn. Now, I love to crochet, not just necklaces, but purses and handbags. This is a picture of my very first bead crochet necklace. It was fun to do and I ended up with a unique accessory. I learned by watching "Bead Crochet with Carol Perrenoud." This is a fantastic video and Carol makes it so easy to follow along. Like I said earlier, I didn't know how to crochet but at the end of the video, I was well on my way with my necklace project. I got this video from my local library (VHS tape) so you might find it at yours. If you want to buy it, it is available from <a href="http://www.yarnbarn-ks.com/Beadwork-Polymer-Clay-Jewelry/products/235/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333ff;">Yarnbarn</span></a>, owners of Victorian Video Productions. You can also purchase from private sellers on Amazon or search for other retailers on Google.<br />
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Okay, here's a short tutorial on how to bead crochet.<br />
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1. String beads on crochet thread. Small beads are best. If you are very new to bead crochet, I suggest using pony beads at first until you've got the technique down. String on as many as you can for the item you are making. You might find it easier to use a bead spinner instead of stringing the beads on one by one as I did at first. If you don't have a bead spinner, get a wide-eye beading needle and pour your beads into a bowl. Dig the needle into the bowl and try to get as many beads on as possible.<br />
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2. Tie a small loop in your crochet thread.<br />
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3. Pass your crochet pin into the loop so that the loop rests on the neck of the pin.<br />
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4. Catch the thread with the hook on your crochet pin. Pull the pin and the thread out through the loop. You've made your second chain.<br />
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5. Catch the thread with the hook on your crochet pin. Pull the pin and the thread through the loop on your pin. You've made your third chain.<br />
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6. Repeat the last step until you have made about six chains. Now it's time to start crocheting with the beads.<br />
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7. Push a bead down the thread until it rests against the crochet pin. Catch the thread with the pin and pull through the loop on the pin. You've made your first beaded chain. <br />
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Repeat the last step until you reach your desired length.</div><div><br />
And that's it. Not very difficult, is it? When I was done with mine, I folded the chains into about five strands and tied the ends. Then I wrapped each end tightly with wire and added clasps. That's how I made the necklace up there. I wanted more bead crochet projects when I was done with this necklace so I got this book from Amazon:</div><div><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=creajewe-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0890244480&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div><br />
</div><div>It has some exciting projects and even shows you how to crochet with soft wire. There are many other <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26rs%3D%26ref%255F%3Dsr%255Fnr%255Fseeall%255F34%26keywords%3Dbead%2520crochet%26qid%3D1245086255%26rh%3Di%253Aaps%252Ck%253Abead%2520crochet%252Ci%253Astripbooks&tag=creajewe-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957">bead crochet books</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=creajewe-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />with even more awe-inspiring ideas. You are not limited to jewelry with bead crochet. I've seen some lovely purses, handbags, blouses, scarves - you name it. You might get addicted! Have fun!<br />
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Edit:<br />
To create the necklace pictured above, I used:<br />
Size 10 crochet thread<br />
Seed beads<br />
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Consider practicing with some cheap beads first before using the ones you value.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-89255855807119022482009-06-13T11:20:00.000-07:002009-06-13T11:29:22.596-07:00About Pewter Jewelry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5O3USpBlXQdN2r5gm8guNTSzlxiyjkijXbQEp8i245Vw9HjpygMXqKdclmQ7rv120jYnSFylOjkQtr992eHKjFFC0pVZoMhaahGnAukwv-MfaYx6CzD9XQeNj8H_XFnnXJLvH0Q46k9o/s1600-h/pewter.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5O3USpBlXQdN2r5gm8guNTSzlxiyjkijXbQEp8i245Vw9HjpygMXqKdclmQ7rv120jYnSFylOjkQtr992eHKjFFC0pVZoMhaahGnAukwv-MfaYx6CzD9XQeNj8H_XFnnXJLvH0Q46k9o/s200/pewter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346878943964483778" /></a><p class="MsoNormal">I have noticed that there’s a lot of interest in pewter jewelry lately. I’ll tell you now that I don’t have much experience with them but I’ve done some research. What I’ve found out is that some jewelry artists prefer to use them in their creations because: </p><p class="MsoNormal">- It costs less than sterling silver but can look like silver at first glance</p> <p class="MsoNormal">- It is non-allergenic</p> <p class="MsoNormal">- It does not tarnish </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">However, watch out for lead. Although the use of lead is on the decline, some pewter pieces contain a small amount. Another disadvantage is that pewter is soft. Since it is so soft, it’s really not a good idea to use pewter findings on jewelry that you want to wear for a long time. Clasps have to be opened and closed often and pewter clasps usually break after a period of time. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you are interested in learning how to make pewter jewelry pieces, <a href="http://www.naergilien.info/tutorials/jewelrypewter.htm">Naergi’s Costuming Site</a> provides in-depth instructions. Practice with extreme caution however, it seems to be a messy and dangerous job! </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';">This video isn’t about making jewelry, but it shows the process of using pewter – just to give you a general idea. You might find it informative</span>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:10px;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CVQmjnKLwc4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CVQmjnKLwc4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-78567575521760404082008-09-03T06:46:00.000-07:002008-09-03T10:52:15.399-07:00Square StitchThis simple stitch is a good substitute for looms. It might be a bit clumsy in the beginning as you try to hold the first two rows in place, but it gets easier to handle when you have more rows.<br /><br />For this tutorial, you will need beading thread, beading needle, and beads. I would advise the use of larger seed beads for starters. Consider size 8 or 6. This is just so you can get used to the technique. When you are ready to apply it to a project, by all means use the seed bead of your choice.<br /><br />There is more space in the diagrams than there should be in your work. They are there just so you can see the process clearly. So we begin.<br /><br />1. Cut a comfortable length of beading thread and thread your needle. You will use a single thread, so make your working tail longer than the other.<br /><br />2. String one bead and either tie it or pass the thread through it twice. This is your stop bead, it will prevent your work from unraveling. If you tie it, make sure you pass the needle back through the bead so that you are ready to add more beads.<br /><br />3. String on 5 more beads. These 6 beads make your first row.<br /><br />4. To begin the next row, string 1 bead. Pass the needle back through the last bead of the first row.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241848807234217890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpgxt9JkXjBBhytKWFqibGOerO4SpOpxtHdu_hupRmezDotWnR8bZiFIMk3wlMCfWk9uQsPAq9OTDfYBj3aj_M2IDEvR2QoTH4h4H1uiZE6Z3DFYtmhbK9a4MFjMJojwnwABeeqlCR7M/s200/Square_stitch.JPG" border="0" /><br />5. Pass the needle back through the first bead of the second row.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241849406545587426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURcLXLJ7N2gVzSvrJNyVwNyqu_x-GUJOBlzcrzYVkIPLfCghMTrQL7g10p5M6j-mrVU0GOgrR2AfYuM9E7YdP_kdDVcRLyWyeGv8yjza6bngk2crnppa_QjHrF55rumwt1SM_84YA7SA/s200/Square_stitch1.JPG" border="0" /><br />6. String one bead. Pass the needle through the next bead on the first row, from right to left.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241850672690864466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkvhha9AoQJPNndFopS4577m_CpS953JY3oEsFRafskArqwsKzfdUzbdC93KLWHCoZhw5cHcpWxUqoLcp8pnyKTnU2-O8Kv0q2fJaeJWYBewIdDS70NHxowIz9erkHioQKRGwOI7PnY0/s200/Square_stitch2.JPG" border="0" /><br />7. Continue this process until you get to end of the second row.<br /><br />8. To begin the third row, string one bead. Pass the needle back through the last bead of the second row, from left to right. Then pass the needle back through the first bead of the third row, from right to left.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241851100625424386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TTPxkOr3taJeJIFao5o02JfSRMWlMngcJuFUhaEXCnyIdSxqa_KaA6WXtIvLaow7Fj59gs7v9Q2U8mW9fmUaYorvIUIGsodpnnbEjWLwbNZhBoaee0tW_XEkxXg4Gp6BisuYzoqd0B0/s200/square_stitch3.JPG" border="0" /><br />Continue to your desired length. Make the thread taut, so that the beads are snug against each other, but not so tight that the work becomes uneven.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-68811221010427595672008-07-31T15:35:00.000-07:002008-07-31T16:33:54.707-07:00Flat Even Count PeyoteAre you interested in learning bead weaving techniques? The next set of posts will be on the various techniques, including even count peyote, uneven count peyote, circular peyote, ladder, herringbone, square stitch and more. We'll start with Flat Even Count Peyote.<br /><br />Even count peyote is so named because you will need to start with an even number of beads. Use this stitch for flat projects like straps, bracelets, even amulet bags. It's a simple stitch, one of the first that a beader learns to do.For this tutorial, you will need beading thread, a needle, and beads. For practice, you may want to start with bigger seed beads, like size 8 or 6. Make sure you choose beads with holes that are big enough for thread to pass through about 3 or more times. I have spaces between the beads in the diagram to make it easy to understand the process but there should be no spaces between your beads as you work. However, don't pull the thread too tight or your work will bunch up.<br /><br />1. Cut a comfortable length of thread and pass through the needle eye. You will be working with a single thread so make one tail of the thread, your working tail, longer than the other.<br /><br />2. String one bead on, about 6 inches away from the end of the thread, and either tie it or pass the thread through it a couple of times to secure it. This bead will act as a stopper to prevent your beads from sliding off the thread as you work.<br /><br />3. String 5 more beads onto your thread.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229314758055412018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxOQev53Vio3o9TKMNX-IAma_W4dVAmn9QPUrolv5HO1Q1bBDhV-zm6Yy-5oHn7iNIuiXSnUIsgPBzknV_f0WJ6EmJLTE7UKRVt4Gk40d9T6XFMFkcebr7kSyknktzn9zfHM9wqvYoss/s200/even_count_peyote.JPG" border="0" />4. String one more bead and, skipping the sixth bead, pass the needle through the fifth bead. Pull the thread so that the sixth and seventh beads are snug.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229319109464431010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVVKfyBdRwWVMIDCTACJwBctmd3MChdW7UXtF8MmgmUmbXevoS2_8A2pN_kVfBsdTAjPQwzq5KvRbPyDIqgtbGnu3-JET9ybaFs9nV1lBvYzux-vFlYkvOsAyD-PCjibGRo7v9OsP5-4/s200/even_count_peyote2.JPG" border="0" />5. String another bead and, skipping the fourth bead, pass the needle through the third bead.<br /><br />6. String one more bead and, skipping the second bead, pass the needle through the first bead.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229315691161089250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu12PuD77ffIyHt8XWl-Q-I1BjdH1_houOBjr1n6lX4u9sH5NqaoLpEum2ixluAGr3ZC9d4bAO5Td2ou26aIZUtdhkA4344qXkY41VD5YeXurCDPpDHK7emOENFU81u2GozZW2vLhfERs/s200/even_count_peyote3.JPG" border="0" />7. String one more bead. At this point, you are going to start another row, the third row. Pass the needle through the next protruding bead, bead 1 in the diagram.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229316305021248290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOTkSY0YuuiCi7QP4unWokILhkrSn5h4zMnvcpF0Q2ez8GgK6PEmLvvWh5dja0ukMjV5tynqUm79RgG3lNhYVNYVDZXxLKVRqTib5ZJ57lU4xS2Qj5VAsMSGhPJ-pHIwOiflq-WV97rM/s200/even_count_peyote4.JPG" border="0" />8. Continue in this fashion, stringing on one bead and passing the needle through the next protruding bead. After a few rows, your work should begin to look like the diagram below. Of course, this is a rough representation, there should be no space between the beads.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229316973071972610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ViPYyIFCYGojljTPni4fElHc2JYmAsBXtR8TNKmIbCJzb92BHK4YbtPHoQAeCiK43Bb2XNyPHb1xke6tA8zgYr0ufcuHjwkUJlYzeY_FOAFAivMNmsIDbqWzCyQqLVhg4jBix782J3Y/s200/even_count_peyote5.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>Now, if this is process is a bit confusing for you, you might enjoy the animated tutorial at <a href="http://www.michaels.com/art/online/static?page=ihts_peyote"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Michael's</span></a> or you can watch this video:</p><p></p><p></p><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/R-3G2zUWPLM&hl=" width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" fs="1" allowfullscreen="true"></embed>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-54020872528674637972008-01-05T16:09:00.000-08:002011-10-25T10:25:05.717-07:00Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you had wonderful celebrations this past month. I certainly did, and if I never see another turkey it won't be too soon! :)<br />
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Did you make any resolutions in regards to making jewelry? Maybe it has to do with finally getting the right <a href="http://www.create-jewelry.com/know_your_tools.html">tools</a> to make your work easier, setting aside some time for yourself to work on this craft you love, working on that bracelet pattern you've had your eye on or getting up enough nerve to display your work at a craft show. Whatever it is, I say 'good for you'! Some of these are my goals for the year, especially the craft show part. I love this craft but I'm running out of space for my jewelry so it's time to find good homes for them. Also, supplies don't fall off trees now, do they? :)<br />
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If you're itching for a new project, check out this pretty <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/crafting/article/0,,HGTV_3352_1924203,00.html">right angle bracelet</a>. The instructions are straightforward and easy to do. <br />
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Also check out my jewelry site, <a href="http://www.create-jewelry.com/">[</a>Removed] for more patterns, practical information on bead weaving techniques, beads, tools and other supplies. If you want to take a look at some of my work, check out my etsy shop at <a href="http://www.enchantedjewelry.etsy.com/">www.enchantedjewelry.etsy.com</a>. Have fun!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-91744297438147778092007-12-15T22:53:00.000-08:002011-10-25T10:22:07.110-07:00So, it's been a while! What has everyone been up to? I've been experimenting with seed beads. It's amazing what you can come up with if you use different sized beads than the one recommended in the design you're working with. One way to keep the design ideas coming is to subscribe to a beading magazine. Popular bead magazines include <a href="http://www.beadstylemag.com/bds/default.aspx">Beadstyle</a>, <a href="http://www.interweave.com/bead/beadwork_magazine/default.asp">Beadwork</a> and <a href="http://www.beadandbutton.com/bnb/default.aspx">Bead and Button</a>. These are actually top of the line mags. When working with a bead pattern, I encourage you to experiment and add your own touch. Go crazy with it! Use the colors you love and the beads that attract you. What you come up with will be unique and a source of pride.<br />
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Take a sneak peak at my new site, [Removed]. It's still a work in progress but you can find some useful information there. Visit often to learn things like what tools you will need when making jewelry, how to bead crochet, how to make resin jewelry, how to make polymer clay jewelry how to do bead weaving stitches like even count peyote and right angle weave, and much more. I moved some of the information from this blog there and expanded it. So, it's [Removed]. See you there!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-68439567458775270722007-10-14T02:41:00.000-07:002007-10-14T02:44:42.238-07:00Have you made something you're proud off? Show it off! Send an email and I'll be glad to post a picture of your beadwork for others to see. It's good exposure. Also, if you have tips to share on anything to do with jewelry, let's hear it! ... or read it :-) Happy jewelry-making!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-82377559684676430592007-10-14T01:29:00.000-07:002007-10-14T10:25:29.072-07:00So, I must tell you that I've been slacking in the jewelry-making department lately. I've been so consumed with the website, my toddlers, and general home life, that I haven't had enough time to do this other thing I love. As usually happens when I neglect it for a while, I started to feel that something was missing and I almost ran to the kitchen to get my beading equipment. My kitchen is the safest place for choking hazards because of my toddlers. There's a gate from the living room into the kitchen and it's just high enough so that... er... never mind, back to jewelry :-)<br /><br />Anyway, after spending several days writing about the different ways to make jewelry, I had all these designs in my head that I was eager to try out. I decided to try to make a tube with size 8 crystal beads and beading thread. Can you say "bad idea" in five languages? It definitely was. If you've read the page on beads, you'll see that I almost beg you not to use thread for glass beads. I don't know why I didn't take my own advice but I guess I've proven to myself once more that it shouldn't be done.<br /><br />But moving on. Are you hungry for a project to work on? Here's the first necklace I made with polymer clay beads (I plan to talk about how to work with polymer clay on the new website). You can use regular beads instead. The beads are linked together with wrapped loops and the necklace gets down to the navel.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9Q5_0AVXVKrmaKh07SG6Jk2G2K2PaxhWBSCdPljQwvhhzAsHwd528Af8JtZhb6AHzEhekoXZTl6PlNahVvPcZodXrU9hQxlA6VeqVXWjC0UKdydRyaNPnQFDHNBHU5s1tZU4MPXEpzY/s1600-h/Image002+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121112392010051554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9Q5_0AVXVKrmaKh07SG6Jk2G2K2PaxhWBSCdPljQwvhhzAsHwd528Af8JtZhb6AHzEhekoXZTl6PlNahVvPcZodXrU9hQxlA6VeqVXWjC0UKdydRyaNPnQFDHNBHU5s1tZU4MPXEpzY/s320/Image002+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I used 34 beads, approximately 8mm in size. You will also need stiff beading wire, side-cutting pliers, flat-nose pliers, and round-nose pliers. You won't need a clasp since the necklace is long enough to slip over your head.<br /><br />Before we begin, I'll just say this: If you are not familiar with creating loops and links with wire, it's best to practice with inexpensive craft wire first. When you're comfortable with the process then break out the precious metal if you want. You can get craft wire at craft stores.<br /><br />We'll begin.<br /><br /><br />1. Cut a piece of wire, about 3 inches long (make it longer if you want to make it easier).<br /><br />2. Move up about 1 inch from one of the ends. Holding the wire firm, bend it at a 90 degree angle with your flat-nose pliers.<br /><br />3. Using your round-nose pliers, grip the wire at a point a little less than half the distance from the angle. Turn with your round-nose pliers until you have formed a loop. Don't release your hold yet.<br /><br />4. Grip the wire sticking our from the round-nose pliers with your flat nose pliers and wrap it around the wire under the round-nose pliers about 3 times to form a complete loop.<br /><br />5. Cut any excess wire with your flush-cut pliers. Make your cut as close as possible then, using your flat-nose pliers, try to push the cut end close to the wire stem.<br /><br />6. Make a few of these and set them aside. You will need 34 altogether, or as many as the number of beads you plan to use.<br /><br />Linking your beads<br /><br />7. Slide a bead onto a looped wire.<br /><br />8. Put the loop of one of the other wires on the long end (un-looped).<br /><br />9. Repeat steps 2 - 4.<br /><br />10. Repeat these steps until you get to your desired length then loop your last bead to your first bead.<br /><br />You're done. Enjoy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-2663102227387041812007-10-11T08:56:00.000-07:002007-10-11T09:07:15.510-07:00Hello again! "It's been a while", you say. I know, many apologies. I haven't been idle though. I've been working on a website for you. How so? Well, it's fun and and everything to post jewelry-making information here, but I realized that a blog isn't really the ideal place for what I would like to do. (Duh!) I want to make it easy for you to see what's available and easy to find whatever you're looking for. The site is still under construction but I'll let you know as soon as it's done. I'll continue to post helpful tips here though so keep on visiting!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-68361935622591774942007-09-26T15:40:00.001-07:002007-09-26T16:04:46.744-07:00Simple necklace projectBead stringing can range from the absolutely simple to the incredibly complex. You could have a single bead, or a different centerpiece, on a cord and tie both ends together, or you can have a variety of beads on multiple strands interwoven in a complicated but beautiful fashion. However you look at it it’s still bead stringing.<br /><br />Choose your components carefully when you decide on a project. Even elements for the simplest bead project have to be chosen carefully. I’ve had to learn this the hard way! If the bead is too heavy for the string, or the edges are too sharp, the necklace will not last long. If the clasp is too small or not easy to open and close, you will be frustrated every time you put the necklace on.<br /><br />But don’t despair! If you already have a bead or something else in mind that you want to string, just choose materials that will complement and support it properly. (See earlier posts for guides on beads, stringing materials and findings.)<br /><br />Let’s start off with the simple necklace in the picture. This was my first ‘real’ project. By that, I mean it was the first item I made that I was satisfied with and thought was good enough to sell. (Of course I’m proud of the very first necklace I made but I didn’t use the right components so it’s for display purposes only :-) )<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9l5riFYEd95Y4ZTfz6-V1NaWw55h2IixuiHnHv7mhg00XqEJf6g0jbYeVPog0_4-dAlulg166daFs2v3QDm9vKGwGtlQdHhzSfDPuucas7jmtfJkebkMO2btspSRjG_M-LxMaHOk0EA/s1600-h/Necklace3+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114646709587947474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9l5riFYEd95Y4ZTfz6-V1NaWw55h2IixuiHnHv7mhg00XqEJf6g0jbYeVPog0_4-dAlulg166daFs2v3QDm9vKGwGtlQdHhzSfDPuucas7jmtfJkebkMO2btspSRjG_M-LxMaHOk0EA/s320/Necklace3+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a><br />If you want a different look, play around with the length of the necklace or use other beads instead of the chalk turquoise and heishe beads. For this project, you will need:<br /><br />47 4mm chalk turquoise beads<br />20 3.5 x 2 mm saucer beads, gold<br />1 fishhook clasp, gold<br />Beading wire<br />2 crimp tubes, gold<br />Crimping pliers<br /><br /><br />1. Measure about 30 inches of beading wire and cut. The necklace is about 18 inches long but you will need some allowance when attaching the clasps and for general ease when working. Always take the clasps into consideration when measuring the total length of a necklace or bracelet.<br /><br />2. Using the last 6 inches of one end of the wire, string one crimp tube and one half of the fishhook clasp.<br /><br />3. Pass the same end of the wire back into the crimp tube. Pull the wire tight so that the fishhook clasp is snug next to the crimp tube. There should be a few inches of the wire end sticking out of the crimp tube.<br /><br />4. Use your crimping pliers to flatten and compress the crimp tube. For excellent instructions on how to do this, <a href="http://www.firemountaingems.com/beading_howtos/beading_projects.asp?docid=690P&sact=search">click here</a><br /><br />5. Next, string on 14 chalk turquoise beads.<br /><br />6. String on one saucer bead, then a turquoise bead, one saucer bead, and then one turquoise bead. Continue this process until you have used 20 saucer beads.<br /><br />7. String on 14 chalk turquoise beads.<br /><br />8. Add the second crimp tube and then the second half of the fishhook clasp. Pass the wire back through the crimp tube and pull tight. The clasp, again, should be snug next to the crimp tube.<br /><br />9. Use your crimping pliers on the crimp tube.<br /><br />10. If the end of the wire is very long, trim it to about 2 inches. Pass the wire back through the last two or three turquoise beads to hide it.<br /><br />11. Repeat the last step for the other end of the neclace.<br /><br />Enjoy :-)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-73152766160124622007-09-21T11:53:00.001-07:002007-09-21T12:36:16.051-07:00The Basics - Needles<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><strong>Needles<br /></strong><br />The main difference between beading needles and sewing needles is that beading needles are much finer so they can pass through the holes of tiny beads. Beading needles can be used for stringing, loom work and off-loom weaving. Two beading needles that are easiest to work with are twisted needles and wide eye needles.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Twisted needles – A twisted needle is basically a twisted wire, with a loop at one end for the thread. The loop collapses as it passes through a bead.</span> The twisted needle is used mainly for stringing beads because it does not have a sharp point.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwTVf0q5QuIjpbo97zyXSwRMG4XFr2Tw4AHfKZi3JjXfxULmRZL45SfnjZCFIowhW1v825GcMnZs4O_aokcz-e1ODwxl9paqWIuTPm11I8isiG3G9qbQPhCjJ6D3XyWCa-hssPwX-hK8/s1600-h/twisted+needle.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112733361787121602" style="CURSOR: hand" height="108" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwTVf0q5QuIjpbo97zyXSwRMG4XFr2Tw4AHfKZi3JjXfxULmRZL45SfnjZCFIowhW1v825GcMnZs4O_aokcz-e1ODwxl9paqWIuTPm11I8isiG3G9qbQPhCjJ6D3XyWCa-hssPwX-hK8/s320/twisted+needle.bmp" width="47" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Wide eye needle –The whole length of the wide eye needle is an eye. You can use both ends of the bi-directional needle. To thread it, open the eye with your fingernail and insert the thread. This needle is available in the following lengths: ¼ inch, ½ inch, 3 inch, 4 inch and 5 inch.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrxBMtSZ6IHwzg0ZpzgBMf_OynMwNkpG0bJiWIIdYpoc3QREuyTzWd2VNHmfybi0QnqotfBva5D6DfJi44_PCt6VtpQSFCB4F37d4JH0-PJBfZyjYcflZr7CcvG4pvIQeIMSukEUHc5w/s1600-h/big+eye+needle.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112733361787121586" style="WIDTH: 105px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 86px" height="95" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrxBMtSZ6IHwzg0ZpzgBMf_OynMwNkpG0bJiWIIdYpoc3QREuyTzWd2VNHmfybi0QnqotfBva5D6DfJi44_PCt6VtpQSFCB4F37d4JH0-PJBfZyjYcflZr7CcvG4pvIQeIMSukEUHc5w/s320/big+eye+needle.bmp" width="111" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-82544900284223325612007-09-19T11:23:00.000-07:002007-09-21T11:30:00.503-07:00The Basics - BeadsThere are just simply amazing beads available for jewelry and the selections are endless. Sometimes, I get design ideas by just looking through my bead selection or a catalog. Lets talk about the major categories.<br /><br /><strong>Crystal Beads</strong><br /><br />Swarovski is the authority on crystal beads and components, and the company is constantly creating new styles. There are endless design possibilities with Swarovski crystals. Celestial crystal beads may not have as wide a variety of beads but they do offer a nice selection and are more affordable.<br /><br /><strong>Gemstone Beads</strong><br /><br />Make elegant jewelry with gemstones like amethyst, carnelian, garnet and so many more.<br /><br /><strong>Glass Beads</strong><br /><br />Glass beads always amaze me, and I must confess that, so far, I actually prefer these to gemstone beads. I guess I just love colorful glass. There are so many different kinds, including lampwork beads. Lampwork beads are painstakingly made by hand with colored glass and a torch. No two are exactly alike.<br /><br /><strong>Metal Beads</strong><br /><br />Precious metal – Gold and silver, of course, fall into this category. Gold beads are available in 14K and 18K. By law, the amount of gold present cannot be less than 14K. Vermeil items have a silver center that has been heavily electroplated with gold. Vermeil beads are slightly less expensive than gold beads.<br /><br />Plated beads – Plated beads usually have a brass center that has been lightly electroplated with gold or silver.<br /><br />Cloisonné – The colorful patterns on cloisonné beads are made with enamel and separated with thin strips of metal.<br /><br />Pewter – Pewter is an alloy of tin and other metals. It was originally an alloy of tin and lead. If you are purchasing pewter items, be sure that they are lead-free.<br /><br />Other metal beads include brass, copper, and zinc alloy.<br /><br /><strong>Natural Beads<br /></strong><br />Natural beads are beads made of natural components like bone, wood, nuts, seeds and shells.<br /><br /><strong>Pearls<br /></strong><br />Natural pearls are those that are naturally produced in an oyster or mussel without any kind of human intervention. They are usually not evenly shaped.<br /><br />Cultured pearls – These have been produced in freshwater oyster farms. A tiny grain of sand, glass or mother-of-pearl is injected into the oyster, which immediately begins to surround it with nacre. It will continue to do this while it lives, creating an increasingly bigger pearl.<br /><br />Imitation pearls include glass-based pearls and crystal pearls by Swarovski. There are some truly beautiful ones and they are available in different colors.<br /><br /><strong>Plastic Beads</strong><br /><br />Plastic beads are not just for kids these days! Acrylic bead designers are creating very sophisticated-looking beads now. You can even take the regular beads uptown with elaborate clasps. These beads are courtesy of Firemountaingems.com.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh9odGpQRs97_ia-J6wz5_Q0tEQPypMnl0VHAXydjHjyurmWiYjbTrNCChcLtvW3PaKY2RacSeZTXAEoTpOtcJsksZbubbxp2MXJIDuZjZ0UiXtAGIIzO2sVA_PawHrwJLEBy2kbWxXw/s1600-h/beads.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111982895317165026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh9odGpQRs97_ia-J6wz5_Q0tEQPypMnl0VHAXydjHjyurmWiYjbTrNCChcLtvW3PaKY2RacSeZTXAEoTpOtcJsksZbubbxp2MXJIDuZjZ0UiXtAGIIzO2sVA_PawHrwJLEBy2kbWxXw/s320/beads.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Seed beads</strong><br /><br />Sizes range from 6 to 22. The higher the number, the smaller the bead and size 22 seed beads are the smallest at 0.9mm. However, these are no longer in production. The seed beads most commonly found are the size 6, 8, 11 and 15. The following chart is courtesy of Firemountaingems.com.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfA_1df3j3-6W3qmd67nznCUIwFbL93G2Qml83SsAgrNo7Qloj_oMnP8DN8CHp6ShtjqeEczQTlAT40bSTV2oIVU8hJwK5Meuo4yXN7V8ntYBqfog_4gr8Y_yQlmYmTHIeNmDpge0dw9E/s1600-h/chart.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111985154469962738" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfA_1df3j3-6W3qmd67nznCUIwFbL93G2Qml83SsAgrNo7Qloj_oMnP8DN8CHp6ShtjqeEczQTlAT40bSTV2oIVU8hJwK5Meuo4yXN7V8ntYBqfog_4gr8Y_yQlmYmTHIeNmDpge0dw9E/s320/chart.bmp" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-19134763171117892922007-09-17T17:18:00.000-07:002007-09-21T12:37:36.180-07:00The Basics - Stringing Materials<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">I used to get really confused when it came to choosing the right stringing material for my necklaces and bracelets. There are quite a few options out there and several things to consider when making your choice. Are you working with seed beads or does your design call for big beads? Are you using glass beads, crystals or other components with sharp edges? Are the beads heavy? And it goes on. So, here are the types of threads and available and the recommended uses. Happy beading!<br /><br /><strong>Threads<br /></strong>When doing beadwork, it’s best to use thread that has been specially created for the purpose. Regular sewing thread is not durable enough for jewelry pieces and is not thin enough to go through tiny beads. Beading thread is very thin yet very strong. Some are even thin enough to pass through a tiny seed bead several times. You can use beading thread for stringing, loom work, and off-loom weaving. You’ll find that there are several brands to choose from. Regardless of the brand you prefer, choose your thread based on the type of work you will be doing and the size of beads you will be working with.<br /><br />Kevlar – This is the strongest thread available.<br /><br />Nymo – The most popular brand of nylon thread. The four available sizes range from the incredibly fine OO to D, which is still fine but thicker.<br /><br />Silk – This thread is used more often for pearls but you can also use it for other types of beads. It frays easily so you will need to coat it in beeswax before you begin your work.<br /><br />Silkon – This synthetic nylon thread is very strong. The sizes are light, medium and heavy. </span><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><strong>Wire</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="color:#000000;">Beading wire is tough but flexible enough for stringing beads. Use it when you want your jewelry pieces to be stiffer, less fluid. Also use beading wire instead of thread if your beads have sharp or rough edges. Such beads will cut through thread over time.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="color:#000000;">Beading wire consists of several strands twisted together. The more strands used, the less the wire will kink. Use crimp beads to tightly secure the wire ends when you finish a jewelry piece.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">The most popular beading wires are tigertail and beadalon. They come in varying widths but the most popular size appears to be 0.46mm. Use thicker wire for heavy beads.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><strong>Cords<br /></strong>Elastic cords – This is very good for bracelets without clasps but you can use it for anything you wish. For instance, I just got some elastic cord to use in a hair accessory I’m making. I used regular thread for it at first, but the hair stick I got for it is a bit too big for the holes. I’ll let you know how this turns out, look out for pictures!<br /><br />Leather/imitation leather cord – I’ve seen elegant but simple necklaces made with leather cord. Most of them were just a nice pendants strung on a leather cord that was tied at the ends or finished with a clasp.<br /><br />Rayon cord – There’s so much you can do with this, it doesn’t have to be limited to stringing beads. Rayon cords come in many colors.<br /><br />Satin – This comes in many colors too.<br /><br />Twisted satin cord – The twisted satin cord is made of two satin cords twisted together. It comes in 3mm and 5mm sizes.<br />Bola Cord – I’ve seen this used more often in cowboy-style neckties.<br /><br />Hemp cord – Hemp jewelry is in.<br /><br /><strong>Other stringing materials</strong><br />Fireline – This is used for fishing lines but the size 6 is perfect for beadwork and is very strong. The only drawback is that it kinks easily. When this happens, the fireline cannot be straightened and this will show in your jewelry pieces.<br /><br />Ribbon – You can make very elegant jewelry with colorful and unusual ribbons.<br /><br />We’ve covered tools, findings, and stringing material so far. Our next stop is beads! </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-14167757945000271002007-09-14T15:11:00.000-07:002007-09-21T12:38:53.918-07:00The Basics - Earring Findings<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">There are many categories of earring findings available that can be used for the incredible assortment of earring styles. The categories of earring findings include but are not limited to: </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DMj0Dl3H9RCnePKF09bC_BsVtmYvZAKL3SQW_cnUiC2If8xsqCSEqzGJVxZ3Nm5B0-soCL5W-VxCfBqI6acXv-wDTSqrz8ehV2Qym7h9G6ZEkDy-rddGPKryl_joTvD_RCVLC8-YrWU/s1600-h/Earstud.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110187098503240402" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DMj0Dl3H9RCnePKF09bC_BsVtmYvZAKL3SQW_cnUiC2If8xsqCSEqzGJVxZ3Nm5B0-soCL5W-VxCfBqI6acXv-wDTSqrz8ehV2Qym7h9G6ZEkDy-rddGPKryl_joTvD_RCVLC8-YrWU/s320/Earstud.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Earstud. This is your basic earring finding, secured with an earnut.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjayqmkRldEp-Aq05jLlccYLgDoDDkNBSQ-jYPkTVxVaBImPjU4lcxvEoKtwzrnefkRppmthSumnM60jGHl7Q2Vsi5nYjyT-Bx3PIgpyZFgDVpsnCrrCsLYJjnnXd78lygByATKeRtB8/s1600-h/earwire.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110187102798207714" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjayqmkRldEp-Aq05jLlccYLgDoDDkNBSQ-jYPkTVxVaBImPjU4lcxvEoKtwzrnefkRppmthSumnM60jGHl7Q2Vsi5nYjyT-Bx3PIgpyZFgDVpsnCrrCsLYJjnnXd78lygByATKeRtB8/s320/earwire.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Earwire. Many of today's earring styles are enhanced by earwires, nicknamed fishhooks.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LNLoJVrQEx9tZYkiklN4tfFeDgP32NrQ6hEVzyqNE0O2AeLaTzB6PB2VO4CIGo4DdrhKbOuHHDi6Q4QeZFCXdkQ9-txL5R8TxhlBKYqTkjvc50koAxdniOw08MHH3r_0h2oWl3o6MiI/s1600-h/Hoop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110187102798207730" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LNLoJVrQEx9tZYkiklN4tfFeDgP32NrQ6hEVzyqNE0O2AeLaTzB6PB2VO4CIGo4DdrhKbOuHHDi6Q4QeZFCXdkQ9-txL5R8TxhlBKYqTkjvc50koAxdniOw08MHH3r_0h2oWl3o6MiI/s320/Hoop.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Hoops. You can dress up a hoop in many amazing ways!</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wYIFnPyPic4_ZtJpnnDkCxlwqPTDTtp_LwUaqi6GXNaJcM2DDqyNXzepGUb0o7AsuG9WZAUrFax9vXvUGNKi_Q4fOQnnaHg1lrtotADY9RjakwWQnYO4joEf5b867mf7rKca9oR1OQE/s1600-h/Leverback.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110187102798207746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wYIFnPyPic4_ZtJpnnDkCxlwqPTDTtp_LwUaqi6GXNaJcM2DDqyNXzepGUb0o7AsuG9WZAUrFax9vXvUGNKi_Q4fOQnnaHg1lrtotADY9RjakwWQnYO4joEf5b867mf7rKca9oR1OQE/s320/Leverback.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Leverback. This is more secure than earwires.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">That about covers it for findings. Of course there are many more, but the findings covered so far are the ones that are more commonly used by jewelry crafters.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">We'll continue our intro to jewelry-crafting with stringing materials next.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-83200150095337994792007-09-14T10:23:00.000-07:002007-09-21T12:40:36.830-07:00The Basics - Findings<span style="color:#000000;">Hello, again. So, today we'll continue our talk about the basic things needed for jewelry design. On to findings.<br /><br /><strong>Findings</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Findings are the pieces that hold jewelry together. These help add a certain panache to the jewelry pieces to make them look ‘finished’ and professionally made. There are quite a number of things that will classify as findings but we’ll talk about the ones that you are most likely to use often.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaUnYTQL9NEUyPNp4GQYhVIHHlD7wnyZJtJO0goRV5AJLlXAHI4AmFLc3KRyVAowKv2TJqevvqWoR0KTyQzURZbqFakD41f2PvQE792biMxP_OymZYBe70UeMXSwSbvnS966g-MWSRw0/s1600-h/jumpring.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110181751268956802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaUnYTQL9NEUyPNp4GQYhVIHHlD7wnyZJtJO0goRV5AJLlXAHI4AmFLc3KRyVAowKv2TJqevvqWoR0KTyQzURZbqFakD41f2PvQE792biMxP_OymZYBe70UeMXSwSbvnS966g-MWSRw0/s320/jumpring.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Jumpring. Use these as connectors or for chainmail jewelry.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaD9g43oIL9ITYEOJpMUOPdQozR4qEt74zfdkP7XloMjr1louYwAItWLeNBxgP_x595aEmAbVG-bItkSyuJSFJihRTejuCnidrkpRUA_77F2cTdmO0HWu2tHIC_6aKXrPyRS1k3AQdNZU/s1600-h/Split+rings.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110181974607256242" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaD9g43oIL9ITYEOJpMUOPdQozR4qEt74zfdkP7XloMjr1louYwAItWLeNBxgP_x595aEmAbVG-bItkSyuJSFJihRTejuCnidrkpRUA_77F2cTdmO0HWu2tHIC_6aKXrPyRS1k3AQdNZU/s320/Split+rings.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Splitring. These are more secure connectors.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmnmsPkYr7ErPUbn1AyyxmzBfzkhi-fTByPF4K0Qk4j8JXAkieo0A85jR_71Bgw7N37ScIhltoTTopj1FPqsG2_ZF5qhtsG2MfZBds06m_l_7bvVGHJE3-11qsJOc_M_cLjqpyycu92s/s1600-h/headpin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110181751268956786" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmnmsPkYr7ErPUbn1AyyxmzBfzkhi-fTByPF4K0Qk4j8JXAkieo0A85jR_71Bgw7N37ScIhltoTTopj1FPqsG2_ZF5qhtsG2MfZBds06m_l_7bvVGHJE3-11qsJOc_M_cLjqpyycu92s/s320/headpin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Headpin. The head holds beads on the wire.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2mUeOCqv5vTMfEyaCVL6r_DqVVqyi7KJ0aN2xOx9ZgawWqSpwkjRVcTyaSZoAHZkPEO62KzESivzgknC47vvl99dfEYMtLxnA_WSL7Q3p0toekZprWUOQqFJgEEkWVo2wdtpN8nsV-s/s1600-h/eyepin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110181746973989458" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2mUeOCqv5vTMfEyaCVL6r_DqVVqyi7KJ0aN2xOx9ZgawWqSpwkjRVcTyaSZoAHZkPEO62KzESivzgknC47vvl99dfEYMtLxnA_WSL7Q3p0toekZprWUOQqFJgEEkWVo2wdtpN8nsV-s/s320/eyepin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Eyepin. Unlike headpins, the eye allows you to hang another jewelry part at the bottom.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharyces_pJm94QWuUuVm-32hqwICZb167DTXepDgKfeQqqLX2wx6JIv9oTNKuLzpeJg9s-safHYPZu0Vw1SeTLeMXuTjKFXjdKUmvPpcV9aXOlgaauvzMNB9BZEJwLZAIvFLSMowk0I2c/s1600-h/crimp+tubes.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110181751268956770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharyces_pJm94QWuUuVm-32hqwICZb167DTXepDgKfeQqqLX2wx6JIv9oTNKuLzpeJg9s-safHYPZu0Vw1SeTLeMXuTjKFXjdKUmvPpcV9aXOlgaauvzMNB9BZEJwLZAIvFLSMowk0I2c/s320/crimp+tubes.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Crimp tubes. Use these to secure your wire or thread when finishing your bracelet or necklace.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCC5Yp6OFfiM05Cg7eRLUQyj5PqftbVBueJPhfpgRWANB73h8ljQJOxZqookQPfN0LNbrb2gNT61EX-uM-0Y0R4GPp4CJlXIyVHKRJoDKs9_mpiV0EhlUYRdiq5d1duVup6nVCWrOqIw/s1600-h/pinback.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110181751268956818" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCC5Yp6OFfiM05Cg7eRLUQyj5PqftbVBueJPhfpgRWANB73h8ljQJOxZqookQPfN0LNbrb2gNT61EX-uM-0Y0R4GPp4CJlXIyVHKRJoDKs9_mpiV0EhlUYRdiq5d1duVup6nVCWrOqIw/s320/pinback.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Pinbacks. Glue these to a cabochon, or other small element, and create a pin.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEBGWnObnm0hK2Xpr4iMCpb-aDPY77yRG59MVlP-Lf30E6_RcwYG-QTMcalIQS7d2xPCQhezOxlx8VSZC12wmoDbICouGn6yVTYtomYGNEO9sP-ddKkfa7CHoAS0DtaGpvn6VS4DEvek/s1600-h/Spacers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110181974607256226" style="WIDTH: 66px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 81px" height="117" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEBGWnObnm0hK2Xpr4iMCpb-aDPY77yRG59MVlP-Lf30E6_RcwYG-QTMcalIQS7d2xPCQhezOxlx8VSZC12wmoDbICouGn6yVTYtomYGNEO9sP-ddKkfa7CHoAS0DtaGpvn6VS4DEvek/s320/Spacers.jpg" width="66" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#000000;">Spacers. Use these to stop beads from rubbing together, reduce the number of beads you need in a piece, or just add a touch of elegance. Many decorative versions available.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#000000;">Next stop, earring findings.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-38230768814762013942007-09-13T22:24:00.000-07:002007-09-21T12:45:56.813-07:00The Basics - Tools<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Before you start a project or a profession, you'll want to know what you'll need to do it well. So we'll start by talking about the basics. We'll talk about tools, findings, stringing materials and the other things you'll need to make jewelry. This section will be in several parts and then we'll get on to the good stuff - actually making jewelry! </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;"></span><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Tools</span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Just as a carpenter needs tools to build or fix things, so too does a jewelry maker. Yes, you need a tool box too to keep your tools organized - or not, it's up to you :-) So what kind of tools do you need? Lets talk about them.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Jewelry pliers - There are several different jewelry pliers out there, at least 12 by my count, maybe many more. Some of them go by different names. Here's a list of the pliers you will use more often, with a brief description of what each one does.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpinupT_eP5vxU8iMHhnvPeCoJlw1HWPLuUkuYlsltRKDBOo_aIrgRRVNvXwaW35yCTc37LrUdJSLF8st_grJ6DQUmdzIU8QGjEEgGcBoU7oD2dDNgquNmG0CVJtYwe541rfdsflZgws/s1600-h/chain+nose.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109935799966750994" style="WIDTH: 126px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 93px" height="101" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpinupT_eP5vxU8iMHhnvPeCoJlw1HWPLuUkuYlsltRKDBOo_aIrgRRVNvXwaW35yCTc37LrUdJSLF8st_grJ6DQUmdzIU8QGjEEgGcBoU7oD2dDNgquNmG0CVJtYwe541rfdsflZgws/s200/chain+nose.jpg" width="130" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#000000;">Chain-nose pliers. Used mostly for opening and closing jumprings.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1U5cVte7gCMbW9TMEjB9UtQNf_Br6MAPLcqPyAgUPhuMx-5kNwAdX4IIDldn4MiACBX4nir7883CTXU-8eJlrF-0ykC_5qd16-RCvr6O2Vfe-ZBB3WLRMk2-zk7lG_bwMr6AhttoRTk/s1600-h/Crimping.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109937681162426658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1U5cVte7gCMbW9TMEjB9UtQNf_Br6MAPLcqPyAgUPhuMx-5kNwAdX4IIDldn4MiACBX4nir7883CTXU-8eJlrF-0ykC_5qd16-RCvr6O2Vfe-ZBB3WLRMk2-zk7lG_bwMr6AhttoRTk/s200/Crimping.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#000000;">Crimping pliers. Use with crimp beads.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKKMwtzzc1DqCkdhwaZaFM-Y_TQ1Ie4zattw_aQw1rNtZsSG82JvFxAr8VNMLclidSBge1ksHKSzH7eZ3jLsyVR2oZHxMAADrlrXjgn-Y8bdoyR8QcH8mPihXvVjCrml0kFhlCrE-gDI/s1600-h/flat-nose.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109940442826398018" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKKMwtzzc1DqCkdhwaZaFM-Y_TQ1Ie4zattw_aQw1rNtZsSG82JvFxAr8VNMLclidSBge1ksHKSzH7eZ3jLsyVR2oZHxMAADrlrXjgn-Y8bdoyR8QcH8mPihXvVjCrml0kFhlCrE-gDI/s200/flat-nose.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#000000;">Flat-nose pliers. Use for holding, gripping or bending wire.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyT2rSWaI7wgU8Ut9fR-bZfowlJqI3UuJ77ytV2WrItIpB7KVxYPu-J20GkztaI1-MS46FNsBqACaDS1uTV2uMCZJzLaw4k5kYkCQqHUIwjFBkSOO-lF3sqn2LnawZU_oY_Tfxt_xNwY/s1600-h/round+nose.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109942714864097618" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyT2rSWaI7wgU8Ut9fR-bZfowlJqI3UuJ77ytV2WrItIpB7KVxYPu-J20GkztaI1-MS46FNsBqACaDS1uTV2uMCZJzLaw4k5kYkCQqHUIwjFBkSOO-lF3sqn2LnawZU_oY_Tfxt_xNwY/s200/round+nose.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#000000;">Round-nose pliers. Use these to form loops and jumprings. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-K7ywA3TdP-7YhxVZmVnlGrZ6gXmliK3CyRMDvJZGd-4TWSqqhj49bA6LsmaOZiJPXj0PdVUKDZIpXE8ZMupNmEUsHpaNsScPpSelNxy-30opLGeFkTD-sCVX6a4l8Rb_XJZtvTotR0/s1600-h/side-cutting+pliers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109945257484736866" style="WIDTH: 95px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 85px" height="102" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-K7ywA3TdP-7YhxVZmVnlGrZ6gXmliK3CyRMDvJZGd-4TWSqqhj49bA6LsmaOZiJPXj0PdVUKDZIpXE8ZMupNmEUsHpaNsScPpSelNxy-30opLGeFkTD-sCVX6a4l8Rb_XJZtvTotR0/s200/side-cutting+pliers.jpg" width="95" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Side-cutting pliers. Use for cutting soft wires, like precious metal.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#000000;">As I said earlier, these are just the basic pliers that jewelry-makers use, there are others. The next topic for basic materials is findings. Be sure to check back!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328791593868044323.post-80014093716660342842007-09-13T15:21:00.000-07:002007-09-13T15:35:18.830-07:00Hello!Welcome to How to Make Jewelry!<br /><br />I love everything about jewelry. I especially love seeing my ideas come to life....so to speak. I started experimenting with jewelry-making two years ago. In that short time, I've gone from making my own beads from polymer clay and resin to just working with ready-made beads.<br /><br />I also love to read and now I have a nice collection of really good books about jewelry. I learned most of what I know from these books but I'll tell you about them later. I'm still learning, there's so much to know about this craft.<br /><br />I'm really excited about sharing what I've picked up so far with you. Maybe I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made along the way. So, without further ado, lets get started!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0