What are you currently spending your jewelrymaking time on? Is there a special piece that you have been working on for some time, or maybe a technique or design you are learning?
Please let us know what it is, and feel free to post photos here!
I'm on an earring kick. Lots of dangles and circles. I have to quit when my fingers hurt! I've been swapping them on Swap-bot and giving them as gifts.
Eva, earrings are probably my favorite thing to make! They're the closest you can get to "instant gratification"! I've recently learned an easy earring design that I will post photos of her. It's a 2-needle bead weave with crystals, czech glass & seed beads.
I'm also working on more brass bookmarks to be sold at the Downtown MPLS Public Library book store, and I'll try to get some photos of them up tonight. We are lucky enough to have a brand new library in Minneapolis, complete with all the bells & whistles.
Have you ever worked with PMC (precious metal clay)? I took a class in making jewlery with it and for the last three summers made all my christmas presents out of it. I (and the lady with the kiln) took this summer off cause the prices of silver clay skyrocketed. So she is teaching a sea glass and silver wrapping class which I also attend. Do you crochet wire with beads (the new fad?)
Yes, indeed. I took a class in it last winter and made some really cool earrings, which some day I'll get around to putting up here. I want to spend more time experimenting with it. My new bestest friend Michelle (also a member of this group) even has a kiln, so we're planning to play PMC together!
I have not tried wire crochet, though. Sounds like it might require more patience than I have, but who knows? I used to think bead weaving was too putzy, but find I enjoy it.
If I can find some of my PMC stuff that I kept, I'll take some pics and post them... Its so much fun.... I haven't crocheted with beads either.. (anything that requires me to count stitches really fouls me up)... Love to see more of your stuff!
As a graduation gift, someone gave my daughter an ankle bracelet made with clear Swarvorski crystals with tiny sterling silver balls in between. I kept picking it up and studying it, thinking, "Hey! I bet I could do this!" (My normal hobby is knitting. I knit beautiful scarves and sell them for extra $ around Christmas time). But now, after researching Swarvorski crystals, I AM HOOKED!!! Going to my first Bead show this weekend and can't wait to see all the different beads! I plan on making bracelets and rings and a friend already has a 'Bracelet & Ring party' planned for me at her house with all HER friends! I can't wait to get started!!!
I have been researching all the different bead sites out there. I am interested in buying some Swarvorski bicone 8mm crystals in bulk. Does anyone have any favorite bead sites that I can check out? I've purchased some on eBay but would like to find at least one or two special sites! :)
Sheila, I buy a lot from Fire Mountain. Their prices are good, they have a lenient return policy and their full catalog is on their easy to use web site: www.firemountain.com
I just received my Fire Mountain catalog and the first time I opened it spent HOURS looking through it and making up a 'wish' list!! SO MANY beautiful beads/gemstones! Another really good site I found yesterday is http://www.bluemud.com Their prices are VERY reasonable! I can't wait to go to my first bead show on Saturday (Do you think I had better leave my pay at home?!) :)
auntie, I make jewelry out of parrot feathers. I am the companion human to three parrots and they molt every now and then. I clean the feathers and make necklaces, belts, earrings, and brooches. Right now I am weaving feathers from my African Grey into a belt. I'll post some photos when I complete it, right now it looks a mess but it will be unique and gorgeous when it is complete.
Don't worry Auntie! I got rid of my credit cards when I got rid of my ex husband! :)
One question I do have for all you experienced beaders out there..... Is there a trick to knotting the stretchy wire when you are finished? I learned the square knot but every time I attempt it on a bracelet I made tonight it slips out of my hands and beads go flying! (having a fractured thumb could have something to do with it). I'd really like to get it down pat before I invest in some beads this weekend so I can get started right away!! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Are you talking about stretchy cord or tiger tail?
Stretchy cord should be tied in a square knot, and then either glued with super glue or covered with a crimp.
Tiger tail is made from twisted wire covered with a layer of plastic, and should not be knotted. It needs to be crimped.
Here's a hint for those frustrating times when the beads fly off the cord or wire: My newest favorite gadget is the Bead Stopper. You clamp them onto the end of your tigertail or stretch cord, and they keep the beads from sliding off. You can even leave them there until after the knot is secure!
My friend Ms. A. is a beader; she loves Fire Mountain too.
I needlepoint; am currently mostly finished with the third in a trio of canvases that I started in about 1990. Instant gratification? Not on your tintype!
Well, went to my first bead show this weekend and unfortunately I was very disappointed. There were only TWO booths selling Swarvorski crystals and they were very pricey. I actually found better deals online! (I just posted one of the bracelets I finished last night). Last night my mom said to me, "You know, I still have that dresser drawer full of old costume jewelry. You should check it out and see if there is anything you can use." Oh boy WAS there!!! My cousin used to work for a jewelry store on 5th Avenue in NYC that sold alot of costume jewelry, and she used to bring home tons of all the samples for my mom and aunts. And my mom still has it all! Alot of the necklaces are broken because my mom used to spend hours with my kids playing 'jewelry' and dress up but I went home with BAGS of beads in all different colors, shapes and finishes! :)
For anyone who sells the jewelry they make, I found a terrific website and ordered some medium sized organza drawstring bags. They only cost $2.59 per DOZEN and come in the most beautiful colors! I put the bracelets I made so far in them and the way the crystals sparkle through the organza looks so gorgeous!! The website is http://www.brandywinejewelrysupply.com I was going to just put a bracelet in each bag when I sell them to people at work but they look so pretty IN the bags I just might display them like that! :)
I do beaded flowers. I do all differnt kinds of flowers. My fav is the rose. LOL but I have made lots of others, I sell on a site. moores6.etsy.com It is a wonderful site full of crafters and artists. I use lots of seed beads and my hubby is wondering why I need more. LOL
That sounds really pretty Sharon! I'd love to see your beaded flowers! Yesterday I brought the bracelets I've made so far to a barbeque because a friend who lives out of town wanted to see them. I wound up selling 4 of them for $25 each! This morning on my way to work I deposited the money into my checking account and as soon as I got to work went online and ordered more Swarvorski's in different sizes and colors as well as some really pretty spacers! I am SO EXCITED! 3 MORE DAYS AND I'LL BE IN BEAD HEAVEN! LOL! I can't wait to get started on making more bracelets! It's so much fun to see all your finished jewelry all lined up and sparkling! I think I'm going to make alot of people happy this Christmas! lol! :)
I haven't done much for the past several months. I was selling online but started to feel burned out. Making the bracelet for my friend today got me excited about it again, though.
I've been busy making my bracelets for a jewelry show that a friend is having for me the end of October! I nixed the Stretch Magic, re-did all the bracelets I made with it (a few of them broke!) and went out and bought Beadalon and some different clasps. A big difference in the end result! Posting a few more bracelets that I've finished so far!
I'd like to invite you to check out a great website that I know about called Etsy Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade. You'll find a creative community of independent artists and designers and the very best in handmade goods, craft supplies and vintage. It's an excellent place to find one of a kind items, to give as gifts - or as gifts for yourself! Since you're buying directly from artists on Etsy, you have the special opportunity to form personal connections with the people who create your treasures.
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Comments: 28
I'm also working on more brass bookmarks to be sold at the Downtown MPLS Public Library book store, and I'll try to get some photos of them up tonight. We are lucky enough to have a brand new library in Minneapolis, complete with all the bells & whistles.
I have not tried wire crochet, though. Sounds like it might require more patience than I have, but who knows? I used to think bead weaving was too putzy, but find I enjoy it.
Birdie, that sounds extremely cool, and so apropros to your name! Please do post photos.
One question I do have for all you experienced beaders out there..... Is there a trick to knotting the stretchy wire when you are finished? I learned the square knot but every time I attempt it on a bracelet I made tonight it slips out of my hands and beads go flying! (having a fractured thumb could have something to do with it). I'd really like to get it down pat before I invest in some beads this weekend so I can get started right away!! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Stretchy cord should be tied in a square knot, and then either glued with super glue or covered with a crimp.
Tiger tail is made from twisted wire covered with a layer of plastic, and should not be knotted. It needs to be crimped.
Here's a hint for those frustrating times when the beads fly off the cord or wire: My newest favorite gadget is the Bead Stopper. You clamp them onto the end of your tigertail or stretch cord, and they keep the beads from sliding off. You can even leave them there until after the knot is secure!
I needlepoint; am currently mostly finished with the third in a trio of canvases that I started in about 1990. Instant gratification? Not on your tintype!
Last night my mom said to me, "You know, I still have that dresser drawer full of old costume jewelry. You should check it out and see if there is anything you can use." Oh boy WAS there!!! My cousin used to work for a jewelry store on 5th Avenue in NYC that sold alot of costume jewelry, and she used to bring home tons of all the samples for my mom and aunts. And my mom still has it all! Alot of the necklaces are broken because my mom used to spend hours with my kids playing 'jewelry' and dress up but I went home with BAGS of beads in all different colors, shapes and finishes! :)
Please do post your images to the Beaders Anonymous group, I'd love to see your treasures.
http://www.brandywinejewelrysupply.com I was going to just put a bracelet in each bag when I sell them to people at work but they look so pretty IN the bags I just might display them like that! :)
Signing up is free and easy! Just click here:
http://www.etsy.com/register.php?referral=debs1967
Enjoy!
And here's my shop
debs1967
http://debs1967.etsy.com