I'm Coming Back!

I have to admit I've been lax with my blog but I am making a promise to do better. So in the future I'll be talking about how to find trends in jewelry so you'll be updated but you'll also be able to get ahead of other sellers if you are selling your pieces. I'll show a few techniques I like and talk about a few products I love, so until then...I'll see you soon. D.

Circular Brick Stitch Lesson

Although I am not a bead weaver as such this is a nice turtorial provided by Beading Daily, you can subscribe to their free newsletter with this link,
http://www.beadingdaily.com/user/CreateUser.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fdefault.aspx
This technique could be done with a 28-30 gauge dead soft wire instead of the beading string. Enjoy! D.

The trickiest part of circular brick stitch is fitting the right number of beads in a flat circle for each concentric round. Don't try to squeeze in too many beads, or the shape may buckle into a ruffle (which is nice only if you want it that way). For a flat circle, spread out your stitches neatly and evenly around the circle

1: Pass through the central bead twice, placing the two thread loops on either side of the bead. The brick-stitched beadwork will attach to these base threads. You want them strong.

2: Always start a row of brick stitch with 2 beads. String beads 1 and 2. Pass under the thread loop and up through the second bead strung. Pull the thread and nudge the beads with your fingers to lie snug to the center bead

3: String bead 3, pass under the thread loop and pass back up through bead 3. Again, nudge the new bead in place and keep your thread tension snug.

         

 
4: Repeat around your center bead, spacing the beads to fit evenly. In this lesson, 8 green beads fit nicely around the center round black bead; string bead 8, pass under the thread loop and back up through bead 8. Pass down into bead 1, under the thread loop, and exit out bead 1 again, ready to start a new row. Continue, starting each new row with 2 beads.
 

How to Make Wire and Bead Connectors and Links

This is a short video on how to make wire and bead, links and connectors that can be used in jewelry designs. A connector can also be used to repair a chain or in bracelets and necklaces. Enjoy.

D.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGHQpHPB1eY

Sourcing Out Findings and Beads

When I first began beading I had no idea where to get my"stuff", also known as findings. So I loaded up on everything and anything that looked interesting and soon I had way more supplies than I could or would ever want to use.

As a new beader you will see that there are so many different types of beading that you will probably want to try a few different projects to get a feel for what works for you. A good place to start is a bead kit because it has all the supplies needed for a specific piece of jewelry. In choosing your kit make sure the piece that you pick is something that you would actually wear. Not only should it be a practical project but it also allows you to showcase your work, which is always fun. Kits are a reasonably inexpensive way to begin making jewelry and will give time to decide whether making jewelry is really for you.

In North America bead kits are easy enough to find at Walmart or Michaels. If you don't have either of those resources, two amazing bead supplies sites that I recommend are:

Beadaholique.com http://www.beadaholique.com/

and Artbeads.come http://www.artbeads.com/

Both sites feature bead kits and are a jewelry designer's paradise, with everything you could ever want to bead with. They both ship all over the world. Prices vary so do your homework.

They have supplies ranging from inexpensive base metal findings and gemstone beads to sterling silver and gold filled findings.

Artbeads.com have low shipping rates, super prices, reduced pricing for higher volumes and no minimum orders.

Beadaholique has much the same as Artbeads but sell in small lots rather than individual beads and findings, they have fast shipping and sell wire by the foot which is good if you don't want to buy a full spool.

Between the two sites you should have all you need and should you chose to dive right in they even sell tools.

If you need higher quality gemstones, definitely more pricey but amazing quality, I suggest http://www.acutabove.etsy.com/

A*Cut*Above also have listings on ebay, I would suggest contacting them if you have any questions at all. Diane, the owner, has the best customer service ever. If you are a gemstone lover as I am, you will not be disappointed.

If you are interested in solid gold findings and wire, The Gem Bee on ebay is a good place to start:

http://stores.shop.ebay.ca/The-Gem-Bee__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Of course these are just suggestions, always double check for yourself because prices can change at any time... one last thing, none of these sources are in any way affiliated with me. I am a humble customer just like everyone else.

Coming soon, All about Findings...

D.

How to make a Bird's Nest Charm

This is a short video on how to make a bird's nest charm from wire and pearl beads.

Hope you Enjoy, D.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBLL5M1dgcs

How to Wire Wrap Stones and Beads

This is a short video on how to wire wrap beads and stones using a technique I find fail proof.

D.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2dT1NhZjro

Wire Working with Flair

My jewelry skills are 100% self taught. I have more beading magazines and books than I can shake a stick at yet I can always find room for just one more...

In the past I had an online jewelry stone on ebay and it was fun yet I found the push to sell and make the numbers each month took away from my creativity and the absolute joy of jewelry design. I gave up the business but my heart never gave up jewelry design and my love for wire and gems.

I don't know peyote stitch, or any bead weaving and I commend those who do because it's alot of work. I do very little stringing and usually only use leather if I do use something other than wire. I don't do silversmith work, although I would like to try my hand at it one day. I don't do elaborate, artistic designs that are beautiful yet not wearable, I can't help it I'm just too practical for those statement pieces. Jewelry for me should be beautiful and something that you can wear everyday if you want to. So if any of these jewelry making venues are your passion and your single focus then I'm sorry this is not the right place for you.

On the other hand if you love wire, pliers, hammering, wrapping, gemstones, chains, charms, briolettes and unique designs then we probably have something in common, so welcome. Have a seat, pull out your beads and lets have a see what we can make. Post a picture of what you have, what you want to make and what you're interested in doing and I will comb my mind to help guide you if you would like. Either way I am open just drop me a line because this could be the beginning of a wire working friendship.

D.