Daily Blogs

How to Add an Exotic Touch to Your Jewelry

2008-10-10T12:54:00Z

Global, multicultural, tribal, ethnic. These are words we use to describe things that are exotic to us, and not of our national heritage, place of origin, or even time period in which we live. Most of us are very inspired by jewelry that looks exotic, and some cultures’ designs may mysteriously appeal to us more than others. Why are we drawn to elements from that culture? And, how do we recreate that look in our own jewelry?...(read more)

5 Ways to Share Your Love of Beading

2008-10-08T12:09:00Z

When I moved into my neighborhood seven years ago I knew it was going to take extreme measures to break the ice with my neighbors. At first meeting, it seemed like we had nothing in common. From politics and religion to level of household cleanliness and meal planning it seemed like we lived in different universes. An illustration: Shortly after we’d moved into our house a bunch of the neighbors invited me to a holiday cookie-baking party. I envisioned a gathering long on chatter, music, and vino and short on anything involving flour. What I walked into was extreme busyness, absolute silence, and lots of hot mitts, aprons, and yes, a fine mist of flour hovering in the air. One of them was even wearing a hairnet!...(read more)

What Makes a Great Jewelry Making Class?

2008-10-06T08:59:00Z

Last spring I took a metalworking class with Susan Lenart Kazmer, author of the new book Making Connections. Ever since her beautiful hardcover book came out, I've been thinking about that class. What makes one class good and another amazing?...(read more)

Seed Bead and Wire Halloween Earrings: Free Project

2008-10-03T13:36:00Z

Do you bead for the holidays? Which ones? Halloween? Easter? Christmas? How about National Chocolate Day (October 28), Poppy Day (November 11), or Read a New Book Month (December)?...(read more)

3 Asymmetrical Design Tips for Beginners

2008-10-01T11:02:00Z

There are a lot of beaders who just don’t go to asymmetry first when they’re designing, even though they might want to try. Their natural tendency is to always mirror the two sides in a piece, and they feel they can’t break out of the rut. For those of you who fall into that category, I’ve put together a few beginner asymmetry exercises—baby steps to do when you’re designing to get your creative eye seeing in a different way. Let’s call them “asymmetrics.” ...(read more)

6 Ways to Combine Beads with Paper

2008-09-29T12:53:00Z

Whenever I venture into one of the local craft stores, I try to take a detour of the scrapbooking section to look at all the papers. Why would a beader ever care about pretty paper? What can you do with it? ...(read more)

Simple Wire and Crystal Ribbon Earrings: Free Project Instructions

2008-09-26T10:15:00Z

I recently heard from my high school friend Kristy who was planning on running a race in California to raise money for cancer research. When I saw Sandra Lupo's wire earring project, I immediately bought some half-round silver wire and a 5mm rose Swarovski crystal pearl to make a pendant version for Kristy. As much as I loved the original earrings, I wanted to give my friend some flexibility in wearing this design. By adding a closed jump ring , she can wear the ribbon like a pendant on a simple chain or cord. She could also add an open jump ring and lobster clasp and attach it to a jacket zipper....(read more)

Wire Gauges: How to Find the Right Size

2008-09-24T10:51:00Z

I recently redesigned a pair of earrings using a different gemstone colorway. I found out pretty quickly that the new stones I was using had very small holes. So, with my stash’s head pin box before me, I started trying…22-gauge? Nope. 24-gauge? Nope. (I was starting to feel like a toddler with a shape sorting ball!) Wow—26 gauge? Yes! Luckily I have all those gauges on hand—how frustrating it would be if I didn’t....(read more)

Fall Jewelry Trends, Plus New Gallery of Reader Designs

2008-09-21T23:42:00Z

Fall Jewelry Trends

When I say "fall jewelry", what comes to mind? Leaves? Rich colors? Certain metals? Lately I've been reaching for my copper and brass beads and findings--somehow those metals feel more earthy and fall-like. Even when I do choose silver, I gravitate towards the antiqued look as with the Autumn Breeze Earrings that I made for my mom a few years ago.

I looked through several fine jewelry and fashion magazines and all agreed that "drama" was a key trend in jewelry this fall. Of course, not everyone agreed what that meant! Here are a few ideas:

cuff bracelets
statement necklaces with multistrands, pendants, or large gemstones
bold earrings like chandeliers
large rings

Other fall trends mentioned were vintage looks, purple, asymmetry, mixed metals, "green" (recycled materials), and roses/flowers. What trends do you see for fall? Do you ever consider trends in your designs? Share your thoughts on the website.

Fall Reader Gallery

I loved the submissions for the reader gallery! Here are a few of my favorites:

View the Fall Reader Gallery to see all the designs. You'll also find designer names, websites, and larger photos. We're trying out some new gallery software--be sure to let me know what you think!

Inspired by the Beadwork Challenge

Lucky reader Holly Kline was selected to complete the Beadwork challenge in the new issue. Holly says, "I get a lot of inspiration from nature, the Impressionists, William Morris, the Celts, Renaissance art, and the mystical, magical aspects of the world, with the occasional foray into goth-punk beauty." Pictured is one of Holly's pieces. Her current favorite technique is bead embroidery. "I just can't seem to get enough!" See a photo of Holly's striking paua shell, crystal, and seed bead challenge project necklace in the October/November 2008 Beadwork on sale now.

It's Your Turn! If you're one of the many beaders inspired by beads, sign up for a chance to participate in an upcoming Beadwork magazine challenge. One U.S. or Canadian reader will be chosen at random will receive a challenge kit and have his or her design featured in the magazine. Sign up by November 12, 2008.

Call for Next Reader Gallery

Do you have a holiday or winter-inspired design to share? What about a favorite gift idea? If you would like to participate in this reader gallery, please send me a link to your blog/website or one JPG image of your best design by October 24, 2008. Only one design per person please! Use the email address: bdsubmissions@interweave.com and In the subject line of your email, write: Holiday Reader Gallery. Be sure to title your design and tell me a little bit about it in your email!

Michelle Mach shares beading news, contests, reader galleries, and other beady stuff every Monday on Beading Daily. If you have comments or questions for Michelle, please post them on the website.

5 Tips for Designing with Color

2008-09-19T12:25:00Z

Color is such a key element of good design. Yet each of us wrestles now and then with being in a color rut—“I only buy purple beads”—or wondering what shade of blue brings out the best in a new multicolored lampwork pendant. Do you ever watch The View on TV? If so, you’ll understand how much fun it is to poll several of our bead magazine editors and learn new and different angles from each one....(read more)

How to Fix Beads with Too-Small Holes

2008-09-17T11:42:00Z

Whether you’re a stitcher or a stringer, chances are you run across beads with too-small holes. You have choices: 1) jam your needle or wire through the bead, often resulting in frustration and a broken bead; 2) throw the bead over your shoulder (like with salt, it’s considered good luck); or 3) use a tool to enlarge the hole. If you want to go with Option 3, but aren’t sure how it’s done, read on. ...(read more)

Top 3 Places to Find Beading Inspiration

2008-09-15T10:45:00Z

Inspiration is truly everywhere. Last night I opened a bag of new Halloween-themed M&Ms and was struck by the colors--lime green, orange, lavender, black. The first thought that popped into my head was not eating them, but draping them on my wrist to see how they would look as a bracelet! (I didn't do it--really--but I was ridiculously tempted!)...(read more)

Win a $500 Jewelry Supply Shopping Spree

2008-09-11T22:52:00Z

A quick chain maille necklace is like a quickie meal at an exclusive 5-star restaurant. It just isn't possible! ...(read more)

How to Keep the Finish on Metallic and Dyed Beads

2008-09-10T09:58:00Z

Sometimes I go bead shopping and dive right into the dyed and metallic beads, even though I know better. It’s as if my rational brain literally turns off. I get a faraway look, and my eyes start spinning with that “all the pretty colors” look. Then I come home and dump out my bag and, well, cuss. ...(read more)

The 7 Best Tools for Working with Wire

2008-09-08T11:02:00Z

It wasn't too long ago that I knew nothing about making jewelry with wire. I started as a beader, for a long time, then dove headfirst into metalsmithing. But wire . . . that was a step I'd missed along the way....(read more)