Daily Blogs

Who's Afraid of Big, Bad Resin? Not Me!

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:00:00 GMT

It seems that among jewelry-makers and beaders, nothing strikes fear into the heart as quickly as the suggestion of using resin for making mixed media jewelry. I'm a little perplexed by this -- I've seen people who are completely fearless when seated in front of a flaming hot glass torch burning at around 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit, but who shrink away when I suggest that maybe we get some bezels and make a few pieces of resin jewelry.

After a few of my own experiments with resin, I've found that resin really isn't scary at all! In fact, I love how easy it is to create heirloom-style mixed media jewelry using resin and copies of old family photographs. And resin-filled bezels make great focal points for both stringing and bead-weaving projects! It's affordable, and most of the resin supplies you need to get started are available at your local craft store. Are you ready to start working with resin? Check out these fifteen fabulous tips from Jewelry Making Daily's Tammy Jones!

I have a confession to make: I get nervous when I'm going to make jewelry with resin. My fears are totally unfounded--I was taught by experts, use the best materials, and follow instructions exactly--but I still inexplicably hold my breath when I'm using resin. Yesterday, I realized why. I hate to waste.

Waste? What does that have to do with resin, right? When I'm drawn to work with resin, it's because I have something special to encase in it, a prized memento or souvenir . . . which, of course, there's only one of, so if something goes wrong, the bezel is wasted and my treasure is ruined.

But not always. In addition to tips that help scaredy-cats like me avoid common resin pitfalls (such as bubbles, cloudiness, and tackiness) and ensure that resin sets properly and clearly, there are ways to fix some resin mishaps, too.

Resin Tips
1. Work in a dust-free area with good ventilation and turn off fans in the area that could blow dust, etc., into your resin.

2. Wear gloves that fit well and snugly. You don't need saggy glove tips dragging resin around and messing up your work!

3. Mix resins very carefully. If the ratios are off even a little, you risk resin that will not cure and set up properly.

4. Work in good lighting. I've found that good overall, all-around light as well as a small lamp with direct light are best for me. The all-around light helps me make resin jewelry without making sloppy mistakes, of course, and the direct light really highlights tiny bubbles in resin, like inclusions in a gemstone. The lamp's warmth will come in handy for curing, too.

5. Scrape the sides and bottom of the cup when you're mixing resin, mixing for about two minutes, but avoid working it too much--no need to create extra bubbles to deal with. Mix until there are no streaks or cloudiness.

6. Pour resin into your mold or bezel slowly to avoid spillover and prevent trapping air around your encapsulated treasures, which causes those pesky bubbles.

7. For deep bezels or layered designs, work in layers to create the look of floating. Items will likely sink to the bottom and appear all on one layer if you don't work in steps, adding a base layer of resin and putting items in place one layer at a time, allowing layers to almost completely set in between.

8. Cover your resin masterpiece with an overturned cup or similar and place it under your lamp. The warmth from the light will help the resin cure. Resist touching or moving it until morning!

Resin Fixes
1. Ideally, gravity will work the bubbles to the top and out of your resin. If it needs some help, you have a few options. For deep bubbles (in wet resin), pop with a pin or fine toothpick. (Do this before the resin starts to set or you'll ruin it.)

2. For bubbles closer to the surface, a little hot breath can sometimes give them the last bit of encouragement they need to rise. You can also apply heat with a torch, passing it VERY briefly over the surface. Don't linger or you'll burn it! Heat guns and hair dryers aren't recommended as they can blow dust and who-knows-what into your work.

3. If your resin doesn't set up in the bezel, even after giving it a couple of days to be sure, you can use Attack! to remove the resin from the bezel. Anything you put in the resin is most likely gone, however, so consider this a last resort.

4. If your resin doesn't set up in a mold, just clean it out as best you can and then use rubbing alcohol to clean the mold before trying again.

5. If your resin looks foamy after setting, unfortunately there's nothing that you can do. This foaminess is caused when moisture gets trapped in the resin, usually from plants that aren't completely dry or sealed. Make sure organic matter is dry and that porous materials are well sealed with gel medium before encasing them in resin.

6. If your papers and artwork look blurry after the resin has cured, it's heartbreaking. Avoid blurred inks by sealing papers well with gel medium.

7. Ideally, resin dries to a glossy, perfect glass-like finish. To create a satin or matte finish--or to hide imperfections--buff the surface with fine- and gradually finer-grit sandpapers.

So now, whenever I sit down to work with resin, I have a new strategy. I make something using slightly less precious materials first and get out my jitters--then let my second piece be the more precious piece . . . and I reread these tips to remind myself that it's not rocket science, it's way more fun!

Of course, a great resin resource is always handy to have, and Susan Lenart Kazmer's new book, Resin Alchemy, is one of the best I've seen. Susan takes your mixed media jewelry projects from drab to fab with comprehensive and fully illustrated techniques, including detailed basics for newbies. Learn how to incorporate just about anything into spectacular resin jewelry with your copy of Resin Alchemy.

Already have your resin supplies and can't wait to get started? You can download the digital version of Resin Alchemy onto your favorite desktop or laptop computer and be ready to create in just minutes!

Have you tried resin for mixed media jewelry making projects yet? Do you incorporate resin jewelry-making components into your bead-weaving projects? What other great tips and hints do you have for someone (like me) who's just getting started? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and share your expertise with us!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Crystals: Ways to Add Subtle Sparkle to Your Beaded Jewelry Projects

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 07:00:00 GMT

While there is definitely something magical about the look of crystals, my personal style means that I prefer to have crystals play a supporting role, instead of the lead, in most of my beading projects. The good news is that even when crystals take a backseat to other kinds of beads, they can still have maximum impact when it comes to adding sparkle and style to your favorite beaded jewelry designs!

Tiny Crystals = Subtle Sparkle

Above: Balance the sparkle of crystals with the glow of natural freshwater pearls in the Shiloh necklace.

Below: Just a single crystal drop on each earring adds a lot of glamor to the Can Can earrings.

Case in point: the first time I opened a copy of Rachel Nelson-Smith's Seed Bead Fusion, I was completely captivated by her Ootheca Cuff. Reading over the instructions, it's a miracle that I ever finished this beaded bracelet project -- wirework AND hundreds of tiny 3mm crystals? If it hadn't been for the intriguing right-angle weave and peyote stitch structure, I might not have been motivated to make this project, and in doing so, fall in love with wire jewelry making and develop a new appreciation for using crystals in my beading projects.

Get Maximum Impact From Just a Couple of Crystals

Using just a couple of crystals in a beading project, like in Rachel's Cancan Earrings, is also a money-saver: just two beautiful, dramatic black crystal drops are enough to make these earrings into statement jewelry. When using larger crystal drops and pendants in your beading projects, you can play up the dramatic shine of the crystals by accenting them with equally brilliant seed beads and glass beads.

Above: A single O Bersten component makes a beautiful statement with a strand of natural freshwater pearls.

The Ootheca Cuff combines structural bead-weaving with wire work. Tiny 3mm crystals add a lovely, subtle sparkle.

Take a look at the O. Bersten Component in the book, too. It's a single crystal rivoli, surrounded by beautiful seed beads and glass drops, and not a single other crystal bead! Still don't believe me? My recent creation, Samudra Lakshmi, is one giant 35mm crystal stone surrounded by things like Czech glass gumdrops, seed beads, plain glass round druks, and even rudraksha beads. Sometimes you really only need one great crystal component to make a necklace spectacular!

Balance the Sparkle With a Glow

When the crystal beads do take center stage, they are well-balanced with other seed beads, and even natural pearls, like in the Shiloh necklace. Using complimentary colors of seed beads and natural freshwater pearls helps to tone down the crystals, turns the piece from something that you might only wear a few times each year to a special event into something that you can throw on with your favorite t-shirt when the weekend rolls around.

As far as innovative beading projects with crystals go, Seed Bead Fusion is my go-to beading book. If you're a beader who enjoys new ways and ideas to incorporate crystals in your beading projects, this is a book that you must add to your collection of favorite beading books. Get your copy of Rachel Nelson Smith's Seed Bead Fusion, on sale now during the Interweave Sidewalk Sale through June 26, 2013!

You can also save big when you get the digital version of Seed Bead Fusion -- all the same great content as the print version, but downloaded directly onto your favorite desktop or laptop computer and ready for viewing in just minutes!

As part of our fabulous Interweave Sidewalk Sale, you can get a FREE 3-day trial to our new online video service, Craft Daily! Just make any purchase through June 19, 2013, and activate your Craft Daily trial membership before June 23, 2013 to get access to over a hundred premium crafting videos, including beading, jewelry making, wire work, knitting, crochet, sewing, and mixed media art!

How do you like to use crystals in your beading projects? Do you use them sparingly, using just one or two for a subtle and sparkly accent, or do you go all out and create a blindingly beautiful piece of beaded jewelry? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and share your thoughts with us!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Options for Finishing Your Kumihimo Braids

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 07:00:00 GMT

I blame it all on Beadwork magazine Designer of the Year Jill Wiseman. Jill is infamous for getting hundreds of beaders hooked on doing kumihimo with beads through her amazing and easy-to-follow classes at big bead shows like Bead Fest Philadelphia.

Above: Jill Wiseman gets me hooked on kumihimo.

Below: My five-year-old son gets in on the action and helps me load a set of beads for a kumihimo braid.

Last summer, I decided to see what all the fuss was about, and signed up for one of Jill's kumihimo classes. The name sounded innocent enough: Basic Kumihimo With Beads. Harmless, right? Just another fun beading class with a bunch of fun ladies?

Well, after that one class, I was hooked. And not just hooked, like having a summer crush on the cute lifeguard at the pool. We're talking maniacal, borderline obsessive-compulsive disorder, here. I can't go for a long ride in the car without bringing along a couple of foam kumihimo discs, loaded with beads and threads. Even my five-year-old son has gotten into kumihimo, learning from his momma how to string beads onto the threads using a big-hole needle!

So now that I've been bitten by the kumihimo bug (thanks a lot, Jill), I'm looking for different ways to finish those pesky ends of my beaded kumihimo braids. So far, here's what I've come up with:

1. Glue, beading wire, and end caps. The easiest way to finish your kumihimo braids is the way I learned in Jill's class, using a glue like E6000 and a pair of end caps. Tie off your braid using beading thread and snip it, then coat the plain braid with a generous amount of glue. Slip a piece of beading wire through the space between the plain braid and the beaded braid, and through the end cap. Slip on a bead, a crimp, and your clasp, squash the crimp, and then thread the ends of the beading wire back down into the end cap.

2. Use the ends for button and loop closures. Of course, because I have these trust issues with glue, I thought about using the braided ends to create a button and loop closure on a simple bracelet. It worked!

Make one end of the plain braid long enough that you can tie it into a small loop, and sew your button to that small loop. Make the other end long enough to wrap around that button, and then tie off the long thread ends. (And, yes, a little bit of glue would help to keep those loops secure.)

When you're working this technique for making a button and loop closure on your kumihimo braids, just take care to leave extra-long thread tails so that you can work them into the braid with a needle without too much difficulty.

3. Add a piece of wire to one end. I haven't quite mastered it, yet, but there's a way to insert a small piece of craft wire or beading wire at the very beginning of your kumihimo braid for use in attaching a clasp to the finished project. This could also be used to attach a button for finishing, and then making a loop with the other unbeaded end of the braid as suggested previously.

Again, since I have trust issues with glue, the other way to finish your beaded kumihimo ropes is to make a shorter braid at the beginning and end of each piece, and then insert a piece of craft wire, making a wrapped loop around the plain braid. Leave enough wire to accommodate your end cap, slip on the end cap, and then make another wrapped loop where you can attach your clasp. Look, ma, no glue!

4. Make Your Own Endcaps. I'll be exploring this last one in greater depth over the coming weeks: the idea of making your own beautiful, custom beaded endcaps to finish your beaded kumihimo braids. I mean, why not? Sometimes, I think life is too short to use pre-made jewelry findings. Why not tap into all your bead-weaving skills and use your favorite beading stitches like peyote, herringbone, or even tubular right-angle weave to create your own custom kumihimo endcaps?

Have you been bit by the kumihimo bug? Make sure you check out all the fabulous ideas for making and using kumihimo braids in Beadwork and Jewelry Stringing magazines! Find inspiration with product reviews, bead news, basic and advanced techniques, and innovative beading projects from your favorite designers. Right now, as part of the Summer Sidewalk Sale, subscriptions to both Beadwork and Jewelry Stringing are on sale! Make sure you subscribe to one (or both) of these comprehensive beading resources, and check out all the great deals through June 23, 2013 in the Beading Daily Shop!

Do you have a great idea for finishing your beaded kumihimo ropes? Do you have trust issues with your glue, like me? Do you prefer the wrapped loop method? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and share your tips and techniques with us!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

4 Ways to Create Your Own Breathtaking Beaded Jewelry Designs

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 07:00:00 GMT

Have you ever made a breathtakingly beautiful piece of beaded jewelry from a set of instructions and been inspired to create your own beaded jewelry designs? It might seem overwhelming at first, but chances are, if you have the skills necessary to make a piece of complex beaded jewelry from a seed bead pattern, you have what it takes to start creating your own, original, breathtaking beaded jewelry designs.

Some of my most successful beaded jewelry designs have come from times when I was working in a simple beading stitch and I just thought to myself, "What would happen if I did this?"

Of course, it always helps to take as many beading classes as you can to boost your beading skills, but that's not always possible for a lot of people. The time and cost involved in traveling to a different city or state (or even country!) to access the knowledge of some of today's most talented bead artists is really a challenge for most folks, but luckily, there are many cost-saving alternatives to still get the same great instruction that you would get in a class. Here are my top picks for fabulous beading DVDs that can help you create your own breathtaking beaded jewelry designs!

		Sometimes, the easiest way to start designing your own original beaded jewelry designs is by learning a brand-new beading stitch and making it your own. Don't look at what others have done with it, just learn the basics. With Melanie Potter's Bead Stitching Chevron Chain, you'll learn the ins and outs of this amazingly versatile beading stitch.



		Peyote stitch triangles are another popular component or motif in geometric beaded jewelry, and you can learn how to create these in all kinds of variations from master bead artist Jean Power in Bead Stitching Triangles. (Should I also mention that peyote stitch triangles also make great bezels for those lovely triangular crystal stones?)

		Some of the most beautiful and unique beaded jewelry designs I've ever seen have been made from sets of bezeled cabochons and crystal stones. Beaded bezels may look complicated, but they don't have to be, and Melinda Barta's How to Stitch Beaded Bezels shows you how to create stunning and secure beaded bezels using beading stitches that you already know!

		Finally, finish off your gorgeous beaded jewelry design with another beaded creation -- a beaded clasp! Why settle for an ordinary, pre-made clasp when you can put those beading skills to good use and create your own custom clasps for your original beaded jewelry designs? How to Stitch Custom Clasps with Melinda Barta shows you how to create all sorts of elegant closures for your beaded necklaces and bracelets, including ways to use magnetic clasps, tips for crimping, and creative ways to use buttons for clasps.

Some of the best parts of learning at home by video are that you can watch anytime you're ready -- even if that means waiting until after everyone else has gone to bed, and you have some quiet time to yourself! You can start and stop the video anyplace you feel like you need to watch it again so that you understand what's being demonstrated, and best of all, you get to keep that DVD handy so that you can reference the instructions whenever you might need a little reminder of how to work a particular technique!

Oh, the other great part about learning by video? All of these DVDs are one sale now during the Interweave Sidewalk Sale! Save some serious cash and stock up on all your favorite beading resources in the Beading Daily Shop, until June 23, 2013!

Do you design your own beaded jewelry projects? What advice would you give to someone who wants to start creating their own original beaded jewelry designs? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and share your insights with us!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Step Into the World of Bead Substitutions With a Live Webinar

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 07:00:00 GMT

When it comes to substituting one type of bead for another, you'll quickly find out that not all seed beads have been created equal. This is especially true with the dozens of new shapes and types of seed beads available to beaders around the world, including Tilas, Czechmates, Twins, SuperDuos, Rizos, and now the new Solos from Preciosa.

With bead artists designing technically challenging and innovative seed bead patterns using these new beads, you may find that you want to start working on a pattern right away, but don't necessarily have the exact type of beads required to complete the project. What's a beader to do? Make a substitution, of course!

But because not all of these beads are interchangeable, it's important to know what you can and can't do when it comes to making seed bead substitutions. That's why we've put together this great live webinar with Beadwork magazine editor Melinda Barta, so she can guide you through all the Dos and Don'ts of Seed Bead Substitutions! Join us live on June 21, 2013 at 2 p.m. EDT to listen in and ask questions about all your favorite new seed bead shapes.

After the presentation, you'll have access to a recording of the webinar so that you can refer back to it anytime you want to review the material presented. If you can't make it to the live presentation, your registration will give you access to the recording so that you can watch it any time that's convenient for you, so you won't miss out on Melinda's expert advice. Don't miss out on this LIVE and INTERACTIVE event with Beadwork magazine's Melinda Barta!

But there are only 1,000 spots available for this fantastic webinar, and they're sure to fill up fast. Your registration guarantees your "seat" for this event, and we also recommend that you have a high-speed internet connection for the best viewing experience. Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to log in early to troubleshoot any technical glitches.

About Melinda Barta: Melinda Barta is editor of Beadwork magazine, associate editor of Stringing magazine, and author of three books, including Hip to Stitch and best-selling Custom Cool Jewelry. Her third book, Mixed Metals: Creating Contemporary Jewelry with Silver, Gold, Copper, Brass & More, is coauthored with Danielle Fox. Melinda's department, Custom Cool, appears in each issue of Beadwork. She teaches workshops at schools across the country, including Interweave's Bead Fest shows, Penland School of Crafts, and John C. Campbell Folk School and has assisted fiber artist Renie Breskin Adams at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. She has made appearances on PBS, Style, and DIY networks, including the shows Scrapbooking, Uncommon Threads, and Craft Corner Death Match. A true lover of all crafts, Melinda is known to have sewing, embroidery, knitting, beadweaving, stringing, collage, scrapbooking, home improvement, and gardening projects in the works all at the same time. When she's not creating something with her hands, Melinda loves to spend her summers hiking and camping in the mountains with her husband and their dog. In the winter, she skis every chance she gets.

Are Two Needles Better Than One? Double Needle Right-angle Weave

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 07:00:00 GMT

Once upon a time, in the middle of a long Adirondack winter, a lonely beader found that she needed a project to keep her occupied while she searched for a job. On a whim, she opened up her old copy of the "White Russian" beading book, and decided to challenge herself with a double-needle right-angle weave project depicting three horses charging ahead through what looked like a frozen Siberian tundra.

Yes, I was that beader, and no, I never got around to finishing that double-needle right-angle weave project because looking at the graph for too long made me dizzy!

Picking such an ambitious first project for double-needle right-angle weave may or may not be the reason I seldom use that technique these days, but once in a while, I find that knowing how to navigate the thread path of right-angle weave using two needles can definitely come in handy.

Using two needles for right-angle weave means that there are less thread passes through each bead. This comes in handy when you want to use beads with smaller holes, like my beloved Czech seed beads or vintage seed beads. You can also use a thicker thread without worrying much about breaking beads or needles with these tiny seed beads.

And speaking of seed beads and right-angle weave, those seed beads tend to sit tighter against each other, at better angles, when you work with two needles. Because those beads are sitting closer to each other, you're not going to see as much thread showing, either, which is great for some of us who have thread issues when it comes to our bead-weaving projects. (Yes, I'll say it out loud: I'm one of those beaders who will positively freak out if she sees the tiniest bit of thread poking out between beads while I'm stitching.)

A few of my favorite tips for learning how to do double-needle right-angle weave:

1. Don't use super-long thread. Start out with a length of thread that you're comfortable with, or just slightly shorter than your normal length of beading thread. Thread a needle on either end, and start by pushing your beads to the center of the thread.

2. Condition your thread. Using a thread conditioner, even on beading threads like Fireline, will reduce tangles.

3. Start with bigger beads. Just like when learning any new beading stitch, start out by using big beads, or even pony beads and shoelaces!

And even if making a beaded panel depicting three horses charging through a Siberian landscape isn't quite your cup of tea, knowing how to do some basic double-needle right-angle weave has many practical uses, like making a quick-and-easy start for a beaded chain, or a right-angle weave base that can be used for a cabochon bezel or a basic beaded bracelet.

If you're fascinated by bead-weaving stitches and all of their many and glorious variations, Carol Cypher's Mastering Beadwork is a book that belongs in your collection of beading books. Because it's such a comprehensive resource and well-illustrated guide, my copy is never far from my beading table when I sit down to design a new project. Whether you're just getting started with bead-weaving or you've already mastered a number of beading stitches, you'll want to make sure that you have a copy of Mastering Beadwork for reference and inspiration when the need to bead strikes!

Can't wait to peek inside? Mastering Beadwork is available as an instant download, with all the same great content as the print edition, but ready to view on your favorite desktop or laptop computer in just minutes!

Do you use double-needle right-angle weave? Do you have any advice for mastering this bead-weaving technique? Have you found a practical use for double-needle right-angle weave? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and share your discoveries and questions with us!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Getting Started With Wire Wrapping

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 07:00:00 GMT

Even though I'm no wire expert (at least, not yet!), just like any other craft, before you get started with wire wrapping, it's good to have a firm foundation on which you can build your wire wrapping skills. As I've worked my way through scads of wire jewelry projects in the last couple of years, I realized that there are three things that can make or break a wire wrapping project for me:

1. Know Your Wire Wrapping Tools. Before you start any wire wrapping project, it's always a good idea to have the proper tools on hand. Understanding the capabilities of each pair of wire wrapping pliers can make the difference between a successful project or a whole lot of frustration and wasted wire. Of course, there's something to be said for improvisation: even if I don't happen to have the exact tool called for in a wire wrapping project, I know enough about the tools that I already have that I can usually use them with great success.

2. Know Your Wire. Knowing about wire gauge, wire hardness, and the types of metal used to make wire all play a part in choosing the right materials for successful wire wrapping projects. It's always a good idea to practice with brass or colored craft wire before moving on to the more expensive precious metal wire.

3. Brush Up On Wire Basics. You might not know it yet, but if you can make a perfect wire wrapped loop or a pair of matching ear wires, chances are, you've already got the necessary skills to create stunning wire wrapped jewelry. In any craft, having a solid foundation to build on is the most important part of creating perfect finished jewelry projects.

Want to get to know your wire wrapping tools and your wire? Try this easy filigree-inspired wire wrapping project!

Materials:

5 feet 18 gauge colored copper wire (I used brass color)
24-30 6mm OD jump rings in color to match or contrast with wire
3-6 10mm beads for dangles

Tools:

Flush cutters
Chain nose or combination pliers
Flat nose pliers
Jump ring opener (optional, but useful)
1/2 inch wooden dowel or mandrel

		Step 1: Cut 3 feet of wire. Leaving a 1" tail, make two wraps around your dowel. Remove the wire loop from the dowel, and place the dowel against the straight section of wire. Make two more wraps around the dowel. Every time you make two wraps around the dowel, remove the dowel and move it against a straight section of wire. You'll be able to create a series of little loops that look like bubbles.

		Step 2: Continue making loops and "bubbles" until you have about 1" of wire left. Make two small simple loops at either end of the pendant. Use your fingers to gently shape and straighten the pendant.

		Step 3: Open all the jump rings. Use two jump rings to "connect" each pair of loops in your pendant. You may have to gently coax the loops towards each other to make the jump rings fit.

		Step 4: To make the dangles, pick the bottom loops on which you want them to hang. Cut approximately 1" of wire for each dangle. Make a tiny bend in one end of the wire, then smash it together with your flat nose pliers. Slide on your bead, then make a simple loop at the top and hang it on the appropriate loop on the bottom of the pendant.

Whether you're a beginner or an advanced wire wrapping artist, you'll find plenty of projects to love in Artisan Filigree. With projects inspired by beautiful ironwork, wire wrapping artist extraordinaire Jodi Bombardier has created twenty-one graceful wire wrapped jewelry projects suitable for all skill levels. Plus, with the comprehensive wire wrapping basics at the front of the book, with a little practice, you'll be wire wizard in no time at all! Get your copy of Artisan Filigree and wrap your way to elegant wire wrapped jewelry. If you can't wait to get started, no worries -- Artisan Filigree is also available as a digital download, ready for viewing on your favorite desktop or laptop computer in just minutes.

For a very limited time, until June 9, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. MDT, you can take advantage of this special Artisan Filigree bundle -- get the print copy and the eBook for the same price as the print edition!

What would you say is the single most important bit of knowledge or skill to develop when learning how to do wire wrapping? Have you embarked on any interesting wire wrapping projects lately? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and share your thoughts with us!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Do Ergonomic Tools Make a Difference in Jewelry Making?

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 07:00:00 GMT

Just in time for this blog, what should land in my mailbox but a brand-new set of ergonomic jewelry-making tools from Cousin Corporation? It got me wondering, would using ergonomic tools for my wire jewelry-making projects really make

that much of a difference?

What Makes Ergonomic Jewelry-making Pliers Different?


	*The difference between ergonomic and regular beading tools: ergonomic round nose pliers on the left, regular round nose pliers on the right (red handles)*

Most jewelry-making pliers are made to fit comfortably in your hand with rounded and padded handles. The head and jaws of a pair of regular jewelry-making pliers sits straight at the top of the tool. Because of the way the jaws are situated, getting those pliers into a tight spot means you have to angle your hand, fingers, and wrist. If you engage in several hours of jewelry-making using these kinds of pliers, you might find yourself suffering from pain caused by muscle fatigue.

Look at a pair of ergonomic jewelry-making pliers, and you'll see the differences right away. The head and jaws are bent at a slight angle, making it easier to get those pliers into tight spaces when you're working on a wire jewelry-making project, or even a chain maille project.

A pair of ergonomic jewelry-making pliers has one long handle and one short handle, and both handles are curved inward to fit better between the base of your thumb and your curved fingers. A better fit means more comfort when you're holding your jewelry-making pliers for a long time, resulting in less muscle fatigue and pain.

Are Ergonomic Jewelry-making Pliers Right for Everybody?

I used this set of Precision Comfort ergonomic jewelry-making tools from Cousin Corporation to play around with an easy wire jewelry-making project I designed, and I found that yes, indeed, tasks like opening and closing jump rings and making loops in my wire were much easier using the ergonomic tools.

That said, after years of using regular jewelry-making pliers, it took me a little while to get used to the feel of these ergonomic beading tools in my hand. I've only used them on a few projects, but I'll be using these exclusively in the next few weeks to see how they feel and what kind of a difference they make in my jewelry-making and beading projects.

Ergonomic jewelry-making tools are ideal for anyone who loves to make jewelry but suffers from arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, where holding a regular pair of jewelry-making pliers can turn into a painful experience rather quickly. Since I suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome flare-ups in the winter when the mountain air is usually very dry, I can understand why having an easy-to-grip set of jewelry-making pliers would be essential for me.

Even if you don't suffer from any kind of physical malady that makes holding your jewelry-making pliers difficult, having a set of ergonomic beading tools can not only improve your jewelry-making skills, but can also make your beading projects better and last longer. I found this Precision Comfort tool set to be the perfect entry-level set of beading tools for someone who wants to try a set of ergonomic jewelry-making pliers. Who knows? I bought my first set of inexpensive jewelry-making pliers way back in 1998, and I'm still using them today!

Get Dozens of Easy Wire Jewelry-Making Projects At Your Fingertips!

Ready to take your ergonomic jewelry tools for a spin? Check out all of the amazing wire jewelry-making projects in Easy Wire 2013. You'll find dozens of beautiful, colorful, and easy wire jewelry-making projects for bracelets, necklaces, and earrings that use your favorite beads and jewelry findings. If you haven't seen the latest in wire jewelry designs, you'll be thrilled to see things like ribbons, beads, leather, and even hardware in these innovative wire jewelry projects! Pre-order your copy of Easy Wire 2013 and be one of the first to see the future of wire jewelry-making projects. Or, if you just absolutely can't wait to see the designs and start beading, Easy Wire 2013 is also available as an instant download, ready for viewing in just minutes on your favorite desktop or laptop computer!

What do you think about ergonomic beading tools, especially for wire jewelry-making? Do you prefer using ergonomic tools to regular beading pliers? Leave a comment and share your thoughts and opinions here on the Beading Daily blog!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Make This Easy Wire Jewelry Project Using Your Favorite Glass Beads!

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 07:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Wonderful Wire Week here on Beading Daily! This week, I'm going to explore just a few of the ways in which wire jewelry has woven its way into my beading and jewelry-making projects, and I hope you'll enjoy the ride.

Not so long ago, I was a wire wimp. I was a great admirer of folks who could make wire jewelry, but never felt comfortable making it myself. A couple of things changed all that for me: the first was working on a couple of innovative wire and bead-weaving projects from the very talented Rachel Nelson-Smith; the second was learning how to do Viking knit. Suddenly, the wire world was my oyster, and I realized that the basic wire jewelry skills that I had been practicing for all those years could easily be used to create spectacular bead and wire jewelry!

One of the things I love about my basic wire jewelry skills is that I can take a handful of leftover glass beads, some pretty colored copper wire, and in just a few minutes, crank out a fun and funky piece of beaded wire jewelry. When I had a few of these beautiful picasso-coated Czech glass beads left over from a larger project, I grabbed my trusty flush cutters and combination pliers and got to work turning them into a fun and easy wire bracelet.

The secret to making this bracelet is to go easy on yourself: don't worry if your wire coils aren't perfect. I didn't have a mandrel handy for making my coils, so I just used the round jaw of my combination pliers to make my coils. If you have lots of different colors of wire and one solid color of bead, you can make each coil a different color for a rainbow effect. Have fun!

Materials:

For this wire jewelry project, you'll need at least 5 feet of 18 gauge copper wire, in whatever color(s) match your glass beads
An assortment of glass beads. I used some leftover Czech glass picasso beads in the shapes of barrels and rondelles

Tools

Flush cutters
Combination pliers
Chain nose pliers
Flat nose pliers

Step-by-step Instructions:

		Step 1: Use short lengths of the wire to make units with wrapped loops on either end. Measure your links to figure out how many wire coils you'll need to make to place in between each wire wrapped bead unit. (I made my beaded units about 1 inch long.)

		Step 2: To make the coils, cut a 6 inch length of 18 gauge wire. Using a mandrel (or the round jaw of a round nose or combination pliers) to make your coils. Place the center of the wire on your mandrel or pliers and make a series of even wraps. Trim the ends of the coil.

		Step 3: To make your end loops, gently bend the coil in the center, and when the ends separate, gently grasp the last wrap with your chain nose pliers. Bend the wrap at a 90 degree angle to form a loop.

		Step 4: Open the ends of the coils the same way you would a simple loop and attach the wire wrapped links.

		Step 5: To make the hook for one end of the clasp, take a 6 inch piece of wire and make a sharp bend in the middle of the wire. Use your flat nose pliers to flatten the loop.

		Step 6: Make a bend in the double wire about 1 inch from the end. Use your round nose pliers to make a subtle upward bend in the tip of the hook.

		Step 7: Grasping the hook with your flat nose pliers, take one piece of wire and make a few wraps around the other piece. Trim the wire close to the wraps.

		Step 8: Before you finish closing the wrapped loop, slip it onto one end of your bracelet. Finish wrapping the loop, and trim the wire close to the wraps.

There are so many ways you can play with this basic design! Include bead caps, crystal beads, or even paper beads or a lightweight alternative. Mix up the colors of your wire, or add a pre-made clasp if you don't want to make your own. But as long as you can make basic wire-wrapped loops, you can take this wire jewelry design and make it your own.

Inspired to start working with wire? Check out the all-new Wireworker's Companion by Denise Peck and Jane Dickerson. Get all the reference information you need about wire gauge, wire tools, basic wire jewelry techniques, and even more advanced techniques like chain maille and working with a micro torch. Or if you can't wait to take a peek, get your copy of the Wireworker's Companion instantly as an eBook! All the same great content as the print version, but ready to read on your favorite desktop or laptop in just minutes.

What about you? Have you tried making your own wire jewelry yet? Was there one special wire jewelry project that really got you hooked on making wire jewelry? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and tell us about it!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Jewelry Business: Notes From The Other Side of the Counter with Andrew Thornton

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Fri, 31 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT


Andrew Thornton is a fine artist who resides in western Pennsylvania.

As a well-known jewelry artist and now the owner of the fine art and craft gallery, Allegory Gallery in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, Andrew Thornton has a unique perspective to share with anyone who wants to get into the jewelry business. Recently, Andrew wrote a wonderful series of posts on his own blog, The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton, called Notes From the Other Side of the Counter: Candid Advice from a Brick and Mortar Gallery Owner. As the former owner of a fine craft gallery and bead shop, I found his advice to be right on target when it comes to forging a successful relationship with gallery and store owners who can help your jewelry business succeed.

What struck me was that the information in these posts could be just as helpful for a gallery owner as it is for the jewelry artist. Andrew was gracious enough to answer a few questions for me about what life was like on the other side of the counter:

Q: What motivated you to write these blogs about being on the other side of the counter?

A: The inspiration for writing these blog posts came from seeing a comment on Facebook from a friend who had just cold-called a gallery and was nervous about the process of selling her jewelry through a third-party. In response to her status update, I saw all kinds of wild misinformation and horror stories galore from artists who had bad experiences, and I wanted to help clear that up and provide an alternative perspective. It started off as a short list of suggestions she might make to improve her chances, but then grew into a ten-part series. It can be a daunting task and there's no need to add additional fear and anxiety.

Q: What's the most difficult part of owning your own gallery? What's the most rewarding?

A: Owning your own gallery is a difficult challenge in of itself. It is definitely a labor of love. The hardest aspect is time, or rather, the lack of time. Despite your best efforts, there is never enough time to do everything you'd like. If I ever feel as though I've crossed everything off my to-do list, it's probably because I've forgotten something. The thing that I find most rewarding about having a gallery is that has become a focal point for creative individuals. By opening the shop, we have encouraged creativity within the community and created a place to share ideas and art. I love showing people something new that they maybe wouldn't have had an opportunity to see before and then seeing it spark creativity and inspiration.


A display of handmade jewelry by local artist Connie Parsons at Allegory Gallery.

I owe a huge thank-you to all the other artists, jewelry-makers, and shop owners who have helped shape my experiences on both sides of the counter. Even the less-than-pleasant encounters have been highly educational!

Q: If there's just one thing you want a jewelry artist to take away from your series of blog posts, what would it be?

A: The most important thing that I want people to take away is that the best working relationships are a partnership. It's more than just a business agreement, but a mutual goal fed by respect, hard work, and if you're lucky, a friendship. Don't give up! I've been told that I wasn't good enough or that I would fail. Prove them wrong! If you're passionate about something, the Universe will find a way to help you achieve your goals.

Make Your Jewelry Photos Stand Out

Whether you're looking into selling your jewelry online or expanding your jewelry business through sales at fine craft galleries, you'll need to make sure that your jewelry photographs are outstanding. Poor photographs can make or break a sale! Even if you're not a photography expert, we've got the resources to help you get started.

No matter what kind of digital camera you have, understanding how to use it can be the best investment you make for your jewelry business. Get expert advice on how to take those tricky but important pictures of your jewelry from Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist photographer Jim Lawson in How to Photograph Your Jewelry. Because it's an instant download, you'll be watching and learning on your favorite desktop or laptop computer in just minutes! Find out about lighting, backgrounds, and even how to use computer software programs to get the most out of your digital photographs. Download your copy of How to Photograph Your Jewelry today and see for yourself how better pictures of your handmade beaded jewelry can boost your jewelry business!

Have you been on both sides of the counter? What would your advice be for someone who wants to start selling their jewelry through third-party shops and galleries? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog with your advice or your question about the jewelry business.

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Andrew Thornton is a professional fine artist who left the hustle and bustle of New York City for rural Pennsylvania. His work can be seen in private collections around the globe. He is a regular contributor to books and magazines. Andrew is also the Creative Director of Allegory Gallery in Ligonier, PA. For more information, check out Andrew's blog, The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton, and the Allegory Gallery website.

Three Easy Ways to Take Steampunk Jewelry and Make It Your Own!

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Wed, 29 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

The key to making successful steampunk jewelry, it seems, is all in the material that you choose. You can really use any kind of jewelry-making technique to create gorgeous steampunk jewelry, if you know what kinds of beads and components work best to evoke that romantic-industrial feeling that so many jewelry-makers and jewelry wearers love.

Start Small With Steampunk

The most obvious choice for great steampunk jewelry-making components are things like watch cogs, gears, antique keys, and chain. Pick materials with an antique finish in metals like brass and pewter to further enhance the steampunk flavor of your jewelry-making projects.

Look for these items on eBay or Etsy, or check your local thrift shops and flea markets for unique steampunk finds!

Make Steampunk Sparkle

Once you're comfortable using those materials, try including things like vintage crystal stones and cabochons, or even just a couple of contemporary crystal beads in your steampunk jewelry-making projects. Just a little bit of sparkle in your steampunk jewelry-making projects will help give them a softer, more romantic flair. No one said that steampunk had to be all 18th-century cutting-edge and hard, cold metals.

Another idea for adding some authentic vintage sensibilities to your steampunk jewelry-making projects is to repurpose antique jewelry. Single earrings, broken necklaces and bracelets, and even antique brooches can successfully be modified and used as the focal points for unique steampunk jewelry.

Other Ideas for Steampunk Jewelry

This beautiful steampunk necklace by Beading Daily user Sarah Small uses kumihimo and antique copper beads to create what appears to be a metal bead chain, perfectly accenting the handmade focal piece. I would never have thought of using kumihimo to create a beautiful piece of steampunk jewelry, but this rope is both ethereal and industrial, the perfect combination for a piece of successful steampunk jewelry!

What better way to tell your personal story through steampunk jewelry than with your own handmade components? You can add a more personal touch to your steampunk jewelry by using handmade components, like handmade chain or handmade components made from metal clay. Resin can also be used to create pendants and jewelry-making components using copies of antique family photos for your special steampunk jewelry-making projects.

Would you like to expand your jewelry-making skills and explore steampunk jewelry at the same time? Download Jean Campbell's Making Steampunk-Style Jewelry and learn about steampunk jewelry-making basics like drilling, cold connections, resin, and wirework. Living in the digital age does have its advantages: you can be watching and learning from a jewelry-making expert in just minutes! Download your copy of Making Steampunk-Style Jewelry with Jean Campbell, or check out more great digital downloads on sale right now in the Beading Daily Shop!

Now it's your turn: how do you make steampunk jewelry your own? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and tell us how you tell stories with steampunk.

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Do You Keep a Beading Journal?

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 27 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

More and more beaders are keeping some kind of photographic journal to document their work on seed bead patterns and beading projects. Are you one of them?

I know lots of professional designers who keep a photographic journal of their seed bead patterns as they design and create them, including photos of everything from the very beginnings of the project all the way to the finished piece of beaded jewelry. But even if you're not a professional designer, you still might want to keep a record of the seed bead patterns you create over the years. If you're thinking of starting some kind of journal to document your adventure with seed bead patterns, here are some ideas for what to include in your journal.

Step-by-step Photographs

Some designers, like me, create a beautiful piece of seed bead jewelry, then sit down to write up instructions for this seed bead pattern and realize that they have absolutely no idea how they just made what they made. In cases like this, it helps to keep a little point-and-shoot digital camera handy to take step-by-step photos as you work your way through your beading project. Even taking a few quick pictures with your cell phone can help you to document and record the steps you took to create a piece of beaded jewelry.

Designer Name and Website

If you like to create beaded jewelry from seed bead patterns by other artists and designers, it always helps to include the name and website or contact email of the designer. If the seed bead pattern came from a book or a magazine, it also helps to note the title of the publication, the date published, and the publishing company for future reference.

When posting your photographs online, it's just good manners to include the name of the original designer. With issues swirling around the beadsphere about copyright theft and intellectual property, you can avoid a lot of headaches by just being courteous enough to acknowledge the original designer of the piece.

Types and Colors of Beads Used

The seed bead pattern may call for one particular type and color of bead, but when you choose to change up a pattern and make it your own, you should note what beads you changed from the original design. It helps to keep a list of sources where you purchased the beads, as well, and any stock numbers or color numbers that you have handy.

You might also want to think about contacting the designer of the piece and showing them how you've changed up their design! Most bead artists love to see how their seed bead patterns have inspired other beaders.

Take A Journey With Your Beads

Another trend that I love is seeing how many beaders fall in love with a book of beading projects and then decide to make every single project in the book. Sort of like what author Julie Powell did when she was teaching herself to cook by making every recipe in Julia Child's first cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Just think about everything you could learn by making every beading project in a book! Of course, if you're looking to start a beading adventure like this, you'll want to document every step of the way with pictures, notes, and maybe even a blog.

Are you ready to start documenting your beading adventures with seed bead patterns? If you're looking for a great book to get started, check out A Beaded Romance by Kelly Wiese. You might recognize Kelly's beautiful style of beadwork from her Beadwork magazine Designer of the Year projects, and in her latest book, she presents twenty-six gorgeous seed bead patterns for beaded earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Plus, when you order your copy of A Beaded Romance, you'll get six additional seed bead patterns to download instantly, for free!

Get your copy of A Beaded Romance by Kelly Wiese, and start documenting your beading journey with each of these beautiful beading projects.

Do you keep a beading journal of seed bead patterns you've designed, or created? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog with a link to your beading journal so we can check it out!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Win A One Year Subscription to Craft Daily!

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

There are lots of reasons to learn a new craft or a new skill by watching a video. It's convenient, for one thing -- you can watch at home, anytime you want to, and you can stop and start the video wherever and whenever you feel like you need to see something demonstrated over again.

Our new Craft Daily site is home to over a hundred premium crafting videos, with new videos being added every week. You can find crafting videos for learning how to bead, learning new jewelry-making techniques, and videos for the other crafts that you love like crochet, knitting, mixed media art, and sewing. You can bookmark the videos at the parts you want to watch again (or where you left off last time), mark your favorites for later, rate and review each video as you watch it, and even stream videos to your television!

How would you like to win a one-year subscription to Craft Daily, and have unlimited access to all of these videos? We're giving away an annual subscription (a $200 value) to Craft Daily to three lucky winners -- and one of them might be you! (If you're already a subscriber to Craft Daily, we'll simply extend your subscription for a year.)

To enter, all you have to do is fill out the Craft Daily Giveaway form. The winners will be selected on June 7, 2013. Good luck!

Essentials of Earring Making

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

If I knew now what I didn't know then...that's how I feel about everything that I've learned about earring making since I started beading over thirteen years ago. While I spent my time doodling beaded necklace and bracelet designs in my notebooks throughout college, ideas for beaded earring designs didn't come so easy to me.

Then a few years ago, I decided to challenge myself for the new year, and in January, I vowed to make one pair of beaded earrings every day for an entire month. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time, and when I was finished, not only did I have over two dozen pairs of earrings for gifts for friends and family, I also had much more confidence in my own earring making skills.

Want to jump-start your earring making projects? Here are a few suggestions to get you going!

Ideas for beaded earring projects. Beaded necklace and bracelet projects always came pretty easy for me, but beaded earrings? Not so much. Fortunately, as I progressed in learning how to bead and picked up new jewelry-making skills along the way, I started seeing how lots of these techniques could translate into easy earring projects. It's true: sometimes, the best ideas for earring making projects really are the simplest.

Learn how to make your own ear wires. This seemed like the most intimidating aspect of earring making for me, but really, learning how to make my own ear wires has opened up an entire world of possibilities for me! Wouldn't it be fantastic if you could customize your ear wires using matching beads and colored wire? It's really easier than you think. You can either make your own ear wires using nothing but a thick Sharpie marker, or if you want to churn out perfect wires every time, it might be worth investing in the Easy Ear Wire Maker.


Asymmetrical earrings by Jean Campbell

Let Your Imagination Run Wild. Who says that earring designs always have to match? Michelle Mach doesn't think so, and neither does Jean Campbell! Earring making can be a ton of fun -- and a great learning experience -- when you just let your beaded earring designs do whatever they want to do. Surrender to the beads, and see what you can come up with! Mix and match your beads, color of ear wires, and dig through your craft supplies for things like ribbons, feathers, and vintage sequins for truly unique beaded earrings.

You'll always find great earring making projects in every issue of Beadwork magazine. For over 15 years, Beadwork has been bringing us innovative, artistic, and beautiful earring making projects. If your collection of Beadwork magazine is missing a few issues, now's the time to fill in the gaps! Check out all the back issues of Beadwork magazine on sale in the Beading Daily Shop -- including some digital copies, too!

What would your best advice be to someone just getting started with earring making? Would you recommend a particular beading tool, or a particular technique for making easy earrings? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and share your thoughts, tips, and advice with us!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Infuse Your Beadwork with Native American Symbolism

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

Native American beadwork has a rich heritage of symbolism through the use of colors, gemstones, and animal totems to tell stories and convey meaning. If you're looking to infuse your beadwork with a few special and meaningful symbols, check out some of these suggestions for including symbolic beads and colors in your next beading project.

Symbolism of Gemstones in Native American Beadwork

Turquoise: One of the most popular stones used in Native American beadwork, turquoise is believed to help overcome illness and bring strength to the wearer. Native American lore tells us that when the Great Creator finished creating Mother Earth, he threw all of the remaining turquoise up into the sky, giving us the beautiful blue color to look at every day.

Coral: While not technically a gemstone, coral also has its place in Native American beadwork. It is believed to be a very soothing stone, and to be able to assist with disorders of the blood. It is also considered to be a very protective stone.

Howlite: Beautiful howlite, with its light grey matrix against a stark white background, is believed to assist in concentration, relieving insomnia, and as a general relief for stress. Howlite can be dyed and sold as imitation turquoise and even imitation coral, but in its natural state, it mixes beautifully with both genuine turquoise and genuine coral!

Symbolism of Animals in Native American Beadwork

You can find beautifully carved gemstone animal beads in many local bead shops and online beading supply companies, and I love using these beads in all kinds of jewelry-making projects!

Bear: Bears are probably the easiest carved gemstone bead to find, when you're looking for Native American-style gemstone beads to add to your beading projects. In Native American lore, the bear is considered to be one of the most powerful symbols, representing both strength and power. Because bears hibernate, it is also thought to be a symbol of renewal.

Turtle: I have in my collection a number of beautiful little turtle beads, carved from both bone and gemstones. There may be a reason I'm always attracted to these Native American symbols, since the turtle is a symbol of nurturing, Mother Earth, and being grounded.

Wolf: Another very popular symbol used in Native American beadwork, the wolf is a symbol of intuition, finding your path, and is thought to be a powerful spirit guide for those who are looking for a deeper meaning in their lives.

Symbolism of Colors in Native American Beadwork

The colors you use in your beading projects can also convey a meaning, based on these ideas from the traditions of Native American beadwork:

Green: A representation of plant life, the Earth, and the season of summer. When green paint was worn under the eyes, it was believed to give powerful night vision to the wearer.

White: White is used to represent snow, death, or winter. It was used a symbol of peace when used as face paint.

Red: Red is the color used to symbolize thunder, day, and sunset.

Blue: If you want to convey the meaning of the sky, water, clouds, lightning, the moon, or sadness, look to shades of blue for your beadwork.

Yellow: Sunshine, day, and dawn are all represented by the color yellow in traditional Native American beadwork.

Black: Black is used to represent night, cold, and disease.

Infuse Your Beadwork with Native American Symbolism

You can use any of these ideas for including a little bit of Native American symbolism and meaning in your beading projects. Think outside the bead: change up the colors of a project to include your own special meanings from the suggestions here, or include a tiny carved Native American gemstone totem animal in the fringe of your next bead embroidered pendant. Using these symbols will make your finished beaded jewelry just a little more powerful.

Are you in need of a few new beading projects? Take a look over in the Beading Daily Shop, and for a limited time, save 30% on all eProjects! Whether you want to learn a new beading technique, make a gift for a special friend, or just add another piece of gorgeous beaded jewelry to your collection, you're sure to find something to excite and inspire you in the Beading Daily Shop.

How do you add meaning to your beaded jewelry designs? Is it through the use of color, or a special bead? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and tell us how you add meaning to your beaded jewelry.

Bead Happy,

Jennifere