Daily Blogs

What's the Hottest Jewelry-Making Technique for 2010?

Leslie Rogalski — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:00:00 GMT

Cold connections top the list for 2010 hot jewelry-making techniques
Please welcome Helen Driggs, managing editor of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist and author of the Flashcard eNewsletter. Today she's bringing us her forecast that cold connections will be the most popular metal technique for 2010. I think she's hit the nail on the head with this one! --LR

It's riveting
You’d have to be living under a rock to not know that cold connections are smokin’ hot! It is possible to make very sophisticated jewelry even if you don’t have regular use of a torch. If you have been wanting to learn how to add the ubiquitous rivet to your own jewelry-making repertoire, the March 2010 Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist is just the issue for you. (You can also catch my classes and demos at Bead Fest Philadelphia.)

		See the details of the process In my column, Cool Tools and Hip Tips I’ll show you how to make both tube and wire rivets just like a pro–in thorough detail. If you’ve never made a rivet and you’d like to try it, check it out. You’ll see every step of the process, from measuring, drilling, sawing, and setting to finishing your rivets. Our detailed process photos get in close to show you how to create tube and wire rivets.

		Learn how to create riveted links In the same issue, the incomparable Connie Fox has created a tribute to Frida Kahlo in the form of a multi-metal linked bracelet that is entirely cold-connected with rivets, jump rings, and micro hardware. Connie Fox reveals the facility of rivets in creating beauty in form and function.

		Riveted art jewelry with glamour Plus, our cover artist, Nanz Aalund, an accomplished goldsmith and well-known metalsmithing instructor, created this fantastic riveted gemstone pendant using a beautiful faceted gemstone and textured sterling silver. Nanz Aalund’s stunning riveted gemstone and silver pendant shows how elegant and upscale rivets can be.

		But wait, there’s more! Later in the year, we’ll have more on cold connections, particularly in May, when we’ll feature a riveted cuff bracelet formed in a hydraulic press by popular Bead Fest instructor, Jack Berry, one of my favorite metalsmithing buddies! Here is Jack Berry’s amazing hydraulic-press formed and riveted sterling cuff bracelet–awesome!

Keep up with the whole year of trends and techniques
We’ll keep you up to date all yearlong, with the very latest in tools and materials. I’ve planned a Jump Ring Megaguide in my Cool Tools column for our August 2010 issue, when you’ll learn how to make them, use them, and texture them using several different metals. May will feature a comprehensive guide to jewelry-making supplies, and every issue is a feast of beautiful jewelry designs and inspiring techniques–we’re talking 12 issues of pure jewelry-making fun. Subscribe to Jewelry Artist so you don’t miss a single page!

Easy Wire and Beads–and a New Free Earring Project

Leslie Rogalski — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:00:00 GMT

Can a Bead Lover Love Wire?

When you make a pair of earrings, do you start with wire and add beads? Or, do you have beads you want to use and choose wire as your framework? Though I love the linear design possibilities in wire itself, I usually use wire to be, shall we say, the branch from which to hang the fruit––the beads.


		Fastest earrings I ever made I especially like using discs, such as these lampworked beauties by JoAnne Zekowski. Few earring designs are faster than this: Use a round-nose pliers to bend a ball-end head-pin loop large enough to capture your bead and carefully bring the ball to the wire so the bead is secure but hangs nicely. Bend the long wire end around a pencil for the part that goes through your ear, and you’re finished!

		Add detail with wirework You can stop right here and have a nice little pair of earrings. Or, play with another piece of wire and make a dangle for your earrings. Try an easy spiral and hammer it into a solid form.

		Wire wrap it up Attach your spiral to the disc with a wire-wrapped loop, large enough to capture the wheel. Make a simple wire-wrapped loop beneath the focal bead, then attach the spiral with another simple wire-wrapped loop.

		Adding elements I added another dangle to the spiral with a jump ring, so you can see that adding beads or other elements to your wirework––or using wire with your beads––can be SO easy.

		FREE wire and beads project! Take our free project this week, Custom Wire Shanks for Any Beads, from editor in chief of Step by Step Wire Jewelry, Denise Peck. She simply hammers a wire shank on which to string her fave beads. See how easily you can incorporate beads and wire in your jewelry!


		Totally Twisted! Wire and beads can really get a party started when you bring more color to the mix and advance your wireworking. You have to see Kerry Bogert’s new book, *Totally Twisted*. It’s a celebration!

Which comes first for you, the wire or the beads? Share your wired beadwork––or beaded wirework in our Gallery on Beading Daily. Wire and beads, wahoo!

Try 4 New Wire Design Trends

Jean Campbell — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:00:00 GMT

		What's coming up in wire style I was at a restaurant with friends recently, and there was a psychic set up in the corner. I figured, why not? So I bellied up to her table and she began . . . “Ah, you’re working too much, but it’s going to pay off . . . ” Well, that’s good, I thought. Then she pulled out a little crystal ball and said, “You’re going to be doing something on television soon . . . and there will be a powerful man entering your life that will help you!” Heck, with news like that, I’m going to visit this restaurant every other week. It doesn’t matter if the psychic’s predictions are accurate or not . . . I just got a kick out of that crystal ball. So I thought I’d pull out my own 8mm crystal ball, rally up my innate psychic abilities, and do a little forecasting for 2010 in the wonderful world of wirework:

		More than just round wire Differently shaped wire—other than round—has been around forever, but I’ve been seeing more and more of it used lately in wire projects. I think as the year progresses we’ll see even more projects using half-round and square wire, such as these Whimsical Wire Earrings by Kathleen Urban, and we'll see more vendors carrying these different wire shapes.

		Tight, neat wirework For a long time, free-form, unstructured wirework was all the rage. But I think this year there will be more of a focus on tight, neat wirework. That’s not to say tight and neat can’t be fanciful, but I envision more dedication to tight coils, intricate wraps, and intertwining loops. Check out Opposites Attract by Cristina Amador in the current issue of *Step by Step Wire Jewelry* to see just what I’m talking about.

		Wire weaving The jewelry makers who have experimented with coiling and wrapping are looking for more. I see weaving and knitting with wire seem to be growing more popular. But I also see this moving beyond just a trend and developing into its own strong area of jewelry design. If you’re curious about what I’m talking about, check out Joyce Borower's Chinese Lantern Pendant on the Interweave Store.

		Alternative metal A few years ago, all you saw was sterling silver wire. But jewelry makers seem to be embracing other types of metals, including copper, iron, and steel-all considerably less expensive. When you subscribe to Step by Step Wire Jewelry you'll see a whole year of inspirational projects, many using these other metals-such as Mary Tucker's gorgeous copper Spiral Locket.

What’s in your crystal ball for wire jewelry in 2010? Do you see it in your future? Please share your visions here on Beading Daily.

A Treasury of Beadwork Back Issues in 1 CD

Leslie Rogalski — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:00:00 GMT

Marlene Blessing is the editorial director of Beadwork					*A Treasury of Beadwork* in 1 CD** A challenge was put to the editors of Beadwork to choose their favorite sources of inspiration from the entire year of 2007. This is the year presented in Beadwork’s first CD collection, every page of every issue. I didn’t envy Melinda Barta and Marlene Blessing their task, but at the same time, what fun to revisit such a fabulous year for Beadwork! Please welcome Marlene and Melinda as they share what they most enjoyed from Beadwork 2007. -- LR, editor Beading Daily
Marlene Blessing, editorial director:

		The Master Classes The Master Classes in the 2007 issues of Beadwork really helped me take my own work to the next level. One of the juiciest, most helpful of all was artist Marcia DeCoster’s project that taught “the joy of beading components.” After making her Crystal Flowerette Earrings, I understood even better how so much of beadweaving is simply creating a collection of very doable components and then connecting them!

		The Beaded Bag competition Every other year, we’ve had a themed bead art competition at Beadwork to showcase seed beads as a true art medium. I was in awe of the entries for The Beaded Bag in 2007. One that I turn to for inspiration again and again is Diane Fitzgerald’s beautiful embellished and suspended Flowering Pyramid. Someday—when I grow up . . .!

Inspiring ancient-modern design
I love, love, love designs that are adaptations of ancient jewelry. Jennifer VanBenschoten’s Back to Byzantium is one of my favorites, with its use of bronze, steel, and silver seed beads to re-create the feeling of a Byzantine-style gold necklace she saw in a museum.

Melinda Barta, editor:

The Seeds department
Of all the 2007 departments Seeds is my favorite—hands down. Written by seed-bead expert Dustin Wedekind, he gifted us each issue with can’t-miss lessons in seed beading. One that I return to again and again is his Peyote-Netted Buttons. Even if my end goal isn’t a button covered in beads, his formula for making smooth peyote increases is invaluable.


Samples from Dustin Wedekind's Seeds Column

Beaded shoes
I’ll take a wild guess that shoes, second only to beading, top the list of what our readers love most. Well, you’ve never seen shoes like those intricately beaded by artist Paula Rasmus DeDe. In Transforming the Ordinary with Beads, author Donna J. Goldsmith highlights Paula’s most whimsical, wild, and irresistible sculptural beadworks that are guaranteed to inspire all crafters.

Mixed-media box designs
Though I consider myself a lover of all crafts, my heart belongs to mixed media. That’s why I often revisit the projects made by the staff of Beadwork in Keepsake Keepers: Beaded Containers for Your Special Somethings. From the bead-embroidered bags by Danielle Fox and Marlene Blessing to the box I made to hold wedding rings, inspiration abounds.

Visit with old friends!
As I said, I can’t wait to revisit Beadwork 2007 myself. It will be so convenient because I can do it from my laptop, a virtual visit with old friends! Tell us what most inspired you from Beadwork 2007 here on Beading Daily.

Odd-count Peyote Trick PLUS Free Peyote eBook

Leslie Rogalski — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:44:00 GMT

Combine for convenience Two of my favorite stitches are peyote and brick. The funny thing is, they look almost identical. The beads fit together in the same pattern. Brick looks like peyote turned on its side, or the other way around. They're just stitched in a different way, and brick stitch makes a slightly firmer piece of beadwork than something worked in peyote. Because of this similarity, it’s easy to switch from peyote stitch to brick stitch in your beadwork. Add a row for odd-count peyote symmetry Many artists prefer working in the slightly speedier even-count peyote to avoid doing the twisty turn needed in every row in odd-count. But, they want the symmetry afforded by odd-count peyote. So they work a piece in even-count, leaving the last row out of their work––and add the last side row in brick stitch. Neat trick! Can you more experienced beaders tell which is which in these photos? Bet you can't! (Answer below.)



Simple switch from stitch to stitch It’s easy to turn even-count peyote into odd-count with a row of brick. Simply start working brick off the side of your peyote strip:



1: At the end of your peyote stitching, weave through the beads to exit the end of the row.		2: String 2 beads––always start a row of brick with 2 beads––and pass your needle under the threads bridging the beads beneath in the previous row.



3: Pass up through the second bead just strung.		4: Pull snug and complete the row stringing 1 bead at a time. Continue to work in brick or peyote to expand your piece.

FREE peyote eBook! Want to play with peyote and try the brick trick for odd-count? Download our Beading Daily collection of 5 easy peyote projects, including the rings I wear on Beads, Baubles, and Jewels that so many of you have been asking for.

Seed Bead Fusion Combinations of stitches are fun whether they are shortcuts or enhancements. For some striking examples of stitch and material combos check out Seed Bead Fusion by Rachel Nelson Smith. And, her unique color combinations may be convenient solutions to your design decisions.

Which stitch was which? The peyote-stitched sampler is on the left at the top and was used in the step shots, too. Let us know if you have other peyote tricks you can share, right here on Beading Daily.

Must-Have Metalsmithing Tools for Jewelers

Jean Campbell — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT

		What if I did more than think about making metal jewelry? I’ve been guilty of what-iffing everything to death lately. . . . What if I would have pursued that med-school degree? What if I had stayed on the coast? What if we got rid of our mortgage and cars and all the trappings that come with the suburban life and moved to Tuscany? Ah, the what-ifs: So cliché, so typically middle age . . . But one what-if I haven’t been able to get out of my head is this: What if I got off my rumpus and did more traditional metalsmithing? I started my jewelry-making trajectory that way, so why not get back to that, or at least brush up on some of those old skills to inform my beadwork?

Then a miracle happened: Leslie Rogalski sent me a huge brick of a book called The Workbench Guide to Jewelry Techniques. In this fantastic textbook––over 300 pages––author Anastasia Young describes and illustrates dozens and dozens of jewelry-making techniques, from setting bezels to enameling, from riveting to soldering, from fusing to electroforming—all in one big hardcover book. It's a lifelong, jewelry-making reference source, dotted with inspirational eye candy, with wonderful sections on design and business to get that what-if jeweler inside you off the couch and into the studio. Basic Tools Like most good jewelry-making books, Young includes a comprehensive Tools and Materials section. She’s got everything in there, from bench pegs to emery sticks. But if you’re a beader, chances are you won’t need those right off when you start dabbling in other, more beefy jewelry-making techniques. So let me suggest five tools from my metalsmithing days—beyond the selection of pliers that I know most of you have—that I find myself using with my current work, even though it’s primarily bead-related. I’d consider these must-haves as you plump up your stash for your next step into jewelry making:

		Chasing hammer This type of hammer (on left), with one flat face and one round face, works well for riveting and texturing metal.

		Nylon mallet I use a nylon mallet (on right) for work-hardening bent wire as well as for tapping metal into shape without marring it.


		Steel block Use a steel block (I use the face of an antique iron) as a base for hammering and riveting.

		Needle files These fine-toothed files not only come in handy for smoothing the edges of cut sheet metal but also for nicking the burrs off the ends of cut wire.

		Rotary drill It’s great to have a full-on drill press in a jewelry-making studio but not always practical. A small variable-speed rotary drill such as this one is a great substitute.

What other tools have you brought to your bead table that might qualify as metalsmithing tools? Share with us on the website. In the meantime, I think I’m going to dash away that what-iffing and fire up the torch!

7 Tips for Redesigning Jewelry

Michelle Mach — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT

Second Chances

As part of my "get organized" resolution, I've been cleaning my studio (a.k.a. "unfinished basement"). One cardboard box in the corner held my first necklaces. Some were badly made, but others were just no longer me. And some, like the necklace with spiky rubber neon green beads, fell into the "What was I thinking?" category.

Before I wrote the "Take 2" article for the spring issue of Stringing, I would have tucked these beading disasters away forever. But now that I've seen the spectacular redesign results of designers Danielle Fox, Andrew Thornton, Molly Schaller, and Denise Yezbak Moore, I firmly believe that almost every piece of unworn jewelry (except perhaps neon necklaces) deserves a second chance.

If you have jewelry that you never wear or pieces that just won't sell, maybe it's time to give them another look. Here are some tips I've uncovered:

7 Tips for Redesigning Jewelry

1: Be open to possibilities. Just because you start with one idea doesn't mean you need to stick with it. I intended just to restring my bracelet (shown below), but as I worked, I realized that I'd prefer a necklace. (Bracelets make such a racket when you're typing at the computer!)

2: Ask for feedback. Get opinions from someone you trust. Sometimes it's easier for others to spot problems than it is to see them ourselves.

3: Seek inspiration. Page through copies of Stringing, study reader galleries on the Beading Daily forums, and paw through your bead stash or local bead shop. What catches your eye?

4: Start small. While a necklace might need a total overhaul, often changing just one element, such as a focal or clasp, will be enough to make it work.

5: Take a photo. If you're nervous about taking a piece apart, take a photo of it first. This will give you a security blanket. You can always reconstruct the original piece if you don't like the new results.

6: Go back to Square One. If you're unhappy with a piece of jewelry, but don't know what to do to improve it, think back to why you were inspired to make the piece in the first place. If it was a color combination that you loved, for instance, make that your springboard for another design.

7: Wear it. Some flaws–a faulty clasp, a too-short necklace–only become apparent with the piece on. Figure out why your piece doesn't fit comfortably, then fix it.

My "Before" Bracelet and "After" Necklace

I enjoyed this redesign process so much that I redid a second piece in addition to the one in Stringing.

I'm sharing it exclusively on Beading Daily.

After: The redesigned necklace has an edgier, more modern look with gunmetal chain and an enamel clasp.

Before: This bracelet was too sweet
for my personal taste.

Be sure to check out all five sets of before and after photos in the spring issue of Stringing, along with nearly 100 new necklace, bracelet, and earring designs (including some with great floral ceramic beads!), tips on how to sell your jewelry at outdoor shows, and where to get the latest woodland creature beads and the cutest little raku house beads I've ever seen.

While we wait for our copies of Stringing to arrive, tell us your tales of redesign. Have you ever redesigned a piece? Why or why not?

Share your ideas here on Beading Daily.

Free Seed Bead Project–Plus Preview Beads, Baubles, and Jewels

Leslie Rogalski — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT

		The secret behind a successful show When it comes to getting all the cool Beads, Baubles, and Jewels stuff, you have it easy. Just watch and learn! But weeks of preparation happen before the show you see. For Marlene Blessing and myself, as the two editors featured on the show, the fun you see online or on TV is the result of many, many hours of preparation and creative outpouring–for each episode! So today I want to tell the story of the evolution of what I do before you see our manicured fingers on the air. Learn the stitch I know lots of stitches but not nearly all. Sometimes I have to learn them first myself. I know–what a terrible job having to learn bead stitches–just remember, I have to master them to be able to teach them to you. For the latest taping of season 12, which will be available in Spring 2010, I learned two new stitches–St. Petersburg and the chevron stitch. I look at projects from Beadwork and books, then I practice, practice, practice. I make little samplers in different beads to get comfy with the new stitch and see which shape and size beads work best, then show you my most successful samplers on the air. I probably make about 8–10 samplers to get the hang of a stitch, but you see only the ones that turn out. No use confusing you with my goofs!



The chevron stitch was pretty easy to learn, and I made samplers using Delica as well as Czech seed beads, trying patterns of color in multiple rows of the stitch.

Step-by-step illustrations and bead samplers
Next, I create digital illustrations of beads arranged in position as they appear when you stitch them, print those diagrams, and then draw the thread paths for the taping of that lesson. It's a bit like watching animation. (I use Adobe Illustrator, for any techies out there.) I also stitch actual beads, step by step, to match the diagrams. With only a few minutes for each actual lesson on the air, I have the steps already stitched in stages, to teach you the most in a brief lesson.



Here’s one of my chevron-stitch diagrams and related step-by-step beadwork from the Beads, Baubles, and Jewels show that will be released Spring 2010.

Finished examples
I try to have some finished piece of jewelry on display with each lesson. If I haven’t made something yet myself, I sometimes get other editors to give me items, but mostly I try to make more complete pieces myself. I wish I had time to bring every sampler to fruition! Multiply this by 10 or 12 techniques, and you get the idea of how much love and time go into my segments.



This is a picot-trim-lesson diagram and sampler and a detail of an almost-finished cuff.

Taking it to the next step
The lessons I teach for Beads, Baubles, and Jewels are basic techniques. But I want you to see how you can take your work to new heights once you know the basics. So, I sleep less and bead more to create a finished piece that’s a step or two beyond the ABC of a stitch. I did this with one of my newly learned stitches, one I decided I loved, the St. Petersburg stitch.



These St. Pete samplers use seed beads (green Czech and blue Delicas shown here) since I'm the seed-bead DoodleBeads lady for Beads, Baubles, and Jewels.

Stitch satisfaction I had to satisfy my own hunger to play with this new stitch and something in a style of ethnicity I’m exploring. So, I made a necklace using more nontraditional beads in this traditional seed-bead stitch. Look at the different character that emerged using the same basic stitch as a jumping off point, but with non-seed beads and modifying the stitch with extra embellishment.

(Please visit the site to view this media)

The best lesson you can get from Beads, Baubles, and Jewels is that once you know the basics, you have the power to keep going. Be inspired to play. Practice the stitches, the styles, get comfy with all the other materials and techniques each complete season showcases, and it won’t be long until you’ll go beyond the basics in your own work. Ready to be inspired? Check out the DVD of the 11th season of Beads, Baubles, and Jewels!

Watch my tubular herringbone lesson here!

Free Tubular Herringbone Project!
Here's a great basic stitch project that becomes a more sophisticated finished piece. Featured in this series, the Earthy Zen necklace by Marlene Blessing combines the tubular herringbone stitch you'll learn in Season 11 of Beads, Baubles and Jewels with trendy chain and metal focal dangles.

Ready to go beyond the basics? Which new stitch from the 11th season of Beads, Baubles, and Jewels will you choose to explore? Try some little samplers like I do. Share with us on Beading Daily and post your samplers in our gallery.

Bead on!

Get 6 New Free Wire Projects

Jean Campbell — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT

Last year I traveled to the Tucson bead shows with a friend who will remain nameless a) because most of you know who she is, and b) you’d just be dang jealous. You’d not only be jealous because I got to travel with her (she’s one of the grande dames of beading!), but jealous because she’s a master at getting stuff for free. I’m telling you, this lady can talk her way into a free lunch, a discounted hotel room, or a reduced-rate car rental quicker than you can say “double-coupon Tuesday."

I, on the other hand, am horrible at this, so I took copious notes. Seems as though winking helps . . . and lots of jokes . . . oh, and rapid-fire, firm suggestions to store managers seem to help, too. But who am I kidding? I’ll never be able to pull off that kind of bold behavior. I DO know where to get free stuff on Beading Daily, though! Not only are there dozens of free projects available on Beading Daily but just look at the column to your right . . . see all those free downloads? Those are like mini magazines, and they really are free. No obligations, other than to become a Beading Daily member (which also costs zilch), and there’s nothing to do but download and create. Here's what I think about these projects, and a bit more about each design quoted right from the book to free your desire for wire. Enjoy!

Ballpoint Earrings by Karen Tihor

New to wireworking? Try this super easy project that will make your ears all swirly.

These are easy little earrings that can be made quickly with the simplest of tools. The earring is worn by actually winding the spiraled part of the wire through the ear, making them easy to wear, but impossible to lose!

Spiraled Toggle meets the Spiraled Knotted Bangle by Pepper Mentz

The title of this project reads like a long movie title, but the project itself—which features coiling wire—isn’t tough to make at all.

As many of us know, one project often leads into another. Pepper felt this toggle was so much fun to make she decided to create an entire bangle in the same style.


		Bangle Bracelet by Connie Fox Connie has created a design that's so easy and comfortable, you’ll probably wear it out from overuse. Practice with copper wire first before moving to the more expensive sterling silver. This beginner project includes step-by-step photographs.

		Geometric Bracelet by Jodi Bombardier Providing a little more challenge, this project is the pinnacle of wirework chic. Like Mondrian meets Fred Flintstone. This bracelet can take on different looks by making it wide or narrow, using different-colored wires, or hammering your frame for texture before adding beads–just have fun with your imagination.

		Moroccan Dangle Necklace by Barb Switzer This little beauty reads like a lacy stitched collar, but huzzah! It’s made with wire, which means it would probably survive a desert caravan ride. Barb was inspired to make this necklace by an incredible Moroccan dining experience. The restaurant's decor was very ornate, and all the arches and doorways were surrounded by tile mosaics. The curves and colors of this necklace are inspired by the exotic shapes and spices of faraway places.

		Queen of Hearts Necklace by Heidi Hermreck A cacophony of chain and beaded dangles, putting this project together would be great practice for wrapped loops, and the resulting piece would be the perfect accessory for Valentine’s Day . . . or President’s Day . . . or Groundhog Day . . . or Secretary’s Day . . . This necklace combines a detailed chain with an eye-catching centerpiece and vivacious charms filled with Venetian glass beads, Swarovski crystals, and American-made cane glass.

So there you have it—six great wireworked projects to play with. Got any other suggestions for where to find free beady stuff or how I can reduce the rate on my hotel room in Tucson in February? Tell us about it here on Beading Daily.

Make Time for Making Jewelry!

Leslie Rogalski — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT

What issue was that annealing feature in?
I can't tell you how many times I've ransacked my bookcase of back issues of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, looking for something I just know we ran but can't remember when, or knowing the issue, but not being able to find it. It makes me crazy pulling all the magazines out and seeing them strewn across the floor, wasting my time. If only I had a back-issue butler or something to keep me better organized!

Find designs fast with searchable and clickable CDs
Now there is something! The new annual compilations of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist deliver an entire year's worth of magazines on one convenient CD. CDs are much easier to store, take up less space, and best of all are easy to search–just pop one into my laptop, and voilå! Every issue from that year, cover to cover. I can click onto each contents page see if it contains the project or feature I'm after and just move on to the next issue. Check out my favorites from this collection:

		Sensuous designs *The first CD compilation of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist* is from 2007, a gem of a year. For example, we did that piece on artist Michael Good. Every time I look at a piece of jewelry or larger sculpture by Michael Good I'm thrilled all over again at the sheer beauty of his forms. Good is the leading figure in curving metal in opposing directions. That doesn't sound so amazing, but in his hands the technique gives rise to the most engaging, sensuous, just gorgeous pins, neckpieces, bracelets, and more. The issue showcases a pair of very simple but wonderful earrings that Good made and includes many more examples of his designs–along with detailed illustrations for how to stretch and compress metal into these voluptuous curves. (Photo: Hap Sakwa)

		Tempting cold-connected bracelet I liked this bracelet from the December 2007 issue so much that I almost "borrowed" it for an evening out while it was in the office awaiting photography. Created by our Managing Editor Helen Driggs, the Multi-Metal & Cold-Connected bracelet does not require a torch, and Helen gives great instructions for making it, plus some great tips on tools for this project and some cool ideas for texturing metal that you can apply to anything you want. Every jewelry-maker in our office either wanted to make one or buy one! (Photo: Jim Lawson)

		Sunstone: The Party Gem In September 2007, we focused on sunstone, one of my absolute favorite gems! I love the warm peachy range of color and the little spangles of native copper that glitter inside. It's a party stone if ever there was one! A lot of readers don't get to see the art forms in single stones and gems, so these features are eye-opening. It's incredible to read about how gems are created. Sometimes we take things for granted when we use materials which have already been made ready for our own work by the hands of another artist. Gem carving is one of those fascinating craft forms. (Photo: Lee-Carraher. Stone carved by Sherris Cottier-Shank.)

		Learn how to anneal Even if you use cold connections for your metal jewelry, annealing your metal is very important. What exactly happens to metal when you hammer it that makes it brittle, and how does heating it fix it? "The Lowdown on Annealing," also in the September issue, tells all and gives great tips from some of the best metalsmiths in the country, including noted author Tim McCreight. This is definitely one of those features I'd be looking for again and again.

Always available
I'd never give up my print issues, but I just love how easy it is to go through the issues on our Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist 2007 collection CD plus it gives me access to any issues I might have misplaced, especially any that are out of print. I just wish we had every year on CD right now--but we're getting there. Watch for 2006 coming soon.

Of course, a butler would still be nice . . .

How to Wire Spool Knit in 7 Easy Steps

Leslie Rogalski — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:00:00 GMT

How to Wire Spool Knit in 7 Easy Steps

One of my favorite toys as a kid was a red spinning wheel. Once the ends of my yarn were attached to pegs on a spindle, I turned the wheel and flipped loops of yarn over the yarn already on each peg. Around and around went my wheel, and out came a long rope, which I coiled and stitched into hats, potholders and more potholders. I had no idea at the time it was spool knitting! I totally forgot about that toy spinning wheel until I was introduced to wire spool knitting. What fun to rediscover the same technique with wire! I have modified a tutorial with photos from Jean Campbell, to show you basic spool knitting, and included my tips and method for how to add beads as you work.

Basic wire spool knitting tips
Keep your loops as consistent as you can in size. Be careful when you pull the wire loops over the pegs, as thinner gauges of wire can easily break. Wire knit ropes will stretch and thin out a bit. You do not need a long length for a nice bracelet, especially if adding accent beads.

Step 1	Step 2
1: Wrap thin wire (28-gauge) around the first peg, leaving a long enough tail to poke down through the spool. You use this tail as you work to gently tug your knitted rope through the spool.		2: Wrap the wire around all the subsequent pegs, making sure all the wraps wind around in the same direction. Go around again so there are two wraps on every peg.

Step 3
3: Use the pointed tool to grab the bottom wrap. Pull it over the top wrap and up and over the peg. Repeat around for each peg. Do not to pull too hard with the tool to force the wire over the pegs, as thin gauge wire can easily break.

Step 4		Step 5
4: Wrap the pegs again and repeat Step 3 for the desired length. Once you have a few rounds finished, tug gently on the tail to pull some of the rope into the spool.		5: Remove the knitting by using the pointed tool to gently pull the wire off the pegs. Use the remaining knitting wire at the ends to weave through the end loops so the knitting doesn't come undone. Keep this finishing part small and tight. Most people pull the tied-off ends into an end cone, so your twists will be nicely hidden.

Step 6		Step 7
6: There are several things you can do with your knitted tube. One is to pull it through a wooden draw plate, creating a crushed chain. Rolling it on a table with your hands will also lengthen and slim the rope.		7: Jean's favorite technique is to simply pop a bead inside the tube and squeeze the wire at the top and bottom of the bead to secure it in place.

Spool knitting with beads and wire I love spool knitting wire with beads. Pre-string beads on your wire before starting, leaving the wire on the spool. Better to string more than you think you'll need than too few. Beads must be small enough to fit inside the knitter spool as you work.


Make loops around each peg as usual, simply bringing up a bead between each peg before making the next wrapped loop.		I found the best way to fit beads inside the spool was to knit alternating rounds: a round with beads, a round of just wire, a round with beads, and so on.

After the rope is finished, adding end cones and accent beads is really fun.

A drawing overlays over this photo, showing a wire loop capturing the knitted rope inside the cone, coming through the cone and accents, culminating in the final wrapped loop.

Two of my finished spool knitted bracelets.

Finish the bracelet with end cones and accents
Tie-off and secure the rope the same as in Step 5. You only need a short rope for a cool bracelet–the really fun part is choosing great end cones and accent beads. My ropes are only about 4-5" long, so I have room to add cones, beads and the clasp. Remember the knitting will stretch a bit, too. You can always add beads to make the bracelet longer.

Use wire-wrapped loops to attach the cones and clasp

To attach through an end cone and add a clasp, use about 5 inches of a slightly heavier gauge wire (24 or 20 is good) to make a tiny, simple, wire-wrapped loop secured to your rope end. On the long straight part of this wire you can now string your bead cone, pushing it down to obscure the end of the knit rope. String a focal bead or two. Push all the beads and cone as snug as possible to the rope, making sure the rope end is really inside the cone. Make another wire-wrapped loop holding those beads snug to the rope, onto which you can attach your clasp.

Step-by-step photos like these are valuable teaching aids, but isn't it even better to watch a technique in action? Of course! So be sure to check out our video projects, especially instant-access lessons such as the Ionic Column Earrings downloadable class from Beaducation!

And when you try spool knitting, keep us in the loop on Beading Daily.

How to Become a Stitch Pro

Jean Campbell — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT

New for Beadwork in 2010

I get a kick out of seeing the reaction on some people’s faces when I tell them what I do for a living. “I design, teach, and write about beading.” Yep, it’s an unusual job, all right. It came about from my inborn curiosity about how things can be constructed by tiny elements. Over the years, it’s been a delightful challenge to delve ever deeper into the medium, learning through texts, other beaders, vendors, and antique beadwork, so that I can share my discoveries with people like you. One new way I get to do this is through a new column in Beadwork magazine called “Stitch Pro." In each column I’ll show new beaders how to do a basic off-loom technique, then pizzazz it up a little for those fellow experts out there, in hopes of being a catalyst for experimentation.

Want to become a Stitch Pro, too?
Most people new to beading don’t realize that there are stitches beyond peyote and brick, and that even within those two stitches there are dozens of variations to learn. Here’s a quick checklist of the most popular techniques. Why not use it as a syllabus as you become a Stitch Pro, too? Track down each technique, try it, then master it. You can get expert instruction and additional ideas on bead stitching six times a year with Beadwork magazine.

Technique	Variations	Tried it	Mastered it
Peyote stitch	Even-count peyote stitch
	Odd-count peyote stitch
	Circular peyote stitch
	Tubular peyote stitch
	Sculptural peyote stitch
Brick stitch	Flat brick stitch
	Circular brick stitch
	Tubular brick stitch
	Sculptural brick stitch
Right-angle weave	Flat right-angle weave
	Circular right-angle weave
	Sculptural right-angle weave
	Dimensional right-angle weave
Square stitch	Flat square stitch
	Circular square stitch
	Tubular square stitch
	Sculptural square stitch
Herringbone stitch	Flat herringbone stitch
	Circular herringbone stitch
	Tubular herringbone stitch
	Sculptural herringbone stitch
Ladder stitch	Single ladder stitch
Ladder stitch	Stacked ladder stitch
Triangle weave	Flat triangle weave
Netting	Flat netting
	Circular netting
	Tubular netting
Spirals	Simple spiral
	Dutch spiral
	Russian spiral
Fringe	Simple fringe
	Branch fringe
	Looped fringe
	Twisted fringe
	Netted fringe

How many of these stitches do you have checked off your list right now? Which ones aren’t on the list, but you’ve got them mastered? Share your thoughts on Beading Daily.

Learn Circular Brick Stitch with Beading Daily

Leslie Rogalski — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT

But first, a Beading Daily exclusive invitation
Win prizes! Eat! Drink! Meet new and exciting people! No, not your office party . . . I'm talking Bead Fest Philly in August, 2010. You're invited to our first ever, in-person, Beading Daily Bead Fest meet-up. Yes, we are giving you plenty of advance notice to save the date. This will be an exclusive, free event just for members. (Not to worry if you're not a member yet. Join online any time or sign up at the door. We're easy.)

And speaking of Beading Daily exclusives, here's a special preview of a technique for you. Circular brick stitch is one of my favorite stitches. It's easy to learn and completely adaptable to an infinite variety of bead sizes, shapes, and materials. This is a really basic mini-lesson, working seed beads around a central bead. If you find you like doing it, consider my Green Circle Brick workshop at Bead Fest Santa Fe in March or at Bead Fest Philly in August. Or, consider one of over a hundred other fabulous Bead Fest classes.

Your circular brick-stitch lesson
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.

Bead Fest Philly classes are online now
Go ahead, sign up to learn that stitch you always admired. Don't wait for all the best seats to be filled by someone else––register for workshops (maybe even mine) today. And stay tuned for more about our Beading Daily meet-up at beadfest.com and right here on Beading Daily. For the latest information on all upcoming Bead Fest events, sign up for the Bead Fest e-mail newsletter and start planning for your next event today!

Top Beading Daily Projects from 2009

Leslie Rogalski — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:40:00 GMT

Beading Daily Readers' Favorite e-Projects from 2009 This is my first post for 2010, so Happy New Year! Before the holidays I buzzed around the forums chatting with you about what projects you like on Beading Daily. It became clear there were leaders of the pack in favorite technique and materials. I’m still fairly new as your editor, so this was a delightful introduction for me, at least to those of you on the forums. I learned that not every Beading Daily member calls themselves a beader, that we are men as well as women, teen to senior, and that we live all over the world, from the Americas to New Zealand. What we all have in common is our desire to be creative and not only learn to be better ourselves but to help others grow, too. Whether we call ourselves a beader or otherwise, we enjoy being online friends through Beading Daily. Jewelry makers of the world, unite! Better still, jewelry makers–unite the world! That's our Beading Daily call to action for 2010. Here are the three most popular designs in each of our major jewelry-making categories on Beading Daily: stringing, beadweaving, and wirework.

Mixed media leads the trend in stringing A common interest in using new materials in stringing designs was and continues to be reflected in which projects you liked best online. You made these the top downloads of all our stringing projects this past year. It’s clear that youthful, mixed-media styles and components continue to be hot. One thing is for sure: however you put your jewelry together, you all love using beads somewhere in your designs!


Brass Filigree Snowflake by Jess Italia-Lincoln	Chirp Chirp by Danielle Fox	October Shore by Cynthia Thornton

We itch to stitch! Seed beads and beadweaving hold us in their power and we love being captivated! Peyote and right angle weave were our favorite beadweaving techniques in e-Books, but individual techniques with high popularity ratings included brick stitch and caddis weave.

Crystal Radiance by Tina Koyama	Caddis Weave Bracelet by Anne Fletcher	Two-drop Peyote Beaded Beads by Dustin Wedekind

Our wire desires We loved wire spirals, coils, and anything wrapped this year. I do have to point out that no matter which project you loved best, almost every wire project incorporated beads, especially artisan-made beads or crystals. Watch for more wire and bead designs to be a strong trend in 2010.

Coiled Gem Drops by Janice Berkebile	Caramel Swirl by Cindy Wimmer	Raindrop Earrings by Jenna Kolyar-Cooper


Look to us for top trends in 2010 All our projects reflect how our magazines, books, videos, and designers are ahead of the curve when it comes to keeping up with the latest materials, styles, and trends. Be sure to browse the Interweave Store regularly so you can keep up, too. And to help Beading Daily bring jewelry-makers closer together, comment below on the trends in materials and hottest jewelry styles showing up in your corner of the world. Again, Happy New Year!

Jean Campbell’s Favorite Beading Daily Projects

Jean Campbell — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT

It’s not only a new year, but a new decade! Can you believe it? Just think about what you were doing ten years ago. I was the editor of Beadwork magazine with a toddler toddling about, a wild-man kindergartner, a husband getting his umpteenth degree, and a really bad hairdo. Now I look at my deep-voiced 6' 3" boy, my door-slamming hormone-challenged girl, and my professor husband, and think . . . where did the decade go?

But instead of getting too wrapped up in lost time, I think I’ll celebrate instead. For one, I’ve got a better hairdo, and that alone is worth celebrating. I’ll also celebrate this new decade (and my 100th blog!) by perusing all 1,035 projects in the Interweave store and picking out a dozen of my favorites. Disclaimer: This was a near-impossible list to make. Have you been to the store lately? There are lots and lots of wonderful projects there, my friend—you’ll have a hard time choosing, too.

1: Sky High Ring

Janet Kay Skeen’s pancake-stack rings are so whimsical and so wonderfully Janet.

2: Frosted Flower Necklace

This sculptural brick-stitch wonder by Kerry Slade is so delicate and pretty.

3: Jeweled Pea Pods

Janice Berkebile’s simple wireworked pods have a contemporary flair, like something you’d drool over at a museum shop.

4: Tribal Shield Copper Earrings

Tom and Kay Benham’s copper design is simple enough for beginning metalworkers to do, plus I just love that they are in this store, even though this is a beading site!

5: Turquoise Couture

These right-angle weave earrings are not only beautiful, but Jennifer VanBenschoten’s design is brilliantly and simply constructed.

6: Beaded Victorian Earrings

Dale “Cougar” Armstrong’s wire and bead earrings have an elegance in a class of their own.

7: Waves of Pearls

This tour de force necklace by Miwako Nara is amazing; I know—I’ve made it this monster . . .

8: Biker Bracelet

Kate McKinnon’s tough-chick bracelet is one of those that would go with anything, but the way it’s constructed makes it incredibly durable.

9: Nautical Star Purse

Scarlett Lanson has outdone herself with this architectural masterpiece.

10: Golden-edged Ruffles

Shelley Nybakke’s signature free-form style comes shining through in this elegant and flowing project.

11: Minnesota Winter

Design genius Tina Koyama creates incredible beauty, simply with strung seed beads.

12: Ellipse Necklace

Marcia DeCoster shows us once again why she’s the right-angle-weave master with this uniquely shaped double-decker necklace.

Check out all the projects in the store to celebrate this new decade with beads. Let us know your favorites here on Beading Daily.