Daily Blogs : Chain Maille

From Chain Maille to Beads: Conquering the Dodecahedron

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:00:00 GMT

After my last couple of experiments with chain maille, I was feeling brave, so I decided to attempt my most difficult chain maille project yet: a Japanese chain maille ball, otherwise known as a dodecahedron.


Pretty little dodecahedron balls, all in a row!

I first saw this style of chain maille when I met the fabulous Kim Edwards at Bead Fest Philadelphia last August. Of course, her chain maille dodecahedron balls were a little more complex than mine, since she makes hers out of glass in a torch. I figured using metal jump rings would be much easier.

To get into the spirit of the mathematical principles behind the chain maille dodecahedron, I decided to watch a documentary about mathematics while I was working. It was a nice idea, but listening to the narrator talk about numbers and math while trying to count jump rings probably wasn't the best idea -- it took me three attempts just to get the base right!


	My two Japanese chain maille balls.

After that, though, the rest of the chain maille ball went together much easier than I thought. Once again, I found myself completely drawn into the rhythmic nature of the linking and closing of the jump rings, and the entire project went together in less than an hour. Spectacular!

I wasn't thrilled with the colors that I chose for my first dodecahedron. After looking at it on my bead tray, I had no idea what I was thinking when I picked those neon yellow and purple aluminum jump rings. Where was I, 1986? I dug through my stash of jump rings and found some lovely brown and brass rings, slightly smaller, that made a delicate and much more aesthetically pleasing Japanese chain maille ball.

Once I finished my two dodecahedron balls, I was hooked: I wanted to do more!

So, I wondered: what if I could do these with beads?

Looking at the instructions that I purchased from Blue Buddha Boutique, I devised a way using Czech fire polish beads and seed beads to make a small dodecahedron. It went together in just minutes, and now, totally obsessed, I grabbed some tiny 3mm round beads and stitched up another.


If you look closely, you can see the tiny dodecahedron sealed inside the larger ball. Fun stuff!

Then the light bulb went off in my head. I wanted to make a tiny dodecahedron and seal it within a larger one!

It was easier than I thought. The first dodecahedron went together with some more 3mm round druks in just a few minutes, and to capture it, I made a second dodecahedron using a strand of vintage glass beads from the Beadin' Path. I threaded a simple piece of leather through it, tied it around my neck, and haven't taken it off since!

What excited me most about this project is that not only did I get a big boost in confidence in my chain maille skills, I'm now hooked on the idea of how I can make and use these dodecahedron balls with my favorite round glass druks and fire polished beads. It seems like the sky is the limit!

Are you looking for ways to give your own chain maille skills a boost, and maybe find some new inspiration for your beading projects, too? Then you don't want to miss a single issue of Step By Step Wire Jewelry magazine. You'll find dozens of fabulous projects, tips, tutorials, and product reviews from all your favorite wire artists, plus fresh, new designs from emerging talent! Subscribe to Step By Step Wire Jewelry and find more ways to broaden your jewelry-making skills.

Have you ever created a beading project that was inspired by a completely different set of jewelry-making skills? Or did you combine two different mediums (like chain maille and beads) into something completely new? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and share your experiences with us. Or better yet, take a picture of your mixed-up beading project and post it in the Reader Photo Gallery!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Haiku Wire Jewelry with Guest Blogger Barb Switzer

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 07:00:00 GMT

Sometimes, the simplest designs are the most powerful. Wire jewelry made with clean lines and bold colors can make just as big a statement as a piece of wire jewelry made with intricate bends and wraps. In fact, it can actually be more difficult to create a simple piece of beautiful wire jewelry -- when you're not loading up the piece with crystals and gemstones, each bead is very important in the execution of the overall design.

Today's guest blogger on Beading Daily is the very talented bead and wire jewelry artist Barb Switzer, who shares with us her very beautiful take on what she calls Haiku Jewelry!

A Wire Jewelry Haiku

A handmade glass bead,

framed with elegant chain links,

hanging brilliantly.

Once, back in 2006, I bought beads at a show in Oakland, took them home, and turned them into jewelry before the weekend was over. The inspiration for this miracle was simple: by husband suggested that I attach a jump ring, attach some chain, and just "put together something simple." This idea shook me up. I tend to dedicate a lot of time and thought to each piece I design, and it seemed almost blasphemous to attach some bead, chain, and a clasp and call it finished. As soon as I put on the necklace -- a fine collection of Fordite beads -- I realized that there was nothing at all wrong with this straightforward approach. Honestly, it was satisfying as both a maker and wearer.

I term this very basic design concept "haiku jewelry." A purist ideal of using wire, a few beads, and findings, especially chain, can seriously increase the amount of jewelry you can complete during creative time slots. Attempts to use each treasured purchase in an eye-catching, totally new, one-of-a-kind design, often makes it impossible or too time-consuming to finish a piece of jewelry. Embracing the elemental process based on simple loops and links allows new purchases to be transformed into new jewelry post-haste.

Now be a deconstructionist. Wire jewelry is recyclable. Jump rings, clasps and chain can be re-used. A pendant can be moved to the center of a different necklace. Since you don't have to commit too much time, you can always put together a "wear it now" version of a necklace, and then remake it later on, using the same materials or completely different ones. And since metal smacks of permanence, even if you don't feel committed to a design, it won't look that way to anyone else.

Next time you find yourself with less than two hours to make a new necklace before meeting friends for dinner, dig through your stash, pick out the bead or pendant that yells loudest (or that has languished longest), and make something. Don't get caught up in the process, and keep things elemental. Remember that when that particular bead spoke to you, it had no compelling design "story." You must tell that story. There is no minimum word count, so keep it simple, and design a visual haiku.

Ready to explore your own version of wire jewelry haiku? Check out The Wireworker's Companion by Denise Peck and Jane Dickerson of Step By Step Wire Jewelry Magazine. It's perfect for beginners, with fabulous reference information about both the types of wire used in jewelry making and the tools that you'll need to work with it. More advanced wire jewelry artists will love the detailed techniques and tutorials, including how to use a micro torch and how to do chain maille!

You can pre-order your copy of The Wireworker's Companion now, or you can download the eBook onto your favorite desktop or laptop computer and be reading in just minutes! (It contains all the same great content as the print version, but in digital format.)

Do you have a great tip for someone just getting started with wire jewelry? What would you say to encourage someone to get started learning how to make wire jewelry? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and share your tips and ideas with us!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Barb Switzer has been bending wire since 1995. Originally, it was just a hobby that she loved in a ridiculous way. In 2003, she changed states, residences and committed herself to supporting herself by doing what her heart told her. She is also a trained graphic designer and production specialist with a background in printing and photography. You can contact her at beadswitzer@yahoo.com.

It's a Secret: Make This Faux Chain Maille Bracelet by Jane Dickerson

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Are you a little intimidated by the idea of making chain maille jewelry? Jewelry Making Daily's Tammy Jones felt the same way, so you're not alone! But if you're comfortable with basic wire jewelry making, you'll want to check out this technique for a faux chain maille bracelet, designed by Step-by-Step Wire Jewelry's Jane Dickerson!

Best Kept Secret Bracelet
by Jane Dickerson

I love the look of chain maille, but I'm all fingers when it comes to connecting all those jump rings. So, look what I found! Shhhh, don't tell-it's chain-maille chain! Simply attach a clasp and you'll look like you've spent hours creating this fast-and-easy bracelet.

Materials and Tools:

16" (40.5 cm) antiqued brass 9mm chain-maille chain
Shibu 35mm Saki Silver toggle clasp
2 pairs of chain nose pliers
Flush cutters


	Try this easy and fun faux chain maille bracelet, designed by Jane Dickerson

Step by step instructions:

1. Cut the chain into two 6-1/2" (16.5 cm) pieces and one 3" (7.5) piece. Place the 6-1/2" (16.5 cm) pieces of chain side by side and disconnect one end link from each end of each piece of chain. You will be removing one 9mm jump ring and two twisted 6mm jump rings from each end.

2. Open two twisted 6mm jump rings from Step 1 and connect the end ring of the chain maille to one 9mm ring. Close the jump rings. Repeat with the three other ends of chain.

3. Remove two 9mm jump rings and four twisted 6mm jump rings from the scrap chain. Attach one 9mm jump ring to one half of the clasp. Repeat for the other half of the clasp.

4. Use two twisted 6mm jump rings from Step 3 to connect the 9mm jump ring on the toggle clasp and one end link of the bracelet. Connect the end link of the parallel chain to the toggle in the same way. Use two twisted 6mm jump rings to connect the 9mm jump ring on the ring side of the clasp with one end link on the bracelet. Repeat for the parallel link.

Voila! Look how simple that is--and no one will be the wiser. (You know your secret is safe with me!)

Even if chain maille isn't your thing, you'll still find lots of fantastic wire jewelry making projects in the pages of every issue of Step-by-Step Wire Jewelry magazine! Whether you love to do wire wrapping, chain maille, or just innovative wire jewelry, you're sure to find plenty of inspiration and instruction. Subscribe to Step-by-Step Wire Jewelry magazine and feed your need to create stunning wire jewelry.

Have you found another way to imitate the look of chain maille without actually doing chain maille techniques? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and share your ideas with us!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Love Those Vintage Pearls!

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

As a kid, I spent a lot of time playing in my mother's and grandmother's jewelry boxes. When it was time to play dress-up at my grandmother's house, I always gravitated towards a triple-strand vintage pearl necklace that I eventually wore to my eighth grade dinner-dance and my high school graduation. Yes, I've always had a thing for vintage pearls, and when my dear friend sent me a wonderful collection of some cherished family heirloom jewelry last year, I was thrilled beyond words to discover that there were several necklaces made with vintage glass pearls included in my new stash of vintage jewelry.

These three imitation pearl necklaces obviously needed a little bit of TLC -- a couple of the strands had broken off of the clasps, and the findings themselves were in need of some cleaning and restoration.

How Were Faux Pearls Made?

	*Check out the pearl clasps on each of these vintage pearl necklaces in my collection! Some of them really need a little love.*

The vintage pearl beads that made up the four-strand necklace were obviously glass, since they were heavier than the other two pearl necklaces. And the pearl beads themselves were in pretty good shape, with just one or two minor blemishes that I could see.

Vintage imitation glass pearls were made by either filling the inside of a bead or coating the outside of a bead with pearl powder. After filling or coating, the glass pearl bead was dipped into different solutions of pearl film. Multiple layers of pearl coating and film resulted in a more valuable and more durable piece of pearl jewelry.

Cleaning and Storing Your Vintage Faux Pearls

Cleaning your vintage pearls is a tricky business. You don't want to use any kind of ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, nor do you want to use anything harsh with ammonia or other abrasive cleaners. The best way to clean your vintage imitation pearls is just to give them a gentle spray with some very mild detergent diluted with water in a spray bottle, then a light rinse under cool water. Don't rub them dry, or you might find the coating is flaking off -- instead, lay your pearls flat to dry on a soft, absorbent cloth.

Storing your imitation pearls is the same as storing your natural, cultured, or freshwater pearls. instead of using a plastic bag, tuck your treasured pearls into a soft, dry, cloth bag, and store them lying flat so that the thread on which they're strung doesn't stretch or break.

Coating your imitation glass pearls? Make sure you do it in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside, and use just a light coating of spray-on acrylic sealer. Allow them to dry completely before re-stringing or knotting them.

Using Vintage Pearls in a New Jewelry Design?

Now, there's nothing that says that just because you have a vintage pearl necklace, it has to stay a vintage pearl necklace. While you're giving your pearls a little loving care, why not think about ways to use them in new jewelry designs? Check out all the amazing pearl jewelry making projects in our 10 Wire and Pearl Jewelry Designs eBook. You'll find pearl necklace projects, earring projects, and bracelet projects that use your favorite wire jewelry making techniques, including chain maille and wire wrapping.

Give some new life to your favorite old pearl jewelry! Download your copy of 10 Wire and Pearl Jewelry Designs and make something fabulous today!

Do you have any vintage pearl necklaces in your stash? What are you thinking about doing with them? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and share your ideas with us!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Who's Afraid of a Teeny Tiny Microtorch?

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

It's true: if you've never used any kind of a torch, the idea of holding something in your hand that's capable of spitting out more flame than a barbecue lighter can be a little intimidating. For years, I used a single fuel torch for making my own lampwork glass beads, but the idea of using a butane torch (also called a micro torch) for jewelry making was something that scared the pants off of me.

My first experience using a micro torch was for firing precious metal clay (PMC) in a small workshop, and it really wasn't as scary as I had thought it would be. Part of feeling comfortable using a micro torch was understanding what it was for, and how to set it up. If you're curious about what the micro torch is all about, we'll learn about micro torch basics from Jewelry Making Daily contributor Kate Richbourgh!

Welcome to the world of butane torches (also known as micro torches or even crème brûlée torches)! Micro torches make creating simple soldered jewelry a breeze. I am really excited to share my favorite jewelry tool with you. Using butane micro torches can be intimidating to the novice (or even to the jewelry maker that uses a traditional torch and tank setup), so my goal is to share some tips and tricks to banish those "scary moments" and get you up and torching in no time.

Now, let's begin at the beginning.

Meet My Torches, Blazer and Max Flame
I have two torches that belong to the butane torch family. Both are durable, high powered, and specifically geared for jewelry making. I have put both of these torches "through the wringer" so to speak. They have been in constant use in the classroom and on my workbench for more than five years and are still as good as new.

My Blazer torch is the first butane torch I ever purchased that actually worked well for jewelry. I found out the hard way that with butane torches, you really get what you pay for. When you are shopping for a butane torch, take a good look at it. Is it mostly plastic with a minimum of metal parts? If so, put it back on the shelf, regardless of the great bargain it might seem. Torches that are kept on for an extended length of time (during the soldering process) get hot. That heat centers around the top of the torch and torch head. Too much plastic and you may find that your torch head may melt slightly, and that will affect the delivery of the butane to the torch tip, making the torch impossible to light. (Ask me how I know!) Torches that are mostly metal can be used for extended periods of time without fear of damage in this way.

My other micro torch is my Max Flame torch. The flame on my Max Flame torch is wider and longer; that means that I can solder bigger pieces with the Max Flame torch than with the Blazer.

Blazer vs Max Flame Torches: When to Use Each One
So you may be wondering, "What exactly do I use each torch for?" Here is the breakdown:

Blazer micro torch (up to 2400° F)

soldering jump rings closed (14g and thinner)
soldering thin (4mm and smaller) ring bands
soldering bezels closed
drawing a bead on a wire to make head pins
making a heat patina on a metal surface
soldering a small element or charm on a metal pendant (1" and smaller)
torch firing some types of metal clay

Max Flame micro torch (also up to 2400° F)

soldering jump rings closed (12g and larger)
soldering wide ring bands (5mm and larger)
soldering a large object together, like joining a bezel component to a ring band or a large pendant (1" up to 2-1/2")
annealing metal
torch firing enamel

Filling a Butane Torch

A butane torch isn't much good unless it is filled with fuel. I use regular butane fuel that I get from the hardware store. You may have heard that it is best to use "triple-refined" fuel to keep your torch head clean, but honestly most of the time I use regular fuel right off the shelf, and my torches work great. This is not an endorsement, just my experience.

Filling the torch can be one of the "scary moments" with a butane torch, but trust me--with a little know-how, it's a walk in the park.

Grab your torch and butane canister and go outside (You want to have adequate ventilation when you are filling the torch).
If your torch has a stand at the bottom that can be removed, go ahead and take it off and put it aside.
Remove the cap from the butane.
Turn the torch upside down. You'll see a filling point on the bottom of the torch. Insert the tip of the butane canister and press down firmly.

The butane will flow from the canister into the torch. If you hear fuel escaping out the torch head during filling, stop and tighten the knob that regulates the butane flow. I fill the torch until the butane makes a slight spitting noise at the filling point (about a 10 count). Then I replace the stand on the torch, stand it upright, and let the butane settle for about 30 seconds or so. I store my butane canister out of the way, and I am ready to go!

Turning On the Butane Torch

Consult the directions that came with your particular torch for directions on how to turn on your exact torch, but there are some basic concepts that apply to all micro butane torches:

Cover your workspace with a fireproof surface (a jelly-roll pan works well) and put on a pair of safety glasses before turning on your torch. Point the head of the torch about 8 to 10 inches above that surface at a 45-degree angle and turn on the torch by starting the butane flow and clicking the ignition button. Adjust the flame to its highest point then to its lowest (usually a lever or knob) to get the feel of the size of the flame. I usually keep my flame at the highest point.

Understanding the Flame
Now examine the flame itself. (Sometimes it's best to view it under dimmed light.) You'll see an inner and outer flame. The outer flame is a dark transparent blue. The inner flame is lighter and more opaque in color and comes to a sharp tip inside the outer flame. Just in front of that lighter flame is the "sweet spot" or the hottest part of the flame and the point to quickly heat metal and flow solder. You'll move this tip up close or farther away from the surface of the metal to control the rate of heat on the metal.

If you move the flame too close to the surface though, you'll hear a sound that resembles wind or a slight hiss and see a dark spot in the middle of the heated metal. You have gone beyond the sweet spot of the flame. The inside part of the inner flame is cooler, which means it will take longer to solder your pieces.

After you're done examining the flame, turn the torch off. Place the torch upright on the fireproof surface. Remember that the tip will be hot, so point it away from you.

Congratulations! You have conquered the first steps using a butane torch. Let me also recommend, as with any complex jewelry tool, to get out the instructions that came with your torch and read them. I'll bet there is a wealth of information on that piece of paper! Stay tuned for Micro Torches, Part 2: Torch in Action and Simple Soldering Setup. --Kate


Dancing Arcs by Kerry Bogert is just one of the micro torch projects included in this amazing bundle!

Is 2013 the year that you told yourself you'd learn something new? Learning how to use a micro torch for jewelry making can open up a whole new world of possibilities -- from soldered jump rings to handmade decorative head pins, you can easily find new ways to create custom jewelry findings and components for your beading projects.

If you're ready to jump into the world of using a micro torch, you'll definitely want to check out the Soldering With a Micro-torch Ultimate Collection. With over 100 minutes of video instruction and more than 190 pages of essential how-tos, this is all you need to get started with your micro torch. Learn from some of the jewelry making world's best-known experts as you fuse and solder your way into new territory. And if you're ready to get started right now, you can also get the Soldering With a Micro-torch Ultimate Collection as digital download, including all of the same great content from the DVD and print bundle, but ready to view on your favorite desktop or laptop computer in just minutes!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

P.S. If you're ready to move on and see the micro torch in action, you can read Part 2 of Kate's blog over on Jewelry Making Daily!

Free Wire Wrapping Project: Gypsy Wire Bangle

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Are you ready to put your wire wrapping skills to the test? This fantastic Gypsy Wire Bangle by Janice Berkebile is just the thing for you! It takes a little bit of practice to get your wire coils perfectly even, but it's worth it if the result is a striking bracelet like this one.

If you don't like the bright dichroic glass beads, this bracelet also looks great when made with gemstone beads, natural beads like bone or seeds, or even dangerously fun with glass spike beads! Mix it up any way you like for a unique piece of wrist candy that you'll be looking at all day.

Materials

33 foil-lined 6-8mm dichroic glass rounds
5 green 9x10mm pressed-glass ovals
38 assorted silver bead caps
12" of sterling silver 14-gauge wire
6' of fine silver 18-gauge wire
38 sterling silver 1" ball-end head pins
Liver of sulphur or blackening solution

Tools

Round-nose pliers
Chain-nose pliers
Long round-nose pliers
Chasing hammer
Pounding block and pad
Marker
Measuring tape
Jeweler's rouge and buffing tools (optional)


	Figure 1: Making the coiling-wire loops.

	Figure 2: Making the clasp.

1. Base Wire. Use the widest section of the jaws of the long round-nose pliers to form a simple loop at the very end of the 14-gauge wire. Use the marker to mark 11 points on the wire, one every 1/2".

2. Coils. Leaving a 1 1/2" tail at the start next to the simple loop, coil the 18-gauge wire tightly around the base until you reach the first mark, about 13 coils.

3. Loops. Hold the round-nose pliers at the top of the base wire, so the coiling wire is about 3/4" from the tip. Coil the wire in the opposite direction all the way around to the other side of the base wire, forming a figure eight (Figure 1).

Work coils and loops for about 6". Bend the coiled base wire into a circle and fit it around your wrist to test the size; keep in mind that the clasp will take up about 3/4" from the ends of the coils. If in doubt, make the bangle smaller -- you can always add jump rings to extend it.

4. Clasp. With the coil tight to the first base loop, use the chain-nose pliers to make a 90 degree bend at the other end of the base wire to lock the coil in place. Use the widest point of the round-nose pliers to turn the end of the base wire into a simple loop that will interlock with the first loop (Figure 2). Cut off the beginning tail and the excess coiling wire.

Pound each base-wire loop with the head of the chasing hammer, then flip the hammer over to use the peen side to distress the metal.

5. Head Pins. Use 1 head pin to string 1 bead and 1 bead cap; form a wrapped loop that attaches to one of the coiling-wire loops. Repeat to attach three bead dangles to each loop. Add an additional pressed-glass oval/bead cap dangle to every other coiling-wire loop.

If desired, place the bracelet in a liver of sulphur or blackening solution. Rinse and buff.

If one of your jewelry-making resolutions for 2013 is to improve your skills at wire wrapping and working with wire, why not get yourself a subscription to Step By Step Wire magazine? You'll get six great issues full of beautiful and inspirational wire jewelry designs, plus everything you need to know like wire basics, tips, techniques, and tools! Subscribe to Step By Step Wire magazine and get all wired up in 2013!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Free Wire Jewelry Projects That You'll Love to Make!

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Who would have thought that you can do so many things with just a spool of wire and a couple of pairs of jewelry-making pliers? Wire jewelry is one of those jewelry-making techniques that you can use to create just about anything, from necklaces and pendants to bracelets, rings, and earrings.

It's easy to learn how to make wire jewelry using just a few basic techniques. Once you've mastered skills like making wrapped loops and simple loops, you can move on to things like making wire coils and even making your own wire jewelry findings, all with the same basic skills!

Because we love wire jewelry making so much, we've freshened up our free wire jewelry eBook for you by adding four great new wire jewelry making projects:

Lori Anderson's Tribal Curves earrings are a beautiful, simple way to make ethnic style wire jewelry.
Leather is all the rage in jewelry making these days, but Jodi Bombardier's Leather Loops bracelet is a piece of wire jewelry that will never go out of style.
If you're into mixing crystals with wire, Susan Olivio's Nicole Earrings pack plenty of sparkling punch!
For a unique twist on wire jewelry, try Diamonte Locks by Alyn Shafqat and learn how to mix wire with fibers and a crystal stone for a beautiful, modern pendant.

In addition to two other original wire jewelry projects:

Cerulean Falls, by Danielle Fox, requires easy wrapped loops and jump rings for sweet and stylish results.
Gypsy Wire Bangle by wire jewelry master Janice Berkebile will teach you how to create a custom wire bracelet covered with wire coils for a free-spirited look you'll want to wear every day!

We've also included two of our most popular wire jewelry making blogs from Beading Daily, with great information about using wire for beginners.

So grab your wire and your favorite jewelry-making tools and supplies and settle in for some great wire jewelry fun! Enjoy!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Peyote Stitch and Spike Beads: Made For Each Other

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

I've really been getting into beading with my glass spike beads from York Beads lately. Now that they come in three sizes, there's a whole new range of options out there for anyone who wants to make their bead-weaving a little more fierce!

A few months ago, Melinda Barta posted this great tutorial on how to make a simple peyote stitch bezel around a 7mm x 17mm spike bead. After stitching up a whole bunch of spike beads like this, I got my hands on some of the new, larger 12mm x 18mm spikes. I wondered what would happen if I started stitching a peyote stitch bezel around one of those whoppers and then just kept on going, forming a hollow tube. Then, I could write something inspirational on a slip of paper, roll it up, and seal it inside.

These little peyote stitch prayer vessels work up fast and make great gifts. If you need a quick and inspirational holiday gift for a friend, stitch up one of these and hang it from a piece of leather or a beautiful chain.

Materials (For Pendant Only)

(2) 12mm x 18mm Czech glass spike beads (York Beads or Bead Stalkers)
5 grams size 11^o seed beads to match or contrast with spike beads (A)
5 grams size 15^o seed beads to match or contrast with spike beads (B)
4 grams Magatama beads to match or contrast with B (C)
Fireline 6 lb. beading thread in color to match beads
Archival quality paper

Tools

Size 12 beading needle
Scissors or thread cutter
Chain nose or flat nose pliers (optional, but helpful for maneuvering beading needle through a tight spot)

Step-by-step Instructions:

		String on a stop bead. Then add a spike bead and 12 A. Pass through the spike bead again so that the seed beads wrap around the outside of the spike.

		Pick up 12 B and pass through the spike bead so that the seed beads wrap around the other side of the spike. Pass through all the seed beads again, pulling snugly.

		Work in tubular peyote stitch for a total of 20 rounds. Go back and use the tail to add a row of B around the edge of the spike bead. Weave the tail in, knot, and trim close to the beadwork.

		After you've finished both halves of the prayer vessel, take a small strip of archival quality paper and write an inspirational quote or a short prayer on it. Roll it up tightly, and insert it into each half of your vessel.

		Zip up the two halves of the peyote stitch prayer vessel by stitching through each alternate "up" bead. Reinforce the thread path once or twice, then tie a couple of half hitch knots, weave your thread in, and trim close to the beadwork.

		Start a new thread in your third round of peyote stitch. Pick up 3 B, 1 C, 3 B. Skip the next bead in the round, and pass through the next bead.

		Repeat all around so that you have a total of 6 netted "petals" surrounding one end of the peyote stitch tube. Pass through the first 4 beads added. Continue working in horizontal netting, adding 3 B, 1 C, 3 B for each unit. Work until you have a total of 6 rounds of netting, including the first round added in this step.

		To add the last round of netting, pick up 3 B and stitch through one of the beads in the third round of peyote stitch on the opposite end of the peyote stitch tube. Pull snugly so that the netting stretches down over the entire tube. Pick up 3 B and stitch through the next C of the previous round of netting. Repeat around. Tie a couple of half hitch knots, and weave your thread into the netting. Trim close to the beadwork.

		To finish the peyote stitch prayer vessel, I made two straps of St. Petersburg Chain using 3.4mm drop beads and attached it to the netting using two 8mm jump rings.

If you're really inspired by this peyote stitch prayer vessel project, why not stitch up a whole set of them to hang as pendants from a collar or necklace? You can fill each one with an inspirational quote or a prayer or words that are special to you or the recipient.

I love how well peyote stitch works so well with these funky glass spike beads! It never fails to amaze me what can be done with peyote stitch, whether it's sculptural bead-weaving or flat, geometric beadwork. And if you want to start exploring different geometric forms using peyote stitch, you need to check out Bead Stitching Triangles with Jean Power. With just a couple of easy variations, you can start creating both flat and three-dimensional triangles with peyote stitch.

Get your copy of Bead Stitching Triangles with Jean Power on DVD and unlock the potential of this popular beading stitch! Or, if you just can't wait to get started, download the video instantly onto your favorite laptop or desktop computer and get busy beading!

Have you tried designing beadwork with spike beads yet? What beading stitches have you used with them? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and share your ideas with us. Or, better yet, take a picture of your spike bead project and post it in the Reader Photo Gallery!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

The Top 12 Beading Daily Blogs of 2012 - And a Giveaway!

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today is 12.12.12! We're almost halfway through December, and there are less than three weeks left in 2012. I always get a little nostalgic in December, and I usually take some time to meditate and reflect on all the wonderful things that have happened during the year.

This year is no different, but it's a little more special because of that date -- 12.12.12. So, to celebrate, I've put together the Top 12 Beading Daily blogs from 2012! Read on to see if any of your favorite blogs made it into the list:

		January: Find Your Steampunk Style with Jean Campbell Steampunk always seemed so intimidating to me, but this post from Jean Campbell took all the mystery out of making amazing, easy steampunk jewelry.

		February: Your First Seed Bead Stash Stocking your stash of seed beads can be a huge task if you're just getting started with bead-weaving! Here are some great tips for starting your seed bead stash.

		March: Readers Share a Bounty of Brick Stitch Projects I love brick stitch -- it will always be special to me, as it was the first beading stitch I ever taught myself. I asked for our readers to submit their best brick stitch projects, and the resulting eye candy is just amazing!

		April: Start With...A Simple Strip of Peyote Stitch Ever feel stuck in your beading? You can create some really spectacular beaded jewelry just by whipping up a simple strip of peyote stitch!

		May: Readers Share Beautiful Bead Embroidery Once again, I asked, and our readers delivered. This time, they shared some truly breathtaking bead embroidery pieces with us. Enjoy the beautiful beading!

		June: 5 Common Jewelry Findings That You Can Make Yourself Save time and money when you learn how easy it is to make these five common jewelry findings with your basic wire wrapping skills!

		July: Why Necklace Length Matters Understanding the different lengths of necklaces is important to be able to match them with your favorite necklines.

		August: Use Wire to Bezel a Cabochon This isn't so much a "how-to" blog as a "how-NOT-to-do" blog. Read about my adventures using Viking knit to make a bezel for one of my favorite gemstone cabochons!

		September: Getting Started With Flat Peyote Stitch Peyote stitch was one of the last bead-weaving stitches that I taught myself. However, had I known some of these tips or had some of these tools, it probably would have been a lot easier!

		October: Meet a Chain Maille Genius At Bead Fest Philadelphia in August, I met a lampwork glass artist who takes the ancient art and craft of chain maille to a whole new level! Read about her and see some of her absolutely marvelous creations.

		November: Four Beading How-Tos You Need to Know You might be surprised at some of these four beading how-tos that every beader needs to know!

		December: Make This Free Embossed Leather Earring Project December isn't even half over yet, but so far, this free embossed leather earring project is our most popular December blog!

Did any of your favorites appear in this list? If not, now's your chance to nominate them, and win a little something, too! Simply leave a comment on this blog before midnight, CST on December 16, 2012 with your favorite Beading Daily blog from 2012. You don't have to choose from just this list, either -- take a look through all the blogs that were written by our friends over at Inside Beadwork Magazine and Inside Jewelry Stringing Magazine, as well as the blogs we posted in Beading Instructions and Beading Supplies We Love, too. You can post a link in your comment so everyone else can see it, too!

On Monday, December 17, 2012, check your email, because we'll notify three winners: two lucky people will win a five-pack of assorted back issues of both Beadwork and Jewelry Stringing magazines. One lucky winner will get to choose a prize from four of our favorite digital beading products! (Please note: we can only ship magazines to U.S. addresses only due to customs regulations.)

One lucky winner will get to choose one prize from the following great digital beading products:

You can also find links to all twelve of our Top 12 Blogs of 2012 on Pinterest for your pinning pleasure!

Good luck, and Happy Holidays from all of us at Beading Daily!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Free Blooming Heart Mixed Media Jewelry-Making Project from Nunn Designs

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Silly me. All through high school and college, I thought that jewelry making with materials like fiber, clay, fabric, and paper was just a fun way to make jewelry. Little did I know that it's actually mixed media jewelry, and when I need to stretch my creative muscles a little bit, it's the perfect way to learn some fun new jewelry-making skills.

Our friends at Nunn Design have shared this awesome mixed media jewelry making project with us, designed by Karen McGovern as part of the Nunn Design Team. Enjoy!

Artist's Tip: Don't be intimidated by the list of materials used in this mixed media jewelry making project. If you can't find the exact materials listed, add your own favorite jewelry making or beading supplies, gemstone beads, or anything else that you'd like to use to make this project your own!

Materials:

Nunn Design Ornate Heart pendant in copper
Patterned brass sheet
2 faux pearl headpins, 3 inches
3 black flat-tipped headpins, 3 inches
4 polymer clay leaves (these were from Karen Lewis)
12 inches brass wire, 22 gauge
2 round beads, 4-6 mm, yellow and green
1 acrylic Lalibert flower bead cap, frost
1 enamel tipped headpin, 3 inches
Crystal Clay, black
9 inches Nunn Design Large Round Ornate chain in antique copper
9 inches plus three links Nunn Design Large Oval Ornate chain in antique copper
Nunn Design brass toggle clasp

Tools:

Wire shears
Wire snips
Round nose pliers
Needle nose pliers
Flat file
Your favorite epoxy or quick setting glue

Step-by-Step Instructions:

		Cut a triangle of patterned brass sheet ¾ inches tall by ½ inch wide. File the edges as needed to remove any snags or rough metal.

		Using your hands, gently curve the edges until you create a "pocket" that fits snugly into the heart bezel pendant. Set aside.

		Create your flowers, leaves and headpin embellishments. Slide a polymer clay leaf onto a head pin, and add a drop of glue. Carefully bend the wire so the leaf stands up. The polymer clay leaves are fragile, so take extra care when bending.

		Slide a yellow bead onto a black headpin, add a drop of glue, slide on the acrylic flower cap. Add a dab of glue to the end of another headpin, slide on your green bead.

		Make sure each leaf is glued securely to the headpin. Curve and bend the wires as you wish, trim with wire snips to fit into the brass sheet "pocket". Mix Crystal Clay according to package directions, and place enough clay into the heart bezel to fill the brass "pocket", but not show from the front. Press the brass in place, remove any excess clay that may squeeze out. Insert your flowers, wires and leaves, let cure for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. After curing, test the wires. If any feel loose, add a dab of glue to the base.

		To assemble the necklace connect three links of oval copper chain to the pendant using the links as jump rings, then connect the hoop of the brass toggle to the end. Connect 9 inches of round copper chain to the toggle hoop, then connect 9 inches of oval chain to the round chain.

		Finish by connecting the toggle bar to the oval copper chain end. Add two polymer clay leaf dangles by creating simple wire wraps using 22 gauge brass wire. Place them so that they will hover over the toggle, a few links above the pendant.

What I particularly love about this kind of mixed media jewelry-making project is that you don't necessarily have to use the copper chain to finish it. Why not make a beaded chain using St. Petersburg stitch or Chevron chain? You could even stitch up a bail and hang this gorgeous mixed media pendant from a peyote stitch rope!

Are you ready to play with your mixed media jewelry-making skills? Mix things up a little bit when you get your copy of Handcrafted Jewelry 2012. For less than fifty cents a project, you'll get thirty-four mixed media jewelry-making projects using over forty different techniques! Whether you're just venturing into the world of mixed media jewelry, or you consider yourself a skilled mixed media jewelry artist, you're sure to find something new and inspiring to get you working on a new project.

Get your copy of Handcrafted Jewelry 2012 now, and feel like a kid again when you play with your jewelry-making supplies! Don't want to wait to have your print copy delivered? You can also download Handcrafted Jewelry 2012 instantly onto your favorite desktop or laptop computer. All the same great content as the print version, but in digital format and available for viewing in just minutes!

Have you tried combining mixed media jewelry-making components with your bead-weaving? Have some advice for those of us who like to create our own mixed-media focals and jewelry-making components? Share your tips and advice here and leave a comment on the Beading Daily blog!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

P.S. Nunn Design is currently looking for creative jewelry designers to be a part of the 2013 Innovation Design Team! You can find all the details on the Nunn Design blog.

Meet a Chain Maille Genius

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT

While I'm relatively new to the art of chain maille, I've been making my own lampwork glass beads for the last nine years. So when I was at Bead Fest Philadelphia last month with Jewelry Making Daily's Tammy Jones, I was a little confused when she told me about an artist she saw on the show floor who made glass chain maille.


Kim's amazing chain maille balls look lovely when used in a larger piece of jewelry, or just as a single pendant.


Each glass chain maille ball is constructed from dozens of tiny, individual glass rings.

At first, I thought she was talking about combining traditional metal jump rings with glass in a chain maille pattern. But, no, a quick look at the pictures Tammy had snapped with her camera showed me that these rings were made from solid glass, and that the artist, Kim Edwards, fused them together in the flame.

Even though I was supposed to be in classes all the next day, my morning class ended early enough that I had some time to spend walking the show floor, and sure enough, I found Kim Edwards at her booth, Lone Tree Studio.

Kim has been making lampwork glass beads since 2003. Her glass chain maille jewelry is created with borosilicate glass, which melts at a higher temperature than the softer Italian glass, and it cools more evenly, allowing Kim enough time to link and close her glass jump rings in the flame.

Each glass ring is made individually. Some are made open, with a gap, and some are made as a closed ring. After the rings have been annealed in the kiln, Kim begins the process of linking them together in the flame before the entire piece goes back into the kiln. What fascinated me the most was that Kim creates each glass chain maille ring without a mandrel. Each ring is just eyeballed for size, but her rings are amazingly consistent in both diameter and thickness!


	Indelible, created for the International Society of Glass Beadmaker's 2012 Japan exhibit.


	Closeup of the intricate round maille work done with thousands of individual glass rings.

Kim's glass chain maille necklace, Indelible, was made for the 2012 International Society of Glass Beadmaker's exhibit in Japan, and was inspired by traditional African beadwork. Three strands of hollow chain maille, also known as round maille, were connected to a three-strand necklace clasp.

Almost as amazing are Kim's chain maille beads. Each one is composed of dozens of tiny rings, forged and fused in the torch flame before being annealed.These lovely little glass beads are lightweight and can be incorporated into larger jewelry projects, or just hung from a chain as a pendant.

And while I don't think I'll ever make my own glass chain maille, seeing Kim's work has made me happy that I have a solid grasp on the fundamentals of making chain maille jewelry using the traditional metal jump rings. Kim's innovative and stunning glass chain maille has got me thinking about more ways to add some color to my own chain maille projects and has inspired me to keep practicing my chain maille weaves!

Now, if you're inspired to work on your own chain maille skills after looking at all of this gorgeous chain maille made from glass, remember: using the metal jump rings is much easier. And anyone can do chain maille, especially if you have a copy of Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop by Karen Karon. Even if you're a complete beginner, you'll find all the basic information you need to get started making your own chain maille jewelry. Things like what to look for when buying metal jump rings, how to make your own jump rings, and fully illustrated instructions for dozens of chain maille weaves. Get your copy of Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop and get inspired by the ancient art of maille!

If you just can't wait to get started, Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop is also available as an instant download in the Beading Daily Shop. You can download the entire book in digital format onto your favorite desktop or laptop computer, print out the projects you want to make one at a time, and get started making chain maille jewelry in just a few minutes!

This is an especially good time to get Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop and to recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness month at the same time. I'm pleased to let you know that over the next five days, from now through 11:59 PM MST on 10/5/2012, 30% of all Beading Daily Shop proceeds will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

Use Wire to Bezel a Cabochon

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Anyone who knows me also knows that I'm addicted to cabochons. I don't know why I'm fascinated by them, but I am. The idea that you can take a jewelry making component without any holes, like a cabochon, and turn it into a piece of jewelry using bead-weaving and wire wrapping is still amazing to me. I've got hoards of cabochons in my bead stash. If anyone were going to make a television show about jewelry making hoarders, that would be me. And it's not like I can stop myself from buying new ones, either!

After I learned how to do Viking knit last summer, I've been making some pretty cool Viking knit wire chains for some of my bead-weaving projects. So when a friend of mine, who does absolutely gorgeous Viking knit projects, told me that you can use Viking knit to make a wire bezel for a cabochon, I jumped all over that. I figured if I was going to continue with my cabochon-buying habit, I'd better learn a few new tricks for using them, right?

Getting Started

		It wasn't too hard to get started. I cut a 12-inch piece of 18 gauge craft wire and fashioned it into a loop around the back of my cabochon. I bent the ends straight up. So far, so good.

		Next, I took a 60-inch (5 feet) length of 24 gauge copper wire and wrapped it tightly around the two wires at the top of the loop.

		Using an old lampwork bead making mandrel, I wrapped a series of loops around the wire for the base row of Viking knit.

This is where my Viking knit cabochon bezel project got...interesting.

Viking Knit Glitches

As I finished making my first row of loops, I realized that unless I did something to secure them, they were going to slide all over the 18 gauge wire. Ugh! What I wound up doing was trimming off that first row and wrapping it again, this time making an extra wrap through each loop that I had just made to keep it somewhat steady.

I also found that if I pulled too tightly, the wire frame would distort. I made extra effort to be gentle with my wire, reminding myself that this wasn't like working with Fireline or beading thread.

I started working in Viking knit around the base I had just made. I held the onyx cabochon in place with my fingers for the first round, but when I started the second round, I found myself struggling to hold the cabochon in place. Apparently, my enthusiasm for keeping a tight tension (as I usually do in my Viking knit projects) resulted in a cabochon bezel that was too small for the onyx cabochon I had chosen.

After digging around in my cabochon stash, I found an old Picture Jasper cabochon that fit nicely in the Viking knit bezel. Problem solved! I went back to weaving, until...

Suddenly, I realized that the wire I was weaving with was much too short. What had happened? Had I really used up all that wire so fast?

Alas, no. I looked down under my desk, and there was half the length of 24 gauge copper wire that I had started with staring back up at me.

Because I already knew a little bit about how to add more wire in a Viking knit project, I quickly improvised and added a new length of copper wire to the bezel. Once I was happy with the new wire, I continued weaving around my cabochon.

That was when I let myself get too comfortable. Oh, it was so easy! Now that I had overcome those little stumbling blocks, I was well on my way to having a beautiful finished Viking knit wire bezel for my cabochon, right?

Wrong.

As I started on the last round of Viking knit to snug up the bezel around the cabochon, I looked down and realized that for the last row, I had been doing some kind of wire weaving that was most definitely NOT Viking knit. I have no idea what it was. It felt like Viking knit at the time. I thought it even looked like Viking knit. But, no. When I took a good, hard look at it, it was something else entirely.

At this point, I just decided that enough was enough. I finished up the last row (in REAL Viking knit), and then I wrapped the last of the copper wire around the two wires at the top of the cabochon. I trimmed and bent that wire into a nice bail and then spread the two wires apart to make a graceful v-shape. (And that was about the only graceful thing about this whole project!)

Overall, I was reasonably happy with my Viking knit wire bezel. It's certainly secure enough to hold the cabochon in place, and I can see how this would be a great technique for making a wire bezel around a free form cabochon. Once you know basic Viking knit, it's easy to see how it translates into beautiful wire bezels for your favorite cabochons! With a little more practice, maybe I'll actually be able to make a dent in that huge stash of cabochons I have in my basement.

Are you ready for some new adventures with cabochons and wire? Check out our newest Step By Step Wire Jewelry eBook, 10 Wire Bezel Projects for Your Favorite Cabochons. Even if you only have some basic wire wrapping or chain maille skills, you can create beautiful wire bezels for all your favorite cabochons. Each project has complete step-by-step instructions, along with tips from the artists for successful cabochon and wire projects. You'll learn new skills along the way that you can use to make even more beautiful wire jewelry!

Best of all, you can instantly download this eBook onto your desktop or laptop computer so that you can start your project right away! Download your copy of 10 Wire Bezel Projects for Your Favorite Cabochons today and get all wired up about gemstone cabochons!

Have you ever tried an unusual technique for creating a cabochon bezel? Leave a comment here on the Beading Daily blog and share your experience, or better yet, take a picture of your cabochon bezel project and post it in the Reader Photo Gallery.

Bead Happy!

Jennifer

Getting Started with Chain Maille: 5 Things You Need to Know

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Chain maille is such a fascinating technique for jewelry-making, but I have to admit, I approached it with more than a little trepidation. Once I got started, though, the rhythm of opening, linking, and closing all those jump rings created the same soothing sort of feeling that I get when I'm immersed in a good bead-weaving project.

If you have some basic wire jewelry-making skills, you can get started with chain maille. It's not as hard as you might think, and if you want some tips for getting started, these are my five recommendations for anyone who wants to get started making jewelry with this ancient art:

1. Don't start by making your own jump rings. Seriously. If I had had to make all three hundred jump rings required for my first chain maille project, I would never have gotten to the fun part of actually linking them together. There are so many places where you can buy pre-made jump rings that are perfectly good, it makes sense for a chain maille beginner to buy their jump rings.

2. Buy aluminum jump rings first. Just like other types of wire work, practicing with a less expensive metal like aluminum is good to develop your chain maille skills before you splurge on precious metals like sterling silver or gold. Even copper and brass jump rings will add a splash of flash to your chain maille projects without emptying your wallet!

3. Pay attention to the inner diameter (ID). One of the things that bothered me when shopping for my first set of jump rings for chain maille was that I couldn't find the exact size specified in the project. I had no idea if I should be more concerned with the inner diameter (ID) or outer diameter (OD), since they can be slightly different. Those little differences can make for big problems when it comes to your chain maille projects, and since the jump rings are linked together on the inside, you should always make sure to get the proper inner diameter jump rings for your chain maille projects.

4. Open your jump rings properly. This sounds like a no-brainer, but it's important to remember. You don't want your jump rings slipping apart after you've spent hours assembling an intricate piece of chain maille jewelry! You should always open your jump rings by twisting the ends apart, moving perpendicular to one another (north-south). Never open a jump ring by pulling the ends apart (east-west).

I splurged and spent an extra two dollars on a great little tool to open jump rings. It's a ring that slips onto your finger while you work. To open your jump rings properly, all you have to do is insert a jump ring into one of the slots and give it a twist!

5. Open and close your jump rings only once. If you can. As you work with wire or metal jump rings, the metal will harden and stiffen. If you open and close a jump ring too many times, that metal will eventually become brittle and break. Try to open all your jump rings before you begin linking them, setting them in small, labeled piles on your work surface just as you would pour out little piles of seed beads for a bead-weaving project. This way, you only have to open and close them once (ideally) to prevent any kind of breakage in the middle of your project.

Learning chain maille techniques is a great way to branch out and expand your wire jewelry-making skills, too! And if you're looking for a great start-to-finish resource for both beginner and more advanced chain maille projects, you'll want to check out Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop. This complete guide to making great chain maille jewelry walks you through each project, beginning with very basic chain maille weaves, and ending with some pretty spectacular chain maille and wire jewelry. Get your copy of Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop and find out why this wonderful age-old jewelry-making technique is still so popular today! (And remember -- if you just can't wait to create, you can always get Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop as an instant download!)

Have you tried chain maille yet? You won't want to miss my earlier blog about my first adventures in chain maille! And if you have a great tip or idea for anyone getting started with chain maille, be sure to post a comment here on the Beading Daily blog.

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

5 Tips for Making Beautiful Wire and Bead Chains

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 07:00:00 GMT

I've been doing a lot of wire jewelry making projects lately, thanks in no small part to my ever-improving wire jewelry making skills. I've discovered that just knowing how to make simple loops, wrapped loops, and jump rings can translate into a whole wire jewelry project!

So after seeing some absolutely beautiful wire and bead chain in bead shops and at shows, I committed that most grievous crime and actually said the words, "I can make that myself." But I knew I could put my money (and my beads) where my mouth is, so I set out to make a couple of beautiful wire and bead chains for my bead embroidery pendants.

The great thing about making these wire and bead chains is that they don't just work well as neck straps for my bead embroidery pendants -- they also make fabulous (and easy) wire jewelry projects all on their own! If you can make wrapped loops and know how to open and close a jump ring, then you can make your own wire and bead chains for all your beading projects.

Tip #1: Start with this free tutorial from Jean Campbell. Yep, Jean Campbell is my go-to resource when I need information or a technique tutorial. And she's written a great wire and bead chain tutorial for Beading Daily with clear, step-by-step instructions for how to make a wire and bead chain. Check it out to find out her tips for making consistent, even wire loops, too!

Tip #2: Work from the spool of wire. Instead of pre-cutting pieces of wire, I found it to be much easier to string the beads for each wire and bead link onto my spool of wire first, make a loop, and then trim the wire, just as Jean illustrated in her step-by-step tutorial above. A word of caution, though: don't string the beads for more than one unit at a time. That loose end of wire will whip around and send your beads into all corners of the room.

Tip #3: For speedy beading, use combination pliers. It might take a little practice to get the hang of handling them, but using combination pliers means that you don't have to stop, put down, and pick up a new pair of pliers every ten seconds. Plus, with the combination pliers, being able to keep my grip on the loop as I wrap it means the difference between a good wrapped loop and a great wrapped loop!

Tip #4: Make wrapped loop links, and join them with jump rings. Because I'm the mother of a four year old, I'm always thinking about ways to kid-proof my jewelry. To prevent your wire and bead chains from pulling apart and losing the beads, make wrapped loops at either end of your links and then join them together with jump rings or split rings. That way, if little hands yank at the pretty chain around your neck or wrist, you only lose a jump ring or two and not all those beads!

Tip #5: Get creative with your beads! Sure, you can make a great wire and bead chain using tiny gemstone beads, but this is one time when it's fun to think outside the box. Why not use up some of

those leftover beads or bead soup that you have lying around? Vintage beads make great wire and bead chain, and so do crystal beads, ceramic beads, and other large beads. (When you're using delicate crystal beads or vintage glass beads, it's a good idea to buffer them with seed beads or metal spacer beads to prevent the edges from chipping if they come in contact with the jaws of the pliers.)

If you don't think you want to start by making an entire wire and bead chain necklace, start small. Practice making links and use them as earrings, bracelets, and even fringe for your bead-weaving! Best of all, you can use colored craft wire or copper wire instead of precious metal wire to save money.

Are you hooked on making wire and bead chains? Trust me, it's only the beginning! For more great wire jewelry making projects, you'll want to check out Step By Step Wire Jewelry magazine. You'll find lots of great wire jewelry projects that use beads and wire with the same great step-by-step instructions that you expect from a great beading magazine. And if you like to stay current with wire jewelry making trends, new tools, supplies, and techniques, then you won't want to miss a single issue. Subscribe to Step By Step Wire Jewelry today, but don't say that I didn't warn you: wire jewelry making can be addicting!

Have you found a great way to work some wire into your beading projects? I still love using wire and bead chains for my bead embroidery pendants, either as neck straps or as fringe. (And the extra wire and bead links make great matching earrings for customer appreciation gifts, too!) Share your tips for working wire into your beading projects here on the Beading Daily blog!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer

5 Essential Jewelry Making Techniques from Tammy Jones

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Not too long ago, Tammy Jones wrote a great blog over on Jewelry Making Daily about five essential jewelry making techniques for jewelry artists. And it got me thinking -- while my primary interest for jewelry making still remains with my beloved seed beads, there are so many great new jewelry making techniques to experiment with!

My first foray into a jewelry making technique outside of bead stringing or off-loom bead-weaving was when I decided that I wanted to learn how to make my own lampwork glass beads. The idea of melting glass over a torch hot enough to burn down my garage was a little intimidating, but learning those glass bead making skills was also really empowering! Once I realized that I could take a solid substance like glass and make it bend to my will over a three thousand degree flame, there wasn't a lot that scared me. (Except for the possibility of an explosion that would send a hundred pounds of glass shrapnel flying into my skin!)

Since then, I've played with wirework, precious metal clay, and mixed media jewelry. I also recently purchased my first butane micro torch for making chain, too. It makes me feel so accomplished to have actually tried these jewelry making techniques, even if I'm not very good at some of them.

If you're looking to expand your jewelry making skills, here are five essential jewelry making techniques recommended by Tammy Jones for anyone who wants to try something new.

Jewelry Making Technique #1: Soldering. The only experience I've ever had with soldering was putting together a couple of those make-your-own radio kits from the electronics store when I was kid. But since I've learned how to use a micro torch to fire precious metal clay, I'm starting to see how easy it is to move on to other jewelry making projects that use soldering techniques. (Don't tell my husband, though. I still haven't cleared a space in all of my glass lampwork and fusing supplies in the garage workshop to accommodate my new micro torch!)

Jewelry Making Technique #2: Wirework. Truly, wirework used to be the bane of my jewelry making existence, until I realized that all those little wrapped loops and eye pins can translate into some pretty spectacular wire jewelry. If you're new to wirework, start small by trying to make your own jump rings and ear wires. Once you have the hang of working with wire, trying projects that include some type of free-form wire bending will not only help you get the feel of working with wire, you'll be making some pretty spectacular one-of-a-kind wire jewelry.

Jewelry Making Technique #3: Metalsmithing. I have to admit, I've always been a little bit awed by jewelry artists who can do metalsmithing. The idea of taking something like metal and being able to melt it, fold it, cut it, and shape it into jewelry still seems sort of like magic to me. (Dangerous magic, but still magic!) The closest I've ever come to doing any metalsmithing was the time I signed up for a stering silver bead-making class at my local arts center, but had to cancel at the last minute. Still, I love watching my metalsmithing friends when they work at the bench, even if I don't think it's something that I'll ever get into.

Jewelry Making Technique #4: Metal Clay. One of the first jewelry making classes I ever took at Bead Fest Philadelphia was a precious metal clay class where we played with covering bisque beads and leaves with different forms of precious metal clay (PMC). Since then, I've taken a couple more classes and learned how to make easy rolled metal clay beads, used stamps and texture plates on some metal clay, and even made a few nice-looking metal clay rings with a butane micro torch.

Jewelry Making Technique #5: Mixed Media Jewelry. Mixed media jewelry was another one of those jewelry making terms that used to send shivers down my spine. (And not in a good way.) But then a few months ago, I started playing with some wonderful inks for coloring metal beads and jewelry making components, and I realized that mixed media jewelry isn't nearly as scary as I thought it was! I've always loved mixing fibers and fabrics with my beadwork and beaded jewelry making projects. So now I can safely say that I really enjoy jewelry making projects that include resin, painting, fabrics, and fibers!

Are you one of those beaders that enjoys learning new jewelry making techniques? Do you love to push yourself to expand your jewelry making skills? If you want to keep up with what's hot (and what's not) in the jewelry making world, make sure you subscribe to Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist magazine. Each issue is full of the latest and greatest in jewelry making techniques, tools, and supplies that you'll want to keep handy as you continue your journey with handmade jewelry. Subscribe to Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist magazine and spend some time this summer branching out into a new jewelry making adventure!

Have you tried a new jewelry making technique lately? What is it? Did you love it or was it enough to make you decide to stick with beads for now? Leave a comment and share your stories, tips, and recommendations for other budding jewelry artists here on the Beading Daily blog!

Bead Happy,

Jennifer