Daily Blogs : gallery

New Beading Daily editor!

Leslie — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:01:00 GMT

Hi! I'm so happy to be your new Beading Daily editor!

First and foremost I want to thank Michelle Mach, the founding Beading Daily editor, who has moved on. Michelle helped create an astounding online bead and jewelry community for all of us. We’ll miss her easy writing style and creativity from the past two years. Big cheers for Michelle! The good news is that she told me she'd be delighted to contribute from time to time. Share your wishes for Michelle on the forums!

Magazine scene

I’m thrilled to take up where Michelle left off as the new Beading Daily editor, and lots of you already know me. Perhaps you recognize my face from my photo in Step by Step Beads, for whom I’ve been the editor in chief for almost five years.

You may have taken one of my Bead Fest classes. Maybe you've seen my designs published in Beadwork, Step by Step Beads, Creative Jewelry, Easy Wire, or in a few Interweave books. I even did some technical illustrations for Beadwork.

A short history of an editor

Since getting my BFA in illustration from UArts in Philly, I’ve done a lot of things, and Interweave allows me to finally bring everything together! I was a copywriter and product designer for The Franklin Mint, wrote script cards for QVC, had art features published in Niche, American Style and The Surface Design Journal. I had my own business making wearable art, fabric sculptures and jewelry, selling at the American Craft Council shows and the Buyers Markets of American Crafts. I made my own blog web site and also sell on Etsy. I’ve even been a movie and TV extra. But mostly I love to bead!

Leslie's bead health tip for today:
Wear lots of jewelry as weight-bearing exercise!

Doodlebeads

Maybe because my dad was in the computer biz since they filled rooms, I’ve always loved the tech world. I was on the internet the second it was invented! I started making videos for my daughter’s school assemblies, then my personal blog, then as an Interweave editor. Next came video tutorials for Beading Daily. Called Doodlebeads because I draw out the thread paths as a teaching aid, these tutorials for beginner bead stitchers are already on Beading Daily in the How To section.

Beads, Baubles & Jewels

I love making jewelry, but mostly I love inspiring other people to make jewelry. I have experience in almost every medium and technique but my passion is seed beads. I was asked to teach Doodlebeads on Beads, Baubles & Jewels, the PBS TV show which Interweave sponsors. I just completed taping 12 episodes for the TV show, but a new Doodlebeads DVD with all 12 basic stitches will be in the Interweave store by the end of October of this year!

Beading Daily is yours, mine and ours!

Old friends or new, share what inspires you, what you want to learn, and what your most (or least) favorite posts are. One of the best things about beadingdaily.com is that we are so connected, you with me, me to you, you with each other. We have post comments to share, lively forums, galleries, contests, lessons, videos, Bead Fest bead show events-- so many ways to have a bead-in going all the time. So it’s your turn to tell me about yourselves. Beading Daily is ours! There is an amazing wealth of experience and humor being shared on Beading Daily, being tweeted and blogged and facebooked. So find a forum and let everyone know your wish list for Beading Daily. Who are you and what do you want? More videos? More projects? Which medium? Fewer, bigger, easier, more challenging? Bring it on! Please share your comments. It takes a village, right? Together, we’re making Beading Daily the best jewelry-making neighborhood around!

Happy beading!

Quick Beaded Valentine Cards, Plus New Reader Gallery

Michelle M. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:01:00 GMT

The first reader gallery of 2009 includes designs by 35 readers from all over the world, including Mexcio, Greece, the United Kingdom, and Germany. From simple strung necklaces to a Victorian-style beaded bag with size 15 beads to a bead embroidered pin, you'll find something to love in this gallery!...(read more)

Fun Ideas for Using Felt Beads

Michelle M. — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:27:00 GMT

A month ago I asked the staff at Interweave to choose a felt bead and make something with it. Anything! They could add any materials they liked, use any techniques, and make any kind of finished object. ...(read more)

Good News: 5 Reader Galleries That Want Your Work!

Michelle M. — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:29:00 GMT

Have you ever submitted your work to a reader gallery? If you're trying to sell your work or build a name for yourself, submitting your work to a reader gallery is one way to get the word out. The benefits are obvious--it's free, quick (at least the submission part), great exposure, and you usually can submit at any time. It's also low on the stress and anxiety scale. If you're nervous about sending out your work, a reader gallery may be just the way to get started....(read more)

Free Wire Spiral Earrings, Plus New Reader Gallery

Michelle M. — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:40:00 GMT

What makes a piece of jewelry a "winter" design? Is it jewelry type? I hardly ever create bracelets for winter because I know they'll just be buried under miles of sweaters and jackets. ...(read more)

Fall Jewelry Trends, Plus New Gallery of Reader Designs

Michelle M. — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:42:00 GMT

Fall Jewelry Trends

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

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

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

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

Fall Reader Gallery

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

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

Inspired by the Beadwork Challenge

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

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

Call for Next Reader Gallery

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

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

Reader Gallery: Beadweaving + Stringing Projects

Michelle M. — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:40:00 GMT

I love combining bits of beadweaving with small bits of stringing or wirework. Check out my Lazy-B Ranch (ladder stitch and stringing) or Love Birds Necklace (daisy chain and wirework) as examples. ...(read more)

Wedding Jewelry by Readers: A Gallery of Designs

Editor — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Nothing makes a room full of jewelry designers more excited than hearing news of an upcoming wedding. Want proof? The Beadwork editors and I recently met with Hwa Soo Park of Ezel Jewels, a talented designer who creates her own tiny, delicate findings for her romantic jewelry designs. As we crowded together, chatting and admiring dozens of beautiful earrings, one of the editors blurted out, "Michelle, you should get one of these for your wedding!"

Everyone stopped and turned to me, "Your wedding? You're getting married? When is it?" There was quite a bit of laughter as I finally managed to explain that I didn't need earrings for my own, personal wedding, but to share as inspiration on Beading Daily.

At right: Freshwater pearl earrings by Hwa Soo Park with a close-up of one of the earring findings

Of course, the flip side to the excitement is the stress of creating something absolutely perfect. Not surprisingly, the word "pressure" popped up quite a bit in conversation with folks who designed wedding jewelry. After all, these pieces--the most photographed pieces of jewelry in a woman's lifetime--will be treasured as keepsakes for future generations.

Earlier this year I asked readers to send in photos of wedding jewelry that they had created. I received more than 20 photos from readers, which are all available in the wedding jewelery gallery. Among the submissions, I was surprised to receive two photos of beaded sandals. I never even thought about beaded sandals when I sent out the request for photos, but what could be more perfect for a beach wedding? You all continue to surprise and amaze me!

Here are three of my favorite designs from readers:

	Lynn Davy This lush collar is blooming with Swarovski crystal hearts, freshwater pearls, pressed glass flowers and leaves, and brick-stitched flowers. Absolutely stunning.
	Valerie Poulin Fresh and creative! I love how this simple necklace combines ribbon, beads, and wire.
	Carol Cooling I thought this tiara was very sweet. If you can't wear a tiara on your wedding day, then when can you wear one?

View the wedding gallery to see more inspiring designs from Beading Daily readers!

Flower Girl Barrette Update

Beading Daily reader Kelli Peduzzi of Pure Bliss Jewelry generously shared her tips for attaching beads to barrette using only thread, rather than the Tacky Tape that I used. Kelli wrote, "Over time and use, it is more likely that the metal barrette base itself will weaken before the thread does, if the thread has been firmly and properly secured." Kelli's instructions and tips have been added to the "Peyote Stitch Barrette with Picot Edging" page. Thanks, Kelli!

Coming This Week: On Wednesday, Jean Campell has some advice for avoiding the dreaded "Bridezilla" syndrome and on Friday I'll have a free multistrand bracelet project--the same bracelet that was featured in "A Wedding Story" last fall.

What I'm Working On: I'm creating a gallery of music-inspired designs by readers. If you have a photo to share on Beading Daily, please email me a link to the photo on your blog/website and the specific song that inspired your design. I'll need your information by March 28, 2008. Thanks!

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

Easy Beaded Snowflakes

Editor — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:00:00 GMT

Easy Beaded Snowflake Ornaments

View the snowflake gallery

It's that wonderful time of the year. Well, wonderful for some; wonderfully stressful for others with not only the holidays, but all that year-end, wrap-up stuff at work. I decided to offer an anti-stress solution to those in the Colorado office: pick up a wire snowflake form and make a beaded ornament. Twenty people--many from accounting!--took me up on my offer.

At left: Nicole's beaded snowflake uses silver bugle beads, crystals and glass beads.

Why do I love this project? Let me count the ways . . . It's inexpensive. It's quick. It's an ideal project for new beaders--male and female alike. And children can definitely contribute--one employee let her 8-year-old son design her snowflake. (Great job, Ian!).

Best of all, because the technique is so simple, this project lets people put most of their energy into the design process--choosing the colors and shapes of beads and arranging them into a pleasing pattern. It really showcased people's personalities and talents. Susan created a red, white, and blue version in honor of her husband in the military. Danielle placed a large, flat-backed pink crystal in the center of both sides of her snowflake, so it would look fabulous no matter which way it hung. Sandi fashioned her own hanger on the back with wire.

At right: Sandi twisted some wire to create her own hook for hanging the snowflake.

View the snowflake gallery to see all 21 snowflakes.

Basic Instructions

	1. Start with the basic wire form. (We used the 3.75" size from BeadSmith.)
	2. String the beads onto the wire. Tape the ends if you don't want to commit to your design immediately.
	3. Working on one end at a time, bend the ends into simple loops or use glue to finish the ends. (Bending the wire is much easier with the larger wire forms.)
	4. Add a loop or ribbon to one end.

Project Tips:

Shopping for beads: Beads with very small holes--like freshwater pearls--will probably not fit over this wire. If you are going shopping for special beads for this project, it's a good idea to take the wire form with you.
Bending the wire: This wire is STIFF. A few people were able to bend it, but others broke it (or their beads) when they tried. You may want to glue the beads on the end instead. (E-6000 works well.) Try using a toothpick to put some glue inside the hole of the last bead before sliding it onto the wire. You may also consider using the larger snowflake forms--the wire used in those is much more malleable.
Taping the ends: I taped the ends as I worked on them, then did all my finishing once I was happy with the design. (I learned this trick the hard way when I strung all the beads on, picked up the snowflake to see how it looked, and watched all the beads fall off and roll under the sofa.) If you're more of a "make a commitment and stick with it" type of beader, than you can just finish the ends one at a time as you go.
Buy an extra package: I bought a package of eight wire forms at my local bead shop, thinking that would be plenty. I ended up buying two more packages! Trust me, even though before now your Uncle Marty has expressed no interest in anything other than armadillos, he will want to do this project once he sees how much fun the rest of the family is having!

Coming Friday: A beautiful pair of crystal earrings, just right for your holiday parties!

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She created two more beaded snowflakes after finishing the one she "had" to do for the gallery!

Silver Metal Clay Pendant

Editor — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 22:00:00 GMT

Silver Metal Clay Pendant

This beautiful Silver Sea Stone pendant by Linda Kaye Moses is an advanced Precious Metal Clay (PMC) project from Step by Step Beads magazine. It uses a real stone for its shape. A textured sheet of metal clay is draped on each side of the stone, then the domed forms are joined to create a hollow bead. Download the full instructions.

Polymer Clay Rubber Stamped Beads by Beading Daily Readers

About a month ago, I asked for photos by readers of the polymer clay beads project that was featured on Beading Daily. I love how everyone took this basic technique and put her own unique spin on it. Here are some variations to inspire you:

	Beadwork and Stringing editorial assistant Debbie Blair created a small box full of beads. She used colored ink for stamping, rather than black. On some of her beads, she also added color outside of the stamped images, giving them a free-spirited look. These beads are also unglazed, so you can see the "just baked" matte finish.
	Beading Daily reader Timaree used black Fimo, rather than the ivory clay used in the original. She colored the entire bead with Jacquard powders, giving the beads a strikingly modern look. She also varnished them, giving them a nice shine.
	Beading Daily reader Jackie created striking, angular beads stamped with colored ink and strung them together in a reversible bracelet. I love the idea of reversible jewelry!

Of course, I couldn't resist trying this project either. I loved the way the black ink stood out against the ivory clay, so I made a simple stamped pendant without adding any colored powders. I'd love to tell you that I did some magical technique to get that subtle pink-orange coloring at the top, but the truth is, it started to burn! Yikes! I must have rolled the clay a bit too thin, since the round beads I created were fine. The pendant frame is an easy-to-open, square, 1 1/2" metal frame from the scrapbooking section of the craft store. On the back of the pedant, I added a piece of scrapbooking paper to give it a finished look.

Project Tips

If you're thinking of trying this project yourself, here are some tips from the project author, Carol Blackburn.

Q: Do you have to use Fimo Puppen, or can you use another type of clay?

A: You can use any clay, but Fimo Puppen clay gave a porcelain look which didn't need any finishing like sanding (and it was cheaper than regular polymer clay!)

Q: Do you have any special tips for controlling the iridescent powder? It seems to want to fly everywhere!

A: Just use a very little of the powder at a time and a small brush on the raw clay butterfly impression on the bead. After baking, I coat the powdered areas with acrylic floor finish and, when dry, I applied another coat of the same finish to the whole bead.

Q: Do you use a certain type of ink for stamping on clay?

A: I use a water based Ranger Adirondack ink pad, but I think any ink pad will do.

An Interview with Carol Blackburn

I'm always interested in learning how people got into beading. Carol Blackburn, author of Making Polymer Clay Beads, actually began her art career in the fiber world before discovering polymer clay. Learn what prompted that transition, plus read her advice on getting started with polymer clay. Read the full interview.

At left: Rorschach Twist by Carol Blackburn

Coming Next Week: Amy Clarke Moore offers instructions on how to make an ornament using bead embroidery.

Story Update: I just heard from reader Cathi Tessier who you may remember from the story "The Amazing Power of Beads." Today she is hoping to finally "return to her normal life," which if you've read her story, is probably one of the best gifts ever!

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She hopes that next year she'll find more time to experiment with metal clay.

Holiday Beading Ideas from Readers

Editor — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:00:00 GMT

Holiday Gift Ideas from Beading Daily Readers

Beaded holiday pin by reader
Karen Nicholson

"YES!!!!"

"Are you serious?!?"

"Are there any other kind?"

That how 95% of you answered the question: "Will you be making beaded gifts this year?" That's not surprising. What is surprising is the number of gifts. More than half of the more than 800 respondents claimed that they would be making a minimum (a minimum!) of six handmade gifts each.

Let's do the math. (Or rather, let me do the math--you probably should sit back and string a few more beads on that bracelet if you really expect to finish it on time!) That's more than 2,400 gifts--and that's not including all the folks who admitted to making somewhere between one and five gifts this year. Add those and we're talking at least 3,500 beautiful beaded gifts from just those who answered the poll. Whew!

So, what kinds of gifts are you making this year?

Earrings, bracelets, and ornaments were at the top of your gift-giving list. (Check out the holiday gallery to see some of the gifts that Beading Daily readers are giving this year.) Other items mentioned: wine charms, dolls, stitch markers, rings, necklaces, angel pins, beaded dragon, purses, eyeglass holders, beaded egg box, cell phone fobs, Christmas cards, needle cases, bookmarks . . .

"Right now, I'm in the process of beading a Tabasco cover for my uncle, who eats every meal with the stuff. Since he carries a bottle of it in the restaurant with him, I thought that I would give him an attractive cover for it. It's always so hard to give men beaded gifts that you know they will use."

A few readers mentioned the netted snowflake ornament featured on Beading Daily awhile ago. I made my own version and admit that this easy netting project has its charms--and according to one reader, at least one special power:

"The inspiration fairy has been ABSENT!! Thank you so much for the snowflake ornament--a netted snowflake brought her right back!"

Some of the lucky gift recipients include: daughters, sisters, mothers, nieces, aunts, friends, office workers, neighbors, hairdressers, and teachers.

"For my sister who has (and can get) everything . . . except a priceless beaded necklace from her less fortunate, albeit more talented, sister."

My version of the snowflake ornament

Of course, not everyone is easy to bead for. Men were often mentioned in this "difficult" category, but they weren't alone:

"If I'm able, I'll make gift sets for my four nieces. I know what I like, but I think females between 13 and 25 prefer something simpler. If anyone has ideas that have won praises, I'd love to hear about it or see an example."

But what about other beaders?

"I've decided that even making bead gifts for my beady friends is OK... after all, I have a different design sense than they do... and it's nice to have things that are not all your design."

Be warned, those of you who are making beaded gifts for the first time this year--this may easily become a tradition!

"My nieces, sister-in-laws, and friends all look forward to jewelry gifts. One year I gave something else, thinking they might be tired of always getting jewelry, and they all asked what happened to their jewelry gifts!"

"It's expected of me... Now that I 'Bead Daily'!"

"If I don't bestow beaded creations for the holiday, the relatives will hunt me down and string me up on the Christmas tree!!"

"I figure I'll make an ornament with a different beaded pattern every year, so they'll end up with quite a collection!"

"I've created a monster with giving jewelry gifts. Now my friends and family can't wait to see what they will get this year and they started hinting back in October."

Above: A Christmas necklace by reader Capitola Girl

What stops us from giving beaded gifts? A couple of people mentioned ungrateful recipients and lack of funds, but by far, time seems to be the universal enemy:

"I would love to make all beaded gifts but I have to earn a living. Horrible when real life gets in the way of beading!"

"I always plan to make handmade gifts, but never seem the have the time. Even though I'm making several gifts this year it's not as many as I had originally intended. Oh well, maybe next year!"

Of course, maybe it depends upon what other crafts you enjoy:

"I usually knit for people, but beading is so much faster!"

The sensible among us know to simplify when time runs short:

"When planning to give a number of gifts, I tend to think lots about the style and color preferences of the person I give to but due to the time it takes to do off loom beadweaving, I also tend to be less creative and make simpler bracelets instead of more time consuming necklaces."

"Mostly quick earrings. Life's too busy for more complex, but even these are amazingly satisfying."

But not the overachievers . . .

"I am making bracelets to go with scarves I have knit."

"I am making netted snowflakes for co-workers--roughly 45. I always make a few extra because you just never know who's going to be dropping by unexpectedly."

Simple Christmas Tree Earrings

"A nephew and his wife have a goal for me -- to cover their 10 foot tall Christmas tree with my beaded ornaments. I'm about 10% there. How wonderful to be so appreciated!"

"Probably close to 15 or 20 [gifts], but at least that beats the 58 ornaments last year!"

Of course, time isn't the only challenge:

"I sure hope that I give them away, and not end up keeping them for myself, and then buying a box of candy to give as a gift instead!!"

Never underestimate the power of chocolate!

Beaded Gift Wrapping Tip

"Mailing out gifts this year? After addressing your package, sprinkle some tiny beads sparingly around the addressee label without obscuring the information, then tape them down with clear packing tape, smoothing the tape securely. Instant festivity!"--Step by Step Jewelry Gifts for the Holidays

Coming Friday: Polymer clay beads by readers, plus an interview with Carol Blackburn.

Looking for more ornament ideas? Check out "Ornament Thursday" on Candie Cooper's blog. Each Thursday, Candie and other beading bloggers will publish photos and instructions for handmade Christmas ornaments.

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She still has at least two more pairs of earrings to make as gifts.

A New Poll, Plus Bead Quilts by Readers

Editor — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:00:00 GMT

Does This Look Familiar?

A normal person might see a familiar face and have trouble remembering that person's name. As a beader, I've discovered a similar problem: I recognize the beadwork, but I can't figure out where I've seen it before. Does that ever happen to you? (Please say yes!)

When I asked for examples of beaded quilts by readers, Beading Daily member Mary J. Winters-Meyer ("The Beading Banshee") shared a stunning red, white, and black beaded shawl that had a quilt-like look. I loved it, but was puzzled by how familiar it seemed. Where had I seen it before?

Photo courtesy of Mary J. Winters-Meyer.

Does this piece look familiar to you? Where have you seen it before? The answer is at the bottom of this newsletter. (Nothing like a beading mini-mystery to start the day!)

Bead Quilts by Beading Daily Members

This mini gallery contains work by individuals (Lisa Caryl, Jeff Fors, Mary J. Winters-Meyer) and organizations (Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild of Michigan, Mat-Su Valley Bead Society, Upstate New York Glass Bead and Jewelry Guild). One of the organizations, Great Lakes Beadworkers Guild of Michigan, created a memory quilt in honor of one of their members. The quilt (pictured at right) is currently on loan at the governor's mansion in Michigan. View the Bead Quilt Gallery

	And One More . . . Inspired by these bead quilts, I started creating mini square-stitch squares with some size 11 seed beads that I had bought at BeadFest in August. The 4-square piece at left measures approximately one inch.
I designed as I stitched, which turned out to be a problem--I accidentally added an extra row in one square and had to redo that square. (I couldn't just remove the last row, since I had created a centered design.) For my next project--no matter how small--I've printed out some graph paper to sketch out my design first.

New Poll: Have you ever sold a beaded item you've made? This poll ended November 16, 2007.

This poll question comes to us from Beading Daily reader Karin in Montana, who is a woman of 1,000 ideas!

Where might you have seen that beaded shawl before?

Answer: The shawl "Elementary" appeared in The Art of Beadwork by Valerie Hector. It also won first place in the "unusual - non-jewelry" category of the Fire Mountain Gems contest in 2004. Photos have appeared in the catalog as well as on the website. Ah-ha!

Coming Friday: More beaded bead projects, including step-by-step photographs for the ladder beads used in this week's featured project.

A Story Update: Bead artist Natasha St. Michael answered a few questions from readers about her work. I posted her responses in the comments section of that story.

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She has a feeling that her "Where have I seen that before?" problem is going to get worse, not better.

Bead Crochet Inspiration

Editor — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Wow! When I asked for examples of bead crochet from readers, I never expected such a big response! Not only did I get some great photos (view the gallery), but I also heard some good stories too. For example, Beading Daily reader Ellen Hess designed her first bead crochet bag to take to her son's wedding in Hawaii. She finished it the night before she left. Hmmm . . . that sounds familiar! (Remember A Wedding Story?) What is it about weddings that trigger all this last-minute creativity?

Here are four of my favorites:

	Sylvia Murphy had several stunning pieces, including a bead crochet piece made with amethyst chips and a lovely green necklace with a green cab focal.
	Stinta Ekholm from Sweden not only sent a link to her extensive online gallery of bead crochet work (I think she may have ever color combination imaginable!), but she also send a handy translation chart. (Did you know that "virka" is Swedish for "crochet"?)
	Julie Smith's designs all have spunk and personality. I get the sense that there's a story behind each design!
	Sonia Womble has some eye-catching wire crochet necklaces.

View the entire gallery

Want even more inspiration? Check out the bead crochet designs at the Art Bead Scene blog and the designs on this German website: www.perlenhaekeln.de.

Crochet Tips:

"Crocheting with wire is exactly the same as crocheting with yarn, but it is harder on the fingers. Work slowly to avoid making mistakes, because raveling stitches will reduce the workability of the wire and may cause it to break; the appearance of the wire may also be spoiled."—Crochet Jewelry by Waejong Kim and Anna Pulvermakher

"A pair of fine chain-nosed pliers are an invaluable tool for bead crochet. Pliers will help you pull a stubborn thread through your work or break an extra or incorrect bead."—Bead Crochet by Bethany Barry

If you have more tips for bead crochet, please share them in the comments section. I'm curious: Did you learn to crochet with yarn first, then beads or wire? Do you reserve a special crochet hook for your jewelry work?

Coming Next Week: The votes are in for the free project from Zulu Inspired Beadwork! You'll get the winning project instructions next week, plus I'll have an interview with author Diane Fitzgerald. I'll also share the instructions for the wirework and daisy chain necklace that I created as part of the October/November Beadwork challenge.

Bead-Related Charity Events: I'm still compiling a list of bead-related charity events—from the donation of handmade beads to handmade jewelry being auctioned for charity. I'll share the list in a future newsletter. Thank you!

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She's beading on the road today again!

Fun with Soldering, Plus an Online Gallery

Editor — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 23:00:00 GMT

It's actually not that difficult to work a soldering iron. (But as you can see from my uneven example, it does take practice!) It's also fun! It's almost Harry Potter-esque how the solder seems to leap up magically onto the iron. I used copper tape to wrap the pendant and then soldered over the tape. It looked great—trust me—until I noticed a few microscopic problems and I tried to fix them by going back over those places again. Instead of looking better, it started to look worse! So, lesson one: know when to walk away.

The second lesson: your science teacher was right—glass is an excellent conductor of heat. Use a tool (I used a clothespin, except for one time when I forgot—ouch!) to hold the pendant while you work, not your fingers.

My first soldered pendant

By the way, the embroidered scrap under the glass is a practice piece I made when taking an embroidery class from Melinda Barta (author of Hip to Stitch). I had cut the fabric just a wee bit small for the button cover I was making, but it was the perfect size for a pendant. It's definite proof (lesson three?) that nothing is ever wasted.

Lisa Hjelme's jewelry

I asked Beading Daily readers to send me examples of their own soldered jewelry. One of the first people I heard from was Lisa Hjelme in Norway, who graciously agreed to translate the Norwegian text on her website for me. I was also amazed by Angie Simonsen's soldered pendant, her very first one. (Some people are just naturals!) I hope you enjoy the gallery as much as I did. There's an incredible amount of talent on Beading Daily.

If you're interested in experimenting with small soldering projects, check out the brief article on mini torches ("Playing with Fire") that comes to us courtesy of Step by Step Wire Jewelry. You might also enjoy the Complete Guide to Jewelry Soldering. And don't forget to download this week's featured project from Beadwork, the Shining Example Necklace!

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She's finishing up the Faerie Queen Cuff (a future Beading Daily project) this weekend and promises to pick up all the seed beads that mysteriously found their way into the sofa during the construction of this bracelet!