Daily Blogs : gifts

Wedding Jewelry Ideas from a Bride-to-Be

Michelle M. — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:27:00 GMT

On August 2, 2008, my life changed forever. My fiancé Michael got down on one knee, took my hand, and asked me to marry him. The first words out of my mouth (wet with joyful tears) were, “Absolutely, 100 percent, yes!”...(read more)

Your Favorite Beading Gifts and a Simple Winter Bracelet

Michelle M. — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:36:00 GMT

Months ago I asked Beading Daily readers to share their favorite bead-related gifts. If you're still shopping, take a look at these ideas that will fit a range of budgets, including a few that won't cost you a dime!...(read more)

Last-Minute Beading Gift-Making Ideas

Michelle M. — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:15:00 GMT

We both know that a handmade piece of jewelry is one of the nicest gifts you can give someone. People love receiving jewelry that was designed specifically with them in mind, and when the wearer knows the designer personally, she’s afforded another layer of bragging rights. ...(read more)

5 Ways to Share Your Love of Beading

Michelle M. — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:09:00 GMT

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

Gift Ideas for Beaders: Jean's Wish List and a New Reader Poll

Michelle M. — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:13:00 GMT

When my birthday or the holidays roll around and people ask me what I’m wishing for, I give the rote, “Oh, just good kids, health, and a nice dinner with loved ones”. But it’s all a sham. I secretly LOVE receiving gifts! The big fancy ones are nice, but the gifts I get really excited about are those that the giver really puts some thought into. Something tailored just for me. This type of gift—whether made or purchased—comes with a card saying, “This really reminded me of you” or “I knew you needed this.”...(read more)

Just for Fun: 10 Other Uses for Beads

Michelle M. — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:26:00 GMT

Beads show up in the oddest places. I'm not talking about in my sofa cushions or in the kitchen rug (though I find plenty of beads there), I'm talking large beaded hood ornaments for your car! If you've ever wondered what to do with some of your beads besides create jewelry, take a look at these oddly wonderful tidbits that I've found....(read more)

Chain and Gemstone Necklace: Creating a Personalized Gift

Michelle M. — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 13:05:00 GMT

Creating a Personalized Gift

One of the best things about being able to design jewelry is to be able to create a personalized, unique gift especially for a specific person. When a good friend of mine adopted her second child from China, I created a pair of earrings for her that combined mahogany obsidian from Colorado and jade from China to symbolize her new family. She loved the simple earrings and so did I--it was probably one of the best gifts I've ever given.

I was reminded of that experience recently when I received a necklace design from Jennifer Judd. Her chain and gemstone necklace was beautiful, but I'll admit it was the story behind it that got me hooked.

Jennifer's Story

"I happen to be an Air Force Officer for my 'real job' when I'm not sitting at my beading table, so I spend a lot of time with other military folks. One of my friends, who is currently dating an Army Officer, approached me about getting her a unique gift before her upcoming six month assignment in Baghdad. She is partly Cherokee Indian and relies heavily on her spiritual beliefs and the meaning of gemstones.

Since I'm not an expert on gemstones, I spent a little time researching gemstones and colors that symbolized protection and bravery. After much reading, I focused on a combination of orange and green: Canadian jade, ocean jasper, cherry agate, and carnelian. I added red seed beads as accents to each beaded section because the color red symbolizes success and triumph. It's also a typical component of Native American beadwork. To keep the necklace lighter, I divided it into seven sections of beads (seven is a powerful Cherokee number) connected with seven links of silver chain. To help the necklace drape properly, I added a simple pendant of coordinating stones in the center section.

Because she won't be able to wear the necklace while in uniform, I also made single-stone pendants that she can string on her dog tag chain that she'll have on all the time. It's not exactly regulation, but will give her some comfort and remind her of the man who gave them to her."

Free Project: Nan's Protective Necklace by Jennifer Judd

If you're curious about some common gemstone meanings, check out Jean Campbell's post, "Healing Beads: The Special Meaning Behind Gemstones."

I'd love to hear your stories about creating a personalized gift. What did you make? How did the recipient respond? Share your stories on the website.

Have you visited the new discussion forums yet? Here's what people are talking about: selling copyrighted designs, using FireLine, working with resin, places to sell your work . . . and more! Come join in the conversation!

Bead Spree Giveaway--Only one week left to sign up! Win a $300, $200, or $100 shopping spree at your local U.S. or Canadian bead shop! Sign up today!

Michelle Mach shares free projects every Friday on Beading Daily. If you have comments or questions for Michelle, please post them on the website.

Healing Beads: The Special Meanings of Gemstones

Michelle M. — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:06:00 GMT

Healing Beads

After experiencing a frustrating year of health concerns, doctors, and hospitals in 2007, I started seeing a naturopath. I'd never been to a natural healer and can't claim I welcomed Diane into my life without a big dose of skepticism. But as I have since seen results (restless legs abated! digestion quieted! back surgery cancelled! pounds lost!), I'm not going to question how or why.

In gratitude for Diane's treatment, I sat down this weekend to make her a bead-embroidered pin. I've never been too sure about the claim that gemstones have healing properties, but I'm pretty sure Diane is, so I thought I'd make the effort to use stones that she might enjoy having around her. Hawk's eye for vision; lapis lazuli for intuition; turquoise for overall good juju.

Diane's Pin

While making the pin, I found myself truly appreciating everything she's done for me the last few months. With each stitch, I reflected on her bright face, encouraging comments, and intuitive observations. It was like she was sitting right next to me. And you know what? I found myself filled with great energy. Could it have been the right combination of gemstones? Maybe. But I know it was mostly from the beading itself. The meditative quality of beading makes it simple to evoke that feeling.

You know that the Anglo-Saxon word "bede" means prayer, right? I think it makes perfect sense, don't you? Beading allows us to get into that zone. For me, even though I might have a filled to-do list, a sassy nine-year-old, or a hive-producing liver-cleanse on my mind, as soon as I pick up the beads I get drawn back into the zone. Beading brings calm and quiet. And I tell you, when it's a gift I'm beading, the joy of "being" with the giftee is like an extra cherry on the meditation sundae.

I hope Diane likes my gift. I know I already got as much out of it as she will.

Healing Stones

There's a long history of belief in the healing qualities of gemstones. Native Americans used them for prayer and healing, and Chinese health practitioners have used them for thousands of years. I know I feel a tingly healing quality just when I run my fingers through my gemstone stash! In any case, there are long lists of properties ascribed to our little rock buddies. A quick Web search under "healing stones" will give you the big picture. To whet your appetite, here's a very brief list of the stones common to many of our "stashi" with a one-word quality:

Amazonite: prosperity
Crystal quartz: harmony
Jasper: grounding
Lapis lazuli: intuition
Onyx: balance
Pearl: purity
Peridot: health and wealth
Rhodochrosite: love
Serpentine: clarity
Sodalite: wisdom
Tourmaline: strength
Turquoise: peace

Jean Campbell writes about beading and life every Wednesday on Beading Daily. If you have comments or questions for Jean, please post them on the website. Thanks!

Beading for Boys

Michelle M. — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:27:00 GMT

Attention Beading Men: This post does not refer to you, not one bit.

I asked a knitter friend recently what she thought knitters like to make most for the men in their lives. She said, "Oh, come on. Most knitters would rather spend the time making something for themselves!"

I suspiciously think this sentiment rings true for beaders, too. Oh, beading's got a bigger instant-gratification factor than knitting does, so it’s not always about keeping the goods to ourselves. It's an easy thing to whip up a simple bracelet here for sister, a necklace there for mom, and maybe a pair of earrings for teacher.

But coming up with anything, well, manly? Very tricky. Especially here in the Midwest, where I seem to be surrounded by men who are more concerned with the permeability of their ultra-lined heat-activated snow boots than accessorizing.

Oh, yes, there are some sculptural things I think the men in my life might like to put on a shelf to admire. You know, the really cool, crazily technical, pull-your-hair-out-until-it's-perfect-because-it-takes-30-hours-to-make things? Well, I don't know about you, but I figure those projects stay home with momma.

Of course it depends on the man. For instance, I had a bead party at my brother's cabin in the wilds of Wisconsin last summer. He said he'd like to learn how to bead, too. So I told him to belly his 6' 4", 240-lb body up to the table, and what did he make? A delicate ankle bracelet made of bare beading wire and stone chips--for himself! Looked great with his size 14 feet--I think the thing was about 16" long. It didn’t last through the weekend, though. Waterskiing + large man + ankle bracelet = disaster. At least he knows how to make another if he wants one.

What kind of beaded gifts do men really like? As I point out, I think it depends solely on the man, so it’s hard to generalize. But I can share a few I’ve made and given. Some have been successful, some not so much.

Successful: Keychain made with 16mm leopard jasper rondelles and Bali silver. This was an engagement shower gift for my little brother, John (who, by the way, has not made an ankle bracelet for himself, yet). After seven years he still carries it.

Not so successful: Elastic-strung bracelet with small wood and Greek ceramic beads for a third brother, Jim (there are four of them). He’s even bigger than the ankle bracelet guy, so elastic was a stupid choice. It exploded a day later. He liked the beads, though.

Successful: Carnelian and metal clay rosary for my son's First Communion. He still has it hanging over the door to his room.

Not so successful: Heishi shell and hemp necklace for said son on his sixth birthday. "It’s too itchy!!" Weird kid. It was made with linen.

Successful: Square-stitched bookmark for my nutty professor (a.k.a. husband). He uses it as he plows from book to book.

Not so successful: Walking staff with beaded embellishments. This was created at a macho-girls' camping weekend, where at one point we foraged for sticks, peeled the bark off, shaped them with knives, cured them in the bonfire, and ran around the campsite screaming our heads off. (Yes, the weekend was a great tension reliever. Highly recommended.) When I got home, I carved a groove around the staff, added a peyote-stitched band, and gave it to my husband for Father's Day. I think he knew this was a re-gifting of sorts, so it was left in a corner for a long time until the kids found it very useful for exploding water balloons.

Successful: Brick-stitched coin purse for an old art professor of mine. He incorporated it into a beautiful sterling silver and found-object necklace. Come to think of it, I wish he would have given it back!

I’m sure many of you have ventured into this tricky territory. Share your thoughts on the website. What worked? What didn't? We're all dying to know!

Bead Star Contest Update: The Bead Star FAQ has been updated--check out the answers to new questions about polymer clay, non-jewelry entries, chain maille, and more! Deadline for entries is May 6. See the complete rules for details on how to enter to win great prizes, including having your design featured on a magazine cover.

Jean Campbell writes about beading and life every Wednesday on Beading Daily. If you have comments or questions for Jean, please post them on the website. Thanks!

Jewelry Ideas for Valentine's Day

Editor — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Isn't It Romantic?

I'm not an especially romantic person, particularly when it comes to jewelry design. As I mentioned in an earlier post ("Playing with Color") I have no pink beads in my bead collection and certainly no heart beads--or so I thought.

Imagine my surprise when I found these cute silver hearts at the bottom of my jewelry box! I'd forgotten about these heart charms that I created in my first metal clay class a couple of years ago. So apparently, even though I don't buy heart beads, somewhere deep inside I have the compulsion to make them. How weird is that?

Of course, now that I've found these beads, all I can think about is creating a sweet, sentimental design (dangly earrings? Y-necklace?) that features them. C'est la vie!

New Free Project

Love Me Tendril
by Christi Friesen

This new polymer clay project comes to us from Step by Step Beads. Learn how to make polymer clay and semiprecious stone leaf beads with these step-by-step instructions and photographs. Even if you are not a polymer clay fan, you might want to look at the close-up photo of this project for some springtime color inspiration. In the instructions, the designer also gives tips for an alternate autumn color palette.(Instructions are for the beads only; instructions for stringing the necklace are in the March/April 2008 issue of Step by Step Beads.)

More Lovely Free Projects

You might also enjoy these love-inspired projects:

	Keys to My Heart by Jean Yates Techniques: Stringing, Wireworking Create a matching earring and bracelet set using crystals and silver components with colorful shibuichi patina.
	Lovey Dovey Ring by Jamie Hogsett Technique: Wireworking Practice your wireworking skills as you create this dramatic crystal ring.
	Lilac Love by Debbie Blair Techniques: Stringing (necklace), polymer clay and wireworking (pendant) Craft your own unique polymer clay heart pendant to jazz up a simple necklace.
	Love Birds Necklace by Michelle Mach Techniques: Daisy chain, wireworking, sewing and gluing (pendant) Seed bead daisies decorate pearls and turquoise nuggets in this brass chain necklace. The pendant was fashioned from separate brass elements. (Yes, this is a romantic piece, but it was a Beadwork challenge--I never would have come up with a love themed necklace on my own!)

Inspired by . . . YOU

This Valentine's Day necklace is by Beading Daily reader Susan Cuss. Susan is a self-taught beader who has been beading for about three years. In addition to beading, she also paints in watercolors and oils. The spiral rope uses four shades of pink beads, plus a shade of gray inspired by the hematite heart. The fringe uses glass hearts, as well as crystal bicones and fire-polished crystals. The clasp was created with two metal love charms that Susan adhered together to create a two-sided piece.

Share the Love

The Beading for a Cure projects are now online. All the beaders used the same kit of beads and it's truly fascinating to see all the different pieces that they came up with! All the pieces will be auctioned off to raise money for the National Colorectal Cancer Research Association. The auction will begin March 2, 2008--mark your calendars!

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She'll be working on her Beadwork challenge piece this weekend and it's starting to look like it may be another love-inspired design!

10 Reasons We Love Making Beaded Gifts

Editor — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:00:00 GMT

y Holiday Beading

Above: One of my holiday gifts decorated with a ceramic snowman bead from Studio 59.

I've finished my holiday beading! It helped that my list was short this year--two pairs of earrings, a purple chain maille bracelet, and a few beaded snowflakes. I also stretched the meaning of "beading" gifts: For one of my beading friends--a busy mom--I created a simple earring kit with some handmade ceramic cupcake beads, ear wires, headpins, and round beads for the top of the cupcake. I also promised another friend with a 6-year-old daughter that I would come over one day and make some "Princess jewelry" with large, sparkly plastic beads and elastic cord. (I have a feeling that the experience will be more of an education for me than for the 6-year-old!)

So why do we love to make beaded gifts? Here are 10 reasons from Beading Daily readers:

1. It's personal.

"I think it's a rather nice personal touch to give a handmade gift no matter what it is."

"I really enjoy making jewelry gifts for my friends. I have gotten requests from family members on things they would like and it sure makes Christmas shopping a lot easier. Also, it really makes me feel good to see my friends wear things that I have made for them."

2. It costs less.

"It makes sense financially. (I do not really have much money to spend on gifts, so I'll make them myself.)"

"Everyone loves jewelry and I can make it so much cheaper than purchasing it."

"My husband is in Iraq so it is helping me to pass the time, plus saving money and giving our family and friends something really nice for Christmas."

3. It's safer.

"I always make beaded gifts as well as other types of handmade items for the holidays, but this year seems even more important with all the recalls on products out of China. It's time for America to get back to its roots!"

4. It makes good business sense.

"Just about everyone on my list will be getting beaded jewelry this year, including the guys! I look at it as a gift for them and free advertisement of my work for me!"

5. It beats shopping.

"I HATE to shop, even before I worked retail, I HATED it. This way, I get to be creative in spurts and everyone loves the uniqueness of their gifts."

6. It's a fun way to learn--and show-off--new skills:

"Knotted pearl necklaces all around since I finally mastered knotting."

"I will be making about 20-25 pairs of coin pearl dangle earrings. My wire wrapping skills are getting better already and I'm only halfway through."

7. It's a fabulous recruiting tool.

"My dear sister-in-law brought me a gift of a lovely turquoise peyote bracelet, I loved it and asked her to show me how to make it. Now, at least 10 beaded projects later, I'm seriously hooked!"

8. It's good stress relief.

"Last year I made 20-something beaded animals, pikachus, Glindas, balls, snowmen, etc. for my people as Christmas gifts, but also because I needed a little bit of anti-stress therapy (horrible evil exams)."

"It's less stressful than shopping at the mall and trying to get that person, just the right something. This is from the heart."

9. It's tradition.

"It's tradition that my mom gets a new jewelry set every year for Christmas."

10. It's hard to explain.

"I must be crazy!!"

Beading Daily goes on vacation!There will be no Beading Daily email again until January 2, 2008. Here are a few things to keep you busy in the meantime:

New Free Project:Montee Magic Earrings by Katherine Schwartzenberger. These crystal and seed bead earrings are perfect for holiday parties and last-minute gifts. The matching bracelet project is featured on the cover of the February/March 2008 issue of Beadwork magazine on sale January 15, 2008. Katherine describes herself as a new beader, but if these projects are any indication, I think we'll be seeing more of her work!

Bead Spa Jar
by Melinda Barta
Purchase PDF Download

New Poll: Do you brick stitch to Beyoncé? Or do you string along to Beethoven? I thought it would be fun to post a play list of songs that everyone enjoys listening to while beading. Take a minute to answer the new poll: Do you listen to music while you bead?
New Year's Beading Resolutions: Are there new techniques you want to learn? How about getting that bead stash organized? I'll be writing about beading resolutions when I get back.
Shop the Beading Daily Store: There's still time to make a few last-minute gifts, like the brick-stitch spa jar lid pictured at left.

Story Updates: Several readers sent in great tips for Wednesday's snowflake project--be sure to check those out! I've also added a photo of reader Diane Smith's bugle bead necklace, since there was a question about her technique. Finally, if you missed the interview with clay bead artist Melanie Brooks Lukacs, you may want to take a look--and learn how to enter her holiday bead giveaway!

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. And yes, she is going to bead during her vacation! How could she not?

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!

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.

Using Buttons in Jewelry Designs

Editor — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 17:00:00 GMT

Do you use buttons in your jewelry? When I was a little girl, I inherited a large jar of buttons from my grandmother. By using them in jewelry, I can not only appreciate their beauty and uniqueness, but also maintain a connection with my family.

One common use for buttons is as a bracelet clasp. Here are three bracelets on Beading Daily that use buttons for closures:

Elegant Netted Bracelet by Deborah Meyer
Nefertiti Bracelet by Helen Everett
Zulu Flowerette Chain by Diane Fitzgerald

At left: Some buttons from my personal collection.

Here are a few more ideas for using buttons in jewelry:

With her Recylcled Button and Bead Charm Bracelet, Perpetualplum demonstrates that you don't need a lot of money to make great jewelry.
Santa!Carolina shows off her three button earrings.
Craftgrrl has a few button jewelry designs on her blog, including a very clever ring idea.
Summer Pickles created a button necklace (pictured at right), plus some very sweet hairclips.

Just for Fun . . . My First Beaded Holiday Gift

As promised, here's the gift I made for my new office mate, Bertha. She usually models for Knitting Daily (I think they bribe her with free yarn), but graciously agreed to pose with her new necklace.

I created this quick necklace as a joke, using leftover, inexpensive beads that I found in my stash: aqua glass rounds, black plastic triangles, size 11 purple seed beads, and iridescent glass ovals that are black on one side, purple/cobalt/aqua on the other. (I may be crazy enough to design for a mannequin, but I'm not crazy enough to use expensive beads!) I did not include a clasp--an advantage of designing for a headless client!

One surprising twist: I received a number of compliments on my "joke" necklace. It was a good reminder that while the quality of materials is important, you shouldn't discount your own skill in combining colors, shapes, and finishes and creating a beautiful piece. You are talented!

Coming Friday: Winners of the first Beading Daily challenge!

Are you making any beaded gifts this year? This poll ended Friday, November 30, 2007.

Does location matter when selling your jewelry? On Monday ("Elegant Netted Bracelet"), I talked about seeing jewelry in two very different places and how that affected me as a buyer. Sue S. pointed out the importance of the display itself, not just the venue. Sue K. agreed, saying, "I could probably sell ice cream to Eskimos if the set-up was right." And Zitta S. pointed out that the "overload" problem is common in shop display windows. Please join the conversation by adding your comments on this topic!

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. Despite her best efforts, she continues to add to her button collection.