Inside Jewelry Stringing Magazine : Beaded Wedding Jewelry

Make These Easy Romantic Earrings

Dblair — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, here's an idea for some little beauties you can whip up for yourself or for someone you love.

2 jet 4mm Swarovski crystal bicones (mine are from FusionBeads.com)

2 ruby 6mm Swarovski crystal bicones (also from FusionBeads.com)

2 frosted filigree 13x9mm lampwork rondelles (I got mine from SueBeads)

2 silver-plated 10mm engraved flower bead caps (these are from Beadaholique)

2 sterling silver 1 1/2" ball-end head pins (also from Beadaholique)

2 ear wires of your choice

1. String the following items onto one head pin:

1 ruby crystal, 1 bead cap (wide end first), 1 lampwork bead, and 1 jet crystal. Form a wrapped loop that attaches to 1 ear wire.

2. Repeat for a second earring.

Just in case you gift your earrings, here are a few of my favorite packaging ideas (click on photos to get to the Etsy shops):

And here's a fun little tidbit: the offices of Jewelry Stringing are located in the beautiful town of Loveland, Colorado (also known as the "Sweetheart City"). Every February, large wooden hearts decorate the light poles around town, each with a message to someone special painted in big white letters. I took these snapshots this morning, just as crews were hanging a heart on the pole outside my window:

Debbie

Favorites in Floral Fashion

Dblair — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

This week, we've been doing a lot of planning for the Spring 2013 issue of Jewelry Stringing. And one of the hot trends we're seeing for spring happens to be floral prints. Here, I've put together a little collection of my favorite floral clothing, jewelry, and accessories from Pinterest, Etsy, and a few of my go-to shops for fashion inspiration.

1. I just may have to splurge and buy myself one of these adorable newsboys from Anthropologie! Uber cute any time of the year!

2. This minty blue-green Charmed Floral Necklace from Rouche would look lovely paired with a little black dress for a night on the town, or dressed down with a pair of jeans and white blouse.

3. Not exactly something I could see myself wearing to the office, this Bold Floral Dress from Oasis would be a stunning outfit for a wedding or other special occasion. LOVE it!

4. These Crystal Delicate Floral Chandelier Earrings from Sorrelli have just enough interesting components, without being over the top.

5. I love the subtle pattern in this feminine Petal Drifts silk tunic from Sundance.

6. This delicate and stunningly beautiful porcelain ring is from one of my all-time favorite Etsy artists, MaaPstudio.

7. Aside from the fact that these Charlotte Olympia pumps from Neiman Marcus cost about as much as my mortgage payment, I just adore the sassy, fun colors! Santa, are you listening?

8. I'm a big fan of polymer-clay-done-well, and this fabulous turquoise cherry blossom cuff from another of my favorite Etsy artists, TheShagBag, has me drooling at my desk!

I can't wait to see what other spring trends we'll see! Share your favorites here!

Debbie Blair, Managing Editor

Wedding Jewelry Trends for Summer

Dblair — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:21:00 GMT

Don't you just love summer weddings? One of my office mates has been busily planning her nuptials, which will take place later this month. Getting a glimpse of just some of the things that will make her day special has inspired me to see which accessories brides will be wearing this summer.

1. The summer issue of Martha Stewart magazine shows us a collection of pearls in unusual shapes, shades, and settings.

2. Brides Magazine features this out-of-the-ordinary wedding choker from Neiman Marcus made with pearls,crystals, and--get this--black leather!

3. I can almost hear my grandmother gushing over this gorgeous bracelet on TheKnot.com, featuring cotton and polyester crocheted loops, glass pearls and mother-of-pearl.

4. Look at these non-traditional beauties from Nordstrom. Simply stunning!

5. I love the accent on these gorgeous pearl strands--my favorite pick from Southern Bride magazine.

6. This vintage-style bracelet by Etsy artist, ShesAccessories, is made with white fresh water pearls and rhodium plated leaves with rhinestones.

7. The subtle details make these earrings in MadeByMore's Etsy shop oh-so-sweet.

8. If you're interested in making your own jewelry for that special day, download the Best of Stringing Wedding eBook, or check out Jean Campbell's Beaded Weddings, both available in the Interweave Store.

Happy crafting!