Inside Jewelry Stringing Magazine : Wire Jewelry

Essential Beading Wires For Your Bead Stash

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:00:00 GMT

I recently made a necklace for the Fall issue of Jewelry Stringing magazine using 24-gauge gunmetal wire. As I was sifting through my box of wires deciding which to use for this project, I realized it might be useful to discuss wires...especially the wires I couldn't bead without. If you're a beginning beader, I would recommend purchasing the following wires.

MEDIUM (.018 or .019 diameter) FLEXIBLE BEADING WIRE

This is a must-have wire. It's stainless steel wire that's been covered with clear nylon. A go-to material for any stringing project, this wire is won't kink and is strong enough to support most beads (use heavy wire for heavy beads, such as chunky gemstones). I like 49-strand wire--the greater the number of strands, the greater the flexibility--so 49-strand is super flexible compared to, say, 7-strand or 19-strand. Soft Flex, Beadalon, Accu-Flex, Flexrite, and Acculon are just two of the many beading wires available.

STERLING SILVER 24-GAUGE ROUND, HALF-HARD WIRE

Let me explain. Sterling silver is the type of metal, of course. While sterling silver has long been my favorite wire to use, recently I've purchased silver-plated wire instead due to the high price of sterling. The gauge refers to the thickness or diameter of the wire. 24-gauge is about .025" in diameter. This is considered fine wire, but I find it's a great size to fit most of the beads in my stash. "Round" refers to the shape of the wire, and "half-hard" refers to the temper. Temper is the hardness of the wire. Half-hard means the wire it's soft enough to be malleable but hard enough to hold its shape. This is the wire I turn to for my wireworking needs--it's perfect for making wrapped and simple loops.

While I use the above two wires the most in my jewelry-making projects, I've also accumulated several other wires that have served me well:

Heavy (.024) and fine (.014 or .015) beading wires: I string heavy gemstones on the heavy and pearls with tiny holes on the fine.
22-gauge silver wire: For projects when I want my wireworking to have more heft
Gold 22- and 24-gauge wires: For projects I make in gold tones
Antiqued brass or gunmetal wire: Because I've been using more and more brass in my work

What wire could you not live without? Tell me below!

-Danielle

Tips for Designing Collar Necklaces?

cchatenever — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:00:00 GMT

One of the themed sections in our Fall '13 issue of Jewelry Stringing magazine is going to be Collar and Bib Necklaces:

This structure-driven design trend has been one of the smash hits of jewelry fashion as of late, and I am itching to try my hand at making one. I'm a little intimidated, however, but the heightened level of planning and engineering that is required to make a piece with panels. While different designers have interpreted this style in a variety of ways (some hang long dangles from a chain necklace to create a curtain effect, while others wire beads together to create a more fixed shape), the measurements and calculations that come into play must be very specific and very accurate in order to achieve a successful design.

We curated a Pinterest collection of inspiring designs to help guide our contributors as they created pieces to submit, and I have been perusing it for design ideas, but still feel a little bit like I am jumping into the deep end with this project..

Have any of you experimented with collar/bib necklaces? Any helpful tips or tricks to pass on?

Happy weekend!

Chloe

5 Jewelry Making Mistakes to Avoid

DanielleF@9 — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:00:00 GMT

I've been beading for almost ten years now--ever since I joined the staff of Jewelry Stringing. And over those ten years, I've made lots of beading mistakes. Thing is, those mistakes turn into lessons. Hard-earned lessions sometimes, yes, but lessons nonetheless. When learning to bead, it's as much about figuring out what NOT to do as it is figuring out what to do. I think you know what I mean. Below I offer some advice based on my screw-ups...I mean, adventures in learning.

Don't use your nice wire cutters on memory wire. Really. Memory wire is steel, and it's really hard. The first time I used memory wire, I was too lazy to go find another pair of pliers to cut it. So, I used my jewelry wire cutters. And, just like all the warnings tell you, it does mar the blades of the pliers, which makes it harder in the future to cut everything else. Buy some memory-wire specific cutters like the ones at right from Fire Mountain Gems, or use hardware-store cutters.

When closing jump rings, take your time and close them well the first time. In the past, I've wiggled jump rings back and forth so many times trying to close them perfectly that they actually broke in half. To avoid this, grasp each side of a jump ring's opening with a pair of pliers. Don't pull apart. Instead, twist in opposite directions so that you can open and close without distorting the shape.

When using beads on cloth, make sure the beads have a permanent finish. I once bead-embroidered some pillowcases (one of my very first beading projects) with cute little flowers. When I washed the pillowcases, the colors of the beads bled all over the pillowcase, ruining it. I should have known--they were cheap beads, but, hey, I was a newbie!

Be careful when using thread burners or lighters to cauterize the ends of synthetic threads. I was finishing a small earring project I had stitched with FireLine braided beading thread and thought I'd try the finish-by-fire method I've read so much about. I only had a lighter, not a thread burner like the one at left from Artbeads.com. I guess I got a little flame happy. Not only did I singe my tail thread, but I also burned through other threads, causing the piece to fall apart. Luckily, it didn't take long to redo my earring, but I learned that a little bit of heat goes a long way.

When carrying your in-progress jewelry to a mirror to check out how the size of a necklace is working on you, make sure the ends are secured really well with bead stops. I've lost a few beads in the sink after some ill-placed bead stops fell off my piece, cause the whole necklace to come apart. I like the original size Bead Stoppers. Just make sure they've got your beading wire trapped securely in the coils before moving your jewelry around.

What lessons have you learned through beading trial and error? Share them below!

-Danielle

In Defense of Jewelry Kits

cchatenever — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:00:00 GMT

I always feel a tad guilty when I make jewelry from a kit. After making jewelry for so many years and seeing firsthand how much work goes into the planning and design stages of each piece, I feel like I am cheating when I use a kit to skip over those steps. On the other hand, I feel like there is something to be said for giving yourself a break every now and then and breezing through an easy project.

I studied German in college and before big tests I liked to take a break from my flashcards and pick out an easy assignment to do from the chapters I had already learned. While it didn't hurt to brush up on my basics, I think the most useful part of this exercise was that it always gave me a little ego boost--it reminded me how much I had already learned and gave me the motivation to keep working at it. This strategy can be applied to any skill that you are trying to develop--including jewelry making! The next time you find yourself in a designing rut, consider whipping up a copy of a project you have already made and really loved, or working through a simple jewelry kit. It just might be enough to bump you out of your rut and get your creative juices flowing again!

A few days ago we got a shipment of Weave Got Maille's latest kits. I haven't had time to do much designing lately, so I thought this would be a great opportunity to get out my pliers and play with beads for a few minutes. Each kit comes with everything you will need to make up either a bracelet or a pair of earrings except for a few pairs of flat-nose pliers. I went with their Sedona Shaggy Loops Bracelet kit (its blue/brass color palette is one of my favorites!). As I worked through the pattern I stopped to snap a few in-progress shots:

It was a really pleasant way to spend a few minutes on a stressful afternoon! While the technique was familiar and this bracelet went pretty quickly, I was also reminded that there is something to be learned from every project (no matter how simple): I opened up all of my jump rings before I started constructing the bracelet and as I was putting it together I realized I opened them a bit too far. Next time I am going to save myself some work and be a little less zealous with my pliers. I also learned that a chain maille project isn't the best way to break in a new set of pliers with a stiff spring--my hand was cramping up halfway through!

Do you ever pick up beading kits for yourself? Or do you have other tricks for overcoming creative ruts?

Happy weekend!

Chloe

What's Your Bracelet Style?

Dblair — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

When it comes to favoring a particular type of bracelet design, honestly, I'm all over the board. It just depends on my mood and my outfit.

Is your style casual and easy-going? Or do you love the sophistication of more classic pieces? Perhaps bold statement jewelry or whimsical accessories show off your personality best.

Whatever your style may be, here are a dozen bracelet designs to inspire (download step-by-step instructions from the Interweave Store for just $4 each):

Make this unique Coral Charm Bracelet by gluing your favorite assortment of cabochons into matching brass bezels.

Casual:

Create this lively Motion Ocean Bracelet by connecting various colored jump rings with dotted components.

Step-by-step photos show you how to create the wire wrapped links in this flexible Bangle Bracelet.

The clear instructions for this Bejeweled Crystal Bracelet make it an easy introduction to beadweaving.

Classic:

This Macrame Pearl Bracelet is an ideal one-size-fits-all project, perfect for using beads from your stash.

Make this Frosty Pink crystal and pearl bracelet using elastic cord for ease of wearing. (Free download)

It's hard to believe that chain maille is at the center of this gorgeous Blue My Mind bracelet.

Statement:

Make a statement with this chunky Anemone Bracelet, which features colorful cane-glass beads.

If you'd like to try basic metalworking, this Fluted Silver Cuff features hammered fluted and domed shapes.

No doubt you'll be ready for summer wearing this Brandon Beach Bracelet!

Fun:

The colorful mix of resin, Lucite, and clay beads really make this Candy Charm Bracelet pop!

I love the eclectic mix of elements in this funky Found Object Charm Bracelet.

Spring weather means it's time to rid your wardrobe of long sleeves and adorn your wrists with a bit of color. So you'd better get busy!

Bead happy,

Enter Bead Star Now & Save On Entry Fee!

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:00:00 GMT

Enter the Bead Star contest by March 28th and take advantage of reduced entry fees! (The final deadline is May 24th.)

All early bird entries (submitted on or before March 28, 2013) are $15 for the first entry and $5 for each additional entry. All regular entries (submitted after March 28, 2013, but on or before May 24, 2013) are $20 for the first entry and $5 for each additional entry. The entry fee must be paid by credit card or check .

Read more about the contest below, including how you could win an all-expense-paid trip to Bead Fest Philadelphia in August. Find more details at BeadStar.com, then enter to win. Complete rules can be found here.

NEW THIS YEAR:

Beadweaving projects will now be accepted (and are encouraged)!
The Bead Star contest will now be conducted by judges selected by the staff of Beadwork andJewelry Stringing magazines.
We will now charge an entry fee to cover the expenses of administering this competition

PRIZES

One grand-prize winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Bead Fest Philadelphia, our most popular Bead Fest event, which will be held August 23 to 25, 2013.

More than $4,000 in Cash Prizes!
5 First Place Awards: $500 each
5 Second Place Awards: $250 each
5 Third Place Awards: 1 one-year subscription to Beadwork or Jewelry Stringing magazine

Plus, the Emerging Artists Category (Open only to entrants who have never had their jewelry published in a magazine or book, including online magazines and books. Entries submitted in this category can be made with any material or technique.)

First Place Award: $150 each
Second Place Award: $75 each
Third Place Award: 1 one-year subscription to Beadwork or Jewelry Stringing magazine

All winners will be published in Beadwork AND Jewelry Stringing magazines. They will also receive recognition at Bead Fest Philadelphia.

CATEGORIES

The Bead Star contest consists of the following 6 categories. Entrants may submit as many designs as they wish in each category; however, the same design cannot be submitted in more than one category. All designs must be the original work of the entrant and must be handmade jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, or earrings) that meets the criteria for each category (see below). Remember, you may now use seed beads and beadweaving techniques to create your entries for any category!

Crystals: Designs created using predominantly* crystals

Glass: Designs created using predominantly* pressed-glass, fire-polished glass, sea glass, lampworked glass, and/or any other type of glass bead.

Metals & Wireworking: Designs created using predominantly* metal beads, components, and/or wire. Metal can be of any type or mixed.

Pearls: Designs created using predominantly* pearls of any shape, color, type, etc. Faux pearls (including crystal and glass pearls), shell, and mother-of-pearl can be used in your entry.

Gemstones: Designs created using predominantly* stones of any type. We will consider coral a stone.

Emerging Artists: Open only to entrants who have never had their jewelry published in a magazine or book, including online magazines and books. Entries submitted in this category can be made with any material or technique.

*By predominantly, we mean that when you look at the project, it should be obvious that the category material plays a starring role in the design. Beadwork and Jewelry Stringing editors reserve the right to reclassify or disqualify projects not meeting these guidelines.

ENTER NOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Enter Our Beading Contest Now!

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Just another reminder: the Bead Star contest is back and better than ever! But don't wait to prepare your entry--THE DEADLINE IS MAY 24!

NEW THIS YEAR:

Beadweaving projects will now be accepted (and are encouraged)!
The Bead Star contest will now be conducted by judges selected by the staff of Beadwork andJewelry Stringing magazines.
We will now charge an entry fee to cover the expenses of administering this competition

PRIZES

One grand-prize winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Bead Fest Philadelphia, our most popular Bead Fest event, which will be held August 23 to 25, 2013.

First Place Award: $150 each
Second Place Award: $75 each
Third Place Award: 1 one-year subscription to Beadwork or Jewelry Stringing magazine

All winners will be published in Beadwork AND Jewelry Stringing magazines. They will also receive recognition at Bead Fest Philadelphia.

CATEGORIES

Crystals: Designs created using predominantly* crystals

Glass: Designs created using predominantly* pressed-glass, fire-polished glass, sea glass, lampworked glass, and/or any other type of glass bead.

Metals & Wireworking: Designs created using predominantly* metal beads, components, and/or wire. Metal can be of any type or mixed.

Pearls: Designs created using predominantly* pearls of any shape, color, type, etc. Faux pearls (including crystal and glass pearls), shell, and mother-of-pearl can be used in your entry.

Gemstones: Designs created using predominantly* stones of any type. We will consider coral a stone.

ENTER NOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Top 10 Reasons to Attend Bead Fest Santa Fe

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Bead Fest Santa Fe is just around the corner (March 14-17)! I always look forward to this annual bead show in beautiful New Mexico. Anyone who has ever been there can tell you why, but here are my favorite things about this sassy southwest show:

	1. The instructors are fabulous. Every year, the Santa Fe Bead Fest show attracts some the best beading talent in the nation. Hone your beading, wireworking, or metalsmithing skills under the tutelage of such talents as Leslee Frumin, Jill Wiseman, Kate Richbourg, and more.
	2. The expo features dozens of exciting vendors--a curated collection of bead booths assembled for your bead-shopping pleasure! Plus, the site of the expo, the Santa Fe Community Center, is extraordinary. This new-ish Pueblo Revival style building is beautiful inside and out.
	3. The location is second-to-none. If you've never been to Santa Fe, you must. This southwest city, the capitol of New Mexico, is located in the southern Rocky Mountains at 7,000 ft.
	4. The local food is delicious. Just as you'd expect, Santa Fe is home to many excellent Mexican and New Mexican restaurants. Some I can vouch for: Tomasita's Cafe, Cafe Pasqual's, and The Shed.
	5. The art is world-class. When it's time to take a break from bead shopping, walk along the famed Canyon Road where you can find over 100 art galleries and studios.
	6. The nearby spas are supposed to be spectacular. Next time, I must go to one! The place I've heard the most about is Ten Thousand Waves.
	7. The entry fee is cheap: $12 for the full four days when you purchase in advance online. That's only $3 a day. Plus, if you register for a class, your entry fee will be waived.
	8. The weather is usually great this time of year. Normal highs for March are usually between 50 F and 60 F degrees.
	9. The chocolate is mouth-watering. Yes, Santa Fe is known for its chocolate shops. Some to check out: Todos Santos, Senor Murphy, ChocolateSmith, and Kakawa Chocolate House,
	10. The plaza is a national historic landmark. Stop here to check out the Native American art and jewelry.

Hope to see you in Santa Fe! If you have any favorite places in Santa Fe, share them with others below.

Danielle

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

Win Big Prizes in Our Best Beading Contest Ever!

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The Bead Star contest is back and better than ever! Read more about the contest below, including how you could win an all-expense-paid trip to Bead Fest Philadelphia in August. Find more details at BeadStar.com, then enter to win. Complete rules can be found here.

NEW THIS YEAR:

Beadweaving projects will now be accepted (and are encouraged)!
The Bead Star contest will now be conducted by judges selected by the staff of Beadwork andJewelry Stringing magazines.
We will now charge an entry fee to cover the expenses of administering this competition

PRIZES

One grand-prize winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Bead Fest Philadelphia, our most popular Bead Fest event, which will be held August 23 to 25, 2013.

First Place Award: $150 each
Second Place Award: $75 each
Third Place Award: 1 one-year subscription to Beadwork or Jewelry Stringing magazine

All winners will be published in Beadwork AND Jewelry Stringing magazines. They will also receive recognition at Bead Fest Philadelphia.

CATEGORIES

Crystals: Designs created using predominantly* crystals

Glass: Designs created using predominantly* pressed-glass, fire-polished glass, sea glass, lampworked glass, and/or any other type of glass bead.

Metals & Wireworking: Designs created using predominantly* metal beads, components, and/or wire. Metal can be of any type or mixed.

Pearls: Designs created using predominantly* pearls of any shape, color, type, etc. Faux pearls (including crystal and glass pearls), shell, and mother-of-pearl can be used in your entry.

Gemstones: Designs created using predominantly* stones of any type. We will consider coral a stone.

ENTER NOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Make These Wintry Stamped Earrings

Dblair — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Even if you've never stamped on metal before, you can make these shimmery earrings in just a few easy steps.

Here's what you'll need:

Circle pendants or blanks (I used 20.5mm antique silver-plated blanks from FusionBeads.com)
Star or snowflake charms (shown here are 6mm sterling silver starburst charms from Nina Designs)
Jump rings
Ear wires
1/8" or 1/16" metal alphabet stamp set
Bench block
Hammer
Black permanent marker, such as a Sharpie
Extra-fine steel wool, or a polishing pad (I like the Pro Polish pad from Beaducation.com)
2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers

		Place the pendant or blank on a steel bench block. Hold the letter stamp perpendicular to the blank and strike the stamp very deliberately with the hammer. Do not strike the hammer more than once because the stamp will move ever so slightly and your letter will be blurred. Continue in this manner until your entire word has been stamped.
		Darken the letters using a permanent marker.
		Buff off the excess color using a polishing pad or steel wool, leaving the impressions black. Use jump rings to attach the charms to the blank, then attach the ear wires.
Get creative! Metal stamps come in a variety of designs and fonts. Some of my favorite sources, not only for stamps but for tips as well, are Beaducation.com, PJ Tool Jewelry, and Artbeads.com. Happy stamping! Debbie Blair, Managing Editor

Only A Few More Days To Submit Your Jewelry Designs!

cchatenever — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 11:00:00 GMT

You only have a few more days to submit your jewelry designs for consideration in 101 Bracelets, Necklaces, and Earrings! We already have some really inspiring designs coming in, but with 101 brand-new projects to select, we are eager to see any and all projects that you would like to send our way!

If you didn't catch our post detailing the submissions instructions for this issue, here's a refresher:

It's as simple as snapping a few shots of each piece that you would like to submit, and emailing them to 101BNE@interweave.com by our December 17th pre-submissions deadline. If we think any of your designs could be a good fit, we will request that they be sent in so that we can take a closer look.

What we are looking for:

Accepted designs will be grouped together based on their color scheme (see this year's 16 color categories below), so each submission should be made with materials that are predominantly one of the colors from our palette. Though it should be obvious, please specify which color category you intend each submission to be considered for when you send them in. We will be accepting 6-7 designs total in each color. You may submit 1 design per category. We are looking for wearable necklace, bracelet, and earring designs that are created using basic stringing, wireworking, and knotting techniques. We are also open to simple beadweaving designs.

101 Bracelets, Necklaces, and Earrings 2013 Palette

Don't hesitate to send your questions to 101BNE@interweave.com!

Cheers,

Chloe

Coral Multistrand Necklace How-To

Kate Wilson — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:00:00 GMT

I've been saving back several hanks of coral-colored Czech seed beads in various sizes for a rainy day. Today it didn't rain, but it was a quiet day at the office and I decided to give the bead spinner a go and put together this chunky necklace. Awhile ago, Danielle Fox and I tried the bead spinner out for the first time and found that it takes practice to use efficiently. So I decided to start with the bigger beads until I got the hang of it.

I placed a bead stop on one end of 3' of thread, strung 24" of beads, then placed a bead stop on the other end of the thread. I ended up stringing 4 strands of large beads (size 8/0) and 10 strands of small beads (small 9/0). Then I tied one end of the strands together in groups to make the strands more manageable.

Next, I tied one end of all the strands together with an overhand knot; then I strung the loop of 1 eye pin and tied another overhand knot that attaches to the loop (and repeated on the other end of the strands). I dabbed the knot with clear jewelry cement and let it dry.

Then I finished each end with a cord end and wrapped loop, and attached jump rings and the clasp. Voila! To wear, twist the necklace to create a spiral before clasping the closure.

Bead chic!

Kate Wilson

Project Editor

Resources
Blue Moon seed beads: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores; FireLine braided beading thread in brick red and paprika: Sparkle Spot; Cord ends: The Bead Cache.

Fun With Fringe (Free Project!)

cchatenever — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Inspired by the fringe trend that has found traction in the fashion world lately, I made this pair of super simple, super stylish fringe earrings. I was so pleased with how they turned out that I decided to share them with you! I chose gray beading thread, gold fire-polished rondelles, and some simple gold ear wires, but don't be afraid to get creative with your materials and components. (I am itching to make a pair with metallic embroidery thread now...)

		Step 1: Wrap your thread tightly around a credit card. (As you can see here, a six-month old birthday gift card is an acceptable substitute if you don't have a credit card handy...) The more times you wrap around the card, the thicker your fringe will be. I wrapped my thread all the way around the card about 30 times.

		Step 2: Use a 3" piece of thread to tie a double knot around all of your wrapped strands.

		Step 3: Make sure your knot is secure and then slide your thread wraps off of the card. Cut the thread loops. To make sure that all of your threads are cut at the same length, pull your knotted thread away from your scissors as you cut.

		Step 4: Make a wire coil around all of your threads just below the knotted thread. The coil should be tight enough that it does not slide up or down.

		Step 5: Use 5" of wire to make a wrapped loop that is attached to the thread loop you just created. Snip your knotted thread off. Use the wire end to string one bead. Make another wrapped loop that attaches to one ear wire. Repeat Steps 1 - 5 for a second earring.

And voila:

...a lovely pair of handmade fringe earrings!

These earrings are a great way to experiment with a fun trend without sinking a lot of money (and time) into a project. Added perk: They are really lightweight, which is always a big plus for people with sensitive ears, like me!

If you make up a pair of these fun fringe earrings, send a picture to stringing@interweave.com and we will post it on our website!

Stay tuned for the Winter 2013 issue of Jewelry Stringing (on newsstands December 11th, 2012) for more fantastic fringe designs.

Chloe

Make 12 Holiday Jewelry Designs

DanielleF@9 — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 11:00:00 GMT

A little bit ago, I posted a blog about how much fun the Jewelry Stringing staff had while working on a collection of holiday-jewelry projects. I'm proud to announce that the Create Christmas Jewelry: 12 Holiday Designs eBook is now available here. Inside, you can learn how to make a dozen festive earring designs using a variety of techniques and materials, including beadweaving, metal stamping, epoxy clay, paper-folding, wireworking, and more. I love this eBook for its variety of projects...and for the opportunity I had to include some of my favorite vintage ornaments in the photo styling (see a few of them in the photo below?). I knew they'd come in handy some day!

Our newest collection of jewelry projects--all made by the Jewelry Stringing staff!

Get in the spirit of the season and make yourself or your friends a pair of Christmas earrings. And, remember, earrings make great gifts as they're quick and easy to make and one size fits all! Plus, the eBook costs only $9.95, which is just 83 cents per project. Cheap (but chic) inspiration! Here's a look at some of the designs inside:

	My earrings made with epoxy clay, glitter, and crystal chatons.
	Debbie Blair's patina-ink-colored wreath earrings.
	Debbie Blair's sweet version of snowmen earrings.

I can't believe it's already time to start thinking about the holidays. But flipping the calendar to November the other day and looking through this pattern collection has started to get me in the mood. I hope you enjoy this sneak peek into our latest creative adventure--I hope it helps put you in a happy holiday mood, too.

Enjoy!

Inside Jewelry Stringing Magazine : Wire Jewelry

Essential Beading Wires For Your Bead Stash

Tips for Designing Collar Necklaces?

Chloe

5 Jewelry Making Mistakes to Avoid

In Defense of Jewelry Kits

Chloe

What's Your Bracelet Style?

Enter Bead Star Now & Save On Entry Fee!

Enter Our Beading Contest Now!

Top 10 Reasons to Attend Bead Fest Santa Fe

Make These Easy Romantic Earrings

Win Big Prizes in Our Best Beading Contest Ever!

Make These Wintry Stamped Earrings

Only A Few More Days To Submit Your Jewelry Designs!

Coral Multistrand Necklace How-To

Kate Wilson

ResourcesBlue Moon seed beads: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores; FireLine braided beading thread in brick red and paprika: Sparkle Spot; Cord ends: The Bead Cache.

Fun With Fringe (Free Project!)

Chloe

Make 12 Holiday Jewelry Designs

Resources
Blue Moon seed beads: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores; FireLine braided beading thread in brick red and paprika: Sparkle Spot; Cord ends: The Bead Cache.