Topics

Beaded Wedding Jewelry

2012-04-16T18:01:00Z

When planning a wedding, every detail is important, especially when it comes to what the bride wears. Making your own beaded wedding jewelry is a wonderful way to add your own personal touch to a very special occasion.

Bead Embroidery

2012-04-16T18:00:00Z

If you’ve ever seen the awesome and inspiring bead embroidery of other bead artists, you might have been inspired to try your hand at this particular beading technique. Unlike other types of off-loom beadweaving, bead embroidery is the stitching of seed beads to a fabric or felt-like backing. While the basic stitches used in bead embroidery are relatively simple the results can be spectacular. Bead embroidery allows you to “paint” with your beads on a fabric “canvas” for a look that you just can’t get with other beadweaving techniques. You can also easily incorporate found objects, gemstones, handmade cabochons and other unique jewelry-making components into your bead embroidery projects. While bead embroidery can be used to make spectacular beaded jewelry, it can also be used to add a decorative touch to all sorts of fashion accessories like purses and handbags, clothing and even shoes! Bead embroidery is instantly recognizable in Native American beadwork, and some of the most breathtaking fashions seen on the runway in the twenty-first century have also been decorated with beaded embroidery.

Mixed Media Jewelry

2012-04-16T18:00:00Z

If you love combining your passion for art with your passion for jewelry making, mixed media jewelry is the perfect way to wear your art on your sleeve – or as a necklace, bracelet or earrings. Creating jewelry with mixed media techniques lets you make handmade jewelry that is as unique as you are. Paints, inks, and altered art can be turned into beautiful jewelry using just a few easy-to-learn jewelry-making techniques. Take your art jewelry to a whole new level when you create mixed media jewelry!

Herringbone Stitch

2012-04-16T17:59:00Z

Herringbone stitch in beadwork is also known as Ndebele, drawing that name from the South African tribe that developed this beadweaving stitch. Herringbone stitch can be started using a ladder of seed beads in a manner similar to brick stitch, or it can be started using a more traditional method that is similar to flat peyote stitch. Herringbone stitch is an extremely versatile beadweaving stitch and can be done in flat, tubular and circular variations. Tubular herringbone stitch is a widely used method for creating intricate beaded ropes, and flat herringbone stitch can be shaped simply by using a variety of sizes of beads in the beadweaving.

Pearls

2012-04-16T17:58:00Z

We are drawn to the sensuous beauty of pearls, to their soft contours, and most of all to the warm, persistent light that seems to glow from within these unique gems. Kings and queens have filled royal treasuries with pearls and worn impressive jewelry made with pearls to proclaim power and regency. Movie stars and fashion legends have greeted their public draped in glamorous pearls. Brides and debutantes have favored pearls as the gem of purity and fidelity. For those who cherish the radiance of pearls and who wish to make signature beaded jewelry with pearls, today’s affordable and varied supply of freshwater pearls is truly a beader’s delight.

Cabochons

2012-04-16T17:58:00Z

Cabochons are flat-backed jewelry making components that can be made from almost any type of material imaginable. Resin, polymer clay, gemstones, Lucite, ceramic and even crystal can be used to create cabochons for your jewelry-making projects. Cabochons can be used in beaded bracelets, necklaces and earrings as well as in belts, on handbags and other beaded accessories. Cabochons can be wire-wrapped, used for bead embroidery or captured in a beaded bezel using off-loom beadweaving stitches. Whether you prefer to use cabochons as the focal point of your beading project or as accents for a larger work of beaded art, you’ll find that cabochons will add a beautiful touch to your favorite beading techniques and jewelry-making projects.

Gemstones

2012-04-16T17:57:00Z

Since ancient times, gemstones have been prized for their colors and for their perceived healing abilities. The first humans who discovered colorful gemstones in the gravels of a riverbed or embedded in an otherwise ordinary rock must have been struck with awe and wonder. It is not surprising that gemstones were seen as magical protection, a source of various kinds of healing, and an earthly treasure from the gods. Today, gemstones can be used to make stunning beaded jewelry and are available in an amazing range of colors, shapes and sizes. Gemstones are adaptable for any style of jewelry-making project, whether you prefer large, chunky and organic looking nuggets or the delicate, carefully faceted briolettes. By adding a few or many semiprecious gemstones to our own beaded jewelry designs, we can shape the look and feel of a beaded necklace or bracelet.

Glass Beads

2012-04-16T17:57:00Z

Glass is the most varied in appearance of all the materials used to make beads. Glass beads can be clear and brilliantly transparent, reflecting the world around it; mysteriously transluscent, emanating a rich glow from within; or even as opaque as gemstones. Glass beads can be vibrantly colored, thanks to the addition of particular minerals like iron and cobalt or metallic oxides. The surface of glass beads can be shiny or matte and the glass bead itself can encase layers of color and pattern. Glass beads can be embellished and textured with ribbons of molten glass or they can be coated with lustrous metallic finishes. Glass beads can even be cut and faceted like precious metal stones. As ancient as glass beads are in origin, they continue to evolve and enrich today’s beaded jewelry designs. As you explore the world of glass beads, you will realize that no other man-made material will give you more ways to express your ideas for beautiful beaded jewelry!

Crystals

2012-04-16T17:56:00Z

Ever since Daniel Swarovski invented his faceting machine, crystal beads have been in demand by high-fashion designers all around the world. Crystal beads are more popular than ever, and for good reason: who can resist the sparkle and shine of a beautiful crystal bead? No matter what their effect in a jewelry design, crystals captivate us with their gemlike sparkle. Wedding dresses, hair pieces and beaded jewelry are often sprinkled with crystals, illuminating a unique brilliance on a most special day. Crystals also adorn countless designer gowns, handbags, shoes and other accessories. Wonderful faceted crystal beads cast a spell on us that is impossible to shake. Is it any surprise that we are entranced by the shimmering delights of crystals and want to showcase them in our handmade beaded jewelry?

Jewelry Business

2012-04-16T17:55:00Z

Who wouldn’t want to make money doing something that they love? Owning a home-based jewelry business can be a side business or a full-time business venture. Starting your own jewelry business can be a daunting task, but there are lots of resources available to help get you started. Handmade beaded jewelry sells well in gift shops, galleries and jewelry stores, and many jewelry sellers decide to open their own online jewelry shops to increase sales. Selling beaded jewelry at fine craft shows and jewelry shows is another way to start earning money through your own home-based jewelry business. Running a home-based jewelry business requires you to do a little bit of everything, from bookkeeping to marketing, and most of the time, you can create your own schedule. Running your own jewelry business selling your handmade beaded jewelry can be hard work, but the rewards are excellent!

Beading Tools

2012-04-16T17:53:00Z

Spending time with our beads can be so much more enjoyable when we use the right beading tools! Your trusty beading tools should include a good set of jewelry pliers, thread snips or good embroidery scissors, your favorite beading needles and your favorite beading mat or beading surface. When you start expanding your jewelry-making skills, you’ll undoubtedly need to expand your beading tools to include more specialized beading tools. Beading tools can be quite simple, like the plain wooden dowels that are used to provide support for beading stitches like African Helix or tubular right-angle weave. More specialized beading tools can include things like beading awls, pearl knotting tools, wire straighteners and jump ring openers. Using your beading tools properly can help you make beautiful beaded jewelry that will last a lifetime.

Kumihimo

2012-04-16T17:47:00Z

An ancient form of Japanese braiding, kumihimo was actually developed for the closure of armor on Japanese samurai and their horses. Later, kumihimo braids were used to fasten quilted jackets and kimonos. Today, kumihimo is more popular than ever and beaders are discovering how these braids can be used to accent a special lampwork glass bead and how they can be embellished with strands of sparkling crystal beads. Kumihimo is done on a lightweight disc, usually made of foam, with notches for each strand of fiber being braided. Another type of free-standing kumihimo tool is called a marudai and consists of a wood circle on four legs. Fibers attached to bobbins are braided through the hole in the center of the wood circle. The easy, rhythmic motions of braiding fibers together make kumihimo a wonderful choice for adding a handmade rope to your favorite handmade glass or ceramic bead.

Bead Knitting

2012-04-16T17:45:00Z

Knitting is such an enjoyable and relaxing craft, the only way you could possibly improve on it would be to add beads, of course! Bead knitting is done when beads are strung on your knitting thread or fiber before you start to knit. As each stitch is made, a bead is slid forward and knitted into place. Bead knitting has been used for hundreds of years to make purses and bags and to add beads to sweaters, hats and other clothing. Beads can be added in a particular sequence according to a chart or graph to produce lovely and elegant patterns in the finished bead knitting. The beads usually show on both sides of the knitting so that the finished item can be reversed. Beads can be added in every single knitted stitch, or they can be spaced out as desired to create patterns and texture in between the plain stitches. However you decide to do it, bead knitting is sure to become a favorite beading technique!

Bead Crafts

2012-04-16T17:41:00Z

Everyone knows that beads can be used to make spectacular jewelry, but making crafts with beads is also a great way to add some more beads into your life! Bead crafts are great for kids, too, as a way to introduce them to the art of making things by hand. You can never have enough beads, so why not use the beads you already have to make some beautiful items to decorate your home? Bead crafts have come a long way since the days of summer camp projects. These days, you can find beautiful flowers, baskets, holiday ornaments and unique decorations that can be crafted with beads. Bead crafts can include things like adorning your clothing with beads, making coasters out of pony beads and making lovely French beaded flowers.

Wire Jewelry Making

2011-09-14T03:00:00Z


	Viking knit is an ancient technique that can be used to make stylish modern wire jewelry designs.

Why Use Wire for Jewelry-Making?

Wire jewelry making is a great and inexpensive way to learn about making jewelry with metals. Some of the earliest known wire jewelry was made from coils and chains found in the tombs of the ancient Romans and Vikings.

Making your own jewelry findings from wire is not only easy but also gives your finished jewelry a personal touch. In addition to making your own jump rings, head pins and eye pins, you can create beautiful wire clasps and earring findings using basic wire jewelry making tools.

To make beautiful wire jewelry and wire jewelry findings, you only need to know a few basic techniques such as wrapped loops, flush cutting and opening jump rings. Once you've learned and practiced these wire jewelry making techniques, you'll be able to create a wide range of styles of handmade wire jewelry.

Wire Jewelry Basics


Learn all about the basic tools needed to create your own wire jewelry.

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Wire Gauge Wire comes in different gauges, or thicknesses, which are noted as numbers. When figuring out wire thickness, a smaller number is assigned to a thicker wire. A 16 gauge wire will be much thicker than a 28 gauge wire.

Wire Hardness Wire also comes in different hardness. This refers to the ease with which the wire can be shaped and its ability to retain this shape under stress. A dead-soft wire is easily bent with your fingers and can be manipulated after shaping. A full-hard wire usually requires the help of jewelry making pliers and will retain its shape under stress. You can always work-harden your wire components and findings by tumbling them after you've finished them.

Wire Shape Wire comes in three basic shapes: round, half-round and square. You can tell which shape of wire you are using by looking at a cross-section of wire. A round wire will look like a circle. Half-round will resemble a half moon. And square wire will resemble a square. You can also find twisted wire that has lovely little grooves worked into it and wire with floral and geometric patterns.

Tools for Working With Wire


You can use the jewelry pliers you already have to combine beadweaving with wire to create stunning jewelry!

The basic tools that you need to get started making wire jewelry are easy to find. In general, it is always better to buy the best wire working tools that you can afford. Quality tools will be easier on your hands and will last longer. And tools that feel better in your hands when you're working with them will make your time spent making wire jewelry more enjoyable!

Wire Cutters Also known as flush cutters, these are required for making clean cuts of different sizes and types of wire. Most cutters have a flat side for smooth cuts and an angled side for making sharper cuts.

Round-Nose Pliers Round-nose pliers are perfect for creating even, round loops. The jaws of these wire working pliers should be smooth and come to a tapered point.

Flat-Nose Pliers These pliers are used for gripping wire while working it into shape. The jaws of flat-nose pliers are flat and broad and come to a somewhat tapered point. These pliers are also handy for pulling Viking knit chain through a draw plate.

Chain-Nose Pliers These wire working pliers are a combination of round-nose and flat-nose pliers. The jaws are rounded on the outside and flat on the inside, coming to a tapered point. These pliers are helpful for crimping down the ends of wrapped wire and for grasping wire in tight spaces.

Wire Straighteners Also called wire smoothers, these are broad, nylon-jawed pliers that are used to smooth or straighten wire that has come off of a spool.

Tools for Making Wire Jewelry Findings


	Use basic wire techniques to make custom jewelry clasps like these.

If you want to make your own wire jewelry findings (and why not?) you'll need a few additional tools.

Wire Hammer A nylon wire hammer is very useful for flattening wire without marring the surface. Hammering your finished wire components is also a good way to work-harden them and prevent them from losing their shape.

Small Anvil or Steel Bench Block These tools provide a firm surface for hammering and work-hardening your wire jewelry findings and components. You can also find bench blocks made of nylon and with a rubber base for absorbing shock and noise.

Mandrels A mandrel is used for making consistent, evenly-sized loops in your wire that you can nip off into perfect jump rings. If you don't want to purchase a wire jewelry making mandrel, you can just use a smooth knitting needle, pencil, or wooden dowel.

Knitting and Crocheting with Wire

Knitting and crocheting with wire gives you beautiful and unique jewelry and home décor items. All that's needed in addition to your basic wire jewelry-making tools is a set of knitting needles or a crochet hook.

Basic crochet stitches like chain stitch, single crochet and double crochet can be used with fine wire to create lightweight and comfortable jewelry. The addition of beads to your wire crochet projects will add extra sparkle!

Knitting with wire also uses basic knitting techniques and fine wire. The only difference when knitting with wire is that you'll have to work with a very loose tension because the wire won't stretch like yarns or fibers.

Viking knit is an ancient and popular way to make smooth wire chains for necklaces and bracelets. Viking knit chains can be started on either a simple Allen (or hex) wrench or on a commercial mandrel designed specifically for doing Viking knit.

7 Tips for Working with Wire

1. Practice on craft wire. Perfect your wire jewelry-making techniques and skills by using low-cost aluminum or brass craft wire. Craft wire comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes and costs much less than precious metal wire.

2. Choose box joint pliers. Box joints maintain the alignment of the pliers' jaws, even under stress.

3. Work directly from the spool. When using precious metal wire (after you've practiced on craft wire), work right off the spool of wire to avoid wasting any.

4. Protect your eyes. When snipping wire, hold your non-dominant hand over the blades to keep small pieces from flying toward your face.

5. Keep that sterling silver wire shining! Silver tarnishes from humidity in the air. To help keep your silver from tarnishing, keep your wire in plastic bags and add a small silica/desiccant package that often comes with new shoes and handbags.

6. Prevent nicks in your wire jewelry findings. To prevent nicks and mars on your wire, cover your metal-jawed pliers with bandage tape or dip them into a protective liquid plastic.

7. Use the right tool for the job. Don't use your regular wire cutters for cutting memory wire. Because memory wire is so hard, you'll want to invest in a pair of special heavy-weight cutters just for your memory wire projects.

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