Beading Arts

Love you all! I'm taking the week off and will see you in 2012!!

Regina , who posts on Regina's Writings , is the winner of the terrific book Color, Texture & Casting for Jewelers that we were giving away!  Congratulations, Regina!

  Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi has a post about Natural Touch resin beads and making them your own. Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean discovered a wonderful way to boost your inspiration! It's called DOTS--and you must get some! :)   The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Embrace the holiday spirit of giving and bid on one of the fantastic "Artists Helping Artists" auctions going on to help Penny of SparrowSalvage! About.com Jewelry Making Don't get hung up on hang tags. Learn some easy options for creating earring cards and hang tags.   Art Bead Scene On the 6th Day of Christmas, Gaea posted a fun beaded holiday card hanger project! Check out all 12 Days of Christmas projects on the Art Bead Scene blog!     Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

One of my personal favorite bead embroiderers, Jamie Cloud Eakin , has a new book published by Lark called Dimensional Bead Embroidery .  What I really really like about this book is the exact thing that I've heard others criticize about it: it is a reference guide, almost an encyclopedia of techniques, and not so much a project book.  Oh yes, there some projects in it, of course, and they are lovely.  But they are not really the main attraction, in my opinion. Jamie has eight chapters full of information on everything you'll need to know to add focus and interest to your basic back stitch.  She covers materials and tools, basic stitches, basics of design, adding components, dimensional surface stitches, bezel stitches, edging techniques, and attachment stitches.  Although she covers some of the same topics as in her very popular book Beading with Cabochons , all of the techniques in Dimensional Bead Embroidery are new.  If you already own Beading with Cabochons , you wil

The Art of Wire: Creative Techniques for Designer Jewelry by J. Marsha Michler Earring Chic: 35 Hand-Selected Projects by Jennifer Claydon Irina's Inspirations for Jewelry: From the Exotic to the Everyday by Irina Miech Artistic Seed Bead Jewelry: Ideas and Techniques for Original Designs by Maggie Roschyk The Encyclopedia of Wire Jewelry Techniques: A Compendium of Step-by-Step Techniques for Making Wire-Based Jewelry by Sara Withers and Xuella Arnold Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Crocheted beaded ornament covers Most of the ornament covers you see out there are not for beginners, but the results are spectacular! A really motivated beginner could tackle some of them, and if you'd really like to have a go at it, I'd recommend working through some of the easy ones on this list to get the idea of how they go together. From there, dive into the more difficult ones! There are many kits available, and patterns that you can buy. Some beading magazines also have patterns, and if you want to make the really elaborate ones, you're probably going to have to buy a pattern or kit. Still, here's a selection of the free patterns that are available: Easy beaded ornament cover Just peachy ornament cover Crocheted beaded ornament covers Beginner's beaded ornament cover Easy netted ornament cover Beaded ornament cover Victorian beaded Christmas tree ornament Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry

Jackie, who writes FiddleDeeDee Jewelry , is the winner of the book Ring a Day !  Congratulations, Jackie! Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Have you been thinking about ways that you can set your jewelry apart from the crowd?  One way is to cast your own metal pieces or work with other hot metal applications.  Carles Codina has written an introduction to the various techniques that may interest you if you've been thinking along these lines.  Color, Texture & Casting for Jewelers is a practical demonstration style book that walks you through metal combinations, texture and patinas, modeling and many forms of casting. I was especially interested in the section on patinas.  We're all familiar with liver of sulfur when working with silver, but there are lots of other chemical and heat treatments that will yield additional colors.  Casting is another topic that I find fascinating.  When I was in college, I did some lost-wax casting, but I never felt it was really for me.  Carles covers other forms of casting, including sand and cuttlebone.  Who'd have thought? The metal combination section was much more

  Art Bead Scene Jennifer decks the halls with a super colorful, Jangles styled bead garland, and her free tutorial will show you how to make one too! Carmi's Art/Life World This week I made a beautiful component even better!   Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean has fun being a new designer blogger for Nina Designs! Come and see what she made!  The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Andrew shares a couple of magazines that he was recently published in.   A Bead A Day Share your holiday jewelry on A Bead A Day blog. Just leave a comment or send an email to get your work featured!   About.com Jewelry Making No time to make beaded ornaments? This is so not true when you have this super fast and inexpensive tutorial to help you.   Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Frosty star earrings Whether you want to make something festive to wear to a party or are planning on making jewelry gifts for others this year, here are some great ideas to get you going. I've tried to include patterns here that will be appropriate for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Solstice. Please feel free to add more links (free patterns only, please) in the comments below. When it comes to the holidays, you can never have too many options! Victorian Christmas necklace Crystal ladder bracelet Stitched stockings Christmas earrings with patterns Holiday images necklace Frosty star earrings Five Golden Rings bracelet Holly Berry Earrings Sugar plum swirls necklace Evergreen star earrings Berry bracelet bead pattern The Eighth Gift Earrings Holiday beaded bracelet Christmas Tree necklace Swarovski Christmas tutorials Beading Daily free seed bead patterns Holiday jewelry advice from Margie Deeb How to design a jewelry gift by Tammy P

InaRae , who writes BCreativeU , contacted me recently with this lovely bit of news: I made a necklace following directions you had in a 2007 Jewelry Crafts magazine. It isn't as good as I would like but it was a start, and the next one? Maybe? Anyway thanks, you are always an amazing inspiration. I have to say that the real inspiration is seeing what other people do with the kernel of an idea, whether it's mine or someone else's.  Isn't creativity and art-making amazing? Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Crafts National 2012 Deadline: 01/06/12         Bead Soup Blog Party Deadline: 01/07 - 10/12         Metal clay, metal beads, wirework, or chain, FMG Deadline: 01/10/12        Belle Armoire Jewelry Deadline 01/15/12       Metal Clay Design Competition Deadline: 01/30/12       Rock 'n' Rollo challenge Deadline: 01/31/12       Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

  Victorian pendant/ornament from Artbeads Have you ever thought of using your beaded jewelry as garlands? How about to decorate Christmas lights or to enhance another gift? Here are some great projects that are fast and easy to do, and will leave your house (and packages) looking elegant and festive! Holiday earring patterns are available for free all over the internet, and they make wonderful ornaments as well.  You can even use the regular shepherd's hook earring findings so that both you and your tree can wear them!  Some of my favorite quick patterns are on About.com's Beadwork site (link above). Is it a pendant, an ornament, or a gift tag?  How about all three?  This square stitch rosette pattern holds many possibilities.  And how about these darling little beaded wire trees by Fusion Beads ? Small beaded wreathes for your tree? These can be made to be elegant or cute, depending upon the beads you choose. Five more beading ideas f

Congratulations to Nancy Markosky , who won our Chains Chains Chains book giveaway! 

Ring lovers, take note!  You are definitely going to want to see this volume, Ring a Day , from Lark Publishing.  Marthe Le Van has chosen 700 photos from last year's Ring a Day challenge.  Marthe writes in the introduction, "When I heard that a group of jewelers was creating one new ring per day for an entire calendar year, three thoughts immediately came to mind -- This is brilliant!  This is completely mad!  Where do I sign up?" Some of the entries are wearable and wonderful.  Some will make you scratch your head.  Others will make you roll your eyes.  All will make you wonder why you didn't get in on this project :-)  That's why I'm telling you about it now...what's to prevent you from setting up a challenge like this with some of your friends?  There's a whole new year coming soon... The participants are listed and all the photos are identified by materials, artist, and technique, but this is purely not a project book.  It's a chronicl

All year long, Beading Arts brings you the best, most innovative, creative, and NICEST bead and jewelry makers for you to drool over! I put out a call to those who have shared their passion and creativity with you in the past, and here are the results: special offers and unique gifts for all! Ann Kruglak   Free dreamwork consultation by email with any purchase (can be given as a gift also). My work is mainly gift items such as earrings, clocks, mirrors, bookmarks, wine stoppers, ornaments, candle holders, and larger sculpture, wall art and masks. All proceeds go to rainforest preservation. Please Note: My shop will be closed until 12/13 as I will be in Bali. Please visit me soon! Change of hART & Destash   Closeout handmade jewelry & destash supplies. 50% OFF all finished jewelry with coupon code CLOSEOUT50.  30% OFF all supplies & kits with coupon code hART30. FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING on all US orders with coupon code FREESHIPDAY Burnt Offerings   An e

  About.com Jewelry Making Time and money are items many of us don't have much of right now, but not to worry. These simple projects are just what you need to inexpensively spread some holiday jewelry love.   Beads & Books Michelle turns an inexpensive printer's tray from a craft store into a beautiful display for a jewelry show. Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi has a series of bezels filled with last year's Christmas cards to share this week.   Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean hosts a very lovely giveaway from the sublime bead and jewelry store in Florence, Italy, Beaded Lily!   The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Andrew creates a piece to be silently auctioned off to help a fellow artist out! Bid on his necklace to win and check out all the other fantastic auctions going on!   A Bead A Day If you are looking for some fabulous giveaways by a wide variety of artists and crafters, Lisa is linking you up!

Beaded Poinsettia on Planet June There are so many talented people out there making gorgeous beaded gifts, both wearables and non-wearables. Here are some of my favorites...I am simply not going to have time to make them all, so I wanted to share with you! 12 Days of Christmas designs Bohemian beaded lampshade Beaded Poinsettia Wrap bracelets   Beaded Candle Bobeches  Quick and easy beaded frame Beaded Christmas tree earrings Pattern for a beaded crystal snowflake Stacked wire cuff bracelet Beaded cards Gradient button necklace Corsage for Mom Bib necklace  Washer necklaces Making Christmas bracelets for beginners: Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

  Beaded glass serving tray Here are some projects that will help to bring the generations of beaders together in your family this year. I wouldn't recommend putting the beaded tea lights on your tree, but all the rest of these projects make nice tree ornaments as well as table top decorations. Small beaded Christmas tree - a great way to use up all your leftover beads! Beaded glass serving tray - choose beads and wire to match you own decor. Beaded snowflake ornament - beads and pins...easy easy easy! Golden beaded pear - not difficult to make but a bit time-consuming (shown above). Can you picture a set of these in a bowl on the table or hanging from your tree? Star, candycane, and wreath - easy to make beaded ornaments that kids will enjoy helping with. Safety pin tea lights - I've seen lots of flag pins and bracelets made from beaded safety pins, but I've never seen tea lights before! Fuse bead ornaments - another great project to do w

Think you know all there is to know about chains?  I can guarantee that this book, Chains Chains Chains , will open your eyes and get your imagination working overtime with new ideas.  Have you ever seen links that are a flock of birds?  How about chain links that portray lakes from a map?  Or scribble marks.  Some of these chains are made from wire, and some are from sheet metal, so the variety is amazing. Chains Chains Chains is an edited volume from Lark Books , so you'll probably recognize some of your favorite designers here, and lots that are destined to become your new favorites! There is a basics section in the back of the book that covers the properties of different metals, bench tools and equipment you'll need, and basic techniques.  The techniques include annealing, cleaning, transferring designs, sawing, filing, dapping, chasing, riveting, shaping, melting, soldering, pickling, and finishing.  Even though this section is pretty extensive, I still think this

All year long, Beading Arts brings you the best, most innovative, creative, and NICEST bead and jewelry makers for you to drool over! I put out a call to those who have shared their passion and creativity with you in the past, and here are the results: special offers and unique gifts for all! Nancy Tobey   Until January 31st - a pair of earring beads with every purchase of $50 or more. Michele Palenik   I can make you the best gift-giver on the block! Off the rack or custom designs always available. Bundle your purchases and I will include a free gift and super saver shipping. Lissie Design   Free shipping until next year! Annika deGroot   Micro-Macrame Jewelry Artist creating intricately knotted designs for your holiday gift giving. Change of hART   Distinctive one-of-a-kind jewelry & custom wedding flowers.  10% OFF all items in the Clearance Section with coupon code SPECIAL11 from now through the end of the year. Sylvia Windhurst   Unique beaded and emb

I've decided to join the stitching challenge run by Sharon Boggon , called Take a Stitch Tuesday .  Each week Sharon introduces a new embroidery stitch that participants can practice and expand upon.  Sound like fun?  Sign ups are still going on over at the TAST home page! Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

  A Bead A Day Looking for some easy and fun holiday jewelry making projects? Lisa is sharing a few new ones this week. Snowflake earrings, jingle bell rings and simple Swarovski crystal earrings! About.com Jewelry Making There is still time to make some awesome (and easy) beaded ornaments.   Art Bead Scene Marie Cramp shares some beautiful examples of using the colors from art pendant focals to inspire a necklace design. Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi has a little post about working with hemp cord this week!   Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean is so excited about the wonderful opportunity to win 150 dollars worth of Nina Designs components! For details, please see her blog!   Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Cobalt and crystal bracelet So, who's making jewelry gifts this year?  Raise your hands...who hasn't exactly gotten started yet?  If you're looking for quick and easy, I just might have a link to a good project for you here :-) These are not all necessarily holiday-themed pieces, just pieces that I think you'll like to share.   I'll be sharing more tutorials throughout the next couple of weeks...right up until it's almost too late.  Really though, if you're going to make something for someone, it's never too late! Christmas trees pins Polymer clay greeting card necklace  Eyeglass holder necklace Enchanted charm bracelet Button charm necklace Sparkle wire wrap ring The easiest polymer clay earrings Mixed metals necklace Chain mail bead earrings Faerie bells necklace Ethiopian cross necklace Cobalt and crystal bracelet Simple pom-pom earrings Sparkling Pin Champagne bubbles necklace Leaf earrings Bubble

Making Bead Flowers and Bouquets by Virginia Nathanson Stitch Workshop: Right-Angle Weave by Editors of Bead&Button magazine Jewelry for the New Romantic: Unexpected Techniques with Crystals and Beading Wire by Nealay Patel The Art of Resin Clay: Techniques and Projects for Creating Jewelry and Decorative Objects by Sherri Haab, Rachel Haab and Michelle Haab Metal Artist's Workbench: Demystifying the Jeweler's Saw by Thomas Mann Stunning Jewelry Made Easy by Svetlana Kunina Fabulous Florals: A Beadweaving Garden by Elizabeth Townes Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Long necklaces are so much fun, and lariats are a perfect style to capitalize on this long, lean line.  Grab a handful of accent beads in ocean colors, and you can put together a fun necklace for a breezy summer day.  Materials & Tools 4 grams 11/0 crystal aurora borealis seed beads 2 grams 4 mm silver glass tube beads 19 6/0 frosted blue seed beads 16  13 x 7 mm blue aurora borealis flat oval beads 19  8 mm crystal aurora borealis lentils, side-drilled 4  2 mm sterling silver rounds 4  4 mm sterling silver daisy spacers 20 mm sterling silver pendant with center hole, fish design Sterling silver seahorse charm with bail 3 size 2 sterling silver crimp tubes 2 sterling silver head pins 70 inches of .014 diameter beading wire Flat nose pliers Round nose pliers Wire cutters Measuring tape 1. String a crimp tube and 19 of the 11/0 crystal ab seed beads onto one end of your beading wire.  Pass it through the bail of the seahorse charm and back up through the crimp tube.  Snug up t

All year long, Beading Arts brings you the best, most innovative, creative, and NICEST bead and jewelry makers for you to drool over! I put out a call to those who have shared their passion and creativity with you in the past, and here are the results: special offers and unique gifts for all! Oh, and there will be more throughout the entire next month :-) Therien Polymer Clay Arts   25% off all orders of Memorial keepsakes placed between now and the end of the year. Calico Juno Designs   20% sale on all jewelry, use the discount code "beading arts", through the end of the year. KELLYM.Jewels   Starting Friday, November 25, 2011, free shipping on all orders and take 10%-20% off our entire collection!  Plus complimentary gift wrapping on all orders! Little Gems Jewelry, LLC   FREE Shipping on all of our eco-conscious jewelry purchased through December 31, 2011.  Use coupon Code: FREESHIPPING ChezChani   Fun gifts for your favourite people, including

  Snap Out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean discovered a very special pendant that expresses the way a person feels in a very special, amazing way! About.com Jewelry Making Combine those jewelry techniques - this time with wire and fused glass.   Art Bead Scene Gaea's ceramics pair up with Vintaj Brass to create some gorgeous Victorian Christmas jewelry inspiration!   Resin Crafts! This week Carmi shares some useful information about resin and cold temperatures.   Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Make your own components or beads Work with asymmetrical designs Use multiple strands Develop a recognizable style Use unusual materials Choose daring color combinations Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends who live in the USA!  Though everyone around here will be lying on the floor and groaning from too much turkey and trimmings, I still wanted to share some more designs with you that I thought might give you some ideas for your own work.  I'm not suggesting that you reproduce these designs exactly, but instead that you think about the elements that we've been talking about (listed above) and see how you might include some of them in your own work.  There aren't even tutorials available for all of these pieces, but most are simple enough to figure out!  Spring Fling The beads are made from fabric, fulfilling the first directive, to make your own components or beads.   Flapper An asymmetrical design, anyone? Egyptian Scarab