Beading Arts

Have you been hankering to add metal to your work, but haven't been quite ready to invest in a torch?   Judy Freyer Thompson's new book, Simple Metalwork Jewelry , published by Kalmbach , may give you just the boost you need to take that next step!  Judy teaches you cutting, drilling, filing, etching, texturing, riveting, sawing, and adding patina all while creating wonderful wearable jewelry designs. As you work your way through the earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings, you will find your confidence growing in your new basic skills, and maybe next year you'll decide to add a torch after all!  But even if not...Judy sets you up for lots of wonderful fun working with metal and cold connections!

Metalsmithing Made Easy , by Kate Ferrant Richbourg and published by Interweave , is for the home jeweler who perhaps has only a small space to work and a little experience with metal.  If you want to up your game and conquer some new metal skills, this is where you start.  Know first, though, that you will not be able to do that simply by reading this book, but by making a commitment to work your way through it! Before the projects, Kate first covers some very important information.  She discusses at some length studio setup, designed for a small space.  There is an entire chapter devoted to soldering with a torch (NOT a soldering iron), covering the types of torches and solder, and the how to's.  Tools are discussed, the minimum array, and the additions you'll need for specific project (like rings), and Kate also covers metals and materials, including stones and patinas.  And finally, there is a discussion on rotary tools, for the time when you ...

Do you have some metalwork under your belt, but you long for more?   Eva M Sherman's new book , Cool Copper Cuffs , published by Kalmbach , may be what you're looking for next.  It's funny how a decade or so ago, you almost couldn't pay people to work with any of the "lesser" metals.  When I started out, it was all about silver and gold.  But two things happened: the palette of choice for many of us turned warmer, and the price of silver and gold skyrocketed!  Suddenly copper, brass, and bronze were looking a lot more interesting :-) Enter Cool Copper Cuffs .  Eva shows you how to make 25 different metal and wire projects, using techniques that you easily adapt to your own personal preferences and style, and that you can apply to other items besides bracelets if that's where your fancy takes you.  This is not a beginner's book, but Eva's instructions and the wonderful images that Kalmbach is known for, are so good that if you are a really rea...

Fine Art Wire Weaving: Weaving Techniques for Stunning Jewelry Designs By Sarah Thompson Interweave/F+W; $24.99 In Fine Art Wire Weaving , you'll explore working with super-fine wires (28 gauge - 30 gauge) to create 20 delicate, sophisticated pieces with a "wow" factor that's easier than it looks thanks to expert instruction. Using techniques in layering, symmetry, and dimensional shaping, you'll come away with a strong foundation in wire working, allowing you to create your own one-of-a-kind pieces. Paired with beautiful, full-color photography, you'll not only learn how to work with these fine wires successfully, but what to do when one of your projects goes awry as well. Everything you need to know about creating stunning wire jewelry designs in here! Simple Soldering: A Beginner's Guide to Jewelry Making By Kate Richbourg Interweave/F+W; $29.95 Metalworking is generally regarded as a skill that takes years of dedication, requires a...

You saw my heat-textured candy bag last week, and now here is the fruit of my labor! The center-piece is a stamping that I did with a washer from Alkeme ( ImpressArt ), the rivolis and their settings are from Fire Mountain Gems .  The fabulous buttons on each end are vintage plastic buttons that I picked up in New Jersey the last time I went to visit my cousin.  I also used some over-sized jump rings, links from a chain, and some seed beads (size 11/0s and 15/0s) to finish it off.  There is a metal cuff inside to provide support.  Here are a few of my process photos for you: Copyright 2014 Cyndi Lavin. All rights reserved. Not to be reprinted, resold, or redistributed for profit. May be printed out for personal use or distributed electronically provided that entire file, including this notice, remains intact.

Have you ever had what you consider an epic fail with a project?  I did recently!  And I thought I'd share it with you and how I plan to correct it :-) I know it doesn't look too terribly bad up there, and all it needs is an ear wire to finish it off, but for soooo many reasons, I have no intention of adding one!  I never even made the mate.  In fact, as soon as this posts, I'll be taking it apart. So what went wrong?  It started with my choice of metal mesh.  I used a very common wire mesh that is available through craft stores for modeling.  It is meant to create an armature that you can cover with plaster cloth or polymer clay, or something similar.  The edges are rough when it is cut into shapes, and I quickly decided that I really didn't want it hanging near my neck!   The second issue is how rough the individual internal wires are.  I am really afraid that after a short while, my thread would end up cut through. What...

Wire + Metal    By Denise Peck & Jane Dickerson   Interweave/F+W; $22.99  Adding metalwork to our repertoire is something that continues to be daunting for many beaders.  Well, I swear to you, if you are wanting to do it but frightened to take the plunge, you couldn't find better guides who will help you immerse yourself gradually than Denise Peck and Jane Dickerson in their new book published by Interweave. There are eight chapters which cover all the basic information you need to get started, including metal types, proper gauge and hardness, tools, and techniques.  If you work your way through these chapters, you will pick up almost all the techniques that will be used in the 30 projects which follow.  There are a few additional techniques which are covered along the way, in a bit more detail as needed, but everything else will already be under your belt.  The basics chapters will teach you about measuring and cutting proper...

When I first came across Eva Sherman's designs, stumbling upon her blog, my first reaction was a gasp of pure lust.  Well, lucky lucky me...and you too for that matter...because Eva is the coauthor of a new Kalmbach book called Organic Wire and Metal Jewelry , along with Beth Martin.   How can jewelry made from metal and wire be organic, you ask?  There are two parts to the answer.  First, the forms made with the metal and wire are very loose and organic in nature, and second, The designs feature sea glass, beautiful stones, and pearls.  There are also some crystals thrown in for bling, but to my eye they are mostly secondary.  It's the matte-finished glass and stones, along with the pearls that are the real stars. The basics section of this book teaches an array of techniques that are a bit different from most other jewelry books.  While you'll find the expected "Creating a wire-wrapped loop" and "Creating a flat spiral", you'll also learn ...

I showed you some new metal products available from ImpressArt called Alkeme , and now I'd like to share with you how easy they are to work with!  The metal blanks have the look of silver, but are much less expensive and are softer (read easier) to work with when you're stamping.  I gathered up the tools that I received from ImpressArt and went to work, with far greater immediate success than when I worked with copper. 1. Tape your Alkeme blank down to the steel block and use a pen to mark the edges of the tape to help you place the letters properly.  I wanted mine a bit uneven vertically, but I also wanted good horizontal placement, so the tape really helped. 2. Use a wire brush on the blank if you want to rough it up a bit.  I used black acrylic paint and wiped it deep into the indentations.   3. I bezeled this piece to use in my last Bead Journal Project necklace . 4. Two other Alkeme pieces ended up in my BJP necklace too: was...

A small hand-held butane torch...that's not so scary, is it?  You don't have to have a large torch set-up or a kiln to made gorgeous enamel projects, thanks to Anat Silvera and her new Kalmbach publication, Enameling Made Easy . This is a great book for beginners because Anat starts with the absolute basics.  But not just enameling basics: metalworking techniques too!  There is so much more than just basics, though, and every technique is backed up by an included DVD!!  The book also has a clever spiral-bound design so that you can leave it open as you work through the techniques and projects. And the projects...oh, the projects!  You might not want to do every single one of them, but it would a really good idea to look at all of them and read through carefully since the skills build upon earlier skills.  I said before that it's not a book just for beginners.  If you follow along the journey, you can try your hand at cloisonne, plique-a-jo...

I was introduced to ImpressArt's line of metal stamping products a few years ago, and have been a loyal user ever since.  While I don't do a lot of projects that are heavy into metal fabrication, stamping is a really fun way to personalize almost any project.  In fact, I've used several of my stamps to make metal objects that have ended up embedded in my bead embroidery!  So, look at what they just sent me to play with, and start imagining along with me... Alkeme is the new metal stamping alloy that sits between pewter and aluminum in hardness, as you can see in the chart below.  Softer and easier to get good impressions than with copper or brass, it has the look of silver, but no where near the price!  It is a tin-based alloy, free of lead, nickel, and cadmium, those nasty elements that many folks are allergic to, and that are also just plain unhealthy.  ImpressArt promises that with the softer surface comes deeper impressions and -- you're going...

Patina By Matthew Runfola Interweave/F+W Media; $34.99 This is a serious serious book!   Matthew Runfola has written what might well become the bible of Patina , which details over 300 patination recipes for all different types of metal (steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze, silver, and aluminum).  Packed with charts and forumulas that will make your decision-making process easier, the book is arranged with information up front, followed by a directory of samples, and finishing with the recipes used to create those samples. Safety is of great concern when you're working with metals and with chemicals, and Matthew devotes a chapter to the safe use of your tools and equipment, and to setting up a safe work area.  He then turns to aesthetic concerns, discussing the importance and effect of finishing techniques, a comparison of coloration methods, and factors that can/can't be controlled in the coloration processes. The next section is devoted to the techni...

Rena Klingenberg shares her tutorial to make these gorgeous cuffs! You'll find lots of inspiration and tips from these talented artists who have shared their work here on Beading Arts! Elisabeth DeCaprio Rena Klingenberg Kharisma Ryantori Sommers Diane Perry Elena Kriegner Joan Rhodes  Pam Brown Judy Grum   Fred and Janis Tate Ling-Yen Jones Heather and Kerry Alice Collins  Renee Lemoncelli and Roberta Hawkins Jessica Lillie Joseph Rissin Technorati Tags: bead embroidery , handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Do you want to add some metal skills to your jewelry-making repertoire?  Here are the best books to introduce you to the wonderful world of sawing, folding, forming, soldering, stamping, and riveting! Simple Metalwork Jewelry by Judy Freyer Thompson A good introductory book. Metalsmithing Made Easy by Kate Ferrant Richbourg A great book to get you started if you're serious about metal. Cool Copper Cuffs by Eva M Sherman Here's an intermediate projects book for you metal-heads! Handcrafted Metal Findings  by Denise Peck and Jane Dickerson Don't ruin a good design with mass-produced findings! Wire + Metal by Denise Peck and Jane Dickerson This book takes the fear out of working with metal. Organic Wire and Metal Jewelry  by Beth Martin and Eva Sherman Beautiful original designs. Enameling Made Easy  by Anat Silvera Using a small hand-held butane torch! Patina by Matthew Runfola More than 300 color effects and recipes. Hot & Cold J...

Those of you who know me well know that I usually only reach for metal when I need it for a bead embroidery project!  Even though I regularly use a torch for making lampwork beads, I rarely use one for soldering or hot connections, and I left lost wax casting behind years ago. Still, some basic metal fabrication skills are great to have in order to be able to personalize your jewelry pieces.  It's fun once in a while to break out of your mold. Here are some simple projects that might get you started!Most of the projects listed here are good for beginners and can be accomplished with a minimal number of tools: A stamped metal cabochon Metal hinge bracelet "Hope" bracelet Copper necklace with patina Copper bead necklace Casting jewelry Darth pendant Rock On! pendant Leaves necklace She Walks in Beauty necklace  Tutorials from other artists Easy pronged jewelry Technorati Tags: bead embroidery , handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads ,...

Do you find the idea of soldering metal intimidating?  Then perhaps this book will help you change your mind:  Hot and Cold Jewelry Connections by Kieu Pham Gray gives you choices with each project.  You can chose to do the "safe" cold connection, or you can branch out and try the "dangerous" one!  Either way, you'll end up with a beautiful project. This is a good beginner's book on working with metal.  About a third of the book is devoted to the basics of metal tools, materials, and working techniques, including wire, sheet metal, riveting, patinas, annealing, soldering, and polishing. Next, you'll be challenged to work your way through ten pairs of projects designed to show you both hot and cold options for construction.  As you advance through them, you'll have the opportunity to compare, for example, soldered hinges with rivets and jump rings, soldered jump rings with wire binding, and soldered prongs with filigree tabs. Whether it...

Tammy Jones, on Jewelry Making Daily , recently shared what she had found in Aisha Formanski's book Punched Metal Jewelry .   Smartest, easiest way to make prongs ever!  I've seen it before in other books and online, but Aisha's beautiful photos make it so easy to understand if you've never tried it before.  Visit the first link above to see the technique, the second link for more info on the book.  I've not yet seen it, so I can say no more! Technorati Tags: bead embroidery , handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Rena Klingenberg shares her tutorial to make these gorgeous cuffs! For inspiration and tips, don't miss these talented artists who have previously shared their work on Beading Arts ! Ling-Yen Jones Heather and Kerry Alice Collins  Renee Lemoncelli and Roberta Hawkins Jessica Lillie Joseph Rissin Kharisma Ryantori Sommers Diane Perry Elena Kriegner Joan Rhodes  Pam Brown Judy Grum   Fred and Janis Tate Elisabeth DeCaprio Rena Klingenberg Technorati Tags: bead embroidery , handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Hinged project from Rings & Things Since metal isn't my primary thing, I always feel that I need to supplement what I share with you during Metal Month !  Here are some gorgeous projects that I've been collecting from all over the web, along with great instructions to go with them. Metal clay and seaglass Four free projects from Jewelry Making Daily Making a hinged project  (pictured above) Adding patina and texture Enameled copper tube beads Using an alphabet tool with clay Stamped metal bracelets Technorati Tags: bead embroidery , handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Create Colorful Aluminum  Jewelry by Helen Harle Simple techniques and recycled materials...how can you beat that? Mixed Metal Mania  by Kim St Jean A fabulous manual that will take you through beginner techniques right into intermediate. Heat, Color, Set and Fire  by Mary Hettmansperger Surface effects for fabrication artists who have mastered the basics.  Rustic Wrapping  by Kerry Bogert An amazing section on adding patinas to metal. Metal Magic   by Kim St Jean Picks up where Kim's first book left off.  Great projects and techniques. Unconventional Chain Mail Jewelry  by Laura Poplin  Merge your chain mail mania with other materials, like textured metal. Metalworking 101 for Beaders  by Candie Cooper  Want to add creative metalwork to your beaded designs? Stonesetting for Contemporary Jewelry by Melissa Hunt Not a beginner's book! Metal Jewelry in Bloom by Melissa Cable If you love flowers, you must get this book. Be...