About.com Jewelry Making

Jewelry Junkie Link Love 11/22/09

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:36:47 +0000

A Bead A Day
Do pearls go with everything? Lisa pairs glass pearls with chain and interesting findings. What do you think?

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene gives you the scoop on findings worth finding - check it out!

Barbe Saint John
I've been a bad blogger! Find out what's up with Barb and her blog.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi makes a brooch with a cameo and other odds and ends.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy has a new shop on Etsy - the bleeding heart. Check it out!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shows the piece she made for the new book Chain Style, and talks about her struggles with letting go of her published jewelry pieces.

Jean Campbell
Jean kicks off a new era of self-indulgence with a funky Steampunk necklace.

Jewelry & Beading
Gather up some little beaded flowers and turn them into a very special necklace!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei's annual craft fair adventure is over and she share's some photos of the Aftermath.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Artbeads teamed up with Nintendo DS to create a fantastic virtual learning game for jewelry lovers! Style Lab! Jean shows it off in a youtube clip! FUN for the HOLIDAYS! :)

Strands of Beads
Melissa discusses the virtue of buttons in jewelry-making

Jewelry Junkie Link Love 11/22/09 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 at 12:36:47.

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Make It Merry 11/19/09

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:35:26 +0000

Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's.

Advent Candy Tree
Everyone loves counting down to the holidays...add candy to the mix and you've got a fun Advent calendar from Sherri Osborn for the whole family to enjoy.

Pumpkin Cross Stitch Pattern
Use a variegated floss to make a swirling pumpkin that would look great near the Thanksgiving table. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern.

Knit Wreath Ornament
Scrap knitting makes for fun quick projects that are perfect for any skill level. Sarah E. White has the instructions for this cute wreath.

Miniature Glitter Houses
Snowy villages look great upon every mantle and tabletop. Lesley Shepherd has a free printable so you can make your own tiny houses.

Paper Bead Star Ornament
If you're looking for something a little different to do with your paper beads then take a look at this paper bead star. This project is simple to adapt in a wide variety of ways.

Rustic Pillar Candles
'Tis the season for running out to buy candles. David Fisher will show you how to make these festive pillar candles with the perfect finish.

Pear Diamonds Painted Card
This card has an intricate finish, but it is so easy to make. Tina Jones shows us how to create this colorful card from start to finish.

Christmas Apron Pattern
Just because you've got to bake cookies for the whole family doesn't mean you can't look fabulous! Phyllis Dobbs has created this adorable holiday apron, and she's got the free pattern just for you.

Flower Petal Ornament Cover
Sometimes those plain ornaments just need a little dressing up. Tammy Powley will show you how to use seed beads to create this unique ornament drapery.

Paint a Christmas Tree
Instead of paying a premium for a colored tree, Barbara Crews will show us how to paint your tree red to match the latest holiday trends.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Make It Merry 11/19/09 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 08:35:26.

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Jewelry Gifts that Give Twice

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:04:43 +0000

Beads for Education is an organization which provides scholarships for girls in Africa through beading. Their goal is to help education and thus help them make a better life for themselves. And, of course, one way they do this through selling beaded jewelry and other beaded items through the organization's web site. The jewelry and other products are made by 25 women who are members of the Dupoto Women's Group.

They have a pretty wide variety of merchandise from very cool key chains that sell for only $15 to very elaborate beaded collars that sell for almost two hundred dollars. They also have holiday ornaments, starting at around $12 each.

Jewelry Gifts that Give Twice originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 07:04:43.

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Knock, Knock on Wood Chain

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:33:48 +0000

I received a sample of wood chain from Rings & Things. That's right, chain made from wood. I mean...errr..what?

But, I loved the look of the wood - smooth, light, rich, and so different! I was challenged at first and then decided to let the wood do its thing so to speak and simply added some fiber on each end to create this simple necklace.

Even thought the design of my Wood Chain and Purple Hemp Necklace is very simple, I think it's got a good deal of drama going on.

Knock, Knock on Wood Chain originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 20:33:48.

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Holiday Lampwork Beads

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:15:57 +0000

I am officially in the holiday spirit and thus feel the urge to make some new holiday jewelry. These adorable lampwork beads by D.D. Hess actually helped me get there. She sent them to me just the other day, and I think they are adorable. I especially like the mittens.

It may seem a little early considering Thanksgiving hasn't even come to the U.S. yet, but considering everything else I've got going on and the fact that I'd like to make some jewelry pieces to give as well, you can really never start too early.

Holiday Lampwork Beads originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 07:15:57.

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Jewelry Junkie Link Love 11/15/09

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:31:19 +0000

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Using a hand-painted Russian pendant from Artbeads.com, Andrew creates an enchanting response to Art Bead Scene's November prompt: Dadd's The Fairy Fellers' Master-Stroke.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Setting up a table at a craft can be daunting, but Lorelei put together a perfectly Vintage Chic display that will hopefully lure people in.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
In the spirit of the season, whereby "you can get nything you want" as in the famous Alice's Restaurant song by Arlo, you can get some fascinating things at Andrew Thornton's store. Great for holidays to come!

Art Bead Scene
November is full of fairies at the Art Bead Scene. Come check out the inspiration painting for the monthly challenge!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off a necklace she made...for herself!

Jean Campbell
Jean finds her first piece of beadwork in a junk drawer and discusses how important it is to reinforce your work

Jewelry & Beading
Gorgeous jewelry designs by artist Paula Huckabay!

Katie's Beading Blog
Katie's combining resin, chain, and tubular peyote stitch in a project for Beadwork magazine - download the pdf for free!

A Bead A Day
A surprise package of beads arrives and provides a week of fun on abeadaday!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has a give-away offer on "the ugly necklace."

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy reflects on how to live life at a slower pace. Her reflections inspire a pair of earrings.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie starts a new project, an upcycled film themed jewelry line called Now Showing! Read the story behind this fun new idea.

Jewelry Junkie Link Love 11/15/09 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 at 14:31:19.

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Make It Merry

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:06:31 +0000

Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's. This week we've got some friendly characters and festive Thanksgiving crafts to create.

Create a Pumpkin Candle
What better to put in the middle of the feast. David Fisher will show you how to make this easy and impressive pumpkin tealight holder.

Make a Sesame Street Wreath
For 40 years, Sesame Street has been part of our lives and has encouraged us to accept all holiday traditions. Barbara Crews will show you how to create this wreath dedicated to some of our favorite Muppets.

Draw a Penguin Pilgrim
For Thanksgiving crafts like place mats and name cards, you'll need some festive art. How about a lesson from Helen South on drawing this cutie penguin.

Embroider a Gift Bag
Save cash for presents when you reuse gift bags or buy those inexpensive plain bags. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how to dress them up for the re-gifting process with a touch of delightful embroidery.

Stitch a Swedish Ornament
If you've got an ornament exchange to attend this year, a traditional Swedish ornament will really stand out in the crowd. Cheryl Fall will show you how to hand stitch this original piece.

Wax Resist Holiday Cards
Add a contemporary look to your holiday while saving some cash on Christmas Cards. This wax resist technique from Marion Boddy-Evans is just what you need.

Pumpkin Foam Sticker Earrings
For a quick Fall look in a pinch, try these pumpkin sticker earrings from Tammy Powley. She'll show you how to make them in five easy steps.

Paper Globe Ornament
This dimensional ornament has an intricate look, but is actually simple in design. Kate Pullen will show you how to cut and stamp this delightful addition to your decor.

Knit a Stocking Ornament
A mini stocking is a creative way to give a gift card, or hide a little treat on the tree. Sarah E. White shows us how to knit this cute little sock.

Christmas Tree Bunting
Decking the Halls has never been so fun, and this one is perfect for helpful kids to take part in. Use up those scraps of fabric with this decorative craft from the Sadie and Lance blog.

Make a Mini Hippo
Stuffed animals add a bit of fun and tenderness to any slew of presents. Stuff a stocking with a smile when you sew this little hippo from Lesley Shepherd.

Snowman Candy Jar
Top off your candy jar with a snowman face as sweet as the treats inside. Sherri Osborn will show you how to paint and assemble this wintry decoration that is appropriate to show off all season long.

Joy Ornament Crosstitch
Stitch a little bit of joy for someone this Christmas. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern for this jolly cross stitch project.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Make It Merry originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 07:06:31.

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Auntie's Jewelry Videos

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:01:05 +0000

You are probably already familiar with the jewelry and beading supply vendor called Auntie's Beads. They are ads all over the net as well as many magazines. What you may not know, though, is that they also have tons of free jewelry making videos. In fact, in the company's on-line video library, they include over 100 video tutorials. Most deal with beads, of course, but they also include some wire jewelry videos, mixed-media, and lots of basic techniques as well.

You can either access the videos at the Auntie's Beads web site or via YouTube.com. I've stumbled across these a few times on YouTube and have always been impressed with the quality of their videos. Sometimes, it just helps to be "shown" rather than "told" how to make a piece of jewelry.

Auntie's Jewelry Videos originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 07:01:05.

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Big News for Pearl Lovers

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:48:44 +0000

If you love working with pearls but get frustrated because of those tiny holes most of them have, then you will love to hear that Beadshop.com has some new pearls with super big holes in them. Yes, you can use a bead reamer and make holes larger, but that is not only a pain in the you know what, but a good way to destroy perfectly good pearl beads if you aren't careful.

You've probably seen similar jewelry in fancy catalogs and always wondered how they managed to string those pearls on such thick media. These pearls have holes so large you can even string them on leather (or pleather). Pictured above is a free bracelet project posted on Beadshop.com that uses pleather and one large-holed pearl bead.

Big News for Pearl Lovers originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 17:48:44.

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Jewelry Junkies Link Love 11/08/09

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:49:07 +0000

Jean Campbell
Jean describes what it's like to edit someone's book and shares her thoughts on Marcia DeCoster's latest, Beaded Opulence.

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi is giving away a copy of Ronna Sarvas Weltman's unique polymer clay book called "Ancient Modern". Come and get in on this contest!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Liver of Sulfur is finally in Lorelei's repertoire of jewelry techniques.

Snap out of it Jean! There's beading to be done!
jean is amazed by the treasures you find in Cynthia Thornton's spectacular wonder of a book, Enchanted Adornments!

Strands of Beads
Melissa tries out Friendly Plastic (and likes the results).

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew adds new pieces from Hawaiian artist, Candice Wakumoto, to his shop.

A Bead A Day
It's Arts & Crafts Week on Lisa's A-Bead-A-Day Blog! A different craft product is featured each day with ideas for incorporating them into jewelry pieces. Stop by and share your ideas!

Art Bead Scene
An Art Bead Scene first - the December sponsors collaborate on a special set of art beads for the December monthly challenge prize!

Barbe Saint John - New Treasures from Forgotten Artifacts Barbe is the last link in a Necklace Round Robin; Check out the finished pieces!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi uses a leather button to make a wearable collage.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy has developed a new line of jewelry to remind us all to live life slowly and enjoy what we have. First in the series is "Grounded."

Jewelry Junkies Link Love 11/08/09 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Saturday, November 7th, 2009 at 18:49:07.

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