THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

---

Heather Gems - Hand Crafted Natural Scottish Heather Jewelry Posted: 05 Aug 2012 04:57 AM PDT Years ago, I was fortunate enough to vacation in Scotland.  But I never paid any heed to the heather (Calluna vulgaris) growing in the countryside.  This low growing shrub is so common in Scotland, it is sometimes called "The Carpet of the Highlands" for the way it covers the landscape. The beautiful mauve flowers are a delight but the Scots also have had many practical uses for the plant for centuries.  It is used as thatching and building material, as brooms, for fuel, as rope or woven into mats and in tea.  But one gorgeous way that is so unique is as jewelry! Celtic Knot Brooch with Heathergem Heather Gems makes the beautiful pieces by first harvesting the heather stems. These are cut, cleaned, dyed and then compressed into blocks. Shapes are then cut out using a computer guided system. The pieces are sanded and lacquered.  Just exquisite! You can  see how they make it by either dropping by their Visitor Center in Pitlochry (north-west of Dundee), Scotland or you can  check out this video and see how natural heather jewelry is made from start to finish. Hat to Anna of A Beader's Blog for sharing this remarkable find. Reference Scottish Heather Before You Go : How to Make Wooden Pendants How to Decorate Wooden Beads Tutorials How to Turn and Wrap Bangles ______________________________ Original Post by THE BEADING GEM Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips

Easy T-Shirt and Bead Crochet Bracelet Tutorial for Kids Posted: 04 Aug 2012 03:00 PM PDT It's that time of year when kids might go, "I'm so B-O-R-E-D!". So this tutorial might just be the thing to do AND teach them a craft at the same time. Carrie from This Mama Makes Stuff wrote a really nifty tutorial  originally for the Skip To My Lou blog.  It's for a simple beaded crochet bracelet using strips of t-shirt material. Needless to say, pony beads and a honking great big crochet hook are required. UV sensitive beads are also possible. I think it's neat because young children get to learn the basics of crochet, the value of recycling clothing and experience the joy of wearing something they made themselves. Although this tutorial is geared for kids, grown-ups can also have fun with the technique.  Make lots for the budding fashionistas in your life! Need some recycled t-shirt or fabric jewelry tutorials for adults?  Check out the links below. Before You Go : T-shirt and Recycled Clothing Jewelry Tutorials More Recycled T-Shirt Jewelry Tutorials More Gorgeous Fabric Necklace Tutorials ______________________________ Original Post by THE BEADING GEM Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips

You are subscribed to email updates from The Beading Gem's Journal To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610