Famous Jewelry Collections: October 2012

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

A Micro Solomon Bar Cord Bracelet Tutorial

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 05:00 AM PDT

The most common paracord bracelet tutorials out there use paracord Type III. It's also called paracord 550 because the minimum breaking strength is 550 lbs. It's the average size out of the 6 types of paracord and works well for manly bracelets. But these are really too chunky for women and younger folks.

An easy solution is to make bracelets using Paracord Type I as it is a lot less bulky. Paracord I cord or "dummy cord" is typically used to secure lighter items such as compasses, GPS units, radios as so on.

Just check out the video tutorial by It's Tactical for the how-to. It is based on the ever popular survival paracord bracelet design using the Solomon Bar stitch (also called Cobra Stitch or Portuguese Sinnet). Be sure to also check out the accompanying tutorial post for tips.

Kelly is the first female paracord instructor I have come across! This style of woven bracelets are apparently getting more popular with women. Remember, non-metallic bracelet could appeal to those who are metal allergic or women who just don't like bling. One commentator on Youtube said he made it for his girlfriend and another said," If I ever came across a girl wearing a paracord bracelet, I'd know that she's the one!"

The weaving is not very clear in the beginning but does improve later. If you are still having trouble seeing it, check out the Solomon Bar video tutorial by TIAT.

She just uses a double overhand knot for the button style closure which is easier than the lanyard knot shown in the picture above.

Another idea for a more feminine closure is to use a button and finish off the bracelet like the second style of leather wrapped bracelet I wrote about before.

I also think trying the tutorial with other cords such as macrame cord, waxed cotton cord, leather or suede and satin cords will be worth the effort. These are softer and will have more drape than paracord. But bear in mind, the silkiness of some of them might not help during construction.

Before You Go:

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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Aluminum Wire Artistry by Refreshing Designs

Posted: 30 Oct 2012 05:00 AM PDT

I was delighted when Utah based Heidi Sears became my Google + follower. That's because I was then able to explore her Etsy store, Refreshing Designs. What an apt name because her wire work is certainly refreshing!

Mid Summer's Eve Bouquet Flower Bib necklace

Heidi calls it the new look of wire wrapping. She said, " I get tons of compliments from total strangers when I wear my jewelry and so will you!" It's easy to see why she does. She uses thick anodized aluminum wire wire to make really bold and at times colorful wire work jewelry.

Tricolored Tear Drop Earrings

Heidi's designs are also well photographed. Most of her earring designs use earring cards to prop up the pieces. Her shop name is thus prominently displayed. I am not a fan of watermarks going across pictures as they detract greatly from designs. So Heidi's solution for most of her earring creations is clever!

Snowflake Earrings

Some Wire over Rainbow Necklace

It is heartening to see an aluminum wire artisan do so well. It's not always about the precious metals is it?

Bleeding Heart Elven Bracelet

Before You Go:

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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips

Winner of Urban Lace's Eco Jewelry Giveaway

Posted: 29 Oct 2012 04:47 PM PDT

There may be only one color in Urban Lace's bicycle inner tube jewelry but black goes with everything! As last week's giveaway pictures show, this amazing eco jewelry line is not only striking but environmentally friendly. The collection is a shining example of how cleverly reusing unwanted and unlovely material in stunning jewelry designs can be done.

Quite a number of you appreciated the recycled aspect and loved the designs. They do have the look of tattoos, don't you think?

In order to pick a winner, I numbered all the eligible entries and then consulted random.org. Their random number generator picked the one assigned to Kathy Lowe! Congratulations!

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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips