Famous Jewelry Collections: November 2012

Friday, November 30, 2012

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Recycled Leather Necklace Inspirations and Tutorial

Posted: 30 Nov 2012 04:00 AM PST

It's one thing to reuse leather for jewelry designs but it is another to make it look stylish. These two designers see possibilities even from footwear!

Kathy Thompson of Katalina Jewelry came up with 3 great recycled leather necklaces from sandals. These 2 are my favorites. Check out her original posts here and here.

Naomi of Noxcreare saw a very expensive leather necklace in an exhibition and thought she would have a go. She never throws away anything potentially useful like broken leather boots!

Her simple pictorial shows how she made her recycled leather necklace. Her blog is in Italian so you will have to use Google Translate to read the post. Please note you cannot use this translator software to convert words which are in photos.

No old leather boots? Old leather jackets and skirts will also do.

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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
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Thursday, November 29, 2012

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Book Review - Project Earrings

Posted: 29 Nov 2012 05:00 AM PST

Hands up those of you who love making earrings! I'll bet there are many hands. Earrings are the arguably the most satisfying to make. They don't require a lot of materials and are quick to make too. Earrings are also highly visible as they are closest to the face.

Earring lovers will appreciate the latest book I received for review. Project: Earrings: 44 Designs Using Beads, Wire, Chain, and More does more than hint that design possibilities are limitless. The projects from several designers were all gleaned from Bead and Button magazines.

What can you expect from this book? Well, there is a range of techniques but beadwork and wire work predominate. There are some chain designs but only 1 true chain maille design.

A few of the designs were simple and clearly selected for beginners. But there were also advanced designs which will delight accomplished enthusiasts.

The curated designs included one mixed media earrings and all kinds of beads and crystals. One of my favorite designs was Anna Elizabeth Draeger's cup chain conundrum earrings which cleverly combined mesh findings with rhinestone chains. It is clear she was inspired by vintage designs. You can well imagine this pair on a 1930's Hollywood actress!

The book is a bargain with 44 tutorials for $18. Very handy for when you need a spark to rekindle dormant creativity.

Disclosure

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

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

How to Make Scarf or Shawl Pins Tutorials

Posted: 28 Nov 2012 05:00 AM PST

I'm old enough to remember a time when the only people who knitted or crochet were older folks. Happily, the "granny" crafts are back in vogue today. If you are a yarn enthusiast, then consider making shawl or scarf pins to go with your knitted or crochet creations. Or make them for someone who does.

One way is to make it out of polymer clay. Mimi of the Eskimimi blog has a gorgeous tutorial . She made the pin part from just clay and wondered if it would be strong enough to stand up to daily use. I would suggest making a long eye pin and wrapping the clay around it. This should strengthen the pin. Another option is to use a slightly sharpened dowel with a polymer clay "head" as shown in Peacefully Knitting blog.

If you like wire work, then check out Liz's shawl pin tutorial over at Yarn Berry. She encourages readers to experiment with different wire shapes and to add beads too. She used a jig for a design but you could also do circles, spiral and so on. Make sure you hammer to set the shape (work hardening). Also remember to file the end of the pin so there are no burs to catch the yarn.

Shawl pins are descendants of early ring brooch fasteners dating back to the Iron Age and Roman times. These are the penannular brooches or Celtic brooches as they are sometimes called. The brooches were essential cloak and clothes fasteners long before safety pins, buttons, zips and velcro were invented.

Before You Go:

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