Famous Jewelry Collections: THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Thursday, July 21, 2011

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 04:00 AM PDT

Laurie Ann Clinton of Flirt Beads

Halifax is really a small Canadian city. Even counting in the greater metropolitan area, residents number only in the 300,000+. So we are fortunate to have the Canadian Bead Oasis make it here last weekend at the Metro Center.

It's their second showing here and the first time I was able to cover it for my blog. I attended with my Debbie, my best friend, co-instructor and co-conspirator on buying expeditions.

~~I was too busy shopping~~ I didn't have time to visit other vendors which was just as well as this post would be too long. Definitely next year!

We first visited Laurie Ann and Beth Clinton who are the artisans behind Flirt Designs. They also represent the lamp work company Unicorne Beads in Canada. Willi, a blog reader and frequent commentator and their friend as well as my student daughter helped out with these booths as the Clintons were also instructing at the show.

Debbie and I bought extra cup burs at Flirt Beads - they will come in handy at workshops. No idea what cup burs are? Check out the first link below.

Unicorne Beads

There were some wonderful lamp work designs at Unicorne Beads which I just had to have. Shown below is a gorgeous blue and silvery bead whose hole was large enough to take my full persian necklace! See link below for the chain maille tutorial.

This whimsical frog called out to me as did the rich colors of this tear drop pendant.

Bumping into local readers and meeting people made the afternoon fun. One familiar face there was Susan Hood, a local lamp worker I've featured before. As you can see, she did show off her wonderful pictures of celebrities wearing her jewelry on the board behind her and in a digital picture display. Susan is currently without a website but you can find her on Facebook as the Glass Harp Gal. She also teaches at Cranberry Glass.

Both Debbie and I did a collective gasp when we spotted her amazing beaded belt. Susan made the lovely lamp work focal which she gave to one of her students. This student then created the free form peyote piece for Susan! It was intended as a necklace but Susan converted it to a belt.

Marilyn Gardiner and her strong but silent type of a husband Brad were also there with their chain maille booth. Marilyn was busy with her chain maille class when we called by. Fortunately Willi took this picture of her and her helper, Sabrina at another time. Thanks Willi!

Marilyn and Sabrina showing off a chain maille necklace

Marilyn is a former teacher and it shows! She teaches a lot at various bead shows. They also sell instructional kits. I have featured one of her free chain maille tutorials before.

Can't wait till next year!

Before You Go :

For more tutorials check out my Jewelry Making Tips

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Clever Coiled Headpin Idea for Bracelets

Posted: 20 Jul 2011 03:18 PM PDT

Many of us add little headpin dangles to chain bracelets. Want to try something different? Check out the Berrylicious Bracelet tutorial by Spoilt Rotten Beads.

The bracelet uses headpins alright but instead of cutting off the unused section of the stems, each head pin is completely coiled. It saves throwing away the bits of metal!

The result is a funky coiled wire effect which couldn't be easier as it is then strung on elastic or stretchy cord. This project is best suited for those who buy their head pins in bulk as you need about 100 headpins. The coils can be made more evenly if you use a small bail forming pliers instead of the chain nose ones.

Before You Go:

For more tutorials check out my Jewelry Making Tips

Liked what you read? Don't miss a post!
Subscribe

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*Click on the link in the confirmation email to activate subscription

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