Famous Jewelry Collections: February 2012

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Posted: 29 Feb 2012 04:33 AM PST

Brooches have made a comeback after decades of neglect. Even so, I am always on the lookout for alternative uses of brooches.

The latest find is the brilliant DIY brooch bracelet tip from Lisa over at the Pursuit of Happiness blog. What she did was pin an old brooch onto several bracelets thus holding them together.

Stunning in less than a couple of minutes, if you use elasticated bracelets! She used a number of brooches and a mix of bracelets from her collection to great effect.

She got the idea when she was out shopping and came across a display of beaded bracelets grouped with a brooch. So it really pays to keep an eye out for a good idea!

Before You Go :

How to Make Convertible Brooch Pendant Necklaces
Zipper Flower Tutorials
Wedding Inspired Jewelry Tutorials (brooch bouquets)

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

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Tiny Swinging Felt Animal Jewelry by Motley Mutton

Posted: 28 Feb 2012 04:46 AM PST

A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E. It's the only word which describes the tiny swinging animals by Nancy Bevins over at the Motley Mutton on Etsy. She has been creating needle felted sculptures for years - see her gallery on her website.

She uses needle felting techniques working with wool from the sheep raised on their small family farm in the hills of West Virginia. The name of the shop derives from the fact that very few of their sheep are purebred. She shears, washes, picks, cards and dyes the wool, mostly on her own.

She explains, " I love making creatures that are lower on the "fan-club totem pole." Things like possums, armadillos, mice, rats...even snails! That is the beauty of felting, if it exists, you can make it." I don't know about the "lower on the fan-club part" as she makes all her chosen animals pretty darn cute... even the imaginary ones. She says she always tries to add new animals to her repertoire.

Nancy has a wonderful ability to capture the right proportions and details for her animals. The smiles she sews on sure adds to the cuteness factor. They all appear to be having a fun time swinging from the cord necklaces!

She also offers the felt animals without the necklaces in different postures as some people just want to collect the miniatures. Her creations are very popular but her time is now limited. She helps care for her grandchildren after her son was tragically killed in an industrial accident. However, she does update her Etsy status to let her fans know what she is working on and what will be available soon. So if you see something you like, grab it quick because they go fast!

Via

Before You Go :

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

Winners of the Modahaus Steady Stands Giveaway

Posted: 27 Feb 2012 04:24 PM PST

There are many of you waiting for this announcement with baited breaths. It's not just about these truly innovative steady stands. But thanks to Lex's generosity, there were an astounding six of them to give away from last week's sweepstakes. Also a big thank you to all who left such kind comments for both Lex and myself.

It was most interesting to learn that all 3 size models were considered although the SS200 was the most popular. Potential uses listed by entrants included not just jewelry but cookies, hand painted wine glasses and findings, fiber and fiber purses, duck tape purses, hand painted yarn skeins, spindles, beaded hand spun yarn, doll photos, eBay collectible photos, costume props, plants, flowers, museum artifacts, legal documents, needlework, crochet work, scarves and even nail art ! So much talent out there! Indeed if you are a serious craft or foodie blogger, you cannot be without these units!

I also strongly suggest all readers review this past post where Lex covers the key camera settings you need to take good white background pictures. He is most approachable and helpful so please do contact him directly if you have any questions regarding camera types, Modahaus models etc especially if you won one or are buying one!

I shall not keep you in suspense any longer. After numbering all the eligible entries, I consulted random.org for 6 generated numbers which matched these very lucky winners :

Carol of Designing It
Katrina Pebbles of Ecofashionista
Ali Marceau of Saturday's Child
Patricia Miller of The Velvet Box
Cheryl of Beadroe
Zebisis

Congratulations! I do have emails/shops I can contact for most of you except for Zebisis - please contact me asap to claim your prize. Otherwise I will redraw next Monday.

If you didn't win, take heart. Lex is offering a 15% discount on his bundles of 2 or more Modahaus units. Free shipping worldwide to boot!

In the interest of full disclosure, please also note that I have now joined his affiliate program. This is because I truly believe that the Modahaus systems are very good and highly recommend them. Each sale earns me a small commission - about the price of a cup of tea or coffee from my local Tim Hortons - "fuel" for writing more blog posts!

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