Famous Jewelry Collections: January 2013

Thursday, January 31, 2013

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Airy Crochet Necklace Tutorial Using Fishing Line

Posted: 31 Jan 2013 05:00 AM PST

Sometimes I have to kick myself. I usually think of using wire or yarn for making crochet necklaces. But why not good old fishing line to make a light and airy crochet necklace?

The original Russian tutorial was attempted and translated by Beads A-Z. As you can see, the effect of several crochet strands is stunning whether seed beads or a mixture of bead types are used. What is different from the typical crochet technique is the grouping of 3 beads in each chain. Finishing with conical beads is recommended.

A really lovely alternative to illusion necklaces!

Before You Go:

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

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Easy Swarovski Rivoli Beaded Ring Tutorials

Posted: 30 Jan 2013 05:35 AM PST

Perhaps beaded cabochons might be too big a project to start with especially if you are relatively new at beading. So maybe these easy beaded bezel ring tutorials might do the trick!

First up is Emi's sweet Swarovski rivoli beaded ring tutorial shown above from her blog, Small Good Things. She doesn't mention what size - so try 15/0 seed beads. The use of 2 mm pearls makes this a pretty design indeed.

I also liked Sara Spoltore's lovely square version also with a round Swarovski rivoli. Her video tutorial is on her Youtube channel, Beads Friends.

Before You Go:

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

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Jewelry from Recycled Neck Ties

Posted: 29 Jan 2013 05:00 AM PST

Californian Annett Malone makes a variety of accessories on her Etsy store Ascot Handbags - small purses and clutches, zippered pouches, necktie clips, hair clips besides jewelry. Quite a range but they are all made from the same thing - vintage neck ties!

Unlike some jewelry artisans who work with whole ties, Annett uses the fabric to make buttons or cover metal cuffs. She takes full advantage of the colorful ties and the patterns found on them.

Cuff bracelet embellished with Swarovski crystals

Annett says she has always been creative and crafty. She lost her job back in 2008 and struggled to find work. She loved handbags but couldn't justify buying any so she started making them. Things clicked when she decided to recycle men's ties. She opened her Etsy store and never looked back!

Who knew those bright and now unfashionable ties would have a second life as jewelry years and years later?

Before You Go:

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

Winner of ImpressArt Letter Stamp Set Giveaway

Posted: 28 Jan 2013 04:53 PM PST

Stamping is a great way to add yet another "facet" to your jewelry making skills. Judging from the responses to last week's ImpressArt Letter Stamp Set giveaway, many of you clearly agree!

One reader though left an awesome tip which I will share with everyone. Mary Ann Helmond said "
I would see this set as being important for creating a signature tag for signing original jewelry designs. It is very important to sign your work. An oval tag allows space for your initials and the year could be stamped on the back." Thanks, Mary!

Other readers pointed out that stamping can also be used on non-metals which can also take impressions. Polymer clay and leather are just a couple of examples. There are indeed lots of uses of metal stamps. And soon, one incredibly lucky winner is going to be able to play with a marvelous set!

I numbered all the eligible entries - and there were a lot! Then the random number generator over at random.org picked the winning number which was assigned to luluvision! Congratulations!
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips