Monday, November 28, 2011

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Link to The Beading Gem's Journal

BeadSphere's $30 Gift Certificate Giveaway

Posted: 28 Nov 2011 05:08 AM PST

Don't you just love it when you come across a diehard beader who has transformed her hobby into a viable business?  Well, meet Jen Runnion who is the  founder and CEO of BeadSphere.com who has been beading and designing original jewelry for 25 years.

Crystal Ndebele Necklace
About 12 years ago, Jen discovered a passion for sharing her beading knowledge and designs with others, and started offering tutorials and complete bead kits for creating her designs.  She also has an Etsy store.

Snowflake and Icicle Beadwoven Necklace
Although her stores offer plenty of beads (Miyuki delica beads, Czech and Swarovski crystals), supplies or just the instructions for sale, her kits though do save a lot of second guessing. Kits contain exactly what you need and thus reduce the leftovers. There is also nothing more frustrating than not having enough beads to finish a project!  Her 250+ range of kits also come in different color options and are graded for different skill levels.

Crystal Lace Bracelet
Triple Helix Necklace

Jen told me she has dabbled in all kinds of crafts, including embroidery and yarn arts but her true love is beading.  She could do it all day, if only! Sound familiar?  Shown here are some of my favorites from her collection.

Scalloped Necklace
Beaded Amulet Pouch


Giveaway
Jen has kindly sponsored this $30 gift certificate giveaway. To win it, all you have to do is make a comment below. Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower or also on Facebook Fan page or Twitter - even more entries if you do it for not just me but Lex's sites too. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway on your favorite forum, own blog, Facebook or Twitter even Google+ those will count as additional entries too!  Please say so in the comments.

This international giveaway ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, December 5, 2011. I will pick a winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to come back and check! Good luck!

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25 Ways to Wear a Scarf...and Add a Brooch?

Posted: 27 Nov 2011 03:00 PM PST

Some time ago, I wrote about how to tie scarf necklaces.  Well, here are more ways to keep your neck warm and still not miss out on adornment!


This cleverly produced video shows 25 ways to wear a scarf in 4.5 minutes by WendysLookbook!  True, some of the versions look suspiciously similar but let's not get too picky. 

She does show one with a floral decoration but there are many opportunities to add a brooch!  So have some fun with your scarves and brooches now that the colder weather has arrived.



Before You Go :
For more tutorials check out my Jewelry Making Tips
Liked what you read? Don't miss a post!  
Subscribe via RSS OR Via Email* It's FREE!
*Click on the link in the confirmation email to activate subscription

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Sunday, November 27, 2011

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

Link to The Beading Gem's Journal

Skanz's QR Scan Code Bracelets as Personal Hyperlinks

Posted: 27 Nov 2011 04:19 AM PST

Have you noticed QR (Quick Response) scan codes lately?  These are now increasingly visible as more people  have smartphones which can scan these codes.  This is part of  the coming augmented reality wave where you use your mobile device to access incredible amounts of information wherever you are. Bar codes are so yesterday!


For example, many airlines now let you choose to have your boarding passes sent to your mobile phone. Scanning the code on the screen at airport security checkpoints and at the gate will ensure your boarding pass info is updated automatically should your flight, gate or seat change.

Walk by a movie poster with a QR code, scan it in and you will instantly get reviews, the nearest cinema location and show times. Open a magazine and scan the codes to get additional web information on a feature. Even headstones have become interactive. Scanning the code on someone's gravestone will reveal the family's website biography about that person.

So it's no surprise QR codes have arrived on the hip accessory scene. Who needs business cards any more when you can wear a Skanz bracelet?  These silicon bracelets display your personal scan code which is linked to a webpage with your contact information and whatever you wish to share for example, your online sites.


Not into silicon bracelets? Your digital links can also reside as a QR profile on your phone so someone you meet could scan your information code into their phone.  Check out their video to show how Skanz works so you can "wear the web" and "share the world." 



You can read more about QR codes in this New York Times article.

Before You Go :
Subscribers : To comment, click on the post title to return to the blog. At the bottom of the post, click on "Comments". If you do not have a Google account, website or online store, use Name/URL - and leave the URL blank.
For more tutorials check out my Jewelry Making Tips
Liked what you read? Don't miss a post!  
Subscribe via RSS OR Via Email* It's FREE!
*Click on the link in the confirmation email to activate subscription

Be a Fan!


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