New “Pandora-style” bead from Generation Gems
July 28, 2010
I’ve written about Generation Gems before…I LOVE their engraved beads for brag bracelets, and the customer service I get from Toni and the crew is absolutely the best.
Last Wednesday, I got a Convo on Etsy (Convos are Etsy’s version of a private message) from a gal who wanted to order a brag bracelet for her mom’s birthday…and it was a rush order. She needed it by July 30 – and usually I require 3 weeks lead time to order, receive, create, and mail one off!
I called Generation Gems, talked to Toni, and we figured out a plan of action. While I was on the phone with her, she mentioned that they had some new engraved beads and new fonts for engraving. The following day, I ordered three hematite beads for my customer…and I received my order on Monday! I had an out of town guest Monday evening, so I didn’t get a chance to open the box and work on the bracelet, but I got up early this morning to work on it, so that it could be mailed out today.
Opened my package, and had a great surprise! Not only were my beads in the box (carefully packaged, like always!) but Toni had also included a sample of the new “Reflections” bead!
The Reflections Bead looks like a nut you’d buy in a hardware store, but with a smooth center instead of threaded…and made from sterling silver. And engraved with names and birth dates on the four sides! The hole is large enough for a Pandora-style bracelet, Viking Knit or other bangle type bracelet. The square shape is unique – it’s very industrial-looking.
At $50 per bead (retail), the beads are a little pricey, but what an original gift! I can definitely see Generations Gems’ Reflection Bead as something to be handed down…for generations! 
And that brag bracelet? Done and on it’s way to Tennessee. I hope the recipient loves her new work of art!
What can I do with 21′ of wire???
July 24, 2010
Heh. Make rings. Finger rings, that is…not jump rings for once!
Craft wire Rose Rings by Lynn Kvigne
These cute little “rose” rings are made using 2 6″ sections of 20g craft wire. I found that putting my ring mandrel in a vise helped with production, as I’m not always fighting to keep it stable. My next show is our local county fair, and these go over pretty well with the fair crowd…so I made up 21 of them last night in about an hour.
You can make these pretty quickly once you have the hang of twisting the wire. Here are the basic steps:
1. Cut 2 pieces of 20g wire (craft wire, copper, silver) 6″ long each.
2. Using a ring mandrel (or a dowel a little larger than your ring size if you don’t have a mandrel), wind both pieces, side by side around the mandrel. Wind the wire at the size mark that is 1/2 size larger than your ring size.
3. Twist the four ends around each other in a knot. Twist again, making a double spiral.
4. Remove the ring from the mandrel.
5. Wind the ends (two on either side) around the ring band twice. Clip the ends.
6. The raw ends will be a little sharp! You’ll want to either gently file them or put your ring in a tumbler with stainless steel shot for about 30-45 minutes.
Wear it with pride!
Steampunk Style Jewelry: Interesting concepts!
February 21, 2010
I’m intrigued by the Steampunk movement – described as “Victorian meets Jules Verne”, Steampunk combines romantic elements with mechanics for an instantly recognizable design style.
Jean Campbell’s Steampunk Style Jewelry is the first book I’ve found that focuses on Steampunk jewelry…and it does a great job of doing so! From the 20 projects, to Sidebars, to a Gallery of Designs, this nicely written, beautifully photographed book is well worth purchasing.
Steampunk projects are full of “found objects” – items you pick up in a flea market or garage sale – but Campbell includes a nice listing of supplies for projects at the end of the book. You’ll probably end up finding Steampunk Style Jewelry offers more inspiration than “follow to the letter” instructions, but the instructions for each project ARE clear and easy to follow. You find the goods – Jean and the other artists credited with projects will walk you through how to create cool-looking jewelry!
In addition to the great projects, I found the Sidebars to be extremely interesting. Campbell has written great mini-articles about other facets of Steampunk, from Modding (modifying modern items) to music, films, and costumes. Yes, the Steampunk movement is not just about jewelry…there are entire conventions that focus around the lifestyle!
Bottom line, if you find Steampunk interesting, pick up the book and be prepared for entertaining reading as well as giving you some great ideas. At $24.99 US ($31.99 CAN), it’s chock-full of inspriation and information and a great value!
Rings N Things: Your Designs ROCK!
December 29, 2009
Just found out that the Rings N Things “Your Designs ROCK” contest is accepting entries beginning January 1, 2010! Early entries get a great perk – if your entry is received before February 3, you’ll be entered in a goodie giveaway! Additionally, first time contestants are entered into a special drawing as well.
Wondering what to make? Some info straight from the source:
- 2010 categories are glass & crystal, gemstones & pearls, mostly metal, metal clay, and found objects/miscellaneous.
- You don’t have to be a Rings & Things customer to enter. You do need to include a majority of parts in your design that are available from us.
Details are available on the Rings N Things web site. Contest deadline is February 28, 2010…so get working on the designs that rock your world!!!
(pssst….R&T has a great “5-day” sale going on through January 3!! Check it out for fantastic bargains that you can use to create your contest entry!)
Fire Mountain Gems annual jewelry making contest
December 27, 2009
Now that all the presents are unwrapped, the cookies are eaten, and the guests have all departed, it’s time again to challenge yourself with the annual Fire Mountain Gems jewelry making contest!
Those of us who love metal are in for a treat – this year, FMG has separated out the ArtClay, Metal Beads, Wirework and Chain categories into their very own contest.
Grand Prize is $1000 gift certificate…and there are also prizes for the first three placements in each category (see below)! Your winning piece could even be featured in a future FMG catalog!
Contest categories:
Necklace: Let your ingenuity and creativity shine. The sky’s the limit on the number of strands, length or techniques used. As long as you can wear it as a necklace, it qualifies.
Bracelet: Showcase your best work with an innovative bracelet design and take this classic accessory to a new level.
Earrings: The right pair of earrings complete any look—from long, short, hoop, cluster, chandelier and every style in between. Create one-of-a-kind earrings that make a statement.
Home Décor and Doll: Bring jewelry-making into the home with throws, pillows, beaded chandeliers or centerpieces. Give porcelain, clay or soft dolls radiance as you dress them in beaded elegance or create from scratch with Kato Polyclay™.
Wedding and Holiday: Go beyond the traditional to create over-the-top wedding jewelry. Celebrate your holiday spirit through jewelry—any holiday is included (Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, etc.).
Fashion Accessories (including rings, brooches, hairpieces and accessories): There’s no such thing as too much embellishment. Incorporate beading into clothing and accessories with beaded embroidery, crochet, adhesives, knitting and more.
Looks like fun, but hurry! Contest entry deadline is January 12, just around the corner!
Great gift for jewelry makers…or anyone!
November 28, 2009
Throughout the year, I take photos of my work. It not only helps me to remember what I did, but if I sell something, I can use the photos for “show and tell”!
Plus, it’s kind of silly, but I actually find it inspires me to look back and see all the cool things I’ve done in the past…I’ve looked at some of my pieces and thought “Hey, I really liked that! I should make something similar again.”
Last year I made myself a calendar using the software that came with my HP printer. I hung it up in my studio where I could be inspired all year long. This year, however, I’m thinking about going a little higher tech and ordering a calendar through Shutterfly. I’ve gotten posters and my daughter has created scrapbooks using her own photos, and I’ve been amazed at the quality of the finished product!
Here’s a sample of the posters I ordered. You do need to have pretty high quality photos to end up with a decent product, but the software will tell you if the photo you’ve chosen won’t work for a specific layout. (I’ve found that changing the style or size of the photo layout may allow me to use a photo that was giving an error message in another layout.)
A great gift idea for a jewelry maker would be to hijack their computer for a day, create a calendar for them using photos of their work, and then watch their eyes light up when they see the calendar. Whether you use Shutterfly or software you already have on your computer, it’s really thoughtful to give something so personal.
Have fun!
Simply Beads: Kit of the Month
July 10, 2009
Got an email from my beading buddy Heather of HeHe Beads telling me about the Kit of the Month program, available from Simply Beads.
I took a quick look, and for $15/month, it’s probably not a bad deal for someone who wants to start dabbling in various methods of beading. Some of the designs were not particularly my style, but I would hope that if you didn’t like the design, you could return the kit for a full refund.
Overall, it’s a great sales technique (sign up, get 50% off your first kit and then have recurring kits automatically sent to you monthly) that would appeal to someone who doesn’t want to hoard extra beads, doesn’t have space or desire to have all the supplies on hand, and would like to learn various techniques.
Myself, I’d prefer to get a couple of good books or do the research and find projects that appeal to me online and buy the supplies. But I’m sure Simply Beads Kit of the Month has it’s niche and is a good program for someone!
Red, White, and Blue!
July 2, 2009
Let the long holiday weekend begin!
A couple of quick projects if you are looking for something patriotic to wear to your 4th of July picnics or parades….
Sparkling Red White and Blue bracelet
Have fun and stay safe this holiday weekend!
I’ll admit it. I hate Niobium. Or “How to make some cool and unique wine glass charms.”
July 1, 2009
I made up these adorable Wine Glass Charms using silver-plated earring hoops (from Rings ‘N Things) and small patches of a European 4-in-1 weave last night. I love the way they look, and they are very colorful! All but the yellow patches are made using Anodized Aluminum rings from Blue Buddha Boutique. (I can’t say enough great things about BB…Rebeca’s rings are fantastic, and she ships PRONTO.)
The yellow rings were some leftover Anodized Niobium rings I’d bought last summer, and I remembered that they were a bit tough to work with…but, HOLEY COW! I about tore up my hands just doing this little patch.
Lesson learned. No more niobium, no matter how cool the colors look!
Make your own Chained Up Charms using my simple instructions below!
Chained Up Charms
Materials:
1″ silver plated or basemetal earring hoops
23 18g 5/32″ jump rings (per charm – use different colors for each charm)
Make a patch of European 4:1 chainmaille that is 5 rings across (3 closed, 2 open) and 5 rows down. Attach to the earring finding by running the earring wire through all 5 rings on the right side of the weave. Use a pliers to bend up the end of the earring finding so it will securely attach to the hooked end.
One Red Bead
June 11, 2009
I was touched recently by the story of my friend NancyRosetta’s mom. Dolly had a stroke, and Nancy and her sisters have been blogging about their experiences.
Nancy is an accomplished jewelry maker, and found solace during a stressful time making “stroke bracelets” with her sisters. Read more about how the concept of “One Red Bead” came into being.
I love the idea of making jewelry that represents a concept or makes me think of someone…while making jewelry for the sake of making a pretty piece is fulfilling as well, there’s just something about having a piece around your wrist or neck that reminds me of my family or a special time in my life.
I guess that’s why “Brag Bracelets” are so popular. 
Get well soon, Dolly…you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
