getcrafty :: popular topics :: beads :: bead

View entire thread: Fellow Beaders!

Posted by acebeader on 2004-05-05 14:40:23      Post Subject: Fellow Beaders!



Just an FYI - The Bead and Button show is coming up May 16-23rd in Milwaukee. It's a great chance to find unique stuff from all over the country, it's huge! It's truly my favorite crat-type event of the year! There is something for everyone there...and some other great bead stores in the area to visit.

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View entire thread: Site and beading instruction updates

Posted by beadangel on 2005-03-19 22:30:05      Post Subject: Site and beading instruction updates

Hi all,

Did some updates to my site recently due to some feedback on difficullty to find my bead instructions, I added a new page with links to all projects at http://www.beadjewelrymaking.com/bead_project.html

Also uploaded my April 05 new instructions including two bead and bracelet projects, http://beadjewelrymaking.com/Arts_and_Craft_Idea/ring_project.html http://beadjewelrymaking.com/Kid_Art_Project/Kid_art_bead_project/april2005kid_bead_project.html

and a beaded crystal ball project: http://www.beadjewelrymaking.com/Kid_Art_Project/Kid_art_bead_project/april2005_bead_project.html

Special Thanks for all of you who suggested on ideas to post instructions on.

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View entire thread: Lampwork Bead Cap Cone and other nice Beads

Posted by EllessonBeads on 2006-09-03 17:41:20      Post Subject: Lampwork Bead Cap Cone and other nice Beads

Hi everybody,

today I will show you something new I made.

Two Bead Cap Cones
http://ellessonbeads.elleson.flinkux.de/images/Beads/100_5666_1%20copy.jpg

http://ellessonbeads.elleson.flinkux.de/images/Beads/100_5739_12.jpg

the Bead Cap Cone inside
http://ellessonbeads.elleson.flinkux.de/images/Beads/100_5737_12.jpg

and...
Some New Beads from today
http://ellessonbeads.elleson.flinkux.de/images/Beads/100_5810_12.jpg

http://ellessonbeads.elleson.flinkux.de/images/Beads/100_5784_12.jpg

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View entire thread: Beaded Bead with free tute!

Posted by beadangel on 2007-08-22 12:40:59      Post Subject: Beaded Bead with free tute!

Hi all,

Made some beaded bead with crystals and glass beads, made them into pendants to wear with my chain.

See the photo at: http://www.beadjewelrymaking.com/bead_pendants.html (remember to scroll to the bottom)

The free tutorial at: http://beadjewelrymaking.com/Kid_Art_Project/Kid_art_bead_project/august2007kid_bead_project.html

Thanks for looking!

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View entire thread: My Bead creations and some projects with instructions

Posted by beadangel on 2005-04-27 11:52:46      Post Subject: My Bead creations and some projects with instructions

Hi all,

Been a while since I updated my bead creations with new photos and have just done so in my beaded pendant page.

Just a personal hobby site so surf around: http://www.beadjewelrymaking.com

Enjoy!

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View entire thread: My red crystal star pendant, with tutorial to share too!

Posted by beadangel on 2008-06-17 13:35:08      Post Subject: My red crystal star pendant, with tutorial to share too!

Hi all,

I just finished drawing out the tutorial for this beaded red crystal
star pendant - sort of using the beaded bead beading technique.

See the free tutorial at:
http://www.beadjewelrymaking.com/2008/project/june_kid.html

the finished photo of my pendant:
http://www.beadjewelrymaking.com/2008/large/crystalstarpendant.html

Thanks for looking!

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View entire thread: new toronto bead store?

Posted by rubychew on 2005-09-21 12:24:20      Post Subject: new toronto bead store?

on the streetcar going down Roncesvalles today I noticed a store soon to be opening...the paper in the window said "Bead Junction".

Could be we have a new crafty place going up in our neighbourhood.....I'll keep a look out for when it opens.

:-)

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View entire thread: Bead Loom

Posted by cc on 2007-05-03 20:44:27      Post Subject: Bead Loom

I am new to this site but wanted to know if anyone could share a video or tell me a website to refer to that would show me how to use my Bead Loom. I want to make beaded purses and learn so much better by visual instructions. Anyone care to share? Thanks a bunch.
CC

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View entire thread: craft meet-up austin, tx

Posted by peppermintsquare on 2005-01-08 12:37:57      Post Subject: craft meet-up austin, tx

Please excuse cross-postings...

Get Your Craft On
Thursday, January 20
6:00 - 9:00 pm
The Workshop
1211 West Sixth Street, Suite 400
Austin, Texas 78703
(512) 473-ARTS (2787)

Just bring whatever crafty project you happen to be working on, snacks and beverages (wine and beer are okay too!). If you don't have a specific project to bring, never fear - you can purchase a kit at the Workshop to work on that night. They sell beads and bead tools, mosaic kits, paint your own ceramics and more.

The group list can be found here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ausglitterati

Hope to see you there!

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View entire thread: austin tx crafty meet-up

Posted by peppermintsquare on 2004-11-24 08:45:45      Post Subject: austin tx crafty meet-up

Please excuse cross-postings...

Get Your Craft On
6:30 - 9:00 pm Wednesday, December 8th

The Workshop
1211 West Sixth Street, Suite 400
Austin, Texas 78703
(512) 473-ARTS (2787)

Just bring whatever crafty project you happen to be working on, snacks and beverages (wine and beer are okay too!). If you don't have a specific project to bring, never fear - you can purchase a kit at the Workshop to work on that night. They sell beads and bead tools, mosaic kits, paint your own ceramics and more.

The group list can be found here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ausglitterati

Hope to see you there!

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View entire thread: upholstery fabric

Posted by bacosta on 2005-07-17 16:54:06      Post Subject: upholstery fabric

hey, gals, summer upholstery canvas is in clearance. perfect for cool capris. i made myself a pair with bright pink with lime polka dots canvas.
my button pin: covered button kit (size according to your whim), embellish with bead and sequines, embroidery, whatever. coool!
corsage for every outfit. 1 bias strip (about 1 1'2 " wide) of fabric, raw edges, baste together with two ribbons of your liking. start rushing it, and rolling at the same time, the tighter the better. you end wit a flower where you can't discern the original fabrics, just the matching hues. after handsewing it, i also added fabric glue, just in case there was a loose end i didn't see.

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View entire thread: Portland, OR Church of Craft October Meeting

Posted by SisterDG on 2005-10-09 14:40:42      Post Subject: Portland, OR Church of Craft October Meeting

Hi, Crafters --

This month's Church of Craft will be Sunday, October 16th. We meet at the usual time of 11:30 - 2:30, and usual place of Rimsky-Korsacoffee House, 707 SE 12th (at Alder). If you're forwarding this to someone who's never been before, it's the big old red house at the corner of SE 12th and Alder. There is no sign out front.

Our free craft class for this month: Bead & Wire Spiders, taught by Kirby. These little spiders are way cute, and a great Halloween decoration, or the basis of some funky jewelry. Easy to make, too! Please email for a supply list if you'd like to participate.

Church of Craft is a nondenominational group of people who get together and make stuff because it's good for the soul. Learn more at www.churchofcraft.org, or email sisterdg@churchofcraft.org.

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View entire thread: Portland, OR Church of Craft December Meeting

Posted by SisterDG on 2005-11-21 10:20:44      Post Subject: Portland, OR Church of Craft December Meeting

Hi, Crafters --

December's Church of Craft meeting is Sunday, 12/11. Usual time, 11:30 - 2:30. Usual place, Rimsky-Korsacoffee House, 707 SE 12th (at Alder). If you're forwarding this to someone who's never been before, it's the big, old red house on the corner of SE 12th and Alder. There is no sign out front.

Our free craft class for December will be Bead & Wire Snowflakes -- a really fun, instant-gratification craft that makes a wonderful decoration or gifty. Please email me if you'd like a supply list.

As always, there will be free coffee, and if you'd like to bring a snack for the group to share, that's always much appreciated.

If you're madly working away on other holiday projects, please feel free to bring them, and hang out and enjoy the crafty vibe.

More info at www.churchofcraft.org.

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View entire thread: Church of Craft in Portland, OR - May Meeting!

Posted by SisterDG on 2006-05-06 09:34:25      Post Subject: Church of Craft in Portland, OR - May Meeting!

The May Church of Craft meeting will be Sunday, May 21st. Usual time, 11:30 - 2:30, and usual place: Rimsky-Korsacoffee House, 707 SE 12th (at Alder). If you're forwarding this to someone who's never been, it's the big red house at the corner of SE 12th and Alder. There is no sign out front.

Our craft class for May: Bead and Wire Jewelry. It's a really fun, simple technique that lends itself well to bracelets, pendants, and pins. You can make it as glam, funky, or retro as you like.

Curious? Here's a photo of what I'm talking about:

http://static.flickr.com/49/140278201_9f2d12f7f9_o.jpg

If you'd like to participate in the class, please email for a supply list.

Church of Craft is a nondenominational group of people who love to make stuff. Learn more at www.churchofcraft.org.

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View entire thread: PDX Church of Craft March Meeting

Posted by SisterDG on 2005-03-07 23:06:55      Post Subject: PDX Church of Craft March Meeting

The next Portland, OR Church of Craft meeting will be Sunday, March 20 from 11:30 - 2:30. We meet at Rimsky-Korsacoffeee House, 707 SE 12th (at Alder). if you're forwarding this to someone who's never been before, it's the big old red house at the corner of SE 12th and Alder. There is no sign out front.

Our free craft class this month will be a Polymer Clay Clinic. There will be several events: a cool, almost Tim-Burtonesque technique for sculpting cats, a demonstration of techniques for modeling Tiki figures, some basic millefiori and bead-making techniques. If you have some polymer clay skill and would like to share a technique with the group, just drop me a line.

If you'd like to participate in the class, please email me for a supply list: sisterdg@churchofcraft.org.

. . . As always, you are also welcome to bring your favorite craft project and enjoy the coffee, company, and creativity. We'll have complimentary coffee and Rimsky's fabulous desserts for sale.

More info at www.churchofcraft.org.

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View entire thread: L.A. Craft Mafia May Meetup w/guest Sonya Nimri 5/27/08

Posted by Mucha Muchacha on 2008-05-14 14:48:04      Post Subject: L.A. Craft Mafia May Meetup w/guest Sonya Nimri 5/27/08

Hey everyone, the next L.A. Craft mafia meetup will be at 7pm on Tuesday May 27th at Saints and Sinners Lounge in West L.A. This month's meetup will feature author and all around crafty lady Sonya Nimri hosting a bead demo. Sonya is the author of "Just for the Frill of It" and the new "Beadalicious". You may also know her from her fun website www.sonyastyle.com

What is an L.A. Craft Mafia Meetup? It's a free monthly evening of fun with the goal of spreading crafty love throughout our community! You don't need to be a member, anyone with a crafty spirit is welcome. Come out, grab a drink from the bar and join us for fun and craft! Go to our site www.losangelescraftmafia.com and join our mailing list to receive a weekly email about our meetups, upcoming indie craft shows and MORE. Tell your crafty friends!

L.A. Craft Mafia Meetup!
Tues May 27th 2008 @ 7:00pm
Saints and Sinners Lounge (21+)
10899 Venice Blvd
W. Los Angeles, Ca 90034
www.SaintsAndSinnersLounge.net

There's plenty of parking on the neighboring residential streets

See you there!

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View entire thread: Maw is alive and well in the Southwest!

Posted by mawwerks on 2007-09-25 10:26:11      Post Subject: Maw is alive and well in the Southwest!

Ok
so here I am a little ol country girl from Alaska transplanted in the great state of Arizona! Phoenix to be exact. CAN YOU SAY CULTURE SHOCK!

Now don't get me wrong I have lived here for awhile the shock has just lasted that long.

However I find Arizona captivating with lots of places to rock hound for great little treasures. I get to go home every year so I have the best of both worlds.

Anyway they call me maw! when I was younger little mama. Why you ask, because I am always mothering something or someone.

I love beads all beads and seed bead work is my favorite. I love life and living life. My cup is always 1/2 full.

I love handcrafted items and I own a lot of handcrafted goods and art. I just find it so spiritual and more homey to be surrounded by items made with love and care.

Forget those dollar stores give me something of quality! give me homemade!

I love to make cards, garden, do jewelry work, hike, ride motorcycles and I love art, music and my pets. In fact I can't think of to many things I don't like or can't find some good it.

I look forward to sharing with you all

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View entire thread: AD: Create your own Leather Bound Journal Kit

Posted by ilove2create on 2007-12-05 16:22:49      Post Subject: AD: Create your own Leather Bound Journal Kit

I create boutique-style craft kits that people can complete in an evening. The kit comes with everything needed to complete an item that would typically be found in a boutique gift shop, including unique components and in-depth instructions.

Our clients receive a new kit each month to create such items as jewelry, beauty products, fashion accessories, home decor and everything in between. A lot of time and energy is put into every kit ensuring that we use only home and farm-grown products, recycled material, and hard-to-find pieces to support other artists.

Our inaugural kit featured a rare Kazuri Pendant and Earring set with the focal ceramic bead handmade by women in Kenya to support their village.
The Organic Lavendar Bath Salts kit included all natural products with organically grown lavendar from a farm in Oregon.

Our November release was a wonderful luxurious Merino Wool Felted Scarf. The wool comes from a farm in New Hampshire where it is hand-dyed.

We will be releasing our newest kit next week (December 10th) which will include everything you need to make a wonderful hand-bound leather journal with recycled paper.

You can reserve your kit now or signup to get a new kit delivered to your doorstep each month for a nice discount.

Check it out here.

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View entire thread: Miami

Posted by PamTheQueen on 2004-07-11 19:24:45      Post Subject: Miami

I need the crafty dish on Miami! Good boutiques (uhh...affordable boutiques I mean), bead stores, fabric stores, art stores, etc.

I've been there a few times, but i've always done all the tourist things. I'm going with my husband (who flies there every other work to manage an office there) and just realized I am out of tourist places to see and now I need to find some good local stuff.

I've been to Pearl on South Dixie already.

Also (this may sound really dumb), I need someone to tell me I am stupid for feeling intimidated about Calle Ocho and Little Havana. I am so infactuated with the Cuban culture and I soooo want to hang out down there this time, but i'm afraid of sticking out like a sore blonde Indiana girl thumb. My 5+ years of A+'s in Spanish are long gone except for the basics and so far i've only gotten snickered at while trying to use it while in Miami.

If I had someone to go with me, i'd feel better, but during the day i'm on my own while the man works. I always think of myself as adventurous and daring, but for some reason, i'm being a big chicken about this. Someone please lecture me!

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View entire thread: Rhumba Earrings with Tutorial

Posted by theartofmegan on 2008-04-25 13:08:16      Post Subject: Rhumba Earrings with Tutorial

I made a whole bunch of these great little earring sets when I was hanging out at home the other night. I had my husband snap some photos as I was putting them together so I could throw together a little tutorial as well. I'll give you guys the abridged version.

Here's the earrings, one of my favorite designs.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2240/2440532690_1afddff473.jpg

For a pair of earrings, you'll need the following supplies:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2440279870_9db90e1cf3.jpg
2 pairs of pliers, i have flat nose and needle nose here
10 small jump rings, I used 4mm here
18 large jump rings, I used 6mm here
Seed beads large enough to fit on the large jump rings
2 wire ear hooks


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2060/2439456739_01659a8a0e.jpg
Link together 5 small jump rings for each earring. Attach these chains to an ear hook. Add beads to opened larger jump rings.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2150/2439456197_ab25bae7b7.jpg
Attach one beaded jump ring to the bottom link of the chain by twisting closed tightly and cleanly. Add two beaded rings to each remaining bead going up, on either side of link as shown in photo.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2114/2440282132_50140bf5aa.jpg
Make lots of pairs. Wear them with everything!

Let me see your rhumba earrings everyone! Bonus points for action shots!

For anyone who needs more detailed instructions, I have a more in-depth tutorial on my blog at http://www.theartofmegan.com/rhumba_earrings_tutorial. I can't wait to be getting more jewelry making tutorials up there soon!

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View entire thread: Bracelets?

Posted by Astrid on 2007-04-21 02:44:16      Post Subject:

How about simple beadweaving? You will need a double string: first put one bead on the double string, then a bead on each single string, thean one on both again etcetera. Gives you a bit more possibilities to play with the colors too. Good luck with the fundraising!

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View entire thread: asymetrical beads, two chains?

Posted by sarabell on 2008-09-28 22:51:55      Post Subject:

what part are you confused about? one thing i can tell with this is that the pearls are threaded onto a wire with loops at either end and then attached to the chain. other than that, any good bead shop will be able to set you up with what you need to get moving on these. #1 most important thing you need with this kind of work is a good set of assorted needle nose pliers....

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View entire thread: Lampwork Beads with Gold and Silver

Posted by EllessonBeads on 2006-09-14 13:14:48      Post Subject: Lampwork Beads with Gold and Silver

Hi everybody today I will show you some new Beads I have made this week.

Tourquoise and Gold I love it
http://ellessonbeads.elleson.flinkux.de/images/Beads/100_5940_12.jpg

Silver combinated with ivory, green and Rubino oro or dark violet
http://ellessonbeads.elleson.flinkux.de/images/Beads/100_5900_12.jpg

A Bead Cap Cone with gold dots and some Pillow Beads who looks like turtles
http://ellessonbeads.elleson.flinkux.de/images/Beads/100_5885_12.jpg

A new Bead Cap Cone
http://ellessonbeads.elleson.flinkux.de/images/Beads/100_5812_12.jpg

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View entire thread: Beaded projects and instructions updated

Posted by beadangel on 2005-04-27 11:56:39      Post Subject: Beaded projects and instructions updated

Hi all,

Just did some update to my bead project page with some new projects under the category: adult projects and kid's art bead projects, also some basic beading instructions. http://www.beadjewelrymaking.com/bead_project.html

Also to announce some new photos I just added some new beaded creations (Beaded Pendants using beads, crystals and sequins) http://www.beadjewelrymaking.com/beaded_pendant.html page 1
http://www.beadjewelrymaking.com/beaded_pendants.html page 2.

Enjoy!

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View entire thread: Akron Area Crafters.....

Posted by bessiemae on 2005-10-12 17:25:13      Post Subject: Akron Area Crafters.....

Calling all Rubber City Grrrls....

Forming a new Crafty Group to meet in Kent, so as not to compete with SnB Akron.

Decoupage? Bead? Cut and Paste? Quilt? Knit? Crochet? Embroidery?

If you do it and can pack it to go, bring it on!

Don't do anything, but wanna learn? Come and play, anyway!

Just pm me here at GetCrafty. Tenative meetings Wednesday PM's after 6pm, in Kent.....temporary meeting locale across from campus!

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View entire thread: speaking of jewelry making:

Posted by Craftasaurus Rex on 2006-08-07 17:24:54      Post Subject: speaking of jewelry making:

I'm conflicted on something. Well, two things, actually:
1. When I was younger and starting to play with beads, I took the fishing line from my fishing rod which have never been used, and made jewelry with it. Now that I work in a bead store and I've read a ton of beading magazines / books, it says that monofilament always gets brittle and breaks and is generally a bad thing to put beads on.

I still have bracelets that I made with fishing line when I was 11 (I'm 23 now), and they're not brittle, they haven't broken, and I can wear them when I go swimming.

So I ask: why is everyone so anti-monofilament?

2. When I make necklaces that are mostly seed beads (size 11, size 8), and only a few larger glass / semi-precious stones, should I be feeling antsy that I put them on thread and not on beading wire? When I first started using beading wire, I put everything on it. But now I'm realizing that somethings are simply overkill to put on beading wire.

The thread I use C-lon, which is kind of like Nymo, but I find it doesn't fray as much as nymo. I double it, of course, and I use clamshells (knot cups) at the end of the necklace to attach my clasp. I have a necklace that I made 2 years ago that I put on thread, and it hasn't broken / stretched yet. and I sometimes forgot to take it off when I go swimming.

My question is: Can I sell these necklaces that I put on thread in good conscience? Even though I've never had any problems with the thread, I want to make sure that if someone buys a necklace from me that it won't break under normal wear. Maybe I should consider using Power-Pro, or Fireline, or some other kind of heavy-duty thread that's cheaper than beading wire, more expensive than normal beading thread, but seems to have a higher tensile strength?

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View entire thread: crafty workshops in toronto: recs please!

Posted by DsgndbyRJ on 2005-07-14 10:41:13      Post Subject:

Check out www.beadfx.com They might have something - though not sure how short their workshops are or how often they are held!

There are also a couple of stores where you can "string your own" - not sure about workshops. One is Sassy Bead just south of Eglington on Yonge, the other is in the Beaches and I can't for the life of me remember the name . . .

Sounds like a fun day!

:) Nic

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View entire thread: making jewellery from chandelier crystals?

Posted by soteralu on 2005-11-08 18:56:03      Post Subject:

Swarovski makes pendants that are crystal and shaped like the antique chandelier pendants, but in various sizes. Any decent bead store should nbe able to help you locate them. A word of caution - the stringing holes have sharp edges, so if you plan on stringing on fiber of any sort - bead thread and monofilament included - you have to use a bail, otherwise the crystal will slice right thru the necklace.

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View entire thread: looking for crafty gals in So Cal!

Posted by Fy on 2007-09-23 00:52:47      Post Subject:

Hi Crafster,

I'm in So Cal too, Downey area. I don't knit that well but I'm into beading. The best place I've found to get beads and beading things (off the Internet) is Bohemian Crystal. They're in the Fashion District at 812 S. Maple Street, Los Angeles. Ignore the rude cashiers if you can, since you'll just be there to get supplies. The other employees are nice and helpful. I don't know this for certain but I think that they close at 1pm on Saturdays. They're not open on Sundays.

For other craft supplies, try Joan's in Torrance. I don't have the exact address but you can do a search online. This branch is super big and has everything (even bead supplies but these are still cheaper at Bohemian).
Happy crafting!

Fy.

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View entire thread: cheap place for jewelry findings?

Posted by smilejoyjoy on 2008-05-25 03:23:41      Post Subject:

If you want to get good quality, affordable sterling silver beads, I would recommend you to go to a bead show like the International Gem & Jewelry Show. You could look online for shows close to you or even search for other bead shows. You''re bound to find one in your area. I used to buy beads and findings at Jo-anns or Michaels but ever since I discovered bead shows, I never again shop at those two stores for beads. Also, the selection and quality of beads at a show are great and they have great prices as well!

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View entire thread: beaded clasps?

Posted by purple_glitter on 2004-08-14 18:29:52      Post Subject:

It's easier to start at the loop end - just cut whatever you're using to bead twice as long as you need it and fold it in half. Tie a knot (or crimp the wire) 1 or 2 cm from the folded edge, making sure the loop you form is large enough to fit the end bead through but not so big that the bead falls off. Bead away, then at the end, tie a knot, slide a bead over the 2 ends, and tie another knot (pull tight!), then finish with beading cement/glue to keep the knot together. Good luck!

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View entire thread: making a japa mala

Posted by rubychew on 2005-05-11 11:28:43      Post Subject: making a japa mala

does anyone know anything about japa mala bracelets...I'd like to make some but am not sure if they have to be consecrated or of a specific bead type.

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View entire thread: Got beads??

Posted by acebeader on 2005-06-09 12:14:38      Post Subject:

I also don't mean to offend anyone, but I love using crimp beads and the nylon coated beading wire (a step up from tigertail). I usually hide my crimp beads under a sterling bead that slides right over the top of it.

I subscribe to Bead and Button, and Bead Style (same publisher), which has great project ideas that are a little simpler. Bead Style has a small glossary or basic terms that comes in handy too.

One nice thing to have is a bead board, just experiment with different layouts, and it will ome back to you in no time!

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View entire thread: Wholesale Bead Stores in SF Bay Area??

Posted by alitasahti on 2005-05-18 16:21:45      Post Subject: Wholesale Bead Stores in SF Bay Area??

Anyone know of good wholesale bead stores in the Bay Area??

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View entire thread: Dallas/Ft Worth Area Crafters?

Posted by culinarymartyr on 2005-01-13 00:54:14      Post Subject: Dallas/Ft Worth Area Crafters?

Hi, I'm visiting some family in Mansfield & was wondering if there were any craft groups that meet in the area? Or are there any suggestions for crafty outings that anyone could suggest? We've been to Yarn Heaven in Arlington, and "the big bead store" (I think it was at the Six Flags Mall) so far. My sister relocated to the area last year and would also be interested in meeting up with crafty folk in the area.

Thanks!

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View entire thread: Portland, OR Church of Craft June Meeting

Posted by SisterDG on 2005-06-01 19:43:27      Post Subject: Portland, OR Church of Craft June Meeting

Hi, Crafters --

Our June Church of Craft meeting will be Sunday the 26th, from 11:30 - 2:30 pm. We meet at Rimsky-Korsacoffee House, 707 SE 12th (at Alder). If you're forwarding this to someone who's never been before, it's the big old red house at the corner of SE 12th and Alder. There is no sign out front.

Our free craft class for June: Beaded Pendants, taught by Teresa Sullivan. She'll have some samples for you to see at class, and meanwhile, here's a link to another of her pieces (and a very cool one at that):

www.interweave.com/bead/events/BeadedFigure50/Battle.asp

Please email me for a supply list: sisterdg@churchofcraft.org.

As always, you're also welcome to bring your creative project of the moment, and hang out and enjoy the crafty vibe. Coffee and Rimsky's fabulous desserts will be available.

If you've never heard about Church of Craft, it's a nondenominational group of people who get together and make stuff because it's good for the soul. Check out: www.churchofcraft.org.

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View entire thread: Dallas/Ft Worth Area Crafters?

Posted by bookish on 2005-01-13 09:50:10      Post Subject:

The Inwood/Lovers Lane area of Dallas has a great bead shop- Beading Dreams, I think it's called. There are also fabric bolts in several of the shops on the street.

There's supposed to be some fantastic fabric stores in a group on Harry Hines Blvd, but I've never been. I know there's a new yarn store that I posted under its own topic below...

Fort Worth has 3 distinctive art galleries in one area that makes a nice daytrip for the artist/craftista.

Just some ideas about the area!

Keri

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View entire thread: Beaded handbags

Posted by cosmosgrrl on 2005-01-25 13:14:18      Post Subject:

Here's a link to the bead knitting section on about.com.

http://knitting.about.com/library/blbeadknit.htm

I've done some bead knitting, and have to say that the most tedious part is stringing all the beads!

Patty

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View entire thread: Does anyone know how to make ribbon into a necklace??

Posted by sarabell on 2008-02-20 21:21:12      Post Subject:

those are just crimp beads that you could get at any bead store. i'd suggest using a jump ring to connect it though, especially if your using a heavy(ish) ribbon. what's in the picture looks a little bulky going thru the hole in the clasp.

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View entire thread: 2 Questions...

Posted by stella on 2006-08-06 12:50:43      Post Subject:

i realized after i posted that and went to bed that i had Tigertail mixed up with foxtail, which is a fine chain for bead stringing. doh! thanks for correcting me.

i don't use beading wire because i have a pathological hatred of crimp beads.

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View entire thread: Craft and Bead Stores in Manhattan

Posted by branden7193 on 2007-05-14 19:37:27      Post Subject: Craft and Bead Stores in Manhattan

I''m visiting NYC next week and looking for bead stores and maybe some craft stores (specializing in scrapbooking). Please send me any stores thta you may know that I may be interested in. Also, any fabric stores are welcome too. Don''t want anything too expensive, please. Thanking you in advance for your help. mj

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View entire thread: Heavy type of bead thread?

Posted by stella on 2006-04-11 02:35:16      Post Subject:

you need heavy nylon bead thread from a bead shop. they won't have it at a craft store. nylon bead thread comes in many weights and colors; if you don't have a local shop, check out online retailers like Fire Mountain. usually it comes on cards, but you can also buy it by the cone.

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View entire thread: beaded clasps?

Posted by lilian on 2004-08-13 22:34:48      Post Subject: beaded clasps?

a lot of times when i've seen beaded jewellery it's been closed with a big bead going through a loop on the other end of the piece (i hope you could follow that!) Does anyone know the proper way to start one of these things? I can manage the loop just fine, I think, I just don't know how to bead the beginning...

thanks bunches
lili

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View entire thread: headpin question for jewelry makers

Posted by valagator on 2004-12-03 10:28:34      Post Subject:

this happens to me as well, I try to not put so much tension and give myself a little space between the bead/item that is near the bottom when I am working with the pins.. It mainly happens when I work with decorative Bali silver head pins... the cheapie regular bottomed headpins seem to be the most realiable, as there is no real need for soldering.. or casting.. or how ever they attach that ball, or decorative ending.

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View entire thread: Fave Online Bead Resources?

Posted by bessiemae on 2007-03-03 19:34:15      Post Subject: Fave Online Bead Resources?

I have an awesomely stunning pattern for a bead embroidered choker. It requires about 15 different types/shades of Mill Hill seed and Delica beads.

A bead novice, I'd prefer one-stop shopping. Fire Mountain does not carry what I need.

Suggestions???

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View entire thread: Got beads??

Posted by stella on 2005-06-07 13:32:13      Post Subject:

round-round pliers look like this head-on OO and are good for making jump rings. chain-nose pliers look more like (||) and are good for crimping beads and shaping wires.

i don't use crimp-beads. honestly, and i don't want to offend anyone, i think they're tacky looking and un-neccesary unless you're working with tiger-tail or memory wire, and i don't work with those things.

Bead & Button magazine is the most aesthetically pleasing of the bead magazines (to me) and it usually has some tutorials or simple projects.

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View entire thread: Wisconsin Holiday fairs

Posted by brdgt on 2005-10-24 15:13:21      Post Subject:

Hey, those look super fun! I am not in WI but am planning a trip in a few weeks. Can you recommend any cool places to shop, besides the Glitter Workshop? I am looking for nead bead shops and knit shops in Madison, in particular...

There are several bead shops right near the Glitter Workshop and my favorite LYS is Lakeside Fibers. There is another LYS, The Knitting Tree, on Monroe Street and the Sow's Ear down in Monona is very good and has a coffee shop.

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View entire thread: 2 Questions...

Posted by Craftasaurus Rex on 2006-08-06 08:30:00      Post Subject:

tigertail is actually a brand of beading wire, like SoftFlex, Soft Touch, Beadalon, Acculon, C-Flex, etc. Beading wire is made up of numerous smaller threads of steel, which are coiled together (like a rope) and normally coated in nylon. Make sure the wire has a high thread count (49 is the highest), because the more number of threads, the more flexible the wire = nicer drape, less brittle. Although for some projects the low thread counts work well (certain types of bead weaving with beading wire for example).

Personally, my favorite brand of beading wire is C-Flex. The nylon coating on the outside of the wire is really thin, which means the wire is really really flexible. It's not widely available, but you can get it from Caravan beads in Portland Maine. They also have a website: www.caravanbeads.com

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View entire thread: New Crocheted Flower

Posted by lizzymahoney on 2008-02-01 16:19:03      Post Subject:

I like the two toned bit. It could be very pretty with a dark center and a bright bead.

I'm using two blue flowers from you as clip-ons for a pair of casual shoes, and I gave two red ones to a friend who loves to make barrettes.

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View entire thread: Get Crafty at the Maker Faire May 19th & 20th

Posted by Nancy Flynn on 2007-05-07 09:08:22      Post Subject: Get Crafty at the Maker Faire May 19th & 20th

Calling all Bay Area Craftistas! Join co-editor Nancy Flynn, superstar columnist Susan Beal, and other talented crafters at the Maker Faire for craft demonstrations and all around CRAFT-y goodness.

Saturday from 3:00-3:30 Susan will be teaching a bead jewelry class, and if you miss that, she'll be doing an encore on Sunday from 11:15-11:45!

Saturday at 12:00-12:30 Nancy will be demonstrating how to sew a tote bag. And Sunday from 11:15-11:45, she'll be demonstrating an easy diy tank top pattern.

Stay to browse the Bazaar Bizarre and buy summer goodness from your favorite indie designers.

Visit the Maker Faire site for more information, and to buy tickets in advance.

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View entire thread: Getting Started: Jewelry Making

Posted by happydaisydoo on 2007-05-07 09:16:09      Post Subject:

I agree with Stella - bead magazines are great. They are 2-3 dollars a piece, have multiple patterns of varying degrees of difficulty and they show you photos of the tools you need to complete the project. Bead Style is one of my favorites.

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View entire thread: Crafting Drama - Arrrrgggghhhh...

Posted by Marina-Trilobyte on 2005-06-29 09:48:29      Post Subject: Crafting Drama - Arrrrgggghhhh...

I have a situation.

Right now I'm kind of the co-founder of a local, budding bead society. I say "kind of a co-founder", because the woman I've been doing this with has really been the driving force. I've had my own life situations and have not been particularly energetic recently.

She was previously part of a very large urban bead society and seems determined to make our small group of small town people into a replica of Big Urban Bead Society. So, she wants to do things like run big events! Incorporate as a non-profit! and other energetic things that are impractical with our current number of people or resources.

What's brought this all to a head is that she's contacted the IRS about becoming a non-profit and they're now nagging her and she doesn't understand the paperwork at all so she's throwing up her hands and begging me to help her. My initial reaction is, "Honey, I didn't want to take this particular horse out of the stable. You did. You f*cking ride it."

My kinder and reasoned response (after researching non-profits at bit) is that this is a wildly impractical thing for us to do. For starters, you need a Board of Directors. We're not that big, so that would be our entire membership. Hello!

So, I'm going to get back to her, suggest we just incorporate as a for-profit business, get a DBA account and just pay the $2 a year or whatever the heck our taxes turn out being. A viable alternative would be to investigate whether our state bead society would be willing to take us on as a Chapter. I don't think they in particular have ever done anything like that, but I've heard of it being done and I'm sure we could work something out.

But what a royal rectal pain-in-the-f*cking-ass. I really want to throttle this woman for running around like a chicken with her head cut off and injecting all this drama and neediness into something that should be fun.

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View entire thread: corn starch resin? any homemade clays?

Posted by erin dennis on 2008-04-05 20:15:39      Post Subject: corn starch resin? any homemade clays?

has anyone seen the corn starch resin beads at EverybodyGreen.com? They are calling them eco-friendly and selling them as part of a No Plastic campaign. I'm searching all over to find out where i can get the material they are made of ..or a recipe to make it. Any one have any ideas??

...and btw, if they are made of cornstarch flour and a polymer resin, is that really plastic-free? i guess i'll buy a set to see what they really feel like. i dont really love the feel of PMC and hoping this is an alternative...and if i can make my own, woohoo!

I'd be interested in hearing ANY homemade clay recipe ideas for bead making...

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View entire thread: Heavy type of bead thread?

Posted by blumen on 2006-04-10 23:05:41      Post Subject: Heavy type of bead thread?

I want to say up front that I am not into beading. I realize that sometimes people are reluctant to give help because they think you are going to steal their idea, use it to make money, etc, but seriously, believe me, I'm not interested in that.

What I am interested in is this: I bought a necklace at Target and I want to take it apart and rework it into something with another old necklace I already have as a potential mother's day gift. What I want is to know is, what type of heavy bead thread do I use to do a knoted design that looks something like this:
http://www.geocities.com/eero67/images_misc/big_idea.jpg
or
http://www.thimble.ca/wp-images/posts/gingin.jpg

So far I have tried soft flex wire (which just curls up and doesn't knot nicely) and regular "bead thread" is so light and the knots are so small that the beads just slip through. I want a heavier thread (preferably black in color) that I won't have these problems with, but the people at Michael's and Jo-Ann are no help :(

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View entire thread: I´m New here

Posted by Craftasaurus Rex on 2006-08-05 23:47:14      Post Subject:

Welcome to the site! I'm brand new here too, and I'm still trying to get the hang of things.

tastetherainbow: Take a look online at some of the larger bead shows (Lapidary Journal has a show called Beadfest! in the northeast. I don't know if they do it elsewhere) Sometimes at the larger bead shows there are classes in lampworking (making glass beads) I'd just like to point out that lampworking rules! At the bead shop that I work at we have a lampworking studio, and I recently took my first class. It's totally addictive.

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View entire thread: Crafting Drama - Arrrrgggghhhh...

Posted by Marina-Trilobyte on 2005-07-03 10:21:19      Post Subject:

Thank you for the kind comments everyone!

What are her reasons for wanting to incorporate? Is it about funding?...Or is she more about doing it just 'cause it's "the thing to do?"

That's exactly it. I've since talked to her about it and her point is, "Well all the other bead societies do this". Well yes, all the highly visible bead societies are located in big urban centers and probably have membership in the hundreds.

We basically reached an impasse in our discussion. I said, "I really don't think that this works for us and I can't see us running a big event with the current number of people that we have interested." She's unwilling to let that go.

One thing we could both agree on is that we need more people who are involved in leadership decisions and in paticular, I want to tap one woman who is very sensible and practical and willing to tell the Emperor when he's naked.

The other thing and I'm not sure how to deal with this. The other woman is inclined to get judgemental and a bit mouthy with it. For example, she doesn't like the atmosphere of one bead shop because they're "not friendly enough" and thinks the owner of another shop is a jerk. This region is comprised of very small towns and if you say something about someone, it will get around.

I can REALLY see this causing a problem somewhere down the line and honestly, it kind of annoys me on a feminist level, it fits in with a bad stereotype of women always running each other down and unable to conduct business without getting emotional about it.

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View entire thread: Perler Bead Question

Posted by cosmosgrrl on 2005-02-28 19:16:17      Post Subject:

The bead smight stick to the copier paper. I've used parchment paper for this and works like a charm. Have fun!

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View entire thread: Leather Cord for Necklace

Posted by sarabell on 2007-07-12 13:23:30      Post Subject:

i'd really have to say depends on what you're looking to make and what other materials are involved in your project. i think it's really irrelevant as to where the material is made, but the quality you're looking for. best bet is to purchase a small amount of different kinds from your local bead or craft store and try them out.

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View entire thread: handmade glass beads~

Posted by My World is Colourful on 2006-05-16 18:02:07      Post Subject:

Oh my god! Your beads are stunning!!! And thank you for de-mystifying the bead making process on your site. I certainly don´t think I could ever be skilled enough to do it, but it´s truly fascinating.

I love making jewellery and I hope one day, I can use beads as beautiful as yours.

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View entire thread: Jewlery help pleases

Posted by purple_glitter on 2006-08-07 16:41:27      Post Subject:

I usually wrap the thread around a jump ring a few time, put it through the last couple of beads, tie a knot, put beading glue on the knot, and push the knot into a bead hole. I think that it's easier to knot thread to jump rings, then just attach the ring to the clasp. Plus, some clasps have sharp edges that will eat through your thread.

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View entire thread: Re-stringing a broken necklace?

Posted by audra on 2005-09-17 14:19:50      Post Subject:

You could do them on pearl silks, and put knots between them. You could space them with a smaller bead, and make a three-tier choker. I love those beads. They look like a familiar stone, but I can't think of what. Are they unakite?

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View entire thread: Quilting Arts articles

Posted by annaline on 2004-04-28 22:56:38      Post Subject: Quilting Arts articles

I have an article in the current issue of Quilting Arts magazine on extreme bead embellishment, and just got the proofs for the next article which uses eyelets, copper mesh or laminate as embellishment possibilities.

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View entire thread: Flapper Dress

Posted by mrs maraschino on 2004-12-22 22:05:38      Post Subject:

hey
i luff your idea, my grangran has a real flapper dress of her cousin who ran away with a gangster in the 20's! i am eyeing that one for sure.
i think that black and red is kinda over done with flapper sorts of dresses on halloween and things, i like the idea of a dark blue or dark green fringe and sequins, with either clear or black beads might look nice. it is very easy to sew them on! maybe take a while, but will turn out so much better than hot glue.
this might be hard to explain, but ill try. start with your thred and needle where ever you want your first bead/sequin to be. stick it through the back to the front and thred the bead over the needle. then stick the needle through right next to where you came in first and pull it till there is just enough string left hanging to tie on the back side. tie it in a knot and continue to come through the back where you want to bead, thread the bead on, and go back through the bottom. this might not be the way everyone else does it but its the way i do it, and it works for me!
if that made no sense and you still dont want to sew them on...i think that a clear super glue or fabric glue would work best.

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View entire thread: help with felt flower pins

Posted by Nancy Flynn on 2004-12-09 12:50:48      Post Subject:

i have a pic of one i made in my blog if you want to look there-- but basically i totally made it up. I drew a flower-shape on paper, cut it out, pinned it on my felt, and cut that out. In a complementary color, I cut out a starry shape, and cut that out of felt too, then stuck them on top of eachother, sewed them together in a slightly gathery way (so they have a bit of a cup to them) and then sewed a bead in the middle. then I cut out a felt leaf, and used that to attach the pin backing (i glued the backing on, and then for good measure I glued the leaf over it). I also saw a cute one today that was layers of felt flower-shapes in different colors and slightly different sizes, with a button in the middle holding them all together...

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View entire thread: Etsy Shop and Website - Please review

Posted by chromegrrrl on 2006-05-12 13:07:24      Post Subject:

I think a bad habit we all have is putting ourselves in a too small too low price range especially when times are tight. The other thing is your restraint, and when a restrained person makes a small thing it doesn't really speak a whole lot.

Like I said before you have both the skill and the talent with your beading; if you made a bead embellished baseball cap and paired it with a matching chapstick case that would be extremely appealing. I think you could sell a set like that (if it were bold enough) easily for $120 - $150. So you could make twelve $10 sales or one big sale without a whole lot of additional work, even if a single large product doesn't sell-- it does its job acting as a very visible lure to draw people to your table.

I know that its scary making the time investment into larger projects, using more materials and so forth but the payoff is worth it.

Somethings I think you could make better with beads: small totes, hats (all sizes and styles), scarves, bags, water bottle wraps, jackets, and stuffed animals (for displaying, not for playing with) I think you should also check out dance, skating and gymnatistics boutiques-- if for nothing else than a little inspiration.

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View entire thread: Fave Online Bead Resources?

Posted by kitchensqueen on 2007-03-03 20:30:45      Post Subject:

I like the Oriental Trading Company bead catalog. They also sell charms, and jewerly findings. They're pretty affordable and have some really great stuff.

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View entire thread: Tacoma, WA ladies?

Posted by laurenbevin on 2005-02-18 18:29:13      Post Subject: Tacoma, WA ladies?

Any Tacoma girls out there who knit/bead/craft in general? I've lived here for a while and knit/bead, but don't have any crafty friends here right now. In addition, I'm writing my thesis on "knitting and feminism/New Domesticity" and have few real live people to talk to aobut it. Let me know if you're interested!!!

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View entire thread: Beaded headdress patterns?

Posted by SilverSaffron on 2005-07-26 16:07:19      Post Subject: Beaded headdress patterns?

Hey there beaders and jewelers: Does anyone know where I can find patterns to make a beaded headress like the one pictured here?: http://www.merlinandmorgana.com/headdresses/faerie_headdress.jpg
I have looked all over webdom and amazon etc. and cannot find any sources. I've done some bead weaving in the past but I'm not sure how to approach this.
Thanks if you have any leads!

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View entire thread: Fave Online Bead Resources?

Posted by mrs_stroozi on 2007-03-05 14:21:11      Post Subject:

I like The Original Garden of Beadin' very much; I buy from them at the bead shows and they have an awesome catalog:

http://www.gardenofbeadin.com/

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View entire thread: Free beading tutorials - march 05 new

Posted by Nancy Flynn on 2005-02-25 13:41:18      Post Subject:

Thank you! I love your clever bead projects-- I'm still working on making the rose you posted before.

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View entire thread: Quilting Arts articles

Posted by Katrin on 2004-04-29 00:41:27      Post Subject:

Oooh, neat! I've never tried quilting myself but have been considering it off and on for a while.

I belong to a women's organization that just had a meeting last night, where one member did a presentation on the history of quilting and all the quilts she has made. I think I'll check out that magazine for some inspiration and to show to her at the next meeting (don't know if it's one she reads already).

Bead embellishment sounds right up my alley too!

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View entire thread: need help on beads

Posted by peenkfrik on 2006-04-06 20:34:54      Post Subject:

I've tried braiding and it's fine. What I am trying to do is twisting bead strings all together in one direction but the twist gets loose after putting on the clasp.

I've seen this 'Spiral Crochetted Bead Rope'. That's how it was described over the net. It's similar to bead twisting. I just couldn't find free information about it.

check the links:

http://bdot.unsung.net/hobbies.php
http://www.shipwreckbeads.com/gallery/beadworkcontest/MilkyWay0
http://www.beads.co.nz/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=bead&Category_Code=ROPE

Can anybody recommend a good online resource for beaders? Or a book maybe.

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View entire thread: Wholesale Bead Sources

Posted by vatic on 2005-08-03 19:24:18      Post Subject:

there's this great online-only "small" bead business that imports Venetian beads that's named Venetian Bead Shop

http://www.venetianbeadshop.com

it's family owned and run, and the quality is great.

they don't have a catalogue, but they have an online store with more beads than you can shake a stick at, in all sorts of shapes, funky colours and sizes.

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View entire thread: Wisconsin Holiday fairs

Posted by earthenwood on 2005-10-24 11:21:49      Post Subject:

Hey, those look super fun! I am not in WI but am planning a trip in a few weeks. Can you recommend any cool places to shop, besides the Glitter Workshop? I am looking for nead bead shops and knit shops in Madison, in particular...

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View entire thread: Fave Online Bead Resources?

Posted by Craftasaurus Rex on 2007-03-08 00:48:09      Post Subject:

http://www.osirisbeads.com/: czech seed beads by the hank. Awesome prices.

http://www.artbeads.com: Not the best pricing, but they offer free shipping, so it's great for the last minute "oh crap I forgot to get a clasp!!" order.

http://www.rings-things.com: Good resource for general bead stuff, awesome resource for semi-precious stones.

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View entire thread: Getting Started: Jewelry Making

Posted by KorinD on 2007-05-07 17:40:30      Post Subject:

Thank you very much. I am looking into making earings for my bridesmaids. I will take a look at some bead magazines to see what ideas they have.

Thanks again!

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View entire thread: Beaded crystal ball pendent - Instruction

Posted by beadangel on 2005-03-30 12:46:19      Post Subject: Totally agree!

I have exactly done that, I'll even keep a mini tool box in my bag that I would carry around and while I have to wait, que or even on a public transport, I will just bead away.

Talking about beadaholic, here's one!

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View entire thread: Need opinions on selling jewelry kits

Posted by Catana on 2005-01-02 14:26:03      Post Subject: Need opinions on selling jewelry kits

I'm planning to open an eBay store for my crochet and other goodies, but I'd also like to sell something that doesn't take so much of my time and energy. I'm thinking about putting together little bags of color coordinated beads, along with stringing material and a few findings. No patterns, just the materials to spark someone's imagination.

Lots of people sell beads, but mostly you have to buy a lot of one kind. I wonder if my idea would encourage more bead buying.

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View entire thread: what should i do in madison?

Posted by acebeader on 2004-08-23 09:42:57      Post Subject:

Mad-town is a wonderful city! (I used to live near Milwaukee, and visit at least once a month.)

The Frank Lloyd Wright inspired terrace is right near campus, I believe. A favorite thing of mine is walking State Street. It runs from campus to the capital, and has a wide variety of crazy stores, and usually some street vendors. There are some wonderful beading stores in Madison too (www.beadshopfinder.com), including the Blue Bead and Tropic Jewel. Right near there is also a wonderful University museum. During the weekends there is an amazing farmer's market in the square.

Have fun!

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View entire thread: My etsy shop

Posted by Kurlie77 on 2006-01-18 08:54:53      Post Subject: My etsy shop

Kurlie77.etsy.com

This is my etsy shop! If anyone has any advice for me I'd really love to hear it!

Also, after making all those bracelets my bead supply is dwindling, so if anyone has any beads lying around that they dont want I'll consider buying them off of you!

Thanks so much!

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View entire thread: Heavy type of bead thread?

Posted by teagrrl on 2006-04-11 05:25:34      Post Subject:

You can also use waxed linen thread. It's really easy to work with and comes in several colours (the link I posted only has three colours though). Bead stores might have it, I'm not sure about craft stores.

I made this necklace with olive green linen thread:

http://adlitam.typepad.com/photos/diverse/seanecklace.JPG

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View entire thread: Book recommendations for new beaders

Posted by CraftinFool on 2005-04-11 09:41:18      Post Subject: Book recommendations for new beaders

I'm wondering what books folks have liked when learning to bead, esp using a loom? I am also looking for good books with beading patterns.

thanks!

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View entire thread: Extra DIY!

Posted by hipkitty on 2004-12-20 17:43:26      Post Subject:

http://www.lisavollrath.com/articles/ - is an awesome one if you are into paper type crafts


http://www.geocities.com/thechecker2000/p-p.html - for some great beading patterns


Here are a whole bunch more that I keep in my notepad:

Craft links

Craft Town
http://www.craftown.com/
Crafts
http://www.recipegoldmine.com/crafts/crafts.html
Crafty Chica
http://www.craftychica.homestead.com/
Daydreaming On Paper
http://bellsouthpwp.net/d/r/drv1913/archive.html
DIY net
http://www.diynet.com
Fashion Icon
http://www.fashion-icon.com/studio/index.html
Frugal Craft
http://www.frugalcrafts.com/
Funky Recycling Ideas
http://www.nzert.org/oldweb/Recycling__ideas.htm
Holiday Crafter
http://www.holidaycrafter.com/page1004.html
HSN
http://www.hsn.com/cnt/sf/default.aspx?sz=31&sf=CT
Matchbox shrines
http://www.aisling.net/gallery/shrines/elvismatchbook.htm
Not Martha
http://megan.scatterbrain.org/notmartha/
oddrocket
http://www.oddrocket.com
oddrocket
http://www.oddrocket.com
She Made This
http://shemadethis.com/main.htm
Tracey Porter
http://www.tracyporter.com/make_and_create/index.shtml
Wacky Uses
http://www.wackyuses.com/uses.html

Beading

Aunt Mollys Bead Street
http://www.flash.net/~mjtafoya/home.htm
Beadnik Bead Patterns
http://members.tripod.com/~beadnik/index.html
Beltana Beading Patterns
http://www.angelfire.com/co2/beltana/main.html
Checker beads (Patterns)
Bead patterns
http://checkerbeads.tripod.com/index.html
DonnasDreams Beading
http://www.members.tripod.com/DonnasDreams/index.html
Elainecraft Beading Patterns
http://www.elainecraft.com/instructions/instructions.html
Howing Rabbit Bead Patterns
http://www.howlingrabbit.com/
Jelly beads Patterns
http://www.geocities.com/jelly_beads/2.html
Joust beads
http://www.joust.com/AB/index.html
Large stars
Directions on how to make large beaded stars
http://www.homestead.com/eaglespirituk/pentaclemedium.html
Paper Beads
Make your own paper beads!!!
http://www.geocities.com/titanicsunrise/Crafts.htm
Picture of a large star
http://groups.msn.com/shinycraftypeople/mycreations.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=1287
Ruby's Beadwork
http://www.rubysbeadwork.com/
Small Stars
Directions on making small beaded stars
http://www.geocities.com/thechecker2000/stars2.html

Book binding

Book binding
http://www.sff.net/people/brook.west/bind/bindit.html
Book making
http://world.std.com/~deanb/zgg/book_5st_1.html


Enjoy!!


hk


ETA: Sorry for the super long post :S

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View entire thread: Sculpey Questions

Posted by stella on 2005-05-19 01:55:43      Post Subject:

i've used aluminum foil to support Sculpey pieces, and it tends to leave little "crinkle" marks wherever the clay is touching the foil. if it's on the back of a piece, it doesn't matter, but it's pretty noticeable on the front.

i always bake my beads on regular plastic-head sewing pins. i like the size of the hole they give, and you can leave the bead on the pin and stick the point in a wadded up piece of foil or a piece of corrugated cardboard to keep the bead from touching anything while it bakes. the plastic pin-heads don't melt.

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View entire thread: Sculpey Questions

Posted by Nancy Flynn on 2005-05-18 16:51:28      Post Subject: Sculpey Questions

I am a sculpey amateur, and have some questions for the experts out there:

1. When making a bead out of sculpey, must you bake the piece with the toothpick/skewer in it holding the hole open so it doesn't shrink or collapse during baking? Or would that just make the sculpey stick to the skewer? Will the bead hold its shape and hold the hole while it bakes?

2. In some of my sculpey directions, it suggests baking sculpey pieces that don't have any flat surface nested in fiberfill. The idea of baking polyester fluff in my oven FREAKS me out. Any other suggestions for keeping rounded sculpey things rounded while baking?

Thanks for your expertise, sculpey queens (and kings). Any other sculpey newbies, please ask questions too!

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View entire thread: need help on beads

Posted by peenkfrik on 2006-04-05 03:33:47      Post Subject: need help on beads

can anyone help me how to successfully make a twisted bead bracelet? or a necklace. I just need to know the bead twisting technique....

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View entire thread: my new productline! (couple of big pics in here)

Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-05-20 05:44:13      Post Subject:

They are precious! Very cute idea. The blue bow bear just looks so damn happy with that necklace.

Did the rhino already have a bead on the tail? That's sweet. I like the jewelry in unexpected places, like the pierced ears on the mouse. And the tiger's sash. Does the tiger have ankle bracelets too? The pic kinda makes him look like he does.

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View entire thread: Beaded embroidery?

Posted by teagrrl on 2005-08-15 00:28:03      Post Subject:

I don't have any patterns for you, but try googling for Peranakan bead embroidery or Peranakan beadwork (or something like that) if you want to see pictures of really detailed stuff. They use really really tiny beads that are not actually manufactured anymore.

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View entire thread: decorative bowls

Posted by anjanetteopal on 2007-06-24 21:18:55      Post Subject: decorative bowls

I just took pictures of my most recent craft endeavor. They are plastic bowls (for decoration) made out of children's pony beads. I got the idea from this website: http://www.craftacular.com/Bead_Bowl_Tutorial and they turned out kind of awesome. The pictures definitely don't do then justice. I want to make more, but the process creates some nasty, not-very-baby-friendly-fumes so I'm gonna have to wait.



http://x1f.xanga.com/d7ad9004d7c33130547277/z95090646.jpg

http://x44.xanga.com/e1fd7a1053530130547373/z95090723.jpg

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View entire thread: My Beaded Creations and free instructions

Posted by beadangel on 2005-01-13 04:25:37      Post Subject: My Beaded Creations and free instructions

Hi all,

I'm new here and have recently posted all my beaded creations online at http://www.beadjewelrymaking.com. Do surf around and there's free projects and instructions for all to enjoy! please comment too.

Bead Angel

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View entire thread: photography advice

Posted by EllessonBeads on 2006-08-07 16:45:17      Post Subject:

this is the place where I take my Bead or Jewelry Pictures

http://ellessonbeads.elleson.flinkux.de/images/Websidebilder/100_4064_1.jpg

you must have arround white paper and a daylight then begin to play with your Camera. Sometimes is it cool to make the Jewery with Flowers together or you have a wonderful Stone. Whatever you like

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View entire thread: how to make your own beads.

Posted by Armande on 2004-04-25 14:38:04      Post Subject: how to make your own beads.

This is probably not new to you guys, it certainly was not invented by me. But I had a lot of fun with it, it's very addictive!!

So even though I am just a beginner, I wanted to give ya'll the scoop on how to do it. You'll need some clay, polymer or fimo will work. Those small packets are not that expensive. Choose some colors that have a nice contrast, about 3 or 4 and make sure you are using the same brand of clay for one project.
Make the clay supple and roll it into long worms.
Cut them in bits of about 6" or so and press them together. Make a flat bit of a contrasting color and roll that around it. Continue to roll it until it becomes a neat roll of about a centimeter (a bit less than half an inch) in diameter. It will look like this:

http://www.inspiredjewelry.net/cane1.jpg

You probably have a long roll of that now so cut it into six even lengths. Press them together again, one in the center and five around. Press them very together very tightly and continue to roll again until they become about 1 cm in diameter again. They call that a cane.
It will then look like this:

http://www.inspiredjewelry.net/cane2.jpg

Let it rest for a couple of hours till it cooled off. Then you can go and make beads with it. Take a cane and use a papercutter to slice very thin slices of it. You'll see the pattern in every slice.
Then take a bit of regular clay (it's okay if this is leftover clay) and roll small beads. Take a slice and carefully fold it around the basic bead. Continue to use slices until all of the basic bead is covered. Then roll it between your hands so the seams melt together. And voila: a bead!

This is the proces cane-to-bead with another cane. From left to right.

http://www.inspiredjewelry.net/canetobead.jpg

Pierce a hole in it with a needle or with a wooden pin (for a bigger hole) and bake the beads in the oven for about 35 to 40 mins, heat at 130 celsius degrees. And they're done!

This is what I made with the blue canes. As you can see, it's very nice if you varnish them.

http://www.inspiredjewelry.net/alhambra_beads.jpg

There is a wealth of information out there on how to make canes and beads. And far more sophisticated techniques than I have used, but I like the basic bead too. Feast your eyes on these links for example!

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View entire thread: anyone been to flagstaff, arizona?

Posted by JediEmpressMel on 2006-03-05 18:37:55      Post Subject:

Oh! Flaggstaff is awesome.
I second the Lowell Observatory recomendation. It was so fun when I went with my college geology trip.
All the places to eat that we went to were really good. There is the cutest bead shop there too! I highly suggest wandering around downtown. There was also a very neat hippyish camping gear shop too.
Plus they have good pizza places there!
It's a great town.

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View entire thread: Getting Started: Jewelry Making

Posted by stella on 2007-05-07 01:48:39      Post Subject:

what kind of jewelry do you want to make? for beads, all you really need is nylon thread, beeswax, scissors, a lighter, beading needles, and beads. use the biggest thread that will fit through your beads, and stretch and wax it before you start. after you tie a knot at the end of your necklace or whatever, trim the thread ends to about 1/8" and melt them with the lighter. i make almost all of my jewelry with those tools, and maybe some leather needles and epoxy if i want to use leather.

for wire jewelry, you'll want a few kinds of pliers and a pair of wire cutters. i don't like the ones that are pliers and wire cutters, because one or the other part is always crappy. round-round, chain-nose, and wire cutters are a good start. ideally, you want pliers made in Germany, but if you're just starting out and don't want to spend a lot of money, cheap pliers (usually from Pakistan or China) work okayish. the pins that alate mentioned are called "head pins".

try picking up a basic beading magazine. they have lots of patterns and list the tools you'll need, and that makes it easier to get started. a lot of bead shops offer classes, too.

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View entire thread: madison, wi

Posted by acebeader on 2005-02-02 11:53:46      Post Subject:

I love Madison. Walking up and down State Street is a lot of fun. Madison has some great bead stores, and www.beadshopfinder.com is a great way to find what will be near to where you will be.

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View entire thread: Beading for dummies?

Posted by acebeader on 2005-08-11 12:35:30      Post Subject:

A great site to buy from, and learn from is www.firemountaingems.com, they have a great instructional section. I would also recommend picking up a copy of Bead Style magazine. They have a great "glossary" of sorts that shows basic techniques, and shows clasps, pliers. etc.

Beading, especially single stranded bracelets, necklaces and some earrings, is pretty easy to pick up for the most part. Feel free to ask any questions :)

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View entire thread: Beaded embroidery?

Posted by fastasleep on 2005-08-14 17:39:21      Post Subject:

Hi :) I've not found any patterns, but what I found the most helpful when looking for inspiration in my beading projects is this book http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1931499128/qid=1124055520/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-5012663-6532940 sorry, I have no idea if you can do links around here, but you can copy and paste it into the address bar! It has loooads of ways of sewing beads onto fabric in here, with nice helpful pictures, and a great gallery in the back crammed full of inspiring bead art... hope that helps a bit, sorry if I didn't!

~Abi~

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View entire thread: Crafty Stores in NYC

Posted by Stitchoramamama on 2004-09-09 15:48:16      Post Subject: Crafty Stores in NYC

Hey there!

My crafty gang is planning an outing to the City for a crafty shopping spree! There are just about a gazillion knitting shops to pick from, but we need to add some other crafty shops to our list.

Does anyone have any reccomendations? Looking for bead/jewlery making shops, papercrafts, cool fabric stores.....

Thanks a buncher.

posies,
sarah
http://stitch.typepad.com

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View entire thread: Making necklaces with nylon thread

Posted by ursonate on 2004-07-24 02:48:27      Post Subject:

Hmmmm, I've never heard of thread coming with the needle already attached. Sounds rather curious. I usually use size D nymo, which is a nylon thread for bead weaving. Ive been mucking about with silamide also which is prewaxed. I use either a size 10 or 12 beading needle depending on what I am doing and what size beads I am working with. As for attaching thens, I sew them on, knot the thread and finish it off with a dot of clear nail polish. It's all a matter of practice. Perhaps ou could post photos of what you're working on for clarity.

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View entire thread: photography advice

Posted by stella on 2006-08-07 16:16:24      Post Subject:

the Rio Grande catalog sells reflective white "tent" things that you put your piece in to photograph it.

in my mind, professional looking photographs do not have crap in the background. people are buying your jewelry, not whatever tchotchkes you stick in the photo. i like to see jewelry on a plain neutral or white background, WELL LIGHTED (no flash or glare, bright enough to see but not washed out) and close enough to see the detail. it's nice to have a photo on a wrist or bust form (or a person wearing a black turtleneck with their face/hands/etc cropped out) and a detail photo of the focal point of the piece.

photographing jewelry is very difficult, and amateurish photos really look bad.

i would suggest checking out magazines like Ornament or even Bead & Button to look at professional photographs for hints.

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