Thursday, April 23, 2015

Vintage Beads For Your Beading

Did you ever think of going to an Antique Shop, a flea market or a yard sale to find old pieces of jewelry.  Sometimes, you can find a bag filled with all types of junk jewelry for a few dollars.  Why would you do this, you ask?  Because of the beads, of course!  That's right, I've come across some gorgeous beads by doing this.

The following heart necklace and earrings set is made of fine copper wire which was twisted, turned and linked, antiqued and polished.  The vintage crystals and creamy colored beads fit right in the antiqued copper finish design.

Let the beads talk to you... not in some weird way, lol!  I mean, the style of the beads will give you some direction as far as design goes... they'll definitely help you be inspired!  You'll have so much fun with vintage beads!!!


Tuesday, April 14, 2015

The Tool I Cannot Live Without

The Flex Shaft tool is one of the most versatile tools a jeweler can have at his disposal.  It's super handy because it's pedal operated, leaving you in complete control!  As you can see in the photograph below, this tool can be used for many applications (not only metal work).  

There are many attachments, bits and accessories you can add to your Foredom Tool.    

In the past, I had purchased a drill press to drill holes in my fused glass pieces, but now with my Foredom flex shaft, I no longer need the drill press for this; I can perform all of my work from my work station.  This tool was the best purchase for my craft!  I could not live without it!

Monday, April 13, 2015

It's All About Texture!

Adding texture to my metal work is an important part of my designs.  Texture head hammers are found in jewelry supplies stores, but you don't necessarily need them.  I learned to use whatever was around me to add interesting and unique patterns to my jewelry.  For example, you can use a piece of pipe (would make nice circular patterns); you could also use a piece of small, thick sheet metal not bigger than 2"x2" or less (use it to make lines - make it interesting by changing directions).  I sometimes use an old guitar string (especially the larger one) to add interesting patterns on my metal.  You can see an example of this on the Statement Cuff Bracelet in Copper and Silver-  I added texture to the silver part.  For my wide, Tree Bark Ring, I simply used a round nose hammer that I purchased from the local hardware store.  In the last photograph, the unisex, Sand Grain Ring, the texture was achieved with a hammer with texture pattern similar to little squares.  

Although you don't really need textured head hammers to add pattern to your metal work, it does make life a little easier, plus there are some pretty nifty patterns nowadays!



 



Sunday, April 12, 2015

Only Beading Wire I Will Ever Use

I am meticulous and a bit of a perfectionist!  Therefore, every piece of jewelry I sell needs to be of the best quality possible, so this demands quality materials.  One day, I was showing a lovely watch with Tiger Eye and Black Agate beads, and while the customer was trying it on, the beading wire had pulled apart.  I felt embarrassed and a cold feeling ran through me...  I vowed for this never to happen again!!  In the handmade jewelry business, you need to make your mark and mine was uniqueness and quality.  Therefore, every piece of jewelry I design needs to be of very good quality!
  
I finally discovered Accu-Flex, I would not trust my beading work to any other beading wire!  Accu-Flex, gives me peace of mind; I can be confident that my jewelry will be sturdy and withstand daily use for years to come!  

If you're serious about your beading work, than you will not settle for anything less!  

Accu-Flex comes in a variety of colors, including the colors of metals (as you can see below).  It's also very flexible and you can also knot it.  I love this beading wire and cannot say enough about it!  



Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Genuine Pearls For Your Jewelry Creations


Ever wonder what you can do with pearls, 14-k gold filled wire and some imagination? Let yourself be inspired by pearls!  Pearls are a timeless and will bring your jewelry creations to a whole new level.