by Denise Bellinger. (Riverside, Ca.) I recently attended the San Diego Gem Faire for the first time as I usually attend it in Costa Mesa. I came across these super beautiful shaped large Agate beads. I thought I would try crocheting with 1mm leather this time as I usually use S-Lon nylon cord. To my […]
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by Diane Wurster. (Michigan) My friend, Cassie, and I decided to create a new signature product line, Everbloom, that incorporated her paper flowers made from vintage hymnals and my vintage assemblage jewelry – kind of like, “you got peanut butter in my chocolate. ” Next, I had the great idea of creating a chain from […]
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by Nata Shubin. (Sierra Foothills of Northern California) Judy had this beautiful cabochon cut by a person she knew out of a locally found stone. In other words, a very special cabochon. Can you do something with it? She asked. I can try, I replied. And here is what happened. Judy wore her new bead […]
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by Paris C. (NY) For my necklaces I decided to create my own jewelry display cards through laser printing! By creating my own cards not only have I cut costs, but I also have more design control. They’re a light blue card stock, which contrasts my gold and black acrylic pendant beautifully. At the sides […]
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by Melissa Jones. (Annapolis, MD) After seeing some interesting designs online, I decided to try my hand at making some leather jewelry. Careful measuring and not getting my fingers in the glue are all challenges for someone who usually works with freeform wire! I started simple, with leather hoop earrings, then added beaded components. After […]
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by Michele Max. I have some hot-weather jewelry shows coming up and I’d be so grateful if you could share your best tips for keeping cool and comfortable in both indoor and outdoor shows. Thank you in advance. This group is the best! Michele
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by Mary Alps. (Ontario, Canada) Rena, your post about alcohol ink inspired me to try it, and I’m addicted! There are so many tools you can use to move the ink around, or just let them blend together and see what results. I use paintbrushes, makeup sponges, toothpicks, and my hair dryer. My newest passion […]
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by Emily. Is a French wire the same thing as a wire guard? If not, will a wire guard perform the same function of keeping the bead wire from sliding through a jump ring? Thank you. Emily
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by Misty Doy. (Canonsburg, PA) I’m fairly new to the craft show circuit, but the first thing I knew I had to work on was set up time. I have over 300 pairs of just novelty earrings, and putting them on traditional earring racks, then removing them at the end of the day, was taking […]
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by Megan Frost. I am making wooden beads with images and patterns glued on them and covered with a glossy coating. I then make long beaded necklaces with my beads, combining them with glass beads and other plain wooden beads. If I buy paper at the paper source, can I use this in making my […]
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by Linda Lohraff. (Berrien Center, Michigan) I used a Sizzix Big Shot to make the leather flowers. This is fun and easy to do and I used a soft metallic leather to do this. The flowers actually look like metal so most people have a hard time telling the difference. I wire wrapped the pieces […]
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Jude Moscatello. (Chapel Hill, NC) . I’m experimenting with oxidizing / darkening brass, copper and bronze wire for handmade ear wires and other wire projects. I’m wondering if after the oxidation process, the ear wires need to be sealed. If so, can anyone share tips on natural oxidation processes and also what natural sealants are […]
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