Tutorial: Sweet Little Wire Spiral Clasp

Spiral Class Tutorial
by Sweet Beads Studio

One of my last posts was about wire gauges and their general uses, so this time I thought I'd post a tutorial on this sweet looking Spiral Wire Clasp by Cindy Wimmer at Sweet Beads Studio.

I love tutorials and what I really like about this one is not only her "messy" looking spiral, but Cindy's concise, clear instructions and awesome, close-up pictures.

So pull out some 16 gauge wire, a few pliers and check out her sweet Spiral Wire Clasp tutorial HERE.

I just love the generosity of artists who share their techniques and projects.

Now, go bead something!

Soutache Jewelry Workshop with Amee Sweet McNamara and 2013 HBS Summer Bead Fling

COMING SOON!

Announcement about a September workshop with Amee Sweet McNamara.

Soutache Jewelry by Amee Sweet McNamara

And, the first HBS Summer Bead Fling - a weekend of fun classes.

Check back often for updates on these two exciting events!

A Peek into a Gemstone Cutting Processs

Ever wonder what all goes into creating some of those sparkly gemstones we love so much?

Picture from John Dyer Gems

Click HERE to watch a short 5 minute video from award winning gem cutter, John Dyer, that gives you a short peek into the long, drawn out - but, thoughtful - and often, tedious process that yields such spectacular results!

All About Wire Gauges

Chart from whimsie.com 14 - 16 Gauge  Very thick wire often used as a base or frame for pieces that must hold their shapes. Use 14 to 16 gauge wire for bracelet bases, as inserts inside beaded or coiled bracelets (such as those using circular peyote or brick stitch), for beaded napkin rings and other projects requiring some sort of rigidity. 16 gauge wire is also often used for clasps and closures – depending on their style. 18 Gauge Thick wire that is ideal for making clasps or for use with beads with large holes (some lampworked beads). Can also be used for large jump rings (especially if you are using fine silver and are going to fuse them together) and chains. 20 Gauge  20 gauge wire is a good, general purpose medium size wire especially good for making jump rings, head and eye pins, earwires and smaller clasps. 22 Gauge A lightweight wire used mostly for for wirewrapping beads and odd shaped stones. Some beaders use this gauge for bead crochet or knitting. I use this gauge wire to make head and eye pins when I’m using keishi pearls. 24 Gauge A thin wire used for wirewrapping smaller beads such as crystal and pearls. This is typically the gauge wire used for most bead crochet and bead knitting projects. 26 Gauge  Extremely thin wire used for wirewrapping very small beads. I’ve seen some metalworkers use this gauge wire when making a “corset” wrap to connect several pieces of metal together. Higher gauge wires such as 28 and 30 gauge wires are used for some freeform wirewrapping as well as wire knitting and crochet. Remember - like metal and sewing needles, the larger the number the thinner the gauge. Now, go bead something.

Tutorial: Simple Wire Wrap for Head and Eye Pins

There are probably as many different ways of wrapping an eye or head pin as there are flowers in the world and every artist you speak to has her own way or a particular favorite technique.

Picture by beadaroo.com

When I first learned how to wrap a head pin for a simple bead charm (you know, back in the stone age), it involved twisting my wrist in a very odd way. It worked, but after wrapping 10 or 20 charms, it started to get painful.

What I really love about this wire wrapping tutorial from beadaroo.com is the clear instructions and pictures and no funky hand position.

To get the complete instructions on this technique, click HERE.

Now, go bead something!

Professional Photos of Your Work

There is nothing like a professional photograph of your work to really showcase all of the hard work you have put into it. As a matter of fact, more and more often, many galleries, contests and juried shows are requesting professional photographs of your work to be judged. But, professional photography is expensive.

The Houston Polymer Clay Guild has secured the services of professional photographer, Jeremy Pierson, to photograph some of the work of their members at a highly reduced price and has generously extended the same offer to Houston Bead Society Members.

The cost is just $30 per piece and will take place between 1:00 and 3:00 pm during their regular meeting on February 16.

For more information and to register to have photos taken, click HERE.

Beads East - 2012 Finalists Announced

Beads East has announced their 2012 (Bead) Challenge Finalists. And, they are looking for your vote in the People's Choice category. All entrants received the identical set of beads and the same set of rules.

The 17 pieces that are up for the People's Choice Award are amazing -  not only for the skill in design and workmanship, but in how different the individual beaders interpreted their vision for the same set of beads they all received. 

The Beads East Challenge site has both still shots and a video with closeup details of each of the pieces. It is narrated by long time beader and author, Ann Benson.

To see the pieces and cast your vote for your favorite, click HERE.

By the way, Houston Bead Society and bead embroiderer extraordinaire - Lynn Little - is one of the finalists. Her piece is No. 34. Lynn says she was inspired by a pattern in a book by Robin Atkins who happens to be one of my favorite bead artists.