Handy Little Tip

Here is a handy little tip that I found on one of the quilting sites I visited. I would  give credit, but I can't remember which one - so, if you see it around, please let me know.

Who among us doesn't have an empty dental floss container or two or three or four or...?

Now you can recycle it by winding your favorite beading thread onto a bobbin and inserting it into the empty floss box. When you need some thread, you can pull it out and cut it with the floss cutter.

A perfect tip for traveling this summer - especially if you're flying.

Now go bead something.

More 4th of July Bead Projects

Here's another set of 5 free beading projects provided by Bead & Button. They include 2 bracelet projects, 2 necklace projects and this sculptural star created by Jane Reichhold named "A Star is Born."

A Star is Born created by Jane Reichhold
for Bead & Button
Photo by Bead & Button

You still have plenty of time to create one or two of these, so click HERE to see all the projects.

Have a Happy 4th with those you love.

Now go bead something.

4th of July Beading Projects

Here are a couple of Independence Day beaded earring projects to make just in time to wear to your 4th of July holiday get together. All projects and photos by www.allfreejewelrymaking.com.


Links are in the caption of the photo.

Salute Earrings by
www.allfreejewelrymaking.com

Happy 4th of July Earrings
by www.allfreejewelrymaking.com

Beaded Independence Day Earrings by
www.allfreejewelrymaking.com

Have fun, stay cool.

Now go bead something.

Vintage Love Earrings by Fusion Beads

Vintage Love Earrings and picture
by Fusion Beads

I can't get enough inspiration and Fusion Beads is full of it. From modern, edgy designs to this very pretty pair of Vintage Love Earrings, there is a lot inspiration to fill you with energy to create.

So, what's not to like about this sparkly, purple pair of earrings - nothing. They had me at purple!

Click HERE to get the instructions and make a bunch of these in all sorts of different colors.

Now go bead something.

How to Open and Close Jump Rings

Picture by beadingdaily.com

I think it's time for a little review - a little jump ring review.

Opening and closing  jump rings is so basic and one of the most important things you need to learn whether you are strictly a "beader" or jewelry maker using some other media because sooner or later you are going to have to use a jump ring. I hear ya, but never say never.

So, here is a quick, under 2 minute video by Margo Potter of Craft Quickies that very clearly shows how to open and close a jump ring properly. 

Click HERE to watch the video, you won't regret it.

Beaded Flower Video Tutoral by Gemma Crow

I love flowers; unfortunately, I didn't inherit my mom's green thumb. Nope, I was born with a black thumb. So, if I can't grow flowers at least I can bead them (or make them out of glass).

Here is a darling, beaded flower video tutorial by Gemma Crow (who, incidentally, has an adorable British accent).

Still shot from Gemma Crow's
Beaded Flower Video Tutorial

I've seen variations of these beaded flower pendants at every InterGem show I've been - sometimes for a pretty, little price too. Now, thanks to Gemma, you can make your own.

To see how to create your own beaded flower pendant, click HERE.

Now, go bead something!

Summer Bead Fling Highlights

This past weekend, HBS held it's first Summer Bead Fling. Artist, Mary Lowe, demonstrated her wire techniques on how to create her lovely "Natalie Necklace" on Saturday and Sunday she showed us how to work with bronze clay.

Here are some highlights from this fun weekend.

Saturday, we very willingly worked our fingers to the bone as we wove beads and wire into an intricate and somewhat freeform pattern for the sweet Natalie Necklace. A simple, yet oh so appropriate, bead chain completed the look. Some of us actually completed the necklace in class - an accomplishment in and of itself - since I can't tell you the number of times I spent a weekend beading only to come home and show David a small 2 or 3 inch section of some sort of beaded project.

Mary Lowe and the group - including Faith Strunk, Audra Gladney, Kathryn Kelley,
Kathleen Carlson, Janet Taylor, Mary Lowe, Lillian Skogsberg, Laurence Dusaulx,
Janie Fitzgerald, Lynn Geren & Shelley Dearing all working our fingers to the bone.

Mary Lowe, Faith Strunk, Kathleen Carlson, Lynn Geren & Mary's
Assistant Kate looking over the color choices for the Natalie Necklace.

Kate demonstrating how to create a simple beaded loop chain necklace with
Kathleen Carlson, Lillian Skogsberg & Lynn Geren

Janie Fitzgerald attaching a wired component.

Audra Gladney & Jo Ann Schmitt working furiously.

Finished piece by Audra Gladney

Finished piece by Faith Strunk

And, I am always amazed that although several of us get the exact same kit, we all create something totally different from it.

Sunday, we spent our time creating molds and making bronze clay components like clasps that Mary took home to fire. Most of us got to make at least two molds and 8 to 10 pieces. I made square components for a bracelet in addition to 7 or 8 other pieces. Can't wait to get mine back!

Pieces sitting out to dry before we finish them off a litle more.
Mary Love, Mary Lowe & Lillian Skogsberg



Mary Lowe explaining the intricacies of working with bronze metal clay.

Mary Love & Katy Edwards
Lillian Skogsberg, Mary Lowe and Katy Edwards

Audra Gladney is busy pressing bronze metal clay into her mold.
Faith Strunk is cutting out a shape for a pendant.

Katy Edwards, Faith Strunk & Audra Gladney



Hope you enjoyed the pictures - stay cool ya'll.

Now go bead something.