Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Feb 10, 2012, 7:00 am
It's sometimes useful to be a jewelry maker because all the stuff we accumulate for the craft can be used for home decor projects too.   Laura's clever tutorial to label bottles in the bathroom and medicine cabinet is just such a project. What a terrific idea! They are really mini-nec...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Feb 9, 2012, 7:00 am
Did you like my past post on how to recycle computer keys into jewelry?  Well, this tutorial feature goes back to pre-high tech days - the keys come from old typewriters! These add considerable vintage charm to jewelry! People do collect old typewriters - there is something beautiful a...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Feb 8, 2012, 7:00 am
Wire name writing is a super technique to try because the resulting necklace focal is created from one long piece of wire without any soldering! There are no easy short cuts - practice is required.  You should use thicker and firmer wire to form the letters- do not use soft temp...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Feb 7, 2012, 7:00 am
... Denver based artisan cuts out various shapes from the skateboard decks, taking full advantage of the different kinds ... all come from their previous life as a skateboard, making each pair unique and one of a ... also offers belt buckles sporting a rectangle of reclaimed skateboard in ...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Feb 6, 2012, 6:15 pm
The jewelry from Ezistock featured in last week's giveaway were simply spectacular!  If you haven't already done so, check out their blog too which has some interesting features about Thailand. Who knows?  You might even visit there some day! Many of you appreciated the craftsmanship ...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Feb 6, 2012, 7:00 am
Making a beaded bezel for a cabochon is much easier than one created with metal strips as in metal smithing or with wire.  But you got to like working with seed beads! Cyndi Lavin over at the Beading Arts blog has a lovely beaded cabochon tutorial with different edgings shown above. It...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Feb 5, 2012, 7:00 am
I thank Aparna (Melisma Wirework), who is a wire work artisan I featured before, for this tip on Colorado based Ray Gabriel's gemstone store on Etsy. I can see why she is a fan because there is a wide range of lovely gemstone cabochons available at affordable (wholesale) prices. The vast maj...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Feb 4, 2012, 6:00 pm
Have you ever considered using armature wire for jewelry projects?  It's really just thick wire which is used as a supporting framework just as sculptures use for larger creations. It is a very useful idea as you can turn to less expensive options such as aluminum.   As I...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Feb 4, 2012, 7:00 am
I'm slowly gathering together all the things I need for making metal clay jewelry. So far I've got the clay, a mini- torch, some clay rolling tools and even the fire brick. The last one thanks to my friend Bonnie who picked one up for me from a local brick place. I still need the gas ca...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Feb 3, 2012, 6:00 pm
Single chain and bead wire crochet bracelets are really easy to make even if you have never done crochet before. It's a very forgiving technique although some people may not like the informal look. Some people have an easier time with it than others!  But the end result is the same - a...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Feb 3, 2012, 7:00 am
I cannot pretend to like either American football or soccer. But even this sports challenged artisan is aware that Superbowl is this Sunday!  So what could be more appropriate than these awesome beer bottle opener pendants? These stainless steel pendants  by Blend Creations have both ...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Feb 2, 2012, 7:00 am
I love to see innovative designs - creations that are not run of the mill but showcase something new and different. I also love to see historically inspired designs. Combine the two and I am in beading heaven. One book that delivers both divinely is the new book sent to me by Kalm...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Feb 1, 2012, 7:00 am
Want to get started with something easy before plunging into resin work? Then you just have to try Heather's Vintage Collage Pendant tutorial over on her blog, BluKatDesign. She used Sun and Moon glaze which I reckon is similar to Diamond Glaze.  You don't have to mix two parts, this d...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Jan 31, 2012, 7:00 am
It's one thing to be inspired by nature. It's another to translate that into striking art jewelry. Kansas based artist, Cheryl Eve Acosta, does just that with her Hidden in Nature collection. Although she makes other innovative designs, this ocean inspired collection speaks volumes about her ...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Jan 30, 2012, 7:00 am
Ezistock is a handicraft site featuring artisans working in different disciplines. This Chiangmai, Thailand based site was started by Thannaree Chaichanachanasin, her sister and a couple of friends to help them earn a better living. The founders are passionate about the arts and are fai...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Jan 29, 2012, 7:00 am
Every year, the collection of Valentine's Day jewelry  tutorials grows!  So here is this year's HUGE crop of lovely designs to inspire. Different techniques are featured so you can pick your favorite one.  Be sure to check the past posts linked below for more ideas. Shown above is th...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Jan 28, 2012, 7:00 am
I would never ever have thought to use colored pencils for a necklace project!  Well, Colleen McGinty over at the Faber and Castell blog just opened up a whole world of possibilities with her awesome mixed media necklace tutorial. The hand colored canvas pieces will certain...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Jan 27, 2012, 7:00 am
Do you get the National Geographic Channel on tv?  You might want to catch their special this Sunday at 8 pm EST about the Bahia Emerald. Its story is a tale full of greed, strange mysteries and disputed ownership. This incredible 840 lb boulder containing huge cylinders of raw emerald...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Jan 26, 2012, 7:05 am
I know many of you have already seen my new blog design as it was launched a few weeks ago.  But if you haven't do pop in to see what's new. The most significant overall change is the minimalist look with a lot of white space. The site is also now easier to navigate. But rest ass...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Jan 26, 2012, 7:00 am
This pretty pearl and leather necklace tutorial by LoveMaegan is a study in contrasts. Pearls are so feminine and leather not so much. It's very easy to whip up and looks elegant to boot.  She also has the earrings design to match.  There is plenty of options to customize the des...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Jan 25, 2012, 7:00 am
Some of you may have wondered if you could sell directly on Facebook.  Now you can with the Vendor Shop Social app.  The concept of selling from a social media site is not new but it is the first app I have come across that is really attractive to handmade craft artisans in many ways. ...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Jan 24, 2012, 7:00 am
Tatting is a lace making technique which dates back a couple of centuries or so. There are 3 types of tools to tat with - shuttle, needle and cro-tat (a combination of crochet and tatting). These are used to form rings and chains with hitch or hitch knots. The work typically uses thread. Sett...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Jan 23, 2012, 6:15 pm
Wire work is probably one of the most popular techniques out there. So I wasn't surprised to see many entries for last week's My Wired Imagination's giveaway as many of you wanted to learn. I am also guessing that many of you were hoping to win Bobbi's tutorials. Some of t...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Jan 23, 2012, 7:00 am
... around for a long time. But lately, jewelry enthusiasts are stepping up to the plate by producing really awesome jewelry. Check this past post as well as this one for other awesome shrink plastic tutorials. ... Sarah over at This Crazy Blessed Life also made her own Ant...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Jan 22, 2012, 7:00 am
There are just a small handful of incredible artisans in the entire world who are capable of making architectural rings.  French jeweler, Phillipe Tournaire is one of them. I've featured his luxury house rings before (see below). Here are his incredible cityscape rings, the latest additions ...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Jan 21, 2012, 7:00 am
Some time ago, I featured a very young talented designer who started her wire work career with paper clips because she hadn't yet realized wire could be bought in much larger quantities! This clever wire work tutorial by Mrballeng on Instructables also uses paperclips. But really, short...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Jan 20, 2012, 7:00 am
This is a cautionary tale to remind us to use safety chains on bracelets especially if they are expensive or very sentimental. Otherwise you risk losing bracelets anywhere....even down a flushing toilet! The clasp of Cindy Edwards of Georgia's $4000 bracelet was loose and she hadn't not...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Jan 19, 2012, 7:00 am
The high cost of precious metals has certainly forced many artisans to seek alternatives.  That in turn has encouraged increasing numbers of people to embrace previously overlooked materials and in doing so, appreciate creativity and inventiveness all the more. One such artisan who has ...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Dec 15, 2011, 7:00 am
... use them to make this awesome sea shell bib necklace tutorial by Erica ... a dust mask when working with sea shells this way.You shouldn't ... Brookelynn Morris over at Craftzine. I love the informal look! ... a tutorial) How to Drill Sea Glass How to Wire Wrap Sea ...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Dec 14, 2011, 3:53 pm
... best pieces commanded the highest prices. The historic La Peregrina pearl necklace with several centuries of history was sold for $11.8 ... dog who thought it was a chew toy! La Peregrina Pearl Necklace The virtually flawless 33-carat Krupp diamond ring ... source Before You Go ...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Dec 14, 2011, 7:00 am
... a Danish man wearing a triple wire coil knot. Image by Valley Gem ... in so many other applications. The same tutorial was also uploaded to the International Guild of Wire Jewelry Artist's ... with an additional useful table of wire gauges to use with different ... 13; Before You Go :&...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Dec 13, 2011, 7:00 am
Most, if not all of us toss out cardboard packing used for shipping all sorts of goods.  But who would have thought of using the corrugated type for jewelry? It's a whole new approach to recycling! Yael Gaizler and Aviv Kinel of Israel do a fabulous job at making "jewels" out of this common p...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Dec 12, 2011, 7:00 am
One thing handy about making jewelry as gifts is the boxes needed are small.  If you are planning to make your own, here are some of my favorite finds. Felt Gift Box by DIY Maven BOX STYLES   DIY Maven over at Curbly Original liked the  Teroforma felt bread baskets ...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Nov 2, 2011, 7:00 am
Dutch blogger, Ivania Carpio has been noticing the trend in transparent jewelry with some top designers so she decided to make her own. Perspex available from hardware stores, is easy to bend once heated up in an oven as described in her tutorial. Working with just perspex rectangl...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Nov 1, 2011, 7:00 am
Although I've drawn, sketched and done all sorts of crafts since childhood, I never really liked working with plasticine and play dough. I was also a pottery class drop out. That's why I really admire artisans like Roberta Warshaw on Etsy who creates stunning designs in polymer cla...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Oct 31, 2011, 6:00 pm
Ear cuffs are not only alternatives to earrings, they are a positive boon for people who cannot wear pierced earring styles.  Check out the links below for past tutorials and inspirations. This latest find is Albina Manning's tutorial for a combination ear cuff and dangle. You c...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Oct 31, 2011, 7:00 am
BeadCrafty is a UK online bead retailer that's just a few months old.  There aren't yet many items but the site will certainly grow. Bradford based Steve and Sarah have 10 years eCommerce experience with their other site, Streetshirts.com which they are now bringing to their new ...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Oct 30, 2011, 6:00 pm
Image from Mich in LA Most of us have at least a pair of denim jeans in our closet right?  Perhaps even more than one. So enterprising eco jewelry artisans do not let tired and worn out jeans go to waste. One of the most imaginative eco jewelry artisans has to be Michelle over at the Mic...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Oct 30, 2011, 7:00 am
The way to stand out in a crafty crowd is to make things no one else does.  Fellow Canadian, Ewelina Olesinka of Evelda's Neverland on Etsy does just that with her awesome statement crochet necklaces. Some of the necklaces are lariats and some do double duty as warm collars. If yo...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Oct 29, 2011, 7:00 am
Macrame artisan Monica over at the Smitten by a Knot blog is absolutely right. The beaded macrame bracelet is perfect as a unisex gift because with the sliding clasp, you don't have to size it accurately. It's quick too! Her tutorial also makes use of chunky beads which I find are someti...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Oct 28, 2011, 7:00 am
Some of you probably cringe at the sight of spiders even the fake varieties!  But for others, spiders are just a part of Halloween fun.   For Sarah, who writes the Saturday Sequins blog, Halloween is not just for a single day but the whole month! Sequins are her thing so check out her tutor...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Oct 27, 2011, 11:02 am
Sue brought in a strand of gorgeous green gemstones to a workshop earlier this year so she could create some jewelry for herself. Alas, she forgot to note what they were. We made some guesses but in the end weren't confident enough to say what the gemstone was. So unless a reader c...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Oct 27, 2011, 7:00 am
This pearl cluster necklace tutorial is a winner on so many levels. The designer is Nicola Marks who also has an Etsy store called Smitten Kitten Loves. Firstly, it is a very pretty design. Each cluster is made up of several wire wrapped pearl dangles which means you get to practice this a lot...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Oct 26, 2011, 7:00 am
Arrowhead Ring by Chic Steals Carly Cais, over at Chic Steals calls herself a notorious cheapskate. She has been on fire lately with a couple of awesome jewelry tutorials. The inspirations for her designs came from very expensive designer items. Her tutorials are outstanding because she ...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Oct 25, 2011, 7:00 am
The Huichols are a West Mexican ethnic group who are world renowned for their beaded art.  Our Exquisite Corpse Collection is an amazing one sold through LN-CC London's online store. It is the result of Cathrine Martin's collaboration with the Huichols. The collection is clearly inspired by...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Oct 24, 2011, 6:16 pm
So many of you really wanted to win this fabulous giveaway going out of your way increase your chances! So both Lex and I are grateful for the promotion.  He said in an email to me, "Please thank all your readers for me for their Likes, Tweets and follows. Delighted to reward their support with thi...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Oct 24, 2011, 7:00 am
 Did you miss last week's fabulous giveaway for two Modahaus Table Top Studio 216s? Well, there is still time as the contest doesn't end until 6 pm EST today!  So check my blog after that time to see if you win! This size of studio is perfect for most jewelry artisans. However, if you make ...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Oct 23, 2011, 7:00 am
Inspiration can also come from the past.  In the case of Vault of Valhalla, one of my Twitter followers, the really distant past! Vince Zahle, the artisan behind the designs thoroughly researches archaeological finds to come up with the lost wax cast jewelry created from his hand sculptured m...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Oct 22, 2011, 7:00 am
Image by Saturday SequinsSavvy artisans always carry their business cards with them to hand out as the opportunity arises. If you've got a smartphone like I do and are on Etsy, then you can use some clever apps to display your store in a pleasing manner on the small screens. See my past post o...
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Pearl posted an article on The Beading Gem's Journal - Oct 21, 2011, 7:00 am
Image by Lola EbolaIt's nearly that time of year again!  If you like to join in the fun, then make yourself some skeletal jewelry for Halloween. You can easily get skull and bone beads to make the jewelry quickly. But if you have time, check out these inspirations! Lola Ebola on Cut Out and ...
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