Saturday, March 17, 2012

Spotlight Saturday: Coloring Lucite Flowers, The Secret Garden Bracelet, and Lucite Trumpet Flower

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone! If you are feeling crafty while wearing your green today, check out these spotlighted items:

Featured Video: How to Color Lucite Flowers and Leaves with Gilders Paste


Custom color lucite flowers and leaves to match your design projects. With just a little Gilders Paste you can create lots of unique shades which will blend beautifully with your existing ingredients. Very easy to do and no tools required!

Featured Project: The Secret Garden Bracelet


Being St. Patrick's Day I had to choose a very green project. This bracelet takes some time to make but when you are finished, you have a wearable piece of art that is sure to get raves. Click here for your FREE instructions!

Featured Product: Lucite Long Striped Trumpet Flower -Dark Emerald Green 31mm


These lucite flowers would make a fascinating bead cap and would work into a very easy earring. Try coloring them with Gilders Paste - maybe with a gold or silver color to match your findings. 

- Julie

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

BTW: Beading Table Wednesday 3/14/12

Julie's Table

I am just about to start a bead weaving project (yay!) and am feeling rather colorful. I chose 3 different Czech glass seed bead mixes and am going to go crazy and use them all together. I am thinking of making big circles with rings of colors and then connect them into a bib style necklace. 


 
Megan's Table

On my table this week is an assortment of gorgeous Czech Glass Cathedral Beads. I've been meaning to make something out of these since I first saw them right after I started here at Beadaholique. They're so eye-catching and pretty and lend so much style to every piece they're used in! Right now, I'm making them into a wrap bracelet, because I thought it would be a great way to showcase the beads. What would be your favorite way to use these little beauties?

Monday, March 12, 2012

Lark Crafts Give Away: Beaded Fantasies

Lark Crafts is giving away a signed preview copy of Sabine Lippert's new book: Beaded Fantasies!

It just so happens that we took a look at the listing for this book a couple of weeks ago when we came across it on the Lark Crafts website.  I have to say, we were drooling over it in a major way.  Sabine Lippert's work in this book is gorgeous, making this book quite the prize - especially since it won't be released until May!

Visit Lark Crafts to read the post about this book and get the details on their give away, which ends March 15, 2012 at 9PM EST.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Spotlight Saturday: BeadSmith's Thing-A-Ma Jig, Gemini Bracelet, and Miyuki Cube Bead Mix

Featured Video: How to Use the BeadSmith Thing-A-Ma Jig. 
  

Make unique jewelry findings, links, connectors, and perfect loops using this handy and affordable tool. Just $6.49! 

Featured Project: Gemini Bracelet 

Vibrant lilac pearl twin beads are accented with silver and black diamond seed beads in this stretch bracelet. Add a pop of color to your everyday look. 

Featured Product: Miyuki 4mm Glass Cube Bead Mix 'Blue Tones'  

 I love bead mixes and all the colors you get to play with. The blues in this particular mix are mesmerizing and the cube shape is very fun to work into your designs.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Artist Profile: Carrie Grabowicz - Bead Artist and Love Is In The Air Contest Winner



Tell us about yourself:
Carrie is a self-taught jewelry artist. Her background is in public health, but after her children were born she became a stay-at-home Mom. After the dust settled, she needed to find things that kept her busy including yoga, reading, and all things crafty. She lives in Chester County, PA with her husband and two sons. She also has two Boston terrier dogs. 




Winning Design: Key To My Heart



How did you get interested in beading/jewelry making?
It all started in July 2008 with a trip to the Outer Banks, NC. Hammi Jammi Jewelry owner/designer, Carrie Grabowicz, created her first necklace in a bead shop.

I fell in love with the design process and the rest is history. Hammi Jammi is a name I calls my children when they are acting like “hams” and I also loves pigs so the name is fitting for fun, everyday jewelry. 


What are your favorite materials to use in jewelry making?
I really love to use ceramics and unique pendants, along with gemstones. I have some great vendors that I purchase from regularly. Really, I make a little bit of everything for every taste. Currently, I am on a shamballa style bracelet kick...using leather and ceramic beads. 






Is there somewhere people can see/purchase your work?
I currently sell on consignment and wholesale to several local shops. And I just got the opportunity to sell on consignment at a new store opening March 23 in Brigantine, NJ. Additionally, I sell at some farmer's markets in the area, teach jewelry classes to girl scout groups and day camps, sell online at www.carriegrab419.etsy.com or www.threesistersmarketplace.com/hammijammijewelry.com. I also write about my jewelry musings at www.hammijammijewelry.blogspot.com.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

BTW: Beading Table Wednesday 3/7/12

Julie's Table 

The action on my beading table took place above it this week. I made a necklace with multiple strands of beads and lucite flowers and then wanted to twist the strands together along with a raspberry colored silk ribbon. To do the twisting, I needed to anchor the necklace to a stationary object. My lamp was the perfect solution! I was unsure about this project when I started but now I really love it. When it is ready, it will be called The Bountiful Garden Necklace - check it out in our free projects section in several weeks.  

Megan's Table
 
Wedding season is coming!  As a bride-to-be myself, bridal jewelry is on my mind (and my beading table) a lot lately.  As soon as I saw this Angel's Wings clasp from Elegant Elements, I knew it wanted to become bridal jewelry!  I've been working on some bead weaving ideas using the same Swarovski pearls and crystals that are featured in the clasp.  I can't wait to see how it turns out!

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Spotlight Saturday: How to Use DeCoRe Clay, Crystal Radiance Ring, and Swarovski Flatback Rhinestones

Featured Video: How to Use DeCoRe Epoxy Clay and Make a Ring


 Epoxy clay is one of our very favorite products to work with. It is self-hardening, and because it adheres to all surfaces, the design possibilities are endless!  

Featured Project: Crystal Radiance Ring

 This ring is Hollywood glamour at its best! You get all the elegance and sparkle of a luxury crystal pave ring but without the big price tag. This project costs just around $20 and you end up with enough clay leftover for future projects.  

Featured Product: Swarovski Hotfix Flatback Rhinestones ss20 - Metallic Light Gold

Swarovski Crystals are known for the way the light catches the facets and shines brightly. These flatback rhinestones are an easy way to add instant drama to your designs. The muted metallic light gold tone is versatile and pleasing to the eye.

See how to use how apply hotfix rhinestones with the Bejeweler Pro: 


Happy Beading Everyone,
Julie

Friday, March 2, 2012

Beading Contest: The Wearing of the Green

The theme for this month's contest is "The Wearing of the Green" - so be sure to use some green beads or components in your piece. The Wearing of the Green was a song originally written about the color symbolizing Irish rebellion in the 18th century - now the wearing of the green has become a way to avoid getting pinched on St. Patrick's Day! Check out our free beading projects and tutorials for some inspiration.

We will select 10 finalists from the contest entries, all of whom will have their work published here on our Beader's Blog and on the Beadaholique Facebook page, for public voting. The winner will receive a $100 Beadaholique gift certificate and further exposure on our blog and Facebook page!

Rules/How to Enter:

Email us a clear, in focus, well-lit photo of a beading project which fits our theme and uses one or more products found at Beadaholique. Email one photo, at least 500 px in width or height but no bigger than 1600 px wide and 1600 px tall, to challenge@thebeadingwire.com (do not use this for questions; contact us here) with the following included in your email:

Subject line: Name of Piece tags: mar2012 (Example: Envious Earrings tags: mar2012)

Body: Very important! Include your full name and email address within the body of your email. Optionally, you may also include a brief description of your piece.

Important Dates:

Tuesday, March 27 @ 4PM PDT: Submission deadline
Thursday, March 29: Top 10 will be posted on our Facebook and notified via email. Public voting starts.
Tuesday, April 3 @ 4PM PDT: Public voting closes
Thursday, April 5: Winner is announced in the next issue of The Beading Wire and notified via email.

Other Rules:

One entry per person. If you send more than one entry, you may be disqualified. If your entry does not meet the "Rules/How to Enter" criteria stated above, you may be disqualified. Winner must respond to our email notification within 2 weeks to claim gift certificate. No one person may win more than once every 3 months. By entering, you retain the rights to your original jewelry design but are giving Beadaholique, Inc. permission to use your submitted photo(s) on our websites, newsletter, Facebook, blog and other properties. The terms and conditions that apply to all Beadaholique contests and giveaways also apply here.

Tips:

Send in a large, clear, and well-lit photo.
Try to use natural light to illuminate your photos.
Double check to make sure that your full name and email address are included in the body of your email. We continue to receive submissions with no contact information.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Get the Look - Anna Paquin's Oscar Earrings!

Did you watch the Oscars last weekend?  I have to admit, I didn't.  In fact, I never do.  But I do go online and check out what everyone was wearing the next day quite faithfully.  The gowns and jewelry are the best part!

Out of all of the amazing things I saw when I looked through the style boards this week, my favorite piece of jewelry was easily Anna Paquin's art deco style earrings.


Hers are gorgeous and glittery, set with what must surely be precious stones.  But, I thought to myself, a similar look could easily be achieved with bead weaving.  Miyuki delica seed beads come in some of the most amazing colors.  Julie and I drool over them on a regular basis.  What better way to showcase some of these beads than by weaving them into bold color blocks?  The result will be just as colorful, and will still have a great shine and sparkle!

I've just started working on my take on these earrings.  I can't wait to see how they turn out.  I'll be sure to update this post when they're finished.  Keep an eye out for them on our free projects page!

-Megan

Love is in the Air- Contest Winner




The people have spoken and "Key to My Heart" by Carrie Grabowicz is our latest contest winner!  Carrie explains that this piece "...is an understated yet stunning necklace created using 8mm champagne glass pearls, 6mm faceted pink glass rounds, silver plated chain, and heart and key charms."

Carrie has won a $100 Beadaholique gift certificate.  Make sure to check back to see a full artist profile on Carrie, which will be up soon.

A special Editor's Pick and $50 gift certificate goes to Joella Fostermatt's Chocolate Passion Chandelier Earrings.  We love that she handcrafted almost all of the components in her piece form copper wire!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Book Review and Give Away: Ring A Day by Marthe Le Van GIVE AWAY ENDED 3/5

For an entire year, a group of jewelers set out to create a ring every single day.  No matter what their day had in store, or where they happened to spend it, they challenged themselves to produce some sort of ring and post a photo of it to a flickr page.

What began as a small group spread like wildfire, and the endeavor resulted in an amazing community of artists, who shared in a year of creative growth and camaraderie.  In Ring a Day, Marthe Le Van introduces the project and then takes the reader on a photographic journey through the year's projects.


The photos are amazing.  The range of techniques and materials used is astonishing.  There are beautiful metal worked pieces, and there are rings made from paper, from food, even from dryer lint.  Then there are conceptual rings, that aren't rings at all!  Photos capture ring shapes in nature, plants wrapped around a finger while still planted in the ground, and a line of glitter glued around a finger, just to mention a few.

The creativity of these jewelers was stretched by the daily exercise, and looking through the resulting project is incredibly inspiring.  Perusing this book reminds you to think creatively, to look at the objects around you and imagine the way they could be turned into something more.

Are you excited to take a look?  To get inspired and create your own batch of rings?  One lucky reader will win a copy of Ring a Day, as well as a collection of ten assorted ring findings from Beadaholique! The different sizes and shapes will allow your imagination to run free!

To win this great book and ring findings, simply leave a comment on this blog post. Tell us about your favorite type of ring, rings you have made, or simply say "pick me."  Giveaway ends on Monday, March 5th, at 4 PM PST and a winner will be chosen at random from the comments.

Please leave only 1 comment per person and don't comment anonymously, or you can't win! All the terms and conditions for Beadaholique giveaways and contests apply. See HERE for official rules.

Good Luck!!

- Megan

Beadaholique is on Pinterest!

If you have not explored Pinterest before, then I must start this blog off with an apology. I am sorry that I am about to introduce you to something that can lead to obsession, can steal hours from your day, and will bring you fits of happiness (not to mention some serious giggles too).  

Some Pinterest Boards!

Pinterest is a world unto itself, yet its function is to bring all the content in the cyber world together.  Pinterest is an online bulletin board where you can organize and "pin" all the pretty, unusual, unique, crazy, awe-inspiring, and creative things you see online onto boards you have created to keep them neat and tidy.  You can also check out boards created by other people and "repin" items that they like, thus adding them to your board. Once you get the hang of it, you will love how you finally have a central location to organize all those things you love.  

We are excited to announce that now you can follow Beadaholique on Pinterest and see what items we are adding to our boards - they include cool new products, free projects, tutorials, color schemes we like, fashion inspirations, and cool stuff we find on the internet and just have to share!  Here are the boards we currently have:  



Tutorials: We have created an entire board for our tutorials! 

Neat New Stuff: We are constantly getting new products in at Beadaholique. We love them all but some products really stand out as something truly amazing. So when one of these products comes in or causes a stir in the receiving department, we are pinning them to this board.  


 


St. Patrick's Day and Easter Boards: Holiday inspiration at its best! We will try and make a new board for each holiday. In addition to beads, supplies, and projects, we are also pinning things like drool-worthy green key lime cupcakes and smores made out of peeps.  



 


 Julie's Favorites: These are all the favorite pins of designer Julie Bean. You will notice a lot of Steampunk, vintage inspired jewelry, bead weaving, and even "geek" items in here.  




 



Megan's Favorites: Here you will see all the favorites of designer Megan Patton. Think romance, pink, rock and roll, geek chic, and glam when looking at her board.




 


Esther's Favorites: Esther Lee, our Senior Merchandising and Inventory Operations Manager, also known as the gal who wears many hats, works crazy hard, and who is sweet as can be, has her favorites pinned to this board. She too loves Steampunk and has a fondness for chain maille, robots, and geekery.  


 

Sarah's Favorites: President and Co-Founder of Beadaholique, Sarah Diamond has pinned her favorite items here. Sarah's pins are lovely and classic, many imbued with vintage elegance. From her pins, you can tell she likes items which are unique and highly detailed or tell stories like the vintage record charms she insisted that we buy in Tucson, or the hand-painted Golem pendants she has selected.  


 


Wedding Ideas: If you are getting married or make wedding jewelry, this would be a board to check out. We have inspiring jewelry making supplies as well as great DIY projects and ideas we have seen throughout the web.




 


Steampunk: Steampunk is a retelling of history as if everything was powered by steam - so think cogs, gears, clock works, trains, and more. It has definite undertones of the Victorian era and the colors are muted and subdued, adding to its esthetic appeal.  




 

Color Inspirations: Check out this board if you are starting a new project and not sure of your color scheme. There are a wealth of ideas in here. Choose your favorite and then pick your beads to match!

Fashion Inspirations: Fashion and jewelry design go hand in hand. We have collected some of what we consider to be the most inspiring fashions here on this board.  


Other Boards to check out: Vintage Jewelry, Art Inspirations, Vintage Prints, and of course, Kittens

Join us on Pinterest to see all the additional pins that we add daily. As we think of them, we will also be adding new boards full of new pins and new inspirations. We would love to hear about your Pinterest experiences--we sure are having fun! 

- Julie

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Artist Profile: Megan Patton

Megan, Dress by Megan
We have a new designer here at Beadaholique!  For months and months we searched for just the right person who was creative, crafty, enterprising, organized and, most of all, loved to bead! We needed someone who was not afraid to try new things, who delighted in tangled strands of awesomeness, and would want to wax eloquently about how to bead and what inspires them. We had honestly almost given up hope and then a delightful little polymer cupcake popped onto our computer screens. Intrigued, we dove further into the website and portfolio of Megan Patton and invited her in for a chat.

Megan is a joy to work with; her laughter and cheery spirit are infectious. Her designs are so very pretty and constantly have us saying "Wow, I would not have thought of that!" - which is exactly what you want in a designer.  We are thrilled that Megan is part of our team and proud to introduce her here. Below is a series of questions we asked Megan so that you can get to know her better. Happy Reading!

Polymer Clay Cupcakes
Q.  How did you get interested in beading/jewelry making?

A.  I have always been crafty, and would receive craft supplies for presents quite often.  One year for my birthday, my mom bought me an organizer full of beads and jewelry making supplies.  I was hooked!  I was in high school at the time, and I remember that all of my friends got beaded jewelry for their birthdays that year.

Q.  What is your educational background in the arts?  

A.  I have a bachelor's degree in theatre and I also attended fashion school.  Most of my education has been focused on visual, practical, and performing arts.  But I have been an avid self-teacher my whole life.  When I want to learn how to do something new, I learn what I can from books and tutorials, and I wing it!

Go Go Girl Costume by Megan
Q.  How would you describe your design aesthetic?

A.  I love delicate, feminine, dainty, simple jewelry with beautiful details.  I love vintage style and pops of color.  I also go for quirky, fun designs that indulge my (not-so-inner) child.

Q.  What inspires your creative process?

A.  I love to look through the materials that are available to me to get inspiration.  I see a particular component and start to imagine all the ways I could use it.  I also tend to get some of my better ideas when I'm not trying to.  I get struck with ideas when I'm falling asleep or doing everyday things.  They're like little creative gifts from my subconscious.


Q.  Who inspires you/your creative process?

A.  My family is incredibly creative.  My father is a graphic artist and musician, my mother is an artist and illustrator, my step-mother is an artist and cake-decorator, my sister used to dance professionally, and my brother is a musician.  Frankly, they would probably have been disappointed if I had decided to be an accountant.  Coming from a family like mine nurtured every creative impulse I had growing up and has inspired me to always follow my creative passions.

Q.  Do you work best in chaos or an orderly workspace?

A.  I tend to create clutter.  I think it's just something that comes with being artistic.  I try to battle the clutter as much as I can, because it makes it hard for me to focus.  I'll usually leave things a bit messy, but then clean up before I start the next project, so that I have a fresh space to begin in.

Knitting Keychain

Q.  What are your current favorite materials to use for making jewelry?

A.  I work a lot with polymer clay, making miniature cupcakes and other sweets.  I think it's amazingly versatile.  I also love seed beads, and intricate bead weaving.

Q.  Is there a jewelry-making technique that you are currently intrigued by?

A.  I've only dabbled in resin work, and I'm starting to experiment and play with what it can do.  I love the idea of sculpting original components in clay, making a mold, and then casting them in resin.

Megan & Kris
Q.  Is there a jewelry-making technique that you haven’t tried yet but want to try/learn/use?

A.  I haven't worked much with metal.  I want to get more into wire wrapping and stamping.

Q.  Are you or have you been actively involved in creating work in artistic media other than jewelry?

A.  Yes!  I have been sewing, knitting, crocheting, and embroidering since a very young age.  I've done fashion design, theatrical costume and make up design, writing, acting, illustration, and even millinery.

Q.  What is the favorite piece of jewelry or art that you own?

A.  My favorite piece of jewelry is my engagement ring.  It's absolutely gorgeous, and it means the world to me - just like the man who gave it to me.

Q.  Who is your favorite jewelry designer/artist?

A.  Faryn Davis.  She does amazing things with resin!  She does hand painted pieces and found object pieces that are just incredible.  One of my other favorite pieces of jewelry is my Faryn Davis necklace.  It was the first gift my fiance gave me.

Pink Cupcake Illustration on Zazzle
Q.  Are there other areas of your life that you feel are or have been enriched by your creation of jewelry?

A.  Being creative makes me feel more myself.  It enriches my entire life experience.  It has also enables me to handcraft gifts for my loved-ones, which reminds them how much I care about them.

Q.  Is there someplace people can see/purchase jewelry or artwork that you have made, other than Beadaholique.com? 


A.  I sell my cupcake jewelry on PinkSugarBakery.com and a variety of jewelry, accessories, and apparel in my etsy shop: MyCatHatesYou.  I'm currently working on a new etsy shop, MaeMaeMills.  I'm really excited about some of the new directions that my work is going in, and I'm looking forward to getting it up and running.  I also have a huge number of items on CafePress and Zazzle that sport my little pink cupcake illustration.

Polymer Clay Donut Charm Bracelet

Monday, February 27, 2012

Get the Look - Shambhala Bracelets


Diamond encrusted bracelet by Shamballa Jewels
Have you been seeing shambhala bracelets everywhere? I know I have!

On Princess Mary of Denmark! (Source)
On Celebrities Like Paris Hilton (Source)














Shambhala bracelets were originally inspired by ancient Tibetan prayer bracelets, but they have come a long way.  The basic style is a cord bracelet with macrame knotting and features some type of bead tied into the knot work.  From the inexpensive gift shop variety made out of plastic to top of the line luxury versions made with diamond encrusted beads, this style of bracelet is certainly hot.


The high end shambhala bracelets, like this one by Shamballa Jewels, available at London Jewelers, are gorgeous but can come with a hefty price tag.  If, like me, you'd prefer to reserve your life savings for, oh, a nice condominium somewhere, you can get this look for much less.  Follow our step-by-step Shambhala Bracelet Project tutorial to make your own!


Make this Bracelet!

Beadelle crystal pave beads are a great substitution for diamond encrusted orbs, and still look fantastic.  I used them in my version of a shambhala bracelet, which is made with macrame square knots.  This bracelet is so easy to make - but don't tell your friends that when they beg you to make them one!  Unsure how to make a square knot?  Check out this video!   You will also need to know how to finish off a macrame knotting project, which you can learn about here.

And finally, here is our video on How to Make a Sliding Knot Clasp to close your bracelet.

You'll be thrilled with how your shambhala bracelet turns out!  I love to wear accessories that sparkle, and this piece definitely fits the bill! 

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Spotlight Saturday: Tila Bead Bracelet, Winter's Chill Earrings, and an Art Deco Connector

Welcome to our first ever spotlight Saturday! Each Saturday we will pick a new video, free beading project, and product to feature. We hope this section inspires your designs and gives you lots of ideas to play with. Enjoy!

Featured Video: How To Bead Weave An Openwork Style Tila Bead Bracelet 
This video shows a great use for Tila Beads which are so popular right now! Simple to do yet the results will have your friends saying "how did you do that?"

Featured Project: Winter's Chill Earrings

Winter's Chill Earrings
Aquamarine Swarovski Crystal rondelles and baroque pendants combine to make these pretty chandelier drop earrings. Great for day or night! Click here for the free how-to instructions!


Featured Product: Antique Silver Plated Art Deco Connector Links
Art Deco Inspired Connector Link
These connector links are so pretty and versatile. Connect several together to make a bracelet or simply hang one from an earring hook with a little crystal dangle below. They measure 28mm long, a great size for a multitude of projects. I love their ornate surface and vintage detailing. 

Quick Tip: Turn these connector links into bails using bail making pliers. Check out the video below to see how. 



 - Julie 
 

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Beading Contest: Love is in the Air Finalists

Thank you so much to everyone who entered Beadaholique's Love is in the Air beading contest!  We had a fantastic response with a record number of entries.  Here are our top 10 finalists (in alphabetical order by last name): 


"I Carry Your Heart" by Denise Brown 
"Letter From Paris" by Chiara Cattaruzza

"Chocolate Passion Chandelier Earrings" by Joella Fostermatt

"Key to My Heart" by Carrie Grabowicz

"My Heart Soars" by Nancy Hatcher

"A Charmed Bouquet" by Amber Hohman

"Wings of Love" by Cheri Mendieta

"Lots of Love" by Georgia Sotiriou

"Purple Passion" by Donna Woodward

"The Queen's Heart" by Nadezhda Yehurnova

To vote for your favorite design, please go to Beadaholique's Facebook page and "like" the design you like best. You will need to "like" the actual photo in the gallery and not the entire gallery itself for your vote to count. Public voting ends Tuesday February 28th at 4pm PST. 

Best of luck to all!


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