Beading Daily on Seed Beads

Beading Daily Editor, Jen VanBenschoten, wrote a great post this week about bead substitutions in seed bead work.

Are all seed beads created equal? The answer is no! Here's an excerpt and a link to her story over on the Beading Daily website. Thanks for the insight Jen!

"All sizes of seed beads are not created equal. Beaders who have been beading for a while already know this, but it can be confusing for someone just learning how to bead. 

Just because your cylinder beads are size 11o, that doesn't mean you can use them interchangeably with a size 11o Japanese seed bead. 

Cylinder beads tend to be more compact and slightly smaller than their Japanese and even their Czech counterparts, so if you want to swap out a cylinder bead for a Czech seed bead, expect to have to make some slight adjustments to your seed bead pattern.

If, however, your seed bead pattern calls for a size 15o seed bead, feel free to substitute a size 11o cylinder bead. These two seed beads are close enough in size that they can be substituted for one another with minimal adjustments to your seed bead pattern."

Rings&Things Traveling Bead Show - June Dates

Just in case you didn't see this today, I wanted to share the next round of bead shows by Rings&Things!

They will be traveling with their bead road show to LOTS of cities in June!!

As you can see from the list below, they will be covering Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York!

That's amazing! How are they doing that? The tour begins June 10th and ends June 28th.

I'm guessing they will all be taking at least a week off in July.

Here are the dates and cities:

June 10: Fort Lauderdale (Sunrise), FL  June 12: Tampa, FL  June 13: Orlando, FL  June 14: Jacksonville, FL  June 16: Atlanta (Roswell), GA  June 17: Charlotte, NC  June 18: Raleigh (Durham), NC  June 19: Richmond, VA

June 20: McLean, VA  June 21: Baltimore (Timonium), MD  June 23: Philadelphia (Trevose), PA  June 24: East Hanover (NYC area), NJ  June 25: North Haven, CT  June 26: Boston (Dedham), MA  June 28: Buffalo (Amherst), NY

You can also take a virtual tour or see their Bead Show FAQ. Mark your calendars!!

Earthy Connection

Using wooden beads is extra appealing because they give me that earthy, one-with-nature, feeling.

They are also extremely lightweight and perfect for any type of jewelry project.

There are 93 beads in this package which will make an awesome, chunky memory wire bracelet.

I'm thinking of using a very large focal bead that would be wired to the 3 strands, but am not sure what that will look like.

I briefly considered using the bright yellow flower from yesterday's post since it is also made of wood, but am still undecided, so stay tuned! Design ideas are ALWAYS welcomed! :)

Cute, Crafty Flowers

I found a package of these recently at a discount store for $1.00!

I believe there were either 4 or 5 included. I have already set them free among other beads, pieces and parts, so I'm not entirely sure!

They are wood die cuts in BRIGHT yellow! AND, they are huge! It just fits on top of my wrist.

They would each make a great pendant or be adorable around a necklace or as a bracelet focal.

My mind usually goes to bracelet first, so I've been balancing it on my wrist for a little while waiting for the moment of clarity.

I'd love to hear your thoughts, so share 'em if you got 'em! :)

Return to the Drawing Board

I made a quick necklace today while riding in the car. I was hoping to have something to wear with my happy summer bracelet.

In theory it seemed like it would work well. Colorful with a mix of textures!

When I make jewelry, it might look okay on, but...if I don't get that fun, happy feeling it means I need to head back to the drawing board.

It was lots of fun to make, the beads were so cheerful and sparkly. I felt creativity flowing and the peace that comes with that kind of focus. SO, all was not lost!

I would love to hear what you worked on today. :)

Yard Gnomes & Jewelry Gnomes!

It's time! I'll be working on the gnome village so all our little friends have a new spot in the yard this summer. :)

I know, but I can't help my gnome obsession.

This is my very favorite one, probably because it makes me think of a summer Santa and Reindeer. :)

What do you think, do you see the resemblance?

This is a pair of earrings I made by using a photo and a little mod podge, paint, craft wood and a drill!


Speaking of photos in jewelry, what do you think about this idea that a friend had yesterday...Shrink down a photo of a favorite classic movie poster (think Creature from the Black Lagoon).

Print out on fabric and use ribbon clasps and a chain to make a fun, fab bracelet!

Peace, Love & Bead Blogger Friday!

Yay, happy Friday!! It's going to be a 3 day weekend in our house so, double YAY! :)

I hope all of you will also have a chance to relax a little, craft a little and have lots of fun!

Here are some fun links to kick off the holiday weekend!!


Beading Arts 
A tutorial for simple but elegant earrings is featured this week! 


Resin Crafts!
The 2012 Diamond Jubilee inspires these new resin filled bezels. 


The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew kicks off his annual Spring Cleaning Destash Sale! He's got lots of amazing beads, jewelry, and more! 


Art Bead Scene
Heather shares a post about colors using bead supplies, showing monochromatic, complimentary, and analogous color selections 


About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy has some summer time jewelry tutorials for you. 


Beads & Books
Michelle makes over an old pair of earrings. Come see the dramatic before and after photos! 


Snap out of it, Jean! There is beading to be done!
Jean reviews Sharilyn Miller's extraordinary, not to be missed book, Arty Jewelry IV. You will agree that you must own this book when you read the review! 

Mystical and Blingy!

As you know, sometimes I come across things that my eyes have never seen before and can't seem to help but jump online to tell all of YOU about it! :)

That applies to today's bead! On a website called Mr. Bead, I discovered the golden head Buddha shamballa bead.

It is described as the hottest hip hop accessory and the next bead craze. Shamballa jewelry brings a feeling of well being.

Mystical and blingy! Love it!

Looking for Jewelry Project Videos?

Just in case you are looking around for some inspirational jewelry making videos, I wanted to pass along a reminder to check out Jewel School at JTV!

There are lots of familiar faces in their video collection demonstrating a variety of techniques.

One of my favorites that I happened to catch live on Jewelry Television's Jewel School is Patti Bullard, the creator of "Wubbers"!

I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see people like you and me discover there is a need for a particular product or tool in jewelry making and THEN they go out and create it for the rest of us! So cool!

Here's an excerpt from her bio...enjoy!

As a jewelry designer, Patti noticed the need for a new line of tools crafted and engineered specifically for making jewelry. As a result, Patti developed a full line of jewelry making pliers that are versatile, easy on the hands, and gentle on the metal. Her contagious sense of humor is reflected in the name of her tools—they are known around the world as Wubbers Jewelry Making Pliers. The newest additions to the Wubbers line are the patent-pending Wubbers Looping Pliers and the Wubbers Square Mandrel Pliers.

Sparkly Feet!

Just a quick post to share something I came across today!

If you think these Swarovski covered flip flops are cute, check out the rest of the website I found them on!

It's Twinkle Toes by Kim!

Perfect for a very fun and sparkly summer!

Summer Jewelry Ideas from Tammy Powley

THIS design just shouts, "summer, yay!"  Would you agree?

Tammy Powley over at About.com Jewelry Making not only shares great ideas, but step by step instructions on this website.

If it's not in your favorites, you might want to add it! :)

Her list of summer jewelry projects includes earrings, necklaces, the works!

A Tiara for My Wrist

I just LOVE a tiara for my wrist! I don't always start out with the intent of making a tiara for my wrist, but if I let my creativity flow, it seems to head in that direction. This was an easy project using a craft store Swarovski crystal strand.

Maybe deep down I always wanted a real tiara, it is hard to say. I enjoy seeing something round on my wrist, but I don't enjoy wearing a watch any more.

The funniest thing is, when I do wear my sparkly slap watch, I look at it for the sparkles and always look at either my computer or cell phone for the time! Silliness!

So, back to the sparkly swarovski tiara...I like how it FEELS to have all this sparkliness to look at! If I ever get tired of it, thanks to the quality of swarovski, I can take this apart for the rest of my life and re-work it. Swarovski crystals can really last a LONG time and take many forms if you let them.

Have a great week! :)

Focus...

I should have taken a picture of the bead stash I pulled out tonight, it was quite a nice sight even though it was a tad messy!

It was lots of fun reorganizing the bits and pieces into containers. It's one of the most fun and freeing aspects of any creative session.

When you have nothing in mind to make, but are waiting for the lightbulb moment when things come together.

I had a few lightbulb moments, but was enjoying the playing and organizing so much I didn't actually make anything. :)

This strand of crystals was calling out to be used, so they are on deck for the next project. I hope you all had some fun either playing or creating too!

Peace, Love & Bead Blogger Inspiration

Let's get creative! Here are some ideas for inspiration, enjoy!

About.com Jewelry Making 
Here are some jewelry tutorials that incorporate ceramic pieces in them. 

Carmi's Art/Life World 
A fabric bead is always fun to create and uses up leftover beads too! 

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! 
What do you think of the idea of making your business more successful? Sound good? Check out what's on Jean's blog today! 

Art Bead Scene 
Art Bead Scene highlights some of the handmade beads that are entered in the Bead Star competition. Come and see some of the entries and place your votes for your favorites! 

Beading Arts 
We're celebrating everything to do with wire this month! Come and visit with some fabulous wire artists and try your hand at working with wire yourself! 

Resin Crafts! 
Working in a shell pendant with resin...difficult but possible! 

Coming In June 2012

Another great jewelry designing contest...using Swarovski Elements, YAY!!

Sponsored by FireMountainGems.com, submissions can be sent in between June 1 and September 30, 2012.

Here are some of the details:

"Be the next Grand Prize Winner and Internationally Published Designer-Artist in the Fire Mountain Gems Beads SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Contest. Let your brilliance shine with over-the-top designs incorporating Swarovski Crystal."

The winner will receive a $1,000 gift certificate, WOW!!

Can you imagine $1k worth of beads? Nice!

Good luck everyone!

Vote for a Star!

If you haven't voted for the 2012 Beading Daily BEAD STAR, the time is now!

Head on over and vote for your favorite design in 7 categories:

• Crystals
• Stone
• Glass
• Metals
• Ceramics
• Plastic
• Pearls

There are 20 designs in each category. Very exciting!!

Voting is open through May 28th. The winner in each category will win $250 in prizes from the sponsor of their category and will be announced in Jewelry Stringing magazine. Yay!

Swarovski Pave Saga Update!

For those of you following the Pave Swarovski saga, thanks to Cynthia for the heads up on yesterday's post about the Artbeads.com email update.

I checked my email and sure enough, Artbeads.com has announced the Swarovski Pave Teardrops are back in stock!! Here's what they wrote:

"They're Back!
These colorful teardrop beads featuring genuine Swarovski Crystals were so popular that they sold out within the first day that they were featured on our website. Now they're back in stock. You'll love their fresh variegated palettes!"

Here they are folks, get 'em while you can! :)

Pave Tube a.k.a. SPARKLE!

Yep, you know how my obsessions usually go...it seems as though I have moved on and then....PAVE pops up again!

I have a feeling I'm not alone, so thanks to all the other bead obsessed bloggers out there! It's nice to know I'm in good company!

Wow, these tubes are fabulous and there are more where this one came from...

A company called Bead Algo from Orlando, Florida. Check them out if you get a chance.

The description for this one reads: Pave curved tube (hematite & clear crystal) 35 x 08mm. Sparkle sparkle!

Change it up!

I received a gift today, my very favorite kind...jewelry findings!

These earring components just need ear wires and then you can change the bead out every day if you want!

I am getting ready to add the wires so I can wear them tomorrow...hmm...which bead to use?!

I'm thinking a black diamond or silvery white opal round. I'll keep you posted! Have a great week!

Crafting...the definition

I had the fun and privilege of joining some friends for a girl's Saturday craft-nite, which was very inspiring!

We didn't make jewelry or other handicrafts, BUT according to the definition of "craft", planting herb gardens and learning how to cook with them qualifies!

"craft" - skill in doing or making something. an occupation or trade requiring manual dexterity or skilled artistry.

After each of us made this lovely mess, we proceeded to make an even bigger mess in the kitchen. We made a breadcrumb mixture in the food processor that included many of the herbs we had planted and created a lovely eggplant dish.

I know it's not jewelry, but wanted to share a different kind of craft for a change! Hope you are all having a great weekend!

Peace, Love & Bead Blogger Friday!

How adorable is this ceramic button?! Made by Tari Sasser of Creative Impressions in Clay.

Click the Art Bead Scene link below for more about Tari.

She shared some pics of her outrageously cool and colorful house and garden too!

Now THAT is a great way to get creativity flowing! 

Art Bead Scene
Tari shows off her colorful garden, a clear source of pride and inspiration in her life and artwork 

About.com Jewelry Making
Summer time is the perfect time to consider making Bohemian style jewelry, and Tammy gives you her take on a new book recently released that is full of Bohemian style jewelry techniques and designs. 

Beading Arts
Here's a great way to stretch out your more expensive beads to get greater impact! 

Carmi's Art/Life World
A kumihimo cord showcases a Mary Harding pendant. 

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean tries very hard not to say,"Wow am I busy!"... because, of course, so is everyone else! But in this post she gives up and admits what a zoo it has been here. Read to see why! 

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Andrew Thornton creates a special kit for Lima Beads featuing Earthenwood birdies for a great springtime challenge! 

Resin Crafts!
Jewelry Resin is a great way to repair a mistake! 

Sparkle Bling Sparkle!

I love blogger friends!!

Thanks a million to Joanne who left a comment on the Pave Swarovski post letting us know there is a website that is carrying something similar!!

Yay!

The site is JP Designs and when you click on "bling", you get BLING!

There are so many fabulous things there I can't even begin to name them. I did want to share what is now in my shopping cart here.

WOW!!!

Make sure you also check out the interchangeable rivoli bails!

In Search of...Swarovski Pave Teardrops

I am still in search of the Swarovski pave teardrops I mentioned last week after they were featured on the Artbeads.com site.

By the time I got there, they were sold out...

So, please let me know if you see them anywhere!

In the meantime, as I continue searching, I thought I'd share these cabochons from FireMountainGems.com.

Pretty cool! :)

Mother's Day Project from Beadphoria!

I just came across monogram pendant project and HAD to share! It's CRAFTY! Yay!

You know I love my crafts especially when jewelry is the result and a gift for Mom to boot!! This is a fun one that kids can help with too!

I am thinking of all my DCWV card stacks sitting in the other room...I think I hear them calling me! :)

Enjoy and thanks so much to Suzann of Beadphoria for sharing!!

Day Late Jewelry

Okay, I hope you don't mind me posting this bracelet today, BUT...

I made this back in February and have worn it a couple of times, not really finding a great moment for it to shine.

I love having the moment of letting a new jewelry piece shine by wearing it at the right time and with the right outfit, the right attitude and the right admirers around to love it. :)

This would have been the perfect piece of jewelry to wear today and unfortunately it was a missed opportunity. My mistake was not keeping it out in plain sight so I had it to choose from at a moment's notice.

It's going to take a new place right next to the door practically and the next time the opportunity arises, it will get it's moment in the sun! :)

New Design Contest!

If you are looking for a new beading contest to enter, this post is for YOU!

The 2nd annual ID Badge Lanyard Design Contest is currently accepting designs! This contest is sponsored by ID Wholesaler.

The top prizes are a $300 or a $150 pre-paid Visa card, yay!

You can also vote for your favorite!

There are a handful of designs posted so far and they are fabulous! Get your design mojo working and submit your piece too!

You can find all of the details here, good luck!

A New Project & Note to Pet Lovers

I couldn't wait to share my new summer bracelet project with you!

I am loving these cheerful colors! It feels like a vacation on my wrist.

The peace signs work perfectly and add just a hint of kumbaya vibe. All of these pieces came from the local JoAnn Etc. craft store. I have to admit I am having so much fun wearing this one!

I also wanted to take a moment to share an important message for dog lovers. During a family member's trip to the vet recently, she was advised that dogs should never be given either tylenol or advil.

He said many people are not aware of the fact it can be toxic and very harmful, so that is my public service  announcement. :) Please pass it along!

Peace, Love & Bead Blogger Friday!

Happy Friday! Here are some great links to get your creativity flowing. Enjoy!

Carmi's Art/Life World
This week Carmi uses a new crystal snap for a felted collar. 

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew announces a NEW Reader's Challenge! This time he's teamed up with Lima Beads to offer a great spring-themed kit! 

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy has published her latest jewelry designer interview posted for the month of May.


Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Oh wow! Jean finally broke down and opened her first Etsy shop! Read all about it here! 


Art Bead Scene
It's a new month and that means a new painting for inspiration. Come see the Post Impressionistic village scene that will inspire lots of great beadwork this month! 


Beading Arts
Beadng Arts celebrates "Wire Month" all throughout May! Grab your pliers and come join us! 


Resin Crafts!
In a two post series, Resin Crafts shows you how to make an orchid a jewelry component. 

Black-Diamond Twist

Wow, sounds quite sophisticated...black-diamond twist...

Must be the "diamond" that makes it sound so special. Well, it IS Swarovski, so you know it is as sparkly as diamonds.

It is always so shocking to people who aren't beaders, how sparkly these crystals are in real life.

If you think about the bang for your buck, I don't think you can find anything as sparkly in this price range. This strand was on sale for $3.97.

Swarovski Sale

Two of my favorite words!

I bought a few Swarovski strands that were on sale last weekend. Did I NEED them? Well, I guess that depends on the definition of need.

That sparkle is irresistible!! The craft store must have realized that putting a nice bright light in the crystal section makes people buy more. :) All I remember is grabbing for them! In that moment, I felt the NEED to have them.

This strand is called "fern green graphic cube strand". I have never heard of a fern green swarovski! Interesting!

Tubular Goodness!

Another fun purchase from last weekend's craft store run! LOVE beads in a tube!

These are "semi-precious chips" in sunset. Perfection! I don't know why I was so drawn to these colors this time around, but I bought several tubes!

We'll see what happens!

I usually think the more beads I have, the chunkier piece I can make. These would be perfect in a multiple strand memory wire bracelet or a unique right angle weave, with a little sparkle thrown in too! :)

Enjoy!