November 1st, 2008 at 7:12am
My daughter Riley designed this necklace. She designed it to give to a school friend for his birthday. Change the pendant to give the necklace a more or less masculine feel. The original necklace sported a very cool wolf pendant, in honor of the favorite animal of the birthday boy.
Because this was designed for a child, it’s only about 14 inches long. Feel free to add additional repetitions of the primary pattern (1 bone tube, 3 heishe disks) to lengthen it. Each repetition is about 1X inches. If you want to lengthen it in smaller increments, add heishe disks between the bone beads or near the clasp. Just make sure to keep the design symmetrical. Use a bead board if you need to.
Read the rest of “Native American Bear and Bone Necklace” »
November 1st, 2008 at 6:54am
The tassel necklace is long, about 30 inches, and is the perfect accessory for your flapper. Because it’s so long, you can easily slip it over your head, so no clasp is require. In this project, I give you general guidelines rather than hard fast directions, so enjoy making your personalized creation.
Read the rest of “20s-Inspired Tassel Necklace” »
October 26th, 2008 at 6:12am
Since the 1950s, the charm bracelet’s made a lasting impact on the American scene. While this decade didn’t see the first charm bracelets in history, it became the must-have item for many women, teenagers, and little girls. Pair that trend with the glamour of Hollywood and the celebrity of the Rat Pack, and you pay homage to an unforgettable decade with this charm bracelet.
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October 26th, 2008 at 5:59am
The 1960s gave birth to one unlikely icon, the hippie. You could get a feel for the 1960s by using peace symbols, big flowers, or zodiac symbols. I chose to go with the sun to bring out the feel of the dawning of the age of Aquarius.
Tools and Materials
Flat-nose pliers Round-nose pliers Wire cutters
6 1.5-inch gold-tone headpins
18 3mm turquoise-colored glass beads
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October 22nd, 2008 at 12:44am
Many people are fascinated with history. Whether it’s their own genealogical history, that of their town, or of ancient cultures across the world, many people want to feel a connection with the past. You can blend your jewelry-making hobby with an interest in history. Current trends in jewelry design use ancient components (like stones, beads, and pendants) and reset or restring them in modern setting so that they can be worn now. Imagine wearing a 3,000-year-old stone in a new setting.
Read the rest of “Borrowing Jewelry Designs from Ancient History” »
Posted in
Amethyst,
Antique,
Beads,
Bracelets,
Charms,
Earrings,
Emerald,
Garnet,
Necklaces,
Pearl,
Pendants,
Rings
October 22nd, 2008 at 12:19am
Pre-made beaded fringe (short strands of beads sewn into ribbon) makes this project quick and easy. Look for beaded fringe at crafts stores, fabric stores, and specialty sewing stores.
Unless you’re a whiz with a glue gun, I don’t recommend that you use it on this project. It seems like it would be a good idea, but it has three problems:
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October 17th, 2008 at 1:57am
This technique is an easy way to embellish scuffed and scarred picture frames. Or buy an inexpensive unfinished frame at your local crafts store and give it some personality.
Tools and Materials
October 17th, 2008 at 1:49am
Any arrangement of beads can work for these great home accents. Use crystals and pearls for understated elegance; bumpy lampwork beads for a touch of fun; or wood, bone, and shell for an earthy, natural feel.
Read the rest of “Vase Necklace, Jewelry Piece” »
October 13th, 2008 at 10:01pm
Wire wrapping is one of my favorite jewelry techniques for home decorating.
Wine charms are those little beaded strands that hook around your stemmed glasses. They serve to identify your glass when several people have the same glass at the same party. Often, a set of charms will share a theme, like wine accessories, and each charm will have a different wine accessory charm (like a bottle opener, cluster of grapes, and so on) and a group of beads.
Read the rest of “Using Jewelry Techniques to Decorate Your Home” »
October 13th, 2008 at 9:39pm
A cane is a rod that’s made up two or more colors of clay. When the clay is cut crosswise, a multi-colored design is revealed. Canes are the basic components of the clay, male fiori—style bead. Mille fiori means a thousand flowers. These beads are known for their stunning multitude of patterns and colors.
Read the rest of “Jewelry Time, Advanced Clay Bead Techniques” »
