xelona: What I've been up to, and stuff like that.

xelona: What I've been up to, and stuff like that.: "I've mostly been spending my time indoors, reading and beading. I've been creating some rather lovely pieces lately. I even sold three of my bracelets to my Aunt Marilyn, for her to give as gifts. I'm starting to get to the point in my beadwork that I could potentially support myself doing it."

It's great to see someone starting out and beginning to realise there's a potential home business in their passion for beading.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

The Crabs that Ate My Brains

The Crabs that Ate My Brains: "I went to the holiday party for the women patients at my doctor's office, and my doctor, a very cool lady, taught us how to make these:"

What a different idea for a bracelet. What a different doctor!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

:: Wonderful Memories ::

:: Wonderful Memories ::: "We went for beading classes together at Yishun. Woot.. I know how to make my own earrings now! *beams*"

Great effort for a first timer! Well done.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beading Is Fun!

Hello everyone!
Hope you all had a great festive season, I know we had a great time catching up with family. I'm very fortunate that my kids are still young enough to really get caught up in all the excitement, although I think I've seen enough Christmas lights to last me a lifetime!!
One project I've been working on for a while is a site about beading, and I've just started to release it on the internet. If you'd like to take a look, it's at http://www.beading-is-fun.info
I'd love to get your feedback on it, good and bad! I plan to progressively add a lot more stuff to it over time, but it takes time - something I suffer a severe lack of, particularly now my kids are on school holidays.
Anyway, happy new year to everyone!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Learn How to Bead

Learn How to Bead: "Learn How to Bead
A new listing of the many beading lessons available on this site. Learn Beading and Beadwork contains links to everything from an introduction to beadwork and bead stringing through the many variations of Peyote and other beading stitches. "

There's some good stuff at this website to help you learn different types of beading.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Existence: Beaded Creation - Sweet Embrace

Existence: Beaded Creation - Sweet Embrace
"Neckace info:

This was created of the basic african net design as you can see in the center and i just designed from there the rest. Hope u like it!
P.S. All my pieces are for sale just inquire if your interested!"


This is really pretty!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

The Sardonic Cauldron: Finally...a post

The Sardonic Cauldron: Finally...a post: "I have dove back into my beading and am making lots of Christmas presents this year. I forgot how relaxing and fun it is. Instead of sitting on the couch wondering which chore I should really do since they aren't all getting done, I just ignore them completely and bead."

Now that's the right attitude!!! hehehe
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Enjoying The Journey

Enjoying The Journey: "I got engrossed with some more beading today, and being the time of the year that it is, made some sparkly Christmas decorations using baubles and beads. These were quick and fun and added a home-made touch to our tree."

Sorry no pic, you'll have to click through to the blog to see this gorgeous beaded Christmas ornament. Great idea!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Buzz-A-Roni

Buzz-A-Roni: "One of the Mom's in the group is starting a home business of beading parties. I came on this event sort of late, but it was a Mom's night out where you'd make your own beaded bracelets. If you wanted to make a mother's bracelet, she would order these cute little sterling silver cube alphabet beads.
I picked out lots of purple beads... different shapes and sizes, two Swarovski amethyst (no not her birthstone, but I'm not a fan of rubies, which is my birthstone too!) crystals, and some sterling silver round beads. "

This sounds like a really interesting idea - can anyone tell me what exactly a mother's bracelet is??
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Magnets-Beads-Photography-Life � Blog Archive � Finally, a journey home

Magnets-Beads-Photography-Life-Blog Archive-Finally, a journey home: "My first big bead project is going to be my beaded Santa Claus faces, Christmas Trees, Wreaths, and Snowflakes. I loved doing these and they sold quite well for me in the past. My sister, Jan, has someone at Chrysler interested in seeing them as well. And as Jan wears her pairs, I asked her to be a walking advertisement for me. Also, there is a new web site just for the earrings. www.holiday-earrings.com There will be holiday earrings for all seasons as the year goes along, but right now, it's just Christmas stuff."

I really enjoyed reading the full story of this beader's journey.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

It's Holiday Time

Hi everyone!
Well, I know for most of you winter is fast approaching, but here in Australia summer has arrived, the end of school year bedlam has just ended, and it's time for my family and I to head to the beach.
So I hope now you have lots of cold nights to stay inside and keep warm, you all get lots of beading done!
I'll be too busy spreading sunscreen on my kids and playing in the sea! And even better, having a REST!!!!
I look forward to catching up with all of you again in a week or so.
Happy beading!
Felicity 8-)

Octopus Garden 10 (creativechick.blog-city.com)

Octopus Garden 10 (creativechick.blog-city.com): "I finally finished up the last in my Octopus Garden series this week."

"Octopus Garden 10" 2005

6" x 4"
Mixed media Collage on Fiber

Hand and machine sewn, hand dyed, painted and printed fabrics, beads, and embellished.

On sell at http://creativechick.etsy.com


This is a stunning piece of work!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Lauren's Blog - Another finish!

Lauren's Blog - Another finish!: "Well, it's done! It's a little crooked - the wreath's off-center, because I miscounted and didn't feel like ripping out most of the border. I love beading so much - the scan just can't capture how much the beads sparkle in the light. I really enjoyed working on this, even if the beading needle pricked me 5,000 times "


Another fabulous way of using beads. I think we've all experienced the old pricking of the fingers with the beading needle! Ouch...
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Heather's Little Haven: Some Finishes

Heather's Little Haven: Some Finishes: "I did this last night around 1am, I couldn't sleep

I had to keep taking the thread out the needle as I haven't any beading needles (well I do, they're just AWOL). I've done this one many times in the past, so it didn't take me long to do at all. "

Wow, another great use of beading techniques, I've definitely NEVER thought of something like this.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

yuliacrystal: it's all about beads now, apparently

yuliacrystal: it's all about beads now, apparently: "but, heck, beads! anywhere you'd look they were twinkling with all imaginable colours in places you wouldn't have seen before on a piece of clothing, even in a costume shop. I actually saw garments that were made completely out of beads and sequins, attached to a finest shadow of a material you won't really call fabric.
in a daze, I walked through three levels of clothing, touching things here and there. it will probably sound funny coming from me (and I hope that none of my beady buddies would read this), but it was all a bit too much for me. the sparkle, the colours, the sizes, the amount of beading on a square centimetre of a fabric... I tell you, they've gone mad! =) "


I have to say I've noticed the same thing!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Dolphinately Delightfully Designed Doodads: Welcome to My Beading Blog . . . .

Dolphinately Delightfully Designed Doodads: Welcome to My Beading Blog. . .: "Here is the first triple grouping of necklaces for layering I've designed. I call it Winter's Crystalline Nightfall."

This is a great effect. Pretty colours, too.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Pie-Bolar Served w/ 3 Flavors of Anksia Tea: "First Holiday Snowfall" Necklace

Pie-Bolar Served w/ 3 Flavors of Anksia Tea: "First Holiday Snowfall" Necklace: " I call this necklace, First Holiday Snowfall. The white Howlite beads scanned a bit bright, some have some pretty grey veining. And the silver beads were kind of reflecty. And some of the pinks ended up twice as saturated as they actually are. Being glass beads, it scanned them and picked up not only the surface color, but added in color all the way in to the core, being a translucent bead. I tweaked it some in Adobe, but I'm no expert. So it's not a bright or deep pink. Well it's kinda bright, definitely not pale, but not intense or shocking . . . a pretty translucent Christmas berry color. See the beads on the lower left side? It's more that pink berry color. And some are even paler than that. But somehow most of the rest kinda turned out way intense, tho they aren't. The glass beads are called Christmasberry anyway, and they are crackled."

Just in case you hadn't realised there's less than a month to Christmas... gulp....
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Red Instead BLOG : Adventures in Beading

Red Instead BLOG : Adventures in Beading: "I have been enjoying beading and find it's a great activity to do while watching TV. Nothing like a bit of multi-tasking to keep a busy crafter happy!"

How true is this! Some great photos of finished pieces at this blog - take a look. Of course my favourite is green... hehehe
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Victorian Beaded Lampshade

Victorian Beaded Lampshade: "Beaded Fringe Adds Life to a Plain Lampshade
Lynne Quinn posted some pictures of her Victorian Beaded Lampshade a while back that have brought a ton of e-mails asking her to share her beaded lampshade secrets. Not surprising seeing as how it's absolutely gorgeous! She has very kindly allowed me to help her share her knowledge of this beading technique with you. Here are the Complete Instructions for making your own Victorian Beaded Lampshade."


If this sort of beading takes your fancy, this is a great opportunity to grab the instructions on how to make a beaded lampshade.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Make Time to Bead

Make Time to Bead: "Some days it's bedtime and you feel like you've accomplished nothing. Housework need to be done, errands run, meals prepared, bosses appeased, etc. Of course there's no time to pull out your beads, let along spend time in bead contemplation and serious work.

Here are some creative ways to find just a little more time to enjoy your beads and beading. Who knows, maybe you'll create your own beaded masterpiece over a series of lunch breaks at work! "


This article contains some clever ideas to help you find time to bead. Of course, my personal favourite is just to forget the housework! hehehe
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Craftapalooza: Insert witty title here

Craftapalooza: Insert witty title here: "I came across some ring findings at a local bead store recently and even though they're not made of sterling silver or gold plated (I think they're nickel) they look quite nice. They are 'one size' ie the band is flexible. So I had a play last night and came up with these, probably the happiest I've been with any of my bead work for ages."

Yet another fascinating way to use beads. If you go to this website you'll see lots more photos.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

A Crafty Bookworm's Coffee Nook

A Crafty Bookworm's Coffee Nook: "Well, one of the things I'm working on is a metal and jet fringed necklace with matching earrings. This was inspired from a spring necklace done in blue, but I'm doing it in black so it can easily match up for a night on the town.
This is a fairly simple project (I'd say advanced beginner). Since I finished the earrings (I hope I can do pics soon) I'll write about those. I haven't started the necklace yet, but it is done very similarly."

This sounds like it could be a very dramatic necklace. If you click on the title and go to the blog, there are instructions on how to make this.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Pie-Bolar Served w/ 3 Flavors of Anksia Tea: Yet another Beading post!

Pie-Bolar Served w/ 3 Flavors of Anksia Tea: Yet another Beading post!: " These use some black and clear Czech firepolish beads on the one, and Smoke Czech firepolish beads on the other, with light grey Swarovski 4mm crystal pearls on both, and small button shape cultured freshwater pearls on the Smoke necklace.

The Smoke one is about 42' long. You can wear it that long (some do) or wrap it around twice to wear it at two different shorter lengths. Like 24' and 18'.

The Black/Clear one is about 24' or so long, and will have a rock crystal pendant hanging from it (although the bail will be hinged, so you can wear it with or without). "


These are very elegant, would look great with evening or formal dress.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

luvfairisle: Inviting vine

luvfairisle: Inviting vine: "Tami: this is because of you. Thanks for telling me to keep on beading. The bracelet is from Bead and Button, Dec. 2005 by Donna Graves. It was quick and fun to make and I love it because it's not bombastic (I'm only 5'2'). I think this particular issue was very good so I will probably make a few more. "

Another green bracelet! Very pretty design.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Sha-sha Handcrafted Jewelry: Time Flies!

Sha-sha Handcrafted Jewelry: Time Flies!: "This first one incorporates a technique I learned in my beading group (not sure if I can post the name here...). Anyway, I used to do a brick stitch ions ago with college names in them when I was a kid. I sewed little snaps onto the strips of beadweave for a clasp! I love this way of 'zipping up' the strip into a tube!"


These are really interesting bracelets. As I love green, naturally Froggy Friends is my favourite!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Watergirl Studio Four Seasons of Jewelry: Something New From Something Old

Watergirl Studio Four Seasons of Jewelry: Week 5 Something New From Something Old: "The theme for this week is 'Something New from Something Old'. Soon after I started beading seriously but still in my stringing phase I bought the three lampwork beads featured in the focal of this necklace and made a bracelet. I later bought more beads form the same artist, Dana Ivory McLean, and decided to make a necklace. I wire wrapped the necklace with red fun wire and hated the result. This last summer I reworked the neckalce with sterling connectors and was much happier with the results. But still I had some issues I didn't like one of the connectors I made with a bali bead so this week I replaced it with a mini-tornado bead. I'm liking this even better but now I'm thinking maybe the flat bali beads should be replaced too, maybe with a small cuchi bead."


This is a great idea - making something new from something old. Maybe it's time to pull out those old, unloved pieces of beaded jewelry and give them new life!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Creatif: $3 or $14?

Creatif - $3 or $14?: "I have spent the last couple hours or so working on some new things. I used some turquoise and coral in a necklace and a matching pair of earrings. I also used SoftFlex beading wire.

I used some aqua-colored glass pearls and metal spacers in another necklace. I used Beadalon beading wire.

What's the difference?

Beadalon is thinner, better for smaller holes, such as with the pearls. SoftFlex is thicker.

Beadalon is $3 at Hobby Lobby. SoftFlex is $14.

The last time I got wire, I got three of each. I'm honestly not going to use any more of the Beadalon. This spool has never held the crimp, breaks easily, and is generally not worth the money I paid for it. It's turning out to actually be more expensive in the long run.

I'll stick with the SoftFlex. And Acculon, when I can find it."


It's always great to get tips from people using various products and giving feedback.
I can't say I've seen either brand here in Australia, but hopefully this will be of value to some USA readers.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

I've gone crazy!

Hello everyone!
Okay, well not COMPLETELY crazy, but I was wandering around the internet looking for stuff on beading - and... well.... I've just added half a dozen articles to this blog!
So I hope you find something of interest there, I know I've had a great time finding it all.
Happy beading!
Felicity 8-)

Beading for Fun and Profit: Bracelet Beading Birthday Parties

By Rena Klingenberg

A birthday bracelet beading party for girls age 5 and up is guaranteed to be a big hit. Most girls are thrilled with the opportunity to make jewelry, and parents appreciate that you're providing both the party favors (the bracelets the girls make to take home) and the party activity (making the bracelets).

I discovered this profitable home beading party niche by accident a few years ago when I was asked if I could do a jewelry make-and-take craft at a 9-year-old girl's birthday party. The girl's mom and I decided on gemstone bead bracelets because necklaces would be too expensive, and not everyone has pierced ears for earrings.

So I came to the birthday party with my bead boxes, bead boards for everyone, a tape measure, accuflex beading wire, little sterling silver toggle clasps, velvet pouches for everyone, and a couple of example bracelets.

I couldn't believe what a huge hit it was! The girls absolutely devoured the project and were thrilled to have real pearls and gemstones on their bracelets.

Now I get calls regularly asking me to come do a bracelet birthday bead party for another girl, and every time I do one, more parties get scheduled from it because the girls enjoy it so much.

Bracelet birthday parties are very easy to do, and they can also earn you a nice profit. I charge $15 per girl for parties of 9 or fewer girls, and $14 per girl for parties of 10 or more. I include a small velvet pouch for each girl to store her bracelet in.

I bring bead boxes that are organized by bead color - and as you might guess, pink and purple are DEFINITELY the most popular beads every time! Fortunately, rose quartz is very inexpensive! :o) Blue beads are the next most popular color. My birthday party beads all cost me $6 or less per 16" strand, and my average profit is around $10 to $12 per girl.

It usually takes me about an hour to get things ready to go to the birthday beading party, drive there, and set up; about another hour to do the bracelet activity with the girls; and another hour to put everything away, chat, eat a piece of birthday cake, give out bracelet birthday party flyers and business cards, and then drive home. So for 3 hours total, I usually net anywhere from $70 to $200 and have a lot of fun with the girls.

Birthday party activities are a very hot market niche, I've discovered, and I recommend trying it out if it sounds at all interesting to you. For successful birthday bracelet beading parties, the keys are to:

• enjoy kids,
  
  
  

• have a sense of fun,
  
  
  

• bring a lot of pink and purple beads (along with other colors), and
  
  
  

• wear comfortable clothes because you'll be sitting on the floor.
  
  
  

While I'm helping the girls make their bracelets at the party, they always want to know how I got into making jewelry. So I tell them about how doing something I love turned me into an entrepreneur, that I build my own websites, and that I invent my own job for myself every day by following opportunities that come up and thinking creatively about things. I can tell they're inspired by that, and I'm glad to plant seeds for future entrepreneurs!

To reach the bracelet beading party niche, I recommend making a nice flyer with a few enticing bracelet photos, a photo of a selection of beads, a brief party description, and your contact info.

Include a flyer for each birthday party guest to take home (most of the girls who are guests at one of my birthday beading parties want to have their own parties). Also inquire at your local elementary schools about including one of your flyers in students' weekly take-home folders. Many schools are happy to do this if you provide the flyer copies.

Other likely places to distribute birthday bracelet beading party flyers (with permission) include ballet / dance / gymnastics studios where girls take lessons; soccer / softball games; craft stores; and pottery painting stores.

About The Author

Rena Klingenberg is a jewelry artist and the publisher of http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com, a collection of thousands of tips on marketing handcrafted jewelry. She also publishes http://www.trade-show-booth-display.com, tips for trade show success on a small budget.

rena@home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

I can see me holding one of these parties for my own little princess before too much longer. Santa is bringing her a magnetic beading set for Christmas, so I've already started getting her addicted!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Making Beaded Jewelry Is Easy to Do

By Sam Serio

Making beaded jewelry is an inexpensive and fun hobby that nearly anyone can do. The materials needed are readily accessible and cost very little money. Aside from the requisite thread, needle and the beads, there are also some other materials that the hobbyist can use in making beaded jewelry. Hobbyists can also experiment with various beading techniques to make interesting and unique creations.

There are several techniques involved in making beaded jewelry. Stringing is one, and wire-working with beads is another. Various types of string are available: cords, plastic, twine. Additionally, silk and nylon threads can also be utilized in making beaded jewelry. Using hemp fiber in beaded jewelry making is a nice touch – it makes for an unusual product and would also be a great topic for conversation. Wire of various thicknesses is another popular option. Additionally, wire is used to make beaded jewelry items such as necklaces, hairpins and earrings, and to attach clasps.

Beads for jewelry come in all shapes and forms as well. In spite of beaded jewelry’s reputation for being inexpensive, a person can also use precious gemstones like pearls and precious metals, such as gold and silver, to make beaded dress accessories. For beginners, however, less costly materials are widely available for making beaded jewelry: glass, crystal, coral, to name a few. Whatever materials the artist uses, he or she is easily able to customize the type of beaded jewelry to be worn personally, given as a gift, or sold to beaded jewelry enthusiasts.

To enhance the overall visual effect of the beads, a number of knotting and stitching techniques are recommended. There are simple knots and stitches for beginners, and with practice, they will be able to progress to the more complicated and fancier methods used in making beaded jewelry. It’s interesting to note that knots have mystical connotations in some cultures. For some East Indians, knots can be used to curse a person. In Gypsy lore, it is important to untie knots in the clothing of a woman in childbirth. And the expression ‘tying the knot’ derives from the ancient Romans, when the groom would untie the knots of his bride’s girdle before consummating the marriage. In which case, it should be ‘untying the knot.’

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Beaded Medical Alert Bracelets

By Richard Romando

If medical bracelet shoppers are looking for a stylish, fashionable medical alert bracelet, they may want to get away from traditional metals and go with beads. Owning a beaded medical alert bracelet is not only nice to wear, but can save your life in the event of a medical emergency. These bracelets, stylish as they are, are imperative for anyone with a medical condition to relay their personal medical information in the event that they cannot do so.

There are many websites on the Internet to help you find a beaded medical alert bracelet that suits you best. From nonprofit organizations that make beaded medical alert bracelets specifically for children to jewelers who make gemstone bracelets that look elegant, there are all sorts of beaded bracelets to suit personal needs and tastes. There are all sorts of beads to choose from in order to make a beaded medical alert bracelet look attractive.

From lamp-work beads and sapphire crystals to turquoise and coral, there are many materials and colors to choose from. Buying a beaded medical alert bracelet is ideal for anyone who wants to remain trendy and colorful, yet still keep authorities informed of their medical condition in the case of a medical emergency. Beaded medical alert bracelets bring a new style to the ever-growing number of designs. They bring an element of color to the medical alert bracelet industry, and offer a creative solution for those who want to discretely wear a bracelet, yet maintain style.

These bracelets are imperative for anyone with a medical condition from diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease to lymphedema and allergies. They not only give live-saving information on behalf of the person wearing it when they cannot speak for themselves; they act proactively to prevent any medical mishaps. Beads provide a classic look that never goes out of style, and can be worn by men, women and children.

Medical Alert Bracelets Info provides comprehensive information about gold, beaded, designer, lyphedema, diabetic, child, senior, and free medical alert bracelets. Medical Alert Bracelets Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

What a great idea!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beads – Size Matters

By Felicity Walker

Picking out beads is one of the most enjoyable parts of making your own jewelry. There are so many color combinations, complementary beads, beautiful handcrafted beads and unique beads; it’s easy to get lost in the process of looking at beads.

As easy as it to get lost playing with beads, there are a few facts that are helpful to know about beads. When you are armed with a little knowledge about beads, you’ll have an easier time reading instructions or have a conversation about beads with a sales person. So let’s look at one of the basics of beads – their size.

One of the best things about beads is that they are consistent in sizing. Not all the beads are the same size, but most use the same method of sizing. Most beads are measured using the metric system; they are sized in millimeters.

For Americans who have desperately been trying to avoid converting to the metric system, this may seem a little intimidating. But before you know it, you’ll be thinking in millimeters.

Most bead stores lay out their bead inventory in small individual compartments. Usually, the compartments are labeled with the size of the beads and the type of beads. For instance, you’ll see a compartment labeled “4 mm blue agate”.

· Small round beads are sized generally from 2mm to 10mm. These beads increase per millimeter size – 2, 3, 4mm, etc.

· Medium to large round beads begin in sizes 12mm to 32mm. Generally, at this size, the beads range in even sizes 12mm, 14mm, 16mm.
Another popular bead shape is oval beads. These beads are measured by their length and width. So, oval beads range from 8mm x 6mm, 10mm x 8mm, up to 40mm x 30mm.

Generally when beads are extremely large, they are referred to as cabochon. A cabochon is a large stone or glass bead. These beads can be a beautiful centerpiece to a necklace or bracelet. Many jewelry designers opt to use cabochons as a setting for wire wrapping, for beading around the cabochon with seed beads, or the cabochons are used in a bezel setting (a metal setting that holds the stone and has a bale attached – a fixture at the top of the setting that makes it easy to use in stringing).

Most of the time, the cabochon is an oval cut, but there are some beautiful glass and stone cabochons that are other shapes. In the case of an oval cabochon, the front of the cabochon is rounded, while the back is flat.

There are far more shapes of beads than merely round or oval, but these are certainly the most common. Now that you have an understanding of how a bead’s sizing is described, you can have more confidence mixing and matching different colours and styles of beads.

The author recently released “The Ultimate Bead Lover’s Guide”. To find out more, check out The Ultimate Bead Lover’s Guide for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Beaded Lanyards: Quasi Jewelry

By Seth Miller

The typical lanyard is a length of basic rope, wire, or cloth that is designed to secure a small object. They are often purchased in large quantities and are fairly inexpensive. Many employees wear lanyards around their neck to secure identification badges while on the job.

Beaded lanyards can be as basic as an inexpensive metallic, beaded chain. They can be ordered through most typical lanyard suppliers and feature a variety of hardware attachments to secure small objects. These lanyards are often in several different lengths and an array of colors.

Other beaded lanyards are quite unique and are referred to by some as jewelry. They are designed by skilled artisans and can be extremely expensive depending upon the type of materials used. The cost of a beaded lanyard depends on the type of beads and wire used in its design. Beaded lanyard patterns may consist of colorful patterns of seed beads, glass beads, crystals, or even gemstones.

The most popular beaded lanyards are used to secure eyeglasses or sunglasses around the neck. They attach to the temples of the glasses, allowing them to hang around the neck when not in use. These exquisite neck lanyards are often referred to as eyeglass necklaces or eyeglass holders. They are a fashionable way to keep track of an item that can be easily misplaced or damaged. Beaded lanyards allow the wearer the freedom to easily put on and remove glasses frequently throughout the day.

Many bead artisans also offer jewelry pieces to coordinate with beaded lanyards. The beaded lanyard patterns are often duplicated in a bracelet, anklet, or pair of earrings.

One drawback of the beaded lanyard is that they are often fragile. They may look elegant but also may not have the durability of a nylon or cotton lanyard when worn frequently.

Lanyards Info provides information on printed, custom, beaded, badge, neck, key lanyards, and cell phone accessories and jewelry. Lanyards Info is the sister site of Lapel Pins Web.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Wholesale Beads: How To Find The Best Wholesale Bead Deals For EBay

By Donny Lowy

Wholesale beads offers resellers high profit margins along with high volume sales, when done right.

Resellers, whether flea market vendors, eBay sellers, or dollar stores, will be faced with competition from online and offline retailers who can buy wholesale beads at a lower price.

To outmaneuver this competition in the wholesale beads business, resellers need to have a strategic plan in place.

Part one of their plan deals with finding the best sources for wholesale beads at the lowest possible prices.

For this reason I would recommend resellers to stay away from drop shippers when looking for wholesale beads.

Since the drop shipper is set up to offer his products to thousands of other resellers, you will not be able to compete based on price. All the resellers are paying the same price to the wholesale beads drop shipper, so how can your prices be lower?

When looking to buy wholesale beads you want to get as close to the source as possible.

Since you will not be able to buy brand name wholesale beads for a lower price than major retailers can, you will want to look for lesser known wholesale bead sellers.

For instance, ABC Beads might not have the name recognition that Party Shop enjoys, but you can show customers that the quality is the same, and as long as your prices are lower some customers should buy the wholesale beads manufactured by ABC Beads.

When you contact these companies looking for wholesale beads ask them for their overstock, overrun, and closeout deals. You would be surprised at the wholesale bead deals you can find from small manufacturers that are looking to move merchandise out.

You can find great wholesale bead deals but it will take some solid leg work.

Donny Lowy is the CEO of http://www.closeoutexplosion.com, an online wholesale and closeout business, and http://www.wholesalecloseoutforum.com, an educational site for the wholesale and closeout business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Thought this might be useful.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Christmas Ornaments - Make Your Own with Beads and Pipe Cleaners

Christmas Ornaments - Make Your Own with Beads and Pipe Cleaners
By Brigitte Smith

Christmas ornaments made from ordinary pipe cleaners and inexpensive acrylic beads are very pretty and easy to make. They look quite impressive yet are easy enough for small children to make. This is one Christmas craft idea to use again and again. Older people will enjoy making this Christmas craft, too, which can be varied to make a number of different sparkling ornaments for your Christmas tree.

To make the bead and pipe cleaner ornaments, you need common pipe cleaners in desired colors and acrylic beads. Two types of beads are particularly effective when strung on pipe cleaners. One type are called sunburst beads, but are also known as paddlewheel beads, snowflake beads, or starburst beads. These beads have six faceted paddles spaced equally around a center that contains the hole for stringing. When several of these sunburst beads are strung consecutively, they fit against each other in an interlocking pattern.

The other type of bead that is also effective for this Christmas craft is called the tri bead or propeller bead. It has three rounded bumps arranged around the stringing hole. Like the sunburst beads, the tri beads interlock when strung consecutively. For the most sparkly and attractive Christmas ornaments, get tri beads and/or sunburst beads in translucent colors of red, green, and clear. The tri beads can also be found in metallic gold and silver which can be used in this Christmas craft as well.

Pipe cleaners can be found in silver and gold tinsel as well as chenille of all colors. For the Christmas craft, the best colors to use are the metallics and Christmas colors. The beads cover the pipe cleaners, but the ends will need to be twisted together and made into hangers, so they show.

Anyone, even small children, can string these beads on pipe cleaners. Bend up the end of the pipe cleaner so the beads don't fall off. The pipe cleaner works like a needle, making a needle unnecessary. For best results, show the children how to alternate colors when stringing, or start a pattern of three colors. When the beads are strung on the pipe cleaners, they can be bent into different Christmas shapes. For instance, string red and clear beads alternately, then bend down one end of the pipe cleaner for a candy cane shape. Or alternate red and green beads and form a circle for a wreath. Use red pipe cleaner to form a small bow to decorate the wreath. Form a hanger for the Christmas craft or simply slip the circle over a branch of the tree.

If you experiment with clear beads and silver pipe cleaners, you can make some beautiful snowflake or star ornaments. Snowflake designs can be twisted of silver pipe cleaner only, without the beads for a simple but pretty decoration.

Bead and pipe cleaner ornaments are a Christmas craft you will find yourself using every year. Children and their parents will both appreciate this simple yet pretty Christmas craft.

Find out more about Christmas ornaments, Christmas gift ideas and more at Christmas Craft Ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Yet another creative use of beads!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Cat's Craftyncer Corner: Candles

Cat's Craftyncer Corner: Candles: "One of the things I made today were these candles.
It was really easy. The brown one is a Fleischmann's Yeast jar, I used glue and made the dots around the jar and let that dry. Then I put on etching cream and let that sit for about five minutes. I washed off the cream and glue, put beading wire around it and a decorative bead.

The other jar was Hormel dried beef (oh my SIL has the best dip recipe using that, cream cheese and other things YUM, maybe she'll make it when I'm up there). I cut out star shapes; big and small, glued them onto the jar and then put the etching cream on. When everything dried I spray painted the inside, used beading wire and decorated beads.

I have a honey jar that is in the shape of a beehive. If I can find yellow paint and etch the jar with little bees or a bear and then I have a little bee and hive in wood I could glue on. Hmmm that sounds like a plan."


These are a really different way of using beads - they'd make great gifts!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Lakien: Lakiens Creations

Lakien: Lakiens Creations: "Beading is a passion of mine and here is a few examples of what I have completed.

If there is anything here that you like and you wish to purchase just email me"


Take a look - whether for inspiration, or to buy something!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

It Goes in the Crack!: Bookthongs -- Just What are They Anyway?

It Goes in the Crack!: Bookthongs -- Just What are They Anyway?: "Bookthongs are nifty little bookmarks made with beads and waxed linen beading cord. I stumbled upon these quite by accident. A dear friend of mine, Silhouette author Linda Conrad, sent me one as a gift.

After careful perusal, I came to one conclusion: I could do this!"


This is a great story of someone discovering a talent for beading & how to make something from that talent, and has great photos too. These are SOOO cute!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Marg's Mumbles - Been Busy

Marg's Mumbles - Been Busy: "Have put up some new bits of jewellery in the site - just to prove that I have been busy in my spare time."

It's worth taking a look at the jewellery on Marg's site, it's gorgeous! I particularly like the blue-green memory wire bracelet.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

A Tale of Two Herringbones

A Tale of Two Herringbones: "The herringbone or Ndebele stitch has been my beadwork bete noire. Ever since taking a class from June Huber at CATS several years ago and walking out in frustration, I've struggled to master this stitch - flat and tubular. No more. As of last night, I have mastered herringbone in both variations!

Over the weekend, while at BeadFest, I took a Flat Herringbone Bracelet class from Alice Korach. With her expert tutelage and clear instructions I managed to get this stitch in less that 10 minutes and nearly finished it during the class period. (Actually finished at lunch on Monday - photo will be posted later.)

Allow me to digress for a moment and encourage anyone with an interest in beading to take a class from Alice if given the opportunity. She's one of the most delightful instructors I've encountered over the years, not just in the beading community, but in all crafts I've dabbled with. She told me she's looking to doing more teaching and should be back on the east coast a bit more in 2006. Yea! I will be looking to see what she's teaching and if it interests me, you know I'll be enrolling."


It's always great to see someone successfully moving on in their beading.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Right-Angle Weave Texture Bracelet by Jennifer Reinwald

This is a really attractive bracelet design, click through and take a look. Jennifer has included all the instructions on how to make it, too, which is extremely generous of her! http://home.ripway.com/2005-7/368514/Rightanglebrace.pdf
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

No Easy Beads: Asymmetrical

"My thistle is almost finished and I couldn't wait until I had the leaves done to scan it. I used a felted bead for the center and a felted stem. The pattern for the thistle is from Diane Fitzgerald's The Beaded Garden. The bead in the picture is felted with bead netting on it."


These are really interesting, I've never seen beads used this way before.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

feRn's GullY: Earrings: Rosy Surprise

feRn's GullY: Earrings: Rosy Surprise: "From running away whenever I take out my beading tools, my mum asked if I can make a pair of dangling earrings for my auntie! "

Hmm could be another beading addict in the making...
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beads – A Brief History by Felicity Walker

What do you think the earliest recorded use of beads is – is your first thought perhaps beadwork created by the Egyptians? Yes, there certainly were a lot of beaded items in Egyptian times, but beadwork has been found dating back to the Stone Age (the Upper Paleolithic period). Beads were added to rudimentary clothing; these beads were made of shells and ivory. Of course, the beads weren’t as finely crafted as later beads, but still, they were beads. So even in caveman times, men and women were interested in improving their clothing and appearance with the use of beads.

The beads that we tend to think of as traditional beadwork are called seed beads – because of their small size they resemble seeds. These beads were used in early beadwork – the work of the Egyptians.

The Egyptians used a type of bead called faience beads. Our seed beads today are made of glass, but Egyptians were using beads long before the invention of glass. Their faience beads were made from quartz particles fused together. A glaze was applied over the quartz. The beads were then woven or strung into a variety of jewelry and clothing.

Beaded necklaces were found in the tomb of King Tut. Other beaded items in his tomb were a pair of slippers he perhaps wore as a child and a hassock. It’s unusual for ancient beadwork to survive since it was strung on cords made from leather and cloth, which tend to disintegrate with age. We are fortunate to have these few examples to give us a perspective on the history of Egyptian beading.

Some religious texts from India refer to beads being woven into hair and into horse’s tails. These references were recorded around the 9th century BC. And beads were also widely used throughout Asia in ancient times. There were beaded items found in temples in Japan that date back to 800 A.D.

Early beads were fashioned from shells, ivory and stone. Early Egyptians valued the beads according to the stone that was used to create the beads. Different stones were thought to have different properties.

Lapis Lazuli, a beautiful blue stone, was believed to protect the wearer’s health. This stone was often fashioned into beads, as were carnelian, feldspar, amethyst, turquoise and jasper – many of the same stones we use today.

Glass was introduced as a component of beads around 1480, when Venice began drawing glass tubes and turning them into beads. Once the technology for pulling glass tubes was invented, it was easy to suddenly produce thousands of beads, all uniform in size, color and shape.

Modern jewelry and beading certainly benefits from the advances made in the production of beads, but there’s no doubt that even today, an individually handcrafted bead can be the star attraction of any beading piece.

The author recently released “The Ultimate Bead Lover’s Guide”. To find out more, check out http://www.beading.learnheaps.com for more information.

CraftiBlog � crochet beaded leather scrunchie

CraftiBlog � crochet beaded leather scrunchie: "I raided my old beading stash and found some leather cord that screamed to be crocheted into something. I added some cheap silver beads and made it the first scrunchie I�ve actually made for myself and would wear! lol"


For those of you who are crocheters as well, this is a great idea - and there's a pattern there too!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Felted bead bracelet

"Ever since my trip to Morehouse Farm yarn store, I can’t stop thinking about little felted balls. I mentioned the idea of trying to make a felted bead bracelet for her friend. She was excited about it so we picked up some colorful wool at A Child’s Garden after school. An hour later Ella, Liam and I were circled around a tub of hot soapy water felting away. After felting, I put the beads in the dryer and then strung them on some stretchy beading cord. That’s it. It was a simple and fun project to do with kids and I’m sure we’ll be making more of these."


These are so cute - my daughter saw the pictures, and now she wants one too!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Sorry for the break...

Hi everyone!
Sorry there's been a bit of a gap in posts for this blog - I guess technology affects us all sometimes! But with a new hard drive and everything running smoothly, things should get back to normal now.
Fingers crossed....
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Artist on display

:: The News-Courier :: Athens, AL: "Artist's beadwork to be displayed here
By Charlotte Fulton, charlotte@athensnews-courier.com

Though Julia Harper began beading just six years ago, she's so enamored of the intricate craft that her 'stash' has grown to include thousands of beads in every shade and hue imaginable.

The Huntsville woman says she never goes out without wearing one of her beaded necklaces - and usually a bracelet as well.
Harper will be at the Beasley Center in Athens from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Monday, at the invitation of the Southern Stitchers Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America. The public is invited to meet her and see the beaded items which Harper has spent hundreds of hours crafting."


Sounds interesting! I particularly liked the description of her bead "stash".
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Wild Wire Product Review - Crafts for Kids

Wild Wire Product Review - Crafts for Kids: "Wire jewelry and wire creations are a great way to introduce
crafting to kids. They can make necklaces, rings, flowers, animals, insects, creatures and sculptures � whatever they can imagine!

To make wire crafts you need at least 4 things; colored wire, wire cutters, round-nosed pliers and a pair of flat/chain-nose pliers. The materials are available in most craft stores and can be purchased inexpensively. Beyond that, there are all sorts of fancy tools available to help make shaping the wire easier."

This article mentions some great resources for introducing wire crafts and beading to kids.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Atlanta�s Bead Extravaganza, Promoted by The Down The Street Bead Show, Coming to Duluth, Georgia, Gwinnett Center September 23, 24, 25

Atlanta�s Bead Extravaganza, Promoted by The Down The Street Bead Show, Coming to Duluth, Georgia, Gwinnett Center September 23, 24, 25: "Atlanta�s Bead Extravaganza, promoted by The Down the Street Bead Show, is coming to the Duluth, Georgia, Gwinnett Center September 23rd, 24th, and 25th.

Atlanta�s Bead Extravaganza will prove to be a fun and exciting event for all who love beads and jewelry.

All will be amazed at what some bead makers and designers are doing in glass, seed beads, metal, polymer clay, and many other mediums. The beading business is hot right now and is spawning a very large new interest in jewelry design. The bead business alone has grown to a $1 billion-plus industry nationally.

Many beaders, jewelry designers, and glass bead makers are moving towards adding metals including PMC, Precious Metal Clay, and other mediums to their bead and jewelry designs. At this time, the jewelry design business is in a major renaissance and is at the most exciting time that it has ever been. "

Great news for anyone near Atlanta!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beading - so many possibilities

The Network of If: Beading - so many possibilities: "One of my favorite styles of necklaces to make is a really long strand of seed beads interspersed with a contrasting, larger bead. I saw Ashley Judd in an interview once and whatever the necklace she was wearing stuck with me. I don't know the materials, or even if it was made of a string of beads. But it looked like it was a long strand wrapped twice or thrice. And so I've been making my own variations ever since. This week I've made a few, and also these 'everything' necklaces. Actually had a couple of commissions when someone saw one I was wearing. There's absolutely no pattern and I love how you can wear these with lots of things.

The two on the right, that is. All of these are glass beads and since they include any kind of bead I like, you really can wear them for an occasion or just with jeans and a teeshirt. I've worn - and seen - them worn each way. Obviously the first two are more appropriate when matched with complementary colors. But the nicely versatile quality they possess is that you can wear them long or wrapped multiple times for a shorter outcome. "

I love the amazing mix of colours.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

MVTimes Online - The Martha's Vineyard Times: Island News Now

MVTimes Online - The Martha's Vineyard Times: Island News Now: "�We should have a store like this in our town.�

Sally Roesler of Vineyard Haven, the owner and operator of Beadniks, has overheard this phase within the walls of her beading and craft business enough times to expand once again. This time to a franchise.

An investor may now bring the Vineyard Haven-based storefront into a town of his or her own � provided they receive the approval of Beadniks Group Inc. and pay a franchise fee of $35,000, included in the overall estimated start-up cost of $244,667 to $419,183.

Franchising was the next logical step to Ms. Roesler, whose business began as a one-room store and mail order catalog, The Bead Goes On, in 1989. Since then, Beadniks has expanded into a crafting compound with offices, warehouse, and expansive showroom that swallowed a neighboring building. "


Maybe we should all think bigger....
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

beading interrupted

beading interrupted: "My little Sajji man thought the perfect way to get my attention was to lay down on the beads. Now he is blissfully taking a nap and my work is apparently done for the day...or at least he says it is."

What a gorgeous photo! Guess who rules this household....
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Unusual earrings....

a tale of two knitties: i wish i could crochet: "
i wish i'd made these
check out these crocheted, beaded earrings i got at anthropologie"

What an unusual use of beading!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Some different beads...

Lori Anderson Designs: Bead Mercantile: "But by far the best thing was a set of porcelain beads by Joan Miller -- for ME! I met her at the Bead and Button show in Milwaukee -- very nice lady who I actually met on the plane on the way over because I admired her necklace. At Bead and Button, I bought one of her beads for someone as a gift but ran out of money before I could buy something for myself. I'd already purchased some very cool, unusual (and expensive, yikes) 'jacks' silver beads from her, and these beads will go with the silver....

I love how eclectic they are! And these are so not my colors -- well, the purple is, but I was looking for a set that was a total mix of colors and patterns and textures. "

These are gorgeous - I've never seen beads like these before.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

FluffyKnitterDeb: By special request, Beading Made Easy!

FluffyKnitterDeb: By special request, Beading Made Easy!: "As promised, here's the scoop on beaded knitting, crochet style. I much prefer this method because it saves me from having to string hundreds of beads onto my yarn, a pretty onerous task if ya ask me! Plus it saves wear and tear on the yarn since you don't have to slide all those beads along the length of the yarn as you do with the knitted on method. Lastly, I feel this method 'seats' the bead on the knitting better because you place the bead over BOTH legs of the stitch, unlike the knitted on method where sometimes the beads slip to the purl/private side and are difficult to see in the knitted fabric. So let's begin...."

If you are interested in learning how to add beads to your knitting, then I recommend you click on the link to read this lady's blog, it's a fabulous explanation. I've included a photo of some beaded knitting she's done as a sample.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

More on beaded bookmarks....

EZ Crafts - BLOGestates.com - FREE BLOGs for the PLANET: "Beaded Bookmarks
Materials
17 inches of 3/8 inch wide double-faced satin ribbon for each bookmark
Scissors
Beads with large openings

To Make A Fringed Bookmark You Will Need:

Beading needle
2 silver beads
Silver seed beads
White beading thread
Silver-lined, large rocaille beads

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Tie a knot 1-inch from the end of the ribbon. Slide bead (or beads) from the opposite end of the ribbon up to the knot. Tie a knot on the other side of the bead(s) to hold in place.

2. For the other end of the bookmark, measure 10 inches from the inside knot and tie another knot. Put on the bead(s) and slide up to the knot. Tie another knot against the last bead.

3. Trim the ribbon ends.
Concept from Sierra Pacific Crafts

Hints
1. To personalize a bookmark, write a name on the ribbon using a permanent marker.
2. Make both beaded ends the same and use your ribbon as a gift tie to cinch up a surprise sack.
3. Use alphabet beads to spell a name or word. Wisdom, Love, Friends etc.
4. Make a fringe with seed beads and mirrored beads and sew to each end of the ribbon.
5. Use school colors for quick 'n easy fund raiser projects.
6. Make up a batch of these and award them to friends for Thank You gifts."


I thought these instructions might be useful!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

tinkerhell gets buff: Chill day

tinkerhell gets buff: Chill day: "Kristin, MIL and I have been doing some beading (I have an embarrassingly disorganized collection of beads of various types and sizes) and that's actually been quite a bonding experience. MIL designs Nepali jewelry and she brought along some beautiful stones (plus some awesome jewelry for me -- emerald drop earings and a lovely matching necklace). Fingers x'd it continues to go well!"

Getting along with your mother-in-law is always a good thing. Hooray for beading!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

New Pearl Earrings - The Jewelry and Beading Blog

New Pearl Earrings - The Jewelry and Beading Blog: "I've made a few pair of threader earrings for her daughter who works at the court house, and now "mom" decided she needs a pair too. The pearls are round freshwater, very nice quality, about 8mm. I got them from the last wholesale show I went to. I strung them on 24-gauge soft gold-filled round wire, and included a gold-filled corrugated bead on top. I used the wrapped loop technique to attach the beads to the threader component."

I love these - so simple and yet so elegant.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Clean Sweep Jewelry Studio - The Jewelry and Beading Blog

Clean Sweep Jewelry Studio - The Jewelry and Beading Blog: "Here it is...the top of my jewelry making desk! This is where I make most of my jewelry in what I call my corner studio. After Rocky and Jasper went ballistic, I had to put everything away. Of course, now the challenge is to get back to work. It looks so nice and clean. I can't remember when I've seen the top of the desk like that before. "

This is just plain scary.... hehehehe!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Jewel Mine - Semi-precious Stone Pebble in Wire Wrap

Jewel Mine - Semi-precious Stone Pebble in Wire Wrap: "I have a batch of semi-precious stone pebbles, rose quartz and cintrine, all without a hole to string through, rough cut but smooth surface.
Bought it during a cryatal shop closing down sales, quite a good bargain, so without second thought I just bought a bag (about 20 pieces in one bag).
After brought it home I seriously have no idea what to do with it, it didn't come with a drilled hole, smooth surface, not a single cut on the surface for the wire to hold.
Since I don't do soldering, the only way I can think about to hold the beads is wire wrapping."

The original blog entry has a great photo too! Very pretty.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Those beaded bookmarks...

Hi everyone!
I've had a few people ask me how to make the beaded bookmarks mentioned in an earlier post, and the author of that blog post has very kindly passed on some information about how they are made. I hope you find it useful
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

I learned how to do the beaded bookmarks in a basic beading class I took. They're really simple. You put seed beads in the middle so it fits in the book. Then you put a design of lager beads on either side, which will hang outside the book. You just string them on basic beading wire and place a crimp bead on either end. I like to finsh off the ends with charms but it's not necessary.

Laura

The Basics: Weaving Beads on a Loom

The Basics: Weaving Beads on a Loom: "One of my favorite beading techniques is to Weave Beads on a Loom. You can make bags, purses, tapestries, necklaces, bracelets and more. There are so many beautiful pattern books for loom weaving, including Out on a Loom by Margie Deebs, Designs for Beading on a Loom by Don Pierce, Those Bad, Bad Beads by Virginia Blakelock and The Little Coin Purse by Carol Devlin. "

Some good references there.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Lingfield Park Beadworkers Fair July 2005: Seed beads

Lingfield Park Beadworkers Fair July 2005: Seed beads: "Two lots of seed beads bought from The Bead Merchant. I like the way they put colours together in their boxed sets of beads.
The green and blue beads are delicas. I'm not 100% sure what they'll be used for - I have several projects in mind for them!
The pastel tones are size 15s (the size of seed beads refers to how many in an inch - so the larger the number, the smaller the bead. 15 is the smallest size made today, although you can find older beads for sale that go down to size 24!). I'm planning on making a spiral rope lariat from them, inspired by a necklace on display at the Beadworkers Guild stand."

I couldn't resist this photo...
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Tiara tips

test �: "The 5 pieces of heart shape crystal was from Swarovsky Crystal, pretty expensive but worth the price, because it really gives a real sparkling effect. And this crystal will turn yellow tint when place on the black background, and turn blue when place it on white background, pretty cool shade.
The pearls is glass pearl from Czech, it look more real than the usual plastic pearl we got from the market, also the weight of the glass make it look more solid than the plastic. "

My daughter would LOVE this!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Something from nothing...

ljpinko: la de da: "i got out some beads and other things then the idea hit me when i was looking at a bunch of old purses i had saved- i should make a purse. basically my idea was to re-craft the outside of a purse to make it look totaly different and then add new straps to it too.

i basically did this all day.. from like 1 to 5 i was making this purse. i actually got pretty into it with sewing and beading and all you could tell i was quite bored but atleast i was doing something other then watching tv lol. the finished product turned out pretty... for someone who made a purse. i mean obivously it doesn't look like anything out of a magazine but hey wutcha you gonna do."


It's amazing what you can do when you start.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

The Ultimate Bead Lover's Guide

The Ultimate Bead Lover's Guide: "I've just released an amazing new ebook called 'The Ultimate Bead Lover's Guide'. It covers everything you need to know to start getting addicted to beading.
When I first started beading, I was completely confused. There were so many choices to make, and I had NO IDEA what I was doing.
Which needle, thread and clasp should I use for the beads I liked?
Which equipment did I really need?
How was I going to work out how many beads I needed to make the piece?
My list of questions seemed endless! Let alone worrying about how to make my piece come out right, finish it in a professional looking way, and make sure it didn't break the first time I wore it.
My head was spinning!
Imagine being able to shortcut all of these questions and decisions!"

I'm so excited that this is finally available!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Rapidly growing trend

- toledoblade.com -: "Julia Robertson disagrees with her landlord�s assessment that her third expansion in four years was simply the result of poor planning.
Instead, she said, it�s the result of underestimating the beading and jewelry-making trend in the hobby world.

�I didn�t expect it to take off as quickly as it did,� said the owner of the Meant to Bead store, in 2,100 square feet of space at 6540 West Central Ave. in Sylvania Township. It has more than 8,000 items.
The draw of beads, in all shapes, sizes, and textures from countries all over the world, is increasingly felt in Toledo and beyond, with Bead & Button magazine estimating it is a $2 billion industry.

Craftrends magazine said participation in beading increased in all age groups from 2002 to 2004, and roughly 35 percent of all crafters participate in the hobby."

Interesting look at the business side of beading.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Random thoughts: On the beading front:

Random thoughts: On the beading front:: "Today I spent all day in a WONDERFUL class at Crystal Bead Bazaar.
The teacher was Sherry Serafini and she taught a bead embroidered broach.
Every one was different and here's mine.

I've finished the initial beading. Now I need to decide which way is up. :-)
I have decided it will be a pendant, not a broach. So I'll be making a strap to hang it on after I figure out which direction is up. I'm also likely to put more fringe on it as well as hanging off the bottom.

The big cab is a paua shell, the small ones are turquoise. There are also two silver pearls.

This was SO much fun to do and the class was a great experience!"

This is gorgeous, I've always loved paua shell.
Anyone want to suggest which way is up?!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

VioletBeadBlog: Unshelling the hermit in me

VioletBeadBlog: Unshelling the hermit in me: "It�s amazing how good I feel when I have been beading. I am energized for everything. It both enhances and interrupts my sleep! It�s just an all around good feeling to be creative again. "

It's amazing what being creative can do for you.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beaderheads??

: "Bob and Gail Anderson are 'beaderheads.'
Beaderheads are die-hard bead addicts who like to seek out bead shops.
For bead addicts, it's not just looking or browsing. These people view trays or strings of blue lace agate, Dalmatian jasper, crazy lace quartz, blue tiger eye or African jade as priceless.
Bob and Gail Anderson are part of the local beader community. They would rather run their fingers through strands of beads than win the lottery.
Well maybe not, but it's close.
Beaderheads covet unique beads "

What a great story!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Fascinating artwork

Sonji Says...: Bundle Sunday in Front of the Fan: "So, I sat in front of a fan today and made bundles, read the paper, did some beading. It was too hot to even fuse some ideas together."

These are gorgeous!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Getting organised...

jamelah.net:blog: "I spent five hours on Saturday cleaning off my beading table and organizing things into labeled bins. Did I really need to spend five hours doing this? Well, no, but if I'm going to organize something, I'm going to do it right. While I am glad that everything is in its place and all is right with the world, I really wish that beading didn't involve so many tiny individual pieces. Is there such a thing as a hobby that doesn't need supplies?"

Any suggestions?
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Look out future spouse....

Gene�eolian: A Day in the Life.....: "And now I'm on this beading kick again - but just not any beads - Swaroski Crystal AB beads. Even better if they are VINTAGE. Man, I am expensive (warning to future spouse). I've even created a spreadsheet to track all the different ones I can find....the differenct cuts/shapes were referred to as Articles. Vintage will be 39, 3700, 346, 340, etc, while the newer ones are 5100, 5000, 5004, 5003, 5040, 5200, 5300, 5301 etc."

Now that's an expensive beading addiction!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

My Perdy Necklace

procrsti-knitter: My Perdy Necklace: "Roxana and I went to a local bead fair last week, and I spent too much, suprise suprise. BUT I DID finally make something out of them! Every time I have tried beading I have liked the outcome, but I just don't do it much. I feel like it is kind of a 'cop out' craft 'cause it's so easy. I know I shouldn't think this way, but I do.

I would like to do it more, and get into the crazy stuff like chain maille (sp?) and longer term stuff like that. Still, I am proud of this necklace. But I'm just a freak and I'm afraid it looks too cheap or too home made or too costume jewelryish. Oh well, we're our own worst critics.

Here's a close up!"


What a great effort, I love the colour.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Talking Woman Beads: Stuff and Nonsense

Talking Woman Beads: Stuff and Nonsense: " I also finished that ruby red net today. That thing just didn't want to get done. I started it on friday, and it took me 3 days to finish it. I'm not sure, but I think IT didn't want to be made. Never had so much trouble with them before....just this one. Ah well, all is good now, and I'll add it here too. "


Some really great pieces.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

henryherald.com

henryherald.com: "Locust Grove woman is big on beads
By Aisha I. Jefferson
Locust Grove resident Helene McDonald has a fascination with beads.
Even when she is not using the beads to make bracelet or necklace creations, the 61-year-old Norfolk Southern Railroad retiree said she buys beads sometimes just for the heck of it.
'They are all unique and different,' McDonald said. 'There's just millions and millions of beads - there's an unlimited amount of beads.'"


Another beading addict! Great story.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Summer shoes

Bradenton Herald | 07/21/2005 | Summer shoes: "Beaded BOHO
Why this shoe kicks it up a notch: It's pink, one of the year's hottest hues; decorated with sequins and beads, it has an ethnic look.
Wear with: Jeans, solid-color gypsy skirts, cropped pants.
What this shoe says about you: Your taste leans toward bohemian; you appreciate ethnic-looking clothes and accessories; you're laid-back and don't worry about arch supports.
Celebrity sole sisters: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, actresses and media moguls."


Can't say I've ever noticed any media moguls wearing beaded sandals, but anyway....
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Free Beading Lessons by E-Mail

Free Beading Lessons by E-Mail: "Free Beading Lessons by E-Mail
Learn that beading stitch you've always wanted to know. These Free Beading Lessons by E-Mail are delivered right to your in-box and are absolutely free, leaving you all that money to buy more beads! "

Could be worth checking out!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Matching bracelet & Anklet

Knitting Maniac: New Project! and totally complete WIP Collage ;-): "I dipped my fingies back into the world of beading yesterday. I made a ton of kewl stitch markes :) I love using them for the fair isle! and complicated lace is nice with them too. I also made a bracelet and matching anklet that I just LOVE! I used an old hematite bracelet that I haven't worn for ages ... 20 gauge wire (my first experience using it and bending and twirling it around itself). Anyways, I think it turned out just awesome! "

I love hematite, so this matching set really takes my fancy!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)
PS Of course I can never remember whether it's hematite or haematite...

Beaded Impressions Sponsors Beadwork Tip Site at LifeTips.com

Beaded Impressions Sponsors Beadwork Tip Site at LifeTips.com: "Leading online bead and jewelry supply retailer Beaded Impressions� (http://www.abeadstore.com) has signed on to sponsor a Beadwork Tip Site published at LifeTips.com (http://www.lifetips.com), one of the largest online publishers of free tips and advice.
The new Beadwork Tip Site (http://Beadwork.lifetips.com) answers readers' questions about beading and jewelry supplies. The site provides in-depth advice on selecting different semi-precious beads, findings and supplies. Readers can also subscribe to receive a free weekly beadwork tips newsletter."

Cool!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beads...

M's Page: Beads...: "Ever since I was little I have loved beading. While on the hunt for Cavier Beads for my bridesmaids dresses I can across a great site called Bead Needs. It's got some lovely beads. I'm still looking for cavier bead though! if anyone can point me in the right direction I'd greatly appreciate it!"

A great resource!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beaded stitch holders

freddyknits - knitting, yarn, books, kids, and random musings: Non-verbal communication: "I've gone a bit crazy making these stitch holders. My friend Sue from my old yarn store job just opened a bead store with her daughter - Stony Creek Bead and Gallery in Ypsilanti (no website yet that I can find). If you are into beading and live in SE Michigan, you should go. Hell, even if you aren't into beading and live in Ohio or the UP or the midwest, for that matter, you should go, but beware - the allure of the small lovely bits of shimmery beauty will suck you in and you will never be the same."

Now that's the truth!
Hmmm.... stitch holders, now there's an idea!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Pretty beaded presents...

Loopy: A Hogwarts Honey with Ladder Yarn & Beads: "I did enjoy prowling around among the tables. I couldn't resist buying some cute beaded gifts for my girls.

Caitlyn got a tiny beaded butterfly (see below) but she's also coveting Ginny's present.

For Ginny, I picked up a similar tiny sparkly something. (Ginny, do *not* click on the green box below.) "


These are both gorgeous. Looks like a great place to visit if you're in Memphis when it's on!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Talking Woman Beads: Net Necklaces

Talking Woman Beads: Net Necklaces: "Net Necklaces

It came to me a bit ago, I haven't posted pics of 2 new necklaces, LOL!! So here they are. The teal and turq net, is very simple looking, but elegant in it's own right. The Brown and Jasper is, if I may say so myself, stunning. My scanner doen not do it justice at all. The gold flecks in the Jasper, match the gold in the lineing of the brown, which is a sparkly bead too. "


These are great designs.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beaded bookmarks

Knits For Sanity: Beading: "Bookmark #1: This is one of my favorites. It's the first one I made. It's getting easier to design bookmarks the bigger my bead stash gets. I have a lot more choices than I had before."

Beaded bookmarks? I never thought of that, but these look terrific.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Blood Orange bracelet

Shooting Star Beads: Blood Orange bracelet: "Today I was working on a large 'Blood Orange' bracelet for a customer. Blood Orange is a combination of ruby red and orange fruit."

this bracelet is stunning - it's a shame I can't copy the photo as well, I recommend you take a look.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Spiral beading begins...

carolsblog: PO'd...or maybe not.: "I have been beading. The weather cooled and greyed, so I felt able to hunch under my good light indoors and start a blue herringbone spiral, probably aimed at being a necklace for my mother. The 'probably' being because she has requested that she be able to take it on and off over her head without undoing a clasp, a reasonable request given her age and small amount of arthritis, clasps are very fiddly. And I am not as yet experienced enough to know how many beads I need for a project unless it is a 'recipe'. Silly picture - one session's progress marked: "

It will be interesting to watch this project progress.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Style & Substance: How beadwork became latest charity chic

Style & Substance: How beadwork became latest charity chic: "The next hot trend in U.S. charity fashion may come out of this unlikely little workshop where a South African health organization called The Mothers' Programmes is helping to sustain unemployed HIV-infected mothers and their babies. The U.S.-bankrolled endeavor recently launched Mothers Creations, a beading program for the infected women of this miles-long slum, where officials say the unemployment rate hovers at around 90 percent.
Churning out a variety of accessories, including cellphone pouches, bracelets, lanyards and condom carrying cases, Mothers Creations has netted more than two million rand in profits ($300,000) since it was started in November 2003, charity officials say. The money has enabled some of the 100 or so female workers to purchase homes.
Thanks in part to a former Los Angeles television producer who now heads the group's umbrella organization, Mothers Creations beads are being catapulted into the international fashion scene."


Really interesting article about how beaded products are making a different in the lives of these mothers.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Bras for a cause

Bras for a cause: Exhibit, raffle benefit breast cancer
� � �: "Glynn began sewing when she was 8 and later worked as a wardrobe designer, most notably on the film 'Canadian Bacon,' which she also produced. In the 1990s she took up quilting, crocheting, embroidery, beading and crazy quilting, a combination of the techniques.
She created her ArtBra, 'Double Happiness,' from Asian fabrics, silk fibers, silk ribbon, Mokuba ribbons, Chinese cloisonne cinnabar and jade beads.
Glynn also designed the ArtBra 'Torch Lake Blues' for a July 30 raffle in conjunction with the exhibit. On display at PK Interiors in Alden, it features hundreds of embroidery stitches, glass beads, sequins, hand-dyed lace, silk ribbon roses and leaves, and a clay cabochon by local jewelry designer Linda Blair."

What a fabulous way to raise money for cancer research.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Cool costume

World Domination Plans: Time After Time the Countdown - 4 days: "I've just been doing some beading on my costume for Calisthenics: I've been periodically doing the beading on it. It's for a dance that we're doing to the 'Cancan' and 'Diamond's Are a Girls' Best Friend' music from Moulin Rouge. It's supposed to look like a corset-y thing, but I havn't finished the beading. The white-ish beading at the top is what I've been doing and I have to repeat it 3 more times on the back and 4 on the back...and I guess I'll post more pics when I finish beading it "


My goodness, an Aussie girl! My niece was nuts about calisthenics, and my sister spent countless hours working on her costumes. They never looked so good up close, but they looked FABULOUS on stage. The makeup was a bit scary up close though. hehehe
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

If money were growing on trees - what would I do?

seeker: if talent had no limit...: "
... I'd be making gorgeous jewelry with wire and beads and metals. My jewelry would become a must-have item with celebrities, and funky people would stop by just to help create their own unique pieces. "

What a great dream!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Great bracelet design...

the knitrider... erika's chicago knitting blog!: "I managed to get off my butt and do some more beading. I finished a bracelet for my mom that she has been wanting.

She really likes it! She has been wanting something with silver in it, so i got some spacer beads and made one up for her. I made another one for myself, with just the deep red beads and some smaller silver beads. Its not so different, so i didnt get any images up. "


I love this bracelet - and not just because it has lots of green, my favourite colour...! hehehe
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Sweater Update

Sweater Update; My Life's a Sitcom (www.rayne-of-tara.blog-city.com): "I just keep saying it ... I love this sweater! The yarn is great, it's a fun project, that doesn't feel indefinite and interminable. It will have beading coming up shortly. I ordered the beads from a fabulous website known as Earth Faire only a few days ago, and received them today. That's a great company, by the way - really cool products, good prices, and extraordinarily good service. No affiliation, just a happy customer.
So, beads in my knitting will be a new experience I'm looking forward to trying."


There seems to be a neverending variety of ways to use beads - I never thought of using them in knitting! I'm really looking forward to seeing further progress on this sweater, just to see how it works.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Enter the colorful world of beading

PoughkeepsieJournal.com - Enter the colorful world of beading: "'Since the beginning of time people have adorned themselves with beads,' says Joan Allard of The Bead Tree in West Falmouth, Mass. 'They are beautiful, make wonderful designs and are once again popular.'
Allard, one of the 25 vendors at the ExpoUSA International Innovative Beads Expo, says people who like to work with their hands enjoy beading. She says it not that hard to string beads together."

So where the heck is Poughkeepsie anyway? Sounds like a good Expo to visit!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Prada says it all...

Fashiontribes.com: THE PERFECT SANDALS TO GET YOU THROUGH THE MID-SUMMER HEAT WAVE-FROM GLADIATOR STYLES BY TARA SUBKOFF FOR EASY SPIRIT TO TWEETY HAVAIANAS, FASHIONTRIBES RUNS THE GAMUT, AND HAS YOUR BASES COVERED-PODCAST: "Prada MULTICOLOR BEADED SANDAL-$575.00 Proof that sandals are everywhere-this is PRE-FALL! Prada always has such lovely detailing- I love the beading. Because the style is so simple, they can work dressed down. The beaded accent gives them the ability to kick it late into the night as well."

Hey, if Prada says that beading is the coolest thing in sandals, why argue? And why pay $575 for theirs???
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

It's not easy being green....

Insight into me: Gratitude: "Song of the Day: It's not easy being green. Thank you, Kermit the Frog.

Today, I had a beaded bracelet and matching earrings, that coincidently matched my new name tag string at work that all matched my new Green T-shirt. Thank you, beading addiction."


Green is my favourite colour! And I still have a Kermit the Frog from when I was a kid....
And the great thing about beading - you can make whatever you want to match any clothes you own!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Waiting For Ships Finished!

Mindy Memories: Waiting For Ships Finished!: "Can't write much now, but wanted to post her. Stitching took me about 70 hours, beading about 11. I really love the look of her on this fabric -- so worth the money for the beads and treasures :)"


This is a beautiful design, combining different skills.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Bearden West - Bead Artists

KnoxNews: Bearden West: "Bead mania infected Knoxville several years ago, and there's no sign of it letting up anytime soon.
If you've stopped by one of those 'make-it-yourself' bead shops and tried to make some jewelry, you've probably discovered it's more difficult than it looks. Stringing beads on a cord is simple, of course. But with a rainbow of colors, not to mention textures, shapes and sizes, a jewelry project can quickly become overwhelming. Several of those who are inspired, rather than overwhelmed, have their beaded jewelry on display at The Southern Market. "

This sounds like a really cool place to go - now all I have to do is work out where Bearden West is! I'm assuming Tennessee somewhere....
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Wizardy Bracelets - Beadwork

Wizardy Bracelets - Beadwork: "More bracelet patterns, this time in square stitch!
For information on how to do square stitch, check out Out on a Whim Beads, she's got an excellent tutorial for square stitch in her classroom, as well as having wonderful service and colors.
I used Delica beads for my example, and like the last set of bracelet
patterns I really suggest starting in the middle so you can size it
properly to your wrist. "

Some interesting bracelet tips and designs, along with photos.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

The Glass Slippers

The Glass Slippers: Sunday Evening Thoughts.: "But it was the beading that made them so special, so I am now working on putting the same beading on another kind of sandal that will be just as drop dead gorgeous. "


Beading on sandals - now there's a clever idea. Great story, too!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)