We will be making this gorgeous pearl cuff using memory wire and spacer bars.  A little different that the cuff made in the St Albans class – a lot quicker!!

Only two classes left – memory wire cuffs then wrapped wire rings!  What will we do all summer without Tuesday evening’s creative therapy?!!!

I surprise myself even now at how, if I have Beautiful beads, I can create gorgeous jewellery using the simplest of techniques.  These fabulous, marbleised acrylic beads look stunning in this stretchy cord bracelet.  Quick, only 10 minutes, and easy, just thread onto stretchy cord and tie a surgeon’s knot and it is all ready to wear!

Tonight’s class at Dacorum will be learning to crochet and make this gorgeous twisted bracelet.  Students will have a choice of beads but I love using pearls and crystals.  I think it is the satin finish of the glass pearls mixed with the twinkling facets of crystals that appeals.  Pewter cones and clasp give a vintage taste to the timeless beauty of this bracelet.

This week our Thursday class will be learning to make Daisy Chains from seed beads.  This technique has offers lots of possibilities with so many different variations.  It is fun and really easy.

I bought these lava beads when I was in Hawaii two years ago.  I wish I could say that I was going back again this summer – but that’s not the case.  However, not only was I able to get some really cool beads like the lava and coral used in this bracelet, but I also learned some new techniques, particularly working with wire.

The technique is easy and there are step by step instructions in my book (available at Michaels or from Amazon).

One of my students, Jane Gregory, who took last summer’s ‘Learn to Teach Beginning Jewellery’ course has included jewellery classes in her programme of craft workshops. She is an incredibly talented lady with a sincere desire to share the love of creativity with others.

She is situated in one of the most beautiful areas of England so I encourage you, do whatever you can to take a class with Jane.  The link to her website is:  http://www.addicted2craft.com/classes/147-coiling-gizmo-jewellery-class-sun-23rd-june.html

The Coiling Gizmo class uses the same tool as I use to make the bird nest beads and by the response I had to my recent posts with these gorgeous beads, you won’t want to miss learning what other things you can make with the Coiling Gizmo!

Memory wire bracelets continue to be popular – whether used in the traditional coils as the wood  and metal bracelet shown or the cuffs that we have been making in our St Albans classes (see previous posts).

Memory wire is so quick and easy that it is one of the first projects we make in my beginners courses.  Nevertheless, even my advanced students love to use this medium for showcasing their favourite beads!

This project is from my book:  Creative Beaded Jewelry – 33 Exquisite Designs Inspired by the Arts of China, Japan, India and Tibet

So many people have contacted me about these memory wire cuffs, asking for more – so here is a design using 6mm pearls and 6mm bicones, but this time the colours are reversed with the clear crystal in the middle and rose coloured pearls – giving it a bit of a vintage look!

Side view - showing the ends with dangles!

There are still 4 workshops left before we break for summer!  If you would like to join the St Albans group – please contact me at:  carolyn@schulz.co.uk

Last night all students successfully made their bird nest beads.  Some even completed their ladder chain bracelets!!

Here is one design using bird nest beads which is unusual and which I like quite a lot.  Want to try some variations – when I have time!!

Posts may be a bit sporadic for a while – I am travelling to the US and will be away a week – but I will be posting!!

Last week I posted a bracelet made with bird nest beads which Tuesday’s class will be making tomorrow.  Todays piece uses the bird nest beads as charms that dangle from a chain charm bracelet.

Bird nest beads can be long and thin or short and fat – depending on the look you wish to achieve.  They are very easy and fun to make – and aren’t they unusual – adding a bit of the unusual?