Monday at the Craft & Hobby Show

Posted on 31 January, 2012 by carolyn

I’m having some difficulties with the internet access at my hotel. Tried 3 times yesterday to upload photos to share, but it just wasn’t having it! Hopefully I will find a way to do it, eventually!

Meanwhile, just to let you all know…

Had a fabulous class with BeadSmith, learning to do Kumihimo! Can’t wait to do more and indeed, to share it on a Creative Jewellery show soon!

Off to California and Arizona

Posted on 29 January, 2012 by carolyn

I am flying to California today to attend my 23rd CHA (Craft & Hobby Association – International trade association for the creative industry) Show. I am so excited about seeing long time industry friends and new products and ideas!! I will even be taking two classes, one on wire work and the other on Kumihimo!! So watch this space to see how I get on!

On Wednesday, I will be driving to Arizona in order to attend my very first, Tucson Bead & Gem Show. I have no idea what to expect but have been told over and over again that it will blow my socks off!! I will let you know!!

Have a great week, everyone!!

Shamballa/Friendship Bracelets

Posted on 28 January, 2012 by carolyn

In February’s Creative Jewellery show I will be showing how to make a Shamballa or Friendship bracelet. So I’ve been playing with all sorts of materials and beads from the guys at Bijoux by Me. Here is one I really like!

I picked the colours from a new sweater I got for Christmas!

Black & White Coiled Necklace

Posted on 27 January, 2012 by carolyn

Stunning coiled wire beads made from the deluxe coiling gizmo by Beadalon

As promised, here is the first of several pictures of the samples that we had on one of Wednesday’s Creative Jewellery shows. The Deluxe Coiling Gizmo allows you to make these unusually gorgeous beads very easily and quickly – and it is great fun! If you’re quick – there may be a few gizmos (the kit includes loads and loads of wire!) as well as beads and chain left on the website: www.QVUK.com

Deluxe Coiling Gizmo from Beadalon

Chain and findings kit from Bijoux by Me

6 strands of black glass beads from Solid Oak

Great Show – Thank you for the feedback

Posted on 26 January, 2012 by carolyn

We had such fun yesterday, making jewellery and showing how easy it is to get started! Thank you for all your emails and messages.

The next show is 21st Feb, when we will have a special guest, Wyatt from Beadalon. So be sure to put it in your diary.

Creating basic dangling earrings

Posted on 26 January, 2012 by admin

1. Make the bottom part of the earring by threading your choice of bead/s onto a head pin and make a loop.

2. To make the top portion of the earring, thread your choice of beads onto an eye pin and make a loop.

3. Twist the loop of the head pin (step 1) to open it and attach it to one loop of the eye pin (step 2).

4. Twist the other loop of the eye pin to open it, and attach to the loop of the ear wire.

The flat technique for using beading wire and crimp beads

Posted on 26 January, 2012 by admin

1. Thread a crimp bead onto beading wire, followed by one side of chosen clasp.

2. Thread end of beading wire back through crimp bead, forming a loop around clasp.

3. Pull tail until loop is tight around clasp. Leave about a 2cm (1 inch) tail.

4. Hold crimp between jaws of flat nose pliers and squeeze firmly to flatten and set crimp bead.

5. Pull firmly on wire to check that crimp is secure (if wire slips, repeat technique with a new crimp bead).

The folded technique for using beading wire and crimp beads

Posted on 26 January, 2012 by admin

1. Thread a crimp bead onto beading wire, followed by one side of chosen clasp.

2. Thread end of beading wire back through crimp bead, forming a loop around the clasp.

3. Pull tail until the loop is tight around clasp. Leave about a 2cm (1inch) tail.

4. Position crimp bead into the notch of crimping pliers that is closest to the handles.

5. Ensure that the wires are separated and squeeze firmly. This will form a ‘U’ shape.

6. Turn the ‘U’ shaped crimp over onto its side and place in notch closest to crimping pliers tip.

7. Squeeze to fold crimp in half, at indentation (created in step 5).

The illusion technique (floating) for using beading wire and crimp beads

Posted on 26 January, 2012 by admin

1. Thread a crimp bead onto beading wire. Use either flat or folded technique to secure crimp just above where you want the bead to be placed.

2. Thread on bead or beads followed by a second crimp bead. Using pliers, push second crimp bead close to bead(s) and crimp using flat or folded technique.

Making a coiled loop

Posted on 26 January, 2012 by admin

1. Thread each bead onto a head pin.

2. Bend the head pin above the bead at right angles.

3. Use round nose pliers to form a coil – start at the end and roll the head pin forming a coil around one barrel of the pliers.

4. Ideally, you want to have 2 coils of wire which will make a strong attachment.