BeadStyle Community

Green jewelry and St. Patrick's Day

Naomi Fujimoto — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:03:00 GMT

I found this heartwearming New York Times story about a leprechaun in Yonkers. He's not a real leprechaun, of course, but when people ask, he says, “I’m the realest leprechaun you are ever going to meet.”

If your idea of St. Patrick's Day includes green jewelry rather than leprechauns, you can put together a quick accessory in chrysoprase, peridot, or emerald. (And don't forget about budget-friendly glass and crystal options, too.)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Birthday necklace

Jane Konkel — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:30:00 GMT

A few weeks ago, I celebrated my birthday. Well actually, I continue to celebrate the day of my birth throughout the month of March, but I'll save that story for another time. This is one of the cards that I received in the mail.

Isn't it clever? The focal "bead" is actually a candle. When I turned the card over, I noticed that on each end of the candle's "wick" is half of a lobster claw clasp, so I can wear this candle necklace for the entire month of March.

When I bring this card in to an Anthropologie store, I get 15% of my total purchase. I hardly want to part with the card, though. It's so lovely. I especially like the cupcake, punched like the tin panels on my grandmother's pie safe.

Check out these butterfly ornaments using a similar punching technique.

Anthropologie's president, Glen Senk said "We spend the money that other companies spend on marketing to create an experience that exceeds people's expectations. We don't spend money on messages -- we invest in execution."

Thanks Anthropologie. I admire your ingenuity. And who doesn't need a birthday-candle necklace to announce that March is here?

Pretty jewelry is just the beginning

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:14:00 GMT

In this week's BrideStyle post, I show off a half-dozen of my favorite jewelry designs that I'll use as inspiration for my bridal necklace and earrings. But more than than, I talk about how to use another designer's jewelry as inspiration. It's basically a two-step process: Ask yourself, "What do I like about this design?" and "How would I change it?" Read the post to find out how those two simple questions result in a shopping list and several starter designs.

Have you seen Wirework 2010?

Linda Augsburg — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:34:00 GMT

I must admit, this blog post feels a little bit about bragging. (Could blagging be a word--a blog post where you brag? Or would it be brogging? Oops, digressing again...) I wanted to make sure that you, the BeadStyle reader, knew about our latest special issue now available on newsstands and in bead shops and chain stores near you. It's called Wirework 2010 and it's chock full of projects that anyone who has pliers and cutters could tackle.

As you're used to with BeadStyle, we presented the instructions in this special in a step-by-step manner with clear photos to walk you through the process. And you just need to do one step at a time, so don't get overwhelmed--it's easier than you think!

The projects range from basic wire (plain and wrapped loops) to wire wrapping, chainmail, and more. Some of the projects include beads, while others are just made with wire. We've got everything: necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings. And in addition to showing you how to make some very cool projects, you'll also learn some pretty cool techniques along the way.

I'm thrilled that we were able to get projects from such great designers--women and men who make fabulous jewelry and have a special gift for explaining how it's made. Their tips were incorporated into the instructions, as were any tips I discovered as I remade the projects for the step-by-step photos. If you've made loops on a head pin, you're already working with wire, so what's stopping you from diving in!? Think of what you could create! For a table of contents, click on the Wirework 2010 page. To order it directly from us, go to the Wirework 2010 page in the Kalmbach Store.

2010 jewelry trends

Naomi Fujimoto — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:31:00 GMT

Last week I went to the JANY Show, a jewelry show in New York that attracts hundreds of vendors plus buyers and press from around the world. Some of the vendors from previous years weren't there, but a few new ones debuted. Show attendance was up, and Drew Lawsky, Group Show Director for JA New York, said that retailers "were ready to place orders and buy." The "ready to buy" attitude is a good sign for the economy, though I'd also add that several vendors were more proprietary this year — as in, they didn't allow photos and were hesitant to quote prices or discuss their new collections or popular designs. Some designers said that people have copied their work. Also, it seemed like there were fewer vendors selling beads and supplies; the diamond and fine jewelry vendors, who often have minimums on orders, can recoup their costs more quickly.

As far as trends go, here's what I found:

1. Huge necklaces are popular.

• Antonio Papini showcases a necklace of gold links the size of napkin rings.

• Braga Romano's pieces combine large links with gemstones like chrysoprase slabs.

• Raffaella Mannelli is an Italian designer who makes bibs with ebony and boxwood.

• Zsa Zsa Jewels necklaces show chunky pendants.

2. Bracelets and rings are also oversized.

• Boaz Kashi sets diamonds and other precious stones in wide 18K or 24K cuffs and ring bands. (Click on "Jewelers Gallery" or "Collection" to see his designs.)

• Raffaella Mannelli turns bangles and rings into statement pieces.

• Sobral did not attend the show but launched a New York store in October. Check out the colorful resin bangles in Art Deco and Pop Art styles.

3. I'm not suggesting that dainty jewelry is out of style.

• Hershey's Kiss jewelry ("the new heart") comes in flat-back and 3-D styles with either CZs or diamonds. The Kisses range from 10 to 25 mm; their rep says the 15 mm size is especially popular.

• RajaJewels features many necklaces with tiny (about 4 mm) sapphire briolettes clustered on gold chain.

4. Like last year, flower motifs are still popular.

• Lauren Sigman bases her jewelry line on her love of flowers.

• Jaded founder Giuseppe D'Arcangelo showed me the store's CZ flower earrings with clip backs. There are also gemstone and pearl versions.

• Jade by Nikolai necklaces feature amethyst, tourmaline, or hemimorphite druzy and asymmetrical carved jade flowers.

5. Generally, gemstone colors are softer and more muted.

• La Belle Chose necklaces (especially the "Sea Treasures" collection) are strung with pearls and jade in shades of lavender and orange. Another unexpected combination includes pink, lavender, and turquoise.

• At Lucky Gems, the most popular pearl colors are white, pink (natural, not dyed), and peacock (the finish, not the color).

• Vianna, a Brazilian company that typically designs with vibrant gemstones, is incorporating a softer palette that includes citrine, garnet, and smoky topaz. I loved the white topaz see-through ring (the stone was so clear I could see the diamonds underneath).

• Anzie offers cuffs made with combinations of amethyst, blue topaz, and peridot, but the white topaz version has been the most popular.

• Nina Nguyen highlights pale gemstones like lavender amethyst, rose quartz, and labradorite.

6. While gold and silver are perennial favorites, there are artists whose collections focus on unusual materials.

• Raffaella Mannelli uses ebony and boxwood in her designs.

• Stelios Paraskevas is a former economics professor who weaves copper wire into jewelry and belts. He encouraged me to try on lots of different belts, and I opted for one with a buckle made from a lion's head door knocker (which he got from Home Depot). You can see a couple of designs on this StyleDiary blog and on oprah.com, or read more about him in this story from the Copper Development Association.

7. Even during challenging economic times, vendors find new ways to market their jewelry and benefit the causes that are maningful to them. Anzie, Diamonds for a Cure, and Aymara Designers donate portions of their proceeds. And Paola Ferro sells a lower-priced line — "Trojan Horses" invite buyers with their lower wholesale costs. High-end pieces include antique fragments (such as a tribal earring from Afghanistan or a Chinese ivory amulet) or one-of-a-kind finds like a huge heart-shaped pearl.

Just what is inspiration?

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:03:00 GMT

When I first started working for BeadStyle, I heard a lot of jewelry artists talking about the "inspiration behind their piece." I had no idea what that meant. The word "inspiration" was like some magical function in a math equation that somehow turned a walk through the forest into a cuff bracelet or a painting into a pair of earrings. How does that work?

I spent a lot of time learning about inspiration while writing my new BrideStyle column on making bridal jewelry, and this week's post covers my discoveries. Inspiration is so important because it can give you a burst of new ideas even when your mind's a blank slate. It is a murmuring muse. So learn how to listen to it and check out my post! I promise, it's no where near as difficult as math...

Claspgarten info - plus an interesting story about its origins

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:52:00 GMT

Many of our readers have asked us where they can buy Claspgarten clasps if they are not wholesale buyers or professional designers. We asked Claspgarten and they sent us the following options.

Fireweed Bead Co., in Burien, Wash., 206.444.0011, info@fireweedbeadco.com

Fandangle Bead Store in Richmond, Va., (804) 327 - 9992 , zukpers@aol.com

Karin Scherrer, our contact at Claspgarten, also sent us this charming story about the company's origins.

Normal 0 0 1 20 115 1 1 141 11.1287 0 0 0

From an old American II WW tin can to a high end German jewellery clasp

His eyes are sparkling and he is smiling when Hans Kutter a born American living in Germany is talking about his grand father Rudolf Neumann. He explains how his grand father produced his first clasps out of used American tin cans in a refugee camp in Neugablonz/Germany after the second World War. An impressing anecdote that lets you forget for a while the dramatic refugee story of Rudolf Neumann.

Jablonitz

Rudolf Neumann was born on the 31. March 1921 in Gablonz (Jablonitz) in the Mountains of the Isergebirge today part of Tschecia. Due to the rich quartz mines in the region glassmakers started to work their craft already in the early beginnings of 18 hundred. Several other jewellery trades started in the region including professional jewellery makers and finding manufacturers. During this time the jewellery sector developed to the most important economic factor in the region. In order to produce avantgarde and fashion oriented jewellery, technical methods were improved and the industry became the most advanced in the world of its time. The fashion jewellery city of Gablonz became world famous for their products.

Also many people in other continents like Africa and India enjoyed the colourful glass beads and jewellery made in Europe. Fashion jewellery from Gablonz was also entering the American continent. The Indian tribes of North- and South America were decorating themselves for their festivities with glass beads made in Gablonz. In particular the small Rocaille beads were very popular among the different tribes. Bohemian pearls were making the Indian clothes and ritual tools very special.

1935 Rudolf Neumann is entering the footsteps of his father and becomes a professional jewellery maker. The devastating consequences of the II WW are taking its tolls in Gablonz too and in 1938 the Region of Gablonz is occupied by Germany. Rudolf Neumann is joining the Army in 1938 at the age of 17. After surviving the war he ends up at a refugee camp in Kaufbeuren 1945. Many of the expelled people of Gablonz start a new jewellery centre and call it Neugablonz (New Gablonz) in the honour of their origins. Quickly Neugablonz is developing the same fame worldwide as its mother city.

Neugablonz refugee camp, 1946

“The war took the home from my grandfather and the other refugees but it couldn´t take away their love for the jewellery making trade.” so says Hans Kutter who is continuing the tradition in the 3 generation . “We employ a good part of people originating from Gablonz at least to a certain degree. Every day we are walking the ancient paths of our ancestors sourcing from the century old collective knowledge producing not only clasps but by letting the voices of our grandfathers and grandmothers surround us and forming it into a jewellery piece we are keeping alive a very long tradition of jewellery making.”

Soldering department

In the year 2008 Hans Kutter opened up an internet shop in order to provide the many bead addicts in the USA with the clasps of the Neumann company. The shop is taking advantage of the waste collection of clasps of the mother company and Hans Kutter is happy that already many professional American designers and professional retail stores are working very successfully with the German made clasps.

It seams that once again an intercontinental bridge has been established between Europe and the USA in order to keep a long tradition alive. So Hans Kutter states: “It is not me who has done this but actually my grandfather and grandmother who have dreamt this company into being when clasps where made out of American tin cans.”

Irina's book party was great!

Cathy Jakicic — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:51:00 GMT

I stopped by Irina Miech's book party celebrating "Metal Clay Rings" Saturday to check out how things were going. I'm happy to say that things were going great! Eclectica was bustling with shoppers and Irina was happily signing books. I found the pearls I was looking for one of our Pearls online projects and had a yummy piece of cake! What could be better? Congratulations to Irina and all the Kalmbach Publishing people that helped make it happen.

BrideStyle: 10 weeks to designing your own wedding jewelry

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:35:00 GMT

For almost a year, I've been working on making wedding jewelry for my June 5th wedding. And while I was learning the ins and outs of designing jewelry, I was writing a series on the experience, a series meant to guide and hold the hands of newbie jewelry designers. Today, the series went live! BrideStyle: 10 weeks to designing your own wedding jewelry is a 10-part column that takes you from "I want to make bridal jewelry but don't have any ideas!" to "I have the best bridal jewelry ever!" to "I never knew there were so many bridal accessories I could make with beads!" This week's post is an intro to the series, and next week we'll jump into the fray by talking about inspiration and how to harness it. Here's a sneak peek into future topics to whet your appetite:

how to shop for pearls and other bridal jewelry components
how to design the best jewelry for your face shape, neckline, and dress color
how to "fix" a design that just isn't working
how to make and package beaded gifts for the VIPs of your big day

Though geared towards DIY brides and/or their DIY friends, this series answers tough questions faced by all jewelry designers. So tune in to BrideStyle - a new post every Monday!

Vote for your favorite Glass Challenge finalist

Naomi Fujimoto — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:15:00 GMT

In September, we announced our latest reader challenge: glass.

You responded by creating pieces with Czech and pressed glass, seed beads and lampworked beads, crystals, and even quartz and Lucite that look like glass. From the many submissions we received, we narrowed the field to these finalists. Which will you choose: bold and bright, muted earth tones, or pale and icy?

Cast your vote by March 5, 2010!

Let's celebrate a new book from Irina Miech

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:56:00 GMT

Popular BeadStyle contributor, Irina Miech, has written another great book on metal clay called "Metal Clay RIngs - Silver Jewelry Inspired by Nature." She will celebrating her newest publication with a party on Saturday, Feb. 27. from 1 - 3 p.m. at her store, Eclectica, in Brookfield, Wis. If you're in the Brookfield area on the 27th, come and meet the author, take a peek at the beautiful jewelry featured in the book, and get an autographed copy. There will be in-store specials, door prizes, and refreshments.

Eclectica is located at 18900 W. Bluemound Road in the Galleria West Shopping Center. 262.641.0910.

Burke Brise Soleil

Jane Konkel — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:10:00 GMT

Yesterday afternoon, I received one of my July feature assignments. Without giving too much away, I want to share a bit about this clever wire necklace. It was designed by Brenda Schweder and her inspiration was the Milwaukee Arts Museum's Burke Brise Soleil.

This piece of architecture was designed by architect, Santiago Calatrava and was named after Milwaukee philanthropists Murph and John Burke. You can see a time lapse opening and closing of the wings on youtube. We in Milwaukee are very of this monument.

Brenda's piece is magnificent. It's fascinating to learn about what inspires other artists, to use new materials, and to learn new techniques. I can't wait till we unveil Brenda's project this summer.

Brooch bouquets

Naomi Fujimoto — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:18:00 GMT

When I consider new designs for vintage brooches, my first thought is usually of necklaces and charm bracelets. But here's another way to refashion them:

Amanda Heer makes brooches into bouquets, creating gorgeous arrangements (like this "something blue" bouquet) from the jewels that brides send her. She's even made paper bouquets from vintage love letters!

I'd love to see Stacy make something like this for her BrideStyle column (look for it starting on Monday, March 1). She is, after all, the person who alerted us to accessories for wedding bouquets!

Scrapbooking with beads?

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:47:00 GMT

Hello, crafty BeadStylers, I have a question for you: Have you ever incorporated beads into scrapbooks or handmade cards (or any other paper crafts for that matter)? I love to scrapbook and make cards, and I recently experimented with mixed media by doing thread embroidery on the surface of a card. Which got me to thinking, how might I add beads? Let me know your thoughts, your attempts, your successes, and your failures.

Tucson trends

Cathy Jakicic — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:51:00 GMT

Some of the most interesting things to see in Tucson— in addition to the beautiful gemstones and other components — are the trends in finished jewelry. As you can see, statement necklaces are still hot.

Striped flint was billed as a new gemstone, it was definitely new to me. Not my usual color preference, but I like it nonetheless.

Some of the most interesting gems had not made it to bead form yet.

Labradorite slabs (I bought these)

chalcedony chunks (I didn't buy these)

The inside of an amethyst geode (didn't buy this either)

Drawer pulls: a clever way to display jewelry

Naomi Fujimoto — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:03:00 GMT

At the beginning of this year, Cathy resolved to find new ways to display and organize her jewelry. I think I need to do that, too.

I'm fairly bored with my display at home: I hang necklaces on a belt hanger and from the end of a rolling garment rack. Both are effective but not very pretty. I also leave necklaces on the glass doorknobs throughout my house. Plus I've got a tackle box and some ziploc bags and some jewelry in its original box. And my bracelet collection is in shambles (throwing them in a bowl really doesn't work). You get the picture.

But what about hanging jewelry on drawer pulls?

Seeing this makes me want to repaint my attic and buy a bunch of vintage and handmade drawer pulls on Etsy. It would be great to see everything at a glance!

Alice in Wonderland jewelry

Jane Konkel — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:38:00 GMT

Jewelry designer Tom Binns — who has designed pieces for Michelle Obama — is getting ready for the March 5th release of Alice in Wonderland. He has collaborated on two lines of jewelry in conjunction with the film. Each piece in the Tom Binns for Walt Disney Signature collection will sell in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. The 35-piece Tom Binns for Disney Couture collection is less expensive. Each piece is priced between $100 to $500.

The pieces are inspired by the various characters including Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Red Queen, the White Queen, and the White Rabbit.

I can't wait to see what The Red Queen (played by Helena Bonham Carter) will be wearing.

More info on Francine Boxer

Cathy Jakicic — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:12:00 GMT

If you loved Francine Boxer's gorgeous Frida-inspired designs in the March issue's Gallery pages, check out her Lady of the Lake Jewelry Designs Web site.

Calling all Etsy sellers: Got fun findings?

Naomi Fujimoto — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:32:00 GMT

BeadStyle will be running a new column starting in our July issue, and we're looking for fun and interesting findings!

Do you sell handmade chain, textured jump rings, decorative head pins, extraordinary clasps, or any other unique supplies? Here's your chance to show them off!

Send a few samples to:

BeadStyle
21027 Crossroads Circle
Waukesha, WI 53186
ATTN: Fun Findings Editor

If you have any questions, feel free to email editorATbeadstylemagDOTcom. You can also send a digital photo if you prefer — high res only, please.

Remember to include descriptions, a price list, and your contact information. Also, please don't send finished jewelry; we're looking for components. We'll consider submissions as they come in, but for the July issue, the deadline is March 15, 2010.

We're excited about seeing cool stuff and sharing it with readers. Thanks for your help!

Milwaukee-area beaders have opportunity to help Haiti

Cathy Jakicic — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:40:00 GMT

The Loose Bead Society is partnering with Care-a-Lotta, the Bartolotta Charitable Foundation, who is launching a significant fundraising effort for a group of orphanages in Haiti. Care-a-lotta, along with The Loose Bead Society, the Boy Scouts of America, the Humane Society, and several area high schools, will take part in a Bead-a-Thon to raise $50,000-75,000.

This goal is to have 200 high school students participate in beading 5,000 bracelets. 100% of the supplies will be donated, so that 100% of the profits from the sale of the bracelets will go to the relief effort. Bartolotta restaurant guests will show their support by purchasing the bracelets through a special dessert/appetizer promotion at each of their wonderful area restaurants.

The event (and preceding prep events) will be held at Bacchus, 925 E. Wells, Milwaukee, (414.765.1166). For directions, visit the Bacchus Web site. Street parking is available.

Here’s what you can do — you don't have to be a member of the Loose Bead Society to help:

Pack up your crimping pliers, task light and extension cord, and meet your fellow beaders at one or both of the events and/or at the Bead-a-Thon. You will assist in the preparation and finishing of five strung bracelet designs.

Thursday, Jan. 28 from 1-4pm: Prepare bracelet components for stringing by area high- schoolers on Saturday. Enjoy drinks and snacks.
Thursday, Jan. 28 from 5-8pm: Prepare bracelet components for stringing by area high- schoolers Saturday. Enjoy drinks and snacks.
Saturday, Jan. 30 from 8:30-12pm: Assist area high-schoolers string bracelets, and then finish them. Come at 8:30 for coffee; enjoy drinks and snacks.

Purchase a finished bracelet for $5; or all 5 bracelets for $25. The $25 purchase will entitle you to a drawing entry as well.

Please consider helping in whatever way you can! Not familiar with stringing/crimping yet? There’s still plenty to do! Please join us as there are many ways to help with this important humanitarian effort! This is a win-win-win opportunity for the Loose Bead Society to help others in need, support our community service mission, and foster our love of beading and jewelry making within our community and beyond!

Pssst! Spend at least six hours volunteering at the events above and receive a Bartolotta’s gift certificate!

For more information about this effort, visit the Bartollottas and click on their Care-a-lotta link.

Contact Community Service Coordinator, Kathy Brier, at kathy_j_brier@hotmail.com to sign up now!

10 things we'll miss about Joel

Naomi Fujimoto — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:38:00 GMT

Tomorrow, Joel is leaving Kalmbach's events marketing team for sunny San Diego. To send him off, Jane and I came up with a list of our favorite things about him.

10. His smile. In addition to having nice teeth (or maybe because he has nice teeth?), Joel is always smiling.

9. His gratitude. I offered to help him once when his car broke down, and he thanked me profusely even though he already had the situation under control.

8. His presence at the Bead&Button Show. He puts the "pec" in "specialist," always helping teachers and vendors carry things and get set up in their rooms or booths.

7. His generosity. He'll offer to lend you his box set of Felicity or It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

6. His adorable obsession with Olivia Newton-John.

5. His commitment to his friends. This weekend, he was researching Etsy and boutique options to help a friend market her jewelry.

4. Eating at the Chancery with him: he (almost) always gets the King Louie wrap with fruit. Rarely with fries.

3. His taste in restaurants: last year's Master Class Dinner at Tenuta's was excellent.

2. His ability to make you feel like a million bucks. Joel gives me flowers every year on my birthday (my boyfriend doesn't even do that!).

1. His thoughtfulness. When Jane appeared in a newspaper story about Kalmbach, Joel laminated the article for her as a memento.

We'll miss Joel a lot — and not just for the terrific work he did. If you have a favorite story about Joel or want to wish him well, feel free to post a comment!

Molecular jewelry

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:34:00 GMT

A story in SFGate.com recently caught my eye – a biochemist by the name of Raven Hanna is making jewelry inspired by the chemicals that make our world go round.

For instance, her serotonin necklace features a pendant of this happy chemical to remind you to smile. The estrogen necklace is feminine, reflecting only the best side of this fickle hormone. Other chemical jewelry sports structures from our favorite indulgences: see her chocolate necklace, caffeine necklace (it even looks a little wired!), and red wine necklace.

You can buy these and other chemically inspired accessories at Raven’s Web site, madewithmolecules.com.

Red noodle beads

Jane Konkel — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:53:00 GMT

I have received several questions about a source for the red noodle bead used in the Beads of change project on page 60 of BeadStyle's January issue. I bought these trade beads at a Rings&Things Bead Tour. The 25–35 mm opaque glass elbow beads (like the ones used in the bracelet) are still on their site. Although I don't see the longer ones used in the necklace, they do have a wide selection of rare trade beads, so it's worth a visit.

Neanderthal jewelry

Naomi Fujimoto — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:22:00 GMT

"What Did the Well-Dressed Neanderthal Wear? Jewelry."

That's the story that TIME magazine posted today. In two caves in southern Spain, archaeologists discovered seashell jewelry with bits of pigment. The shells date back 50,0000 years — predating the migration of Homo sapiens into Europe by 10,000 years.

In this NPR story, Joao Zilhao, the University of Bristol archaeologist whose team found the shells, says these ornaments are indicators of symbolic thinking: "Something that people wear in order to convey what they are," says Zilhao. "And you only need to do that in a world where you have a complex network of relations, because if you only interact with your family or people you've known all your life, they know who you are, you don't need to use an identity card."

So the Neanderthals may be more intelligent and social than we gave them credit for. They knew how to accessorize.

Reindeer dropping beads – a success!

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:13:00 GMT

A little over a year ago, I blogged about the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, Ill., and their magical reindeer gem ornaments, i.e., ornaments featuring beads made of reindeer droppings. The marble-sized droppings were collected all year from the zoo’s two resident reindeer, then were dehydrated, sterilized, painted, and strung into all kinds of designs.

It took me a while to wrap my mind around this concept, but it looks like others were quicker to embrace the novelty – according to USA Today, this year the zoo sold 2,000 ornaments and 300 necklaces (a new addition), raising a total of $20,884 to benefit the zoo.

The zoo’s “magical reindeer gem” products are gone for the season, but the zoo gift shop will carry them again next holiday season. For more information, call the Miller Park Zoo at (309) 434-2250.