BeadStyle : jewelry

Summer reading list

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:43:00 GMT

When I was a kid, I used to spend most of my summers planted in a lawn chair with a pile of books. I don't have the luxury of that kind of a summer reading list now, but I did get a chance to browse three great beading books recently.

The first is Krystal Wick's "Fabulous Fabric Beads" (Interweave $22.95) I picked it up after taking a class from Krystal at the Bead&Button Show. The book contains everything to need to know about making fabric beads (like Krystal's Sassy Silkies) and turning them into beautiful jewelry. It is a tribute to Krystal's creative and generous spirit that she shares for many of reative secrets. It's a beautiful book.

The second to close to BeadStyle's heart. "Jewelry in a Flash" (Kalmbach $19.95) is the book version of our special publication "Under 1 Hour." As the title suggests, the projects are quick and fun, and though we weren't really stressing it at the time, they're also very budget friendly.

Finally, lovers of wirework and earrings should check out Denise Peck's "101 Wire Earrings" (Interweave $19.95). It has lots of great design ideas and it beutifully photograghed. Denise is editor of Step by Step Wire Jewelry, so she knows her way around wire!

New Xilion bead

Cathy Jakicic — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Though there’s been buzz about this for awhile, the official press release arrived this week about the new Crystallized – Swarovski Elements Xilion bead.

Called an enhancement of the popular bicone shape (5301), the Xilion (5328) has more facets and a hole with rounded edges to “amplify sparkle” and protect threads.

According to the release, the Xilion’s “harmonious design and dimensions make possible beautiful combinations with its predecessor, the bi-cone bead 5301.”
Good news for bicone fans, especially those with a stash. More good news – you can call your bicones ”vintage” soon. That makes a sexier label for the jewelry designs you sell!

The Xilion,which will be phased in gradually, will be available in 66 colors, 20 effects, and in sizes from 3 mm to 10 mm. The 2.5 mm bicone will still be available.

Master class mastered!

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:49:00 GMT

These picture are from the master class I took at this year's Bead&Button Show and the resulting graduation ceremony. I took Valerie Hector's Chinese bead weaving class. It was wonderful!! I though after three day my brains and all urge to bead-weave would just leak out of my ears when I went to bed, but I was completely energized by the experience and can't wait to do more.

Most of the credit for this goes to Valerie. She's a remarkable teacher. Intelligent, funny, patient, prepared, and very encouraging.

And her knowledge and curiousty in the area of Chinese bead weaving and culture was really impressive. I also have to give a lot of credit to my classmates.

As anyone who takes (or teaches) a lot of classes can tell you, the students are always the big wild card. I'm happy to say that every single person in the master class was delightful - creative, generous, and fun.

For those of you at the show - what was your favorite class?

Great recessionista idea

Cathy Jakicic — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:23:00 GMT

Word of mouth is a fabulous thing for finding life's hidden treasures. My sister just told me about a jewelry line (that a friend told her about) that has hit on a great idea in financially challenging times for artists. The line is called "Circle of Friends." The necklaces feature a simple circle-centric pendant that is customized with a few gemstones. Each piece is only $10, and the many different styles offered make them really nice, personalized gifts for a range of different personalities and styles. It goes to show that with a really simple, adaptable idea, it's possible to keep material costs down enough to be able to offer a reasonably priced, but not cheap-looking creation.

Take the Tucson treasure challenge

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:33:00 GMT

The May issue of BeadStyle includes something that everyone can appreciate — the opportunity for fame, glory and free beads.

While at the Tucson bead shows, I bought six collections of beautiful beads and findings to give away for our May challenge. Each Tucson treasure kit includes four strands of beads (pearls and gemstones), one large pendant, two small pendants, silver spacers, and a clasp. Winners don’t have to use all of the elements in their kit.

Just e-mail us at editor@beadstylemag.com with “Tucson treasure challenge” in the subject line by May 13, 2009.

We’ll randomly draw six names and send a kit of Tucson treasure to each winner. The challengers will then have until June 26 to send us their jewelry creations (we’ll return them!), at least 80% of which must be created from items in the kit. We’ll publish the finalists in the November 2009 issue and you can vote for your favorite.

Good luck!

Cathy

BeadStyle at the inauguration

Cathy Jakicic — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:58:00 GMT

BeadStyle had its own sliver of history in January when our friend, Tia Torhorst, attended the Western Inaugural Ball wearing the cover necklace from the November 2006 issue. The "feast of pearls" necklace was designed by Teri Bienvenue.

For stargazers, also at the ball were:

Ron Howard
Kenny G
Hayden Panettiere
Kal Penn
Hill Harper (CSI New York)
Adam Rodriguez (CSI Miami)
Val Kilmer
Mariah Carey
Angela Basset

Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez performed.

2009 jewelry trends

Naomi Fujimoto — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:43:00 GMT

Just like last year (actually, since 2004), I've been going to New York for the JANY show. It's always a fantastic time: lots and lots of gorgeous jewelry, all in one place. If you didn't get a chance to read last week's post about the show, you can read it here.

As promised, here are a few trends I found during my wanderings and conversations with artists and their reps.

1. Mixed metals/materials are still popular.

• In her rings, Kir (short for Kirsten) creates a silver setting with gold accents for a pearl, blue topaz, smoky quartz, or lemon citrine. Her collection also includes long necklaces, bangles, and tassel earrings.

• ELite Designs shows 18K gold alternated with gemstone (onyx, agate, or tigeryeye) links. They also show copper and silver-colored links accented with diamond (or was that CZ?) links.

2. Architectural designs: Big structures make prominent settings for gemstones.

• Though Rene Escobar likes glamor (i.e., the simplicity of clip earrings), he also makes jewelry that has personality to it, like stackable bangles that don't align symmetrically or a ring with a beat-up shank.

• Ana Cavalheiro finds inspiration in architecture and incorporates prongs and claws in her designs. One of her noteworthy pieces: an oxidized silver cuff set with tiny apatites and London blue topaz. Also, check out the metalwork on the Blue Castle ring and the Purple Rain ring.

• Angelique de Paris makes oversized resin jewelry, including domed rings. Check out the collections and play the games, where you can test out different color combinations.

• Ray Griffiths' new designs include huge cabochons (like a deep pink Nigerian tourmaline) perched high atop a gold ring.

3. Designers are showing pieces that are whimsical — but with an edge, not cutesy.

• Catherine Angiel designs tattoo- and graffiti-inspired jewelry. In her Renegade collection she sets diamonds in gold or platinum in an artistic, Gothic-like script.

• Sevan rings are handcarved with a snail, dove, or turtle. "Lucky Charms" by Sevan include a teeny tiny horseshoe, peace sign, and shamrock.

• Nature motifs (flowers, leaves, twigs) are prominent, but with a twist on the traditional. For example, J. Stella shows a diamond-centered brooch formed from five Biwa pearls, each unique in shape. And Jordan Schlanger makes vine-like wrap bracelets with a memory-wire core.

• Hong Kong vendors carried niche items like a leather cuff with a diamond lizard and a panda ring with sapphire eyes.

4. Wirework figured prominently, sometimes in entire collections.

• Nikki Sedacca creates wirework jewelry with platinum, gold, or sterling wire. Her pieces range from a simple pendant to a colorful choker to a monochromatic bib-style necklace. She also wraps gemstones into bangles, pins, and rings. Don't forget to check out her collection in sterling silver.

• Misha, a New York designer, creates fine-gauge wire baskets to highlight gemstones. He says that whiskey quartz and green amethyst are his most popular gemstones right now, and clients also like chalcedony and rutilated quartz. He also used a feather-shaped gemstone (sorry,no image) that looked like a long briolette with a curve.

5. Colored gemstones are going strong (as always). A few of note:

• Zoe B shows pieces in sterling and 14K gold. Purples are especially popular, though blues, greens, pearls, and onyx are also strong sellers. Though necklaces are made in 16-, 18-, and 36-inch lengths, people like the 42-inch versions for layering or wrapping around.

• One of the main designs in the La Belle Chose collection: multistrand necklaces with big round beads in brights or pastels, strung with crystal- and CZ-studded beads in between. Their clients love the magnetic clasps.

• You can find jewelry in virtually any color in the Anzie collections. You'll especially like their designs if you like briolettes.

One last note: This year, there were about 15 vendors selling loose beads. It seems like there are more every year. I saw a huge assortment of premade gemstone-and-wire chain. Knowing how long it takes to make wrapped loops, it was hard not to buy 3 mm amethyst rondelles on 14K gold wire at $12/foot. (I opted not to, though, because I just couldn't decide what color or size of gemstone I wanted.)

This is a great show for buying beads — especially strands of huge keshi and coin pearls, in different shades (champagne, bronze, copper, etc.). Below are two strands of pearls I did not buy from a Hong Kong vendor. Can you tell which strand was $32,000 (wholesale) and which was a mere $13,000? Post your guess and tell us why.

BeadStyle's March 2009 issue

Erin Dolan — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:18:00 GMT

The March 2009 issue of BeadStyle is trickling its way to mailboxes and newsstands as we speak. We're always excited to see a new issue signed, sealed, delivered, and I had fun working on the great projects in the March issue.

Today I updated our website with tons of new goodies that I hope you'll check out!

- Beader's Notebook page from the March 2009 issue

- All new BONUS Beader's Notebook page for subscribers to download

- FREE online project by Rupa Balachandar

- Subscriber projects by Ann Westby and Cathy Jakicic

- PDFs of projects from the November 2008 issue, now available for you to purchase (only $3.95) and download

- March 2009 issue survey

- Local bead store contest (nominate your favorite store!)

- Art-bead challenge finalists (vote for your favorite piece!)

Speaking of our reader challenges, we are announcing a new one with the March 2009 issue. Send us a JPEG of your favorite piece that uses a show-stopping clasp. The deadline for submissions is April 18. The finalists will be published in the September 2009 issue, and then you'll get a chance to vote on your favorites! Cathy included images and source information for some beautiful, unique clasps in the issue. The mermaid clasp is from Carl Clasmeyer. Carl's Web site is clasmeyer.com, not carlclasmeyer.com, as we printed. Sorry about the confusion, and we hope you'll all check out Carl's work!

Linda Arline Hartung's "Stroke of genius" designer alternative project

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:06:00 GMT

The "Stroke of genius" project in the March 2009 issue of BeadStyle includes a beautiful design alternative that combines braided WireLace with aquiline crystals. Designer Linda Arline Hartung sent the following instructions:

Four strands of WireLace get these big-holed beads to behave. Make an overhand knot between each group of crystals. The WireLace will fill the large bead holes and the knots keep the crystals tight to each other forcing them to the juxtaposed positions. Finish with a four-strand braid to the desired length, glue into a bell end cap and add a teardrop clasp set with a coordinating crystal.

1: Take two yards (1.8 m) of 2.5mm WireLace and two yards (1.8 m) of 6mm WireLace. Center a pearl needle on both strands.

2: String on all crystals as shown in the photo. Cut ends at pearl needle to remove.needle and create four 36 in.(.9 m) strands.

3: Center the large bead on the four WireLace strands.

4: Group the center cluster and make one overhand knot (Basics) next to cluster with all four strands of the WireLace. On opposite side tighten up all the crystals in that cluster and make another overhand knot. This knot must be very tight and snug next to the crystals to force them to keep their position.

5: Push the next cluster of crystals to the center and make another overhand knot with the WireLace - each time making sure the knots are tight to and snug to the crystals. Continue on each side until all the clusters are complete.

6: On each side, after the last overhand knot, separate out the four strands of WireLace to do a four-strand braid.

How to do a four-strand braid:
1) Divide into two sections with a 2.5 mm and 6 mm on each side.
2) Pick up a strand on the ‘outside’ and wrap it under two strands and over one strand. Repeat on the opposite side – always using the outside strand.

7: Continue braiding about 1 in. (2.5 cm) past the desire length on either side and clamp the ends to keep the braid from loosening or coming apart. Use whatever you have handy – tie a string around the end – or use a bead stopper or paper clip, etc.

8: Determine the final desired length and where the braid will end. To keep the braid from coming apart and to make it easier to glue into the end caps, mix 2-part epoxy and apply it directly onto the WireLace braid beginning about ¼ in. (.25 cm )from the desired end. When the epoxy dries, cut the WireLace braid on the glued area with a wirecutters so that you have a glued-end ‘nub’. Test to make sure the braid nub fits in the bell end cap. If not, gently roll end between finds to reshape the braid making it round to fit.

9: Mix 2-part epoxy and fill end caps half full and push over braid nub ends – you should see a small rim of glue seep out. If not quickly pull off the bell end cap and add more glue. Let dry.

10: Attach teardrop clasp by rotating split ring on the bell end caps with a chainnose pliers. Squeeze closed.

Supplies

necklace 19 in. (48 cm)
◆   36 mm aquiline crystal, top drilled, color A
◆    28 mm aquiline crystal, top drilled, color C,
◆    28 mm aquiline crystal, center drilled, color B
◆    6 18 mm aquiline crystals, top drilled, 2 color A, 1 color C, 3 color B
◆    8 18 mm aquiline crystals, center drilled, 4 color A,
4 color C
◆    6 18 mm polygon crystals, color B
◆    two yards (1.8 m) 2.5mm WireLace
◆    two yards (1.8 m) 6mm WireLace
◆   2 4 mm bell end-caps
◆   2 7 mm split rings
◆   box clasp
◆   chainnose pliers
◆   diagonal wire cutters
◆   two-part epoxy
◆     2 toothpicks (for mixing and applying glue), sticky note pads (for mixing glue on), isopropyl alcohol for cleaning up excess glue if needed.
◆    scissors (for cutting WireLace).
◆     fine/lightweight collapsible-type pearl needle

CRYSTALLIZED colors:
   Color A: crystal
   Color B: black diamond
   Color C: jet

Naomi at the JANY show

Erin Dolan — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:34:00 GMT

For the past few years, Naomi has traveled to New York for the JA Winter Show. Since she is in the Big Apple until Thursday, she asked me to link to her personal blog, where she recently posted about some fabulous finds at the JANY show. I can't wait until she comes back to the good ole' Midwest and shows everyone at BeadStyle her newest purchases and creative ideas!

Check out Naomi's blog to read about her time at the JANY show! And check back in at the Editor's Blog next week for more about Naomi's trip!

Treasures from Titanic

Erin Dolan — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:44:00 GMT

This weekend, I am hoping to get to the Milwaukee Public Museum to see Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. I've been meaning to check out the exhibition since it came to Milwaukee a few weeks ago, my knowledge of all things Titanic having exponentially declined with the movie's popularity.

The exhibition promises a vast array of information (including new theories of how the ship sank), tours of replications of the ship, along with about 100 artifacts recovered from the depths of the Atlantic. They have everything from coins to clothes, from pieces of the ship itself to the dishes the first-class passengers dined on. I am especially interested in seeing the jewelry. I can't imagine how they found these tiny, delicate pieces at the bottom of the ocean.

According to RMS Titanic, Inc., this ring is 18k gold and platinum. The back is engraved, "L to A, 6.9.10." Doesn't it make you wonder who L and A are? Maybe this is the engagement ring L gave to A. Is 6.9.10 the day he propsed or the day they got married?

I'm excited to see the jewelry in person and hopefully learn more about the potential past owners. Most of the pieces look to have belonged to first-class passengers. The variety of pieces is also astonishing: The exhibit has neklaces, earrings, rings, cuff links, even a stick pin for scarves or hats!

Is the Titanic exhibition coming to your city? Check out the show's schedule. If you've already seen it, let me know what you thought!

In other news, be sure to check out our Subscriber Gallery, where we are posting the submissions we received for the Reader Art Bead Challenge. Cathy announced the challenge in the September 2008 issue of BeadStyle. The contest ended October 15, and we will publish the finalists in the March 2009 issue!

Built-in accessories

Erin Dolan — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:49:00 GMT

Does anyone find it difficult to pair the right jewelry with the right clothes? Sometimes I literally stand in front of my dresser, staring into my jewelry box, willing the perfect piece to pop out and assign itself to my outfit. Sadly, this never works out, and in the end I usually give up and go with my basic silver charm necklace. This problem also might have something to do with the fact that I am always running late in the morning...

It seems as though some fashion designers feel my pain and are creating clothing with jewelry built-in!

The concept first caught my attention Wednesday night, when I was watching the season finale of Project Runway.

This gorgeous necklace acts as the halter for Project Runway runner-up Korto Momolu's flirty green dress. Momolu incorporated her jewelry design into her final collection, shown during New York Fashion Week this fall.

Other designers' pieces are below. Even retailers like Express have fashionable, more affordable built-in jewelry items. What a perfect solution for an I-have-nothing-to-wear morning!

Designer Yaya Aflalo used fabric-covered beads as a trim on this pale lavender and ivory summer dress.

Prada featured this dress in their 2009 Resort line.

Great minds think green

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:26:00 GMT

Check out this video on CNN.com. It's the weekly Living Green segment with Sara Snow. She talks about how to pick the perfect accessory while also keeping the planet in mind. We couldn't help but notice that many of Sara's jewelry ideas have also appeared in BeadStyle in our Beads of Change department. She showcased a few things that we haven't seen before also — I particularly liked the soda bottle earrings.

PS: While we're still going to highlight beads and components that are kind to the earth (and the people on it), we're not going to call it Beads of Change anymore. Our department format didn't allow us enough room to tell the great stories that often accompany these pieces, so we'll be including these projects with the regular features.

July 5 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:00:00 GMT

Ahh... long weekends. All the things one can do with that extra time. Unfortunately, it also means all the things that one can FORGET to do with that extra time. Though I try to post these on Friday, Friday got away from me. But I know you'll have more time to visit these sites post-Independence-Day-Picnic anyway.

About.com Jewelry Making
Bronze metal clay is one the way! This new medium is the talk of the metal clay community right now.

Art Bead Scene
Whooo is the star of this week's The Trendy Bead?

Barbe Saint John
Steampunk? Learn a little more about gears and brass.

Jewelry & Beading
Here's what to do with an ugly old elastic bracelet that never gets worn anymore!

Katie's Beading Blog
The Triple Take girls are at it again! Get a sneak peek at Katie's twinkle toes ballet flats.

Naughty Secretary Club
Jen gets asked to go see Loretta Lynn the First Lady of Country in concert and whips herself up the perfect accessory! Learn how to make your own mini cowgirl hat headband!

Savvy Crafter
Stars and Stripes Charm Bracelet! Happy Fourth everyone!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
I was so delighted with how my interview with the fantastic Melissa J. Lee turned out! Come see!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off her favorite recycled tools.

June 27th jewelry gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:27:00 GMT

Where has June gone? Between the Bead&Button Show and jury duty, it seems I've spent almost as much time out of the office as in. I'm sure all of you are just as busy. So reward yourself by taking a break from the busy and go see what my blogging friends are up to this week.

About.com Jewelry Making
Think outside the jewelry box and consider other crafting techniques for making jewelry! Crochet is just one example.

Art Bead Scene
Polyester Makes a Comeback in a surprising new way!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie reflects and gives thanks to everyone who helped her out at the Bead & Button Show

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Eye Candy, a few new designs from Jennifer Jangles

Jewelry & Beading
Just having returned from Italy, Cyndi was inspired by all the suppliers of beautiful Murano beads.

Katie's Beading Blog
Multiple strand necklaces are always in style. Read Katie's blog for tips.

Savvy Crafter
Rockin' Riveted Ring over on Candie's blog!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean interviews the fabulous Margot Potter for Art Bead Scene!

Strands of Beads
Melissa discusses beautiful presentation boxes made from origami

And speaking of the Bead&Button Show, check out the necklace I made from one of my Show finds!