Bead Talk

reply to my hello

BeantownBeader — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:26:45 GMT

This goes out to xwordgal originally from medford ma. I too am originally from chelsea,ma and find that i too cannot stop buying new bead and trying new techniques. I now am living in Ohio. Wish I had more time and $$$ to spend on projects. Have fun

Cheaper beads and findings

Heaven — Sun, 31 May 2009 10:10:07 GMT

Where can I purchase beads and findings for less?

Using silver plated brass on jewelry

bellejewelry — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:49:53 GMT

I have a general question when making jewelry. Do anybody use a lot of silver plated brass in their jewelry and does it fad fast or is their a better way to taking care of this to keep it from fading fast. Also do anybody have a trick on keeping sterling silver from turning quickly. Thanks

clasps

jmarsh — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 19:01:03 GMT

I am just starting to bead. I love the various bracelets I've seen. How do you choose which kind of clasp to use for a bracelet(or necklace for that matter)? Thanks Joanie

OnLine Voting Has Begun - Beaded Art Doll Contest

oddsshop — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:08:51 GMT

ALL DOLLED UP: Beaded Art Doll Competition
ON-LINE Voting Has Begun:

Voting for our 6 semi-finalists ends 1/15/10
http://www.landofodds.com/store/alldolledup2009contest.htm

Artists around the nation were asked to create a Beaded Art Doll by manipulating beads and forms into an imaginative tactile and visual 3-dimensional representation of this year’s theme:Earthen Mother .

And then writing a Short Story (between 1000-2000 words) about your Beaded Art Doll, what it represents, and how it was created, starting with the sentence:

"The mirror reflects more than my hands can feel.
Lines, edges, shadings, a weariness under the eyes, an awkward stance.
Yet, not reflected is a certain vibrancy --
a compassion and wisdom and wonder so many people rely on.
Only you, my beaded art doll,
capture the fullness of me as I age in place .
You embody changes I want to make, so I aptly name you…"

The Fourth Bi-Annual 2009 ALL DOLLED UP: BEADED ART DOLL COMPETITION is offering a first prize of a $1000.00 shopping spree on the Land of Odds web-site (www.landofodds.com), and a Runner-Up prize of a $400.00 shopping spree on the web-site.

Our SemiFinalists:
Kathy Ford, Deep Gap, North Carolina
Vera Fox-Bond, LaVergne, Tennessee
Cathy Helmers, Dayton, Ohio
Ralonda Patterson, Decatur, Texas
Dot Lewallen, Westerville, Ohio
Joan Cromley, Sedro Woolley, Washington

Other programs of interest:
The Ugly Necklace Contest – A Jewelry Design Competition with a Twist
http://www.landofodds.com/store/uglynecklace.htm
THE ILLUSTRATIVE BEADER: Beaded Tapestry Competition
http://www.landofodds.com/store/tapestry.htm
LEARN TO BEAD Blog
http://blog.landofodds.com

How to attach buttons to close bracelets instead of a clasp.

Silvie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:28:37 GMT

I have been looking in different bead shops on-line and seeing these beautiful buttons and rivolis with holes. I know they can be used as clasps to bracelet, but I do not know how to figure it out. Can someone please help me and direct me on how to close bracelets with buttons or other beads and how to do it? Also how many seed beads to use on the other side to fit the button or rivoli or another bead.

I am in the process of making my Christmas jewelry presents and would love to do it this way!

Silvie

Tiger Wire

firsttimer — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:17:07 GMT

I have just finished my first project and loved the process. Soooo today I went and bought stuff to make more!! One of the projects calls for "Tiger Wire" and I don't understand why this is different from the wire I will be using for the necklace. Can someone enlighten me? I would appreciate it. I don't want to start the necklace and then get stuck. Thanks. This is a wonderful forum.

Any tips for making findings from wire?

buckles — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:55:26 GMT

Hi everyone!

I've been beading for about 2 years, and have recently become curious about wire work. The problem is that I've been getting a jumble of conflicting info, and now I'm confused! First, I'm not sure what type of wire to use...I'm leaning toward Artistic Wire. I don't sell my jewelry, and don't want to shell out a lot of money, but still want my pieces to look good. Any recommendations? Also, I want to make my own findings. I've found a few websites that offer info about making jump rings, clasps, headpins, etc, but most of them give different gauges to use. Does anyone have experience with making findings? What materials and techniques do you use? I greatly appreciate any help I can get! Thanks! :)

-Erin

Swarovski Crystals?

jessbess — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:20:21 GMT

Hi Folks, first time of posting (tho I have been 'lurking' for some time) lol:). I just love swarovski bicones and usually buy from Ebay but wondered if any of you folk can recommend a cheap, but good, online place to buy?. Oh, and the best thing to use for making bracelets and necklaces with said beads. I have been using nymo but wondered if this is the best thing to use. I live in the UK so postage is also a concern. Any help gratefully received.

learning to create jewelry

stringbeader — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:34:39 GMT

Would love to get a group started beading in my area of Muncie,Indiana! I have just started to create and think that it would be a, New way of joining together in this hectic time are world is in! I would appreciate suggestions or HELP? My Thanks, Holly

Our Orientation-To-Beads-And-Jewelry Findings OnLine

oddsshop — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:23:47 GMT

Our Orientation To Beads Class Posted On-line

Over the years, we’ve found that people who bead and make jewelry have not necessarily learned how to make the best choices, when it comes to decide what beads, clasps, other findings, and stringing materials to include, and what Not to include, in a piece. People do not understand quality issues. They are often uninformed about workable materials and strategies to make their pieces more durable, more drape-able, and better able to move with the person as the jewelry is worn.At The Center for Beadwork & Jewelry Arts and Land of Odds, we developed a curriculum that took a design approach concerned with teaching people how to make these kinds of choices. Everyone in our curriculum begins with this Orientation to Beads and Jewelry Findings class. We offer this opportunity for you, as well, on our blog.http://blog.landofodds.com/orientation-to-beads/

studio

silverhawk — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:37:56 GMT

Hi all,

My husband has finally agreed to redo our garage and turn it into a studio for me, I just was wondering if any of you have any suggestions on what should be put in or not to put in a good studio. keeping in mind that I will be working and selling out of my garage, I would love to hear your ideas.

What do you string your beads on to make necklaces?

lakerie_treasures — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:50:02 GMT

I am new to all of this, just started last week. I have bought various supplies and i dont think i do to bad for being new at it. My main focus is using beach glass ive collected but i also use beads with it. The beads i use are really small, some packages say 12/0, 6/0 (not sure what that means). I am just wondering, whats a good wire/string or whatever to make my jewelry out of? So far ive used Beading Wire .3mm. and Monofilament 8lb. (looks like fishing string kinda) I just want to make sure that what i made is nice and sturdy, i dont want it breaking really easy, kwim? I hope someone can help me! Thanks!

What are your thoughts on stretch cord?

BeadieStuff — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 04:46:27 GMT

I'm hoping to get some of your thoughts on using stretch cord for bracelets. Do you like it? Not like it? How durable do you find it, is there a specific brand that is better, etc.? Just don't want bracelets breaking all over the place! :) Thanks!!!

Crimpless beading wire???

eleanorg — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 01:56:13 GMT

Last week I attended my first bead show. It was a visual overload. I purchased some beads and some silver and after watching a demo....a spool of Acculon wire cable that can be used without crimps. There is a tutorial online (JMElliott.biz). I was wondering if anyone had tried it and if it worked. He also demoed a way to use this to make stations without using crimps.

Also does anyone know if there is a tool out there to make headpins?

Thanks,

Eleanor

Tibetan Silver Bali Question?

lucky — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:16:52 GMT

Has any one purchased Tibetan silver before? I just purchased some the other day, but I don't know how well the quality is.

Thanks!

where to find less expensive beads and findings

mejackie — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:37:46 GMT

If you have the patience and attention span, try going to e-bay and search for beads in the crafts categorie. Often you can get great deals with free shipping!! But be careful. Also, you will need to set up a paypal account with e-bay which is SIMPLE.

Michael "bead store"

debig — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:59:44 GMT

In the May 2009 issue there is a Newsy bits about Michaels updating their bead section. I'm so excited as there is only one bead store in Chattanooga and unfortunately they are usually out of my price range on their beads. Has any one heard when Michaels will be setting these up?

cabochons

Hedwig's_Mom — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:01:46 GMT

A co-worker recently returned from New Mexico and gave me a beautiful black glass disc with a rabbit etched on top. It's gorgeous. I'm trying to figure out how to wire-wrap the thing, but I'm having difficulties. I do not want to peyote stitch around it with Lacey's stiff stuff. I'm horrible at peyote stitching. My problem is that I'm not very good at wire-wrapping, either. However, I'm better at that than stitching around. It's not a perfect circle, but close enough. My husband has suggested trying to make small little triangles that will just peek over the edge of the disc to help hold it into place. Kind of like the prongs on a ring base, with all the wire in the back of the disc. Has anyone ever tried something like this, and does it work? Any ideas on what gauge of wire I should use? I was thinking something fairly thick, but I don't know. It also has to be easily wound around the disc. If anyone has some suggestions, I'm open. Thanks, Cathy

Soft Flex Trios

Peachtree — Fri, 01 May 2009 12:08:22 GMT

Has anyone tried the Soft Flex Trios (or just Soft Flex colored nylon wire)? Have they worked for you? Does the nylon coating come off easily?

http://www.fusionbeads.com/shop/productchart/3121/

Thanks!

Alice

Useful Tips for Buying Wedding Jewelry

smartneil — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:49:52 GMT

As long as the bride’s wedding day is concerned, she definitely wants everything to be not only special, but also beautiful as well. Finding the perfect wedding dress is the prime factor of concern. Secondly, the bride’s next step is accessories. Wedding jewelry helps to complete the overall outer shell of the bride and so is an essential element. Fortunately, buying wedding jewelry is not a tricky task. Below are a few helpful guidelines to follow:

1) Theme: Considering the theme of your wedding before shopping for wedding jewelry is of utmost importance. If you are planning a beach theme on your special day, then the jewelry choice should be done accordingly.

2) Cost: While any bride would probably love to wear diamond wedding jewelry that is set in pure white or yellow gold, it isn’t necessarily cost effective every time. Fortunately, there are a lot of beautiful wedding jewelry options that are made of sterling silver, and other metals and precious stones. Many of these alternatives are just as beautiful but significantly less expensive. In fact, some of the most unique selections and affordable prices can be found online.

3) Style: Avoid purchasing your accessories previous to buying your wedding gown. When buying wedding jewelry, a bride should consider the style of her gown and look for accessories that will complement it and not over power it.

4) Pre-Owned: Believe it or not, many women are willing to sell their wedding jewelry after their big day. Fortunately, brides that are on a strict budget can purchase previously owned wedding jewelry to complement their wedding gown. The money that is saved on the bride’s accessories can be put toward the honeymoon!

Diamond Engagement Ring

B2CJewels.com

Where are they?

dclarkjewel50 — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 06:20:30 GMT

Hi, I am looking for jet teardrop glass beads, # 83021 top drilled by Bead Heaven Halcraft USA, Inc. Have anyone out there seen any?

dclarkjewel50

Baked clay beads cracking!!

Janeway — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 08:27:10 GMT

I am new to polyclays & I'm wondering what I may be doing wrong.

I have followed all directions on both my Kato Clay & my Sculpey clay.

When I try to string my clay beads, many of them break or crack. They also seem crumbly inside.

Any help appreciated

Lampwork artist comment

Dragon Nana — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:11:44 GMT

Just to put this in perspective, I have designed award-winning wearable bead art for the past decade and am always on the lookout for unique beads and findings. The other day the hub unit & I were out & about and visited a local art gallery where, surprise! A lampwork bead maker was doing demonstrations. She had samples of her creations as well as individual beads displayed on a side table and I found some of the beads fascinating. When I asked her if she sold her beads to artists, she replied, "I used to, but I don't any more. I didn't like the way they were used in other people's work." Frankly I found her tone of voice on the snippy side and her attitude rude to say the least. Any feedback from bead shoppers or lampwork beadmakers?

No Help Offered ~

Janeway — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 06:15:51 GMT

This is the first forum that I've joined where i see questions or requests for help not answered.

Come on people, give a little help please. It only takes a moment of your time. :)