Jewelry & Beading

July 23rd, 2008

The Basics: Polymer, clay, and porcelain bead suppliers

Clayfulmingles

The Spirited Bead
Beautiful polymer beads by Karen Lewis, aka Klew
Clayfulmingles
Mia Rox’s polymer cane beads
Beyond Beads Gallery
Porcelain beauties by Jean Christen
CF Originals
Spectacular critters and more by Christi Friesen
Columbine Beads
Raku beads and pendants by Linda A Hendrix
Tags: Beading, beads, Ceramic Beads, handmade beaded jewelry, polymer-clay-beads, Wearable ArtShare This

By Cyndi -- 1 comment

July 23rd, 2008

Book review: 1000 Jewelry Inspirations

1000 Jewelry Inspirations
by Sandra Salamony
[Wicked big disclaimer: I’ve got 7 pieces in this book, so of course I think it’s really good!]
OK, that being said, it is really good! Page after glorious page of beautiful designs. Some so simple that you say, “Yes, of course! That’s all it needs.” Others are complex enough to […]

By Cyndi -- 2 comments

May 27th, 2008

How to make an assemblage-style necklace

Technique Tuesday!

Materials
Polymer clay (I used gold-colored Sculpy)
Large focal piece of jewelry ~ pin, dress clip, etc
Flatback rhinestones or acrylic stones
Broken watch parts
Assorted charms ~ small mirrors, broken jewelry, screws, etc
Seed beads
Larger beads and crystals (8-10 mm)
Assorted beads for straps
Chain, hook, wire, jump rings or split rings
Crimps
Headpin (for dangle)
E6000 or 2-part epoxy
Glitter, pearlex, paints if desired
Nymo […]

By Cyndi -- 10 comments

May 19th, 2008

Get your “Mental Gears” working!

Make Art Monday!

Mental Gears
This fabulous medallion came from my friend Amy Fraser’s new Mindworks collection…is it cool or what? I mixed it up with a combination of brass, bronze, copper, and pyrite! Yup, those 10mm round beads are pyrite that I got from FMG. They’re really heavy, so pairing them with the […]

By Cyndi -- 47 comments

May 8th, 2008

Artist Profile: C.A. Therien

Artist: Charlene (”Cat”) Therien
Business name: C. A. Therien Polymer Clay Arts
Location: Peoria, IL, USA
Website: C. A. Therien Polymer Clay Arts

How do you describe your polymer clay work to people, Cat?
Well, that’s a good question. I tend to try a lot of different ideas and styles. However, a […]

By Cyndi -- 10 comments

April 23rd, 2008

Book Review: Making Polymer Clay Beads

Making Polymer Clay Beads
by Carol Blackburn
Don’t hate me because I’m not a polymer clay person! Please!
If I decided tomorrow that I wanted to make polymer clay beads, this would be the book I’d choose to take me on that journey. I almost fell victim to polymer clay fever as I read through this […]

By Cyndi -- 1 comment

February 21st, 2008

Artist Profile: Heather Powers

Artist: Heather Powers
Business name: Humblebeads
Location: San Antonio, TX
Website & Blog:
Humblebeads
Humblebeads blog
How do you describe your work, Heather? And how did you happen to pick the name “Humblebeads”?
My work is primarly handcrafted art beads inspired by the colors and textures of nature. I love earthy hues and organic designs. I do have a line of […]

By Cyndi -- 6 comments

December 11th, 2007

Making your own beads

Technique Tuesday!

Often times, the jewelry pieces that I admire most are the ones that use the artist’s own handmade beads. Nothing else will ever be exactly like that piece.
If you want to make true one-of-a-kinds, you should probably think about learning to make your own beads and findings. We’ll just cover the beads today. Here’s […]

By Cyndi -- 8 comments

December 10th, 2007

Women’s Caucus for Art show

Make Art Monday 
My local chapter of the WCA is sponsoring an art show themed Faces. My piece called Chardonnay was juried in and is now on display until the beginning of January. The central cabochon was created by making a mold of a vintage piece that I have. I’m pretty satisfied with the […]

By Cyndi -- 5 comments

December 6th, 2007

Artist Profile: Amy E Fraser

Artist: Amy E. Fraser
Business Name: Exalted Beauty
Website and blog:
Amy E. Fraser
Exalted Beauty

How do you describe your work, Amy?
I would describe the Exalted Beauty Medallions as exuberant, fun and funky, boldly beautiful with a charismatic personality, just like the Exalted Beauties who wear them!The name of my business was inspired by the beautiful women in my […]

By Cyndi -- 2 comments