Sterling Raised Ring patterned in the rolling mill
Forged Copper Spiral Hammered and Set with a Pearl
Beading Tools - Necklaces & Bracelets
Looking to start beading but don’t know how to do it? Suggestion #1: Go to your local bead shop. There are classes, but a lot of shops also encourage you make jewelry there, and their employees will help you get started and finished (can be for a small fee).
If you want to get started at home right away, though, below is what you will need in your bag of goodies. This is also a good video that shows the use of a few of these tools and components.
1. Beads (obviously) – start with Michaels or Joann’s for some good selections of practice beads.
2. Tigertail – this is wire that is made up of many smaller wires twisted together. It comes in multiple diameters; different beads have different hole sizes, AND you want to make sure it will be strong enough to hold heavier beads. You can also double string for heavier beads.
3. Side or Flush Cutters – you will need to CUT the Tigertail with this tool.
4. Bead Stopper or Clip – oh the curses you will hear if you’re ALMOST done and WHOOPS! All the beads slip off the wire! I attach a small clip from the hardware store to the end of the wire. Also, when I try the item on, I attach a second clip to the other end. Then you are safe!
5. Crimp – this is a small metal “tube” typically you use to make a loop at each end of your Tigertail. You will slide the crimp on the wire, loop the wire around, then guide the wire back through the crimp – leaving a small loop at the end. Make sure the loop isn’t TOO small, or the wire will rub your jump ring and possibly break over time. Then you need a…
6. Crimping Tool – the tool has two slots in it. The slot that is heart shaped is for collapsing the crimp onto the Tigertail. After that, move the crimp to the round slot, turn the crimp on the side, and FOLD the crimp in half with the tool. Your Tigertail should be stuck for life.
7. Jump Rings – hook a small jump ring (a ring with one cut in it) to each loop you made earlier; you can also just attach the clasp directly if your clasp allows. You will need two pliers to open and close these rings. I typically use my round-nose and flat-nose pliers…
8. Round-nose or Flat-nose Pliers – two pliers are necessary for opening and closing your jump rings. You want them to be smooth – not from the tool cabinet – or they may mark the jump rings. Unless you are working with wire, the TYPE of pliers isn’t super important. When I am done closing my jump rings, though, to make them extra tight I use nylon pliers. This is a flat-nose set of pliers with a substantial amount of white nylon covering the surfaces to protect wire.
9. Clasp – a Lobster Claw clasp is the most common type of clasp I’ve seen. This is the oblong kind you need to use your finger to open with the small lever. Other common types are Spring Ring clasps, which are similar but round, and Toggle clasps, which have a round component then a “stick” that you pull through the round piece.
10. Optional Chain – sometimes it’s nice to make your jewelry adjustable. Simply measure and inch or so, cut one link in the chain and throw the link away. Attach the length of chain to the jump ring with your pliers, and you’re set to go!
Okay, so there are a QUITE a few things on this list. Once you’re set, though, this will pay itself back very quickly!
reade more...
If you want to get started at home right away, though, below is what you will need in your bag of goodies. This is also a good video that shows the use of a few of these tools and components.
1. Beads (obviously) – start with Michaels or Joann’s for some good selections of practice beads.
2. Tigertail – this is wire that is made up of many smaller wires twisted together. It comes in multiple diameters; different beads have different hole sizes, AND you want to make sure it will be strong enough to hold heavier beads. You can also double string for heavier beads.
3. Side or Flush Cutters – you will need to CUT the Tigertail with this tool.
4. Bead Stopper or Clip – oh the curses you will hear if you’re ALMOST done and WHOOPS! All the beads slip off the wire! I attach a small clip from the hardware store to the end of the wire. Also, when I try the item on, I attach a second clip to the other end. Then you are safe!
5. Crimp – this is a small metal “tube” typically you use to make a loop at each end of your Tigertail. You will slide the crimp on the wire, loop the wire around, then guide the wire back through the crimp – leaving a small loop at the end. Make sure the loop isn’t TOO small, or the wire will rub your jump ring and possibly break over time. Then you need a…
6. Crimping Tool – the tool has two slots in it. The slot that is heart shaped is for collapsing the crimp onto the Tigertail. After that, move the crimp to the round slot, turn the crimp on the side, and FOLD the crimp in half with the tool. Your Tigertail should be stuck for life.
7. Jump Rings – hook a small jump ring (a ring with one cut in it) to each loop you made earlier; you can also just attach the clasp directly if your clasp allows. You will need two pliers to open and close these rings. I typically use my round-nose and flat-nose pliers…
8. Round-nose or Flat-nose Pliers – two pliers are necessary for opening and closing your jump rings. You want them to be smooth – not from the tool cabinet – or they may mark the jump rings. Unless you are working with wire, the TYPE of pliers isn’t super important. When I am done closing my jump rings, though, to make them extra tight I use nylon pliers. This is a flat-nose set of pliers with a substantial amount of white nylon covering the surfaces to protect wire.
9. Clasp – a Lobster Claw clasp is the most common type of clasp I’ve seen. This is the oblong kind you need to use your finger to open with the small lever. Other common types are Spring Ring clasps, which are similar but round, and Toggle clasps, which have a round component then a “stick” that you pull through the round piece.
10. Optional Chain – sometimes it’s nice to make your jewelry adjustable. Simply measure and inch or so, cut one link in the chain and throw the link away. Attach the length of chain to the jump ring with your pliers, and you’re set to go!
Okay, so there are a QUITE a few things on this list. Once you’re set, though, this will pay itself back very quickly!
Pliers marring your wire?
As I create these twisted pieces, I notice that the round nose pliers can sometimes leave a little "bite" mark on the sterling. My nylon pliers are wonderful, but they are flat...
I've heard of people using Tool Magic, which I found at Joann's or FireMountainGems.com. The instructions tell you to dip your tool into the compound, wait for a few hours, and BAM! You're golden!
My order is coming in a few days... I'm very excited to try this new technique! I'll keep you posted ;)
reade more...
I've heard of people using Tool Magic, which I found at Joann's or FireMountainGems.com. The instructions tell you to dip your tool into the compound, wait for a few hours, and BAM! You're golden!
My order is coming in a few days... I'm very excited to try this new technique! I'll keep you posted ;)
All hail FireMountainGems.com!
Not in a million years would I have imagined such an awesome website for purchasing quality beads and wire! For many wholesale websites, you must have a tax identification number that shows you are a seller in your state - not for FireMountainGems.com. Anyone can purchase beads, and the more you purchase, the better your discounts are. I keep getting sucked in to buying "just a few more items" to get me to the next price break... but they make it worth it!
What's the downfall? Well, the pictures are great, but you can't SEE the items in your hands. You also can't hand-pick the items like at a bead show - is that pretty one going to be on your strand? The risk is fine for lower cost items, but I think I will still make my higher priced purchases at shows - for now.
Check it out if you get a chance though! I think you will be impressed... but perhaps not shake with excitement like I did. :)
reade more...
What's the downfall? Well, the pictures are great, but you can't SEE the items in your hands. You also can't hand-pick the items like at a bead show - is that pretty one going to be on your strand? The risk is fine for lower cost items, but I think I will still make my higher priced purchases at shows - for now.
Check it out if you get a chance though! I think you will be impressed... but perhaps not shake with excitement like I did. :)
Thea Izzi Jewelry - Luminous Elegance in Metal
Sheer elegance is how we view the artistic creations that emanate from the Thea Izzi studio. These pieces positively glow with luminous beauty and her signature pieces have an interior made of gold that reflects off itself in a shimmery display of light.
This piece is called "Three Gold Bowls"
With an emphasis on form and space, Thea creates hollow-form and hand-fabricated bi-colored pieces that seem to be illuminated with an interior glow. Her bi-metal pieces are made by taking 22kt gold and sterling silver sheet, then fusing and rolling them together. The gold reflects off of itself when it is used as the interior of a design. But when the gold is used as the exterior of a design then it is the silver interior that provides a shimmery contrast.
Folding metal upon itself seems to always provide intricate and interesting shapes and designs. Here we have a superb example of her work that is especially festive reminding us of holiday ribbon candy named "Ariel"
Thea expresses her motivations succintly when she says,
My work explores the convergence of geometric and organic shapes translated to ornament in metal. The forms are created by hollowed, cut and fabricated 22k gold over sterling silver “bi-metal” discs.
The luminous interior, caused by the gold reflecting off of itself, eludes to a light source contained in that space though none exists.
My process is largely unconscious and often motivated by playful experimentation, symmetry, repetition of patterns and illusions created by contrast fuel my inspiration for design.
As an example of her diverse offerings even within a particular design, her Gemma earrings are made in three versions: Sterling Silver, Oxidized Silver and 18k Gold, or 18K Gold and Sterling Silver Bi-Metal.
This pin is another lovely example of Thea's luminous work, called Bird of Paradise
We are inspired by the elegant jewelry and the incredible variety that Thea Izzi provides for her following of ardent jewelry lovers. Consider us a part of that following.
What do you find inspiring?
Let us know what you think.
reade more...
This piece is called "Three Gold Bowls"
With an emphasis on form and space, Thea creates hollow-form and hand-fabricated bi-colored pieces that seem to be illuminated with an interior glow. Her bi-metal pieces are made by taking 22kt gold and sterling silver sheet, then fusing and rolling them together. The gold reflects off of itself when it is used as the interior of a design. But when the gold is used as the exterior of a design then it is the silver interior that provides a shimmery contrast.
Folding metal upon itself seems to always provide intricate and interesting shapes and designs. Here we have a superb example of her work that is especially festive reminding us of holiday ribbon candy named "Ariel"
Thea expresses her motivations succintly when she says,
My work explores the convergence of geometric and organic shapes translated to ornament in metal. The forms are created by hollowed, cut and fabricated 22k gold over sterling silver “bi-metal” discs.
The luminous interior, caused by the gold reflecting off of itself, eludes to a light source contained in that space though none exists.
My process is largely unconscious and often motivated by playful experimentation, symmetry, repetition of patterns and illusions created by contrast fuel my inspiration for design.
As an example of her diverse offerings even within a particular design, her Gemma earrings are made in three versions: Sterling Silver, Oxidized Silver and 18k Gold, or 18K Gold and Sterling Silver Bi-Metal.
This pin is another lovely example of Thea's luminous work, called Bird of Paradise
We are inspired by the elegant jewelry and the incredible variety that Thea Izzi provides for her following of ardent jewelry lovers. Consider us a part of that following.
What do you find inspiring?
Let us know what you think.
Melle Finelli Jewelry - Creativity and Fun in Each Design
We are inspired by the creativity and fun emanating from the studio of Melle Finelli. Melissa Finelli creates handcrafted designs from the heart that are fun-filled and exciting to wear.
Occasionally, one desires designs that are rough-hewn; something that definitely shows the hand of the artist. Such is the work offered by Melissa Finelli. Her designs lend themselves to daydreams and fantasies. We are captivated by her asymmetrical designs that meander and spiral. They promote our own musings and daydreams, and we enjoy that aspect of wearing handcrafted jewelry.
Let's take a look at some examples of her work.
Here we see Melissa's sterling silver Ribbon Drop earrings
These earrings are called Twisted. They are made with 18k gold and sterling silver
Here is her Prickly pendant in 18k gold and sterling silver
This pendant is titled Web. Again, we see her work made with sterling and 18k gold
Here is her Petal ring in sterling, 18k gold with a diamond
We find ourselves inspired by Melissa's creativity and lovely workmanship.
What do you find inspiring about this work?
Let us know your thoughts.
reade more...
Occasionally, one desires designs that are rough-hewn; something that definitely shows the hand of the artist. Such is the work offered by Melissa Finelli. Her designs lend themselves to daydreams and fantasies. We are captivated by her asymmetrical designs that meander and spiral. They promote our own musings and daydreams, and we enjoy that aspect of wearing handcrafted jewelry.
Let's take a look at some examples of her work.
Here we see Melissa's sterling silver Ribbon Drop earrings
These earrings are called Twisted. They are made with 18k gold and sterling silver
Here is her Prickly pendant in 18k gold and sterling silver
This pendant is titled Web. Again, we see her work made with sterling and 18k gold
Here is her Petal ring in sterling, 18k gold with a diamond
We find ourselves inspired by Melissa's creativity and lovely workmanship.
What do you find inspiring about this work?
Let us know your thoughts.