A Note About Copyright

I hold the copyright to all images on this blog, unless otherwise noted. Please do not reproduce them without my permission. If you plan on using my material in another blog, I'd be delighted, but please notify me before you do so, and, of course, link back to me. Thank you.

January 30, 2011

Beaded Flowers

Once, my Russian friend living in Japan sent me a beautiful, red beaded rose as a Christmas gift. I thought, "Is it possible to make something as lovely as Mother Nature creates? Probably not, but sometimes copies can be worth that of the original." That is when I fell in love with beads and wire.
Gerbera

January 22, 2011

Tutorial: How to Make Bead Spinner

A bead spinner is not required, but if you string many seed bead strands you may find this simple spindle tool a reason to celebrate! 
And you do not have to spend $15-$65. You only need one wooden chopstick and small plastic jar(container). I used one from apple sauce, and it holds up to 100 grams of beads!

January 17, 2011

Tucson Gem and Mineral Show



For the last five years every February I go to Tucson, AZ. What do I do there?
The February gem shows in Tucson are ‘the place to be’!
For two weeks Tucson, Arizona hosts dozens of different gem shows, hundreds of dealer displays and many special events throughout downtown Tucson, AZ and nearby hotels during the annual Tucson Gem Shows.
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January 16, 2011

Tutorial: Spring Flower Earrings



This lesson shows how to make 3-D (three-dimensional) spiral and use it for making earrings, pendants, etc.
Materials:
•    15” (38cm)* of 18 ga Round Soft Wire
•    Jump rings -2
•    Ear wire -2
* The length of the wire depends on the mandrel’s diameter and the number of coils.
Tools:
•    Chain nose pliers
•    Wire cutters
•    Round mandrel (or pencil)