Beading the "Bead World" Way

Barbara's Amazing Collar

2012-01-30T13:56:00.000-08:00

Imagine my glee when THIS gorgeous "project in progress" came into my store last week! Barbara Oehl was looking for the perfect clasp for her nearly finished collar. Joyce, Nancy and I just had a field day looking it over. The work is impeccable and very creative. The bezels are super tight, and the whole thing is very well done. Barbara told us she's spent 31 hours on it so far! I just adore getting to see the amazing work you guys do. I tell you, this is the absolute best part of my job!

Credit: Barbara Oehl, bkoehl@msn.com 837-3284

New Classes at Bead World!

2012-01-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

We've had a busy fall and winter at Bead World, launching a whole array of new classes! If you haven't yet had the chance to check them out, it's your lucky day! Check out the class schedules on our web site: www.beadworldinc.com/classes.html

This popular and stylish bracelet wraps Swarovski pearls in a channel of rich leather ($30.00)

Peyote stitch is the single most versatile stitch a beader can learn. This class teaches simple peote stitch in a clean, modern bracelet using size 11 Delica seed beads and a sterling silver slide clasp. ($40.00)

Learn the graceful art of Japanese Kumihimo weave using nylon cord. We'll show you in the class how to add beads for a more glamorous design and all of the equipment is yours to keep! ($45.00)

Nancy Linderman's Statement Necklace

2011-12-27T19:16:00.000-08:00

One of the best parts of my job is getting to see that AMAZING jewelry designed by our clients! The amount of talent represented by our clientelle is truly hard to believe, unless you get to see it every day. I just love watching the current trends get filtered through your persepctive and creativity. Nancy Linderman of Visual Alchemy showed me this great piece from her collection. It's an ideal example of the statement necklace trend: it has mixed metals, chain, unique "found object" pendants and gemstones. And it's so cool! You can see more of Nancy's work at fabulous local boutiques The Embellished House, Kiss Me Kate and more!

Want to see your own amazing work in this blog? Send me .jpegs of your work along with your name and information about the piece, and it just might happen!

Feeling a Little Cocky About My Peacock Bracelet!

2011-08-05T13:06:00.001-07:00

As you may know, the Bead World team is available for repairs and new jewelry construction. This is usually pretty run-of-the-mill stuff, and while we have fun with it, it rarely makes it into the blog. Recently, though, an impending BRIDE came into the store. (I love weddings and everything to do with weddings, so I was all over this! You'd think I'd get to work planning my own, but that's a whole other story...) She has a secret peacock theme to her wedding, as she has nicknamed her husband-to-be "Peacock" because he can be a little cocky! It started as a peacock feather in her hair and quickly took on a life of its own. Here you see the completely custom peacock peyote stitched bracelet we designed and made for her wedding. The colors were chosen to specifically coordinate with her wedding colors as well as reflect traditional peacock design. I'll admit, I'm pretty proud of it!

Nancy's Fancy Necklace

2011-07-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

We recently got in a HUGE batch of acrylic and resin beads, including fabulous leaves and flowers. Looking through old beading magazines, we saw some fun examples of acrylic flowers used in fringe-technique necklaces. This is a favorite technique at Bead World -- we teach it in our popular Flower Garden Bracelet class. Nancy Katz took on the challenge to create a version for the store, and it turned out amazingly well! She used a base of size 6 seed beads on SoftFlex. Then she used Fireline to add the dense fringes. I think it looks awesome!

Nancy's Fancy Necklace

Detail photo of acrylic flowers and leaves

Enter our Summer Beading Contest!

2011-07-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

Enter Our Summer Beading Contest!

We're daydreaming about sparkling snowflakes and frosty fun. Our client contest invites you guys to daydream, too! Make a beaded piece, anything at all, inspired by our theme "Christmas in July." Submit all entry materials BEFORE August 10, 2011. One lucky winner will receive a $50.00 Bead World gift certificate! The winning piece will also be featured in the September e-magazine. First Runner Up will receive $10.00 in Bead Bucks. Runners Up and Honorable Mentions will have their work featured on the Bead World blog and Bead World Facebook page. Winners will be announced in the September Bead World E-Magazine.
A few rules and guidelines:

* All materials used in your project must be available at Bead World stores. Failure to follow this guideline will result in the disqualification of your project.
* You may enter as many pieces as you like, but each client will only be eligible for one prize.
* Each entry must include a clear .jpeg of the piece, as well as the entrant's name, phone number, mailing address and email address. In addition, we request a brief essay (500 words or less) about the piece and its relation to our theme, Christmas in July. This material must be emailed to lezligoodwin@gmail.com BEFORE August 10, 2011.
* All images and essays become the property of Bead World Inc., and may be used in the e-magazine, blog, facebook page or other communications. All intellectual property will be properly credited.
* Staff and employees are not eligible.

Christmas in July

2011-07-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

Every summer we celebrate "Christmas in July" at our Bead World stores. It's a fun chance to pull out our fabulous ornament classes, snowman earring kits and snowflake patterns. Plus, the distraction from the hat is more than welcome -- after all, we are in Arizona, and it's 118 degrees out there today. Every July, I announce that I'm making an ornament for everyone in the family. (This is a reasonable goal, as I have six monts to finish them.) Every August, though, I put it all away until fall. Will this be the year I finish those ornaments? I'll keep you posted.

"Snowy Christmas Tree Earrings" kit, with Crystal AB Swarovski beads

"Fancy Snowflake", pattern available in our book, "Holiday Ornaments"

"Russian Ornament", available as a class in July at Bead World

New Beading Books

2011-06-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

I have been unusually quiet online lately. This is mostly due to the large amount of writing I've been doing in the real world. In the last few months I've put the finishing touches on three beading books. Teaming with our amazing Bead World staff, we've released a trio of fun instructional books. These beauties have everything you've come to love in Bead World books -- lots of helpful pictures, step by step instructions and great project ideas!

Seed Bead Basics: the Bead World Way!, by Lezli Goodwin with Mary Brown, Bailey DeGraff, Robynne Hughes, Nancy Katz and Kim Lucas, $12.99 This great seed bead primer has all the info you need to get started with simple seed bead projects. Learn how to tie off threads, add new threads, connect various kinds of clasps and more! Patterns include:

DNA Spiral Bracelet
Flower Garden (Fringe) Bracelet
Sidewinder Bracelet
Double Sidewinder Bracelet
Peyote Stitch Bracelet
Right Angle Weave Bracelet

Pictured: Right Angle Weave Bracelet

Beyond Basics: All Tied Up! by Lezli Goodwin with Mary Brown, Breanne Determan, Robynne Hughes, Sara Martin, Kate Stanley and Karen Thompson, $12.99 Take your beading to the next level with fun twists on traditional textile techniques! Utilize crochet, macrame and kumihimo to create hip, modern jewelry you'll love! Patterns include:

Beaded Hemp Bracelet
Macrame Bracelet with Slide Clasp
3 Strand Wire Crochet Necklace
Twisted Crochet Necklace
Crocheted Cuff Bracelet
Kumihimo Necklace
Beaded Kumihimo

Pictured: Macrame Bracelet with Slide Clasp

Chain Maille for Beginners, by Lezli Goodwin with Mary Brown, Judy Corning, Robynne Hughes and Lisa Kearn, $12.99 Everything you need to know to get started with basic chain maille, including how to choose the right rings for the project, closing jump rings properly and some beautiful classic designs. Patterns include:

Cha Cha Bracelet with Borosilicate Glass Beads
2 in 2 Bracelet
2 in 1 Earrings
Copper Flower Earrings
Fleurette Earrings
Spiral Bracelet

Pictured: Copper Flower Earrings, Fleurette Earrings and 2 in 1 Earrings

New Classes

2011-05-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

I'm on a roll with the new classes! This month, we're debuting two new classes, Double Sidewinder and Kumihimo, in our Bead World stores. It's really exciting to be able to bring these cool new classes to the masses. Plus, it's moving me that much closer to the new book releases! This summer, we'll be releasing at least two new books. We may even make it three new books, if I can get my act in order! Beyond Basics: All Tied Up! will feature macrame, wire crochet and kumihimo weave. Seed Bead Basics will highlight, well, basic seed bead projects. (Duh, right?) And Chain Maille for Beginners will contain patterns for beginner level chain maille projects. Hey, at least you know what are books are about from the titles! Exact release dates will follow soon, and you can find class information on our website: http://www.beadworldinc.com/

Double Sidewinder Bracelet

Kumihimo Necklace

New Downloadable Projects!

2011-02-24T15:04:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'll admit that I'm a bit odd. I really enjoy writing jewelry instructions. I especially enjoy writing jewelry instructions with big color photographs that are clear and easy to follow. So imagine my excitement every time I get to post new FREE downloadable jewelry instructions to our website. (It's a good thing I found a job at a bead store -- I can't imagine getting this worked up over insurance claims!) I've added two new earring patterns just this week, including the Wire Wrapped Scroll Earrings (pictured at left). Just scroll down to the bottom of the Downloadable Projects page to find our newest additions! Happy Beading!

http://www.beadworldinc.com/

Overcoming my Beading Blocks

2011-02-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

We all have beading blocks. No matter how good we are in some areas, there are others that scare the pants right off of us. For me it was seed beads. I can wire wrap with the best of them. PMC is easy for me. Advanced chain maille patterns are within my grasp. Tiny little seed beads, however, sent me screaming from the room. All fears must be confronted eventually, though, or they begin to run your life. So I began last fall to tip-toe into the seed bead arena. Gasp!

Why, you may ask, am I throwing myself under the proverbial bus? Firstly, to give you all permission to try classes and projects that are scary. Few of us enjoy struggling, and no one wants to fail. It's understandable that we avoid projects that we are unsure about. It's the tough projects, though, that bring us deep satisfaction. That sense of "A-HA! I did it!" that is so valuable and meaningful.

And secondly, I bring up my conquered fear because it has led to a growing slate of seed bead classes at Bead World. (After all, I develop the majority of the classes. If I am less than comfortable in a bead genre, you can bet there will be fewer classes available.) This month we are launching our first ever Peyote Stitch class! A year ago, I would have laughed at the suggestion that I could develop and teach a class like this. It just goes to show you what can be accomplished if you face your fears and try anyway. See you in class!

Christmas Kits are Back!

2010-11-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again! Christmas kits are available at your local Bead World this holiday season! We try to make your holiday gift giving easy, with thirteen adorable and exclusive kits. Each kit includes everything you need to make a special holiday project, with complete instructions and a color photo of the finished piece. Can it get any easier than that?! Every kit uses premium materials (Swarovski crystal, sterling silver, 14K gold filled, copper and more), so your loved ones get the very best.

Toy Soldier Earrings, $9.99

Christmas Lights Earrings, $5.99

Christmas Present Earrings, $10.99

Swarovski Crystal AB Christmas Trees, $8.99

Nina Designs Interview our own Lezli Goodwin

2010-09-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

I love those crazy gals over at Nina Designs. (I might have covered my love of them before, in a few zillion of my posts.) So I was extra stoked when they asked me to be their first featured "Designer Success Story"! They sent me a list of questions, and let me choose five to answer. It was really fun working my way through the questions. The responses flowed easily, and I was surprised to find I had an immediate answer for ever question! (Not so shocking to those who know me, I'm sure. I have an opinion about everything!)

Here's a taste of the article. To read the whole thing, click on the link below:

"There are as many avenues into jewelry design as there are jewelry designers. Each story is unique and inspiring. In our first Customer Success Story we’d like you to meet Lezli Goodwin. Lezli is a well known jewelry designer, accomplished modern painter and creative director for Bead World Inc, an Arizona chain of boutique bead stores. Her modern beaded jewelry features metaphysically active gemstones, gorgeous sterling silver findings and exquisite handcrafted techniques.

What is one piece of trusted advice you would give to someone just starting their jewelry business?

“Be who you are and not who you’re not.” I think that’s Dr. Seuss. Make jewelry you love, and then find the market. Forget about trying to make pieces you think will sell — that’s a recipe for frustration and defeat. There is a market for everything, if it’s made with integrity and passion."

To read the entire article, click here!

Congratulations to the Beading Contest Winners!

2010-09-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

Behold, the winner of our first ever beading contest at Bead World! Karen Kissel of Glendale submitted this adorable earring and bracelet set which fit our theme Summer Love perfectly. Every element of this bracelet is created by hand, from the torch fused fine silver chain to the Precious Metal Clay charms and wire wrapped bead elements. Here's what Karen had to say about her piece:

"I created this Summer Love dangle bracelet and earring set using pure silver charms and Swarovski crystal beads. The charms are PMC molded in the shapes of the ocean and the beautiful blue crystals have the bright and shimmering feel of summer at the beach. The bracelet was assembled using the fine silver rings we fused and hammered in class, and I used the wire wrap technique you taught me to design the dangles for both the bracelet and earrings."

FIRST RUNNER UP: $10.00 in Bead Bucks
Rose Balazs of Scottsdale, Arizona

"Summertime can be equated with fun times and greens -- the sun shining through the green trees, green grass and lots of green shrubbery." This piece was made using intricate stitching and gorgeous Czech glass firepolish beads. I've seen this piece in person, and it's even more beautiful in real life! Delicate craftsmanship like this really inspires me to get out the tiny beads and expand my skills.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Best Wire Working: Lora Klosterboer

Most Innovative Use of Materials: Pam Harris

Best Jewelry Photography: Linda Seward

Sweet Gold Charms

2010-08-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

I am usually a sterling silver girl. Rarely does a gold item (14K, gold filled or vermeil) catch my eye for any significant period of time. These beautiful 24K vermeil charms from Nina Designs, though, have me smitten. The color is radiant, the quality is impeccable. Plus, of course, they are super cute! A sweet little vermeil charm is the perfect way to add a splash of gold to this season's trendy "mixed-metal" pieces. I've gotta say, I really like them and have had fun showing them to our clients at Bead World!

24K vermeil Om charm

24K vermeil Lotus Flower charm

24K vermeil Evil Eye charm

24K vermeil Buddha charm

Reverse Those Colors for a Fresh New Look!

2010-07-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

Selecting colors can be one of the hardest tasks for a new jewelry designer. Try as we might, you guys never quite believe us when we say, "There is no wrong answer!" Truly, the best reason to learn the basics of color theory is to learn your favorite ways to break them. Once you do find a favorite color combination, here's a neat trick to keep you out of the dreaded rut -- whatever your instinct tells you to do, reverse the colors! It gives your pieces a fresh, exciting look and allows you to execute twice as many projects in your most beloved color scheme! Good friend and longtime client Fran Gilcrest-Piper loaned me two of her Sidewinder bracelets to help illustrate the concept. Fran used topaz seed beads and jet Swarovski crystals in the example at left, while she chose jet seed beads and topaz Swarovski crystals for the bracelet on the right.

Light interacts with different kinds of beads differently, and color placement can effect the look as well. These two pieces look very different, but use two of Frans favorite neutral colors in a rich, sophisticated way. Beautiful work, Fran!

The Easiest Earrings Ever

2010-07-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, it really is this easy -- find a great bead or pendant, put it on an ear wire and VOILA! You have fantastic new earrings. The craze for anything beachy or made of shell this summer has me reaching for cute carved shell pendants. Most summers, we would use them to create necklaces. This year, though, earrings can't get big enough.

Some of the Bead World girls out to celebrate Kim's exciting new move. (I'm in the lower left hand corner, wearing these earrings!)

Gorgeous New Earring Findings!

2010-07-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

You can thank me later, guys. Locating amazing, creative, impressive jewelry findings is probably the biggest challenge in beading. No matter how skilled you are, your work will always be limited by the quality and inventiveness of your basic findings. As an earring girl, I'm always looking for cool new earring findings that will give my designs that extra sass I like. I'm excited to announce the arrival of three new sterling silver findings to the Bead World line up, all from Nina Designs. (Y'all know how I feel about Nina Designs.) You're going to want them all. I know I certainly do! As Sandra Bullock's character says in The Blind Side, "I said you could thank me later. It's later."

Heaven is the Perfect Crimp End

2010-06-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty excited when I discover a finding that works beautifully. I'm even more excited when that finding is attractive and professional looking. That explains, in a nutshell, why I am so thrilled with Nina Designs' crimp ends. Their four petal design works equally well for silk ribbon, braided leather, multi-strand cording and more. It's easy to use (practically idiot proof!) and looks great every time.

Imagine my glee when I discovered that Nina Designs makes this lovely crimp end with an integrated hook and eye system in brass as well as sterling silver! (Of course, we now carry both at Bead World!) Designed to coordinate with 14K gold filled, this anti-tarnish brass crimp end takes it to a whole new level. Juanita, a key member of the Nina Designs team, created this gorgeous piece with the brass crimp end closure. Beautiful, elegant and functional -- that's my idea of beading heaven!

Have You Checked Out Beaducation.com?

2010-06-12T12:46:00.000-07:00

I'm the first person to spread the word about my favorite places, and let me just tell you: If you haven't been to http://www.beaducation.com/ yet, you are missing out! Lisa Niven Kelly's fun, interactive site offers the innovative beader lots of opportunities. Free video lessons, project ideas and custom products compliment the host of online beading classes. Lisa's exuberant designs are liberally represented, but she's brought in a whole team of fantastic designers to teach along side her. Seriously, check it out!

Gorgeous inspiration on their blog!

Classes and instructions you can't find anywhere else!

Metal stamping in an avant garde way!

My Best Necklace Ever

2010-06-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

Every beader has an example of the one time they just hit it out of the park. You know, that certain design that everyone comments on and wants to steal. I made a necklace about six years ago that is still my all time favorite piece. I was inspired by a picture in a magazine, purchased some gorgeous chalcedony rondelles and whipped it up one summer afternoon. Never did I suspect that I would spend the next six years explaining that 1) it wasn't difficult to make and 2) I wouldn't mind if they copied it.

It's actually a really easy piece, you see. Just select approximately 4.5 feet of any oval link chain. (Mine is sterling silver, nicely aged by throwing it on the bathroom counter and leaving it there for weeks, repeatedly.) Cut it into a whole bunch of 5 link pieces, or whatever length you prefer. (Really, it doesn't particularly matter. My piece took 36 sections, plus 2 pieces of about 3 inches of chain for the back. You'll need to adjust for the size of the chain you select.) Pick out some gorgeous rondelles, somewhere between 6 and 10mm. (Mine are 8mm chalcedony, but faceted Czech glass, Swarovski crystal and pearls have also worked out nicely.)

Now for the fun part!

Using 22 gauge wire that matches your chain, cut 18 pieces that are 3 inches long.
Form a wire wrapped loop on one end of a piece of wire. Add the end link of TWO of the pieces of chain BEFORE you wrap the loop closed. Both chains should dangle freely. Now, wrap that loop closed. Cut off any extra wire.
String on one of your beautiful rondelles, then form another loop. Once again, string on TWO of the chain pieces, and then wrap the loop closed. You've now formed a chain unit.
Continue in this manner until you have built a 12 inch section with open chain on each end. Then repeat to build a second twelve inch section. Lay the chains together and align the ends.
Form a wire wrapped loop on one end of a piece of wire. Add the end links of ALL FOUR of the end pieces of one side of the necklace BEFORE you wrap the loop closed. This will permanently attach the two sections together. Now, wrap that loop closed. Cut off any extra wire.
String on one of your beautiful rondelles, then form another loop. This time, string on the end of one of the 3 inch chain pieces for the back, and then wrap the loop closed.
Repeat this process on the other side of the necklace. Add the clasp of your choice and Voila!

Don't Throw Away Those Scraps!

2010-05-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

We're always telling you guys to save those little bits of sterling silver you have left over when you cut headpins or links of chain. After all, that's sterling silver and it has value! But you know how it is -- those itty bitty pieces of silver don't seem like much. Most of our clients just throw those bits away, no matter how loudly we protest. If you save them, though, you can amass quite the pile over time. I can admit it, I'm cheap, and that pile has a very real monetary value!

We understand that it's a little weird to wander into your local pawn shop with a pile of sterling silver clippings. Some shops that "Will Buy Your Gold And Silver" don't even want to deal with the small amounts that beaders have. So we're making it easy for you! You can bring your sterling silver, gold-filled and gold scrap metal to your local Bead World! We'll pay you in Bead Bucks (we ALWAYS want more Bead Bucks, right?) and you can turn your "garbage" into more great beads for your collection.

Exclusive New Findings!

2010-05-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

Beaders are always looking for something special to help their designs stand out. An unusual clasp or ear wire can go a long way toward differentiating your jewelry pieces from every other beader out there. Let's face it -- locating a great finding can be the biggest challenge in beading!

Bead World has recently started commissioning a line of exclusive hand made findings in sterling silver, 14K gold filled and copper, to help add a dash of distrinction to your designs. This artisan line is made in the US (we LOVE that!) by designers who love beads and beading as much as you do! We absolutely know that these fun findings will be instant classics!

Teri's Knotted Pearl Necklace

2010-05-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

Teri’s Knotted Pearl Necklace

Teri’s Knotted Pearl Necklace is a stylish twist on a timeless classic. Everybody loves hand knotted pearls. Teri gives us a great way to freshen them up using sassy colored pearls and fun Vintaj charms.

Necessary Skills:
Cord Knotting
Using clamshells
Jump rings

You Will Need:
3 pieces of brass chain (1/4 inch, ½ inch and ¾ inch)
Size 5 Griffin pearl knotting silk (2 meters)
8mm teal freshwater pearls (1 strand)
Vintaj charm, sunflower charm and teeny lizard charms
5mm Vintaj jump rings (4)
7mm Vintaj jump ring
Size 11 seed beads OR 2mm Swarovski crystals
Clamshells (2)
Trigger clasp
Awl or knotting tweezers

Instructions:

1. Tie a knot in the end of the knotting silk opposite the needle. Thread the needle through the hole in the hinge of one clamshell. Pull the silk all the way through, so the knot sits in the cup of the clamshell. Tie a knot and press it against the outside of the clamshell, using your awl or tweezers.

2. Leave a ¾ inch space. Tie another knot and pull it tight. String on one seed bead, one pearl and another seed bead. Tie a knot and press it against the seed bead, using your awl or tweezers.

3. Repeat this technique until you reach the desired length. Be careful to use an even number of pearls! (Teri’s is 18 inches long.) Add the second clamshell and carefully knot inside the cup. Apply superglue to both knots, trim the silk and press both clamshells closed.

4. Open the loop on one clamshell, string on the trigger clasp and curl the loop closed.

5. Open the loop on the second clamshell, string on the 7mm jump ring and curl the loop closed. You now have a functional necklace!

6. Carefully open one 5mm jump ring. String on the end link of all three pieces of brass chain and the silk in the center open space. Carefully close the jump ring.

7. Carefully open one 5mm jump ring. String on the other end of the longest piece of chain as well as the loop at the top of the butterfly charm. Carefully close the jump ring.

8. Carefully open one 5mm jump ring. String on the other end of the medium piece of chain as well as the loop at the top of the sunflower charm. Carefully close the jump ring.

9. Carefully open the last 5mm jump ring. String on the other end of the shortest piece of chain as well as the loop at the top of the teeny lizard charm. Carefully close the jump ring. Your necklace is finished!

Our Crystal Link Necklace Kit

2010-05-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

One of the most fun things about working for a bead store is the opportunity to design beading kits. After all, sometimes clients just want to grab a quick project that they know will turn out beautifully! As professional beaders (what a thrilling thing to call ourselves!) we understand the desire for fresh, interesting designs -- not to mention the ease of having all of the required elements pre-assembled. Of course, as beading teachers, we try to make sure everyone has ample opportunity to practice their new beading skills!

Sometimes, the perfect seasonal necklace is less about over-the-top design and more about assembling basic elements into a sleek, wearable pendant. Our new Crystal Link Necklace (featuring stunning quartz crystal and hammered TierraCast links) is just such a piece. Who knew two links and one bead could become such a lovely counterpoint to a fun summer dress? In this case, simplicity reigns supreme.

Esther's Butterfly Necklace

2010-05-10T11:37:00.000-07:00

Esther’s Butterfly Necklace

This advanced wire wrapping project gives you many opportunities to customize your look. Choose different charms, or various sizes and colors of crystals to create a totally different impression. You’ll love your finished piece, no matter what choices you go with! Enjoy!

Necessary Skills:
Wire wrapping and top drilled wire wrapping
Building wire wrapped chains
Jump rings
You Will Need:
2 pieces of Vintaj brass chain (approx. 4 inches each, to fit)
Silk ribbon (approx. 24 inches)
Vintaj Hammered Ring and Toggle Bar
Vintaj Butterfly pendant, bumblebee charm and two dragonfly charms
4mm Swarovski crystal bicone (3)
Gemstone briolettes OR Swarovski top drilled bicones (2)
7mm Vintaj jump rings (4)
24 gauge brass wire, cut into 3 inch lengths (at least 20)
Size 11 seed beads OR 2mm Swarovski crystals
Instructions:
1. With one of the pieces of brass wire, form wire wrapped loops on each side of a 4mm crystal bicone. Make a wire wrapped loop on another piece of brass wire and attach it to one of the loops before wrapping it closed. Add one seed bead, and then form another closed wire wrap loop. Continue adding in this manner until you reach 3.5 inches in length. Then repeat the process on the other side of the crystal bicone unit, until you reach about 7 inches total.

2. Carefully open one 7mm jump ring. String on the last link of one piece of Vintaj chain, one end of the wire wrapped chain and the opening in the hammered ring. Carefully close the jump ring.

3. Carefully open another 7mm jump ring. String on the other end of the piece of Vintaj chain as well as the top corner of the Filigree butterfly pendant. Carefully close the jump ring.

4. Carefully open the third 7mm jump ring. String on the end link of the second piece of Vintaj chain and the loose end of the wire wrapped chain. Carefully close the jump ring.

5. Carefully open the last 7mm jump ring. String on the other end of the second piece of Vintaj chain as well as the opposite top corner of the Filigree butterfly pendant. Carefully close the jump ring.

6. Pass the silk ribbon through the loop on the toggle bar and tie silk in a knot to hold it in place. The ribbon forms the back of the necklace. Now, pass on side of the same ribbon through the jump ring on the end of the chains on the right side of the butterfly and tie the silk in a bow. It should be starting to look like a necklace!

7. Wire wrap on the Vintaj charms, briolettes and crystals on to the Vintaj chain in a decorative manner. Use the photograph for inspiration. Enjoy!

How to Become a Wholesale Client

2010-05-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

One of the questions I get most often is, "How do I get my wholesale license?" In the state of Arizona, you will need to obtain a state Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License. You can accomplish this task online at the Arizona Department of Commerce web site. You are often also required to have a license from the city in which your business is located. The state TPT license, however, is the one you need to qualify as a wholesale company. Once you obtain your state TPT license, here's how you register as a wholesale client at Bead World: bring us a photocopy of your state TPT license and fill out a short worksheet. That's it! Once this is done, you qualify for a 20% discount off almost everything in the store and you are sales tax exempt for all resellable jewelry items.

Starting a jewelry business and getting your wholesale license has a lot of great advantages:

earn extra money doing something you love
gain entrance into "wholesale only" gem shows
obtain discounts at many bead stores, including Bead World
be permitted to order from "wholesale only" web sites or purchase at different prices
write off expenses at tax time

Of course, there are responsibilities that come with running a beading business, too. In addition to the job of making and selling jewelry, you will also have to handle the business aspects:

sending monthly sales tax reports to your city and state
filing income taxes annually as a small business
keeping track of all of your expenses for tax purposes

Most wholesale clients find that the duties and responsibilities are quite small compared to the benefits of maintaining their wholesale TPT license.

Brittany's Swooping Swallow Bracelet

2010-05-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

Brittany’s Swooping Swallow Bracelet

This adorable and very stylish bracelet was designed by Bead World Glendale's Brittany Egidi. This quick and easy bracelet design has real impact. Make it your own by varying the colors you dangle from the clasp, or add some charms. Have fun!

Required Skills:
Wire Wrapping
Jump Rings

You Will Need:
Vintaj Swirl Clasp
Vintaj Swooping Swallow pendant
8mm Swarovski crystal cube (3)
7mm Vintaj brass jump rings (3)
2 inch, 24 gauge Vintaj headpins (3)
6mm freshwater pearls (2)
6mm Swarovski crystal bicone (1)
Size 11 seed beads OR 2mm Swarovski crystals (6)
2 pieces of Vintaj brass chain (approx. 6 inches each, to fit)
Instructions:
1. Carefully open one 7mm jump ring. String on the first link of each piece of chain as well as the loop on the swallow’s tail. Carefully close the jump ring.

2. Carefully open another 7mm jump ring. String on the last link of each piece of chain as well as the loop on the swirl portion of the clasp. Carefully close the jump ring.

3. Carefully open the last 7mm jump ring. String on the large link portion of the clasp as well as the loop on the swallow’s head. Carefully close the jump ring. You should be able to close the clasp now and have a functional bracelet.

4. Thread the following onto a head pin: seed bead, freshwater pearl, seed bead. Form a wire wrapped loop above the beads, making sure to attach the loop to the large link portion of the clasp before wrapping the loop closed. Cut off any extra wire.

5. Thread the following onto a second head pin: seed bead, crystal bicone, seed bead. Form a wire wrapped loop above the beads, making sure to attach the loop to the large link portion of the clasp before wrapping the loop closed. The two dangles will be right next to one another. Cut off any extra wire.

6. Thread the following onto the last head pin: seed bead, freshwater pearl, seed bead. Form a wire wrapped loop above the beads, making sure to attach the loop to the large link portion of the clasp before wrapping the loop closed. The three dangles will be right next to one another. Cut off any extra wire. Ta Da! Your bracelet is complete!

Click Here For More FREE Downloadable projects!

Vintaj Arte Metal

2010-04-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

Just when we thought Vintaj couldn't get any better, they've launched a new line - Arte Metal! Designed to coordinate with gunmetal and blackened silver, Arte Metal features a rich, black patina. We are so excited to offer a selection of Arte Metal stamping blanks, ribbon slides and pendants. Let us know what you think!

Marcasite Butterfly, Vintaj Arte Metal, $2.65 at Bead World

Compass Ribbon Slide, Vintaj Arte Metal, $3.45 at Bead World

Waterlily Ribbon Slide, Vintaj Arte Metal, $3.45 at Bead World

Fran's Vintaj Bumblebee Earrings

2010-04-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

Fran’s Vintaj Bumblebee Earrings

You Will Need:

½ inch length of Vintaj brass chain (2 pieces)
1 inch length of Vintaj brass chain (2 pieces)
Vintaj bumblebee charm (2)
Vintaj ear wires (2)
8mm Swarovski crystal cube (3)
2 inch, 24 gauge Vintaj headpins (8)
4mm Swarovski crystal bicones (8) shown in greige
6mm Swarovski crystal bicone (2) shown in indicolite
Size 11 seed beads OR 2mm Swarovski crystals (4)

Instructions:

1. Carefully open the loop at the bottom of one ear wire. String on the bumblebee charm, the last link of a ½ piece of chain and the last link of a one inch piece of chain. Carefully close the loop.

2. Thread one 6mm bicone onto a head pin. Form a wire wrapped loop above the crystal, making sure to attach the loop to the bottom link of the ½ inch piece of chain before wrapping the loop closed. Cut off any extra wire.

3. Thread another 6mm bicone onto a second head pin. seed bead, crystal bicone, seed bead. Form a wire wrapped loop above the crystal, making sure to attach the loop to the bottom link of the longer one inch piece of chain before wrapping the loop closed. Cut off any extra wire.

4. Thread the following onto another head pin: seed bead, 4mm crystal bicone, seed bead. Form a wire wrapped loop above the beads, making sure to attach the loop to the link in the middle of the one inch chain before wrapping the loop closed. Cut off any extra wire.

5. Thread one 4mm bicone onto a headpin and wire wrap it to a link in the one inch chain in between the ear wire and the wire wrap from step 4. Then thread one 4mm bicone onto a headpin and wire wrap it to a link in the one inch chain in between the wire wrap from step 4 and the 6mm crystal dangling from the bottom of the chain. Your earring should now look like the picture.

6. Repeat all steps for the second earring.

Click Here for more FREE Downloadable Projects!

Bird Charms Take Flight!

2010-04-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, kids! Bird charms are so darn popular lately! And it's no wonder, with all the super adorable bird charms available right now. We've added quite a few fabulous feathered friends to our sterling silver charm boxes this week. From swallows to hummingbirds all the way to the wise old owl, our range of bird charms is now top notch. Here is a quick preview of some of our newest...

Peace Dove, $6.00 at Bead World

Asian Bird Cage charm, $10.95 at Bead World

Disc with Bird Cut-Out, $10.95 at Bead World

Bird on a Perch, $7.20 at Bead World

Owl Pendant, $14.25 at Bead World

Hummingbird, $7.80 at Bead World

Breanne's Dangly Earrings

2010-04-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

Breanne’s Dangly Earrings

These funky earrings reflect Breanne's hip, young aesthetic perfectly. She's always mixing it up, combining materials in new ways and pushing to learn new techniques. In this design, she kept it simple, but used traditional Bali spacers in a completely unexpected way. Anyone can make these earrings, but it took an innovator to design them.

You Will Need:

10 sterling silver jump rings, 6mm 19 gauge
10 square Bali sterling silver spacer beads
2 long kidney-style ear wires

Instructions:

1. Carefully open one jump ring. String on one square spacer bead, and then close the ring. Make sure the ring is all the way closed!
2. Open a second jump ring. String on one square spacer bead and the closed jump ring from step 1. Carefully close the jump ring. You now have a chain of two jump rings.

3. Open a third jump ring. String on one square spacer bead and the closed jump ring on the end of your chain. Close the jump ring. Continue in this manner until you have a chain of five closed jump rings.

4. Thread your chain onto the kidney ear wire, allowing it to settle into the drop area at the bottom of the ear wire.

5. Repeat all steps for the other earring.

New Swarovski Colors!

2010-04-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

Swarovski has done it again! Their Spring/Summer 2010 Launch included two brilliant new crystal colors and a fantastic new crystal pearl shade to compliment their wide range of beautiful materials. "Fern Green" is a bright, sassy shade of green, reminiscent of fresh grass and summertime. It really fills a gap in the Swarovski line up, as a true Kelly green.

"Provence Lavender" is a crystal that is pale but not wimpy. This new addition to the purple range could easily have been called "Light Tanzanite," as the colors fit nicely together.

"Lavender Pearl" is exactly what it sounds like -- a match to our new Provence Lavender crystal in pearl form. The super cute earrings at left pair the new pearls with Vintaj natural brass findings. We can't wait to see the amazing pieces you guys create utilize these gorgeous new shades!

Swarovski and Cane Glass Bracelet designed by Judy Corning

2010-04-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

With spring and lovely weather filling our thoughts, it's the perfect time to make a fun new bracelet! If you can string, crimp and wire wrap (the trifecta of basic beading skills) you can make this colorful bracelet!

Swarovski and Cane Glass Bracelet, designed by Judy Corning
You Will Need:
5mm square Bali sterling silver spacers (12)
10mm sterling silver round beads (4)
12mm Swarovski crystal cube (1)
8mm Swarovski crystal cube (3)
6mm Swarovski crystal cube (2)
Cane glass beads in mixed colors, approx. 10mm (5)
3mm sterling silver round beads (4)
5mm Swarovski crystal bicones (12)
6mm Swarovski crystal bicones (4)
Sterling silver toggle clasp
SoftFlex beading wire in medium (12 inches)
2x2mm crimp beads (2)
2 inch 24 gauge sterling silver headpin (2)

Instructions:
1. String beads onto SoftFlex in the following order: 5mm bicone, Bali square, 6mm crystal cube, Bali square, 5mm bicone, cane glass, 5mm bicone, 10mm silver bead, 6mm bicone, Bali square, 8mm crystal cube, Bali square, 5mm bicone, cane glass, 5mm bicone, 10mm silver bead, 6mm bicone, Bali square, 12mm crystal cube, Bali square, 5mm bicone, 6mm bicone, 10mm silver bead, 5mm bicone, cane glass, 5mm bicone, Bali square, 8mm crystal cube, Bali square, 6mm bicone, 10mm silver bead, 5mm bicone, cane glass, 5mm bicone, Bali Square, 6mm crystal cube, Bali square, 5mm bicone.

2. Crimp one side of the SoftFlex to the toggle ring, and crimp the other side of the SoftFlex to the toggle bar. Be sure to check the fit and remove any slack in the wire before crimping. Cut off any extra wire.

3. Thread the following beading onto one head pin: 3mm silver bead, Bali square, 8mm crystal cube, Bali square, 3mm bead. Form a wire wrapped loop above the beads, making sure to attach the loop to the base of the toggle ring before wrapping the loop closed. Cut off any extra wire.

4. Thread the following onto the second head pin: 3mm silver bead, cane glass, 3mm silver bead. Form a wire wrapped loop above the beads, making sure to attach the loop to the base of the toggle ring before wrapping the loop closed. The two dangles will be right next to one another. Cut off any extra wire.

For more great project ideas, Check Out Our FREE Downloadable Projects!

Karen Sugarman, "A Delectable Confection"

2010-04-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

Karen Sugarman is a long time client and good friend of the Bead World family. A gifted interior designer as well as jeweler, she peppers her blog entries with references to film, literature, fine cuisine, home decor and, of course, jewelry. I thought I'd share a bit of her latest entry, so you can share in the fun. For more, visit Karen Sugarman Designs.

"A Delectable Confection"

The first time I heard these words was from my DH not long after we were married. It was to me (and still is), the cutest term of endearment I had ever heard. My hubby has an adorable sense of humor and this little phrase has been passed back and forth for many years.

Pastel colors have long been a favorite of mine when designing interiors. There is a serene and comforting quality to the whisper of the diffused colors. Dramatic and dark rooms are always sophisticated, but much like a “diva friend”, they can be exhausting and numbing after too much drama. (Princess and the Pea bedroom, Karen Sugarman Interiors)

With all these beautiful Easter/Spring colors in my head, I just completed a new bracelet design called Marie’s Folly. It is a magnificent combination of pastel tourmaline briolettes flanked by gorgeously organic aquamarine/beryl pastel slices. Pastel tourmaline is actually in short supply as it is found in Afghanistan in remote and very dangerous regions. (Marie's Folly Bracelet, Karen Sugarman)

Knowing that Marie Antoinette had a great fondness for all things pastel, I feel certain that she would have approved of this “delectable confection”.

New Chain Maille Book!

2010-04-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

Bead World has a new book! Advanced Chain Maille is the newest instructional book to be published by the team at Bead World. Written by Brittany Egidi, our resident chain maille goddess, this is the third installment in our ongoing chain maille series. (Brittany's previous books include Beginning Chain Maille and Intermediate Chain Maille.) In this new book, Brittany tackles challenging traditional patterns as well as chains with captured crystals and Czech glass cheerios. (A helm bracelet, one of the included patterns, is shown above left.) Advanced Chain Maille is perfect for the experienced chain maille artist who is looking for fun new ideas and wants to take their skills to the next level.

Advanced Chain Maille includes:

Helm (Parallel) Chain
Japanese Diamond Earrings
Captive Inverted Round (with 4mm round beads)
Cheerio Byzantine Variation
Elfweave

2010 Spring/Summer Jewelry Trends

2010-04-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

Hot off the fashion presses, we have news about the Spring/Summer 2010 Jewelry Trends! It's going to be a fun one, folks! The powers that be are a little schizophrenic this year, showing super bright tropical colors in half of the runway shows and sleek neutrals in the others. What's a girl to do? I say pick your favorites from the colors at left and roll with it! (Coral and turquoise, by the way, look gorgeous on everyone.)

Jewelry this spring and summer is all about BIG, bold shapes. We're seeing the return of the big earring (yea!) and keeping last season's statement necklaces and stacked, chunky bracelets as well. Choose ONE large piece per outfit, please. Any more than that may just overwhelm you. Actress Kate Hudson works this look perfectly here, with shoulder dusting chain earrings and no necklace at all. No matchy-matchy if you want to look up to date this season!

Rock star looks are holding strong, too. Returning with a vengence is, my all-time favorite, silver chain! Layered, messy, knotted, mixed with other metals... any way you can pile that silver chain in there will work this season. Other rock and roll elements are looking fresh this year as well: leather, studs, crystal. Just keep it a little bit rough, and you're good to go.

One hot new trend that I KNOW you will all love is funky ethnic inspired pieces. Mix together some wood, rough cut gemstones and African trade beads. Maybe throw in some fabric elements or leather. Keep the overall design big and a little bit random. Voila! Your own personal masterpiece!

Have fun, guys. Use up all of your left over beads and bits of chain in super fun, messy masterpieces. And send me pictures! Lots and lots of pictures! I'll post them and give you guys credit.

Happy creating!

How to Make a Rosary

2010-03-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

In honor of Easter, we're posting our Traditional Rosary instructions! This is a classic Catholic prayer bead pattern that has been popular for hundreds of years. Every Easter, Catholic beaders make literally millions of rosaries, which are then used in religious services and in prayer throughout the year. From a beading perspective, a wire wrapped rosary is ideal for practicing your wire wrapping skills. If you're not Catholic, you can give one as a treasured gift to a friend, or to a child at First Communion. (As an alternative pattern, you can wire wrap 108 beads for a Buddhist prayer mala.) You can find this Traditional Rosary pattern, as well as lots of other free downloadable projects, on our web site http://www.beadworldinc.com/

Materials needed:

53 beads for “Hail Mary” (A Bead)
6 beads for “Our Father” (B Bead)
1 crucifix
1 three loop connector or Rosary center
14 short lengths of chain (approx. ½ inch long)
24 gauge wire for wrapping, cut into 59 3 inch pieces
4 jump rings, 5mm 19 gauge

Traditional Rosary Instructions:
1. Using the 24 gauge wire, make a long wire wrapped strand following this pattern: chain, 10 of the A beads, chain, one B bead, chain, 10 of the A beads, chain, one B bead, chain, 10 of the A beads, chain, one B bead, chain, 10 of the A beads, chain, one B bead, chain, 10 of the A beads, chain. Each bead is its own wire wrapped unit, so you’re looking at 118 wire wrapped loops altogether in this project! It’s great wire wrapping practice!
2. Using jump rings, connect each end of the strand to the three loop connector.

3. Using the 24 gauge wire, make a short wire wrapped strand following this pattern: chain, one B bead, chain, 3 of the A beads, chain, one B bead, chain.

4. Using jump rings, connect one end of the short strand to the bottom loop of the three loop connector. Connect the other end to the crucifix.

Spring Dragonfly Earrings

2010-03-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung, the weather is beautiful and I am wearing a tank top! This time of the year, I am always so grateful to live in the glorious Valley of the Sun. While most of my friends are still shoveling snow out of their driveways, I'm watching hummingbirds hover over my blossoming honeysuckle. This cute (and easy!) pair of earrings really reflect my sassy, springy mood. Our dragonfly is made out of Swarovski crystal in sapphire, but you can use any color you prefer.

Dragonfly Earrings:
Required Skills: Wire Wrapping
You will need:

• 2 4mm Swarovski Crystal bicones
• 6 5mm Swarovski Crystal bicones
• 2 5mm Swarovski Crystal rounds
• 2 TierraCast silver plated dragonfly wings
• 6 sterling silver daisy spacers
• 2 3 inch sterling silver headpins
• 2 sterling silver ear wires

Instructions:
• Stack beads onto a headpin in the following order: 4mm bicone crystal, daisy spacer, 5mm bicone crystal, daisy, 5mm bicone crystal, daisy, 5mm bicone crystal, wings, 5mm round crystal.

• Make a wire wrapped loop above the beads and wrap it closed.

• Bend the headpin gently to create a curve.

• Open the ring at the bottom of the ear wire and string the wire wrapped loop. Close the ring.

• Repeat all steps for the other earring.

Vintaj Fabulousness

2010-03-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

Three really cool chicks. I mean, the kind of chicks you'd just want to snatch up, carry around in your pocket and keep forever. Those are the kind of women that are behind Vintaj natural brass beading components. Sisters Wendy and Jeanne, along with their dear friend Jess, started the Vintaj company to bring innovative, vintage inspired beading items into the marketplace. These hip mamas wanted to work for themselves, so they could have a flexible work environment and keep their focus on their children. Plus, they figured that we would want all of this gorgeous stuff to play with. They were right!

An instant favorite of beaders everywhere, Vintaj items have been repeatedly featured in every major beading magazine. What's not to love? Unlimited creative options, gorgeous hand rubbed patinas, pieces that work together in a variety of ways, "alternative" setting techniques (yes, a dragofly wing is a perfectly reasonable prong!) -- all created using an eco-friendly, lead free process that's healthy for both the earth and your children. (Yes, they are going to put that in their mouth!)

At Bead World, we are unabashed lovers of the entire Vintaj line, and we carry a lot of it in our stores. Just look at the gorgeous things you can make with their unique pieces! (Yes, I gush.) We "borrowed" these great design ideas from the official Vintaj Co. website -- there are a million more where these came from. Check out their blog, too. It's always full of great ideas. I want to hear all about how much you guys love this stuff. Send me pics of your projects, and I'll add them to the blog!

Leaf Chains Hit the Big Time!

2010-03-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you might remember a post I wrote back on February 19th about my love for leaf chains. (Click here to take a peek at that blog.) It's easy to use, cost effective and very stylish. Apparently, I'm not the only one who feels that way. Alert reader (and good friend) Lyn Gottlieb recently brought a hot jewelry line to my attention after noticing their heavy use of our own favorite chain!

Buddha Soul jewelry has been featured in InStyle Magazine, and is a favorite of starlets of every variety. Sarah Jessica Parker even wore it on the cover of InStyle! New mom and supermodel Gisele Bundchen has been photographed wearing several Buddha Soul pieces. Kelly Ripa, Eve Longoria and Beyonce Knowles are also big fans. Their amber serenity necklace is shown above right.

It's terribly fun to make jewelry on par with a "Stylist to the Stars," don't you think? (Bead World's leaf chain sample is show at left.) Check it out, and see if you think our earrings compare! I'd love to hear what y'all have done with this gorgeous chain!

Marketing with Technology

2010-03-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

I am a crafter, not a tech person. (Anyone who knows me well knows that I am NOT being modest here.) That being said, in the interst of promoting our stores, communicating with our clients and sharing fun beading ideas, I've learned to embrace technology. It has been a surprise to me how much the computer can help me in my various artsy pursuits. Even more shocking has been my enjoyment of the process! Three scant years ago, the Bead World web site was a one page blip with a couple of photos, and map and basic contact information. The range of media we now use to spread our message is, in my opinion, pretty impressive. More important, though, is that anyone could use the same systems to promote their own projects. Everything we use is inexpensive, widely available and user friendly. Here's a rundown of our growth:

http://www.beadworldinc.com/ We completely redesigned the site in 2007, adding interactive maps, class schedules for all of our stores, detailed information about our inventory and lots of gorgeous photos. We added even more in 2009, including free downloadable projects. The addition of our web goddess, Brittany, to the executive team really made the continuing expansion of the web site a joy.
Beading Your World Bead World's monthly e-magaine was launched in 2007. It features informative articles about gemstones, new materials, techniches, classes, events and a letter from our executive team. We include a fun coupon inside every e-magaine, too! As an e-magazine, it is emailed out to every client who has opted in by signing up on our web site. We use http://www.constantcontact.com/ for this service, and I would recommend them to anyone. Their program is inexpensive, easy to use and very professional.
Email Coupon Program Launched in early 2008, we piggy-backed this fun coupon program onto our e-magazine program, sending out emailed coupons to everyone on our opt-in list. This has been a hugely successful program. After all, who doesn't love getting discounts and advanced notice of sales?!
http://www.facebook.com/ Did you know you can be a Fan of Bead World on Facebook? In 2009, we built our company its own Facebook page. We update our status to show info about sales, new products and beading trends. We also have great discussions going on about dream materials, new store locations, busting "beader's block" and more. It's a wonderful opportunity to interact directly with the people who love Bead World and want to help us make it even better! Facebook is a no-brainer: it's easy, it's free and almost everyone you know is already using it!
http://www.twitter.com/ Yep, we tweet, too! We use Twitter to let our clients know when a new blog entry has been posted, when great coupons are in their email in box and all kinds of great updates.
Beading the Bead World Way You're already reading our blog, so you clearly know all about it! Launched in February, 2010, this is our newest foray into digital communication. If you can't get enough of beading, or of Bead World, we'll keep you inspired with fabulous ideas! We currently publish two posts per week.
Desktop Publishing with Microsoft & Adobe: We've really utilized our desktop publishing programs, using them to design and create class instruction hand-outs, jewelry kit packaging, our employee manual and lots of marketing materials for the stores. More recently, we have published (in-house, of course) a series of six instructional books. Doubtless, more are on the way. Next on the horizon: publishing those books as ebooks on http://www.amazon.com/ so that everyone can enjoy learning to bead the Bead World way!

I know that, for a lot of crafters, jumping onto the computer can be a bit of a departure. But there is no better way to share your message! Customers and fans are not going to wander into your craft room -- you have to go find them. Get out there and try it. I promise, you'll love it!

Turquoise is the Color of the Year

2010-03-11T13:33:00.000-08:00

Turquoise is the official color of the year. Pantone, the company that gets to decide such things, has declared it to be true. (And unlike last year's official color, "mimosa", turquoise is actually a color that people like to wear.) "Turquoise is universally appealing," says Jane Schoenborn, the design director of Lily Pulitzer. "It puts everyone in the same state of mind -- on vacation."

All spring, watery colors have been flying out of our stores. Blues, teals and turquoises of every imaginable shade and material have been selling like mad: handmade lampwork glass, gemsontes, seed beads... you name it! And the biggest winner of them all has been actual, honest-to-goodness turquoise! (photo above left from http://www.marieclaire.com/ credit: Fabio Chizzola)

Here in Arizona, turquoise sometimes gets a bad rap. It's everywhere here, and we tend to take it for granted. It's a bit too cliche, a bit overdone. We forget, though, that turquoise can be downright gorgeous. Ranging in color from pale baby blue through rich blue-green and all the way to a bright green, there is a flattering turquoise for every skin tone. Textures can vary from smooth to rugged, leaving the design possibilities wide open. Turquoise jewelry is being shown by every major designer this season -- Stephen Dweck, Isaac Manevitz for Ben-Amun, even good ol' Tiffany & Co. has gotten in on the act. Some designers have put out traditional southwestern looks, but more are showing modern, clean lined turquoise options. (The gold filled and turquoise pendant shown above right is a great example of a contemporary turquoise option.)

The next time you are poking around your favorite bead store, pick up a strand or two of turquoise and carry it around with you. Look at it with all the interesteing metals and finishes, like Vintaj brass, red bronze or Thai silver. (The piece at left uses turquoise with red bronze.) Pair it with unexpected gemstones or crystals. I love a really blue turquoise with serpentine or peridot; the combination looks so fresh. Be experimental, and try using turquoise in ways that are surprising. You may just find your new favorite piece! Happy creating!

Post Script:
Shannon Bass (long-time friend of yours truly and fan of Bead World) sent us this picture of her own recent turquoise creation, featuring black Swarovski crystal accents and sterling silver spacer beads! Beautiful work, Shan! Thanks for sharing!

Fire is Fun!

2010-03-08T13:46:00.000-08:00

This weekend, we had a "Train the Trainer" class at Bead World. What was I thinking, giving a group of crazy jewelry instructors torches and letting them loose in my store?! Remarkably, though there was much teasing and trash talk, no one was burned. We learned important things like 1) Don't touch hot stuff! and 2) Things stay hot longer than you think! Really, though, all of the staffers did amazingly well. They qualified to teach three classes each, significantly raising the number of torch classes we can offer. I'm so excited!

"Introduction to the Torch" is our basic, beginner torch safety class. It could really be called "Turn the torch on. Turn the torch off. Don't set yourself on fire." This is the class that lets you experiment a bit with the feel of a torch in your hand, and helps you gain confidence. We ball wire, which is how you make headpins. We make a groovy wire wrapped interchangeable bail, too. If you think you might like playing with fire, this is the first step to doing it safely.

"Fusing Fine Silver" is our first fusing class. (You must have taken our "Intro to the Torch" or a similar course to take this class.) We use the torch to close fine silver jump rings and build a stylish chain bracelet. Then, we texture and work harden the chain using a hammer and steel bench block. Gorgeous!

"Advanced Fusing Fine Silver" takes fused chain building to another level with the introduction of shaped links. (Pre-requisite: "Fusing Fine Silver") Learn the basics of chain customization, try several traditional link shapes and open your mind to a whole new world of posibilities.

Come try a class and see how fun fire can be!

PMC -- What the Heck Is It?

2010-03-04T11:48:00.000-08:00

As the first bead store in the Phoenix area to teach Precious Metal Clay classes, we hear a lot of questions about this remarkable material. "How do you work with it?" "What can you so with it?" "What the heck is it?" Precious Metal Clay (or PMC, as it is more commonly called) is a mixture of .999 silver ground up into a very fine dust, water and and organic binder. It has a texture similar to polymer clay and can be molded, shaped, rolled out, stamped and cut with cookie cutters. When fired in a kiln, all that's left is the solid fused .999 silver. What this means to a crafter is the ability to make custom silver charms, pendants, findings and more without having to learn silversmithing skills. Many items that are time consuming and difficult to create using traditional methods are a snap with PMC. It's so fun designing unique silver elements that it becomes an addiction!

PMC comes in a variety of formulas. They vary in firing time, firing temperature, workability and finished strength. Choosing the right PMC formula for a given project is very important, so we strongly recommend taking a beginner's class to help you get started. If you live in the Valley of the Sun, I know some great bead shops that teach PMC classes! Bead World markets PMC in several ways. Of course, we teach PMC classes and sell PMC products, tools and supplies. We rent kiln time and workshop time to clients who have not yet invested in their own full home studio. We also sell several beautiful books on PMC. If you don't live in the Phoenix area, PMC and PMC supplies are available through many bead stores throughout the country and in online stores.

If the idea of creating custom silver pieces is appealing to you, check out PMC and all you can create with it. You'll be so glad you did!

Think Outside of the Box!

2010-03-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

This fun little bracelet was created by Frongelyn Booker at our Phoenix store. It highlights a number of non-traditional elements in a very sophisticated, cohesive way. The large double-drilled pietersite sets the rich, organic color pallet for the piece. Small faceted garnet rondelles bring in some light and sparkle. The metals used in this bracelet, Vintaj antiqued brass and copper, are a perfect compliment to the gemstones.
Frongelyn did two particularly interesting things with this piece. First, she used a single strand toggle with a two stranded bracelet. Contrary to popular, this is a completely reasonable thing to do! You just need to be certain that the last few beads on the toggle bar end can fit through the toggle ring opening. Secondly, she used small copper jump rings as a spacer! This bracelet looks great, and shows that you can do amazing things when you think outside of the box!

Put the Pretties Front and Center!

2010-02-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

Put the Pretties Front and Center!

There are few things I love in this world more than a beautiful, substantial toggle, but I hate wasting all of that silvery goodness at the back of my neck. No matter how much I love a clasp, there's no sense paying for something that people may never even see. What's a girl to do? I say...put the toggle in the front of the necklace! When you use a high end designer clasp, it can be the most stunning element of your entire piece. (The toggle shown above left currently retails at Bead World for $16.50.)

Once you get used to the idea of placing a toggle at the front of a piece, it opens up a whole new world of engineering options. A toggle is a great place to anchor a pendant or large gemstone. In the piece shown at right, turquoise and a pearl were wire wrapped onto a sleek, modern toggle. This creates a "Y" neckline while maintaining the necklace's clean lines.

You can wire wrap on any number of different decorative elements. You can even add a cascade of mutiple dangles and drops. In the necklace shown at left, three dangles shimmy down from the center toggle. Each dangle is composed of multiple elements from the main necklace, and they are individually wire wrapped together. It's an expensive, elegant look, but take note: it's made up entirely of leftovers that the designer had on hand!

Have fun with big toggles and don't let them scare you. Once you start experimenting, you'll see how much fun they can be! I can't wait to see the gorgeous ideas y'all come up with!

2010-02-22T16:11:00.000-08:00

If beautiful gemstones are the meat and potatoes of a lovely jewelry meal, then spacer beads are the herbs and spices. While they tend to be small, they never go unnoticed. They literally determine the tone of a given piece of jewelry. Imagine a pearl necklace... now add simple Bali silver daisy spacers every few pearls. You have a traditional, classic necklace. Now change those daisies to large sterling silver rondelles. Suddenly the same piece is modern and bold. Throw in stamped Thai silver beads, and now it's funky. Maybe skip the silver entirely and use a gemstone rondelle... Get the picture?

My current favorite spacer bead right now is the Bali sterling silver potato chip spacer (shown above in various sizes). It's a disc of silver, pierced through the middle and curved like a Pringle chip. Stacked together in pairs (or more), they create a fun wavy texture that is somehow both modern and funky. It gives a fresh look to all of your favorite beading materials. Check out the fun necklace we have hanging in our Scottsdale store. It's great inspiration!

Loving the Leaf Chains!

2010-02-19T08:37:00.000-08:00

Fringy, swingy leaf chains have been all the rage lately, and I can't get enough. Sweet tiny leaf charms are incorporated right into the chain, giving an "I worked sooooo hard" look simply and easily. Bead World currently offers this chain in both hot metals of the moment, brass and copper (copper shown above left, brass shown lower right). With so much going on in this chain, it's not inexpensive ($17.35 per foot at Bead World). Luckily, we sell chain by the inch at Bead World, so you can buy just enough to make a super chic pair of earrings if you prefer! When you consider how many tiny charms are loaded onto the chains as well as your time savings, it's clear that leaf chains are an amazing bargain.

At right you can see the fun earrings I made with the brass leaf chain. I've been working through an obsession with long linear dangles lately, as you can clearly see. Each of these little swingers has two inches of chain plus an ear wire. That's about as easy as it gets, folks! Plus, it looks amazingly high end. And these cute little guys will only set you back around $8.50. (Pricing is based on Bead World stores.)

There is plenty of space left in these links for a wire wrap, so the possibilities are truly endless. You could add a gemstone drop at the bottom, add tiny Swarovski crystals throughout... I look forward to seeing all the great ideas you guys come up with!

My Favorite Jewelry Finding of All Time!

2010-02-15T06:27:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty picky when it comes to choosing findings for my beaded treasures. I like my pieces to be modern, clean lined and very, very solidly built. Wimpy, wiggly ear wires simply will not do! That said, this 40mm sterling silver hoop finding from Nina Designs is my absolute favorite finding OF ALL TIME. I've been using it for years, and continue to go back to it time and again. It is quite substantial and holds up to an amazing amount of wear and tear. Of course, there are less expensive hoop findings out there. (This one retails for around $40.00 in our Bead World stores, with a smaller version for around $25.00.) But I've never found a hoop finding that feels or looks this good. I'm happy to pay a bit more for a piece of jewelry that will last and look every bit as fresh and new five years later. A couple of examples of the earrings I've made...

Faceted 4mm apatite rondelles with sterling silver spacers

Smooth 3mm ruby rondelles... you can never go wrong with rubies!

Let me know what your favorites are!

2010-02-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

I am madly in love with TierraCast's newest line, Viva Mexicana! I'm a major fan of TierraCast in general, because their quality is impeccable. Their highly detailed lead-free pewter charms are richly plated with gold, silver, rhodium or copper, creating a gorgeous finish that does not wear out. (I'm always a bit skeptical about plated items, but trust me -- this is good stuff. And yes, they are in line with the new California lead laws.) I was completely thrilled when these new charms and findings came in that they exceeded even TierraCast's high standards for excellence.

Living in Arizona, we have a strong appreciation for Mexican art and culture. It's all around us every day! The Viva Mexicana! line features elements from the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), as well as symbols of religious iconography and milagros, Mexico's very own kind of home grown miracles. All are depicted in a way that honors Mexico's folk art heritage. The sacred heart charm and sassy dancing skeletons (shown above) are perfect examples of the spirit and fun these new pieces can bring to your beaded jewelry. TierraCast's website showcased the gorgeous lapis lazuli rosary (shown below), utilizing the collection's rosary center and folk art cross.

I'm excited to make fun Dia de los Muertos jewelry with these fun little pretties! Maybe my grandma needs another rosary... Let us know what you think!

Just Back from the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show!

2010-02-09T16:49:00.000-08:00

I spent the better part of last week shopping for Bead World (and myself!) at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. Proximity to the largest gem show in the world is certainly an advantage for our stores. We drive in to Tucson, stay a few nights and drive home with a van stuffed full of gems, pearls, sterling silver beads and findings, handmade glass and so much more for our clients. In addition, we have the opportunity to interact with amazing vendors and exchange an incredible amount of information about jewelry design and the beading industry. The folks from Nina Designs, Pegasus Findings, Dakota Stones, Hands of the Hills and Bead Palace are among our best bead show friends. If you encounter them at a show, buy with confidence. And tell them that the Bead World gals say Hi!

My favorite area to focus on is always gemstone beads, and this show was no exception! Every show seems to have "standout stones"; gemstones that are abundant, well priced and particularly beautiful. My favorites for Tucson February 2010 are:

* Tanzanite: This glorious little lavender stone made an amazing comeback this year. All of the sudden, it's everywhere! Gorgeous faceting, luminous smooth cuts, tiny, huge... You name it, it was available, and for prices that blew my mind!

* Moonstone: It has already been labeled "the stone of the season" by those who get to decide these things. I'm afraid I have to agree with them. The quality of the moonstone available this year was really exciting. We bought, literally, everything we could find.

* Sapphire: Okay, so everyone loves sapphire all the time. I know. But when we can sell large faceted sapphire rondelles in our retail stores for under $100.00 per 16 inch strand, we have a truly wonderful situation.

Go, my friends, go forth and bead! Make gorgeous, sparkly gemstone treasures! And let me know... What are your current favorites?

Much love,

Lezli