by Barbara | Mar 30, 2016 | An Aside, Beading, Cabochons and Gemstones, Components, Delica beads, Found Objects, Jewelry kits, Materials and Supplies, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Seed Beads, Uncategorized
I’m running out of storage for my many beads, components, found objects, and other craft supplies. I already have a large draw dedicated to Delicas, and another filled with blocks of polymer clay, but with all the Toho seed beads I’ve ordered lately,...
by Barbara | Mar 27, 2016 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Bronze, Gemstones, Inspiration, Metal Clay, One-of-a-Kind, Resin, Techniques
This is a piece I made several years ago. It certainly isn’t a traditional Easter cross! According to Wikipedia, “It represents the concept of life, which is the general meaning of the symbol. The Egyptian gods are often portrayed carrying it by its loop,...
by Barbara | Mar 24, 2016 | An Aside, Art to Wear, At the Bench, Beads and Materials, Handmade, Polymer Clay, Techniques, Tools
The JoolTool has arrived and I LOVE IT! It grinds, cuts, sharpens, sands, files, finishes, etc., and is perfect for polishing my metal and polymer clay work. And it’s rather quiet as machines go. I’m thrilled! In the lower photo I’m polishing one of my handmade...
by Barbara | Mar 19, 2016 | An Aside, Beading, Beads and Materials, Bracelets, Designer Patterns, Seed Beads, Tutorials
There are many variables that can affect the finished size of a beaded project. One is the tension with which you bead. Some beaders work loosely, which results in a piece that has little stability, tends to be floppy, and most likely larger than anticipated. Others...
by Barbara | Mar 16, 2016 | An Aside, Materials and Supplies, Metal Clay, Mixed Media, Polymer Clay, Techniques, Tools, Uncategorized
I’ve been thinking about getting a JoolTool for months, weighing the pros and cons and asking myself if it’s something I really need. I already have a buffing wheel, but after reading reviews and watching instructional videos, I’ve decided...
by Barbara | Mar 13, 2016 | Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beaded Beads, Beading, Beads and Materials, Bracelets, Cabochons and Gemstones, Components, Delica beads, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Seed Beads, Sterling Silver, Techniques, Uncategorized
Almost all the beadwork I’ve done in the past three years has been worked in peyote stitch. It’s been ages since I’ve used Ndebele stitch for bead weaving, but it is so perfect for this project! After making a collection of polymer clay faux...
by Barbara | Mar 10, 2016 | An Aside, Beading, Beads and Materials, Handmade, Jewelry kits, Materials and Supplies, Mixed Media
A lot of beads…an order of over nine kilos of Toho 11/0 seed beads, 2 kilos of Toho 15/0 seed beads, 1.5 kilos of 3mm Magatamas, and 100 grams of 2mm fire polished crystals. They have just arrived on my doorstep! I love Toho beads! Manufactured in Japan and known for...
by Barbara | Mar 7, 2016 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Inspiration, Uncategorized
Sadly, the March issue of Art Jewelry will be the last. It has gone the way of so much print material that has been done away with. I have greatly enjoyed this publication since it’s inception ten years ago and will miss it. There is a plethora of craft magazines to...
by Barbara | Mar 3, 2016 | An Aside, Art Jewelry, Art to Wear, Beads and Materials, Components, Earrings, Embellishments, Handmade, Inspiration, Materials and Supplies, Mixed Media, One-of-a-Kind, Polymer Clay, Sterling Silver, Techniques
As the saying goes…the third time’s the charm! I’d been working on a pair of earrings featuring polymer clay faux amber and coral. The first pair (shown at left) also featured faux turquoise. I found this pair to be too long and too heavy to wear....
