How to Make Fused Glass Jewelry, Pendants and Earrings

How to Make Fused Glass Jewelry, Pendants and Earrings
By Denise M.

Up until a few years ago fused glass jewelry was a small niche in the jewelry world, well over the last few years fused glass jewelry has grown tremendously in popularity. You can’t miss these beautiful pieces of jewelry. If you have ever been to a craft fair you have probably seen fused glass jewelry. The most common pieces are pendants and earrings.

One of the striking characteristics of fused glass jewelry is the brilliant sparkling colors that change when the light hits the glass at different angles. The type of glass that causes this sparkle is called dichroic glass. These pendants and earrings are made by layering different pieces of glass on top of a base piece of glass.

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2010 Fashion Jewelry Trends

2010 Fashion Jewelry Trends
By Denise Sanger

Budgets are tight these days, but that does not mean that you need to stop being fashion conscious. Jewelry is one of the best ways that you can stay current with today’s trends without having to spend all of the money that you have in your savings account. To really get the most bang for your buck it is important that you know what the top trends and styles are going to be so that you can choose quality pieces that will update your style.

Statement jewelry is actually one of the largest trends right now. Pieces like this may not be the most expensive pieces in your wardrobe, but they will pack a lot of punch for the amount of money that you have spent on them. You will want to choose pieces that are a bit more outrageous than your every day jewelry. Explore fun shapes, rich colors, and lots of sparkle. The key to making this type of look work for yourself is to keep your statement down to one piece per outfit. You do not want to have a large statement ring paired with a chunky armful of bangles, and some chandelier earrings. Instead, choose to simply work either a large statement ring or some dangly earrings.

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Selling more jewellery and give away marketing techniques that yield results.

One of the best ways to get people to interested in your jewellery is to show them how the jewellery would look on different outfits or work with different colours. You need to demonstrate what kind of looks can be achieved. It is vital to convey to your potential customers how well your jewellery works with different types of clothing and how versatile and cost effective it can be as an accessory.

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The Upsell – How to sell more jewellery in just one transaction

One of the best ways to increase your turnover and profits is to  maximise each sale’s full potential. By adding one small product to a customer’s purchase , you can significantly increase profits with very little effort. In some businesses this is called the upsell, others call it the add on.

The way to best demonstrate this is to think about shoe sales. Often when you buy a new pair of shoes the sales assistant may ask you if you require a certain polish or protective spray to keep the shoes in good condition. The customer is already committed to the purchase, and the extra couple of bucks or pounds for the “add on ” is usually negligible in the customer’s mind, and so  a great time to introduce the add on is at the point of sale.

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Learn new jewellery making skills on holiday

Whilst some young women go on holiday to pick up a man, why not go away for a break and pick up a new skill. Go and hone your jewellery making skilsl in south west France and meet people who share you passion for beading and making jewellery.

www.golearnto.com offers holidays and short breaks where you can lean to make tiaras, and wire jewellery whilst relaxing in beautiful surroundings with like minded people who share you creative passion

Many of the courses on offer are idea for singles who are looking for something new. Or why not book up with a few of your jewellery making buddies for a real treat.

We particularly like the idea of the wire work and the tiara courses in Rodez South West France. Accommodation is set in a beautifully restored farmhouse which is provides the perfect holiday setting.

The wire work course focuses on copper and sterling silver wire with embellishment from crystal and gem stones. Two days are spent in a jewellery making workshop, but time is also madea available for sightseeing excursions which are included in the price of the holiday.

The tiara courses encompasses various beading techniques and participants can make co-ordaining bridal jewellery. Great for hen parties or a girls short break.

For further information go to http://www.golearnto.com/search.aspx?ctry=75&rgn=t_1870141&activetype=4&datefrom=&dateto and check out the details.

New Jewellery Making Book

The Ultimate necklace maker by Dorothy Wood,  is a book published at the end of August 2009, that will be a great addition to any jewellery maker’s collection source materials.

From the single strand necklace to the recently favoured lariat, beading expert, Dorothy Wood, shows readers how to make up to the minute fashion style jewellery, ensuring that the reader is spoilt for choice. This is a great book to dip into when you are wanting inspiration for your own jewellery designs.

You can purchase Dorothy’s book from Amazon:

UK/EU Customers	USA/Canada Customers

New tools for crafters

Dremel, the tool specialists, is launching a new range of tools for crafters. The Dremel hobby range include a rang of tools which crafters can use to make and embellish jewellery and other craft projects.

Here are some products which particularly caught the eye of ibeadmag:

The Project Table is a small work table designed specifically for people who need to work on detailed project like making jewellery. It’s compact,  lightweight and can be used inside as well as outdoors. Great for when you want to free up that kitchen table for dinner!

 

The duel- temperature Dremel glue gun is a versatile handy tool for the crafter and jewellery maker. Very useful for gluing wood and glass it is also available with glitter glue sticks, great for adding an extra sparkle to craft projects.

For those who want to become a little more adventurous the Dremel versatip is a gas butane torch with interchangeable tips that make it suitable for soldering, shrinking and pyrography.    

Craft products to dye for

Dylon haves some great easy to use fabric pens which make crafting a “doodle.”  Create your own designer t shirts or decorate those boring shopping bags with your handy artwork. And whilst you are at it, if you have your own website, don’t forget to personalise accessories with your web address. It’s great free advertising.

You can get some plain t shirts and shopping bags from.

http://shop.thecleverbaggers.co.uk/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=3

You can find Dylon fabric pens at Hobbycraft, John Lewis and Dunelm Mill Shops