Large Bali and Shell Bracelet

A splash of colour livens up these classic Bali style beads

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Ribbon and Ceramic Bead Necklace

This elegant necklace will give a sophisticated look worn over a simple black sweater.

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Dream Catcher Style Pendant

This attractive pendant encapsulates the spiritual side of popular fashion jewellery.

Tip – Make sure you trim ends of the wire to create a smooth non – scratchy finish.

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Lobster clasp, bolt ring and tag or toggle clasp – which one should you choose?

Choosing a clasp for your jewellery may seem easy, but to get it right every time it is best to think about who will be wearing the jewellery you are making.

Avoid bolt rings and tags for anybody with dexterity issues. The bolt ring and tag clasp can be found on many pieces of jewellery but it can be extremely difficult to manipulate and is best avoided on jewellery made for older people or on bracelets. Typically you need two hands to hold back the bolt and line up with the tag clasp and so this clasp is better suited for necklaces.

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Elements of Design – Which pattern formation should you choose?

Jewellery design work is very subjective, tastes vary considerably. And as the decades pass fashion plays and increasing roll in jewellery design. But whether classic or contemporary, 80’s big and bold or 30’s angular dimension, one thing you will have to decide upon in some kind of pattern formation.

A classic jewellery style will favour a symmetrical pattern. Symmetry is symbolic of a balanced life and many people will still gravitate towards a classic symmetrical style when selecting jewellery. A symmetrical pattern is considered safe. And will be favoured by a more conservative target audience.

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Assembling your Dremel Project Table

Julian examines and assembles a Dremel Project Table…

Our Project Table arrived in a box that was 17 inches by 11.5 inches by 3.5 inches in size and so would be easy to carry if I had bought it from a hardware or hobby store.  It was a nice afternoon, so I thought I would assemble the new tool in the garden.

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What are focal beads and how should you use them?

Focal beads are beads which draw the attention of the eye and become the focal point for your piece of jewellery.

In most cases the bead is handmade and more often than not a lampwork bead which has special detailing that make the bead stand out from other regular beads  .

Using focal beads is a great way to minimise costs in jewellery design whilst making the jewellery appear unique and different. And the use of focal beads in jewellery design also prevents jewellery designers from making classic design mistakes by overloading jewellery with competing beads which scream out for attention and detract from the overall look of the jewellery.

Focal beads can range in price from a few pence to a few pounds or dollars. Some Individual glass blowers make their living from creating really unique focal beads. These beads are also sometimes referred to as art beads, and they can in fact be works of art in themselves.

To source unique art or focal beads it is worth getting in touch with individual designers who often belong to glass blowing or beading guilds and having a look at their work.

Below is an example of using a focal bead.

The red focal bead takes centre stage. Co-ordinating red beads are selected and crystal bicone beads in an olivine colour pick up on the accent colours of the main focal bead.

Try http://www.gbuk.org/pages/gallery/marion-sidebottom/ for a look at what is happening in the UK

Try http://www.aussiebeadmakers.com/ for a look at what is happening in Australia

http://www.isgb.org/ Here is the international association of glass bead makers based in the USA

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.

The Free Sample which Isn’t So Free

This is a psychological ruse you can use at craft fairs and parties; it’s the psychological rule of reciprocation and here is how it can work to your advantage.

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One key way to get instant jewellery sales

The fear of loss or losing out on something is a very powerful psychological tool. It is so powerful that some business models (and in particular some jewellery selling models) are based upon it.

Think about home shopping channels and their “one time only price” or their “today’s special value price..” The top selling product at QVC is jewellery and they use these techniques to sell lots of it.

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