Blog for Beaders

This contest is now closed. Thank you all for participating and congratulations to our two winners, Katie R. and Coventina! You can read the results of the contest by checking out the latest blog post.

To celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Dragon, we’re giving away an awesome prize package. Two lucky winners will each receive a large sterling silver dragon slider on a black rubber necklace, presented in a lovely red organza bag and finished with a bright golden yellow ribbon. This strong piece of jewelry makes a wonderful gift for guys or for any other person in your life that embodies the spirit of the dragon.

Since the Year of the Dragon is all about trying new things and taking new paths, we want to know what your new path will be. To enter this contest, leave a comment below telling us what creative new project you plan to explore. Do you want to finally try your hand at steampunk jewelry? Have you had trouble mastering that wrapped loop and are determined to learn it this year? We want to know!

No purchase necessary, must be 18 or older to enter. Please one comment per person. Odds of winning depend on number of entries. Prizes valued at $60 each, void where prohibited by law. Contest valid in the US and Canada only excluding Quebec. This contest runs from tonight, Wednesday, January 18, 2012 and ends Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 11:59PM PT. Winner will be announced Wednesday, January 25, 2012.

By submitting a comment on the Blog for Beaders, you agree to its terms and conditions.

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Congratulations to Chris W., and Darby C., the winners of our Gorgeous Grace Giveaway! These two lucky winners will each get the chance to pick out $50 worth of their favorite Grace Lampwork components. You can find their comments below to read what they plan to pick and make.

Chris Washco // Jan 12, 2012 at 9:57 am

I love all the Ocean Sunset beads but especially the Ocean Sunset Mix Mini Kaleras. They contain my favorite colors and would look beautiful with complementary beads in a necklace. … and the necklace would work well with most of my wardrobe!

Darby Clare // Jan 12, 2012 at 7:32 pm

So many beautiful beads! Ocean sunset, deep ocean blue. A necklace, a bracelet, earrings. I am ready…bring them on!

Thank you to all of our entries for your comments. It’s great to hear what your favorite products are! Stay tuned for our next contest coming soon.

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End caps and crimp ends can provide professional looking results to your jewelry pieces. As indicated by the name, they are most often used to finish the ends of jewelry. We have expanded our selection of end caps and crimp ends to accommodate your every need. We have a large assortment to choose from and here we will show you some tips on how to use the different styles in your jewelry.

Round End Cap with a Loop

STEP ONE:
When using a round end cap it’s important to add a small amount of adhesive to your stringing material before attaching to the end cap. We will be using E-6000 and rubber cord in this example. If you plan to attach your end cap to a different component that cannot be opened, such as a closed jump ring, you must do so before gluing.

STEP TWO:
Place the end cap on one end of the rubber strand. Be sure not to push the stringing material all the way through the end cap.

STEP THREE:
Place some type of a clamp on the end cap if needed. Allow glue to dry.

Crimp End Caps

STEP ONE:
You may want to finish each end with different types of end caps, depending on the design. In this example, when working with a 3mm braided leather cord, we finished one end with an end cap with a loop and the other end using an end cap with a hook. Both end caps are used in the same way.

STEP TWO:
Insert the stringing material into the end cap. We recommend using an adhesive to ensure a strong hold, although it is not required. If using an adhesive, be sure to use only a small amount to minimize seepage. Slowly and gently squeeze the center of the end cap with a pair of chain nose pliers until it crimps down onto the stringing material.

Tip: If you are having trouble with your glue, scratch the leather a bit on the end with a fingernail to remove the shiny exterior. When it is more porous, the glue holds better. Also remember to let the glue dry for at least 24 hours for a strong bond.

Crimp End with a Loop

STEP ONE:
Here we used a crimp end cap with a loop. Simply place your stringing material into the crimp end cap and gently squeeze with a pair of chain nose pliers or nylon jaw pliers until completely closed. Adhesive is recommended but not required.

U-Shaped Ribbon Ends

STEP ONE:
These style of end caps are generally used to finish ends of ribbons and fibers. Once you have placed your stringing material inside the end cap, gently squeeze with a pair of nylon jaw pliers. We recommend using the nylon jaw pliers for this style end cap to avoid marring up the finish. Again, adhesive is recommended but not required.

End Cap with a Loop

STEP ONE:
This type of end cap is simple to use. Place the end cap onto your stringing material and crimp it down with a pair of chain nose pliers or nylon jaw pliers. Try using this end cap with a jump ring before a jewelry clasp instead of a crimp end. Adhesive is recommended but not required.

You’ll be ready to explore all new stringing materials that you can work into your jewelry designs in no time! Just be sure to always use the right crimp end or end cap for your specific idea.

-Marissa

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Photo Source: The Seattle Times.

Today we celebrate the great Martin Luther King, Jr., who helped the United States gain civil rights for everyone. King had a dream, a very famous dream, that one day we would all be equal. With his help and powerful service, his dream has become a reality. Each year, as a federal holiday, we remember Dr. King’s influence on the nation. We plan to make an impact in our community. We serve others and impact our environment to make a difference in the community.

You can celebrate Martin Luther King Day by replicating your own dream by incorporating your looks with dream charms from our site. We hope you do your part to spread King’s message in your community.

-Marissa

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We love hearing from our customers about the success they have had turning their passion for jewelry making into a successful business. I was blown away by the detailed lampwork beads sent to me from Lisette Root, who e-mailed us photos of some lampwork beads she designed. When I asked if she would like to tell her story, she once again amazed me with her incredible story. Here, in her own words, is Lisette’s tale of turning her creative talents into a successful business:

You know, I had an unusual childhood because I was a Navy Brat and traveled a lot. When I was a young child, I lived in Morocco Africa for several years, and I was exposed to the vibrant colors and intricate patterns woven into the architecture and clothing there. I was entranced with repeating patterns and lush colors as a result, which have carried throughout my artistic life. My husband was a radio engineer and flight instructor during the year, and through the summers, we lived remotely [in Alaska] in the bush and mined gold, and aquired lots of interesting memories!

The first bead I made was around 1998, I do believe. I felt like a wizard! I felt magical, and I overcame my fear of bottled gas (which is funny I know)! I have mainly given my beadwork as gifts to my friends and family. I’m the type of person who has to try whatever interests me, but I want it to be really as close to perfect as I can make it. My main motivation for beading and bead making, and the needle works and other art, is basically so I can learn and share as much beauty as possible!

When asked what her favorite piece is that she has made so far, Lisette answered,

My daughter Silver and I were reading the Clan of the Cave Bear series at the time, and I decided to make a Doni bead, which is a faceless female figure with exaggerated body features. I love that bead, and I will never sell it. It has a little piece of me inside it.

To capture Lisette’s style and personality in one line, she put it best when she told me, Life is full of beauty, just waiting to be shared.

We enjoyed browsing Lisette’s pieces and know you will, too! If you want to shop Lisette’s collection of lampwork beads and jewelry designs, check out her Etsy jewelry store and Facebook page.

If you’re just starting out and looking for a way to sell your designs, check out our Seller’s Secrets page where we share helpful ways to develop your jewelry-making business. Also be sure to sign up to be a part of Shop Handmade, a free site dedicated to helping you sell your ideas!

We want to hear your story, too! Send us your jewelry design to our blog for beaders e-mail to be featured as one of our customer success stories. Share your stories and inspire others to get creative! Mail them to artbeadsblog@gmail.com.

-Marissa

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This contest is now closed. Congratulations to our winners, Chris W. and Darby C! You can read their comments and see the contest results on our latest blog post.

Lampworking is a centuries-old process by which glass is heated by hot flames and shaped around a metal rod. The result is a truly unique bead full of life and color. Grace Ma, who founded Grace Lampwork Beads, has mastered this process for the modern artisan to create incredible works of art. We are proud to carry Grace Lampwork products here at Artbeads, and you can instantly add your favorites to your personal collection if you win our latest contest!

Enter the Gorgeous Grace Giveaway for your chance to win $50 worth of Grace Lampwork products of your choice, from large focal pieces to delicate findings. Two winners will be randomly chosen and notified by e-mail. All you have to do to be entered is leave a comment below telling us which Grace Lampwork products you like the most and what you would create with them. Hurry, before this contest ends!

No purchase necessary, must be 18 or older to enter. Please one comment per person. Odds of winning depend on number of entries. Prizes valued at $50 each, void where prohibited by law. Contest valid in the US and Canada only excluding Quebec. This contest runs from tonight, Wednesday, January 11, 2012 and ends Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 11:59PM PT. Winner will be announced Wednesday, January 18, 2012.

By submitting a comment on the Blog for Beaders, you agree to its terms and conditions.

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We’re super excited to introduce to you our latest addition of headpins! These lovely lampwork floral headpins from Grace Lampwork feature an extra long stem to allow for multiple jewelry making uses, and are each finished with a beautiful handmade flower fixture for the head. With their whimsical imagery offered in a variety of bright colors and styles, these were the perfect way to come up with warm new ideas during the cold, winter season. Their sprouting shapes clustered together under a jewelry cone make these earrings look like tiny bouquets you can wear any time.

Calla Lilly Cuties

The calla lily has been historically known as the flower of magnificent beauty, and now you can capture it in your jewelry! All you’ll need for this idea are two earwires, your favorite 3mm crystal beads, two cones and six floral headpins. We used niobium earwires because they are hypoallergenic. Play with your favorite color schemes to make these earrings your own!

Step One:
Thread three headpins with three to four crystal beads, and then string all three through one cone. Finish the open ends by creating a wrapped loop with them and attaching the wrapped loop to one earwire.

Repeat this step for the other earring and you’re done!

Pretty Peony Blooms

As a symbol for good fortune and a happy marriage, the peony flower presents a delicate feel through a powerful bloom bursting with color. Reflect this emotion in your jewelry and create these adorable earrings! For this idea you’ll need two earwires, green 8/0 seed beads, Czech glass leaf beads, two cones and six floral headpins. We used niobium earwires because they are hypoallergenic. You can mix and match your favorite colors to create unique designs that fit your personal style.

Step One:
Thread three headpins with an alternating pattern of two seed beads and one leaf bead, beginning and ending with seed beads. String the headpins through one cone. Finish the open ends by creating a wrapped loop with all three and then attaching the loop to one earwire.

Repeat this step for the second earring and you’re ready to show off your new design!

-Marissa

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Congratulations to Beth Ann D. and Marilyn M. for winning our Sell Like a Pro Giveaway! They have each won a fantastic prize package which we hope helps get their designs noticed. You can read their comments below. Thank you all for participating in our contest; it was great to read all of your helpful advice and learn from one another! Stay tuned for our next gracious contest that is sure to catch your eye coming soon!

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You asked for more detail on how to attach an earwire to an endless beading hoop, so we’re here to help! This quick process will show you close-up detail for each step to help ensure your looks are perfect. These instructions are based on the Learning Center jewelry idea called Lotus Blossom, which uses the endless beading hoop to create cool earrings. Follow these basic steps to start out, and then incorporate your own personal twist to make unique ideas!

Step One:
String the desired beads or charms onto the Endless Beading Hoop.

Step Two:
Make a 90 degree bend approximately ¼ of an inch from the unfinished end of the beading hoop so that it is now facing upward.

Step Three:
Close the beading hoop by inserting the unfinished wire end through the hole on the other side.

Step Four:
Using a pair of round nose pliers, create a simple loop with the straight wire end.

Step Five:
Attach your earwire to the loop on the top of the beading hoop using chain nose pliers.

Repeat these steps for a second earring and get ready to show off your new design!

-Marissa

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From immortality to the interconnectedness of earth’s creatures, the Tree of Life has many meanings in many cultures. This Tree of Life necklace design brings attention to the Tree of Life pendant at its center, which is accented with floral and abstract Venetian glass beads. You can make this quick large-hole jewelry idea by reading the free instructions in the Learning Center. Get inspired to create more large-hole designs and visit our Caspia™ collection of large-hole beads and jewelry supplies to make memories that will last a lifetime. Click here to learn how to make the Tree of Life Necklace

-Marissa

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