Beadalon Blog

Madly in Love Necklace: Fernando Dasilva

2012-02-02T03:00:00.007-05:00

Get ready for Valentine's Day with this sweetheart of a necklace!

BEADALON components:

•1 spool Beadalon 49 strands 024” silver color JW12SP-10

•70 silver-plated 4mm round jump rings - 314B-002

•2 silver-plated medium back ring ear wires – 308B-220

•7 silver-plated 9mm pinch bail pendants – 327B-051

•3 silver-plated 12mm pinch bail pendants - 327B-059

•32 silver-plated #2 crimp tubes – 305X-129

•32 silver-plated 5mm crimp covers – 349B-013

•1 rhodium-plated round heavy Upper Clasp with large crystal – 303W-329

•5 inch piece of silver-plated large rolo chain – 340B-080

Tools:

•Nipper tool – 202S-001

•Standard bead crimp tool – JTCRIMP1

•Mighty crimp tool – JTCRIMP3

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS:

•9 - connectors – aquamarine by Jolee’s (ACMoore)

•8 12mm crystal wild heart pendants – article 6240

•3 17mm crystal wild heart pendants – article 6240

Creating stringing wire circles

1. Cut thirty pieces of 3 inch length of stringing wire.

Take one piece and string a crimp tube onto wire and then go back into the tube to form a circle. Eye ball a half-inch circle and then crimp the tube. Trim excess wire and then make 21 more of those and set aside.

2. Repeat step 1 to make similar circles of wire measuring ¾ of an inch, slightly larger than the previous one. Make 6 more of those and set aside.

3. Open a 4mm jump ring and then scoop up to one of the loops of an aquamarine connector, one small circle and one larger circle. Open another jump ring and then attach on same fashion to opposite loop of aquamarine connector and to both wired circles. Please, use picture # 1 as guidance.

4. Make seven individual sections like the one shown on picture #1.

5. Use 4mm jump rings to connect 6 sections together and add the last section on vertical way using six jump rings, mimicking a center section of a rosary.

6. Begin to cover all tubes using silver-plated 5mm crimp covers.

7. Open all small pinch bail pendants. Use nipper to cut off the bail portion leaving only the top loop. Open a small pinch bail pendant and attach around top hole of a crystal heart. Repeat to attach pendants in all crystal hearts. Use large pinch bails with large crystal heart pendants.

8. Open a jump ring to attach small heart pendant to far end circle of one side of necklace. Skip a circle and then add a large pendant. After that add a second small heart pendant. Add a large crystal to last circle of vertical section. Repeat on same fashion on reverse to finish this section.

9. Add four small circles of wire to the structure of the necklace. Use picture #2 as guidance. Note, that the main structure of the necklace is already formed. You must hung crystal heart pendants on the pattern below:

2 small +1 large + 2 small + 1 large(center) + 2 small + 1 large + 2 small

10. Use chain nose pliers to open end link of rolo chain and attach direct to one of the end circles of necklace. Open opposite end link of chain and attach to one of the loops of upper clasp. Repeat on the other side of necklace to finish.

Fernando Dasilva

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.modern-expressions.blogspot.com

Live from the Tucson Gem Shows

2012-01-30T03:00:00.015-05:00

We're back at the To Bead True Blue show at the Reid Park Doubletree in Tucson, Arizona this week. It's a great place to see what's new and check in with your favorite artists. We'll have daily demonstrations of new products, including Artistic Wire Mesh.

If you're in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by! If you aren't in the neighborhood, mark your calendar for next year's show – this is an event you don't want to miss again! Here's where you can find the Beadalon Design Team throughout the week:

Lauren Andersen: Tucson Electric Park

Dale 'Cougar' Armstrong: Tucson Electric Park

Fernando Dasilva: To Bead True Blue and Create Your Style in Tucson

Katie Hacker: To Bead True Blue and Create Your Style in Tucson

Margot Potter: Create Your Style in Tucson

Leslie Rogalski: To Bead True Blue and Create Your Style in Tucson

Wyatt White: To Bead True Blue

Check Beadalon's Facebook page for photos from the shows!

We're On the Road Again!

2012-01-26T03:00:00.013-05:00

The Craft & Hobby Association (CHA)

Winter Conference and Tradeshow is the place to be to see what's new in the craft and creative industries.

Beadalon has a booth in the exhibit hall and will present two workshops during the event:

Gratitude Journal with Jewels, Sat. Jan 28, 7-9pm

Julianna Hudgins

Artistic Wire Mesh & Katiedids, Sun. Jan 29, 6:30-8:30

Katie Hacker

Katie Hacker will also moderate an exciting panel discussion on beading trends for 2012. It's Sunday, Jan. 29, 3-5pm. Don't miss it!

Peyote Stitch Tips: Leslie Rogalski

2012-01-23T03:00:00.006-05:00

So many people have contacted me lately with the desire to learn peyote stitch. Perhaps it is the release of the new emag Fabulous Peyote Stitch with Crystal Accents. Who can resist adding crystals to a stitch so wildly popular?

Everyone wants to learn!

Peyote stitch is sometimes called the gourd stitch. It is considered a Native American technique but is found in many other cultures around the world. Why is it called "peyote?" Wiki says the gourd stitch was traditionally used to decorate ceremonial objects in rituals involving peyote mushrooms, sacred rituals. That's all I know about it except it has to be THE most popular bead stitch of all time.

In case you are really new to bead stitching, there's also tubular, circular, and multi-drop versions of peyote and about every other stitch. So think how many things you can create even if you only know one stitch, such as peyote. It's rather exciting.

Also, using Delica or Toho cylinder beads gives peyote that perfectly flat fabric many beaders admire. Try Delica size 10s--they are a bit larger than size 11 and should make it easier on your eyes, and help enable your success. And remember to keep your thread tension snug and consistent, that will also help your work turn out best.

Find links to this Tree of Life pattern and others at my blog: www.sleeplessbeader.blogspot.com.

Leslie Rogalski

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.sleeplessbeader.blogspot.com

Wrap Bracelets: Meredith Roddy

2012-01-19T03:00:00.006-05:00

I’m obsessed. I can’t get enough of these wrap bracelets. They are super easy to make and popping up everywhere. I started making them with Leather Cord, moved to rubber tubing and then wondered how Beadalon Beading Wire would work. Turns out, using .024 or .030 Silver Plated or Gold Plated Beading Wire for the base and .012 or .013 Silver Plated or Gold Plated Beading Wire for the wraps gives a gorgeous result! There are many variations to these bracelets, but here are some basic instructions.

Wire Wrap Bracelet

Designed by Meredith Roddy

Materials:

JW12GP-10FT 49STRD WIRE .024" GOLDPL 10'

JW09GP-15FT 19STRD WIRE .012" GOLDPL 15'

349A-026 CRIMPCOVER 7MM SPARKL NFGP 14P

JFCT4G-1.5G CRIMP TUBE 2.5MM GOLDPLT 1.5G

JFC1G-1.5G CRIMP BEAD 2.0MM GOLDPLT 1.5G

Gold spacer beads 6mm tubes

Gold spacer beads 3mm tube

Swarovski Elements 6mm cubes

1. Measure your wrist and determine how many times you want the bracelet to wrap around your wrist. Add 2-3 inches to this for how long your .024 Goldplated Beadalon Wire should be and double it.

2. Fold your wire in half. String a #4 crimp tube over both wires. Size the loop so it will fit over your bead or button clasp. Add the strand of .012 Goldplated Beadalon wire and crimp.

3. Cover your crimp with a crimp cover.

4.Secure each end of the bracelet to a clipboard to make beading easier. Use a piece of cardboard in-between the clips and the wire to minimize damage (I use a folded over business card).

5. Form figure-8s with the .012 Beadalon Wire onto the cord, coming up from the bottom and over the top of the the two strands of .024 wire.

6.Thread the 3mm gold bead on the .012 Beadalon Wire. Go over the top of the top cord then feed the wire under the cord and go back through the bead you just added. Go over the cord on the bottom, around and through the two .024 Beadalon Wires to to come up from the bottom.

7. Thread a 6mm gold bead on the .012 Beadalon Wire and repeat step 6 to hold it in place.

8. Thread a crystal on the .012 Beadalon Wire and repeat step 6 to hold it in place.

9. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until your bracelet is the desired length.

10. When you get to the end, make another figure 8 with just the Beadalon Wire, string a #4 crimp tube over the three wires and crimp.

11. Snip the .012 Beadalon Wire and cover the crimp tube with a crimp cover.

12. Add the button by stringing the Beadalon .024 Wires through and back around. Secure underneath with size 2 crimp beads.

13.Wear and enjoy!

Meredith Roddy

Beadalon Sales Executive

Artistic Wire Mesh: Leslie Rogalski

2012-01-16T03:00:00.015-05:00

Have you seen our latest ad in your favorite beading magazine? Here's a link to the free instructions for Leslie Rogalski's Black Rose Necklace using Artistic Wire Mesh: http://www.beadalon.com/BlackRose.asp

You can also watch a fun, informative video about Artistic Wire Mesh from Julianna Hudgins on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFsI3ETT_DI

I Heart Wrappers: Fernando Dasilva

2012-01-12T03:00:00.022-05:00

Wrappers are basically frames with notches around the edges. You can use them to wire-wrap and secure beads, stones or other findings within. Anything you make will become three-dimensional with lots of texture to it.

Above a simple charm bracelet using flat oval tiger-eye and howlite briolettes (dyed turquoise color). I used hematite 22-gauge Artistic Wire® to wrap the stones within those marquee shape Wrappers. It's my lucky charm bracelet. Watch those eyes!

Above, a way more complex piece made with several Wrappers filled with DeCoRe clay. I mixed small portions of the epoxy clay and kept it in place holding between my fingers and pressing one side down onto the back of a SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal mesh.

On the opposite side, I set small pointed Swarovski® stones. The "ghost" touch was done gluing a piece of black Artistic Wire mesh on top of DeCoRe® clay as well.

Gunmetal chains work as the foundation of the piece, and then circles of black Beadalon 49 strands beading wire were added to it. Last but not least, I brought those peacock Labrador Czech glass beads to the spotlight because I feel like they would add that fabulous metallic print look. Those beads can be found through John Bead Corporation.

Fernando Dasilva

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.modern-expressions.blogspot.com

Live Wire Jewelry: Katie Hacker

2012-01-09T03:00:00.002-05:00

I'm thrilled to present my new book, Live Wire Jewelry, available later this month from North Light books. It's chockfull of ideas for stylish, wire-wrapped jewelry using Artistic Wire and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.

The idea for this Istanbul Necklace grew out of some of the projects I made for Live Wire Jewelry. The instructions are free in the Beadalon Design Workshop and will give you a little taste of what you'll find in Live Wire Jewelry. Bon apetit!

Katie Hacker

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.KatieHacker.com

Beadalon on TV: Lauren Andersen

2012-01-05T03:00:00.010-05:00

Tune in Sunday and Monday 10am-noon for my appearance on on JTV's Jewel School!We're ringing in the New Year in style with unique collections of Beadalon products along with lots of eye candy in my artistic signature look. See you there!

Lauren Andersen

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.thechainmaillelady.com

Beads, Baubles & Jewels

2011-12-01T03:00:00.012-05:00

We're heading back to the studio next week to film new episode for the public television series Beads, Baubles & Jewels. Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes pictures and a sneak peek at the upcoming series including your favorite guests like Beadalon Design Team Members Wyatt White and Fernando Dasilva!

Find local viewing times, download free projects and links to videos at:
http://www.BeadsBaublesandJewels.com

Thank You & Giveaway

2011-11-24T03:00:00.007-05:00

We're grateful to all of you blog readers for following our Design Team's activities all year long. To thank you for reading, we're holding a giveaway! To enter, leave a comment on this post telling us your favorite Beadalon product. We'll randomly select a name to receive a Buy the Dozen pack of Artistic Wire and some other special surprises. Check back on December 5th to see if you've won.

Beadalon on the Newsstand

2011-11-21T03:00:00.006-05:00

Beadalon Designers are turning up all over the place! Check out this month's issues of all of the popular beading and crafting magazines for projects and tips from our Design Team Experts. Look for chainmaile with Lauren Andersen, style tips from Katie Hacker, and brand new ads featuring new Beadalon products and design ideas from our team.

Last Minute Gifts: Julianna Hudgins

2011-11-17T03:00:00.001-05:00

This is the time of year when I start to think about shopping for the Holidays! I love to have what I call “Emerga Gifts” on hand. You know, those little items that you need for last minute parties, gift exchanges or "yikes, I forgot about that person!"

The NEW Beadalon Wrappers are perfect for these types of occasions. I love how easy they are to use. Simply wrap wire around the wrapper and you're done! I made this pendant with the silver circle Wrapper and Tiger's Eye beads. You can even add Wrappers to packaging and paper crafts!

Julianna Hudgins

Beadalon Design Team Member

http://blog.juliannaproductions.com/

New Beading Videos: Kumihimo Braiding Disk

2011-11-14T03:00:00.011-05:00

Watch our new Kumihimo videos on YouTube! Learn how to set up your Beadalon Kumihimo braiding disk and see how easy it is to use Beadalon wire to create beautiful braids. Use Beadalon wire Kumihimo braids to make great necklace foundations for distinctive pendants, eye-catching bracelets for collectible beads, or anything else you can imagine.

Click to Watch Videos

Katie Hacker

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.KatieHacker.com

Marrakesh Necklace: Leslie Rogalski

2011-11-10T03:00:00.001-05:00

The lushness of this exotic-looking necklace comes from layering three chains adorned with different embellishment. Varied sizes of Quick Links and connectors hang from two of the chains, and the third chain has eye pin dangles with rubber tubing sections and Swarovski crystals. Work from the middle out of each length of chain, leaving bare chain where it will curve around the back of your neck when worn. The chains hang at slightly graduated lengths but overlap:

Shortest chain: rolo chain with 20mm SP round rings, connected at every 6th link with medium connectors.

Medium Chain: elongated SP cable chain with 10mm SP round Quick Links connected at every other chain link with medium connectors.

Longest Chain: Fine cable chain with dangles at every seventh chain link. The dangles are eye pins strung with 1 size 4mm comet argent light Swarovski bicone, 1 Beadalon Frost rubber tube ¾"section, and 1 more comet argent light 4mm bicone. Attach these to the chain with a wire wrapped loop.

To attach the clasp (I used the Upper Clasp 14.2 mm silver spring ring with clear crystals) simply string each of the 3 chains at the ends of the necklace onto silver jump rings. Use a small connector to attach the loop of the spring ring clasp to the jump ring at the other end of the necklace.

Read more about my adventures with Beadalon rubber tubing CLICK HERE!

Leslie Rogalski

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.sleeplessbeader.blogspot.com

Clasps for Chainmaille: Lauren Andersen

2011-11-07T03:00:00.005-05:00

Have you been trying to find the perfect clasps to match your black or your copper chainmaille creations? Look no further, Beadalon^® is now offering Shiny Black and Copper Plated clasps!

The lobster clasps can be used for single strand weaves such as the Byzantine, Turkish Round, and the Half Persian 3-in-1. The 2-strand slide clasps can be used for the European 4-in-1, Dragonscale, and two rows of Parallel Weave.

Of course, these clasps are not just for chainmaille! Use them on all your necklaces and bracelets! Or, use the Shiny Black clasps with the new Hematite QuickLinks^™. Have fun!

Lauren Andersen

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.thechainmaillelady.com

Making Fashion Rings: Julianna Hudgins

2011-11-03T03:00:00.008-04:00

I have been experimenting with designs using Artistic Wire and Beadalon's Ring Mandrel so I decided to watch a video by my fellow beader and friend Katie Hacker. (Watch the video CLICK)

It took me three tries to get the right size, because I did not listen when she said to make the ring one size bigger than your finger, silly me! The instructions are really easy and Katie guides you through the process step by step.

I used the following materials to make my Fashion Ring:

•Artistic Wire 16G Burgundy

•Cracked Quartz Beads

•Wire Cutters, Round Nose Pliers & Nylon Jaw Pliers

•Ring Mandrel

This is a fun, easy project that will have you addicted to making rings in no time!

Julianna Hudgins

Beadalon Design Team Member

http://blog.juliannaproductions.com/

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T03:00:00.022-04:00

I created this necklace a couple of years ago to embellish my Halloween costume. It looks intricate but is deceptively simple to make. Find the complete materials and instructions below. Here’s to a positively haunting Halloween!

MATERIALS:

• Katiedids™ Creative Components 5-hole round donut #356B-522
• 18 Siam 4mm Crystallized™ - Swarovski Elements bicones
• 15 Siam 4mm Crystallized™ - Swarovski Elements helixes
• 12 jet 6mm Crystallized™ - Swarovski Elements helixes
• Siam 8mm Crystallized™ - Swarovski Elements helix
• Jet 8mm Crystallized™ - Swarovski Elements helix
• Jet 8mm Crystallized™ - Swarovski Elements cube
• 14 red 8mm glass crow (or white heart) beads
• 19 silver 5mm daisy spacers
• 1.5mm black Greek Leather cord #JLEGK1.5BLK-05M
• Clear Supplemax #JN0.15W-F (or beading thread)
• 19 silver medium ball head pins #312B-253
• Silver eye pin #310B-113
• 20-gauge stainless steel wire* #180S-020
• Silver medium lobster clasp #315B-005
• Beading scissors #211A-002
• Round nose pliers #201A-104
• Chain nose pliers #201A-101
• Wire cutters #202A-105

*Alternatively, you can use premade stainless steel coils.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut one 18" length and fourteen 4" lengths of leather cord.

2. Pass a head pin through a 8mm jet helix and hold it in the center of the donut. Pass the head pin through the holes in the donut and make a wrapped loop above the donut as shown.

3. Cut a 3" length of Supplemax and use it to string 15 Siam 4mm helixes. Place the beaded string inside the channels of the donut, passing the string behind the head pin. Tie the ends in a knot and trim off any extra string.

4. Attach the dangle from Step 2 to the loop on an eye pin. Pass the pin through a jet cube, silver spacer, Siam 8mm helix. Make a wrapped loop and string the pendant onto the center of the 18" leather cord.

5. Fold a 4" piece of leather cord in half and position the fold across the 18" leather cord. Pass the 4" leather cord ends through the fold to tie a lark's head knot. Repeat on the other side of the pendant.

6. On each side of the pendant, alternate red crow beads and leather fringe as shown.

7. Adjust the necklace so the focal section is in the center. Then, cut two 2" pieces of wire and coil them around each end of the focal section to hold it in place.

8. Cut two more 2" piece of wire and coil them around each end of the necklace, forming a loop on the end of each coil. Attach the clasp to one coil.

9. String the following beads onto a head pin: jet 6mm helix, silver spacer, Siam bicone; repeat for six pins.

10. String the following beads onto a head pin: Siam bicone, silver spacer, jet 6mm helix, silver spacer, Siam bicone; repeat for six pins.

11. Make a large basic loop above the beaded section on each head pin, then attach them in an alternating pattern as shown to the center of each lark's head knot (except for the two knots in the center of the necklace).

Katie Hacker for Beadalon

Katiedids™ Creative Components

www.KatieHacker.com

Chic & Easy Beading Project: Fernando Dasilva

2011-10-27T03:00:00.003-04:00

I created this structural jewelry set using jewelry components by Beadalon, with beads, metal filigree parts from A.C.Moore. The inspiration was the Italian Riviera de La Palm coast, by the Adriatic Sea. Now that summer is over, I think that's a good way of setting our mind on that elegant but laid back attitude that’s typical of the hot and steamy Summer nights...summer skies...summer parties. Delicious!

Click for Instructions

Fernando Dasilva

Beadalon Design Team Member

Modern-Expressions.blogspot.com

JTV’s Jewel School Event

2011-10-24T03:00:00.002-04:00

Your Beadalon Design Team is heading to Knoxville, Tennessee for four fun-filled days at JTV’s Jewel School Headquarters. 150 lucky viewers are traveling in for workshops and inspiration. Here’s a sneak peek at our projects:

We’ll be live on JTV’s Jewel School on Thursday 11-2 and Sunday. Be sure to tune in for great deals, tons of inspiration, and more info about JTV’s Design Contest!

Quick Links Rings: Leslie Rogalski

2011-10-20T03:00:00.015-04:00

There are so many ways to use Quick Links™ rings and chain! Click here for tips on how to connect them to each other. And, here’s a link to my blog, where I wrote about antiquing and hand-finishing some links.

Leslie Rogalski

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.sleeplessbeader.blogspot.com

Watch This! Online TV: Julianna Hudgins

2011-10-17T03:00:00.019-04:00

Hosted by creative expert and Beadalon Design Team Member Julianna Hudgins, Inspirations by Julianna Internet TV features creative ideas for livin’ life and havin’ fun!

Special LIVE broadcasts are scheduled throughout the year where audience participation in live chat is featured. Each Inspirations by Julianna episode is archived online in its entirety and separate demonstration segments are also made available for viewing 24/7.

“My focus is all about “livin’ life” and sharing new products and ideas to help inspire the consumer. From home décor to home business, paper crafting to jewelry, fashion embellishments and more, I love products that work in every aspect of the creative consumer’s life”, says Julianna. “The features of Internet television allows me to share unique finds, educate, inspire and communicate directly with the creative consumer within the social networking community.”

Click the link above for more information and to download a schedule.

Julianna Hudgins

Beadalon Design Team Member

http://juliannaproductions.tumblr.com/

Thinking Pink in October

2011-10-13T03:00:00.024-04:00

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here’s a list of projects in our design gallery to help you think pink! We’d love to see your cause jewelry. Stop by our Facebook page and tell us all about it!

Silver Rose Mystery by Katie Hacker

Pink Lemonade by Margot Potter

Bubble Candy by Suzie Kwon

Beading Adventures in Kiev Part 2: Dale Cougar Armstrong

2011-10-10T03:00:00.005-04:00

Recently I was invited to return to Kiev, Ukraine as an instructor at The Fairy Beads Festival, produced by publisher Yuri Shumansky.

Each of the bead festivals held in Kiev has a specific theme. This past August it was dolls. My fellow international instructor, Patty McCord, and I had a blast walking around the show, meeting the artists and admiring their innovative and beautiful creations. Of course, we also did some shopping, and Yuri's wife Natalia presented each of us with a collector doll to remember this year's festival.

Many of the exhibitors used a variety of beads and gemstones in their doll designs, this is one of my favorites.

Patricia McCord from Nottingham, England and I established a great friendship while in Kiev this year.

Teaching around the world is a very gratifying experience for me. Not only am I able to visit exotic places and take in as much of the local art, culture (and food) as I can, but it is also a wonderful learning tool. Not being able to actually "speak" a local language really enhances my skills as a visual instructor. No, it is not something for everyone, but I have found that teaching internationally is a risk that can have many rewards. And before you ask, I have been invited to teach again at the Fairy Beads Festival in 2012, and I said Yes!!

Dale Cougar Armstrong

Beadalon Design Team Member

http://blog.cougarscreations.com/

Beading Adventures in Kiev Part 1: Dale Cougar Armstrong

2011-10-06T17:00:00.004-04:00

Many years ago, when I began manipulating wire to make jewelry designs, becoming an instructor was not even on my 'dreams' agenda. Obviously my life changed and I really love teaching, especially "travel-teaching"! Recently I was invited to return to Kiev, Ukraine as an instructor at The Fairy Beads Festival, produced by publisher Yuri Shumansky. One of the best features of my experience is that Beadalon sponsored the wire supplies I needed for my classes!

I was one of two invited international instructors, along with Patty McCord, a fabulous beader from Nottingham, England. We were both very honored to have been judges for the festival's jewelry competition, showcasing some of the most amazing beadwork either of us has ever seen.

One of the beading contest winners.

As a sponsor, Beadalon also had a lovely full page ad in the show program and was mentioned about everywhere during the festival, including the winner's certificates!

Two of the very happy winners of the beading contest came to thank me for being in Kiev as a Beadalon representative!

All of our "Master Classes" were small, which made it easier for those of us who do not speak the native language. I taught 4 classes to some excellent students, who learned very quickly and were very pleased with their results. Before long, I could almost understand some of their questions, but with "hands-on" learning, there really is no language barrier when it comes to jewelry creation!

Learning to frame a cabochon using German Style, silver-plated wires from Beadalon.

Two of my students show off their finished pendants.

Students from both Russia and Ukraine took classes with me. Here we are making my Tail Feather earrings.

Dale Cougar Armstrong

Beadalon Design Team Member

http://blog.cougarscreations.com/

Beads, Baubles & Jewels: Katie Hacker

2011-10-03T03:00:00.010-04:00

Get ready for the newest episodes of Beads, Baubles & Jewels! Series 1500 starts this month on public television stations nationwide. Beadalon has been a proud corporate sponsor of the show since the beginning seven+ years ago. This season, we have great interviews and projects with your favorite jewelry and beading artists like Leslie Rogalski, Lauren Andersen, Sherry Serafini, Kim St. Jean and more. Tune in!

Find local viewing times, download free projects and links to videos at http://www.BeadsBaublesandJewels.com

Katie Hacker

Host of Beads, Baubles & Jewels

www.KatieHacker.com

Spiral Accent Beaded Bracelet: Susy Garner

2011-09-29T03:00:00.012-04:00

Spirals are a powerful part of any wireworker's repetoire. Check out this project and learn how to make your own spiral bead caps and a unique wire toggle!

Materials:

• 20 ga round Beadalon German Style Wire in gold or silver, approximately 5 ft.
• 10 mm - 12 mm round beads (4)
• 20 mm coin beads (3)
• 4 mm gold or silver jump rings (16)
• Toggle in either gold or silver
• Flush cutter
• Round nose pliers
• Flat nose pliers
• Chain nose pliers
• Nylon jaw pliers
• Ruler

Instructions:

Create a whimsical bracelet with wire spirals and beads.
Skills: Must know how to make a wrapped loop and wire spirals.

Spiral Capped Beads
1. Straighten and flush cut a 7" length of 20 ga Beadalon German Style Round Wire.
2. Make a wrapped loop 3.25" from the end of the 20 ga wire. Do not trim the excess wire.
3. Slide a 10 mm - 12 mm round bead onto the longer end of wire and make another wrapped loop on the opposite side of the bead. Flush cut both remaining wire ends leaving a wire tail approximately 2" - 2.25" in length on either side of the bead.
4. Create a Spiral Cap on one side of the bead by grabbing one of the wrapped loops (created in step 3) between the jaws of your flat nose pliers and with your free hand guide the 2" - 2.25" length of wire around the base of that wrapped loop while resting it against the bead. Continue guiding the wire around the previous rotation, thus creating a spiral. Use the entire length of wire.
5. Repeat step 4 on the opposite side of the bead.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 with the remaining three 10 mm - 12 mm round beads.

Spiral Accent Coin Beads
7. Flush cut a 9" length of 20 ga Beadalon German Style Round Wire.
8. Make a wrapped loop 3.75" from the end of the 20 ga wire. Do not trim the excess wire.
9. Slide a 20 mm coin beads onto the longer end of wire and make another wrapped loop on the opposite side of the bead. Flush cut both remaining wire ends, leaving a wire tail approximately 3" in length on either side of the bead.
10. At the end of one of the remaining wires, make a spiral with the entire length of wire.
11. With your fingers, press the spiral against the coin bead.
12. Repeat steps 10-11 with the second wire. Position both spirals on the same side of the coin bead.
13. Repeat steps 7-12 with the remaining two 20 mm coin beads.
14. Using two jump rings between each bead, link the beads and toggle together to make the bracelet. Length of bracelet may vary based upon the size of the toggle, beads, and wrapped loops.
TIP: Change the length of the bracelet by using smaller beads for a shorter bracelet, or larger beads for a longer one.

Everyday Inspiration: Fernando Dasilva

2011-09-26T03:00:00.002-04:00

http://www.beadalon.com/dasilva.asp

What inspires you to make jewelry?

My inspiration comes from the desire of support myself through my creations. Some days I get inspiration from my spirituality, some days from my culture, other days from my dreams and some days I have no inspiration whatsoever. Sometimes even when I don’t feel inspired and I have a request for a new design, I start manipulating components and something uniquely fresh comes, and then in those days I am just lucky.

What has been inspiring you lately?

I love fashion and wish everyone could have seem the Alexander McQueen: Strange Beauty exhibit at the NY Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was a once in a lifetime experience. Amazing!

Where will we find your newest designs?

I'm still doing a lot of designs based on the ideas in my book, Modern Expressions (North Light 2010). I've been appearing on JTV's Jewel School, making designs for Beadalon and John Bead and am working contributions for Bead Style magazine.

When I'm not making jewelry...

I am cleaning and rearranging my house, cooking, listening to music, reading pop magazines, catching a movie, visiting an art exhibition or daydreaming about the future.

Fernando Dasilva

Beadalon Design Team

www.modern-expressions.blogspot.com

Easy Wire-Wrapped Bracelets: Katie Hacker

2011-09-22T03:00:00.006-04:00

So, our babysitter comes over the other day and announces that she and her girlfriends are going shopping for bracelets to wear in a wedding this weekend. Hold the phone! I sweep her into my studio and we whip up these quick, wire-wrapped bracelet bangles using SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS in the wedding colors...peridot, fuchsia and Montana blue.

I love this technique because it's so simple and it can go so many different ways. The wire-wrapped bracelets can be a colorful and funky, like these, or classic with a monochromatic metallic palette. She and I agreed that the silver Artistic Wire makes the crystals pop on the hematite-color bangles.

Maybe it's because I have wire and crystals on the brain (I'm proofreading my forthcoming book: Live Wire Jewelry) but we made all five of these in less than half an hour! I love custom wedding jewelry because it makes such a nice memento, too.

Katie Hacker

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.KatieHacker.com

All About Jump Rings: Lauren Andersen

2011-09-19T03:00:00.010-04:00

http://www.beadalon.com/aw-chainmaillerings.asp

Did you know that there are two main wire gauge measurements that we use in the United States? The first wire gauge measurement is the “Standard Wire Gauge” or SWG. The SWG is primarily used for industrial metals such as aluminum, steel, etc. The second, and the measurement used for making the Artistic Wire® Chain Maille Jump Rings is the “American Wire Gauge” or AWG, also referred to “Brown & Sharpe”.

The AWG is the primary gauge system for nonferrous metals or precious metals. And to confuse you further the larger the gauge number the smaller the wire diameter!

Why is this important you ask? The SWG wire measurements tend to run smaller than the AWG wire measurement. Say the instructions call for your jump rings to be 18 AWG and you purchase 18 SWG rings. You will find more likely than not that the SWG rings will actually be a smaller wire diameter than the AWG even though they are both 18 gauge rings. This means that the SWG rings may be too small for the chainmaille pattern to work.

Another term thrown around in chainmaille is Aspect Ratio. What the heck is that? Well, quite simply it is the way of describing how thick or thin a jump ring is. Technically the AR is equal to the inner diameter of the ring divided by the wire diameter of the ring. If you are a beginner, I wouldn’t worry about AR at this juncture. Most chainmaille instructions that you purchase or find for free on the Internet will tell you what size jump rings you should use.

Jump ring mandrel sizes. To make a jump ring the raw wire is wrapped around what is called a mandrel. Mandrels come in two basic measurements for chainmaille, inches and millimeters. You may have noticed on the Artistic Wire® Chain Maille Jump Rings packaging that the jump rings are listed by wire gauge (18Ga) and then in inches (9/64”), then in millimeters (3.57mm). This is because instruction writers will list their jump rings in either inches, millimeters, or if you’re really lucky both! Some creative chainmaillers use aluminum knitting needles or wooden dowels as mandrels.

And the final fun fact about jump rings is that they can “fly”! Just try holding the jump ring in your pliers to tightly and you will see what I mean!

Lauren Andersen

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.thechainmaillelady.com

New Chainmaille Video: Lauren Andersen

2011-09-15T03:00:00.016-04:00

I am very excited to announce that a video of me demonstrating the European 4-in-1 weave has been posted at JTV's Jewel School. To watch the video click here. On the website click the "watch now" and click again on the on the big screen. If it starts buffering and you can't see the picture than you can click on the << on the bottom left of the big screen.

Be sure to tune into JTV's Jewel School on Sunday, September 18! I'll have more great new kits and ideas for Artistic Wire chainmaille rings!

Lauren Andersen

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.thechainmaillelady.com

Experimenting with Artistic Wire Mesh: Leslie Rogalski

2011-09-12T03:00:00.017-04:00

I tell my students, play with your beads. Play with your materials. And then I get hold of this really cool new product -- Artistic Wire Mesh--from Beadalon, and I don't follow my own advice--at first.

Check out my progression from dainty dabbling to dynamic play:

First I cut small 6" pieces of Artistic wire mesh from a one-yard piece. I think I was trying to be frugal. So I pulled my little pieces tentatively into ginko leaf shapes, which I wire to Beadalon rubber tubing. YAWN!

Okay, maybe aspects of these are okay and I will apply some of the design to other works. But these are certainly do not showcase Artistic Wire Mesh. What was I afraid of? I fold again into little controlled crinkles:

Next, I wire them up with pearls. Not pushed far enough. I needed to loosen up my grip!

I get a rush of abandon and take out my whole two-yard stash. With great glee that I pulled it, crunched it, played with the way it molded and stretched--and finally, FINALLY, took advantage of its best properties--the generous amount of stretch, the firm but not scratchy holding of a shape, the density of color in the crunches and folds:

What did I ultimately come up with? Stay tuned! And remember--you get what you PLAY for!

Leslie Rogalski

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.sleeplessbeader.blogspot.com

Artistic Wire & Cardmaking: Julianna Hudgins

2011-09-08T03:00:00.002-04:00

I'm so thrilled to share a sneak peek at my new book here on the blog! This is a fun project you can try. It's called Friendship Blooms and it combines two of my favorite things: paper and Artistic Wire!

Instructions Rose:
1. To cut the flower die cut shapes use the Grand Calibur and S5-050 Rose Creations die templates from Spellbinders.
2. Cut 5” of the rose wire for each petal on all the flower shapes for a total of 15, 5” pieces of wire.
3. Take a piece of rose wire and place one end of the wire in center hole of the flower. Using the Round Nose Pliers shape the wire to match the shape of the petal, then wrap wire around the bottom of the petal and insert in the center hole, tape wires to hold in place.
4. Repeat step 3 on all three flower die cuts until all of the petals are wire wrapped.
5. Use a bone folder to curl the paper petals on each flower.
6. Use a hot glue gun to adhere the rose together, be sure to offset the petals.

Instructions Leaves:
1. To cut the leaf die cut shapes use the Grand Calibur and S4-321 Nested Leaves die templates from Spellbinders.
2. Cut 5” of the green wire for each leaf shapes for a total of 3, 5” pieces of wire.
3. Using the Round Nose Pliers shape the wire to match the leaf, twist wire at the bottom of the leaf, fold wire to the backside and tape wires to hold in place.
4. Repeat step 9 on all three leaf die cuts until all of the leaves are wire wrapped.
5. Use a bone folder to curl the paper leaves.

Julianna Hudgins

Beadalon Design Team Member

http://blog.juliannaproductions.com/

JTV's Jewel School: Katie Hacker

2011-09-05T03:00:00.018-04:00

I'm heading back to Knoxville for JTV's Jewel School on Thursday, September 8th! I'll be sharing a new Katiedids™ Creative Components kit along with fun ideas for memory wire, antique-look findings and more.

Be sure to enter JTV's Jewel School Design Contest!

There are some absolutely amazing prizes. The contest ends on September 25, so enter now for your chance to win!

Katie Hacker

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.KatieHacker.com

Fall Jewelry Trends: Chunky Beads & Wire

2011-09-01T03:00:00.025-04:00

Twisted Coils Jewelry Set by Katie Hacker

Make your own gorgeous coils using fancy round German Style Wire in this nature-inspired jewelry set. When I created it, I was thinking about fall leaves and fall fashions. Get your BIG beads on with this multi-technique project!

Materials

Necklace – 21" long

Bright .018" diameter Beadalon 19

22-gauge silver fancy round German-Style Wire

2 silver #1 Beadalon crimp beads #JFC1S-2.0G

2 silver lines crimp covers

silver toggle clasp

30 silver head pins

4 silver 8mm jump rings

19 jasper 8mm rounds

9 smoky AB 6mm glass v-cuts

6 jasper nuggets

Earrings – 2" long

22-gauge silver fancy round German-Style Wire

2 silver head pins

2 silver 8mm jump rings

2 silver kidney ear wires

19 jasper 8mm rounds

9 smoky AB 6mm glass v-cuts

6 jasper nuggets

Tools

Round-nose pliers #201A-104

Chain-nose pliers #201A-101

Wire cutters #202A-105

Crimping tool

Coiling Gizmo with small mandrel

Instructions

Necklace

1. Use a coiling tool or a bamboo skewer to coil the entire 5M length of fancy round wire.

2. Cut two 5 ½" lengths of coiled wire.

3. Open a jump ring and pass it through a piece of leftover, coiled wire. (As you pass the wire onto the ring, you'll need to trim the coiled wire so that it will cover the entire ring while allowing the ring to close.) Repeat this step for four rings total.

4. String 15 jasper beads and 15 glass beads onto separate head pins. Make a wrapped loop on each dangle.

5. Cut two 22" lengths of Beadalon wire, hold them together and pass them through: 5 ½" wire coil; glass bead; ring; 8mm; ring.

6. Pass through a nugget, three glass and three 8mm beads; repeat until all nuggets are strung.

7. After the last nugget, pass through: ring; 8mm; ring; glass bead; 5 ½" coil so the necklace is symmetrical.

8. Use crimp beads to attach half of the clasp to each end of the necklace. Attach a crimp cover to each.

Earrings

1. Open a jump ring and pass it through a piece of leftover, coiled wire from the necklace. Repeat for a matching ring.

2. Cut the remaining coiled wire in two equal lengths.

3. Pass each head pin through: 8mm bead, jump ring, glass bead, coiled wire.

4. Make a basic loop on each head pin and attach one loop to each ear wire.

-Katie Hacker

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.KatieHacker.com

On the Bookshelf: Margot Potter

2011-08-29T03:00:00.016-04:00

Margot's latest title, New Dimensions in Bead & Wire Jewelry, explores the possibilities for using wire as a dimensional design feature as well as a structural one through combinations of both hard, soft wire and beads. In addition to basic wire-working techniques, you'll find a thorough introduction to the various types of Beadalon wire that Margot uses throughout the book.

Projects are organized into five chapters, each with a different focus on the type of wire used. Two chapters focus on hard-wire projects, two on soft wire, and a final chapter combines the two wire types together. Troubleshooting tips are sprinkled throughout the book and three variations per chapter give you great additional inspiration!

Ask for New Dimensions in Bead & Wire Jewelry at your local bead shop or visit Amazon.com.

Colorful Wire Bracelet: Susy Garner

2011-08-25T03:00:00.021-04:00

Everyone loved this colorful Artistic Wire & German-Style Wire bracelet at the CHA Show last month. Here are instructions for making your own!

Materials:

• 24 ga Artistic Wire® (3 colors), 7.5 ft. each color
• 20 ga round Beadalon German Style Wire in gold or silver 1.75 ft.
• 4 mm bicone crystal beads in coordinating colors (6 in one color & 4 each in the other two colors) - 14 beads
• Toggle in either gold or silver
• Flush cutter
• Round nose pliers
• Flat nose pliers
• Chain nose pliers
• Nylon jaw pliers
• Ruler
• Beading Awl
• 1.5 mm (US #000) metal knitting needle and/or a coiling tool with a 1.6 mm mandrel

Instructions:

Create a whimsical bracelet with colorful Artistic Wire and this unique technique.
Skills: Must know how to make a wrapped loop.

1. Straighten and flush cut a 30" length of 24 ga wire in one of the colors of Artistic Wire.

2. Create a 2" coil by wrapping the 30" length of wire onto a 1.6 mm mandrel (if using the coiling tool) or onto a 1.5 mm (US #000) metal knitting needle.

3. Slide the coil off the mandrel or knitting needle.

4. Grabbing both ends of the coil, carefully stretch the coil out to approximately 14" long.

5. Crush the stretched coil between your fingers and/or hand, wadding it up into a ball. Be careful not to stick yourself on the wire ends. Use the nylon jaw pliers to help crush and shape the ball. Tuck any loose ends back into the wire wad with chain nose pliers.

6. Skewer the wire wad ball through its center with the beading awl or knitting needle to create a hole for the Wire Wad bead. Adjust the bead's shape if needed.

7. Repeat this bead making process until you have made 3 beads in one color and 2 beads each of the other two colors. You should have 7 Wire Wad beads in total.

8. Flush cut seven 3" pieces of 20 ga round Beadalon German Style Wire.

9. On each 3" piece of 20 ga round wire, string on the beads creating 7 beaded sections. Beaded sections consist of: one Wire Wad bead, and two coordinating color bicone crystal beads (one bicone crystal bead on either side of the Wire Wad bead).

10. Using the round nose pliers, chain nose pliers and flat nose pliers, attach the bead sections and toggle together by creating wrapped loops on either end of the 20 ga wires.

TIPS: If the bracelet is too short, consider making a few more Wire Wad beaded sections to lengthen the design.
Experiment with varying lengths of wire to create larger or smaller Wire Wad beads.

Tips for Chainmaille: Lauren Andersen

2011-08-22T03:00:00.012-04:00

I would like to share with you a few of the tips that I teach my students. Shh.... don't tell anybody. It will be our secret!

1. "Choke up on those pliers." Don't be afraid of your pliers! Put your hands as close the tips of the pliers as is comfortable. The closer you are to your ring, the more leverage you have over the ring.

2. Use shorter-tipped pliers. The shorter the tip, the more leverage you will have to control the jump ring instead of the jump ring controlling you!

3. If you are going to pre-open and pre-close your jump rings, use either two pair of flat nose pliers or one pair flat nose pliers and one pair bent nose pliers. The flat nose and bent nose pliers allow you to grasp more of the jump ring and therefore easily open and close the jump rings.

4. If you want to make smaller tighter weaves, you will want at least one pair of chain nose pliers. You will find when working with tighter weaves you will run out of room to place your flat nose pliers. If you have a pair of bent nose pliers you can turn them so that you are using the pointy part of the bent nose to get in and close the rings.

5. If you find yourself using what I call the "death grip" on your pliers, try holding out your pinkies. Just like you would if you were to have tea with the Queen. I know it sounds funny, but it works. For some reason, when your pinkies are extended away from the pliers, your grip loosens. If your jump rings tend to "fly across the room," chances are you are gripping your pliers to tightly. Loosen Up!

Lauren Andersen

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.thechainmaillelady.com

Creative Collaborations: Katie Hacker

2011-08-18T03:00:00.012-04:00

I like to give Beadalon's education director, Wyatt White a hard time about the huge mess he makes anytime he's demonstrating new products at shows. But, the truth is, sometimes a mess can work to your advantage! At CHA last month, I picked up a piece of chain he'd been working on and it inspired me to create this matching wire-wrapped pendant.

Collaborating on a project is a great way to infuse new color palettes, techniques and other ideas into your work. I can't guarantee that you'll find anything as gorgeous as Wyatt's chain in any old pile of leftovers, but I do recommend trading with a friend. Round robins, Internet swaps and bead soup nights are all easy ways to get your own creative collaborations going!

In case you're wondering about our design: Wyatt used 16-gauge Artistic Wire to make silver S-hooks. He also made twisted jump rings from 16-gauge gold and 18-gauge silver. He connected double S-hooks between jump rings. For the pendant, I banded three 16-gauge silver wires together in three places using 16-gauge gold then folded them upward around the stone and banded them at the top. You can get great instructions on stone setting in Wyatt's book, Wire Wrapping Components & Stone Setting

-Katie Hacker

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.KatieHacker.com

See You at Bead Fest Philadelphia!

2011-08-15T03:00:00.025-04:00

Join us this weekend, August 19-21
at Bead Fest Philadelphia!

This is the 1oth anniversary of the largest bead and jewelry show on the East Coast! We love Bead Fest because it's right in our backyard. We'll have demonstrations of our newest products and a first-time-ever blowout clearance sale on discontinued items. See you there!

Follow this link to download a $2 off admission coupon: http://www.beadfest.com/beadfest/philadelphia.cfm

Watch for pictures from the show on our Facebook page. Are you a fan?

As Seen On JTV's Jewel School: Leslie Rogalski

2011-08-11T03:00:00.044-04:00

I've talked before about how much preparation happens before taping TV shows, right? Getting ready for my appearance on JTV's Jewel School was no exception. Even with all I did at home before flying to Knoxville, I ended up spending a whole day there working on new loom pieces. Luckily, there was a marathon of all the Indiana Jones movies on TV, so I set up on my big comfy hotel bed and beaded happily away. It was too hot out to do much sightseeing anyway. (But next visit, Dollywood!)

Yes, I'm totally warped. 3 looms at once.

Using the Spin-n-Bead™ is great--I never would make something

like this without one, since stringing beads one by one for each

strand braided here would take forever.

Showed these loomwork cuffs on Facebook already.

That Beadalon Beading Loom is really easy to use.

Definitely fast--and addicting!

Margot and Kim, the Jewel School hosts,

getting ready at their desk in the studio.

I'm setting up at my little desk on the set.

I can't wait to go back! Stay tuned!

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.thesleeplessbeader.blogspot.com

-Leslie Rogalski

Summer Fun Necklace: Dale 'Cougar' Armstrong

2011-08-01T03:00:00.001-04:00

We've been adding projects to our Design Workshop at Beadalon.com. Stop by and check out the latest additions! Here's a fun wire wrapping project from one of our newest Design Team Members:

http://www.beadalon.com/summerfun.asp

Techniques: Involved components, basic coiling

Skill Level: Beginner/All

Don't be bored on a rainy day! The focus of this design is on the fun-to-make link. Use your favorite colors, get caught up in making coils and create a bracelet or necklace!

1. For each link, on the smallest crank rod, coil a 3-inch length of Artistic Wire. Carefully remove the coil and set it aside.

2. Straighten, measure and cut 1 piece of 21 gauge square silver-plated wire, 3 1/2 inches long. Use needle chain-nose pliers to form a small loop at one end.

3. Slide the 3-inch long Artistic Wire coil onto the square wire, until the end fits against the loop.

4. Use needle chain-nose pliers to form another small loop at the opposite end of the silver-plated wire, securing the coil between the loops.
5. At one end of the component, place the tip of round nose pliers between the small loop and the coil. Carefully roll the pliers, causing the coiled wire to follow, forming the first small coiled loop. Move the pliers up the coil a bit and continue adding a curve to the coiled wire.
6. Slide a twisted jump ring onto the end of the coiled component, all the way down and inside the loop created in Step 5. Using round-nose pliers, in the opposite direction, make another loop and a half at the top of the coiled segment.
7. Continue creating and attaching coiled links until the bracelet is the desired length. Attach the jump ring on the chosen clasp to the last twisted, closed jump ring. Make sure there is another twisted closed jump ring at the opposite end to hook the clasp into and your Summer Fun linked project is complete!

Making Wire Rings: Katie Hacker

2011-07-28T03:00:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite quickie projects is a wire wrapped ring. Here's one of my Beading Lessons from Beads, Baubles & Jewels that explains how to do it. You just need wire cutters, a ring mandrel and a colorful bead. It's easy!

http://www.beadalon.com/bbj-1208.asp

By the way, we just filmed the next series for Beads, Baubles & Jewels and you're going to love it! We have lots of great guests, including some familiar faces from this blog. Leslie Rogalski and Lauren Andersen both dropped by to share some cool new techniques.

Beadalon has been sponsoring the show since it began more than seven years ago. Visit www.beadsbaublesandjewels.com to find it on your local public television station.

-Katie Hacker

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.KatieHacker.com

Quick & Easy Summer Earrings: Katie Hacker

2011-07-25T03:00:00.001-04:00

Materials:

• 22 gauge lemon meringue Artistic Wire

• 2 purple 30 mm MOP bead frame ovals

• 2 aqua 8 mm rounds

• 2 yellow 6 mm rounds

• 2 pink 6 mm cylinders

• 2 silver kidney ear wires

• 2 silver head pins

• 2 silver beaded rings

• Instructions •

For each earring: Cut a 6" length of lemon meringue wire. Coil it around the lower outside edge of the bead frame. Pass a head pin through the aqua bead, silver ring, yellow bead and one hole on the bead frame. Make a basic loop to attach it to an ear wire. Squeeze the ear wire shut above the dangle. Cut a 3" wire length and coil it around the ear wire.

You'll find more fun earring ideas in the Design Workshop at Beadalon.com!

-Katie Hacker

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.KatieHacker.com

New Wire Banding Pliers: Wyatt White

2011-07-21T03:00:00.004-04:00

Check out these amazing new (patent pending) Wire Banding Pliers! In this video, wire wrapper extraordinaire Wyatt White demonstrates how easy it is to create the double right-angle bend that's integral in precision wire wrapping.

Visit Wyatt's page in the Design Workshop to see some gorgeous wire wrapped designs using Beadalon's German Style and Stainless Steel Wire: http://www.beadalon.com/white.asp

See you at CHA: Julianna Hudgin

2011-07-14T03:00:00.061-04:00

I am so excited to be a part of the Beadalon Design Team and to share my passion for Artistic Wire!

I've been using Artistic Wire for many years in just about everything that I create: Home Décor, Paper Crafting, Jewelry and even Outdoor Living projects. What’s really cool is that my mom (we call her “Momma Bev”) is a wireworker as well. She has made some amazing pieces and has been published numerous times in many different magazines and books. I love creating and brainstorming with my mom! And, we both love to share new techniques and projects with our students.

Next week, I'll be teaching my first Artistic Wire Workshop for Beadalon during the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Summer Conference & Tradeshow in Rosemont, Illinois. It's a two-hour class and I wanted to feature both a Paper Craft and a Jewelry project. So, I reached out to Momma Bev and asked her to design a card for me using the NEW Beginner Thing-a-ma-jig and to create a NEW Pattern for my students to use. I love the card she created and cannot wait to share it with my students!

In addition to the card, we are making a Funky Jewelry Piece using the Deluxe Coiling Gizmo and a variety of very colorful Artistic Wire.

If you have any questions about creating with Artistic Wire you can email at julianna@juliannahudgins.com or Facebook me under Julianna Hudgins.

Live Life & Have Fun,
Julianna Hudgins
Beadalon Design Team Member
http://blog.juliannaproductions.com

Free Project from Beadalon & SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS

2011-06-02T03:00:00.001-04:00

We had such a fabulous time on the Creativity Cruise with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS! Download the Magical Stingray Necklace instruction booklet and see all of the inspired designs using Beadalon and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS here.

View pix from the trip on Facebook

Chaimaille with Pearls: Lauren Andersen

2011-05-30T03:00:00.000-04:00

I love combining pearls with the ancient art of chainmaille. I set the pearls inside Katiedids^TM 19.5mm Stick pieces. Aren't they fabulous?

I took a headpin, threaded it through one end of the Stick, added three Swarvoski® rose colored pearls to the headpin, then threaded the headpin through the other end of the Stick. I coiled the headpin to make it look like a link in a chain so that it would seamlessly fit with the chainmaille weaves.

On the earrings, I used the Byzantine weave found in my "Basics Of Chain Maille" book, and for the choker I used the Half Persian 3-in-1 weave from my "Advanced Chain Maille" book. Also on the choker I added six Swarvoski® pearls to head pins and made a simple loop on each then added these pearls to the first link in the chainmaille. Have fun!

-Lauren Andersen

Beadalon Design Team Member

http://www.TheChainMailleLady.com

See you at the Bead & Button Show

2011-05-26T03:00:00.003-04:00

Join us at the Bead & Button Show for the Bead Marketplace, June 10-12 at the Frontier Airlines Convention Center in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin! There are over 500 classes and it's the biggest consumer bead show in the world.

We'll host daily jewelry making demonstrations in our booth, along with guest appearances from many members of our Beadalon Design Team.

Learn more about the Show and download a $2 discount coupon here.

We're also sponsoring four workshops by Katie Hacker:

Modern Patina

Fri. June 10 • 8:30am-11:30am

Day-to-Night Necklace and Earrings

Fri. June 10 • 1:00pm-4:00pm

Twisted and Coiled Necklace and Earrings

Sat. June 11 • 8:00am-11:00am

Very Violet Necklace and Earrings

Sat. June 11 • Noon-3:00pm

New Design Team Member: Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

2011-05-23T03:00:00.000-04:00

Dale "Cougar" Armstrong is an artist and well-known wire-working expert with numerous television appearances, DVDs and publications to her credit. Her journey into wirework was inspired by her love for rocks and minerals. A dedicated instructor, she loves sharing her ideas with people who are eager to learn her techniques.

Dale has developed and mastered a wide variety of techniques using mainly square, half-hard wire; allowing her to create heirloom quality, wire jewelry designs resembling jewelry that is 'cast', but without using any type of solder or glue.

She says, "Although I have a background in fine arts and metal-smithing, a combination of rocks, wire and students wins my heart!"

Look for Dale soon on JTV's Jewel School and earn more about her in the Design Workshop at http://www.beadalon.com/armstrong.asp

Free Jewelry Project: Fernando Dasilva

2011-05-19T03:00:00.000-04:00

Some of your favorite beading magazines will soon be featuring a new ad with my necklace design, Spatial Spheres. This is excerpted with permission from my book, Modern Expressions. http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Expressions-Fashionable-Easy---Find/dp/1440306729/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1289937132&sr=8-1

Spatial Spheres Necklace

Materials

• Two 24 mm white round acrylic round beads

• One 18 mm white acrylic round beads

• Two 24 mm turquoise round acrylic round beads

• One 18 mm turqoise round acrylic beads

• Twenty 15 x 7 mm Montana Swarovski Elements Modular beads - article 5150

• Twenty-two 5 mm sparkle silver plated crimp covers - 349B-020

• Two 7 mm sparkle silver plated crimp covers - 349B-026

• Twenty-one 4 mm silver plated crimp covers - 349B-030

• Forty #3 hematite crimp tubes - 305X-133

• Two #4 silver plated crimp tubes - JFCT4S-1.5G

• One 30 ft spool of Beadalon 49 Strand .024" white stringing wire - JW12B-30

• 3 1/2 inches (9 long links) of silver plated oval link 4.3 mm chain - 340B-150

• 3 3/4 inches (12 links) of silver-plated oval link 7.6 mm chain - 340B-130

• Two silver plated links of round Quick Link™ chain - 314B-310

• One large silver plated toggle - 323B-007

TOOLS

• Designer Nipper tool - 202S-001

• Mighty Crimp tool - JTCRIMP-3

Instructions

1. Insert one jaw of chain nose pliers into the side of an acrylic bead. Push into the bead to open the seam. Repeat this process for all turquoise and white acrylic beads.

2. Attach a large turquoise half to a large white half to make a bicolor acrylic bead. Repeat this process with the remaining large halves and with the small halves.

3. Cut 2 pieces of white stringing wire measuring twenty inches each and set them aside. Cut twenty-one pieces of the same wire measuring 7 inches and set them aside.

4. Use the outer jaw of mighty crimper to gently close twenty-one 4mm sparkle crimp covers and set them aside.

5. String the following onto both large pieces of stringing wires:

sparkle crimp cover + small bicolor, white side first + sparkle crimp cover + two crystal beads + sparkle crimp cover + white metal bead + sparkle crimp cover + two crystal beads + sparkle crimp cover + large bicolor, white side first + sparkle crimp cover + two crystal beads + sparkle crimp cover + white metal bead + sparkle crimp cover + two crystal beads + sparkle crimp cover + large bicolor, turquoise side first + sparkle crimp cover + two crystal beads + sparkle crimp cover + white metal bead.

Repeat this pattern in reverse for the other side of the necklace, omitting the center white. When bicolor beads are strung on, reverse the color that is strung on first.

6. Insert a 7 inch piece of stringing wire through the center of a metal bead. Bring the wire back around to make a full circle and crimp the 2 wires together using a #3 crimp tube.

7. Thread the longer end of the wire back through another hole in the metal bead. Bring the end of the wire through the bead and back around to make a full circle. Crimp the wires together using another #3 crimp tube. Cover one crimp tube with corrugated crimp covers and then trim excess wire.

Repeat this process to add 3 more double-wire circles to the same metal bead.

8. Repeat step 7 with the remaining metal beads.

9. Thread the wires at the end of the necklace through a #4 crimp tube. Slide on a round Quick Link and then thread the wires back through the crimp tube, pulling the quick link tightly against the crimp tube. Use the mighty crimper to crimp, and then cover the tube with a 7mm sparkle crimp cover. Trim excess wire, and then repeat this step on the other side of the necklace.

10. Use chain nose pliers to open a link of large oval chain (7.6mm) and attach onto the quick link. Open a link of small oval chain (4.3mm) and attach onto quick link as well.

11. Open the last oval link of large oval chain (7.6mm) and attach onto half part of silver-plated toggle clasp. Open end link of small oval chain and attach onto end link of large oval chain.

12. Repeat steps 9 to 11 to finish the other side of the necklace.

TIPS:

• Pierced or filigree beads are referred to as "metal beads" in the instructions.

• Eyeball the size of the circles threaded inside of metal beads, just keep making one larger than the other.

• You can replace chains in your necklace with bicolor ribbons.

-Fernando Dasilva

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.modern-expressions.blogspot.com

New Design Team Member: Julianna Hudgins

2011-05-16T03:00:00.001-04:00

Julianna Hudgins is a well-known International Spokesperson, TV personality, Author and Jewelry designer. Julianna is the "Fire Behind the Wire" and she is proud of the role she's played in bringing the Artistic Wire brand to life within the Craft & Hobby Industry.

Julianna has made numerous appearances on national televsion and loves helping people connect with their creative spirit through crafts. She says, "I love color and start most of my jewelry projects by falling in love with a bead, gemstone or pendant that catches my eye."

Catch Julianna live on JTV's Jewel School May 22nd, 9-12CST or take her workshop at the CHA Summer Conference & Tradeshow. Learn more about Julianna and look for her designs coming soon to the Design Workshop at http://www.beadalon.com/hudgins.asp

New Series of Beads, Baubles & Jewels

2011-05-09T15:00:00.005-04:00

Beads, Baubles & Jewels Series 1400 is now airing on selected public television stations nationwide. Beadalon has been a proud corporate sponsor of the show since it started seven years ago.

The theme for the season is "Assembling the Elements," so we're focusing on projects that feature special findings, beads, stringing materials and other components. We're bringing all of the elements together to create dynamic jewelry deisgns. It's my second season as host and we have a lot of exciting guests, including Beadalon Design Team members Lauren Andersen and Leslie Rogalski!

You can see a season overview, download project sheets for each show and find local viewing times at BeadsBaublesandJewels.com. For videos from past seasons, visit the Design Workshop at Beadalon.com

-Katie Hacker

Beadalon Design Team Member

www.KatieHacker.com

Getting Creative

2011-05-05T03:00:00.003-04:00

A few weeks back, I got to spend three fun filled days bead-geeking out at BeadFest Wire in Philadelphia, meeting all kinds of beaders and wire-workers, seeing old friends and making new ones. We also ~~hazed~~ welcomed new Beadalon Design Team member, Leslie Rogalski, as the booth demonstrator on Sunday.

We had so much fun with Leslie! She has a funky and totally unique style that brings a whole new perspective to the Beadalon team. She and I got our inspiration on and challenged each other to design with the new Beadalon Katiedids™ Creative Components.

My favorite new product find at the show was SilverSilk knittedwire made with Artistic Wire™. I love how it fits perfectly into the channels of the Katiedids components! Check out the collaboration that Leslie and I worked on together. I did the inside, while she added the rubber O-Ring and the wire wrapped bail. It was such a pleasure and inspiration to work with Leslie!

We're currently running a design contest with some fantastic prizes for featuring the Katiedids components. We extended the deadline until midnight on May 16th. I hope you'll be inspired to enter!

Meredith Roddy

Beadalon Sales Executive

Bonus Beading Time

2011-05-02T03:00:00.000-04:00

I never know when I will have bonus time on my hands to bead. Bonus time is unplanned free time such as waiting to pick up your kids, or waiting for a late friend at a cafe, or even being a passenger in a lengthy car ride. Not wanting to waste that time, I keep a bag of beading materials with me at all times. I actually have two different kinds of bonus beading kits: a large one for predictably long periods of time, such as plane or train rides, and a small one for car rides or to keep in my every day purse.

One of my travel bead kits is a clear cosmetics case that zips closed and has dimension, so I can fit everything I need for small, relatively easy to manage projects. My list is personal to me, but here are my must-have-with-me-everywhere items:

A generous handful of small baggies with my favorite colors of size 11 and 10 Delicas
Size 11 and 8 regular/round seed beads in black, copper and silver.
Assorted findings: ear wires, headpins, jump rings in various sizes and metals, small pieces of chain, crimp tubes, closed jump rings, crimp covers, wire guardians and toggle clasps.
3 colors of Beadalon WildFire beading thread: black, green, and crystal
Needles in a plastic case
At least 2 small Bead Stoppers
A spool of Beadalon 19 strand silver colored stringing wire
Several pairs of various sized rubber O-rings
Small scissors suitable to pass through airport screening
Small chain nose pliers
Small wire snip
Small metric tape measure

These items allow me to make something, anything, anytime and anywhere. I usually whip up peyote rings, but have also made beaded beads on the fly, or stitched a bail around a ring. Of course, my ideal beads-to-go travel kit would be more like an entire trailer!

Leslie Rogalski

Beadalon Design Team Member