Beadalon Blog

Working on the Beadalon loom is so much fun, it really takes me back to my beady beginnings. I started using seed beads on a loom almost exactly like the one that every student will get in my class at the Bead and Button Show in June 2012 . I know, I know–what about those pesky warp thread ends, right? That "chore" has kept you from using the loom, right? Not any more!! In my class you will learn to whisk those ends outta sight plus many other practical and easy loom weaving tricks: Use strong and non-stretch WildFire to string the main long threads (warp) and for weaving (weft). See how to make your piece as long as you wish! Next to the zen of weaving with Miyuki Delica beads and the satisfaction in the way those beads fit together, the best part of this project is the way we finish. We simple cut the cuff from the loom, fold under the threads, and adhere into a bezel cuff from EK Success. The look is superbly crafted and ...

Feathered hair extensions paved the way for feathers to go mainstream in jewelry and accessories for spring and summer 2012. Get ready for summer with this hot necklace! MATERIALS  A.C Moore  • 12 lt brown goose feathers by Touch of Nature-P.O. 176414 •2 Bead Mtl Ant Copper 20mm- 41511- item # 122 •2 Bead Mtl Ant Copper 16mm- 41511- item# 125 •6 10x 14mm tear brown sndstn - 41511- item# 66 Beadalon Components •6 gold plated extension chain heart - 324A-014 •16 gold-plated adjustable bead caps- 329A-020  •2 gold-plated EZ Crimp Ends- 344A-010  •2 gold-plated EZ Lobster Clasps- 315A-220  • 2 ft gold -plated 24 gauge German Style wire-180A-024 •6 6mm gold plated round jump rings-314A-117 •1 ft Beadalon 19 Strands .015" satin copper beading wire- JW14NCU-0  • 1 ft gold plated round dash quick links chain- 340A-350 Tools •Round nose pliers -201A-104  •Chain nose pliers - 201A-103  •Semi flush cutter blue sparkle - 202A-105 MATERIALS...

Fernando is all about Artistic Wire Mesh , which made its debut in a catalog supplement but appears in full glory in the new catalog. You should see some of the fabulous designs he’s creating using this one-of-a-kind material. Long, elegant shoulder dusters can be ruched in the center to create versatile earrings that go from day to night. I’m loving my new, decorative Katiedids™ , of course, but I’m also smitten with German-Style wire in antique brass. It adds a warm, vintage feel to any design and I’m combining it with silver and hematite findings to make gorgeous mixed-metal earrings. Check out these new products from The Chainmaille Lady! Lauren worked with Beadalon to develop a line of products to her exact specifications. From new pliers and findings to an essential organizational tool, you’re going to love them. Katie Hacker Beadalon Design Team Member www.KatieHacker.com

Statement bracelets are where it’s at for spring and summer 2012, and memory wire bangles are my latest obsession. They’re easy to make, just about one-size-fits-all and they look great on your wrist! Instructions:  Tip: Even though it isn't the first technique you think of, making bangle bracelets is one of my favorite uses for memory wire. To make sure the bracelet is the right size, measure your fist at its widest point and cut the memory wire loops just about one-half inch larger. Bracelet 1. Use round-nose pliers to make a small loop on one end of each piece of memory wire. 2. Pass each memory wire through: chip, glass, chip, 2 plain spacers. Then, string a square slider onto the wires by passing each wire through a hole on the slider. Pass each wire through: 2 plain spacers, chip, glass, chip. 3. Pass each wire through a decorative spacer, then string a rectangle slider onto the wires by passing each wire through a separate hole on the sl...

I spent a few days playing with Beadalon bead caps for my upcoming appearance on JTV. I made a glorious mess with bead caps, SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Beads and Pearls, more beads, lots of wire, head pins and stuff. You know, STUFF! Here are some of the finished beaded components. They would make great earrings, dangles and more. Tune in to JTV on March 18 th and 19 th to see what I made! Leslie Rogalski Beadalon Design Team Member www.sleeplessbeader.blogspot.com

Leslie Rogalski: Bead Caps Aplenty March 18 and 19th  10 AM to Noon EST Katie Hacker: Katiedids™ and More April 1 st and 2 nd 10AM to Noon EST Are you following Beadalon on Facebook? We try to post as many pictures and updates as possible. Please join us!

Things are finally getting back to normal after all of our travels in February, just in time for National Craft Month! Here’s an overview of where we’ve been: The road starts at the Craft & Hobby Winter Show. Go Team Beadalon! Steve, Yvette, Mike, Madeline, Steve, Mike and Wyatt get ready to talk about new products, answer customer’s questions, and write orders. Design Team members Julianna, Lauren, Fernando and Katie in the Beadalon booth at CHA. Ready to celebrate Catalog 31! Julianna and Katie taught Beadalon-sponsored workshops at CHA. This is a great opportunity for attendees to get their hands on the latest and greatest new products. Next stop, Tucson! We spent a week at the To Bead True Blue Show, introducing new products and catching up with friends and customers. Here’s Meredith, Katie and Yvette with designer Lilian Chen holding one of her amazing Artistic Wire creations. After Tucson, it’...