Posts on : Jewelry Making
Stamping – Creating personalized gifts
by francine on Apr.21, 2010, under Handmade Jewelry, Jewelry Making
Hand stamping is such a wonderful way to create unique, personalized gifts. There are endless styles of stamp choices for everyone’s style. There are also fun stamps like hearts, babies feet and even dog bones.
It is not that difficult to learn how to stamp but I would test it out first on scrap copper so you can test out the spacing and how hard you need to hammer. The great think about hand stamping is that part of the charm is that it is not perfect :)
So if you are looking for that wonderful personalized gift which will last a lifetime, a hand stamped, sterling silver gift is perfect!
Check a few on our shop – www.jewelrybyfrancine.com
Personalized Sterling Silver Treasures!
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Creating a Theme: A fun way to use shark teeth!
by geisha on Apr.13, 2010, under Handmade Jewelry, Jewelry Making
A combination of shark teeth, sea glass and pearls
About six months ago a co-worker aware of my jewelry obsession brought me some shark teeth. He thought perhaps I could use them in my jewelry. Weeks and months went by and I just wasn’t quite ready to tackle those shark teeth. After a while, that little bag of shark teeth seemed to be taunting me while I was making jewelry. I just didn’t know where to begin.
The other night I decided it was time to attempt to create with the shark teeth. First I had to figure out how I was going to string these shark teeth, after all they didn’t have any holes. I knew I was going to have to wire-wrap them. I first tried with a wire that was too thick, I think 20 gauge. The wire just wouldn’t stay put! Then I switched to a thinner wire and it worked much better. I wrapped them until they were very secure and made a bail out of wire so I could attach them a chain.
Now that the hardest part was over, I had to decide what to pair these shark teeth with. I first was drawn to turquoise, to create an overall earthy look. Then it dawned on me. Under the Sea! I had a baggie full of sea glass that I have accumulated over time, some really pretty keshi pearls and and shell beads to hang everthing from. In all, I really like these earrings and think that somehow they actually look quite feminine even with the shark teeth.
Funky and Fun!
The jagged shark tooth is balanced by the smooth sea glass. The matte finish glass is balanced by the shiny surface of the pearl. And the masculine qualities of the shark tooth are balanced by the feminine qualities of the keshi pearl. Harmony.
If you like these earrings, check out my shop at GeishaCreations.etsy.com
Can you tell I LOVE the ocean?
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Found Beads! What to do with all those darn random beads!
by geisha on Apr.08, 2010, under Handmade Jewelry, Jewelry Making
From wooden leaf beads to vintage lucite beads
Recently, I was on a long earring making kick. I made like 30 pairs in month and one day I just needed to switch it up. I began to search the bottom of my bead drawers to see what was down there. If you are a beader, you know what I mean. Sometimes you will finish a project and have two of a certain bead left. After time, this can add up until suddenly my OCD kicks in and I just must re-organize everthing! So what to do with all the random beads? I decided to group them all into color categories. Browns, blues, greens and yellow. Looking over my brown pile, I realized I had some pretty cool beads there. I’m glad I didn’t just decide to throw them out one day in order to keep the bottom of my beading drawers clean! I used all of those beads to create a long, like over 4 1/2 ft long, necklace that can be worn doubled or trippled around your neck. I used a black cotton stringing cord and seperated each bead with a knot. The result is a bunch of random beads that come together to make one cohesive looking necklace. The beads are very varied. There are shell beads, bone beads, wooden shapes in different finishes, blown glass, vintage lucite beads from some old costume jewelry, brass and antique copper findings, and faceted fire-polished glass beads.
The thing that I really like about this necklace is that all the beads are in the same color pallete, but they are very different shapes, textures and finishes. So I hope I have inspired all to keep those random beads and make something great with them! To check out the necklace feel free to visit my etsy store and convo me with any questions! – GeishaCreations.etsy.com
Keep those random beads!
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The Perfect Valentines Day Gifts
by Joy Jewlr on Jan.23, 2010, under Jewelry Making
Chocolate. Flowers. Jewelry. I think everyone knows that some combination of any of these would make a good valentine’s day gift. Its completely fine to stick to the traditional gifts, however, it will be even more appreciated if you try and find some new variation on these classics. Your goal should be to create a memorable experience for your loved one, instead of just another bouquet of roses and a box of chocolates.
For Chocolate check out this cool creation by a company called Bruce County. This company has taken the candy apple to new extremes by creating many different variations of chocolate covered apples including nuts, and different toppings. These treats are not only great looking, but they are also super delicious. In giving your significant other this creative gift you will definitely create a Valentine’s day that stands out. You can find these cool products at www.nutandfudge.com
When it comes to Flowers it is a bit more difficult to be creative. This year instead of simply giving her a bouquet of roses try and spice it up and get creative. There are a number of ways to do so. One is to buy more exotic flowers like the Blood Lily, Blue Dawn Flower, or the Calatheas. All of which are very beautiful and very exotic. A nice vase is also a good touch.
Finally, Jewelry is always a difficult thing to buy for your loved one. The key is to avoid potentially buying the wrong thing. To do so consider buying an engraved couple’s ring. This will not only show her that you had been thinking about this day for a long time, but it is also extremely personal and difficult to dislike. I came across a number of these rings on www.jewlr.com.
This valentine’s day do something different and make her happy.
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Vintage Steampunk Necklace Design
by Kay Jacobs on Jan.19, 2010, under Jewelry Making
I have to show you my new vintage steampunk necklace design.The necklace is made with vintage findings, watch parts and swarovski crystals. The metal is a antiqued copper making this a wonderful vintage steampunk look. Following are closeup views of this Necklace. |
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Since I have a love for machinery, with all the gears and things, steampunk is a style that I love also. |
The centerpiece is made with vintage copper findings, Swarovski crystals, and vintage wrist watch parts. |
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I built the chain of the necklace with links of Swarovski Crystals, watch gears, and vintage stampings. |
I like to sign my one-of-a-kind pieces. This is the back of the centerpiece. |
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I finished the necklace with an antiqued copper toggle clasp. |
If you like the Steampunk style, you can see more of my Steampunk designs at Pizazz Beads.If you would like more beading instruction, I have a Beading Secrets Series on DVD with beading instruction from beginning to advanced techniques. You can find great beads to make your unique designs at Pizazz Beads.
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