I first came across the work of South Carolinian metalsmith , Rebecca McGlothlen of BLUEskyBLACKbird when I was looking for shining examples of solar eclipse inspired jewelry. Her shop has many gorgeous hand stamped metal jewelry in different metals. Rebecca offers designs in her unique style from small ones right up to statement pieces. If I had […]
Lovely Beaded Patterns and Tutorials by LutitaPatterns
What does it take to be a good beadwork artist? Many things, me thinks. Experience in beadwork for one. A passion for the craft as well as an unerring sense of design, structure and colors. Lithuanian Lutita of LutitaPatterns fits the bill! Some of my favorites include her rhombus brick stitch earring patterns which show […]
Spotlight on Summer Cameos and Charms for DIY Jewelry Making
Summer is a time of beach days, popsicles, picnics, and all sorts of outdoor fun. It’s when the kids splash around in the pool and parents lounge under the cabana. It’s when neighbors gather for BBQs and friends greet each other on walks. There are certain images and icons that personify summertime at its best: […]
Gorgeous Beaded Scarves, Chokers and Tutorial by ALiAHandMadeShop
Supporting Ukrainian Artisans When I first came across beaded scarves, I thought they might be too large. How wrong I was! When beaded smaller, they become wonderful bib necklaces which will compliment all kinds of outfits. One artisan who is a whiz at making this style is Ukrainian bead artist, Alena (Alonya) Lipinska, of ALiAHandMadeShop. […]
Enameling Next Steps: 13 Ways to Enhance Your Enamel Jewelry Designs
While I was first learning torch-fired enameling, I did a lot of experiments–propane vs MAPP gas, sifting on vs dunking in enamel powders, opaque vs transparent, copper vs silver vs iron underneath–and even brass, which apparently couldn’t be done. I’m so glad I found that it can be done, because transparent enamel on brass makes […]
No Solder Broken Pottery or China Pendant Tutorial using Leather Scraps
Not everyone is willing to solder. Nor have the patience, experience or skill to wire wrap. That was the problem a reader, Lynn, had. She had a old chipped rose platter she wanted to break up and make into pendants for family in remembrance of her mother. She definitely did not want to solder or […]
Pretty Crochet Beaded Earrings Tutorial to Use Up Spare Thread
Over the years, I bought crochet thread to use for kumihimo jewelry making. Now I am stuck with leftover thread. So I am always looking for crochet earrings tutorials. This one is so pretty and it incorporates beads too. The tutorial is by MavicsCraftsandAccessories. The hoop is a plastic ring which is first covered with […]
Top 4 Ways to Finish Your Memory Wire Jewelry Projects
Memory wire is the at the core of some of the most beloved jewelry making designs and techniques. It’s a very forgiving medium and one that both novice and master jewelry maker alike adore. You can make bracelets, rings, necklaces, napkin rings, wine charms, ornaments, and more with memory wire. At the foundation of every memory wire […]
8 Unusual Anatomically Inspired Jewelry | The Habsburg Jaw
Some might find it very strange to see anatomically inspired jewelry. Why body parts and organs? There are a variety of reasons which we will explore in this homage to some very creative people! Heart inspired jewelry is probably one of the largest categories. This is very likely due to the romantic connections as in […]
6 Gorgeous Handmade Copper Components for Jewelry Making
Copper is a very popular metal of choice for those lucky enough to be able to wear this color. So let’s have a look at some beautiful handmade examples we could use in our jewelry making. Those with patinas are stunning! The above drop dead gorgeous electroformed copper button with a purple Mojave turquoise is […]
