Baguette cut gemstones are synonymous with the Art Deco movement. Indeed, that was when this type of rectangular cut became especially popular during this period – the 1910s through to the 1930’s. According to the Gem Institute of America (GIA), this type of cut is thought to have been based on the 16th century “hogback”, […]

The bead designers featured here are some of the most creative I have come across. Given a single theme, like the sun, they all come up with unique versions of their own.  First up is the sun pendant tutorial shown above by the mother and daughter team, Cara and Landry of SimpleBeadPatterns. It’s such a […]

The spooky season is finally here! In almost every store there are Halloween decorations a plenty! Kids are quickly picking out their Halloween costumes (and parents are hoping that they still have their kiddos’ sizes in stock). For us jewelry designers, this is such a fun time of year to stretch our creative talents and […]

I was amazed how popular macrame angels were when I first wrote about them. So here are more beautiful angel tutorials to inspire. They do make really calming and peaceful ornaments and wall decor to gift or to have in the house. You could use thinner threads and attempt some of these for small jewelry […]

Repurposing old jewelry to create new heirlooms is a meaningful way to honor family history while creating something new and unique. Outdated or damaged pieces of jewelry can be transformed into beautiful, custom treasures that can be passed down for generations. You can reuse the gemstones or melt the metal from an old piece of… […]

Many designers create lovely resin work but the designs Croatian artists, Nadia and her mother,  of SummerGirlArt, are refreshingly different.  Their designs often display that something extra. The iridescent real flower resin coasters above are great examples. The brown resin geodes below look like sliced tree trunks to me! Read more         Share Your Comment! […]

I really like bead embroidery because the possibilities are endless.  I especially like the tutorials by Canadian Dene artist , Breanna Dei, s not just because she teaches well but her designs have a contemporary style. They are captivating. Shown here is one of my favorites – a cheerful sunflower earrings tutorial. It’s easy enough for […]

Not overly fond of the plain round Christmas baubles? Then dress them up with beadwork!  Some really romantic and elegant beaded Christmas ornament tutorials you should see are those by Michigan based bead artist, Cathy Andrews of AndreaCatherineJewel. I have featured this talented designer before here.  She uses pearls, crystals, rivolis, and other beads to […]

Each month we have enjoyed exploring the birthstone for that given month. We are now to September (already!) and its birthstone is the gorgeous sapphire. When our mind conjures images of sapphire, we almost always picture a deep rich blue hue. In fact, there are sapphires of all colors except for red which is technically […]

Now that last season’s peak selling season is over, it’s time to prepare for the year ahead. An attractive setup is key to drawing visitors to your craft show table. Your jewelry should also be visible so taking advantage of the vertical space is necessary. The displays should be light and ideally flat packed to […]