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.  […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

I featured Alena Boskova’s wonderful geometric beadwork patterns in AjaBeads before. But there is more to the work of this beadwork designer from the Czech Republic (also known as Czechia).  I am not sure if she has added new work since I last visited but it looks like that to me! She is a whiz […]

Chain is a fun jewelry making component to add to your design repertoire. One of the nice things about chain is that styles vary so widely that you can really set the tone of a design through your chain choice. Chain can be very simple such as a delicate 2.6mm sterling silver curb chain or bold and […]

Wired on Youtube has a fascinating playlist on their channel where they get different experts to go over the answers people ask them on Twitter.  (They are still calling it Twitter, not X as Elon Musk has decreed). Humans are inherently curious beings, so when given the chance, they do ask.  One of the most […]