Translate to:

Making-Jewelry.com Network

Welcome to our jewelry making community: imagine, create, share, & inspire!

All Blog Posts (216)

Search Blog Posts

Leigh Great Tutorial Site

Hi All, I have just recently gotten into doing wirework and have been scouring the internet looking for project ideas. In this search I found a website called JewelryLessons.com This is a wonderful site that has step by step tutorials for wirework, stringing, bead weaving, metal working, polymer clay and the list goes on and on. There are also articles, book reviews, Q&A, and a gallery of designs! What is really cool is that the tutorials are made by other artisians - some are free and som… Continue

Added by Leigh on October 31, 2009 at 2:54am — No Comments

Jenny Israel- BKB My First Jewelry Party

My first party was this past Saturday night. My sister-in-law was good enough to host for me. I only ended up with 9 guests, but honestly, for my first party that was plenty! It was a great learning experience for me and having a smaller group was a great way to warm up. Thanks to Lorri's book I was very organized. I had remembered to bring my tools and that came in handy!! Two guests asked me to change the side that the clasp was on the necklace they had selected to make it more "right-hand fr… Continue

Added by Jenny Israel- BKB on October 19, 2009 at 12:12pm — 3 Comments

Lorri Ely Crystal Framed Earrings Project Idea

This was one of the pieces I made on the last "jewelry making retreat" with my friend :-)

Supplies List 14kt gold filled wire (half hard) Swarovski crystals Crystal briolette beads Earwires (I used leverbacks) Shape your frames using an object like a small bottle to make a c… Continue

Added by Lorri Ely on October 8, 2009 at 8:44am — No Comments

Lorri Ely Clearance Sale at ArtGemsInc.com

Everything is 60% Off, there are some incredible bargains in there on Swarovski crystal beads, as one example. A whole strand of carnelian for $3.37 today. Check it out: http://artgemsinc.com/Content/Default.asp Continue

Added by Lorri Ely on October 8, 2009 at 8:00am — No Comments

Lorri Ely How to Photograph your Jewelry

Here is a wonderful thorough guide I came across and wanted to share. http://www.docstoc.com/docs/6626662/1000-Markets-Best-Practices-in-Product-Photography If you are listing your jewelry online, you need to read this :-) Continue

Added by Lorri Ely on October 7, 2009 at 4:04pm — 1 Comment

Leigh Cool New Altered Art Designs Using Vintaj

If you love Vintaj like I do you really have to check out the project gallery at Vintaj's website. They have alot of new ideas. There are some really cool projects using their brass blanks and embossed pendants. http://vintaj.com/gallery/ Happy Creating!!! :-) Continue

Added by Leigh on September 26, 2009 at 4:29am — 1 Comment

Jenny Israel- BKB Just bought Lorri's book on starting my own Jewelry Parties

This could be a gift from the angels! I have three parties booked for the upcoming fall season and I have never done one before! I figured how hard could it be? Ha! That's me, bite off more than I can chew. When I found this link online, I thought, no way! This is too good to be true. This is exactly what I needed to help guide me through this process. I want my anticipation to be born from excitement and not fear and this will help me do that. Continue

Added by Jenny Israel- BKB on September 15, 2009 at 5:34pm — 1 Comment

Lorri Ely Wedding Necklace Photos

Ooh boy, I have been way too busy and still have not posted my latest jewelry projects. Here are a couple photos of my friend wearing some of the wedding jewelry I made for her wedding. Smoky Topaz, Freshwater Pearl and Brass Pendant (I wore this one as bridesmaid, as my dress was chocolate brown, but she is modeling it here).

… Continue

Added by Lorri Ely on September 10, 2009 at 8:00am — 4 Comments

Moira Coon Renegade Art Fair Chicago


Any Midwest (or elsewhere) community members planning on going this weekend? Anyone exhibiting? I'm heading down with some of my Milwaukee folk via Metra/CTA from Kenosha on Saturday. Give me a shout in the comments and I'll keep an eye out for you! Continue

Added by Moira Coon on September 8, 2009 at 8:13pm — No Comments

Danielle Renee Mullen Create what you love and love what you create!

Years of strolling the shores of New England reaped oodles of beautiful sea glass for my collection. I have always been a beach lover and what else besides sea glass jewelry is there for someone like me. I set out to create a unique line of sea glass jewelry years ago. One… Continue

Added by Danielle Renee Mullen on September 2, 2009 at 4:52pm — 3 Comments

Lorri Ely Multi Strand Necklace Project (inspired by Tanisha's Question)

Tanisha was asking for help in the forum on making a 4-strand necklace. Here is her post and my reply, feel free to weigh in and add your own suggestions and ideas! http://making-jewelry.ning.com/forum/topics/4-strand-help T… Continue

Added by Lorri Ely on September 1, 2009 at 8:00am — No Comments

Tanisha Barton JEWELRY TRENDS AUTUMN 2009

Autumn ( are "Fall" so known to some ) is here in less than a month, so when it comes we need to enjoy it. The beautiful flower Autumn Leaves from the trees.+ The leaves are so wonderful to look at, but we can incorporate the colors into our wardrobe jewelry style. The antique metal is a gorgeous look that goes with any color stone like (Citrine, smokey quartz, diamond, sapphire and even lime Swarovski Crystal. The natural stones that I am using this year for my Autumn designs range in colors fr… Continue

Added by Tanisha Barton on August 30, 2009 at 11:00am — 1 Comment

Lorri Ely This Week's Bead Sales and Bargains

Pink Swarovski crystal beads are on sale at www.inmcrystal.com http://www.inmcrystal.com/specials.php?ad=DreamOfPink_09Sale ArtBeads.com has Tierracast pewter (and lots of other stuff) on sale this week at 20% off. Cool for pendants and charms. http://www.artbeads.com/tierracast-sale.html?cmp=emn-081309… Continue

Added by Lorri Ely on August 14, 2009 at 8:30am — No Comments

Lorri Ely Free Project Download from beadshopboutique.com - Monet Water Lily - Until Aug 16

hey everyone! You can go snag this cool free jewelry project download until Aug 16th from beadshopboutique.com! Here is the link: http://www.beadshopboutique.com/pdf63-monetlily.html

Above photo… Continue

Added by Lorri Ely on August 14, 2009 at 8:00am — No Comments

Lorri Ely How to Make a Beaded Puffy Heart - Woven Puffy Heart Instructions for Bead Weaving and Jewelry Making

Everyone is trying to figure out how to make those cute beaded puffy hearts, like the one our member Suzanne posted (her photo above, thanks Suzanne! :-), so I thought I would try to find you some step by step instructions for you bead weavers who want to give this one a try. AuntiesBeads.co… Continue

Added by Lorri Ely on July 21, 2009 at 8:00am — No Comments

Lorri Ely How to Make Jewelry with Metal Stamping - Video by ArtBeads.com

I have been dying to make some of these fun personalized metal stamp jewelry projects--the possibilities are endless. Here is a great How To video from artbeads.com, that shows you exactly how to do metal stamping so your projects turn out right. Of course you can buy the metal discs, also called "jewelry blanks" at www.Artbeads.com and several other bead stores. Get yourself some metal stamps, and be sure to share your jewelry photos. Have fun making jewelry! Continue

Added by Lorri Ely on July 21, 2009 at 7:40am — No Comments

Lorri Ely Fish Charm Bracelet on ArtBeads.com

Hello, everyone. I have fallen behind in my jewelry project posts, again! Sorry--it is summertime in Portland Oregon and since it only lasts about five minutes, I tend to spend as much of it outside as possible! Actually, I have made some new jewelry projects over the past couple o… Continue

Added by Lorri Ely on July 21, 2009 at 7:36am — No Comments

Lorri Ely How to use Bead Cones - Inspired by Leigh's MultiStrand Bracelets

Leigh posted a photo of some great multistrand seed bead bracelets. You may be wondering how to use bead cones in your jewelry projects, so I found this video for you on AuntiesBeads.com. http://www.auntiesbeads.com/Category.aspx?ID=193b50a6-51d0-4ca7-848d-cc6cb1a67da8 Thanks for sharing your great jewelry project and inspiration, Leigh! :-) Continue

Added by Lorri Ely on July 10, 2009 at 8:23am — 1 Comment

Lorri Ely Make Unique Jewelry with Diamond Crystal Glaze

AuntiesBeads.com featured this in their newsletter today, and it looks like so much fun I wanted to share it. These products are resin glaze, which you can use to seal a photo, image, or embellishment inside a frame, then attach it as a pendant or charm component. Make 100% one of… Continue

Added by Lorri Ely on July 7, 2009 at 7:11am — No Comments

Lorri Ely Hope you had a nice weekend

From time to time, we all get burned out. Even creative work, which is thoroughly enjoyable, still burns some brain energy. I find I go through creative spurts of energy. This weekend was a holiday here in the US (Independence Day) so I had a long weekend. I had the best of intentions to make a ton of new jewelry. Instead, I spent nearly the whole weekend recharging my jets and a new wave of creative inspiration filled my head. I sketched new designs in my sketch book, and jotted down a supplies… Continue

Added by Lorri Ely on July 6, 2009 at 7:50am — 1 Comment

Latest Blog Posts

Most Popular Blog Posts

Blog Topics by Tags

Monthly Archives

2009

2008

About

Lorri Ely Lorri Ely created this social network on Ning.

Create your own social network!

Bookmark & Share

Like this page? Click here to bookmark it or share it


About.com Jewelry Making

Make It Merry

Thanks to lots of talented crafters, and especially About.com's DIY Guide, I have a list of fun projects to make and enjoy over the holiday season, from Thanksgiving goodies all the way to Christmas.

Clothes Pin Holiday Card Holders
What to do with all those holiday cards? Hold them up with clothes pins as dazzling as twinkling lights with this how-to from Kate Pullen.

Make a Gingerbread House
Ever want to create the perfect gingerbread house? Okay, I have yet to master this skill..but you can! Our Barbara Rolek will show you how.

How to Draw a Christmas Tree
Here is one that will come in handy for all those handmade cards. Master sketch artist Helen South will show you how to draw the perfect tree from start to finish.

Paint a Glass Ornament
Turn a plain glass ball into a work of stained glass art. Our Guide to Painting will show you how to create this delicate trimming.

Silent Night Cross Stitch Pattern
Don't just get cozy, get your stitch on. Create a Silent Night design with this free pattern from Connie G. Barwick.

Stitch a Pear Trio
Hang up something special in your home for that Thanksgiving gathering. This free 'Pear Trio' needlepoint pattern from Cheryl Fall is just what your walls needed.

Easy Christmas Ornaments
Start a tradition for the kids to make new ornaments each year. Sherri Osborne has the shape patterns and project ideas for these ornaments that reflect Christmas traditions.

Print Thanksgiving Placecards
Add some warmth to your table with these Thanksgiving place cards that will have your guests saying 'awwwww'. Barbara Crews has the free printable for you to personalize.

http://phyllisdobbs.info/2009/11/03/christmas-approaching-time-start-handmade-items/ ">Wine Bottle Wrap Pattern
Instead of giving a bottle of wine in one of those skinny bags, make a felt wrap that the bottle can be displayed in all season. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how.

Make a Miniature Christmas Tree
Why are tiny things always so darn cute? Learn how to make a little pine tree with Lesley Shepherd.

Interchangeable Thanksgiving Pins
Sometimes you just can't commit to just one pin. With this interchangeable Thanksgiving pin by Tammy Powley, you can tell everyone when you're ready for pie...and when you're overstuffed.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Make It Merry originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 09:24:58.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

… Continue

New Digital Craft Magazine

I just heard about a new magazine that sounds kind of interesting, and not just for jewelry folks. It is called Totally Creative, and according to the web site's description, it covers all types of crafting such as jewelry making, beading, sewing, polymer clay, and mixed media.

Other than the fact that is covers jewelry as well as lots of other crafts, another interesting aspect is that it is a digital magazine that comes in the form of a pdf file. From what I can tell reading the site, there is no hardcopy option. Subscriptions are normally $24.95 but right now they are $19.96, and this includes 6 issues a year. There is also an option to get a free trial issue that you download right away.

With all the magazines that seem to be coming, going, and transforming lately, this idea of a strictly digital magazine may be something that we see more of in the future. What do you think? Have you seen the trial issue of this magazine? Do you think digital is the way to go now? I'm off to download my freebie, so my thought are still in flux as to what I think about this and the digital magazine idea in general, but I'm interested to hear what other jewelry designers think.

New Digital Craft Magazine originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 15:40:15.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Deal on Make Your Own Rings Book

Nana V. Mizushima, author of a number of jewelry making books including Make Your Own Rings: Easy Ring Projects to Do at Home, which I reviewed on this site not that long ago, emailed me recently to tell me about a great deal she has going for those interested in purchasing her new book (either hardcopy or as a pdf file).

Right now, she is offering 20% off. The retail list price for the 166 page full color paperback is $29, but if you go to her website, makesilver.com, and type in the discount coupon code amazonrings77, you will get 20% off of her website price of $25 - the paperback will be just $20 and the PDF version (this can be e-mailed directly for viewing on-screen) will be just $12! The discount coupon is good only for items purchased on the makesilver.com website.

Deal on Make Your Own Rings Book originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 08:05:43.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

… Continue

Jewelry Junkies Link Love 11/01/09

A Bead A Day
Looking for a great way to commemorate a special moment or gift? Design a piece of jewelry!

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene is having a book fair. Read up on your favorites!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has finally discovered how great polymer clay is.

Cindy Gimbrone aka the Lampwork Diva
Not thinking about your holiday gift list yet? Cindy helps get you started with a Knot Ready for Prime Time Lucky Knots and Friends Projects so you can get started now!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shares her final Crystal Week necklace... a piece she calls Woodland Mermaid

Jean Campbell
Jean celebrates her favorite holiday by showing off her costume and some very cool baubles

Jewelry & Beading
Krystal Backer, beading artist, shares her creative inspirations with Cyndi.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Have you been following Lorelei's Necklace Round Robin? Come take a look at the finished pieces!

Snap Out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews a delightful book by the editor of BeadStyle: Cathy Jakicic

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off her favorite necklace created for Cynthia Thornton's Enchanted Adornments and winner in the metal clay category of the British Bead Awards

Jewelry Junkies Link Love 11/01/09 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Sunday, November 1st, 2009 at 19:11:10.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

… Continue

Bead Road Trip to Shipwreck Beads

Imagine a building the size of your local Wal-mart, but instead of being filled with towels and toasters, this store is filled with beads and tons of other jewelry making supplies. That's how Janet Wickell, About.com's Guide to Quilting, described her experience at Shipwreck Beads' brick and mortar store located in Washington state. Janet is also a lover of beads and jewelry, so she was nice enough to take some pictures and give us a virtual tour of the place. Thank you, Janet!

Here's what she told me about her trip:

There are sidewalks leading up to and along two sides of this building -- all filled with loads of beads. Outside, a customer told me that there are more in layers below, that the beads sunk during the first attempt and had to be added again.

At the front of the store there is a large room filled with gemstone bead strands on sale -- all laid out on tables. There's also a separate room devoted to books.

Items are mostly organized by material type, but some things are displayed in a couple of places. I've never seen so many findings. They're mostly stored in organizer-type drawers and sorted by material. Some things are sorted by type, like butterfly items, cat items, etc.

Their new catalog came in the morning we were there, so I brought one home with me (it almost brought my suitcase over the 50 pound mark).

They were busy, but very organized. When you walk in, you pick up a little push cart outfitted with trays and a necklace tree. So you can keep everything pretty well organized as you walk the aisles. There were always people checking out, but that group was organized too so the backups were minimal. There were also quite a few people in the aisles to answer questions, a very well-run place.

Bead Road Trip to Shipwreck Beads originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 06:56:52.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

… Continue

© 2009   Created by Lorri Ely on Ning.   Create Your Own Social Network

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Privacy  |  Terms of Service

Recommended Resources

How to Run a Home Based Jewelry Party Business for Fun and Profit

Social Networking: Sell your Jewelry Online the New Way!

Ultimate Guide to your Profitable Jewelry Booth

Secrets of a Handcrafted Jewelry Shopping Service

 

Sign in to chat!