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Jenny Israel- BKB Blessed Bees- Unique and Inspirational Jewelry and Gift Promoting Women's Empowerment, Spirituality and Philanthropy

This line of jewelry and gifts is dedicated to the feminine spirit. We are all Goddesses, and we should celebrate the gifts we were given as Women. For centuries, we have been the center of our communities, the healers, the caretakers, the givers of Life. We are strong, we are spiritual,

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Added by Jenny Israel- BKB on February 5, 2010 at 2:34pm — No Comments

redrubyonfire Featuring Artisans on My Blog Every Thursday

I feature a handmade artist and their shop every Thursday on my blog http://redrubyonfire.blogspot.com/ If you are interested to be the next feature, simply leave a comment on the current feature and visit the featured studio or shop. I have included a link on the top right corner of my blog so that you can find the featured posts easily. All is welcomed and selection is done randomly using random. org, chosen from latest feature… Continue

Added by redrubyonfire on February 1, 2010 at 7:00pm — No Comments

Hazel Wollbrinck Blog Feature

Here is the link ...I hope this work's. http://thegreenhaven.blogspot.com/2010/01/friday-feature-and-giveaway.html Continue

Added by Hazel Wollbrinck on January 23, 2010 at 8:05am — No Comments

Hazel Wollbrinck I was featured on TheGreenHaven Blog site today !!

It was fun and exciting :) Continue

Added by Hazel Wollbrinck on January 22, 2010 at 2:30pm — 1 Comment

Tanisha Barton "The Year of the Tiger 2010"

Some of my friends are Chinese Canadian and they're getting ready to celebrate "The year of the Tiger." So if you're born in the year 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 then you should be celebrating too. You're sensitive, given to deep thinking, capable of great sympathy. you can be extremely short-tempered, however. Other people have great respect for you, but sometimes tiger people come into conflict with older people or those in authority. sometimes Tiger people cannot make up t… Continue

Added by Tanisha Barton on December 29, 2009 at 6:51pm — No Comments

Cindy Fallsen extra income

I am looking for a job to earn a little extra money in 2010. Paying for Medical Insurance can be a challenge for self employed people. I have read about Multivariate Testing opportunities, private sales, and even medical transcription. However, I have thought about making jewelry and selling it on ebay. How a… Continue

Added by Cindy Fallsen on December 3, 2009 at 2:37pm — 4 Comments

Tanisha Barton Winter is Here, so go simple!

Coco Chanel said it best “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” I have notice that we have forgotten the simple things, even in fashion. So what we beader's and designers need to do is look around and go back to the basic of things. I have been reading in all the magazines lately that "big and bold is back". Well if you are like me, my friends and you live in a cold climate co… Continue

Added by Tanisha Barton on December 1, 2009 at 9:30pm — 2 Comments

Emily Strang Wedding Gifts

When we're not trying to figure out dental insurance plans or researching what a HSA is or doing other things that we've never really had to think too much about before, my fiance and I have been having a lot of fun planning our wedding. Our goal is to pull off a very cool and unique eve… Continue

Added by Emily Strang on November 23, 2009 at 8:56am — 1 Comment

Dianne A Successful First Jewellery Party!

Hi everyone! First I would like to start by saying how much I appreciate this website. From tutorials to supplies to inspiring ideas, it is wonderful to be able to communicate with others who share my passion-jewellery! I have been making jewellery for about 15 years now with a slow down for about 5 years when I had my children. I am now back on track with my creations and decided to have my first jewellery show. Wow, what a success! I was very fortunate to have 12 people arrive and mingle amo… Continue

Added by Dianne on November 22, 2009 at 12:00am — 1 Comment

Spiraling Elements Lesson learned while supply shopping

I wend to a Bead and Gem show this weekend. I bought a strand of labrodorite beads and a strand of blue tiger eye beads. I only got them because they where half off and I'm in real need of supplies. The beads are also beautiful. My mom wanted me to find her some "cool stone". There wasn't many cabochons for sale but they had some nice pieces of ammolite. I bought a tear/pear shaped one with great red flash. After I got home I was checking out my purchases and discovered that the ammolite was tot… Continue

Added by Spiraling Elements on November 9, 2009 at 10:43am — 2 Comments

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 — 2 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).

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Added by Lorri Ely on September 10, 2009 at 8:00am — 5 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

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About.com Jewelry Making

Apply for a Jewelry Business Grant

The call has gone out again this year for the annual Halstead Bead, Inc. Business Development Grant competition. This is the fifth year this company has offered this grant which is designed to help American jewelry designers who are trying to enter into the bridge jewelry market. Bridge jewelry refers to jewelry that is in between costume jewelry and fine jewelry, which probably describes the jewelry many readers of this site make.

The grant winner will receive a $5000 cash business grant, $1,000 Halstead Bead, Inc. gift certificate, a feature in the company's catalog and on the web site, an engraved plaque, and lots of promotional opportunities. Obviously, this is a big deal! The deadline isn't until this summer, but considering the amount of work it requires to fill out any grant application, it is never too early to start. Here are a few tips to think about if you are considering applying:

  • Make sure you thoroughly read all the requirements before apply to make sure you know what you are getting into and that you even qualify to enter in the first place.
  • If you do qualify and decide to fill out the application and collect the other required materials, such as photograph, double check that you have provided all the necessary information. The easiest way to get booted out of the running to not follow the instructions.
  • Turn in the best quality work you can, meaning excellent photographs and well-written text that has been edited and proof-read thoroughly.
  • Read the company's Hints and Tips section. This information comes directly from the company, so that means you can find out details about what it might be looking for in a grant candidate.
  • Finally, check out previous grant winners. It is always helpful to see who has won previously.

Apply for a Jewelry Business Grant originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 18:33:56.

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Valentine's Crafting

Whether you are interested in making Valentine's jewelry or enjoy other types of crafting, the About.com hobby guides have it all covered for you this holiday!

Contests: Maybe you can win some cool stuff to use for crafting by taking a look at this Valentine's Day Sweepstakes List from the Contest guide.

Needlepoint: Embellish a candy heart pillow, stitch a quick heart gift, or create a lovely posted card.

Candle and Soap: From roses to chocolate to champagne to candlelight - all the scents ofthe day combine to create an ambiance of sensuality, peace and love. Handmade soaps can be used as gifts for your Valentine, or to just pamper yourself on V-Day.

Painting: Add some symbolism to your Valentine's this year using this symbol dictionary.

DIY Fashion: Make a cute heart pin, cut out some heart stencils, or try to craft a number of Valentine's gifts.

Collectibles: Find Victorian children and Valentine scraps that are perfect for paper crafts or digital scrapbooking. Frame these antique scraps and postcards as-is or use for your handmade cards and gifts.

Crochet: Enjoy these free crochet patterns for Valentine's Day. You'll find a variety of ideas for crocheting delightful heart motifs, flowers, and other romantic pretties.

Family Crafts: I hope this collection of crafts, recipes, gift ideas, coloring book pages, games, and other activities help you to have a fun Saint Valentine's Day.

Rubber Stamping: Find ideas for gifts and decorations that are ideal for Valentine's Day or quick to make Valentine's Day cards for the special person in your life!

Cross Stitch: Stitch your way into your beloved's heart with a sweetly crafted Valentine needlework. Some charts are simple enough to complete in a day - other's may take until next Valentine's perhaps.

Miniatures: Printable valentines boxes, tiny roses, rose covered pillows and boxes of tiny chocolates made from polymer clay provide lots of unique ways to present or create gifts for a special someone. Fill the boxes with real or poly clay chocolates , make them as beads , or use them to hold special gifts.

Knitting: Knit up something special for your Valentine, from a bag to hold cards to a cabled scarf decorated with Xs and Os.

Valentine's Crafting originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 15:56:58.

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Jewelry Junkies Link Love 02/06/10

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie reveals the delicious ingredients she received for the Bead Soup Party.

Katie's Beading Blog
Katie introduces her new line of findings: Katiedids™ Creative Components. Look what you can do!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei's blog has a new look. And she heads to cooking school!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Kim Miles! Who makes prettier Valentine's day, or "just for yourself" gifts than Kim? Wait til you see what she has up her sleeve...the Ace of Hearts, so to speak!

Strands of Beads
Melissa is giving away a $25.00 gift certificate from Artbeads.com this week!

A Bead A Day
Lisa is hoping to get some ideas for using a bright red, swirly stoneware pendant just in time for Valentine's Day.

Art Bead Scene
Searching for a way to achieve an etched metal look? ABS has a free tutorial for you!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Are you a follower? Barbe has a giveway for her blog readers.

Beading Arts
A beautiful glass bead becomes the focal point of a Valentine's Day necklace!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi did "knot" stress out making this new necklace!

Cindy Gimbrone aka the Lampwork Diva
With the help of Vintaj brass, Cindy whips up a set of tethered butterfly earrings with her bronze floral charms.

Jewelry Junkies Link Love 02/06/10 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at 11:20:59.

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Jewelry Contest, Freebies, and Sales

I get all kinds of newsletters from various jewelry supply vendors. There is so much going on right now concerning contests, free project materials, supply sales, and call for entries I decided to collect a bunch and link to them for you here. If you have any to add, feel free to do so in the comments.

Combs for a Cause: Beadshop.com has announced a new initiative to donate some of the company's proceeds to charity. They are also interested in your stories as well and have set up some free information to help such as project handouts for beaded combs and how to host a bead party for charity.

Sale and Contest: Artbeads.com is running a 15% off sale right now on orders that are $60 or more or 5% off $30 or more. They also have a contest going on over at the company's Facebook page where you can win a $1,000 shopping spree.

Your Designs Rock: Rings & Things' "Your Designs Rock" competition is taking entries, and the deadline is coming up at the end of the month. There are five different categories and top prize is $750 worth of Rings & Things merchandise. All the details can be found on their web site.

Crystallized Winners: Winners of Fire Mountain Gems & Beads' 2009 Crystallized Contest are posted on the company's web site, and they are amazing! There is also information about the 2010 contest posted.

Ugly Necklace Contest: Finally, for the wild jewelry makers out there, don't forget the Land of Odd's Ugly Necklace Contest. The deadline is in March. Winners receive some substantial merchandise gift certificates.

Jewelry Contest, Freebies, and Sales originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at 09:24:18.

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Jewelry Books, Yes!

I have had the chance to review a number of jewelry books lately, so in case you missed any of the more recent reviews, here is a little update for you:

Bead in Time
A Bead in Time by Lisa Crone includes 35 beading projects plus tips for designing jewelry using inspiration found all around us.

Seed Bead Fusion
Rachel Nelson-Smith brings together wire techniques and seed bead stitches to create some truly unique jewelry designs.

Chain Style: 50 Contemporary Jewelry Designs
Jane Dickerson focuses on the amazing jewelry you can make using chain as the main ingredient.

I keep thinking "it has been done," but no, it hasn't. That's what I love about jewelry over so many other arts and crafts that I have (and continue to) dabble in. The possibilities are really endless.

Jewelry Books, Yes! originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 20:12:53.

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