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Simplify, Simplify, SimplifyI think that the more crazy and cluttered our lives become, the more we have a desire to simplify. There seems to be something deep down inside that draws us to it, that even hungers for it.
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Recycling Beads: Creating Something New From Something OldI happened upon a fun idea after I went through my jewelry box recently. I keep saying how much I value simplicity, but you couldn’t tell that by looking through my jewelry box — there were way too many earrings!… [Read article]
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Reflecting Your Style: Color Value in Painting and Jewelry DesignI am in the midst of painting various rooms in our house. I know, I know…lots of fun, right? Well, not exactly. For those of you who have ever painted a room, you know there is a lot more involved… [Read article]
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Beading on a Budget: Some Beads Aren’t All They’re Cracked Up To BeIt happens. You’re in a good groove beading a project, and all is well with the world until — snap! — a glass bead cracks. You’re wondering, “How on earth did that happen?” and the project that was going so… [Read article]
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Work Spaces in Unlikely PlacesThe study in our home is my personal space and it’s also the smallest room in the house. My L-shaped desk and the bookcase take up most of the space, which means the floor space between the desk and the… [Read article]
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Spend Big — SometimesMy favorite little bead shop has wonderful glass beads — recycled glass beads from Ghana, misshapen, odd, thing-a-ma-jig beads from who-knows-where and also understated, gorgeous, classic beads that are easy on the eyes.
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Creating Nickel-Free JewelryThe tip for this week is to give thoughtful consideration to creating nickel-free jewelry. That’s especially important to consider if you’re selling or gifting your jewelry. Many people are allergic to the nickel that’s found in some jewelry and even… [Read article]
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Snooping Out Trends Along the WayAs a mom of two toddlers, I’ve understandably come to appreciate one stop shopping. Just because I’m cruisin’ down the bread aisle, doesn’t mean I can’t check out some jewelry on the way to the checkout counter.
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The Catch with ClaspsWhen I first started beading last summer, I fell in love with it instantly, and I felt that I was a pretty quick study. But I really struggled with clasps, and was less than impressed at my best efforts to… [Read article]
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The Tip for the Week: Practice Technique!That’s right, people — a little rhyme to help you remember how essential it is to work on your technique. You remember technique, right — that tiny little thing between you and your next great piece? Well, never underestimate the… [Read article]
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Photographing Your JewelryNot long after I’d started beading, I realized that I enjoyed photographing my jewelry almost as much as I enjoyed making it. I’m not, nor have I ever been, anything remotely close to a professional photographer, but I found that… [Read article]
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Getting (And Staying) OrganizedIn the wonderful world of beads, it can be pretty easy to lose your way as you work to make sense of the beautiful madness that is beading.
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Strange and Unusual Beads: Never Judge a Bead By Its CoverMany beaders have been there: face-to-face with a bead the likes of which they’ve never seen before. And hope to never see again. They roll their eyes; quickly turn on heel and head in the other direction.
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The Double Eye-Pin: Catalyst to Creativity
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Stepping Into the World of WireWhen I first started beading I fell in love with it immediately. That happens often with us serious beaders! With a few beautiful beads and long strands of beading wire I felt ready to conquer the world of beauty and… [Read article]
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Change Up Your Focus: Try Colored Copper WireI’ve found it’s easy to focus on the beads and accessories portion of your projects, especially for a beginning beader. But if you’re looking, like I was, to take your beading projects to the next level, consider a stronger focus… [Read article]
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Beads Expos Coming to a Town Near YouInnovative Bead Expo is making a series of twice monthly stops this fall, hitting over 8 cities on the East Coast. Click on the link to see if you’re in luck: classes, shopping and professional guests highlight the event. Theres some… [Read article]
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Beading N Go Trays (Product Review)If you’ve ever tried to tote your beads around, you know what a pain it can be. I tend to use small tupperware containers, but then I have to tote seven or eight of those around, too. Lately I’ve been… [Read article]
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Throw a a Beading Party!There’s no better way to introduce your friends and family to your hobby or career than through the festive atmosphere of a beading party. Here’s some quick tips on a successful soiree.
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