Tuesday's Tip

Some designers need help when it comes to an asymetrical or informal balance design.
Asymetrical allows objects of varying visual weight to balance one another.In jewelry design this could be a cluster of beads to balance out a large one.Here's an example.You can see how I balanced the 3 strands of beads with the larger beads and Lampwork focal bead on the other side.Please leave your favorite jewelry making tip in the comments section to win a beautiful Lampwork bead made by me!

This Week's Tip

Well,I let another Tuesday slip by without blogging,so here's this weeks tip.When submitting your designs to a magazine or competition (and you should!)always be sure your photos are top-notch.Learn to use the settings on your camera and do some research on jewelry photography on the internet.There's lots of info out there.
Leave your favorite jewelry making tip in the comments section to win a beautiful Lampwork bead,handmade my me!Winner announced on Tuesday May 4th.

Wall of Flame

I was recently asked to join the Wall of Flame,Top 100 Lampwork Artists.If I can figure out all the computer stuff and get this going,you can vote for me! The more votes I get the higher my ranking will be.Check it out!

Tuesday's Tip

Photography is a great way to promote your jewelry as well as keeping records of designs.When someone sees a design that has sold and wants one like it you can refer to the photos of the piece and duplicate it for your customer.It's also great inspiration when in a designing funk!
Be sure to leave your tip in the comments section to win this month's handmade Lampwork bead.

Shop Handmade

While surfing the net this Saturday morning,I came across a website called Shop Handmade.com.I have seen their ads in Bead Trends magazine before but never looked in to it.It's great! The site also helps support the Rain Forest and it's free to list your handmade items.Check it out:
http://www.shophandmade.com

Tuesday's Tip

Today's tip is about jumprings. When using a jumpring to hold a heavier dangle or bead use 2 jumprings as part of the design.Another great way to keep beads from falling off is use oval jumprings as the opening is on the side and is harder for the bead to wiggle out of! Don't forget to leave your favorite jewelry making tip in the comments section,you could be the winner of this months Lampwork bead, a beautiful Teal green focal bead.

More Beady News

I have recently become aware of a great jewelry designer and business entrepeneur,Rena Klingenberg.She has several websites,books and DVDs. She is very helpful in her efforts to see other women fulfill their dreams as jewelry designers.
Her sites include tips on jewelry design,photography,and marketing.Check it out!
http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/about-rena