New Treasury

I've been in quite a few Treasuries on Etsy lately.Here's the newest one featuring a bracelet I made with Polymer clay beads that my niece,Lisa made.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c2dedc275d38eef846225dc/intrigued-by-sangriaShe does beautiful work.Check out her site: http://www.fanceethat.etsy.com

Tips for Toggles

I am not giving my usual jewelry tip this week,I'm too excited about my new Lampwork Toggles!I have made 2 so far and can't wait to make some more.Any special requests for colors will be appreciated.These Toggle clasps will kick up your designs a notch!
Use them in the front of a necklace as a focal or on a chunky bracelet.Have fun!
Listed in my Etsy shop:http://www.stonedesignsbysheila.etsy.com

Tuesday's Tip on Monday!

My 92 year old father is visiting from California and we will be taking him to his next destination on Tuesday so I'm writing Tuesday's Tip today!
Balance plays an important part of design. Not only physically but visually. Your designs look best when materials are balanced throughout the design.A bracelet with most of the beads on the front of the bracelet will not only look unbalanced but will flip around when wearing it, ending up with all the best beads at the underside of your wrist. If you're not sure about the balance,wear it around for awhile before crimping it!Balance can also be achieved with the clasp,especially on a necklace.If you have a large focal in the front,balance with a large clasp.Make a statement!

Tuesday's Tip

I have another tip about Toggle clasps.Some of you may have discovered this the hard way,but you want to make sure your bar will fit through the ring when the piece is done.Chunky beads at the end of your design will prevent the bar from going through the ring.If the ring has a small hole or the bar is extra long put a couple of small beads,seed beads or even a short length of chain for a fun look on the end that has the bar.It will then slip through with ease!

Tuesday's Tip

When using Toggle clasps make sure the bar is not too short for the ring part of the clasp or it will come apart.Also make sure your bracelet or your customers bracelet is not too big. A toggle clasp can come unhooked if the bracelet is too large.

Tuesday's Tip

Texture is an important part of design.A good example would be the beautiful fiber necklaces,wire work cuff bracelets and carved wooden beads like the ones in this pair of earrings.

Tuesday's Tip

Sometimes what seems obvious to me might not occur to someone else! I was recently beading with a group of women and I was designing a necklace.I grabbed a piece of paper and started to sketch out my ideas.One of the women said "oh,you draw out your designs first?" A sketchbook is a wonderful design tool.You can make a quick drawing of the piece you are working on,it helps to invision your design.Keep one handy to your beading area and when inspiration strikes make a quick sketch of your ideas.Even if you don't use them right then,you can refer back to your drawings when in a slump!