New Lampwork Beads

I'm in love with this glass! All the color in these beads came out of one rod of glass.I encased them in clear and the depth is amazing! I rearranged my studio today,can't wait til tomorrow to make some more new beads.I'll be blogging more often now,it's a great way to stay in touch with my followers.
Happy beading,Sheila

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.