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!

Bead Star Magazine Finalists

Congratulations Lisa!! My niece Lisa has 3 entries in the Bead Star Magazine finalists.If you haven't voted yet,go to http://www.beadstar.com and you will be able to vote in 9 jewelry design categories.Of course you can vote for whoever you want,but Lisa's are: Crystals,#15, Plastics (her awesome Polymer clay beads)#13 and Stones,#18. There are definately some talented beaders out there.Good luck to everyone!

Tuesday's Tip

When designing jewelry try to think outside the box! Ask yourself,what would happen if I did this,or changed this,added more or less.Make dangles extra long or turn a component a different way.Think about different color combinations.I like to look at my favorite fabrics for inspiration.By making your jewelry unique it will set you apart from all the everyday beaders and will command a higher price for your unique designs!

Tuesday's Tip

You can easily make your own earring cards by using a nice cardstock,maybe one that coordinates with your jewelry style.Design the cards on your computer,cut them up using a paper cutter and attach a plastic earring card adapter.You can get them from http://www.riogrande.com and their very inexpensive.I even cut mine into thirds to make them go farther! Use a large needle or small hole punch to make holes and voila!Earrings cards. I make up a bunch at a time so their ready when I go on an earring making spree!

Fire Mt.Page

I have a page on Fire Mt.Gems website! In 2009 I entered the Fire Mt.Gems annual beading contest.When I heard that I had made the second round of judging I was so excited.I also recieved a form to fill out for their Jewelry Artist profile.If you go to http://www.firemtgems.com and go to the bottom of the home page,on the left hand side under Jewelry Makers Library,click on Jewelry Artists,then Noteable Artists,I'm on the first page! You can read more of my jewelry story there. I really had fun entering this contest and I was thrilled to have tied for 2nd place in the glass category for my Irish Cream necklace.