Posts Tagged: past issues

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7
Nov 11

Customer Questions: Working with Chain Maille

The following was originally published in The Beading Wire, Volume 1, Issue 1:

Question: I am new to chain maille, and I was wondering if you had any tips on preventing your jump rings from getting marred while doing a chain maille weave.

Our Answer: When you are just starting out you may find, much to your frustration, that some of your jump rings get scuffed up in the process of learning new chain maille weaves. This is especially true if the rings are plated, or come with a special protective coating like the Artistic Wire chain maille jump rings do. To remedy this, I would suggest practicing a weave on some inexpensive jump rings, using several different types of pliers until you get a feel for what works best for you. You may also want to try using nylon jaw pliers although they may be slightly too slippery to grip smaller rings. Another helpful tip that I learned from a fellow Beadaholique team member is to wrap a thin layer of duct tape around your pliers. He also likes to gently file down the edges of a brand new pair of pliers using a needle file. Once you find the right combination of pliers, and the right touch, you can move onto a project, such as the Japanese 12-in-2 Flower Bracelet. Above all, remember: patience and practice! For more handy Chain maille tips along with clear photo step-by-step instructions on all of the most popular weaves, check out these chain maille books.

Issues — No Comments
7
Nov 11

Our First Bead Soup

The following was originally published in The Beading Wire, Volume 1, Issue 1:

It has been over a week now since Julie and I participated in our very first Bead Soup Blog Party. Whew, what a ride! So what is a Bead Soup Blog Party, you ask?

The Bead Soup Blog Party is a semiannual worldwide event started by the prolific blogger and jewelry artist, Lori Anderson, in which beaders from across the globe are paired up to exchange a “bead soup.” The bead soup must consist of a focal bead (or pendant) and an interesting clasp. Other than that, the soup may contain any other types of beads, findings, and various tidbits. Once the soup is sent off to the partner, each participant then takes the soup she was given and creates one (or more) fabulous piece(s) out of it. Then, on a preordained day, each participant “reveals” her bead soup creations on her blog. Everybody then hops from blog to blog, viewing each other’s results, leaving comments, and having an all-around good time. This go-around, the big reveal day was September 17th.

Julie and I were really lucky to be paired with two very talented and fun ladies, with whom we got on like gangbusters. Julie’s partner was the talented polymer clay artist, JuLee Wolfe, and my partner was the sweet (and also talented!), Hope Smitherman.

On the day of the hop, we were only too excited to visit our respective partners’ blogs first. After exchanging comments with our partners and newfound buddies, Julie and I set off on the veritable adventure that was visiting, and commenting on, the other 360 blogs. This was a task that took the better part of an entire week, but it was well worth it. We saw some amazing pieces, some interesting blogs, and made some new virtual friends. I have put together a very short questionnaire regarding our first experience with this interesting beading world phenomenon:

Q: What was your favorite part about the Bead Soup Blog Party blog hop?

Andrea: I know it sounds a tiny bit cliche, but I enjoyed meeting new people from all over the world, and seeing such an incredible wide array of jewelry making styles.

Julie: I loved the challenge of it – working with a set starting group of beads which I did not pick out (but which I loved) was an interesting approach to design. I had a lot of fun deciding what I wanted to do and then “playing” to create it.

Q: What was the most challenging part about the blog hop?

Andrea: Definitely coming up with a cohesive series of pieces, I tend to be all over the place with my designs! Also, going through 360 blogs in the span of a week. If I had to critique one thing, it would have to be the sheer amount of “stuff” on some folks’ blogs; too many large text files, widgets, background images, and music make for a slow-as-molasses loading time, plus all those things sometimes made it difficult to actually find and read the bead soup post. That being said, I still did enjoy exploring hundreds of blogs.

Julie: Probably that I felt I owed it to all the participants to visit each of their blogs in a timely fashion and that ended up being a pretty daunting task. I LOVED seeing what they did and I wanted to really take the time to look at their blogs and other work, but there were just so many blogs that it was exhausting. I think next time I will allow myself a good month to leisurely enjoy the blogs and not feel like I need to see them all in a few days.

Q: Would you participate again?

Andrea: Absolutely, without a doubt… if I can! (Due to the sheer number of participants this time around, the next BSBP participants will be chosen by lottery, with a limit of 200)

Julie: Oh absolutely! I had a blast!

Overall, this was just such a positive experience. Every participant deserves a pat on the back. The biggest pat on the back, along with a delicious slice of pie, goes to Lori for coordinating it all.

Curious to see what Julie and I made with our soups or to learn how you can participate next year? Click here to find out!

Thanks, and Happy Beading!

Issues — No Comments
7
Nov 11

Getting Ready for the Holidays

The following was originally published in The Beading Wire, Volume 1, Issue 1:

Where has the time gone? The holiday gift-giving season is upon us and the time to start getting ready is now. Whether you are making gifts for loved ones or selling jewelry at holiday fairs, you need to plan ahead and allow yourself plenty of time to get all your projects done. Here are some hard-earned words of advice to help you stay stress-free this season.

If you are making gifts for loved ones:

Start by making a list of everyone you want to make a gift for. If there is something that really stands out to you about an individual, write that down next to their name. For instance, “Susie loves dolphins” or “Amanda collects charms.” Once you have your list, write down an idea for a project next to each name. You can check out Beadaholique’s new Gift Center to get some great ideas for every taste and budget. Next you will want to order all your supplies. Don’t forget to order pretty organza or velvet drawstring gift bags to package your handmade lovelies in. Do all your ordering as soon as you can. Remember it takes time for supplies to be delivered and then you might have to mail some of your gifts off—plan ahead. Also keep in mind that the holidays mean a very full social schedule so you will actually have a lot less free time each week then normal. As soon as you can, begin your projects. Have fun, make them personal and don’t be afraid to let your creativity flow! Once your jewelry is made, wrap it up and package it artfully.

Let your friends and family know that you hand made this gift just for them; they will treasure it even more.

If you are making gifts to sell:

Think about the type and style of jewelry the most people would want to give or get as a gift. This was a particularly hard lesson for me to learn. I love making very elaborate, very specific (Steampunk, Neo Victorian, etc.) pieces, but what sells best are simple charm necklaces, pretty crystal earrings, and more universally appealing items. Look at your current inventory and make a list of what you are missing to fill in the gaps. Set goals and decide what you are going to make. Order your supplies and do this early, well before your show date. You don’t want to end up beading the night before a big holiday fair. Remember to order bags to package your jewelry in once it sells and also any jewelry displays you need to showcase your art. Start producing and make, make, make! When packing for the show, make sure to: (1.) keep your necklaces separate so they do not become tangled, (2.) bring a tool kit to the show for any last minute repairs or requests to switch out chains or earring hooks, (3.) bring a few extra “common” beading supplies such as jump rings and earring hooks as well as bags or boxes to package your jewelry, and finally, don’t forget business cards or a short printout talking about yourself as an artist. People giving gifts will want to make sure the recipient knows the gift is artist-made and you want to make sure both the gift giver and recipient know how to get a hold of you so they can order more!

Most important tip of all, have fun!

Issues — No Comments
7
Nov 11

The Beading Wire, Volume 1, Issue 1

The Beading Wire, Volume 1, Issue 1, was originally sent out to subscribers of the Beadaholique mailing list on October 6, 2011.  Below are links to the main articles from that issue.