Christmas Kits are Back!

It's that time of year again!  Christmas kits are available at your local Bead World this holiday season!  We try to make your holiday gift giving easy, with thirteen adorable and exclusive kits.  Each kit includes everything you need to make a special holiday project, with complete instructions and a color photo of the finished piece.  Can it get any easier than that?!   Every kit uses premium materials (Swarovski crystal, sterling silver, 14K gold filled, copper and more), so your loved ones get the very best.

Toy Soldier Earrings, $9.99

Christmas Lights Earrings, $5.99

Christmas Present Earrings, $10.99

Swarovski Crystal AB Christmas Trees, $8.99

Nina Designs Interview our own Lezli Goodwin

I love those crazy gals over at Nina Designs.  (I might have covered my love of them before, in a few zillion of my posts.)  So I was extra stoked when they asked me to be their first featured "Designer Success Story"!  They sent me a list of questions, and let me choose five to answer.  It was really fun working my way through the questions.  The responses flowed easily, and I was surprised to find I had an immediate answer for ever question!  (Not so shocking to those who know me, I'm sure.  I have an opinion about everything!)

Here's a taste of the article.  To read the whole thing, click on the link below:

"There are as many avenues into jewelry design as there are jewelry designers. Each story is unique and inspiring. In our first Customer Success Story we’d like you to meet Lezli Goodwin. Lezli is a well known jewelry designer, accomplished modern painter and creative director for Bead World Inc, an Arizona chain of boutique bead stores. Her modern beaded jewelry features metaphysically active gemstones, gorgeous sterling silver findings and exquisite handcrafted techniques.

What is one piece of trusted advice you would give to someone just starting their jewelry business?


“Be who you are and not who you’re not.” I think that’s Dr. Seuss. Make jewelry you love, and then find the market. Forget about trying to make pieces you think will sell — that’s a recipe for frustration and defeat. There is a market for everything, if it’s made with integrity and passion."

To read the entire article, click here!

Sweet Gold Charms

I am usually a sterling silver girl.  Rarely does a gold item (14K, gold filled or vermeil) catch my eye for any significant period of time.  These beautiful 24K vermeil charms from Nina Designs, though, have me smitten.  The color is radiant, the quality is impeccable.  Plus, of course, they are super cute!  A sweet little vermeil charm is the perfect way to add a splash of gold to this season's trendy "mixed-metal" pieces.  I've gotta say, I really like them and have had fun showing them to our clients at Bead World!

24K vermeil Om charm

24K vermeil Lotus Flower charm

24K vermeil Evil Eye charm

24K vermeil Buddha charm

Reverse Those Colors for a Fresh New Look!

Selecting colors can be one of the hardest tasks for a new jewelry designer. Try as we might, you guys never quite believe us when we say, "There is no wrong answer!" Truly, the best reason to learn the basics of color theory is to learn your favorite ways to break them. Once you do find a favorite color combination, here's a neat trick to keep you out of the dreaded rut -- whatever your instinct tells you to do, reverse the colors! It gives your pieces a fresh, exciting look and allows you to execute twice as many projects in your most beloved color scheme! Good friend and longtime client Fran Gilcrest-Piper loaned me two of her Sidewinder bracelets to help illustrate the concept. Fran used topaz seed beads and jet Swarovski crystals in the example at left, while she chose jet seed beads and topaz Swarovski crystals for the bracelet on the right.

Light interacts with different kinds of beads differently, and color placement can effect the look as well. These two pieces look very different, but use two of Frans favorite neutral colors in a rich, sophisticated way. Beautiful work, Fran!

Have You Checked Out Beaducation.com?

I'm the first person to spread the word about my favorite places, and let me just tell you:  If you haven't been to http://www.beaducation.com/ yet, you are missing out!  Lisa Niven Kelly's fun, interactive site offers the innovative beader lots of opportunities.  Free video lessons, project ideas and custom products compliment the host of online beading classes.  Lisa's exuberant designs are liberally represented, but she's brought in a whole team of fantastic designers to teach along side her.  Seriously, check it out!

Gorgeous inspiration on their blog!

Classes and instructions you can't find anywhere else!

Metal stamping in an avant garde way!

My Best Necklace Ever

Every beader has an example of the one time they just hit it out of the park.  You know, that certain design that everyone comments on and wants to steal.  I made a necklace about six years ago that is still my all time favorite piece.  I was inspired by a picture in a magazine, purchased some gorgeous chalcedony rondelles and whipped it up one summer afternoon.  Never did I suspect that I would spend the next six years explaining that 1) it wasn't difficult to make and 2) I wouldn't mind if they copied it.

It's actually a really easy piece, you see. Just select approximately 4.5 feet of any oval link chain.  (Mine is sterling silver, nicely aged by throwing it on the bathroom counter and leaving it there for weeks, repeatedly.)  Cut it into a whole bunch of 5 link pieces, or whatever length you prefer.  (Really, it doesn't particularly matter.  My piece took 36 sections, plus 2 pieces of about 3 inches of chain for the back.  You'll need to adjust for the size of the chain you select.)  Pick out some gorgeous rondelles, somewhere between 6 and 10mm.  (Mine are 8mm chalcedony, but faceted Czech glass, Swarovski crystal and pearls have also worked out nicely.) 

Now for the fun part! 

1. Using 22 gauge wire that matches your chain, cut 18 pieces that are 3 inches long. 
2. Form a wire wrapped loop on one end of a piece of wire.  Add the end link of TWO of the pieces of chain BEFORE you wrap the loop closed.  Both chains should dangle freely.  Now, wrap that loop closed.  Cut off any extra wire.
3. String on one of your beautiful rondelles, then form another loop.  Once again, string on TWO of the chain pieces, and then wrap the loop closed.  You've now formed a chain unit. 
4. Continue in this manner until you have built a 12 inch section with open chain on each end.  Then repeat to build a second twelve inch section.  Lay the chains together and align the ends.
5. Form a wire wrapped loop on one end of a piece of wire. Add the end links of ALL FOUR of the end pieces of one side of the necklace BEFORE you wrap the loop closed. This will permanently attach the two sections together. Now, wrap that loop closed. Cut off any extra wire.
6. String on one of your beautiful rondelles, then form another loop. This time, string on the end of one of the 3 inch chain pieces for the back, and then wrap the loop closed.
7. Repeat this process on the other side of the necklace.  Add the clasp of your choice and Voila!

Teri's Knotted Pearl Necklace

Teri’s Knotted Pearl Necklace

Teri’s Knotted Pearl Necklace is a stylish twist on a timeless classic. Everybody loves hand knotted pearls. Teri gives us a great way to freshen them up using sassy colored pearls and fun Vintaj charms.

Necessary Skills:
Cord Knotting
Using clamshells
Jump rings



You Will Need:
3 pieces of brass chain (1/4 inch, ½ inch and ¾ inch)
Size 5 Griffin pearl knotting silk (2 meters)
8mm teal freshwater pearls (1 strand)
Vintaj charm, sunflower charm and teeny lizard charms
5mm Vintaj jump rings (4)
7mm Vintaj jump ring
Size 11 seed beads OR 2mm Swarovski crystals
Clamshells (2)
Trigger clasp
Awl or knotting tweezers

Instructions:

1. Tie a knot in the end of the knotting silk opposite the needle. Thread the needle through the hole in the hinge of one clamshell. Pull the silk all the way through, so the knot sits in the cup of the clamshell. Tie a knot and press it against the outside of the clamshell, using your awl or tweezers.

2. Leave a ¾ inch space. Tie another knot and pull it tight. String on one seed bead, one pearl and another seed bead. Tie a knot and press it against the seed bead, using your awl or tweezers.

3. Repeat this technique until you reach the desired length. Be careful to use an even number of pearls! (Teri’s is 18 inches long.) Add the second clamshell and carefully knot inside the cup. Apply superglue to both knots, trim the silk and press both clamshells closed.

4. Open the loop on one clamshell, string on the trigger clasp and curl the loop closed.

5. Open the loop on the second clamshell, string on the 7mm jump ring and curl the loop closed. You now have a functional necklace!

6. Carefully open one 5mm jump ring. String on the end link of all three pieces of brass chain and the silk in the center open space. Carefully close the jump ring.

7. Carefully open one 5mm jump ring. String on the other end of the longest piece of chain as well as the loop at the top of the butterfly charm. Carefully close the jump ring.

8. Carefully open one 5mm jump ring. String on the other end of the medium piece of chain as well as the loop at the top of the sunflower charm. Carefully close the jump ring.

9. Carefully open the last 5mm jump ring. String on the other end of the shortest piece of chain as well as the loop at the top of the teeny lizard charm. Carefully close the jump ring. Your necklace is finished!

Vintaj Arte Metal

Just when we thought Vintaj couldn't get any better, they've launched a new line - Arte Metal!  Designed to coordinate with gunmetal and blackened silver, Arte Metal features a rich, black patina.  We are so excited to offer a selection of Arte Metal stamping blanks, ribbon slides and pendants.  Let us know what you think!

Marcasite Butterfly, Vintaj Arte Metal, $2.65 at Bead World

Compass Ribbon Slide, Vintaj Arte Metal, $3.45 at Bead World

Waterlily Ribbon Slide, Vintaj Arte Metal, $3.45 at Bead World

New Swarovski Colors!

Swarovski has done it again! Their Spring/Summer 2010 Launch included two brilliant new crystal colors and a fantastic new crystal pearl shade to compliment their wide range of beautiful materials. "Fern Green" is a bright, sassy shade of green, reminiscent of fresh grass and summertime. It really fills a gap in the Swarovski line up, as a true Kelly green.

"Provence Lavender" is a crystal that is pale but not wimpy. This new addition to the purple range could easily have been called "Light Tanzanite," as the colors fit nicely together.

"Lavender Pearl" is exactly what it sounds like -- a match to our new Provence Lavender crystal in pearl form. The super cute earrings at left pair the new pearls with Vintaj natural brass findings.  We can't wait to see the amazing pieces you guys create utilize these gorgeous new shades!

Karen Sugarman, "A Delectable Confection"

Karen Sugarman is a long time client and good friend of the Bead World family.  A gifted interior designer as well as jeweler, she peppers her blog entries with references to film, literature, fine cuisine, home decor and, of course, jewelry.  I thought I'd share a bit of her latest entry, so you can share in the fun.  For more, visit Karen Sugarman Designs.

"A Delectable Confection"

The first time I heard these words was from my DH not long after we were married. It was to me (and still is), the cutest term of endearment I had ever heard. My hubby has an adorable sense of humor and this little phrase has been passed back and forth for many years.

Pastel colors have long been a favorite of mine when designing interiors. There is a serene and comforting quality to the whisper of the diffused colors. Dramatic and dark rooms are always sophisticated, but much like a “diva friend”, they can be exhausting and numbing after too much drama. (Princess and the Pea bedroom, Karen Sugarman Interiors)

With all these beautiful Easter/Spring colors in my head, I just completed a new bracelet design called Marie’s Folly. It is a magnificent combination of pastel tourmaline briolettes flanked by gorgeously organic aquamarine/beryl pastel slices. Pastel tourmaline is actually in short supply as it is found in Afghanistan in remote and very dangerous regions.  (Marie's Folly Bracelet, Karen Sugarman)

Knowing that Marie Antoinette had a great fondness for all things pastel, I feel certain that she would have approved of this “delectable confection”.

Vintaj Fabulousness

Three really cool chicks.  I mean, the kind of chicks you'd just want to snatch up, carry around in your pocket and keep forever.  Those are the kind of women that are behind Vintaj natural brass beading components.  Sisters Wendy and Jeanne, along with their dear friend Jess, started the Vintaj company to bring innovative, vintage inspired beading items into the marketplace.  These hip mamas wanted to work for themselves, so they could have a flexible work environment and keep their focus on their children.  Plus, they figured that we would want all of this gorgeous stuff to play with.  They were right!

An instant favorite of beaders everywhere, Vintaj items have been repeatedly featured in every major beading magazine.  What's not to love?  Unlimited creative options, gorgeous hand rubbed patinas, pieces that work together in a variety of ways, "alternative" setting techniques (yes, a dragofly wing is a perfectly reasonable prong!) -- all created using an eco-friendly, lead free process that's healthy for both the earth and your children.  (Yes, they are going to put that in their mouth!) 

At Bead World, we are unabashed lovers of the entire Vintaj line, and we carry a lot of it in our stores.  Just look at the gorgeous things you can make with their unique pieces!  (Yes, I gush.)  We "borrowed" these great design ideas from the official Vintaj Co. website -- there are a million more where these came from.  Check out their blog, too.  It's always full of great ideas.  I want to hear all about how much you guys love this stuff.  Send me pics of your projects, and I'll add them to the blog!

Put the Pretties Front and Center!

Put the Pretties Front and Center!

There are few things I love in this world more than a beautiful, substantial toggle, but I hate wasting all of that silvery goodness at the back of my neck.  No matter how much I love a clasp, there's no sense paying for something that people may never even see.  What's a girl to do?  I say...put the toggle in the front of the necklace!  When you use a high end designer clasp, it can be the most stunning element of your entire piece.   (The toggle shown above left currently retails at Bead World for $16.50.)

Once you get used to the idea of  placing a toggle at the front of a piece, it opens up a whole new world of engineering options.  A toggle is a great place to anchor a pendant or large gemstone.  In the piece shown at right, turquoise and a pearl were wire wrapped onto a sleek, modern toggle.  This creates a "Y" neckline while maintaining the necklace's clean lines. 

You can wire wrap on any number of different decorative elements.  You can even add a cascade of mutiple dangles and drops.  In the necklace shown at left, three dangles shimmy down from the center toggle.  Each dangle is composed of multiple elements from the main necklace, and they are individually wire wrapped together.  It's an expensive, elegant look, but take note: it's made up entirely of leftovers that the designer had on hand! 

Have fun with big toggles and don't let them scare you.  Once you start experimenting, you'll see how much fun they can be!  I can't wait to see the gorgeous ideas y'all come up with!

If beautiful gemstones are the meat and potatoes of a lovely jewelry meal, then spacer beads are the herbs and spices.  While they tend to be small, they never go unnoticed.  They literally determine the tone of a given piece of jewelry.  Imagine a pearl necklace... now add simple Bali silver daisy spacers every few pearls.  You have a traditional, classic necklace.  Now change those daisies to large sterling silver rondelles.  Suddenly the same piece is modern and bold.  Throw in stamped Thai silver beads, and now it's funky.  Maybe skip the silver entirely and use a gemstone rondelle... Get the picture? 

My current favorite spacer bead right now is the Bali sterling silver potato chip spacer (shown above in various sizes).  It's a disc of silver, pierced through the middle and curved like a Pringle chip.  Stacked together in pairs (or more), they create a fun wavy texture that is somehow both modern and funky.  It gives a fresh look to all of your favorite beading materials.  Check out the fun necklace we have hanging in our Scottsdale store.  It's great inspiration!