Introducing: Jewel Kade Jack Tags!

If you've been browsing this blog looking at all the gorgeous charms and thinking:  "um, cute, but not in a million years would I wear something that BIG" then have I got news for you!

Even though Jewel Kade is known for it's distinctive charms, they truly have something for everyone.  Sometimes less is more.  And that's where the "magnolia metals" come in:  personalized beauty without the bulk!  You can write up to 7 characters on one line of the "kate" stamps, or 2 lines with 9 letters on the "jack tags."  The Jack Tags will be available when the new catalog debuts March 1, and feel free to get creative!  Names are only one avenue--think school teams, inspirational quotes (i.e. "live strong", "be happy," "love life", etc), special dates, etc. I ordered one that says 5.27.99 on the first line, with the word FOREVER on the second--a meaningful reminder of our anniversary.  (And you know I'll be wearing that every day the week leading up to it for a "gentle" reminder to my husband that it's coming up!)

The Kate and Jack tags also make meaningful gifts for young girls and friends without breaking the bank!  At $26, the price can't be beat--the necklace is included!!

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!

2010 Spring/Summer Jewelry Trends

Hot off the fashion presses, we have news about the Spring/Summer 2010 Jewelry Trends!  It's going to be a fun one, folks!  The powers that be are a little schizophrenic this year, showing super bright tropical colors in half of the runway shows and sleek neutrals in the others.  What's a girl to do?  I say pick your favorites from the colors at left and roll with it!  (Coral and turquoise, by the way, look gorgeous on everyone.)

Jewelry this spring and summer is all about BIG, bold shapes.  We're seeing the return of the big earring (yea!) and keeping last season's statement necklaces and stacked, chunky bracelets as well.  Choose ONE large piece per outfit, please.  Any more than that may just overwhelm you.  Actress Kate Hudson works this look perfectly here, with shoulder dusting chain earrings and no necklace at all.  No matchy-matchy if you want to look up to date this season!

Rock star looks are holding strong, too.  Returning with a vengence is, my all-time favorite, silver chain!  Layered, messy, knotted, mixed with other metals... any way you can pile that silver chain in there will work this season.  Other rock and roll elements are looking fresh this year as well: leather, studs, crystal.  Just keep it a little bit rough, and you're good to go.

One hot new trend that I KNOW you will all love is funky ethnic inspired pieces.  Mix together some wood, rough cut gemstones and African trade beads.   Maybe throw in some fabric elements or leather.  Keep the overall design big and a little bit random.  Voila!  Your own personal masterpiece!

Have fun, guys.  Use up all of your left over beads and bits of chain in super fun, messy masterpieces.  And send me pictures!  Lots and lots of pictures!  I'll post them and give you guys credit.

Happy creating!

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!