About Jewelry Making

Frosty the Snowman Pin

2009-12-05T10:56:54Z

Even if you are short on both time and funds, you can make a number of simple jewelry projects to wear yourself or give away as a little "something" to friends and family this holiday season. For example, this Frosty the Snowman Pin requires just a little glitter, glue, and a pin back. He's really cute and I think he's not necessarily just a feminine-style pin so even guys who want to get into the Christmas spirit may enjoy attaching him to their coat lapel.

All materials for this pin I purchased at my local craft store, and I'd say the supplies were easily less than $5, including glue and glitter, which I have enough left over of both, allowing me to make more Frosty pins!

Frosty the Snowman Pin originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Saturday, December 5th, 2009 at 10:56:54.

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Make It Merry 12/02/09

2009-12-02T18:40:57Z

It's the first week of December, so it's time you got cracking on those holiday crafts. Here are some winter treasures to get started with.

Winterscape Needlepoint Ornaments
Create a needlepoint ornament with these Winterscape printable patterns. Cheryl Fall has your pattern and how-to.

Antique Christmas Scraps
Use these great looking antique Santa illustrations to use on all your paper projects-- scrapbooks, cards, ornaments and newsletters!

Knit Tinsel
If you can make an I-cord, you can use a fancy eyelash yarn to make knit tinsel in no time for your hearth or holiday tree. Sarah E. White shows you how.

Shrink Plastic Necklace
Use shrink plastic to create unique charms to make necklaces and other items of jewelry. These are quick to make and are perfect for last minute gifts!

Sweater Holiday Lighting
Make a light-up Christmas tree using an old sweater and a little know-how form the Sweater Surgery blog.

Printable Paper Sleigh
A Printable Sleigh to fill with goodies. This sleigh fits dolls house scale dolls, but it also stands nicely behind most commercial reindeer figures to make a table decoration. You can print it in the colors shown, or use the template to construct your own sleigh in the color you want.

Peace Cross Stitch
One message during the holidays that everyone can agree with is 'Peace'. Create this simple cross stitch with the free pattern and instructions from Connie G. Barwick.

Draw a Santa
Decorate cards, tags and more when you learn how to sketch the perfect Santa from Helen South.

Glittery Wood and Wire Snowman Earrings
These super easy snowmen earrings are a whimsical design that even the beginning jewelry maker can create.

Ribbon Wreath Craft
Find out how you can create a unique wreath using pieces of ribbon. By looking at this finished project, you will never believe how easy it is!

Holiday Pear Quilt
Create a pear quilt as a holiday gift or just to spruce up the place. Cyndi Lavin at the Mixed Media Blog has your tips and instructions.

Cuttlebugged Christmas Cards
These quick Christmas cards were made using my Sissix Big Shot, ProvoCraft Christmas Tree embossing folder, Versamark inks and embellishments. Get the instructions at the Firenze Cards blog.

Christmas Card Art Worksheet
Make a watercolor Christmas Card out of a cathedral rose window without all that pesky drawing. Just print this outline from Marion Boddy-Evans on a sheet of watercolor paper using waterproof ink.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Make It Merry 12/02/09 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009 at 18:40:57.

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Holiday Giveaway at Artbeads.com

2009-12-01T09:07:36Z

I previously blogged about how lots of jewelry supply vendors have sales going on right now, but there are also a number of contest and giveaways in the works too. Artbeads.com is one vendor who is running one until later into December. They are calling it a "Holiday Cheer Giveaway" and have launched it on Artbeads.com's Facebook fan page (where you'll find all the rules and details too). The prize is a $100 Artbeads.com Gift Card.

If you want a sure thing, I also have a 10% off deal for you over at their site. The coupon code is SCF10P-ARTBEADS-0424 and it expires December 31, 2009.

I'll continue to keep an eye out for any other vendor promotions going on and let you know about them.

Holiday Giveaway at Artbeads.com originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 at 09:07:36.

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Gift Ideas for Jewelry Designers

2009-11-30T07:22:39Z

Do you have a friend or relative who also gotten bitten by the jewelry making bug? Maybe he or she would enjoy a nice set of tools or have fun putting together jewelry from a kit that includes all the supplies.

While we normally spend this time of year making jewelry piece to give as gifts, don't forget about your fellow jewelry designers. I have a list of ideas for jewelry makers, from inexpensive stocking stuffer items to practical equipment and tools: Gifts for Jewelry Designers.

Gift Ideas for Jewelry Designers originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 07:22:39.

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Jewelry Junkie Link Love 11/29/09

2009-11-29T11:02:23Z

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Ah, Etsy! So many of our problems solved by visiting Etsy for gifts for our dearest friends at this time of year. Take a look at this premade pendant, which also comes in a kit so you can teach yourself if you prefer. It's all jump rings and it's all beautiful. The Alchemist's Star!

Strands of Beads
Melissa is thankful for generous friends - who share their beading supplies!

A Bead A Day
Stop by A Bead A Day for a wonderful week of cubic zirconia sparkle sponsored by Artbeads.com. Ideas are always welcome!

Beading Arts
Cyndi shares some simple CopprClay pendants that you can have ready in time for holiday gift-giving!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi uses embossing powder to make a bird pendant...a fun idea!

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
It's Double Dippin' Week - a week full of ideas for the Double Dips. Try a necklace and become "Entwined."

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie gives her review of Enchanted Adornments, and gives a reminder to enter teh Art Bead Scene monthly challenge for your chance to win a copy of it and some other great beads, including new Earthenwood beads!

Art Bead Scene
Are you a Twilight Fan? If yes, then check out the Twilight inspired jewelry on the Art Bead Scene!

Jewelry Junkie Link Love 11/29/09 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Sunday, November 29th, 2009 at 11:02:23.

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Jewelry Supply Sales

2009-11-27T10:46:34Z

This time of year, you often see a lot of sales going on all over the place. Some of this is due to the fact that the holidays means people are buying presents and probably making a good deal of jewelry to give as presents as well. Another reason why you see so many sales of jewelry supplies right now is because vendors are trying to liquidate inventory. Once January starts up, a new tax year begins. If they have too much stock left in inventory, this can be a tax hit for them. They want to have inventory as low as possible.

Because vendors really need to clear out old merchandise, this means there are lots of opportunities for scooping up some deals. Of course, if you are also running a jewelry business, for example you sell your finished jewelry, then you have to be careful. You also don't want to create too much inventory right before the end of the year and have issues with your taxes. But for those jewelry designers who do this more as a hobby, there are some excellent sales going on. Feel free to add to the list, but here are a few I've seen popping up among various jewelry supply vendors. Many of these sales are only going on for a few days, so they will end very soon:

Artbeads.com is having a 20% off sale right now on orders of $60 or more.

Rings & Things has a 10% off sale on sterling silver components.

Fire Mountain Gems & Beads is having an end of the year bead blow-out sale.

HHH Enterprises is having a 25% off everything sale.

Cindy Gimbrone is having a 15% off sale plus free beads offering going on right now.

Crafts Etc. is have a 50% off one item sale. The shopping cart code is SAVE0912.

Beaducation has a 20% off sale going on for its silver blanks.

These are just a few sales that I've seen going on right now. Feel free to add others you know about as a comment to this post, and remember, many of these sales will end soon.

Jewelry Supply Sales originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Friday, November 27th, 2009 at 10:46:34.

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Make It Merry 11/26/09

2009-11-26T10:50:23Z

Happy Thanksgiving, folks. Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's.

Snowman Ornament
Sherri Osborn will show you how to create a cute snowman face using a clear, glass ornament. It's a great project for the whole family.

Recycled Pine Cone Gnome
Get a glimpse of this pine cone gnome at the Recycled Crafts blog. It's a cute reason to collect a few pine cones around the yard.

CopprClay Pendants
Try your hand with pendant making this year with a little help from some winter foliage. The Beading Arts blog will show you how.

How to Make Paper
Handmade paper not only makes a great gift for the avid scrapbooker in your life, but you can also create tags and cards for every present on your list. Marion Boddy-Evans shows us how.

Little Town of Bethlehem Cross Stitch
Get down to the true meaning of Christmas with this simple cross stitch pattern from Connie G. Barwick.

Mitten Earrings
Tammy Powley shows us how to make these cute mitten earrings using lampwork beads.

Christmas Stocking
This cute two-color Christmas stocking is a breeze to knit, even if you've never knit a sock before. Worked with bulky yarn on big needles, it will be done and ready for you to embellish in no time.

Advent Garland
If you are looking for something a little different when it comes to counting down to the holidays this year then take a look at this pyramid box garland. Use the free template to make the boxes and decorate them with your favorite festive stamps.

Miniature Gift Boxes
Have a little gift to give? Check out these free printable miniature gift boxes for small gifts or advent calendars from Lesley Shepherd.

Manga Holiday Card
Instead of a traditional Christmas card, you could go with something a little more contemporary this year. Helen South has tips on how to create a manga style card.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Make It Merry 11/26/09 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Thursday, November 26th, 2009 at 10:50:23.

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Chain Gang Jewelry

2009-11-25T11:39:31Z

Books are one of the many jewelry making items many of us add to your holiday gift list, so you may want to take a look at a new book I recently reviewed. This book focuses on making jewelry using prefabricated chain. It is called Chain Style: 50 Contemporary Jewelry Designs (Interweave Press $19.95,) and it is written by Jane Dickerson. Along with designs created by the author, nine other jewelry designer collaborated on this title.

After reading the review, you may want to add this to your "want list," or consider giving it to a jewelry making friend.

Chain Gang Jewelry originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 11:39:31.

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Jewelry Junkie Link Love 11/22/09

2009-11-22T12:36:47Z

A Bead A Day
Do pearls go with everything? Lisa pairs glass pearls with chain and interesting findings. What do you think?

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene gives you the scoop on findings worth finding - check it out!

Barbe Saint John
I've been a bad blogger! Find out what's up with Barb and her blog.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi makes a brooch with a cameo and other odds and ends.

Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy has a new shop on Etsy - the bleeding heart. Check it out!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shows the piece she made for the new book Chain Style, and talks about her struggles with letting go of her published jewelry pieces.

Jean Campbell
Jean kicks off a new era of self-indulgence with a funky Steampunk necklace.

Jewelry & Beading
Gather up some little beaded flowers and turn them into a very special necklace!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei's annual craft fair adventure is over and she share's some photos of the Aftermath.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Artbeads teamed up with Nintendo DS to create a fantastic virtual learning game for jewelry lovers! Style Lab! Jean shows it off in a youtube clip! FUN for the HOLIDAYS! :)

Strands of Beads
Melissa discusses the virtue of buttons in jewelry-making

Jewelry Junkie Link Love 11/22/09 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 at 12:36:47.

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Make It Merry 11/19/09

2009-11-19T08:35:26Z

Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's.

Advent Candy Tree
Everyone loves counting down to the holidays...add candy to the mix and you've got a fun Advent calendar from Sherri Osborn for the whole family to enjoy.

Pumpkin Cross Stitch Pattern
Use a variegated floss to make a swirling pumpkin that would look great near the Thanksgiving table. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern.

Knit Wreath Ornament
Scrap knitting makes for fun quick projects that are perfect for any skill level. Sarah E. White has the instructions for this cute wreath.

Miniature Glitter Houses
Snowy villages look great upon every mantle and tabletop. Lesley Shepherd has a free printable so you can make your own tiny houses.

Paper Bead Star Ornament
If you're looking for something a little different to do with your paper beads then take a look at this paper bead star. This project is simple to adapt in a wide variety of ways.

Rustic Pillar Candles
'Tis the season for running out to buy candles. David Fisher will show you how to make these festive pillar candles with the perfect finish.

Pear Diamonds Painted Card
This card has an intricate finish, but it is so easy to make. Tina Jones shows us how to create this colorful card from start to finish.

Christmas Apron Pattern
Just because you've got to bake cookies for the whole family doesn't mean you can't look fabulous! Phyllis Dobbs has created this adorable holiday apron, and she's got the free pattern just for you.

Flower Petal Ornament Cover
Sometimes those plain ornaments just need a little dressing up. Tammy Powley will show you how to use seed beads to create this unique ornament drapery.

Paint a Christmas Tree
Instead of paying a premium for a colored tree, Barbara Crews will show us how to paint your tree red to match the latest holiday trends.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Make It Merry 11/19/09 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 08:35:26.

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