Handmade Artist's Blog » beading

Beading Excellence

andrewk1969 — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:24:48 +0000

4 His Glory Creations by CJ

Some people talk about creativity and passion, while others live it! Such is so true about CJ Bauschka who is the sole caregiver of her mother as well as wife and mother of eight children as well as Grammy to four grandchildren! She is passionate about her family and loves to make large meals to feed her hungry boys. Even with all that family, CJ has become a full time artist and instructor who has been featured in some hot shot places.

CJ was an art lover from an early age.She recalls a time in first grade, looking through a book of 17^th and 18^th century artists and becoming so enthralled that all thoughts of class were gone.She pursued her budding creative streak by using the sketch pads that her parents happily supplied and learning to sew Barbie clothes from her grandmother.CJ is convinced that she would have loved school much more if she would have been allowed to just take art classes…and to this day thanks her art teachers for their encouragement.

CJ, like so many of us artists out there, has dabbled in any number of mediums including tole painting, crocheting, sewing, knitting, felting, oil painting, drawing, scrapbooking, card making, dolls and teddy bears, and more!After all of that, she found what really gets her heart racing…beads! CJ once bought a book of Native American beadweaving and began collecting all kids of beads with high hopes of learning to use them. After flipping through magazines and seeing others creations, she decided that if they could do it so could she and she set out to teach herself everything she could about her newfound passion. I’m sure that many can relate to her feeling of pure happiness and excitement when she steps into a bead store.

CJ began her business, 4 His Glory Creations by CJ in 1999. She made angel pins that represented various jobs. She has to laugh when she sees all her carefully chosen components for those pins are now considered vintage! She grew in her business and began selling at craft shows, farmers markets, art fairs, and to friends and family.

Now that CJ is an accomplished beader, she passes her love of the art along to others in the form of teaching others as well as submitting patterns to bead magazines. In June 2009, CJ’s piece Eye of the Twister was published in Bead and Button Magazine. Later, in June 2010, Bead and Button published her design entitled Mirror Mirror. Just to add to the fun, that same year the hard bound book, Volume 5, came out and CJ’s piece, Eye of the Twister made the cover! In July 2010 she was published in Bead Trends for her design titled Lady Adaline and she has another publication coming out in October of this year.

CJ is even more than a wife, daughter, mother, and extremely talented bead artist; she is also generous. CJ believes that her talent is God given and that she needs to pass her blessings along to others. In order to do this, CJ gives a portion of her sales to a local non-profit and founded a ministry in her community to help provide groceries to families in need.

Are you ready to see more from this talented artisan?Well, you can find her on the HandmadeArtistsShop or on her personal website as well as her blog and FaceBook

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Why I Knot Between the Beads

admin — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:40:18 +0000

Knotting between the beads is important for a variety of reasons. Bead stringing, properly speaking, is a form of rigging. Where a knot is placed, it strengthens the cord three-fold. Consequently, if cord with a tensile strength of 17lbs. The cord is strengthened to 51lbs.10lb-test becomes 30lbs, etc. Thus, it secures the beads. This is especially true when a variety of different sized beads and materials are used. If the cord breaks, there is only one or two beads to pick up off the floor. Losing precious metal beads, or gemstones, can make it costly to repair.
I use a variety of different stringing material as well. I use anything that will take a knot. Generally, I will use silk, or linen. These are natural fibers, and are quite sturdy and durable. Cotton is too weak. I also use braided kevlar, of varying thicknesses. Kevlar is used in bullet-proof vests, as well as the suits astronauts wear. I often use kevlar with beads that have rough holes.
I never use tiger-tail, or any of the coated wires that many others use. Wire eventually will cut the beads, particularly pearls and opals, which are quite soft. Furthermore, when metal fatigue sets in, which it will, sooner or later that wire will kink. That kink will not only weaken it, but will cause the necklace to not to wear properly. Wire is just too stiff for necklaces and bracelets, in my opinion.
Second and more important, a knotted necklace will lay better against the body. Indeed, knotted necklaces will conform to the body of the wearer. Thus it actually becomes a part of the wearer. And you will wear the jewelry, rather than the other way ’round. So there is no “Afghan hound” effect. That is particularly vital when wearing a large piece.
Yes, it takes longer to assemble a knotted necklace. I knot each bead into place, by hand. I do not employ any of the bead-stringing devices that are available, because it does not allow me to place the knot closely by the holes on each side of the bead. Again, this is of particular importance when using beads of differing sizes, shapes or material (metal, glass, gemstone). I create my jewelry the time-honored traditional way, one bead at a time, and one knot at a time.
Beads reflect a tradition dating back to 3000 BC These beads were worn to promote good luck, and for protection from misfortune (the evil eye or malocchio). Archeological evidence suggests that concepts linking eyes and protective magic to beads evolved in western Asia and Africa, and were carried west and east with developing trade routes. The oldest eye beads made were drilled stones like agate and carnelian.
I see both antique and contemporary beads as a link to the past through work that will last into the millennium. Beads and jewelry reflect where we are today, what we were, and who we will become. One can neither break nor ignore the thread of history, for like a strand of beads, the result would be chaos.
Wear your beads in good fortune!
Thanks,
Beadbear

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Myriad Design

admin — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 19:25:25 +0000

I am new to Handmade Artists Shop and the Forum blog. So I though I would give all of you a short blog to start off by, providing my links to where I sell and what forums I belong to:

Handmade Artists’ Shop: http://handmadeartists.com/shop/MyriadDesign

Etsy:http://www.etsy.com/people/Myriaddesignjewelry?ref=si_pr

Blogspot: http://myriaddesignblog.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Myriad_Design-Artisan-Crafted-Jewelry-and-more/211888015504463

Artisan Jewelry Designers: http://artisanjewelrydesigners.ning.com/profile/LindaEkblad

Twitter: http://twitter.com/myriad_design

Check these sites out to find out a little more about me, what I sell and my interests. I am glad to be a part of another Artists’ forum.

Myriad Design Jewelry

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Bead Weaving by Hanny Beads

andrewk1969 — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:05:51 +0000

Over the top? Or just right, I guess it depends on the person. All I know is that Hanny Beads makes some amazing pieces of art in the forum of jewelry for the most part. Hailing for the Czech Republic of Chornice and a mother of 4 this jewelry artist does not mess around. Her work is just stunning.

This necklace in particular I found quite stunning.

As well as this lovely headband.

Hanny’s work is just stunning to say the least. I’ll leave you with one more beautiful necklace.

Necklace element Earth, the mother of all flesh, plants, waters and seas. Middle part indicates fertile earth with flowers, grass and fertile soil, the connecting part is the rain that irrigates the earth, the upper part of the life-giving sun heats up everything It consists of 3 parts. First – the center is sewn on sequins, rocailles, chopped rocailles and plastic beads attached to the felt, which is still lined with orange-red deerskin The upper part is made of fiberglass with a cabochon cut rocailles. The two main themes are linked rocailles two color sewn plastic balls, mounting is several rows rocailles over other plastic balls. On one side is attached to a carabiner rocailles 4 The Council, on the other – the shorter strap sewn to the ring. Overall length is 51 cm, fastened to the snap hooks and rings. The necklace is designed asymmetrically

To see more of Hannybeads check out her shop on The Handmade Artists’ Shop

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Gifts from Gifted Hands

MakinTheBestOfIt — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:08:34 +0000

A registered nurse named Pam is the vision behind Gifted Hands. This talented lady began making jewelry about 4 years ago and her friends and family couldn’t get enough! This encouraged her to take her talent to the world and we are very appreciative.

Her designs feature beautiful beaded jewelry from glass, gemstones, crystals, and anything else that catches her eye. Her designs are beautifully put together with an eye for detail and color.

Gifted Hands makes everything from earrings, necklaces and bracelets galore! She even had put her beading talent into her clasp.

Many of the designs by Gifted Hands would be perfect for everyday wear; but look again; how about a gift for a bridesmaid? These designs are just dainty enough for a wedding, but with a touch of color and flair to give your day a bit of personality. Of course, there is nothing wrong with picking out a treat for yourself either!

Ready for more? Check out Gifted Hands’ designs on the HandmadeArtistsShop and oh and ah over these delicate designs.

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Follow your Desires

MakinTheBestOfIt — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:41:15 +0000

There are full time artists in the world…and then there are the rest of us! Desirable Intentions is one such multi-tasker. She and her husband actually lay floors as their “day job,” but her real passion lies in jewelry.

She experimented with many things; cake decorating, refinishing furniture, cross stitch; before stumbling upon the joy of creating beautiful pieces of wearable art.

Ready to see more? Check out DesirableIntentions on the HandmadeArtistsShop and prepare to be amazed.

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Buddingcreations on Etsy

buddingcreations — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:04:16 +0000

Hi, My name is Danielle . I have been a bead artist since I was 18 years old (6 years). I found my passion for beaded flowers when i came across someone selling them on ebay and I had to know more. So, I did alot of research and bought alot of books to show me how. Now I am an avid beader. I love creating new patterns and ideas and pushing the limits as to what I can do with them. My mother, who passed away in 2000 from lung cancer was a big part of my descision to create these flowers. She had a huge passion for real flowers and spent the majority of her days outside tending to her garden. I never had the talent she did at growing the real thing but being the creative type I now have the ability to make flowers that will never wilt or die . So now every time I make a new flower it reminds me of the love and care my mom once had for her flowers and for me!

All of my pieces are heirloom quality! Each piece must be strung and then sculpted to form each petal . then those petals must be attached in just the right way to create a life-like flower. I put alot of time into every piece that I make. Everything in my shop is fully customizable, so you will get exactly what you want at an affordable price!

So stop on by my shop and have a look around! Remember custom orders are always welcome.

www.buddingcreations.etsy.com

FOR UPDATES AND SPECIALS!
FOLLOW ME ON:
Twitter
www.twitter.com/beads2blooms
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Budding-Creations/121401318365

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Featured Artist – Enchanted Beading

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:00:49 +0000

I am a woman of many passions. As a wife, mother, and teacher I am passionate about family and children. As a writer, I am passionate about the written word. And as a jewelry artisan, I am passionate about beading.

Enchanted Beading is a reflection of creativity, imagination, desire, passion, romance, and story. Every piece is a story. The earrings worn on a first date. The beads around your neck during a passionate kiss. The bracelet dangling from your wrist during a dance.

Things I love ~ the scent of roses, strawberry wine, chocolates, Jane Austen, spring winds, birdsongs, ocean waves, family and friends, smiling children, a great romance, ballroom dancing, the ballet, musical theatre, joyful music, kisses, Disney World, the sweet taste of watermelon on a summer day, fireworks, snowflakes, fine wine, a mountain view, waterfalls, silk, kittens, and time to create.

Find my work at Etsy.
Read my blog.
Follow me on Twitter.

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Featured Artist – Fallen Angel Designs

admin — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:00:25 +0000

I am 40 years old, and am married to a very understanding man who puts up with my beading obsession! I have 4 beautiful children that I adore.

I LOVE TO BEAD!! I started beading 6 years ago and now it is my obsession. I have approximately 1 million beads (at least that’s what everyone who visits my house says!!!). In my “spare time” I love making necklaces, bracelets, earrings, phone charms and key rings.

I have an Etsy store where there are now over 200 items in it. Styles include romantic, gothic, chunky, delicate, Victorian, and cute & girly. All of my designs are my own, and all jewellery is made to very high standards.

Fallen Angel Designs on Etsy.
Check out my Artfire shop.
Read my blog.

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Featured Artist – Island Crystal Crafts

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:00:37 +0000

I am a stay at home mom of three and have the best husband who supports me in all that I do. When I am not running the kids where they need to go I like to bead just about anything. I make jewelry, candle holders, mini purses, and beaded ornament covers.

I have always been a very crafty person. I got into beading two years ago when I was given a bracelet for Christmas and I saw how it was made and said I could do that. I have been making jewelry for family and friends since then. I gave a necklace to my best friend and she told me I should sell my jewelry. I went to my first craft fair last year and loved it. She and I were doing research on where to put our items up for sale and found ETSY. We both loved it and now have stores of our own.

Find my creations at my Etsy shop.
Follow me on Twitter.

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Featured Artist – Bev’s Jewelry

admin — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 10:00:20 +0000

Thinking back, I realize that making jewelry has always been with me, even if vicariously, through my mother and dad. I was very young during the shortage of nice jewelry in WWII, and my mother made jewelry from seashells. I still have a few of those pieces. They were very unique and she sold most of them to make money to buy a new vacuum cleaner. A total of $89 – a lot of money back then!

After I left home, both my parents started to make jewelry from pearls. Some of the patterns they used were the beginning of today’s more complicated beading patterns. I still have some of those pieces.

I started making jewelry in 1999. One style led to another and each was just as interesting and fun to make as the next, however Chainmaille is my favorite. I specialize in sterling silver Chainmaille, and lately I’ve been making fiber and beaded pieces using the Japanese braiding technique of Kumihimo, along with other interesting forms of handcrafted jewelry. I try to use the best materials in my jewelry pieces, such as the Argentium sterling silver used in my Chainmaille jewelry, Swarovski crystals, along with other materials such as Bali silver, sterling silver, gold filled, lampwork and many other ‘finds’.

Find my jewelry at Bev’s Jewelry.
My jewelry is also at 1000markets.
Read my blog here.

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Featured Artist – Livngoodjewelry by lilesj

admin — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:00:45 +0000

In trying to tap the creative gene I feel I must have inherited from my Mom (the painter) I’ve tried several different crafts: knitting, basket weaving, drawing, water color painting, cross stitch & embroidery, quilting, stained glass, mosaics, and more. But none “stuck” until I took my first jewelry making class in 2007.

After filling up my jewelry box (and my family’s) I decided to start sharing my pieces with the world – and was pleasantly surprised that people liked them.

My work combines a variety of techniques including chainmaille, silversmithing, copper etching and heat patinas, beading, resin collages, wire wrapping – and anything else that catches my fancy.

Read my blog.

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Featured Artist – Hoshikaze

admin — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:00:20 +0000

I’m Claire Goverts and I’ve been doing various arts and crafts as long as I can remember. I started beading back in middle school, working primarily with seed beads I even had a bead loom. When I went away to college I didn’t do any beading, I did mostly graphic art at
that point as my materials were all nicely contained within my computer. Then almost 2 years ago I got back into beading. My collection of beads rapidly outgrew the container from middle school as I bought different types of beads. And I also found wire. Most of
the jewelry I make now is still strung beads, but it also has a fair amount of wire wrapped pendants and other embellishments. I love trying new things. There are some days I’ll simply unroll some wire and start winding it around, adding beads and whatever else and see what I come up with.

I also do a bit with polymer clay, making some beads and pendants of my own. I’d like to expand the amount of works with clay sometime soon, for now I just don’t have the amount of space. I’d also like to do more metal work in the future, cutting blanks into patterns for interesting pendants. I’m also fascinated with glass, and am thinking
of seeing what sorts of glass classes there are in my area. Making my own glass beads would be cool. And I also want to learn more chainmaille weaves. I can manage a European 4 in 1 decently enough, but other patterns would be fun. I love to learn new techniques, and integrate various techniques together for something different.

I enjoy helping people learn things as much as I like learning things on my own. I have a tutorial up on Deviant Art, and am looking at more in the future. I’m also putting up various tips on my new bead blog that I hope will be helpful to others. I’m open to suggestions for posts on my blog (or DA tutorials).

Find my work on Deviant Art.
Read my blog.
Follow me on Twitter.

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