Post from: Jewelry and Beading

The one I used in the necklace I got off of etsy.com, so it isn’t something available to tons of jewelry makers. However, as luck would have it, I was flipping through a catalog the other day for Oriental Trading company and discovered a number of key charms.

I did a search on their site using “key charm” as the search term: http://www.orientaltrading.com/application?namespace=search&origin=searchMain.jsp&event=button.search&Ntt=key+charms&Ntk=all&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&N=0

I found these and a few other cool look key charms. Of course, I’ve never ordered from this company before, and you’ll also note that the description says these are “metal.” It doesn’t specify which type, so I’m guessing they are base, definitely not sterling. So keep that in mind if you are on the look-out for key charms.

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

You’ll need the following supplies:

10 – 12mm barrel-shaped onyx beads (I got mine from riogrande.com)

8 – 3mm sterling daisy spacer beads & 1 – 8mm sterling tube bead (www.beadshop.com)

1 – sterling southwestern style charm (www.artgemsinc.com)

36 inches of rat-tail

2 – 2×2mm crimp beads

flat-nosed pliers or crimping pliers

Scissors

12 inches of .014 beading wire

1) Secure a crimp bead to one end of the beading wire, and start to thread on beads and charm alternating stone beads with daisy spacers, and making sure to position the charm in the middle so there are 5 onyx beads on either side. Note: Make sure the loop on the beadng wire that goes back through the crimp bead is large enough so that you can thread the rat-tail through it later.

Another note: I usually use crimping pliers because I like the way that looks better. However, newbie jewelry makers may want to use flat-nosed pliers and just flatten the crimping bead down with these. It can take a good deal of practice to be able to use crimping pliers. For that reason, I flattened them in the piece pictured for this project.

2) Once you get all the beads in the right order on your beading wire, secure the other end of the wire with another crimp bead. Again, like I said in my previous note, feel free to use flat-nosed pliers to flatten them.

3) Now insert one end of the rat-tail through both loops of beading wire, and pull so that the rat-tail is doubled.

4) Holding both piece of tail together, tie an overhand knot, and push the knot so it’s up against the wire loops.

5) Thread on the sterling tube bead over both pieces of tail, push it down against the previous knot, and tie another overhand knot pushing it up against the tube bead.

6) Finish with one more overhand knot on the end of both tails, which will tie them together, and trim off excess tail. This is worn to go over your head.

The final length between the end knot and the next knot up against the tube bead is 24 inches. If you’d like this larger, just start with a longer piece of rat-tail. The length of the entire piece is about 30 inches long.

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

Lots of jewelry suppliers sell components that can help you make some jewelry that is related to this important issue.

For example, Jerry Smith Beads sells these cute little charms along with similar charms in all silver and even beads. You could easily whip up a pair of earrngs with two of these charms and a pair of ear wires.

D.D. Hess is a lampwork artist who makes, among other glass goodies, lampwork beads with roses and little pink ribbons on them.

HHH Enterprises sells some cool watch faces with pink ribbons on them. This just one of the number of designs they carry.

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads has this free project posted for a “think pink” bracelet. They also have a variety of related ribbon charms and beads.

Beadshop.com has a few ribbon style charms as well for sale on their site.

These are just a few vendors that I know about off the top of my head. I’m sure your favorite bead shop or jewelry suppliers also has similar products available.

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

Here’s my first tip for designing a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry for a special person on your gift list: start wit a component. This could a charm, pendant, bead, piece of chain, whatever, but look for something that represents that person to you somehow.

For example, the brass pendant pictured is from Guyot Brothers, and I don’t know how clear it is on your monitor, but it says “August” on it. One of my sisters was born in August, so I immediately thought of her when I saw this. I plan to use it in a jewelry piece for her that I will hopefully get done by the holidays, and nope, she doesn’t read this blog, so I can share with you how I continue to develop the design. But, right now, this is where I start.

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

But, I’m talking about cell phone charms again. Not only can these be unisex jewelry items depending on the materials you use, but they are nice quick projects, a little something to tuck into a stocking or give out to co-workers which won’t cost you a lot of time or money. Here are a few projects I’ve already created for cell phone charms.

Angel Cell Phone Charm

Crystal Doll Cell Phone Charm

Cell Phone Jewelry Dangles

Fuzzy Navel Fiber Cell Charm

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

Charms are a great way to personalize just about any piece of jewelry, and this goes for both men and women of course. Obviously, a charm bracelet may be a little over the top for your macho man, but what about a charm to dangle from his cell phone? What about a simple leather cord or sterling rope chain with a charm hanging from the center?

Here are a few charming ideas I picked up from The Charm Factory:

Is he a movie nut? How about this Tape/Film Reel Charm? 

Does he love the sea? How about a shark tooth cham? 

Is he a beer drinker? How about a cold six pack?  

And, of course, don’t forget the zillion of different charms available for the sport fan.

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

Right now, Fascino Veneziano has a sale going on, including their Disney character charms. I thought this one of Piget was adorable!

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

I’m working on a new project right now incorporating this beautiful sterling butterfly pendant from the Soft Flex Company. The item number is BBB-10391 and it retails for $11.76 each.

If you look on the back, you’ll see what I really think is extra cool about this pendant – there are three loops – one in the middle and two on either side of the wings. This way, you have more jewelry design options.

The necklace I’m working on right now includes this as the focal piece and then 4mm AB red crystal beads and 4mm white pearl beads.

Post from: Jewelry and Beading