Fantastic sparkle! With the precision of an engineer, Laura McCabe has counted and measured so that you don’t have to. There are charts included in this book that will save you a lot of time when you decide to bezel a few rivolis for yourself

This is a gorgeous book that anyone who enjoys sparkle will love looking through. A lot of the projects are similar, or are variations on each other, but that’s to be expected with a book that concentrates on something specific like this. It’s not a beginner’s book either, but a determined beginner will not have problems following Laura’s excellent illustrations and directions.

Don’t forget to check The Library for other great recommendations!

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Nothing even comes close to comparing with the sparkle and beauty and color selection of real Swarovski crystals. Many other faceted beads are called “crystal”, but true crystal glass has a high lead content that gives it that extra shine.

Here are a couple of good sources for all the colors and styles of Swarovski crystals:

The Beadin’ Path
Many vintage and hard-to-find styles

Jewerly Supply
An amazing selection

Best Buy Beads
All the contemporary shapes and colors

Rainbows of Light
Incredible selection and organization

Create Your Style
Swarovski’s own site, with design ideas, a design tool, links to events and stores

Bead Stuff
Fabulous color and shape charts

Jerry Smith Beads
Charts and easy shopping

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Swarovski’s newest design competition is focused on letting nature be your muse. Here are the basics, and you can visit the Create Your Style website for all the details and a link to online registration.

Deadline, May 16, 2008

Water and a healthy environment have always been important issues for Swarovski since its foundation in 1895. Daniel Swarovski I was already an impassioned environmentalist who recognized the importance of maintaining the purity and sustainability of natural resources beyond the creation of perfect precision-cut crystals. He saw nature as the perfect designer – as well as an inexhaustible source of ideas.
Today, Swarovski enthusiastically supports international environmental projects and draws inspiration for its designs from nature.

Be naturally inspired and enter our 2008 Design contest!

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I think these are totally gorgeous! Even if I don’t get around to making them in time for New Year’s, they’re definitely on my list for very very soon! Just in case I have an elegant occasion or two that I have to attend. Like, I don’t know, maybe the birth of my first grandchild…?

That’s right! For those of you I haven’t told yet, my son and his wife are in the process of creating a brand new little Green Bay Packer! I’m so excited! They are due on their first anniversary, which I think makes it even more cute.

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Post from: Jewelry and Beading

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

I received some gorgeous Swarovski crystal butterfly beads fro Jerry Smith Beads – www.jsbeads.com – and was inspired to make a complete set.

Pictured above is the Rainbow Crystal Butterfly Bead Bracelet. I’ve also made a pair of matching earrings and a matching necklace, which is adjustable.

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They have some gorgeous beaded crystal bags on their site if you want to dream a little today.

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I know for me, since my dad had a mild heart attack last year, I’ve come to realized it was time to get my act together. I’ve sent away for the pin, and I’ve also started blogging about my attempt to get into some kind of decent shape.

Post from: Jewelry and Beading

• BeadBabe.Com allows you combine a vast majority of our items to reach volume discounts including sterling silver, Czech beads, silver wire, beading supplies and beads of nearly every origin. We have now added high value Swarovski Crystals. When your net discountable order reaches $250, you will have reached the 50% discount level. Discounts are calculated automatically in the shopping cart.

Now, $250 does sound like a lot of money, especially if you figure you are buying just crystals and not any other supplies. However, if you know of some other beaders this is a good opportunity to buy together in bulk. That way everyone gets in on the deal and you can more easily reach the min. order requirement.

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