Technique Tuesday!
This is a really handy little stitch, very easy to do once you get the first couple of rounds started. I like to use two different colors of beads, but you can do it all with one color if you’d prefer. This is a woven stitch that you will create in your hands and then attach to your embroidered or woven bead work later.

All you will need are seed beads, a beading needle, and Nymo thread.  I usually make tendrils with size 11/0 beads, but my process photos show you the stitch done in size 8/0s so that it’s …read more

Technique Tuesday!
Over the years that I’ve been working with beads, I’ve complied some pretty extensive lists of  various Suppliers that I’ve found to be reliable and good to deal with.  I’d love to hear if you’ve got any suggestions to add

Complete list of links

Here’s a few close up detail shots of the necklace I finished last week.  I thought some process shots would help:

Technique Tuesday!

I spent some time looking back over the Jewelry & Beading blog, and I decided that it was way past time to update our list of all the posts that will give you the basic info you need to get started in beading and jewelry-making. Tammy Powley, who was the original editor of this blog, provided an absolute treasure trove of tutorials and information. I’ve attempted to pick up where Tammy left off and have added my own 2-cents worth.
Complete list of links

Artist: Ling-Yen Jones
Website: Ling-Yen designs
I am a Northern Californian jeweler working mainly in silver, semi-precious stones, and pearls. My style ranges from the traditional to the modern, and is completely unique. All of my pieces are individually handmade, are therefore one-of-a-kind or in small series with repeating motifs.
My training is with David Laplantz at Humboldt State University, and various Mendocino Art Center workshops and assistantships.   I have curated and exhibited in several shows in the past. I also have shown in the Pacific Grove Art Center, and the Mendocino Art Center. I am featured in the …read more

Celtic
Hasn’t this been a great month of seed bead art so far?  I hope that it’s inspiring you to dig out those little treasures and give it a go.  In case your stash is running low, or you need some new idea or instructions, here are some great links from our own archives that may help you out:
The Best Seed Bead Books
The Best Online Instruction
Seed Bead Suppliers

Technique Tuesday

Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to go somewhere to take a class. There’s so much to be said for classes…being able to see the technique demonstrated, being able to ask questions, mixing and mingling and meeting new people. It’s all good. But it just doesn’t work out for everyone.
Fortunately, there is the internet!
There are three categories of posts on this very blog that will lead you to lots of techniques, tips, tutorials, and fun new projects to try. There are also lots of new sources that I’ll be adding to these categories pretty regularly.
The Basics …read more

Technique Tuesday

All the Daughters of Eve
I’m going to be tantalizing you with lots of beautiful handmade beads this month (stay tuned for tomorrow’s post!), and so I thought it might be a good idea to remind you that we’ve got a treasure trove of links on making your own beads. Every year, I like to add to my personal repertoire of techniques, so if you are in agreement that that’s a good way to keep your designs interesting and fresh, check out all the different types of beads that you could learn to make for yourself!

What’s Up Wednesday

I have a permanent page on Jewelry & Beading that I add to from time to time. It lists the books that I consider to be the best of the best in many different beading and jewelry making categories. It’s called simply The Library! You can always find it by looking in the right-hand sidebar under the heading Pages.

Near the top of the right-hand sidebar is a link to several “Pages”. One is a list which will be updated as we go, of various Suppliers that I’ve found to be reliable and good to deal with. Here’s what we’ve got there so far:
Seed bead suppliers
Vintage bead suppliers
Czech glass bead suppliers
Gemstone bead suppliers
Antique and trade bead suppliers
Full-service catalog suppliers
Venetian and Murano glass bead suppliers
Metal bead suppliers