The Beautiful Handmade Beaded Bracelets
Posted on | August 25, 2007
Making jewelry with beads has become very popular. You can basically make whatever you like, in whichever style you like and in whatever colors you select. Every creation is unique. But if you are just a beginner, making a beaded bracelet might be a bit difficult. There are many things which you have to keep in mind while making a bracelet.
The first step is to get the required tools and materials needed for making bracelets. Many good craft shops have a large range of basic tools you will require, so you can get wires fasteners and string, and they are most likely to have a large range of beads for you to select.
If you are inclined to do something a little more complex, you may find your craft shops stock a bit limited, then you will have to go to a dedicated beading shop. But beware; it is not easy to get out of these stores without being attracted to many qualities of bead and spending much more than what you had initially planned. Beading stores are a little costlier than craft shops but the advantage is that you get a large range of beads of all colors, shapes and styles. You will also discover that the salesmen/women are also beading enthusiasts and will give you lot of helpful advice.
As far as tools are concerned start with basics and increase your collection slowly and steadily. You don’t require every tool on day one, but you will know that wire cutters, jewelry pliers and a good pair of craft scissors are always needed. So buy them first.
You will need to decide what type of material you want to string your bead on. If you have already selected the beads, think about the colors you would like to use. One of the simplest string materials is stretch or elastic string. You just tie a knot on one end and start slipping the beads on in order and finish it with a knot and perhaps a drop of glue to keep the knot in place, and you are done. You may also utilize a beading string for this type of bracelet.
If you wish your bracelet to be a bit stronger and stiffer then you should use a beading wire. It is still relatively flexible and gets you a nice finish. If you wish to make a solid bracelet then you need to utilize regular wire, which will give a chain effect if that is what you have in mind.
Children very often find it appealing to thread beads on to hemp material or leather. You will require larger size beads for this type of bracelet. It may be a simple way for a child to make gift for a friend. Hemp is suitable for making jewelry with an earthly look to it.
The final step is to select the type of clasp or fastener you wish for your bracelet, you may just tie the two ends together if you have used a elastic or beading string, but if you wish to make it attractive and durable then you need a proper clasp.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deepak_Master_Kumar
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How To Make A Beautiful Rosary Bracelet With Premium Furnace Glass Beads
Posted on | June 28, 2007
By Sheri Hill
We all have a vice. Mine happens to be this habit of buying every pretty bead I see. My very favorite beads are the blown furnace cane glass beads…particularly from US artists Mingo & Asho and David Christensen. They are positively stunning! I have now found a way to use the chub style furnace beads to make a rosary bracelet.
If you are not familiar with a rosary bracelet, or how to pray with a rosary bracelet, it consists of 11 beads, rather than the traditional 59 of a full rosary. The singled out bead is the Our Father bead, and the other 10 are for the decade of Hail Mary prayers. A rosary bracelet is a convenient way to carry your rosary with you, and is also an excellent conversation starter to share your faith.
To make an easy and beautiful furnace glass rosary bracelet you will need the following supplies:
10 FURNACE GLASS CHUBS
1 LARGE FURNACE GLASS CHUB
28* 4mm SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS
1 BUTTON CLASP
1 SMALL CRUCIFIX (with jump or split ring for hanging)
1 SMALL MIRACULOUS MEDAL (also with jump or split ring) (OR SAINT MEDAL OF CHOICE) 2 SILVER CRIMP BEADS
SOFTFLEX BEADING WIRE, MEDIUM STRENGTH
CRIMPING PLIERS
SCISSORS
*May vary depending on size of chubs and size of bracelet you are making.
Directions: Decide the length of your bracelet, and trim your beading wire, leaving enough for tying off at end. Add male end of clasp and secure with crimp bead. String in this order: 3 crystals, large furnace chub, 2 crystals, crucifix, 1 crystal, medal, 1 crystal, chub, 2 crystals, chub, 2 crystals chub…repeat this until you string last chub. String 3 crystals (or more if you need a bit longer). Add female end of clasp and secure with crimp bead.
Please visit my website for a picture of a finished bracelet, and links for bead supplies, magazines, and business software to help you make money with your bead projects.
Have a wonderful day!
Sheri Hill is a stay at home mother of three and a self-proclaimed bead enthusiast. Having recently joined the Catholic Church at he age of 41, she loves to share her faith with others.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheri_Hill
Technorati Tags: beads, bracelet, furnace, glass beadsComments
Aperture Cards - Send Something A Little Different
Posted on | June 21, 2007
Although every hand made card has its own style and unique qualities sometimes it is nice to try something new and a little different.
When making my own handmade cards I tend to use decoupage because I can sit and watch TV one night and do all the cutting out and piecing the decoupage together then the next night I can make the cards up.
I recently started to have a look at aperture cards and found that they can be extremely versatile and you can really come up with some interesting and varied ideas.
An aperture card is a card that has a template cut out of it. These designs can be as simple or as complex as you like.
You can create your own aperture cards by cutting the aperture yourself however if you are new to card making I would start off by purchasing some ready made aperture cards and have a few practice runs to see what you can come up with.
One of the most effective ways of making an aperture card interact is by turning it into a shaker card.
Step 1 - turn the aperture card over so you are looking at the back of the card. Place double sided tape around the template or simply cover all sides of the card. You will then need to place acetate over the back of the card securing it with the tape you have just attached.
Step 2 - carefully place 3d foam all around the aperture, take care not to leave any gaps or the contents will fall out.
Step 3 - removed the backs of the foam pads, although you may think this is looking messy and unattractive don’t worry this will all be hidden. Gently pour glitter, confetti or very small beads into the cavity you have just created.
BIG TIP - you will not need to add many beads or glitter, remember you need enough space for them to move around giving the ’shaker’ effect. This is something you will be able to judge better once you have created a few aperture cards.
Step 4 - fold over the extra piece of card making sure that it is the correct side so the card opens the right way, a beginner may find marking this side with an x before you begin helpful
Step 5 - turn the card over and admire what you have created. You can decorate the front of your card as normal.
When I first started to make aperture cards I would look at the card and think what can I do with this but after a while you will get ideas and come up with some wonderful new ways to make exciting cards.
Once you have mastered it you can then have a go at designing your own aperture cards.
Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in Card Making Ideas providing you with excellent tips and ideas for Scrap Booking and Aperture Cards including where to find the best bargains.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vicki_Churchill
Technorati Tags: acetate, aperture card, aperture cards, beads, confetti, decoupage, double sided tape, foam pads, glitter, handmade cards, making sure that, most effective ways, shaker cardComments
Making Beaded Jewelry Is Easy to Do
Posted on | May 30, 2007
By Sam Serio
Making beaded jewelry is an inexpensive and fun hobby that nearly anyone can do. The materials needed are readily accessible and cost very little money. Aside from the requisite thread, needle and the beads, there are also some other materials that the hobbyist can use in making beaded jewelry. Hobbyists can also experiment with various beading techniques to make interesting and unique creations.
There are several techniques involved in making beaded jewelry. Stringing is one, and wire-working with beads is another. Various types of string are available: cords, plastic, twine. Additionally, silk and nylon threads can also be utilized in making beaded jewelry. Using hemp fiber in beaded jewelry making is a nice touch – it makes for an unusual product and would also be a great topic for conversation. Wire of various thicknesses is another popular option. Additionally, wire is used to make beaded jewelry items such as necklaces, hairpins and earrings, and to attach clasps.
Beads for jewelry come in all shapes and forms as well. In spite of beaded jewelry’s reputation for being inexpensive, a person can also use precious gemstones like pearls and precious metals, such as gold and silver, to make beaded dress accessories. For beginners, however, less costly materials are widely available for making beaded jewelry: glass, crystal, coral, to name a few. Whatever materials the artist uses, he or she is easily able to customize the type of beaded jewelry to be worn personally, given as a gift, or sold to beaded jewelry enthusiasts.
To enhance the overall visual effect of the beads, a number of knotting and stitching techniques are recommended. There are simple knots and stitches for beginners, and with practice, they will be able to progress to the more complicated and fancier methods used in making beaded jewelry. It’s interesting to note that knots have mystical connotations in some cultures. For some East Indians, knots can be used to curse a person. In Gypsy lore, it is important to untie knots in the clothing of a woman in childbirth. And the expression ‘tying the knot’ derives from the ancient Romans, when the groom would untie the knots of his bride’s girdle before consummating the marriage. In which case, it should be ‘untying the knot.’
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Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.†This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Serio |








