Jewelry by Jessica is offering a new free video and pdf tutorial for making this vibrant plastic flower pin:
This is a really cool design that you could use for all kinds of things, with a little imagination.
The pdf includes a template, step by step instructions, and photos. (And all for free!)
Thanks, Jessica!
(If you like the looks of this project, also check out Planet June’s Shrink Plastic Ring Tutorial.)
de Cor’s Handmades on Etsy is offering detailed tutorials for making two styles of elaborate wirework earrings. The pair above - Love Knot PIPA Earrings - combines Chinese knotting techniques with wirework for a truly unique look.
The design below - Layer-coiled CrystalPearls Earrings - uses wire binding knot and multi-layer coil techniques. (It’s really interesting to see the results you can achieve combining knots with wire.)
Each tutorial is available for $9.95 and includes lots of photos (58 in one and 69 in the other!). Consider giving one a try if you’re looking to improve your wire-weaving skills this year.
If you subscribe to Art Jewelry Magazine, don’t forget that you have access to “user downloads” on its website. (I had forgotten, which is why I’m posting about them now.)
This week, the download is a project - specifically, this sweet little metal clay envelope pendant by Elaine Luther:
If you’re not a subscriber and would like to subscribe, click here. To access the download page, with all available subscriber downloads, click here instead.
(Hm . . . I just realized that I haven’t written a review of Art Jewelry Magazine yet, even though I’ve been a subscriber for quite a while. I’ll put that on my calendar for BellaOnline.com Jewelry Making, and update this post with a link soon.)
Speaking of beads (which I’ve been doing a lot of lately), here’s something else I recently discovered online at onlyhangers.com: Glamhangers.
According to the supplier:
“Glamhanger” is a new generation of hanger. It transforms a typical way of displaying clothes into a decorative art form. Glamhanger is based on a French decorative concept, which can be described as original, sophisticated and chic. Glamhanger expresses originality into all closets and adds style and glamour to your clothing collection. Glamhangers are as durable as they are beautiful . . . . Glamhanger: The creativity to change an ordinary object into a must-have decorative tangible, the hanger becomes a jewel!
I believe these are beaded hangers! How funky and cool. If I owned a clothing boutique I’d definitely give these a try. Of course, you can use them to glam up your own closet, too. (Why not? You’re in there every day.)
As far as making your own version of a beaded hanger - that would be a bit of a challenge. You would need a strong metal frame, and beads with holes large enough to fit over them.
If you have you own ideas for dressing up hangers, with beads or otherwise, please share!
Lately I’ve been on a quest for a Moroccan style hanging lamp, but I haven’t found just the right one for my space. However I did find some amazing bead fringe lamps on a site called Wunderly.
The tops are intricately pierced brass, and the fringes are long and striking. Some models are even tiered for a sort-of refined waterfall effect. (Wow.)
The process for making beaded fringe is pretty straightforward, but it’s also time-consuming - especially on this scale. I’d be interested to know how many hours each piece takes to complete.
Here’s some stunning Wunderly inventory:
(Inspired?)
