As we know beads are made out of various materials(glass,wood,metal,stone,paper,shell,pearl, plastic,acrylic,fibers and perhaps some I’ve missed). And now resin beads are popular. I find them interesting when creating my handmade beaded jewelry. They come in geometric shapes, many have that see through effect, their durable and can make interesting and dramatic statements when paired with other bead making materials.Click on image to enlarge.
The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, she/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that can
be seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing.
Buying handmade is better for people.
The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. We are encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own culture. Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.
Buying handmade is better for the environment.
The accumulating environmental effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming and the poisoning of our air, water and soil. Every item you make or purchase from a small-scale independent artist or crafter strikes a small blow to the forces of mass production.
As a beader when I think of crystals I get goose bumps. Crystals are available in just about every color, shape and size. Crystals are very versatile and can be use in a variety of design styles. They add a stunning glow and sparkle to any beaded design. I especially love swarovski crystals, these are top of the line crystals, well known for their quality and shine. I incorporate swarovski crystals in 90% of my designs. With the holidays coming up consider crystal jewelry. You’ll find swarovski crystals in many designs at www.giftedhands.us
With the holidays around the corner, jewelry is the perfect gift for someone special. Shop at www.giftedhands.us for that special someone. Click on image to enlarge.
Wood is a very versatile medium. I especially like it when it’s used in jewelry. Wood beads are great to work with. These days they come in a variety of shapes and vibrant colors. I love using them in my handmade beaded jewelry.
Swarovski crystal is top of the line crystal. It’s like the Mercedes Benz of crystal. I just love it I tend to incorporate it in most of my jewelry. It has such shine and glitter that it makes a piece of jewelry stand out. You can create elegant, elaborate pieces or simple, casual pieces. Depending on what you use in combination with your swarovski crystals, you can create a piece in which you can dress up or down. With casual wear or with more dressed up or formal wear. This piece was created mostly with swarovski crystals but cats eye glass beads and a large resin bead was used as a focal point. This color combination is also hot for the fall season.
We all expect to see those warm jewel tones as the summer ends, and we expect the cool fall colors of fall and winter. But guess what? Some of those warm colors will be a must have for the Fall and winter. A lot of ladies love the color blue, it’s a must for your jewelry wardrobe. It remains a hot color for the 2007-2008 Fall season. So sapphire, aquamarine, blue topaz, should definitely be part of your jewelry wardrobe. The pinks and purples will also be back this fall. Try pink topaz and amethyst. I’m also seeing combinations of orange and blue, gray and yellow and browns,taupe and beige. These combinations are being used not only in jewelry but in accessories, bags, and home decor. PINK can be very dramatic, fun and sassy. It has become one of my favorite colors.
More people today than ever before are able to afford the luxury of jewelry. Consider some of these historical facts about jewelry:
. Styles of jewelry and the materials of which it’s made vary from culture to culture.
. Social orders,religious customs, and the availability of raw materials play a large part
in the types of jewelry made.
. Everything from wood and clay to seashells and feathers has been used for personal
adornment through the ages.
Jewelry as Protection
Since the beginning of time people have tried to control their fate or destiny by assigning
special powers to all types of objects. They carried these objects around with them. Objects
such as stones and small images crafted of wood or clay. They would attach these items to
a piece of leather or vine and wear them around their neck or wrist. Such jewelry worn
because of it’s “special powers” is called amuletic jewelry.
Today people identify themselves with their beliefs by wearing different styles of crosses,
crystals, gemstones and occult symbols.
Opal. Ancient Romans believed opals fell from heaven during flashes of lightning. Opals
were the symbol of hope and purity for them.
Ruby. People thought rubies brought success, health, and wisdom in love to those who wore them.
Jewelry to Designate Rank and Authority
Social jewelry, developed through the social orders of many cultures in which jewelry was worn to designate
rank or authority among it’s members. Example of social jewelry is the crown jewels of England. The
underlying principle of both amuletic and social jewelry is-POWER
Jewelry is many times given to individuals as a reward for some accomplishment.
For example, the Super Bowl ring given to the winning team as a symbol of victory.
IT’S GREAT TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH SOME OF THE HISTORY AS IT GIVES ME A BETTER APPRECIATION OF WHAT I LOVE- JEWELRY
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Wood beads have been around awhile. I think they make beautiful and many times unique necklaces. You can mix them with other mediums, and it makes a dazzling statement.
In 1952, the official list of birthstones was established upon approval by the American National Retail Jewelers Association,National Jewelers Association, and the American Gem Society. I do use some of these stones in my jewelry so I thought I would provide the list as a reference.
January Garnet
February Amethyst
March Bloodstone or Aquamarine
April Diamond
May Emerald
June Pearl or Moonstone
July Ruby
August Sardonyx or Peridot
September Sapphire or Lapis Lazuli
October Opal or Pink Tourmaline
November Topaz or Citrine
December Turquoise or Zircon, new is Tanzanite
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