black coral jewelry: June 2011

Russian Spiral and some Sculptural Peyote

I was browsing around some beading blogs again and had took a few looks back at some that I've already seen, and I peaked over at Operation Tackle That Bead Stash again and noticed that she arrange a monthly challenge that really got me into the mood for applying. Never signed up for something like that before and thought, hey, why not give it a try :P

And those amazing beading fares that I've been reading about and only seen on pictures doesn't seem to be that popular in Belgium. Yeh, moments like that you really wish you lived in the states or in UK ^^;

I've been stacking up on a bunch of blue beads in different shades since the new year, but I haven't really used them for anything until now.

I tend to buy my beads depending on how pretty they look, LOL x)
Well, some girls can't get enough of shiny stuff, specially if it means that you can do something with 'em and touch 'em, hah. I guess I learned what a "beadaholic" is now.

Speaking of which, if you already haven't, you should take a look at Beadaholique's Webshop, they have a lot of nice supplies. I normally buy some of my stuff from there, specially when it comes to tools and Swarovski crystals. I don't buy from their original store cause I get extra taxes since they're located in U.S and I'm in Europe. So I use their store at Amazon.co.uk since they have a store there as well :)

For my latest piece, this lil' necklace; I used 11/0 seed beads and 9/0 seed beads. I used the russian spiral stitch to make the chain and sculptural peyote stitch to make the pendant. And then I added some embellishments here and there.

White Gold vs Platinum Jewelry 2014

Is there a difference between White Gold versus Platinum Jewelry? Yes!

First big difference is the cost (price) you will usually asset that platinum jewelry 2014 is major relevant and more expensive than white gold jewelry items. This is rightful esteem part to the pure consistency of the platinum metal impact appendage to the preciousness of the metal itself and accountability in the manufacturing process.

White Gold vs Platinum Jewelry 2014

This two metals are mostly used in engagement rings, and both are durable enough to withstand years of wear. But when not rhodium plated, gold white is a kind of yellowish and platinum is more grayish in color.

Next picture will show you the real differences with the metal color, discolor, durability, jewels hardness, esteem, rarity, skin reaction and the price of White Gold jewels and Platinum.

White Gold vs Platinum Jewels

White gold is a lot whiter and shinier then platinum. The 14k gold is more white and is better than 18K, but if you have extra money that you can spend for really nice jewelry buy the best and top - 950 Platinum.

Two Rings a Week: Mizu

I had a look at Operation Tackle That Bead Stash! blog and saw this tutorial on these cute rings and decided that I should try it out. You can go directly to the tutorial by clicking here.

I used 11/0 seed beads in turquoise and galvanized silver, and 3 6mm glass beads. And as you can see, I made two variations of it. I used a black nymo thread for the right one, and a crystal FireLine for the left one.
Had some minor problems with the fitting, and getting the right size for 'em tho. I still don't have a ring mandrel. I just ordered one tho! \o/ So I'm sitting and waiting for it to arrive at the post office :)

Latest project

I got really in love with the circular brick stitch and I wanted to try out something with a few 6mm fire polished alexandrite glass beads that I purchased a while ago. Then I added together some purple and amethyst colored seed beads and some bugle beads in a matching color that I had laying around.

I got really attached to the result and decided that I'm gonna make a necklace with a few of these pieces. Just still pondering what sort of chain I will combine with them :)

Missed the buss...

Well, what do you do when you're bound to buses, trains or whatever? I go shopping until the next one leaves :P

I have to change bus two times every day, and sometimes the traffic gets rather busy, and my first bus gets stuck in a traffic line, which normally results to the point that I miss my second. My second buss only goes one time each hour, and at that point I get really, really bored.

I tend to pop over to the only store that have some sort of jewelry making stuff. They are rather expensive so I don't go there that often, only for some supplies that I really want to look at and feel in person before I buy them, rather then looking at a photo. A picture doesn't really tell everything a bout a product, specially not about beads, and when you get your order you can either be thrilled or just disappointed.

Well, yesterday I ended up in a traffic line and got stuck. And I went to just that store and picked up some pretties. A few 8mm, 6mm and 4mm glass pearls, and I also bought some embroidery crystals on 7mm.

Two Rings a Week: Summer

So I decided to do something with peyote stitch. And I decided on a little more simple ring, a thumb ring in fact, since I decided to make it a little bit higher.

With this ring, I also wanted to try to play with some color gradients, and noticed the blue-green-yellow colors that I had in my beading boxes.

I also added an edge with galvanized silver beads for some contrast. I only used 11/0 seed beads to make this.

Two Rings a Week: RAW square

Took my time to chill out a little bit this weekend after a rather stressy and annoying week. But I still got time to finish up two rings that I made using Right Angle Weave (RAW).

I actually found this neat ring pattern on a blog, in french. At that moment I kinda muttered and cursed to myself for not being able to study french when I went to school, even tho I wanted to - wasn't enough students that were interested in it = no class *mutters*

Anyhow, this woman has some other really neat patterns on her blog, all in french, but the diagrams are really easy to understand. If you wanna check out her blog, click HERE.

So I made two different rings with this pattern simply cause I wanted to see if I understood it. And also cause I wanted some more color variation. Bah, my stack with 8/0's aren't that huge...

Anyhow. I used 11/0 and 8/0 seed beads and also a couple of 4mm glass pearls and beads. And the other half of the ring on both pieces are made with uneven peyote stitch.

June 20, 2011 News for Diamonds

Diamonds and pearls: Quick change Jennifer Lopez steps out in two bejewelled outfits - Daily Mail

The 41-year-old stepped out in two outfits that were equally bedazzled. First up Jennifer emerged from her hotel in a grey tunic garland with tiny silver and gold sequins which resembled diamonds. She opted for trousers rather than a skirt, slipping her ...

Publ.Date : 2011-06-15T10:07:14Z

Diamonds aim to put a curse on Devils - Sunday Sun

AFTER yet another rain-off at Plymouth on Friday night, the Newcastle Sapphire Engineering Diamonds and the Devils hope to stage the return fixture at Brough Park tonight (6.30). Both sides are without their top riders due to injury. Former Diamonds ...

Publ.Date : 2011-06-19T08:22:16Z

Diamonds hoping to get home today - Newstalk ZB

The remainder of the Australian netball team looks like finally getting home today having been stranded in Auckland since Sunday's test against the Silver Ferns. The Diamonds have been left waiting for a flight home because of the travel disruption caused ...

Publ.Date : 2011-06-15T08:05:33Z

Dodgers dodge loss in rematch with Diamonds - News-Herald.net

They met earlier in the season and the Dodgers had their way, winning 7-0 over the Diamonds. The 10-13 year-old girls softball tournament game rematch Saturday at Eaton Ruritan Park was a much closer contest. The Dodgers knew their opponents had improved ...

Publ.Date : 2011-06-15T19:04:06Z

Mugabe vows to defy rules on 'blood diamonds' - WA today

ZIMBABWEAN president Robert Mugabe has promised to sell diamonds from his country's controversial Marange mine ''sanctions or no sanctions'', and the country that would be his biggest customer, India, is being urged by the industry there to buy Zimbabwe ...

Publ.Date : 2011-06-19T17:33:28Z

Two Rings a Week: Ashes

Alright, so I decided to get myself busy with having to goal of making at least two rings a week just for fun and also to try out some different techniques.

I made this one using circular brick stitch and herringbone stitch.

I've been having these 3 8mm round Swarovski crystals laying around, and didn't know what I could use it for until I actually saw a few beading embellishments with just this technique around the internet while I was browsing through websites. So I decided to try it out by making a ring of it.

I also did some smaller fringing just to get some more texture to it. I found that I looked a little too flat at the beginning.

11/0 and 15/0 seed beads are what I used to make this lil' thing. Also the gold beads are galvanized.
I bought once just gold plated and silver plated beads, I quickly noticed how the color began falling off the during the time I was beading and keeping my bead work tightly in my hands.

Cell Phone Charms

So I've bought these little cell phone charm keepers since a while ago, thinking, hey, maybe I should actually try making my own charms for my phone since I've never really liked the ones they have for sell at the store (MOSTLY!).

Anyhow. I've fallen in love with these beaded beads and I kinda came up with the silly idea of attaching one in one of them cellphone charm keepers I had. And violá!

I didn't know I was the only one that was going to actually like 'em. But when some of my colleges in the course I'm taking saw it they began asking a bunch of stuff and saying how cute it was etc :P
And I suddenly got a request if I could make one for her in grey and white, so ofc I agreed!

Sterling Silver Jewelries

925 Sterling Silver Jewelries 2014

Every woman needs more and more fashion accessories. They really are the most classic piece of jewelry and can never go wrong be it for a wedding, a date or just a walk in the park.

Sterling Silver Jewelry 2014

The sterling silver jewels necklaces are designed with silver metal. There are difference types in the necklaces. There are simple necklaces with a simple chain and a pendent, little designed necklaces and heavily designed necklaces. The designs of the jewelries changes as the time changes even every month. The cheap costs of the 925 silver jewelries are affordable. This is the reason that the white shiny metal is more used than the white gold. Many women’s who are crazy for the jewelries does not look at the prices. The designers work is to design more silver jewelry with different designs and release them in the market.

Impossibly trendy jewelry 2014 like face piercings and navel rings, anklets, bangles, bracelets, brooches, earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings even watches. Sure they look super cool and trendy when you are in school, college, work, date or go out.

Jewelry 2014 Summer

Jewelry 2014 Summer

What are the top fashion trends in Summer Jewelry 2014?
The subtle differences in color are important to capture for your fashion designs to look and feel updated, no-matter what materials are the jewels made from - silver, gold, white gold, platinum, titanium, gemstones or diamonds. Color palettes that will be strong for summer are black and white, blue and green, brown and coral, white on white. So not earth shattering news here. However, by using indigo blue and green, adding bright orange to coral, and mixing white with burnished metals, and black with artisan textures, you will find these basic color palettes to look brand new. Best selling color fashion jewelry for summer 2013 is usually a rich mix of tones, finishes, and textures. Vary your hues, and mix transparent, opaque, metallic, and matte beads into your Designs. Opt for these stylish jewelry designs to explore the many sides of similar almost all casual chic outfit appropriate accessories. Choose some of the most faddish pieces of the complete summer 2014 collection and make sure you embed it into a spotless look. It is a summer 2013, perfect season for beach vacations and to wear your beach jewelry.

Summer Jewelry 2014

Summer Jewelry 2014

This picture is a example of tips for success in creating a fabulous jewelry collection for summer 2014.

Every season some jewels trends things change and some things stay the same. Defining what aspects of your collection to continue and which to renew and refresh is the daily challenge of professional jewelry designers and jewelers.

Beaded Beads

Sat up last night and a gave it another hours earlier this noon and did some beaded beads out of 4mm glass pearls and some galvanized11/0 silver seed beads and a nylon thread.

I haven't really tried the "cross technique" before (crossing the thread or needles at one bead), and I kinda wanted to try it at some point after seeing it around a few times.

My problem was tho that I don't really have a store close by, that sells materials for jewelry making, but the closest one is in another city; I live in a smaller town with barely any stores at all. And I didn't make an order on Amazon (where I mainly get my supplies from) for only some nylon thread :P

Anyway, I find this method rather fun, and there should be some simple tutorials out there if anyone is interested; Da inet is BIG x)

The Crow & the Butterfly

I've always been a bit of a fan of the St. Petersburg chain, and felt that I wanted to try making a choker like necklace with a fringe.

I made a pattern like way on the fringing. I kinda wanted them to increase the closer they ended up to the middle of the necklace. I used a mix of 11/0 seed beads, and a few 15/0 seed beads at the end of each fringe.
Towards the center I added a 4mm glass pearl just before the turn the the fringe, to add some more contrast in the whole piece.

I decided to add a chain for the bolt clasp, so it would be adjustable, depending on the neck size etc.

It took me about an hour to make the St. Petersburg chain, then about another 2 hours for the fringe.

Cubic Zircon

I took my time a few days ago to actually try out the nylon cowered wire that I bought last time. I've seen a few projects around here and there going on about wire and crimp tubes and I kinda wanted to try it out a while ago.

So I decided to put something smaller together with some of the leftovers I had, and with some of the stuff that I bought a while ago and didn't have a clue what to make with.

I put together two different pair of earrings, both featuring two different kinds of Cubic Zircon beads.

For the pink pair, in each unit I used 20 11/0 seed beads, 2 4mm swarovski bicones, 2 4mm round swarovski beads, and the center bead is a Cubic Zircon which is about 6mm long.

On the second pair I wanted to add the other Cubic Zircon beads (6x9mm) that I've had for quite a while now. I decided to add one of citrine gemstone beads (about 9-10mm in height) to get some contrast in the piece.
I do tend to mix color contrasts in my pieces, since I want something eye catching, depending on what it is, and these are rather small, and I wanted them still to be noticeable.
I also used two 4mm glass beads and 10 11/0 seed beads.
I did also add a small chainmail piece at the top of the earrings, that I made in silver-plated copper wire, and each jump-ring is 4mm.

Right Angle Weave

A ring with the same technique, with a 6mm and 2 4mm swarovski bicone beads.

Made these two bracelets with the right angle weave. 28 pieces of 4mm swarovski bicone beads and I used 11/0 seed beads for the complete bracelets.

Stringing and Square

So, I manged to finish up the bracelet I've been working on yesterday evening. I were just too tired to post it. And I was kinda waiting for the daylight to come, since I think you get the best light on a photo when using the natural daylight as a light source.
I haven't gotten my fingers out of my ass to make a lightbox yet :P

I got the inspiration for this piece from this photo, and I chose to use the colors from it.

I did this piece with a variation of square stitch and stringing. The toggle clasps is made by using peyote stitch. The bracelet sits nicely around the wrist and frames it.