I made this and now I’m not sure about it. I like the design and the colors, but seeing it in a picture, I’m wondering if this should be a multi-strand necklace to help balance the size of the pendant. Suggestions are welcome.
Aventurine, serpentine, amethyst, and copper. As usual, I got them from Szarka.
I’ve got my new beads (along with the old) layed out on the table in the studio so I can grab a project and go. I do have to keep the table covered to keep Klepto Kitty away. She likes to make off with my supplies. This isn’t all I own of course. I’ve managed to fill up the apothecary quite a bit.
Undyed rose quartz, ametyst, and a flourite pendant from Szarka. Pewter beads, sterling findings. This picture does not do it justice. I may have to hide this one from my customers!
Total of 8 pairs in this series. Button and charm wired onto a swirl paper clip. Photo shows front and back.
So even though I dropped a wad of cash on gemstones last weekend at the Grapevine Renaissance Bead Market, so far I’ve shunned them in favor of the cuteness of swirly paper clips, charms, and buttons.
Well I just one-upped those studios on Rate My Space! My most awesome brother and sister-in-law bought me the most awesome present for my birthday and Christmas combined. This is something I’ve wanted my whole life, so I feel pretty special receiving such a gift.
This is an almost 6×4x2ft Chinese apothecary chest with 45 divided drawers. Lotsa space for BEADZ! I can open a bead store now!
Getting it home and into my studio was a major ordeal and required another major studio overhaul. I removed these two grey cabinets and moved the roll top desk in their place. I then put the apothecary where the desk was. The back of it is beautiful too, and that’s the first thing you see when you come in our apartment.
I want to sell the desk and get a bookcase for that spot, as the desk is too wide. I need book space as opposed to drawer space now. I also need to make a trip to Ikea! Now the rest of my furniture looks cheap and old, lol!
We each received a packet of beads from the Yahoo group, with directions to create something with it and wire. I grabbed some copper wire from my scrap bin, some chain, and a sink strainer, and got to work. I’m pretty pleased with the results. The other folks did a great job too.
I tried my hand at making paper beads a long time ago with magazine pages. There used to be a special tool on the market, but it’s not being made any more. So at the time, I just rolled my beads around a toothpick. It was difficult and messy, and I gave up. But I saved all that paper!
Fast forward 15 years, and thanks to the power of Twitter, I learned of a female entrepreneur with a new paper bead tool for sale. I ordered it, and have been cranking out beads. It’s called The Paper Bead Roller. The slot in the tool helps control the paper. You also get consistent 1/8″ holes in your beads, which is great for heavier gauge wire.
I’ve seen quilling tools in the store, but they are only 3/16″ wide. The Paper Bead Roller is 1-1/4″ long for a greater variety of bead size.
So if you’re interested in making paper beads, I highly recommend The Paper Bead Roller, which I hear is going to be carried by Fire Mountain Gems.
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