See Jamie and Sara on Jewel School

Exciting news!!! Jewelry Television (JTV) has a program called Jewel School. Jamie Hogsett and I will be the guests on Jewel School for May 23 and 24. The show airs from 10am-12pm (EST). We will be showing some fun and unusual ways to use Soft Flex Beading wire, including knitting on a spool! We'll also be sharing our book, Show Your Colors!

Book Signing + Free Make-It-Take-It in Billings, MT on May 5!

I'm heading up to my hometown in Billings, Montana this coming weekend. I'm particularly excited about this signing because it will be at the very first bead store that whet my whistle for beading - The Bead Depot.

May 5 - 1pm-4pm
Bead Depot
Free Make-it-Take-its and Book Signing
2717 1st Ave North
Billings, MT 59101
www.bead-depot.com

Soft Flex Gallery Open House in Sonoma next Weekend!

Soft Flex Gallery Open House

Beads, beads, beads!

May 5 - 6, 2012
Saturday and Sunday
11am - 5pm

22678 Broadway, Suite 1
Sonoma, CA 95476
(Broadway is HWY12. Go down the long driveway. Turn right at stop sign.)

Bead Trends - May

It is always nice to see an article from Lori Anderson. We've often had her grace our website in the spotlight with her writing talents. I was pleased to see her Jewel School article in the May issue of Bead Trends. I say this not just because she was kind enough to photograph and feature our product but also because I think that she has a lot of great information to share. I captured only a small portion of the article in the picture above. You should really grab a full copy and read the entire article.

While you are at it, you can check out my latest design in the May issue of Bead Trends.

For more on my personal design work, check out my website www.SaraOJewelry.com.

BeadandButton Class: Crystal Tile Necklace

B121675 Crystal Tile Necklace
Nancy Cain
Fri. June 8 • 8:30am-4:00pm (with 1.5 hr. break) - (6 hours)

Level: Intermediate
Maximum Class Size: 18
Class Fee: $244.00

Description: This crystal-filled, three-dimensional tile component is the basis of three projects in one set of instructions. You’ll work on making the uniquely shaped regal necklace with rolling scrolls that frame the tile’s sides and support a crystal-filled, peek-a-boo netted strap. Instructions include a fabulous and comfortable cocktail ring with bling, plus a three-tiled jazzy bracelet. Once you learn the shadow box technique, you can design your own shape and size and fill it with just about anything.

Find out More!

Fashion Trends

Wear this Striped Tunic.
Make these Square Ear Wire Earrings.

 

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Book Signing at Ubeadquitous in Windsor, CA

Oh my, Ubeadquitous is such an adorable store. Jenny and I had so much fun paying the owner Alyx a visit. Although it was not too busy, we enjoyed our time in the store. It was especially exciting to have Julie and Tracy from TierraCast there.

Julie, Tracy, Me, Alyx

 Me, Jenny, Alyx

If you live in Northern California and get a chance, you should stop in Ubeadquitous and check it out. She has an excellent selection of beads and supplies. I was quite impressed.

UBEADQUITOUS

9111 Windsor Road 

Windsor, California 95492 

ubeadquitous@att.net

www.ubeadquitous.com

707.838.3953

Free DIY Beaded Bracelet Idea by Jamie Hogsett

Pink Tourmaline, Bone and Dark Blue Lapis are a classic color combination that's always been a favorite of mine. In this fun bracelet for spring, rings of beading wire in these colors (some with size 11 seed beads and some without) link together to great color-blocking effect.

 

The pretty gold filigree clasp is perfect for this color palette. Gold-filled crimp tubes keep the gold sheen present throughout the bracelet - an extra bit of sparkle is always a good thing!

Make up this bracelet in any color combination, using only cutters and crimping pliers.


Enjoy!



Blog contributor Jamie Hogsett is Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company and co-author, with Sara Oehler, of Show Your Colors. Please contact her at Jamie@softflexcompany.com.

Half Round Craft Wire - Available Now!

NEW! Soft Flex Half Round Craft Wire

Soft Flex® Half-Round Craft Wire is a semicircular wire with a flat surface on one side. Perfect for wire wrapping stones. The flat side of the wire grips and hugs surfaces better than round craft wire.

Soft Flex® Craft Wire is a high quality, permanently colored copper wire. It is resistant to scratching, peeling and marring. This is due to the special enameling process used to coat the wire to produce the wide spectrum of colors we offer. After the enamel is applied, the wire is then clear coated to prevent tarnishing. Bare Copper is the only wire in the line that is not treated. If antiques and old findings are your medium, Bare Copper will patina - perfect for making that new project look like an heirloom.

Quality Soft Flex® Craft Wire is 100% lead and nickel free. There are no other metals used in the wire production other than copper and fine silver. The temper of the wire is soft. It is firmer than similar wire products offered on the market, which are typically only available in dead soft and can't be tempered to half hard. We currently offer six of the most commonly used gauges in the jewelry industry and more are on the horizon. An exceptional design idea deserves a professional craft wire. 

Win A $50 Soft Flex Gift Certificate!

To play along, create an accessory using the color of the month (cabaret) as your main color, be sure to include Soft Flex beading wire in your design. Share your design on Facebook and tag Soft Flex Company! Only 10 days left!

Learn More!

BeadandButton Class: Twists and Tassels Necklace

B121064 Twists and Tassels Necklace
April Machan
Sun. June 10 • 9:00am-noon - (3 hours)

Level: All Levels
Maximum Class Size: 10
Class Fee: $130.00

Description: This remake of a vintage twisted seed bead necklace can be worn with the rope alone, the tassel alone, or the rope with the tassel, for three fun and classic looks. Make new friends in this class as one of the steps is best done with a partner. Combine seed beads, Swarovski crystals, and silver cones to make this conversation piece. Come and join the fun!

Find out More!

My Design on the Cover of BeadandButton June 2012

This was such a lovely but unexpected turn of events. My Russian spiral bangles are on the cover of BeadandButton Magazine. The design uses Soft Flex Beading Wire in .014. If you get a chance, pick up a copy and enjoy! If you'd like to keep track of all of my design work, you should check out my jewelry website.

www.SaraOJewelry.com

Follow Sara O on Facebook

Fashion Trends

Wear these Wedges.
Make that Fishy Bangle.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Color Inspiration by Kristen Fagan

Image by Romtomtom via flickr

 Items that match this color palette:

 GARNET SOFT FLEX WIRE

BLUE AND BLACK FACETED VINTAGE GLASS BEADS

CHRYSOCOLLA POLISHED OVALS

SILVER HOLLOW PLEATED OXIDIZED OVAL

GRADUATED YELLOW OYSTER SHELL RONDELLES

Blog contributor Kristen Fagan is the Website Graphic Designer for Soft Flex Company. She also has her own blog and etsy shop.  She'd love to hear from you! So, please feel free to leave comments or email her at Kristen@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Free DIY Beaded Necklace Idea by Jamie Hogsett

Here's an updated version of the Tranquility Necklace, made a few years ago when the original Trios wire sets debuted. This newer necklace has fewer beads and braided sections, for a lighter look and feel.
This necklace uses three different Czech glass beads, ranging in size from 5mm to 8x12mm; Soft Flex Beading Wire, .019 diameter, in Black Onyx, Tanzanite, and Butterscotch Imperial Topaz; and silver 2mm and 3mm crimp tubes.
The only tools you'll need to make your own are regular and Mighty crimping pliers, and wire cutters. Bead Stoppers help a lot too. Enjoy!


Blog contributor Jamie Hogsett is Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company and co-author, with Sara Oehler, of Show Your Colors. Please contact her at Jamie@softflexcompany.com.

Book Signing + Free Make-It-Take-It in Windsor, CA on April 22!

Northern Californians, it is your turn for a book signing. Come on down to Ubeadquitous on Sunday to make a free pair of Soft Flex earrings and check out the book that I co-authored with Jamie Hogsett, Show Your Colors!

April 22 - 1pm-4pm
UBEADQUITOUS
Free Make-it-Take-its and Book Signing
9111 Windsor Road
Windsor, California 95492
ubeadquitous@att.net
www.ubeadquitous.com
707.838.3953

Spotlight on... Judith Weingarden

Judith Weingarden

My mother taught me to knit when I was quite young, but around age 12, I learned to crochet and was instantly hooked! After many years of crocheting mostly yarmulkas with size 13 or 15 steel hooks and DMC-8 thread with intricate patterns and multiple colors (often called tapestry crochet) , I didn't do too much crocheting for many years...except for an afghan and a sweater for my husband. I continued to knit and crochet small things off and on, but between work and kids my hook time was pretty limited.

Read More!

Article - The Hottest Metals in Jewelry Right Now by Charlene Gary
Color by Margie Deeb - Jewelry Design: Emphasize Differences by Margie Deeb
Designer - Judith Weingarden
Book - A Bounty of Bead and Wire Earrings by Nathalie Mornu
Local Bead Group - Echo Creative Club
Bead Seller - Baubles and Beads

Soft Flex Class in Tucson on May 19, Milwaukee on June 6!

 In preparation for teaching my very first class at the BeadandButton Show in Milwaukee, I am going to teach my class early in Tucson on May 19th at Design and Adorn. This class is going to be very educational. I plan to cover all things Soft Flex and students will make the design shown above in their favorite color combination. The class fee is only $30, but all items for the project must be purchased separately from Design and Adorn. I am so excited!

May 19 - 11am-2pm
Design & Adorn
Soft Flex Class
Includes Bang Bang Bracelet from Show Your Colors
4630 E. Grant Road
Tucson, AZ  85712
$30 per student (kit not included)
www.designandadorn.com

 I will also be teaching this class at the BeadandButton Show in Milwaukee on June 6th. I still have a few seats open if you are free.

June 6 - 4pm-7pm
BeadAndButton Show
Soft Flex Company Presents: Bang Bang Bracelet from Show Your Colors
Frontier Airlines Center
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee WI 53203
www.beadandbuttonshow.com

Another Book Signing Come and Gone

Kristen, 

You are a gem for spending the Saturday afternoon helping me out at Bead World. Thank you! 

Love, Sara

 

Yesterday was another fun-filled day of sharing the new book that I co-authored with Jamie Hogsett, Show Your Colors. It is a joy to see people get excited about using colored beading wire. Yay!

My best friend Erin dropped in to spend a little time with me and to check out the book and my jewelry. It is really fun to see my friends and family discover or rediscover beading at the signings. Erin and I have always loved being creative together.

I have upcoming events and classes in Windsor, CA - Billings, MT - Phoenix, AZ - Tucson, AZ and Milwaukee, WI. You can find out more on my website - www.SaraOJewelry.com.

TODAY! Book Signing + Free Make-It-Take-It in Scottsdale, Arizona

April 14 - 12pm-3pm

Bead World

Free Make-it-Take-its and Book Signing

8764 E Shea Blvd

Scottsdale, AZ 85260

www.beadworldinc.com

BeadandButton Class: Shadowed Diamonds

Over the next few weeks, I am going to share some classes that still have open seats at the BeadandButton Show. If you are going, take a look and see if a class can fit into your schedule. If you aren't going, why not!? It is the biggest consumer bead show under one roof. This show is worth the time and investment. The classes are stellar!

B122000 Shadowed Diamonds
by Traci Otte
Sun. June 10 • 9:00am-noon - (3 hours)

Level: All Levels
Maximum Class Size: 15
Class Fee: $88.00

Description: Peanut beads are becoming all the rage! Create a cute geometric bracelet using these “double-layer” beads while learning charted, odd-count peyote techniques that will open up a whole world of possibilities. Even if you’ve never followed a chart before, this is the class for you. Students will learn how to read the chart row by row and how to translate the dots into stitches. Kits will be available in several colorways.Project will not be completed in class.

Find out More!

Fashion Trends

Wear that Floral Crossbody Bag.
Make these Paradise Drop Earrings.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Spotlight on... The Hottest Metals in Jewelry Right Now by Charlene Gary

The Hottest Metals in Jewelry Right Now
by Charlene Gary

I'm a metal girl. I like working with metal, playing with metal, melting metal or just making it turn colors. Silver is my favorite, as gold has been just too expensive. The price of silver has seen a 200% jump in the last couple years, and with precious metals at an all time high, what's a girl to do?

Read More!

 

Article - The Hottest Metals in Jewelry Right Now by Charlene Gary
Color by Margie Deeb -Jewelry Design: Emphasize Differences by Margie Deeb
Designer - Judith Weingarden
Book - A Bounty of Bead and Wire Earrings by Nathalie Mornu
Local Bead Group - Echo Creative Club
Bead Seller - Baubles and Beads 

Free DIY Colored Wire Bracelet Idea by Jamie Hogsett

Dark pink is one of the new crop of bright colors that's hot for Spring. Pink Tourmaline Soft Flex wire is exactly the right shade to be on trend too! This fun bracelet uses 3-strand spacer bars in a unique way to feature circles of colored beading wire.
The sterling silver spacers were connected end-to-end with circles of Pink Tourmaline wire and silver-filled crimp tubes. I then went back and added larger circles, in Pink Tourmaline and Purple Amethyst, to give the bracelet a bit more volume. If the holes in the spacer bars were large enough, I would've added a third ring of circles, but that's an idea for another project...
Sterling silver jump rings and a magnetic clasp are the only other materials needed to finish this bracelet. I can imagine it in many color palettes and even as a wrap bracelet. What color palette are you inspired to make?


Blog contributor Jamie Hogsett is Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company and co-author, with Sara Oehler, of Show Your Colors. Please contact her at Jamie@softflexcompany.com.

Book Signing + Free Make-It-Take-It in Scottsdale, AZ on Saturday, April 14!

April 14 - 12pm-3pm

Bead World

Free Make-it-Take-its and Book Signing

8764 E Shea Blvd

Scottsdale, AZ 85260

www.beadworldinc.com

My lovely co-worker Kristen Fagan will be on hand to help out at this event too. I'm positive that it is going to be a whole lot of fun and you don't want to miss it!

Shop Affordable Closeout Products 60% Off

There are some awesome deals in our closeout section. Everything on closeout is 60% off the retail price! If you have not dropped by lately to take a look, you should!

All Closeouts!

 BK-7504
CHIHULY BOOK (Closeout)

Regular Price: $75.00

Closeout Price: $30.00

See all books on closeout!

DB-LQAARGE
24 COUNT CZECH GLASS ART DECO TRANSPARENT RED WITH GOLD ETCHED FANS (Closeout)

Regular Price: $5.95

Closeout Price: $2.98

See all Czech beads on closeout!

MTS-VU2624
CLEAR SWIRLED DICHROIC GLASS ROUND PENDANT (Closeout)

Regular Price: $36.40
Closeout Price: $14.56

See all dichroic beads on closeout!

 

OG-PJDM
33 COUNT MEDIUM PICTURE JASPER FACETED DROPS (Closeout)

Regular Price: $12.00
Closeout Price: $4.80

See all gemstone beads on closeout!

 

JF-T06
ORANGE AND PINK TURTLE PENDANT (Closeout)

Regular Price: $30.00
Closeout Price: $12.00

See all lampwork beads on closeout!