SoftFlexGirl

Tucson Schedule of Events

2012-01-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

Oh my, there is a lot going on in Tucson this year. You know why? Because Jamie and I are showing off our fabulous new book, Show Your Colors! Here is a general idea of where you can find the two of us!

Jan 30, 2012
To Bead True Blue
John Bead booth
I am teaching Free Make-it-Take-its
Doubletree Reid Park
445 S Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ
3pm-5pm

Jan 31, 2012
To Bead True Blue
TierraCast booth
Jamie is demoing
Doubletree Reid Park
445 S Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ
11am-12pm

Feb 1-5, 2012
The Best Bead Show
Soft Flex booth
Demo and Book Signing with both Jamie and I!
Kino Veteran's Memorial Community Center
2805 East Ajo Way
Tucson, AZ 85713
Hours:
Wednesday 10am - 8pm
Thursday - *Please note that I won't be there on Thurs.
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm
Admission: FREE

Show Your Colors will be available for sale in the Soft Flex booth at the Best Best Show in Tucson, Arizona this Spring. Both Jamie Hogsett and I will be on hand demoing too! It is a great opportunity to get your book signed by both of us in person.

Feb 2, 2012
To Bead True Blue
Kalmbach booth
I will be Demoing
Doubletree Reid Park
445 S Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ
2pm-3pm

Stop by the Kalmbach Publishing booth at To Bead True Blue between 2-3pm on February 2nd to check out my demos and learn more about Show Your Colors.

Feb 3, 2012
To Bead True Blue
Kalmbach booth
Jamie will be Demoing
Doubletree Reid Park
445 S Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ
2pm-3pm

Stop by the Kalmbach Publishing booth at To Bead True Blue between 2-3pm on February 2nd to check out Jamie's demos and learn more about Show Your Colors.

If you can't make it to Tucson this year and want to purchase a copy of our book, you can find it for sale on the Soft Flex Company website.

Honey-the-dog

2012-01-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Hint Charm

I've featured my dog Honey on this blog many times over the years. I often receive comments that readers wanted to see more of her, especially once I started my own personal blog. She passed away this week and needless to say, I am heart broken. Everyone grieves in different ways. I love pictures. So I spent a good deal of time sifting through pictures and creating a photo book dedicated to Honey. Then, I picked out an uplifting book called Animals and the Afterlife. As you can probably imagine from the title, it talks about where our pets go after they die. Finally, I chose a charm (as shown above) that I hope to pick up and wear that will always remind me of my Honey Bunny Bear. I often relate big moments in my life to pieces of jewelry, which makes sense since beading is my beloved hobby.

She was a special girl and it is still very hard to imagine life without her. So, if you have a fur-baby, please give them a hug and kiss for me and remember to not take a single moment for granted. Their lives are far too short.

Spotlight On... The Baltimore Bead Society

2012-01-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

The Baltimore Bead Society

The Baltimore Bead Society is a regional organization in Maryland of bead enthusiasts, creative artists, and jewelry designers across a broad spectrum of bead-related and jewelry-making fields. We learn and work together, sharing our common interests in beading, in jewelry techniques, and in understanding beads within history and cultures throughout the world. Founded over 20 years ago, we are a non-profit educational, artistic, and philanthropic organization under IRS section 501(c)(3). We have grown in number and diversified in interests covering every aspect of jewelry techniques, materials, and creative design. Activities include bead-related community outreach programs. Our people define our organization - making new friends and having fun.

Read More!

Article - 10 Glass Art Booths Not to Miss This Year in Tucson by Jennifer Wilson

Color by Margie Deeb - Jewelry Design: Emphasize Similarities

Designer - Melissa Cable

Book - Jewelry for the New Romantic by Nealay Patel

Local Bead Group - The Baltimore Bead Society

Bead Seller - Eclectica

Fashion Trends

2012-01-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

Wear this Cable Knit Sweater Dress.
Make these Tourmaline Bangles.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Soft Flex Trios on Flock Shop Today Only!

2012-01-26T09:24:00.000-08:00

Today is the day! Soft Flex Trios are being featured on the Flock Shop. Sale ends in 12 hours and 37 minutes! There is still a variety of color options at a very good price! Fly on over and check it out!

Shop Flock Shop!

Color Inspiration by Kristen Fagan

2012-01-25T12:18:00.000-08:00

Image by delgaudm via flickr

Items that match this color palette:

SOFT FLEX WIRE DARK BLUE LAPIS

TURKISH CHALCEDONY SIMPLE CUT GEMSTONES

8MM LAVENDER CZ FACETED RONDELLES

SOFT FLEX WIRE PINK RHODOCHROSITE

6MM CHAMPAGNE CZ FACETED RONDELLES

Guest blogger 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 Chain and Wire Earring Idea by Jamie Hogsett

2012-01-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

Curious about using colors of Soft Flex Beading Wire? If so, here's a great beginner project that will let you experiment with colored wire as well as the hole-punch pliers and Soft Flex Company's copper chain. Any combination of colors would look great here. I was going for a subtle look and chose Black Onyx, Copper, and Chrysoprase beading wire for these earrings. Wouldn't it be fun to see them in a festive party mix of Purple Amethyst, Citrine, and Spinel beading wire on silver-plated copper chain too? Or made up with gold-plated copper chain, Red Coral, Black Onyx, and 14K Gold beading wire for a truly elegant look? With so many different color options available, you'll be able to make up several pairs of these earrings in no time!

Materials needed:
4" of Oval and Round Textured Copper Chain
8" of Black Onyx .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
8" of Copper .019 Diameter Soft Flex Metallics Wire
8" of Chrysoprase .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
12 Copper 2mm Crimp Tubes
12 Copper 3mm Crimp Covers
1 pair of Black with Copper Round Ear wires

Tools needed:
Cutters
Metal-Punch Pliers
Crimping Pliers

Finished size: 1 3/4"

Step 1: Use cutters to cut two pieces of chain with each piece consisting of 1 oval link and 1 round link.
Step 2: Use the Metal-Punch Pliers to punch 1 hole in the top center of the oval link of 1 chain piece.
Step 3: Use the Metal-Punch Pliers to punch six holes evenly-spaced along the bottom third of the round link.
Step 4: Attach 1 ear wire to the hole punched in the oval link.
Step 5: Use 2" of Chrysoprase wire to string 1 crimp tube and the first hole in the bottom of the round link. Pass through the crimp tube again, forming a small ring of wire, and crimp. Trim the wire ends.
Step 6: Use 2" of Copper wire and the second hole of the round link to repeat Step 5.
Step 7: Use 2" of Black Onyx wire and the third hole of the circle link to repeat Step 5.
Step 8: Repeat Steps 5-7 using the fourth, fifth, and sixth holes in the round link. Cover every crimp tube with 1 crimp cover.

Step 9: Repeat Steps 1-8 to make a second earring. Enjoy!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Spotlight On... Jewelry for the New Romantic by Nealay Patel

2012-01-23T11:55:00.000-08:00

Jewelry for the New Romantic

by Nealay Patel

Author Nealay Patel is a designer after my own heart. Very early in working on our book Show Your Colors (for sale February 2012), our editor pointed out Patel's book (published 2011) and how some of the shapes and techniques are similar although the end result is very different. I didn't have a chance to actually pick up the book and look through each design until now. The book is chalk full of beautiful designs. Each design is unique and special. Patel will be teaching classes at the BeadandButton show in 2012.

Read More!

Article - 10 Glass Art Booths Not to Miss This Year in Tucson by Jennifer Wilson

Color by Margie Deeb - Jewelry Design: Emphasize Similarities

Designer - Melissa Cable

Book - Jewelry for the New Romantic by Nealay Patel

Local Bead Group - The Baltimore Bead Society

Bead Seller - Eclectica

My Knotty Earrings in Step by Step Wire Jewelry

2012-01-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

Step by Step Wire Jewelry - February/March 2012

Page 51

Check out my design in the latest issue of Step by Step Wire. If you like this design, you can always purchase the book that I co-authored with the lovely and talented Jamie Hogsett. Show Your Colors is now available directly from Soft Flex on our website! Yay! If you are going to be in Tucson, you are welcome to drop by and visit with me.

Jan 30, 2012

To Bead True Blue

John Bead booth

Free Make-it-Take-its

Doubletree Reid Park

445 S Alvernon Way

Tucson, AZ

3pm-5pm

Feb 1-5, 2012

The Best Bead Show

Soft Flex booth

Demos and Book Signing with both Jamie and I!

Kino Veteran's Memorial Community Center

2805 East Ajo Way

Tucson, AZ 85713

Hours:

Wednesday 10am - 8pm

Friday 10am - 6pm

Saturday 10am - 6pm

Sunday 10am - 5pm

Admission: FREE

Show Your Colors will be available for sale in the Soft Flex booth at the Best Best Show in Tucson, Arizona this Spring. Both Jamie Hogsett and I will be on hand demo-ing too! It is a great opportunity to get your book signed by both of us in person.

Feb 2, 2012

To Bead True Blue

Kalmbach booth

Demos

Doubletree Reid Park

445 S Alvernon Way

Tucson, AZ

2pm-3pm

Stop by the Kalmbach Publishing booth at To Bead True Blue between 2-3pm on February 2nd to check out my demos and learn more about Show Your Colors.

Spotlight On... Melissa Cable

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Melissa Cable

Soft Flex Company Editor's Note: As we set resolutions and goals for the upcoming year, it is only appropriate that we start 2012 with designer Melissa Cable. When asked to be featured on Spotlight On..., she decided that rather than giving us her usual biography, she would share some of her personal growth over the past 2 years. Enjoy!

Melissa Cable is a Seattle-area designer, national instructor and author (Spotlight on Wire Kalmbach Publishing, 2011). She is currently working on her second book, Metal Garden, slated for release in 2013.

Read More!

Article - 10 Glass Art Booths Not to Miss This Year in Tucson by Jennifer Wilson

Color by Margie Deeb - Jewelry Design: Emphasize Similarities

Designer - Melissa Cable

Book - Jewelry for the New Romantic by Nealay Patel

Local Bead Group - The Baltimore Bead Society

Bead Seller - Eclectica

Fashion Trends

2012-01-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

Wear these Woven Pumps.
Make this Choice Words Necklace.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Beading Wire Flowers by Nealay Patel

2012-01-18T10:37:00.000-08:00

Bead Design Studio - February 2012

Page 22

Bead Unique - October 2011

Page 8

I was thumbing through some magazines the other day and noticed two designs from Nealay Patel. His use of beading wire to create beautiful flowers is so exciting, and I knew that I had to share. Please note that you can find the instructions for these gorgeous pieces in the magazines listed below each page. If you like Nealay Patel's design style, you should consider buying his book - Jewelry for the New Romantic.

Free DIY Beaded Necklace Idea by Jamie Hogsett

2012-01-17T11:12:00.001-08:00

The new year brings a new house and workspace for me and it's absolutely wonderful! Getting everything unpacked and organized is a welcome challenge as it means rediscovering treasures that really get my creative juices flowing. For example, remember this piece? It's a set of z-beads with rings of colored Soft Flex Beading Wire in Peridot, Citrine, Spinel, Purple Amethyst and Garnet crimped to each bead - a fun way to add another layer of texture to already gorgeous beads.

It was made well over a year ago and sat patiently in my old office, just waiting to be turned into something finished and lovely. Since it was one of the last things to be packed up in the old place, it naturally was one of the first things to be unpacked at the new house. I refused to put it on a shelf and let it sit again and thankfully so, as it's now a bright and colorful necklace!

Swarovski Elements round crystals in Purple Velvet, Peridot, Light Topaz, and Blue Violet add just enough sparkle to balance the vintage Lucite curved tubes, while spacers and a clasp from Springall Adventures keep the whimsy of the focal piece evenly sprinkled throughout the piece.
Now I have the perfect necklace to wear while finishing up all the dirty work in this house. College-age guys have lived here for about ten years, so I'm sure you can imagine all the cleaning involved. I just know that scrubbing will seem easier with these beads on my neck!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Spotlight On... Jewelry Design: Emphasize Similarities by Margie Deeb

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Jewelry Design: Emphasize Similarities

by Margie Deeb

Parts of this are excerpted from The Beader's Guide to Color by Margie Deeb (Watson-Guptill, 2004).

What makes a well designed piece of beadwork? How do you create a unified, harmonious piece so completely balanced and whole that nothing added or taken away would improve it?

Etsy Roundup

2012-01-15T10:38:00.000-08:00

1. SaraOJewelry

2. CreativeStash

3. Periwinkle Paradise

4. BeadBrains

5. ChristianVRodriguez

Here are few designs from Etsy that tagged Soft Flex Wire as a design component. All of these designs are for sale and not for reproduction. The photos belong to each store listed.

Simply the Best for Etsy

2012-01-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Starting Sara O Jewelry has definitely been one lesson after another. I love how user friendly and easy Etsy is to use. The hardest part was deciding what my policies on taxes, shipping, returns and such. I'm still not clear about how to handle taxes and have that on my list to look into more. At any rate, I wanted to share that I used a feature that Soft Flex has offered for quite some time now. I used a Soft Flex banner as one of my photos for designs created on Soft Flex. Since Soft Flex is synonymous with quality, I think that it speaks oodles about the quality of my final product. Here is an example:

4th Thumbnail

Full size

See this item on Etsy.

Also, if you sell items on Etsy, don't forget to tag Soft Flex by name as a material. People know the Soft Flex name around the world! Let people know that you really do care about quality.

Here is another example from Kristen Fagan of Creative Stash.

See this item in on Etsy.

There are also banners for your website or blog. You can find all of our banners here!

Spotlight On... 10 Glass Art Booths Not to Miss This Year in Tucson by Jennifer Wilson

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

10 Glass Art Booths Not to Miss This Year in Tucson

by Jennifer Wilson

Last year for the Spotlight On...Article for the month of January, I wrote about 10 booths not to miss that year in Tucson. This year I am going to focus on 10 booths that feature handmade glass art, including, but not limited to glass beads.

Read More!

Article - 10 Glass Art Booths Not to Miss This Year in Tucson by Jennifer Wilson
Color by Margie Deeb - Jewelry Design: Emphasize Similarities
Designer - Melissa Cable
Book - Jewelry for the New Romantic by Nealay Patel
Local Bead Group - The Baltimore Bead Society
Bead Seller - Eclectica

Show Your Colors...in person!

2012-01-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

It is finally here! It is finally here! And, it is beautiful! Kalmbach Publishing did such a nice job with our book. I am so proud of all 96 pages! Of course, one of the hazards of working at home is that I have no one to share my excitement with and also no one to take a photo for me. So I got out my tri-pod and took my own picture because this is a noteworthy moment and I don't plan to miss a second of it! And now, I'll share my glee with cyberspace!

PS. This picture would be a whole lot better with a colorful bracelet. Another hazard of working from home: turning into a "Plain Jane".

Fashion Trends

2012-01-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Wear this Cropped Cardigan.
Make that Simple Sparkle Bracelet.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Color Inspiration by Kristen Fagan

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Image via Stock.XCHNG

Items that match this color palette:

SWISS BLUE TOPAZ PUFF MARQUISE

SOFT FLEX WIRE FLUORITE

LIGHT AMETHYST SIMPLE CUT NUGGETS

SOFT FLEX WIRE PURPLE AMETHYST

YELLOW CZ SIMPLE CUT NUGGETS

Champagne Flute Earrings by Jamie Hogsett in Step by Step Wire Jewelry

2012-01-10T09:30:00.000-08:00

It's exciting any time a project makes it into a magazine, but it's always extra special the first time a project is published in a magazine. The December-January 2012 issue of Step By Step Wire Jewelry features my first ever project for the publication! These earrings are amazingly easy to make and look beautiful when worn. They're shown in the magazine with clear CZs. I've made them in lavender as well (below).
If you can't find the magazine (it may still be on newsstands, but not for much longer!), instructions are available in the School of Design. Enjoy!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

BeadandButton Online Class Registration Starts Tomorrow 1/10

2012-01-09T09:33:00.001-08:00

Have you been to the BeadandButton Show? It is the largest bead show under one roof. Don't miss our classes at BeadandButton! Classes sometimes sell out quickly, sometimes even on the opening day of registration. It is always best to sign up for your classes early. Online registration starts tomorrow!

B121539 Soft Flex Company Presents: Bang Bang Bracelet from Show Your Colors

Teacher: Sara Hardin Oehler (ME!)

B122069 Soft Flex Company Presents: Lily Pond Knitted Crystal Bangle

Teacher: Jamie Hogsett

Free Planners to Keep You on Track in 2012!

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

I use a "to do" worksheet daily and love it. There is something about crossing things off a list that is so satisfying, do you agree? For the new year, I gave my basic to do worksheet an update and ended up creating a weekly to do planner and a weekly blog planner to help keep me on track.

I am sharing these planners here with you so, you may download, print and use them to help keep you on track too!

Download the Weekly To Do Planner (PDF file)

Download the Weekly Blog Planner (PDF file)

I posted these planners in Soft Flex's Free Art and Printables section online so, you can grab them anytime. Want to see all we have to offer in the Soft Flex Free Art and Printables section? Click here.

Planners are for personal use only, not intended for commercial sale.

Fashion Trends

2012-01-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

Wear this Handmade Alpaca Sweater Coat.
Make these Tidying Up Earrings.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Where I Create

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

One of the hardest parts of working at home for me has always been about finding space to work. This is by far the most space that I have ever had for beading. Although I don't feel like things are quite settled, I do feel like I am getting a lot closer. I've always opted for folding tables and this time is no different. I dream of the day when I'll have permanent office or studio space. We've discussed building a little studio style building in our backyard for just this purpose. Oh, I hope so! For now, everything remains somewhat mobile.

Do you remember what this room looked like when we first purchased this home in 2010? It was awful.

It only recently reached a point where it can be used, but it still needs more work to cover the glue on the ceiling from the foam tiles and molding to match the rest of our home. We decided to move in and use the space until this summer when we'll work on it some more. In Arizona, you plan indoor projects for summer when it is just ridiculous to be outside.

I opted to put my table in front of the large picture window for both natural light and the beautiful view of two of our rose bushes.

The newest addition to my work space is a real area for taking photos of my jewelry. I set it up today so I can't tell you if this new equipment will actually upgrade my photography, but I am hoping that I can get clearer shots, especially jewelry for sale through Sara O Jewelry (my new jewelry business).

Best Beading Tips and Tricks - Top 10 Pages Viewed

2012-01-04T09:00:00.001-08:00

All about WigJigs.

How to use a knitting spool.

All about crimps.

Wire gauges, temper and hardening

Knot beading wire.

Create with colored beading wire.

Creating your first necklace.

Finishing single and multi-strand designs.

Ideas for leftover beading wire.

#10

Ideas for leftover beads.

Spotlight On... Call for Entries

2012-01-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

Are you familiar with Spotlight On...? It's a great online spot where we feature articles and information about beaders, bead stores, bead societies, books, color, and more every month. It's a fun resource where you can learn about all things bead-related!

Would you like to be featured in 2012? Do you have a great beading tale that you'd like to share with others? Want to show-off your favorite local bead store? Do you know of a bead society in your area that others might like to join? If so, feel free to let me know; we'd love to share your story in Spotlight On...!

Please email me at jamie@softflexcompany.com with suggestions and ideas of who and what you'd like to see featured in the new year. If you're looking for more information about a certain beading technique or want a tutorial on a specific project, don't hesitate to let me know that as well.

I look forward to hearing from you and I wish you a very healthy and happy New Year!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Happy New Year and a Free 2012 Beading Desk Calendar!

2012-01-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

I created this sweet little 2012 Beading Desk Calendar for you to download, print and display wherever you need a little inspiration! The calendar once printed and cut will be made up of loose sheets which can easily be stuck to a pin-board in your bead studio, placed on your refrigerator, punch a hole and hang it next to your desk, or place on a stand in your store.

Click here for your free beading desk calendar. The calendar is a 3 page PDF file with 4 months featured on each page.Printing on card stock and simply cut along guides to create the calendar pages.

Each month features a beautiful and inspiring beading design. And the best part is, instructions for every design can be found in Soft Flex Company's free beading project ideas section online.

Many wishes for a very Happy New Year! ~ Kristen

Calendar is for personal use only, not intended for commercial use.

The Best Blog Posts - Top 15 Most Viewed Blog Posts in 2011

2011-12-31T09:00:00.000-08:00

WigJig Earwires

Learn how to make earwires on the WigJig using Soft Flex Craft Wire!

Jewelry Display Ideas for Your Home or Craft Booth by Kristen Fagan

Find inspirational ideas for displaying your jewelry either in your home or at a craft fair, bead show or farmer's market.

How to make Soft Flex connectors, jump rings and dangles

Learn how to use crimps and beading wire to create colorful beaded connectors, closed jump rings, links and dangles.

New Book: Jewelry for the New Romantic by Nealay Patel

This blog post includes a full free set of instructions from one project in Nealay Patel's book. It also shows you where you can purchase his full book.

Mica Shift Polymer Clay Beads and Soft Flex Trios Beading Wire Variety Packs

Cindy Lietz, the Polymer Clay Tutor, discusses using polymer clay with colored beading wire. The combination of these two mediums is stunning.

Packaging Ideas by Kristen Fagan

Branding and packaging your designs can sometimes be as important as the actual design itself. Find a few ideas for how you can make your packaging feel special and reflect your personality.

Knitting on a spool with Soft Flex Wire

Learn how to knit on a knitting spool using colored beading wire. You can add beads, knit with several colors or mix several different types of materials together.

Paper Boxes for Holiday Gifts by Jamie Hogsett

Learn how to make an easy decorative, gift box on the fly.

Five DIY Pendant Bails by Jamie Hogsett

Learn how to make five different, simple but elegant bails for creating a pendant.

#10

Free DIY Beaded Ornament Idea by Jamie Hogsett

Learn how to use Soft Flex Craft Wire on the WigJig to create a fun holiday ornament which could easily be downsized for earrings or a pendant.

#11

3 ways to make a project idea your own

Although there are many ways to make a project idea your own, this blog post offers 3 great options: Color, Shape and Layer.

#12

Free DIY Knitted Bangle Project by Jamie Hogsett

Learn how to knit colored beading wire on a knitting spool with the addition of beads! This blog post offers step-by-step photos and instructions!

#13

Home Shopping Network prefers Soft Flex Beading Wire

As of April 1, 2010 strung designs that use flexible beading wire created for HSN are strung on Soft Flex Beading Wire. Read about Sara's visit to HSN.

#14

Braided Jewelry Inspiration by Kristen Fagan

Get inspired to braid colored beading wire through several free project ideas showcasing this age-old technique.

#15

Twist N Curl Tutorial

Learn how to make your own colorful beads using Soft Flex Craft Wire on the Twist N Curl.

The Best Designs - Top 20 Most Viewed Free Project Ideas in 2011

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

African Helix Bracelet

Ladder Stitch Earrings

Loop d' Loop Choker

Trios Woven Bracelet

Festival of Lights

Project materials provided by Beadfx

Evergreen Necklace

Fancy Crystals Bracelet

Crystal Sophistication

Project materials provided by: Art Beads

Simply Irresistible Headband

#10

Easy-Peasy Sparkle Earrings

#11

Loopy Earrings

#12

Trios Wave Bracelet

#13

Stunning Silver Set

#14

Bridal Bouquet Necklace

#15

Trios Knitted Bracelet

#16

Pearly Hair Comb

#17

Daisy Earrings

#18

Pearl Party

#19

Daffodils and Crocuses

#20

Amethyst Rings

Fashion Trends

2011-12-29T10:11:00.000-08:00

Wear this Raspberry Pinwheel Scarf.
Make this First Blush Bracelet.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Color Inspiration by Kristen Fagan

2011-12-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Image via Stock.XCHNG

Items that match this color palette:

AGATE MATTE PEBBLES

SOFT FLEX WIRE CITRINE

RED AVENTURINE FACETED DROPS

SOFT FLEX WIRE COPPER

BRONZITE SMOOTH FLAT OVALS

Free DIY Quartz Earring Idea by Jamie Hogsett

2011-12-27T09:15:00.000-08:00

These Simple Cut Quartz Nuggets are just gorgeous. Super sparkly due to their many facets, the beads are perfect to use when making earrings to celebrate the New Year! Though there is only a small amount of beading wire used in the design, you can make the earrings using any color of wire that will complement your party look! The instructions below are for a pair of earrings using Garnet Beading Wire, while the other examples shown are made with Green Turquoise and Purple Amethyst.

Materials needed:
12" of Garnet .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
8 Sterling Silver 2mm Crimp Tubes
8 Sterling Silver 3mm Crimp Covers
1 Pair of Silver Plated Ear Wires
4 Clear Quartz 20x12mm Simple Cut Nuggets

Tools Needed:
Cutters
Crimping Pliers
Chain Nose Pliers

Finished Size: 2 1/4"
Step 1: Use 3" of beading wire to string 1 crimp tube. Pass back through the tube, forming a small loop of wire. Crimp the crimp tube. Trim the wire end. Cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover.
Step 2: String 1 quartz nugget and 1 crimp. Snug the crimp bead close to the bead, and crimp.
Step 3: Cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover. Trim the wire end.
Step 4: Use 3" of beading wire to string 1 crimp tube and the loop of wire formed in Step 1. Pass back through the tube, forming a small loop of wire. Crimp the crimp tube, trim the wire end, and cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover.
Step 5: String 1 quartz nugget and 1 crimp tube. Pass back through the tube, leaving a small loop of wire. Crimp the crimp tube, trim the wire end, and cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover.
Step 6: Attach 1 ear wire to the previous loop of beading wire.

Step 7: Repeat Steps 1-6 for the second earring.

Enjoy! Happy New Year to you all!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Spotlight on...Eclectica

2011-12-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

Eclectica

Irina Miech has always been interested in jewelry design. While in college, she took several art and jewelry classes, and a few years later during a buying trip in Morocco, she saw an artisan making earrings in a marketplace. She was intrigued by the technique, and when she returned to the US, she began making her own designs, eventually selling jewelry to many stores and galleries. She opened a small store called Eclectica in 1993, and devoted one case to beads, and then two cases, and then a third, and eventually her entire store was taken over by jewelry-making supplies. She moved Eclectica to Brookfield, locating the store in the Galleria shopping center. As the popularity of beads exploded, so did the popularity of her store, and she expanded multiple times until it reached its present size of 6000 square feet of beading heaven.

Color by Margie Deeb - Colors That Flatter Everyone

Designer - Dawna Davis

Book - The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg

Local Bead Group - The Northern Virginia Bead Society

Bead Seller - Eclectica

Fashion Trends

2011-12-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

Wear this Simply Vera Hobo.
Make these Mint Chocolate Swirl Earrings.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Soft Flex used in an unexpected way! - Designs by Margo Yee

2011-12-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

I have learned over the years that sometimes Soft Flex is used in the most unexpected designs. Margo Yee commented, "I love the flexibility of Soft Flex's Soft Touch wire and use 10-12 feet of it in most of my necklaces because it allows me to rapidly create a beautiful and structurally sound necklace!" Margo Yee will be teaching at the 2012 Santa Fe BeadFest. Her designs are gorgeous and complex. Soft Flex is not just for straight stringing. There is so much more that you can do with it!

Lavelier Blue Necklace by Margo Yee

Southwest Necklace by Margo Yee

Yellow Turtle Necklace by Margo Yee

If you would like to contact Margo Yee about her work or her upcoming class, please drop me an email and I can connect you to her.

Free DIY Beaded Bracelet Idea by Jamie Hogsett

2011-12-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

If you've never used the Diva Custom Cord Maker to make jewelry, I highly recommend that you do. It comes with excellent instructions and is easy and fun to use. The Diva Board can be used to quickly make bracelets, necklaces, belts, handles/straps, and much more. I used it to make this lovely wrap bracelet using the Serenity Trios Wire Set, three different yarns, Peruvian opal beads, and brass findings. The combination of beading wire and yarn yields a wonderful texture; it feels soft on the wrist thanks to the yarn and has a great drape and flexibility due to the beading wire. I picked colors of yarn that complement the beading wire and the stones, including a soft cotton yarn that has a bit of brown in it, to enhance the color variation in the beads.

Materials needed:
48" of Fluorite .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
48" of Bone .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
96" of Green Turquoise .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
48" of Bernat Cottontots Cotton Yarn in Cottage Colors
48" of I Love This Cotton! Yarn in Aqua Spark
48" of Baby Bee Pitter Patter Polyester Eyelash Yarn in Pea Pod
60 Peruvian Opal 4mm Rondelles
3 Peruvian Opal 14x10mm Faceted Ovals
4 Sterling Silver 3mm Crimp Tubes
3 Brass 7mm Blossom Bead Caps
1 Brass 10x18mm Lobster Clasp
1 Brass 9mm Etched Jump Ring
2 Brass 5mm Jump Rings
3 Brass 2" Head Pins
1 Brass 7x4mm Ornate Chain Link

Tools needed:
Cutters
Scissors
The Diva Custom Cord Maker
Mighty Crimping Pliers
Chain Nose Pliers
Round Nose Pliers

Finished size: 23 3/4"
Step 1: Cut the Green Turquoise beading wire in half. You should have seven different 48" lengths of yarn and wire. Wind 1 length of yarn/wire around 1 of the small bobbins included with the Diva Custom Cord Maker. Repeat for all yarns and wires. (Though it's tempting to use the wire and yarn straight from the spool or skein, I recommend taking the time to wrap them on the bobbins in order to keep the weight and tension of the braid even as you work.) Use 1 Green Turquoise wire to string the Peruvian opal rondelles.
Step 2: Use all four beading wires to string 1 crimp tube. Place the tube about 3" from the wire ends, and crimp.
Step 3: Use the three yarn ends to tie an overhand knot around the crimp tube.
Step 4: Use all seven wire/yarn ends to pass through the hole in the center of the Diva board. Place the tension clip (included in the Diva Custom Cord Maker package) on the knot/crimp bead.
Step 5: Follow the instructions included with the Diva Custom Cord Maker to arrange each wire/yarn in one slot of the Diva board. With seven of the eight slots filled, *hold the Diva board so that the empty slot is facing you. Count three slots to the right and bring that wire/yarn down into the empty slot. Repeat from * with all of the wire/yarns. When the wire with the Peruvian opal rondelles is moved from one slot to another, slide 1 bead into the braid. As you continue to move wire/yarns, be sure the yarn following the bead traps the bead into the braid. Note: These instructions are written from a right-handed point of view. Count three slots to the left if you are left-handed. Extremely detailed instructions are included with the Diva board.
Step 6: Continue braiding until the cord is about 24" long or until you've used up all the Peruvian opal beads.
Step 7: Remove the tension clip from the beginning of the cord and attach it to the very end of the braid. Pull about four inches of wire/yarn through the Diva board and cut all wire/yarns, leaving 3" tails.
Step 8: Use the four wire ends to string 1 crimp tube. Snug the tube up to the end of the braid, and crimp. Use all three yarn ends to tie an overhand knot around the crimp tube.
Step 9: Use the four wire ends to string 1 crimp tube and the lobster clasp. Use all four wire ends to pass back through the tube, adjusting the tube so that it is next to the previous crimp tube. Crimp the crimp tube and trim the wire ends. Use the yarn ends to tie two overhand knots, covering the crimp tube. Repeat entire step for the other end of the wrap bracelet, attaching the beading wire to the etched jump ring.
Step 10: Use 1 head pin to string 1 Peruvian opal oval and 1 bead cap. Use your fingers to press the bead cap around the oval. Form a wire-wrapped loop. Repeat twice for a total of three dangles. Attach one 5mm jump ring to 1 dangle. Attach the chain link to 1 dangle. Use one 5mm jump ring to attach the chain link to the other dangle.
Step 11: Using a scrap of beading wire as a big-hole needle, pull the two cotton yarn tails on the lobster clasp end of the wrap bracelet through the 5mm jump ring attached to 2 dangles.
Step 12: Use all three yarn ends to form 2 surgeon's knots to secure. Trim yarn ends.
Step 13: Repeat Steps 11 and 12 for the other end of the wrap bracelet, using the 5mm jump ring on the remaining dangle.
Wrap around a wrist three times and enjoy!

Yarn available from Hobby Lobby. Clasp from Star's Clasps. Vintaj Brass findings from Fusionbeads.com.

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Spotlight on...Homemade Holidays: Decorating on a Budget by Jamie Hogsett

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

Homemade Holidays - Decorating on a Budget

by Jamie Hogsett

Great additions to your holiday décor using Econoflex Wire.

My mom always decorates her home for the holidays. Her house is always warm, welcoming and beautifully adorned. She's been gathering holiday décor for years, so her collection is quite impressive, not to mention ever-growing. Seeing her house decorated every year is a treat I always look forward to because there is always something new to discover.

Color by Margie Deeb - Colors That Flatter Everyone

Designer - Dawna Davis

Book - The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg

Local Bead Group - The Northern Virginia Bead Society

Bead Seller - Eclectica

Affordable Gemstones!

2011-12-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for some gorgeous stones at an affordable price, do not miss our holiday sale. All stones are marked 60% off. Check out this category for options between $0 and $40. There are some awesome options. We'll even take care of your shipping up until December 21st! Just chose the second option at check out that reads, "Free Shipping". Here are just a few of my favorite gems!

BON-AMZ11915

APX 33 COUNT AMAZONITE POLISHED NUGGETS (Sale)

Reg Price: $77.00

Your Price: $30.80

You Save: $46.20

BON-APA10

55 COUNT 7MM X 9MM X 3MM BLUE APATITE SIDE-DRILLED SMOOTH NUGGETS (Sale)

Reg Price: $49.00

Your Price: $19.60

You Save: $29.40

BON-CAR11526

APX 25 COUNT CARNELIAN MATTE NUGGETS (Sale)

Reg Price: $14.00

Your Price: $5.60

You Save: $8.40

GAL-BON-CHC9709

APX 40 COUNT CHRYSOCOLLA POLISHED SIMPLE CUT NUGGETS (Sale)

Reg Price: $92.00

Your Price: $36.80

You Save: $55.20

GAL-OG-CITRINE3

10 COUNT CITRINE CONE GEMSTONES (Sale)

Reg Price: $100.00

Your Price: $40.00

You Save: $60.00

Guest Post - Soft Flex Wire on a Loom!

2011-12-16T09:57:00.000-08:00

Soft Flex Wire on the Mirrix Loom
A Perfect Combination

I have always wanted to weave with wire and beads on a Mirrix Loom. I have dabbled a bit here and there but the problem has always been: how do you finish the piece? A bunch of wire warp ends cannot be easily disguised. They cannot be woven back into the piece (I don't even like to sew thread warp back into a woven piece because it's time consuming and it distorts the weaving itself). You also can't easily tie off wire and sew it to the back of the piece. All the methods I have used for getting rid of warp ends just wouldn't work with wire. So when we came up with a method of weaving on the Mirrix Loom where there would be no warp ends at all in the same manner that a Navajo weaving has no warp ends when the weaving is complete the first thing that came to mind was: Now we can use wire as warp on the Mirrix Loom.

I dug into my supply drawer and came up with a spool of Soft Touch size .010. I love this stuff and have used it for off-loom work extensively. But I've never used it as warp on a Mirrix Loom. I was ready to have some fun. I wasn't disappointed. It behaved exactly the way I thought it would. An additional perk for using wire is since wire does not stretch the piece is exactly the same size on the loom as off the loom.

Let's start with the concept of how to set up a Mirrix Loom so that there will be no warps to sew back in. It's really very simple. Using the "No Warps" kit you suspend two bars in front of the loom each of which has paperclips hanging from them. The size of your piece will be the space between the ends of the paperclips. The warp travels through the opening of the paper clips back and forth until you have the required number of warps. There is no need to use a warp coil to separate your warps. The paperclips do that job and the first row of beads will determine the sett (how far apart the warps are) for the piece.

Soft Flex wire warp on a Mirrix Loom.

I used C-Lon beading thread for weft, as I do in all the pieces in this blog post.

This first piece was a kind of planned bead soup. I used triangles, size 8/0 seed beads and some daggers. I alternated the sizes in a kind of puzzle arrangement so that all the rows fit neatly together. This piece wove up really quickly.

I love the sturdy feel of this piece.

Notice the loops of wire around the beads at the edge.

I added a pretty button for a clasp and this bracelet was ready wear.

For the second piece I used green size .019 (medium) bead wire. The concept was that the green would enhance the piece by showing and hence being part of the design. I used a bead soup of size 8/0 seed beads with permanent galvanized finishes.

A easy first project to try out this technique.

I love the richness of the final product and how the Soft Flex wire contributes to the pieces design.

all the bead so neatly lined up . . . I love it.

Those ends are just perfect when the piece comes off the loom. I just had to sew in the two warp ends that were tied to the bars.

I have added a little bead work to the end plus a loop for a clasp.

With the addition of a herringbone stitch clasp, and this piece is done.

This third piece is a combination of size 8/0 seed beads and size 10/0 Delica beads. I have alternated the bead sizes so that they fit neatly together.

Look how neat the ends are!

Finished piece ready for a clasp.

My last piece also used Soft Flex but I went for the smaller size 11/0 Delicas. What a success! Weaving it was a blast but knowing that when I was done weaving it I would be done finishing it was also really satisfying. I used an autumn mixture of bead colors. I designed as I wove, choosing colors out of my basket beads that I thought would work together.

Finished piece right before I took it off the loom.

Close up of above.

Look at that flat perfect piece!

Before sewing in the two warp ends.

Finished piece with beaded clasp.

All these pieces were fun and easy to make. None took more than two hours from start to finish which is pretty amazing. All feel really substantial and sturdy and will definitely last for many years to come. There is no down side to weaving with Soft Flex wire on a Mirrix Loom using the "No Warps" kit and your imagination. I can't wait to see what others will create using this method.

Claudia Chase

President, Mirrix Looms

Spotlight on...Dawna Davis

2011-12-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Dawna Davis

After successful careers in Business Training and Special Education, Dawna discovered her next passion.. working with wire. For the last 15 years she has worked with all types of wire and has recently come to use Soft Flex Craft Wire to enhance wall hangings and some jewelry pieces. It gives her the ability to use colored wire, which doesn't tarnish, as well as diversifying her price point. Her designs are known for originality and whimsy.. Craft Wire can be manipulated in a myriad of ways which allows her to continue to create new and inventive designs.

Read More!

Article - Open House by Lorelei Eurto

Color by Margie Deeb - Colors That Flatter Everyone

Designer - Dawna Davis

Book - The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg

Local Bead Group - The Northern Virginia Bead Society

Bead Seller - Eclectica

Fashion Trends

2011-12-15T12:52:00.000-08:00

Wear this Albertus Swanepoel Ganache Hat.
Make that Mums Necklace.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

New Book: Jewelry for the New Romantic by Nealay Patel

2011-12-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

BK-JNR

JEWELRY FOR THE NEW ROMANTIC

Jewelry for the New Romantic will guide you through creating ten beautiful jewelry sets; each containing a necklace, bracelet, and earrings. The book is filled with easy to follow instructions and clear illustrations. Learn how to create designs that incorporate color and edgy style along with traditional beading techniques. Most of the designs in this book were created with Soft Flex Wire. Don't forget to buy what you need before embarking on your creative journey.

Just to give you a little taste of the types of projects in this book, the author has allowed me to share the instructions to one full project with you! Enjoy!!!

Click each picture to see a larger version.

Click to buy the book

BeadandButton Class Catalog - Classes by Jamie and Sara

2011-12-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

I was thrilled to see my BeadandButton Class Catalog in the mail. Both Jamie Hogsett and I will be teaching classes for designs in our new book Show Your Colors that comes out in February 2012.

B122069 Soft Flex Company Presents: Lily Pond Knitted Crystal Bangle

by Jamie Hogsett

Fri. June 8 • 5:00pm-8:00pm - (3 hours)

Level: All Levels - Maximum Class Size: 12 - Class Fee: $130.00

Description: Looking for a fun way to use colored beading wire in your jewelry designs? Create this sparkling crystal bangle using three colors of flexible beading wire, Swarovski bicones, and a four peg knitting spool! No experience with the knitting spool is necessary. Students will learn how to use the tool and practice knitting before starting the piece. Customize your bracelet by using different knitting stitches and by adding crystals in different patterns. Finish your bracelet with cones and a toggle clasp using simple crimping techniques.

Materials in Kit: Knitting spool, Soft Flex flexible beading wire, Swarovski bicones, toggle clasp, cones, crimp tubes. Portions of this kit are underwritten by Soft Flex Company.

B121539 Soft Flex Company Presents: Bang Bang Bracelet from Show Your Colors

Sara Hardin Oehler

Wed. June 6 • 4:00pm-7:00pm - (3 hours)

Level: All Levels - Maximum Class Size: 12 - Class Fee: $95.00

Description: Mix it up with this unique bracelet design using colored beading wire and craft wire. Students will create shapes with craft wire using a Wig Jig and learn tips for work-hardened wire. Then weave the colored beading wire through the craft wire shapes to make this one-of-a-kind design. To finish off the bracelet, you'll learn everything you need to know about crimping.

Materials in Kit: Soft Flex beading wire in three colors, Soft Flex 20-gauge silver craft wire, 3 x 3 mm crimp tubes, two-strand clasp. A portion of this kit is underwritten by Soft Flex Company.

Color Inspiration by Kristen Fagan

2011-12-14T12:23:00.000-08:00

Image via Stock.XCHNG

Items that match this color palette:

SMOKY TOPAZ RONDELLE GEMSTONES

SOFT FLEX WIRE TANZANITE

CITRINE POLISHED SIMPLE CUT DROP NUGGETS

SMOKY QUARTZ FACETED NUGGETS

SOFT FLEX WIRE DARK BLUE LAPIS

Free DIY Beaded Necklace Idea by Jamie Hogsett

2011-12-12T18:19:00.000-08:00

Looking for a new necklace to wear to a holiday celebration this season? This lovely piece just might be your answer. It's dramatic, but not overpowering, pretty with just a bit of sparkle, and will look great worn with a fancy party dress or jeans and a t-shirt. With so many lovely colors available in each strand of these Imperial Jasper teardrops, you can make a few necklaces, all with slightly different color palettes, with only one strand of beads.

Materials needed:
66" of Red Jasper .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
1 Sterling Silver 12mm Squaredelle Toggle Clasp with Olivine Crystals
6 Silver 4mm Squaredelle Beads with Olivine Crystals
10 Sterling Silver 2mm Crimp Tubes
10 Sterling Silver 3mm Crimp Covers
12 Picture Jasper 6mm Faceted Rounds
2 Imperial Jasper 15x30mm Top-Drilled Teardrops
1 Imperial Jasper 20x40mm Top-Drilled Teardrop

Tools needed:
Cutters
Crimping Pliers
Bead Stoppers

Finished size: 21 1/2"
Step 1: Cut three 22" pieces of wire. Use 1 wire to string 1 crimp tube, 1 Picture Jasper round, 1 Squaredelle bead, 1 Picture Jasper round, the 20x40mm Imperial Jasper teardrop, 1 Picture Jasper round, 1 Squaredelle bead, 1 Picture Jasper round, and 1 crimp tube. Attach 1 Bead Stopper to both ends of the wire.
Step 2: Repeat Step 1 twice using the 15x30mm Picture Jasper teardrops.
Step 3: Carefully remove 1 Bead Stopper from one end of every wire. Arrange all three wires so that they're the same length and attach 1 Bead Stopper to all three wires. Repeat for the other ends of the wires.
Step 4: Adjust the beads on the wire with the 20x40mm teardrop so that they're in the center of the wire. Crimp both crimp tubes. Cover each crimp tube with a crimp cover. Adjust the beads on the other two wires so that the beads on one wire are to the right of the previous wire, with the left crimp tube hitting at about the center of the 20x40mm teardrop, and the beads on the other wire are to the left of the previous wire, with the right crimp tube hitting at about the center of the 20x40 teardrop. Crimp and cover all crimp tubes.
Step 5: Carefully attach 1 Bead Stopper to all three wires about 3" from the closest crimp tube/cover. Loosely braid the three wires together for about 5 1/2 to 6", making sure to leave the wire tails long enough to be able to crimp to the clasp later on. Use all three wires to string 1 crimp tube and crimp. Remove the Bead Stopper.
Step 6: Cut two of the short wire ends. Cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover. Use the remaining wire to string 1 crimp tube and one half of the clasp. Pass back through the tube and crimp. Cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover.

Step 7: Repeat Steps 5 and 6 for the other half of the necklace.

The necklace below was made with other Imperial Jasper teardrops from the same strand as the necklace above, with Garnet round beads, Squaredelle beads with Siam Ruby crystals, and Garnet .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire.
Enjoy!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Spotlight on...Colors That Flatter Everyone by Margie Deeb

2011-12-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

Colors That Flatter Everyone

by Margie Deeb

Readers often ask "what is a color that is flattering to anyone and everyone?" I never believed there was one because people are so very different and millions of colors, shades, tones, tints, and intensities abound in fabrics and beads. I decided to learn what others have to say about this, and lo and behold, the Real Simple website has an interesting feature on the subject... complete with photos!

Read More!

Article - Open House by Lorelei Eurto

Color by Margie Deeb - Colors That Flatter Everyone

Designer - Dawna Davis

Book - The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg

Local Bead Group - The Northern Virginia Bead Society

Bead Seller - Eclectica

Spotlight on...Open House by Lorelei Eurto

2011-12-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Open House

by Lorelei Eurto

Last week I sat down and picked my date for this year's Open House. This will be the 4th year I've had one. I can't imagine not doing one but it's important that I plan it for a good time, with plenty of space between the show I just did, and my December craft show. So this year I picked November 5th. A nice time that is just before the real Christmas shopping gets under way. I like having this event around the holidays because it's so easy to decorate! I have had the open house in October and can decorate for Halloween/Fall which is fun. November will still accomodate my Fall/Harvest decor.

Read More!

Article - Open House by Lorelei Eurto

Color by Margie Deeb - Colors That Flatter Everyone

Designer - Dawna Davis

Book - The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg

Local Bead Group - The Northern Virginia Bead Society

Bead Seller - Eclectica

The Honeymoon is Over.

2011-12-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Library of Congress

The last month has been a whirlwind of activity for me. I am so thankful that Kristen and Jamie have been willing to jump in and guest post a little more often than usual. I am now married and my new name is officially Sara Oehler (pronounced Ay-ler). We just returned home mid-week from our honeymoon in Washington DC. It was amazing. Everything is decorated for the holidays and we got a chance to do a ton of really neat things. Visit my personal blog to view wedding photos or honeymoon photos. Now that the honeymoon is over, I am excited to get back to beading. I feel re-energized.

Fashion Trends

2011-12-08T14:00:00.000-08:00

Wear this Sambbaa Bootie.
Make that Circles and Squares Bracelet.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

2011 Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest - Winners Announced!

2011-12-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

Grand Prize - First Place Winner

Fairy Oasis by Alexandra Sydorenko

Runner Up - Second Place Winner
Autumn Bouquet by Tatiana Van Iten

Honorable Mention - Third Place Winner
Autumn Butterfly by Winnie Wong

Congratulations! We were really impressed by all of the entries! I'm so glad that we had such a nice turn out of voters - almost 2,500 people voted to pick the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners! It is always a worthwhile venture if we can inspire someone to step out of their design box and try something new and different. A big thank you goes out to each and every designer that submitted. All of you really flexed your creativity!

Click here to see the Top 10 winners of our 2011 "Flex Your Creativity" Contest.

Free DIY Garnet and Glitz Necklace Instructions by Jamie Hogsett

2011-12-06T11:49:00.000-08:00

For awhile now, I've noticed finished jewelry made with mixed metals (silver and brass, gunmetal and gold, pewter and brass, etc.). It's a trend that seems to keep growing, which is great since I love the look of it all. Here's a necklace that's mostly silver with just touches of gold mixed in, in the forms of wire and crimp findings. Garnet stones in round and faceted shapes and simple silver bead frames add elegance and drama to an otherwise simple-to-assemble necklace. There are lots of steps in this necklace, but they're all pretty basic. This piece would be lovely made in just about any color palette and mixture of metals.

Materials needed:
38" of Non-Tarnish Silver 22-Gauge Craft Wire
48" of 24K Gold .019 Diameter Beading Wire
48" of 925 Sterling Silver .019 Diameter Beading Wire
64" of Garnet .019 Diameter Beading Wire
16x10mm Sterling Silver Oval Toggle Clasp
22 Gold-Filled 1mm Crimp Tubes
44 Sterling Silver 1mm Crimp Tubes
22 Sterling Silver or Gold-Filled 2mm Crimp Tubes
22 Gold-Filled 3mm Crimp Covers
4 Sterling Silver 14x17mm Butterfly Bead Frames
29 Garnet 5mm Round Beads
26 Garnet 5x4-8x9mm Simple Cut Nuggets

Tools needed:
Cutters
Crimping Pliers
Nylon Jaw Cutters
Chain Nose Pliers
Round Nose Pliers
Micro Crimping Pliers
Needle Nose Pliers
Bead Stoppers

Finished Size: 23"
Step 1: Use 4" of Garnet beading wire to string one 2mm crimp tube. Pass one end of the wire back through the tube. Adjust the wire and the crimp tube so there is a small loop of wire, and crimp. Cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover. Use the long end of the wire to string the first hole of 1 bead frame, 1 garnet nugget, the second hole of the bead frame, and one 2mm crimp tube. Pass back through the tube, adjusting the wire to form a small loop, and crimp as close to the bead frame as possible. Cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover. Repeat three times to make a total of four beading wire links.
Step 2: Use 2" of craft wire to form a wrapped loop that attaches to one loop of 1 beading wire link. String 1 garnet round and form a wrapped loop that attaches to one loop of a second beading wire link. Use 2" of craft wire to form a wrapped loop that attaches to the other loop of the previous beading wire link. String 1 garnet round and form a wrapped loop that attaches to one loop of a third beading wire link. Set aside.
Step 3: Use 2" of craft wire to form a wrapped loop. String 1 garnet nugget and form a wrapped loop. *Use 2" of craft wire to form a wrapped loop that attaches to the previous wrapped loop. String 1 garnet round and form a wrapped loop. Repeat from * twice. Use 2" of craft wire to form a wrapped loop that attaches to the previous wrapped loop. String 1 garnet nugget and form a wrapped loop.
Step 4: Use 2" of craft wire to form a wrapped loop that attaches to the ring half of the clasp. String 1 garnet round and form a wrapped loop that attaches to one end of 1 garnet chain.
Step 5: Use 2" of craft wire to form a wrapped loop that attaches to the other end of the garnet chain. String 1 garnet round and form a wrapped loop that attaches to one beading wire loop of the chain formed in Step 2.
Step 6: Use 3" of craft wire to form a large (about 6mm) wrapped loop. String 1 garnet round and form a wrapped loop that attaches to the other end of the chain.
Step 7: Repeat Steps 3-6 for the other end of the necklace, using the bar half of the clasp and the single link remaining from Step 1. Set both necklace ends aside.
Step 8: Place a Bead Stopper on one end of 16" of 925 Sterling Silver beading wire. String 1 sterling silver 1mm crimp tube and 1 garnet nugget. String {2 sterling silver 1mm crimp tubes, 1 garnet round, 2 sterling silver 2mm crimp tubes, and 1 garnet nugget} five times. String 1 sterling silver 1mm crimp tube. Place a Bead Stopper on the wire end. Repeat entire step using 24K Gold beading wire and gold-filled 1mm crimp tubes. Repeat step again using Garnet beading wire and gold-filled 1mm crimp tubes. Set aside.
Step 9: Use two 16" pieces of 24K Gold beading wire and one 16" piece of Garnet beading wire to string one 2mm crimp tube. Place the tube about 2" from the wire ends, and crimp. Trim the Garnet beading wire end and one 24K Gold beading wire end. Do not cut the remaining wire end. Braid the three wires together for about 9 1/2". Use all three wires to string one 2mm crimp tube. Measure the braid so that there are 9 1/2" between the crimp tubes, and crimp. Trim the Garnet beading wire end and one 24K Gold beading wire end. Do not cut the remaining wire end. Cover the crimp tubes with crimp covers.
Step 10: Repeat Step 9 using two 16" pieces of 925 Sterling Silver wire and one 16" piece of Garnet wire. Set braided wire strands aside.
Step 11: Remove the Bead Stopper and use the Sterling Silver wire strand with the garnet beads to string one 2mm crimp tube and the 6mm wrapped loop from one end of the necklace. Pass back through the tube, and crimp. Cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover. Repeat four times, attaching the strands in the following order: the Gold/Garnet braided strand, the Garnet wire strand with the garnet beads, the Sterling Silver/Garnet braided strand, and the Gold wire strand with the garnet beads, removing Bead Stoppers as necessary. Repeat entire step for the other end of the necklace.
Step 12: Place the necklace on the workspace and adjust the 1mm crimp tubes and the garnet beads on the 925 Sterling Silver, 24K Gold, and Garnet beading wire strands as desired. Use Micro Crimping Pliers or needle nose pliers to crimp the 1mm crimp tubes, securing the garnet beads in place.

Enjoy!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Fashion Trends

2011-12-01T11:27:00.001-08:00

Wear this Mini Skirt.
Make these Willowy Earrings.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Color Inspiration by Kristen Fagan

2011-11-30T09:00:00.001-08:00

Image by aryan251 via Stock.XCHNG

Items that match this color palette:

SOFT FLEX WIRE GARNET

3MM RHODOLITE GARNET FACETED RONDELLES

MANDARIN GARNET FACETED PEARS

SOFT FLEX WIRE LEMON QUARTZ

CARVED PINK TOURMALINE LEAVES

LAST CHANCE! Vote - Vote - Vote

2011-11-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

Autumn Bouquet by Tatiana Van Iten

Last chance to vote today!

Thanks to some wonderful feedback, we changed the voting process slightly this year. We decided to use a Soft Flex jury to choose the top 10 designs. Now, it is up to you to help us rank the designs, choosing a first, second and third place winner. Each design uses both Soft Flex Beading Wire and Soft Flex Craft Wire. Only one vote per person please. Go vote! Yay!

Free DIY Beaded Bangles Idea by Jamie Hogsett

2011-11-29T10:08:00.000-08:00

This trio of braided bangles is the perfect project to illustrate the wonders of Bead Stoppers. Bead Stoppers are one of my favorite tools. Sure, they work for keeping beads secure on a single strand of beading wire, but they're also handy in many other ways. In this project, Bead Stoppers add weight to the end of wires which helps the braiding process, keep braids from unraveling, act as place-holders to keep beads in a certain spot on a group of wires, AND secure beads from falling off the end of a single strand of wire.
Materials needed:
30 foot spool of Pink Tourmaline .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
4 Sterling Silver 3mm Crimp Tubes
2 Sterling Silver 2mm Crimp Tubes
2 Sterling Silver 3mm Crimp Covers
64 Multi Color Tourmaline 4mm Faceted Rondelles
2 Assorted Color 7x12mm Ceramic Teeny Tiny Owls

Tools needed:
Bead Stoppers
Cutters
Mighty Crimping Pliers
Crimping Pliers
Pre-made Bangle Bracelet or Bracelet Mandrel

Finished size: 2 1/2" diameter

Bangle One

Step 1: Attach 1 bead stopper to three 14" pieces of wire about 6" from one end of the wires.
Step 2: Use all three wires to string 1 ceramic owl bead (top to bottom). Use one wire to string 18 tourmaline rondelles. Place a bead stopper on the wire end.
Step 3: Begin braiding the three wires together below the owl bead. When the wire strung with tourmaline rondelles is placed in the middle of the other two wires, slide 1 bead up into the braid and continue braiding. Repeat this every time this wire is in the center of the braid.
Step 4: Once you've braided about nine rondelles into the braid, place a bead stopper on the wires to secure the braid. Push the owl bead down over the braided wire until it reaches the first rondelle.
Step 5: Remove the bead stopper above the owl bead. Use 1 strand of wire to string 7 rondelles. Place a bead stopper on the end of that wire. Braid the wires as before, working 1 rondelle into the braid every time its wire is in the center of the braid. Place a bead stopper on the wire ends.
Step 6: Remove the bead stopper on the long end of the wires and continue braiding and adding rondelles to the braid until the bracelet is the size of the pre-made bangle.
Step 7: Use all three wire ends to string one 3mm crimp tube. Carefully remove and replace bead stoppers to secure the wires and use the other three wire ends to pass through the crimp tube in the opposite direction. Adjust the braided wires as necessary so that it's the right size, and use Mighty Crimping Pliers to crimp the crimp tube. Trim wire ends.

Bangle Two

Step 8: Use both ends of a 3" piece of beading wire to string one 2mm crimp tube. Snug the tube up the wire, leaving a small loop, and use Crimping Pliers to crimp the crimp tube. Cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover. Use both wire ends to string 1 owl bead (top to bottom) and 1 crimp tube. Snug the beads and crimp the crimp tube. Cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover. Trim the wire ends to about 1/8" and 1/4" and set the charm aside.

Step 9: Adjust one 16" piece of beading wire and two 12" pieces of beading wire so that one end of each wire matches up. Use all three wire ends to string 1 crimp tube. Adjust the tube so that it is covering the other ends of the 12" wire pieces and use Mighty Crimping Pliers to crimp the crimp tube.
Step 10: Use the short single wire to string 15 tourmaline rondelles and one 3mm crimp tube. Place a bead stopper on the single wire.
Step 11: Braid the three wire ends together for about 3/4". Use 1 wire end to string the charm made in Step 8. Continue braiding the wire ends until the bangle is long enough when measured against the pre-made bangle. Use all three wire ends to pass through the 3mm crimp tube in the opposite direction and use Might Crimping Pliers to crimp. Trim wire ends.

Bangle Three

Step 12: Cut three 12" pieces of wire. Place a bead stopper on all three wires just off of center. Use 1 wire end to string 10 rondelles. Attach a bead stopper to the wire to secure the beads.
Step 13: Use 1 wire to string 9 rondelles. Use the remaining wire to string 10 rondelles.
Step 14: Remove 1 bead stopper and braid the three wires together for about 3 1/2". Use all three wire ends to string one 3mm crimp tube. Place a bead stopper on the wires. Remove the other bead stopper and braid the wires together for about 3 1/2". Use all three wire ends to pass through the crimp tube in the opposite direction. Measure the bangle against the pre-made bangle, adjusting the wire as necessary for size, and use Mighty Crimping Pliers to crimp the crimp tube. Trim the wire ends.
Wear the bangles together or separate or play around with additional bangles to add to the stack. Enjoy!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Fashion Trends

2011-11-28T14:00:00.000-08:00

Dress your tree in that Tree Skirt.
Make this Ornament to decorate it.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Spotlight on...Bead in Hand Bead Store

2011-11-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Bead in Hand

Bead in Hand has a fabulous selection of beads from all over the world plus a variety of unique pieces to make projects one of a kind. We carry seed beads, pressed glass beads, lamp worked beads, semi-precious beads, Swarovski crystals, vintage beads, findings in many metals, Tierra Cast charms, Soft Flex wire and other stringing materials and much more. Customers are invited to look in all the small drawers and boxes to find their treasures. In store assistance is always available and we have a great selection of classes. We also host birthday parties, adult parties and scout groups. We do repairs. We are open 6 days a week and only closed on Wednesdays.

Read More!

Article - Open House by Lorelei Eurto

Color by Margie Deeb - Holiday Glam Jewelry: Black? by Margie Deeb

Designer - Lisa Hoffer

Book - The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg

Local Bead Group - The Northern Virginia Bead Society

Bead Seller - Bead in Hand in Oak Park, IL

Vote - Vote - Vote

2011-11-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

Free Wheelin' Summer by Erin Prais-Hintz

Spotlight on...The Northern Virginia Bead Society

2011-11-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Northern Virginia Bead Society

The Northern Virginia Bead Society (NVBS) a Non-Profit organization, was created in February of 1992. Lorraine Morton, who passed away in 2009, was one of the founding 13 members.

Our purpose is to encourage members of the community to appreciate and participate in the visual arts through beads. We endeavor to provide a network for education opportunities and the exchange of ideas about beads and techniques in beading. We sponsor a bead and jewelry Auction (May) and a full scale Bead and Jewelry show (Sept/Oct) every year! We bring artists from all over the nation to Virginia to speak at meetings and teach workshops.

Read More!

Article - Open House by Lorelei Eurto

Color by Margie Deeb - Holiday Glam Jewelry: Black? by Margie Deeb

Designer - Lisa Hoffer

Book - The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg

Local Bead Group - The Northern Virginia Bead Society

Bead Seller - Bead in Hand in Oak Park, IL

Vote - Vote - Vote

2011-11-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

Pretty Posies by Dorisanne Higgins

Free DIY Beaded Earring Project by Jamie Hogsett

2011-11-22T10:34:00.000-08:00

This week I challenged myself to use all three sizes of crimping pliers in a project and, after a couple of failed attempts at holiday decorations, these earrings were created. Made with the three colors of the Renewal Trios wire set (one of my favorites!) and only a few peridot beads, these earrings are simple to make and are oh-so-pretty with just the right amount of sparkle.

My bead stash yielded a random assortment of small peridot beads leftover from other projects that turned out to be perfect for these earrings, so feel free to experiment. I can picture these earrings made with many of the Trios sets, just be sure to use varying shapes and sizes of of the same color bead to help blend all the wire colors together.

Materials needed:
5" of Chrysoprase .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
9 1/2" of Peridot .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
8" of Green Emerald .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
2 Sterling Silver 3mm Crimp Tubes
2 Sterling Silver 2mm Crimp Tubes
12 Sterling Silver 1mm Crimp Tubes
2 Sterling Silver 4mm Soldered Jump Rings
1 pair of Silver Plated Ear Wires
4 Peridot 3.5x4mm Faceted Ovals
2 Peridot 3.5x5-4x7mm Faceted Tubes
2 Peridot 6x7-6x8mm Smooth Ovals

Tools needed:
Cutters
Mighty Crimping Pliers
Crimping Pliers
Micro Crimping Pliers
Bead Stoppers

Finished size: 2 3/4"

Note: though I didn't include Bead Stoppers in any of the pictures here, I assure you I used several of them for this project and highly recommend them!
Step 1: Attach 1 Bead Stopper to one end of 2 1/2" of Chrysoprase wire. String one 1mm crimp tube, 1 peridot faceted oval, and one 1mm crimp tube. Attach the Bead Stopper to the other end of the wire and set aside. Repeat, using 4 3/4" of Peridot wire to string one 1mm crimp tube, 1 peridot faceted tube, and one 1mm crimp tube. Repeat again, using 4" of Green Emerald wire to string one 1mm crimp tube, 1 peridot smooth oval, and one 1mm crimp tube. Do not crimp any crimp tubes.
Step 2: Remove all Bead Stoppers and carefully gather together both ends of the Chrysoprase and Green Emerald wires and one end of the Peridot wire. Place the other end of the Peridot wire so that it is 1 1/2" longer than all other wire ends. Use all six wire ends to string one 3mm crimp tube so that it rests at the very end of the group of five wire ends. Use Mighty Crimping Pliers to crimp the tube.
Step 3: Use the remaining Peridot wire end to string 1 peridot faceted oval, one 2mm crimp tube, and 1 jump ring. Pass back through the tube, making sure to nestle the peridot oval between the 3mm and 2mm crimp tubes as snugly as possible, and crimp. Attach 1 ear wire to the jump ring.
Step 4: Repeat Steps 1-3 to make a second earring.
Step 5: Adjust the 1mm crimp tubes and peridot beads on both earrings so that they are mirror images of each other. Use Micro Crimping Pliers to crimp the 1mm crimp tubes, keeping the peridot beads secured in their spots on the wires.

Enjoy!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Spotlight on...The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry

by Joanna Gollberg

The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg is a comprehensive guide for making professional looking jewelry. Although this book is less about beading and more about metal work, I think it is important to look at books of all kinds to gather inspiration for my bead work. The jewelry in this book is amazing! I love modern design and this book did not disappoint.

Read More!

Article - Open House by Lorelei Eurto

Color by Margie Deeb - Holiday Glam Jewelry: Black? by Margie Deeb

Designer - Lisa Hoffer

Book - The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg

Local Bead Group - The Northern Virginia Bead Society

Bead Seller - Bead in Hand in Oak Park, IL

Vote - Vote - Vote

2011-11-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Genesis Necklace by Marie Brittain

Spotlight on...Designer Lisa Hoffer

2011-11-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

Lisa Hoffer

Lisa Hoffer is a self-taught jewelry designer. She has been making unique pieces of wearable art for over 15 years. Lisa is the creator and head designer of Bead Girl Jewelry, an Arizona based company. The belief that art should not only be beautiful, but should also be affordable is why Bead Girl Jewelry offers their unique pieces of wearable art at prices that won't break the bank.

Read More!

Article - Open House by Lorelei Eurto

Color by Margie Deeb - Holiday Glam Jewelry: Black? by Margie Deeb

Designer - Lisa Hoffer

Book - The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg

Local Bead Group - The Northern Virginia Bead Society

Bead Seller - Bead in Hand in Oak Park, IL

Fashion Trends

2011-11-17T14:00:00.000-08:00

Wear that Cowl Neck Dress.
Make this Simple Beaded Bracelet.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Vote - Vote - Vote

2011-11-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

Ishi Garden by Diana Shiraishi

Color Inspiration by Kristen Fagan

2011-11-16T13:09:00.001-08:00

Image by Jo Murphy via Stock.XCHNG

Items that match this color palette:

SOFT FLEX WIRE DARK BLUE LAPIS

AMAZONITE SIMPLE CUT GEMSTONES

SOFT FLEX WIRE FLUORITE

ELK ANTLER POLISHED BARRELS

PINK OPAL POLISHED PEARS

Free DIY Knitted Bangle Project by Jamie Hogsett

2011-11-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

The more I use the knitting spool, the more I really like it. When I first saw the tool, I had no idea how versatile it was. I've since used it to make necklaces, earring and lots of different types of bracelets. Soft Flex Beading Wire is my favorite wire to use on the spool (it can be used with Craft Wire as well) as it gives the projects a great bounce and body. A great example of that is this bangle, which doesn't even need a clasp - it just stretches around your hand, then tightens up again to fit your wrist.

Materials needed:
One 10 foot spool of Green Turquoise .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
10" of Silver 22-gauge Soft Flex Craft Wire
2 Sterling Silver 2mm Crimp Tubes
2 Sterling Silver 3mm Crimp Covers
2 lime green 10x6mm Enameled Flower Bead Caps
1 Pewter 25x16mm Fishy Bead
About 70 Blue Turquoise 3mm Rondelles
4 Turquoise 4mm Swarovski Elements Crystal Bicones
2 green/blue/red 10mm Manik Manik Lampwork Glass Rounds

Tools needed:
3-Pin Knitting Spool with Stylus
Cutters
Chain Nose Pliers
Round Nose Pliers
Crimping Pliers
Tape Measure
Bead Stoppers

Step 1: Without cutting any wire from the spool, string all but four of the blue turquoise rondelles onto the green turquoise beading wire.
Step 2: Using the instructions posted here, follow the first three steps of Style 1 to secure the wire to the knitting spool. Knit six stitches (two complete rounds).
Step 3: Before completing the next stitch, slide 1 turquoise rondelle up the wire so that it sits between 2 pins of the knitting spool.
Step 4: Continue knitting, adding one turquoise rondelle to every stitch.
Note: After every stitch or two, pull down on the wire end to help the knitted cord pull through the bottom of the knitting spool.
Step 5: Continue knitting until the cord is about 4" in length.
Step 6: Knit three stitches (one round) without adding any beads.
Step 7: Cut the wire from the spool, leaving a 6" tail. Pass the wire end through the next loop on the knitting spool, from top to bottom.
Step 8: Carefully remove the wire loop from the pin. Repeat for the other two pins.
Step 9: Gently pull the knitted cord from the knitting spool.
Step 10: Place a Bead Stopper on each end of the knitted cord. Use your fingers to rumple the cord, working a little at a time between your fingers to move the beads around to different areas of the wire loops. Set the knitted cord aside.
Step 11: Use 3" of 22-gauge wire to form a wrapped loop. String 1 turquoise rondelle, 1 Manik Manik lampwork glass round, and 1 turquoise rondelle. Form a wrapped loop. Use 4" of 22-gauge wire to form a wrapped loop that attaches to the previous loop. String 1 crystal bicone, the fishy bead, and 1 crystal bicone. Form a wrapped loop. Use 3" of 22-gauge wire to form a wrapped loop that attaches to the previous loop. String 1 turquoise rondelle, 1 lampwork glass round, and 1 turquoise rondelle. Form a wrapped loop.
Step 12: Remove one Bead Stopper from the knitted cord. Use the wire end to string 1 flower bead cap, 1 turquoise crystal bicone, 1 crimp tube, and 1 wrapped loop from Step 11. Pass back through the crimp tube, snug the wire so that there is a small loop of beading wire around the craft wire wrapped loop, and crimp. Cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover. Repeat entire step using the other end of the knitted cord and the remaining wrapped loop.
Enjoy!

Bead Caps from C-Koop Beads. Fishy Bead from Green Girl Studios. Swarovski Elements Crystal Bicones from Fusionbeads.com. Manik Manik Lampwork Beads from Bead Goes On. All other materials from Soft Flex Company.

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company and a Swarovski Elements Ambassador. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Vote - Vote - Vote

2011-11-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

California by Tatiana Van Iten

Spotlight on...Holiday Glam Jewelry: Black? by Margie Deeb

2011-11-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

Holiday Glam Jewelry: Black?

by Margie Deeb

Excerpt from Instant Holiday Glam: Color Palettes of Splendor. Available for $7.95 as a downloadable PDF.

Yes, black for the holidays! It's elegant, rich, and splendid. Mysterious black, combined with any metal, works holiday glam magic. But black alone won't do it - you must add sparkle and glitz.

Read More!

Article - Open House by Lorelei Eurto

Color by Margie Deeb - Holiday Glam Jewelry: Black? by Margie Deeb

Designer - Lisa Hoffer

Book - The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg

Local Bead Group - The Northern Virginia Bead Society

Bead Seller - Bead in Hand in Oak Park, IL

Vote - Vote - Vote

2011-11-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

Fairy Oasis by Alexandra Sydorenko

Show Your Colors book - Received my first full copy for editing!

2011-11-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

Oh my, this is an exciting month. I just received my copy of Show Your Colors. Jamie and I turned in our files in June and we have only been slightly involved since. Kalmbach has been working their magic with our materials to create a beautiful and colorful book. Now, Jamie and I have 2 weeks to closely look it over and offer our final editing suggestions. When FedEx dropped it off at my door this afternoon, I was over the moon with happiness. It is so neat to see all of it put together in a tight little package. So exciting!

If you want to pre-order the book, you can find it on Amazon. If you want to wait and get a signed copy, you will be able to buy this book directly from Soft Flex Company. We will have plenty of copies in our booth at the Best Bead Show in Tucson.

Winner Announced - Glass Geode by KBGlassworks

2011-11-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

My bridal bouquet

We have a winner and her name is Cindy Fiore. Yay Cindy! You won a whopper this week. I hope that you thoroughly enjoy your new glass geode bead. If anyone else would like to pick up one for their own collection, they can be found here.

Spotlight on..."Open House" by Lorelei Eurto

2011-11-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

"Open House"

by Lorelei Eurto

Read More!

Article - Open House by Lorelei Eurto

Color by Margie Deeb - Holiday Glam Jewelry: Black? by Margie Deeb

Designer - Lisa Hoffer

Book - The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg

Local Bead Group - The Northern Virginia Bead Society

Bead Seller - Bead in Hand in Oak Park, IL

Fashion Trends

2011-11-10T14:27:00.001-08:00

Wear this Cardigan Sweater.

Make that Gold Romance Necklace.

Hi, Beaders! We have been pairing fashion trends with free project ideas all year long on the Soft Flex Company website and decided to make them a regular feature here on the blog every Thursday. To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Sara O Jewelry Launching January 2012

2011-11-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'm taking the big plunge! I'm starting my own jewelry business, Sara O Jewelry. The "O" stands for Oehler (pronounce Ay-ler), my new married name. I spoke a little about this with the owner of Soft Flex and he graciously agreed to let me talk about it here and there on this blog. I plan to launch the new business at the very beginning of 2012. I've wanted to do this for years. In fact, I've been asked and encouraged to sell my jewelry for ages. I just didn't feel ready. Somewhere between writing my first book Show Your Colors with Jamie Hogsett and planning my wedding (was November 5th), I realized that having my own little business is finally a good fit for me. I am excited and a little scared. At any rate, there are many changes to come over the next few months as I learn how to start my own little jewelry business and I hope to share with you the good, the bad and the ugly. For now, I'd like to share with you the bare bones of my new website for Sara O Jewelry and invite you to follow Sara O Jewelry on facebook.

Vote - Vote - Vote

2011-11-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

A Salute to U.S. Troops by Diane Zigabarra

Free DIY Beaded Pendant Idea by Jamie Hogsett

2011-11-08T11:22:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Soft Flex Company sells some really fun, chunky chain? It comes in 36" lengths in a few fun shapes and sizes. The chain is copper (available in copper, silver-plated, and gold-plated), so it's easy to cut apart and use in small amounts for several different project, such as earrings, bracelets, etc.

Here's a beaded and wire-wrapped pendant that uses one link each of a couple different chains. In addition to the chain, this sparkling pendant incorporates 28-gauge Soft Flex Craft Wire in Bare Copper, .019 diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire in Red Jasper and Citrine and Swarovski Elements crystal rounds in Crystal Copper and Crystal Brandy. The colors of the crystals work perfectly to blend the colors of the chain and wire.

Materials needed:
1 link of 36mm Hexagon Copper Chain with attached 10mm jump ring
1 round 22mm link of Oval and Round Textured Copper Chain
About 60" of 28 gauge Bare Copper Craft Wire
6" of Red Jasper .019 Beading Wire
6" of Citrine .019 Beading wire
4 Copper 2mm Crimp Tubes
4 Copper 3mm Crimp Covers
26 Crystal Copper 2mm Swarovski Elements Crystal Rounds
16 Crystal Brandy 4mm Swarovski Elements Crystal Rounds

Tools needed:
1.25mm Hole Punch Pliers
Cutters
Bead Stoppers
Chain Nose Pliers
Crimping Pliers

Finished Size: 1 7/8"
Step 1: Separate 1 link of hexagon chain from the 36" chain, making sure to keep a jump ring attached. Separate 1 round link from the other chain. Use the hole punch pliers to punch four evenly-spaced holes around the round chain link.
Step 2: Use the Red Jasper wire to string 1 hole of the round link (bottom to top), 4 crystal copper 4mn crystal rounds, and the opposite hole of the round link (top to bottom). Adjust the wire so that the beads are at the center of the wire.
Step 3: Use the citrine wire to string 1 hole of the round link (bottom to top) and 3 crystal brandy 2mm crystal rounds. Pass the wire under the red jasper wire between the second and third 4mm crystals. String 3 crystal brandy 2mm crystal rounds and the opposite hole of the round link (top to bottom). Adjust the wire so that the beads are at the center of the wire.
Step 4: Use 1 red jasper wire end to string 1 crimp tube. Loop the wire around 1 corner of the hexagon chain link and pass back through the crimp tube. Place Bead Stoppers on both sides of the wire loop to keep it in place, ensuring the right tension when you go to crimp. Repeat with the other end of the red jasper wire. Use chain nose pliers to snug the wire ends. Repeat entire step using the citrine wire.
Step 5: Adjust crimps as necessary and crimp all four crimp tubes. Cover each crimp tube with 1 crimp cover, moving Bead Stoppers around as necessary to get the crimping pliers into the small space.
Step 6: Use about 24" of 28-gauge wire to begin wrapping around the hexagon chain link at the bottom of the pendant. Wrap back and for a couple of times to secure the wire end. String 1 crystal copper crystal round and secure it in the wire wrap at the very bottom point of the hexagon chain link. Wrap a few times around the link. String 1 crystal copper crystal round and secure it in the wire wrap. *Wrap the wire loosely around the chain link until you get to the next point of the hexagon. Wrap three more crystal copper crystal rounds, one at a time, at the point of the chain link. Repeat from * once.
Step 7: Wrap the wire fairly loosely around the chain link until you get to the next point of the hexagon. Wrap three more crystal copper crystal rounds, one at a time, at the point of the chain link. Repeat around the pendant, adding wire when necessary and making sure to pass the wire through the attached jump ring, until you reach the beginning of the wrap. Add one more crystal copper round to the bottom point of the chain link. Begin wrapping around the chain link again, adding two 4mm crystal brandy crystal rounds to each point of the hexagon, and wrapping only a few times between each point. Be sure to secure the jump ring between the two 4mm crystals at the top of the chain link. Tuck wire ends into the wraps to secure.
Enjoy!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company and a Swarovski Elements Ambassador. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

First Friday Giveaway - KB Glasswords Geode

2011-11-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

Check out this Mike Sherman design showcasing the use of a glass geode bead. Did you enter to win yet?