I am currently writing an essay on the 28 grievances listed in the declaration of independence.  Exciting stuff.  But, I have jewelry stuff on my mind.  What better way to get it outta my head but to write it down, and share with others

I’ve browsed the net for all sorts of jewelry making ideas.  Everything from Hemp knots to bridal necklaces to upcycling jewelry.  I have a few favorites, mostly the ones that I know I can afford to buy and make, and hopefully turn around and sell one day.  As I’ve mentioned before, Etsy.com is a WONDERFUL site to find jewelry, or handmade items of any kind.

On to the ideas!

I found this cool little blurb about using washers in your jewelry.  I’ve already done this, mostly for guys jewelry or anything related to ‘tech jewelry’.  For some reason it never crossed my mind to change the appearance of the washers and just use them as pendants or earrings.  Here’s an example of what i mean.  that’s made with only decorated papers!  I’ve seen a few variations where they use incandescent washers and hang 2 different sizes with findings in the middle, they make great earrings.  To get any other ideas for that, just do a google search for ‘washer jewelry’ and see what pops up

One of my favorite upcycling jewelry ideas, involves a can of arizona tea.

Here’s the how-to

Of course there are hundreds of variations of soda pop jewelry.  I need to get on trying to make one!

Now, I have made a few pendants out of old CDs that i have laying around.  I found a neat tutorial and just added on to it. I didn’t really like the tacky effect of having so many next to eachother like that, i would prefer just a single pendant surrounded by some bold beads.   I ended up scratching a design into the back of the CD, creating a frosty type look surrounded by the cracked rainbow, and in some cases I decided to paint the back so you could see the color through the scratches.  I had a lot of fun creating those, i just haven’t found the right materials to combine it with yet.  I will post pictures when I have a completed project to show off

I have a friend that is a huge fan of robots.  haha.  She wears this hemp necklace with 2 robots that hang off of it.  She got it from her ex bf and I’m not sure if she’ll wear that much anymore.  So, I was looking at some pendants and charms to see if I could make her something robot related.  I found a ton of items on etsy, along with some great scrabble tile ideas.  This is one pendant that I would love to put on some waxed hemp.  I think she’d love it.  But, I think I’m going to make her a pendant from a scrabble tile.  Another idea I had never really considered.  There are a bunch of tutorials on the web and endless ideas for images to use.  I think I’m going to find or make a robot image and give it a shot.  I wanna buy some supplies first, but we’ll see how it goes.  I’ll post if I ever get it done.

Now, I really must get back to writing that essay.  Feel free to share some ideas/opinions in the comment area below.

<3 take care!

If you have not browsed through Etsy take a few minutes and do so. It’s amazing what people make at home. All the items are handmade and one of kind! One seller I stumbled across, ShadeJewelry, does some awesome work with titanium. All gems are tension held, it’s unbelievable.

Check out his store here

“All of my rings are handmade original creations. Over the last five years, I have purchased the best older American made machinery I could afford. The most automated machine in my shop is my Ipod! I had my shop geared to making competition battle bots. A friend asked me to make her a couple pieces of body jewelry. Inspired, I thought of couple ideas for titanium ring designs, and headed for the shop. I have experimented for the last year with different grades of titanium, various lathe tools, polishing procedures, and tension setting methods. Titanium is a beautiful but challenging material to machine. As a metal artist, my work and techniques are constantly improving. I have found the best grade of titanium to produce the finish I want for my final products. Part of my creativity depends upon continually working to master the use of my machinery and polishing processes. My evolving mechanical craftsmanship and imaginative designs are the ingredients for any work of art featured by Shade Jewelry. I have procured the expertise of a local jeweler to provide my diamonds, gems or to grade any gems I may buy. Shade Jewelry’s standard is to create elegant handmade, original designs of fine jewelry store quality.”

-ShadeJewelry

I found this article a few months ago and have been using it as a ‘rough guide’ to my new designs. Although lately I’ve gone the more eco-friendly route, this is still a useful article if you’re wanting to keep up with trends but are unsure of what to do or where to look.

Find original article here

“The ever changing business of bead jewelry and fashion trends isn’t always easy to predict, but I’ve been reading a lot of fashion magazines, listening to my customers keeping an eye out for what sort of jewelry has been selling and what hasn’t been.

Based on these observations and my own inner fashion diva, here’s what will be hot in beads and jewelry in 2008:

Natural Colors

There is lots of emphasis on “natural” colors and materials such as wood or stone beads use in jewelry. Along with this natural feel are a lot of organic and botanical looking beads and pendants as well. If it is even slightly reminiscent of nature it seems to be popular in most jewelry and bead circles right now.

Bold and Big

Large stones, gemstones and beads are still in, though they’re becoming a little less “over the top” and little more natural in size and pleasing to the eye. In 2008 bead jewelry pieces will still be expected to make a bold statement and not just lie on the neck or wrist. The “chunky” jewelry is still popular and I’m noticing that a lot of people like the rough cut or asymmetrical stones and beads.

Pendants, Charms and Single Stones

Single large stones that hang in a pendant configuration are popular. Lots of celebrities and media women are wearing bright and somewhat larger charm bracelets and even necklaces than they were in the past.

Colors!

Yes, I’m talking about color again! Natural is good, but also remember to be bright and bold! Bright colors from the 1980’s are out. Think more along the lines of the brightest colors you might see in a sunset or seascape. The color yellow is still popular, but I’ve seen it used more as an accent color in a lot of jewelry pieces and beads rather than the main event. These bright colors are being seen in bead jewelry and clothing fashions together. Many of these bright colors are “warmer” to go along with the natural feel!

Metals

Yes, natural and chunky are in, but there is still room for metals in beaded jewelry, especially when it is sleek and modern looking or even mixed with natural materials like wood and stone beads. There are always people who like the more “modern” beads and jewelry as opposed to the more traditional bead jewelry designs. You can buy modern beads for jewelry making or you can go for a more unique look and actually make bead jewelry out of hardware washers!

Shiny Stuff: Silver and Gold

Silver is still hot, but gold is making a comeback. The two metals are being seen mixed together in more and more pieces and more and more unique ways. I’ve seen a lot of charms, pendants and larger jewelry beads designed with a gemstone, gold and silver all in one piece.

I would describe the perfect bead jewelry necklace for 2008 to be comprised of bright, colorful oversized beads that invoked nature in either their shape or color and the whole piece would be be brought together with a tasteful silver and gold gemstone pendant hanging off the neck to bring it all together.

I hope you have a great 2008 and you’re able to find or make some wonderfully fashionable and trend-setting bead jewelry for yourself!

Laura has been creating bead jewelry and sharing her beading discoveries online since 2005. Over 100 articles later she is still finding new bead jewelry websites, beading artists and bead supply sites to tell others at http://www.beadjewelryblog.com“