Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Bead Affaire Oct 18th

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Hello everyone,

Sorry about the lack of posts. I got sideswiped by an evil flu the day after I got back from Holiday and have been flat out for nearly a week! Feeling better now, and back to bringing you MORE Jewelry info!!!

Go to this event if you are in New England in mid October!

Beadesigner International, the New England Bead Society, is holding its 30th annual Bead Affaire on Saturday Oct 18th, 08 from 10AM – 5PM  at the Armenian Cultural Center, 47 Nichols Ave. Watertown, MA

The show features over fifty exhibitors from around the country, showing and selling an amazing range of beads, beading supplies and beaded jewelry. In addition to locally and nationally recognized glass bead artists and vendors, there will be ongoing demonstrations and door prizes.

The Bead Affaire offers both beginners and experienced beaders an opportunity to learn about beads, beading techniques and bead resources.

 

Funds raised by the Bead Affaire are used to support the ongoing activities of the bead society including lectures, workshops and educational outreach projects. Admission is $6.00, children under 12 are free.

 

For more information please go to the Bead Affaire page by clicking here: Bead Affaire

Have you read?

Book Review Wednesday: Bead Jewelry Making For Beginners

There is something very satisfying about bead jewelry making. It is one of those crafts that feels easy to start, but still gives you that lovely “I actually made this” moment when you finish a bracelet, necklace, or pair of earrings.

This week’s Book Review Wednesday pick is Bead Jewelry Making for Beginners, and unlike the trinket dish book where I was torn between our polymer clay and jewelry sections, this one sits very neatly here on Jewelry Making. Beads, findings, clasps, wire, earrings — no category confusion this time.

This looks like a useful beginner-friendly book for anyone wanting to move beyond simply stringing beads and start understanding how handmade jewelry actually comes together. Things like choosing beads, adding clasps, using findings properly, and making pieces that sit nicely are the little details that can make a beginner project feel much more polished.

I always think bead jewelry is a lovely craft for quick handmade gifts too. A simple bracelet, pair of earrings, or beaded necklace can be made fairly quickly, and it is easy to personalise with favourite colours, birthstones, charms, or leftover beads from the stash. And yes, if you have ever tipped a packet of seed beads across the table, you already know this craft comes with its own tiny chaos.

This book would suit new jewelry makers, teens, handmade gift makers, or anyone who has a bead stash tucked away and wants a little guidance getting started. Pair it with a basic set of jewelry pliers, beading wire or stretch cord, clasps, jump rings, and a bead mat, and you are ready to go.

My Shellie-style take? Bead Jewelry Making for Beginners looks like a practical, approachable starting point for anyone wanting to learn simple beaded jewelry techniques without feeling overwhelmed.