Product Review: Cousin Beads

I have the privilege of reviewing these beautiful beads sent to me by Cousin.

This family owned and operated company began in 1970 as Enterprise Art, a retail company in Largo, Florida. The success lead the way for Cousin, a wholesale division. Today they are a premier wholesaler of jewelry making supplies.

You may have seen the Cousin brand displayed at fine stores such as Michael’s, Jo-Ann’s, Hancock Fabrics, and Wal-Mart, just to name a few.

Cousin has a wide variety of beautiful beads to choose from. Take a look at the beads they were so kind to send me.

Blue is my favorite color, so naturally these are my favorite of the beads I was sent. Look at the stunning color of these glass beads. They remind me of a deep blue lake with the sun shinning upon it making it sparkle like diamonds underneath its warm rays.

These glass beads are stunning in both color and detail. They make me think of a bride. I can see a beautiful bracelet made out of these beads adorning the wrist of a bride a she walks down the aisle to be united with her awaiting groom. These beads would be perfect for wedding jewelry.

I like the shape and color of these beads. These are glass beads, but they resemble delicate chunks of stone.

Look at how beautiful these are! They are gray and transparent, but, you can seen a variety of colors, depending on how the light hits them.

I like the red and black colors of these glass beads. The petite size is perfect for making jewelry that will sit gracefully on the neck or wrist depending on if you want to make a beautiful necklace, or bracelet.

I am very impressed with this brand of beads. A supply catalog was included with the beads. It is filled with all kinds of beautiful beads in various colors, and styles, as well as charms, and jewelry making components. I can see this being a brand I add to my favorites of brands to use in my jewelry making projects. Speaking of, do you want to see what I make with these lovely beads? I will post a second blog post and show you!

You can find all of the beads in this post, plus many more by visiting the Cousin website. Take a look for yourself and see what beautiful beads awaits you!

Special thanks to Cousin for supplying these beautiful beads for the review!

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In the dimly lit corner of my small jewelry studio, the silver soldering torch hisses to life. The familiar scent of metal and flux fills the air. As a jewelry maker, I’ve always found a certain magic in the process of soldering. It’s the moment when separate pieces of metal, like puzzle pieces, come together to create a beautiful whole. Over the years, I’ve gathered my fair share of tips and tricks that have made this art form more of a delight than a chore. Here, I’ll share some of those secrets to help you master the art of soldering in your jewelry making journey.

1. Set the Stage for Success
Before diving into soldering, ensure that your workspace is well-organized and clutter-free. You need a clear and clean surface to focus on your work. Make sure you have all your tools and materials within easy reach. An organized workspace not only boosts efficiency but also minimizes the chances of accidents.

2. Fire Up the Torch with Confidence
The torch is often the heart of soldering, and it can be intimidating for beginners. When I was starting, I remember feeling nervous about lighting the torch. But here’s a tip: practice lighting and adjusting the flame without your jewelry piece. Get comfortable with the torch, and you’ll gain more control.

3. Understand the Three S’s: Surface, Solder, and Sweat
Surface preparation is key. Clean the metal surfaces you plan to solder meticulously. Use a brush or abrasive paper to remove any oxides or contaminants. Then, apply flux. It’s like a magical potion that prevents oxidation and helps the solder flow.

The solder itself comes in various forms: sheets, wire, and paste. Choose the type that suits your project best. For small, delicate joints, I prefer solder wire, as it’s easier to position accurately.

As for the ‘sweat,’ it’s the term for the moment when the metal reaches the right temperature, and the solder flows like liquid silver. It’s crucial to wait for this moment, rather than forcing the solder to melt. This requires patience and practice.

4. Master the Art of Heat Control
Controlling the heat is a skill that comes with time. It’s essential to understand that different parts of your jewelry piece may require varying levels of heat. Larger pieces need more heat, while smaller or delicate areas need a gentle touch. Don’t rush this process; take your time to heat evenly.

5. Use Third-Hand Tools and Binding Wire
These trusty sidekicks are indispensable for securing your jewelry pieces during soldering. The third-hand tool can hold your workpiece in place, leaving your hands free to manipulate the torch and solder. Binding wire is your invisible assistant, helping to align and support delicate elements during soldering.

6. Post-Soldering Care
Once your soldering is complete, it’s crucial to quench your jewelry piece in a pickling solution. This removes any remaining flux and oxides, leaving you with a clean, shiny piece. After pickling, give your creation a good scrub with a brass brush for that extra shine.

7. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any art, soldering takes time to master. It’s not uncommon to experience frustration in the beginning, but remember that practice is your best friend. Take on small projects, perfect your technique, and gradually work your way up to more complex designs.

Soldering is more than just a technical skill; it’s an art form that bridges the gap between separate elements and transforms them into a unified whole. My journey as a jewelry maker has been a series of sparks, flames, and, yes, occasional mishaps, but each experience has added to my skill and passion.

Solder Like a Pro with these great tips

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