Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Support MzuriBeads

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Handmade, ethically sourced, recycled beads, You can’t get better than that!

Mzuribeads paper beaders live in the village of Ndejje, Uganda, where they roll paper beads from strips of recycled magazines and posters.

The director began this business with the ambition that she will one day not be needed, and Mzuribead will be ran entirely by Ugandans. Kirstie MacLean, is currently the director and acting as the voluntary/not for profit middle man. The money accumulated will be used to establish a program to train the women in the cooperative, (who so wish), to become directors, quality controllers, global marketeers, product developers, etc. In short, they aim to generate enough funds to develop a sustainable business structure.

Visit Mzuribeads and browse their online shop for some beautiful handmade beads.

WIN WIN WIN

Thanks to Mzuribeads we are giving 5 lucky CraftGossip readers the chance to win a DIY Bracelet kit.

This little box equips you with all you need to make your own recycled paper bead bracelet.  Mzuribeads is a business working with groups of village artisans who roll paper, and other ethical and natural beads.  Each bead is unique as the colour is from the specific page selected. And they are also varnished for a waterproof and glossy finish.    Presented in a gift box; containing over 15  colourful round Paper Beads, over 15 Glass Spacer Beads, knottable Tiger tail, (no need for tools,etc), and a toggle clasp.

For your chance to win simply leave a comment on this post telling us what is your favorite bead on the Mzuribead website.

Competition Closed – Winners are IndiviJewels,BeadingHeartArt,Letha,Ken and Sally Lowe. (You have all been e-mailed requesting your postal address)

Competition Open Worldwide

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Comments

  1. I love the pure purple jumbo “The Spaceships Have Landed” paper beads, but there are so many gorgeous ones to choose from. The barkcloth beads are also beautiful.

  4. I like the Barkcloth Beads. They are so unusual and tactile. The chunky size is an eyestopper for sure! It is also neat that they are a product which is made by another group and shared Through the Mazumi site- I especially like that they are networking in their enterprises!

  5. I was amazed to find such an wonderful site while I was researching making jewelry from recycled materials. These beads are so colorful and amazing…they make you happy just seeing them. Beautiful! Thank you.

  6. Hands down, my favosite is the Jumbo green beads. However, due to it being recyled, I love the recycled beads too.

    They are soo beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  7. Gorgeous beads! I can’t choose just one! My faves are “The Spaceships Have Landed” and the “To Infinity and Beyond.”

  9. So many colors of the variety of beads but I am drawn to the Barkcloth beads. They look so organic and interesting.

  11. Definitely Omo in turquoise! I made a necklace with an earlier version of these beads and it’s been much admired. These beads are so much lighter and more comfortable to wear than glass or ceramic.

  13. Love all the beads on the Mzuribeads website, have at least one of each of everything. Especially like using the Omo (the berry bead) in my jewellery designs as the shape works so well with all my other beads.

  15. I am a Mzuribead customer and have to say ALL the beads are fabulous. I really like the jumbo recycled paper beads. I have them in black and they are awesome! But, I love the bead mixes of recycled beads – so much inspiration in one bag. OH, and the banana leaf beads are little pieces of glory! sigh. My favorite? Tough call. I guess I’ll stick with the jumbo! Thanks for the chance to win 🙂

  17. If I have to choose just one, I favor the Barkcloth beads. I love the color. By the way, the Paper Bead Dress is incredible!

  20. These beads are incredible! They are a good representation of what beauty can come from, like the moth into a butterfly. I would use these as a sign that all is beautiful.

  21. these beads are way more than just beads they are fair trade for a fairer world and beautiful jewelry and i drool over all the beads but my favorite are jumbo’s in all the fab colours xx

  22. I absolutely love fair trade beads!! I am teaching a cultural beading class at a school in NYC this fall (begins in a week), and will include a class on fair trade beading in Africa. The children range from 5-8th grade, and I am sure they would absolutely love to work with such beautiful, ethical beads.
    🙂

Have you read?

Soldering Tips For Jewelry Making

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

Bezel Set Ring Tutorial

Torch Talk

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