A Year in Review!! Rings & Things

This week I am re posting some of my favorite blog posts and linking back to some of yours!

A year in review!

What is going on over at Rings & Things? Rings & Things blog is jam packed with tips, hints, sales, promotions, reviews, products and so much more!!!

If you need the skinny on beads - this is the place!!!

Rings & Things Loves ME!!!!

Back, oh, a week or so ago, Rings & Things posted on their facebook fan page, that if you posted a picture of your newest Rings & Things creation you could win a prize!!!

So I did :)

And I got this!




These are two awesome publications! Margot Potters book, Bead Chic is beautifully photographed with excellent step by step instructions for some fun designs.

Glass Art Magazine made my jaw drop. I don't know anything about glass art, other than I like looking at it, but this magazine has made me what to know more!

Rings & Things has a great online community full of support, information and just plain fun.
Look them up on Facebook, or Twitter, or their Blog, and see what they are up to.

You'll be glad you did :)

Some Rings & Things Fun!

Last Tuesday I got the greatest package from Rings & Things. My name had been drawn for the blogger challenge and I had received a big OH mess o' pendants.

Saturday I got a great idea for a focal for a bracelet and set to work. I wanted it to be big and clunky and funky. I started with the leather first. The leather and wood beads were not enuff to counter balance the focal.

Hrm - what can I add..... Using seed beads to make a connector or 'bale' for the beaded wrist band added some fun color and texture to the focal.





I made a wire wrapped loop connecting the toggle, and added the faceted Picasso glass bead for some flare, and attached the beaded strands to the other side of the wire wrapped loop.

21-340-29-011 - Donut, Gemstone, Square, 50mm (Green Aventurine) * - Rings & Things
(FPS-PI-OTU8) Fire-Polished Bead 8mm Opaque Turqoise Picasso beads * - Art Beads
29-555-10-901 - Bead, Shell Pearl, Round, 10mm (Brown Mix) - Rings & Things
43-148-03 - Bead Cap, Copper, Filigree, 11mm (Antiqued Copper) - Rings & Things
Czech fire polished glass beads - pink mix - Art Beads (They are out of this but you may find something you like better)
49-954-05-AC - Bead, Cast, Flower, 5mm (Antiqued Copper Plated) - Rings & Things
26-823 - Bead, Copper Plated, Triangle Heishi (Copper Plated) - Rings & Things
26-814-13 - Bead, Copper, Bicone, 3mm (Copper) - Rings & Things
39-190-14-8 - Clasp, Toggle, Cast, 15mm (Copper Plated) - Rings & Things
47-400-SP - Wire, Copper, 18g, Round, 50' (Solid Copper) - Rings & Things
Repurposed - Mookite chips, carnelian barrels and rhodonite heishi beads.





This was sooo much fun, I see more in my near future :)



*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program


*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

Look what I got from Rings & Things!!!

Back in March I created this bracelet from a Rings & Things Blogger challenge packet.


I fell in love with the shell pearls and at the last Rings & Things Bead Tour, I popped over and bought some more!

I recently sold that bracelet and got an order for a matching necklace. I didn't have the BIG blue shell pearls or the chain so, *snaps fingers* darn! I had to go to Rings & Things and make an order!!!

Here's what I got.



29-555-16-905 Bead, Shell, Pearl, 16mm Round Bead

40-099-24-7 Chain, Ftage, Oval Curb,10.5mm

28-000-007-443 Glass, Fac 10mm Rondelle

43-148-03 Bead Cap, Copper, Filligree

Now let me tell you how pleasantly surprised I was - my mind exploded - when I saw the SPOOL OF CHAIN!!! I thought I had ordered just the 5 ft length of chain when it is actually 32 ft!!!!. I am stupid with happy about that spool. The possibilities are endless!!!!!

Thanks Rings & Things!!!

Stay tuned to see what came from Australia!!!!

Update - Rings & Things Bead Show and more

Yesterday - was the Rings & Things Bead Show in NC - I was EXCITED. I got permission to work a half day (my boss understands my addiction), got my day organized and off I went. I had a couple of stops to make on the way, made a wrong turn, had a detour, and was there in a little over 2 hours. Not bad.

I wandered in around 2:30 and was surprised to not see a lot of people there. Granted the rush was most likely when the door opened, and me being a slacker, was late. I was greeted at the door (she was the sweetest) given and explanation of the prices, and a shopping tray. I asked her if she would let me interview her for my blog which caused her to sputter and back pedal. I took her off guard :) She tried to pawn it off on a fellow co worker, saying they were better at it than her, when she was saved by a customer that needed to check out.

I would be back.

I grabbed my camera to take a few pictures and got this shot - from one corner of the room - approx 45 tables - PACKED with goodies.



Went to take another shot........nothing

Tried again - Nothing. I think my flash card is bad. James had bought me a new one, and I was trying it out.

*sigh*

I wanted to talk to a few of the people that were there and get some input from them about their shopping expierences with Rings & Things, what they do, how long, etc... just a little "get to know them" type of interview.

I have never had to work so hard to approach anyone in my life. I can talk down a brick wall! They were all too busy, in too much of a hurry, and some - flat out rude. At one point, I was looking thru a bin, and a woman came up beside me, put her tray right over the top of the bin I was looking in and began to rummage. I picked up her try and moved it over to the side so I could continue to look, and she grabbed the tray, and said - "I was only going to be a minute - you couldn't have waited!?!"

*blink* *blink*

I took this as a sign to go to the side, sit down and get a pre total of the items I had in my tray, and relax. I wanted to make sure my eyes didn't get bigger than my stomach and I buy everything I saw!

I was still good.

There were beautiful stone beads, Czech crystals, pearls, sterling, Swarovski crystals, copper, wood beads, trade beads, dyed beads, carved beads, glass beads, HUGE beads, tiny beads - it was all there! The prices were stupid. I got some strands for $2.00!!! Not only were they 50% off their retail, but an additional 15% off of that. They were giving them away.

Oh what did I get?



That will have to wait for tomorrow.

I am a bit preoccupied at the moment






Pray for my marriage - I hope we make it thru this :)

Tomorrow kids!!!

April issue Bead Trends

I was fortunate to have had two of my pieces published in this months Bead Trend magazine. Now that the issue has been out on the stands for a while, I thought I would share my 'spread' with you :)


Sand Dancer - made from large resin beads * I got as a blog partner with Art Beads and beautiful scalloped copper bead caps I purchased from Rings & Things




They used two pages for this piece. The left page for the directions, and a close











And the facing page for the full piece.

Here I have used the purple and orange beads capped with copper as the focal of the necklace. Copper jump rings attached to copper links make the chain, and are accented with green spider cubes, topaz glass druk beads, rainbow carnelian squares, Czech glass and Swarovski crystals.




Random Elegance




Marbled ovals, faceted moonstone heishi beads, lampwork beads, and pearls are all from Sedona Stones. The vintage glass beads, seed beads and sterling are from my inventory.










On the facing page were two detail shots and the directions for making the necklace.











There is still time to submit for October 2010's issue of Bead Trends!! The are accepting submissions til April 30th.

Here is what they are looking for this month -

• Quick & Easy
  
• Fashion Favorites - Features designs from a variety of styles and mediums that can be a personal favorite or necessary staple in any wardrobe.
• Birthstones (Opal/Pink Tourmaline)
• Anything Goes - The beaded possibilities are endless and not just limited to jewelry. What about pillows, table runners, picture frames, lamps, clothing, candle collars, wine glass charms, and home decor. This category can contain jewelry and a whole lot more!
• Handmade Beads - Whether polymer clay, PMC, or lampwork, artists make the most beautiful designs with handmade beads
• Wire Artistry - Designs that include wire wrapping
• Sentimental Favorites - Designs that contain sentimental elements from recycled pieces of family treasures, gift beads, or symbolic new found treasures. We want to see your designs and hear your stories.
  
• Earrings

Get your creative caps on kids and get your submissions in!!!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

We got married in a fever! - Rings & Things Blogger challenge

Hotter than a pepper sprout! I was thinking of the song 'Jackson' while I was pushing the chili pepper beads from Rings & Things around my work table. Then I made this free form heart pendant and added the fun charms at the bottom.


Here is what I used:
44-940-56-AG Viva Mexicana charm, dancing senor (antiqued-gold plate)(ten - $10.50) *
44-940-57-AG Viva Mexicana charm, dancing senorita (antiqued-gold plate)(ten - $10.50) *
28-333-89 Lampwork chili pepper bead (red) (36 - 44 per 16" strand - $9.00) *
28-335-18 Lampwork 'calavera' flower skull bead (black,white)( 23 - 27 per 16" strand - $13.00)*
47-202-SP Red Brass 14g Wire, Round, 20' (Red Brass)
Gold plated copper wire - 24 ga
Coral beads
Gold tone chain
Gold tone head pins

I made a free form heart shape with the brass wire. Wrapped it at the top to hold it together with the gold tone wire, and then added the coral beads to the wire wrap down the side for decoration. Used the gold tone wire to wire wrap the chili pepper and add coral and crystals to the wrap at the top. Then using the head pins added the skull bead to the chain, and separated the gold chain links just enuff to add the skeleton charms.





Now sing it with me!!!




*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

Window to my creative soul - Rings & Things Blogger challenge

What do you do with a locket that is see thru?

See thru it of course!

These little hinged round glass pendants* stock # 55-702-11-1 from Rings & Things have a fun vintage feel about them. I see them worn close around a high button up collar in the 20's. I get the gravitation to steam punk with these sort of components. Too much fun.

This was a great opportunity for me to create a bit of a window to my creative soul. A fun little piece to wear, my beading on the go kit :)

I had to put a dab of glue on the latch to hold it in place. I think I stuffed it with too much!


Where before my weekends were committed to chores and beading due to a new work schedule, I think that is going to change. Now that the weather is breaking, I am ready to get the bike out, but now I have a new distraction.



So much for chores:)


I need another locket to fill with gears, tools and paint. I am just as much a gear head as I am a bead head :)

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

Shell pearl pendant design - Rings & Things blogger challenge

It came about more or less like a flash in my brain. I was curled up in my recliner watching a terrible movie, rolled over and thought I would take a nap before work (having a hard time getting going this morning) As SOON as I closed my eyes this image flashed. My eyes shot open, I leapt from my chair and dashed to my work table.

I bent the 14 ga wire around the shell pearl just to get a rough 'fit' and then hammered the copper wire to strengthen it and to texture it so the 22 ga wire when wrapped would 'bite'.

I started at the top and made a few wraps and added a pearl. These little fresh water pearls are not perfect. I embraced that in the design and didn't make the wraps perfect either.

Now, there is the dilemma of the long pearl. It is not drilled. What am I going to do with it? There was a slight divot in the middle of the pearl, perfect to hold the wire for a wrap and not allow the pearl to slide thru. I went with it :)





Here is what I used:
29-555-10-901 Bead, Shell Pearl, Round, 10mm (Brown Mix) *
29-555-16-901 Bead, Shell Pearl, Round, 16mm (Brown Mix)*
Random freshwater pearls *
47-402-SP 14 ga copper wire
47-406-SP 22 ga copper wire
swarovski crystals


Slid it on a long piece of leather, threw it on with a black sweater and out the door I went. I had some fun this morning (so much fun I was late for work) making this pendant. Thanks Dave and Thanks Rings & Things!!!

What did you create today?!?!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

Rings & Things Blogger Fun!

Over the weekend I received my blogger package from Rings & Things.
Did you hear me squeal?

When I opened the package there were these huge, bold, colorful glass pearls and complimenting faceted glass roundells.

In the letter, there was no mention of the stock numbers for these new beads so off to the site I went. It didn't take me long to find what I was looking for. Listed under the New Products! in the left hand menu is the link to the Shell Pearl Color Mixes. They weren't glass pearls after all.
These beads are heavy, they have a nice 'click' to them when they connect with another bead, and the shine on them - makes my heart happy!






29-555-10-901 Bead, Shell Pearl, Round, 10mm (Brown Mix) - 36-44 beads per 16" strand. 8.25 *
29-555-16-901 Bead, Shell Pearl, Round, 16mm (Brown Mix) - 23-27 beads per 16" strand. 18.00*
28-000-007-273 Bead, Glass, Faceted Round, 10mm (Electric Purple) - 45-55 beads per 16" strand. 8.00*





29-555-10-905 Bead, Shell Pearl, Round, 10mm (Blue Mix) 36-44 beads per 16" strand. 8.25*
29-555-16-905 Bead, Shell Pearl, Round, 16mm (Blue Mix) 23-27 beads per 16" strand. 18.00*
28-000-007-443 Bead, Glass, Faceted Round, 10mm (Electric Blue) - 45-55 beads per 16" strand. 8.00*

The coating on some of the faceted glass beads does not go all the way around and you can see thru them. It makes me think of the mystic topaz. These also have a nice heft to them - I thought they were crystals instead of glass. Beautiful!


Loose in the bottom of the package were these great (what I am guessing as) fresh water pearl beads. All sizes, shapes and colors. What a great surprise!



On some of the beads, the nacre layer had chipped off exposing the shell implant to create the fresh water pearl bead. This wasn't a problem. I just finished chipping off the rest of the nacre and had a nice shell bead to work with!



You can learn more about the pearl bead creation here!

I am thrilled with this packed, THRILLED!!!

I have already made one necklace, but I will show that to you tomorrow!!

Thank you Rings & Things!!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

This for That - trading is fun!!

Back in January I posted a Rings & Things challenge using coral chips. My friend Lisa from A Bead A Day loved the piece and just had to have it :) She wanted to know if I would sell it or possibly trade for it ......*screeching tires*

You had me at trade - I LOVE to barter. It is so much fun. Lisa offered me any of the beads she had blogged about in trade for the bracelet. That is exciting! I am a fan of her blog and follow it daily, drooling over the wonderful finds she posts. I immediately ran to her blog and began to 'cruise'. Back in December she had posted about bead mixes. I love bead mixes, and mentioned that to Lisa - the more random the better.

Yesterday in the mail I received this -





This was SO generous! Look at all this great, fun stuff! Fresh water pearls, mother of pearl links, wooden blanks, glass tear drops, multi strand connector and a beautiful, heart felt 'thanks' charm. I am touched.

I wanted to do something like this last year, a trade between artists to support artists. Running with the idea of, if you are a jewelry artist and you need note cards, you trade your jewelry for the note cards. It never got off the ground, and I was a bit disappointed. Maybe it is time to try it again this year!

Keep an eye out for upcoming posts where I will have a picture of items I am willing to trade. Would love to see what you have!!!

Don't rush the creativity - Rings & Things Blogger challenge

I love being a blogger for Rings & Things. Dave is fantastic with his support, and encouragement. He is the first person to ever comment on my blog, even before I began to blog with them. He is interested in your opinions about the product, your thought processes and the final design. He seems to be truly waiting in anticipation to see what you make. It makes me giddy.

Now flip that coin. I have guilt. I don't feel I am always up for the challenge. Dave has never once asked me "I sent you a item, and I have never seen you use it, what's up with that?" There is no pressure to 'perform' from him, only that you do your best and be honest with the product.
I want to be fair to Dave. I dont' want to work with the product because it is there. I want to be true to it. Still, it troubles me to see the beads on my work table, or I run across them in my inventory and I feel that pang...I put them out and push them around on the table - and -

nothing.

I had found a mess of beads from last summer that came from one of the Designer Assortments for the blogger challenge. This one was pastels - sea foam greens, pinks and blues. It just didn't speak to me. I worked up a necklace with some of it last year, but there was still so much of it left over. I was stumped, and personally, I was a bit put off with them. There is nothing wrong with the quality of the beads, nor the ABUNDANCE of the pieces you get for the price. It is a fantastic deal, so much so, I bought the black Designer Assortment, and have made many things from it. I think it was mebbe the colors. Bottom line, I was being a bit petty I think, because I didn't like them.

You are getting wordy again Tish - Where are you going with this??? Let me make a left turn and then we'll get back on track, promise.

I went to a party a while back, several people there I didn't know. Met some great people and met some artists that, well - because they were good, they no longer felt they needed to connect. I don't want to be that artist. I don't ever want to be above anyone else's art. I never judge your vision or the destination you chose for your piece. I never 'pity' a beginner due to to many questions or that they 'haven't found their direction yet'. I can't. I can't understand when others do. We were all beginners once. If that is how you have to evolve to be successful, then no sir, I don't want it. It isn't that precious to me to give up reaching out to all artists with encouragement and support.

That woke me up and I re considered the Designer Assortment again. I am in Bead Trends (they are accepting entries till the 28th!) mode so my pieces are very summery right now. These beads were perfect for that challenge. I paired them with copper and amazonite for light and whimsical look for any summer activity!

I did a 'hippie wrap' around a piece of carved MOP with copper wire. Next string four strands to create the bulk of the design.

First strand is amazonite chips, seperated with copper spiral beads and rose quartz. (amazonite is the stone of truth, rose quartz is the stone of passion, perfect for this piece)
Second strand is the beads from the Designer Assortment strung randomly
Third and fourth strand is the seed beads that come in the Designer Assortment as a compliment to the beads. I strung the two strands thru one copper bead.
Random weaving of the strands and connected with a copper S clasp

And here she is.




Close up of the focal


Never feel you are not up for the challenge - don't rush yourself. The creativity will come!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

Rings & Things blogger challenge

I was going for a summery design with this piece. It is fun and full of texture with the bamboo coral. This is one of the pieces that just fell together as I worked. All of the pieces were right there in reach and I didn't have to hunt for that perfect component. Don't you love when that happens?

*20-565 -White bamboo coral - short branch
Re purposed beads from a necklace
Brass chain
Hemp

I tied knots in the hemp cord randomly and added the re purposed beads between the knots.
I attached the hemp to the toggle ring by pushing the cord thru the ring and then securing it with a wrap of brass colored wire.

I anchored a piece of beadalong to the toggle and strung on the coral beads with more of the re purposed beads.

Then with jump rings I attached a length of the brass chain.








This one is a 'Take me out I sizzle' necklace. A random design embracing chaos. It is one that says "I take chances" or "You better keep up if you want to hang with me" statement.
*28-399-06-232 - 5) 6mm faceted round - ruby
*28-000-001-252 - 4) 10mm faceted puffed coin - red
*28-000-003-252 - 6) 8mm faceted helix -siam
*28-000-002-252 - 5) 8mm facted roundelle - siam
*28-000-002-021 - 11) 8mm facted roundelle - black
*28-000-003-021 - 3) 8mm facted helix - black
*28-000-001-021 - 3) 10mm faceted puffed coin -black
Waxed linen

I cut 6 lenghts of 25" of waxed linen. Separated out the beads into six groups and tied them onto the linen cord randomly. I added the red seed beads to break it up some and also some of the beads have very large holes and would slide over the knots. Folded the ends over a jump ring and secured them with a wire wrap. This and easy peasy design. Quick to make.




*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

A year in review - Repurpose project

I have been blogging here since February 2009, not even a year yet. I have been welcomed with open arms, met some great people, joined three blogging groups, Rings & Things, Art Beads and Beadin Path, and grown so much with the support from all of you. I wanted to do a 're wind' and look back at some of my favorite posts. So that is what I am doing this week. Not only am I going to post some of my favorite entries, but will also include some from my list of favorites as well.

Hope your year was happy and the new one to come even more so.




From April, 20, 2009
While I was at my moms we went thru box after box of 'stuffs' she has collected over the years. I need a month to show you everything I brought home with me.

Back in the 70's my mom use to make costume jewelry Christmas tree wall hangings. She would push the twinkle lights thru holes in the cardboard and it would light up. The twinkle lights would reflect off of all the rhinestones and quite honestly could put someones eye out :)

Any one remember these? I found this pic on line - Glorious I tell you! I am so digg'n her hair too. Man, I miss the 70's



While we were diggn, we found a box of odds and ends. Costume jewelry left over from those christmas tree days. I squealed when I saw it.




This morning over coffee the idea hit me, I came up with this.

Paisley crazy

The purple coins are dyed crazy lace agate from Sedona Stones.






And yes, I am wearing it :)




Edit - I submitted this bracelet to Bead Trends for the Nov 2009 issue. It was chosen!!!
Here are pictures of the spread:

Rings & Things Blogger Challenge -

I finally got some time to myself and sat down to play :)

I had this fun elastic bracelet of onyx and quartz with a honkin' jasper focal. The bracelet is too tight and I thought I would re string it so I would wear it more. After I had popped it, the thought process began. I began to build a new bracelet using the filigree I had received from Rings & Things. The bracelet turned into a necklace. I couldn't stop adding things!

From the items I received from Rings & Things, here is what I used.

*44-165-9 - Fancy space - gunmetal - filigree

*44-150-9 - Filigree harvest - gunmetal

I was concerned about the gunmetal coating on the filigree that it may flake off. I was very impressed in the production of these items. They held up very well and I didn't nick the finish at all.

*28-000-002-021 - 8mm faceted roundelle - black

*28-000-001-021 - 10mm faceted puffed coin -black

I like these little beads. They have some heft to them, it gives them a bit of a crystal feel. I don't feel like I will break or chip them when working with them.

I used symmetry for a change in this piece. I wanted the design to balance out the pattern of the focal. The pattern on the focal, looks like someone playing the piano, can you see it? They are bent over concentrating on the piece, playing away. In my head it is a loud crashing song, music that would portray a summer thunder storm.


Here is a close up of the filigree




I love the three strands of sterling that close out the design. You can see the music flowing thru the piece. The filigree is the swell of the music, the thunder and the lightening, softening back down to the faceted chinese glass, the rain. It swells one last time on the second filigree, the last clap of thunder and then lightly travels out the shiney strands of sterling chain. The clouds break, the sun shines thru and the rain slowly stops.


My designs are so much more to me than beads on a string, what do yours mean to you?



*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

Break Time!

Yesterday was my last show for the year. Now it is time to kick back for a few weeks and not feel so pressured.

I am going to use this time to seriously organize my work room. The goal (which will be reached!) is to have it done by the end of the year, focusing on starting out the year fresh, organized and getting some good energy flowing. I have my sights set on a prosperous 2010. Sales are really picking up in all of the retail locations my pieces are in, and will be focusing on adding more stores this coming year.

I am excited about a new year of blogger challenges with Rings & Things, Art Beads and Beadin Path. They are all so much fun to work with, supportive, and best of all, I feel I have made some new friends.

The organization began with tubs of 'homeless' beads. These are the beads that are scattered across my work table or in a central tub because I am too lazy to put them back into their baggies.


Here is a mess in a tub


Here is the mess separated out into: beads, findings, partially strung pieces, salvageable wire (this is my boredom killer at work)



From here I will separate it out even further till everything has it place. I got a lot ahead of me!

Not Knots!! or How memory wire saved my life

I am going into a busy busy time. I have something every weekend from now till the week before Christmas. On top of that I have product in five stores and have to get them ramped up for their holiday shopping.

I don't have enough time!!

I need something quick that will bulk out my inventory, give my customers a choice and work in a retail setting as well.

Something that I can crank out without looking like it came off of an assembly line.

*think* *think*

One thing I get quite a call for and haven't been able to provide to my customers are elastic bracelets. I cant' tie a knot to save my life. I have gotten some great tips from my readers when I reached out for advice on just this very problem a while back, sadly, my fear of elastic has kept me from trying any.

While at Walmart yesterday, I did a quick stroll thru the craft department (one of the few Walmarts that still has a craft dept.) and I saw memory wire. Me and memory wire don't have the greatest history. I used it years ago, when I first started making jewelry, and didn't understand the principles of it and became very frustrated. I thought I would try it again. I got a 5' coil for $2.67. It was worth the risk.

This morning I played around with a couple ideas when the flood gates opened. Out of that 5' length of memory wire, I got six bracelets! They are fun and versatile. No clasp to worry about and no knots!

Here's what I used:

Vintage Italian Lucite Marbled Red w/ White Rounds 12mm 20pc *- A Beadin Path
Glass pearls- Walmart
Bright Sterling Silver Twisted Jump Rings, approx 8mm - Sedona Stones
Round banded agate
Square banded agate
Czech Fire Polished Bead Jet 6mm - Art Beads
Faceted jasper roundelle
Sterling beads
Faceted AB Czech crystal
Repurposed black crystal
Black seed beads

Spice jasper round beads approx.12mm -Sedona Stones
Sterling daisy spacers
Glass pearls - Walmart

Coral
Dyed Magnesite
Sterling daisy spacers


Re purposed wood beads
Sterling barrels
6mm howlite - Rings & Things



Round Snowman Head (Limited Stock) (White) Glass Bead *- Rings & Things
Re purposed plastic beads
Seed Beads

Thanks for stoppin by!


*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things and Beadin Path were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program