Click here to visit ...

Thursday, April 30, 2015

2 mm Glass Pearls ...

s44398 Glass Pearls - 2 mm Round - Champagne (strand 150)
s44393 Glass Pearls - 2 mm Round - Matte Orange Red Satin (strand 150)We're expanding our range of small beads - this week - it's 2 mm glass pearls! And not just classic pearl colours, but other colours too! Great for accenting your bead weaving projects - or bead embroidery, anyone?





s44516 Czech Shaped Beads - 5 x 7 mm Pip Beads - Pastel Amber Grain (Strand 25)s44517 Czech Shaped Beads - 5 x 7 mm Pip Beads - Pastel Light Sapphire  (Strand 25)And how about some more colours of Pip beads? Some pretty pastels perhaps?









s44222 Glass - 8 mm Top Hole Rounds - Matte Metallic Amber Gold (strand 25)And while they don't have a fancy, catchy name (yet!) like the Rullas and Pips and the Superduos, we're thinking you might find some interesting ways to use these Top Hole Rounds ... a round bead with the hole made closer to one side instead of in the middle. At 8 mm - they definitely have some punch, and some interesting design possibilities.






s44636 Design Tools - 6 x 6 inches Bead on it Board - Synthetic Velvet (1)Oh, and leave us not forget - not only did we restock on the Bead On It boards (sorry about the price increase - that's the exchange rate!) - but we did add the 6 x 6 inch version (15 cm if you went to school after the 70s) - perfect for curling up on the end of the couch and beading while the t.v. is on, popping in your purse and taking it with you, or even have several, because, who ever had just one project on the go?




So dive into the great new stuff here, or click on a link or image above! Bead on!



Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Just a little more than a day ...

Midnight - April 29 - these opportunities go away ...

45%
Swarovski
Key Bails


(the pendants
on sale too)

20%

Gold Filled
Wire

50%

Satin Moosetail
(XL 3 mm Rattail)

 

 

30%
Asian
Knotting Cord

35%
Bone Beads

40%
Squarelets

30%
Bead Frames

 

35% off

Bakelite Beads
& Shapes

50% off
Feathers!

50% off
Thai Silver

 

50% off

Metal Plated
Leaves

 

30% off

Lampwork
Bead
Accessories

 

30% off

Swarovski
Sew On
Stones

30%
Roving

&
Felting Tools

 

30% off Spikes

30% off Daggers

50% off
Lantern-inspired
Lucernas

35% off
Simplicity Spacers

70% off
Swarovski
Crystal Letters
rhinestones!

50% off
Vertical letter
cubes

50% off
Big Bold
Swarovski
Fancy stones

May Classes are Blooming!

Bring on those May flowers! Classes are already blooming here at BeadFX. Our intrepid and innovative instructors have caught Spring Fever and have come up with wonderful classes to get your creative juices flowering.

Of course we have several NEW classes this month. Deborah Beesley will teach you how to create earrings using wire; Angela Peace has a brand new knot that doubles as a great bail. Metal clay Artist Christine Woollacott  is teaching how to do Cloissoné enameling on art clay silver and has also lowered her class fee to make it even more attractive! Our mixed media guru Anne Marie Desaulniers is teaching how to make Artist Trading Cards that can be used in a myriad of ways! Iris Rogers Melamed's afternoon classes have been extremely popular and she brings another soldering class to tantalize and excite.

We also pleased to announce the restart of Open Metal Studio: Metal Clay (formerly known as Metal Clay Play Day) thanks to Liz Reynolds who has offered to facilitate these sessions. All metal clay users will be welcome whether you use art clay silver, Hadar's Clay or another brand. As with all Open Metal Studio Sessions, there is a nominal fee and we ask that you call ahead so we can plan for your attendance.

Here are the classes scheduled May 1 - 15:

Friday, May 1
NEW Beautiful Caged Earrings, Hoops and More!
Instructor: Deborah Beesley
6:00 - 9:00pm


Open Metal Studio: Metal Clay
Facilitator: Liz Reynolds
6:00 - 8:00pm

Saturday, May 2
NEW The Butterfly Knot
Instructor: Angela Peace
9:30am - 12:30pm


NEW Cloisonné Enamel on Art Clay Silver NEW LOWER PRICE
Instructor: Christine Woollacott
10:00am - 5:00pm  
(continues May 3, May 9 and May 10, same times)

Bead Stringing 101
Instructor: Nadine Foskin
1:30 - 3:30pm







Sunday, May 3
Skinner Blend Polymer Pendant
Instructor: Barbara Collauti
11:30am - 4:30pm

Thursday, May 7
Roses Among the Thorns Herringbone Bracelet
Instructor: Pamela Kearns
5:00 - 9:00pm





Friday, May 8
NEW Bead Charming 1: Artist Trading Cards
Instructor: Anne Marie Desaulniers
5:00 - 9:00pm





Saturday, May 9
Create a Felted Vessel
Instructor: Dawn Liu-Smyth
10:00am - 5:00pm


Sunday, May 10
Jewellery Making 101
Instructor: Pamela Kearns
12:00 - 4:00pm

Tuesday, May 12
Introduction to Chinese Knotting: Double Button Knot
Instructor: Angela Peace
12:30 - 3:30pm





Thursday, May 14
Hot Connections: Layering Metals AFTERNOON CLASS
Instructor: Iris Rogers Melamed
10:00am - 5:00pm

Open Metal Studio: Soldering
Facilitator: Iris Rogers Melamed
6:00 - 9:00pm




 
Friday, May 15
Little Cleopatra Bracelet
Instructor: Deborah Beesley
6:00 - 9:00pm


Open Metal Studio: Metal Work
Facilitator: Cindy Goldrick
5:00 - 8:00pm

Complete information about each class and open session, including course description and fees, is found on our website. Click on 'Classes' and follow the links to the May calendar.

Bring your projects and join us at our FREE open bead opportunities:

Wednesday, May 6
Open Bead Night
Facilitator: BeadFX staff members Bonnie Cottingham, Pamela Kearns or Malliga Nathan
6:00 - 8:00pm

Thursday, May 7
Thursday, May 14
Afternoon Bead Tea
Facilitator: Pamela Kearns
1:00 - 3:00pm

BeadFX is proud to offer these FREE sessions. In return we ask that you use our merchandise in our facility. Thank you.

Monday, April 27, 2015

Metal Clay Addiction Self Help Group

No. Not really. Because none of the Metal Clay Addicts actually WANT to stop! But they DO get together here at BeadFX on the 4th Monday, every month, in the evening (from 6:30 onwards). (So, like, tonight! If that's not enough lead time for you - put it on your calendar now for next month!)

They are a casual group - lots of laughing and swapping stories as well as techniques, ideas, textures, molds, new products, and they welcome anyone - whether you have taken a class or are just mucking about on your own.  Bring your clay and your tools, and come and create in a friendly and supportive atmosphere!

Email Sue Henry - the hostess with the most-ess, if you have any questions!

What goes around...

I was at the Creativ Festival this weekend. I've been attending it since the early 90s, when my passions also encompassed needlework of all kinds. The Crochet Crowd channelled the 70s in their amazing handmade display and it got me thinking about my early crafting days when I would try anything and my female mentors and family would share their knowledge of everything from weaving on peg boards to crepe paper flower decoration to crochet to macrame to corking. My desire to learn all of these crafts and more sprang from both an artistic place inside me as well as a need to make something practical.

There is a huge audience out there with a desire to make, to share and to find that satisfying craft that will fulfill the need to keep one's hands busy and useful. 

I've noticed these crafts are making a comeback, but with a new spin:
Macrame -- but it is micro macrame and a very sophisticated spin on this technique. Instead of planters and wall hangings, make beautiful bracelets. If you Google the term, you'll find so many tutorials on this. Here's a good blog to follow, if you're interested. http://micromacrame.blogspot.ca 

Knitting/crochet -- this is not your Grandma's knitting! Arm knitting, finger knitting, arm warmers and infinity scarves: use funky thick wool, hand-dyed alpaca, even wool made from your pet's fur. The patterns are fresh, fun and easy. For great info and You Tube tutorials, go to www.thecrochetcrowd.com

String art -- get a chunk of wood, paint it, draw on your pattern, hammer the nails and wrap some fun wool around the pegs for funky art to hang in your home. Here's a You Tube tutorial for a heart and a dachshund. I might have to try this! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULOfvuDIqoEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULOfvuDIqoE

Wedding, Anniversary Gift - String Art, Heart

Modern quilting -- make a quilt for the boys using camo print fabrics that feature toy soldiers. There's a trend towards designing and printing your own fabrics and including family pics this way. 

Upcycling -- it is interesting to see this new spin on what was basically the way I was raised (never thrown anything out until you've used every bit of it or found a new life for it!) Now, upcycling is hip and has a variety of applications. In crafts, you can do things like take apart old books and use them to create new journals; in jewellery, reuse pretty cans and tins to make earrings or old keys and garters to make components. Magazines like Belle Armoire and Jewelry Affaire feature upcycled jewellery projects. 

These five are just a few. Like fashion, crafting is cyclic. There are cycles in jewellery-making as well, and they often borrow from, or complement, the trends in crafting and fashion overall. Following the magazines, reading the fashion blogs, reviewing trends according to jewellery magazines, I've shortlisted some jewellery trends for 2015 to consider when designing and creating:


  • Big metal cuffs (and mixing metals)
  • Leather - cuffs, flowers, lots of fringe
  • Stacking rings
  • Vintage - reusing vintage jewellery components or riffing on vintage looks with pearls and crystals
  • Statement necklaces
  • Boho looks - heavily featuring nature and natural materials like feathers, shells 

Invent something new! Several years ago I was inspired to find my old "corker" and try using it with wire. I played around with it until I found a way to create interesting wire jewellery on it. Now Clover manufactures a French knitter tool and a spool knitter as well, making the craft even easier.

You never know what old crafting technique might inspire you anew or lead you to experiment and create a whole new crafting direction. Please share your thoughts or ideas on trends or comeback crafts.  


Sunday, April 26, 2015

The Business Chat - What is that?

When I was a kid there was no shopping on Sunday, anyone else remember that? Boy times have changed. Now I can sit in my sweatpants drinking tea 24/7 and buy not just from my local store but from people all over the world. 

Browsing over oodles and oodles of amazing creations online sucks up more of my time that I like to admit. However I think of this not as time wasted, oh no, it’s “research”. It’s important to know what’s going on in my handmade community. 

And there is SO much to be seen online isn’t there? Etsy.com, the largest of the handmade marketplaces, has over one million registered sellers! As a customer this is fantastic! As a seller this is terrible. How can you possibly stand out amongst that much noise? Not to mention that Etsy is only one of 1000’s of shopping sites. 

The most important part of your online store are the photos. I’m not going to get into that today except to say, these MUST be brilliant. 

Next, the writing surrounding the photos. Even the most brilliant of photos doesn’t stand a chance if your item description sucks. Remember that your customer cannot see the item in person. Don't assume that the qualities of your item are obvious to your customer or that your photos say it all. You might even consider describing your item as if you had no pictures for your customer to look at. Really make them feel like they are right there with your item. When I’m online I look at the items and glance at the text. You have just a few seconds to draw me in with the story of the item. SELL me the item. 

Short paragraphs and bullet points are your friends. Visitors to your shop might be looking for a specific size or material, so make it easy for them to glean that info from your descriptions by cutting out superfluous language and making good use of bullet points. Think about your descriptions as a way to answer your buyer's questions.

This is a list to jump start your thinking when you write your next item description.
  1. What is it? While it may be totally obvious to you what the item is, never underestimate a customers’ power to be confused.
  2. What colour is it? The colour on your monitor may not be the same as mine.
  3. How big is it? Measure accurately not just the length of a necklace, also the size of the beads in it. Don’t just take a photo of the piece beside a ruler, spell it out.
  4. What is it made of? Tell me the materials and techniques used.
  5. How do I care for it? Tell me how to keep it looking as lovely as when I receive it. 
  6. What is it used for? Do I wear it or hang it on a wall? Or both! (now there’s a feature!)
  7. How does it work? Does it slip over my head? Is there a clasp? Do I tie it around my waist? 
  8. Do I get everything in the picture? I see 6 items in the picture, do I get them all or are some of them just props? 
  9. Why is this one better than the one in the next shop? What is so special about your work, is it your skills, materials or techniques? This is where you tell me a story. 
  10. What if it doesn’t fit? Will you exchange it? Who pays to ship it back? If I’m giving this as a gift can my friend exchange it if she doesn’t like it and how does she do that? 
  11. How does it arrive? Do you gift wrap and if so what does the gift wrap look like? What shipping methods do you use and how long should it take to get here? It this ready to ship or do you custom make me a fresh one?
  12. What do those fancy terms mean? Don’t take it for granted that a customer knows what lampworking means, or PMC (is that like PMS?).
  13. Will I get the exact item in the photo? I want to know if there’s going to be any variations and how big those will be. 
  14. Can I live without this? Of course, but my life will be SO much more wonderful with it! Tell me why. The earrings will make me feel like a queen, the artwork will lift my spirits every time I look at it. What is so GREAT about your work? 
You are the expert of what you create.  You know the size, length, and dimensions.  You know the materials and components.  Your words should tell the story your photos can’t.  Don’t make them search.   


As a shopper much as I like surprises, if I don’t know what it is, I am not buying it. 

InspirationFX: Crystals On Me Eye-Wear








InspirationFX

Get your creative juices flowing


Crystals On Me Eye-Wear

by: Rae Huggins

So you've take a Crystal Clay class or perhaps you want to Crystal Clay. It's fun and quick and the instructions are crystal clear. In order to bling up your eye-wear, use enough clay to cover the area you need to on your glasses. Follow the instructions that are included in the package and you'll be on a journey filled with a world of complements. Enjoy!!!

(Also good if you need to repair a pair of broken sunglasses - because summer is a'comin' - I promise!)

You can use any of the following, or chose another colour to complement your glasses, of course!














 

Components

Go to our components list for this project and to buy what you need!
Need some help with some of the techniques? Check our tips page.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

It's all about that shape ...

s44299 Czech Shaped Beads -  Rullas - Blue Luster s44316 Czech Shaped Beads -  Rullas - Ruby Capri GoldIt's a Rulla around here - everything has a shape, but you don't have to have a point, to have a point. Sometimes, it better to just roll with it, look for smooth curves, barrel along and go with the flow.





s44402 Czech Shaped Beads -  Infinity Beads - Smokey Blue Lusters44403 Czech Shaped Beads -  Infinity Beads - California Gold RushOr, pause, and contemplate the Infinity. The Infinity of beads - as numerous as stars in the sky. Actually on a cloudless night in a dark location, you can see about 5,000 stars - and we have many, many more beads than that. Infinity comes in many sizes, but around here, Infinity is a new addition to the two-hole shaped bead phenom.



s44476 Czech Shaped Beads -  Dragon Scale Bead - Jet Vitrail
s44493 Czech Shaped Beads -  Dragon Scale Bead - Crystal AzuroHowever, in this week's triple threat of shaped beads, my personal favorite is the Dragon Scale bead. It has the word "Dragon" in it - it must be good. ;-)


These are three new additions to our buffet of shaped and two hole beads - for enhancing your bead weaving pleasure.
All of them are high-quality Czech made beads that are going to give you so many new options! We can't wait to see what you will do with them!

So dive into the great new stuff here, or click on a link or image above! Bead on!

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Metal Clay Lovers Unite!

If you are a metal clay lover, then I have great news for you: Open Metal Studio: Metal Clay is back! This is your opportunity to come in and use BeadFX's Metal Studio to work on projects under the helpful eyes of our new facilitator Liz Reynolds. As many of you already know, Liz teaches our Hadar Clay classes, and she is very knowledgeable about all of the metal clays that we carry and will help you with tips and techniques to make your projects the best they can be.

Open Metal Studio: Metal Clay is not a class; you do need to know how to work with the clay, but it is a perfect time to work on a project. All participants are welcome whether you prefer to work with Art Clay Silver, Hadar's Clay or another brand.

Registration is done the same way as any Open Metal Studio session - simply call BeadFX at (416) 751-1911 and let us know you're coming. A nominal charge of $20 + HST will be charged and payable at the time of registration. Kiln firing is not included in the cost of the session but is available.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own tools, however, tools and texture plates will be available for use. Clay will be available at BeadFX for purchase.

Upcoming dates:
Friday, May 1; 6:00 - 8:00pm
Friday, May 29; 6:00 - 8:00pm
Friday, July 17; 6:00 - 8:00pm
Additional dates will posted in the near future and added to the class calendar.

So, come on out for some fun and join Liz at our revamped and revitalized Open Metal Studio: Metal Clay!


Monday, April 20, 2015

My favourite torch

Students ask me, in every class involving torches, which torch is the best. Well, it's a complicated answer. As with most tools, it comes down to two things: personal preference/comfort; and the tool that is designed for the specific job. For instance, you would not set rivets with a brass hammer meant for stamping. Similarly, you wouldn't use an acetylene torch to solder a ring shank.

There are great online resources explaining torches and what they are primarily used for, so I won't repeat that info. Go to the metalworkers' resource called Ganoksin for this succinct torch round-up for jewellers. 

The wonderful Kate Richbourg has a great video on Craftsy explaining torches and their differences. The video series is free and reviews how to use the micro torch to make basic soldered rings. She uses a Blazer in this video

Rio Grande has a great series of videos on their site to help you with all kinds of techniques and tools. This useful video by Mark Nelson explains a variety of torches. 

So here's my take on things. I've tried most of these torches. I own a big propane torch, which I get out and use on the back deck when I'm doing a lot of torch enamelling. I have a MAPP gas torch (this one and the propane torch can be purchase for around $60 at the hardware store) that I use for forging and twisting heavy gauge wire and metal as well as brazing. I have a Blazer torch (OK, maybe I have four of them) that I use for small soldering projects.  

My favourite torch, the one I turn to most often for enamelling, flame colouring metal, fold forming and soldering, is the wide mouthed butane torch. It's the most versatile torch if you only want to invest in one torch for now, in my humble opinion. Its flame is adjustable for finer work, but can also, at its fullest, heat up heavy gauge metal for foldforming quite quickly. It's easy to hold onto and manoeuvre and doesn't overheat with constant use. Its barrel is larger and holds enough butane so that I'm not constantly refilling it. 

Here's a picture of my torch working hard for me! It's over four years old, and did stop working for a few months after the mouth of it ended up dunked in a quenching bowl (it dried out and came back to life.) I use it all the time, take it to classes and put it through a lot of use and abuse. Maybe it's time to retire it and buy a new one. 


I'm interested in your opinion on torches. Which one is your favourite? Any stories to share? 

Cindy Goldrick



Sunday, April 19, 2015

InspirationFX: Pearl Cocktail



InspirationFX

Get your creative juices flowing



Pearl Cocktail

by: Kelly Garland

Swarovski pearls are stunning components to work with, creating stunning pieces that really kick it up a notch. I'm rather fond of the silver and grey metallic pearls which work really well with any number of sterling silver clasps BeadFX carries, but choose what works for you. The total cost is a bit more than what you might spend on other beaded jewellery, but you'll create a high end beautiful piece that works for formal engagements, weddings and any other swanky event.
1) Cut desired length of wire, adding  an extra inch for your loops and clasp attachment. (A wee bit more if you're new to crimping) It's always better to have an extra inch of length, then having to restring the entire piece.
2) You'll need to attach one side of the clasp onto your loop before securing it with a crimp. Attach your crimp cover.
3) Start with one silver lentil and start stringing, alternating as you go along.
4) Finish off your end the same way you started!
You should keep this bracelet wrapped in something to protect the pearls against scratching. The sterling clasp component and lentils can be easily cleaned with a silver polishing cloth.
















 

Components

Go to our components list for this project and to buy what you need!
Need some help with some of the techniques? Check our tips page.

Saturday, April 18, 2015

The Business Chat - How to kill your online sales

For the past year I’ve been selling on a high profile online marketplace. I joined at the very beginning and it’s been free for the past year. Now that it costs money to belong a lot of participants are jumping ship. They are complaining of no sales, hard to use and a variety of other issues. While I agree that the site is difficult to use I have to question the vendors who have no sales. Sometimes it’s not the fault of the venue but of the vendor. 

When something isn’t working, like poor sales, it’s very common to blame everything under the sun. It’s the fault of the show organizers. Or the online marketplace. Or the economy. Or the phase of the moon. 

Sometimes the problem is you. The vendor. Sometimes we unknowingly sabotage our own success.  

What has been interesting in my participation in this marketplace is not just the process of seeing a new marketplace start up but seeing how others sell online. All of the vendors in this marketplace are successful vendors in a traditional craft show setting, most of them professional full time crafters. Yet many of them do not sell online and are making some really bad mistakes. 

Here’s a list of 5 mistakes that will kill an online shop.  

1. Bare shelves

Imagine walking into a brick and mortar shop and seeing empty shelves. Me, I’d politely smile and walk out. It’s the same thing online. You need a decent amount of work for people to look at or they will leave and find another shop. If you’re selling in an online marketplace such as Etsy this is really easy for a customer to do. 
How much work is enough? There is no magic number however I would aim for 100 give or take 25. With a large number like this you have a better chance of being found by a search engine and when people do come into your shop they will take you more seriously as a vendor they can trust. You will look more like a business. Also when you have a decent number of listings you have more of a variety of prices and work so an interested customer can always find something to buy. 
If the idea of filling several “pages”  seems overwhelming, don’t panic. And don’t let that stop you from opening a shop. Do let it be a kick in the pants to get more items online as soon as possible. If you only have 10 listings, put those up to start and then schedule in adding 2 new items a week. Every week. 

2. Disastrous Photos

You might have the most awesome work on the planet, the best story about it, gorgeous packaging and great prices, however if your photos suck it won’t matter because no one will get past them to buy it. 
Think of a brick and mortar store. If the front window is dirty, the work in it messy and poorly lit, would you go in? 
When you click through to an online shopfront if the photos are blurry, cluttered, too dark, too light, too small, well... would you stay to read the description or click somewhere else? 
There is no hard and fast rules to good photos. Some people style them by using props, some have white backgrounds. You have to experiment with your own work and find what is best for you. 
What is a rule is this: the photos must be sharp and in focus. The items must be the priority in the photo, make sure you can tell what is for sale (ie. to show a necklace don’t take a full length photo of a model in a really patterned dress from a distance). The lighting must be such that you can see the item. 
Product photography is a skill just like making your work is. Digital cameras are cheap and there is a ton of tutorials online on taking better product shots. The best advice I can give you is to spend some time reading your camera manual and then taking thousands of photos. 

3. No Policies

Customers always have questions. In a regular store it’s easy to ask a question, just find a sales clerk. In the online work you have to send an email, wait, maybe send another email. This takes time and too much time means the customer can walk off and forget about you. The best thing you can do is to answer all those pesky questions in advance. 
Every online shop should have a FAQ. You also need to detail out your shipping policy and your return policy. If the customer buys your item as a gift what if the recipient wants to exchange it? 
Writing down all your policies in advance it super important for your customers, AND for you. It makes you think of all the possibilities in advance so when someone asks you a question you aren’t sitting there wondering. 

4. No About Page

People choose to buy handmade because they are looking for a connection to the maker. If someone just wanted a pair of earrings they could go to the mall (and most of the shops in a mall are online too). The reason they are seeking out handmade is because they want to know the hands that made the work.
That’s you. Your hands. 
Your about page is where you tell the customer about the hands that made the work. It’s about the process, yes, because people are interested in how the work is made. More importantly it’s about you the artist. It’s where you get your inspiration from, what makes you laugh, why you do what you do. It’s the little things that help your customer feel like they know you as a person. 
The About page in a shop is one of the most important pieces of the shop. It adds a dimension to the whole experience and makes people want to come back to visit (and buy). 

5. Horribly written descriptions. 

The first thing a customer sees are the photos. Next, they read your description. 
Your written description does two things. 
First, it makes them feel like they want your item, they can see how it will improve their life. Remember, people don’t buy things, they buy solutions. 
Second it tells them all the details, like how big is it, what colours does it come in, what options do you offer (like chain length on necklaces).
Never assume that a customer can tell everything by the photos (like size). Like with your policies, writing everything down means that there can be no misunderstanding. 
Write a description that tells a story about your work. Maybe a bit about the inspiration behind it. Make the customer feel that it is more than just a thing. It’s something they can’t live without. 

If you’re selling online but not making many sales, it is because you’re committing one of these mistakes? If you’re thinking of selling then read this and make sure you don’t make them. Even if you’re selling successfully, maybe you can increase your sales by improving some of these areas. It’s a never ending process, we can always improve. 


Now go and practice taking photos. 

Friday, April 17, 2015

MORE spring cleaning - but just until April 29!

MORE
spring
cleaning

 

45%
s36355 Findings - Bail - Large Swarovski Key Bail - Antiqued Brass (1)
Swarovski
Key Bails

(the pendants are
on sale too)

20%
(which is more
like 40% because we
haven't adjusted for
the US dollar
change yet)

helgfw20ds Gold-filled Wire - 20 gauge Round Wire - Dead Soft (Inch)
Gold Filled
Wire

50%
75521665-251 Rattail Cord - 3 mm Satin Moosetail Cord - Blue Bird (yard)
Satin Moosetail
(XL 3 mm Rattail)

 

Still
Spring
Cleaning ...

30%
Asian
Knotting Cord

35%
Bone Beads

40%
Squarelets

30%
Bead Frames

 

35% off

Bakelite Beads
& Shapes

50% off
Feathers!

50% off
Thai Silver

 

50% off

Metal Plated
Leaves

 

30% off

Lampwork
Bead
Accessories

 

30% off

Swarovski
Sew On
Stones

30%
Roving

& Felting Tools

 

30% off Spikes

30% off Daggers

50% off
Lantern-inspired
Lucernas

35% off
Simplicity Spacers

70% off
Swarovski
Crystal Letters
rhinestones!

50% off
Vertical letter
cubes

50% off
Big Bold
Swarovski
Fancy stones

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Ah'm so fancy ...

s44188 Stone Beads - 30 x 40 mm Oval - Fancy Jasper (1)
Lordy, I must be getting old! One thing that hasn't changed over the years is getting s44191 Stone Beads - 13 x 18 mm Oval - Fancy Jasper (strand)a song stuck in my head ... but now, thanks to the internet, I both know that phenomenon is called an earworm, and I can look up the song and find out what the rest of the lyrics are and get over it and move on.

When I saw this Fancy Jasper, I immediately thought of the song "I'm so fancy" - so I looked up the lyrics, because that was about as far as I could get. And, now having looked up the lyrics, I'm not actually much further ahead than I was before. I mean, WTF? Sigh. Is this how my folks felt? Do I embrace the change - or take solace in these lovely stones, that apart from being cut and polished, have not changed in millions of years. You have to admit, that the cutting and polishing has definitely made them attractive - so perhaps, as I am waxing philosophical here, the take-away is that it pays to pick and choose the changes that you embrace?


s44453 Stone Cabochon - 13 x 16 mm Oval Cabochon - Amethyst (1)Here are some more signs of change, or not change. We again dip into the stash of stones from the Judith Leiber collection. These are cabochons that were cut for Judith Leiber, and we got our paws ons44460 Stone Cabochon - 12 x 16 mm Oval Cabochon - Sodalite (1) some from an old warehouse find! The amethyst cabs are particularly rich in colour, you don't see amethyst cabs like this these days! And the sodalite, in faceted squares and emerald cut, and oval. And these matte-finish rock crystal cabs are particularly s44451 Stone Cabochon - 18 mm Round Cabochon - Matte Rock Crystal Quartz (1)fascinating.

Definitely not something you see everyday!
Also - some very untraditional shapes and sizes, the sort of stones you might find in an intricate inlay s44459 Stone Cabochon - 3 x 36 mm Bar Cabochon - Carnelian (6)pattern. Like these narrow carnelian bars, s44462 Stone Cabochon - 7 x 21 mm Angle Bar Cabochon - Carnelian (6)or onyx, or these carnelian bars with an angle cut end.
Different, no? A bit of a change?






27800957-24s5 Shaped Glass - 12 mm Ripple Beads - California Meadows (strand)And, as little changes ripple through to become big changes - well, how about these Ripple beads. These are biggish for the "Shaped Bead" phenomenon, but one of the 27800957-26s5 Shaped Glass - 12 mm Ripple Beads - California Blue (strand)things about them that is very cool is that many of them are coated on one side, so that the obverse and the reverse are very different (to borrow terminology from coin and other collectors). It's like getting two for the price of one!




tc94-240A-12 Metal Charm -  Letter Charm - A (1)And one thing that doesn't change - the top notch quality and value of our Tierracast products! This week - we roll out the letter charms. Handsome serifed initials, antiqued and ready to hang on a charm bracelet or necklace.









And finally - if you are sad that last weeks dragons are s44357 Pendants -  Thai Hook Dragon - White Bronze (1)gone, (actually - there are still some left!) - s44363 Toggle Clasp -  Ring of Fire - Bronze (1)here are some lovely Thai Dragons - in a sort of fishhook shaped pendant!







Oh, and some spectacular, large bronze toggles! s44364 Toggle Clasp -  Nouveau Vines - Bronze (1)Mmmmm! Ring of Fire, Nouveau Vines and Elegant Daisy. s44362 Toggle Clasp -  Elegant Daisy - Bronze (1)





So check out all the great new stuff here, or click on a link or image above!