Want something new to wear tonight?  Or maybe in the next 15 minutes?  Gotcha covered.  This really is the one of the quickest pieces I’ve ever made.  Don’t look away while I’m explaining this because you might miss it.  And you would be sad.  If you do look away (not because my nails look nasty or anything…) you can scroll to the beginning and start over.  But you won’t need to.

Project by Laura

Materials List:

Beaded Chain (what, you thought I made this chain?!?!?)
5 Strand Box Clasp (I love this pretty scrolly design in antique brass finish but you can choose whatever you want)
Chain Nose Pliers

Step 1:  Measure your wrist to figure out the length you want for your new bracelet.

Step 2:  Measure out your five lengths of beaded chain factoring in the amount of space your clasp will take up.

Step 3:  Take your Chain Nose pliers and open the end link of your first length of chain.

I’m holding the camera in one hand and the opened link in the other.  Wish I could show you a picture of me deftly opening the link with my pliers, but God created me human, not octopus.  So… there you go.

Step 4: Connect your open link to one of the links on your clasp and promptly close the loop.

Repeat for the remaining four strands.

Step 4:  Wear and graciously accept all compliments while letting them believe you spent all day on it.

This is where I blow on the ends of my pliers and reholster them.

Beaded chain (with czech glass) comes in all in different sizes and colors so you have all sorts of possible combinations.  And hey, why limit yourself to bracelets? What about a necklace or instant chandelier earrings?  I’m telling you, creating your own masterpieces has never been easier!

We’ve been having fun playing with a newcomer on the beading scene, Wireknitz.  This soft and flexible stuff comes in a rainbow of yummy colors and pretty much does what you tell it to.  I’m a big fan of compliant things.  Keeps half-finished projects out of my “Someday-when-I’m-less-frustrated-I’ll-get-back-to-this” bin.  This puppy was done and on my neck in about 45 minutes. Even better, I dug through our jar of orphan beads and used up some stuff that was just taking up space.  Resourceful?  Yes, thank you, I am.

Project by Kristi

Materials List:
WireKnitz 1000 series (one box in your choice of color ~ I liked Fuchsia)
Variety of beads (bigger, odder shapes make a more interesting finished product)
Pendant
2 fold over crimp ends in your choice of metal finishes
2 jump rings
Clasp

Select your favorite #1000 series WireKnitz.

Mmmm, so many delicious colors to choose from.

I feel a pink mood coming on…

See how the WireKnitz comes in a tube shape?  This is what allows us to put beads of all shapes and sizes inside.  This is a great use for stones/shells/random objects that don’t have a hole.  Plus it stretches a lot so don’t be afraid to try some crazy stuff.

Now, because I want a pendant in the center I’m going to “roll” the mesh together between my hands so I have an end which will fit cleanly through my pendant loop.  Remember how you used to make a rope out of your playdough?  Same technique. Then, once I get my pendant centered, I’m going to  to make sure it stays where I want it to by twisting the wireknitz just above the pendant a few times.

Time to start adding your beads to each side. Twist the mesh a few times where you want your first bead to stop.  Feed it through the wireknitz tube.  After your bead reaches the stopping point, twist the wireknitz again above the bead to cage it in.  Repeat the twist where you want your next bead to stop, feed your bead in,  and twist above it to create the cage.  Repeat until you’re done.

Here’s a valuable hint you won’t want to ignore:  Be sure to keep twisting in the same direction so you don’t undo the previous twist.  Also, I liked the look of a little “bubble” to space my beads so I simply left a small amount of wireknitz in between the twists then pulled the sides out to create that shape.  Bubbles make me happy.
I “playdough-rolled” the rest of the wireknitz beyond my last bead then finished the ends with fold over crimps and attached my clasp with jump rings.  I left it asymetrical because I’m a little crazy that way and I was going for a more funky look.  Gotta love a project that doesn’t have any chance of ending up in the “unfinished” pile!

I have a fascinating family with a crazy history.  I also have some fantastic photos of these wonderful people.  When I saw these glass tiles, my family photos came to mind as the perfect focus for a project.  (Wow, that’s a lot of “f” sounds.  Alliteration is obviously my friend.)  This technique is a great way to show off images of your favorite things ~ your best fuzzy friend, places you’ve visited, your adorable kidlings, or even the kidlings’ fridge art.

So here is today’s Technique Tuesday:

Materials List
23mm Glass Square Tiles
Picture(s) sized to match tile
3D Crystal Lacquer or Diamond Glaze
Paint Brush
Glue-on bail
PearlEx Powders (optional)

Project by Laura

If you are in need of a place to start, here at the store we carry all sort of  collage sheets that are perfect for this type of project.  I chose the “Japanese” collection.  It’s really nice to use these pre-printed, pre-sized pictures.  Less brain cells wasted on decision-making.  The picture shows my materials: I have my glass tile, an image cut from the collage sheet,  and the 3D Crystal Lacquer.  (Diamond Glaze works well also.  Both are water based -so don’t go swimming while wearing this pendant. The only difference I can tell is that the 3D has fewer bubbles.)  Oh, don’t forget a glue-on bail.  Fickle girl alert: I changed my mind on the metal finish of the glue on bail after I took the picture…. big surprise.

Squeeze a small amount of the glue on the flat side of the glass tile.  See how the glue is a milky white? It will dry clear so don’t you go worrying.

Place your image (cut to the size of the glass) face down into the glue and press it onto the glass, pressing firmly from the center out.  Spread the glue that squeezes out over the back and around the edges.  You really don’t want to have a lot of glue just sitting between your image and the glass (as I learned) because the glue will seep into the ink and start to blur it.

And here you go.

Now that the front looks great, you want to make sure the back is finished off nicely, too.  For this purpose, someone clever created a very lovely Velour Paper (that I carry for your convenience, of course). This paper comes in sheets that you can cut to size and glue to the back of your glass tile to create a very professional look.

But, of course, I don’t do things that way.  I have to do things my own way. Prepare to be impressed.

The (Crystal 3-D and Diamond Glaze) glue is mixable so you have the option of adding color to it.  I added that color with PearlEx powders.  On a small piece of scrap paper,  place a bit of glue and, with your paintbrush, mix in your color choice of PearlEx, then “paint” the glue onto the back of your image.  While it’s still wet,  place your bail on your project (making sure your bail is where you want it).

Let dry. This won’t take long, but to be safe, let it sit for 4-5 hours to make sure everything’s nice and tight.

Bam! Don’t you agree that the copper bail is better than the silver I originally chose?  A cream silk cord finishes the necklace beautifully.

Remember my fascinating family? I love this! From left to right: My Aunt Kay in 1926 (apparently, I come by my sassiness genetically), my grandmother and grandfather on their honeymoon, and my mom’s big sister, Beth.  And my very colorful backing to match my colorful relatives…

So maybe you had a bad day.  Maybe you need to hit something.  Maybe you have some leftover wire and a yen to create an interesting centerpiece for your next project.  Here is one fun way to work out some aggression and turn that wire into a unique component for earrings, a pendant or maybe even a new bracelet…and don’t new accessories always make us happy?

Design by Kristi (our resident metal manipulator)

(With thanks to Lynda for reminding me that I love to make these)

 Materials list:
16ga Copper wire (or whatever finish you choose)
Wire Cutter
Round Nose Plier
Chasing Hammer
Bench Block

  Cut a 3″ piece of 16ga wire.  We chose to use copper since a piece that size costs about ten cents and we’re cheap.   Thicker wire such as 14gauge in Silver plated, Silver Filled (new product) or Sterling Silver wire also works great.

Place one end of your wire in your round nose pliers making sure it is flush and not sticking out beyond the pliers.

 Now, hold the wire tight and roll the pliers all the way around until the tail touches the “stem”. Then flip the wire to the other side and repeat. Both loops should roll inward toward the center of your wire.

 Ta Da!

Making sure the loops are facing to the outside, bend the wire around something round or oval.  We used a mandrel but you could also use a large Sharpie or mascara tube or whatever else you have lying around.

Now for the fun part: The therapeutic pounding!  Lay your wire piece on the bench block and using the flat side of your chasing hammer, flatten your wire.  Be careful not to flatten too much ~ you still want a little roundness to the edges.  Then flip your hammer over to the smaller head (the ball peen) and pound lightly to create a more “beaten” look.

Yay!  You have now forgotten about your bad day and are on your way to a new piece of jewelry.  Here’s how we used it to create a pendant by hanging a bunch of leftover beads on it.

The addition of chain makes a fabulous pair of earrings~  Have fun!

We are hosting a trunk show featuring sea glass and Chinese crystal. Boxes and boxes of product as arrived and we oooooh and aaaaah every time we open a box. We will only have the product until March 20th so get in the store so you don’t miss out. Click here for more information.  Sea glass trunk show.

Seaglass Necklace

Hello Grouponers….

Welcome and congratulations on your purchase of a ragin’ deal.  This is the first time for me and I’m a bit overwhelmed as the amount of groupons bought so please be patient as we work through how to handle all of this.

Following is a review of what your groupon is eligible for and how this process will work.  Please understand that the process may change as we start redeeming Groupons.

To redeem your Groupon:
1.    If you would like to use your groupon towards a class:

a.    Call the store 619.460.2323 to tell us your name, class date and your coupon #

b.    We will let you know if there is space available and if not, when the next class will be scheduled or is scheduled for.

c.    There is a 72 hour cancellation policy for classes.  If you do not contact us for the cancellation, for any reason, that amount of the class will be deducted from your groupon total.  To confirm that we received your cancellation in time, we will e-mail you (so I will need your e-mail when you sign up for classes)

d.    The balance of your groupon may be used towards supplies bought during or after the class.  Because this is such a ragin’ deal no additional discounts may to be used with the groupon.

e.    Class sizes are small.  I do this so you obtain the maximum amount of the teachers attention and instruction.  Therefore, classes fill up quickly and with the amount of groupons sold your patience is appreciated as we schedule and book classes.  If there is a group of 3 or more of you (no more than 6) we can schedule a class just for you.  Please call the store for dates and details.

f.    We are working on April and May class schedules and should have that completed by the week of the March 8th.

g.    If you want to be notified that the new class schedule is up and on-line, please sign up for my monthly newsletter (I do not sell or give out your information and you may unsubscribe at any time) by going to our sign up page on our website www.thebouncingbead.com.

h.    Guest teacher classes are not valid with the groupon however, you may use it for class supplies (does not apply to supplies sold by the guest teacher) not being sold by the guest teacher.

1.    When you come in to use your Groupon please bring the following:

a.    Copy of the groupon you received via e-mail

b.    A picture ID to confirm that you belong with that groupon coupon

c.    If you purchased 1 or 2 additional as a gift but did not specify the person at the time you bought it you will need to do so either by e-mail giving us their name and the coupon number or you can notify us when you come in.  One coupon per person.

d.    We will keep track of the use of your groupon two ways:  1.  When you visit us and use the coupon we will mark down on your copy how much was used. 2. We will also keep track of it in a separate log book with the dates and how much was spent next to your name and coupon #.

1.    Limitations:

a.    There are some things (other than guest teachers) that the groupon is not valid for.

i.    Value items.  These items are marked with a sticker “value”. Trunk shows and consignment items are considered “Value” items even though there is no sticker… please ask when in the store.

ii.    Swarovski Flat Back Rhinestones… yeah, I carry these

iii.    50% off sale table

iv.    Groupon may not be combined with any other discounts…

1.    What you CAN purchase with your groupon:

a.    In house classes: Basic Beading, Intro to Wire, Basic Knotting, Simply Solder, Soldering Fun with Fire, Beads ‘n Chain, Punch ‘n Pound, Viking Knit… there are others and I don’t remember so check the class listings page.

b.    Semi-Precious Stones, both strands and loose, Swarovski Crystals, Glass beads (Czech and vintage), supplies, findings, buttons, etc.

c.    Some of my finished jewelry…  Pieces I may be willing to part with.

d.    Base metal chain and findings

Thank you for your interest and support of our store! We look forward to meeting you and feeding your inner creativity. If you have any questions, please contact us by phone (619.460.2323) or email (webmaster@thebouncingbead.com). We’ll see you soon!
Laura
Owner