Any other beaders or jewelrymakers out there?

[Haleth]

I'm on Facebook, too, I just rarely log in. So many places, so little time! Between the projects I'm working on, new chicks hatching, boys catching snotty little bugs and passing 'em around like hot potatoes, I'm swamped.

I've posted a few pictures to my blog, but I mainly use Flickr. It makes it a lot easier to post them everywhere else, plus I don't use up the allotted space on BYC.

 

[Rainstorm]

OMG Cetawin I LOVE your stuff!! Specailly the Cougar earrings, You do any other cougar stuff?

 

[Kansaseq]

Ok, I'm new to this, and still in the baby-steps learning process. After deciding to work mostly with magnesite and silver (not sterling--too expensive!!), this is what meager creations I've come up with. Limited supply is cramping my creativity, and as a designer, I kinda suck

but hope to get better with practice. It's HARD knowing what shape,size, color etc beads to put together,and in what combination. Well, anyway, I'd much appreciate some constructive criticism on my work so far. My goal is to sell some for extra money (and to pay for more beads). Thanks in advance!
Unakite and magnesite necklace/bracelet set

Primitive unakite square tube necklace with magnesite rondelles

matching bracelet

Sorry for the poor light and photo quality; I keep forgetting to take photos during daylight (and I need to get one of those fake neck displays)

 

[Hopefulloflove]

I bead and make jewelry..among other things, but it's what I enjoy the most, besides my kids and my chickens

 

[AutumnWinds]

I enjoy working with jewelry making. I have to make sure I don't get my bead trays upset by my dogs trying to help though. LOL

I enjoy working with real stones as well as making "fun" jewelry as well.

I also do a lot of other crafts, painting, scrapbooking, card making, crochet, etc

 

[Flawedatdesign]

I bead and make Jewelry but I only work with the natural materials. No glass or plastic beads for me. Autumn Winds is a fine friend that got me started in that lol. Guess that's why I got her back into Chickens!!

 

[ChicksterJo]

Quote:
That is actually a beautiful color combo. It reminds me of the authentic New Mexican Native American earrings that a friend of my mom gave me. She bought it in New Mexico in the 30s or 40s. But anyway, the turquoise-looking color of the magnesite goes well with the reddish unakite. My advice to finding what combos "go" together is to just let your imagination guide you. I had the same problem when I was starting out, especially with the limited supply I had. I then just said, "OH well!!" and spent maybe around $200 to get going. In fact today, my SO is trying to sell some of my work at his work (lol) because he noticed on his line were a lot of women wearing jewelry. I say, just go for it and shop around for different beads, in diff. colors and sizes. The more you have to work with, the more your imagination can flow with ideas on combos.

As for the sterling silver versus silver plated or pewter (etc.) you have to find what works for you. Some people have a smaller budget and can afford to only purchase SP products. Some people really like SS and would rather pay more for that quality. I like working with SS but sometimes prospective customers would rather think about budget, so I make a mix of SS and SP to make my pieces affordable. I forgot to add that I use SS mostly for materials such as popular gemstones (like amethyst) or with Swarovski crystals. I then use silver plated stuff such as headpins or eyepins with other materials that are for more everyday wear.

Oh and get really good pliers! Your wrist and hands will thank you!

Here's a bracelet (design is my own) with turquoise (nat) and I believe Delica seed beads and a couple nat. coral beads. I would sell it but if it stays with me for too long, I get attached.

 

[Kansaseq]

Chicksterjo,
Nice bracelet! Thanks for the input; I am awaiting another shipment of supplies, and also feel like I'm getting better with each project. I made a necklace last night that I really like; will have to photograph it and get it up on here.