American ’s Handmade Store

Beads. Ahh, the world of beads!! If you are a jewelry maker or handmade jewelry lover, then you know what I’m talking about. There’s so many to choose from, that it makes it hard to decide which ones are best for your own personal designs.

Sure, if you are following a specific pattern, then you purchase the beads that the instructions call forbut what if you want to spread your own wings and flourish from that pattern? Then you go to the world of beads!

First, you find a craft store or bead store - You can find some of the neatest beads at chain stores such as Wal-Mart. Then there are craft stores such as Michaels or Hobby Lobby. Of course, then you have your specialty stores too. But thenits not always about the store—-its about the BEAD.

Now, look deep into your very crafty-or should I say “Beady” soul. What colors scream you? What designs catch your eye? Do you love the water? Do those clouds up above just mesmerize you? Are you just a faithful lover of the color blue? Then go look for those pretty shades of blue Sky blue, navy blue, ocean blue, and/or turquoise, etc. Then you can find patterns with flowers, cat-eyes-anything to your hearts content.
Babyif you love bluethen bead the night away in blue.

How about nature colors? Our mother’s great outdoors have just color that travels a million directions! You have the soft green grass, the colors of leaves in autumn, all of the animals, brilliant pinks and purples in the flowers. There is just so much color in the world of nature! Take your favorite picture of nature’s outdoors with you when choosing your beadsthis will help you wonderfully.

Of course, there’s even more patterns and colors that can help you decide. Perhaps you already have favorite colors you like to work with. It’s almost like taking a testYour first instinct is always the right answer! If there is a bead that is just talking to you-go for it! Pick her up-touch it, feel it, and imagine it in your studiowith your designs! I promise you-it will talk to you. Everybody’s perfect bead is different.

There is no right answer in creation. Your designs, your colors, and your beadsthey are all about you. And ONLY you. Create from your heart- our heart is always right-no matter how much you might want to ignore it at times.

http://www.sentimentaljewelrycreations.com

Tags: beading, Beads, handmade beads, handmade jewelrybeading, Beads, handmade beads, handmade jewelry

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Anyone that has ever been to the beach has spent a little time checking out all the different sea shells and treasures that have washed ashore. Most of us have even picked up a few “pretty ones” with the thought of doing something creative with them later. Of course, just like so many other things in our life, we put them away only to forget about our “treasures” until spring cleaning some year. Again we think of all the possibilities we could use the sea shells for, only to repeat the previous cycle. Fortunately, all it takes to break the cycle is a little excitement and motivation.

The potential of sea shells is limited only by your imagination. One common problem of working with shells is how fragile and brittle they can be. The easiest way to alleviate this problem is to attach the shells to a hard surface such as wood. Great examples of this method are frames, jewelry boxes, and mirrors. All it takes is glue that bonds well with wood and organic material, some unfinished wood products, your shells, and some creativity. To finish your design off, a non-yellowing clear gloss will keep the shells shiny and provide some protection and durability. Most of the products you need for these projects can be purchased at your local craft store.

Another use for your beautiful sea shells is handmade jewelry. I know beading has become a very popular hobby and business venture; sea shells can be used in the same way. You may have to take a jewelry making class or spend some time practicing techniques and designs, but the end results can be amazing and very satisfying. Again, what type of jewelry you make and how you use the sea shells is nearly limitless. So it’s time to find that old shoe box of sea shells and start making you own works of art.

Tags: beading, craft ideas, handmade jewelry, sea shell jewelry, sea shellsbeading, craft ideas, handmade jewelry, sea shell jewelry, sea shells

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