In the U.K., today is Mothering Day. This is their version of Mothers Day. To all mothers out there, thank you for all you do.

In the US, Mother’s Day is May 9, 2010. Though that seems far off, if you are actually make jewelry gifts, you may want to buy the materials now. You can usually make jewelry for a much lower price than buying jewelry from stores. Additionally, people appreciate that you took the time to make them a gift.

If you haven’t made jewelry, see our How to make bracelets and earrings section in Jewelry Mall. There are helpful videos to get you started.

See bracelets you can make for ideas.

Technorati Tags: jewelry gifts

Sometimes one needs inspiration for jewelry making projects, so now that the holiday gifts are opened, I can share some of the crafts I have made. Here are some projects that were finished last minute – I took pictures of them yesterday.

Fun Bracelets

I enjoyed using a variety of clay, glass, cloisonne and gemstone beads in many bracelets. Often trying for different styles. Some beads from these came from jewelry shows, favorite bead stores and EBay. These make great gifts that are fun to make. You can really let your imagination run wild.

A Simple Set

This set took less than 20 minutes to make. You can make fancy gifts very economically. The materials used were high quality (Henn jasper, sterling silver beads, memory wire and sterling silver earwires) and look much better than pictured. If you are having a hard time finding great beads, try trading with a friend. Sometimes they have exactly what you are looking for.

If you don’t know how to make either, see How to Make Beaded Bracelets and How to Make Jewelry.

If you are an avid crafter – here are two sales to enjoy!

Until 9am (PST) on Thursday, November 12, 2009, Artbeads.com is having it’s famous $1 day sale. There over a 1000 items being sold at $1. Beads, stringing supplies, charms, pendants, and findings.

Create For Less Virtual Craft Warehouse is having a huge EK Success sale for those people who love scrapbooking through 11/9/2009.

Making jewelry can be very easy. Sometimes we forget just how easy making them is! Here’s our newest video on how to make memory wire bracelets. It shows you step by step what is involved to making a great gift.

We intentionally kept in some of the gotchas that may happen so you will know it isn’t just you. These include having your memory wire get tangled with itself. Also it goes into details on how to close memory wire as that is the tricky piece.

For more jewelry making videos see: How to Make Jewelry

We hope you have fun creating great gifts!

Technorati Tags: how to make memory wire bracelets, creating great gifts

Yesterday I went to a gem and jewelry show, so here is a review of what a gem show is like for those who haven’t gone to one.

What to Expect

1) Lots of Vendors

The show I went to yesterday had over a thousand vendors. If you go the gem and jewelry shows in February @ Tuscon, AZ, expect over 10,000 vendors. Yet, if you are in a small town, perhaps you will only have 25-50 vendors. Yet, even in the smallest shows I have been to, there is a nice variety of gems, jewelry, and beads.

2) Large Price Ranges

When comparing prices of simple beads, I saw a price range from $4 – $10000 for the same gemstone. Of course the size and quality differed. So you really have to know different qualities. I found some bargains in the retail section that were better than the wholesale section. Knowing what you are buying can make a HUGE difference.

3) Wide Variety

You can find raw crystals, jewelry cleaner, fashion jewelry, jewelry making supplies, and fine jewelry. Anything that is gem or jewelry related was there. It is very fun to just wander and gawk. Yet, if you are looking for something specific, taking notes can be very helpful.

4) Demonstrations or Displays

Every gem or jewelry show offers something special. Some have fancy jewelry displays, others have classes, and a few just have a large variety of vendors. When going know what is available so you can take advantage of it if it interests you. For example the show I went to yesterday had booths with jewelry cleaning. The rings I was wear sparkle much more now. Though I went to buy beads, I loved having my jewelry cleaned as well.

How To Find What You Want

If you don’t have any particular goals in mind, sometimes asking a vendor what they have that no other booth has gets you to see the “special” items available at a jewelry show. It lets you explore items you would not otherwise notice in the vastness of a jewelry show.

For those with particular items in mind, we wrote this nice guide with gem show tips that will help you get the most out of a gem show. Like any other large fair, it really helps to go prepared.

Favorite Shows

Though I have my favorite shows, I know everyone is different. Try several different ones. Some smaller shows let you really know the vendors and go to classes or demonstrations. Larger shows have more variety – but they take much longer to see. So much depends on the time you have and what you are looking for. I tend to prefer the larger ones for the variety – but everyone is different.

Technorati Tags: gem show, jewelry shows

For those who want to start beading, ArtBeads, has great beading supplies.

I have found them to be the cheapest priced vendor for Griffon silk thread on the net when I have searched. Even cheaper than EBay. If you appreciate the convenience of having the needle already attached to the thread for beading, this is the place to go. (For beginners, it is really a nice way to start into crafting!)

So if you are wanting to find discount silk thread for beading, enjoy discovering ArtBeads. It is a great place to go for people who make jewelry.

Technorati Tags: discount silk thread

Sometimes when making jewelry, one needs some inspiration. Here are a few of my newest designs (and some old standbys) that may inspire you to make your own. All were very fast to make as we know that the holidays are coming soon.

Bracelets

Here I fell in love with making memory wire bracelets. These are fun and fast to make. Memory wire bracelets take very little skill to create. Simply close the end, add beads, then close the other end. Very fast and easy to make. Wonderful gifts that are easy to make.

Pearl Set

This classic design seemed to be appreciated by all and was fairly inexpensive and easy to make. These are simply pearls beaded onto silk thread. I must admit that I didn’t knot when I made them to save time. See a video called: How to make pearl earrings to make these earrings for yourself.

Simple Beaded Necklaces

Sometimes you just feel like stringing gemstones for the fun of it. I just felt like making beaded gemstone necklaces. I had fun creating these. You too can make something too!

I hope these jewelry making ideas helped inspire you! I had lots of fun creating them. Have a great time making fast easy gifts

Technorati Tags: jewelry making ideas, making fast easy gifts

Whether you are a jewelry wearer or a jewelry maker, many of us have lost beads at one time or another. Here are tips that can help you not lose beads all over the floor — as well as how to recover them if they do!

Tips for People Wearing Beads

1) Buy Jewelry That Has Knots Between Beads

When you buy jewelry that has lots of beads that is strung on thread (like pearl necklaces), buy strands with knots between each bead. This way if it breaks, you at most lose only one bead.

2) Check End Points for Jewelry Made on Wire

Sometimes jewelry made on wire has the ends become loose or undone. A simple check to make certain the ends are secure can prevent beads from going everywhere.

3) Store Strung Beads Flat

As thread will stretch due to gravity overtime, make your necklaces last longer between re-stringings by storing them flat. A jewelry roll works wonderfully well for this.

4) What To Do If Your Necklace Breaks

If your necklace breaks in a place that a vacuum can be used you can either put a nylon stocking over the nozzle and get the beads before they enter the bag or search the vacuum bag after fact. (We prefer the stocking method.)

Tips for People Making Beaded Jewelry

When beading it is easy to have beads go all over the place, here are some tips that can help.

1) Secure Ends During Beading

Whether you wrap your thread around cardboard or use a beadstopper, prevent your beads from going all over the place if you get interrupted in the middle of a project.

2) Use a Flocked Bead Board

A flocked bead board helps beads to not move as much when jostled. You still need to be careful, but they help substantially.

3) Knotting Necklaces Help The Wearer

Though it takes longer to make, fragile beads don’t chip and the purchaser of your wares don’t lose their beads.

Hopefully these tips will help you stop losing beads and enjoy your jewelry longer.

Technorati Tags: stop losing beads

If you plan to make jewelry for the holidays, now is the time to prepare. Making jewelry can really save you money. Handmade jewelry is often a personal gift the recipient really appreciates. Here are some things to consider:

Deciding Who

In order to not forget anyone, having a list of people you want to create gifts for really helps. You may change your mind later, but at least it will be a conscious decision. Sometimes you will make jewelry for some, cookies for others, and buy gifts for a few.

Deciding What

Earrings are usually the cheapest and the easiest to make as there are less materials needed. I can make earrings in less than 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can often buy sterling silver chains in bulk and simply add a pendant. Also, making a memory wire bracelet is relatively fast and fun. Being able to estimate the time your projetcs will take helps you know if you will have enough time to make them.

Setting Aside Time

As we get closer to holidays, time gets filled quickly. Putting time to make jewelry or other crafts on your schedule can make certain you have the needed time for your projects. I enjoy having jewelry making parties so all of us can make jewelry together.

Purchase Any Needed Supplies

Of course, now that you know the projects you want to do, make certain you have the supplies you need on hand. Running out of findings, beads or other materials can change your timetable. Often I make sure I have extra on hand to make a few last minute extra gifts.

Have LOTS of Fun Creating

I really enjoy making jewelry. Whether making jewelry with friends or while watching television, I always feel like I’ve accomplished something as well as made something beautiful. I also feel like I’ve saved lots of money which really helps our budget too!

Technorati Tags: make jewelry for the holidays, make jewelry

If you want to make a fabulous simple bracelet, try making a bangle bracelet with beads.

Usually when thinking of bead bracelets, one often thinks of silk or nylon thread with beads. Using memory wire makes a different fun look that is wonderful. My favorite bead bracelet is one my friend made me.

Making such a bracelet is easy. You just need memory wire, beads and pliers.

Two full loops of memory wire seems to be a perfect length of wire.

I enjoyed these big beads, but note that the large disks can sometimes be uncomfortable if typing. Still, I love wearing this and get compliments all the time.

Technorati Tags: make a fabulous simple bracelet, bracelets, beads