Jewelry Workshop II

(Sorry about the lame picture, this is the only one I can find right now, as all my pics are packed.)

Don't forget the jewelry workshop at the Ditton's tonight at 7pm. Materials are provided, but there is a fee of $4. I think there will be a few instructions for beginners, but if you are a seasoned earring artisan, you are still invited to come. (I also hear Christine might make cookies.)

See you there!

Jewelry and More...

I, too, had a great time at Beading 101. It is so fun to see what each person creates. I think Abby and I have passed on some easy techniques to making earrings and other jewelry. We will have to have another workshop!

I read on another post about Fire Mountain Gems, a wholesale bead supply company, that Abby had earlier told me about. Here is the link http://www.firemountaingems.com/. There are fun tutorial videos that will make a beading addict out of you!

If you are interested in ordering, I will be placing a group order around the 1st of April. Just email.

Rookie Jeweler

Earring making 101 with Abby Stevenson and Sandy Hoeft was a blast. I only bought one strand of big green beads from Michael's since this was my first go at jewelry making. The fact that Saint Patrick's day is coming up is sheer coincidence, however, you would be very appropriate wearing the middle set of earrings to any St. Patty's day event. Clearly, I need to expand with my color choices. But as Abby said in a comment below, I am now a bit of an addict.

The evening was so fun with Paula and Chelsea Jones to my left, Susanna Rench to my right, Cindy Roberts and Laurie Ditton sitting across from me and Hope and Beth Littlejohn at one end of the table with Christine Cohen at the other end. Christine even made snickerdoodles and they were really good.

Aaron sent me with the best needle nose pliers he rummaged around for in his toolbox. Fine point needle nose pliers with spring hinged handles provide constant tension when squeezing or releasing the plier handles. This is really helpful when you are dealing with small loops and little pieces. Also, round nose pliers are helpful in easily creating the loops you need to make earrings. So, buy some beads and come to the next party. It really was a lot of fun.

Making Jewelry

For those of you who already signed up, don't forget there is a learn-how-to-make-earrings party tonight (wed. 3/12) at the Ditton's. For those who didn't sign up, but still want to learn, I am trying to have another party to accommodate you. (In fact, leave a comment here if you want to sign up for another one.)

It's such a gratifying and simple skill. Although I'm a major klutz, I've been able to make most of my jewelry since I learned how a couple years ago. Additionally, it's a very inexpensive craft. These are a few of the earrings that I've made in the last few months. They might not be to your taste, but if you learn how, every pair you make can be completely your style. Imagine making earrings to coordinate with your outfit before you walk out the door to church. It brings new meaning to the word "custom."