This is the beginning of the African Jade Bead Embroidered Bracelet. What I have done so far is just dye the Lacy’s Stiff Stuff and glue the African Jade Cabochon on with E6000.

 

You can use Rit Dye as I have although I do recommend using boiling water and soaking for a full minute. Remember that when you rinse with cold water after soaking, the color will be a little lighter. I would like to have more of a green but I am using what I have on hand.

Lacy’s is the best bead embroidery foundation I have found. You can bead right to the edge without any fray and it gives a stable foundation to bead on. You can also use Ultrasude…I prefer the “soft” to the “light” as it is a little stiffer but my #10 and #12 needles glide right through.

Now I am ready to begin the bead embroidery. I am trying to select beads from the thousands of beads I already have on hand and this is what I think I will use. As I am going along, I might add or subtract from this pile depending on how it looks sewn on.

 

I always use Fireline for my bead weaving and bead embroidery. It hardly ever tangles and when it does it is quite easy to get out any knots. It comes in crystal and smoke so use whichever color is closest to the color of your beads. They won’t show for the most part anyway. I suggest buying it from a fishing supply store rather than a bead shop just because it is less expensive. It is a little more costly than beading thread but as far as I am concerned the extra pennies are well worth it!

 

Now that you have an idea of what I iwll be doing, be sure and follow me at Divella Delights on my blog!

Saving Money on Jewelry Making Supplies

There are a couple of things I try to do when buying supplies for my jewelry business. Free or low cost shipping! Not only do I want to save my own money, but also I want to be able to extend that price break to my customers. One thing though, I don’t ever want to sacrifice quality.

There are times items are less costly with one supplier than another but after I compute cost with shipping I am actually paying more per item.

After comparing prices, which takes a great deal of time, there are a few suppliers I use regularly who offer free shipping over a specific amount. I am not talking about thousands of dollars, a $10 or $25 minimum so it is not like I have to keep my list going forever before I make my purchase. I don’t have thousands of dollars at my disposal most months so I don’t use the $1,000.00 minimums or the 200-item minimum to get the best price.

There is one very large supplier out of California I used to use for gems and pearls but the quality had gone downhill and the cost had gone up so much I had to find others. I want to use high-grade materials in my creations. I don’t want to spend my time creating beautiful designs and then use inferior supplies.

So which suppliers do I use now? Well, there are several depending on what I am looking for.

If it is pearls, gemstones or gemstone chips on my mind I check out Artbeads.com and Beadin Path. The quality is very good and they both offer free shipping if your order is over $10 and $25 respectively. I do not think I have EVER spent less than $25.00 when buying jewelry making supplies! If you want it quicker there are other options but I prefer the free shipping.

If I am looking for copper I go right to Accessories Susan. Not only are her prices really good but her materials or lead safe and nickel free. She also has free shipping and with no minimum!

Any glass I buy I usually go right to the artisan. I did a blog a month or two ago about what some companies refer to as ‘Artisan created’. Careful here, most of it is not created by an Artisan as we think of it. My personal favorites are Generations Lampwork and Rufus and Roxy (free shipping $25+), both found on Etsy. Generations does charge shipping but it is nominal. They are both wonderful with special orders. Seed beads in bulk is something I have yet to find free shipping for so if anyone knows of anyone, please let me know. I buy most of my seed beads from Caravan Beads in Portland, Maine. If I am just looking for a tube or 2 then Beadin Path has a good selection but Caravan is definitely my go-to place for Delica beads. Caravan also has delicious pearls.

Although Gemphora is a little costly and they do charge shipping, they have wonderful great quality gems that I have trouble finding elsewhere like Kyanite, Fluorite, and Labradorite. I always get the $5.00 donation pearls when I shop with them. They pick them so it is a surprise each time I receive an order. I have never been disappointed.

I get most of my findings and Swarovski at Artbeads.com.

I hope this helps you find some better prices for your supplies. Let’s face it, we all enjoy saving some money when we can and I enjoy begin able to create pieces without having to worry about the end price.

Do you have any favorite suppliers?


I was not paid or compensated by anyone for this blog post

Charmed Affections

My youngest daughter, now 23 lies enlisted in the US Navy. She left for Boot Camp in Great Lakes, Illinois November of 2008. When she got out of Boot Camp it was off To Pensacola for school and now she is stationed in Hawaii and will be deployed sometime this year for 7 months.
I wanted to do something special for her before she left and Artbeads.com came to the rescue. It was time for the Valentine’s Day Blog for Beads!
I have wanted to do a charm bracelet for some time now but never really had a theme I could decide on. This was it! They have an amazing selection of charms and some beautiful sterling chains, they even have a stunning US Navy charm, which I quickly added to my chopping cart. I cannot tell you how fast the wheels began to spin after I spotted that. I decided to get some state charms for every state she has been in since enlisting; Illinois for Boot Camp, Florida of "A" School, Connecticut where she was living when she enlisted, Maine because that is home, and Hawaii because that is where she is now. I also chose a beautiful daughter charm in the shape of a heart and a flower toggle clasp in sterling. I was very pleased with the charms I received. They have a very nice weight to them unlike charms I have seen elsewhere.
Now I wanted a little color so I added Swarovski crystals in pink, and then added a couple of pink opals and pink pearls that I placed on sterling headpins. I found another really cool item while shopping, sterling oval jump rings, which are better than round. This was the first time I have used them and I love them! I will probably never use the round again. You can read the how and why here.
I have also invited her friends and family members to stop by Artbeads.com and take a look, choose something and have it sent to me so I can add it to the bracelet. Artbeads.com has free shipping with every order no matter how small or large so it makes it easy for others to contribute (I love that when I only need a couple of items). As difficult as it was I left space for more to be added during her Navy career.

Blog for Beads by Artbeads.com contributed a large part of my materials in exchange for my honest evaluation of their merchandise in my blog. I am not paid to endorse them in any way.

Simplicity

Simplicity
After spending the majority of the last several months learning new techniques I decided to get back to basics and make some of my artisan jewelry in a more simple form. Check out the Snow Quartz necklace and earrings. While they have a very elegant appearance they also have a fresh simplicity about them that I find quite appealing. I can easily wear something like this with either jeans or a wedding gown.
Each link of the chain was added one at a time so the entire piece was created entirely be me.
I love working up a piece completely from scratch…I like to bake the same way!

The Patriot

Celebrate your patriotism on the 4th of July or any day of the year. Made like my garden series but in red, white and blue, this bracelet contains lampwork, snow quartz, Czech, vintage and contemporary Lucite, and some non-tarnish silver tornado beads I twisted up. It has a red star button for a clasp.

Each bead and gem is individually knotted in a core of waxed Irish linen with coordinated threads for a lifetime of wear making this series perfect for every day or any day when you just need a smile.
See this and many more at www.divelladelights.com

Addict? Me?

People keep saying to me that I should not take any work on vacation! What on earth could they be thinking? My work is my passion. I often spend all day in my studio, knit and crochet while hubby is home in the evenings and then back up to my studio after I tuck him in.
Most of my ideas come to me as I am drifting off to sleep so I have to get up, make some notes, perhaps gather some materials together to recall that creation that surfaced in that half conscious state when the vision appeared.
I love to do things outside the "norm" although I am happy as an artist to see that the line between normal and not is getting grayer by the day.
I think the most boring commissioned pieces I have had are plain, simple just strung requests. I like to be challenged. Can you draw it, explain it in detail? If so, I would love to attempt it! The most wonderful requests I have had have been from the local jewelry store. She will call me and say "I need something with Carnelian and Pearls". We have been working together long enough that she trusts me. She also knows if she does not like it I will sell it elsewhere and start over although that has not happened yet I am happy to say. I get to play and let the creative energy go wild. I love that!
The option of NOT taking work with me just terrifies me. I have a bag in the car with knitting always, always. I have a light in the car so I can knit while hubby drives at night. Ok, so perhaps I am an addict. I am however, a very happy one. How many of us are fortunate enough to be able to be so fervently dedicated to a profession they cherish? Every day I am surrounded by beautiful colors, luxurious fibers, ravishing gems, lustrous pearls and have a studio right upstairs.
So, what WILL I take on vacation…so many options!

Gemstone Jumble

A great new design using Rhyolite, Turquoise, Lovely faceted Smokey Quartz, Labradorite, Artisan created lampwork from 3 different artisans, Wooden charm by my hubby, vintage Lucite, a 3 pressed Czech leaves. Whew…
The entire piece is knotted with a complimentary green cord and the clasp is a loop and Lampwork bead by Rufus and Roxy.
As this is a first attempt I am keeping this one as it does have some minor flaws. I should have some for sale the first part of next week. They’ll run $40-$65 depending on the gems and other materials used.
I have purchased some great fibers and have some pretty hot ideas in mind so come on back in a bit.
I will be unavailable from 27 APR until 6 MAY but I’ll be ready to roll when I return!

NEW Peyote Stitch Jewels

Check out the new bracelets! I love the green one and think I will keep it. I have it and tons more on my website at http://www.divelladelights.com/

Huge Gemstone Sale

I am offering 20% on my gemstone necklaces and gemstone necklace sets until midnight February 13th for Valentine's Day. I will be shipping twice daily. Above are a couple of samples of the different styles I have. All my jewelry is handmade by me and are made with genuine gemstones, pearls, sterling and golf filled wire. You will find no plated materials unless specifically noted in the item description.

Gemstone Jewelry Sale up to 50% Off

I am having a huge gemstone jewelry sale at my shop for the next 3 days. I have also included my crocheted bracelets, peyote bracelets and earrings. You can find some real bargains here simply because I don't want to have to count it all. As the end of the year approaches I will have to do inventory and I would really like to have less to count. All gemstone jewelry in my shop is up to 50% off, giving you below my wholesale prices. This will only last 3 days so hurry over to www.divelladelights.com and check out my inventory. There are still a few holidays approaching so you can save some money and give beautiful handmade gifts of gemstone jewelry!

New Jeweled Beaded Bookmarks

I got the new Ken Follet book for Christmas and decided I needed a book mark for it so I made one! Here it is and I plan to make many more. I love them. This one is made with faux pearls, Swarovski crystals and genuine pearls although the future designs will be all genuine gemstones and genuine pearls, Sterling silver and/or 14K gold filled. The pins on this one are sterling and the wire is professional grade. You will be able to see them at my website where I have gemstone jewelry and the wonderfully successful Flapper hats. Come by and order your very own jeweled beaded bookmark.

Flapper Hats with Gemstones!

For the woman who has almost everything!

Is there a woman on your shopping list who you just can't figure out? I am pretty sure she does not have one of these Flapper Hats with gemstone centers. This one has Lapis, Sky Quartz and Swarovski fine Austrian crystal. There are more to come with pearls, jade, turquoise, garnet, Sapphire, and the list goes on! These hats have been selling like crazy without the gems such as the others posted here. You can also order the scarflet to match. Come on by and check them out at http://www.divelladelights.com/ I ship every day so there is plenty of time for the Holidays. Get that hard to shop for gal on your list a Flapper Hat with gemstones!

What fits into your family budget?

The family budgets have taken a beating this year and this has left me wondering what I can do for my customers this Holiday season. As I have just lowered my prices to wholesale there is not a lot I can do there. I was thinking though of offering a line of non-gemstone designs. At the moment I use only gemstones and pearls, silver and gold. If I created a line of non gemstone it would be less cost to me and so easier on the family budget while still giving something handmade. But are the genuine stones more important? Also, many of my design are rather complex and very time consuming so perhaps a simpler design overall but still using the gems?

I would be interested in what YOU think. Would you be interested in something without gems or just a more simple design overall? Do you have any design ideas you would like me to work up?
In order to give my customers what they want I am asking for some feedback. Let me know what you are looking for, what is important to you and what price range easily fits in your family budget.

Feel free to post your comment here or in my guest book at www.divelladelights.com

Centipede Bracelets

This design I am working on reminds me of a Centipede. It came about as a result of my woven designs when the local jewelry store requested hat I come up with something a little less expensive this year for the Holiday season. So when I went to photograph my first Caterpillar bracelet I laid it out and it screamed out " I am a Centipede" to me so there you have it. I use hundreds of tiny seed beads and a variety of gemstones and pearls and Swarovski crystals in each of the Centipede bracelets. I also use a heavy-duty stretchy cord and double it so they are very sturdy and at the same time they will fit most women. I can’t say one size fits all because that is never the case from my experience.
Although each Centipede bracelet takes me well over an hour to create, I love doing them. I like the beaded toggle clasps, I feel they give the pieces continuity and they are easy to work with. Oh right, I make those too. The have a wonderful slinky feel to them when you wear them and lots of movement and a little sparkle. The Christmas Centipede has 2 original lampwork beads I purchased from Libelula Designs.
They are very affordable so this year I think every woman needs a Centipede Bracelet!

Bracelet or Necklace?

I need your help!
If you have a minute and can shoot off an answer to the 2 questions below it would help me a great deal!
When I first began making gemstone jewelry I made everything in complete sets and found out quickly that most women or either necklace or bracelet people. Which one are you? For me, it kind of depends on the season. Summers I tend to wear necklaces shorter, around choker length whereas in the fall and winter I want something to go over my beloved turtlenecks so need something a little longer. Funny, now that I think about it I tend to wear bracelets more in the summer too. Well before I get off track and start rambling here are the questions for today:
1) Do you wear more bracelets or necklaces or do you wear both equally?
2) If you wear necklaces what length do you like?
Thank you so much for your input! There will be more questions in the following days and then I have a special surprise gift for one of you!

FREE GEMSTONE JEWELRY

CONTEST

The Gemstone Twist is one of my new designs, you can read more about that in the previous post. The person with the most referrals to my website wins one of my new designs with matching earrings similar to the one pictured here. They are all made with genuine gems, pearls, sterling, etc...

This is how it works:
Simply refer friends to my website, have them sign the guest book and put your name in the comment section, very easy! If the person you refer also enters their e-mail address you will get 2 points. If they make a purchase you receive an additional 2 points and they will be entered into the contest with 2 points. On November 20th the person with the most points wins! In the event of a tie there will be a drawing to determine the winner.

If you enter the contest be sure you include your e-mail in the guestbook as I will contact the winner via e-mail for shipping information.
I will also donate 10% of the total sales from the website in November to the winner’s favorite charity in their name!
Family members of Divella Delights are not eligible for participation.

Any questions?! Let's get started!
Go to http://www.divelladelights.com/ start referring your friends!

Gemstone Chunky Jewelry, New Designs

I have been busy! The local jewelry store I wholesale to has suggested that this year is going to be a low cost buying season and asked me to come up with something less costly than my usual design. I came up with these 3 strand gemstone necklaces that can be worn as 3 strands for a more classic look or you can simply give them a twist for a more modern, chunky look. They look really great over a turtleneck but I prefer he way they feel on bare skin. they are available on my website at http://www.divelladelights.com/ for a short time at the wholesale price. The price depends on the gemstones used. I do have photos on the website of all the necklaces on a mannequin worn in both fashions. I have agreed to raise the prices to retail once I fill her orders so get them while you can! I am also running a coupon at 15% off until 10/15/08. Simply go to the website and click on the grand opening link at the top of the main page. Enter the code gopen08 and the prices will drop automatically. There are earrings to match available in the earrings section and you can use the coupon on nearly everything!

HANDMADE JEWELRY SALE

Pictured here are some of my latest designs and there is something new almost daily. I have the gemstone line, a crocheted line, lots of great earrings, bracelets and necklaces. I even have ID lanyards that have the breakaway feature.

I am having a Grand Opening sale at my new website! Come and check out all the new designs. When you go to www.divelladelights.com click on the Grand Opening link at the top of the page and enter gopen08 all lower case, all one word then click on the Gallery link watch the prices drop 15%! This offer is good until 10/15/08 so shop early for Christmas. If you would like to add your e-mail to the guestbook I can send you info on sales and new designs! Please sign the guestbook anyway and let me know you came from Blogger you don't have to put in your e-mail. I would like to know where people are visiting from.

Falling Leaves

In honor of my new website and my love for the fabulous Fall in New England I have created this new set. It was created with genuine gemstones, pearls, vintage Lucite and gold. You can see more about it at my new website http://www.divelladelights.com/. If you go by please sign the guestbook!

Beading Masks

With Halloween coming up CUBE Gallery http://www.thecubegallery.com/is currently seeking submissions for their first juried show of masks and hats. Since I am in that gallery already with my jewelry I have decided to try my hand at a beaded mask...no easy task. I am using free form peyote stitch so far. I will be using some gemstones and pearls as well but I have not decided which as of yet. The primary colors in the mask are going to be purple,gold and green and I am hoping it is going to be wearable as well as artistic.

It will be a 3/4 face mask coming down to the tip of the nose. perhaps if things go really well it will cover the entire face. I looked for some sort of book to guide me but could find nothing. I will also be making some hats, but this piece is the real challenge. I am hoping to have it done by the end of next week! Ideas, tips or suggestions?