African-Inspired Decorating

By Mandy Buchanan

Many people living in other countries in Europe or America find themselves attracted to African-inspired décor. Their reasons for this may vary and could be that they have experienced a great African holiday, a desire for a more natural way of life, or a desire to show their support for those in poverty in African nations. Whatever your reason, here are a number of ways that you can bring that touch of Africa into your decorating.

African-Inspired Decorating with Beads
Beadwork has long been a part of the African tradition and apart from jewellery is also used to make many other items such as beaded bowls and dishes as well as ornaments that can be used in your decorating. Beaded aloes are another popular item in South Africa that can suit a wide range of décor styles and look very elegant.

Use African Flora in Fabrics
Fabrics that have pictures of African or South African flora can also be a great idea. Alternately you may want to include actual framed pictures of African flora in the rooms of your house. These fabrics may be made into kitchen items such as oven gloves, aprons, or place mats; or used in bedspreads and other bedroom or living fabrics.

The Big 5
The big 5 animals of Southern Africa are another popular idea behind African-inspired decorating. You can either use decorative animals themselves (if you have been to Africa you would probably have noticed ornaments in many different materials made into the shapes of these animals) or use fabric prints of the Big 5 animals. The Big 5 include elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and rhino.

African Artwork
African artwork can be used in any room that you want to have an African-inspired feeling. Pictures of African women carrying pots on their heads, African sculptures and pictures of African scenery can all be used depending on the environment you are trying to create.

If you are looking for a touch of Africa in your home then why not consider some of these African-inspired décor ideas? Use African beadwork, artwork, fabrics and decorative items to create the atmosphere you are looking for and show your love of this continent or support for its people.

This article was written by Mandy Buchanan. If you are interested in purchasing items for your African-inspired decorating please visit Thorntree Crafts and Curios.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mandy_Buchanan

7 Simple Steps to Making Jewelry at Home

By Kameron Kay

I began beading several years ago at Fred Segal in Santa Monica. They had a really cool bead shop where you could sit down, design and make your piece. It was a bit pricey but worth the finished product and the lack of hassle.

I took this theory and began designing jewelry from my home and selling it to boutiques. Here is a quick and easy way to make a beautiful necklace.
1. FIND A PENDANT
This is usually the most important part of the design as it is going to be the main attraction. It is the largest part of the necklace and is centered to gain the attention of the eye. I look for unusual and unique pendants that are already wire wrapped and/or have a loop to slide onto a chain or bead onto flexwire.
The pendants I use range from stones like amethyst, citrine, turquoise etc to beautiful crosses and cameos. It doesn't matter what the pendant is, just make sure it stays within your budget. You also want to make sure it is made well and will not fall apart after 2 wears.

2. MATCH THE PENDANT TO THE BEADS
Once I chose a pendant, I then advance to the bead section. I always choose something that compliments that pendant in color, texture and size. For example, if I was going to choose a Indian coral and turquoise pendant, most likely I would use a similar stone for the beading that matched in color and size. Maybe a small nugget torquise or round coral bead. Another example would be a black and white cameo pendant. Most likely I would pair it with a round onyx stone that was smaller than the pendant and accented the cameo. You can also be creative and a bit funky and try mixing a black and white cameo with some cool stone as well. It just depends on how traditional you want to be and who you are making the necklace for.

3. ADD SOMETHING THAT SPARKLES
Once I have my pendant and beads chosen, I always like to add a bit of sparkle to the piece. I personally like Swarovski crystals scattered throughout. They add a bit of glimmer and make the piece pop. It also adds value to the piece if your end goal is to sell it.

4. SPACERS TO ADD BLING
In some pieces, I like to add some silver or gold spacers. Even if it is just a plain tiny round one that separates the beads from the crystals. It also adds bling and makes the crystals pop. However if you are going to use silver, be prepared to clean it regularly as it can tarnish.

5. NOW THE TOOLS AND FINDINGS
Now you are ready to actually put the necklace together. If you are beginner, this should take no more than and hour. I can usually make about one piece every 15 minutes. Make sure you have the necessary tools and findings. For a basic necklace you will need the following :
-Wire, Thread or Stretch Cord (I prefer Accuflex wire)

-Crimp beads (2 beads - One for each end)

-Small Jewelry Scissors (or manicure scissors will work)

-Clasp (I prefer a large lobster clasp with matching jump ring)

-Flat Nosed Pliers (I use two pairs when making pieces but you can use just one or substitute tweezers)

6. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Wire:
You start with the piece of wire and measure it to the length you want. You can also use a beading board but I do the easy way of just measuring. Cut the wire to desired length.
Fasten the end:
Place the jumpring and crimp bead on the end of the wire, so the beads won't slip.
String the beads:
Begin stringing the beads along the wire. Use whatever pattern you chose above. For example:

3 beads, 1 silver spacer, 1 crystal, 1 silver spacer, 3 beads....and keep repeating.

Add the pendant:
Once you get to the middle, slide the pendant onto the wire.

Even it out:
Repeat the beading until you get to the end.

Fasten the end:
Add the crimp bead and the lobster clasp.

7. WEAR IT AND TEST IT
I always like to try the piece on and make sure it hangs well and doesn't do anything funny. Sometimes when you use a thicker Accuflex with heavy beads it can become too tight or too loose or hang weird. I like to try it on several times throughout the process to make sure I'm happy with the length etc.

Good luck!
My name is Kameron Kay, marketing expert and jewelry designer. Please visit my newly released "Jewelry Selling Secrets" ebook and audio program at: http://www.kameronkay.com
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Personalized Name Bracelets - Make Your Own Mother's Day Gift

By Kathy Hickok

Handcrafted, personalized name bracelets become cherished gifts for mothers, grandmothers and more, especially when you create it yourself. With sterling silver alphabet beads and a few other key ingredients, you can make your own mother's bracelet, deployment bracelet, awareness bracelet, or just about any other theme you can imagine. Visit your local bead store or hobby shop or look online for the supplies you will need. With these simple instructions, your creation will be a great gift for Mother's Day or any other occasion.

What you need before you start:

1. Flat Beading Pliers (needle nose pliers will also work with care)

2. Wire Cutters

3. Stringing Wire (I prefer Beadalon® Bead Stringing Wire, Nylon Coated Stainless Steel, .46mm, Black)

4. Two (2) Wire Guardians (not required, but good for longevity of the bracelet)

5. Two (2) Crimp Beads

6. Lobster Clasp or Toggle Clasp

7. 4mm Jump Rings

8. Alphabet Beads to spell out the name

9. Other beads to match your theme, birthstone color, etc. Swarovski crystal beads and small round silver beads are great additions.

STEPS:

1. Measure a bracelet you (or your gift recipient) already own to get the right size, or use a piece of string around the wrist to mark and measure. Make sure that it is a little loose. Cut a length of stringing wire that is the desired bracelet length plus at least 2" extra. (If you want a finished bracelet that is 8", you'll need to start with a 10" piece of wire.)

2. The next task is to make a loop. String a crimp bead on the piece of cut wire. Slide the wire through the wire guardian. Take the end of the wire as it comes out of the guardian and slip it though the crimp bead as well. Pull to tighten so that the crimp bead is tight against the wire guardian, and you don't have excess wire hanging out of the crimp bead. Use the beading pliers to squeeze the crimp bead closed.

3. Begin stringing your beads. Try alternating colors or using round spacer beads in between the alphabet beads. It's also a good idea to plan out and lay out what beads you want to use before you start. That way you'll know exactly how many beads you need to end up with a symmetrical bracelet.

4. Once you're happy with the design, place the second crimp bead after your last decorative bead (you should have approximately 2" of wire left) and then slide the second wire guardian on just like before. Carefully take up the slack, being sure not to pull the wire too tight, so the bracelet can move and bend, but also not so loose that you see the wire between the beads. Now squeeze the crimp bead closed and then trim any excess wire away.

5. Now you can attach the lobster clasp or toggle clasp to the right side of the bracelet using jump rings. You can also attach a 1" extender chain on the left side to allow the wearer to adjust the bracelet for comfort. (This is especially a good idea if you think the bracelet might end up being too small.) Attach a charm or two to the extender chain with jump rings to add even more of a personal touch.

You're done! You've just made a name bracelet for your mother, a mommy to be, or even just for fun. All it takes are some alphabet beads, silver wire, colored beads, some patience and a few more supplies to make a great Mother's Day gift.

Jewelry making and beading are hobbies for just about everyone to enjoy. Charm Factory supplies sterling silver charms, charm bracelets, silver beads, alphabet beads and more to make your own bracelet, necklace or cell phone charm to give as a gift or as a treat for yourself.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Hickok

Tips to Setting up a Workplace Every Jewelrymaker Needs

By Tl Kleban

How you set up your jewelry making area affects not only your safety, comfort, and stress level but also the efficiency of your jewelry making. If you have a workspace which is well planned out then you will no doubt be far more creative and work more quickly. Anyone who designs and builds their own jewelry can tell you that the more efficient you work, the more creative you will be and the more spare time you will have available to work on other projects. Take some time to think about your jewelry making workspace and how it is organized.

Having a plan for your workspace and what you want to do in it makes your life as a craftperson so much easier. Most problems happen because everything from tools and materials are positioned poorly or cluttered. Want you want to do is be smart in how you set up where you will be creating everything. Set aside some time to analyze what you do and you can better improve where you work. Here are just a few tips and examples on how to set up your jewelry making work area:

Try to find a place in your home free of clutter and junk. Somewhere that you can set up a small working table. A basement, spare room or garage will all work great to fit your needs. Clean it all up and you can start creating your work area.
You're going to need a table to work on. It doesn't matter if it's new or used but used is usually your best option since you can normally find a nice one for cheap. The table doesn't need to huge, but big enough that you can place all of your tools and materials on freely. It is a good idea to take a measurement of your work space before you go shopping for a table. The last thing you want is a table that won't fit.

Now that you found a table to work on set it up in the room you picked. Begin organizing everything you will be using on the table such as the bead containers and storage units. Small plastic baskets work great as extra storage for your beading supplies and look nice too. All of these things should be placed all around your new table.
Make sure your workspace has adequate lighting in the room. Beading requires a lot of light so you don't strain your eyes too much. If your room won't allow you to add more light than you want, pick out a nice lamp that can be set up on the table but not in your way.
Just because this is your workstation doesn't mean it needs to be drab and boring. Decorate it up a little bit with some personalized touched of some of your favorite inspirations. Magazines or pictures work well too.

You'll be doing a lot of sitting as you bead, so be sure to find a nice comfortable chair for your behind. The chair should be soft enough to be comfy but also sturdy that your back isn't sore at the end of the day. Some beaders also use foot props too so keep that in mind too.

Get immediate payment from GOLDPAQ when you sell scrap jewelry and broken gold items. We help people like you sell scrap gold, unwanted gold and precious metals without leaving the secure environment of home. Our free service gives you cash for gold. Visit us at http://www.goldpaq.com.
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How To Make A Beautiful Rosary Bracelet With Premium Furnace Glass Beads

By Sheri Hill

We all have a vice. Mine happens to be this habit of buying every pretty bead I see. My very favorite beads are the blown furnace cane glass beads...particularly from US artists Mingo & Asho and David Christensen. They are positively stunning! I have now found a way to use the chub style furnace beads to make a rosary bracelet.

If you are not familiar with a rosary bracelet, or how to pray with a rosary bracelet, it consists of 11 beads, rather than the traditional 59 of a full rosary. The singled out bead is the Our Father bead, and the other 10 are for the decade of Hail Mary prayers. A rosary bracelet is a convenient way to carry your rosary with you, and is also an excellent conversation starter to share your faith.

To make an easy and beautiful furnace glass rosary bracelet you will need the following supplies:
10 FURNACE GLASS CHUBS
1 LARGE FURNACE GLASS CHUB
28* 4mm SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS
1 BUTTON CLASP
1 SMALL CRUCIFIX (with jump or split ring for hanging)
1 SMALL MIRACULOUS MEDAL (also with jump or split ring) (OR SAINT MEDAL OF CHOICE) 2 SILVER CRIMP BEADS
SOFTFLEX BEADING WIRE, MEDIUM STRENGTH
CRIMPING PLIERS
SCISSORS
*May vary depending on size of chubs and size of bracelet you are making.

Directions: Decide the length of your bracelet, and trim your beading wire, leaving enough for tying off at end. Add male end of clasp and secure with crimp bead. String in this order: 3 crystals, large furnace chub, 2 crystals, crucifix, 1 crystal, medal, 1 crystal, chub, 2 crystals, chub, 2 crystals chub...repeat this until you string last chub. String 3 crystals (or more if you need a bit longer). Add female end of clasp and secure with crimp bead.

Please visit my website for a picture of a finished bracelet, and links for bead supplies, magazines, and business software to help you make money with your bead projects.
Have a wonderful day!

Sheri Hill is a stay at home mother of three and a self-proclaimed bead enthusiast. Having recently joined the Catholic Church at he age of 41, she loves to share her faith with others.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheri_Hill

Get Started Beading With Four Simple How-to Books

By Paul Dunphy

If you have thought that you would like to start a new hobby, let me suggest beading as a fun one to start. Not only is it simple to start, but it is quite an affordable hobby. To help kick start your beading, here is a list of the books that have helped me to become familiar with beading, finding the right tools and workspace.

1. Jewelry Making & Beading by Heather Dismore and Tammy Powley
"Jewelry Making & Beading" is a book from an excellent series of books that provide definitions and processes in simplified terms so that anyone can pick up the concepts. This one in particular includes step by step instruction for beginner projects. It even includes some of the more complex ones that involve things such as wire wrapping and knotting.

2. The New! Beader's Companion by Judith Durant
Personally, I consider this my beading reference book! This was the second book that I purchased and after getting the basics down, "Beaders Companion" is just that, a companion to provide you with all of the terminology and reference for a huge list of beading techniques. Since some of the topics may be over the heads of the novice, it is suggested that a book similar to the first book listed earlier.

3. Bead on a Wire: Making Handcrafted Wire & Beaded Jewelry by Sharilyn Miller.
This is definitely a book that is focused on the more experienced beader. Upon completion of about 3-5 projects of beading, this book can provide you with the information to create more complex jewelry. Sharilyn has a wonderful way of elaborately describing and detailing all of the advanced techniques. Once you've done a few of the ones illustrated in this book, you will be a pro!!!

4. Marketing & Selling your Handmade Jewelry: The Complete Guide to Turning your Passion into Profit by Viki Lareau
In recommending this book, it is assumed that you may want to make some extra cash on your extra jewelry pieces that you will not be wearing yourself. Viki takes a very good approach to describing all of the skills and factors that come into play in presenting, pricing, marketing and ultimately selling your handmade pieces of jewelry. Now this book may not be for everyone, especially those of you who enjoy beading as a simple hobby to relax after a long week! If you want to pad that emergency fund with some extra cash, this might be the way to go.

With these books under your belt, you will have become proficient in a fun and rewarding hobby that is called beading.

Troll beads are a one of a kind type of jewelry making accessory that has its own individual personality that will breathe new life into your beautiful jewelry. You can find excellent examples at Troll Beads Pieces and more information at this Troll Beads Directory!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Dunphy

Beading Patterns Can Make a Product Much More Interesting

By James Mann

Have you noticed how a women's dress with colorful or exotic beads can turn the heads of those around her? The beads sparkle or dazzle with crystals, gemstones or colorful glass and plastics. A purse enhanced with beads is usually the intricate work of a skilled person.

I see most of the products that are enhanced with beading as more interesting because of the beads. The beads on the most beautiful items are applied by talented people who devise a beading pattern for their work before they ever start applying the first bead. The beading patterns could be the original creation of the person decorating the product, but it could also be a beading pattern made and shared by others for their use.

Beading patterns could be used to add a border around the bottom of a dress, or perhaps an accent around the collar of a garment or a border around the edge of a purse. This method of beading used a limited number of beads and can be a very simple method.
You could cover your wedding dress for a more elegant look. Beading patterns could be from famous designers or from people working to become famous. When using beading pattern to be made considering the type of materials used need to be consider before hand.

Beading Patterns Are Made With The Budget In Mind
Note: When your budget is playing a role such as when beading pattern for an elegant dress using diamonds or expensive crystals your pre-planning will be most important.
The fact that precious gemstone used in a beading pattern can be quite costly means the pattern used to place the beads on one of these garments must account for each bead placed on it.
I like looking through the internet to find the gorgeous patterns available for us who would like to place beads on a special garment or purse. These patterns provide a guide for the person in charge of the beading so they don't need to keep large inventories of beads and supplies.
Beading patterns are like paint by numbers or road maps and are designed to make beading fun and easy. The pattern you choose will help you place each bead in the appropriate color if necessary.

There are some beautiful patterns for beading available at craft and specialty shops or websites devoted to the beading enthusiasts.
You will find that there are beading patterns available at no charge. Besides a guide to the color and shape, the pattern will guide the individual with information on starting points and perhaps steps to make beading a little easier, you know tricks of the trade.
Starting with a kit that includes beading patterns will make the learning curve much easier. There are some wonderful kits that provide all of the instruction necessary for getting you started. Other guides include the information to make a glamorous necklace or some trendy earrings.

James Mann is a beginner at beading but is pretty much hooked already. Learn more about beading and beading patterns at 'The Art of Beading' located at: http://www.takealookatthisvideo.com/theartofbeading/ and http://www.takealookatthisvideo.com/
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