November 11, 2006
Welcome, fellow jewelry making friends!
There are lots of good things in the November Making-Jewelry.com newsletter:
- New Designs Added to the Site
- November Birthstone Information
- November Jewelry Supply Specials
- Your November Jewelry Project
- Jewelry Business Books
This is the fifth issue of the Making-Jewelry e’Zine. More than 500 of you have subscribed so far, so a big "Thanks" to all of you for subscribing and showing an interest in my jewelry making website and newsletter!
Fresh New Jewelry Designs
In my hometown of Portland, Oregon it's been getting wet and cold outside. I hope you are enjoying the changing seasons, wherever you live. There are still some leaves on the trees, providing inspiration for more autumn colored jewelry. I've been really busy and I know things will get even more hectic in the months to come. Consider starting your holiday jewelry gift projects now! If you need some income for the holidays, making your own jewelry and selling it at craft fairs, home parties, or even just to friends and family is always a great idea.
Listed below are the new jewelry designs just added to the site.
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New Necklace Designs:
New Earring Designs:
New Bracelet Designs:
November Birthstone
November's modern birthstone is the topaz. Topaz is popular in amber/gold colors, as well as blue, but it actually comes in several colors ranging from colorless, to blue, pink, orange, red, champagne, sherry-brown, brown and yellow. Topaz is rated 8 on the Moh's hardness scale, making is a durable gemstone that is popular in rings and other jewelry. Try pairing golden topaz with purple for an awesome color combination. Topaz also looks great with gold, so be sure to check the new gold fan earrings I just added to the site.Topaz mystic lore: Topaz is a wonderful stone to help one with their individuality. Topaz also stimulates creativity as well. It gives you the ability to trust the decisions that you have made. It replaces negativity with joy and love. (from About.com)
November Jewelry Supply Specials
Looking for special deals to save some money on jewelry making supplies? Here is what I have scouted out for you this month!
Beadshop.com is offering a web coupon until 11/21. Get 15-30% off your order.
BestBuyBeads.com always offers a huge selection of Swarovksi crystal beads in many colors, at great prices. And, as my newsletter subscriber, you get another $2 off! To use the BestBuyBeads.com Coupon offer, just enter the code MJ2 at checkout. (Thanks to Laura at BestBuyBeads for providing the coupon!)
FoxyFindings sells on eBay auctions, as well as directly from their website. Foxy Findings is a great source of vintage-look findings and castings made from brass and other metals. FoxyFindings is also a great place for jewelry kits if you are having a little trouble coming up with a fresh idea. To use the FoxyFindings.com Discount offer, enter the code FOXY at checkout and receive 15% off your total order.
Auntie’s Beads - Auntie's is always having a sale on something, so be sure to check out their website specials. Enter code GIVEME5 to get 5% off a hundred dollar order.
ArtBeads - Always check for the weekly online coupon for additional savings (this week an added 5% off with code SC250). Check for Specials on Artbeads.com
Your November Newsletter Subscriber Jewelry Project Idea
Here is the newsletter-subscribers-only project design idea of the month, sent to you because you are an exclusive member of my e’zine newsletter.Blue Crystal Cluster Earrings Project
About This Design
Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Beginner - All Levels
Cost: Varies, depending on materials selected. Approximately $10-20 as shown.
Here, the ever-popular Swarovski crystal beads in multiple blue colors are swinging from chain in a cluster. Choose any color combination and size/shape of crystal beads for your own unique design variation.
Want to make these earrings, or a variation for yourself? Let's get started!
Step 1
Gather your supplies
- 14 Headpins (one for each crystal, except the two on top)
- 16 Swarovski crystal beads in your choice of colors, shapes and sizes. I used blue colors in my design. Add more crystals if you like!
- A length of sterling silver wire (thin gauge to fit through bead holes)
- 2 earwires, french hooks, leverbacks or posts (your choice)
- Length of sterling silver chain
Need Supplies? Check my Jewelry Supply pages to find what you need!
Step 2
String crystal beads onto headpins and attach to chain
Assemble all of your crystal beads, slide them onto headpins, and make a loop at the top with your round nose pliers. If you need help learning how to do wire loops, follow these step by step instructions.
To start assembling the earrings, we will start with the bottom crystal bead. Attach it to the bottom of the chain, and close it with a closed wire loop.
Next, attach the smaller crystals at different positions along the chain. You will attach all of the crystals, with closed wire loops, except the top two crystals.
Step 3
Attach top crystal bead using wire loop technique
Cut a few inches of silver wire. Use your round nose pliers to create a basic loop. If you need help learning how to do wire loops, follow these step by step instructions. Attach the loop to the chain and make a closed wire loop. Slide the crystal onto the wire and make another loop. Attach the top loop to the earring component, and close it. Make the second earring the same way, and that's it! Enjoy your new swingy earrings!
Jewelry Business Books!
Did you know you can turn your fun hobby of making jewelry into a great business? There are two fantastic online eBooks available if you are interested in turning your fun jewelry hobby into a nice income stream. Why not earn some extra spending money for the holidays by making and selling some of your own designs? It's fun and with a little know-how, it can be quite easy to get started. The best part is an eBook is downloadable right from the web, so you can be reading your new book and learning how to sell your own jewelry within minutes.
For those of you who have already purchased my ebook on how to run a home jewelry party business, How to Run a Home Based Jewelry Party Business for Fun and Profit"--THANK YOU! It's great to share my knowledge and experience with you. Your feedback and comments on the book are always appreciated. If you are interested in running your own jewelry party business and working from home, check out my website for more information on how to get your copy of this great book, "How to Run a Home Based Jewelry Party Business for Fun and Profit".
It's holiday craft fair season! If you are planning to sell any jewelry at craft fairs, you will definitely want to check out this book! Last month I reviewed a brand new jewelry business book, the Ultimate Guide to Your Profitable Jewelry Booth. This excellent guide is written by Rena Klingenberg, a successful jewelry artist and business owner. Rena is also the creator and owner of www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com. Rena has compiled her years of experience in selling jewelry at craft fairs and shows into one awesome book. If you want to venture into selling your own jewelry and becoming more profitable--check out her book, because you will definitely learn many practical ways to increase sales and improve your success as a jewelry designer. Not only will you save money from not making many common mistakes, but you will certainly increase your profit potential and earn much more at your next show, just from implementing a few of Rena's secret strategies. Rena is an excellent author, and her book is written in a friendly, easy-to-read style. I highly recommend it! Don't wait, if you get your own copy of this great book today you will also receive three special bonus items.
Thanks for reading the newsletter this month. Remember to check www.Making-Jewelry.com often for more “How To’s” and project ideas. We’ve only just begun and there are many exciting things coming on the website. “From inspiration to your creation…” Take care, happy beading, and have a great month!
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Best Regards,
-Lorri Ely, Jewelry Designer and Owner of
www.Making-Jewelry.com