Buy Beads And Charms

May 20, 2012

I love to do my crafts and have since I was a child. Then with my children I shared my love of crafts. We have done everything from painting, knitting, rug hooking to beads and charms.

My kid’s favorite and probably the most fun were the creations we made when we went to buy beads and charms. We made bracelets, necklaces, ornaments you name it.

They used to come with me to get our treasures, as we called them. Now that my kids are older and more involved in their activities and social lives we don’t craft as we used to.

So I was in the need to find someone else to share my love of beads and charms with. I started incorporating it into my work with my residents. I work mainly with brain injured individuals as well as mentally challenged.

Quite often intricate tasks are very difficult for people with these challenges difficult to do. For some reason the beads and charms didn’t cause any problems and they love to do it.

It’s an excellent craft that challenges their dexterity and fine motor skills.  Yet it amazes me that typically they have no attention span they will sit for an hour working with the beads and the charms. They are always so pleased with the treasures that they create as well.

We have also taken where to buy beads and charms to very interesting places. Since we are on a financial budget, especially for extracurricular activities, we do a lot of the shopping at thrift stores. You would be amazed at the assortment of beads and charms that we find.

Every time we go we seem to find one or two we have never seen before. Quite often as well explaining the cause we will get a great discount or they will be even donated to us. That definitely works with the budget. It also teaches the residents community kindness and making your dollar stretch.

We also do a lot of garage sailing on the weekend as an activity. Again this is great to get them in the community and then we search for our treasures. Now this year we have decided to take all of this a step further.

With my assistance all of the residents will be hosting a Christmas sale where they will sell their treasures and jewelry making projects to make more money to buy more craft supplies. Doing all of this has really taught these residents life skills, and many of them.

They are so proud of the work they do and the creations they create. We have even taken this a step further. I take two of our higher functioning residents and we go to people with disabilities workshop once a week and show them what we do with our beads and charms.

This project is very dear to me and I thank my mother for showing me the beauty that can be made from a charm or a few colorful beads. I also thank the residents I am so blessed to spend time with that show me the real quality of life.

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Trollbeads

May 20, 2012

Trollbeads are very unique kinds of beads that are made out of various kinds of materials. Most of the pieces are commonly made out of glass while the pricier ones are often fabricated from precious stones, silver or even gold.

History of Trollbeads

trollbeadsTrollbeads were originally created by Svend Nielsen, a goldsmith from Denmark who made use of gold, silver and other kinds of precious stones to create the entire jewellery piece.

Trollbeads were not really as popular when they were first released out into Denmark’s local market. These bead designs were only available within the area and were virtually unknown to jewellery makers living outside of the country.

But as more and more people discovered this unique product, its popularity began to spread all throughout the world. Up to date, there are now over 1,500 Trollbeads retailers found in various parts of the globe.

Today, most of the Trollbead pieces and designs available in the market are mass produced. However, for those who want to purchase those unique and one-of-a-kind designs, then there are one-time pieces created especially for collectors and aficionados alone. But just like any other rare jewellery piece, these beads are sold at a higher price compared to the the mass produced designs.

Trollbeads in Bracelets, Anklets, And Charms

Trollbeads are a very popular material for making bracelets, anklets and charms. Stores and retailers that sell these items usually offer various choices, allowing customers to pick and customize the jewellery that they want to have made. Aside from that, customers can also opt to buy only the beads and assemble their very own jewellery by themselves. This will not only save them money but it also gives the option to create and design jewellery pieces exactly the way they want to.

For those of you who want to make their own bracelets and charms at home, you might also need to buy other kinds of materials used for assembling that piece. For beginners, there is no need to worry because there are plenty of step-by-step manuals that will show you exactly how you can make the pieces and designs that you want. Most of these are usually available online for free.

How To Buy Trollbeads

When shopping out for Trollbeads or to buy beads and charms, always make sure that you get these pieces from well trusted dealers and distributors. Fortunately, there are now a number of certified product distributors located in various key cities all over the world. However, if you still have difficulty searching for that store, then you can always turn to their official online site to provide you with the information.

Make Your Own Trollbeads Jewelry

Aside from the beads per se, the website also sells several jewellery-making materials such as bracelets ropes, charms and others. If you are still undecided on what design to get, then you can stay on the safe side and purchase the starter bracelet pieces instead. Starter bracelets are pre-assembled, theme-inspired bracelets that come in designs that all jewellery lovers will surely love.

Trollbeads bracelets and charms can also make the perfect gift ideas. If you want to give them out as presents, try to mix and match beads that will reflect your receiver’s personality and passions in life. You can customize each piece by picking different kinds of beads to complete the entire ensemble.

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Mardi Gras Beads

May 20, 2012

For as long as many people could remember, Mardi Gras beads have always been associated with the Carnival festivities in New Orleans. The festivities in the city usually begin on the Twelfth Night up until Fat Tuesday – the beginning of the Lenten Season.

Although the Mardi Gras festivity was originally celebrated during Fat Tuesday alone, tourists and locals have now turned the event into a three-day celebration. Now, they refer only to Fat Tuesday as the “Mardi Gras Day” to avoid confusion.

History of Mardi Gras Beads Throwing Tradition

Mardi Gras beadsThe 3-day celebration is usually filled with parties, street parades and exhibitions. The legendary Mardi gras parade was originally organized by several member sponsored groups called the Krewes.

They were also the ones who started out the tradition of throwing Mardi gras beads to parade spectators – a tradition which was believed to go way back in the 1920s

During the 1960s, the beads given out to parade spectators were mainly made out of glasses – which were imported all the way form Japan and Czechoslovakia. However, glass beads were extremely heavy and were dangerous to throw around to crowds of people. This made the organizers turn to plastic beads instead which are now mostly manufactured from China.

Beads were originally believed to be a symbol of royalty. During the parade, spectators shout out the time-honored request of “throw me something mister” and those who catch a Krewes member’s attention will be given a string of beads or two. The official Mardi gras bead colors are purple to symbolize justice, gold for power and green for faith.

However, in the 1970s, drunken parade goers situated in the notoriously raucous French Quarter started the controversial exchange of beads for a glimpse of women’s bare breasts. This “tradition” according to parade organizers has nothing to do with the Mardi gras celebration.

Today, the route is now completely banned in this side of the city. But still, there are a handful of party goers that perform these acts during the festival every now and then.

Nowadays Mardi gras party goers and parade spectators always ready themselves with large loot bags before going to the parade. This is used to store the beads and trinkets that are given out during the festival. These beads now come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, designs and themes.

Where to Buy Mardi Gars Beads

Mardi Gras paradeSo for those of you who are planning to give them out during this year’s festival, there are now plenty of stores that you can turn to for buying beads and all kinds of Mardi gras trinkets. There are several on-site stores that can sell you these items by bulk at a cheaper price.

If you do not want to go outside and shop, then you can always turn to online stores and buy these items all at the comfort of your own homes instead. There are now numerous online shops that sell various kinds shapes, styles and designs of Mardi gras beads. Your purchases will simply be shipped to your location of choice after payment.

The New Orleans Mardi gras is believed to be the one festival that throws the most number of trinkets compared to any other festival in the world. Because of this, the manufacturing of Mardi gras beads has literally created an industry of its own.

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Chamilia Beads

May 20, 2012

Chamilia beads are considered to be one of the most popular kinds of beads used for jewelry making. They are made exclusively by Chamilia, a company which has made it its business to produce and manufacture the best quality bead products in the industry.

The company was established way back in 2002 by designers Killian Reider and Jeff Julkowski. Today, Chamilia offers the most extensive and the most beautiful collections of contemporary and hand-crafted bead designs to fit every woman’s mood and style.

Types of Chamilia Beads

Chamilia beadsChamilia beads come in an impressively wide and beautiful array of designs, sizes and colors. Here are a few of the most popular pieces below:

1. Gold or Silver Beads – If you want to pull off that regal and classic look, then Chamilia’s gold or silver bead collection are the perfect pieces to use.

They come in a wide variety of designs as well – from swirls, dots and many others. They also have gold, silver and metal beads which were designed especially for Autism, World Peace and Breast Cancer Organizations.

Most of the collection’s locking beads are also made up of gold or silver. These types can range from $27 for the basic designs all the way up to $329 for the more elaborate pieces.

2. Enameled Beads – Signature enameled bead designs by Chamilia all have silver bases which are bound by glass.

They currently have over 25 different multi-colored designs out in the market. Their enameled bead collection is very popular for their exquisite and delicate designs that are unlike any other.

3. Crystal Beads – These kinds of Chamilia beads are very popular as birthstone pieces. They are the perfect beads to use for making sparkly bracelets or as charms and pendants for necklaces. Chamilia’s crystal bead collection also comes in a wide array of designs, colors and sizes.

4. Venetian Glass Beads – This is perhaps one of the company’s largest collection to date. Venetian glass beads are specifically made in the Murano part of Venice, Italy and are very distinct for their beautiful Sterling silver cores.

The glass is embedded with a wide variety of artworks and designs – from glitters, animal prints, geometrical figures and many others.

5. Disney Beads – This may come as a surprising fact but Disney-inspired beads are also one of the most popular kinds of Chamilia beads today.

The company features over 48 Disney-inspired pieces that will surely delight Disney fans. Jewelry lovers have a choice of building an entire jewelry piece made up of these kinds of beads or add only a single Disney bead to their creations for that simple and minimalist touch.

How to Design Your Own jewelry with Chamilia Beads

Chamilia Disney beadsTheir wide collection of beads makes it very easy to customize and create a design of your own.

Their website features a unique software that allows you to buy and assemble every part of your jewelry – from the bracelet, the bead designs and the locks and so on and so forth.

Once you are done, you can pick a retailer to work on your piece through the website as well. All you need to do is print out your final design and show it to the retailer nearest you. The website can also give you several resource materials on how to make various jewelry creations – from bracelets, necklaces, charms and many others.

How to Care for Your Chamilia Beads

These beads are fairly easy to clean and maintain. All you need to do is polish it every now and then with a silver polishing cloth and that should be good to go.

However, one very important thing that you need to remember is to never use liquid silver polish on your beads. The chemical may remove the finer decors and paints and change the look of the beads completely.

Where to Buy Chamilia Beads

Chamilia beads are sold only in authorized shops and retail stores. But not to worry because there are a lot of these retail stores all throughout the United States and Europe, and even in some pasts of the Caribbean and Australia.

To make that search easier, you can turn to Chamilia online site and make use of their search engine to look for a retail store nearest you. All you need to do is enter your zip code, click that search button and you are good to go. However, if you do have trouble looking for the nearest retailer, you can always call them up for assistance.

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Swarovski Crystal Beads

May 20, 2012

Swarovski crystal beads are generally made up of lead crystals which are precisely cut to form various bead pieces.

Swarovski is actually a name of a company which is considered to be one of the best names in the jewelry making industry today. The company was founded by Daniel Swarovski in October of 1862. Currently, they produce one of the best quality crystals, not just for the jewelry industry alone but for making sculptures, home decor and chandeliers as well.

The History

Swarovski crystal beads are made all the way from Austria. In 1862, Daniel Swarovski invented and patented his very own glass cutting machine that gave him the power to cut crystals with such precision and detail that has literally set Swarovski crystals apart from all other cut crystals in the world.

Three years after his ground-breaking invention, young Daniel finally decided to make his own glass cutting company which he named the Swarovski Company.
The company actually started out making home decor pieces.

In 1957, Swarovski ventured out into the jewelry industry by making accessories for the iconic fashion house of Dior. One of his most popular pieces at the time was named Aurora Borealis.

In 1977, Daniel Swarovski expanded his market to the United States conquering the country with a beautiful set of jewelry collections that became an instant hit.

Swarovski crystal beadsAside from the jewelry and home decor industry, Swarovski also makes lead crystal sculptures. This is actually a fairly new venture. The company has just started producing sculpture pieces in 2010.

Its newest collection of sculptures include the “Elephant” which is made up of smoky quartz, black diamond and topaz and the “Golden Dragon” with over 63,110 hand laid crystals, 21 of which are done with shades of gold.

How to Use Swarovski Crystal Beads

Swarovski crystal beads are very popular for jewelry-making. The trendiest pieces that make use of the crystals today are charms, necklaces, bracelets and rings. But apart from that, these crystal beads can be used for making practically any kind of accessory.

As you well know, there are a wide variety of cuts, sizes, colors and shapes of these crystal beads to choose from – which makes it very easy and even fun to customize your own jewelry.

Although most of the crystals are sold without a hole in the middle, a lot of jewelry makers need to make one for stringing all the beads together. Nylon strings or metal can be used for stringing.

The crystal beads are fairly easy to work with, whether you are an amateur jewelry marker or a professional in the business.

How to Tell Genuine Swarovski Crystals

For those of you who are planning to buy Swarovski crystals, be aware that there are a lot of fakes and imitations out in the market. So if you do not want to waste your money on a fake, it is very important that you are able to tell the genuine crystals from the fake ones.

What basically sets Swarovski crystal apart from all the others in the market is its precision cuts and attention to detail. The company creates its beads from a certain kind of material which is considered to be a trade secret. The crystal has a different kind of luster and shine that is unlike any other. A trained eye can easily tell the difference.

Generally, genuine Swarovski crystal beads are never sold with a hole in the middle, as with other beads. Apart from that, they come with a neat packaging, in sealed and well-branded boxes. Genuine Swarovski packages have an authenticated silver-toned hologram that says “Swarovski Elements“.

When you buy beads and charms, be aware that real Swarovski beads are also made at precisely the same shape. Every single piece inside that box should look and be sized exactly the same. They are machine cut which means that there is a very little or even no probability for dissimilarities. This kind of symmetry can never be achieved by hand polished beads which makes it very easy to tell one for the other – even with an untrained eye.

As mentioned earlier, all crystals are machine cut to precision. This way, facet junctions should meet perfectly with each other. They should also have a uniform surface luster without any noticeable grain directions or whatsoever. Imitations usually possess a swirly pattern which produces an AB finish.

And last but definitely not the least, genuine Swarovski crystal beads should be pure and compact with no bubbles inside its body. This can easily be detected by inspecting the crystal against the light.

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How to Buy Beads Online

May 20, 2012

Looking to buy beads online? The online market is considered to be one of the best places where you can find the widest variety of beads and gemstones for jewelry making. Today, there are hundreds, probably thousands of stores that offer precious stones and beads for sale.

But a word of caution: not all of the stores you find online can actually give you genuine gemstone pieces at all times. Hence, you need to take extra care in choosing an online store to shop in. If you need help, here are a few tips and guidelines on how you can buy beads online.

Know Your Options

With the wide variety of beads and gemstones sold out in the market today, shopping for them can get very difficult when you do not know what you are looking for in the first place.

So to help you narrow down your choices, know what kinds of beads you want to use for a certain project first. This way, you’ll get a little direction on what you should be looking for and what website to go to for shopping.

Read Product Descriptions

Although there are also pictures available in online stores, shoppers are highly recommended to read the product description as thoroughly as they can. This way, they’ll know exactly just what to expect if they buy the product.

Get the bead’s exact size, color, notes on impurities, its shape and so on and so forth. Images online can be very deceiving so if you do not want to waste you money, get to know exactly what you are buying before you click that purchase button.

Know Your Seller

There are a lot of unreliable sellers and scam deals online. So if you do not want to become a victim, when you buy beads and charms online, get to know your seller first. Before agreeing to buy the product, do a little investigation yourself. Read about his or her transaction histories and customer feedbacks, if there are any. Chances are, if he or she has scammed a client in the past then that record is bound to pop up somewhere.

But keep in mind that when buy beads online, it is completely normal to hear about one or two complaints against your seller. However, if you see tons of bad customer reviews posted online about him/her, then that should be a clear signal for you to cut the deal and stay away.

Understand the Terms of Sale before Purchase

Every seller has his own set of rules and terms for business. So make sure that you understand all these before actually making the purchase. Some beads may not look exactly as what the seller advertised online. In case this happens, make sure that the store has a clear return policy that allows you to give the product back at a certain time frame.

Custom-made beads however, are usually not returnable and non-refundable so make sure that you get them from well-trusted and legitimate online stores.

Never Hesitate to Inquire

If you have questions or clarifications regarding the product or a store’s terms for transaction, never ever hesitate to contact the seller and ask about it. A good and legitimate seller would be more than willing to answer your queries and questions. You can e-mail them or even call them up through the phone. Either way, never be shy to ask or inquire when you need clarifications.

Inquire for Shipment Fees

As with any online transaction, you might be required to pay a shipping and handling fee. Some stores however, may waive these fees for you if you purchase products worth a certain amount.

So make sure that you understand the terms and conditions for shipment and handling fees so you won’t be caught off-guard. Sometimes, shipment and handling fees can end up being more expensive than your actual product. So weigh these things out before you buy beads online.

Give Out Reviews

If you are a regular online shopper for beads and gemstones, then you probably know how helpful product and store reviews are. So return the favor as well and start giving out reviews for sellers and stores that you have made transactions with in the past. This will be a huge help to those who are just starting to shop for beads and jewelry-making accessories online.

Buying beads online can be extremely convenient. But then again, there is always that risk of ending up with an unreliable seller. So take note of these tips once you start shopping for your beads online.

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Gemstone Beads

May 20, 2012

Gemstone beads are considered to be one of the most popular and well-loved materials used for making jewelry. Its variety of colors and shapes allow jewelry makers to create unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that can appeal to different women of all ages.

Every single kind of gemstone beads actually symbolizes a certain attitude or belief. If you are planning to shop for these kinds of jewelries anytime soon, read on and get to know the different and unique characteristics of the most popular gemstone beads used nowadays.

Citrine Beads

Citrine is a yellow variety of quartz that often has a yellow to orange hue. Natural citrines are very rare but there are now plenty of commercially treated pieces which have made it one of the most popular materials used in jewelry making today.

Citrine is the birthstone for the months of November and June. They signify self confidence, abundance, prosperity, personal power, generosity, creativity, and success. The stone is believed to help bring about happiness and joy into your life and can also cultivate energy, warmth and comfort to the bearer of the stone.

Emerald Beads

Emerald is actually a kind of mineral beryl that got its distinct green color from trace amounts of vanadium and chromium mixed with the stone. It is the birthstone for the month of May and is considered to be one of the important power stones that can help restore emotional, physical and spiritual balance to the bearer. It can bring security to relationships and enhance creativity and positivity.

Garnet Beads

Garnet beads can come in a variety of colors – from red, green, pink, purple to colorless. The rarest kind of them all is the blue garnet which was found only recently in Madagascar. It is a great choice when you buy beads and charms.

Garnet is the birthstone for the month of January. It is believed to help ignite romantic love, attraction, passion, sensuality and fertility. People who wear this gemstone become more attractive to relationships. Garnet also signifies passionate devotion to family, friends, your dream, goals and most importantly, to yourself.

Jade Beads

Jade is a kind of metamorphic rock that is most popularly identified by its rich green color. It is a very popular gemstone used and highly valued by the Chinese. The stone symbolizes wisdom and prosperity and is believed to help cultivate serenity and calmness. It is considered to be a “good luck” stone by the Chinese and can help alleviate anxiety and calm down intense emotions.

Pearls Beads

Pearls are generally made out of calcium carbonate and are produced by certain types of mollusks. This gemstone is a symbol of purity, innocence, honesty and wisdom. They remind the bearer to walk with integrity and good intentions.

These stones are naturally formed over long periods of time and are refined and polished by nature – making them even more highly valued. Pearls are also believed to help stimulate femininity and grace. They can work well with other types of stones and colors.

Ruby Beads

Rubies are blood red to pink colored gemstones that are also a very popular material used in jewelry making. The blood red hue is due to the presence of chromium inside the stone. This particular variety is considered to be the most valuable of all ruby colors.

Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July and is a symbol of spirituality, wisdom, wholeness and unity. Ruby exudes a very intense and vivid kind of energy and was once considered to be one of the favorite gemstones of kings and royalties.

Sapphire Beads

Sapphire is another very popular gemstone which is most well-known for its beautiful intense blue color. Sapphires can be found naturally in sediments or in rock formations but they can also be manufactured synthetically. Sapphire beads have long been used to symbolize sincerity, faithfulness and truth.

Legend tells that the Ten Commandments were actually written in tablets made out of sapphire. Myth or not, this has turned sapphire into one of the most sacred of all gemstones. Being a symbol of faithfulness, the stone is also a very popular choice for engagements and promise rings.

Topaz Beads

Topaz actually comes in different types and colors. Pure topaz however, is a colorless crystal that can also appear with slight yellow, red or blue-brown tinges when mixed with certain impurities.

The stone is believed to help promote individuality and creativity and can help you become more self confident and sure of your decisions. It is also considered to be a catalyst that can trigger attraction and even physical desires. The energy of the gemstone is increased when worn together with silver or amethyst.

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How To Make Your First Beaded Bracelet

May 20, 2012

Beaded bracelets are an excellent starting point for a new hobby. They aren’t too time-consuming, easy to make, and still look just as beautiful as the bracelets that you see in stores and art galleries.

Beading is one of the most soothing hobbies out there – just ask any of the many people who call beading one of their favorite pass times! There are many benefits that come with having a beading hobby, including quickly amassing a large collection of one of a kind jewelry specifically made by you, for you.

Making your first beaded bracelet starts with getting the best supplies for your first bracelet. Go to a local (or online) store, and buy some bracelet beads that really seem to stand out.

Deciding on Your Design & Materials

Some of the most popular beads include pony beads, clay beads, and also Swarovski crystal beads. Each type of bracelet beads offers a different “feel” for your first jewelry piece. Many beading enthusiasts often mix and match.

To really add a special touch to your first bracelet, consider buying multiple charms that show some of your other interests. Charm bracelets are always a popular, classy, and personal gift for yourself or others. The best starting design for a charm bracelet is to alternate charms and bracelet beads.

Looking for an old world design that is easy to make? Consider making a pearl necklace with a cameo charm as its centerpiece. This is a popular take on a classic 1920′s necklace design that is sure to be a hit.

When you choose a design, a theme, or a set of beads, make sure that the beads will actually be able to cover the length of your bracelet. If you don’t know how much to buy, make a rough estimate. To be safe, buy more beads than you think you’ll need. At the very worst, you’ll have extra beads for your next project.

Next, buy some elastic or string. It’s also common to buy a bracelet clasp for beaded bracelets as well. These come in several different styles, so it’s best to choose a clasp that is easy to affix to your bracelet.

Ask a beading fanatic about the best style of clasp for a new beader to try. Pick up two bead tips to secure either end of your beaded bracelet. Once you have all the supplies that you need, it’s time to start beading.

Starting Your Beaded Bracelet Project

Begin your bracelet by figuring out how long you want your bracelet to be. Usually, beaded bracelets are about 7 inches in length. Cut the string to the length that you want your bracelet to be, and then knot one end of the string.

Use some scissors to cut the excess string after you knot off one end, and then push the bead tip through the string until it rests at the knot. Add a small amount of glue to the knot, and close the bead tip with some pliers.

Start arranging the beads on a towel in the order that you want them to be on your bracelet. Play around with different arrangements. Once you have decided that you found a great bead pattern, start adding the beads to the bracelet.

Thread the other bead tip on top after you’re done stringing everything else. Make sure that the bead tip that is open is facing away from the rest of the beads. Tie one clasp part on the bead tip hook.

The loops at either end of the bracelet should be joined once you have done this. Use your trusty pair of pliers to securely close one ring over the other, and then repeat this process with the other clasp. After this, take a look at the bracelet.

Congrats, you’ve made your first bracelet!

Now Make Some More!

Just because you did one type of bracelet doesn’t mean you have to stop. It’s time to buy beads for your next project. Many times, it’s more economical to buy enough supplies for 2, 3 or more. You can do them all in one sitting, or make a bracelet a day.

Once you have been bitten by the beading bug, it’s going to be very hard to stop thinking about new bracelet designs, new beading projects, and new jewelry ideas.

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