Venice goes from one extreme to another, from wading in San Marco to Gondola stuck in the mud and vaporetto stops closed. Click on the picture to read our blog and see the pictures.
Gondolas Aground – New Venetian Problem
Author: VenetianBeadShop
What began as a fascination with the glass of Murano has become a way of life. Our webstore has all you will need to make jewelry, quality findings, stringing materials, Swarovski Crystals and a lot more, but our main focus is the Venetian Glass Bead. We have been an integral part in promoting Venetian glass beads throughout the world as well as helping to breathe new life into traditional Venetian techniques. A few years ago, we introduced our line of Venetian Dichroics to the US through as a result of years of efforts with our beadmakers in Murano. We continue to bring new and innovative ideas to this age old industry. Most recently, we developed the Furnace Glass along with our partner furnace in Venice. It's a blend of old glass making techniques to work with new fashion ideas.
We remain a family owned business located in Santa Clara and Sunnyvale, CA, USA where we have been importing Venetian Glass and Murano Glass commercially since 1993. Our wholesale showroom has the largest collection of Venetian Beads on display anywhere.
Just a Bracelet to You, but…
Late November we got a call at VenetianBeadShop from a Juvenile Detention Center asking if we could donate some beads for a Christmas program with about 10 girls. We were happy to do this.
But…then the call to ask if we could come and show the girls how to make a piece of jewelry. Ok, that required some thought, now we are not only responsible for some beads but an entire piece of jewelry and show girls who may never have made jewelry how to make it. The piece had to be easy to put together, no wire wrapping, no knotting, something everyone could do and in a short time as well as something they could feel good about as a finished project (no small task).
Security Checks:
Then came the bureaucracy, rules: 1) A complete list of everything we were bringing 2) Drivers License and 3) Consent to a background check.
There was no information provided other than the girls ranged from 13 to 18 and by early December the girls participating grew to 15.
OK, making jewelry requires tools – will the tools be allowed inside JV? Finally we decided on a memory wire bracelet which we precut and would need only glue for the ends. But what beads would they want?
Sorry to say, we decided to go more bling and less Venetian and we found ourselves in the aisles of craft stores a few times in the days leading up to the program with our investment growing daily. We wanted each girl to have the same components and by now we had decided to make 2 bracelets, one for the holidays and one for spring in aquas and blues and velvet bags to store them.
Trial Run:
As a trial run, my two granddaughters were given the kits and we timed how long it took them to make bracelets and how much help they needed. Our trial run was a great exercise as we discovered many of the beads would slip right over the bead on the end, so we opted for wire looping to close off the bracelets (oh no, can we take wire wrapping pliers inside?). And that we needed bead mats for each girl. (Fortunately we stock these.)
Not without a bit of anxiety, we headed off to JV – anxiety as to whether the girls would enjoy this program.
The anxiety was needless. Arriving a few minutes before the scheduled time, we were informed that the girls were waiting on us and anxious to get started. There is a school room inside with tables ideal for the class.
The counselors were impressive, though I am sure each day they go home needing a diversion – maybe beading?? Each girl introduced herself and told the group how she felt (a list of acceptable terms was handed to each girl). This was to help set the tone for the program and so the counselors would understand any behavior (I think). They were articulate and verbalized how they felt as well as why.
Some said “sad” because they were not going home for the holidays, or “angry” because their families had not come to see them or to pick them up. (If we had asked me to verbalize how I felt, it would have been intimidated and scared. The walk through the department to their dormitory did nothing to improve this.)
They opened their kits and began working like Santa’s Elves. Each girl had a different approach, as those of you who teach beading know. 15 Girls and 15 different bracelets. Some opted for a single color and they swapped beads across the room and rummaged through the extra beads we carried. Unfortunately no cameras are allowed in the facility as the bracelets they made were beautiful, each one unique. And the bling factor was definitely a hit.
As they worked we talked about how the beads are made, how all jewelry is made. They were fascinated that many of VenetianBeadShop’s customers earn a living by making jewelry to sell and that our suppliers support their families in Italy by making beads. And that this is within their reach.
At the end of the program, the girls went around the room again describing how they felt while making the bracelets and for whom they made them. It was clear from their words that the diversion from hours of boredom was welcomed. It gave them some time away from the problems of their troubled lives. Some were made for family members, even if those same family members had not been to visit. And they were happy to have gifts they could give, after all they can’t go shopping. They were unanimous that they would like to make more jewelry.
This time, we got our turn to say how we felt: amazed at their resilience, at their ability to create and HAPPY to have spent time with them.
And we all know how making jewelry is therapeutic and maybe a bit addictive. And not necessarily just a bracelet…
Looking forward to our next visit.
(Sorry, we do no sell the kit – it was just random beads we had and bells/charms we bought to bling it out.)
Not Just a Bracelet
USPS Sweetheart Deal with China Ebay
Click Here to learn more about why Alibaba and Ebay may be a good deal (for Alibaba) – not so much for you!
Celebrating Christmas in Venice
Christmas in Venice, this year is a bit different with the budget problems. There is still joy and merriment. Read our BlogVenice
We have moved all our articles about Venice to a new location to share with everyone who loves Venice. You can sign up for notifications when we post on the new site.
Wading to Graduation!
Read our Blog on Graduation Day in Venice, not to be marred by high water, rain or high winds. Click Here for our BlogVenice
How to Blow Your Own Beads!
Watch as our bead makers blown beads on the torch. This is an altogether different method than our beads in the canna production. This is a more artistic production, with multi-colors of canes making varied colored designs. Truly no two ever exactly alike. Our Boro Glass beads are made in this tradition as are many of our Christmas Ornaments, like the blown Hearts, and wine bottle stoppers.
Each of the blown beads is annealed for strength and to prevent breakage. They make beautiful Venetian Jewelry and Decorations. Just hang one in your window and enjoy!
Take a look at our vast selection of Authentic Murano Glass Blown Beads.
Visit VenetianBeadShop.com
Let’s Make Some Beads
Take a look as we work with the bead makers for new ideas, new shapes.
The color of the beads turn to a bright red in the flame, making it hard to distinguish the decorations. For example this heart is two colors, black and white, but in the flame it appears as a single bright red heart.
For the decorations, first you must prepare the “vetta” which are very tiny rods which must be pulled while hot to make such decorations as roses, dots, thin lines.
Once the beads are completed, they must cool before we can see the actual color.
Below are some samples from today. Watch for these out our website shortly. Once we have decided on the forms, shapes and colors, then we write the order and they begin production. In general it takes us about 4-6 weeks for the first production.
Halloween Bracelet – Skulls & Charms
For some people Halloween is the best holiday of the year. Count us in, we love dressing the kids up and strolling through the neighborhood. We have even taken Halloween costumes to the kids in Murano – now thanks to the same manufacturers who flood our markets with costumes, Venetians can find them locally.
While it’s still a mainly US holiday, the Venetian children do enjoy the treats (much like they get on San Martin Day, 11 November when the kids go to all the stores and receive treats).
We incorporated our authentic Murano Glass Skulls in a varying colors and our TierraCast Antiqued Silver Plated Pewter Charms. To make it even easier, we started our with our Sterling Silver Rolo Charm Bracelet. We attached the charms with jump rings, so you only need to wire wrap our our Venetian Beads.Feel free to change the design. If you want to do this in a gold tone, we have the same charms in gold/or Bronze and use Gold Fill or Gold plated chain.
It is a super Mother-Daughter project, or in my case Grandmother/Marcella/Sydney project. We have a simplified version for the younger set.
Click on this link for the components and a printable PDF of directions – or click on the picture.
Happy Trick or Treating! from all of us at VenetianBeadShop.com
Antique Your Stampings – How to Oxidize Metals
Did you ever wonder how jewelry gets that faint, slightly antiqued look? Did you know you can do it yourself.
Try this on small piece before you work on your best jewelry.
What is Oxidation?It is a chemical reaction where metals is deliberately tarnished or slightly discolored, leaving a patina (finish). It gives the metal that vintage look. Most often oxidation is used to bring out the details of a metal tag, pendant, so that you may see better the details of letters of designs.How do you oxidize?
One of the easiest ways is to use eggs and they are positively environmentally friendly. (Yes eggs!) The sulfur in the egg yolk can give you the vintage effect. Try this first on your small piece. Generally for a couple of pendants, 2 eggs should be sufficient. (You can stop the process at any point you like the patina you have achieved.)
Boil 2 eggs
Place the pendants in a ziplock bag.
Add the eggs and mash them up. (If you do not want the pendants and squashed eggs to mix together, put the pendants in a small mesh bag.)
Now wait. (Do not eat the eggs.)
Sorry VenetianBeadShop does not sell or ship eggs. :>)
Depending on the level of patina you want, will determine the length of time. Even leaving them overnight. (If you want to rush the process, you can microwave for about 10-15 seconds to get the eggs hot which releases the sulfur.) Wash your jewelry with soap and water when you are done.
If the egg method is too messy for you, maybe Liver of Sulfur is for you.
Liver of Sulfur – What is it?
It is a mixture of potassium sulfide, potassium polysulfide, potassium thiosulfate and potassium bisulfide. Each manufacturer has their own recipe. (Why it is called Liver, I have yet to determine.)NOTE of CAUTIONL Hazardous: You will need to use more caution.
Liver of Sulfur comes in a liquid and paste, a rock or crystal form. The crystal form has a short shelf life, whereas the liquid or paste have a longer one. The crystal (lump) form is also flammable.
- Keep away from children or animals
- Wear rubber gloves
- Avoid spills, avoid getting in your eyes, wearing goggles is advised.
- Use only in a well ventilated room
- Be sure the item you want to oxidize is clean. Dropping the pieces into hot water not only help clean them, but the heated pieces will take the color faster.
- Follow the directions on the liver sulphur. It will work best if the water you use is hot.
- Use a plastic or wooden stick to mix the liver of sulphur with the water.
- Insert your metal into the mixture.
- Wait a few minutes – watch as it changes colors and when you are happy with the patina, remove it, be sure you have the gloves on. (Remove with a plastic spoon or tongs.)
- Rinse the item thoroughly and let it dry.
- Finally, polish the pieces. There are multiple ways to polish, steel wool, brass brush. Be sure to use the brass brush wet, so you don’t leave marks.
- Cautions: Do not use reuse the container for any edible products. Mark it Liver of Sulfur – so no one accidentally uses it. For the full list of Warnings required by law of our Liver of Sulfur gel can be read here. Fine PrintFor proper environmentally correct disposal of liver of sulfur, read the label on your liver of sulfur, some are easily neutralized with baking soda, but as each manufacturer has slightly ingredients, it is best to read the label. You can use this on all copper or silver, fine and sterling and it also works on Precious Metal Clay (PMC). Copper will change color more quickly than silver.This is not an exact science and the outcome will vary each time – depending on the strength of the liver of sulfur, heat of the water, minerals in the water and your attitude (not altitude). Just give it a try and have fun.