Spring means the onset of new life on earth. It’s all about colorful and beautiful flowers, sunny surroundings, lush greenery, warmth, and a hue of colors around. The spring color palette is in full bloom in nature and so should be in your work. Colors affect the way we perceive things. They affect our mood.…
Market Places, The Good, The Bad and the downright Ugly – AKA Brenda rants!!
Market Places, The Good, The Bad and the downright UglyWe get this question often “Where Can I sell my Jewelry?”There is no easy answer and during the days of COVID19, many of the absolutely best places like Festivals, Home Jewelry events or local markets have been shut down.. Face-to-face The absolutely best place to sell…
The Differences between Mouth Blown and Lathe Blown Glass
Many people think traditional mouth blowing glass is synonymous with glassblowing but that’s only a type of it. A more precise method to create glass apparatuses known as lathe blown glass has also gained the attention of many bead enthusiasts. And this is why here’s a complete guide by us on mouth-blown and lathe blown glass and…
Lampwork beads – How are they made?
Beads have been used for generations to make necklaces, rosaries, and other pieces of jewelry. While traditional beads are adorable, lampwork beads go a step above in adding aesthetics and enhancing the overall appeal of the jewelry. Despite their exquisite nature and unique heritage, few people are aware of their origin and building process. This…
The Wisdom of Seth
This morning an article by Seth http://www.sethgodin.com appeared in my inbox. I subscribe to his witty, often point-on short saying or articles. Todays’ was a reflection of what happens daily. So here is what he said, I take his “back in the old days” to mean pre COVID ““I hate this restaurant” Back in the old days,…
5 ways you can make use of the leftover beads
Only a bead stringer would understand how difficult it is to complete a bead work without leftovers. How many times have you added beads to your bead soup stash? You don’t want to dispose of them, but you aren’t sure what to do with them. Did you know that with little effort you can turn…
Murano an Island in Crisis
Today Murano is again in crisis due partially to the COVID19 shutdown and the lack of tourists since Italy is allowing the citizens of only a handful of countries easy entry. The crisis was already in progress due to the competition of inexpensive glass from other sources which you can find when you walk along…
Designing Murano Glass Beads
Customers sometimes think there is a giant warehouse in Venice/Murano stocked with the thousands of beads we sell. Well that would be fun, but it is not how it happens. Each bead we sell is ordered specifying color, foils, designs, shapes, sizes and then handmade one by one. Since 1993, we have learned a lot about…
Bead and Button Magazine and Show Calls It Quits
The news arrived unexpectedly a short email notice that Bead and Button, the beloved magazine is closing. No one in the industry had heard whispers of this. I quizzed everyone! But alas it was a “corporate” decision that “things are not as lucrative as they once were”. October will be their last issue and of…
Bead Pendants and Other Creative Ideas To Use Leftover Beads
After making gorgeous bead necklaces or other Venetian Jewelry, you’ll often find yourself with leftover beads. When your bead soup is starting to overflow, there’s only one thing to do: give those leftover beads a new life. Sometimes, a pile of unused beads can seem like an obligation that’s calling to you. Instead, you should…