Style School

How to be a Fashion Stand-Out

StrandsDo you want to be a fashion stand-out this season? Maybe you're economizing and think your classic gold chain and post earrings will do the trick accessorizing your new fall outfits. Think again! Step out of the box (your jewelry box that is) and try different sizes, shapes and materials while creating your new Fall jewelry.

Beaded jewelry can be classic or funky, casual or formal, simple or extravagant, but it always provides the emotional satisfaction of wearing something that makes you feel beautiful.

A review of fashion history reveals that during periods of war, depression and social unrest designers reflect society's state of mind through fashion. This season women's fashion mirrors the tough economic times with a move away from the excess of the past few years. The move in Fall 2009 clothing is towards a softer and cleaner color palette and simpler styling.


StonesWhen women exercise fashion restraint they often turn to high impact jewelry as a way to stand out from the sea of neutral colors and unadorned styling. History is repeating itself this season with "Statement Necklaces", dramatic, multi-strand collars of beads gems and metals. Statement necklaces are an effective compliment to anything from a simple sheath evening gown to a white tee shirt and jeans. You can see examples of these dynamic necklaces online, in catalogs and in the finest department stores.

The changing economic landscape also reminds us that clothing, handbags and shoes do not have intrinsic value. Compared with these disposable items of clothing and accessories, beaded jewelry has lasting value and longevity. Beaded jewelry is readily recyclable because the metal, beads and stones can be reclaimed and reused if and when you choose.

As you put your seasonal wardrobe together remember to accent your outfits with glorious statement jewelry. Statement necklaces, elegant chandelier earrings or stacks of beaded bangles will certainly do the trick. Remember you can create high impact jewelry without the high impact cost by "making the jewelry you want to wear" at Beadworks.

 

Stock the Essentials

Have you ever been frustrated when you've sat down to put together a necklace on a whim, only to discover you're out of crimp beads? Fall is a good time to stock up on all of your jewelry making essentials. By stocking up now you can avoid that extra trip to the store and you will never be left unable to finish a spur of the moment project. The following article will help you review your tools and materials. This article will also help you put together a special gift for a new Beader.

Findings
The word "findings" refers ro the various components used in jewelry making, such as clasps, bead tips or Essentialsear wires. Findings are a necessity as they are used to finish just about any piece of jewelry. If you are looking to restock your findings selection, it is good idea to select a range of good quality basics including: lobster claws, spring rings and toggles, crimp beads, headpins and your favorite styles of ear wires. Remember, a great way to avoid living with unwanted mistakes is to have lots of essentials such as crimp beads and headpins on hand. If you are going to make your holiday gifts this year, choosing findings made of a higher quality metal such as sterling silver, 14K gold-filled or even 18K gold will ensure your jewelry gift will last a very long time.

Stringing Materials
When you make your own jewelry, you should always start with a good foundation. Your choice of stringing material is that foundation. What you choose will depend on the style of your project and the type of beads you are going to use.

  • Flexible Beading Wire, including brands like Soft Flex and Beadalon, is the most important stringing material for any beader. Flexible beading wire is strong, flexible and can be used with a wide variety of beads. Flexible beading wire is made from strands of stainless steel, woven together and coated with nylon for durability. The number of strands determines the beading wire's strength and flexibility. Our staff and designers recommend Fine Soft Flex as the flexible beading wire of choice. Fine Soft Flex is made form 21 strands of stainless steel and has a test strength of 10 pounds. Get more bank for your buck by buying a spool of flexible beading wire if you plan on stringing a number of necklaces and bracelets.
  • Half-Hard Wire, in the metal color of your choice, is an essential material if you are going to wire wrap your beads. When practicing wire wraps, plated wire is the perfect choice, but for nice jewelry or for gifts, a higher quality metal is highly recommended. Sterling silver, 14K gold-filled or even 18K gold wire will always give your jewelry the value and longevity it deserves when you've taken the time to wire wrap your beads. It is always more cost effective to purchase a spool of wire.

Tools
There are three essential beading tools that every beader needs: Chain Nose Pliers, Round Nose Pliers and Side Cutters. You may not need all three of these beading tools for every project, but it is an excellent idea to have them on hand if you plan on stringing as well as doing wire work.

  • Chain Nose Pliers have a flat and smooth jaw with tapered tips for getting into tiny spaces. They are used for crimping, opening and closing jump rings as well as gripping wire in wire work projects.
  • Round Nose Pliers have two rounded barrell tips and are used for forming loops when wire working.
  • Side Cutters are the perfect wire cutting tool for both hard wire and flexible beading wire. Side cutters are flat on one side to allow for a close cut on small projects.

The quality of the beading tools you choose will depend on your experience level and how frequently you bead. Basic or economy tools are the appropriate choice for the beginner or occasional beader. German tools are appropriate if beading is a serious hobby or you bead frequently. Lindstrom tools are essential if you are a professional jewelry designer or you work with small gauges of wire. Always buy the best tools you can afford, they are an excellent investment.

Organization and Storage
Organizing your beads and storing your tools and materials properly will help you protect your investment. There are so many creative ways to organize and store your beading supplies from teacups and shoe boxes to muffin and cookie tins. We recommend a range of plastic storage boxes, acrylic stack jars and a bead board. Plastic containers protect your supplies from dust and dirt, keep small beads and findings from getting mixed up and some even inhibit silver from tarnishing.

  • Multi-Compartment Plastic Boxes and Acrylic Stack Jars are useful, compact and transportable organization and storage solutions. By adding anti-tarnish strips you can keep your sterling silver findings looking their best.
  • Anti-Tarnish Storage Boxes are a smart way to store precious metal beads, findings and wire. These plastic containers are made with a tarnish-inhibiting additive that is guaranteed for up to five years by the manufacturer.
  • Bead Boards are the essential design tool. Use it to layout your designs before actually stringing them. They are also in invaluable storage tray when you have works in progress to set aside.