Showing posts with label glass beads materials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label glass beads materials. Show all posts
Friday, July 16, 2010
Wearing an ID to school or to work is not really the type of fashion accessory you want for yourself. The clip on IDs on your blouse can really lessen the overall fashion style you put on that morning. That is because IDs are made of inexpensive laminated paper that has your picture and school details. You will be lucky if you have IDs at school that are made of sturdy glass covers to compensate on the paper they use for the IDs.To accentuate the look of your IDs, have a beaded lanyard instead of a clip on. That way, the beautiful colors of your beaded lanyard will easily blend to your outfit making your IDs not a distraction but an addition.
You may choose to buy beaded lanyard in many accessory shops and even craft stores. You can also create your own. Although it requires creative works from you, making your own lanyard are more affordable and can offer you wider designs than the limited styles of an on-display beaded lanyard.
If you plan to make your own, just grab your bead making supplies, a f
ew beads of your choice and a nice place to work. What you need to do first is to plan on your design. How would you like your beaded lanyard to look like? What beads to use? A great idea is to use glass beads for your lanyard. These come in different types, colors and sizes to choose from. Glass beads can also create that shimmer you always want for your accessories.If you stick on glass beads, you can choose from many types. There are fire polished glass beads, Opaque glass beads, furnace glass beads and cat eyes glass beads. After choosing your design and materials, measure the length of your lanyard. You can also tell the quantity of materials you need when you have your lanyard measurement.
You can now buy your beaded lanyard materials so that you can start on your beaded lanyard. Remember, create a glass bead pattern that will look good on your every outfit to school. Your beaded lanyard needs to match your school outfit to have a more stylish look. If one cannot fit all your outfit, create more different beaded lanyards for yourself.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Glass is kno
wn to be a great reflector of light. Once light touches the surface of a glass bead, it tends to bounce and scatter across the area. That is why things that are made of glass look so bright and crystal like.
wn to be a great reflector of light. Once light touches the surface of a glass bead, it tends to bounce and scatter across the area. That is why things that are made of glass look so bright and crystal like.If you want added lighting to your room or to a particular area in your house, why using glass beads instead? It not only provides bright and scattered lighting, but also an alternative way to save some cost in electricity.
To achieve this, you may want to create something functional and stylish for more benefits. One good example is a glass chandelier. We all know that chandeliers are elegant addition to our house. It is sometimes the first thing that our guests set their eyes into. The main function of a chandelier is to provide light in an elegant way. It consists mostly of many bulbs for enhanced lighting around the room.
However, more bulbs in use mean more electricity cost piling up. To save energy, why not try to design a chandelier designed mostly with glass beads to allow the light to scatter around. This way, all you need is a single bulb and some glass beads supply to achieve your glass beads chandelier. Actually, there are a few chandeliers sold these days designed with glass beads. Since, you would rather save costs effectively, a DIY project will somehow help you attain your goal.
Another example is glass-beaded curtains. This is common to rooms with a lot of fashion sense. In addition, this is quite popular and mostly seen in a girl’s room. Anyway, a glass-beaded curtain is a string of glass beads arranged and combined in a long line to form a curtain like appearance. This is another good ornament to a room full of wild colors and unique design. Furthermore, it serves as a good curtain design to the window and a stylish divider of particular areas in the room. But, it also has that reflector ability to scatter lights around the room and giving it more lighting.
There are many ideas on how to enhance your lighting but do it in a more affordable way. By trying to learn how to utilize natural reflectors such as glass beads, you can come up with creative and functional ideas on how to reach your purpose.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Glass beads are gorgeous, versatile and can be used for a variety of craft projects. One of the best glass beads for jewelry making tend to use patterns that are unique, easy to create, and beautiful to wear. Getting involved with a project like beading jewelry can open up one’s creativity, to accessorize an apparel and for the home as well, like creating curtains and other fashionable clothes embellishments.
Beading Jewelry
Creating beautiful pieces of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other accessories is usually the most common use for glass beads. They are inexpensive and with a little bit of practice, very easy to do.
Beaded Curtains or Lamp Hangings
Like what was mentioned, glass beads can be used for embellishing and creating other beautiful things. Two of the things you can do with glass beads are beaded curtains and lamp hangings. Any ordinary piece of fabric can look more vibrant and exciting by adding these colorful glass beads. A once boring-looking curtain will now become a work of art and can become a subject of conversation when you have guests at home. Like making beaded jewelry, beading your curtains and lamp hangings are also fairly easy to do.
Beading Fashion
If your needing a new look or new sets of clothes but you don’t want to break the bank by buying new ones, you can embellish your blouses, dresses, skirts and pants with glass beads instead! You will instantly look fabulous and the clothes you’re wearing will automatically look brand new. Even top fashion designers are doing this so why can’t you? You can always look for exciting patterns online and with a little sewing knowledge; you’re off to a brand new you. There is nothing more beautiful than being uniquely you. And glass beads can definitely help you in that department.
Beading Jewelry
Creating beautiful pieces of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other accessories is usually the most common use for glass beads. They are inexpensive and with a little bit of practice, very easy to do.
Beaded Curtains or Lamp Hangings
Like what was mentioned, glass beads can be used for embellishing and creating other beautiful things. Two of the things you can do with glass beads are beaded curtains and lamp hangings. Any ordinary piece of fabric can look more vibrant and exciting by adding these colorful glass beads. A once boring-looking curtain will now become a work of art and can become a subject of conversation when you have guests at home. Like making beaded jewelry, beading your curtains and lamp hangings are also fairly easy to do.
Beading Fashion
If your needing a new look or new sets of clothes but you don’t want to break the bank by buying new ones, you can embellish your blouses, dresses, skirts and pants with glass beads instead! You will instantly look fabulous and the clothes you’re wearing will automatically look brand new. Even top fashion designers are doing this so why can’t you? You can always look for exciting patterns online and with a little sewing knowledge; you’re off to a brand new you. There is nothing more beautiful than being uniquely you. And glass beads can definitely help you in that department.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Your watch may be one of the most important accessories you may have now. It is very useful in telling time even when you are out on the streets and can even be a cool frill in your wrist. But, you can boost your watch façade by changing your watchbands with some string glass beads. It will not only make your wrist trendy looking with different colors but also sparkle with glass beads.Watches often come with simple and classic bands. Some even are limited to plain colors of white, black, green, blue and red. But, these days, a fashionable look is a lot famous compared to plain ones and a wider selection of different colors are usually sought after by many people than ones with limited choices.
In stores lately, one may notice some watch band designs having a mix of more than three colors. Few of these watch bands are made of rubber and others are even made of other materials aside from pure gold, silver and leather. There are already many different designs and materials used in making watch bands.
Like many accessories, a watch can also be flexible in terms of its function. You can transform your watch into a bracelet you can use as a frill in your wrist and with any outfit you wear by making your watchband into a glass beaded watchband.
To have this kind of jewelry, you can either buy a customized watch or create your own watchband. In order to make your own watchband, you need to hav
e some glass beads of different and your desired colors, a watch face, some jewelry wires, other desired materials for your watchband and your bead making supplies. You may have the option to have bigger glass beads or smaller glass beads, as well as the choice whether you will mix them with other kinds of beads or purely made of glass beads.Before starting on your glass beaded watchbands, think first of a cool design and finalize it. Make sure that you have all the materials to make your work continuous. After you have all the materials and the design, you can start on your beaded watchband. It is similar to making your beaded bracelets or jewelries. Just make some glass bead strings and attach your finished glass beads strings to your watch face. If the strings are now attached to the watch face, make sure to have a clasp to be able to open or close your watchband when wanting to use it.
Creating your own accessories in many different designs and methods is very fun and fulfilling especially if done by yourself. You can simply have it the way you want it to be, save cost from buying a ready made one and be proud of how creative you can be.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
On another blog post, I have shared with you general details about making jewelry using glass beads.On this particular post, I shall go into a bit more detail.Allow me to say first that making jewelry using glass beads brings out the creativity in anyone interested in this hobby or craft. Beads in general are celebrated in art communities worldwide and some pieces are highly treasured by collectors. So before you start your amazing artful journey into the world of jewelry glass beading, you have to first learn the essential beading supplies you will need:
Glass
Sodium lime is usually the choice of bead makers. It melts a lot quicker than any other type of raw material, does not need the extreme kind of heat that hard glass needs, and it has a bigger color palette. When choosing which kind of glass to buy, always use one kind. You cannot combine the two (hard and soft) because these two raw materials are not compatible with each other. They will just crack when mixed together.
Torch
I suggest that you get the Hot Head Torch. Although there are other kinds out there, this particular type is an excellent choice for any soft glass bead maker. It only costs less than $50, it burns at a temperature perfect for melting the soft glass, and can do without oxygen unlike other bench burners.
Bead Release and Mandrels
In making glass beads, a thin, steel pipe called mandrel is used in the middle where the glass is wound around it. This helps form the shape of the beads, allowing it to have the necessary hole in the middle, while bead release is the one that covers a part of the pipe so you can easily take out the beads when done.
MAPP Gas of Propylene
Use this gas to make your Hot Head Torch work. It is placed in a small bottle that you can screw to your torch. You can usually find this kind of gas at a supplier of lampwork glass beads, hardware store or welding shop.
Annealer or Vermiculite
The glass is heated for a certain period of time. Afterward, it has to go back to room temperature to avoid cracking later on. Using an annealer or kiln can best accomplish this task since it can hold extreme temperatures and control the anneal cycle, making the final product come out intact. If an annealer is too expensive for you, you can use vermiculite in the mean time. With vermiculite, you can put your work inside then just retrieve it after about 8 hours.
Didymium Glasses
These is the pair of glasses you wear to protect your eyes from the sodium glare brought about by heated glass.
Ventilation System
Make sure you work in an area that is properly ventilated to remove fumes which are harmful to your health.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Glass beads have always been used when making jewelry pieces for so many centuries. These pieces include necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. Even today, glass beads are typically used for making jewelry as well as decorative ornaments. They are made of various materials, both contemporary and indigenous, like metal, plastic, terracotta wood, stone, ceramic fiber, ivory, shell, bones, glass, coral, and gemstones. However, the ones mostly used for styling crafts are glass beads because with them, one can make different shapes such as oval, round, cylindrical, heart, square, tube, teardrop, and diamond. They can also be made into different colors like blue, green, yellow, red, pink, brown, violet… practically all colors of the rainbow! The materials and equipment used in making glass beads vary depending on the design. You would have to use any of these tools in order to create the kind of glass beads that you want:
· Wires
· Threads
· Needles
· Soft glass
· Matches
· Kiln wash
· Vermiculite
· Mandrels
· Torch
· Cutters
· Pliers
· Shaping tools
· Glass beads
For your glass beads, either cats eyes beads, furnace glass beads and mixed glass bead
s. They are popular, do not cost much and come in various shapes, color and sizes.
You can also use fire polished beads made in Czech Republic. They, too, are popular when it comes to making crafts and accessories because of their durability and beautiful designs. They are made by heating them until they melt which gives them that smooth, bright and shiny look. They give any jewelry a unique and fabulous touch without costing a lot.
Glass beads are always perfect for creating that unique piece of craft whether it is jewelry, an accessory, an additional design for clothing, etc. With the number of variety available in the market, you will not run out of ideas and materials to choose from. Bring out the flair in you by creating your own glass beads.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
When we think of crafting beaded accessories, the first things that come to mind are necklaces and bracelets. But actually, beaded earrings are the easiest to do. Many people can along fine without wearing bracelets and necklaces, but if they go without earrings, they tend to feel naked. The thing is, when we think of earrings, we think of those expensive ones made of silver, gold and diamonds. But the truth is, you can create your own fancy-looking pair using your own glass beads supplies. You can even combine it with other beaded materials and create a design that is uniquely you!
The truth is, earrings don’t need to be fancy in order to look good and presentable to the public. You can look elegant and posh even without spending tons of money to get that particular chic look. All you have to do is either buy a beautifully crafted beaded earring or make one yourself using your own glass beads supplies.
Did you know that American Indians used to create beaded earrings for their women as well as very intricate and elaborate designs for their beaded jewelry, intended for different purposes? These designs included dream catchers, which are ritual items they place on cradles and other sleeping areas to drive away nightm
ares and bad dreams. A common gemstone that they use for their earrings are turquoise beads, which gives strength of conviction and character to whoever is wearing them.
Today, we can see this dream catcher design turned to earrings for women and not just as an accessory inside the bedroom. Some of us have also carried on this practice of creating their own earrings from their own glass beads supplies. Beaded earrings, because of the variety of beads available in the market, are easily very colorful, chic and elegant, with a touch of that vintage charm. If you’re seeking for a new look and a new feel for your sense of fashion, creating earrings and other accessories with the use of glass beads supplies is definitely the way to go.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
In earlier days, limited variety of glass beads were produced in selected places around the world. People patronized these types of jewelry materials that as technology became more advanced, these glassmakers furthered their experiments in creating more variety of glass beads as well as heighten the features of each innovated kinds.
A good example of such is a Fire polished glass beads. These are types of glass beads bearing unique features from other glass beads. Previous glass beads are prone to easy fracture and shatter hence, those people often wanting these glass beads may end up buying another one in such narrow time.
A good example of such is a Fire polished glass beads. These are types of glass beads bearing unique features from other glass beads. Previous glass beads are prone to easy fracture and shatter hence, those people often wanting these glass beads may end up buying another one in such narrow time.But, these
issues have lead to the creation of a more durable type of glass beads, the fire polished glass beads. People then desired these types more than any other glass beads. The process of creating such strong materials makes it last longer years. As the name derives, it is because of extreme heat or the blazing fire that makes these beads smooth and polished in full colors. In addition, no substances were included that can be harmful to ou
r bodies.This attribute of the fire polished glass beads creates a continuing spark that even if years will make it old in age, it will still look as newly produced fire polished beads. Normally, we would see glass beads lessen their full colors and sheen in much use as jewelries or as materials for ornamentation. But, with the fire polished glass beads, you will be amazed on how it will retain its gleam and shade in many of your generations in the future.
The rosary beads serve to be one of those ancient symbols and tools of Christianity. It was first made during the twelfth century when the blessed Virgin Mary was said to appear to Saint Dominic and made a promise that if Saint Dominic will spread the rosary’s devotions to people, peace would be found.When the rosary was first made, it contained 150 glass beads, which serve as a mirror to the set of psalms that the Bible contains. Anybody who doesn’t have regular access to this set of Psalms can just move along the string of rosary glass beads and pray. This benefits the blind and those people who have no means of learning how to read.
However, it should be noted that rosary beads were not always strung together. It used to be just stones kept in one’s pocket which get sorted as the individual prays. It was only much, much later that these beads were thought to be strung together for ease of use.
In the beginning, the “Hail Mary” was not really part of the prayer. It was only added to introduce Angel Gabrielle and they chose to do this before the “Our Father”.
Today we find that the Dominican rosary contains 59 beads. They are divided into ten sections which are called "decades". These beads are crafted with a larger bead used to say the 'Our Father' prayer followed by ten smaller beads used to say the 'Hail Mary'.
You can create your own rosaries too, using glass beads and other beaded materials.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Overwhelmed by the fun idea of beading, you acquire all supplies for your project. Once you have everything set to start working, you stopped…There are times when we are trapped in a certain part of our beading process and ponder on what colors we will choose for our project. Colors of our glass beads may be in many kinds, not to mention in many shades. But then, it must not stop us from creating a beautiful piece in the end.
The good thing about glass beads though
is that despite its range of numerous colors and shades, there will never be a wrong color to be used in your project. It is flexible enough and you just have to be more creative in making designs and patterns for your project. If you think that a particular color may not be appropriate, then you can easily change it into the ideal color of your glass beads.To help you in deciding what color you will use for the project, you must imagine first what will your project or glass beads jewelry look like in the end. It will give you an idea what colors to mix and use in your project. It will also give you a glimpse on the pattern you will use for your jewelry.
Or perhaps, you want to consider your emotions or motive on doing the project. Will it be an I-feel-elegant-today glass beads jewelry or let-us-rock-and-roll glass beads jewelry? In any project, considering
your motive is also helpful in finding the right colors for your jewelries. Will you be making your valentine glass beads jewelries? Then try to add some deep red colors in your jewelries. Or probably, a reminder of a great summer getaway in the sunny beach. Try including some bright colors like orange and yellow glass beadsColors may be countless but these do not exist to make your work complicated rather these are present to provide you more options in your project as well as more selections on how to be more creative in your glass beads jewelries.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Friends are there through good times and bad times. They lend their shoulder to cry on when times get rough and feet to jump with when happiest moments come our way. They wanted the best for us and likewise they also deserve the best from us.Reward your friends from all the great things they have done for you by surprising them with a lovely handmade glass beaded friendship bracelet. Knowing that you personally made these things is sure worth their sweetest smile and appreciation. Here are what you need to do to create a pretty glass beaded friendship charm.
First, all you need to do is know the design of your friendship bracelet. Iden
tify next the materials that you need for the friendship bracelet. You might need some strings, the correct ones, some glass beads and other accessories as well as your beading supplies.Buy all these stuff and start making your friendship bracelet. You can start by making a knot on top and fasten the thread. Then put on some glass beads. You can make a pattern that has meaning or emotion towards how your friendship is meant for you. You can either place your mutual favorites and some col
ors that you both like.This is great because it is not just your ordinary bracelet that you can buy at the store. It serves a great worth for your friends for many reasons. First, you gave it. Second, you made it yourself. And the best of all, you create something memorable and meaning for them.
Appreciate the friendship that you have with your friends and make it last forever with your precious handmade glass beaded friendship bracelet.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Bead decorations have go beyond body adornments. Nowadays, many people take advantage of the versatility of beads, particularly glass beads. This is for the reason that they can see great potential use of glass beads in other items aside from making it into a form of jewelry.
One of the many creative ideas of using glass beads is by adding it to your purses. Girls and women love clutch bags and purses. Simply because they are so cute to look at, small enough to hold in hand or over the shoulders and big enough to carry the essentials. Moreover, there are many chic designs of clutch bags and purses that come in beautiful mix of colors and plain ones.
But, to further explore your creativity and make your purses unique from all the homogenized bags, you can add up some frills such as glass beads. You can either cover your whole purse with different color
s of glass beads or you can create strings of glass beads and attached these in your personal purse.
Glass beads are utilized by many in their adornments because of the shiny effect it makes. Anywhere you put it into, glass beads will definitely glitter and shine.
If you want to cover your purse with glass beads, you can come up with your own patterns or copy designs from bead making books or
even online. There are also patterns that do not cover the whole bag. You can simply add some flower designs made of glass beads or even form your name on your purse using glass beads.
If in case you opt for the string ones, you can string up glass beads patterned into different colors, sizes and shapes and attached it on the side of your purse or even alternately in front. You can even add some glass beads in your bag handle.
So, make your purse a funky and unique one with glass beads. You will certainly not find another similar to your modish purse.
One of the many creative ideas of using glass beads is by adding it to your purses. Girls and women love clutch bags and purses. Simply because they are so cute to look at, small enough to hold in hand or over the shoulders and big enough to carry the essentials. Moreover, there are many chic designs of clutch bags and purses that come in beautiful mix of colors and plain ones.But, to further explore your creativity and make your purses unique from all the homogenized bags, you can add up some frills such as glass beads. You can either cover your whole purse with different color
s of glass beads or you can create strings of glass beads and attached these in your personal purse.Glass beads are utilized by many in their adornments because of the shiny effect it makes. Anywhere you put it into, glass beads will definitely glitter and shine.
If you want to cover your purse with glass beads, you can come up with your own patterns or copy designs from bead making books or
even online. There are also patterns that do not cover the whole bag. You can simply add some flower designs made of glass beads or even form your name on your purse using glass beads.If in case you opt for the string ones, you can string up glass beads patterned into different colors, sizes and shapes and attached it on the side of your purse or even alternately in front. You can even add some glass beads in your bag handle.
So, make your purse a funky and unique one with glass beads. You will certainly not find another similar to your modish purse.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Christmas is one of the most awaited occasions in the year. Each year, people are doing some Christmas shopping and decorations weeks before the said celebration. The Spirit of the season never fades and one exciting moment in Christmas celebration is decorating the Christmas tree.Decorating the Christmas tree is more than just putting some ornaments around the tree. It combines all family members and joins them in this creative venture. To make your decorating more creative and fun, try to come up with ideas on how to make all members work such as Do-It-Yourself projects.
Glass beads are only some of the many artistic materials you can use. You can add some glass beads around the plain Christmas balls to make them look shiny and stylish. In addition, you can also create your own ornaments by coming up with patterns like stars, circles, and even a reindeer and place some glass beads around these patterns to have a Christmas ornaments of different Christmas designs.
To finish off
your Christmas tree decorations, string up some large glass beads in different designs and round it up around your tree. This will make your tree the shiniest Christmas tree in the block. You no longer need to add more Christmas lights since the lights they release can be reflected in the glass beads string and it will shine just like having more lights in your tree. It can save cost on added electricity.Be imaginative and resourceful during the Yuletide season to feel closer with the family as well as proud of your masterpiece.
Monday, June 7, 2010
When into bead making, it is not enough to just know how to do the job, you also need to have the passion and determination to make the hobby last long. Moreover, if you are indeed into bead making, consider also having these items for a lesser cost. You may not feel the total cost you have allotted for the supplies in just a few days but in the long run, you will eventually see whether you have saved yourself some cost or just made your hobby an expensive one.Glass beads supplies may not be limited to having some glass beads in different colors a
nd shapes and some strings. If you happen to like bead making and fixed on having it long term, you might as well complete your whole set of glass beads supplies. You need to have some tools and equipments like wire cutters, pliers, glass rods, mandrels and some other stuff. This may sound many to count and can generate greater cost, but how to make bead making more affordable?First, all you have to do is list down all the necessary tools and materials and filter these to what you regularly use. Will you be using the mandrels often or only in selected type of jewelries? This is helpful since you can only buy those tools that you often need and just borrow the others when you need them.
In addition, you can combine all projects having similar tools to use hence you can borrow them only for that day. Not only will it save you the cost of buying the tools, but also create an awarene
ss to other enthusiast that you are fond of bead making yourself thus you can create a group project or have a slumber party on bead making.As for the glass beads materials, you can buy these in bulk. Often, stores provide discounts to people buying in bulk orders. If you think about it, you can save a lot from the discount. Moreover, it can also save you the traveling cost as well as your own time and effort in going back and forth to the bead shop just to buy limited number of glass beads. You can buy bulk orders of the same sizes or have these in variety for better selection when doing your beaded accessories.
One hobby or job may be expensive no matter how simple it is if not planned accordingly. However, something as detailed as bead making may save you greater cost if you knew the technique on buying these glass beads for less.