Polymer Clay Snow Man Pendant or Pin

SNOWMAN PENDANT

Supplies:

• Sculpey Clay


• Whipped Cream


• After Midnight


• Pomegranate


• Clover

Tools:

• Acrylic Clay Roller


• Clay Knife


• Pasta Machine


• Baking Rack (pie Tin OK)


• Clay Baking Oven (home oven OK)


• Piercing Pin

How to:

Soften one block of Whipped Cream clay either by hand or with the pasta machine.
Roll to ¼” thick circle with clay roller.
Flatten top end of circle.
This is the head of the snowman.

Soften one block of After Midnight clay.
Roll a small amount into a rope that extends about ¼’ on each side when placed on top of face.
Use remainder to form top of hat, creating a flared rectangle.

Soften ½ block of Pomegranate.
Pinch off three small balls for holly on hat.
Roll into a rope and cut to width of bottom of hat top.
Place between brim and top.

Soften ½ block of Clover.
Form two triangles of clay into leaves using knife to make leaf lines.
Place leaves on hat just above red band and to the right side of hat.
Cluster red berry balls just below leaves.
Press in gently.

Roll two green elongated balls and place them on each side of head to make his earmufffs.
Mix remaining red with an equal amount of white and blend it together to make pink for cheeks.
Roll small balls and flatten.
Place on face one on either side.

Roll small balls of black and place above cheeks for eyes.

Slightly larger balls are used for mouth.

Use an elongated pinch of clay for nose.

Insert piercing pin from bottom through top to make a hole for head pin.

Place on baking tray and bake at 260 for 30 minutes.

Twist to remove piercing pin and inset head pin and make a loop for pendant.

Or glue on pin attachemnt to back.

Bead Swap, free pearls and demo's to celebrate our fouth year at 82nd street

We are proud to announce that we have been in business for four years now on 82nd street. In celebration we are giving away a free strand of beads with any purchase over $25.00 from now till the supplies run out.

We will be celebrating on Saturday September 20th with free sparkle glasses for the kids and a two hour Bead Swap in the rear parking lot from 10 am to Noon.



We will be doing polymer clay demos from 2 pm until closing. Come in and see how easy it really is.

Here are the rules of the bead swap.
No selling of your beads. Just trading.
Beads only, no finished jewelry.
Hand made beads, polymer clay, glass, bone, wood, ceramic, pendants and bought beads are all OK to trade. Please no sexually oriented beads. As we don't want to be arrested for public indecency.
We will have our 3 classroom tables setup along with free soda, water and Hors d'oeuvres.
Please, no personal beads brought for the swap are to be brought into the store.

Black & White Polymer Clay Beads

This necklace used less than ten dollars worth of materials to create. That includes the clay, the findings, cross, wire and the filler beads. Pretty cool and a great value.

We created a video "How To" on the creation of the polymer clay beads. It is a great first project and a basic tutorial on preparing the clay, making a cane, making an oval bead and using the Tri-Bead Roller. Please take a look. Ploymer Clay Black & White Beads.

Summer Slide Bangle

By Natalie

Supplies:

18 gauge German Wire
(5) two-hole slide beads

Tools:

Wire cutters

Chain nose pliers

Round nose pliers

Nylon jaw pliers

Dowel rod

Directions:

1. Cut a 28" piece of the 18 ga. German Wire. Use the nylon jaw pliers to straighten it.

2. Using a dowel rod, bend the wire in half to create a soft bend.

3. Place a two-hole slide bead onto the wire. Push it all the way to the curve at the end.

4. Using the dowel again, make a curves on each piece of wire just to the side of the two-hole slide bead that was just added.

5. Place another two-hole slide bead onto the wires.

6. Continue to follow steps 3-5 until you have reached your desired length.

7. Once the bracelet is the length you want, twist the two ends of wire together. Make the twist approximately 1/2" long.

8. Cut the ends of the wires so that they are 2" long.

9. Using the round nose and chain nose pliers, make a spiral on each of the 2" wires.

10. Bend the two spirals to create a hook. This is the clasp and it will hook into first loop that you made.

Sliders are only available at our $82nd Street sore or by ordering here.

Purchase this Kit Only $14.50 US

No Shipping or Handling in US and Canada

We ship U.S.Postal Service. Order today

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Spring Into Summer

By Kris

Materials List

1 foot soft touch wire

2.crimp beads
1 clasp

1 center bead

1 bottle 11-219 seed beads

6 light leaf beads

6 two tone green leaf beads

2 two tone blue/green flower beads
2 blue flower beads

2 red flower beads

2 two tone pink/clear flower beads

2 white flower beads

2 purple flower beads

12 4mm swarovski crysolite bicones

This blossoming little anklet will take you from spring right through summer. All you have to do is follow our pattern, refer to our free tutorial on our website for basic crimping, and get the wonderful kits we already have made up for you in our 82nd St location. You could also mix and match some of our other beautiful beads for this great project. So let's get started. This is just a basic beaded single strand anklet on wire. (As mentioned before just look on our website for a free tutorial on crimping to attach your clasp, but if you still need help feel free to ask any of our very helpful staff members.)

Here is your pattern:

3 size 11-219 seed beads; 1 light green leaf bead; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 4mm swarovski crysolite bicone; 1size 11-219 seed bead; 1 two tone blue/green flower bead; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 4mm swarovski crysolite bicone; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 two tone leaf bead; 3 size 11-219 seed beads; 1 light blue flower bead; 3 size 11-219 seed beads; 1 light green leaf bead; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 4mm swarovski crysolite bicone; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 red flower bead; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 4mm swarovski crysolite bicone; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 two tone leaf bead; 3 size 11-219 seed beads; 1 two tone pink/clear flower bead; 3 size 11-219 seed beads; 1 light green leaf bead; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 4mm swarovski crysolite bicone; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 white flower bead; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 4mm swarovski crysolite bicone; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 two tone leaf bead; 3 size 11-219 seed beads; 1 purple flower bead; 3 size 11-219 seed beads; 1 large center cloisinne' flower bead; 3 size 11-219 seed beads; 1 purple flower bead; 3 size 11-219 seed beads; 1 two tone leaf bead; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 4mm swarovski crysolite bicone; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 white flower bead; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 4mm swarovski crysolite bicone; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 light green leaf bead; 3 size 11-219 seed beads; 1 two tone pink/clear flower bead; 3 size 11-219 seed beads; 1 two tone leaf bead; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 4mm swarovski crysolite bicone; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 red flower bead; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 4mm swarovski crysolite bicone; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 light green leaf bead; 3 size 11-219 seed beads; 1 light blue flower beads; 3 size 11-219 seed beads; 1 two tone leaf bead; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 4mm swarovski crysolite bicone; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 two tone blue/greenflower bead; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 4mm swarovski crysolite bicone; 1 size 11-219 seed bead; 1 light green leaf bead; 3 size 11-219 seed beads

Now that you have completed stringing your beads just watch the free tutorial for basic crimping on our website, and you will have a beautiful new piece of summer jewelry.

Purchase this Kit Only $13.50 US

No Shipping or Handling in US and Canada

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Patriotic Necklace

By Cathy.

Show your patriotic pride by making and wearing this fun necklace.
Makes a 19" necklace

Materials:
6 feet fine (.014) beading wire
12 - 11mm white tube beads
24 - 5mm silver daisies
Size 8 - Red seed beads
Size 11 - Blue seed beads
Size 11 - White seed beads
2 - 2x3mm Silver crimps
1 - 5mm Connector ring
1 - 10mm Trigger clasp

Tools:
Clamp
Crimp Pliers
Wire Cutters

1) Cut your wire into 3 - 2 foot lengths. Clamp them together at one end.

2) String 11 red seed beads on one wire. String 14 white seed beads on another wire. String 14 blue seed beads on the third wire.

3) String all three wires through 1 5mm daisy, 1 white tube bead and one 5mm daisy.

4) Separate the wires and again string 11 red seed beads on one wire. String 14 white seed beads a second wire and string 14 blue seed beads on the third wire.

5) String all three wires through a daisy, a white bead and a daisy.

6) Continue in this pattern ( steps 4 and 5) until you have reached the desired length.

7) Thread all three wires through one crimp and the clasp. Thread the wires back through the crimp, tighten and crimp. (See Crimping Video at Beads Amore)

8) Do the same thing on the other side with the connector ring.
Wear and enjoy your necklace!

Details

Purchase this Kit Only $23.95 US

No Shipping or Handling in US and Canada

We ship U.S.Postal Service. Order today

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New Beading Contest @ Beads Amore'!

We are trying something new here at Beads Amore'...a beading contest for our customers! We get to see all of the great things that you guys make from our beads and supplies and we want others to see them as well. What better theme for us to start with here in Indianapolis than BLACK & WHITE for raceday. We are hoping that this is something that people will get excited about and we are looking forward to doing more contests with themes. Starting now through May 31st you can bring in your item to our 82nd Street store to be photographed for our state-of-the-art website. After the 31st our customers will be able to vote online for their favorite piece. The winner will receive a $25.00 Gift Certificate and runner up will recieve a $10.00 gift card! Here are the rules:

1) The item MUST be comprised of beads and supplies purchased from either of our Beads Amore' stores or our online bead store. You can use non-bead related items purchased from elsewhere if it is something that we do not sell (i.e. feathers, felt, leather).

2) The item can be a necklace, bracelet, earrings, a whole set, brooch, purse, wearable accessory, home decor item or whatever you can come up with!

3) The item must be made by you.

4) The item must be primarily black and white/clear. It can be made of semi-precious stones, seed beads, metal, wire, glass beads, etc. so long as it is primarily black and white/clear. It doesn't necessarily have to be race themed.

5)You must bring the item to our 82nd Street store to be photographed by the 31st of May. We are unfortunately unable to accept e-mailed photographs of your item. All entries will recieve a 15% off coupon.

6)After the 31st of May, all of our customers will be able to vote which of the items is their favorite and that one will be our winner!

7)Only one entry per person per contest.

8)Employees of Beads Amore' and their families are not eligible. Sorry, Paris and JoJo...maybe next year!

We love your work and we want everyone to see it. We hope that everyone takes advantage of this opportunity! Good Luck!

Here Balck & White example from one of our classes, Indy Cubes class # 447

Button & Drop Glass Beads Bracelet

By Cathy

Do you have some decorative buttons in your stash that you don’t know what to do with? Turn them into a bracelet!

Skill: Basic stringing, crimping
Tools: Crimp pliers, Clamp
Materials for 7 ½” bracelet:

• 3 – 18mm Shank Buttons
• 56 – 5mm Drop Beads
• 8 – 6mm Faceted Beads
• 6 – 7mm Oval Beads
• 2 – 1 foot lengths of .014 Soft Touch Beading Wire
• 2 Sterling Silver 2x2mm crimps
• 1 Sterling Silver Toggle

Clamp the two wires together at one end.
String on one faceted bead.
Separate the wires and string 7 drop beads on each wire.
String both wires through a 6mm faceted bead, pushing against the drop beads already on the wire to compress and fan them out.
Then string on one oval bead, one button, one oval bead and one faceted bead.
Again separate the wires and string 7 drop beads on each wire.
Then string on another series: faceted, oval, button, oval, faceted.
Separate the wires and add drop beads.
Continue with this sequence until you have used all the beads.
Thread the 2 wires through the crimp and the toggle, then crimp.
Do the same thing at the other end, checking for fit and making sure the bracelet forms a circle.
Make the bracelet smaller by adding fewer drops in each section or add drops to each section if you need it longer.
Wear & enjoy!

Purchase this Kit Only $20.95 US

No Shipping or Handling in US and Canada

We ship U.S.Postal Service. Order today

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Macrame Hemp Fun Summertime Anklet

By Kris

Supply List:
Hemp Card 4 colors - $3.95 (enough material for 4 to 6 anklets)
Bead - Large Hole Bead approx $1.25

Here is a quick and easy summertime project to show off those bare ankles. A hemp ankle bracelet using one simple knot repeated over and over again. This will create a spiral effect that looks a more complicated than it really is.

To get started you will need 2 pieces of hemp or cord.

One will be used for the inside of the ankle bracelet, this will be your base. It should be about six inches longer than the finished piece. You will double that number for the total length to allow for the loop on one end and knot clasp on the other end. (You will use loose strands at end to tie to loop for finish as clasp.)

The second piece should be 7 to 8 times the total length of the finished piece. You will need a lot of length for the knot tieing.

Now that you have your hemp cut put both pieces together, double it in half, and tie a knot to form a 1/2" loop.

The next step will be the forming of the knots. Fold right strands (green) over base strands (pink), and under the left strand (other green) (Figure green).

Bring left strand (other green) under base strands (pink) then up over right strand (first green)

Tighten into knot.

Just repeat this step until desired length adding beads if you would like.

When you have it as long as needed just tie all strands together to form one knot (Figure 4).

Enjoy.

No kit is available.

Three Strand Sterling Chain Bracelet

By Ginny

Sterling silver is a chameleon. The finish can be brilliantly shiny or given a dark patina. The surface can be smooth, brushed, or embellished. This project uses brightly polished chain, sterling beads in a traditional “squash blossom” shape, and a toggle clasp joined together with wire wraps. This is a quick project that has a rich look. It can be adapted to your own style using Swarovski crystals, glass beads, or gemstone beads.

Wire wrapping is one of the most popular classes at Beads Amore. The technique allows you to make chains, links, earrings, pendants, and embellishments. For a photograph see: Primer to wire working . Check the schedule online, or pick up a printed schedule in either store. All our beading.

Skill: Wire Wrapping

Tools: Chain nose pliers, round nose pliers

Materials: for 7 ½ inch Bracelet(fits average 6- 6 ¼ inch wrist)

• 14 inches of sterling


• silver chain


• 4 – 8mm fluted sterling beads


• 1 toggle clasp22 gauge


• German Jewelry Wire

After measuring your wrist and allowing for any differences in wrist size or bead chosen, cut the chain in 9 equal pieces.

As pictured, cut the pieces one and one half inches long. (Since you are cutting links away, you will need about to allow one half inch more chain)Making a small loop, attach the first bead to the toggle clasp with a wire wrap.

At the other side of the bead, make a larger loop on which 3 strands of chain will move easily after the wrap is closed.

Continue in this fashion, adding two more beads wire wrapped with large loops, and two more sets of chains.

Wire wrap the fourth bead with a large loop one the chain end, and a small loop to which the other end of the toggle is attached.

Your bracelet is complete.

Purchase a Kit Today Only $33.95 US
No Shipping or Handling in US and Canada
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Little Black Crystal and Sterling Necklace and Earrings for Your Little Black Dress.

By Ginny

To avoid fashion emergencies, every woman needs a classic “little black dress” in a simple style that can be dressed up or down by the choice of accessories. This sleek “Y” necklace made with jet-black Swarovski crystal will be equally wearable.

Skill: Basic wire loops – View the Create a Loop Instructional Video in the projects section of the Beads Amore website for assistance.

Tools: Wire cutter, round nose pliers, chain nose pliers

Materials for 17” necklace and earrings:
14 inches of fine sterling silver chain
1 pair sterling lever back earrings
1 – 10mm sterling lobster claw clasp
1 – 5mm sterling closed ring
15 - 22 gauge sterling eye pins or 22 gauge German jewelry wire
15 – 4mm jet Swarovski crystal beads
3 – one inch 22 gauge sterling headpins
3 – 8mm jet Swarovski crystals
6 – 2.5 mm sterling round beads
6 – 4mm sterling daisy spacers

Place the fifteen 4 mm crystals onto the 15 eye pins. *Bend each eye pin over at the top of the bead, trim to ¼ inch, and then turn the second loop with the roundnose pliers. If desired, you may use 22 gauge German jewelry wire and turn both of the loops yourself.

On each of the three headpins, create a pendant by placing one 2.5 mm round, one 4mm daisy spacer, an 8mm jet crystal, another 4mm daisy spacer and another 2.5 mm round. Bend the headpin over at the top of the beads, trim to one-quarter inch, and turn a loop.

Cut the sterling silver chain into eleven pieces one inch long, one piece that is approximately one and a quarter inches long and has an odd number of links, and two half-inch pieces.

With the chain nose pliers, add one of the pendant drops to a one-inch piece of chain to form the Y drop. Place a 4mm crystal link at the top of this piece of chain, and attach all to the center link of the longest piece of chain.

Begin assembling by linking the 5 mm closed ring to the first 4mm crystal link. Add a one-inch link of chain, and continue alternating 4mm crystal links and one-inch chains until you have five pieces of chain and six crystals. Add the longest piece of chain with the drop attached next to create the focal point of the necklace, and continue adding crystals and pieces of chain until you have repeated the second half of the pattern. Finish the necklace by adding the lobster claw clasp to the last crystal.

Add the other two pendant drops to one end of the half-inch pieces of chain. Add the last two 4mm crystals to the top of the chains, and link these shorter drops to your earrings.

Details

Purchase a Kit

Only $30.95 US

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Knotting Silk with Ginny

Having a background in other crafts is one thing that Beads Amore employees have in common with many of our customers. Formerly, I worked professionally in several local stained glass studios and did freelance work from home. When I became a mother, the safety issues and the intense concentration needed made the work less enjoyable. When a long interval had passed without making any art glass projects, I decided to make some simple ornaments using bevels and jewels embellished with glass beads. Since I also crochet, I stopped at Beads Amore on 82nd Street the first time to look at beads, and to inquire about a class on crocheting with beads. The store was beautiful, and I really liked that the beads were displayed on tables instead of hung in packages. I could shop without the discomfort of having to bend over to look at things at ankle level. I could get just one bead if that was all I needed. One day Sue, the owner, waited on me, and I asked if they needed any help. It was my lucky day, and soon I will have my three- year anniversary.

We have great customers, and it is so much fun to show a beginner simple techniques that allow them to make a necklace, bracelet or earrings that look professional on their first attempt. Our customers don’t have to find time for a class or buy tools to get started since they can drop in at any time and work in our store with our assistance on beginning techniques. Videos demonstrating beginning techniques appear in the projects on our Beads Amore website, http://www.beadsamore.com/ This allows you to refresh what you learned in the beginning bead class or in the shop at any time. As you learn what types of beads you like and what styles of jewelry you want to make, we do have lots of classes available.

After I began working at Beads Amore, a friend who is a jeweler suggested that I learn to knot silk, since there are very few people left who work with silk. Since none of my wildly talented coworkers were using much silk, this was a niche I could fill. I traveled to New York City, and became certified by the Gemological Institute of America in pearl restringing. Restringing pearls is really rather tedious, so I developed classes using silk that are more fun. One is basic silk knotting . The other is knotting pearls and crystals. Both classes include the use of bead tips and clamshells and single and double strand silk and nylon threads. Like all Beads Amore classes, you will have fun, and a completed project to take home when you leave.
Ginny

Wire Working with Natalie

This is my first post on our new Beads Amore Blog, so I decided to tell you a little bit about me! I have been working here at Beads Amore for over 2 years and I love it. Before I came to work here, I started out shopping at both of our stores because I found that the selection was second to none. I then decided, “Hey, this is a place I can really see myself working and growing as a designer.” The rest is history. I love to teach classes and meet new people here. Sometimes I think we may have too much fun during our classes! Though, I also think that anytime you can work in an environment that really lets you be who you are, then everyone around you can feel that you are enjoying what you are doing and that allows them to have fun, too.

I have been making some kind of jewelry since I was in elementary school. (Even if it was just the little woven friendship bracelets.) I was the “go-to” gal if you needed one. :-) Though I so loved making those little woven bracelets, my friends get much nicer friendship bracelets now, to say the least. I have found in jewelry making and design that even though there are so many aspects that you can really get into, people tend to find what works the best for them, whether it be basic stringing or something far more advanced like metalsmithing. My dad always called me a “Jane-of-all-trades” because I always want to know a little bit about everything. And though I have tried many facets (pardon the pun) of jewelry making, my FAVORITE is wire working. We offer quite a few classes here in wire working.

If you are intrigued by working with wire, but feel a little intimidated, start out with our Wire Primer class. In the wire primer we teach you how to essentially make a beaded chain by making loops and coils with wire and beads in between. This is a very versatile technique that can be used in making bracelets, necklaces, earrings, anklets, and even rosaries. We offer this class twice a month at each of our two stores. Here are some examples of this technique. Wire Working Primer.
If you want to take wire working a step beyond the basics, we offer many other classes. Two of my favorite classes to teach are: Mounting Cabochons with tools and Mounting Cabochons Freehand . I like both of these classes because it allows you to really put yourself into the piece. Even if everyone in the class started out with the same wire and the same stone to wrap, each piece would turn out differently, which is really cool! With a little practice you can wrap just about anything from rocks or shells, to marbles, to pieces of broken pottery. You can even wrap fossils or sea glass. We get a lot of people that come in with rocks or shells that they have found on vacation. It’s a great way to make an unexpected showpiece out of a memory. We try to offer these classes fairly often and we are more than happy to schedule one to fit it into your busy schedule. Please check out our class listings here: Beading, Wire Working, Bead Stringing Classes. If you are unable to find the class at the time you need, click on the box at the top of that page to see a full listing of classes that we offer. If you give us a time that works for you, we will try to set something up.

Thanks for checking us out. I hope to see you in one of my classes soon!

Natalie

Beads Amore Bead Store

We have established this blog to give our employees and customers a place to post information about beading, learn new skills and help us become the best bead store in the world. Please visit often and help us help you become better beader.

A New Adventure - Wearable Art Galleria

We have started a new project that was designed to be a win win for our designer customers and our gift buyer customers. It is called Wearable Art Galleria. It is an area of our store and a website that is dedicated to a new artist every month. The artist can display up to 60 of his creations for one month in the store and twelve month on the website. The artist will also be assisted in learning how to market his creations. Please visit our new venture and check out a new artist evey month.