Oriana Fallaci

Oriana Fallaci

Ho sempre avuto lossessione della dignit e pensato che la cosa pi importante fosse vivere con dignit, ora so che c una cosa ancora pi difficile, ancora pi importante che aver vissuto con dignit: morire con dignit. E questa , questa sar, la vera prova del fuoco. citato nel documentario di Enrico Mentana Oriana Fallaci: storia di unitaliana, visibile su YouTube minuto 6:10Per tenersi a galla, oggi bisogna stare a Sinistra. E non solo perch merita economicamente e politicamente, perch ti assicura limpiego e ti garantisce il potere, ma perch di moda. Sissignori, una moda ormai stare a Sinistra. Una moda come portare le gonne lunghe o le gonne corte, andare a Cortina oppure no. un conformismo, una convenzione. Soprattutto per i banchieri e i magnati e i presunti intellettuali che frequentano posti come il Tepidarium. Per i giornalisti e le giornaliste e i direttori di giornali che facendo i filoislamici e gli antiamericani intascano stipendi da capogiro. Per gli stilisti che vendendo cenci da cinquantamila euro al pezzo si comprano storici palazzi e piani interi da Bloomingdales. Per la Confindustria che fa lingua in bocca con la Cgil, insomma per quella che in America si chiama the Caviar Left. La Sinistra al Caviale. Mah! Io non ci capisco pinulla. Quando ero bambina, i comunisti volevano che i ricchi si vergognassero dessere ricchi. Sostenevano che la propriet un furto. Ora, se non sei ricco, ti sputano addosso. E spesso sono pi ricchi dei ricchi di allora. Adorano il lusso e dicono di volersi battere per il superfluo.1Riguardo Dario Fo e Franca Rame A parte il disprezzo, intende dire? Una specie di pena. Perch vera un che di penoso in quei due vecchi che per piacere ai giovani radunati in piazza si sgolavano e si sbracciavano sul palcoscenico montato dinanzi a Santa Croce, quindi dinanzi al porticato che un tempo immetteva al Sacrario dei Caduti Fascisti. In loro non vedevo dignit, ecco. A un certo punto lamico che con me li guardava alla tv ha sussurrato: Ma lo sai che lui militava nella Repubblica di Sal?. Non lo sapevo, no. Come essere umano non mi ha mai interessato. Come giullare, non m mai piaciuto. Come autore lho sempre bocciato, e la sua biografia non mi ha mai incuriosito. Cos sono rimasta sorpresa, io che parlo sempre di fascisti rossi e di fascisti neri. Io che non mi sorprendo mai di nulla e non batto ciglio se vengo a sapere che prima dessere un fascista rosso uno stato un fascista nero, prima dessere un fascista nero uno stato un fascista rosso. E mentre lo fissavo sorpresa ho rivisto mio padre che nel 1944 venne torturato proprio da quelli della Repubblica di Sal. M calata una nebbia sugli occhi e mi sono chiesta come avrebbe reagito mio padre a vedere sua figlia oltraggiata e calunniata in pubblico da uno che era appartenuto alla Repubblica di Sal. Da un camerata di quelli che lo avevano fracassato di botte, bruciacchiato con le scariche elettriche e le sigarette, reso quasi completamente sdentato. Irriconoscibile. Talmente irriconoscibile che, quando ci fu permesso di vederlo e andammo a visitarlo nel carcere di via Ghibellina, credetti che si trattasse duno sconosciuto. Confusa rimasi l a pensare chi questuomo, chi questuomo e lui mormor tutto avvilito: Oriana, non mi saluti nemmeno?. Lho rivisto in quelle condizioni, s e mi son detta: Povero babbo. Meno male che non li ascolti, non soffri. Meno male che sei morto. Oriana Fallaci risponde, visibile su 1Ho raggiunto ci che i dottori chiamano la Fine della Strada, e non durer a lungo. Ma sapere che voi fate quello che fate, pensare che voi sarete qui quando io non ci sar pi, mi aiuta parecchio a esercitare quel dovere contro il nemico. A non dargli pace finch avr un filo di fiato. dal discorso in occasione della consegna dellAnnie Taylor Award, 28 novembre 2005; in Il Foglio, 3 dicembre 2005Il fatto che loro fanno sempre cos. quasi un secolo che fanno cos. Che seguono il modello o, se preferisce, il metodo bolscevico anzi stalinista. Perch sa su che cosa si basa il metodo bolscevico anzi stalinista? Nel perseguitare lavversario attraverso la calunnia e loltraggio e la menzogna. Nel diffamarlo, offenderlo, ridicolizzarlo, demonizzarlo. Nellattribuirgli cose che non ha fatto, cose che non ha detto. Cose che non ha scritto. Infine, nel mandarlo in un gulag o buttarlo dinanzi a un plotone desecuzione. da Panorama, 15 agosto 2006, Oriana Fallaci rispondeIn America, oggi, il rischio della dittatura non viene dal potere esecutivo: viene dal potere giudiziario. E nel resto dellOccidente, lo stesso. Pensi allItalia, dove, come ha capito la Sinistra che se ne serve senza pudore, lo strapotere dei magistrati ha raggiunto vette inaccettabili. Impuniti ed impunibili, sono i magistrati che oggi comandano. Manipolando la Legge con interpretazioni di parte cio dettate dalla loro militanza politica e dalle loro antipatie personali, approfittandosi della loro immeritata autorit e quindi comportandosi da padroni. dallintervista di Christian Rocca: Barbabl e il mondo nuovo. La furia di Oriana Fallaci contro chi ha ucciso la bella addormentata, Il Foglio, 13 aprile 200523Io credo che fin dal momento in cui lo spermatozoo feconda lovulo e la cellula primaria diventa due cellule poi quattro poi otto poi sedici insomma prende a moltiplicarsi, noi siamo ci che saremo. Cio esseri umani. da Noi Cannibali e i Figli di Medea, Corriere della sera, 3 giugno 2005Io i veli in testa non li porto. Neanche morta. Neanche per coprire i capelli lasciati dalla chemioterapia. da una lettera a Salvatore Fisichella, 16 agosto 20054Io non mi sono mai sentita tanto viva come dopo una battaglia dalla quale sono uscita viva e indenne. . dopo aver vinto quella sfida che ti senti cos vivo. Vivo quanto non ti senti nemmeno nei momenti pi ubriacanti di gioia o nei momenti pi travolgenti damore. da Accetto la morte ma la odio, a cura di Lucia Annunziata, La Stampa, 16 settembre 2006Io trovo vergognoso che tanti italiani e tanti europei abbiano scelto come vessillo il signor si fa cos per dire Arafat. Questa nullit che grazie ai soldi della Famiglia Reale Saudita fa il Mussolini ad perpetuum e che nella sua megalomania credi di passare alla Storia come il George Washington della Palestina. Questo sgrammaticato che quando lo intervisti non riesce nemmeno a compilare una frase completa, un discorso articolato. Sicch per ricomporre il tutto, scriverlo, pubblicarlo, duri una fatica tremenda e concludi che paragonato a lui perfino Gheddafi diventa Leonardo da Vinci. Questo falso guerriero che va sempre in uniforme come Pinochet, mai che indossi un abito civile, e che tuttavia non ha mai partecipato ad una battaglia. La guerra la fa fare, lha sempre fatta fare, agli altri. Cio ai poveracci che credono in lui. Questo pomposo incapace che recitando la parte del Capo di Stato ha fatto fallire i negoziati di Camp David, la mediazione di Clinton. No no Gerusalemme la voglio tutta per me, Questo eterno bugiardo che ha uno sprazzo di sincerit soltanto quando en priv nega a Israele il diritto di esistere, e che come dico nel mio libro si smentisce ogni cinque secondi. Fa sempre il doppio gioco, mente perfino se gli chiedi che ora , sicch di lui non puoi fidarti mai. Mai! Da lui finisci sistematicamente tradito. Questo eterno terrorista che sa fare solo il terrorista stando al sicuro e che negli Anni Settanta cio quando lo intervistai addestrava pure i terroristi della Baader Meinhof. Con loro, i bambini di dieci anni. Poveri bambini. Ora li addestra per farne kamikaze. Cento baby kamikaze sono in cantiere: cento!. Questa banderuola che la moglie la tiene a Parigi, servita e riverita come una regina, e che il suo popolo lo tiene nella merda. Dalla merda lo toglie soltanto per mandarlo a morire, a uccidere e a morire, come le diciottenni che per meritarsi luguaglianza con gli uomini devono imbottirsi desplosivo e disintegrarsi con le loro vittime. Eppure tanti italiani lo amano, s. Proprio come amavano Mussolini. Tanti altri europei, lo stesso. da Sullantisemitismo, Panorama, 18 aprile 2002La violenza che nutrendosi di cinismo va in cerca del morto da santificare, che per trovarlo scaglia pietre o estintori contro il carabiniere terrorizzato. La violenza che nutrendosi di cretineria imbratta le facciate degli antichi palazzi, frantuma le vetrine, saccheggia i Mac Donald, brucia le automobili. Che occupa le case e le banche e le fabbriche, che distrugge i giornali e le sedi degli avversari. Che non avendo studiato la storia loro non lo sanno ripete gli sconci cari ai fascisti di Mussolini e ai nazisti di Hitler. Panorama 6 novembre 2002Monsignore Salvatore Fisichella, Lei mi ha commosso. Naturalmente sapevo bene chi fosse il Rettore della Lateranense, il vescovo che ragiona al di l degli schemi e senza curarsi dei Politically Correct. Ma a leggere la Sua intervista al Corriere ho rischiato davvero la lacrimina. Io che non piango mai. E mi sono sentita meno sola come quando leggo uno scrittore che si chiama Joseph Ratzinger. . Infatti quando venne eletto Papa feci s capriole di gioia ma nel medesimo tempo pensai: Oddio. Ora non potr pi vederlo. E con un sospirone avvilito mi rassegnai. da una lettera a Salvatore Fisichella, giugno 20054Lo scorso agosto venni ricevuta in udienza privata da Ratzinger, insomma da Papa Benedetto XVI. Un Papa che ama il mio lavoro da quando lesse Lettera a un bambino mai nato e che io rispetto profondamente da quando leggo i suoi intelligentissimi libri. Un Papa, inoltre, col quale mi trovo daccordo in parecchi casi. Per esempio, quando scrive che lOccidente ha maturato una sorta di odio contro s stesso. Che non ama pi s stesso, che ha perso la sua spiritualit e rischia di perdere anche la sua identit. Esattamente ci che scrivo io quando scrivo che lOccidente malato di un cancro morale e intellettuale. Non a caso ripeto spesso: Se un Papa e unatea dicono la stessa cosa, in quella cosa devesserci qualcosa di tremendamente vero. Nuova parentesi. Sono unatea, s. Unatea cristiana, come sempre chiarisco, ma unatea. E Papa Ratzinger lo sa molto bene. Ne La Forza della Ragione uso un intero capitolo per spiegare lapparente paradosso di tale autodefinizione. Ma sapete che cosa dice lui agli atei come me? Dice: Ok. Lok mio, ovvio. Allora Veluti si Deus daretur. Comportatevi come se Dio esistesse. Parole da cui si deduce che nella comunit religiosa vi sono persone pi aperte e pi intelligenti che in quella laica alla quale appartengo. . E cos ci incontrammo, io e questo gentiluomo intelligente. Senza cerimonie, senza formalit, tutti soli nel suo studio di Castel Gandolfo conversammo e lincontro non professionale doveva restare segreto. Nella mia ossessione per la privacy, avevo chiesto che cos fosse. Ma la voce si diffuse ugualmente. Come una bomba nucleare piomb sulla stampa italianadal discorso in occasione della consegna dellAnnie Taylor Award, 28 novembre 2005; in Il Foglio, 3 dicembre 2005Riferito a Benedetto XVI Si trova nella situazione pi difficile che possa intrappolare un leader del nostro tempo. Difficile da un punto di vista teologico e filosofico. Difficile da un punto di vista politico e umano. . Eppure io ho fiducia in lui. Sa, nel mio caso non si tratta di mischiare il diavolo con lacqua santa: si tratta di esercitare la razionalit da lintervista concessa da Oriana Fallaci a Padre Andrzej Majewski, caporedattore della televisione pubblica polacca ; in Libero, 14 agosto 2005Negli Stati Uniti la libert di protestare cos diffusa che, come un boomerang, essa si rivolge contro la libert stessa. In altre parole, tutti hanno talmente diritto di offendersi in nome della libert che la stessa libert di critica ne risulta compromessa. da Con la censura stiamo peggio noi, LEuropeo, 27 ottobre 1957, ripubblicato in I sette peccati di Hollywood. non la penso come coloro i quali affermano che un feto e a maggior ragione un embrione non ancora un essere umano. Secondo me, noi siamo ci che saremo fin dallistante in cui si accende quella goccia di vita. E lidea di abortire non mi ha mai sfiorato il cervello. Anzi, mi ha sempre inorridito . Lidea che in America si conservino trecentomila embrioni umani congelati e che almeno centomila se ne conservino in Europa, almeno trentamila in Italia, Dio sa quanti in Cina e negli altri paesi senza controllo, mi inorridisce quanto lidea di aborto. Mi strazia quanto lesecuzione di Terri Schiavo e concludo: non me ne importa nulla che manipolare cio assassinare quegli embrioni serva a guarire malattie come la sclerosi amiotrofica di Stephen Hawking. Non me ne importerebbe nemmeno se servisse a curare il mio cancro, a regalarmi il tempo di cui ho bisogno per finire il lavoro che rischio di lasciare incompiuto. E leutanasia? Idem. La parola eutanasia per me una parolaccia. Una bestemmia nonch una bestialit . il Testamento biologico una buffonata. dallintervista di Christian Rocca: Barbabl e il mondo nuovo. La furia di Oriana Fallaci contro chi ha ucciso la bella addormentata, Il Foglio, 13 aprile 20052Ogni persona libera, ogni giornalista libero, deve essere pronto a riconoscere la verit ovunque essa sia. E se non lo fa , nellordine: un imbecille, un disonesto, un fanatico. Il fanatismo il primo nemico della libert di pensiero. E a questo credo io mi piegher sempre, per questo credo io pagher sempre: ignorando orgogliosamente chi non capisce o chi per i suoi interessi e le sue ideologie finge di non capire. Hanno la fede e la passione. Nel male, in negativo, ma lhanno. Noi non labbiamo pi, labbiamo persa, la nostra forma di societ ha inaridito lanimo, ha inaridito il cuore della gente. Perfino nei rapporti amorosi c meno passione. In quanto alla fede, nel nostro mondo una parola quasi sconosciuta. Loro sono pi stupidi di noi ma sono profondamente appassionati, dunque pi vitali. Perfino la guerra, che un atto di passione passione in negativo, la ferocia, il sangue , diventata sterile, pulita. Questa mancanza di passione si riflette nella nostra vita quotidiana perch, al posto della passione, abbiamo il benessere, la comodit, il raziocinio. Tutto quello che siamo frutto di raziocinio, non di passione. da Accetto la morte ma la odioSai, mi dispiace molto morire. Infatti me ne vado con molti dispiaceri, ma il dispiacere pi grosso averti trovato cos tardi e aver passato cos poco, troppo poco tempo con te. Non so nemmeno chi eri, comeri. Di te so soltanto chi sei oggi, una persona nella quale mi riconosco completamente, sebbene io sia completamente diversa da te. da una lettera a Salvatore Fisichella, maggio 20064Una religione che si identifica con la politica, col governare. Che non concede una scheggia dunghia al libero pensiero, alla libera scelta. Che vuole sostituire la democrazia con la madre di tutti i totalitarismo: la teocrazia. Come ho scritto nel saggio Il nemico che trattiamo da amico, il Corano non mia zia Carolina che ci chiama cani infedeli cio esseri inferiori poi dice che i cani infedeli puzzano come le scimmie e i cammelli e i maiali. il Corano non mia zia Carolina che umilia le donne e predica la Guerra Santa, la Jihad. Leggetelo bene, quel Mein Kampf, E qualunque sia la versione ne ricaverete le stesse conclusioni: tutto il male che i figli di Allah compiono contro di noi e contro s stessi viene da quel libro. scritto in quel libro. E se dire questo significa vilipendere lIslam, Signor Giudice del mio Prossimo Processo, si accomodi pure. Mi condanni pure ad anni di prigione. In prigione continuer a dire ci che dico ora. E continuer a ripetere: Sveglia, Occidente, sveglia! Ci hanno dichiarato la guerra, siamo in guerra! E alla guerra bisogna combattere. dal discorso in occasione della consegna dellAnnie Taylor Award, 28 novembre 2005; in Il Foglio, 3 dicembre 2005Caro Totti, capisco le necessit professionali, ma io non avrei chiesto scusa a nessuno. Erano tre ore che quel danese la prendeva a gomitate, pedate, stincate. Pur non essendo una tifosa di calcio, guardavo ed ho visto tutto. Con sdegno. Unico dissenso: io avrei tirato un cazzotto nei denti e una ginocchiata non le dico dove. Stia bene, dunque, non si rimproveri ed abbia le pi vive congratulazioni di Oriana Fallaci.56 da Lo sdegno e il cazzotto di Oriana Fallaci, La Gazzetta dello Sport, sabato 19 giugno 2004La rabbia e lorgoglio, Corriere della sera, 29 settembre 2001E questItalia, unItalia che c anche se viene zittita o irrisa o insultata, guai a chi me la tocca. Guai a chi me la ruba, guai a chi me la invade. Perch, che a invaderla siano i francesi di Napoleone o gli austriaci di Francesco Giuseppe o i tedeschi di Hitler o i compari di Usama Bin Laden, per me lo stesso. Che per invaderla usino i cannoni o i gommoni, idem.Quello che avevo da dire lho detto. La rabbia e lorgoglio me lhanno ordinato. La coscienza pulita e let me lhanno consentito. Ma ora devo rimettermi a lavorare, non voglio essere disturbata. Punto e basta.Sono molto molto, molto arrabbiata. Arrabbiata duna rabbia fredda, lucida, razionale. Una rabbia che elimina ogni distacco, ogni indulgenza.REMEMBER, Corriere della sera, 11 settembre 2002Ero a casa, la mia casa nel centro di Manhattan, e verso le 9 ho avuto la sensazione dun pericolo che forse non mi avrebbe toccato ma che certo mi riguardava. Sai, la sensazione che si prova alla guerra, anzi in combattimento, quando con ogni poro della pelle senti la pallottola o il razzo che arriva, e tendi le orecchie e gridi a chi ti sta accanto: Down! Get down! Gi! Buttati gi. Lho respinta. Non ero mica in Vietnam, mi son detta. Non ero mica in una delle tante e fottutissime guerre che sin dalla Seconda Guerra Mondiale hanno seviziato la mia vita! Ero a New York, perbacco, in un meraviglioso mattino di settembre. L11 settembre 2001.Dalle guerre mi ritenevo vaccinata, e in sostanza lo sono. Niente mi sorprende pi. Neanche quando mi arrabbio, neanche quando mi sdegno. Per alle guerre io ho sempre visto la gente che muore ammazzata. Non lho mai vista la gente che muore ammazzandosi, buttandosi senza paracadute dalle finestre dun ottantesimo o novantesimo o centesimo piano. Hanno continuato a buttarsi finch, una verso le dieci, una verso le dieci e mezzo, le Torri sono crollate e. Sai, con la gente che muore ammazzata, alle guerre io ho sempre visto roba che scoppia. Che crolla perch scoppia, perch esplode a ventaglio. Le due Torri, invece, non sono crollate per questo. La prima crollata perch implosa, ha inghiottito s stessa. La seconda perch s fusa, s sciolta proprio come se fosse stata un panetto di burro. E tutto avvenuto, o m parso, in un silenzio di tomba. Possibile?

How to Do pearl knotting for beginner jewelry makers

How to Do pearl knotting for beginner jewelry makers<br /><br />Are you a big jewelry fanatic whos looking to venture into making some jewelry of your own? Well, this video is the perfect place to start off making professional quality jewelry off the bat.<br /><br />Using a beginner technique called pearl knotting, youll learn how to string together a long loop of pearls to create necklaces and bracelets. Watch this video to learn what supplies you need and how to do pearl knotting.<br /><br />Please enable JavaScript to watch this video.<br /><br />Please enable JavaScript to watch this video.<br /><br />This video tutorial is in the Arts Crafts category where you will learn how to knot pearl beads from Brenda. Pearl knotting is making a simple knot between each pearl on a strand. They not only give a professional look, they also keep the pearls in place and prevent them from rubbing against each other. After you have strung the clamp to the end of the string, tie a double over head knot and string your first pearl. Make a simple knot on the string behind the pearl. Grab the string with a tweezers just behind the pearl. Tighten the knot sliding it up to and against the pearl. String the next.<br /><br />The basics of Wire jewelry making are extremely easy to learn, and it easy to get started quickly making your own earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, but excelling into harder wraps and loops is something only seasoned jewelry makers can do.<br /><br />Watch this video for your introductory course into the complex field of wire wrapping. You learn what materials you need as well as how to make you first wire wrapped piece of jewelry!<br /><br />Part 1 of 2 How to Make wire wrapping jewelry for beginners.<br /><br />Part 2 of 2 How to Make wire wrapping jewelry for beginners.<br /><br />Learning how to wire wrap jewelry is one of the most important skills you need to learn on your way to achieving jewelry making enlightenment. Wrapping with wire, whether it attaching a stone to a pendant with an intricate, flowery wrap or adding a head pin to a crystal, allows you to attach adornments to your necklace or earring, something you be doing over and over again as a jewelry maker.<br /><br />So watch this video for a beginner guide on how to wire wrap beads, stones, briolettes and crystals using wire and head pins. These are basic methods that will garner you beautiful results.

How To Make a Beaded Daisy Necklace or Bracelet

How To Make a Beaded Daisy Necklace or Bracelet<br /><br />Are beads and flowers your thing? How about a unique token that is simple and easy to do? Its the ideal gift for a little girls bracelet or a necklace for that free spirited, quirky girlfriend. Daisy chains are a classic and can be passed on generation to generation. This unique flower design imbibes a youthful aura to any wearer and in such cases ideal to match with that perfect white summer dress.<br /><br />Gather your materials. Buy the following at your local bead shop: seed beads in green, color choice of your petals and yellow for the center of your daisy preferably all in size eleven for this project, beading thread the sturdier and thicker sized one, needle, a pair of flat nose pliers and clasp. To know better the specific size of bead, thread and needle to use, you may consult with the bead shop person who will guide you to the appropriate materials to acquire.<br /><br />Beginners note. It is suggested you work on a flat surface with appropriate lighting. A flat table, with a towel on top or a bead tray is advisable to prevent beads from rolling away. The more comfortable the area you are going to do the project, the less strenuous the task will be. Beginners should remember this since working on beads can be time consuming if not done with proper body dynamics. Pick a chair that can let you stretch out and let you place your legs in a sitting position. Now youre all set. Daisy chains can be addictive so watch the time pass by quickly!<br /><br />Thread on a stop bead. A stop bead is made by going through the bead with your thread, wrapping it around the bead and going back up through it again. This serves as anchor to start your design. It is suggested that you use translucent thread for this. Make sure to secure the stop bead to avoid redoing the whole bracelet or having loose daisies.<br /><br />Pick up three petal colored seed beads of your choice and an additional one yellow bead. Thread through these in said order. Now, gingerly thread through the top part of the first bead and thread two more petal colored seed beads. Seal this daisy flower closed by threading through the third petal colored bead started with from bottom to top. One daisy and more to go!<br /><br />One daisy is not enough. The results are quick and now starting all over is just as easy. Remember the last two beads from the previous daisy will now count as the first two petals to make a continuous chain. Add one more to make a third petal bead. Proceed then with adding the yellow seed bead, which serves as the center of the daisy. Repeat the same process. You can mix and match the color of your petals and center of each daisy. The classic colors are white, yellow and green. But if you are raring for a funkier design, your choice of hues can reflect across the color wheel.<br /><br />Make the finishing touches. When youre done to the length you want, remove the stop beads and replace with clasps suggested by your bead shop person. Crimp with a pair of your flat nose pliers. If you must, place it on the neck of the wearer or around the wrist to make sure that the measurement is appropriate in length and not too constricting.<br /><br />Voila! This project is now done and with only several minutes. It does take practice at the start but the finished product is well worth it. The daisy chain is a repetitive process that it is almost Zen like. No wonder some are hooked in making this kind of beadwork. A cute flower design can be sewn on any fabric, glued on to a headband, or serve as fringe on your favorite doily. The possibilities are endless. A daisy they say can brighten any sour day. How about giving it a try with a chain out of these?

How To Make a Beaded Daisy Necklace or Bracelet

How To Make a Beaded Daisy Necklace or Bracelet<br /><br />Are beads and flowers your thing? How about a unique token that is simple and easy to do? Its the ideal gift for a little girls bracelet or a necklace for that free spirited, quirky girlfriend. Daisy chains are a classic and can be passed on generation to generation. This unique flower design imbibes a youthful aura to any wearer and in such cases ideal to match with that perfect white summer dress.<br /><br />Gather your materials. Buy the following at your local bead shop: seed beads in green, color choice of your petals and yellow for the center of your daisy preferably all in size eleven for this project, beading thread the sturdier and thicker sized one, needle, a pair of flat nose pliers and clasp. To know better the specific size of bead, thread and needle to use, you may consult with the bead shop person who will guide you to the appropriate materials to acquire.<br /><br />Beginners note. It is suggested you work on a flat surface with appropriate lighting. A flat table, with a towel on top or a bead tray is advisable to prevent beads from rolling away. The more comfortable the area you are going to do the project, the less strenuous the task will be. Beginners should remember this since working on beads can be time consuming if not done with proper body dynamics. Pick a chair that can let you stretch out and let you place your legs in a sitting position. Now youre all set. Daisy chains can be addictive so watch the time pass by quickly!<br /><br />Thread on a stop bead. A stop bead is made by going through the bead with your thread, wrapping it around the bead and going back up through it again. This serves as anchor to start your design. It is suggested that you use translucent thread for this. Make sure to secure the stop bead to avoid redoing the whole bracelet or having loose daisies.<br /><br />Pick up three petal colored seed beads of your choice and an additional one yellow bead. Thread through these in said order. Now, gingerly thread through the top part of the first bead and thread two more petal colored seed beads. Seal this daisy flower closed by threading through the third petal colored bead started with from bottom to top. One daisy and more to go!<br /><br />One daisy is not enough. The results are quick and now starting all over is just as easy. Remember the last two beads from the previous daisy will now count as the first two petals to make a continuous chain. Add one more to make a third petal bead. Proceed then with adding the yellow seed bead, which serves as the center of the daisy. Repeat the same process. You can mix and match the color of your petals and center of each daisy. The classic colors are white, yellow and green. But if you are raring for a funkier design, your choice of hues can reflect across the color wheel.<br /><br />Make the finishing touches. When youre done to the length you want, remove the stop beads and replace with clasps suggested by your bead shop person. Crimp with a pair of your flat nose pliers. If you must, place it on the neck of the wearer or around the wrist to make sure that the measurement is appropriate in length and not too constricting.<br /><br />Voila! This project is now done and with only several minutes. It does take practice at the start but the finished product is well worth it. The daisy chain is a repetitive process that it is almost Zen like. No wonder some are hooked in making this kind of beadwork. A cute flower design can be sewn on any fabric, glued on to a headband, or serve as fringe on your favorite doily. The possibilities are endless. A daisy they say can brighten any sour day. How about giving it a try with a chain out of these?

How to Care for Vintage Jewelry

How to Care for Vintage Jewelry<br /><br />Like any other 5 year old, I loved playing dress up. Sometimes it was to mimic some beloved character or persona, but mostly it was just to get dolled up for a tea party. In fact, some of my fondest memories of this favorite pastime involve trying on my grandmother jewelry. Hey, I a Southerner and it just isn a tea party until you wearing pearls. The many boxes that sat atop my grammy dresser were an incredible treasure trove that brought peals of giddy laughter from me and my sisters. Being the good sport that she was, grammy would let us dig in with abandon nothing was off limits. A little something from Tiffany might sit cozily around my neck beside a Bakelite bib necklace and a dangly pair of Napier clip on faux pearl earrings. And as any 5 year old will tell you, the more, the better. Baracus happy. Then with a brooch or four and a fancy pair of we were all set.<br /><br />Fast forward a few decades and many of you with similar memories probably find yourselves now the keepers of those precious treasures. Whether you want to wear any of the items or simply share them with your own little ones for their pre tea glamboree, you need to know how to take care of these vintage heirlooms. Doing this pretty much boils down to two things storage and cleaning.<br /><br />First and foremost, assess the storage situation. If you got everything in a jumble inside one big jewelry box, it time to do some sorting and separating. Go through and pick out any precious metal and precious and semi precious gemstone pieces. Next, gather any hand strung necklaces or bracelets; depending on their age, the integrity of the stringing material could be compromised. If everything seems OK, store these pieces flat because hanging them can cause them to stretch over time, especially if the stringing material is silk. If the stringing material does seem brittle or stretched, you can have a professional jeweler restring the pieces for you. And speaking of professional jewelers if you planning to integrate any of the higher quality pieces you identified into your accessory wardrobe, it a good idea to take them to a jeweler to be inspected. There, you can have the jeweler check the clasps, links and settings to see if anything needs to be fixed or replaced. It better to do this now than to risk losing a treasured keepsake. And while you there, get the pieces cleaned. When you bring everything back home, store the pieces in individual, sealable cloth bags or in fabric lined jewelry boxes with multiple compartments, so that the pieces can be stored without scratching each other.<br /><br />Not everything you find will be made of precious or semi precious materials but that doesn mean it not valuable. Lots of vintage costume jewelry is considered collectible. But most importantly, it likely holds sentimental value. No matter what its actual value, you going to want to take care of it just as well as the more costly items. Like those, you should try to separate the costume pieces so they don scratch or damage each other. Check clasps, links and settings to see if anything needs to be repaired or refurbished. You also want to check for verdigris. If you don know what that is, consider yourself lucky. If you do, then you know you don want to find it on your jewelry. If you ever seen a metal sculpture partially covered in a bluish green, matte finish almost powdery patina, then you know what to look for. Except, on your jewelry, it won seem as interesting and you be inspired to refer to it as gunk. The biggest culprit of verdigris is moisture hence the importance of good storage.<br /><br />Once you have the storage situation all sorted, you can start to get a handle on cleaning. Unfortunately, there isn an across the board method that you can use for everything. For the precious metals, precious gems and semi precious gems silver, gold, platinum, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, amethysts garnets, etc., you have the option of having a pro do it or you can do it yourself using jewelry cleaner or a specially treated polishing cloth. If you go the do it yourself route, just be sure to use the right cleaner on the right item and pay close attention to the label some cleaners are OK for certain metals, but not OK for certain gemstones. And for particularly delicate or porous stones like opals, pearls and turquoise, you want to just stick to polishing with a super soft, clean cloth. And for costume jewelry, it easier to just go over what not to do.<br /><br />For a piece of costume jewelry, especially anything with rhinestones the foil backing is delicate and easily damaged, you want to avoid highly acidic and abrasive cleansers and you definitely do not want to soak or submerge it in anything not even plain water. Usually, it best just to use a soft, clean cloth old, worn t shirts work great or a super soft, new child toothbrush don use an old one because it could still have toothpaste remnants on it, which can be abrasive to gently wipe or brush away dust and debris the dry brush method can be used on verdigris, too. If you do try to use some sort of liquid, use it sparingly and never place it directly on the costume jewelry. Instead, mist a cotton swab, cloth or toothbrush with the liquid and then use it to clean the item surface.<br /><br />And one final note if you are going to wear any of these pieces, be careful about when you put them on and where you wear them. Wait until you finished fixing your hair to put on those earrings or that necklace you don want to get hairspray or any other styling product, makeup or perfume on your jewelry. In fact, it probably best to just avoid wearing any perfume or lotion that could potentially come in contact with your jewelry. And as for where you wear the jewelry avoid moist settings. No matter how lovely those vintage earrings would look with your new swimsuit and sarong, leave them at home.

How to Care for Vintage Jewelry

How to Care for Vintage Jewelry<br /><br />Like any other 5 year old, I loved playing dress up. Sometimes it was to mimic some beloved character or persona, but mostly it was just to get dolled up for a tea party. In fact, some of my fondest memories of this favorite pastime involve trying on my grandmother jewelry. Hey, I a Southerner and it just isn a tea party until you wearing pearls. The many boxes that sat atop my grammy dresser were an incredible treasure trove that brought peals of giddy laughter from me and my sisters. Being the good sport that she was, grammy would let us dig in with abandon nothing was off limits. A little something from Tiffany might sit cozily around my neck beside a Bakelite bib necklace and a dangly pair of Napier clip on faux pearl earrings. And as any 5 year old will tell you, the more, the better. Baracus happy. Then with a brooch or four and a fancy pair of we were all set.<br /><br />Fast forward a few decades and many of you with similar memories probably find yourselves now the keepers of those precious treasures. Whether you want to wear any of the items or simply share them with your own little ones for their pre tea glamboree, you need to know how to take care of these vintage heirlooms. Doing this pretty much boils down to two things storage and cleaning.<br /><br />First and foremost, assess the storage situation. If you got everything in a jumble inside one big jewelry box, it time to do some sorting and separating. Go through and pick out any precious metal and precious and semi precious gemstone pieces. Next, gather any hand strung necklaces or bracelets; depending on their age, the integrity of the stringing material could be compromised. If everything seems OK, store these pieces flat because hanging them can cause them to stretch over time, especially if the stringing material is silk. If the stringing material does seem brittle or stretched, you can have a professional jeweler restring the pieces for you. And speaking of professional jewelers if you planning to integrate any of the higher quality pieces you identified into your accessory wardrobe, it a good idea to take them to a jeweler to be inspected. There, you can have the jeweler check the clasps, links and settings to see if anything needs to be fixed or replaced. It better to do this now than to risk losing a treasured keepsake. And while you there, get the pieces cleaned. When you bring everything back home, store the pieces in individual, sealable cloth bags or in fabric lined jewelry boxes with multiple compartments, so that the pieces can be stored without scratching each other.<br /><br />Not everything you find will be made of precious or semi precious materials but that doesn mean it not valuable. Lots of vintage costume jewelry is considered collectible. But most importantly, it likely holds sentimental value. No matter what its actual value, you going to want to take care of it just as well as the more costly items. Like those, you should try to separate the costume pieces so they don scratch or damage each other. Check clasps, links and settings to see if anything needs to be repaired or refurbished. You also want to check for verdigris. If you don know what that is, consider yourself lucky. If you do, then you know you don want to find it on your jewelry. If you ever seen a metal sculpture partially covered in a bluish green, matte finish almost powdery patina, then you know what to look for. Except, on your jewelry, it won seem as interesting and you be inspired to refer to it as gunk. The biggest culprit of verdigris is moisture hence the importance of good storage.<br /><br />Once you have the storage situation all sorted, you can start to get a handle on cleaning. Unfortunately, there isn an across the board method that you can use for everything. For the precious metals, precious gems and semi precious gems silver, gold, platinum, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, amethysts garnets, etc., you have the option of having a pro do it or you can do it yourself using jewelry cleaner or a specially treated polishing cloth. If you go the do it yourself route, just be sure to use the right cleaner on the right item and pay close attention to the label some cleaners are OK for certain metals, but not OK for certain gemstones. And for particularly delicate or porous stones like opals, pearls and turquoise, you want to just stick to polishing with a super soft, clean cloth. And for costume jewelry, it easier to just go over what not to do.<br /><br />For a piece of costume jewelry, especially anything with rhinestones the foil backing is delicate and easily damaged, you want to avoid highly acidic and abrasive cleansers and you definitely do not want to soak or submerge it in anything not even plain water. Usually, it best just to use a soft, clean cloth old, worn t shirts work great or a super soft, new child toothbrush don use an old one because it could still have toothpaste remnants on it, which can be abrasive to gently wipe or brush away dust and debris the dry brush method can be used on verdigris, too. If you do try to use some sort of liquid, use it sparingly and never place it directly on the costume jewelry. Instead, mist a cotton swab, cloth or toothbrush with the liquid and then use it to clean the item surface.<br /><br />And one final note if you are going to wear any of these pieces, be careful about when you put them on and where you wear them. Wait until you finished fixing your hair to put on those earrings or that necklace you don want to get hairspray or any other styling product, makeup or perfume on your jewelry. In fact, it probably best to just avoid wearing any perfume or lotion that could potentially come in contact with your jewelry. And as for where you wear the jewelry avoid moist settings. No matter how lovely those vintage earrings would look with your new swimsuit and sarong, leave them at home.

How to Care for Vintage Jewelry

How to Care for Vintage Jewelry<br /><br />Like any other 5 year old, I loved playing dress up. Sometimes it was to mimic some beloved character or persona, but mostly it was just to get dolled up for a tea party. In fact, some of my fondest memories of this favorite pastime involve trying on my grandmother jewelry. Hey, I a Southerner and it just isn a tea party until you wearing pearls. The many boxes that sat atop my grammy dresser were an incredible treasure trove that brought peals of giddy laughter from me and my sisters. Being the good sport that she was, grammy would let us dig in with abandon nothing was off limits. A little something from Tiffany might sit cozily around my neck beside a Bakelite bib necklace and a dangly pair of Napier clip on faux pearl earrings. And as any 5 year old will tell you, the more, the better. Baracus happy. Then with a brooch or four and a fancy pair of we were all set.<br /><br />Fast forward a few decades and many of you with similar memories probably find yourselves now the keepers of those precious treasures. Whether you want to wear any of the items or simply share them with your own little ones for their pre tea glamboree, you need to know how to take care of these vintage heirlooms. Doing this pretty much boils down to two things storage and cleaning.<br /><br />First and foremost, assess the storage situation. If you got everything in a jumble inside one big jewelry box, it time to do some sorting and separating. Go through and pick out any precious metal and precious and semi precious gemstone pieces. Next, gather any hand strung necklaces or bracelets; depending on their age, the integrity of the stringing material could be compromised. If everything seems OK, store these pieces flat because hanging them can cause them to stretch over time, especially if the stringing material is silk. If the stringing material does seem brittle or stretched, you can have a professional jeweler restring the pieces for you. And speaking of professional jewelers if you planning to integrate any of the higher quality pieces you identified into your accessory wardrobe, it a good idea to take them to a jeweler to be inspected. There, you can have the jeweler check the clasps, links and settings to see if anything needs to be fixed or replaced. It better to do this now than to risk losing a treasured keepsake. And while you there, get the pieces cleaned. When you bring everything back home, store the pieces in individual, sealable cloth bags or in fabric lined jewelry boxes with multiple compartments, so that the pieces can be stored without scratching each other.<br /><br />Not everything you find will be made of precious or semi precious materials but that doesn mean it not valuable. Lots of vintage costume jewelry is considered collectible. But most importantly, it likely holds sentimental value. No matter what its actual value, you going to want to take care of it just as well as the more costly items. Like those, you should try to separate the costume pieces so they don scratch or damage each other. Check clasps, links and settings to see if anything needs to be repaired or refurbished. You also want to check for verdigris. If you don know what that is, consider yourself lucky. If you do, then you know you don want to find it on your jewelry. If you ever seen a metal sculpture partially covered in a bluish green, matte finish almost powdery patina, then you know what to look for. Except, on your jewelry, it won seem as interesting and you be inspired to refer to it as gunk. The biggest culprit of verdigris is moisture hence the importance of good storage.<br /><br />Once you have the storage situation all sorted, you can start to get a handle on cleaning. Unfortunately, there isn an across the board method that you can use for everything. For the precious metals, precious gems and semi precious gems silver, gold, platinum, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, amethysts garnets, etc., you have the option of having a pro do it or you can do it yourself using jewelry cleaner or a specially treated polishing cloth. If you go the do it yourself route, just be sure to use the right cleaner on the right item and pay close attention to the label some cleaners are OK for certain metals, but not OK for certain gemstones. And for particularly delicate or porous stones like opals, pearls and turquoise, you want to just stick to polishing with a super soft, clean cloth. And for costume jewelry, it easier to just go over what not to do.<br /><br />For a piece of costume jewelry, especially anything with rhinestones the foil backing is delicate and easily damaged, you want to avoid highly acidic and abrasive cleansers and you definitely do not want to soak or submerge it in anything not even plain water. Usually, it best just to use a soft, clean cloth old, worn t shirts work great or a super soft, new child toothbrush don use an old one because it could still have toothpaste remnants on it, which can be abrasive to gently wipe or brush away dust and debris the dry brush method can be used on verdigris, too. If you do try to use some sort of liquid, use it sparingly and never place it directly on the costume jewelry. Instead, mist a cotton swab, cloth or toothbrush with the liquid and then use it to clean the item surface.<br /><br />And one final note if you are going to wear any of these pieces, be careful about when you put them on and where you wear them. Wait until you finished fixing your hair to put on those earrings or that necklace you don want to get hairspray or any other styling product, makeup or perfume on your jewelry. In fact, it probably best to just avoid wearing any perfume or lotion that could potentially come in contact with your jewelry. And as for where you wear the jewelry avoid moist settings. No matter how lovely those vintage earrings would look with your new swimsuit and sarong, leave them at home.

How to Care for Vintage Jewelry

How to Care for Vintage Jewelry<br /><br />Like any other 5 year old, I loved playing dress up. Sometimes it was to mimic some beloved character or persona, but mostly it was just to get dolled up for a tea party. In fact, some of my fondest memories of this favorite pastime involve trying on my grandmother jewelry. Hey, I a Southerner and it just isn a tea party until you wearing pearls. The many boxes that sat atop my grammy dresser were an incredible treasure trove that brought peals of giddy laughter from me and my sisters. Being the good sport that she was, grammy would let us dig in with abandon nothing was off limits. A little something from Tiffany might sit cozily around my neck beside a Bakelite bib necklace and a dangly pair of Napier clip on faux pearl earrings. And as any 5 year old will tell you, the more, the better. Baracus happy. Then with a brooch or four and a fancy pair of we were all set.<br /><br />Fast forward a few decades and many of you with similar memories probably find yourselves now the keepers of those precious treasures. Whether you want to wear any of the items or simply share them with your own little ones for their pre tea glamboree, you need to know how to take care of these vintage heirlooms. Doing this pretty much boils down to two things storage and cleaning.<br /><br />First and foremost, assess the storage situation. If you got everything in a jumble inside one big jewelry box, it time to do some sorting and separating. Go through and pick out any precious metal and precious and semi precious gemstone pieces. Next, gather any hand strung necklaces or bracelets; depending on their age, the integrity of the stringing material could be compromised. If everything seems OK, store these pieces flat because hanging them can cause them to stretch over time, especially if the stringing material is silk. If the stringing material does seem brittle or stretched, you can have a professional jeweler restring the pieces for you. And speaking of professional jewelers if you planning to integrate any of the higher quality pieces you identified into your accessory wardrobe, it a good idea to take them to a jeweler to be inspected. There, you can have the jeweler check the clasps, links and settings to see if anything needs to be fixed or replaced. It better to do this now than to risk losing a treasured keepsake. And while you there, get the pieces cleaned. When you bring everything back home, store the pieces in individual, sealable cloth bags or in fabric lined jewelry boxes with multiple compartments, so that the pieces can be stored without scratching each other.<br /><br />Not everything you find will be made of precious or semi precious materials but that doesn mean it not valuable. Lots of vintage costume jewelry is considered collectible. But most importantly, it likely holds sentimental value. No matter what its actual value, you going to want to take care of it just as well as the more costly items. Like those, you should try to separate the costume pieces so they don scratch or damage each other. Check clasps, links and settings to see if anything needs to be repaired or refurbished. You also want to check for verdigris. If you don know what that is, consider yourself lucky. If you do, then you know you don want to find it on your jewelry. If you ever seen a metal sculpture partially covered in a bluish green, matte finish almost powdery patina, then you know what to look for. Except, on your jewelry, it won seem as interesting and you be inspired to refer to it as gunk. The biggest culprit of verdigris is moisture hence the importance of good storage.<br /><br />Once you have the storage situation all sorted, you can start to get a handle on cleaning. Unfortunately, there isn an across the board method that you can use for everything. For the precious metals, precious gems and semi precious gems silver, gold, platinum, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, amethysts garnets, etc., you have the option of having a pro do it or you can do it yourself using jewelry cleaner or a specially treated polishing cloth. If you go the do it yourself route, just be sure to use the right cleaner on the right item and pay close attention to the label some cleaners are OK for certain metals, but not OK for certain gemstones. And for particularly delicate or porous stones like opals, pearls and turquoise, you want to just stick to polishing with a super soft, clean cloth. And for costume jewelry, it easier to just go over what not to do.<br /><br />For a piece of costume jewelry, especially anything with rhinestones the foil backing is delicate and easily damaged, you want to avoid highly acidic and abrasive cleansers and you definitely do not want to soak or submerge it in anything not even plain water. Usually, it best just to use a soft, clean cloth old, worn t shirts work great or a super soft, new child toothbrush don use an old one because it could still have toothpaste remnants on it, which can be abrasive to gently wipe or brush away dust and debris the dry brush method can be used on verdigris, too. If you do try to use some sort of liquid, use it sparingly and never place it directly on the costume jewelry. Instead, mist a cotton swab, cloth or toothbrush with the liquid and then use it to clean the item surface.<br /><br />And one final note if you are going to wear any of these pieces, be careful about when you put them on and where you wear them. Wait until you finished fixing your hair to put on those earrings or that necklace you don want to get hairspray or any other styling product, makeup or perfume on your jewelry. In fact, it probably best to just avoid wearing any perfume or lotion that could potentially come in contact with your jewelry. And as for where you wear the jewelry avoid moist settings. No matter how lovely those vintage earrings would look with your new swimsuit and sarong, leave them at home.

How To Begin Making Jewelry

How To Begin Making Jewelry<br /><br />However, when I wanted to get started, I had no idea how to begin making jewelry. There are so many different types of jewelry out there, that deciding where to start was quite daunting. I wrongly assumed that all you needed to make a necklace was some beads and some string, but thats not the case; if you want to make a decent quality piece of jewelry, you need to make sure you have the right kind of beading wire, beads, clasps, etc.<br /><br />Eventually, I figured out a jewelry making path by trial and error and am now having a wonderful time creating necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. But before you begin your jewelry making journey, there are some very basic supplies and tools that you will need. Here are my recommendations for jewelry making basics that every aspiring jewelry artist must have at his or her disposal.<br /><br />Basic Tools For Jewelry MakingI highly recommend ordering a beginners jewelry kit, which usually comes with several types of pliers and files. However, if you prefer to buy each item individually, here are some jewelry making tools that you will definitely need:<br /><br />1. Crimping pliers: These are used to flatten crimping beads, which are a necessity when stringing beads more on that to come.<br /><br />2. Flush cutter/wire cutters: These are necessary to cut both beading wire and the tougher artistic wire.<br /><br />3. Round nose pliers: These pliers have rounded tips and are great for bending wire into a curve or circle.<br /><br />4. Chain nose pliers: These pliers have a flat edge and are perfect for squeezing wire together or crimping wire in tight places.<br /><br />5. Ring mandrel: This is a conical shaped piece of wood or metal that is used to make and size rings. Most have ring sizes on them to make fitting rings easy.<br /><br />6. Metal file: This is used to file away rough edges on metal or wire.<br /><br />7. Beading board: This board allows you to arrange your beads without the string so that you can see what the design will look like ahead of time, and make sure that your pattern is even on both sides.<br /><br />8. Measuring tape: A necessity for figuring out how long to make a necklace or bracelet.<br /><br />9. Split ring pliers: These are useful for opening and closing jump rings see below.<br /><br />Jewelry Making: Basic SuppliesOnce you have your basic tools for jewelry making, you will need certain jewelry making supplies, as well:<br /><br />1. Beading wire: While you can certainly use string or yarn to make a necklace, beadng wire will allow to make a high quality product that doesnt break when pulled. There are many types of beading wire available, ranging from silver to gold to nickel to kinds in different colors. You can even purchase chain links and attach beads to that. What type of stringing material you choose to get depends on what kind of jewelry design you intend to make.<br /><br />2. Beads: This is pretty obvious, but well, you will need beads in order to make a beaded piece of jewelry. There are literally thousands of types of beads and jewels available: stones, wooden beads, silver beads, porcelain beads . the list goes on and on. My recommendation is to buy in bulk so you save money and have a supply of beads that lasts a long time.<br /><br />3. Crimping beads: One type of bead that you will definitely need are crimping beads. These are beads that you generally add to the end of the necklace and then squeeze down with the crimping pliers see above so that the other beads dont fall off the chain. Crimping beads are also very useful if you want to create a suspended design where you have a few beads . and then some space . and then more beads. Again, order these in bulk because you will be using a lot of them.<br /><br />4. Clasps: While you can always knot the end of a necklace or bracelet, adding a beautiful clasp just makes your piece of jewelry look that much more professional and pretty, in my opinion. Again, there are thousands of clasp types of available which you can get in bulk, but here are just a few of the different kinds:<br /><br />a Barrel Clasps: Personally, these are my favorite because theyre easy to attach and use you screw one half into the other in an easy, twisting motion and youre good to go.<br /><br />b Fishhook Clasps: These look great on pearl necklaces and are appropriate for bracelets because they lie flat. Theyre oblong shaped and then the fish hook slides in and locks into either end.<br /><br />c Toggle clasps: This is a ring that attaches to a bar and gives a piece of jewelry a very classic, beautiful look.<br /><br />d Multi strand clasps: These clasps come with two or more loops so that you can make multi strand pieces of jewelry.<br /><br />5. Earring findings: When you get good enough at making jewelry, you can design your own, but in the beginning, its easiest to just purchase earring findings. These are the portion of the earring that you actually stick into your ear and what youll attach the jewelry to. I personally like the long, hook style findings.<br /><br />6. Earring stoppers: These are optional, but I like to wear stops on my earrings, just to make sure that they dont fall out of my ears.<br /><br />7. Artistic wire: This is useful if you want to make wire wrapped jewelry or design jewelry shapes from wire. Artistic wire is pliable and comes in several gauges, and the higher the number, the softer it is; that said, 14 gauge wire is very tough and 26 gauge wire is quite soft. It also comes in different shapes and materials: Rounded wire, squared off wire, twisted wire, silver wire, nickel, copper, gold, in colors. again, what wire you purchase depends on what you want to use it for. I like using the semi hard 20 gauge wire for designing earrings and necklaces because its fairly easy to bend and is strong enough to hang and support a piece of jewelry. However, a softer wire is easier to use if you want to say, wire wrap a stone, and a harder wire is good for making bracelets and rings.<br /><br />8. Jump rings: These are usually circular rings, though they sometimes come in shapes; theyre used to connect elements in your jewelry and can even be used to make jewelry themselves think of chain maille. Theyre not entirely necessary, but can be useful to have on hand.<br /><br />More Jewelry Making ResourcesHow To Drive Traffic To Your Etsy Shop With A Blog<br /><br />Wire wrapped jewelry, artisan jewelry, handmade jewelryMayaGirl Creations Handmade Jewelry For Kids by MayaGirlCreations

How To Begin Making Jewelry

How To Begin Making Jewelry<br /><br />However, when I wanted to get started, I had no idea how to begin making jewelry. There are so many different types of jewelry out there, that deciding where to start was quite daunting. I wrongly assumed that all you needed to make a necklace was some beads and some string, but thats not the case; if you want to make a decent quality piece of jewelry, you need to make sure you have the right kind of beading wire, beads, clasps, etc.<br /><br />Eventually, I figured out a jewelry making path by trial and error and am now having a wonderful time creating necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. But before you begin your jewelry making journey, there are some very basic supplies and tools that you will need. Here are my recommendations for jewelry making basics that every aspiring jewelry artist must have at his or her disposal.<br /><br />Basic Tools For Jewelry MakingI highly recommend ordering a beginners jewelry kit, which usually comes with several types of pliers and files. However, if you prefer to buy each item individually, here are some jewelry making tools that you will definitely need:<br /><br />1. Crimping pliers: These are used to flatten crimping beads, which are a necessity when stringing beads more on that to come.<br /><br />2. Flush cutter/wire cutters: These are necessary to cut both beading wire and the tougher artistic wire.<br /><br />3. Round nose pliers: These pliers have rounded tips and are great for bending wire into a curve or circle.<br /><br />4. Chain nose pliers: These pliers have a flat edge and are perfect for squeezing wire together or crimping wire in tight places.<br /><br />5. Ring mandrel: This is a conical shaped piece of wood or metal that is used to make and size rings. Most have ring sizes on them to make fitting rings easy.<br /><br />6. Metal file: This is used to file away rough edges on metal or wire.<br /><br />7. Beading board: This board allows you to arrange your beads without the string so that you can see what the design will look like ahead of time, and make sure that your pattern is even on both sides.<br /><br />8. Measuring tape: A necessity for figuring out how long to make a necklace or bracelet.<br /><br />9. Split ring pliers: These are useful for opening and closing jump rings see below.<br /><br />Jewelry Making: Basic SuppliesOnce you have your basic tools for jewelry making, you will need certain jewelry making supplies, as well:<br /><br />1. Beading wire: While you can certainly use string or yarn to make a necklace, beadng wire will allow to make a high quality product that doesnt break when pulled. There are many types of beading wire available, ranging from silver to gold to nickel to kinds in different colors. You can even purchase chain links and attach beads to that. What type of stringing material you choose to get depends on what kind of jewelry design you intend to make.<br /><br />2. Beads: This is pretty obvious, but well, you will need beads in order to make a beaded piece of jewelry. There are literally thousands of types of beads and jewels available: stones, wooden beads, silver beads, porcelain beads . the list goes on and on. My recommendation is to buy in bulk so you save money and have a supply of beads that lasts a long time.<br /><br />3. Crimping beads: One type of bead that you will definitely need are crimping beads. These are beads that you generally add to the end of the necklace and then squeeze down with the crimping pliers see above so that the other beads dont fall off the chain. Crimping beads are also very useful if you want to create a suspended design where you have a few beads . and then some space . and then more beads. Again, order these in bulk because you will be using a lot of them.<br /><br />4. Clasps: While you can always knot the end of a necklace or bracelet, adding a beautiful clasp just makes your piece of jewelry look that much more professional and pretty, in my opinion. Again, there are thousands of clasp types of available which you can get in bulk, but here are just a few of the different kinds:<br /><br />a Barrel Clasps: Personally, these are my favorite because theyre easy to attach and use you screw one half into the other in an easy, twisting motion and youre good to go.<br /><br />b Fishhook Clasps: These look great on pearl necklaces and are appropriate for bracelets because they lie flat. Theyre oblong shaped and then the fish hook slides in and locks into either end.<br /><br />c Toggle clasps: This is a ring that attaches to a bar and gives a piece of jewelry a very classic, beautiful look.<br /><br />d Multi strand clasps: These clasps come with two or more loops so that you can make multi strand pieces of jewelry.<br /><br />5. Earring findings: When you get good enough at making jewelry, you can design your own, but in the beginning, its easiest to just purchase earring findings. These are the portion of the earring that you actually stick into your ear and what youll attach the jewelry to. I personally like the long, hook style findings.<br /><br />6. Earring stoppers: These are optional, but I like to wear stops on my earrings, just to make sure that they dont fall out of my ears.<br /><br />7. Artistic wire: This is useful if you want to make wire wrapped jewelry or design jewelry shapes from wire. Artistic wire is pliable and comes in several gauges, and the higher the number, the softer it is; that said, 14 gauge wire is very tough and 26 gauge wire is quite soft. It also comes in different shapes and materials: Rounded wire, squared off wire, twisted wire, silver wire, nickel, copper, gold, in colors. again, what wire you purchase depends on what you want to use it for. I like using the semi hard 20 gauge wire for designing earrings and necklaces because its fairly easy to bend and is strong enough to hang and support a piece of jewelry. However, a softer wire is easier to use if you want to say, wire wrap a stone, and a harder wire is good for making bracelets and rings.<br /><br />8. Jump rings: These are usually circular rings, though they sometimes come in shapes; theyre used to connect elements in your jewelry and can even be used to make jewelry themselves think of chain maille. Theyre not entirely necessary, but can be useful to have on hand.<br /><br />More Jewelry Making ResourcesHow To Drive Traffic To Your Etsy Shop With A Blog<br /><br />Wire wrapped jewelry, artisan jewelry, handmade jewelryMayaGirl Creations Handmade Jewelry For Kids by MayaGirlCreations

Holiday Inn Express Hotel Suites ST

Holiday Inn Express Hotel Suites ST<br /><br />Welcome to Our Hotel in St. Clairsville, Ohio Just west of Wheeling, WV, St. Clairsville is a quaint Ohio city that has much to offer both corporate and leisure travelers. Our Holiday Inn Express St. Clairsville hotel is right off I 70, affording easy travel around the city. Were ideal for business guests since were near local companies like American Electric Power and Ormet, as well as area hospitals. Need to prepare for a meeting in St. Clairsville? Our hotels free high speed, wireless Internet access, copy and fax services and an available computer and printer make it easy. If youre in the area to have some fun and see the sights, youre in luck. Our St. Clairsville, Ohio hotels just 10 minutes from Wheeling, WV, home of Oglebay Resort, Heritage Port and Wheeling Island Casino and Racetrack. You can tour the Imperial Glass Museum or shop at the Highlands Shopping Center. Want to stay close by? There are great stores, restaurants and a movie theater at Ohio Valley Mall, just a mile from our hotel in St. Clairsville, Ohio. Were also near Jamboree in the Hills, a country music festival thats held every July. Whether youre visiting our hotel near Wheeling, WV for business or pleasure, making your stay comfortable is our priority. Were sure youll enjoy amenities such as a Fitness Center, an indoor pool and the complimentary, hot Express Start Breakfast Bar, featuring our famous cinnamon rolls. Make your reservations today!The provides quality symphonic and pops music with internationally and nationally acclaimed guest soloists. Call for details on upcoming concerts.<br /><br />Included on Wheeling Parks 406 acres are golf, pedal boating, indoor and outdoor tennis, outdoor pool and waterslide, ice skating, playground, picnic sites and shelters, and the White Palace witha restaurant and banquet hall.<br /><br />Wheeling Island Racetrack Casino<br /><br />Features 63 exciting table games, over 2000 of the most popular slot machines, 6 great restaurants, the 1 greyhound racetrack in the USA based on paid purses, live entertainment, and spacious meeting rooms. In addition, Wheeling Island Racetrack Casino<br /><br />Visit the Wheeling Artisan Center for the finest in handcrafted creations by West Virginia and regional artists. Shop for West Virginia glass, pottery, jewelry, West Virginia food products, local interest books, fabric art, souvenirs and much more.<br /><br />West Virginia Civil War Historic Site Museum<br /><br />Journey back in time to 1863, when Wheeling was in Virginia, a state ripped apart by the American Civil War. Audio tour and interpretive film available.<br /><br />Home to the Wheeling Nailers Professional Hockey Team. This facility is also used for various sporting events, concerts, and trade shows throughout the year.<br /><br />Rated Americas 1 variety show. Enjoy the best in the 40s 50s music. Classic country, bluegrass, gospel, comedy, 50s Rock Roll and a memories of Elvis finale in every show.<br /><br />The exhibits in this museum portray what is known about slavery and the underground railroad in Ohio.<br /><br />Home of the worlds largest private Lego collection; 3 floors of exhibits; 20 themed rooms; call for hours of operation<br /><br />As seen on the Travel Channel and in national magazines, The Official Marx Toy Museum displays thousands of Marx toys from the 1920s through 1980. This museum features metal toys, trains, dollhouses, playsets, Johnny West, Big Wheels, and much more.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel Suites ST

Holiday Inn Express Hotel Suites ST<br /><br />Welcome to Our Hotel in St. Clairsville, Ohio Just west of Wheeling, WV, St. Clairsville is a quaint Ohio city that has much to offer both corporate and leisure travelers. Our Holiday Inn Express St. Clairsville hotel is right off I 70, affording easy travel around the city. Were ideal for business guests since were near local companies like American Electric Power and Ormet, as well as area hospitals. Need to prepare for a meeting in St. Clairsville? Our hotels free high speed, wireless Internet access, copy and fax services and an available computer and printer make it easy. If youre in the area to have some fun and see the sights, youre in luck. Our St. Clairsville, Ohio hotels just 10 minutes from Wheeling, WV, home of Oglebay Resort, Heritage Port and Wheeling Island Casino and Racetrack. You can tour the Imperial Glass Museum or shop at the Highlands Shopping Center. Want to stay close by? There are great stores, restaurants and a movie theater at Ohio Valley Mall, just a mile from our hotel in St. Clairsville, Ohio. Were also near Jamboree in the Hills, a country music festival thats held every July. Whether youre visiting our hotel near Wheeling, WV for business or pleasure, making your stay comfortable is our priority. Were sure youll enjoy amenities such as a Fitness Center, an indoor pool and the complimentary, hot Express Start Breakfast Bar, featuring our famous cinnamon rolls. Make your reservations today!The provides quality symphonic and pops music with internationally and nationally acclaimed guest soloists. Call for details on upcoming concerts.<br /><br />Included on Wheeling Parks 406 acres are golf, pedal boating, indoor and outdoor tennis, outdoor pool and waterslide, ice skating, playground, picnic sites and shelters, and the White Palace witha restaurant and banquet hall.<br /><br />Wheeling Island Racetrack Casino<br /><br />Features 63 exciting table games, over 2000 of the most popular slot machines, 6 great restaurants, the 1 greyhound racetrack in the USA based on paid purses, live entertainment, and spacious meeting rooms. In addition, Wheeling Island Racetrack Casino<br /><br />Visit the Wheeling Artisan Center for the finest in handcrafted creations by West Virginia and regional artists. Shop for West Virginia glass, pottery, jewelry, West Virginia food products, local interest books, fabric art, souvenirs and much more.<br /><br />West Virginia Civil War Historic Site Museum<br /><br />Journey back in time to 1863, when Wheeling was in Virginia, a state ripped apart by the American Civil War. Audio tour and interpretive film available.<br /><br />Home to the Wheeling Nailers Professional Hockey Team. This facility is also used for various sporting events, concerts, and trade shows throughout the year.<br /><br />Rated Americas 1 variety show. Enjoy the best in the 40s 50s music. Classic country, bluegrass, gospel, comedy, 50s Rock Roll and a memories of Elvis finale in every show.<br /><br />The exhibits in this museum portray what is known about slavery and the underground railroad in Ohio.<br /><br />Home of the worlds largest private Lego collection; 3 floors of exhibits; 20 themed rooms; call for hours of operation<br /><br />As seen on the Travel Channel and in national magazines, The Official Marx Toy Museum displays thousands of Marx toys from the 1920s through 1980. This museum features metal toys, trains, dollhouses, playsets, Johnny West, Big Wheels, and much more.

Green Turquoise Jewelry

Green Turquoise Jewelry<br /><br />Green is the currently fashionable color for fine jewelry and fashionable jewelry accessories. Green is the color; turquoise is the stone. Maybe. Natural turquoise occurs in colors ranging from blue to green, often with a black matrix or black veining. A known natural green turquoise is Broken Arrow turquoise, sourced from the Otteson familys Nevada mine. Its different from other domestic turquoise sources in that the turquoise isnt turquoise colored, its green.<br /><br />Some green turquoise gets its green from color treatments of howlite and magnesite, both white stones with a black matrix. In their natural state, howlite and magnesite closely resemble authentic white turquoise. When dyed, the stones take on a green color that is indistinguishable from natural green turquoise color by the casual observer.<br /><br />There are tests to determine whether green turquoise is natural or dyed. The tests, however, are destructive. Whether green turquoise is natural or color treated, the stones are interesting natural lapidary sources for turquoise jewelry.<br /><br />The necklace of green turquoise shown in the photo is fashioned from stones sold as green turquoise. It is at the discretion of viewers to decide whether the green color is real or fashioned from alternative stones and man made treatments, or whether the source of the green even matters. I like the lovely green color however it got there! Do you?<br /><br />Published by Lorraine Yapps Cohen<br /><br />I design jewelry free from the constraints of textbook techniques and write non fiction free from the rigors of technical expression. Chemist by training, creative by spirit, conservative in values, crazy a. You can find turquoise in a necklace, bracelet or ring.

Green Turquoise Jewelry

Green Turquoise Jewelry<br /><br />Green is the currently fashionable color for fine jewelry and fashionable jewelry accessories. Green is the color; turquoise is the stone. Maybe. Natural turquoise occurs in colors ranging from blue to green, often with a black matrix or black veining. A known natural green turquoise is Broken Arrow turquoise, sourced from the Otteson familys Nevada mine. Its different from other domestic turquoise sources in that the turquoise isnt turquoise colored, its green.<br /><br />Some green turquoise gets its green from color treatments of howlite and magnesite, both white stones with a black matrix. In their natural state, howlite and magnesite closely resemble authentic white turquoise. When dyed, the stones take on a green color that is indistinguishable from natural green turquoise color by the casual observer.<br /><br />There are tests to determine whether green turquoise is natural or dyed. The tests, however, are destructive. Whether green turquoise is natural or color treated, the stones are interesting natural lapidary sources for turquoise jewelry.<br /><br />The necklace of green turquoise shown in the photo is fashioned from stones sold as green turquoise. It is at the discretion of viewers to decide whether the green color is real or fashioned from alternative stones and man made treatments, or whether the source of the green even matters. I like the lovely green color however it got there! Do you?<br /><br />Published by Lorraine Yapps Cohen<br /><br />I design jewelry free from the constraints of textbook techniques and write non fiction free from the rigors of technical expression. Chemist by training, creative by spirit, conservative in values, crazy a. You can find turquoise in a necklace, bracelet or ring.

Geek Jewelry Turns Techno Fashion

Geek Jewelry Turns Techno Fashion<br /><br />Innovative jewelry designers constantly look for interesting materials from which they can make jewelry. During a personal hiatus from the craft, I took to soldering small circuit boards. I discovered then that electronic components could stand in for traditional gems, and small circuit boards could stand as featured elements in jewelry designs. It was a eureka moment!<br /><br />Capacitors, resistors, diodes, regulators, LEDs, transistors, and circuit boards constitute the collection of components that lend themselves to a high tech look in jewelry. It has been known around university electronics labs that students, especially the ladies, would depart from their hands on digital drudgery to design something creative to wear. Thus was born what was soon to be called geek jewelry.<br /><br />Populated circuit boards that failed in function could function as a pendant when attached to earwires or a neck chain with a bale. Such simplistic designs announced the designer as a geek getting away from graduate studies for a while. The pejorative term must have inspired more inspired designs.<br /><br />Those designers soon to be electrical engineers put some creativity into their designs by clustering or arraying the components in more intricate arrangements. This served to utilize the steely modern look of the electronic components without adding a geeky component to the lab born jewelry designs.<br /><br />It was when jewelry designers by trade noticed the high tech appeal of electronic components that they began to incorporate them into their jewelry couture. Recognizing the inherent appeal of such designs to current day conscious and technically oriented clientele, famous names such as Italian designer Paola Mirai, fashioned recycled electronic components as features in their creations. Techno fashion became the new nomenclature for high tech jewelry.<br /><br />In jewelry as in architecture, form follows function. Designers are shaking off old notions of gemstones for focus in jewelry and taking on technical forms to function as up to the minute attractors in current designs.<br /><br />Published by Lorraine Yapps Cohen<br /><br />I design jewelry free from the constraints of textbook techniques and write non fiction free from the rigors of technical expression. Chemist by training, creative by spirit, conservative in values, crazy a. View profile<br /><br />New Age Treasure Hunting with High Tech Metal DetectorsA lot has changed since the introduction of the first metal detectors; the newer models tell you whats down there before you dig. This hobby will at least pay for itself. Find out what the latest jewelry styles and trends will be. Graduation Gifts for High School or College StudentsYou can find great gift ideas for the high school or college graduate at a special website with hundreds of gifts.

Geek Jewelry Turns Techno Fashion

Geek Jewelry Turns Techno Fashion<br /><br />Innovative jewelry designers constantly look for interesting materials from which they can make jewelry. During a personal hiatus from the craft, I took to soldering small circuit boards. I discovered then that electronic components could stand in for traditional gems, and small circuit boards could stand as featured elements in jewelry designs. It was a eureka moment!<br /><br />Capacitors, resistors, diodes, regulators, LEDs, transistors, and circuit boards constitute the collection of components that lend themselves to a high tech look in jewelry. It has been known around university electronics labs that students, especially the ladies, would depart from their hands on digital drudgery to design something creative to wear. Thus was born what was soon to be called geek jewelry.<br /><br />Populated circuit boards that failed in function could function as a pendant when attached to earwires or a neck chain with a bale. Such simplistic designs announced the designer as a geek getting away from graduate studies for a while. The pejorative term must have inspired more inspired designs.<br /><br />Those designers soon to be electrical engineers put some creativity into their designs by clustering or arraying the components in more intricate arrangements. This served to utilize the steely modern look of the electronic components without adding a geeky component to the lab born jewelry designs.<br /><br />It was when jewelry designers by trade noticed the high tech appeal of electronic components that they began to incorporate them into their jewelry couture. Recognizing the inherent appeal of such designs to current day conscious and technically oriented clientele, famous names such as Italian designer Paola Mirai, fashioned recycled electronic components as features in their creations. Techno fashion became the new nomenclature for high tech jewelry.<br /><br />In jewelry as in architecture, form follows function. Designers are shaking off old notions of gemstones for focus in jewelry and taking on technical forms to function as up to the minute attractors in current designs.<br /><br />Published by Lorraine Yapps Cohen<br /><br />I design jewelry free from the constraints of textbook techniques and write non fiction free from the rigors of technical expression. Chemist by training, creative by spirit, conservative in values, crazy a. View profile<br /><br />New Age Treasure Hunting with High Tech Metal DetectorsA lot has changed since the introduction of the first metal detectors; the newer models tell you whats down there before you dig. This hobby will at least pay for itself. Find out what the latest jewelry styles and trends will be. Graduation Gifts for High School or College StudentsYou can find great gift ideas for the high school or college graduate at a special website with hundreds of gifts.

Fireworks Gallery

Fireworks Gallery<br /><br />Four of my pieces are being published in International Contemporary Artists V1! It should be out in May. The pieces that will be in the book are these. No Lyme Disease is going to stop me! Six of my other pieces of mine were published In Contemporary Sculptor last September. I became Martha Stewarts American made Audience Choice Artist but it happens only with a ton of work on my part!I have been a contemporary artist since 2003. I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease where I was told doing much of anything creative moving forward would be impossible from damage to my brain. Since then, I have sold 1500+ original pieces starting with my Wall Dancers I now am recycling found objects. My work now can be seen at 4 Art Inc Gallery where my work I have found a wonderful new home in the well known Zhou Bros. Art Center. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico, where it is a national holiday. The celebration takes place on November 1 and 2. Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls marigolds leaving them as gifts.<br /><br />I really enjoy creating some of my pieces in this theme. Besides recycling found objects I also do my polymer work on the pieces. I love the idea of the tribute to their loved ones. So I create pieces of love respect<br /><br />Should you like to purchase items with the Day Of The Dead theme on them you can find phone covers, laptop bags to pillows in my Zazzle store. The physical pieces are in my Etsy store. Prints cards are available on Fine Art Ameriica. Enjoy! Hug.<br /><br />20% Off IPhone IPad Cases! Use Code: SPRINGGADGET Ends Friday. You apply the the discount at checkout so dont freak at the price it will be lower when you apply the code!<br /><br />Ihave been a contemporary artist since 2003. I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease where I was told doing much of anything creative moving forward would be impossible from damage to my brain. Since then, I have sold 1500+ original pieces starting with my Wall Dancers I now am recycling found objects. We cannot be giving away our original artwork so we have to get creative!<br /><br />Six of my pieces are now published in the Contemporary Sculptor table book<br /><br />My work now can be seen at 4 Art Inc Gallery where my work I have found a wonderful new home in the famous Zhou Bros. Art Center.<br /><br />I just won Martha Stewarts American Made Audience Choice Artist an emerging artist On Art Jury it does not matter! Money is TIGHT!<br /><br />These are so much fun! Those who know me have seen my house needless to say it is WILD! From a 10 x foot clock/shelves we built to my house is FILLED with trades with my artist buds, Not a print in the house! I wanted some funky throw pillows so I decided to turn my KeRicTures into 20 x 20 throw pillows. Design on front AND back!I made phone covers with my work, laptop bags, courier bags, mousepads, Kindle IPad covers now ta da! Pillows!.

Fireworks Gallery

Fireworks Gallery<br /><br />Four of my pieces are being published in International Contemporary Artists V1! It should be out in May. The pieces that will be in the book are these. No Lyme Disease is going to stop me! Six of my other pieces of mine were published In Contemporary Sculptor last September. I became Martha Stewarts American made Audience Choice Artist but it happens only with a ton of work on my part!I have been a contemporary artist since 2003. I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease where I was told doing much of anything creative moving forward would be impossible from damage to my brain. Since then, I have sold 1500+ original pieces starting with my Wall Dancers I now am recycling found objects. My work now can be seen at 4 Art Inc Gallery where my work I have found a wonderful new home in the well known Zhou Bros. Art Center. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico, where it is a national holiday. The celebration takes place on November 1 and 2. Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls marigolds leaving them as gifts.<br /><br />I really enjoy creating some of my pieces in this theme. Besides recycling found objects I also do my polymer work on the pieces. I love the idea of the tribute to their loved ones. So I create pieces of love respect<br /><br />Should you like to purchase items with the Day Of The Dead theme on them you can find phone covers, laptop bags to pillows in my Zazzle store. The physical pieces are in my Etsy store. Prints cards are available on Fine Art Ameriica. Enjoy! Hug.<br /><br />20% Off IPhone IPad Cases! Use Code: SPRINGGADGET Ends Friday. You apply the the discount at checkout so dont freak at the price it will be lower when you apply the code!<br /><br />Ihave been a contemporary artist since 2003. I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease where I was told doing much of anything creative moving forward would be impossible from damage to my brain. Since then, I have sold 1500+ original pieces starting with my Wall Dancers I now am recycling found objects. We cannot be giving away our original artwork so we have to get creative!<br /><br />Six of my pieces are now published in the Contemporary Sculptor table book<br /><br />My work now can be seen at 4 Art Inc Gallery where my work I have found a wonderful new home in the famous Zhou Bros. Art Center.<br /><br />I just won Martha Stewarts American Made Audience Choice Artist an emerging artist On Art Jury it does not matter! Money is TIGHT!<br /><br />These are so much fun! Those who know me have seen my house needless to say it is WILD! From a 10 x foot clock/shelves we built to my house is FILLED with trades with my artist buds, Not a print in the house! I wanted some funky throw pillows so I decided to turn my KeRicTures into 20 x 20 throw pillows. Design on front AND back!I made phone covers with my work, laptop bags, courier bags, mousepads, Kindle IPad covers now ta da! Pillows!.

Fireworks Gallery

Fireworks Gallery<br /><br />Four of my pieces are being published in International Contemporary Artists V1! It should be out in May. The pieces that will be in the book are these. No Lyme Disease is going to stop me! Six of my other pieces of mine were published In Contemporary Sculptor last September. I became Martha Stewarts American made Audience Choice Artist but it happens only with a ton of work on my part!I have been a contemporary artist since 2003. I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease where I was told doing much of anything creative moving forward would be impossible from damage to my brain. Since then, I have sold 1500+ original pieces starting with my Wall Dancers I now am recycling found objects. My work now can be seen at 4 Art Inc Gallery where my work I have found a wonderful new home in the well known Zhou Bros. Art Center. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico, where it is a national holiday. The celebration takes place on November 1 and 2. Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls marigolds leaving them as gifts.<br /><br />I really enjoy creating some of my pieces in this theme. Besides recycling found objects I also do my polymer work on the pieces. I love the idea of the tribute to their loved ones. So I create pieces of love respect<br /><br />Should you like to purchase items with the Day Of The Dead theme on them you can find phone covers, laptop bags to pillows in my Zazzle store. The physical pieces are in my Etsy store. Prints cards are available on Fine Art Ameriica. Enjoy! Hug.<br /><br />20% Off IPhone IPad Cases! Use Code: SPRINGGADGET Ends Friday. You apply the the discount at checkout so dont freak at the price it will be lower when you apply the code!<br /><br />Ihave been a contemporary artist since 2003. I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease where I was told doing much of anything creative moving forward would be impossible from damage to my brain. Since then, I have sold 1500+ original pieces starting with my Wall Dancers I now am recycling found objects. We cannot be giving away our original artwork so we have to get creative!<br /><br />Six of my pieces are now published in the Contemporary Sculptor table book<br /><br />My work now can be seen at 4 Art Inc Gallery where my work I have found a wonderful new home in the famous Zhou Bros. Art Center.<br /><br />I just won Martha Stewarts American Made Audience Choice Artist an emerging artist On Art Jury it does not matter! Money is TIGHT!<br /><br />These are so much fun! Those who know me have seen my house needless to say it is WILD! From a 10 x foot clock/shelves we built to my house is FILLED with trades with my artist buds, Not a print in the house! I wanted some funky throw pillows so I decided to turn my KeRicTures into 20 x 20 throw pillows. Design on front AND back!I made phone covers with my work, laptop bags, courier bags, mousepads, Kindle IPad covers now ta da! Pillows!.

Exploring The Variety Of Clasps Used In Handcrafted Jewelry

Exploring The Variety Of Clasps Used In Handcrafted Jewelry<br /><br />Four Basic Classifications Of Jewelry ClaspsA clasp is used when the jewelry designer wants to join two ends together in order to secure the object in question. It is the component used to suspend the adornment to the wearer. There is an endless array of clasps that can be made or purchased but all clasps tend to fall into one of four main classifications. The four basic clasp designs fall under the categories of Knots, Hooks, Barrels or Spring Tension Clasps. Within these four categories you can find a seemingly endless assortment of styles and functions for your jewelry making projects. Lets take a look at each category and what you can expect to find for purchase or make yourself. Alexis uses a single knot to secure the ends and the simplicity adds to the primitive design. It is so functional because the necklace will easily slip over your head and fall into place.<br /><br />Knots And How To Tie ThemTying knots can be a bit tricky. I found this very useful website that has a list of fifty knots and how to tie them. This site is great because it has a step by step approach so that anyone can use the information and come out with exact duplications after the first try. The diagrams are animated which shows how to move the ends of the material to be knotted and this is a better learning tool than a one dimensional diagram. I think this link is a great resource for any jewelry maker though it was devised as a guide for The Boy Scouts.<br /><br />Knot History In Artifacts Located At The Pecos Museum<br /><br />I have to admit that the information and photos at this site make me crazy with curiosity. Examples of knots that were made so long ago it is a minor miracle that they survived. The artifacts found show how simple knots were utilized in everyday situations. I found it fascinating to say the least. Much of this information pertains to weaving but, some artistic techniques used in jewelry making, such as macrame, are certainly a spin off from weaving.<br /><br />Using Knots As Jewelry ClaspsIt is my belief that a knot was probably used as the first clasp by the ancient jewelry designer. I imagine that before the discovery of metal and, the use of it in this craft, someone figured out that two pieces of vine or hide could be secured with a knot. I would suspect that it happened accidentally or by observation of tangled roots or vines in a natural habitat.<br /><br />From there it was a matter of inquisitive interaction and need that created the knots we use today. Historical artifacts of knots are not so common, because of the characteristic properties of the material used for knotting. Most items would be biodegradable and not preserve because of moisture and therefore rotting. However there are some artifacts that date back as much as 10,000 years.<br /><br />Knots As Clasps<br /><br />Take to ends of a leather thong, twine, cord or whatever your material may be and knot them together and now you are able to suspend your jewelry from your neck, wrist or ankle. That is as simple as it gets. The trick comes in tying a variety of knots that are secure and purposeful. The first thing to consider is functionality. Then you might want to consider choosing a certain knot because of its visual appeal. However you decide to go with a knot, there are a big selection of knots and, some of them will create more than just the ability to suspend your adornment.<br /><br />Slip knots or slide knots can be used not only to secure the item but also as a means for adjusting the size. These can be used for all types of bracelets, necklaces and ankle bracelets and are a critical part of the design element because they show out, in the finished piece of jewelry. These can be used for cord, jute, hemp, leather, and other materials that are on the heavy gaged side. Alexis One of a kind Creations<br /><br />Hooks And Eyes Practical And Easy To UseI think this was probably the next form of clasp developed by the ancient jewelry designers. It is a simple idea and also very functional. In many ways this is probably the easiest kind of clasp to operate because of the design. The most common hook and eye clasp I can think of is the classic fish hook earring.<br /><br />The hook is attached through the eye, which is actually the pierced ear. Now this is about as primitive as it gets and, it works. This form of securing earrings is an invention that has been utilized for centuries. It works on earrings so adapting this clasp to other jewelry pieces seems to be only a matter of follow through in designing jewelry findings. A necklace can be secured with a handcrafted hook and eye. It has a T shaped hook on one end that is slipped through an enlarged ring or eye that is attached to the other end. When secured the toggle shows out and adds some attention to itself by way of its design. There are many variations of hooks and eyes used and you can also use this idea to design your own style.<br /><br />Security Performance Is A Concern<br /><br />The problem with hooks comes in the form of security. Though hooks and eyes will work they are not as secure as some of the more modern clasps. There is always the possibility that the hook could manage to jiggle its way free of the eye and the jewelry may fall off and be lost. Because of the fear of loss and the use of many precious metals and stones in making jewelry there had to be more secure ways to clasp the adornments. I know that many of my friends have spent a good bit of time in search of an earring to complete the pair they had on last night. Not only earrings but also bracelets and necklaces are easily lost without the wearer realizing they have come unfastened and slipped away unnoticed.<br /><br />Spring Tension ClaspsI think spring loaded clasps must have been designed so that the owners of the jewelry would not have to worry over knots coming untied or hooks jiggling loose. Many pieces of jewelry were deemed almost sacred and possession was held close to the heart. Because the jewelry had sentimental value or material value a better form of clasp was in demand. Spring tension clasps were being added to finer pieces and today many non precious pieces have a spring tension mechanism to secure the jewelry.<br /><br />There are many styles to choose from. One style is a flange of metal, that is squeezed shut, inserted into a box like, end and the tension from the bent flange snaps into place, to secure the two ends. These are Fish Hook, Fold Over and Box Tab Insert varieties that are all based on the tension, snap style.<br /><br />The other basic type of spring tension is actually a tiny enclosed spring with a lever, when pushed open between the fingers it will retract and hold when released to the closed position.<br /><br />The lobster claw clasp and the Spring ring are common examples of this type of spring tension clasp. The ring with spring is a little harder to operate because of its small size. They are made of all kinds of metal and can be purchased where ever you buy jewelry findings.<br /><br />Barrel ClaspsBarrel clasps are actually threaded nipples that screw together similar to a nut and bolt. They are designed in many sizes and styles and can be purchased in all kinds of metal. This type of clasp is secure but, is somewhat difficult to operate when the barrel is very small.<br /><br />Another clasp that has gained some popularity is the magnetic clasp, which speaks for itself. Magnets that attach to each other, affixed to the two ends of whatever you want to secure. These are available in a variety of materials, ready to employ in your handcrafted work.<br /><br />Knowing Your Clasp Choices<br /><br />All of the jewelry clasps explored here, each work in some instances better than others. It depends on what you are trying to achieve in your design. Knowing what is available is the most important objective. When it comes time to secure that union you will have an informed idea of what you have to choose from. Happy Jewelry Crafting!