Really liked working with some new chain to make this funky bracelet. I loaded it with pressed glass and seed beads in bold bright colors that made a great contrast with black gunmetal chain #36.

This new black chain has plenty to offer:

• Soldered links..your trinkets won't slip out and great to use for chain extension
• Flat wire for modern and dressy look.. and
• 3 ring sizes which adds to versatility, more to work with!

It took about 2.5 hours to make..(actually made while watching FoodNetwork TV dramas) and had plenty of fun arranging color.

More than enough possibilites to keep ya busy I'd say..

Cynthia

ohiobeads.com

Organic, bits of randomness and lots of rich color. It's been awhile since I focused on beading, arranging color and texture to my liking. I apprehended this new Lampwork pendant a few weeks back and needed to create something. Joining friends for bead night gave me the inspiration needed to create and finish (almost) this necklace. After fiddling around with the colors and composition, this is what transpired..must say I'm pleased with the results.

Cheers,

Cynthia

ohiobeads.com

Small two toned yellow crystals are paired with gold chandelier findings for a perfect summer earring for that special summer outing. I used this finding as a frame to cluster wrap crystals to the chandelier. I admit I had to become "one" with the wire….it took me a couple of tries and 26 gauge wire works best when making something like this.

Anywho…other pix feature the three finishes we carry; antique copper, gold and silver plate and a dangle design in coppery tones that sold like hot cakes in my store days.

Get Creative,

Cynthia,

ohiobeads.com

Seriously fun to wear earrings can be made with these antique brass filigree components. In this particular example I mixed many colors of green in response to the new spring colors surrounding me these days.

Consider all the colors in your bead collection..try black, purple, pink, aqua or earthly brown hues. Antique brass compliments many colors. AND, still light as feathers after loading them up with lots of drops. 

Show off your free spirited side and make and wear a pair!

Go wild with color,

Cynthia

ohiobeads.com

Component links here:

Antique brass posts

Antique brass filigree

Antique brass 4mm jump rings

Antique brass thin headpins

and a labor of artistry.

I met Terri while teaching at a beading occasion last weekend at Zeffers Farm Studios. Jewelry finishing techniques was the topic of choice and after a quick assessment of students needs and desires we floated from beader to beader assisting in ways to help them with current projects or begin new ones. Back to playing the role of shop owner.

Terri wanted to work with this pendant she made from porcelain clay. Which btw, progresses through multiple steps of painting, glazing and firing. She also created the frame from fine silver clay applying more processes for a beautiful finished centerpiece.

After some deliberation she chose to hang the pendant from gunmetal chain which brought out the detail in the fine silver and added contrast to the painting. After some instruction on adding beads to chain, a necklace was born. All attendees were impressed. And rightly so.

A Final Note.

Many thanks to Trish for the invite to her studio. I enjoyed meeting new artisans at Zeffers Farm Studios last weekend. Many creative, talented people walk through those doors. 

Take care,

Cynthia

ohiobeads.com

P.S. If you're a local (Cincinnati/ Dayton area) then check out this link and learn more about creating with art clays, fused glass, jewelry making and creative exploration.

As a art design major in school I had to take photography classes as part of my core curriculum and I enjoyed it immensely. Currently, the photography bug has bitten again and decided taking a photography class would acquaint me with a new camera and force me to try some other creative processes. (Internet work can be a bit lonely )

Exploring other creative mediums enhances productivity in your current pursuits. It's a good thing!

I will start to dedicate a few posts here and there highlighting such pursuits. Hope you won't mind.. 

More later,

Cynthia,

ohiobeads.com

A very talented customer named Chris D. sent us pictures of her jewelry design highlighting her artistic use of bronze art clay. The textural characteristic of her trinkets, especially these disc earrings, is so unique. She gave us permission to showcase her pieces here on our blog and we're delighted she likes using our antique brass chains to mix and match with her Bronze Clay charms, beads and pendants. 

I really like the organic feel of this piece and her craftmanship is top notch. Looking at others creativity is inspiring and in this case makes me want to give this medium a try.

Thanks a bunch Chris!!

Like what you see and your in the Cincy or Dayton Ohio area and need to know more about metal art clay?

Then stay tuned as I bring more info your way about local artist Trish Jeffers-Zeh from Zeffers Farm Studio!!

Until next time,

Cynthia

In my shop days this bracelet was an instant copycat bracelet. What's not to like..bright colors to celebrate the arrival of a new season. Plus, what I discovered through my time helping customers with color choices was this combo always… always… finished at the top the class.

Some Color Theory

When considering color, most of us have been exposed to basic terms like primary, secondary, complimentary, monochromatic, and probably references to warm and cool colors.

The above bracelet color scheme is based on the use of analogous and monochromatic color.

Analogous colors are simply 3 neighbors on the color wheel. Using 3 neighboring colors on the color wheel makes it easy to create a pleasing color combo because of similar undertones. In this case blue-green, green, and  green-yellow.

Monochromatic describes 1 color in various values and intensities. Think about variations of lightness and saturation. Using monochromatic colors is very clean and easy on the eye. One of my favorite schemes, that never fails me.

Using this silver chain as the base helps create a simple, clean, and fresh design just perfect for Spring. 

I've been in this biz for some time now and I can wholeheartedly state beaded rings are always popular pieces of jewelry to make and wear. These 8 loop ring blanks are plated silver and gold, adjustable and priced right. Most importantly the hard work is already done for you. No more wrapping wire around mandrels, just add beads with headpins or weave with wire. Our sample made by Alyssa is loaded with Swarovski crystal attached with headpins. We've also made these with pretty pearls and petite garnet stones. 

What a steal at 80 cents a piece!!  

I posted this easy to make necklace on my brandolina blog site back in March. It generated quite a bit of BUZZ in bloggy land and now that the featured centerpiece ring is back in stock, I wanted to post here for you to see.

This is a make and take weekend project that is especially designed to use those orphaned beads hanging around on your bead board.

Beading supplies you will need: Hey no tools required, just scissors!

• 3 pieces of waxed linen cut in 5 foot lengths ( You can use any cording , thinner silk strands look fantastic)

• Assortment of beads with hole sizes that fit the cord

• A ring that has an opening large enough to fit up to 6 strands. The ring is available in antique copper finish and antique brass finish

Start by folding the cord in half and thread the folded half through the ring from underneath.

Then take the opposite end of the cords and feed through the center of the folded cord, pulling to form a noose.

Size the cord and ring around your neck and make sure you knot beads in place at the desired lengths. Also make sure the beads fit through the center of the ring.

Slide bead on the cord and secure with an overhand knot on the bottom of the bead to hold in place.

Keep knotting beads on all six strands. For added interest you can vary the lengths of the linen. Double knot under the last bead and dab a small amount of jewelers glue then trim excess with snippers.

Have fun wearing your new attention grabbing necklace. 

happy fall,

Cynthia

Don't be shy leave a comment!

Vintage with a modern flair!   and…

No wire wrapping skills needed! These lovely filigree and chain earrings are made with pieces of chain attached to the gunmetal filigree with petite size jumprings. Lightweight for measuring 2 and 1/2 inches long.

Tips to follow: 

1. Determine how long you want the earrings to be. Hey they're your creations you decide length.The longest piece of chain used in the sample above measures 4 inches.
2. Start with the longest chain first, then add the shortest section next. From here you can fill in the spaces with chain sections you think look best.
3. You connect the fine gunmetal chain to the filigree with small jumprings . In this case I used 2 sterling silver jumpring to each ring of the filigree. The silver adds a whisper of light to the earrings.
4. I also connected a 3mm sterling silver round bead on the single strand with a gunmetal headpin looped to the chain link.
5. Connect the leverback earwire directly to the top loop of the filigree. The ring on the leverback opens easily using a slight twist of the wrist while holding a needle nose plier. 

The most important advice I can give you is to cut lengths of chain for each filigree at the same time. This helps you have earrings looking like a matched pair, while avoiding frustration and wasting chain.

Ingredients list: 

1 package gunmetal filigree 

Sterling silver jumprings

3 mm sterling silver beads

Gunmetal leverbacks

Gunmetal headpins

1-2 feet of gunmetal double rollo chain #28 

All the Best,

Cynthia 

I like how she used the fine double rollo gunmetal chain as the support for the heart locket. You will notice in the second shot that she attached the locket with a matching gunmetal headpin and made two wire wraps with the added sparkle of vitrail color crystal. In this case the top loop slides freely on the chain. But you could easily attach directly to the link of the chain. Another thing I like about this is the use of the the larger link chain in the back as the chain extension. This simple gunmetal cable chain is still light weight, which does not over power the delicate rollo chain. It ads interest and and gives the wearer the option to lengthen their necklace with ease.

Below I've listed the components used in this necklace design. Oh by the way…The lockets our currently on sale. Hint, Hint!! They are sterling silver plate over brass, and they look fantastic mixed with gunmetal chain.

• 16 inches of gunmetal chain #28 double rollo
• 3-4 inches of gunmetal chain #29 plain cable
• 1 medium size lobster claw 
• 1 package of thin 2 inch gunmetal headpins 
• 1 sterling silver plated locket
• 3 4mm crystals or other beads you like

Stay Tuned for Part II

"Is that some of the jewelry you sell ?" the gal at the checkout counter asked, while staring at my bracelet.

I answered, "These are some new components we are selling on our website and this is how I linked them together to make this new bracelet."

Then I walk out to the parking lot to meet a friend, she notices the bracelet and wants these nifty new links and C connectors to jazz up some jewelry she is making.

And…after receiving more positive feedback I thought to include this "How To Make" in today's post highlighting a bracelet project using some new goodies from ohiobeads.com

It' easy to make, only takes a few minutes and requires enough skill to use a needle nose plier.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 packages of antique brass twisty rings measuring 20mm or 26mm round
• 1-2 packages of antique brass stamped C connector
• Open jumprings or figure eight rings
• Large lobster claw 

This bracelet is made by opening and closing C connectors to twisty wire rings using needle nose pliers. 

1. Lay out the components on a flat surface making it easier to measure length and establish a pattern.

2. Using a needle nose plier curl one side of the c connector around the twist wire link. These C connectors are quite strong so take it slow, being careful not to mark into the brass.

3. Repeat making the connections by rolling the C connector over the link and back into the center turning the "C" shape into a "B" shape.  

4. Attach the lobster claw clasp with a jumpring or try the new figure 8 link for something different.  Using 2 needle nose pliers open and close each end to connect the clasp to the bracelet. 

These new links and connectors can be used for many different jewelry making applications. These beauties are chock full of potential design and creativity. Pendants, chain linking, earring drops, clasp components, and on and on it goes. Check them out and make it your own.

Tap into your wild side with this big link antique copper chain. This is stand alone chain, just attach a clasp with jump ring in one hand and pliers in another and your off and running lookin good without lots of time. We posted yesterday about this chain in antique brass suggesting other ways to incorporate this chain.

Like the big links, but just need something light and simple?

New cables are now on the antique copper ox chain shopping page ready to buy. These are small cables with 8-10 links per inch. Excellent for earrings, lariats, chain weaves, and layering. The antique copper on these new styles is dark and rich giving an aged look. Perk up your fall wardrobe with antique copper chain and findings.

I've been busy creating earrings this week. Monday through Friday I have and continue to post a new earring design on Brandolina.typepad.com. I liked this pair so much I thought to share it here also. I worked in a monochromatic color scheme using various values and intensities of blue glass beads. The copper findings are complimentary in color and brighten the overall look. The big ring used is a link from a chain customers have named Hippie Chain. The paddle findings are light weight and these earrings can move. If you sell your jewelry at shows these are impressive looking, especially if you had several color versions. Gunmetal components would alos look great, making them a little dressier. Next time around I plan to make these in gunmetal mixed with iridescent colored glass, with a splash of gold and silver.

Popular 2 stranded czechglass beads offer so many creative possibilities. When these strands arrived one of our instructors made a bracelet very similar to this one featured, and displayed it in the showcase. One customer after another scooped these up designing many versions of this bracelet. They later brought their creations in to show off many color and bead combos. The glass bars are 1/2 inch long and crystals used here are 4mm. We paired these beads with a magnetized two strand tube clasp. However, single ring clasps and toggles work just as well. Just make sure the clasp is large enough balancing the look and size of the beads. Click here to view these 2 stranded beads in jet.

Thumbing through many jewelry magazines, you'll quickly notice that chain is used as the foundation of jewelry design. Adding centerpieces further personalizes your look. Many jewelry components can be used and look great as center pieces in necklaces. Here's another visual solution for you using this new pretty filigree with gunmetal finish. These are packaged in pairs, which also makes them great choice for creating earrings. Possibilities are endless with the kinds and colors of beads you mix together. Pearls add to the Victorian look , however you could use crystals, glass, or gemstones.

In this necklace I mixed gunmetal and copper chain and findings.

Here's a list of components I used:

• Jumprings- to add clasp to chain and attach filigree components to chain
• Headpins (24 gauge)- to wire wrap the beads to the filigree and in this piece adding pearls to the chain body
• 3 different chain styles and finishes
• 1 pack of gunmetal filigree
• Pearls, 4mm rounds and 6mm oval/teardrop
• Clasp 

Nothing looks better than multiple colors of crystal mixed with antique brass chain. A little of this color and a little of that shape is all it takes to make this pretty necklace dripping with crystals in all your favorite colors.

A little undecided about color choices for your next beading project?

No worries this necklace has it all. I can't think of anyone I know who doesn't have a collection of swarvoski crystals or fire polish czech glass in vast arrays of color.

This necklace mixes those leftovers in a pleasing combination of peridot, pinks, sapphires, emerald, citrine, and whatever color appeals to you. Most if not all these beads were leftovers on my bead tray from past projects. After picking out a variety of color, shapes and sizes, antique brass bead caps were added randomly for texture and interest. All attached with headpins and jumprings in antique brass.

Making it come together.

After choosing your beads lay them out on your bead tray or mat so that colors, sizes and shapes are spread apart. Don't take too much time on this … you just want to separate lights and darks and keep like colors spread around the necklace. Wire wrap each bead, then cluster in groups of three and slide onto a jumpring. After working through this, attach these rings to your chain links with a heavy concentration of clusters in the center of the necklace. I spaced clusters farther apart with smaller beads around the sides and back of necklace. Set aside about an hour and half to complete this necklace design. (this depends on how wire wrapping skill level) Of course numerous variations exist. Add other trinkets, charms or centerpieces. A monochromatic color combination would be very dramatic. I think I'll try this next. Give it a try and put those leftovers to good use.

Top selling bar link gunmetal jewelry chain back in stock! The petite scalloping of this bar link chain offers many design options. First, the chain looks great on its own. I've seen customers simply wear it plain with layering strands at varying lengths. The design above has three strands in the front of the piece, connecting to one strand around to the back of the necklace.

I like working with bar link chain because of obvious rings to ad wire wraps, jumprings and other trinkets, which evenly spaces your color, texture and shape in your jewelry piece. Adding small Swarovski crystals or czech glass in any color combo look dynamite with this chain. Hundreds of feet are waiting for your creative design expertise.

P.S. Just wanted to mention we have NEW 1 1/2 inch, 24 gauge,  gunmetal headpins in stock. When adding small drops with single beads, shorter headpins help you get the job done!  

Here's a quick and easy jazzy pair of earrings you can make up before joining your friends for lunch. Dig into your beads stash, and grab a couple of your favorite colored crystals, czech glass or stone beads. The best size to look for would be 6mm in round, cube or diamond shapes. Collect 4 smaller beads (3mmish) and arrange and stack them onto a headpin. In this example we wire wrapped toward the top of the headpin, leaving an inch of headpin exposed. Gunmetal headpins look fab showing through glass beads and the ball-end ear wires add nice detail to the finished set. **The secret to making equal lengths is to bend both pins at the same time when making your first right angle bend before wire wrapping individually.**

I have some design notes about this bracelet sample to share with you. I give Alyssa full credit for this bracelet, as always with her pieces, it drew instant attention the minute we put it on display. A simple design really, but the chain speaks for itself with clear Swarvoski crystal hanging from these large, bold links.

This copper ox chain is a heavier rolo style that could accommodate hanging many beads and charms. In this creation, only 10 crystal beads were used in this 7.5 inch bracelet. The antique copper rolo is well matched with the magnet clasp. I still recommend attaching a safety chain when employing the use of a  magnetic clasps.

In the gunmetal chain bracelet sample we added the beadcap and used a large lobster claw.

p.s.  When I wear the gunmetal version, I kind of feel like I need to hop on a Harley!

Just a quick post about a necklace that always manages a compliment. This meets all the criteria of a great piece of jewelry.

1. Easy to make!
2. Coordinates with many outfits. Dresses up or down, so this has lots of wearing opportunities. 
3. Easy on the budget, but looks expensive.

Here's the list of necklace making supplies.

• 16 -20 inches of chain, depending on your size requirements
• 1 pendant size crystal and 1 smaller complimenting crystal bead (I've made this type of necklace with other kinds of beads, but the crystals take the lead)
• 2 eyepins or headpins that match chain finish and/or metal type
• 1 lobster claw clasp that fits into the link of chain

Here's how it's done…

1. Cut desired length of chain
2. Attach the pendant crystal to one end of chain. This can be done with wire wrapping it permanently to the chain using a headpin. In this case I used a heavier gauge headpin and made more of a semi wrap loop
3. Make loops on each end of the smaller bead after you sliding onto the headpin. Attach one loop to the lobster claw clasp and attach the other loop to the other end of the chain. See the pictures below.
4. 

This next picture shows off a matching earrings. 

and…just a quick insert to highlight different chains that easliy work with this "y" style necklace.

Crystal copper pairs well with the antique copper chain and Silver Shade, Black Diamond and Clear crystal coordinate with gunmetal, sterling and sliver plated chains.

We have featured all these components on a separate jewelry making project page on the shop site. Click here to find, buy and make.

Just got some new antique (ox) silver plated chain listed in the shopping cart. This chain is a textured figaro that is delicate looking and made in soldered brass which adds lots of strength. Then it was silver plated with an oxide finish, giving it an antique look. I wrapped 4mm fire polish jet rounds on the bottom of each chain strand (six in all) and gathered the top links of the chain into a single loop on top with another 4mm fire polish bead and attached to the leverback earwires.  These have a vintage flair and with the sterling silver leverback they measure almost three inches in length. Having 2 feet of this chain on hand would be plenty for this project. Of course this style could be made longer or shorter, your preference. Quick and easy to make and almost a guaranteed compliment when wearing. In case you need more options we carry this chain in the following plated finishes: antique brass,  bright silver, gunmetal, Hamilton gold, antique copper and now sterling silver in antique ox finish. (All these earring making ingredients are now listed on a single project page to make ordering easy as ever!)

We also carry matching leverback earwires in antique brass and copper, gunmetal and have included here sterling silver and goldfilled leverbacks as well. 

Click here to see all these products on a single project page to make ordering much easier.   

Sterling olive beads

Sterling lobster claw

They go together great.  You can see them together in a finished bracelet product on here on Cynthia's Brandolina blog.

Paul

OhioBeads.com 

Just a quick post about making great spring/summer earrings. The two ring raw brass dragonfly works as a great connector link. I have hung them from chain with lots of czech glass and I have seen many an earring made with these links. This gal from twistedblossom made a great pair with a a small pearl dangling from the  bottom ring click here for a look.

Our rich low brass charms are composed of zinc and copper, hey nickel and lead free and made in the USA! They will oxidize with time, but this does not bother me as the worn look has its own charm. You can polish raw brass with very fine steel wool. If you have the chance to experiment you can also stamp brass charms into ink pads such as staz on and alter the color and look.