filigreebe, Author at Filigree Beading .com

8Mar

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Antique Patinas

When you join several parts together into a single piece you may not be happy with how one of the parts blends with the others. Perhaps you bought the components from different suppliers who use different platers and one piece is brighter than the others or you would like to make the whole piece look older. The following technique will help you to achieve that look. YOU WILL NEED:1. Flat black or brown water base craft paint.2. A small paint brush (about 1/4 inch wide)3. A soft toothbrush4. A soft cloth that you don't mind throwing away or paper towels5. Extra fine grade steel wool pads Directions:1. Paint the whole piece with the craft paint. (Glass stones will not be harmed but be cautious about porous gemstones that may become too dark.) You can also ...

14Jan

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Free Jewelry Making Lessons

Glue Tips

Here are tips for using E6000 glue, Crafters Goop and Diamond Glaze™. When you use E6000 glue make sure it is fresh, clear and stringy straight from the tube. It starts to dry quickly and if it is cloudy to start, it won't set up properly. Use a toothpick or a needle tool to distribute only a tiny amount (see photo). Leave the original set undisturbed for twenty-four hours.The next day you can embellish with cabochons, jewels, stones or other metal pieces. I used this method for years to create unique settings. I usually had at least ten items drying in various stages.You only need a small dot of glue to hold flat objects together as seen in the example. Keep this perspective in mind as you work.Always make sure both the setting and the stone...

7Dec

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Inspiration

The Duchess and other Grand Ladies

During our journey through life, we meet many people along the way. Some are in our lives for only a short time and yet the impact they make is life changing. There were many women who helped me become the person I am, but the most dramatic of them was "The Duchess". I was in my twenties and she was in her eighties when I met this grand lady. I lived across the street from her home in Norfolk, VA for a couple of years. From the first day I saw her, before she spoke a single word to me, she began teaching me lessons that would stay with me throughout my life. She was born in a great plantation house on Avery Island in Louisiana at the turn of the century. Her first husband was a Diplomat so she lived in Europe for several years.She was the hand ...

1Dec

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Ideas, Inspiration

My Creative Roots

One of my favorite memories of childhood was sitting with my father as he drew pictures for me of the farm life we love. Through out my life he has fueled my creative energy, influenced and inspired me in so many ways. After all these years of seeing the jewelry I make and helping me to separate countless plating orders, he was inspired to create this special wood project. My father, Kenneth, built this wagon in the shape of a sled as a gift for my cousin's young son Max. Dad used scrapes of wood and bits and pieces left over from plating orders as well as items picked up at yard sales and flea markets to create this wonderful wagon which will be treasured by our family for generations. Thank you to both my parents for giving me all that I...

20Oct

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Inspiration

My Last Collection

Gallery and boutique owners often used my work in their advertising. Among my favorites was this ad for a very elegant gallery in Virginia. The owner is shown wearing a necklace and earrings I created for that year's fall collection. This was the last collection for me as a full time designer...now I work for you! I no longer create a full collection, but in order to satisfy my artist's soul, I still make a few pieces for private commissions and to add to my own collection. This is a closeup shot of a necklace similar to the one being worn in the ad above. Visit our store web site VintageJewelrySupplies.com to shop for these and thousands more items.(NOTE: our website best viewed on desktop or tablet)

12Oct

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Free Jewelry Making Lessons

The Layering Technique

It's fun to create beautiful jewelry from found objects and all sorts of available materials by using the technique of layering, combined with a bit of artistic ability and ingenuity. This was always the technique I favored during the ten years I earned my living as a designer.The overall effect is elegant and the layers lend a bit more substantial weight to your work. I used an endless combination of textures, color hues and materials. At times I also hand painted the metal pieces to define them even more. The point is that you shouldn't limit yourself to using items only in the way they are presented to you. Think of the items shown on our site as the parts of a puzzle or as building blocks. The way you combine and layer them creates your own unique work of art t...

9Oct

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Free Jewelry Making Lessons

Dangle Earring Lesson

Many people have asked me if I will ever write a book. Considering that my work days now start at 4 AM and last well into every evening, I don't think I will ever find the time required for such an endeavor. It is however, a pleasure to put together occasional lessons to show you the basic steps for creating a project. Those lessons are always posted here for free. I've been told by my accountant that I give away too many services and products that could be sold, but I believe your actions come back to you. While I never support copying the work of another artist, you are welcome to use these lessons showing my work, in any way you wish. It is my hope that you will learn a new technique and then go on to create something wonderful with your newly fueled imagination. Th...

24Sep

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Free Jewelry Making Lessons

Understanding Plating

Plating makes all the difference. Many suppliers attempt to convince you that raw brass items are acceptable for use in jewelry making projects. Brass is a metal alloy, composed of a solid solution of zinc, dissolved into an element of copper. Raw brass, natural brass, pure brass; whatever the term used, has sharp uneven edges from the stamping process which creates the design. It will stain your skin and sometimes your clothes greenish black. Also keep in mind that it will darken to a very unattractive color as it is exposed over time to air and your skin oils. This photo shows you how raw brass ages over time. Raw brass is a wonderful light weight base, but it should be professionally plated to have the look and feel desirable for jewelry. It is very expensive to have pl...

18Aug

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Uncategorized

Ready to Shop?

Visit our store web site VintageJewelrySupplies.com to shop for thousands of new and vintage jewelry making items at wholesale prices.(NOTE: our website best viewed on desktop or tablet) The grand staircase of the Paris Opera House. This photo is part of my collection of antique images of Cathedrals and Opera Houses. They are a source of inspiration for my jewelry designs as well as giving me great pleasure each time I look at them.

16Aug

By filigreebeNo Comments

Free Jewelry Making Lessons

Measuring Guide

Since millimeters are much more precise, the metric system is almost always used in the jewelry industry. This gauge will help you compare inches with millimeters. This chart will not be to scale if you print it from your computer. All monitors are set differently. We will be happy to send you other guides such as SS/PP compared to millimeters and how to make basic and self wrap loops. Send us an email on our main contact page to ask for the tip sheet (emailed) that you need. Visit our store web site VintageJewelrySupplies.com to shop for thousands of jewelry making items.(NOTE: our website best viewed on desktop or tablet)