vintage glass beads Archives - Filigree Beading .com

24Nov

By filigreebeNo Comments

Ideas

Other Projects

The brass stampings, beads and gem replicas we offer are used in many projects other than jewelry design. Here are just a few great ideas worth sharing. The beautiful bud vase pictured here was a gift from my sister and her husband. It includes several filigrees, a flower and two cherubs. They are soldered to a large round filigree and a plain brass band to hold it all together. The band doesn't show, but it is inside the design at the heads of the cherubs. The vase can be removed from the ornate holder for cleaning. The same concept could easily be used to make decorated jar candles or bud vases of your own design. Willie Zuniga is still recovering from hand surgery but she can't sit still. She is creating a line of gift items now. You can buy these jars a...

15Jan

By filigreebeNo Comments

Artisan Jewelry, Inspiration

Photo Slide Show

Over the years, we've saved many pictures of designs by clients, students and also a few pictures of our own designs. We've created a photo album featuring some of the collection. We hope that you will find inspiration to create your own designs from the examples shown here. If you would like us to include a photo of your work and a link to your site, please send us an email using our main contact page here. Our current jewelry making artist list on this photo slide show includes the following: Created by Susan Street - VintageJewelrySupplies.com Created by Willie Zuniga - www.etsy.com/shop/MorningGloryLegacy Created by Nancy Hamilton - NancyLTHamilton.com Created by Jessica Galbreth - TheVintageAngel.com Created by Terri Moore - www.etsy.com/shop.forthecrossjewelry ...

1Aug

By filigreebeNo Comments

Free Jewelry Making Lessons

Unique Bails

A unique bail can make all the difference in the look of your finished project. Here are some ideas to help you create unique bails from which to hang your pendants. Try folding over a connector which is the correct size and shape then add a jump ring as in item A. You can also use one link of rollo chain as in item B in the first photo. Any unsoldered larger link chain which has the right size and shape links can be used as a bail. In this photo you see a bail made from our long bar filigree #B33. This technique combines settings of various sizes with the rings either nipped off or turned downward so that you can attach other items. You can also use any of our ring findings as a bail as shown in the photo below. ...

2Nov

By filigreebeNo Comments

Free Jewelry Making Lessons

Step by Step

Mixing natural gemstone beads and cabochons with vintage glass beads and the oxidized findings lends importance to your art. The colors are rich and the markings are always interesting. The stones are very earthy and flattering to your face. Look for natural, not dyed stones, since the dye will change and fade over time. Steps to a Project... Here's the evolution of a necklace as it is being created. The focal pendant chosen for this piece is a Chrysocolla oblong gemstone bead with the hole passing vertically across the top. In my travels, I never pass up a bead store, rock shop or bead show. I want to see gemstones in person before I spend big money for something special like this bead. I threaded a heavy beading wire (#W01) through the hole and then added...

9Oct

By filigreebeNo Comments

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...