Back to basics: How to correctly open and close jump rings by twisting rather than bending them.
1. Grip the jump ring on each side of the opening using pliers - either two pairs of flat-nosed, or one flat-nosed and one round-nosed pair.
2. To open the jump ring, bring one pair of pliers towards you, opening the jump ring like a door rather than pulling it apart.
3. Slide your component onto the ring, then reverse the action of your pliers to bring the ends neatly back together.
For an illustrated version of this tutorial, go here: http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/page.html?id=16
So simple! Happy beading!!
Sandy x
Tuesday 20 September 2011
Monday 12 September 2011
Sandy's jewellery making tip of the week!
How to create a simple 3-strand beaded bracelet using waxed cotton:
This week, we've chosen a really easy method of producing a stunning bracelet in no time at all. You can use any combination of beads you like (drill hole in beads must be big enough to accomodate 0.6mm thread) from seed beads to, probably, a maximum size of around 20mm to make it look right - but there are no rules and it really is up to you!
In addition to your beads, you will need the following materials and tools: 1m of 0.6mm waxed cotton cord (colour of your choice); 2x silver-plated 8x4mm fold-over cord ends; silver-plated toggle clasp; 2x silver-plated jump rings. You will need some flat-nosed pliers and sharp scissors.
1. Using sharp scissors, cut the cotton cord into three equal lengths. Take one length and make a knot 2cm from the end, then thread on a random selection of beads, using simple freehand knots at intervals of your choice. Continue until beaded section is 16cm long, then make a final knot and trim the cord at 18cm.
2. Repeat with the other two lengths of cord, making the beading pattern different on each one.
3. Squash all three ends of cord into a fold-over cord end, then plait the three strands loosely together, securing into place with second cord end.
4. Attach a toggle clasp to the cord ends using 6mm jump rings.
That's it! Happy beading!!
Sandy x
www.sand-stones.co.uk
This week, we've chosen a really easy method of producing a stunning bracelet in no time at all. You can use any combination of beads you like (drill hole in beads must be big enough to accomodate 0.6mm thread) from seed beads to, probably, a maximum size of around 20mm to make it look right - but there are no rules and it really is up to you!
In addition to your beads, you will need the following materials and tools: 1m of 0.6mm waxed cotton cord (colour of your choice); 2x silver-plated 8x4mm fold-over cord ends; silver-plated toggle clasp; 2x silver-plated jump rings. You will need some flat-nosed pliers and sharp scissors.
1. Using sharp scissors, cut the cotton cord into three equal lengths. Take one length and make a knot 2cm from the end, then thread on a random selection of beads, using simple freehand knots at intervals of your choice. Continue until beaded section is 16cm long, then make a final knot and trim the cord at 18cm.
2. Repeat with the other two lengths of cord, making the beading pattern different on each one.
3. Squash all three ends of cord into a fold-over cord end, then plait the three strands loosely together, securing into place with second cord end.
4. Attach a toggle clasp to the cord ends using 6mm jump rings.
That's it! Happy beading!!
Sandy x
www.sand-stones.co.uk
Friday 9 September 2011
Freshwater pearls - some must-read facts!
Hiya
I thought I'd mention a few words about Freshwater Pearls and what's
currently happening in the market place.
Over the last 2 or 3 years, demand for freshwater pearls in the UK has
remained bouyant, not only in the bridal jewellery arena but across all
jewellery ranges, however, supply is generally struggling to keep up with
demand due to significant price fluctuations in line with global economic
conditions.
As material costs continue to rise and rise, it makes bulk-buying of the top
quality (we will not compromise on quality!) products Sandstones supplies
increasingly difficult, and those of you who are long-term customers of ours
will recognise that we now only carry a fraction of the pearls stock that we
once did.
However, all is not lost!! Through our vast, global network of suppliers, we
have continued to work extremely hard to find you the best pearls at the
best prices and have discovered some excellent suppliers who still provide
great quality beads at a reasonable price!
So that we can ensure the best deal for you and as long as you can wait a
week or two for delivery, we are able to supply batches of 10 x pearl
strands per order at a much lower price than if you purchased the single
strands we continue to offer.
We know all too well the potential pitfalls and hazards of purchasing beads
directly from overseas, so why not eliminate the risk of receiving poor
quality or not-what-you-ordered beads and let us bear that risk on your
behalf? We will ONLY send out beads that we'd be happy to receive ourselves!
Below is a link to some of the products available to purchase in this way
but it is by no means exhaustive. If you have a particular bead need or
can't see exactly what you're looking for, please do just pick up the phone
and call us on: 0845 224 0843 (local rate from a BT landline) or 01773
520224, (Monday to Friday 9 til 4) or drop us an email:
sandy@sand-stones.co.uk anytime, and we will do our best to get you what you
need or advise you accordingly.
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/wholesale-beads-and-findings-c-128.html
We hope that as one of the UKs best and most established beads and jewellery
making suppliers, we can further develop our great and trusted working
relationship with you.
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/wholesale-beads-and-findings-c-128.html
I look forward to being of service.
Sandy x
I thought I'd mention a few words about Freshwater Pearls and what's
currently happening in the market place.
Over the last 2 or 3 years, demand for freshwater pearls in the UK has
remained bouyant, not only in the bridal jewellery arena but across all
jewellery ranges, however, supply is generally struggling to keep up with
demand due to significant price fluctuations in line with global economic
conditions.
As material costs continue to rise and rise, it makes bulk-buying of the top
quality (we will not compromise on quality!) products Sandstones supplies
increasingly difficult, and those of you who are long-term customers of ours
will recognise that we now only carry a fraction of the pearls stock that we
once did.
However, all is not lost!! Through our vast, global network of suppliers, we
have continued to work extremely hard to find you the best pearls at the
best prices and have discovered some excellent suppliers who still provide
great quality beads at a reasonable price!
So that we can ensure the best deal for you and as long as you can wait a
week or two for delivery, we are able to supply batches of 10 x pearl
strands per order at a much lower price than if you purchased the single
strands we continue to offer.
We know all too well the potential pitfalls and hazards of purchasing beads
directly from overseas, so why not eliminate the risk of receiving poor
quality or not-what-you-ordered beads and let us bear that risk on your
behalf? We will ONLY send out beads that we'd be happy to receive ourselves!
Below is a link to some of the products available to purchase in this way
but it is by no means exhaustive. If you have a particular bead need or
can't see exactly what you're looking for, please do just pick up the phone
and call us on: 0845 224 0843 (local rate from a BT landline) or 01773
520224, (Monday to Friday 9 til 4) or drop us an email:
sandy@sand-stones.co.uk anytime, and we will do our best to get you what you
need or advise you accordingly.
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/wholesale-beads-and-findings-c-128.html
We hope that as one of the UKs best and most established beads and jewellery
making suppliers, we can further develop our great and trusted working
relationship with you.
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/wholesale-beads-and-findings-c-128.html
I look forward to being of service.
Sandy x
Friday 26 August 2011
How to make a flower-shaped bead from crystal glass, oval beads...
Welcome to Sandy's jewellery making tip of the week!
Here we learn how to wrap wire around beads in order to create a shape that can be used as a pendant, earring drop or whatever takes your fancy! This principal will work with almost any beads but in this case, we are using oval-shaped crystal beads to make a flower pattern.
For a fully illustrated version of this tutorial, please visit our website here: http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/page.html?id=15
1. Cut an 11" length of silver plated wire and thread on a crystal oval. Wrap the short end of the wire back over the outside of the bead and turn the wire round the long end a couple of time to secure. Trim the short end so it's flush against the surface.
2. Thread on a crystal and turn the long end of the wire back over the outside of the bead (leave a gap between the two beads of 5-6mm). Wrap the wire round a few times to secure, finishing halfway between two beads.
3. Thread on a crystal and repeat Step 2, so that the third 'petal' is between the first and second petals.
4. Repeat step 2 to create the two remaining petals.
5. Bring your wire to the front of the flower. You can twist the beads so that exposed wires are at the back of the flower.
6. Thread on a small, flatish and contrasting bead of your choice together with a seed bead, so that they are sitting in the gap between the petals. Take the wire back through the contrasting bead ONLY, and pull all the wire through to the back of the piece. Wrap the wire in and out of the petal stalks a few times to secure, then trim the spare wire flush.
That's it! Happy beading!!
Here we learn how to wrap wire around beads in order to create a shape that can be used as a pendant, earring drop or whatever takes your fancy! This principal will work with almost any beads but in this case, we are using oval-shaped crystal beads to make a flower pattern.
For a fully illustrated version of this tutorial, please visit our website here: http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/page.html?id=15
1. Cut an 11" length of silver plated wire and thread on a crystal oval. Wrap the short end of the wire back over the outside of the bead and turn the wire round the long end a couple of time to secure. Trim the short end so it's flush against the surface.
2. Thread on a crystal and turn the long end of the wire back over the outside of the bead (leave a gap between the two beads of 5-6mm). Wrap the wire round a few times to secure, finishing halfway between two beads.
3. Thread on a crystal and repeat Step 2, so that the third 'petal' is between the first and second petals.
4. Repeat step 2 to create the two remaining petals.
5. Bring your wire to the front of the flower. You can twist the beads so that exposed wires are at the back of the flower.
6. Thread on a small, flatish and contrasting bead of your choice together with a seed bead, so that they are sitting in the gap between the petals. Take the wire back through the contrasting bead ONLY, and pull all the wire through to the back of the piece. Wrap the wire in and out of the petal stalks a few times to secure, then trim the spare wire flush.
That's it! Happy beading!!
Friday 19 August 2011
Sandy's jewellery making tip of the week!
How to create a solitaire necklace using a half-drilled bead!
1. Place the pendant / peg finding into some Blu Tack with the peg sticking upwards. Next, place a small dab of Beadfix glue (or similar superglue type of product) in the cup, being careful not to use too much!
2. Lower the half-drilled bead slowly onto the peg. It is advisable to have a piece kitchen roll to hand to soak up any excess glue that may be squeezed out right away. Be careful as glue will spoil the finish on the bead!
3. Leave until the glue has dried completely. The manufacturers' instructions usually recommend 24 hours to ensure total bonding. To finish, attach the loop of the finding on the pendant, to the chain or cord of your choice.
Easy! Happy beading!!
Sandy x
1. Place the pendant / peg finding into some Blu Tack with the peg sticking upwards. Next, place a small dab of Beadfix glue (or similar superglue type of product) in the cup, being careful not to use too much!
2. Lower the half-drilled bead slowly onto the peg. It is advisable to have a piece kitchen roll to hand to soak up any excess glue that may be squeezed out right away. Be careful as glue will spoil the finish on the bead!
3. Leave until the glue has dried completely. The manufacturers' instructions usually recommend 24 hours to ensure total bonding. To finish, attach the loop of the finding on the pendant, to the chain or cord of your choice.
Easy! Happy beading!!
Sandy x
Tuesday 9 August 2011
More new beads!
Hi!
New products are arriving by the day at www.sand-stones.co.uk at the moment
and we thought you might like to know about some of our lovely new
additions:-
To coincide with the festival season, we have designed the perfect rock
chick necklace kit for you to make at home (actually it's unisex but don't
tell the guys that or they might want to steal it!) Check out our Onyx
Plectrum Leather Necklace Kit for further details -
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/bead-kit-onyx-tooth-plectrum-unisex-leather-necklace-p-1181.html
We have pearls arriving too - todays lovies include -
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/7mm-freshwater-potato-pearls-white-good-quality-p-792.html
Have you seen our gorgeous Labradorite pendants yet? They are so yummy and
well priced too, but you have to be quick because they are selling fast -
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/gemstone-beads-other-gemstones-c-4_18.html
Our new starfish glass pendant are perfect summer hol additions - view them
here -
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/glass-beads-pendants-c-26.html?page=3&sort=20a
And there's plenty of steals and specials on offer including clearance
turquoise, new bead bundles, earring kits and ready made charms.
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/stealsspecials-c-79.html
Remember, shipping is free on orders over £15 and for orders over £40 use
code 5off40 for an extra 5% discount.
Happy shopping!
www.sand-stones.co.uk
New products are arriving by the day at www.sand-stones.co.uk at the moment
and we thought you might like to know about some of our lovely new
additions:-
To coincide with the festival season, we have designed the perfect rock
chick necklace kit for you to make at home (actually it's unisex but don't
tell the guys that or they might want to steal it!) Check out our Onyx
Plectrum Leather Necklace Kit for further details -
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/bead-kit-onyx-tooth-plectrum-unisex-leather-necklace-p-1181.html
We have pearls arriving too - todays lovies include -
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/7mm-freshwater-potato-pearls-white-good-quality-p-792.html
Have you seen our gorgeous Labradorite pendants yet? They are so yummy and
well priced too, but you have to be quick because they are selling fast -
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/gemstone-beads-other-gemstones-c-4_18.html
Our new starfish glass pendant are perfect summer hol additions - view them
here -
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/glass-beads-pendants-c-26.html?page=3&sort=20a
And there's plenty of steals and specials on offer including clearance
turquoise, new bead bundles, earring kits and ready made charms.
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/stealsspecials-c-79.html
Remember, shipping is free on orders over £15 and for orders over £40 use
code 5off40 for an extra 5% discount.
Happy shopping!
www.sand-stones.co.uk
Saturday 16 July 2011
New Beads!
Hi
We have beautiful new beads in store today and more arriving daily! New
additions include:- a selection of Chinese Crystal Glass beads including
teardrops, bicones and square twists, Handcrafted earrings, Fluorite flower
beads, Rose Quartz hearts, Amethyst hearts and a range of other gemstones in
a tempting range of shapes, sizes and colours.
And remember, we offer free delivery on purchases of £15 or more.
For these and other great deals, visit www.sand-stones.co.uk today!
We have beautiful new beads in store today and more arriving daily! New
additions include:- a selection of Chinese Crystal Glass beads including
teardrops, bicones and square twists, Handcrafted earrings, Fluorite flower
beads, Rose Quartz hearts, Amethyst hearts and a range of other gemstones in
a tempting range of shapes, sizes and colours.
And remember, we offer free delivery on purchases of £15 or more.
For these and other great deals, visit www.sand-stones.co.uk today!
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