Tuesday, 20 September 2011

Sandy's jewellery making tip of the week!

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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!

Friday, 1 July 2011

Free bead bundle worth £3.50 when you spend £15 or more at www.sand-stones.co.uk

Happy 1st July!! We just wanted to tell you about a sizzling summer special
in our online store this weekend.....

Our bead bundles are so popular and no two are alike. They feature a range
of beads in a palette of toning colours which make designing jewellery easy
and fun. Ranging in price from £2.50 - £4.50 they're great value for money
too!

This weekend we are giving away bead bundles worth £3.50 each absolutely
free to newsletter subscribers and existing customers who spend £15 or more
in our online store. The free bead bundles are not listed on the site, they
are a surprise, but we know you'll love them! To qualify, simply make your
order between 2pm Friday July 1st and midnight Sunday July 3rd and spend £15
or more and we will send you a bead bundle worth £3.50 absolutely free with
your order! And remember: shipping is free for orders over £15, so log on
and grab yourself a great deal!!

With new pearls and gemstones in store this week and sales and specials on
offer, there's plenty of gorgeous beads at great prices to choose from!

Tuesday, 21 June 2011

Website back up and running!

Dear Customer

We would like to apologise for difficulties you may have experienced when
trying to checkout an order on our website over the last few days. We will have
overcome this technical fault today (June 21st) and it will be business as usual!

We thought you might like to know that we have some lovely new pearls and
gemstones arriving in store over the next week, so please do take a peek at; http://www.sand-stones.co.uk

We're sure you will love them!

And as always, we are happy to help with any queries or technical questions
you may have about any of our products or any aspect of our service; do feel
free to contact us by phone or email.

kind regards

The team at Sandstones

Wednesday, 8 June 2011

Save up to 25% on Pearls!

Did you know that you can save 25% when you order freshwater pearls at
www.sand-stones.co.uk ?? That's right! Order your favourite freshwater
pearls by the 10 strands and you will save up to 25% AND we will ship your order
to your door FREE OF CHARGE!

To view our wholesale freshwater pearl catalogue click here -
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/wholesale-beads-and-findings-c-128.html

Gorgeous pearls are being produced for us this week, so why not purchase
your favourite freshwater pearls in multiples of 10 and save now!

Any queries? Just contact us on 0845 224 0843 (01773 520224) or email
via our website: http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/contact_us.html for friendly and informative assistance.

Sunday, 15 May 2011

Custom Made Pearl Necklaces!

Sandstones are delighted to bring you news about a new service - buy a
custom-made hand-knotted pearl necklace in just a few clicks! For further
details click this link
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/new-handmade-jewellery-service-custommade-pearl-necklace-c-35_213.html

Prices start at around £15! We will custom make a hand-knotted genuine pearl
necklace for you, in the pearls of your choice and then deliver them direct
to your door. Great gift idea - why not order them for a friend and we will
deliver the necklace to an address of your choice!

Just click this link to check out this new and exciting service from
Sandstones
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/new-handmade-jewellery-service-custommade-pearl-necklace-c-35_213.html

Happy Beading!

Wednesday, 16 March 2011

New season Beads!

Early Spring greetings to you all! I hope this new season is sparking
exciting beady ideas in your mind. We've been busy sourcing new beady
lines, which we hope will inspire you.

New stock coming in includes:-

Freshwater pearls including some lovely whites for the bridal season ahead.
Check out the whole collection at
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/freshwater-pearl-beads-c-3.html More new
pearls arriving later this month too so don't forget to check back.

Recycled glass donuts - I have designed some inspiring pieces using these
lovely focals and they will be appearing in issue 13 of Creative Beads and
Jewellery. You can view our current range at
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/recycled-glass-donuts-c-170.html Please feel
free to email or phone me if you love these products and want inspiration as
to how to use them!

We have also been busy on the bead bundle front! To view todays new
bundles, just follow this link
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/jewellery-kits-bead-bundles-c-64.html
Remember, these are one offs, so grab them while you can as they don't hang
around for long!

We are always happy to help with any queries, technical, design, bead
sourcing or otherwise - please don't hesitate to email or call us if we can
help further.

Happy Beading,

Sandy

Saturday, 29 January 2011

HURRY! Sandstones 20% off selected items sale ends midnight Monday 31st January

We can't believe how quickly January is flying by and just wanted to remind
you that our 20% off selected items sale ends midnight Monday 31st January.
Just click this link www.sand-stones.co.uk and bag yourself some great
bargains!!

We have been busy making delectable bead bundles - you can find them here:

http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/steal-of-the-week-c-79.html?zenid=rshk8b15s3j4u4c5c44t9e60b1

or here if you want to see our jewellery making kits as well:

http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/jewellery-kits-bead-bundles-c-64.html

These lovely tonally blended bundles are designed to help get your creative
juices flowing and they are easy on your pocket too; usually priced between
£2-4, there are enough beads to form the basis of a beautiful necklace or
bracelet! They are often one offs - so check the site regularly, as they
really don't stick around for more than a day or two.

Date for your diary next pearl knotting masterclass - Saturday 12th
February 2011!

Finally, we just wanted to let you know that our new pearls are scheduled to
arrive in February we can't wait!!

Happy beading to you all

Wednesday, 19 January 2011

Sandstones Sale Continues...!

Sandstones 20% OFF selected items sale at: http://www.sand-stones.co.uk continues until the end of January 2011...!

Wednesday, 5 January 2011

Price Freeze!!

Sandstones Beads and Jewellery Making Supplies will NOT be raising prices, despite the current rise in VAT. Please visit: http://www.sand-stones.co.uk to benefit from prices exactly as they were during 2010.

As always, thanks for shopping at Sandstones, for all your beads and jewellery making needs!

Sunday, 26 December 2010

Friday, 24 December 2010

20% OFF - sale starts Boxing Day!

Look out for the Sandstones super sale starting Boxing Day!

Visit http://www.sand-stones.co.uk where you will find bargains galore with up to 20% OFF selected items!

We'll even be dispatching orders on the 29th and 30th so you could receive your yummy beads and goodies before the new year!!

Wishing all of our fantastic, loyal customers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Friday, 17 December 2010

Christmas Posting Dates!

Seasons Greetings to you all (are we allowed to mention it yet?)!

We thought you would like to know that we are working right up to 23rd
December and will ensure that all your orders are dispatched quickly in the
lead up to Christmas.
Royal Mail recommend the following last posting dates for UK:-
First Class - Tuesday 21st December
Special Delivery - Thursday 23rd December
Of course, you can still shop over the Christmas period; you can find us at
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk

We will dispatch any orders that you place during the Christmas break on
Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th December.

Want to design that special piece of jewellery for Christmas? Then try
out our Celebrity Crystal for spectacular seasonal sparkle -
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/celebrity-crystal-c-175.html?zenid=h0dotjd3svv5v6jvmfh2e0fr97
Our new acrylics and cotton pearls are selling like hot cakes - get in quick
before they go!
Acrylics - http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/new-acrylic-beads-pearls-c-200.html
Cotton Pearls - http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/new-cotton-pearls-c-210.html

Thankyou for your loyal custom!

Saturday, 27 November 2010

FREEPOST - Special 5 day event!

FREEPOST - Special 5-day event - Ends Tuesday 30th November, Midnight !
The festive season is nearly here and our thoughts are turning towards
Christmas shopping - less than a month to go now! To help you save money
during this expensive time, we are offering a freepost service, starting
today and ending on Tuesday 30th November at midnight. Simply spend £5* or
more and we will post your items to you absolutely free!
And why not stock up for Christmas now; you can shop online with us
(www.sand-stones.co.uk) from the comfort of your own home and buy unusual
gifts or treat yourself to something new. We have a range of new jewellery
making kits which will be listed in store over the next few days so watch
out for these as they will make gorgeous gifts for aspiring jewellery
designers. We also have a fabulous new range of beads in store - click this
link to view our gorgeous new acrylics, czech glass and cotton pearls:
http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/products_new.html
*The freepost offer is valid from Friday 26th November until Tuesday 30th
November 2010, Midnight. Freepost applies to UK orders only and excludes
Eire and the Channel Islands.

Friday, 15 October 2010

Double or even triple your money with Sandstones!

Hi there!

We are up and running with places being booked for our exclusive Pearl Knotting master class and we urge you to secure your place NOW. The question is - can you afford not too? We can GUARANTEE that you will learn how knot necklaces at least twice - if not 3 times as fast than by hand, with much more accuracy and better knots!

What does this mean? It means that with your necklace production time cut in half (at least) you can make twice as many beautiful jewellery items in the same amount of time - and we all know that time is money!!

PLACES ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED!! Please click this link NOW to book your place
and pay securely online!

http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/pearl-knotting-master-class-p-2881.html

You are not restricted to using pearls! This technique can be used with CRYSTAL, SMALL GEMSTONE CHIPS, CZECH GLASS, SEED BEADS and many, many more.

To remind you, you get:

1. 4 hours of pearl knotting tuition from one of the UK's leading experts in
this field as featured on the BBC and many jewellery making publications, all in beautiful countryside surroundings.
2. Your own knotter tool valued at £13.50 to use on the day and take home
with you.
3. A strand of pearls, thread, findings and clasp valued at £6.00 to create
your own exclusive necklace to keep or give as a gift to someone special.
4. Refreshments throughout the day and a light lunch included!
5. Info sheets and instructions for you to use again and again on future
projects.

All this for the vastly reduced price of just £60.00 including VAT. That's at least HALF THE PRICE of many, similar courses where you receive much less!

There's still time and places available on both 27th and 30th of October - please state which date you prefer in the 'special instructions' box during checkout. To start doubling your money, click the link below NOW and secure your place for the Pearl Knotting master class!

http://www.sand-stones.co.uk/pearl-knotting-master-class-p-2881.html

We look forward to seeing you there!

Best wishes,

The team at Sandstones