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May 27, 2009, Vol. 3 No. 7 |
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It is hard to believe that summer is finally here. For the perfect pairing to a favorite sundress, try making this issue's free project, Asian Artifact. This beautiful flower-bead necklace is created in yellow, one of the trendiest colors for 2009. Read more about color trends, a new crystal bicone shape from Swarovski and the latest in eco-friendly jewelry products.
Reader Question & Answer
Question: I saw a stunning necklace on display at a bead shop in New York. It was two strands of smallish pearls with a strand of colorful flat bicone beads between them with very small separator rings between each bicone. It lay flat on the shelf model with all three strands fully adjacent to each other, with no overlaps or large gaps between the three strands. My assumption is that the three strands needed to be slightly different lengths, with the one at the bottom being the longest, but is there any rule of thumb in the measuring to make multiple-strand necklaces lay around the neck without overlaps or gaps? Thanks!
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Answer: Using a necklace design board helps a great deal in the layout of multi-strand necklaces. Plan to leave at least 1/2-inch difference in the length of each strand and adjust as needed. Small beads allow the strands to sit quite close to one another; whereas, large beads require a greater difference in strand length. Masking tape or Bead Stoppers will hold the beads securely while you check to make sure the length of each strand is correct. You may need to add or subtract beads depending on what you use.
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Classic Crystal Changes
Between June and September 2009, Swarovski will begin the transition from the 5301 (classic bicone style) to the new XILION cut 5328. The XILION cut features alternating large and small facets that reflect additional light. Additional facets round the bicone slightly and enhance wearer comfort. Because the shape of the XILION 5328 is complementary, it can easily be substituted for a classic 5301 bicone.
Although difficult to see with the naked eye, the additional facets are intended to protect Swarovski and jewelry designers from counterfeit beads. Prices for XILION 5328s are not expected to increase from the classic price.
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 Free Project: Asian Artifact
Design by Denise Gravano
A "new jade" pendant gives this piece all the beauty and mystique of a buried treasure.
Materials
- New jade (serpentine) carved pendant
- 4 (4mm) gold glass beads
- 8 (4mm) alabaster round beads
- 4 (1 1/2-inch) gold eye pins
- Gold jump rings: 2 (6mm), 8 (3mm)
- 18 inches gunmetal medium cable chain with clasp
- Round-nose pliers
- Chain-nose pliers
- Side cutters
Finished Size
22 inches (including clasp)
Instructions
| 1) |
Measure 5 1/2 inches on each side of chain from the clasp down and cut. Cut remaining chain into four 1 1/2-inch pieces. |
| 2) |
Thread an alabaster bead, a gold bead and an alabaster bead on an eye pin. Use round-nose pliers to form a loop above top bead; trim excess wire. Repeat three additional times. |
| 3) |
Open a 6mm jump ring and slide on pendant and an 1 1/2-inch length of chain; close jump ring. |
| 4) |
Attach a 3mm jump ring to end link on opposite end of 1 1/2-inch length of chain, sliding on one loop of a beaded eye pin before closing jump ring. |
| 5) |
In same manner, use 3mm jump rings to connect another 1 1/2-inch length of chain, a beaded eye pin and one of the 5 1/2-inch lengths of chain. |
| 6) |
Repeat steps 4 and 5 for other side of necklace. |
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Sources: Pendant and alabaster beads from Revelations In Stone; gold beads from Rings & Things.
Copyright © July 2005 Simply Beads magazine. All rights reserved.
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Green Beading Wire
Soft Flex Co. has announced a new line of products that pursue its commitment to go green. The company's new Extreme beading wire is made from recyclable steel wire and contains no heavy metals. Also, all Soft Flex wire is packaged on recyclable spools. Extreme is available in bright silver, sterling silver, champagne, gold or in delicious Trios of complementary colors. If your local community doesn't offer recycling, you can recycle remnant pieces or spools by sending them to the Soft Flex Co., P.O. Box 80, Sonoma, CA 95476.
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Do a Little Jig
While mining the Internet for interesting newsletter topics, I discover many great resources and information to share. For those of you interested in learning more about wire, I recommend visiting WigJig.com. This site features a comprehensive skill guide with clear photos and specific instructions. There are more than 40 different pages including basic techniques and specific designs.
WigJig also offers a free online newsletter subscription with projects and tips. All of the back issues are posted on the Web site. Dig into more information than you ever imagined, all for free from the comfort and convenience of your computer.
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Spring & Summer 2009 Color Trends
Pantone, the leader in color for print and fashion has an interesting array of colors listed as the trendsetters for spring and summer 2009. This year's list includes: super lemon, fuchsia red, salmon rose, palace blue, lucite green, dark citron, lavender, vibrant green, slate gray and rose dust. Although these names are accurate and descriptive, download a full color PDF file from Pantone.com to see swatches and designer inspiration.
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Have a fantastic day!
Barb Switzer
Editor, Simply Beads newsletter
PS. If you enjoyed this newsletter, please forward it to your beading friends, so they can subscribe!
Send feedback!
Please do not reply to this e-mail. Instead, fill out the easy feedback form to let me know your thoughts, questions, news or anything else you want to tell me about. You never know, I may feature it in an upcoming issue of this Simply Beads newsletter. Keep reading!
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