UPCYCLED BEADS

NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH RE-CYCLED BEADS

One of my favorite things to do is up-cycle "trash" and re-purpose it to make new items...mostly jewelry pieces.  You will find this on my blog a lot.  My current project has been to make beads out of scrap paper.  I like to use magazines, catalogs, wrapping paper, wall paper, scrapbook paper, newspaper, etc.  You can even paint or color on plain paper to make unique designs of your own.  Basically, if you can roll it, it can be a bead.

However, I have to tell you that making paper beads is tedious, so it's not for the feint of heart.   It requires cutting and measuring your paper, rolling the bead and affixing it, so that the bead does not unroll.  After it has dried completely, it needs to be glazed.  I highly recommend two layers of glaze in order to add strength to the beads.  You will be surprised at how durable the beads are and feel almost like glass.  But, don't be afraid to try it!  What can it hurt?

Paper beads are water resistant but not water proof.  So, iIndividuality Beads Swirl Glass Bead (Google Affiliate Ad)Individuality Beads 24K Gold Over Silver Openwork Filigree Spacer Bead (Google Affiliate Ad)f you get caught in a light rain, not to worry.  But, don't wear them in the shower.

Here are pictures of my latest creations.

Wishbone Salad Dressing Magazine Ad 

Breast Cancer Awareness Magazine Advertisement 

Dolce & Gabbana Bouquet Magazine Advertisement 

Black & White Scrapbook Paper  

Vera Bradley Catalog Pages 

Kahlua Magazine Advertisement 

Stoly Vodka Magazine Advertisement

More of my handmade up-cycled beads can be found at my Etsy store:

The Happy Cinderella

Don't be afraid to try to up-cycle the items in your own house and make new and different cool stuff!

Yardseller on Facebook

So, like the rest of the free world, I am on Facebook.  Lately, I've been seeing a lot of posts for Yardseller on Facebook advertising beads.  And, I'm not referring to the cheap beads.  I'm talking precious and semi-precious stones, lampwork glass, etc.  Below, I have copied an advertisement from Yardseller on Facebook.  Has anyone purchased from Yardseller?  I know that I should be the expert here, but this is a new area for me.  I've even seen Pandora or Troll beads on there.  Is Facebook the new website for selling goods?  Is Facebook the new eBay with less fees?  These are all very legitimate questions, and I look forward to any responses....I'm tempted to buy just to find out!

Monsoon (6x8mm) Rondelle Beads (10)

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Description

The second I saw this bead I fell in love!  I'm very tempted to keep them all for myself!
These are a 6mm x 8mm Czech glass faceted rondelle.  These beads have soft hues of blue and pink running throughout.  The pinks and blues remind me of an Arizona sky just before a Monsoon storm blows in.  A brown Picasso finish covers the entire bead.
You will receive 10 beads chosen at random.
NOTE: Pictures are taken at close up range in the beautiful Arizona sun with a flash. They are then cropped, which makes them appear larger than they really are.  This is so that you can see all the details of the bead.  I have tried to show the colors as true as possible. Some beads may look lighter or darker in different light. These beads are made by hand so each bead is uniquely different.
Need a larger quantity than what is listed? Send me a message and I will set up a reserve listing for you.
I am happy to combine shipping as well.  If you see more than one item you would like please send me a message prior to purchase and I will combine as many items as you like into one listing!
Feel free to contact me at whitemountainbeads@gmail.com

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Price (With Photon$ Discount)

Free!

$3.20

Delivery Options:

Ship to me ($2.50 shipping & handling)

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Meet the Seller

Sharon A Duffey

International Gem & Jewelry Show Hits Columbus, Ohio

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!

As you know from my first post, I'm from Central, Ohio....Columbus, Ohio to be exact, and one of my favorite times of year is when The International Gem & Jewelry Show comes to Columbus.  My girlfriends and I mark it on our calendar and make a day of heading down to Vet's Memorial to view all the gorgeous baubles and beads and rings and necklaces, etc.

This October, The International Gem & Jewelry Show will be in town again, and we can't wait!  I tend to go to look at all the beads.  I like to buy the ones from China and India that are not readily available to me all the time.  However, my girlfriends go for the gems and jewelry.  I can't tell you how many lovely pieces they have purchased in our last visits.  I'm always so envious of their buys, but I can't stay away from the beads.  My poor husband has gone with me before, and he's really more like a pack horse.  I would make the purchases, and he would carry the bags while listening to a podcast on his iPod.  Now, he just prefers that I go with my friends, and it does seem to work out better that way.

Recently, I've started see a new trend at the gem and jewelry shows....classes!  Yes, that's right!  Some of the shows are even incorporating classes to teach the attendees how to make jewelry.  So, if you thought you couldn't do it, now you have no excuse for not knowing how...take a class, and then buy the supplies right then and there.  What could be better?

The International Gem & Jewelry Show is just one show that exhibits around the United States on a yearly basis, and the schedule is readily available on their website.  There are other shows out there, and I will showcase them, as well, in future posts.  This one just happens to be a favorite because I have happy memories tied to it with my husband and friends.

If you have a favorite gem, bead or jewelry show that you attend on a regular basis, let us all know!  Free plugs all around!

(D. Bachman Gemstones)

What is Mountain Jade?

WHAT IS MOUNTAIN JADE?

Unlike it's name, Mountain Jade really is not jade, at all.  It is a dolomite marble.  If you hold it in your hand, it is cold, just like marble.  And I have to say, I don't just like it, I LOVE it!  It is inexpensive but it looks just like real jade.  

Dolomite marble comes from Asia, and it is dyed into many different colors.  You can buy it in green, white, black, yellow, pink, red, light blue, and more.  I've used this in many jewelry pieces because it is inexpensive, but the colors are so pretty and sharp that it adds worth to your designs without breaking the bank.

So, if you have some expensive lampwork or glass beads, or other precious stones, try mixing in some Mountain Jade with them because you will be able to sell your pieces at a better price but not compromise on the design.

Check out this design from The National Arts Program website.  This is exactly what I'm referring to.  The artist, Nancy Borders, used Mountain Jade to add color and length to her piece without compromising her design.  And the price is quite affordable.

You can find this design at National Arts Program.  Try working with Mountain Jade.  I think you will like it too.

Introduction to iBeads and Baubles

You may be asking yourself, what does an accountant from Central Ohio know about beads and baubles, and well, that's a very good question.  Educationally, I have a Bachelor's Degree in Education, however, since my son was born, I've been working in banking and finance for the last 17 years.  Way back when, I could only find a job substitute teaching right after college, and when I became pregnant, I knew I needed a stable income with benefits.  So, I got a job at a bank and discovered that I'm really good with numbers.  I've been in that field ever since, and I've only really regretted the decision a couple of times...usually in the summer time when all my teacher friends have the summers off.  :)

Anyway, back to the beads and baubles.  Working with numbers is boring, and I needed a creative outlet.  For me, journaling, writing and making jewelry is that creative outlet.  I became totally enamored with beads and pendants and findings.  They are beautiful, and in my minds eye, I can picture gorgeous pieces created with the beads.  They truly are a passion for me.  I want to share all of that with you...the types of beads available, new beads when they come out, trade shows and gems shows across the region, as well as, what beads are made from.

I also appreciate bead art and have had the privelege of viewing many types of handmade lampwork beads and signature beaded pieces.  I even spent some time on a Native American Indian Reservation and witnessed firsthand their beading technique.

I hope that as this blog gets started, and I begin to post some information, you will find it helpful.  And please feel free to comment at any time or ask me any questions.  I welcome them all!