Multi-Strand Necklace, Earrings - Simple Elegance (CH0298)

Simply Elegant Multi-Strand Necklace for a Beautiful Friend

For Sooty’s birthday I wanted to create a jewelry set that was deceptively simple, classically elegant and yet flexible and accommodating of more than one style. This Multi-Strand Necklace in simple elegance with matching earrings was the final result.

Multi-Strand Necklace, Earrings - Simple Elegance (CH0298)

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PP Size and SS Size - Stone Sizes

Swarovski Stone Sizes as well as other crystal, stones, rhinestones, and flatbacks are often given the mysterious PP and/or SS sizing. PP and SS size terminology is a throwback from earlier times but is still extensively used by most industry leaders today. You can use our indispensable Swarovski Stone Sizes Chart to easily convert PP and/or SS sizing in millimeters and inches.

Where do PP size and SS size come from?

Pearl Plates (origin of PP size)

PP Size

"PP” originated from the technique of pearl sizing. PP literally stands for “Pearl Plate”.

In days gone by, pearls were placed into a set of vertically stacked plates. These plates had a series of graduated punched holes in them. As the pearls fell through the holes, they could then be sized and priced accordingly. The plates acted like sieves in the gauging of pearl sizes.

SS Size

"SS” stands for “Stone Size”.

Jewelers later developed the SS system for sizing stones. It achieved the same purpose (of sizing and pricing) but using a different scale than PP.

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Wire Gauge Chart: Conversion Table

A useful handy Wire Gauge Chart which quickly lets you convert wire gauges to inches and millimeters. Covers the AWG and SWG gauge rating systems.

Wire Gauge chart

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Chainmail Weaves: List

Here is a preliminary list of some of the most popular basic chainmail weaves. List includes level of expertise recommended, the AR (Aspect Ratio) recommended. It also contains links to great tutorials for each of the chainmail weaves.

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Chain Mail and Aspect Ratio

This is a brief primer on chain mail basics. We will cover the very basic terminologies and provide some clarifying explanations. There are a lot of terminology connected with the ancient art of chain mail, but for now we will just concentrate on the basics.
(You will naturally pick up more terminology as you progress).

Chainmail Samples

For starters, chain mail is variously spelt as chainmail, chain maille, chainmaille, or just as maille.

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Swarovski Stone Sizes Chart

Swarovski Stone Sizes chart

Swarovski uses PP and SS stone sizing as a very specific measurement for their high quality round stones. Without a Swarovski Stone Sizes Chart, it would be very difficult and confusing to estimate the size of Swarovski stones in millimeter and/or inches.

PP stands for “Pearl Plate” and SS stands for “Stone Size”. Discover why we have the PP and SS sizes for round stones.

The Swarovski Stone Sizes chart below is a very handy conversion guide, specifically for Swarovski crystals and stones. The information in the chart has been sourced from Swarovski™.

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Wire Wrap Cross - How To

Handmade Beaded Rod, Wire Wrap Cross

This is one of my favourite crosses. Was used in Rosary for Mom (CH0359).

Though it looks a bit complex, it is not very hard to make at all.

Wire wrapped Cross

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Byzantine Chainmail Cross - How To

I was constantly running out of crosses once I started making my own rosaries. So I thought figure out how to make some of my own handmade crosses (in 2011). Here is a succinct how-to on making some chainmail crosses.

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Hematite Rosary and Cross (CH0216)

A hematite rosary is especially valued for its soothing, calming, and healing qualities. It is the hematite gemstone that is said to inherently possess and exude these qualities. Because of or quite apart from these metaphysical qualities, I must say that there is an undeniably soothing to hold a hematite rosary in one’s hand. Here, this is enhanced by the polished surface and smooth roundness of the hematite beads.

Hematite Rosary and Cross (CH0216)

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Pearl and Crystal Rosary (CH0196)

This handmade crystal rosary is made with clear Swarovski crystals and Swarovski pearls. The cross is also handmade from the same clear Swarovski crystals with a genuine Swarovski headpin. The headpin is topped with a clear Swarovski crystal, giving a shiny sparkle at the bottom of the cross.

This rosary has a purity that is both soothing and cleansing.

Pearl and Crystal Rosary (CH0196)

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Felt Owl Brooch - Oscar Oot

For a while there, I was into handmade felt cabochons (felt cabs for short).  Then I got into making cute felt animals - like this felt owl brooch.  His name is Oscar Oot.  This is a rewrite about Oscar.  I am moving platforms and need to do a lot of re-writes.  But re-writing my very first little Oscar owl is not a chore as he still holds a warm place in my heart.

FELT OWL BROOCH – OSCAR OOT (CC0074)

Oscar is the big brother in the Oot felt owl family.  You can have a peek at his younger sister, Emily Oot - another felted owl.

Felted Owl Brooch - Emily Oot

Because I am moving sites and I still love my felted owl Emily Oot so very much, I am re-writing my post on Emily here.  This wee felt owl was created sometime in 2010 and has long left me for new, loving parents.  However her memory lingers.

Felted Owl - Emily Oot (CC0075)

Felted owl Emily Oot was born shortly after Oscar Oot, another in my felt owl series.  (I shall do a rewrite on Oscar at another time).

Crystal Sun Catchers: Wirework Tree of Life (CH0232)

Wanting to make something for a friend?  Why not a suncatcher?  Why not crystal sun catchers? I recently visited a close friend whom I had not seen for a long while. He lives on a boat in Palm beach. A 70 foot ferro cement schooner he built virtually by himself over a span of 40 years.  I seldom get to see him but he has always been there for me when times were shaky. However, living as he does, there is not a lot of room of bric-a-brac and things that might take up too much space.  But sun catchers, and  gleaming, sparkling crystal sun catchers  - that would be ideal.

Crystal Sun Catchers: Wirework Tree of Life (CH0232)

Make Swarovski Suncatcher – Triple Tree of Life (CH0231)

In case you didn’t know – I LOVE Swarovski. And that is why I created this wirework suncatcher in a Triple Tree of Life hanging mobile. Here are some notes on how to make Swarovski Suncatcher – a Triple Tree of Life free hanging mobile.

I recently discovered how to make Tree of Life pendants, and adapted it to create some of my earlier crystal sun catchers. That led me to combine a single Tree of Life into a Triple Tree of Life Suncatcher using Swarovski-Swarovski-Swarovski! I mean really, can there be better sparkles and happy sunlight reflections than with Swarovski?

MAKE SWAROVSKI SUNCATCHER – TRIPLE TREE OF LIFE MOBILE (CH0231)

DRAGON TREE OF LIFE Hanging Mobile

I know someone who loves Blues and who loves Dragons - so with that guiding compass as my guide, I decided that a double Tree of Life with a penchant for Dragons would be the ticket for him.

DRAGON TREE OF LIFE Hanging Mobile (CH0288)

Freeform Wire Wrap Christmas Ornament

This Freeform Wire Wrap Christmas Ornament just popped out by itself following on the fun making of the Freeform Wire Wrap Pendant and Earrings in copper.

Freeform Wire Wrap Christmas Ornament (CH0292)

Circular Jewelry Pouch with Multiple Pockets

I made this circular jewelry pouch as a trial piece.  A long long time ago (2011? 2012?)  Anyway, you will be disappointed (as I am) that I don't know where I learnt it from nor where the instructions are.

handmade circular jewelry pouch with multiple pockets (CH0293)

Some Handmade Crosses & Rosary Stuff

These batch of handmade rosaries and rosary accessories were made quite a while ago when I was going through a period of rosary-making.  (Boy, that was fun!)

Handmade Crosses (CH0299)

Sweet Audrey - Freeform Wire Wrapped Gemstone Pendant

There is not a lot of instructions I can give on this as it is freeform wire wrapping.  The thing I find that sets this off and makes it a bit more special is the use of square wires.  With a little bit of twist, they add a lovely extra piazazz to the piece.

Freeform Wire Wrapped Pendant (CH0285)

Snuggly Cat - Beaded Bezel Clay Cat Pendant

I am not a clay artist but it sure doesn't stop me giving it a go and having a good time to boot! This Snuggly Cat - Beaded Bezel Clay Cat Pendant started off with a lovely round cabochon sent to me from America.  (Thank you Beverly Reynolds!)

SNUGGLY CAT - Beaded Bezel Clay Cat Pendant (CH0295)

Swarovski Coleman Beaded Dangle Necklace

This Swarovski Coleman Beaded Dangle Necklace is an unmistakable revelation of just how far back-logged I am.  This was created in 2011 and I have just gotten round to writing it up in 2013! Back-logged or what?!

Swarovski Coleman Beaded Dangle Necklace (CH0289)

Bling & Purity - Swarovski Rivoli Necklace and Earrings Set

Bling & Purity - Swarovski Rivoli Necklace and Earrings Set (CH0279)

Felt in the mood of doing some soothing beading rivolis.  So what could be better than bringing out some super sparkly Swarovski rivolis in the ubiquitous Crystal AB, and just blinging and beading the night through.

As sometimes happen, as I make something, an inkling of who this is meant for came to mind.  (Soot!) And once that happens, the rest of the look kind of has a guide to lead it to completion.

Longevity Necklace and Earrings - Upcycling

Longevity Necklace and Earrings (CH0280)

sku: ch0280

This was made from some old jewelry pieces my mom gave me: Chinese character meaning "Longevity" or "Long Life".

Purple Friends - Swarovski Infused Necklace and Earrings Set

"Purple Friends" - Swarovski Infused Necklace & Earrings (CH0281)

sku: ch0281

So why do I call this the "Purple Friends" set?  It is quite mesmerising when you stare at this.  The delectable purple of the cubic zirconia (CZ) long tear-drop pendant dominants.  And yet, it has such a warmly friendly character when topped with the Swarovski pearls in Gemstone colors. So it does seem to me as if it should be called "Purple Friends"!

Vitrail Fling - Swarovski Rivoli Necklace and Earrings Set

Vitrail Fling - Swarovski Rivoli Necklace and Earrings (CH0282)

sku: ch0282

The "Vitrail Fling" jewelry set features the fairly rare but totally superb Swarovski rivoli stone in Vitrail Light.  It is the centre piece of this set. The Swarovski Vitrail Light is one of their more amazing finishes, capturing light and colors that speaks of sunsets and sparkling wine.

Swarovski Neon - Wire Crochet Necklace and Earrings Set

Swarovski Neon - Wire Crochet Necklace & Earrings

sku: ch0283

This Swarovski Neon Wire Crochet Jewelry Set almost took as long to edit and write up as it did to make it!  As you can see, there is a preponderance of iimages to illustrate the making of this piece.

Revamped Swarovski Ear Cuffs

Revamped Swarovski Ear Cuffs

sku: ch0287

I love ear cuffs. But they don't love me.  I have little cabbage ears that ear cuffs laugh at.

Not to be deterred, this sterling silver ear cuffs have been one of my favourites for over 20 years.  I got it before I knew how to do a lick of jewelry making.  And it broke.  So it has been languishing for a long time, waiting for its time to shine again.

Freeform Wire Wrap Pendant and Earrings

Freeform Wire Wrapped Pendant and Earrings

sku: ch0291

This Freeform Wire Wrap Pendant and Earrings is just pure play and experiment.

And it was real fun.  The shapes are as they happen; unplanned. Try it and be surprised :)

I also took this opportunity to try out a new technique of making my own ear wires.  It all turned out pretty well.

Butterfly Clasp Transformed - Necklace and Earrings Set

Butterfly Clasp Transformed - Necklace and Earrings Set (CH0294)

sku: ch0294

I have named this "Butterfly Clasp Transformed" necklace and earrings set even though it is not meaningful nor descriptive for anyone but myself.  Reason: this set was transformed from a pattern I bought (Butterfly Clasp by Heather Collins Etsy Store).

Elastic Chainmaille Bracelet - Balex Second Chance

Elastic Chainmaille Male Bracelet

This elastic chainmaille (aka chain mail) bracelet is called the "Balex Second Chance" because this is the second one of its kind that was made for Balex - which he lost (of course!).  I have a feeling he will lose this as well, as has been his wont, and so this is his second and last chance to keep it safe - as he promised!

Flat Base Swarovski Crochet Bangles - Multiple Colors (CH0297)

Swarovski Bead Crochet Bangles

I call these "flat based" crochet bangles because the inner side (against the skin) is made flat, without beads - to provide a comfortable easy feel to these bangles.  I have used stretchy yarn (viscose) so that it is much easier to wear.

I have made all of these bangles for Small size.  Apart from some bangles having dangles and some not, the technique is the same.

For the crochet bangles that have dangles, just make the dangles and have them ready for threading.

Crafts & Jewelry Making - Tips and Notes

General Tips and Notes on Crafts & Jewelry Making

This page is intended to be a collection of general tips with respect to various crafts and/or jewelry making that I cannot quite categorize elsewhere.  So that being said, it will be inevitable that this page will grow over time.  Please come back here for a visit or just bookmark me!

Don't Throw Away your Cheapy Seed Beads

Yes, I love, I adore my precious Miyuki and Matsuno and Toho and Czech seed beads - but I confess I still hang on to my cheap (economical is the word!!!) Chinese seed beads.  I just love them even though I don't use them for precise beadwork.

I always thought that there is really nothing wrong with the economical Chinese and Indian seed beads.  Their colors are pretty darn lovely.  Their glass is robust and edges rounded.  Their colors are long lasting.  Their biggest downside is their irregularity.

But that can also be their biggest advantage.  For example, I use them in some of my crochet beadwork - especially bead crochet ropes and such.  Their very irregularity lends a definite sense of imperfect organic feel to the final product.  For some designs, that is exactly what you want rather than the monotonous regularity of the more expensive seed beads.

So hang on to you cheapy seed beads.  They may delight and surprise you!

Samples of beaded crochet ropes made with chinese seed beads 

(with some Swarovski bicones thrown in)

Crochet Stitches and Beaded Crochet Stitches

This is a growing list of crochet stitches and also beaded crochet stitches.  Where possible, I will try to only include the illustrated crochet stitches (so popular in the excellent Japanese magazines) with corresponding English name for the crochet stitches.  I am not as familiar with the English names as I am with the illustrated icons used, so I can't promise I will also have the English crochet term.

Chain Stitch

Crochet Chain Stitch

Earwire Shapes and How to Make Earwires

How to Make Earwires or Earring Findings

For some reason, I find myself with earwires on my mind and just how to make them.  For some reason, their very shapes and variations are inescapably fascinating to me.

To that end, I have been researching and googling and reading up on them.  Here are some of the images I have found. Special note will be given to good tutorials on how to make your own ear wires.

I have also started a separate board on Pinterest: Ear Wire Shapes.

Beaded Batik Cuffs

I have been playing on and off with beading batik for almost  a year now. And most of my efforts are still in the sad WIP (work in progress) incomplete stages.  Except for a few, this Beaded Batik Cuff being one of them.

Beaded Batik Cuff

CH0315

Chainmaille - What is Aspect Ratio and Ring ID

Chainmaille is interchangeably spelt as chainmaille or chain mail.

In Chainmaille, what is Aspect Ratio and Ring ID?

.. both terms which is often seen at their supplies sites.

In normally jewelry making, the size of a jump ring is often the diameter of the outer ring.
In chain mail, more attention is paid to the wire diameter (WD) and its inner diameter (Ring ID).

From this last 2 stats, the all important Aspect Ratio (AR) is calculated:

AR = ID/WD

Beaded Rope Crochet - Tips and Tricks

Tips and Tricks for Beaded Rope Crochet

This page contains tips and suggestions for beaded rope crochet (aka rope bead crochet; tubular crocheting with beads). This page will grow as I come across or think of new things. So though this page may start off small and short, be assured that I will collect more bead crochet notes here as time goes on.

Tips & Tricks - Bead Crochet Rope

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How to Make Beaded Crochet Earrings

This pair of beaded crochet earrings is photo-detailed in Beaded Crochet Jewelry Set in Deco Style (ch0314).  This article illustrates how the beaded crochet earrings are made including how to make beaded bead cap.

Beaded Crochet Earrings

How to Make Beaded Crochet Pieces

How to make Beaded Crochet Necklace

This brief tutorial refers to Beaded Crochet Jewelry Set in Deco Style (ch0314), and details the making of the beaded crochet that went into the making of the necklace. (The making of the Beaded Crochet Earrings will be in another article.)

Beaded Crochet Jewelry Set in Deco Style

Here I will just display some photos of the finished beaded crochet jewelry set - necklace and earrings.
This work involved a number of different techniques which I will document separately.

Beaded Crochet Jewelry Set in Deco Style (CH0314)

CH0314

Patina, Alcohol Inks, Dye Oxides, Vintaj Ranger, Swellegant

I am beginning to get into colorizing metals and stuff and the plethora of alcohol inks, patinas, dye oxides, metal coatings, etc. is throwing me into a spin.  So I have been gathering information on them and trying to discover their differences and applications.

My focus is not to go into indepth technical but to learn enough so that I know what to get for what purpose.  My narrowish focus at the moment is coloring metal as in jump rings and chains.  And I am only going to write about the different products as I get them.  (It would be impossible to write about all of them unless I had a century of nothing else to do and they stop producing such delectable products at such a rapid clip!)

This page contains general information with links to more specific notes on each product line (as and when I get either the products or the information).

Notes on Gilders Paste

Some very quick notes on Gilders Paste.

Notes on Ranger Patina, Inks & Mixatives

Sometimes you will see Vintaj Ranger and other times Adirondack Ranger.  It really doesn't matter.  It is more a branding thing (as to whom Ranger has partnered with for a range of products).  I will mainly just refer to them as Ranger.  These are just basic notes on how to quickly use Range inks, patinas, mixatives, and blending solution.

Notes on Swellegant

Swellegant is similar to the Ranger Patina and Inks but with some differences in application.  I am still too new to both ranges to make any determined recommendation of one over the other but I will point out some differences - especially in how to use them.

Prepare -  clean / degrease/ sand surfaces as normal

Swarovski Color Carousel

I am testing this Swarovski Color Carousel. Hopefully this is be a useful online tool for anyone color matching or aiming for harmonious colours in jewelry making and crafts.

How to Determine Right Size of Crochet Hook

This is just a short note (which I may or may not add to later) about a rule of thumb in determining the right crochet hook size for your thread.

Because I never get exactly the same materials as recommended in a pattern and more often than not, I am often creating crochet stuff with whatever yarns and threads (and beads) I have on hand, I have found that not listening to my rule of thumb has always been to my detriment and to my project at hand.

So the rule of thumb is (given whatever size yarn and/or beads you are using):

• If the hook constantly catches (and often splits your yarn) - then your hook is too small.
• If you find difficulty in pushing into a previous row's stitch (to make your current stitch) - then your hook is too large.

That's it.  Short and simple.  Now, if only I would be consistent in listening to myself, that would be great! 

Hoola Hoop Earrings in Circular Peyote Stitch

Some days ago, I wrote the tutorial on how to make hoola hoop with Peyote Stitch.  Since then, I have stolen snatches of time to play around with possibilities and variations.  Here are but some of the results.

Hoola Hoop Earrings in Circular Peyote Stitch

ch0313

How to make Hoola Hoop with Peyote Stitch

This is a hoola-hoop shape made with Peyote Stitch.  It is 3-D and solid.  Among other ideas, this 3D peyote hoola hoop shape is ideal for earrings and/or pendant.

DIY0010

Beaded Squares of Deco Handmade Necklace and Earrings

Yesterday I was writing about how to make a solid (rigid) double layered square with beaded RAW stitch.  Then I decided to play around with it some more.  And then my eyes fell on some Deco stripes, and this was the result 24 hours later.

"Squares of Deco" handmade jewelry in RAW stitch

CH0312

Beading Stitch: Solid Double Layer Square with RAW Stitch

How to make a solid (rigid) double layered Square in RAW (right angle weave) stitch?  The first photo shows some samples.  They are just for reference and as you can see, I have not tidied up all the threads yet.

This actually is a very delightful shape - it is crisp and solid and can be used in a ring, as a pendant, or any anyway your creativity takes you.  I did make some of these some years ago but for the life of me, I could not remember how it was done.  I had found some illustrated instructions in a Japanese beading book, and I followed along.  At that stage, I had never even heard of the term "RAW" or "right angled weave".  Without the book, there was no way I could reproduce these little delights.

However in a moment I will let you know a little secret and how I now have the (probable) ability to reproduce this at will without the initial instructions book ...

Solid Beaded Square - double layered - in RAW

Right Angle Weave Stitch: How to make a Square Ball

This is one of the simplest balls to make with RAW (Right Angle Weave) Stitch.  Sorry the image is not very clear but hopefully the illustrated steps will illustrate the steps in making this RAW St ball.

How to make a Ball with RAW Stitch