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Welcome Beadphoria Friends! In yesterday’s post, we gave you a quick overview of the 2012 Jewelry and Beading Trends that were presented at the Winter Craft and Hobby Association Show. Today, we will be delving deeper into the Mixed Media and Cross Crafting Trend.

Many areas of the craft industry are being influenced by one another, and jewelry making is no exception. Because materials like resin, copper foil soldering, and image transfer mediums are now more readily available, jewelry makers have the opportunity to incorporate items outside the beading aisle into their designs.

Here are some ideas on how to do just that:

Using scrapbook paper in soldered pendents lets you complete your projects quickly and easily. Designed by Suzann Sladcik Wilson

– Scrapbook paper can make beautiful backgrounds for resin and copper foil soldering. The necklace above is an example of how using a small piece can make a big impact! You can find out more about the design above in this previous post.

– Personalize your beads, pendents, and findings using clip art with image transfer mediums. It will give them a whole new look!

– Certain paints, inks, and powders can be used to color resin. Make sure they are compatible with the polymers in the resin before adding them.

StazOn Ink by Tsukinko will work on almost any surface a beader can think of!

– One of my favorite items to play with outside of the beading aisle is StazOn ink pads by Tsukinko. The color can be applied to almost anything including non-porous and semi-porous surfaces due to the fact that it is solvent based ink. A bonus is that the pads do not have a strong odor like many other permanent inks. Try StazOn by stamping the back of a metal resin bezel, altering a leather cuff, or even on shrink plastic. (FYI – I have not received any compensation from Tsukinko. I just like to share a great product with my readers!)

Eillen Hull's project shows how ImpressArt metal jewelry stamps can be used by crafters on matboard. Photo used by permission from http://www.eileenhull.blogspot.com

Just as craft items are crossing over into beading, jewelry making is having its own effect on other creative areas. ImpressArt makes metal stamps that are typically used to create words or images on jewelry blanks. For the project above, fellow designer Eileen Hull used the metal stamps on matboard to create words that really pack a punch!

Mixed Media and Cross Crafting is one trend that will help expand the markets for both jewelry makers and crafters, but it will also expand the artistic possibilities for all those who love to create!

Do you have a way that you have used mixed media or cross crafting in your work? What’s your opinion on the mixed media and cross crafting trend? We want to hear it! Share with us and your other Beadphoria friends in the comments below.

If you have any questions about beading, or jewelry business marketing tips, please feel free to contact me at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com. Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com and BeadphoriaBoutique.com.

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