Beadphoria: Bead and Button Show 2010 Recap – Part 1

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bead, Bead and Button Show 2010, bead events, Bead Shows, bead suppliers, beading, beading class, beading classes, beading techniques, beading tips, Beadphoria, Beadphoria.com, Beadphoria.wordpress.com, beads, Katie Hacker, Soldering, Susan Wade, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Swarovski Crystals, The Bead and Button Show, www.Beadphoria.com

Pendent Made By Suzann Sladcik Wilson at the Bead & Button Show

The Bead and Button Show 2010 in Milwaukee, WI has now come to a close. With over 14,000 people in attendance from all over the world, it was one of the best shows yet!  Beadphoria has come home with lots of fabulous new beads, some inspiring new techniques, and wonderful new friends.

While we were there, we attended several classes. Two definitely stood out. “Photo Pendents Under Glass” by Susan Wade taught the basics of soldering using a soldering iron. Susan’s teaching was clear and every student went home with at least 2 pendents.  Suzann Sladcik Wilson had so much fun, she went out and bought the supplies to make more pendents the day she got home! Be on the lookout for her new creations in the Beadphoria Boutique.

The second was Katie Hacker‘s “Pacific Rain” necklace class sponsored by Beadalon and Swarovski Crystals. Four of us from Beadphoria took the class together and had a great time. We used exposed colored wire, sparkling crystals, and lots of small crimp tubes to make our creation. One interesting technique used was by closing large crimp covers ahead of time, you can use them like beads! Not only did we go home with a beautiful necklace, but Beadalon and Swarovski were generous enough to give us some free items.

Tomorrow we will show you all the beautiful beads we picked up at the show!

If you have any questions about beading, or the 2010 Bead and Button Show, 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.

Beadphoria Project: Working with Resin

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Andrew Thornton, bead, bead making, bead suppliers, beading, beading design, beading techniques, beading tips, Beadphoria, Beadphoria.com, Beadphoria.wordpress.com, beads, creativity, Easy Cast Resin, how to use resin in jewelry making, inspiration, jewelry design, jewelry making, Jill MacKay, mixed media jewelry, Mod Podge, pendants, Plaid Crafts, religious jewelry, resin, resin pendants, Rings & Things, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, www.Beadphoria.com, www.BeadphoriaBoutique.com

The top 6 mustard seed pendants are made from Jill MacKay bezels. The rest are made with scrapbook paper, mod podge, and bezels from the Rings and Things kit.

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Beadphoria had a blast working with resin for the first time when they were commissioned to create a custom mustard seed pendant for South Park Church in Park Ridge, IL.

Beadphoria ordered a kit from Rings and Things. It contained almost everything we needed: 8 oz EasyCast clear casting resin, resin mixing set, EasyCast Resin Jewelry Book, Small Mixing Cups, Castin’Craft Resin spray, and over 40 bezels.  Extra bezels were bought from the Jill MacKay line after reading a blog post from Andrew Thornton.

Some of the bezels were kept plain while other had a decorative background added. The backgrounds were made from scrapbooking paper that was coved with two coats of Mod Podge to seal the paper. Beadphoria then used the Mod Podge to glue the backgrounds to the bezels.

After covering our workspace with wax paper and donning rubber gloves, we set to work. Beadphoria dropped 3 mustard seeds into each bezel. We then mixed the resin, making sure to follow the directions exactly. There is only 30 minutes to work with resin once it is mixed.

Once the resin was poured into the bezel, Beadphoria used a headpin to properly place the mustard seeds. The headpin was also useful in popping any bubbles in the resin.

Beadphoria and South Park Church were extremely pleased with the results. There are a few pendants still available, and can be found at Beadphoria Boutique.

If you have any questions about beading, or making resin pendants, 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.

Beadphoria: Helping Hands – Have a Heart for Tanya!

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Aardvark Silver, bead, bead suppliers, beading, Beadphoria, Beadphoria.com, Beadphoria.wordpress.com, beads, Facebook, Have a Heart for Tayna, Helping Hands, Helping other beaders, MaryLou Holvenstst, peyote stitch patterns, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, time 2 cre8, www.Beadphoria.com

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria

Imagine living in a foreign country, going about your daily life as a teacher and jewelry supplier when suddenly, you don’t feel well.  You go to the Dr.’s hoping for the best, but hear the worst. You need heart surgery, specifically, artery repair. Your insurance refuses to cover it. The Dr.’s will only operate if you have $12,000 – upfront.

This is what is happening right now to Tanya of Aardvark Silver. She is an Australian who is currently living in Thailand. The past month since her diagnoses she has been riddled with pain in her chest and arm.  Stairs are particularly difficult. She states in her blog “I get the strangest looks from people as I stop and wait because I seem to look very healthy and am a young woman. I watch the old people bound up the stairs ahead of me…”

The great news is the beading community is rallying around her to help raise the funds she so desperately needs. MaryLou Holvenstot’s etsy shop time 2 cre8 is donating half the proceeds from her peyote stitch patterns to Tanya’s efforts. Facebook  page “Have a Heart for Tayna” is where you can see what other jewelry people are doing to help.

Time is running out, as the surgery is scheduled for Sunday, January 31, 2010. If you are able, please click here and donate. Please keep our friend Tanya in your thoughts and prayers! Thank you!

If you have any questions about beading, or helping hands, 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.

Beadphoria Announces: Four Seasons of Beading

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Andrew Thornton, Barb Switzer, bead, bead suppliers, beading, beading design, beading techniques, beading tips, Beadphoria, Beadphoria.com, Beadphoria.wordpress.com, beads, Candie Cooper, creative beading, Earthenwood Studios, Fernando DeSailva, Four Seasons of Beading, inspiration, jewelry design, make your own jewelry, Margot Potter, Melanie Brooks, Melissa J. Lee, seasonal jewelry designs, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, www.Beadphoria.com

Four Seasons of Beading is a book you will use year round!

by Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria

Yesterday, a special delivery arrived at Beadphoria. Inside the package was a copy of the new book Four Seasons of Beading edited by Barb Switzer. You will definitely want to put this on your Christmas list for you or your favorite beader.

This book truly delivers what the subtitle promises “create perfect jewelry for every season”. Divided into four sections representing the four seasons, you can find projects for every skill level. Whether you are looking for a cute pair of earrings for Christmas (Happy Holiday Earrings by Melissa Lee) or welcoming spring with the more challenging Blossom Necklace by Melanie Brooks, you are sure to find several designs that suit your fancy.

A Visual Glossary and Basics Step by Step in the front will make beginners comfortable with doing any of the designs.  The projects have beautiful photographs with lots of well written instructions. Included in the back of the book are a handy photo index and buyer’s guide.

Many of today’s top designers can be found in Four Season of Beading, including Beadphoria’s own Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Margot Potter, Candie Cooper, Andrew Thornton, and Fernando DaSailva. This is book you will definitely come back to again and again for inspiration, no matter the season.

You can order the book by clicking here.

If you have any questions about beading, or Four Seasons of Beading, 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.

What Happens At The Bead Show…by Suzann S. Wilson, Beadphoria

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bead events, bead shopping, bead suppliers, bead vendors, beading classes, beading tips, Beadphoria, Beadphoria.com, beads, jewelry design, jewelry making, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, The Bead and Button Show, www.Beadphoria.com

Shopping is always fun at a Rings & Things Show!

by Suzann S. Wilson

This past Thursday Beadphoria went to the Rings & Things Traveling Bead Show in Chicago. This event is a highlight for Beadphoria, as that they not only get a chance to buy top quality beads and components, they also get to interact with other jewelry makers. Here is an account from Suzann Sladcik Wilson.

While I was shopping I noticed a man and a woman perusing the beads together. What struck me was that as the woman was shopping, her husband was following two steps behind holding his wife’s bead tray.  Many husbands/significant others, while being supportive of our beading addiction passion, would have listed being in a ballroom filled with beads low on their things to do on a Thursday afternoon.

Since I had my camera, I asked to take a picture of the couple.  The woman stated, “Oh, I brought my brother, too! Do you want him in the picture?” I couldn’t believe it! Husband and brother? This smart woman had brought an all male crew with her!

After I took the picture, we had a lovely conversation.  She was currently on her 3^rd tray of beads and owned a small bead shop in rural Illinois. When I told her the picture was for Beadphoria’s blog, she said “uh oh, my husband is a pastor. What are people going to think when he should be in his office writing a sermon and he is with me at a bead show?”

My answer…“Just tell people that they’re prayer beads!”

Beadphoria Favorites: Jangles

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bead, bead cones, bead links, bead shopping, bead suppliers, bead vendors, beading, beading design, beading tips, Beadphoria, Beadphoria.com, Beadphoria.wordpress.com, beads, ceramic beads, ceramic findings, Christmas Jewelry, creative beading, flower beads, Halloween Beads, Holiday beads, Jangles, Jangles beads, Jangles.net, Jennifer Heyen, jewelry design, jewelry making, make your own jewelry, seasonal beads, seasonal jewelry designs, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, toggles, Valentine's jewelry, wedding jewelry, www.Beadphoria.com

Jangles Beads and Findings - A fun way to make your jewelry smile!

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Beadphoria strives to bring you the best of the beading world. This week we focus on a line of ceramic beads and findings that will bring a smile to your jewelry and you face.

Jangles are hand made by Jennifer Heynen in Athens, GA. Beads, toggles, buttons, bead cones, and new links are all part of the Jangles line. You can see the joy she has making each one. The colors and designs are whimsical and fun.   The bold strokes are for those looking to make a statement with their jewelry making.

Besides the fantastic customary pieces Jangles makes, check out the adorable seasonal items offered by Jangles. Pumpkin toggles and candy corn pendants for Halloween; Snowmen and Christmas Trees for the winter season; hearts in various sizes for Valentine’s and weddings; bees and flowers for summer fun.

Until August 17, 2009 Jangles is having a 20% off sale on their website only. Click here to bring you beading a whole lot of joy!

If you have any questions about beading, or Jangles, feel free to contact me directly at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com . Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of www.Beadphoria.com .

Beadphoria Favorites: Rings &Things Chain

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bead, bead suppliers, bead vendors, beading, beading design, beading techniques, beading tips, Beadphoria, Beadphoria.com, Beadphoria.wordpress.com, beads, chain, CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements rhinestone chain, Designing with chain, inspiration, jewelry design, jewelry making, make your own jewelry, Pam & Heather Wynn, Rings & Things, Rings & Things Bulk Chain, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, www.Beadphoria.com

Necklace made with hammered oval chain from Rings & Things and Pam & Heather Wynn pendant.

Beadphoria strives to bring you only the best of the beading world. When we come across a product that we feel is above and beyond, we want to share it with you!

Today’s product is Rings & Things bulk chain. While not a secret in the beading world, Rings & Things chain has shown to be a superior product. First of all, it is sold by the spool. The spools are easy to store and keep the chain from becoming knotted.

Another benefit of buying in spools is having enough to complete multiple projects. Also, if you miss measure, you have plenty in reserve. This has come in handy more than once for Beadphoria and their students.

Rings & Things also offers chain in a multitude of shapes and colors.  You dream it, they have it. CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements rhinestone chain is even available in bulk here.

The chain from Rings & Things also is higher quality. The chain is strong enough to support the heaviest of pendants and still have a beautiful drape. The few times the chain has become knotted, Beadphoria has had an extremely easy time detangling it.

One of the favorites of Beadphoria is the hammered gunmetal chain. The texture is pleasing to the touch and brings an element of edginess to designs.

If you have any questions about beading, or Rings & Things bulk chain, feel free to contact me directly at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com . Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of www.Beadphoria.com .

Beadphoria Recap: Bead & Button Show part 2

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bead events, bead making, Bead Marketplace, Bead Shows, bead suppliers, Beadalon, Beader’s Backpacks, beading, beading green, beading tips, beading tool storage, beading wire, Beadphoria, Beadphoria.com, beads, Bickley Studios, Ear Wire maker, EuroTool, Extreme Wire, inspiration, jewelry making, Kim St. Jean, Soft Flex, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, The Bead and Button Show, Urban Beader, WildFire

Shoppers admiring the new products from Soft Flex

By Suzann Sladcik Wilson

Beadphoria loves stopping by all the booths in the Bead Marketplace at the Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee,WI.

Some items that caught Beaphoria’s eye while at the show are:

Euro Tool – Beadphoria loves to bring you tools that bring a smile to your face, and the Easy Ear Wire Maker does that! You can make a pair of ear wires in less than 2 minutes! Any color wire can be used to customize your designs.

Urban Beader – New Beader’s Backpacks help you carry your tools and beads in style! Integrated bead mat makes it easy to bead on the go.

Bickley Studios – Kim St. Jean grabbed Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria while at another booth saying “you have to meet these people!” The passion of these glass artists comes through in gorgeous flowers, animals, and fantasy creatures they create.

Beadalon – The new WildFire beading line for bead weaving projects is a hit! It comes in a rainbow of colors to match any project.

Soft Flex – Extreme Wire is a beading wire that not only fantastic, but is good for the environment! With no heavy metals, your beading can go green and be beautiful.

What new things did you see at the Bead & Button Show? Please post and share with us!

If you have any questions about beading, or what happened at The Bead and Button Show, feel free to contact me directly at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com . Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com.

Beadphoria Recap: Bead & Button Show part 1

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bead events, bead making, Bead Marketplace, Bead Shows, bead suppliers, beading, beading classes, beading tips, beading wire, Beadphoria, Beadphoria.com, beads, Beverly Gilbert, chain, color in beading, inspiration, jewelry making, Katie Hacker, Kim St. Jean, Lisa Niven Kelly, liver of sulfur, metal stamping, Peyote stitich, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, The Bead and Button Show, wire

Beadphoria had a outstanding time at the Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee,WI! Thank you to everyone that stopped us at the show to say “hi”! Great to put a face with our fans!

Here are a few tips that Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria gathered while at the show:

From Kim St. Jean – When making ear wires, use 20 gauge wire. This size will fit most ear holes. Also, when using liver of sulfur, store in a jar with a lid to reduce the amount of fumes.

From Lisa Niven Kelly – Need to darken the letters or stamps on metal in a pinch? Use a Sharpie marker! Realize that this is not a permanent solution and will eventually fade.

From Katie Hacker – Peyote stitch “links” can be a beautiful and colorful alternative when making a necklace with chain.

From Beverly Gilbert – Use those old catalogs and magazines to create a color inspiration journal to refer to when you get into a color rut.

Join us next time as we will delve into some of the discoveries from The Bead Marketplace!

What are some tips you learned from the Bead & Button Show? Please post and share with us!

If you have any questions about beading, or what happened at The Bead and Button Show, feel free to contact me directly at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com . Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com.

Beadphoria™ Anticipates: The Bead & Button Show part 6

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bead events, bead making, Bead Marketplace, Bead Shows, bead suppliers, bead vendors, Beadalon, beading, beading classes, beading wire, Beadphoria, Beadphoria.com, beads, Beaducation, Dakota Stones, Euro Tool, glass, inspiration, jewelry making, Rio Grande, Soft Flex, Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Swarovski Crystals, The Bead and Button Show, wire

The center of the Bead Marketplace at the Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee, WI is generally for larger beading and jewelry making vendors and suppliers. A few of the booths that Beadphoria will definitely see are:

Swarovski Crystals – Booth 634 – A new shape of crystal! The classic bicone shape #5301 is being replaced with #5328. The shape will basically be the same, but with extra faceting for exceptional brilliance. Stop by to see it!

Beaducation – Booth 736 – Leading authority for jewelry wirework and metal stamping.

Euro Tool – Booth 430 – Precision hand tools, equipment, and supplies.

Dakota Stones – Booth 101,103,200,202 New booth locations! Collections of jasper and matte onyx.

Beadalon – Booth – 618 & 620 – New Silverose™ beading wire and many other new products make this booth a must!

Soft Flex – Booth 433,435,437,439,534, 536, 538, 540 – New beading wire Trios come in color combinations that will sure to expand your creativity!

Rio Grande-Foyer Area – Tools and supplies for creating, manufacturing, and displaying jewelry.

The Bead Market Place is open for private shopping Thursday, June 4 from 4-9 PM and to the general public Friday, June 5 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday, June 6 10 a.m-6 p.m., & Sunday, June 7 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Expect an exciting announcement from Beadphoria soon!

If you have any questions about beading, or The Bead Market Place at The Bead and Button Show, feel free to contact me directly at 224-305-3321 or Suzann@Beadphoria.com . Always happy to share the joy of beading with you, Suzann Sladcik Wilson of Beadphoria.com.