Wrapped Shiny Things

In amongst all the madness that is currently my life, I have managed to actually make something – *gasp*!

I am currently packing up to move, and my husband Nick and I have bought a van. We’re going to convert it to a camper and go travelling around Oz for a while!

So, my posts here will be few and far between over the coming months :)

Anyways, more on that later; back to the shiny things.

I got a parcel of Cubic Zirconia beads the other day, and decided to go minimalist with them. Since I’m going to be travelling, I’d like to be able to have a versatile array of jewellery without too much bulk.

I decided to wrap the beads in a simple anti-tarnish silver to add a loop to the top so I can slip them on and off of  a chain – or even onto silver earrings in pairs!

Here are some that I’ve made…

CZ Gems 1

I kinda like the thought of being able to wear just one, or a bunch of different gems and charms all at once!

CZ Gems 2

CZ Gems 3

Of course, you can slip pairs of gems onto earrings or earwires as well, just like this…

CZ Gems 4

I made sure to make myself a pair of spiral earrings to take with me on my travels – I’ve somehow lost my original pair!

I got these from Artbeads – from their Cubic Zirconia beads section. I think my faves are the amethyst ones above.

Hope everyone’s Christmas prep is going well (in this house it’s all “Christmas, what’s that??”).

December 16, 2009 | Tags: , , , , , , , | 5 Comments »

10 Top Sites for…. Jewelry Supplies

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This week, we feature 10 top sites for jewelry supplies (or jewellery for the Aussies and British amongst us!). ta122608013z

Jewellery is such a broad topic, I’ve decided to break it down into subtopics, and supplies ranks up there as one of the most important things! In future “10 Top Sites” I’ll feature instructional sites, blogs, forums, and more. I’ll also be covering the same for all sorts of crafts! So if you have a site that you’ve found super-useful for your craft, please let me know, either by contacting me or leaving a comment on this blog.

So, without further ado… (please note, these are not in any particular order!)

1. Etsy (US)

I did have another choice here, but after some discussion on the Etsy forums, I have decided to change my first choice. There are a large number of suppliers on Etsy, and the beauty of buying from them is that you’re helping out an individual, rather than a corporation. So, if handmade is what you’re about, search Etsy under ’supplies’

2. Artbeads (US)

A massive store – a wide variety of beads, findings, and other jewelry components.

3. Fusion Beads (US)

Excellent supplier of Swarovski, all other beads types, as well as tools.

4. Aunties Beads (US)

Again, huge range of beads and findings.

5. Rio Grande (US)

A shop for metalsmiths more than anything – with lots of metal, tools and even soldering equipment. Lots of lovely cabochons for setting, too.

6. A & E Metal Merchants (AUS)

These are my own go-to guys for all my metal supplies. Great service, and a good range of base and precious metals.

7. Empire Beads (AUS)

Huge range of supplies – based in Australia and New Zealand.

8. Crystal Park (AUS)

A good supply of beads and charms from Australia. Lots of other bits and bobs there, too!

9. Alpha Imports (US)

If you want precious or semi-precious gemstones, this is probably the place to go. A huge range, right up to top-grade diamonds, at wholesale prices.

10. Over the Rainbow (AUS)

This shop has a huge range of quality beads, polymer clay andjewellery making supplies. You can select to view currencies in your own choice of moula! Provide supplies for resin jewellers, too.

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June 18, 2009 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments »