When I first started beading, I just threw everything into a single, large plastic box. That worked for awhile, until I just got too many beads (I know, poor me!). I currently have one of those mini drawer organizers with 10-12 narrow drawers. It made a huge difference to me being able to go right to the drawer where I keep clasps or pearls. Plus, it's on wheels, so I can move it around if needed. The only drawback is that sometimes I forget what I have, since I do have to open drawers and look through them. (That's probably one reason I don't clean my beading table very often—I love seeing things out!) That's why I'm fascinated with the photos at Art Bead Scene of all the tiny bead containers. I've seen those and have fantasized about covering my own wall that way. What a great way to enjoy your bead collection even on days when you don't have time to bead!
Enjoy today's links!
Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene loves a wall of beads. Stop by and see if you don't love it too!
A Bead A Day
A 1 minute jewelry project? Lisa shares a swarovski component that can be used to make a SPARKLY ring!
About.com Jewelry Making
For gemstone fanatics, earrings are the perfect way to enjoy fast projects that include all their favorite stones.
Beading Arts
Have you heard of a hair fascinator? Come see
what Cyndi put together with a handful of Swarovski crystals and a
length of thin gauge wire!
Beads & Books
Michelle shares a behind-the-scenes look at her work doing technical edits on a jewelry magazine.
Carmi's Art/Life World
A new bronze pendant from Artbeads.com inspired this new necklace from Carmi.
Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva
Cindy shares her "DO" for the week. Come take a look!
Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie explores the old craft of paper quilling in an experiment combining the technique with resin for jewelry
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews a comforting and beautiful book for
beaders which she herself has often turned to as a "bridge over
troubled waters": Beading for the Soul, by Deborah Cannarella
The Bead Dreamer
Book Review: Steel Wire Jewelry. Love
alternative materials and modern, whimsical jewelry design? This book is
a must have. Project one is an earring wardrobe! Read the review in
full.
The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew gets in touch with his inner "Calder" and hammers some wire with Kate McKinnon and Dustin Wedekind.
Pictured here: All Abuzz Earrings with faceted carnelian rounds. There are so many bestselling books that have "bee" in the title such as The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd and Bee Season by Myla Goldberg.