Is it holiday time already? It's hard to believe that Halloween is next week!
The magazine world, as usual, is way ahead of us as I've already received my copy of the December 2018/January 2019 issue of Beadwork. I know people get cranky when they feel like the holidays are being rushed, but if you're a crafter or maker, you do need to start early if you're planning on making items as gifts or to sell at holiday markets.
The "Fast and Fabulous" section of the December 2018/January 2019 issue of Beadwork features rough gemstones. My necklace "Two To Tango" uses a pair of citrine rough nugget pendants, a handful of crystals and glass beads, and multiple strands of leather, ribbon, and cotton cord. I designed the necklace so that one of the pendants is removable, giving the wearer a lighter, simpler option.
An aside: I actually submitted two necklaces for this issue. The other one (not accepted) was the heart pendant on chain I shared back in August. I wanted to mention this only because sometimes from the outside it might seem like some people are exceptionally lucky or talented. But here's the truth: if someone is having a lot of success with creative submissions to publishers, juried shows or exhibits, grants, or contests, it's likely they're sending a lot of submissions out. They're simply not telling you about all the times they were told no.
DIY Jewelry Design Tips
Thinking of making your own rough gemstone necklace? Here are some tips:
- Begin your design with your pendants. This is quite common jewelry design advice because it works! Once I'd chosen the pendants, I knew that I would use all gold-colored findings to give the necklace a rich feel.
- Add sparkle and shine with faceted glass beads, crystals, or pearls. These beads help elevate any design to a party-worthy accessory.
- Combine cords with the same color and similar diameters, but vary the textures and finishes. For example, some cords might be smooth and others might be braided or have a metallic sheen. This gives the necklace a luxurious feel that still feels cohesive.
- Choose colors wisely. I chose the red/orange/white gemstone pendants in part because the color felt transitional to me, autumn edging towards the Christmas holidays. If you can make your jewelry designs -- especially larger, more expensive pieces like necklaces -- work for more than one season, you'll appeal to more women. Most love to feel that they can wear their favorite pieces for multiple seasons or occasions.
- Use a jewelry bust while designing to make sure that a heavier necklace will hang correctly when worn. If you design only while the necklace is flat, it's hard to take into account how the weight of the pendants will change the drape.
Find the full instructions for this project and eight other rough gemstone necklaces in the December 2018/January 2019 issue of Beadwork