 Beads From Nature
Ametrine
By Rhea Raghaven
Ametrine is a steal given that you can carry off the beauty and aura of two gorgeous stones and hues in one stone.
The stone that now enjoys great popularity in Europe found its way into the European sensibilities first via the conquistador’s gift to the Spanish queen. Typically a rectangular shape with a 50 /50 gradation of purple and yellow, Ametrine is a steal given that you can carry off the beauty and aura of two gorgeous stones and hues in one stone.
 A well faceted stone, ametrine offers clean and distinct hues of purple and green even at close magnification. An extremely durable gemstone, Ametrine is something of a favorite with jewelers and is also available in a host of size and shapes but is perhaps seen in all its glory when over seen carats.The stone is used expansively in creating radiant jewelry pieces as also by artistic cutters that use the stone and its mystical hues in creating bejeweled landscapes. Used for ornamental purposes in early times, the gem stone only became widely used in the later days during the 1980’s when the stone was found in Bolivia. However today, synthetic ametrine is also produced in great quantities in Russia and are widely available in the international market.
Polymer Clay
 
New Products, New Ideas
By Karen Mitchell and Ann Mitchell, AnKara Designs
 The new year brings fun new products and exciting changes. Okay, so it’s March, and not January. We are finally back in our studio after a trade show, a conference, several arts and craft shows, a lecture, and some classes (teaching mixed media polymer clay), with lots of information to share with you. In February, we attended the winter Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) show in Anaheim, California, and spent most of the time at the three and a half day show either demonstrating or teaching about a wide assortment of craft materials.
Let’s rewind a bit. Back in October 2007, Staedtler took over distribution of Fimo polymer clay in the United States from the American Art Clay Company (AMACO). AMACO continues to carry a nice array of clay tools, bead rollers, and other great products such as foil, mesh and wire that combine well with polymer clay. Staedtler is well established as an international company with high quality art supplies, especially pens, pencils, and technical drawing tools. This year at CHA, Staedtler showcased their drawing and art materials alongside their new selection of clays, including Fimo polymer clays (soft, classic, effect, decorating gel), and Efaplast air-dry and microwave clays. We had the pleasure of demonstrating in their booth, as well as making quite a few samples for display (http://www.staedtler-usa.com/Cha_2008_us.Staedtler?ActiveID=113102). We would like to share with you information on the clay products, even though they are not all polymer based.Continued
Polymer Clay
 Red, White and Blue Heart Pin
by Trish Hodgens
“With July 4th coming, we can just say
“For Love of Country”
The heart symbol, known today throughout the western world as the symbol for love and affection, has actually been evolving both in shape and meaning for thousands of years.
The shape is thought to be a combination of ideograms. It incorporates the symbols for fire or flight from the middle ages along with its equivalent counterpart from the open sign structures. It then combines the symbol for togetherness to form the modern icon.Continued
 Wire Working
Parallel Chain Bracelet
Designer: Marilyn Gardiner
“...the heavier gauge of the sterling silver gives it presence.”
Create a parallel chain bracelet that is delightful to wear—it’s narrow, but uses a heavier gauge of sterling silver that gives it presence.
Follow step-by-step photos to learn the parallel chainmail pattern and how to work towards professional standards when using pliers and jump rings...Continued|
 The Moth Cuff Bracelet
By Bridgette Rallo
Ah, fashion! It’s all about the trend of the season, that new something hot off the runway that everyone has to own.
And it’s not simply clothing that true fashionistas worry about. They’ve got to get the accessories right, too. That’s where we come in. As jewelers, we supply some of the most important “accessories.” Without us, there is no sparkle, no shine. This month’s project combines two of the biggest trends of the year: cuff bracelets and “green” design.
Cuffs never really go out of style but they have periodic resurgences, mostly because they make such a bold statement. They are wide, can stand on their own as a single, eye-catching piece of jewelry and they’re adaptable. Stylistically, a cuff can look medieval, industrial, ancient, mid-century modern…the design options are endless.Continued
Polymer Clay
The Changing World of Polymer Clay
By Sarajane Helm
As my mother recently reminded me in my birthday card, I never really did stop being a child in many ways. Although I'm now entering into my second half-decade, and in a century other than the one I was born into, I still appreciate the colors of beads and the patterns into which they can go with the same "wooooohoo look at THAT!!!!" enthusiasm. It's a joy to see them, touch them, put them together and take them apart. It's the same with textiles, paints and colored pencils, and clays. Now there is more access to more supplies for more people than ever before in our history! We have a huge wealth of creative resources that include inspirations, materials and information.
|
