Some exciting classes coming up soon....

Sorry I am posting a bit late today, I am home with the kiddies this week so I am at the mercy of the nap schedule. That being said we do have some exciting news...we have booked two classes this fall with Michael David Sturlin!

Michael David Sturlin's 40 year career as a studio jewelry artist, educator, industry consultant and award winning goldsmith includes recognition from the World Gold Council, the American Jewelry Design Council, and the Jewelers of America's JA NY New Designer Gallery. Michael's internationally acclaimed jewelry focusing on minimalism in precious metal has been published in 75 magazine articles and is featured in the books MASTERS:GOLD and Crocheted Wire Jewelry.

Faculty member of the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts, and a popular visiting guest, artist and conference presenter, Michael devotes his time to sharing his expertise and insight with students at every level from beginners to accomplished professionals.

October 22nd and 23rd Michael is offering his signature Hand Crochet Chain. This workshop is open to students of all levels.



October 24th and 25th is Michael's Quick Clasps and Findings Workshop. This is a beginner plus/intermediate level class. Students should have some understanding of basic metal smithing.



Please note that the kit fee is still to be determined, those fees should be determined over the next couple of weeks.

Looking for something a bit sooner? No problem we have tons of classes coming up this week. Thursday July 16th Catherine Winter's How to Price Your Jewelry-Starting a Microbusiness runs from 6-9:15pm.



Stephanie Dixon's new class Turquoise Lustre Blooms is on Saturday July 18th from 2-5pm.



Wednesday July 22nd is a 4 hour Introduction to Lampworking with Dwyn Tomlinson from 4-8pm.



Thursday July 23rd is Pam Kearn's Spirals of Delight from 6:30 to 9:00pm. This is a great class for beaders of all levels. You will learn peyote but also how to incorporate focal beads into your pieces.



Saturday July 25th we have two classes with Robert Burton Wire Wrapped Beaded Bracelet and Earrings from 10-1pm



And Simple Wire Wrapping Techniques from 2-5pm.


Sunday July 26th is Stephanie Dixon's Wire Bead Crochet Multistrand Necklace from 1-4pm.



Don't forget about Happy Hour Torching this Thursday from 5-9pm, buy one hour get one free! Dwyn will be in around 7ish, don't forget to book your torch in advance.

Happy Beading

Clasped together - more on clasp styles

Last week - I reviewed some styles of clasps for you - we mention that there are the:

• spring closure
• hook and eye
• toggle

These week - let's carry on with the:

• box clasp
• barrel clasp
• magnetic clasps,
• others too hard to categorize ;-)
  

The box clasp is the most difficult and complicated of the clasps to make - often involving quite a bit of hand fabrication - unlike the others - which can be either cast or machine-made. So they frequently are quite a bit pricier. However - for a very professional finishing touch - they can be quite fabulous. Due to their higher cost of fabrication - they are usually only available in the higher value metals, such as sterling or vermeil - but we have had some in polished brass in the past. Generally - they consist of a box-like container side (hence the name) and a springy clasp that snaps into position. They are very secure - unless the lever side gets bent or doesn't snap into place - be sure and listen for the click when you close it and give it a little tug to make sure it caught. They work equally well in necklaces and bracelets.

They are also often the style most likely to have a stone or pearl set into them. Finding a clasp that matches or coordinates with your creation is a score - it make the finished piece look very polished and well put-together.

Sometimes, they have one or even two "safety catches" - hook type levers that swing closed over a post to create an even more secure fastening.



The barrel clasp is one that I put in a category by itself - I personally loathe these. You may have better luck with them - but I have lost more jewelry to these nasty little b-----s than any other style. They screw together - which is fine, but while you are wearing them, as they roll up and down on your skin, they tend to unscrew - and fall off. I wouldn't suggest using them on any piece of jewelry that you cared about unless you included a safety chain.

A safety chain is simply a short length of chain that permanently attaches one end of the jewelry to the other. For a bracelet - it can be very short - it just needs to be long enough to allow you to get your hand through the bracelet - and then do it up. It then hangs as a loop while the bracelet is closed - but if it accidentally comes undone - then it will retain the bracelet - hopefully long enough for you to notice and retrieve it and refasten it. This is a good option on very expensive pieces. It is less common on necklaces - as you would have to leave it fairly long on a short necklace - so that you can still slide the necklace on over your head - and messing up you hair in the process.

Magnetic clasps have a magnet inside them that keeps them closed. Magnets stick to each well when being pulled straight out - but can be slid apart to the side fairly easily - so the better magnetic clasps have a small nub or shelf that prevents them from sliding sideways. To open these - pry a fingernail into them, and twist and lift them open. They can be great for stiff fingers that find struggling with a clasp difficult. However - on bracelets - in the winter - they are frequently not up to the task of overcoming the resistance of being pulled off along with parkas, sweaters, and other cold weather gear. In this case - a safety chain is a very good idea, but check first that the chain does not have a steel base - hold it up to the magnet. It's very annoying to have the chain stick to the clasp all the time. (At least it keeps it out of the way.) I personally find working with magnetic clasps annoying - as anyone who has listened to me swear at them sticking to the cutters, pliers, tools, etc. can attest.

And - in case you aren't aware - NEVER combine a magnetic clasp with a pacemaker.

Other clasps.

We've seen the snap clasp - a simple snap closure - borrowed from the garmet industry - most often seen on heavily beaded items.

These Snap clasps seem to have a common ancestor with the snap closure.







Tube clasps are related to the box clasp - with a tube-shaped hollow box, and a frequently spring loaded rod that slides inside. These sometimes have a magnet as well to make them more secure. These are wonderful multistrand clasps and are quite easy to put on.

This sliding safety clasp is a hybrid between the box clasp and the hook and eye. Like the box clasps - it has a hollow compartments and a spring loaded lever - but it also hooks around a post, so that if it opens up - it does not fall off.

This fold over clasp folds over a ring or loops, and relies on fitting down snuggly over itself to stay closed. Something similar to this is seen on quite a few watch bands.

Alternately - some fold over clasps rely on a magnet to help them stay closed.








This particular clasp had a very innovative design - one of the petals slots into the centre and rotates 90 degress to make a closed clasp that is virtually undetectable.

And finally - these interlocking pieces fit together like some sort of puzzle pieces. Clever designs like this always attract and delight me! Even more so when they actually work!

That about wraps it up for clasps - everything you ever wanted to know, and a whole whack besides. ;-)

Honey - where's the duct tape?

You can fix anything with hangers and duct tape. And a little creativity. And sometimes with a complete disregard for safety and common sense. ThereIFixedIt.com

Oh, and btw - wooden bumpers work really well. Not like I would know, or anything. ;-)

Sneak Peek at Next Week

New buttons, new Rivolis, and ... wait for it ... settings for the Rivolis!!!!


Ooooo, aaaaaah!

Toronto outdoor art exhibit

Wearther surprisingly nice 4 show - was worried it would b 2 hot but it was very nice. surprisingly less jewelry at show than previous years - in particular, less glass and bead jewelry. the vendors we spoke to allb reported that they were having a good show w good sales. encouraging - in light of current events. one thing I did notice, however - a surprising lack of whimsy - in the artworks.

Tech test

Just testing the technology folks. i'm sending this from my phone - plnging on going to toae this pm - thot it would be fun to post from the show. l8tr!

Bronze and Copper Clays

A while back, I mentioned it was one of my goals over the summer to immerse myself in learning everything I can about the new clays. Of course, I haven't even picked up a package yet. Heather and I do have plans to change this very, very soon. In the meantime, I've been surfing around for a bunch of online tutorials.

Metal Clay Academy has a ton of resources for Bronze and Copper clays.

http://www.metalclayacademy.com/resources/downloads/bronz.html

Hadar Jacobsen's blog @ Art in Silver features a lot of info on all types of metal clay.

Lot's of metal clay eye candy can be found on Celie Fago's site

I'm sure there are a ton of others, but these links should give you an excellent starting point.

Our etsy sites

Sorry for the late post. I picked up a wee bug while I was camping a few weeks ago, and I'm feeling just a little off. My day's and nights are getting a little mixed up, as I'm sleeping whenever I can - Now that we're heading towards midnight, I'm of course wide awake :-)

You may have noticed that we have a bunch of etsy sites. Dwyn and I in particular seem to be especially hit by the etsy bug. I think the appeal with etsy is the community, and of course the inspiration that comes from being exposed to so many handmade items. I now do all gift buying (of things I don`t make myself) on etsy. The handmade items are generally the most cherished by the recipient. - speaking of which, get busy making your holiday jewelry - only 169 sleeps left!


We of course have our main etsy site - http://beadfx.etsy.com . Many years ago, Dwyn and I were talking about putting some of our more unique beads, and our inspirations on that site - As you know, some plans just don't work out due to time constraints. However, we do have many customers who would prefer to shop in US funds. I'm working on adding quite a few more products to the etsy site over the coming weeks. Of course, we will never have the over 12000 (and pushing) items on etsy as we do on our main catalogue. It's perfect for those of you who just want a couple of items, and can wait for regular post.

Dwyn also has a couple of sites - One is her main Dragonjools site - http://dragonjools.etsy.com
Dragonjools features her handmade beads, and her signature jewelry. If you're looking for something unique and one of a kind - be sure to check it out.

Dwyn also has a secondary etsy site called Dwynsjools - http://dwynsjools.etsy.com -
Here Dwyn posts inspirations made by her from our Inspiration pages.

I have a couple of etsy sites - One of course is the jenniferbeads site http://jennifertough.etsy.com - I hope to have more goodies up here shortly. Once I have a bit more time, I`ll be listing my metal clay jewellery and lampwork beads again. - someday :-)

And then for something completely different is the site I run with my Mom - our soap site - http://freshandclean.etsy.com

For those of you who are thinking about selling your handmade jewelery on etsy, here is a link you should check out before you start - http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/the-etsy-seller-handbook-all-our-how-tos-about-selling-2383/

There is `A lot` of material here. If you`re suffering from insomnia like me at the moment - this should keep you going all night :-)

More Classes up This Week

Robert Burton is our instructor of the week. He has been teaching at Beadfx for about a year now and going strong. Robert, a wire sculptor, has a natural flare for creating beautiful pieces of wearable art. His 30 years of experience in the bending and shaping of metals has made the transition to wire sculpting a natural one.

He has taught private lessons in the art of wire sculpture to custom jewellery makers.

Robert's work has been featured in the Port Hope Evening Guide and has been available through boutiques in the area.

Robert's classes are really popular and fill quickly, he teaches one day three hour classes as well three week classes in wire working.

Coming up on Saturday July 25th Robert has two classes. Wire Wrapped Beaded Bracelet and Earrings from 10-1pm



And Simple Wire Wrapping Techniques 2-5pm



These classes are ideal for beginners who would like some instruction in wire working and wrapping but are unable to commit to the 3 week 101 class.

Monday August 10th Wire Working and Wrapping 101 begins again for 3 weeks from 6-9pm.



Saturday August 15th we have 2 more Robert Burton classes Silver Braided Bracelet 10-1pm



And the Wire Wrapped Gem Stone Ring and Pendant from 2-5pm



Both of these classes are intermediate level classes. Students should have taken a beginner class or have a bit of experience.

Sunday August 16th is Robert's Silver Beaded Wire Wrapped Bracelet and Earrings from 1:30-4:30pm. This class is also an intermediate level class.



We also have lots of other classes coming up in the next couple of weeks. This Thursday July 9th is Stephanie Dixon's Bling Ring from 6:30-8:30pm



Saturday July 11th Marilyn Gardiner has two classes: Earrings and Pendants from 10-12:30pm



And the Foxtail Bracelet from 1:30-4:30pm



July 11th and 12th we have Learn to Make Glass Beads Weekend with Amy Waldman-Smith.


Charmed I'm Sure with Heather Bell Denison on Sunday July 12th from 10-5pm.



Next Thursday is How to Price Your Jewellery-Starting a Microbusiness with Catherine Winter from 6-9:15pm.


And a new class with Stephanie Dixon the Turquoise Lustre Blooms from 2-5pm.



Don't forget about Happy Hour Torching on Thursday from 5-9pm, buy one hour and get one free. Call the store to reserve your torch.

Happy Beading!

More Classes up

Clasping at Straws - Different Styles of Clasps

Let's talk clasps. There are 4 main styles of clasps, and a few oddities that are hard to categorize. The basic styles are:

• spring closure
• hook and eye
• toggle
• box clasp

Oh, and the orphan and unloved barrel clasp. Ptui.

oo - and magnetic clasps too!

The spring closure is usually some sort of ring or loop, with a movable opening, that allows you to hook it onto something, and then closes up - so that it doesn't come undone.

The most basic of these is the spring ring. Inexpensive and it gets the job done. However, it can be murder on your nails, fiddly to do up, and really adds nothing to the design of your piece. Usually comes with the tab to loop into - although you might find that if you are using a fine chain, you can hook into that instead. Don't put this on items that you are sending into juried competitions, btw.

A much nicer looking option is the Lobster Claw clasp. The basic idea is the same, but the design is more attractive, and the mechanism is a little different - being more of a spring loaded lever. If they are stiff, they can wreck your nails too - but they don't have the low-quality perception that the spring ring clasp has. They also come in a larger variety of sizes and metals and finishes. They seldom come with something to hook onto - so you will need either jumprings, an extender chain, or appropriately sized chain to link into.
These massive clasps are really just another variation on the spring closure - but you can see that they actually become a style element in their own right and could be positioned to be worn at the front a necklace as a focal point.

Due to it's secure nature - a spring closure is one of the most secure types of clasps.

The Hook and Eye clasp is pretty self-expanatory. There's a hook, and a loop. These clasps tend to be long - so don't forget to factor in the length when calculating the length to make your finished piece.

Hook and eye closures need to be fairly tight, or to have weight on them to keep them closed. Consequently - they are a poor choice for bracelets - but excellent for necklaces. There are some wonderfully decorative clasps in this category!

These simple S hooks fall into the same category - but are not always sold with the rings needed to loop into. A jumpring will work nicely for that. If they are closed too tight to loop into a jumpring - you can just pull the hook out a bit to open it up. Just pull it out into position - do the exact opposite of what we say to do with jumprings (which we say to never do that with - always open a jumpring to the side - that's because you need to close it up again, and it needs to match up. With adjusting the hook on a clasp - you don't need to close it up - so it's ok.)

The toggle clasp is a loop or ring of some sort, and bar that you slip through the loop, and it then turns sideways and is too wide to come out, unless you turn it sideways again to push the bar out. I find these excellent for bracelets - as they are fairly easy to do up with one hand. The bar does need to be wide enough to not fall back through the hole. And - you need some extra room on the bar side to slide it through the hole - so you have to be careful with your designs to ensure that you have that little bit of play - i.e. you can't put a really big bead next to the bar - as you won't have enough room to get the bar through the hole and turned. These also come in many, many styles and colours. Some of my all time favourite clasps are toggles. The sterling toggles frequently come assembled - the two sides are attached with a jump ring. You can open this jumpring and use it to attach it to your jewelry, or put it aside for future use.

The most complex style of clasp is the box clasp. We'll carry on with them, and the others next week.

Colour Illusion

Now here's a totally awesome example of what happens when you put colours side by side. Check this out!

Sneak Peek at Next Week

I'm going bug-eyed looking at beads - firepolish and pressed glass - more daggers, more duckfoot flowers, more donuts.

And would you believe, trilobites!!!!! ;-)

Off to the Cobourg festival

I'm heading off shortly to check out the Cobourg Waterfront Festival craft booths. A few of our friends will be there selling their jewellery - Hi Mona - Jeanette! I hope I haven't missed anyone :-) The show is tented, hopefully the rain hasn't kept away too many buyers for them.

In the store, Heather is teaching her very first Level 1 certification class. I'm hoping to pop in there over the weekend and see how everyone is doing. I'll try to remember to bring my camera.

Thank you everyone for your kind words yesterday. I'm looking forward to this new chapter of my life. Marg, and the rest of the team here at beadFX are awesome. The business couldn't be in better hands!

A little announcement.

Ok, well not so little :-)

Wow, how do I start this? It was just over 10 years ago that I dreamed up beadFX - At the time, I was unmarried, and without kids. I was 27. We've come a long, long way from those early days. My very first employee was Dwyn. I had known Dwyn from my days at Passport Online, a Toronto ISP where I was Network Manager. Her husband Dan had been my boss in the early days. Dwyn walked into the store one day about a year after I opened. I don't think she knew that I was running it - she was just stopping in to buy beads. I hired her on the spot!

Next came Marg, she and her friend Brenda would come in for our open beading nights. At some point along the way, Marg would come in at other times to help out. Sometimes she would watch the store, or help package beads. In time, both Dwyn and Marg had become instrumental in the success of beadFX. Dwyn went on to be our webmistress, and Marg became our buyer.

After the births of both of my girls, my priorities of course had to change. Even with all of the help my staff gave, I found balancing family, the business, and creative time (which is why I started a bead store in the first place!) increasingly difficult. My oldest just turned 6, and my youngest is now 4. My dreams for beadFX was never for it to be 'just another bead store'. I'm far too ambitious for that ;-), but I'm at a stage in my life where I really want (need) to spend more time with my family, and pursue a more creative path.

I am in the process of selling beadFX to Marg, our longtime friend and head bead buyer. We're hoping to have everything wrapped up by the end of July. But, you don't get rid of me that easily! I will be staying at beadFX in a more creative roll - dreaming up new projects, classes, and inspirations. I will also be keeping an eye on my first true love - the lampwork studio! - and of course to all of my metal clay friends - I will continue to host Metal Clay Play days.

Some of you may know Marg, but I'm sure many of you do not. Marg is a bit of a night owl, and of course is always off traveling to New York, and the bead shows to dig up interesting goodies. beadFX is in great hands! We have had many ideas for growth, and improvements that my schedule just didn't allow. Marg, along with the rest of the staff are in a great position to bring these ideas to fruition. Marg will be posting an update on the blog within the next couple of days. I hope you all welcome her as the new 'head bead'!

Thank you for all of your support over the years - I would say goodbye, but I'm not really going anywhere :-)

Happy Canada Day!

I know some of you are working today, and get to take off another day as a long weekend. We decided to keep it simple, and we're closed today.

I'm home today with the kids, and it looks like rain - I think we'll head out to see Night at the Museum. If you are looking for something to do, and you're local - The Cobourg Waterfront Festival opens today. I'm heading up on Friday with my mom, but if you're shopping for handmade crafts - the first day is always the best!