Found this great article...

Everyone needs a little motivation for sticking with it sometimes and this article has a few really good tips!

Making a Living as a Self-Employed Artist – Inspiration for Hanging in There

How to make a light box...

Photo taken using a home made light box

So I am discovering that the quality of your photos makes a HUGE difference in getting sales.  Thankfully, I found a website that gave me step-by=step instructions on how to make a home made light box to achieve professional looking results when photographing my jewelry (I'll be updating all my photos later today).

You can find the directions at Studio Lighting dot Net  Hopefully, this will help others who seem to be having the same problems I am:-)

~Pamela

Memory Wire Beaded Bracelet...How To Video

How To Knot Between Beads Using Tweezers



A knot between bamboo beads...



http://beadwork.about.com/cs/beadshowtos/ht/knotbetweenbead.htm

Many beginning beaders find knotting between beads challenging - here are some simple steps using bead cord and tweezers to assure your knot success!

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 45 minutes

Here's How:

1. Start with a silk or synthetic stringing material with an attached needle, such as Griffin brand bead cord, making sure that it is a small enough size for two strands to pass through your beads.
2. Using two separate cards of bead cord, unwind them both and place them next to each other to make a doubled thread.
3. Tie a double knot in the end of the cord opposite the needle.
4. Place a clamshell end on the doubled thread, cups turned in toward the knot.
5. Place a drop of glue on the knot and close the clamshell tightly.
6. Place the first bead on the threads, going through the bead first with one needle, then with the other,pushing the bead up close to the clamshell.
7. With your fingers, loop the threads to tie a very loose knot.
8. Holding the crossed threads of the knot in your left fingers, leaving the loop on the right, place the tweezers through the loop and grasp the threads right next to the bead.
9. Begin tightening the knot on the tweezers, pushing it along towards the bead and using your fingers to push it off the end of the tweezers and onto the cord.
10. Release the tweezers and remove them from the knot loop.
11. Using the side of the tweezers, lightly grasp the threads on the far side of the knot and push it up against the bead, making a snug knot.
12. Taking the two separate threads in each hand, gently tug them apart, tightening up the knot and evening out the threads.
13. Place your next bead on the thread, and proceed from Step 7.
14. When all beads are strung and knotted, end your strand by adding the final bead, do not make a knot, but place the second clamshell on the threads with the cups facing out.
15. Make your final knots inside the clamshell, add glue, trim your thread and close the clamshell. Place your findings on the clamshell loops.

Tips:

1. If you have trouble matching thread, use one a shade darker and one a shade lighter to make a blend that will add depth and look very nice in your finished product.
2. Check your knot and bead placement carefully before you slide your knot off of the end of the tweezers and make any changes then.
3. If you make a mistake, knots can be untied BEFORE the final tug on the separate strands. After that, it's pretty hard to undo the knots.

What You Need:

• Silk Thread - Self Needle
• Beads or Pearls
• Clamshell End
• Clasp
• Jump ring

Updated Blog...

So I have now added a Buy It Now feature to my available jewelry:-)  If you want a custom made design, please let me know.  I will be updating all my available beads and semi-presious stones in the next few days.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!
~Pamela

Neglect...

So I do realiz that the Coastal Bangles and Beads has been neglected lately and my only excuse is work (and that really isn't a good one).  Between the work I'm doing at the marina, for CYS Marine and the 2 other websites I'm trying to build for other; added with Bob's surgery, CB&B had to be put onto the back burner for a few weeks.  But, now that I'm finally getting "caught up", I'm back and ready to post:-)

Over the next few days, the blog will be changing dramatically and I hope everyone likes the "updated" version.

~Pamela

Sea Foam...

Finally back to making jewelry!  It's been a long few weeks that have simply left me with no time.  Tonight, I have a necklace that I'm calling Sea Foam.  It features a lovely silver star fish pendant strung on a doubled tiger-tail wire with semi-precious rough cut Amazonite stones and flat, rectangular silver accent beads.  This beautiful necklace is priced at $25.00.

Bead Nirvana...

8 pounds of beautiful beads...

Semi-precious gemstones...

More semi-precious gemstones, findings and more!

So I am feeling bead nirvana right now~lol  There are so many choices that I hardly know where to begin! 

Shopping spree...

Thanks to Fire Mountain Gems and their $1 sale, I have been on a huge shopping spree~lol  Not only have I ordered plenty of new semi-precious gems and beads, but plenty of findings, chains, charms and pendants.  I'm so impatient for my new supplies to arrive!  Can't wait to get creative with so many choices arriving soon!

~Pamela

New items...

I've been a little busy lately, what with building the website for CYS Marine and helping get their offices up and running, working on the Coastal Bangles and Beads website and keeping up with the regular work around the boat.  However, I've had tome to make a few new items.  I rather like the sea turtle set and I love the new Thai Buddha!

The copper sea turtle necklace set features natural sea shell beads, copper floral motif spacer beads and a copper toggle clasp.  The copper sea turtle set is priced at $25.00, please email if interested.

The Thai Buddha is silver plated.  The necklace is strung with semi-precious black onyx beads, glass faux jade beads with Thai silver bead caps and small sterling silver bead spacers.  The finishing chain is silver plated irregular shaped loops and there is a toggle clasp to finish it all off.  Silver Thai Buddha is priced at $15.00, please email if you are interested.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

~Pamela

Shell Earrings - instructional video

I love these simple little earrings.  After watching the video, I made myself several pairs~lol  Thinking about making a necklace and bracelet set to match them:-)

A School of Fish!

A School of Fish

I found these wonderful silver fish charms and decided to make another bracelet and earring set.  Paired with dark blue glass beads, this can only be called a "School of Fish"!

The bracelet is made of stainless steel, the fish are silver-finished stainless steel and the blue beads are all glass.

If you are interested in this set, please let me know.  I am offering them for only $15.00...

~Pamela

Fire Mountain Gems...

So Ive been doing a little price shopping for beads latel and I have to say that the best pricesI've found so far are at Fire Mountain Gems.  Not only are their prices low, but they have an incredibly huge selection!  The print catalog is just over 433 pages packed full of information and goods, but the on-line store has even mre available.  I popped over to the store earlier and they are having a big $1.00 sale now, so make sure you check it out!

On their website, you'll also find instructions for several different jewelry pieces and videos in the how-to section:-)

A trip to the bead store...



Seaworthy by Erica Morris


Today I went to a charming little bead store in Daytona called This and That.  It was a wonderful sunny day for a drive (if a little chilly) and a lovely store, so it was well worth the effort to visit.  Unfortunately, I was once again over-whelmed by the assortment of beads.  However, I did go with a plan!

Last night, I stopped by Barnes and Noble and bought several bead magazines (see, I'm starting to think ahead now!) to get design ideas and see what's hot and what's not.  I found the most BEAUTIFUL necklace and I really want tomake something similar.  Unfortunately, after finding all the stones online and doing a little calculating, this particular necklace will end up costing me approx. $175.00 to use the same stones.  Not in my price-range for one necklace!  But I'm a simple girl and I really don't need the large Peruvian opal nuggets and really, how much of a difference is Thia silver going to make as compared to regular or silver plate, since this is for me anyway?  For that matter, I actually like the way pewter looks:-)

I decided to search for similar, but more economical stones and pendants/beads to see what I could come up with.  Well, it wasn't easy!  First, there are SO many different semi-precious gemstones that are similar to Peruvian opals that it's hard to make a decision.  Especially when the sales clerk is trying to explain the pros and cons of each one...at the same time!  It was impossible to decide on the gems, so I'm going to have to do a search and order on-line...when I'm alone.  That way there's no one standing over my shoulder saying "Are you certain you want to go that direction?  It's not the same color."  OK, really, is there ever going to be a "color" to match those opals exactly?  No.  I'll find something that I like; something that suits me and get on with life, thank you very much.

Now we're onto the Thai silver (or I should say the super expensive Thai silver that I'm not buying!).  I decided that I really like the sea-creature charmes, but wanted to find them in a slightly smaller size and I really do like the pewter ones.  Well, I'll have to order those on-line also, since the poor sales clerk almost suffered apopolexy  at the thought of actually using pewter instead of silver on such a lovely necklace.  I guess I'll be ordering the pendants and extra beads on-line also now~lol

I've decided that the best way to shop is to find the beads/stones I want on-line and write down the prices and where the best deals can be found.  Then, armed with what I know I'll then head into the stores.  I also plan on only carrying the photos and not the materials list since I obviously want to make my own decisions on the colors, shapes, sizes, etc. of the beads, stones and pendants.  Besides, I don't really want a duplicate of someone else's necklace, I simply wanted a similar style.
Anyway, if you like the necklace above, you can get a copy of the directions at the below link.  I believe that they cost around $3.75.  But beware if you carry the material list to the store with you.  Those sales clerks will try and talk you into the exact opals and silver beads!

http://www.kalmbachstore.com/bspdf040348.html

WOW! I want what's in this video!

Can you imagine owning all those delicious beads and baubles in the background?!?

Very informative video...

Found this great video with tips in making a beaded necklace:-)

Jasper...

I always thought that Jasper, the gemstone, was simply that...Jasper.  I'm learning that is simply not the case.  I asked where to find "the Jasper beads" and I was asked what kind of Jasper.  Who knew that there were choices? 

Here a few of the choices you have when you ask for this beautiful stone...

Dalmation Jasper - This Jasper is opaque, gray to yellowish grey with greenish black spots similar in appearance to a Dalmation. Dalmatian Jaspers are often imported from Mexico

Dalmation Jasper

Fancy Jasper - Fancy Jasper blends mauve, cream, green and lilac to create a rich and luxurious stones.  This stone looks fabulous with other green stones as an accent bead (I'm working on a necklace of these stones:-)  The rough stones are mined and imported from either Russia or India.

Fancy Jasper

Leopardskin Jasper - This is my personal favorite!  This earth toned stone has intricate circular spots, much like a leopard's spots.  The colors range from deep, dark brown (think chocolate) to pale cream.  Most leopardskin Jasper is from Mexico.

Leopardskin Jasper

Ocean Jasper - This stone has very pale green and cream tones.  It's a very "earthy looking" stone. 

Ocean Jasper

Autumn Jasper - This Jasper comes in earthy colors ranging from warm pale brick red to avocado green.

Autumn Jasper

Brecciated Jasper - This form of Jasper is a rich, deep red color and has "silvery" streaks throughout.  It is sometimes found in red-brown and a pale cream with a reddish tint.  Brecciated Jasper is a popular gemstone and is becoming increasingly rare, so the price of jewelry pieces made with this stone are usually slightly higher..

Brecciated Jasper Chips

Red Jasper - This Jasper is a dark brick red.  It is often confused with pipestone (a stone found in Minnesota and often used by the Plains Indians), however, Red Jasper is a "harder" stone and is found in Australia and India.  Make sure when purchasing Red Jasper that you are not confusing it with polished red coral as they are similar in appearance.  The rough stones are mined in Idaho.

Red Jasper

Sesame Jasper - This Jasper is a delicate translucent white with a swirl of mint green with a scattering of black polka-dots.  This make a beautiful stone suitable for matching up with many other beads for a stuning effect.

Sesame Jasper Coin Beads

Picasso Jasper - Picasso Jasper is mined in Utah and it has wide streaks of black, grey and sometimes red throught the stones.

Picasso Jasper Tube Beads

Kambaba Jasper - These stones are absolutely gorgeous!  They come in deep patterns of green with darker green "swirls" or "circles".  The rough stones come from Madagascar.

Kambaba Jasper

I'm sure that there are probably a dozon other types, but these are the natural one's I have found so far~lol 
*All of these are "natural" forms of Jasper and have not had anything done to them other than cutting and polishing.  I did find a few others that had been "altered", but as I prefer natural stones and gems, I decided not to include them.

FYI:  Jasper is thought of as the stone of relaxation and tranquility.

Care of Jasper:  Jaspers are often sealed with petroleum products and should therefore not be cleaned with water because this can remove the polish. It is best to clean your Jasper jewelry with a soft dry cloth. As with most gemstones, Jaspers should be kept away from exposure to extremes of heat and household chemicals that can damage the stone. Always keep your Jasper jewelry in a fabric-lined box away from other harder jewelry items so as to avoid scratching.

Amazonite...

Amazonite crystal

Amazonite, sometimes called the Amazon Stone, is a green variety of fledspar, but it isn't actually from the Amazon area.  Amazonite is a mineral of limited occurrence and was previously mined in Russia.  However, high quality crystals can now be obtained in a mine near Pike's Peak, Colorado, where it is found associated with smoky quartz, orthoclase, and albite in a coarse granite or pegmatite. Crystal Park, Colorado is a well-known locality for crystals of amazonite. Some other localities in the United States yield amazonite, and it is also found in pegmatite in Madagascar and in Brazil.

Because of amazonite's bright green colour when polished, amazonite is sometimes cut and used as a gemstone, although it is easily fractured.

Amazonite can be easily imitated with ceramics, so do ask if it is authentic when purchasing this stone bead.  It is available in a variety of shapes and sizes and makes wonderful beaded jewelry.

Amazonite Beads

Russian Amazonite

Wire Bird Nest Necklace with How-To Pictures

I found these directions on eeBeads.com and loved them!  If you go to the link, the order form for this adorable necklace is already filled out for you!  Looks like I may be attempting something a little more complicated!

http://www.eebeads.com/ideas/561_birdnest.html

Wire Bird Nest Necklace

We’ve seen these adorable little nests all over the place, so we figured it’s the perfect time of year to share one of our own in an easy-to-make necklace. This fun piece incorporates our Vintage Bronze Wire, Soaring Bird Charm, Filigree Leaf, and Peach Aventurine Rounds with Turquoise Jasper “eggs”. Our step-by-step pictures and directions below make this a snap to put together.  The finished length of this necklace is about 20.5 inches, including the clasp. Note: we prefer our nests to look a little messy, but if you want a more tidy version just avoid pinching with your Pliers in the last step.
Materials:1 Pkg. Turquoise Colored Jasper Rounds, 6mm
1 Pkg. Peach Aventurine Rounds, 8mm
1 Vintage Large Soaring Two Hole Bird Charm
1 Vintage Filigree Leaf Charm
1 Pkg. Vintage Sunflower Bead Caps
2 Ft. Vintage Medium Oval Cable Chain
1 Spool Vintage Bronze Parawire, 20 gauge
1 Pkg. 2” Vintage Brass Thick Head Pins
1 Pkg. Vintage Swirl Clasps

Tools you will need
Flat Chain Nose Pliers
Round Nose Pliers
Side Cutters

Nest directions:
Step 1. Cut a piece of Wire measuring about 4 feet in length. String on three Turquoise Jasper “eggs” and move them to the middle of the Wire, then cross the Wire over itself so the eggs are pulled into a triangle shape.

Step 2. Start wrapping the Wire in a circular motion around the eggs. Wrap one side of the Wire a few times, then the other (don’t worry too much about symmetry here).

Step 3. Pass the Wire underneath the eggs after every couple of rotations to create the bottom of the nest.

Step 4. As the nest begins to take shape, pass the Wire through the layers and wrap it from top to bottom a few times at random to keep the layers in place. When you get to the ends, tuck the wires into the layers or create two curly-cues with Round Nose Pliers.





Step 5. Go back in with fine Round Nose or Chain Nose Pliers and pinch and scrunch organically—remember, there’s no “wrong” way to do this!

Necklace directions:Step 1. Cut or twist open three pieces of Chain: one measuring 7.5 inches long, one 3 links long, and one 10 inches long. Twist open the end link of the 10 inch piece and attach it to the left side of the nest, then twist it closed. Do the same with an end link of the 3-link piece on the opposite side of the nest, and twist open the other end link of this short piece and attach it to the “beak” of the Soaring Bird Charm. Twist open the end link of the 7.5 inch piece and attach that to the “tail” end of the Soaring Bird. Ensure that each of these links is twisted closed.

Step 2. Thread a Head Pin through a Peach Aventurine Round, then a Sunflower Bead Cap. Form a simple loop above the Bead Cap by bending the Head Pin 90 degrees with Flat Nose Pliers, then trim with Side Cutters to leave about 3/8 inch behind. Curl this into a tight loop with Round Nose Pliers, but do not close the loop completely. Repeat this step four more times.

Step 3. Attach the dangles: thread one through the unused end link of the 10 inch piece of Chain. On the same piece of Chain, count 7 links from the nest and attach another, then one 9 links from the nest, and another 10 links from the nest. Attach the final dangle on the same link that’s connected to the bird’s beak. Go back and pinch all of the loops shut with Chain Nose Pliers.

Step 4. Twist off one link of Chain from the unused extra piece and thread the Filigree Leaf onto it, then attach this to the 9th link from the nest (one dangle is already strung there). Twist the link closed.

Step 5. Twist open one of the necklace’s end links and attach one piece of the Swirl Clasp, then twist the link closed and repeat on the other end of the necklace with the other piece of the Clasp. Enjoy!




http://www.eebeads.com/ideas/561_birdnest.html

Turquoise...

Turquoise and red coral beaded necklace
with silver fish pendant

Turquoise is an opaque, rich blue-green stone that can be found in many places around the world.  It is considered a rare gem when found in finer grades and has been prized for thousands of years to it's unique coloring.  Recently, it's value has gone down due to the introduction of treatments and imitations that are now offered for sale. 

When buying turquoise beads and gemstones, make certain that you are buying an authentic stone and not an imitation.  Due to the pricing on genuine turquoise, the prices of these beads are slightly higher, thus the finished jewelry has a higher price.  Always check the description on finished jewelry carefully for authenticity.

Turquoise beads come in a variety of colors
from rich blue to light green

Coral...

Red coral and turqouise earrings

Coral beads come in a variety of colors and textures.  The vibrant colors make them a natural choice for beaded jewelry.   Intensely red coral is prized as a gemstone and sometimes called fire coral, however it is not actually fire coral.   Red coral is very rare because of overharvesting due to the great demand for perfect specimens.

Red, pink, pale white, tan or cream are common colors for coral, but you can occassionally find coral in purple, green, black and other colors.  It can be found in sticks, beads (both poloshed or rough)and a variety of other shapes.

When buying coral, make sure that it is authentic coral and not a ceramic imitation.  When buying coral beaded jewelry, prices will be higher due to the pricing of authentic coral.  Make sure you read the description carefully when purchasing.

Red coral sticks

Polished coral coin beads

The confusing facts...



Thia Buddha (made of resin) with small Fancy Jasper and Jade,
large ceramic and tiny jet beads

 When I decided to make a beaded piece of jewelry, I was rather niave.  I thought you went and picked out your beads and strung it together.  I'm learning the there are hundreds of different kinds of beads and they are all vastly different.  Not only in how they are made, but what and where they are made. 

I also had no idea that I would need "findings"...and would I like to use wire, elastic cord (stretchy or non-stretchy?) silk, hemp...it's an almost endless list, to say the least.

I'm going to try to "wade" through all the choices and how/why I make them.  I hope Coastal Bangel and Beads Blog will be informative and helpful to anyone wanting to either purchase or make beaded jewelry.

One of many beading wires...

Welcome!

Many of you know me by through FaceBook or my other blog, Accidental Sailors.  As my regular followers know, I'm learning all about beads and how to make beaded jewelry.  I thought that it would be fun to share what I'm learning, and hopefully help a few others out in the process.

I'm going to be using this blog to explain different types of beads, how beads are made and where they come from.  I'm also going to be posting directions to a few of the pieces that I'm working on.

I hope everyone has as much fun learning along with me as I am having!

~Pamela