Micro Torch

More, More, More: Our 11 Best Wire Jewelry-Making Tips

Whether it's jewelry making, beading, quilting, knitting, or some other hobby--or even housekeeping--one good tip is enough to make your day and change your world. Friday is Jewelry Making Daily's third birthday (whee!), and here are the 11 most
Read More >>

Best Practices: 6 Tips and Ideas for Making More Interesting Necklaces

I was browsing around an antique store the other day when I heard the lady behind the counter say to a customer who had just come in, "Wow, I LOVE your necklace!" You can bet that I made haste trying to see the necklace all the fuss was about
Read More >>

Goodbye February! Everything's Coming Up (Mixed-Media) Roses…and Poppies, and Daisies, and…

Do you find yourself returning to one motif over and over in your jewelry making? For me, it's flowers and stacking about three flower or flower-like components, which I usually make into rings. Whenever I'm in a bead store or at a trade show
Read More >>

Learn 6 Ways to Add Color to Metal with Gail Crosman Moore

Have you ever met a jewelry designer or other artist whose work is so appealing to you that you love every single thing they create? For me, one of those jewelry artists is Gail Crosman Moore. Her work features so many of my favorite jewelry-making techniques
Read More >>

Bling on the Beads: How to Set Cubic Zirconia Crystals in Lampwork Glass Beads

Some of my sparkle sisters and I joke that the only thing better than lots of bling is more bling. Don't tell them I said so, but there definitely is such a thing as too much bling--but these lovely lampwork glass beads by Diane Woodall of Soda Lime
Read More >>

Getting Ready for Tucson: Jewelry-Making Products I Love and Making Way . . . for More Products I Love

As I've been preparing for the Tucson gem, jewelry, and bead (and fossils and minerals and tools) shows this week (I'll be arriving just as you see this, yay!), I've been making a shopping list. I never follow it, mind you, but it helps me
Read More >>

From Wire to Wow: 6 Design Elements You Can Create with Simple Wire

When I first started seriously making jewelry a few years ago, I had little interest in (or, I'm sad to say, respect for) wire. Most of the wire jewelry that I saw wasn't really my style, and I didn't realize how much of what I was seeing
Read More >>

Designer Spotlight: Meet Glass Chain-Maille Jewelry Artist Kim Edwards

As a new recurring feature on Jewelry Making Daily , I'm going to share with you some of the amazing and talented jewelry designers that I am so fortunate to meet. First up is Kim Edwards of Lone Tree Studio . Since I first met her at Bead Fest Philly
Read More >>

Make a Party Hat Cocktail Ring for New Year's Eve

Cocktail rings were designed to look pretty on a lady's hand while she's holding a cocktail at parties--in other words, they're perfect for New Year's Eve, and there's still time to make this one in time for your festivities. This
Read More >>

Day 3 of 12 Days of Deals: Make a Hollow Metal Clay Bead with Barbara Becker Simon and Save 70% on Great Books

The ability to create hollow-form metal clay beads opens so many possibilities for making large but lightweight metal clay beads that are much more comfortable to wear and wallet-friendly than if they were solid metal. Making hollow-form metal clay beads
Read More >>

Make a Quick and Pretty Mixed-Media Ribbon and Wire Necklace

Photos by the designer. Here's another great mixed-media and wire jewelry project from our friends at Nunn Design! Stephanie Gard Buss created this pretty flowing pendant using sari silk ribbon, wire, chain, paper collage images, and beads. You can
Read More >>

Steampunk-Style Jewelry: What It Is and How You Can Make It

Search for Steampunk on Etsy and you'll find over 180,000 results . . . and 40 million on Google. A year and a half ago, it was only 70,000 on Etsy and 6.5 million on Google. Wow. Needless to say, Steampunk is not going away anytime soon, and to put
Read More >>

Lampwork 101: Turning Glass Rods into Glass Beads with Jodi Hesting

Welcome to Jodi Hesting, a lampwork glass bead and jewelry artist and our newest guest blogger on Jewelry Making Daily . To get us started with the basics, Jodi's sharing an intro to lampworking history, supplies to make lampwork glass beads, and
Read More >>

5 Rings, Unlimited Possibilities: Ring-Making Projects for Every Skill Level

Rings are my favorite jewelry to make . While I was at Bead Fest last week, I made several "tops" to go on rings and bought some metal and lampwork glass components that I intend to wire or solder into rings. "Everything is a ring to me
Read More >>

My Metal Clay Guild Goes to the PMC Conference: One Member's Tips and Tales

Earlier this summer, several talented ladies from my local Louisiana metal clay guild, L'esprit du Metal, took a fun and informative field trip to the annual (albeit final) Precious Metal Clay (PMC) Conference. Here's our guild president Paula
Read More >>

Show Off Your Lampwork Glass Stash and Save 30% on All Jewelry-Making eProjects

Cassie Donlen's Slink-a-Dink Necklace I'm not much of a seed beader, but I have lots of friends who are and I often hear them "lamenting" their addiction to beads. I can empathize, because while I don't have the seed-bead bug, I
Read More >>

Sculptural Metal Clay: Building Three-Dimensional Metal Art Jewelry in Silver Metal Clay

You guys are so lucky! My favorite metal clay jewelry-making book is included in our big annual Hurt Book Sale, going on now--and it comes with a free metal-clay tutorial DVD so that you can enjoy very visual, detailed one-on-one sculptural metal clay
Read More >>

Metal Fuming Tutorial: Give Your Lampwork Glass Beads a Gold (or Silver) Glow

Fuming glass is the technique of applying metal particles to the surface of a lampwork glass bead. I found this project while looking through the Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist magazine archives (from the October 2004 issue), and even though I've
Read More >>

Wire Fusing, Coiling, Wrapping, Chain Making, Findings, and More: Our Best Wirework Tips from Denise Peck

I've been digging through the Jewelry Making Daily wire articles and found that Denise Peck's blog on how to finish your wire jewelry professionally is our most visited blog *ever*! Here are her tips from that blog along with a few of her other
Read More >>

Mixed-Media Jewelry Artists: Sneaking a Peek at Their Studio Spaces

I admit it: I'm a studio voyeur. If I could peek in the windows of my favorite artists' studios without getting arrested, I'd do it in a hot minute. And being a mixed-media kind of girl--jewelry, paper crafts, fibers, just about anything you
Read More >>

Jewelry Making with Alternative Metals: Upcycled Cookie-Tin Earrings, Part One

Having been a tree hugger since college and a crafter since long, long before that, I get real joy from seeing some of the clever ways artists reuse materials to make beautiful things. I can't go into an antiques store or junk shop without finding
Read More >>

Jewelry Design Principles: Movement, Wearability, Balance, and Durability

As I've spent time talking with professional jewelry-designer friends, one word that comes up a lot is "principles." The principles of design, the mechanics of design, wearability, balance--these are the things that are foremost in their
Read More >>

Wire Jewelry Tip of the Year: Make Perfect Ear Wire Sets in Minutes

I had a great time catching up with my new friend Eleanore Macnish , the fun and incredibly talented lampwork glass artist and metal jewelry designer behind Ellie Mac Beads, in Tucson last month, and while we were chatting, she showed me a super quick
Read More >>

Lampwork Glass Beads: Favorite Jewelry Projects

Sometimes we just get so enamored with jewelry-making goodies that we have to put ourselves on a stash diet for our own good. For metal clay enthusiasts, I think it's probably texture sheets (if not metal clay itself). There's always a new color
Read More >>

Ode to the Head Pin: Wire Jewelry's Humble Component Gets Decorative

Second only to my beloved pearls, I spent the most time and money in Tucson buying . . . head pins. Head pins? Whoa girl, why not go crazy and get some jump rings while you're at it, right? My dotted Sylvie Beads glass head pins, floral glass head
Read More >>

Lampwork Glass Bead Making: 8 Lessons Learned

My first day's attempts at making lampwork glass beads. Even though I've had one (very good) lampwork glass bead-making class (thanks Marcy!), I'm still fascinated by lampworking and am determined to do more of it this year, even if it's
Read More >>

Bronze Metal Clay: My First Impressions and the Charm Swap

I participated in my first metal clay charm swap last month during our L'Esprit du Metal guild's holiday party, and now I have a beautiful bracelet full of talent, friendship, and special memories. If you're a member of a metal clay guild
Read More >>

Easy Enameling: Make Enameled Copper-Tube Beads

This time last year, I finished up my list of New Year's resolutions, among which were promises to add lampwork glass and enameling to my jewelry-making toolbox. I marked lampwork glass off my list (thanks Marcy!), but I didn't quite make it to
Read More >>

Crossover Crafts: Mixed-Media Jewelry Making from Cloth Paper Scissors

Nothing gets my creative juices flowing like looking at mixed-media art and jewelry--and mixed-media art jewelry is even better! I love the freedom mixed-media art and jewelry gives me to mix favorite materials from all of my crafts. Having been a crafter
Read More >>

5 Tips for Colored Wire Jewelry Making

I've been unpacking my craft room/studio/office since I moved (yes, that was six months ago . . . shh!) and working on getting each part of the room set up and organized--one side for jewelry making, one for paper crafts, one for my work desk, and
Read More >>

Get to Know Denise Peck, Queen of Wire Jewelry

She's the Editor-in-Chief of Step-by-Step Wire Jewelry magazine, the author of (and contributor to) several great jewelry-making books, including Wire Style and Wire Style 2 (you know something is fabulous when we have to make a sequel!), and the
Read More >>

Step by Step Wire Jewelry, October/November 2011

Dazzle yourself with 9 new crystal designs that will be sure to have your jewelry box sparkling! Step by Step Wire Jewelry October/November 2011 is the annual crystal issue and is jam-packed with helpful tips and expert tricks that will have you creating fabulous crystal jewelry in no time.
Read More >>

6 Reasons Not to Miss the Newest Series of Beads, Baubles, and Jewels

I get excited every time a new series of Beads, Baubles and Jewels comes out. Each one gets better than the ones before, and there's so much to talk about, I never know where to begin. The newest series is packed full of dozens of handcrafted jewelry
Read More >>

Step by Step Wire Jewelry, August/September 2011

Discover 12 hot new wire designs. Boost your wire jewelry-making skills with stunning designs in weaving, wrapping, fusing and more! Step by Step Wire Jewelry August/September 2011 takes you on a journey through some of wire jewelry's most fun techniques.
Read More >>

Chain Jewelry How-To: Faux Chain Maille Secret Bracelet by Jane Dickerson

Well, I think I've found the solution to my chain maille problem . . . and I was comforted to learn that even an accomplished jewelry designer like Jane Dickerson has some trouble with it, too. Read on for an easy way to achieve the look of chain
Read More >>

My First Bead Swap, Part Two: Doing the Bead Soup Blog Party

Welcome to Jewelry Making Daily, Bead Soup Blog Party blog hoppers!!! First of all, holy cow! A few weeks ago I said I was so excited to do the Bead Soup Blog Party because it would be an exercise in creativity. Turns out, that old saying about stretching
Read More >>

Jewelry-Making Inspiration to Revive Your Stash

Every time I try to clear out my stash of jewelry-making supplies, it's the same story. I'm too attached, even to ones that I've had for a long time and still not used. I can't give them away just because I don't know what I want to
Read More >>

My First Bead Swap: Mining Our eMags for Inspiration

I'm so excited to be taking part in my first bead-swap blog party! I was thrilled to be invited to Lori Anderson's 2011 Bead Soup Blog Party (there are over 300 participants this year!) and couldn't wait to join in. I sent Lesley turquoise
Read More >>

Wire Jewelry Making Comes Alive in Our New Live Wire eMag!

It's almost time for the last Harry Potter film, and I'm so excited to see all the bells and whistles they've packed into the finale. I was amazed at all the brilliant special effects in the movies, like the framed photos and photos in newspapers
Read More >>

Arm Candy: Learn to Make 10 Bracelet Designs

Layering Bracelets in Fashion When I think of jewelry trends over the past few years, stacking and layering seems to be The Big Thing. It seems the fashion world has decided that instead of some specific style, anything goes--and more is more. So people
Read More >>

Make Quick & Easy Jewelry To Sell: 101 Stylish Wire Earrings and Ear Wires

Super simple, super stylish Carnelian Coils by Denise Peck. I often get asked for advice from jewelry makers interested in making and selling jewelry at craft shows, online, or in local shops and markets. Making jewelry to sell is one of the first things
Read More >>

Free Project: Create Lampwork Bead and Stamped Wire Jewelry-Making Components

Cassie Donlen's Slink-a-Dink Necklace I just got my copy of the newest Step-by-Step Wire Jewelry , and I'm going crazy with the page markers, marking all the projects I want to do and tips I want to remember. I can't give too much away at
Read More >>

The Life of a Jeweler's Apprentice

In the past six months or so, I think I've been one of the luckiest girls in the world. I've gotten to learn many new jewelry-making techniques through face-to-face interaction with masters at their arts. I learned to enamel on copper, and I spent
Read More >>

5 Jewelry Techniques + 5 Must-Have How-Tos = 1 Great Jewelry-Making Library

Crafters in general (jewelry makers too) are notorious for our supply stashes, but working in a "making" industry of one sort or another for over ten years now makes mine different, because I have to have all this stuff for work. Riiiight. I
Read More >>

Behind the Little Paper Strips: 5 Tips from My Jewelry-Making Books

On this, the fourteenth day of my big move, I've found my books. Hallelujah! If there's anything I like about moving, it's unpacking beloved treasures and deciding where they will live in the new house. I usually save books for last, though
Read More >>

Southern Hospitality and Lampwork Glass Beads

Sculptural Glass Pin by Marcy Lamberson Tammy Jones is the editor of Jewelry Making Daily. Remember my recent lampwork glass bead adventures ? My kind, generous, and oh-so-talented glass bead-making teacher Marcy Lamberson has written about our day of
Read More >>

Hello, Cupcake! 8 Things I Learned About Glass Bead Making

Marcy's lampwork gnome perched on a branch of wired lampwork glass bead leaves creates a charming and whimsical pendant. Tammy Jones is the editor of Jewelry Making Daily. Fresh off of lampwork glass bead-making lessons last week, I'm still fascinated
Read More >>

3 Free Glass Bead-Making Projects Plus Bonus Lampwork Tool and Supply Checklist

Tammy Jones is the editor of Jewelry Making Daily. I just had one of the most exciting, fascinating experiences of my life: I learned how to make lampwork glass beads. I spent the day with a lampwork bead maker/artist in her studio making a handful of
Read More >>

Easy Wire Jewelry: Make a Wire Ring in Minutes

Tammy Jones is the editor of Jewelry Making Daily. Copper Top Ring by Denise Peck Rings are my favorite type of jewelry to make. I think they are easier than earrings (because you only have to make one instead of a matching pair) and easier than necklaces
Read More >>

Spring in my Step: Tammy's Favorite Jewelry-Making E-Projects

Tammy Jones is the editor of Jewelry Making Daily. It's nearly 70 degrees and sunny here today, and even though it's still February, I've just been hit with a ferocious bout of spring fever! My to-do list is a mile long, but it's all going
Read More >>

Wirework for Metalsmiths: Favorite Projects You'll Love

Tammy Jones is the editor of Jewelry Making Daily. After spending some time with wire manufacturers and wireworkers in Tucson last week, including my lovely and talented coworker Denise Peck, editor of Step by Step Wire Jewelry , and I have to say that
Read More >>

Let Lampworked-Glass Beads Brighten Your Wire-Jewelry Designs

Tammy Jones is the editor of Jewelry Making Daily. I just told a friend of mine, who was lamenting his inability to vacuum up the last remnants of his family's Christmas décor, that there's no such thing as "the last of the glitter
Read More >>

Best Jewelry-Making Blogs of 2010, Best Wishes for 2011—and a Great Sale to Get You Started!

Tammy Jones is the editor of Jewelry Making Daily. Hearing all the "year in review" news this time of year always reminds me—time flies when you're having fun, and I've had so much fun being with all of you these past months. Many
Read More >>

Best of Wire Jewelry: 100+ Wire-Jewelry Tips Plus Project Previews

Viking Knit by Kathleen Pierce Tammy Jones is the editor of Jewelry Making Daily. I had a treat waiting on me when I got home from a business trip this week: The Best of Step by Step Wire Jewelry magazine. I look forward to hearing how much you love your
Read More >>

New Jewelry Making Daily Editor and a New Handcrafted Jewelry Special Issue!

Over the past six months since our launch, the Jewelry Making Daily community has grown phenomenally. We knew you’d love our mix of top-notch content—from Helen’s metalsmithing tips to Denise’s insider wire-working how-to's
Read More >>

Explore the Architecture of Jewelry

Lexi Erickson is a contributing author to Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist . This combines many elements and principles of Design. Color, emphasis, line, shape, repetition, and texture of the tiny petrified turtle shell and the druzy play off against each
Read More >>

Sliders: What’s in a Name?

by Scott Stepanski Barbara Minor and Christopher Hentz's multi cable and bead necklace in silver and gold tones. Note: In the October, 2010, issue of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, Scott Stepanski focuses on sliders and other hanging devices for
Read More >>

Five Free Designs for Making Wire Jewelry

Sonja Kiser's Beading Heart Pendant. Joyce Tromp's Floating Crystal Cube necklace. Denise Peck is the editor of Step by Step Wire Jewelry and the senior editor of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist . When we thought about putting together a free
Read More >>

My Gift to You: 50% Off for My 50th!

My new favorite stone, African blue opal, combined with bronze metal clay to make a necklace/bracelet set. Karla Rosenbusch is the managing editor of Jewelry Making Daily and associate editor of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist. My mother always told me
Read More >>

Kate McKinnon’s Five Top Tips for Working with Metal Clay

Kate's fine silver metal clay Brave Chain with beads by Joyce Rooks. Photo by Kate McKinnon. Karla Rosenbusch is the managing editor of Jewelry Making Daily and associate editor of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist. For any jewelry maker, working in
Read More >>

Turn Simple Wire Techniques into Your Personal Designs

Karla Rosenbusch is the managing editor of Jewelry Making Daily and associate editor of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist. My scrollwork and bronze metal clay bracelet. You can find how to make it below. One of the best lessons I've learned while experimenting
Read More >>

Take the Leap--5 Things You Need to Know About Working with Colored Wire!

Sara Richardson is the associate editor for Step by Step Wire Jewelry and Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist . More often than not, I choose to work with color-coated copper wire or "craft wire." Part of the reason why, I'll admit, is because
Read More >>

Expand Your Jewelry Skills at Bead Fest Texas

Sara Richardson is the associate editor for Step by Step Wire Jewelry and Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist . When I first joined the staff at Interweave five and a half years ago, I had no previous jewelry-making experience. I came from a journalism background
Read More >>

Soldering & Fusing Made Simple

Denise Peck is the editor of Step by Step Wire Jewelry and the senior editor of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist . You Don't Need a Whole Studio Fine silver fuses to itself like magic, without solder. Even if you're dying for one, not everyone
Read More >>

Step Into the World of Wire

Karla Rosenbusch is the managing editor of Jewelry Making Daily and associate editor of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist. Every jewelry artist has a different story of how they became one. Maybe their grandmother/mother/best friend/favorite uncle taught
Read More >>

Related Posts