Why Jewelry Making Videos Beat Jewelry Making Classes Hands Down

OK. I have to admit right up front that I teach jewelry making classes. So why would I say to you that jewelry making videos are a better option than taking classes?

I’ve learned this from my own experience with my students. Some of my students take my jewelry making classes just because they want to spend some time doing something interesting and enjoy the company of other ladies. They look at jewelry making as just a hobby, and that’s fine.

But my other students take their jewelry making a little more seriously. They want to make quality handmade jewelry for themselves, as gifts for friends and family, or even sell their jewelry for profit. If you are like these students then I recommend jewelry making videos as a more effective teaching tool, and also as a more cost effective option than jewelry making classes.

Why more effective as a teaching tool? It’s pretty simple really. When you learn a new jewelry pattern in class you probably will have forgotten much of it by the time you get home. That’s just how our brains work unfortunately. Even if you take home with you written diagrams showing the jewelry pattern of the piece you learned in class, many people, myself included, just can’t translate a 2-dimensional diagram into a 3-dimensional world.

This can be a very frustrating experience, as I have learned with many of my students. To help my students overcome this I created jewelry making videos showing step-by-step how to create the jewelry pieces we made in class.

What a difference this has made not only in improving the quality of the jewelry pieces my students make, but also in eliminating their frustration level of forgetting how to make the jewelry pieces once they get back home from class.

What a jewelry making video allows you to do is watch every move the teacher makes in close-up detail. But probably more importantly, with a video you can watch the lesson over and over and over again, anytime you want, in the comfort of your own home. It’s like being able to retake the class, for free, as many times as you like. This is especially important when you haven’t made the jewelry piece in a while and you need a refresher. No need to pay for another class!

And that gets to my second point, why videos are more cost effective than jewelry making classes. When you take a class, private or group, you have to pay for the instructor’s time. If you want to learn to make many different jewelry pieces, at $20/hr. for group lessons, and upwards of $40/hr. for private lessons, the cost can really start to add up. In addition, you are limited to learning whatever it is that the instructor wants to teach you.

With jewelry making videos, on the other hand, there is a vast and rapidly growing library of lessons available for viewing on the internet or on DVD. The cost for these lessons is very low, sometimes even free, and you get to own them forever. You never have to pay for them again.

If you are, or are thinking you might become, serious about your jewelry making, I recommend giving video lessons a shot.

Both the playback and the payback are hard to beat.

How To Remove Scratches From Silver Jewelry

Silver jewelry has become the excellent term in fashion standards. Currently new styles have incorporated larger pendants on sterling chains leading to a hot trend. It suits with every outfit and can be worn in different occasions from weddings, business lunches and a day of shopping with friends to evening dates.

In Sterling silver chain jewelry fashion we have various new classic styles like Sterling silver chains for pendants, sterling silver bead chain, silk cord, sterling silver chain necklaces, silver anklets, silver bead chain, snake chain, box chain, italian silver chains, gold plated chain. Designing of Silver chain necklace for men has been given a warm welcome around them. This Sterling silver chain jewelry is an investment in quality that stands time to time. Choosing selected pieces can accessorize the wardrobe beautifully.

As we already know silver is a very soft metal, scratches may occur in a very short period of time. If scratches already exist in the silver jewelry, clean it soon before you carry out with your work so that any dirt in the scratches will be removed. To make your silver jewelry look new again, start the process with polishing and cleaning. Polishing is a process of removing the surrounding metal from the core metals. Polishing the silver will make the scratch less noticeable.

Sterling silver omega necklace, long silver chain, bulk sterling silver chain, silver omega necklace, rings, bracelets, etc will be subjected to get bumped or rubbed or will be in contact with other surfaces such that scratches cannot be avoided. If bracelets happens to have any enameled work on it they can be effectively shielded with the help of bare silver plated.

The alternative way is to choose any polishing materials. If you are not satisfied with the silver polish, use common household products such as baking soda or toothpaste to polish the scratches present in them. Be careful in selecting the toothpaste such that it must be a paste, not gel, and must not have any whitening options. If baking soda is used mix it up with hot water.

The other way is to use the cream that can be purchased from the malls to make the Sterling silver chain jewelry accessories shine brighter and remain them with less number of scratches. Give it a try and remember to work in circular motion, it definitely works.

The best way to prevent more scratches for a longer term is to store them in a case or some type of storage boxes. All pieces should be completely dried before being stored. Wrap the silver in flannel or tissue paper before placing the sterling silver chain jewelry accessories in the storage container.

Scratches are almost unavoidable. If you get it re- polished soon enough it will get scratched again. If you keep trying to polish it often it will be a vicious cycle. But the best advice to live without scratches is the only way that can be re-polished now and then.

How to Clean Turquoise Silver Jewelry

Turquoise is a naturally occurring stone, and because of this wonderful factor, cleaning your turquoise silver jewelry with caution is a must. If you take proper care of this gemstone, it could last for generations to come, but if you neglect it, discoloration and disintegration are great possibilities. For those of you who are very busy and wear your turquoise jewelry every day, take a look at this simple list of “dos” and “donts,” but first lets take a look at some of the physical characteristics of this beautiful stone.

Physical Properties of Turquoise
On the Mohs Scale of mineral hardness (the highest are diamonds at 10) turquoise ranks right under 6. If your turquoise gemstone is at the maximum state of hardness, it may only be about as tough as a pane of glass. The porous nature of turquoise causes the stone to have cavities, making it more susceptible to decay and vulnerable to damage. You definitely need to follow these cleaning instructions to ensure your turquoise silver jewelry lasts for many years.

The Dos of Cleaning Turquoise Silver Jewelry
Only use clean water to clean your stone
Dampen a soft cloth or toothpaste (with soft bristles)
Slowly and gently apply and rub the stone
Completely dry the stone The Donts of Cleaning Turquoise Silver Jewelry
Ensure that a jewelry polish never comes into contact with your stone
Dont use hard, dirty bristled toothbrushes or clothes that cause scratches
Never soak or place this water absorbing stone in any liquid, as this may cause erosion
Dont leave your stone damp Additional Turquoise Care
Take off your turquoise jewelry prior to bed, exercise, bathing or sunbathing
Place this opaque mineral in a soft, fabric-lined jewelry box or jewelry bag
Avoid allowing perfume, lotion, cosmetics, or hair spray to come into contact
Never let your children play dress-up with your jewelry Selecting Turquoise Silver Jewelry
If you are excited to get started on cleaning and caring for your turquoise silver jewelry, but dont have any, youre in the right place. Please take a look at our diverse selection of this December birthstone which includes necklaces, earrings, watches, and bracelets. This collection has a wide variety of many lovely shades of blue. For turquoise silver jewelry, please browse through our silver jewelry blog and read our guide for cleaning sterling silver jewelry. You may even find the perfect silver gift for that special occasion, or something to wear to that special occasion!

Republican Women’s Jewelry-trendy And Novel

Diamonds they say are a womans best friend. If you are a woman reading this then Im sure you would agree. Well, diamonds or not, jewelry has always been a big favorite with women down the ages. Worn as an adornment usually, jewelry also shows ones social standing. And now, it is a tool for displaying your political affiliation too. Yes, I am talking about republican womens jewelry. Showing your support for your favorite party was never so fashionable. The range is made up of delightful charms, pendants, bracelets and a whole lot of other pieces crafted with the republican symbol, the elephant.

All the pieces in republican womens jewelry consist of the republican elephant in its inimitable shape made on gilded metal and even silver. The colours are red and blue enamel work that adds to the patriotic theme as well. Some pieces even sport tiny jewels to look like stars. You could go in for a precious piece which has an excellent finish and an adorable pattern. And in case of souvenirs, the options are immense. From small sized charms and earrings to large pendants and necklaces, republican womens jewelry is a style statement in all its forms.

They look as good with jeans as they do with dresses. A pair of blue jeans and a red top would get accentuated with a republican womens jewelry piece. Match your favorite sundress with a charm bracelet and you are ready for that Fourth of July barbeque. The best part about republican womens jewelry is that you will avoid all heated arguments by subtly displaying your political stance. There is an almost sport like appeal to a political discussion. It starts off in a very dignified manner and soon you realise its become a free for all with actual shouting happening. Now when you wear republican womens jewelry, everyone knows you as a very pro-Republican person and youve made your point clear without uttering a word!

Just when you think that the republican womens jewelry has a complete range, youll be surprised to find out that its just the tip of the iceberg. The potential for this jewelry is so large. Imagine having little embellishments on your outfit – probably a fastener charm or the buckle on a broad belt. You can almost picture what your plain dresses would look like with such a belt! And the best part of it all its like a little community. When you see another lady wearing a similar piece of republican womens jewelry, you know youll have something in common with her. Striking up a conversation is so much fun. Guys you see the possibilities too dont you?

How To Save Money On Jewelry Making Supplies

What’s better than making jewelry? How about saving money while you’re doing it? Beads, wire, stones and tools can add up to a mighty sum. Jewelry tools and jewelry supplies can add up to a small fortune if you let it. Here are some great ideas for saving money on beads and such.

1. Shop Around and Do Some Research.

It’s good to shop around and see where the deals are. Us creative folks tend to be quite loyal, but there is nothing wrong with looking outside your usual supplier for your beading needs. There are a lot of great sources online, and be sure to sign up for newsletters to get those money saving email notices.

2. Buy in Bulk When You Can.

Buying in bulk can save you a bundle. This doesn’t only apply to rice and toilet paper. You’d be amazed of how much you can save by buying a certain amount of beads, wire, chain… My favorite supplier has deals at certain price points for beads, and if you are buying sterling silver or gold sheet or wire, I don’t have to tell you about the bulk price breaks there, do I? You’ll need this stuff eventually, so in the long run, you save time too!

3. Watch for Garage Sales.

Other people’s junk can be a jewelry maker’s treasure. Don’t necessarily look at an item “as is”. Remember that everything can be taken apart and used for its spareparts.
Old costume jewelry necklaces for example can be taken apart and components can be reused. What about old watches? The Steampunk movement has made watch parts a hot commodity. Even if you don’t do the Steampunk thing yourself, you can barter watch parts with another crafter to get stuff she doesn’t need, but you do!

4. Check out Thrift stores.

Other than bell-bottoms and romance novels, there are other great finds in those mothball-smelling treasure troves. They are one of the best places to find old costume jewelry, and I’m talking CHEAP! And if you’re really lucky and determined, you might even find some actual vintage pieces.

5. Think Outside of the Bead Box.

As my 6-yewar-old daughter says, we need to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle more. Jewelry can literally be made out of anything, so look around. Bits of ribbon, bottle caps, game pieces, and those old watches once again… getting creative will save you money and result in a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

6. Shop at the Hardware Store instead of the Bead Store.

If you need wire, chains, links and the like, head to the source! Amid countless racks, rolls and hardware bins you will find jewelry fixings at rock-bottom prices. My favorite hardware store jewelry supply is black annealed steel wire in 18 gauge. There’s usually a good supply of copper wire in different gauges at my local harware store too. You will also find other things you can’t live without, such as storage bins and baskets, small hand tools, and soldering equipment.

7. Barter and Trade.

Don’t forget the best way to get stuff for free – by trading your worthless junk for someone else’s treasure. Of course what’s worthless to one isn’t to another, so those beads and wire that you hate might be just the ticket for someone else. There are many jewelry making forums online that have a “barter board”. See if you can’t find someone to trade with there.

8. Group Buys

Another ways to save money is to buy in bulk with others. If you don’t need 5 troy ounces of sterling silver wire but still want that price break, see if you can find someone to go in with you. If you are part of a Bead Society that is a great place to inquire. You can also post classified ads, look on jewelry making forums, or post the request on twitter to see if you can find some thrifty buying partners.

9. Ask for Supplies for Christmas or Your Birthday

Have you ever gotten a birthday gift that just wasn’t all that useful to you? What about that ugly vase or those Halloween seasonal towels that you never remember to take out during the Halloween season. People often hate trying to find the “perfect gift” and would love to have you tell them what you’d like. Don’t be shy with friends and family. They would rather get you something you love and enjoy than buy you another Santa mug at Christmas. Once they know you want bead store gift cards, they’ll be thrilled to not have to think about what to get you.

As you can see, there are tons of ways to save money if you are resourceful. Don’t get stuck thinking you can’t afford the good stuff, because you can if you take some extra effort.