Bead blog recap week 50

This was my last week blogging on Manekis Pärlblogg for this year and this is the last recap of 2010. A couple of exciting techniques, colour, and a challenge tip are among the things I round up this year with.


Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!
Seasons greetings to all of you that read and follow my blog. Thank you for your interest in my posts and your kind feedback. See you again in 2011!

My new colour blog
On the new community Nätverket Inspira, I've chosen to dedicate my blog to colour and discuss everything of interest for a beader, from inspirational colour schemes to theory.

Pearl embroidery
In the 16th and 17th century, following the birth of the renaissance, it became more common for royalties and nobility to wear gold and pearl embroidered clothes. Here are a few tips on bead embroidery techniques for sewing faux or real pearls onto fabric. Includes historical portraits with pearl-encrusted gowns.

Wine glass and mug charms
Wine glass -- or mug -- charms can be fun and easy to make as well as useful. Here a bunch of inspirational ideas for how to design your own charms using different techniques. Also includes a fun idea for display.

Electroforming (and electroplating)
Electroforming as a technique that can result in stunning designs. I does include working with electricity as well as dangerous chemicals, though. The process is the same as for electroplating metal jewellery parts, but deposits a much sturdier, thicker layer of pure metal.

Vintaj January challenge
The theme for the Vintaj blog design challenge this time is New Beginnings. Read more about it here. Last day to enter is Jan 7 (noon, local time).

Saftey first!
Jewellery making can mean working with potentially dangerous tools and/or chemicals. Always make sure you know the safe way of handling the tools and items you use. Includes links to good articles, listing potential hazards.

Colour of the Year 2011
Pantone has announced their colour of the year: deep pink Honeysuckle (se pic above). AkzoNobel (Colour Futures), who works mainly with wall paints, have choosen a citrus green-yellow, lime twist. A third company announced wine as their colour of the year.

Torch-fired enamels on copper
It's much easier to enamel on copper than on silver, e.g. you can torch-fire it, which means you don't have to buy a kiln. Learn this exciting and popular technique to make your own jewelry componentes, from focal pieces to spacer beads.