New Project Accessory Show Challenges Designers

iKandies received an email the other day from one of its suppliers, Rio Grande, and discovered this company was a supporter of the new Lifetime Channel show, Project Accessory.  In this program, 12 designers will compete by creating one-of-a-kind jewelry, bags, shoes, and other accessories.  Rio Grande not only supplies some of the tools shown on each episode but is also offering a design challenge of its own each week that coordinates with each episode in the show.   The first episode on Project Accessory challenged the designers to create an accessory for jeans and a t- shirt by using objects found in a storage unit.  Rio Grande’s take on the challenge was an Asian-inspired, industrial collage belt.  For a look at the finished product and a list of supplies and tools used to make it, click on this link. You can also signup to be notified of Rio Grande's weekly challenge and contests they'll be holding in conjunction with the TV program.

Esty Lush - Another Opportunity to Get the Word Out

I recently stumbled upon a third-party marketing website that is advertised on Etsy - Etsy Lush.  Although not affiliated with Etsy, Etsy Lush provides another location on the internet to showcase an artist's handmade items with a link to the item in the artist's Etsy store.  EtsyLush describes their site as a place where the "best of handmade and vintage" items are presented.  The items submitted to the site are carefully checked to see that they qualify to meet the standards of high quality and originality being promoted by Etsy Lush.   Once an item has been accepted, it appears on the site for 2 months.  For a small fee, approved submissions may be added to the Etsy Lush "Gift Guide" for a period of 1 to 3 months.
    Here's iKandies Unique Custom Jewelry's first submission:

Viking Knit Bracelet

Fireline is Not Just for Fishing

In the description for the most recent necklace I posted to our Etsy site, I included the product "Fireline" in connection with the spiral stitch used to create the necklace.  If you are a fisherman, you might wonder why in the world we would use Fireline?  If you're not a fisherman, here's a little info on this wonderful product that is a plus to have in your beadbox, especially if you like to do something more elaborate than bead stringing.

Berkley Fireline is part of their "superline" family of polyethylene microfibered fishing line.  Its known for it strength and the fact that there is little stretch.  Colors such as "Crystal" and "Smoke" make the line nearly invisible not only to fish but also when woven into beaded designs.

I discovered the product several years ago when it was suggested in a project I decided to try and I haven't used anything else for my weaving and stitching projects since.  It's thin enough to thread on a needle and can be tied off and hidden anywhere in your project.  It won't break and beads won't wear it down or cause it to fray.  

Some bead supply houses have been stocking it in recent years, but you can also find it a sports shops such as Cabela's or a local bait and tackle shop. (When the girl behind the counter asked me if I knew how to use Fireline the first time I purchased a spool at my local bait shop, was she surprised when I explained I wasn't fishing but beading!)

Give it a try on you next project; you won't be disappointed!  

Magic Finding Tool - For Multi Strand Jewelry

Just read an email from Artbeads about the new Magic Finding tool.  It's designed to make multi-strand necklaces and bracelets easier without using multiple crimp beads.  Sometimes I'm not happy with a crimp I've made so just thinking about multiple crimps has always been an issue with me. These new, multi holed crimps are available in sterling silver and gold filled.  Follow the link to see how this tool will simplify your crimping process!

New Looping Tool for Wire Wrapping

I wanted to share a new product I've been using that is a must-have tool for any wire wrapper:  Wubbers new Looping Pliers. I saw them demonstrated at the BeadandButton Show in Milwaukee this past June.  Show vendors were out of stock so I ordered online as soon as I could.  These pliers are great for making consistent loops in just several steps.  Click here to view a demo of how you can use these pliers to make eye pins and wrapped loops.

iKandies Changes its Blog name

We've changed the name of this blog to one that more clearly describes what we're all about and is easier to remember.  Welcome to iKandies Jewels!

iKandies is blogging again!

Well, it's been a long time since I posted on iKandies Beads on the Block blog. Been working on our website and Etsy site, and boy, did they need a remake!  Our website, iKandies, has been reduced to just a few informational pages.  A sample of our jewelry designs that are for sale appear on the home page but traffic is being redirected to our Etsy site.  The iKandies site provides information about our company, our designers and our shop policies.  We also feature new designs we've added to the Etsy site. 
   Over 60 items are now available for sale on our Etsy site.  We've added newer, more descriptive photos of our designs.  We are featuring a sale at least once a month and are offering special coupons for first time buyers once they make a purchase. 

Abalone and Sterling Necklace

Fall Acrylic Necklace

Here's a sample of two of our newer listings:






We plan to add new items on a regular basis so please visit  iKandies and our Etsy shop today!