We've been beading for over eight years and have always found it a challenge to find high quality supplies at a reasonable price.  We have yet to locate a decent online bead store directory, so many hours have been spent scouring websites for the products you just can't get at a local bead store. For example here's a picture of a recent purchase made from Rio Grande.  Due to our increased interest in copper sheet and copper wire, we decided to purchase larger quantities of both so that we would not run out in the middle of a project. By larger quantities, we mean 1# spools of copper wire in 14 through 20 gauges. We also purchased 2 sheets of 6" x 12" copper sheet.

iKandies has found that purchasing metals from a company like Rio Grande who specializes in this type of product results in higher quality and better prices.  Many online bead sites specialize in large amounts and varieties of gemstones, crystals, glass, and findings, and offer sheet metal and copper wire in smaller amounts ( 3" x 3" sheets or 10 to 20' wire coils).  Small pieces of metal or lengths of wire are fine for the occasional metal accent piece but these items come at a cost.  The price break you get buying in larger amounts really pays off. 

And if you're really interested in getting a "price break" on copper, hunt around for unused or left over copper wire from building sites.  The next photo shows the copper wire (about 26 gauge) iKandies inherited  from a do-it-yourself heating and air conditioning project done by a relative.  We have used this wire for many, many projects, including the wire wrapped Rivoli pendant necklace shown in the picture.

Copper sheet and wire are easy to work with and make beautiful jewelry pieces.  Pure copper can be textured, painted, enameled, oxidized, treated with a patina or torch fired with gorgeous colorful results. If you haven't worked with copper, branch out and try it for your next project.  You'll be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Back From Bead Fest - It was a success!

We just got back and iKandies wanted to share our experience at our first Interweave Bead Fest.  While much smaller than the Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee, it was still a large venue with much to enjoy.  Our first stop Friday afternoon was the Bead Expo in the Great Philadelphia Expo Center.  Over 300 vendors were represented selling  gemstones, chain, glass, crystal, pearls, metals, findings, and everything in between. A shopper would need several days to make the rounds to all the vendors....

Where do I start?

... So we tried to visit as many of them as we could.   We brought home a few new items ...

Gemstones

Crystals

SilverSilk

New Tools

We also took a few classes and here's one of the bracelets we made, "Wild Woman Bangle" taught by Debora Mauser.  It combines pure copper with brass, sterling silver, Swarovski cyrstals, and found objects such as nuts and bolts.

Our overall experience was great and we really had fun learning new skills.

BeadandButton Show - Let the beading begin!

We can;t believe the Bead and Button Show is here and gone! iKandies attended the annual show mid June and in addition to signing up for classes, we decided to attend one of the regular functions sponsored by the Show. This function was Wednesday evening's "Meet the Teachers" reception. Ikandies enjoyed meeting the ones who teach the over 500 classes that were held this year. So many interesting ideas-spiraled necklaces, metal creations, seed beads galour- too many to choose from,  each with their own unique twist.  Ikandies is always looking for new directions to explore when it comes to jewlery creations. Even picked up a few kits for classes we couldn't take.

Our first class the next day was Lisa Niven Kelly's Spiro Necklace. Here's a shot comparing her finished product and my creation. Mine is on the left.  Not bad for the first time!

Another class we took was Intro to Faux Bone.  Faux Bone??!!  According to the creator of this plastic product Faux Bone is a non- toxic, high grade PVC product that does not produce fumes when heated properly, is completely malleable, and can be formed into just about any shape.  You can saw, stamp, rivet, paint, cut- why do more than you imagined - with this product.  Here's a peak at what we created, with the original untouched product appearing in the lower right hand corner.

I'm always looking to improve my metal smithing skills, so I took Kim St. Jean's Fold Forming and Enameling class. Here's my bracelet in assembly mode with a fresh coat of clear enamel on it.  Notice how the combination of butane torch and enamel brings out beautiful shades of rose on the copper metal base?

Another class we enjoyed was Magic Gem Pendant by Irina Miesch. Not as tricky as it looks, but the results were beautiful!  What a combination of Cubic Zirconia, Swarovski crystals, filigrees and wire wrapping!

So the show is over.  We came home with many new ideas, additional creative skills and lots of new beads to add to our "storehouse".  We are please to report that two of our new jewelry designs, based on skills learned at the 2012 show, have sold recently.  We're glad others enjoy the beauty of unique and creative jewelry like we do!

Bead Fest Philadelphia

Bead Fest is a bead and jewelry show where jewelry designers at all levels of expertise enhance their skills or learn new skills from talented instructors.  Added to this is a Shopping Expo featuring hundreds of exhibitors displaying beads, gems, tools.. everything you need to design beautiful jewelry.  Bead Fest Philadelphia is the largest show of its kind on the East Coast with 170 workshops and 350 exhibitors.  No wonder iKandies is excited about attending this event!  

We recently began exploring the world of metal working at the Bead and Button Show in Milwaukee.  Here are a few pics of a Fold form bracelet that was constructed at that show:

Adding texture to copper piece

Getting ready to fire enamel to a copper piece

            For Bead Fest we decided to sign up for two of Debora Mauser's classes:

Squiggles Cold Connections

Wild Woman Bangles

We'll post the results of our classes when we return from the show!

iKandies Joins the Wedding Scene!

Recently, iKandies discovered that Etsy.com, THE place to sell and buy things handmade by artists from around the world, added a wedding section to their online site.  This section is a one-stop destination to assist shoppers through the maze of wedding planning.  From wedding trends, to advice, to real wedding stores, Etsy Weddings is sure to spark your wedding creativity.  For instance, in the Wedding Trends section you'll find examples of wedding decorations like these Pomaders.  You'll also find these unusual Alternative bouquets.
Of course, we can't forget the jewelry!  Etsy has beautiful Wedding jewelry selections for the entire bridal party.  In addition, Etsy has also introduced a Wedding Registry.  According to a recent Etsy blog, the registry "makes it easy for couples to choose gifts that match their distinct taste and lifestyle."
iKandies is not going to be left out of all the wedding hubbub! Although we've added an iKandies' wedding section to our shop where you will find jewelry pieces appropriate for any wedding, many of our other jewelry items could be worn by members of the bridal party, including mother of the bride and mother of the bride groom. Here's an example of our newest addition to our wedding section:

Our jewelry designs are unique so we do not mass produce them.  But if you see an item that would be perfect for your wedding or special occasion and you want several of the same thing, please convo us and we'd be happy to duplicate it for you.  We want your wedding to be as unique and perfect as you are!

Pop Beads and Pearls

Pop Beads

While setting up a recent jewelry piece on iKandies Etsy site, our Pearl Clasp Necklace, I was reminded of a necklace I had as a little girl.  Maybe you remember them - pop bead necklaces? These plastic beads fit together in such a way that when you pulled them apart, they made a small "pop" sound and thus the name.  These pop beads made wonderful "pearl" necklaces and bracelets any girl would love to have!


Today, what girl wouldn't love to have a strand of genuine Mikimoto pearls! But most of us have to settle for something a little less. Pearls used in many of today's jewelry designs may not be Mikimoto class, but they're just as pretty.


For example, several online stores are now selling shell pearls. The materials used in order to make shell pearls are the same materials from which cultured pearls are made. The core is made from carved seashell, usually formed into a round shape.  This is coated with a shell finish, containing mother of pearl that has been ground down to a fine powder.  Although man made, these pearls are of high quality so they are very durable and maintain their original shine.  Their color is not affected by perfume, detergent or skin oils.

Another example are glass pearls.  Swarovski Company is known for producing some of the highest quality glass pearls.Swarovski pearls have a core of the finest Austrian crystal and are coated with several layers of highly luminous pearlescense. The surface of the pearl is smooth and they are similar to natural pearls in weight and the way they feel against the skin.  Swarovski Crystal pearls are resistant to damage caused by sunlight and skin oils.

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner.  As you shop for pearl accessories for this year's wardrobe, iKandies hopes this information will assist you in making the perfect jewelry selection.

iKandies Pearl Clasp Necklace and Matching Earrings

New Places to Find Beads

Most folks associate beading with jewelry design, and rightly so.  Type the word "beading" into any search engine and the top search results will be either bead supply stores or beaded jewelry designs.  On a recent trip to Houston, however, iKandies came across two unusual ways in which beads are being used.

The first was a beautiful beaded purse that was spotted at an airport store.
Now this was not your usual beaded purse, but a work of art!  This Mary Francis original resembles a guitar and has been intricately detailed with beads and crystals in a floral pattern.  It's hard to tell how the beads have been fixed to the purse base, but they look very secure.  Just in case, Mary Francis has included a small supply of replacement beads. You'll find other unusual designs included in the Mary Francis handbag lineup if you search online.  If you purchase a Mary Francis purse you are in good company.  Move stars such as Kirstie Alley and Paris Hilton own one too!


Also spotted on the trip was a snazzy pair of Old Gringo boots adorned with Swarovski crystals. Thinking about hot fixed crystals used in jewelry designs, iKandies asked the clerk if the crystals stay on and the answer was "if you're careful when you wear them!" (of course).  Imagine yourself dancing away the night in these boots!

iKandies is always looking for new inspiration as we design and create our jewelry.  Who knows what we might come up with next now that we've seen Houston?