SoftFlexGirl

Free Make-it-Take-it + Book Signing at BeadWorld in Glendale, Arizona This Weekend!

2012-03-06T14:04:00.003-08:00

Finally, a book signing in my own hometown...well, sort of. Glendale, Arizona is a part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. If you live on the west side of Phoenix metro, this is the best location of the three in the Phoenix area to attend a book signing. Come on down and make a free pair of earrings and take a look at my new book, Show Your Colors.

March 10 - 12pm-3pm (while supplies last)
Bead World
THIS WEEKEND!
Free Make-it-Take-its and Book Signing
20280 N 59th Ave
Glendale, AZ 85308

April 14 - 12pm-3pm (while supplies last)
Bead World
Free Make-it-Take-its and Book Signing
8764 E Shea Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

May 12 - 12pm-3pm (while supplies last)
Bead World
Free Make-it-Take-its and Book Signing
6068 N 16th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85016

www.beadworldinc.com

Margie Deeb's Spring/Summer 2012 Color Report for Bead and Jewelry Designers by Jamie Hogsett

2012-03-06T12:08:00.004-08:00

Have you had a chance to get Margie Deeb's Spring/Summer 2012 Color Report yet? As always, Margie did a beautiful job putting it together. Contributing to Margie's reports are a great treat for me. It's not being able to show you the projects for so long that's a challenge!
The first of my two necklaces in this issue is an homage to the color Cockatoo. It was made with Peruvian opal, aquamarine, and Antique Brass beading wire from Soft Flex Company; a bird toggle clasp from Green Girl Studios, and a lovely bird's nest polymer clay pendant from Humblebeads.

Necklace number two is a combination of the colors Starfish and Driftwood. They're two colors that I thought would be a challenge, but am completely in love with now! Materials for this necklace consist of Bronze beading wire and septarium stones from Soft Flex Company; brass toggle and findings from Vintaj Natural Brass, two ceramic pendants from Earthenwood Studio, a polymer clay pendant from Humblebeads, Kazuri rounds from Antelope Beads, and many random pressed-glass, wood, and seed beads from my stash.

There are many gorgeous pieces in the Color Report along with a wealth of knowledge from Margie. Check it out and you'll be an expert on the spring color trends in no time!

Spring/Summer 2012 Color Report for Bead and Jewelry Designers

Enjoy!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company and co-author, with Sara Hardin Oehler, of Show Your Colors. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Winner - Winner - Winner

2012-03-05T09:26:00.000-08:00

We have a winner! MaryAliceWrites is the big winner of our giveaway this time around. If you really, really, really want a copy of Show Your Colors, don't miss out on the excellent combo deal being offered this month. You can get two books (SYC included) that showcase fun and unusual ways to use colored beading wire.

Book Combo!

Beading Book Combo - Sale Price $29.95

2012-03-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

During the month of March only, Soft Flex is offering an awesome book deal. You can get both of the lovely books shown above (one of them authored by Jamie and I) for only $29.95!

Beading Book Comb o!

Show Your Colors is a new book by Soft Flex employees Jamie Hogsett and Sara Oehler. Show Your Colors explores beading designs infused with color. The book features 30 projects that use color throughout the jewelry creation, from the gemstones and beads to the beading wire itself. The designs are beginner friendly and unique enough that even the more seasoned beaders will enjoy creating them. Show Your Colors is the perfect accompaniment to our ten foot color spools as nearly every design in the book can be completed with a single spool. Think in color. Design in color. Show Your Colors!

Jewelry for the New Romantic will guide you through creating ten beautiful jewelry sets; each containing a necklace, bracelet, and earrings. The book is filled with easy to follow instructions and clear illustrations. Learn how to create designs that incorporate color and edgy style along with traditional beading techniques. Most of the designs in this book were created with Soft Flex Wire. Don't forget to buy what you need before embarking on your creative journey.

Bead Soup Blog Party Reveal Day with Jamie Hogsett

2012-03-03T00:01:00.012-08:00

Finally, it's reveal day for the Bead Soup Blog Party! It's been such a great experience to be a part of the party. My partner, Jeannie K Dukic sent me a fabulous bead soup, consisting of a bracelet bar and toggle clasp from Zoa Art, vintage chain from Beadin Path, and two colors of Jeannie's very own polymer clay creations, Peeled Paint Art Beads! She sent a set of black beads with variegated copper leaf and a set of white beads with the same beautiful copper leaf. The letter Jeannie included in the package says "I know you can't use all those beads, but I wanted to give you a choice."
Jeannie probably didn't mean that as a challenge, but I took it as one. It became my goal to use all of her Peeled Paint Art Beads in the piece. With the exception of six polymer clay beads (set aside for earrings that I'll make later on), I'm proud to say I used all of Jeannie's beads in my Bead Soup Necklace!
The key to combining the black and white polymer beads was emphasizing what they have in common: the copper leaf. My eyes picked out shades of green and orange in the copper leaf, and Swarovski Elements Crystal Round 4mm beads in lime and Indian red are perfect representations of those colors.
One side of the necklace is made with White Quartz Soft Flex Beading Wire, opaque white size 11 seed beads, and the black polymer clay beads. Wire-wrapped dangles with white seed beads and both crystal colors bridge the gap between the white beading wire and the bracelet bar (used as part of the necklace's focal point. The other side of the necklace is the opposite, with Black Onyx Soft Flex Beading Wire, opaque black size 11 seed beads, and the white polymer clay beads. I love how the combination of black and white on both sides of the necklace seem to trick the eye - it takes awhile to realize how the two strung sections differ.
Antique Copper Soft Flex Craft Wire in 22-gauge is the only other material I added to the mix. It's a color that falls somewhere between the bright copper of the Peeled Paint Art Beads and the darker copper/bronze of the chain, clasp, and focal piece. By using it along with a combination of all four bead colors front and center of the necklace, it brings all elements of the piece together. The resulting necklace looks like it definitely knows how to party!
Thank you so much for taking the time to celebrate with me! To keep the party going, please visit the Bead Soup Blog Party page at Pretty Things for a complete list of participants. Enjoy!!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company and co-author, with Sara Hardin Oehler, of Show Your Colors. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Free Step-by-Step DIY Beaded Bracelet Idea by Jamie Hogsett

2012-02-28T12:24:00.013-08:00

Have you used The Diva Custom Cord Maker yet? If so, I'm sure you love it. If not, you really need to experience it! Each time I use it, I fall in love with it more. It's on sale the rest of February (today and tomorrow!), so now is your chance to try it out. Here's an elegant bracelet that makes up so fast on the Diva board, you'll easily be able to make a few to stack on your wrist.

This project got its start when I recently unpacked a bit more of my studio and unearthed my box of yarn. Two yarns grabbed my attention right away and I knew they were perfect for a Diva board project. They are balls of yarn I've had in my stash for years, so I apologize that I don't know the exact names of them, but any fancy ribbon yarns will work well.

Materials needed:
24" of Red Jasper .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
24" of Black Onyx .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
24" of Bronze .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
50" of rust/orange 1/2" ribbon yarn with frayed edges
50" of black/cream/bronze 1/4" ribbon yarn
2 Champagne 4mm CZ rondelles
2 Black 4mm CZ rondelles
13 brass 7mm pineapple beads
1 brass 22mm "believe" ring
1 brass 9x14mm spiral hook
3 brass 1 1/2" 24-gauge head pins
1 brass 2" 22-gauge eye pin
1 brass 9.5mm etched jump ring
4 gold-filled 2mm crimp tubes

Tools needed:
Wire Cutters
Scissors
Crimping Pliers
The Diva Custom Cord Maker
Bead Stoppers
Chain Nose Pliers
Round Nose Pliers
Flat Nose Pliers

Finished size: 7 3/4"

Note: For more specific instructions on using the Diva Custom Cord Maker, click here.

Step 1: Use 1 bobbin to string the Red Jasper Wire. Use 1 bobbin to string the Black Onyx wire. Use 1 bobbin to string the Bronze wire. Use the Bronze wire to string 12 brass pineapple beads. Place a Bead Stopper on the end of the Bronze wire. Use 1 bobbin to string 24" of 1/2" ribbon. Repeat. Use 1 bobbin to string 24" of 1/4" ribbon. Repeat.
Step 2: Remove the Bead Stopper. Use all three wire ends to string 1 crimp tube. Place the tube about 3" from the ends of the wires and crimp.
Step 3: Use all four ribbon ends to tie an overhand knot around the crimp tube.
Step 4: Follow manufacturers instructions to place the wires and ribbons on the Diva board. Braid the wires and ribbons together for 5 1/2" or until all the brass pineapple beads are used, making sure to place 1 brass pineapple bead into the braid every time the brass wire is moved around the Diva board.
Step 5: Remove the wires and ribbons from the bobbins. Use all three wire ends to string 1 crimp tube. Snug the tube at the very end of the braid, and crimp.
Step 6: Use the ribbon ends to tie an overhand knot around the crimp tube.
Step 7: Carefully cut the Black Onyx wire ends and the Red Jasper wire ends from the ends of the braid. Use 1 Bronze wire end to string 1 crimp tube and the brass "believe" ring. Pass back through the tube and crimp. Trim the wire end. Divide the ribbons in half and use them to tie a square knot around the crimp tube. Trim the ribbon ends to about 1/2". Use 1 1/2" of the 1/4" ribbon to tie a surgeon's knot around the brass ring on one side of the beading wire. Repeat on the other side of the beading wire. Attach the etched jump ring to the brass "believe" ring.
Step 8: Use the remaining Bronze wire end to string 1 crimp tube and the brass hook. Pass back through the tube and crimp. Trim the wire end. Divide the ribbons in half and use them to tie a square knot around the crimp tube. Trim the ribbon ends to about 1/2".
Step 9: Use 1 head pin to string 1 black CZ rondelle and form a wrapped loop. Repeat. Use 1 head pin to string 1 champagne CZ rondelle and form a wrapped loop. Attach the eye pin to the three dangles just formed. Use the eye pin to string 1 brass pineapple bead and 1 champagne CZ rondelle; form a wrapped loop that attaches to the loop of the brass hook.
See, that was easy, right? I love the way the 1/2" ribbon conceals parts of the brass pineapple beads now and then along the braid - so pretty. Enjoy!

Brass beads and findings from Vintaj Natural Brass.

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company and co-author, with Sara Hardin Oehler, of Show Your Colors. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Show Your Colors Book + Beading Wire Giveaway!

2012-02-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since we've had a giveaway. This time, we are giving away a signed copy of Show Your Colors along with one Soft Flex Beading Wire Trio in your favorite color assortment.

Show Your Colors explores beading designs infused with color. The book features 30 projects that use color throughout the jewelry creation, from the gemstones and beads to the beading wire itself. The designs are beginner friendly and unique enough that even the more seasoned beaders will enjoy creating them. Think in color. Design in color. Show Your Colors!

Soft Flex® Trios™ Color Wire Sets encapsulate the vivid palette of nature and the glamour of the fashion world. Trios™ Color Wire Sets are comprised of three spools of Soft Flex® Beading Wire, the wire is constructed of either 21 or 49 micro woven stainless steel wires. Soft Flex® Beading Wire is supple enough that it can be knotted and comes in a wide variety of colors.

In order to enter, you answer a few questions by clicking on the link below that reads "fabulous thoughts" or "post a comment".

Question: What is your favorite color of Soft Flex® Beading Wire?

To enter more than once:

1. Click to follow this blog. See the follow tool on the right side. Note in your comment that you are a blog follower.
2. Use the share feature to share this giveaway. Choose your favorite social network and share our giveaway. Please note where you shared our giveaway in your comment. I will enter you as many times as you share this blog post with your social network! Examples: facebook, twitter, pinterest, etc.
3. Like us and leave a comment about Soft Flex on facebook.

Responses will be collected through Thursday, March 1st. The winner will be announced on Monday, March 5th. Don't forget to leave a way for me to contact you or you may not get your prize. If you have questions or are uneasy about sharing your email in a comment, you can email me at Sara [@] SoftFlexCompany.com.

Spotlight on... Jewelry Designs from Nature by Heather Powers

2012-02-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

Jewelry Designs from Nature
by Heather Powers

Author Heather Powers is an intuitive designer. Last year at the BeadandButton Show I had the extreme pleasure of bumping into Heather in a food line. We ended up having an unexpected lunch together. She is as lovely and thoughtful in person as you might imagine she is from looking at her work. She proudly shared a picture of the cover of her book, which was not quite out yet. I was sold! I knew that I'd have to pick up a copy as soon as possible! When my copy arrived, I read it from cover-to-cover, which is something that I rarely do with jewelry-making books. The designs and ideas in this book are a feast for the eyes and a comfort to the soul. Drawing inspiration from nature is certainly not a new concept but Heather's unique view makes the subject matter feel fresh.

Read More!

Article - Where I Create by Lori Anderson
Color by Margie Deeb - Jewelry Design: Emphasize Similarities
Designer - Margo Yee
Book - Jewelry Designs from Nature by Heather Powers
Local Bead Group - The Baltimore Bead Society
Bead Seller - Eclectica

New Colors in Soft Flex Craft Wire!

2012-02-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

We have 5 new colors in Soft Flex Craft Wire: bronzite, antique copper, silver plated lavender, silver plated charcoal and silver plated pewter.

Silver Plated Charcoal is available in the following gauges:

18g - 20g - 22g - 24g - 26g - 28g

Silver Plated Lavender is available in the following gauges:

18g - 20g - 22g - 24g

Silver Plated Pewter is available in the following gauges:

18g - 20g - 22g - 24g - 26g - 28g

Non-Tarnish Antique Copper is available in the following gauges:

18g - 20g - 22g - 24g - 26g - 28g

And last but not least, I don't have a picture of the Bronzite yet, but I hear that it is a beautiful color.

Bronzite is available in the following gauges:

18g - 20g - 22g - 24g - 26g - 28g

Fashion Trends

2012-02-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

Wear that Safari Blouse.
Make this Luxe Layers Necklace.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Mama's Minerals in Albuquerque, NM TODAY!

2012-02-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

I will be hosting two book signings paired with free make-it-take-its using Soft Flex Beading Wire in Albuquerque, NM today!

February 23 3pm-6pm

Mama's Minerals

Free Make-it-Take-its and Book Signing

1100 San Mateo Blvd NE

Albuquerque, NM

(San Mateo at Lomas, Ace Courtyard)

www.mamasminerals.com

Color Inspiration by Kristen Fagan

2012-02-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

Image by Gonmi via flickr

Items that match this color palette:

GRADUATED PERIDOT FACETED RONDELLES

GREEN SOFT FLEX CRAFT WIRE

PURPLE SOFT FLEX CRAFT WIRE

10MM PURPLE CZECH GLASS PILLOW TWIST

LIGHT ORANGE OYSTER SHELL RONDELLES

Guest blogger Kristen Fagan is the Website Graphic Designer for Soft Flex Company. She also has her own blog and etsy shop. She'd love to hear from you! So, please feel free to leave comments or email her at Kristen@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Book Signings and Free Make-it-Take-its in Santa Fe, NM TODAY!

2012-02-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

I will be hosting two book signings paired with free make-it-take-its using Soft Flex Beading Wire in Santa Fe, NM today!

February 22 - 10am-1pm

Mama's Minerals

Free Make-it-Take-its and Book Signing

100 E. San Francisco Street

Santa Fe, NM

(Historic Santa Fe Plaza in La Fonda Hotel)

www.mamasminerals.com

February 22nd - 2pm-5pm

Santa Fe Jewelry Supply

Free Make-it-Take-its and Book Signing

3200 Mercantile Court

Santa Fe, NM 87507

www.sfjssantafe.com/

Free DIY Beaded Bracelet Idea by Jamie Hogsett

2012-02-21T11:36:00.004-08:00

Inspiration for this little bracelet came from one of the views from my new home: snowy foothills spotted with evergreen trees and the bright blue sky above. It's a gorgeous view, one I'm grateful for!
Beading wire colors of Tanzanite, Emerald, Bone, and Antique Brass are great representations of the landscape and coordinating seed beads amplify the colors even further. The seed beads also add texture and movement, with each of the eight strands of wire just over half-covered with beads. The Kazuri bead was a lucky find in my stash - it pulls all the colors together and itself looks like a landscape - and I like it sitting so close to the toggle clasp. The only problem is, now every time I look down at my wrist, I want to go out for a hike in those foothills...

Enjoy!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company and co-author, with Sara Hardin Oehler, of Show Your Colors. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Spotlight on... Margo Yee

2012-02-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Margo Yee

A synergistic response to motion ... results when vibrant colors, reflecting light, are combined with varied textures to draw attention to the most expressive part of a woman, her face. Margo designs necklaces to focus the observer on the interesting facial character of the female who wears the necklace, bringing additional sparkle to the wearer as the woman moves, but not in any way competing with or outshining the wearer.

Read More!

Article - Where I Create by Lori Anderson

Color by Margie Deeb - Jewelry Design: Emphasize Similarities
Designer - Margo Yee
Book - Jewelry Designs from Nature by Heather Powers
Local Bead Group - The Baltimore Bead Society
Bead Seller - Eclectica

First of several Book Signing Events

2012-02-19T17:52:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, I had my first of several Book Signing Events. It was really, really fun. Not only did I enjoy talking about the book that Jamie Hogsett and I wrote together - Show Your Colors, but also I enjoyed teaching a free make-it-take-it using Soft Flex Beading Wire. Teaching is easily a favorite part of my job. And frankly, it felt good just to be in a bead store surrounded by people who share my same hobby. It was a really fun experience. I look forward to all of my upcoming events.

Of course I could not resist from picking up a few trinkets for a future project that I have in mind. I have a feeling that this book signing thing might become a little expensive. I can't imagine going into a bead store and not making some sort of purchase.

Design and Adorn Beading Studio is such a wonderful, full service bead store. If you live in Tucson, Arizona or visit for the gem shows, you should stop in and check it out. They offer an array of classes. I was extremely impressed with their top-of-the-line customer service.

This week I will be visiting New Mexico for 3 events. I'll be at Mama's Minerals in both Albuquerque and Santa Fe as well as Santa Fe Jewelers Supply. You can find out more details on my Schedule of Events. Also, I recently added a new event in Windsor, CA if you live in that area!

Show Your Colors + 10 Ft Spools = Match Made in Heaven

2012-02-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

Most of the projects in our new book Show Your Colors use less than 10 feet of beading wire in each color. The only designs that this is not really true for are the knitted projects. They require a longer length of wire to complete the project (in most cases 30 feet of wire is plenty). As you can imagine, I was quite happy to see the 10 feet lengths in colors become available at the same time as the book. Now all of the projects can be completed with minimal investment. Nothing is worse than falling in love with a design in a book or magazine and realizing that it is just too expensive to recreate or the beads are too difficult to find. We really focused on using beads, findings and items that could be easily found so that every project is accessible for everyone.

Design and Adorn in Tucson, Arizona TODAY!

2012-02-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

I will be hosting a book signing paired with free make-it-take-its using Soft Flex Beading Wire at Design and Adorn in Tucson today!

February 18th - 11am-2pm

Design and Adorn

Free Make-it-Take-its and Book Signing

4630 E. Grant Road

Tucson, AZ 85712

www.designandadorn.com

Knitting With Beading Wire In Book

2012-02-17T08:51:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite chapters in our new book Show Your Colors covers knitting with beading wire. There are step-by-step instructions for two different ways to knit. Projects show how to use multiple colors of wire (similar to design show above), several different sizes of knitting spools and adding beads to make a design extra special.

There is nothing quite like knitted beading wire. It has such a nice feel to it. The color combinations are endless. For the design shown, I used amethyst, tanzanite and red jasper in .019 Soft Flex Beading Wire. For a bracelet like this, you'll need a spool with 30 feet. I chose to knit with the 5-pin knitting spool, but there are also 3-pin and 4-pin options. I used bead caps as cones from Bead World and a toggle clasp from TierraCast which I purchased from ArtBeads.com. To attach to the clasp, I crimped using my Mighty Crimping Pliers and 3x3mm sterling silver crimp tubes.

To learn more about knitting with beading wire, please pick up a copy of our book - Show Your Colors!

Fashion Trends

2012-02-16T14:00:00.000-08:00

Wear this Plaid Infinity Scarf.
Make that Hearts and Spirals Bracelet.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Free DIY Beaded Necklace Idea by Jamie Hogsett

2012-02-14T10:37:00.000-08:00

Poor Soft Touch wire, it's been a little neglected lately with all the focus on colored wire. Soft Touch drapes beautifully, is smooth like butter, and has unsurpassed flexibility. Since it's always been one of my favorite wires to use, Soft Touch is getting a little bit of love today in the form of this sweet necklace.
Soft Touch wire in the .019 diameter is the foundation for this necklace with its butterfly button, glass rounds, and wood beads from Fusionbeads.com, jump rings and hook from Vinta j, size 15 seed beads (yes, the medium wire fits though those tiny little beads!) from Beyond Beadery, a button from the new TierraCast collection, and a lovely pendant from the equally lovely Heather Wynn Millican.
One of the best things about this design is it can be worn with the pendant in the center, or slightly off center, which is probably how I'll most often wear it. Also great is knowing I can throw it into my travel jewelry bag and never have to worry about it kinking. Oh, Soft Touch, there are so many qualities to love about you...
Enjoy! Happy Valentine's Day!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company and co-author, with Sara Hardin Oehler, of Show Your Colors. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Free Make-it-Take-its + Book Signing in Tucson, Albuquerque and Santa Fe!

2012-02-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'm looking forward to some upcoming events in a few really great bead stores. Jenny Wilson and I are going to be teaching free make-it-take-it earring projects and showing off the new book that I wrote with Jamie Hogsett. In the next 10 days, there are 4 events planned: one in Tucson, one in Albuquerque and two in Santa Fe! Fun! If you live in any of these cities, please do try to stop in and visit.

February 18th - 11am-2pm

Design and Adorn

Free Make-it-Take-its and Book Signing

4630 E. Grant Road

Tucson, AZ 85712

www.designandadorn.com

February 22 - 10am-1pm

Mama's Minerals

Free Make-it-Take-its and Book Signing

100 E. San Francisco Street

Santa Fe, NM

(Historic Santa Fe Plaza in La Fonda Hotel)

www.mamasminerals.com

February 22nd - 2pm-5pm

Santa Fe Jewelry Supply

Free Make-it-Take-its and Book Signing

3200 Mercantile Court

Santa Fe, NM 87507

www.sfjssantafe.com/

February 23 3pm-6pm

Mama's Minerals

Free Make-it-Take-its and Book Signing

1100 San Mateo Blvd NE

Albuquerque, NM

(San Mateo at Lomas, Ace Courtyard)

www.mamasminerals.com

Spotlight on... Jewelry Design: Emphasize Similarities by Margie Deeb

2012-02-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

Jewelry Design: Emphasize Similarities
by Margie Deeb

Parts of this are excerpted from The Beader's Guide to Color by Margie Deeb (Watson-Guptill, 2004).

What makes a well designed piece of beadwork? How do you create a unified, harmonious piece so completely balanced and whole that nothing added or taken away would improve it?

Read More!

Article - Where I Create by Lori Anderson

Meet Our New Friend Halo

2012-02-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

My husband and I got a puppy! If you follow the blog, you probably read about our losing Honey a few weeks back. We didn't look too much before we stumbled upon this guy. He is a little under a year old and full of energy. It has definitely been a trying week with him, but I do feel like we've made some headway. He broke his leg when he was just a little pup. So he has a limp. His ears are sort of too small for his head. He has an eye that is multi-colored. All in all, he is a big, furry goof-ball and we love him. Just don't let his name fool you. He is not quite an angel yet, but I am determined that he will be after I'm done with him. Wish me luck...I have a feeling that I'm going to need it!

Sara's Favorite Things From Tucson!

2012-02-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

I picked up a few favorite things in Tucson this year. I felt myself pulled toward metals this year, but I still picked up a few glass pieces too.

I am extremely excited about the new colors in Soft Flex Craft Wire. I am having a difficult time deciding which I like better. I love the Silver Plated Charcoal but I also love the Silver Plated Lavendar....oooh, and the Silver Plated Pewter. SEE, I can't decide. I love them all. I see that they aren't available online yet, but they will be soon along with a a few fun projects that I created while demoing in Tucson.

TierraCast has some really cool new buttons and pinch bails. I'm looking forward to testing these out in an upcoming project. I love visiting their booth in Tuscon because they always have such nice design samples. This year I spotted a great design in their display case using Soft Flex Beading Wire in Red Coral.

Isn't this little guy the cutest? It is a bead. I rigged up a little Soft Flex Craft Wire to hold him up straight so that you could get a good look. His top half is the prettiest blue color. I picked him up from Tangible Light Studio.

Ohh la la. I love the rusted iron from The Lipstick Ranch. I think that it will look so nice with the Soft Flex Beading Wire in Copper Color.

I absolutely adore Gail Crosman Moore. She is just such a lovely person. She always has beautiful trinkets and a smile to share. It is always a joy to bump into her. I picked up a lovely glass pendant from her.

All in all, it was a fun and successful Tucson. It seemed like attendance was up at The Best Bead Show and buyers definitely seemed a lot more confident about the economy this year and excited about beading. Yay!

Fashion Trends

2012-02-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

Wear that Skater Skirt.
Make these Sexy Summer Earrings.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Spotlight on...Where I Create by Lori Anderson

2012-02-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Where I Create
by Lori Anderson

For those of you who don't know me, I'm Lori Anderson, and I'm a full-time jewelry designer, avid reader, junk collector, and lately, an insomniac.

This month's article is about where I create my jewelry and handmade beads. I'm fortunate enough to have three different places to work, and I've decorated each one with things that inspire me and make me smile. I'm a firm believer that environment has a lot to do with a person's mood, so while most of the time I have "controlled chaos" going on, I'm still surrounded by color and interesting things to look at.

Read more!

Article - Where I Create by Lori Anderson

Color Inspiration by Kristen Fagan

2012-02-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Image by Denise Cross via flickr

Items that match this color palette:

SOFT FLEX WIRE PINK TOURMALINE

2MM PINK CUBIC ZIRCONIA RONDELLES

CRYSTAL GOLD HEART LAMPWORK BEAD

4MM MULTICOLORED QUARTZ FACETED RONDELLES

SOFT FLEX WIRE CHRYSOPRASE

Mmmm, Bead Soup by Jamie Hogsett

2012-02-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the episode of Friends when Joey tries out for the soup commercial and his line is "mmmm, soup" only he keeps saying "mmmm, noodle soup" instead? Imagine me, if you will, sitting here repeating "mmmm, bead soup" and gushing over the delicious mix of goodies my Bead Soup Blog Party partner, the talented Jeannie K. Dukic, sent my way... Check it out:
Gorgeous, right?! The mix includes Peeled Paint Art Beads made by Jeannie, vintage chain from Beadin Path, and a bracelet bar and clasp from Zoa Art. Jeannie's Peeled Paint beads are polymer clay with variegated copper leaf and the colors that reflect from the copper are beautiful. In fact, they're similar to the colors in the pretty packaging Jeannie included.
As you know, one of my hopes is to inspire you to Show Your Colors, so you better believe I'm going to challenge myself to do just that when making this project. The colors in Jeannie's Peeled Paint beads and packaging offer so many suggestions on what I can use too. Citrine, Chrysoprase, Pink Tourmaline, Spinel, and Copper are just a few of the options. Oh, this is going to be fun!
You can visit all the blogs on Lori Anderson's Blog Party list to see the fun bead soup mixes received by others. Stay tuned for the big reveal day, March 3rd, to see all the finished projects!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company and co-author, with Sara Hardin Oehler of Show Your Colors. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Show Your Colors in Tucson

2012-02-06T11:51:00.000-08:00

Jamie and I enjoyed showing off our new book in Tucson, AZ. It as fun to watch people flip through it and get excited and inspired to use colored beading wire in a new and unusual way. The book includes information on everything you'd ever need or want to know about beading wire as well as techniques such as crimping the wire into shapes and knitting with beading wire on a knitting spool.

You can purchase a signed copy from Soft Flex Company.

I will be hosting book signings paired with free make-it-take-its as several bead stores this Spring! Next up is Design and Adorn on the 18th!

February 18th - 11am-2pm

Design and Adorn

Free Make-it-Take-its and Book Signing

4630 E. Grant Road

Tucson, AZ 85712

www.designandadorn.com

I Love My LBS

2012-02-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

One of the exciting things about launching a book is that I am getting the opportunity to offer some free make-it-take-its coupled with book signings at some of my favorite stores. Recently, I set up a book signing at the store that started it all for me. When I was growing up, I used to buy beads at the Bead Depot in downtown Billings, Montana. Joshua and I are planning a trip up to Montana to visit my Grandmother, Mom and family. I've promised the owner for years that I'd do something fun in conjunction with her store. It was so neat to finally confirm a date and time for my in-store visit. Do you remember your first bead store? Have you visited them lately? We have to remember that these local bead stores are the backbone of the beading world. It is so important that we continue to support them! So, if you haven't visited a local bead store lately, please go. You can use our bead store finder to find a bead store near you. If you'd like to see a list of my confirmed book signings, please visit my Sara O Jewelry Events page.

BeadStyle March

2012-02-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Ooh la la! Naomi Fujimoto used our pink tourmaline Soft Flex Beading Wire in her design for the latest issue of BeadStyle Magazine on page 60! Pick up a copy to get the step-by-step instructions! I also noticed some really fun and unique beading wire designs in the reader gallery on pages 10 and 11 by Emmy Blair. Love seeing that wire exposed!

Seen in Vogue

2012-02-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

David Yurman ad

Vogue Magazine - January

One of our 2012 goals as a company is to share more fashion trends as we see them pop up. I almost always take a look at David Yurman's ads because they sometimes use Soft Flex Beading Wire. I noticed in the January ad that they were featuring a gorgeous ring. It reminded me of our simple cut quartz beads. I imagine that you could wire wrap a beautiful ring that would looks similar using our Soft Flex Craft Wire in non-tarnish silver!

Bead Trends February

2012-02-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

If you get a chance, please check out my design in the latest issue (February) of Bead Trends. I used a lampwork bead by Laura Schreiber that I picked up at the BeadandButton Show last year. I also used some chunky orange cz's from Soft Flex Company that I just love! You know how I loved colored beading wire. This design features three of my favorite colors red jasper, citrine and turquoise. Don't forget that you can get our colors in 10ft spools now for only $6.49! Instructions for this design can be found in Bead Trends, so pick up a copy today!

Fashion Trends

2012-02-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

Wear that Neon Kiwi Cashmere Cardigan.
Make this Lemon-Limeade Necklace.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Best Bead Show Opens Today!

2012-02-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

Best Bead Show Opens Today, 10am-8pm!

Soft Flex Company is only located at the Best Bead Show.

Each day of the show, the first 50 orders at our booth will receive a FREE 10ft spool of colored Soft Flex Beading Wire!

Feb 1-5, 2012
The Best Bead Show
Kino Veteran's Memorial Community Center
2805 East Ajo Way
Tucson, AZ 85713
Hours:
Wednesday 10am - 8pm
Thursday - 10am-6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm
Admission: FREE

Both Jamie Hogsett and Sara Oehler will be on hand in our booth demonstrating. Their new book Show Your Colors will be available for sale in the Soft Flex booth. It is a great opportunity to get your book signed by both of them in person.

Project Sneak Peek - Show Your Colors by Jamie Hogsett and Sarah Oehler

2012-01-31T09:45:00.000-08:00

Here are a few peeks at some of the projects in Sara's and my new book, Show Your Colors! We'll have all of the projects on display in Tucson, at our booth during the entire the Best Bead Show, as well as a few in the John Bead (January 30 from 3-5 with Sara), TierraCast (January 31 from 11-12 with me) and Kalmbach (February 2 from 2-3 with Sara and February 3 from 2-3 with me) booths during the To Bead True Blue show at the Doubletree.

We'll have copies of the book for sale and if you'd like, Sara and I will both be available and more than happy to sign it. Just so you know, Sara's signature is much neater than mine!

In addition to the 30 projects from the book, there will be dozens of other projects on display in the Soft Flex Company booth. These projects are all examples of how to use colored beading wire as part of your jewelry designs.

Speaking of colored beading wire, did you know that the first 50 bead-lovers who purchase from us at the show, every day of the show, will receive a free 10-foot spool of colored beading wire? These little spools are a great way to experiment with the wire and if you get one for free, even better!

So, if you happen to be in Tucson this week, we hope you'll stop by and say hello. We look forward to seeing you!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

5 Tips for Surving Tucson!

2012-01-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

Always wear comfortable shoes. Tennis shoes are a must. Ladies, we all know how much we enjoy our cute (I.e. uncomfortable) shoes, but Tucson is not the place for them. It's about the beads ladies - not the shoes! Walking will be the one thing that is a guarantee in Tucson.

Bring a bottle of water. You are in the desert, after all, and the concession stand lines are often extremely long. You need to keep hydrated in order to keep focused on the bead find of the century.

Bring a portable, battery operated fan to keep cool. It can get a little warm with so many people in one building all at once AND all those hot buys!

Be kind and patient with the vendors you're buying from. A lot of magic happens behind the scenes to pull off Tucson: traveling for days, planning for months, being away from home to make you, the customer, have a fantastic shopping experience. Who knows, your kindness and patience may pay off in the form of a discount!

Last, but not least: HAVE FUN. Treat Tucson as a vacation, not just the chore of a buying trip. Visit some of the beautiful sights in Tucson. It's a great time of year to be in the desert. And you will be surrounded by people who share your love of beading!

Tucson Schedule of Events

2012-01-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

Oh my, there is a lot going on in Tucson this year. You know why? Because Jamie and I are showing off our fabulous new book, Show Your Colors! Here is a general idea of where you can find the two of us!

Jan 30, 2012
To Bead True Blue
John Bead booth
I am teaching Free Make-it-Take-its
Doubletree Reid Park
445 S Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ
3pm-5pm

Jan 31, 2012
To Bead True Blue
TierraCast booth
Jamie is demoing
Doubletree Reid Park
445 S Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ
11am-12pm

Feb 1-5, 2012
The Best Bead Show
Soft Flex booth
Demo and Book Signing with both Jamie and I!
Kino Veteran's Memorial Community Center
2805 East Ajo Way
Tucson, AZ 85713
Hours:
Wednesday 10am - 8pm
Thursday - *Please note that I won't be there on Thurs.
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm
Admission: FREE

Show Your Colors will be available for sale in the Soft Flex booth at the Best Best Show in Tucson, Arizona this Spring. Both Jamie Hogsett and I will be on hand demoing too! It is a great opportunity to get your book signed by both of us in person.

Feb 2, 2012
To Bead True Blue
Kalmbach booth
I will be Demoing
Doubletree Reid Park
445 S Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ
2pm-3pm

Stop by the Kalmbach Publishing booth at To Bead True Blue between 2-3pm on February 2nd to check out my demos and learn more about Show Your Colors.

Feb 3, 2012
To Bead True Blue
Kalmbach booth
Jamie will be Demoing
Doubletree Reid Park
445 S Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ
2pm-3pm

Stop by the Kalmbach Publishing booth at To Bead True Blue between 2-3pm on February 2nd to check out Jamie's demos and learn more about Show Your Colors.

If you can't make it to Tucson this year and want to purchase a copy of our book, you can find it for sale on the Soft Flex Company website.

Honey-the-dog

2012-01-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Hint Charm

I've featured my dog Honey on this blog many times over the years. I often receive comments that readers wanted to see more of her, especially once I started my own personal blog. She passed away this week and needless to say, I am heart broken. Everyone grieves in different ways. I love pictures. So I spent a good deal of time sifting through pictures and creating a photo book dedicated to Honey. Then, I picked out an uplifting book called Animals and the Afterlife. As you can probably imagine from the title, it talks about where our pets go after they die. Finally, I chose a charm (as shown above) that I hope to pick up and wear that will always remind me of my Honey Bunny Bear. I often relate big moments in my life to pieces of jewelry, which makes sense since beading is my beloved hobby.

She was a special girl and it is still very hard to imagine life without her. So, if you have a fur-baby, please give them a hug and kiss for me and remember to not take a single moment for granted. Their lives are far too short.

Spotlight On... The Baltimore Bead Society

2012-01-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

The Baltimore Bead Society

The Baltimore Bead Society is a regional organization in Maryland of bead enthusiasts, creative artists, and jewelry designers across a broad spectrum of bead-related and jewelry-making fields. We learn and work together, sharing our common interests in beading, in jewelry techniques, and in understanding beads within history and cultures throughout the world. Founded over 20 years ago, we are a non-profit educational, artistic, and philanthropic organization under IRS section 501(c)(3). We have grown in number and diversified in interests covering every aspect of jewelry techniques, materials, and creative design. Activities include bead-related community outreach programs. Our people define our organization - making new friends and having fun.

Read More!

Article - 10 Glass Art Booths Not to Miss This Year in Tucson by Jennifer Wilson

Color by Margie Deeb - Jewelry Design: Emphasize Similarities

Designer - Melissa Cable

Book - Jewelry for the New Romantic by Nealay Patel

Local Bead Group - The Baltimore Bead Society

Bead Seller - Eclectica

Fashion Trends

2012-01-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

Wear this Cable Knit Sweater Dress.
Make these Tourmaline Bangles.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Soft Flex Trios on Flock Shop Today Only!

2012-01-26T09:24:00.000-08:00

Today is the day! Soft Flex Trios are being featured on the Flock Shop. Sale ends in 12 hours and 37 minutes! There is still a variety of color options at a very good price! Fly on over and check it out!

Shop Flock Shop!

Color Inspiration by Kristen Fagan

2012-01-25T12:18:00.000-08:00

Image by delgaudm via flickr

Items that match this color palette:

SOFT FLEX WIRE DARK BLUE LAPIS

TURKISH CHALCEDONY SIMPLE CUT GEMSTONES

8MM LAVENDER CZ FACETED RONDELLES

SOFT FLEX WIRE PINK RHODOCHROSITE

6MM CHAMPAGNE CZ FACETED RONDELLES

Free DIY Chain and Wire Earring Idea by Jamie Hogsett

2012-01-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

Curious about using colors of Soft Flex Beading Wire? If so, here's a great beginner project that will let you experiment with colored wire as well as the hole-punch pliers and Soft Flex Company's copper chain. Any combination of colors would look great here. I was going for a subtle look and chose Black Onyx, Copper, and Chrysoprase beading wire for these earrings. Wouldn't it be fun to see them in a festive party mix of Purple Amethyst, Citrine, and Spinel beading wire on silver-plated copper chain too? Or made up with gold-plated copper chain, Red Coral, Black Onyx, and 14K Gold beading wire for a truly elegant look? With so many different color options available, you'll be able to make up several pairs of these earrings in no time!

Materials needed:
4" of Oval and Round Textured Copper Chain
8" of Black Onyx .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
8" of Copper .019 Diameter Soft Flex Metallics Wire
8" of Chrysoprase .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
12 Copper 2mm Crimp Tubes
12 Copper 3mm Crimp Covers
1 pair of Black with Copper Round Ear wires

Tools needed:
Cutters
Metal-Punch Pliers
Crimping Pliers

Finished size: 1 3/4"

Step 1: Use cutters to cut two pieces of chain with each piece consisting of 1 oval link and 1 round link.
Step 2: Use the Metal-Punch Pliers to punch 1 hole in the top center of the oval link of 1 chain piece.
Step 3: Use the Metal-Punch Pliers to punch six holes evenly-spaced along the bottom third of the round link.
Step 4: Attach 1 ear wire to the hole punched in the oval link.
Step 5: Use 2" of Chrysoprase wire to string 1 crimp tube and the first hole in the bottom of the round link. Pass through the crimp tube again, forming a small ring of wire, and crimp. Trim the wire ends.
Step 6: Use 2" of Copper wire and the second hole of the round link to repeat Step 5.
Step 7: Use 2" of Black Onyx wire and the third hole of the circle link to repeat Step 5.
Step 8: Repeat Steps 5-7 using the fourth, fifth, and sixth holes in the round link. Cover every crimp tube with 1 crimp cover.

Step 9: Repeat Steps 1-8 to make a second earring. Enjoy!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Spotlight On... Jewelry for the New Romantic by Nealay Patel

2012-01-23T11:55:00.000-08:00

Jewelry for the New Romantic

by Nealay Patel

Author Nealay Patel is a designer after my own heart. Very early in working on our book Show Your Colors (for sale February 2012), our editor pointed out Patel's book (published 2011) and how some of the shapes and techniques are similar although the end result is very different. I didn't have a chance to actually pick up the book and look through each design until now. The book is chalk full of beautiful designs. Each design is unique and special. Patel will be teaching classes at the BeadandButton show in 2012.

Read More!

Article - 10 Glass Art Booths Not to Miss This Year in Tucson by Jennifer Wilson

Color by Margie Deeb - Jewelry Design: Emphasize Similarities

Designer - Melissa Cable

Book - Jewelry for the New Romantic by Nealay Patel

Local Bead Group - The Baltimore Bead Society

Bead Seller - Eclectica

My Knotty Earrings in Step by Step Wire Jewelry

2012-01-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

Step by Step Wire Jewelry - February/March 2012

Page 51

Check out my design in the latest issue of Step by Step Wire. If you like this design, you can always purchase the book that I co-authored with the lovely and talented Jamie Hogsett. Show Your Colors is now available directly from Soft Flex on our website! Yay! If you are going to be in Tucson, you are welcome to drop by and visit with me.

Jan 30, 2012

To Bead True Blue

John Bead booth

Free Make-it-Take-its

Doubletree Reid Park

445 S Alvernon Way

Tucson, AZ

3pm-5pm

Feb 1-5, 2012

The Best Bead Show

Soft Flex booth

Demos and Book Signing with both Jamie and I!

Kino Veteran's Memorial Community Center

2805 East Ajo Way

Tucson, AZ 85713

Hours:

Wednesday 10am - 8pm

Friday 10am - 6pm

Saturday 10am - 6pm

Sunday 10am - 5pm

Admission: FREE

Show Your Colors will be available for sale in the Soft Flex booth at the Best Best Show in Tucson, Arizona this Spring. Both Jamie Hogsett and I will be on hand demo-ing too! It is a great opportunity to get your book signed by both of us in person.

Feb 2, 2012

To Bead True Blue

Kalmbach booth

Demos

Doubletree Reid Park

445 S Alvernon Way

Tucson, AZ

2pm-3pm

Stop by the Kalmbach Publishing booth at To Bead True Blue between 2-3pm on February 2nd to check out my demos and learn more about Show Your Colors.

Spotlight On... Melissa Cable

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Melissa Cable

Soft Flex Company Editor's Note: As we set resolutions and goals for the upcoming year, it is only appropriate that we start 2012 with designer Melissa Cable. When asked to be featured on Spotlight On..., she decided that rather than giving us her usual biography, she would share some of her personal growth over the past 2 years. Enjoy!

Melissa Cable is a Seattle-area designer, national instructor and author (Spotlight on Wire Kalmbach Publishing, 2011). She is currently working on her second book, Metal Garden, slated for release in 2013.

Read More!

Article - 10 Glass Art Booths Not to Miss This Year in Tucson by Jennifer Wilson

Color by Margie Deeb - Jewelry Design: Emphasize Similarities

Designer - Melissa Cable

Book - Jewelry for the New Romantic by Nealay Patel

Local Bead Group - The Baltimore Bead Society

Bead Seller - Eclectica

Fashion Trends

2012-01-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

Wear these Woven Pumps.
Make this Choice Words Necklace.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Beading Wire Flowers by Nealay Patel

2012-01-18T10:37:00.000-08:00

Bead Design Studio - February 2012

Page 22

Bead Unique - October 2011

Page 8

I was thumbing through some magazines the other day and noticed two designs from Nealay Patel. His use of beading wire to create beautiful flowers is so exciting, and I knew that I had to share. Please note that you can find the instructions for these gorgeous pieces in the magazines listed below each page. If you like Nealay Patel's design style, you should consider buying his book - Jewelry for the New Romantic.

Free DIY Beaded Necklace Idea by Jamie Hogsett

2012-01-17T11:12:00.001-08:00

The new year brings a new house and workspace for me and it's absolutely wonderful! Getting everything unpacked and organized is a welcome challenge as it means rediscovering treasures that really get my creative juices flowing. For example, remember this piece? It's a set of z-beads with rings of colored Soft Flex Beading Wire in Peridot, Citrine, Spinel, Purple Amethyst and Garnet crimped to each bead - a fun way to add another layer of texture to already gorgeous beads.

It was made well over a year ago and sat patiently in my old office, just waiting to be turned into something finished and lovely. Since it was one of the last things to be packed up in the old place, it naturally was one of the first things to be unpacked at the new house. I refused to put it on a shelf and let it sit again and thankfully so, as it's now a bright and colorful necklace!

Swarovski Elements round crystals in Purple Velvet, Peridot, Light Topaz, and Blue Violet add just enough sparkle to balance the vintage Lucite curved tubes, while spacers and a clasp from Springall Adventures keep the whimsy of the focal piece evenly sprinkled throughout the piece.
Now I have the perfect necklace to wear while finishing up all the dirty work in this house. College-age guys have lived here for about ten years, so I'm sure you can imagine all the cleaning involved. I just know that scrubbing will seem easier with these beads on my neck!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Spotlight On... Jewelry Design: Emphasize Similarities by Margie Deeb

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Jewelry Design: Emphasize Similarities

by Margie Deeb

Parts of this are excerpted from The Beader's Guide to Color by Margie Deeb (Watson-Guptill, 2004).

What makes a well designed piece of beadwork? How do you create a unified, harmonious piece so completely balanced and whole that nothing added or taken away would improve it?

Etsy Roundup

2012-01-15T10:38:00.000-08:00

1. SaraOJewelry

2. CreativeStash

3. Periwinkle Paradise

4. BeadBrains

5. ChristianVRodriguez

Here are few designs from Etsy that tagged Soft Flex Wire as a design component. All of these designs are for sale and not for reproduction. The photos belong to each store listed.

Simply the Best for Etsy

2012-01-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Starting Sara O Jewelry has definitely been one lesson after another. I love how user friendly and easy Etsy is to use. The hardest part was deciding what my policies on taxes, shipping, returns and such. I'm still not clear about how to handle taxes and have that on my list to look into more. At any rate, I wanted to share that I used a feature that Soft Flex has offered for quite some time now. I used a Soft Flex banner as one of my photos for designs created on Soft Flex. Since Soft Flex is synonymous with quality, I think that it speaks oodles about the quality of my final product. Here is an example:

4th Thumbnail

Full size

See this item on Etsy.

Also, if you sell items on Etsy, don't forget to tag Soft Flex by name as a material. People know the Soft Flex name around the world! Let people know that you really do care about quality.

Here is another example from Kristen Fagan of Creative Stash.

See this item in on Etsy.

There are also banners for your website or blog. You can find all of our banners here!

Spotlight On... 10 Glass Art Booths Not to Miss This Year in Tucson by Jennifer Wilson

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

10 Glass Art Booths Not to Miss This Year in Tucson

by Jennifer Wilson

Last year for the Spotlight On...Article for the month of January, I wrote about 10 booths not to miss that year in Tucson. This year I am going to focus on 10 booths that feature handmade glass art, including, but not limited to glass beads.

Read More!

Article - 10 Glass Art Booths Not to Miss This Year in Tucson by Jennifer Wilson
Color by Margie Deeb - Jewelry Design: Emphasize Similarities
Designer - Melissa Cable
Book - Jewelry for the New Romantic by Nealay Patel
Local Bead Group - The Baltimore Bead Society
Bead Seller - Eclectica

Show Your Colors...in person!

2012-01-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

It is finally here! It is finally here! And, it is beautiful! Kalmbach Publishing did such a nice job with our book. I am so proud of all 96 pages! Of course, one of the hazards of working at home is that I have no one to share my excitement with and also no one to take a photo for me. So I got out my tri-pod and took my own picture because this is a noteworthy moment and I don't plan to miss a second of it! And now, I'll share my glee with cyberspace!

PS. This picture would be a whole lot better with a colorful bracelet. Another hazard of working from home: turning into a "Plain Jane".

Fashion Trends

2012-01-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Wear this Cropped Cardigan.
Make that Simple Sparkle Bracelet.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Color Inspiration by Kristen Fagan

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Image via Stock.XCHNG

Items that match this color palette:

SWISS BLUE TOPAZ PUFF MARQUISE

SOFT FLEX WIRE FLUORITE

LIGHT AMETHYST SIMPLE CUT NUGGETS

SOFT FLEX WIRE PURPLE AMETHYST

YELLOW CZ SIMPLE CUT NUGGETS

Champagne Flute Earrings by Jamie Hogsett in Step by Step Wire Jewelry

2012-01-10T09:30:00.000-08:00

It's exciting any time a project makes it into a magazine, but it's always extra special the first time a project is published in a magazine. The December-January 2012 issue of Step By Step Wire Jewelry features my first ever project for the publication! These earrings are amazingly easy to make and look beautiful when worn. They're shown in the magazine with clear CZs. I've made them in lavender as well (below).
If you can't find the magazine (it may still be on newsstands, but not for much longer!), instructions are available in the School of Design. Enjoy!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

BeadandButton Online Class Registration Starts Tomorrow 1/10

2012-01-09T09:33:00.001-08:00

Have you been to the BeadandButton Show? It is the largest bead show under one roof. Don't miss our classes at BeadandButton! Classes sometimes sell out quickly, sometimes even on the opening day of registration. It is always best to sign up for your classes early. Online registration starts tomorrow!

B121539 Soft Flex Company Presents: Bang Bang Bracelet from Show Your Colors

Teacher: Sara Hardin Oehler (ME!)

B122069 Soft Flex Company Presents: Lily Pond Knitted Crystal Bangle

Teacher: Jamie Hogsett

Free Planners to Keep You on Track in 2012!

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

I use a "to do" worksheet daily and love it. There is something about crossing things off a list that is so satisfying, do you agree? For the new year, I gave my basic to do worksheet an update and ended up creating a weekly to do planner and a weekly blog planner to help keep me on track.

I am sharing these planners here with you so, you may download, print and use them to help keep you on track too!

Download the Weekly To Do Planner (PDF file)

Download the Weekly Blog Planner (PDF file)

I posted these planners in Soft Flex's Free Art and Printables section online so, you can grab them anytime. Want to see all we have to offer in the Soft Flex Free Art and Printables section? Click here.

Planners are for personal use only, not intended for commercial sale.

Fashion Trends

2012-01-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

Wear this Handmade Alpaca Sweater Coat.
Make these Tidying Up Earrings.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Where I Create

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

One of the hardest parts of working at home for me has always been about finding space to work. This is by far the most space that I have ever had for beading. Although I don't feel like things are quite settled, I do feel like I am getting a lot closer. I've always opted for folding tables and this time is no different. I dream of the day when I'll have permanent office or studio space. We've discussed building a little studio style building in our backyard for just this purpose. Oh, I hope so! For now, everything remains somewhat mobile.

Do you remember what this room looked like when we first purchased this home in 2010? It was awful.

It only recently reached a point where it can be used, but it still needs more work to cover the glue on the ceiling from the foam tiles and molding to match the rest of our home. We decided to move in and use the space until this summer when we'll work on it some more. In Arizona, you plan indoor projects for summer when it is just ridiculous to be outside.

I opted to put my table in front of the large picture window for both natural light and the beautiful view of two of our rose bushes.

The newest addition to my work space is a real area for taking photos of my jewelry. I set it up today so I can't tell you if this new equipment will actually upgrade my photography, but I am hoping that I can get clearer shots, especially jewelry for sale through Sara O Jewelry (my new jewelry business).

Best Beading Tips and Tricks - Top 10 Pages Viewed

2012-01-04T09:00:00.001-08:00

All about WigJigs.

How to use a knitting spool.

All about crimps.

Wire gauges, temper and hardening

Knot beading wire.

Create with colored beading wire.

Creating your first necklace.

Finishing single and multi-strand designs.

Ideas for leftover beading wire.

#10

Ideas for leftover beads.

Spotlight On... Call for Entries

2012-01-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

Are you familiar with Spotlight On...? It's a great online spot where we feature articles and information about beaders, bead stores, bead societies, books, color, and more every month. It's a fun resource where you can learn about all things bead-related!

Would you like to be featured in 2012? Do you have a great beading tale that you'd like to share with others? Want to show-off your favorite local bead store? Do you know of a bead society in your area that others might like to join? If so, feel free to let me know; we'd love to share your story in Spotlight On...!

Please email me at jamie@softflexcompany.com with suggestions and ideas of who and what you'd like to see featured in the new year. If you're looking for more information about a certain beading technique or want a tutorial on a specific project, don't hesitate to let me know that as well.

I look forward to hearing from you and I wish you a very healthy and happy New Year!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Happy New Year and a Free 2012 Beading Desk Calendar!

2012-01-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

I created this sweet little 2012 Beading Desk Calendar for you to download, print and display wherever you need a little inspiration! The calendar once printed and cut will be made up of loose sheets which can easily be stuck to a pin-board in your bead studio, placed on your refrigerator, punch a hole and hang it next to your desk, or place on a stand in your store.

Click here for your free beading desk calendar. The calendar is a 3 page PDF file with 4 months featured on each page.Printing on card stock and simply cut along guides to create the calendar pages.

Each month features a beautiful and inspiring beading design. And the best part is, instructions for every design can be found in Soft Flex Company's free beading project ideas section online.

Many wishes for a very Happy New Year! ~ Kristen

Calendar is for personal use only, not intended for commercial use.

The Best Blog Posts - Top 15 Most Viewed Blog Posts in 2011

2011-12-31T09:00:00.000-08:00

WigJig Earwires

Learn how to make earwires on the WigJig using Soft Flex Craft Wire!

Jewelry Display Ideas for Your Home or Craft Booth by Kristen Fagan

Find inspirational ideas for displaying your jewelry either in your home or at a craft fair, bead show or farmer's market.

How to make Soft Flex connectors, jump rings and dangles

Learn how to use crimps and beading wire to create colorful beaded connectors, closed jump rings, links and dangles.

New Book: Jewelry for the New Romantic by Nealay Patel

This blog post includes a full free set of instructions from one project in Nealay Patel's book. It also shows you where you can purchase his full book.

Mica Shift Polymer Clay Beads and Soft Flex Trios Beading Wire Variety Packs

Cindy Lietz, the Polymer Clay Tutor, discusses using polymer clay with colored beading wire. The combination of these two mediums is stunning.

Packaging Ideas by Kristen Fagan

Branding and packaging your designs can sometimes be as important as the actual design itself. Find a few ideas for how you can make your packaging feel special and reflect your personality.

Knitting on a spool with Soft Flex Wire

Learn how to knit on a knitting spool using colored beading wire. You can add beads, knit with several colors or mix several different types of materials together.

Paper Boxes for Holiday Gifts by Jamie Hogsett

Learn how to make an easy decorative, gift box on the fly.

Five DIY Pendant Bails by Jamie Hogsett

Learn how to make five different, simple but elegant bails for creating a pendant.

#10

Free DIY Beaded Ornament Idea by Jamie Hogsett

Learn how to use Soft Flex Craft Wire on the WigJig to create a fun holiday ornament which could easily be downsized for earrings or a pendant.

#11

3 ways to make a project idea your own

Although there are many ways to make a project idea your own, this blog post offers 3 great options: Color, Shape and Layer.

#12

Free DIY Knitted Bangle Project by Jamie Hogsett

Learn how to knit colored beading wire on a knitting spool with the addition of beads! This blog post offers step-by-step photos and instructions!

#13

Home Shopping Network prefers Soft Flex Beading Wire

As of April 1, 2010 strung designs that use flexible beading wire created for HSN are strung on Soft Flex Beading Wire. Read about Sara's visit to HSN.

#14

Braided Jewelry Inspiration by Kristen Fagan

Get inspired to braid colored beading wire through several free project ideas showcasing this age-old technique.

#15

Twist N Curl Tutorial

Learn how to make your own colorful beads using Soft Flex Craft Wire on the Twist N Curl.

The Best Designs - Top 20 Most Viewed Free Project Ideas in 2011

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

African Helix Bracelet

Ladder Stitch Earrings

Loop d' Loop Choker

Trios Woven Bracelet

Festival of Lights

Project materials provided by Beadfx

Evergreen Necklace

Fancy Crystals Bracelet

Crystal Sophistication

Project materials provided by: Art Beads

Simply Irresistible Headband

#10

Easy-Peasy Sparkle Earrings

#11

Loopy Earrings

#12

Trios Wave Bracelet

#13

Stunning Silver Set

#14

Bridal Bouquet Necklace

#15

Trios Knitted Bracelet

#16

Pearly Hair Comb

#17

Daisy Earrings

#18

Pearl Party

#19

Daffodils and Crocuses

#20

Amethyst Rings

Fashion Trends

2011-12-29T10:11:00.000-08:00

Wear this Raspberry Pinwheel Scarf.
Make this First Blush Bracelet.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Color Inspiration by Kristen Fagan

2011-12-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Image via Stock.XCHNG

Items that match this color palette:

AGATE MATTE PEBBLES

SOFT FLEX WIRE CITRINE

RED AVENTURINE FACETED DROPS

SOFT FLEX WIRE COPPER

BRONZITE SMOOTH FLAT OVALS

Free DIY Quartz Earring Idea by Jamie Hogsett

2011-12-27T09:15:00.000-08:00

These Simple Cut Quartz Nuggets are just gorgeous. Super sparkly due to their many facets, the beads are perfect to use when making earrings to celebrate the New Year! Though there is only a small amount of beading wire used in the design, you can make the earrings using any color of wire that will complement your party look! The instructions below are for a pair of earrings using Garnet Beading Wire, while the other examples shown are made with Green Turquoise and Purple Amethyst.

Materials needed:
12" of Garnet .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
8 Sterling Silver 2mm Crimp Tubes
8 Sterling Silver 3mm Crimp Covers
1 Pair of Silver Plated Ear Wires
4 Clear Quartz 20x12mm Simple Cut Nuggets

Tools Needed:
Cutters
Crimping Pliers
Chain Nose Pliers

Finished Size: 2 1/4"
Step 1: Use 3" of beading wire to string 1 crimp tube. Pass back through the tube, forming a small loop of wire. Crimp the crimp tube. Trim the wire end. Cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover.
Step 2: String 1 quartz nugget and 1 crimp. Snug the crimp bead close to the bead, and crimp.
Step 3: Cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover. Trim the wire end.
Step 4: Use 3" of beading wire to string 1 crimp tube and the loop of wire formed in Step 1. Pass back through the tube, forming a small loop of wire. Crimp the crimp tube, trim the wire end, and cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover.
Step 5: String 1 quartz nugget and 1 crimp tube. Pass back through the tube, leaving a small loop of wire. Crimp the crimp tube, trim the wire end, and cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover.
Step 6: Attach 1 ear wire to the previous loop of beading wire.

Step 7: Repeat Steps 1-6 for the second earring.

Enjoy! Happy New Year to you all!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Spotlight on...Eclectica

2011-12-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

Eclectica

Irina Miech has always been interested in jewelry design. While in college, she took several art and jewelry classes, and a few years later during a buying trip in Morocco, she saw an artisan making earrings in a marketplace. She was intrigued by the technique, and when she returned to the US, she began making her own designs, eventually selling jewelry to many stores and galleries. She opened a small store called Eclectica in 1993, and devoted one case to beads, and then two cases, and then a third, and eventually her entire store was taken over by jewelry-making supplies. She moved Eclectica to Brookfield, locating the store in the Galleria shopping center. As the popularity of beads exploded, so did the popularity of her store, and she expanded multiple times until it reached its present size of 6000 square feet of beading heaven.

Color by Margie Deeb - Colors That Flatter Everyone

Designer - Dawna Davis

Book - The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg

Local Bead Group - The Northern Virginia Bead Society

Bead Seller - Eclectica

Fashion Trends

2011-12-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

Wear this Simply Vera Hobo.
Make these Mint Chocolate Swirl Earrings.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

Soft Flex used in an unexpected way! - Designs by Margo Yee

2011-12-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

I have learned over the years that sometimes Soft Flex is used in the most unexpected designs. Margo Yee commented, "I love the flexibility of Soft Flex's Soft Touch wire and use 10-12 feet of it in most of my necklaces because it allows me to rapidly create a beautiful and structurally sound necklace!" Margo Yee will be teaching at the 2012 Santa Fe BeadFest. Her designs are gorgeous and complex. Soft Flex is not just for straight stringing. There is so much more that you can do with it!

Lavelier Blue Necklace by Margo Yee

Southwest Necklace by Margo Yee

Yellow Turtle Necklace by Margo Yee

If you would like to contact Margo Yee about her work or her upcoming class, please drop me an email and I can connect you to her.

Free DIY Beaded Bracelet Idea by Jamie Hogsett

2011-12-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

If you've never used the Diva Custom Cord Maker to make jewelry, I highly recommend that you do. It comes with excellent instructions and is easy and fun to use. The Diva Board can be used to quickly make bracelets, necklaces, belts, handles/straps, and much more. I used it to make this lovely wrap bracelet using the Serenity Trios Wire Set, three different yarns, Peruvian opal beads, and brass findings. The combination of beading wire and yarn yields a wonderful texture; it feels soft on the wrist thanks to the yarn and has a great drape and flexibility due to the beading wire. I picked colors of yarn that complement the beading wire and the stones, including a soft cotton yarn that has a bit of brown in it, to enhance the color variation in the beads.

Materials needed:
48" of Fluorite .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
48" of Bone .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
96" of Green Turquoise .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
48" of Bernat Cottontots Cotton Yarn in Cottage Colors
48" of I Love This Cotton! Yarn in Aqua Spark
48" of Baby Bee Pitter Patter Polyester Eyelash Yarn in Pea Pod
60 Peruvian Opal 4mm Rondelles
3 Peruvian Opal 14x10mm Faceted Ovals
4 Sterling Silver 3mm Crimp Tubes
3 Brass 7mm Blossom Bead Caps
1 Brass 10x18mm Lobster Clasp
1 Brass 9mm Etched Jump Ring
2 Brass 5mm Jump Rings
3 Brass 2" Head Pins
1 Brass 7x4mm Ornate Chain Link

Tools needed:
Cutters
Scissors
The Diva Custom Cord Maker
Mighty Crimping Pliers
Chain Nose Pliers
Round Nose Pliers

Finished size: 23 3/4"
Step 1: Cut the Green Turquoise beading wire in half. You should have seven different 48" lengths of yarn and wire. Wind 1 length of yarn/wire around 1 of the small bobbins included with the Diva Custom Cord Maker. Repeat for all yarns and wires. (Though it's tempting to use the wire and yarn straight from the spool or skein, I recommend taking the time to wrap them on the bobbins in order to keep the weight and tension of the braid even as you work.) Use 1 Green Turquoise wire to string the Peruvian opal rondelles.
Step 2: Use all four beading wires to string 1 crimp tube. Place the tube about 3" from the wire ends, and crimp.
Step 3: Use the three yarn ends to tie an overhand knot around the crimp tube.
Step 4: Use all seven wire/yarn ends to pass through the hole in the center of the Diva board. Place the tension clip (included in the Diva Custom Cord Maker package) on the knot/crimp bead.
Step 5: Follow the instructions included with the Diva Custom Cord Maker to arrange each wire/yarn in one slot of the Diva board. With seven of the eight slots filled, *hold the Diva board so that the empty slot is facing you. Count three slots to the right and bring that wire/yarn down into the empty slot. Repeat from * with all of the wire/yarns. When the wire with the Peruvian opal rondelles is moved from one slot to another, slide 1 bead into the braid. As you continue to move wire/yarns, be sure the yarn following the bead traps the bead into the braid. Note: These instructions are written from a right-handed point of view. Count three slots to the left if you are left-handed. Extremely detailed instructions are included with the Diva board.
Step 6: Continue braiding until the cord is about 24" long or until you've used up all the Peruvian opal beads.
Step 7: Remove the tension clip from the beginning of the cord and attach it to the very end of the braid. Pull about four inches of wire/yarn through the Diva board and cut all wire/yarns, leaving 3" tails.
Step 8: Use the four wire ends to string 1 crimp tube. Snug the tube up to the end of the braid, and crimp. Use all three yarn ends to tie an overhand knot around the crimp tube.
Step 9: Use the four wire ends to string 1 crimp tube and the lobster clasp. Use all four wire ends to pass back through the tube, adjusting the tube so that it is next to the previous crimp tube. Crimp the crimp tube and trim the wire ends. Use the yarn ends to tie two overhand knots, covering the crimp tube. Repeat entire step for the other end of the wrap bracelet, attaching the beading wire to the etched jump ring.
Step 10: Use 1 head pin to string 1 Peruvian opal oval and 1 bead cap. Use your fingers to press the bead cap around the oval. Form a wire-wrapped loop. Repeat twice for a total of three dangles. Attach one 5mm jump ring to 1 dangle. Attach the chain link to 1 dangle. Use one 5mm jump ring to attach the chain link to the other dangle.
Step 11: Using a scrap of beading wire as a big-hole needle, pull the two cotton yarn tails on the lobster clasp end of the wrap bracelet through the 5mm jump ring attached to 2 dangles.
Step 12: Use all three yarn ends to form 2 surgeon's knots to secure. Trim yarn ends.
Step 13: Repeat Steps 11 and 12 for the other end of the wrap bracelet, using the 5mm jump ring on the remaining dangle.
Wrap around a wrist three times and enjoy!

Yarn available from Hobby Lobby. Clasp from Star's Clasps. Vintaj Brass findings from Fusionbeads.com.

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.

Spotlight on...Homemade Holidays: Decorating on a Budget by Jamie Hogsett

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

Homemade Holidays - Decorating on a Budget

by Jamie Hogsett

Great additions to your holiday décor using Econoflex Wire.

My mom always decorates her home for the holidays. Her house is always warm, welcoming and beautifully adorned. She's been gathering holiday décor for years, so her collection is quite impressive, not to mention ever-growing. Seeing her house decorated every year is a treat I always look forward to because there is always something new to discover.

Color by Margie Deeb - Colors That Flatter Everyone

Designer - Dawna Davis

Book - The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg

Local Bead Group - The Northern Virginia Bead Society

Bead Seller - Eclectica

Affordable Gemstones!

2011-12-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for some gorgeous stones at an affordable price, do not miss our holiday sale. All stones are marked 60% off. Check out this category for options between $0 and $40. There are some awesome options. We'll even take care of your shipping up until December 21st! Just chose the second option at check out that reads, "Free Shipping". Here are just a few of my favorite gems!

BON-AMZ11915

APX 33 COUNT AMAZONITE POLISHED NUGGETS (Sale)

Reg Price: $77.00

Your Price: $30.80

You Save: $46.20

BON-APA10

55 COUNT 7MM X 9MM X 3MM BLUE APATITE SIDE-DRILLED SMOOTH NUGGETS (Sale)

Reg Price: $49.00

Your Price: $19.60

You Save: $29.40

BON-CAR11526

APX 25 COUNT CARNELIAN MATTE NUGGETS (Sale)

Reg Price: $14.00

Your Price: $5.60

You Save: $8.40

GAL-BON-CHC9709

APX 40 COUNT CHRYSOCOLLA POLISHED SIMPLE CUT NUGGETS (Sale)

Reg Price: $92.00

Your Price: $36.80

You Save: $55.20

GAL-OG-CITRINE3

10 COUNT CITRINE CONE GEMSTONES (Sale)

Reg Price: $100.00

Your Price: $40.00

You Save: $60.00

Guest Post - Soft Flex Wire on a Loom!

2011-12-16T09:57:00.000-08:00

Soft Flex Wire on the Mirrix Loom
A Perfect Combination

I have always wanted to weave with wire and beads on a Mirrix Loom. I have dabbled a bit here and there but the problem has always been: how do you finish the piece? A bunch of wire warp ends cannot be easily disguised. They cannot be woven back into the piece (I don't even like to sew thread warp back into a woven piece because it's time consuming and it distorts the weaving itself). You also can't easily tie off wire and sew it to the back of the piece. All the methods I have used for getting rid of warp ends just wouldn't work with wire. So when we came up with a method of weaving on the Mirrix Loom where there would be no warp ends at all in the same manner that a Navajo weaving has no warp ends when the weaving is complete the first thing that came to mind was: Now we can use wire as warp on the Mirrix Loom.

I dug into my supply drawer and came up with a spool of Soft Touch size .010. I love this stuff and have used it for off-loom work extensively. But I've never used it as warp on a Mirrix Loom. I was ready to have some fun. I wasn't disappointed. It behaved exactly the way I thought it would. An additional perk for using wire is since wire does not stretch the piece is exactly the same size on the loom as off the loom.

Let's start with the concept of how to set up a Mirrix Loom so that there will be no warps to sew back in. It's really very simple. Using the "No Warps" kit you suspend two bars in front of the loom each of which has paperclips hanging from them. The size of your piece will be the space between the ends of the paperclips. The warp travels through the opening of the paper clips back and forth until you have the required number of warps. There is no need to use a warp coil to separate your warps. The paperclips do that job and the first row of beads will determine the sett (how far apart the warps are) for the piece.

Soft Flex wire warp on a Mirrix Loom.

I used C-Lon beading thread for weft, as I do in all the pieces in this blog post.

This first piece was a kind of planned bead soup. I used triangles, size 8/0 seed beads and some daggers. I alternated the sizes in a kind of puzzle arrangement so that all the rows fit neatly together. This piece wove up really quickly.

I love the sturdy feel of this piece.

Notice the loops of wire around the beads at the edge.

I added a pretty button for a clasp and this bracelet was ready wear.

For the second piece I used green size .019 (medium) bead wire. The concept was that the green would enhance the piece by showing and hence being part of the design. I used a bead soup of size 8/0 seed beads with permanent galvanized finishes.

A easy first project to try out this technique.

I love the richness of the final product and how the Soft Flex wire contributes to the pieces design.

all the bead so neatly lined up . . . I love it.

Those ends are just perfect when the piece comes off the loom. I just had to sew in the two warp ends that were tied to the bars.

I have added a little bead work to the end plus a loop for a clasp.

With the addition of a herringbone stitch clasp, and this piece is done.

This third piece is a combination of size 8/0 seed beads and size 10/0 Delica beads. I have alternated the bead sizes so that they fit neatly together.

Look how neat the ends are!

Finished piece ready for a clasp.

My last piece also used Soft Flex but I went for the smaller size 11/0 Delicas. What a success! Weaving it was a blast but knowing that when I was done weaving it I would be done finishing it was also really satisfying. I used an autumn mixture of bead colors. I designed as I wove, choosing colors out of my basket beads that I thought would work together.

Finished piece right before I took it off the loom.

Close up of above.

Look at that flat perfect piece!

Before sewing in the two warp ends.

Finished piece with beaded clasp.

All these pieces were fun and easy to make. None took more than two hours from start to finish which is pretty amazing. All feel really substantial and sturdy and will definitely last for many years to come. There is no down side to weaving with Soft Flex wire on a Mirrix Loom using the "No Warps" kit and your imagination. I can't wait to see what others will create using this method.

Claudia Chase

President, Mirrix Looms

Spotlight on...Dawna Davis

2011-12-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Dawna Davis

After successful careers in Business Training and Special Education, Dawna discovered her next passion.. working with wire. For the last 15 years she has worked with all types of wire and has recently come to use Soft Flex Craft Wire to enhance wall hangings and some jewelry pieces. It gives her the ability to use colored wire, which doesn't tarnish, as well as diversifying her price point. Her designs are known for originality and whimsy.. Craft Wire can be manipulated in a myriad of ways which allows her to continue to create new and inventive designs.

Read More!

Article - Open House by Lorelei Eurto

Color by Margie Deeb - Colors That Flatter Everyone

Designer - Dawna Davis

Book - The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry by Joanna Gollberg

Local Bead Group - The Northern Virginia Bead Society

Bead Seller - Eclectica

Fashion Trends

2011-12-15T12:52:00.000-08:00

Wear this Albertus Swanepoel Ganache Hat.
Make that Mums Necklace.

To see all our Fashion Trends online, click here.

New Book: Jewelry for the New Romantic by Nealay Patel

2011-12-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

BK-JNR

JEWELRY FOR THE NEW ROMANTIC

Jewelry for the New Romantic will guide you through creating ten beautiful jewelry sets; each containing a necklace, bracelet, and earrings. The book is filled with easy to follow instructions and clear illustrations. Learn how to create designs that incorporate color and edgy style along with traditional beading techniques. Most of the designs in this book were created with Soft Flex Wire. Don't forget to buy what you need before embarking on your creative journey.

Just to give you a little taste of the types of projects in this book, the author has allowed me to share the instructions to one full project with you! Enjoy!!!

Click each picture to see a larger version.

Click to buy the book

BeadandButton Class Catalog - Classes by Jamie and Sara

2011-12-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

I was thrilled to see my BeadandButton Class Catalog in the mail. Both Jamie Hogsett and I will be teaching classes for designs in our new book Show Your Colors that comes out in February 2012.

B122069 Soft Flex Company Presents: Lily Pond Knitted Crystal Bangle

by Jamie Hogsett

Fri. June 8 • 5:00pm-8:00pm - (3 hours)

Level: All Levels - Maximum Class Size: 12 - Class Fee: $130.00

Description: Looking for a fun way to use colored beading wire in your jewelry designs? Create this sparkling crystal bangle using three colors of flexible beading wire, Swarovski bicones, and a four peg knitting spool! No experience with the knitting spool is necessary. Students will learn how to use the tool and practice knitting before starting the piece. Customize your bracelet by using different knitting stitches and by adding crystals in different patterns. Finish your bracelet with cones and a toggle clasp using simple crimping techniques.

Materials in Kit: Knitting spool, Soft Flex flexible beading wire, Swarovski bicones, toggle clasp, cones, crimp tubes. Portions of this kit are underwritten by Soft Flex Company.

B121539 Soft Flex Company Presents: Bang Bang Bracelet from Show Your Colors

Sara Hardin Oehler

Wed. June 6 • 4:00pm-7:00pm - (3 hours)

Level: All Levels - Maximum Class Size: 12 - Class Fee: $95.00

Description: Mix it up with this unique bracelet design using colored beading wire and craft wire. Students will create shapes with craft wire using a Wig Jig and learn tips for work-hardened wire. Then weave the colored beading wire through the craft wire shapes to make this one-of-a-kind design. To finish off the bracelet, you'll learn everything you need to know about crimping.

Materials in Kit: Soft Flex beading wire in three colors, Soft Flex 20-gauge silver craft wire, 3 x 3 mm crimp tubes, two-strand clasp. A portion of this kit is underwritten by Soft Flex Company.

Color Inspiration by Kristen Fagan

2011-12-14T12:23:00.000-08:00

Image via Stock.XCHNG

Items that match this color palette:

SMOKY TOPAZ RONDELLE GEMSTONES

SOFT FLEX WIRE TANZANITE

CITRINE POLISHED SIMPLE CUT DROP NUGGETS

SMOKY QUARTZ FACETED NUGGETS

SOFT FLEX WIRE DARK BLUE LAPIS

Free DIY Beaded Necklace Idea by Jamie Hogsett

2011-12-12T18:19:00.000-08:00

Looking for a new necklace to wear to a holiday celebration this season? This lovely piece just might be your answer. It's dramatic, but not overpowering, pretty with just a bit of sparkle, and will look great worn with a fancy party dress or jeans and a t-shirt. With so many lovely colors available in each strand of these Imperial Jasper teardrops, you can make a few necklaces, all with slightly different color palettes, with only one strand of beads.

Materials needed:
66" of Red Jasper .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire
1 Sterling Silver 12mm Squaredelle Toggle Clasp with Olivine Crystals
6 Silver 4mm Squaredelle Beads with Olivine Crystals
10 Sterling Silver 2mm Crimp Tubes
10 Sterling Silver 3mm Crimp Covers
12 Picture Jasper 6mm Faceted Rounds
2 Imperial Jasper 15x30mm Top-Drilled Teardrops
1 Imperial Jasper 20x40mm Top-Drilled Teardrop

Tools needed:
Cutters
Crimping Pliers
Bead Stoppers

Finished size: 21 1/2"
Step 1: Cut three 22" pieces of wire. Use 1 wire to string 1 crimp tube, 1 Picture Jasper round, 1 Squaredelle bead, 1 Picture Jasper round, the 20x40mm Imperial Jasper teardrop, 1 Picture Jasper round, 1 Squaredelle bead, 1 Picture Jasper round, and 1 crimp tube. Attach 1 Bead Stopper to both ends of the wire.
Step 2: Repeat Step 1 twice using the 15x30mm Picture Jasper teardrops.
Step 3: Carefully remove 1 Bead Stopper from one end of every wire. Arrange all three wires so that they're the same length and attach 1 Bead Stopper to all three wires. Repeat for the other ends of the wires.
Step 4: Adjust the beads on the wire with the 20x40mm teardrop so that they're in the center of the wire. Crimp both crimp tubes. Cover each crimp tube with a crimp cover. Adjust the beads on the other two wires so that the beads on one wire are to the right of the previous wire, with the left crimp tube hitting at about the center of the 20x40mm teardrop, and the beads on the other wire are to the left of the previous wire, with the right crimp tube hitting at about the center of the 20x40 teardrop. Crimp and cover all crimp tubes.
Step 5: Carefully attach 1 Bead Stopper to all three wires about 3" from the closest crimp tube/cover. Loosely braid the three wires together for about 5 1/2 to 6", making sure to leave the wire tails long enough to be able to crimp to the clasp later on. Use all three wires to string 1 crimp tube and crimp. Remove the Bead Stopper.
Step 6: Cut two of the short wire ends. Cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover. Use the remaining wire to string 1 crimp tube and one half of the clasp. Pass back through the tube and crimp. Cover the crimp tube with 1 crimp cover.

Step 7: Repeat Steps 5 and 6 for the other half of the necklace.

The necklace below was made with other Imperial Jasper teardrops from the same strand as the necklace above, with Garnet round beads, Squaredelle beads with Siam Ruby crystals, and Garnet .019 Diameter Soft Flex Beading Wire.
Enjoy!

Guest blogger Jamie Hogsett is the Education Coordinator for Soft Flex Company. Contact her at Jamie@SoftFlexCompany.com.