Ready for Summer Beading Fun!
Summer is the time for vacations, relaxing, and just taking things a little slower. I've recently returned from a cross-country road trip that was a great experience. When I'm traveling, I do like to visit bead shops along the way, and pick up some special beads that will help me to remember my trip.
In Windsor, Ontario, a friend gave me a nice little chunk of Blue John, a quartz-like crystal that she had picked up while she was in England last year. I'm not sure what I'll do with it, but I have it in the jewelry box where I keep my day-to-day jewelry — every time I open the box, I see the stone and think of my friend Cindy and the time we spent together this summer!
While in Savannah, Georgia, I managed to fit in trips to two bead stores: Beadstro in historic Savannah, and Bead Dreamer in southwestern (?) Savannah. Read my reviews on Beading Help Web's media page before visiting — one is worth the trip, one not so much.
And aside from bead stores, I also picked up interesting shells, stones and beach glass at the beaches we visited (Pelee Point, Ontario; Tybee Island beach, Georgia). Naturals are great for wire wrapping, and make great memory pieces from a trip.
So make some memories this summer. Have fantastic and safe vacations, whether just around the corner or far from home. And do some beading while you're at it.
Oxidizing, antiquing and aging
I get lots of questions about how to oxidize jewelry. You can easily use eggs, Liver of Sulfur, or your oven to artificially age your pieces. It's easy, fun, and in my opinion, really adds depth and pop to jewelry. When you're done, be sure to clean and store your jewelry properly to keep the look you achieved.
