Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
| April-May | 1
From Italy,
the art of Eliana Maniero,
directly in your hands.
In This Issue....
A Note From Our Editor - Page 4
Mothers Day: Then & Now - Page 6
Birth Stones - Page 10
Hidden Gems: An Introduction to Goddess - Page 12
PATTERN: A Mothers Day Pendant - Page 22
PATTERN: Renaissance Cross Pendant - Page 30
PATTERN: Mother or Grandmother Birthstone
Bracelet - Page 38
PATTERN: Heart on Fire - Page 44
Little Windows - Page 48
Bead Store of The Month: The Beading Den - Page 54
Humor at The Beading Table - Page 58
Almost Better Than Beading Cake - Page 60
Page 54
Page 48
Page 44
On The Cover:
Main Photo: Kore Pendant by designer Eliana Maniero
Top left: Renaissance Cross Pendant by designer Diana Balogh
Lynn Williams
editor@ritzytoo.com
Mothers Day
Then & Now
During the 1600s, the early Christians in England officially celebrated a day
to honor Mary, the Mother
of Jesus. By a subsequent
religious decree from the
Church, the holiday was later expanded in its scope to
include all mothers. It was celebrated on the
4th Sunday of Lent (the 40 day period leading up to Easter), Mothering Sunday and
officially honored all the mothers of England,
which was most likely an unofficial practice
long antecedent to this Official Decree.
There is no doubt that a Mothers Day tradition in the United States, regardless of who
you choose to believe originated the holiday,
was carried on from ages past, inspired by
not only the historical predecessor celebrations over the centuries, but by the dynamic
contributions women have always made toward the betterment of their families and
humankind, regardless of culture norms or
political persuasions of the time.
Birthstones
There is a saying, as much as things change, they still stay the same. No where is that
more true than in the world of birthstones! We hope that this chart will help clear up
some confusion for your future projects!
Join the
RitzyToo!
Family!
Hidden Gems.....
An Introduction To Goddess . . .
Getting Acquinted with Products Available At Local Bead Jewelry Shops!
Gold Overlay jewelry from Goddess is manufactured to produce, in our opinion, the finest
alternative to solid 14kt jewelry. When asked,
Why are your electro-formed naturals the product of choice for jewelry makers and designers? The Goddess Representative assured
RitzyToo that Goddess products are indeed
the product of choice for jewelry designers
and jewelry makers because we offer the best
selection of Chains found anywhere -- Classic, Vintage Style, Handmade, Wire-Wrapped
Gemstone, Swarovski Channels and Cast.
Remember, Goddess has over 3000 styles
of charms and pendants, findings, clasps,
chain connectors, cones, bead caps and
more. These are available in following finishes: Matte Gold, Antique Silver, 24kt Gold
Overlay, Rhodium, Rose Gold, Antique Silver,
Antique Brass, Black and Matte Black.
Nature, preserved in 24 kt gold leaves and sea
life, as well as gems and minerals trimmed
in 24kt gold, are perennial classics in the
fine designer fashion jewelry market regardless of the sometimes whimsical changes in
styles and popularity...Ask your favorite local bead shop to begin carrying this fabulous
line of products so you can make stunning
classic jewelry pieces yourself.!
elegant
from
Italian
designer
Shopping List
You Need:
1 Ivory coral paste Rose (28 mm7)
1 Ivory coral paste Rose (12 mm)
1 Luminous Green crystal wild heart (17
mm)
45 pearls 3 mm cream
7 bicone 4 mm rose peach
6 bicone 4 mm luminous green
7 pearls 4 mm pink coral
1 pearl 8 mm pink coral
1 butterfly 10 mm rose peach
2 gr rocaille 11/0 golden
Weaving line (so-no, nymo o fireline)
Weaving needle
Jewelry glue
Lacy stiff stuff and ultrasuede (about 10
cm x 5 cm)
Note
I listed coral paste roses within this list. If
you cant find them with the same specs,
you can use other sizes as well. Measurements are purely indicative, in order to
ensure result similar to the one portrayed.
You can change the size of the roses or
even replace them with other materials
such as resin or Fimo to obtain a different variation. Once you learn the basics, use your creativity and your dexterity without following a guideline. Along
the same lines, the quantity of pearls and
crystals are indicative, as their number
might vary, depending on your project
and on yourhand.
Instructions:
1. Glue the crystal heart on the bottom of the rectangle of stiff stuff (basic textile white)
with jewelry glue, holding the tip at about 1.5 cm from the edge. Let the glue dry before
you start working.
2. Embroider a pearl loop around the crystal (about 3mm), placing the first pearl at the
center of the heart, as shown
3. Proceed this way: thread two pearls in the needles, work into the stiff stuff rectangle
on the side of the heart, to allow enough room for the pearls.
4. Go back to the center of the pearls with the needle, and add two
more.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you get closer to the tip of the heart. You
should have a total of 10 pearls in place.
6. Lock in the Rose Peach bicone from the tip of the heart, sewing downwards and coming back into the base, so that you can also process the
other side.
7. Sew in 9 more pearls on the side of the crystal, as shown within steps 3 and
4.
8. Sew in a 4mm Pink Coral pearl on top of the crystal. Thread in the pearl and a
golden rocaille, and fix it to the textile base. Sew out of the textile base next to
the Pink Coral pearl, so that you can already start a new loop.
9. Perform another loop on the 3mm pearls with the same technique, keeping very close to
the first loop. You should place a total of 12 pearls (3mm each)
10. Follow the last pearl with a golden rocaille, a luminous green bicone,
an 8 mm pearl and another golden rocaille. Start the loop again from the
pearl and the bicone, so that the pearl is held in place
properly.
11. Loop in a golden rocaille and start again from the
textile base, tightening the line so that the pearl and
the bicone are held in place properly. Start again from
the textile base so that you end up next to the luminous green bicone
and can start another round of 3mm pearls on the side of the crystal
heart.
14. Glue in the large ivory rose on the upper side of the base rectangle, leaving a margin of
about 1.5 cm from the pearls around the heart. Let the glue dry. If the rose has a threading
hole, hold in in place from the pearls around the heart. Let the glue dry off. If the rose has
a threading hole, you can hold it in place through stitching it to the base.
15 Now, it is time to sew a pearl / 4mm bi-cone loop around the Roses base, starting from
the point indicated in the following image.
16. Thread in a rose coral pearl (4mm) and a golden rocaille, loop back in the pearl and in
the textile base to hold it in place.
I
17. Look back from the textile base from the side of the last pearl. Add a rose peach 4mm
bicone and hold it to the base.
I
18. Keeps sewing, alternating pearls and crystals around the rose, as shown
within steps 15 and 16, until you surround the rose almost completely,
placing a total of 12 elements.
19. Glue the smaller rose on the left of the pendant, in the empty space
between the heart and the rose. Add a small crystal butterfly to the right
of the pendant. Let the glue dry and thread the butterfly to the textile base
for further steadiness.
20. Fill in the space between the roses, the butterfly and the
luminous green hearts. There are no guidelines, the important thing is to fill in all the space and cover the white base
support. Remove the excess material.
21. Glue the ultrasued to the back of the stiff stuff base, so that
it can cover all the threads. Let it dry and cut up the two textile
elements keeping as tight as possible to the pearl embroidery.
Be careful not to chop of the needlework threads!
22. Now you need to adjust the edges of the pendant: prepare a thread with
a small knot and stick it to the textile base from the tip of the heart. Add two
rocailles, sew in both textures from the top down.
26| April-May | RitzyToo! | RitzyToo.com
23. Get back to the top by threading the needle from the second pearl in the previous
point. Without entering the texture, add a rocaille, sew downwards, penetrating the texture and get back in the rocaille, from the bottom to the top. Repeat throughout the perimenet so that you can create a pearly edge to cover the textile base.
24. Once you finished creating the border, enter the thread from the small
coral paste rose, coming out of the green pearl. Try to get between the
textile bases with the thread, in order to hide it. You can also use a new
line.
25. Add 3 rocailles and start from the following pearls.
26. Enter from the next rocaille at the border, getting outwards in the
pendant. Add 3 golden rocailles and enter the following pearl.
27. Repeat steps 24 e 25 until you create edges to the pearly arches in
the lower part of the pendant, until you get to the crystal butterfly. Keep
the thread steady, sew into the textile bases and cut the excess away.
28. Place a new line from the upper part of the pendant, add 5 golden
pearls (red in the image) and create a pearly arch. Hold the thread into
place by looping it several times.
28. Run a golden ring through the pearl arch, so that you can attach a necklace.
RitzyToo.com | RitzyToo! | April-May | 27
Designer Spotlight
BEADERS
Beading Tutorials
for CREATIVE
You find the first three dimensions in the space surrounding you.
The fourth dimension is the time.
I'm a beadworker, and for me exists another dimension:
THE BEADING.
CREATIVE BEADING...
from Dina Balogh
dianabalogh.com - diasjewelryshop.etsy.com
Renaissance
Cross Pendant
An advanced pattern from designer Diana Balogh
30| April-May | RitzyToo! | RitzyToo.com
Shopping List
Japanese Toho seed beads size 15/0 (128 pcs)
Japanese Toho seed beads size 11/0 Color A
(60 pcs)
Japanese Toho seed beads size 11/0 Color B
(60 pcs)
1
2
7.
Work with the fire-polished beads marked with 1, 2, 3 and 4. Follow the instructions of circle 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Circle 1: Pick up 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads, an 11/0 seed bead in color A and 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads. Sew back
through the fire-polished bead marked with 1, and sew throught the next fire-polished bead marked with 2. [step
7-1]
Circle 2: Pick up 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads and an 11/0 seed bead in color A. Sew through the first picked up 2 15/0
seed beads of circle 1, and sew back through the fire-polished bead marked with 2. Sew through the next firepolished bead marked with 3. [step 7-2]
Circle 3: Pick up 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads and an 11/0 seed bead in color A. Sew through the first picked up 2 15/0
seed beads of circle 1, and sew back through the fire-polished bead marked with 3. Sew through the next firepolished bead marked with 4. [step 7-3]
Circle 4: Sew through the last added 15/0 seed beads of circle 1. Pick up an 11/0 seed bead in color A. Sew
through the 11/0 seed bead of circle 3, the 11/0 seed bead of circle 2, the 11/0 seed bead of circle 1, and sew
back through the 11/0 seed bead you just added (so fasten the 4 11/0 seed beads in the middle). Sew through the
15/0 seed beads, which you picked up in circle 3, and sew back through the fire-polished bead marked with 4.
Lead the thread to the spot marked with A. [step 7-4]
8. Pick up 2 pcs 4 mm fire-polished beads. Sew back through the fire-polished bead highlighted in purple, and
pass through the first added fire-polished bead. [step 8]
9. Pick up 2 pcs 4 mm fire-polished beads. Sew back through the fire-polished bead highlighted in purple and
pass through the first added fire-polished bead. [step 9]
10. Pick up 2 pcs 4 mm fire-polished beads. Sew back throught the fire-polished bead marked with A. Sew
through the newly added beads once again, and lead the thread to the spot marked with B. [step 10]
11. Pick up a 4 mm fire-polished bead and sew through the fire-polished beads marked with A and B. [step 11]
Top Left: 7-1
Botton Left: 7-2
Top Right: 7-3
Bottom Right: 7-4
10
11
12. Work with the fire-polished beads marked with 1, 2 and 3 (follow the instructions of circle 1, 2 and 3). [step
12]
Circle 1: Pick up 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads, an 11/0 seed bead in color A and 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads. Sew back
through the 4 mm fire-polished bead (marked with 1). Pass through the next 4 mm fire-polished bead (2).
[step12-1]
Circle 2: Pick up 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads and an 11/0 seed bead in color A. Sew through the first picked up 2
15/0 seed beads of circle 1, and sew back through the 4 mm fire-polished bead (2). Pass through the next firepolished bead (3). [step 12-2]
Circle 3: Sew through the last picked up 2 15/0 seed beads of circle 1, pick up an 11/0 seed bead in color A. Sew
through the 11/0 seed bead of circle 2, and the 11/0 seed bead of circle 1, then sew back through the 11/0 seed
bead you just added (so fasten the 3 11/0 seed beads in the middle). Pass through the 2 15/0 seed beads, which
you picked up in circle 2. Sew back through the 4 mm fire-polished bead (3). [step 12-3]
13. Work with the fire-polished beads marked with 3, 4 and 5. [step 13]
Circle 1: Pick up 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads, an 11/0 seed bead in color A and 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads. Sew back
through the 4 mm fire-polished bead (3). Pass through the next 4 mm fire-polished bead (5). [step 13-1]
Circle 2: Pick up 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads and an 11/0 seed bead in color A. Sew through the first picked up 2
15/0 seed beads of circle 1, and sew back through the 4 mm fire-polished bead (5). Pass through the next firepolished bead (4). [step 13-2]
Circle 3: Sew through the last picked up 2 15/0 seed beads of circle 1, pick up an 11/0 seed bead in color A. Sew
through the 11/0 seed bead of circle 2, and the 11/0 seed bead of circle 1, then sew back through the 11/0 seed
bead you just added (so fasten the 3 11/0 seed beads in the middle). Pass through the 2 15/0 seed beads, which
you picked up in circle 2. Sew back through the 4 mm fire-polished bead (4). [step 13-3]
Circle 4: Sew through the fire-polished beads 3 and 5. [step 13-4] At the last iteration skip circle 4, and do step
22 instead!
12
12-1
13
12-2
12-3
13-1
13-3
13-2
13-4
14. Work with the fire-polished beads marked with 5, 6 and 7. [step 14]
Circle 1: Pick up 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads, an 11/0 seed bead in color A and 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads. Sew back
through the 4 mm fire-polished bead (5). Pass through the next 4 mm fire-polished bead (6). [step 14-1]
Circle 2: Pick up 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads and an 11/0 seed bead in color A, and sew through the first picked up 2
15/0 seed beads of circle 1. Sew back through the 4 mm fire-polished bead (6). Pass through the next fire-polished bead (7). [step 14-2]
Circle 3: Sew through the last picked up 2 15/0 seed beads of circle 1, pick up an 11/0 seed bead in color A. Sew
through the 11/0 seed bead of circle 2, and the 11/0 seed bead of circle 1, then sew back through the 11/0 seed
bead you just added (so fasten the 3 11/0 seed beads in the middle). Pass through the 2 15/0 seed beads, which
you picked up in circle 2. Sew back through the 4 mm fire-polished bead (7). [step 14-3]
15. Work with the fire-polished beads marked with 7, 8 and 1. [step 15]
Circle 1: Pick up 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads, an 11/0 seed bead in color A and 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads. Sew back
through the 4 mm fire-polished bead (7). Pass through the next 4 mm fire-polished bead (1). [step 15-1]
Circle 2: Pick up 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads and an 11/0 seed bead in color A. Sew through the first picked up 2
15/0 seed beads of circle 1, and sew back through the 4 mm fire-polished bead (1). Pass through the next firepolished bead (8). [step 15-2]
Circle 3: Sew through the last picked up 2 15/0 seed beads of circle 1, pick up an 11/0 seed bead in color A. Sew
through the 11/0 seed bead of circle 2, and the 11/0 seed bead of circle 1, then sew back through the 11/0 seed
bead you just added (so fasten the 3 11/0 seed beads in the middle). Pass through the 2 15/0 seed beads, which
you picked up in circle 2. Sew back through the 4 mm fire-polished bead (8). [step 15-3]
16. Sew through the fire-polished beads 7 and 5. [step 16]
15
14
15-1
16
14-1
15-2
14-2
15-3
14-3
RitzyToo.com | RitzyToo! | April-May | 35
17. Lead the thread to the spot marked with A. Pick up an 11/0 seed bead in color A and lead the thread to the
spot marked with B, as shown on the picture. [step 17]
18. * Pick up 2 pcs 11/0 seed beads in color B and sew through the next fire-polished bead marked with 6. Repeat from * three times.
Lead the thread to the spot marked with A. [step 18]
19. [step 19] Pick up 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads and an 11/0 seed bead in color A and sew through the 11/0 seed bead
marked with A from the opposite direction (see Phase 1).
Sew through the 11/0 seed bead you just added from the opposite direction. Pick up 2 pcs 15/0 seed beads and
sew back through the fire-polished bead marked with B. (see Phase 2). [step 19-1, step 19-2]
20. [step 20] Sew through the 2 15/0 seed beads and the 11/0 seed bead (B). Pick up an 11/0 seed bead in color
A, and sew through the 11/0 seed bead marked with A from the opposite direction (see Phase 1).
Sew through the 11/0 seed bead you just added from the opposite direction, and sew through the 11/0 seed bead
marked with B from the opposite direction. Sew through the next 2 15/0 seed beads. [step 20-1, step 20-2]
At the last iteration make a double-hitch knot, sew through some beads and cut the thread.
Otherwise continue with step 21.
17
18
19
20
21. Lead the thread to the spot marked with A, as shown on the picture. [step 21]
Repeat steps 8-21 three times. At the last iteration at step 13 skip circle 4, and do step 22 instead. Thereafter
continue with step 14.
22. Pick up 8 pcs 15/0 seed beads and sew back through the fire-polished bead marked with B. Sew through the
beads once again, and sew through the fire-polished beads A and C.
Continue with step 14! [step 22 and step 22 detail]
21
22
22 Detail
Mother or Grandmother
Birthstone Bracelet
meaningful design pattern from designer
Deb Moffett-Hall
Shopping List
You need:
36 bicone crystals 4mm, in desired birthstone colors
9 silver or clear bicone crystals 4mm for the centers
8 silver lined bugles 3mm
54 silver or gold seed beads size 8/0 (large)
135 silver or gold seed beads size 11/0 (small)
Clasp of choice: 8mm snap clasp shown.
Fireline 6lb or similar thread
Beading needle
Sizing: 8 Bracelet as shown with nine bicone flowers.
Each Flower + linking beads = 1
1) Leaving a 9 tail string 1 large silver, 1 bicone, 1 large silver, 1 bicone, 1 large silver, 1
bicone, 1 large silver, 1 bicone.
2) Pass through all beads again clockwise in a circle
3) Continue clockwise through the first four beads to exit the 2nd bicone.
4) Pull the thread snug to form beads into the flower shape as shown. Pass through all
beads again and exit the same bicone.
5) String 3 small silver, moving clockwise skip the next (2nd) large silver in the flower
and pass through the next (3rd) bicone.
6) Pull the thread to snug the small beads next to the large as shown.
7, 8, 9) Repeat step #5 three more times to exit the 2nd bicone
10) Pass through the next large silver (3rd) in the flower and exit
4
5
10
11) String 1 center silver/clear bicone, pass up through the (1st) large silver on the flower.
12) Pass back through the center bicone.
13) Pass up through the 3rd large silver.
14) Thread exits up through the 3rd large silver as shown.
15) Pass down through the first two small silver on the side of the 3rd large silver and
exit.
16) String Linking beads: 1 large silver, 1 small silver, 1 bugle, 1 small silver, 1 large silver,
1 small silver.
17) Skip the last small silver strung and pass back through 1 large silver, 1 small silver, 1
bugle, 1 small silver, 1 large silver to exit the large silver.
18) Pass down the middle small silver on the flower again, pull thread to snug the linking
beads close to the flower beads.
19, 20 &21) Pass back through all of the linking beads and up through the last small silver
11
14
12
15
13
16
17
18
22) String 1 small silver, 1 large silver, 1 small silver and moving clockwise in a circular
path pass up through the end small silver on the linking beads again.
23) Pull the thread to form the beads into a four-sided shape as shown.
24 & 25) Pass clockwise through the first small silver and large silver just added and exit
26) Begin the next flower: String 1 bicone, 1 large silver, 1 bicone, 1 large silver, 1 bicone, 1 large silver, 1 bicone.
27 & 28) Moving counter-clockwise pass down through the large silver added in step #24
pull the thread to form the flower shape.
29) Moving counter-clockwise pass through all of the flower beads again and exit the first
new flower bicone added and exit (shown at bottom of flower)
30 & 31) Moving counter-clockwise repeat step #5 three times
32 & 33) Without adding any new beads pass through the three small silver already in
place next to the starting large silver on the new flower.
34) Repeat steps to add the center bicone. Repeat steps to complete linking beads/flowers to desired bracelet length ending with a flower.
35) CLASP: Thread exits the middle small silver on the last flower added. String 1 small
silver, clasp, 1 small silver.
36 & 37) Pass down through the middle small silver on the flower and pull the thread to
snug the beads and clasp close to the flower beads. Repeat the thread path through the
clasp several time to strengthen the clasp area. Tie off the thread, hide the thread in a
few beads and trim.
38 & 39) Using the tail thread repeat steps #35-37 to attach the remaining half of the
clasp to complete the bracelet.
Popular Birthstone colors
January - Garnet - Dark Red
February - Amethyst - Light to Medium Purple
March Aquamarine - Light to Medium aqua
April Diamond - Clear
May Emerald - Dark to Medium Kelly Green
June Pearl or Alexandrite (blue/purple)
July Ruby - Bright Red
August Peridot - Pale to Light Yellow/Green
September - Sapphire - Medium to Dark Royal Blue
October Opal - Clear or milky opal ab finish
November - Yellow Topaz or Citrine - Medium to Light Gold
December - Blue Topaz - Pale to Light Blue or turquoise blue
42| April-May | RitzyToo! | RitzyToo.com
Heart on Fire
Lindsay Lee
Shopping List
HEARTS ON FIRE MATERIALS LIST
1. 24 guage
Copper sheet 2.5 x 3
2. 2 8 mm copper jumprings
3. 3 5 pieces 12 guage square copper wire
4. 3 10 pieces of bead stringing wire 19 strand .018
5. 9 Copper crimp covers
6. 9 Copper crimp beads
7. 3 Flat round Carnelian beads
8. 3 Square tube 30 mm
9. 7 Lime Jade 12 mm flat cushion beads
10. Assorted size 11 seed beads
11. 18 3 mm copper beads
12. 1 Copper toggle clasp
13. 1 30 mm dichroic cabochon ask your local bead shop
14. e-6000 glue ask your local bead shop
TOOLS LIST
Marker
Jewelers saw
Beeswax
Saw bench pin
File
Screw driver
Torch butane - optional
Beading pliers
Ring benders or dowel
The following items are available from your local bead store to make your resin
cabochon
2 part resin
Medium round mold
Assorted dichroic film
Black colorant
Mixing cups and popsicle sticks
Plastic drop sheet
Timer
Instructions
STEP BY STEP RESIN CABOCHONS
You make your own resin cabochon, buy a glass one from your bead store, or a resin
cabochon from the artist.
To make your own:
Cut shreds of dichroic papers you will need about 7. Crumple the patterned dichroic paper and then cut out a 30 mm circle. Set aside.
In a medicine cup, add part 1 of your resin. Measure carefully. Use about about 5 ml.
Add 5 ml part 2 of your resin. Mix thoroughly for 2 minutes. Now leave the resin sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. Use a timer for this step.
Pour your mold 1/3 full of resin. Add your dichroic shreds and push down into the resin
with your popsicle stick.
Now, put the crumpled 30 mm circle on top. Push down with your stick so the resin covers
it. Cover the mold with something like a box lid so dust can not drop on the resin. Leave
undisturbed for 2 days.
The directions say 12 hours, but I have found the black layer we are going to add can mix
with the first layer of the resin, making a mess.
Use a fresh mixing cup and 5 ml of each part of resin as above. This time you will add 4
drops of black colorant. Again, mix for 2 minutes and then sit for 5 minutes. Now pour
mold 2/3 full. Cover and set for 12 hours.
You may level out the cabochon by pouring another layer of resin or unmold your cabochon
and carefully trim your the edge with a knife.
STEP BY STEP NECKLACE
Copy the heart pattern on to card stock and cut out with scissors. Trace around the heart
pattern on to your copper sheet with a sharp marker. Coat your saw blade with beeswax.
Saw out the heart shape and the lines which will form prongs which will hold your cabochon.
Bend the prongs forward with your beading pliers. Now file all the sharp edges so they are
rounded as well as the edges of the heart. This will prevent your pendant from catching
on clothing.
Now torch your pendant to add color to your metal. Do this by holding the pendant in your
beading pliers and torching the edges. You only have to kiss your metal with the torch as
too much will turn your metal an ugly black color.
Use your marker to force the top lip forward to the front to make a bail. Glue the front of
the bail e-6000 glue, a toothpick is handy for this. Let the glue dry.
46| April-May | RitzyToo! | RitzyToo.com
Little Windows
Recently I had a great conversation with Fran Valera, owner of Little Windows, a California
company that manufactures and sells a high quality line of brilliant resin, molds, tools,
kits, and supplies through little-windows.com and independent bead shops. Fran has
more than a decade of experience managing resin and related product development for
the industry before leaving to form Little Windows. Little Windows has won at least two
prestigious awards that are testaments to Frans creative leadership in this field.
Breakthroughs and improvements in this area of crafts no doubt account for a lot of its
dramatic growth.
1.RitzyToo: Resins for use in hobbies and crafts go back 50 - 60 years that I am aware of.
Is this a growing hobby? Has the technology changed?
Fran:Yes, thats right, resins have been around for a long time in different forms, but over
the past few years interest has increased tremendously. I believe many things contribute
to this: trends in fashion, the growth of the maker movement, the ease with which anyone
can present and sell their creations online, and improvements in the tools and supplies
available.
2. RitzyToo: I get the impression that you have brought or found improvements to the
hobby, its materials, processes, and applications. Would you please elaborate on these
issues?
Fran: Previously, resins available at craft and hobby stores were originally developed for
more industrial applications, and were then repackaged for the craft market. They were
not healthy to use, and while they might be great for varnishing a bar top, they didnt
have the qualities youd want for making jewelry
and other small items. These harsh chemicals
smell bad, they bubble, they yellow, and they often damage the items you try to embed. When
youre hand making creations you intend to wear,
gift, or sell, you want them to be clear, and you
want a system that makes it easy. Thats where
Little Windows Brilliant Resin & Supplies shine.
Weve developed a proprietary formula designed
for use in making small shiny things. Its the safest epoxy youll find, it doesnt stink, its really
low bubbling, and its really quite color stable.
Its versatile too, our high-quality resin can cast,
dome, layer, embed, fill bezels, coat, seal, glue,
and varnish.
48| April-May | RitzyToo! | RitzyToo.com
My background is in product development for the arts & crafts industry, and when I began
working with resins over a decade ago, I was frustrated by the lack of quality products and
information available. I wanted to turn the photos in my hard drive into wearable pieces, so I set out to create products that took the
guesswork and experimentation away: a system
for success, with education to inspire.
Our awesome resin works so well with our mirror finish molds. Theyre designed for jewelrymaking, and have a built-in permanent finish so
you dont have to use a chemical mold-release
as you do with other molds. Because theyre so
highly polished, whatever you put into the mold
will reflect up and around the edges, creating a
frame of light, making it look like youre peeking through a little window (thus our name). We
also offer special photo papers that are waterproof and make a permanent bond with inkjet
inks, so you dont need fancy equipment either.
We offer bright white photo paper as well as clear
film, which looks like glass when you resin it.
3.RitzyToo : Would you share some examples of how Little Windows expands creativity for
hand crafted bead jewelry making enthusiasts?
Fran: Little Windows is available at your local bead shop where you can add unique,
personalized elements into your jewelry making by incorporating photos and graphics.
Whether its to add some extra color to your piece, or to create a memory charm:
You can also use leftover beads and bits to create unique new beads, like we did here:
Raid your supply stash and your jewelry box for
leftover bits, single earrings, broken stuff, and
turn those bits into treasures.
4. RitzyToo: Would you please give our readers ideas on the many different ways/product
creation ideas that your hobby category offers
hobbyists.
Fran: Resin is such a versatile medium, use it
with photos, beads, scrapbook supplies, fabric
scraps, whatever you like. Once you get started, youll think of even more ways to partner it with your stash of supplies! It can also be
used to enhance art. Heres an example of resin used in Mixed Media (created by Mixed
Media Artist Belinda Spiwak):
5. RitzyToo: Have creations using your products
won any awards? Please explain.
Fran: What Im most proud of is the stream
of positive, quality feedback our customers
send in, that gives me the boost I need to keep
creating and improving, and guides us in our
product development and project offerings.
Im also over the moon that Little Windows was given
the MakerFaire Innovation Award as well as their
Education Award, which were both huge honors.
MakerFaire is an incredible gathering of thousands
of creative people, and an amazing showcase for
anyone who loves to make things, from unique jewelry and clothing, to high-tech creations
of all sorts. Its cutting-edge in so many ways, and incredibly inspiring to attend.
6. RitzyToo: How well does the surface
of creative products that use your resins
hold up from scratches, etc.
Fran: Our resin is quite durable, and is
often used in charms and key chains. If
it does get scratched over time, it can be
buffed back to a shine, or you can simply
add another thin layer of resin to the top.
Unlike other resins, ours bonds to itself
seamlessly, so you can layer indefinitely,
making repairs, or creating amazing dimension within your pieces.
50| April-May | RitzyToo! | RitzyToo.com
7. RitzyToo: Please tell us about another example of varied techniques and projects where
Brilliant Resin can be used.
Another cool technique is Doming, where you use the high surface tension of our resin,
coupled with our Silicone Doming Trays to dome resin directly onto any stiff, flat surface,
such as a photo, stiffened fabric, decorative papers, etc. The doming tray has hundreds
of tiny fingers that support your piece while the resin flows, giving whatever shape youve
cut out a clearly defined edge so the resin knows where to stop flowing. With this technique you dont use a mold, so your pieces can be cut any shape or size, from 1/2 to as
large as youd like. If you apply too much resin and it overflows, no worries, nothing will
stick to the silicone so you can just let it dry and peel it off. Heres a link to the how-to
video for Doming: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrRY-XknMT8
use a single, simple cast cube photo, or multiples - what a great brag bracelet!
And this piece has photos of my daughter every year on Halloween, I just love seeing her
grow up! It can be worn as a necklace or bracelet,
by unhooking the clasps placed at both sides.
And just look what you can do with a scrap of fabric!
8. RitzyToo: What is dichroic glass? You referred to the dangers in traditional glass fusing.
Would you please elaborate?
Fran: Dichroic means 2-color, or something that changes color depending on your angle of
view. There is a special type of glass that will color shift when fused in layers onto a dark
base, such as a piece of black glass.
This technique requires tools to cut glass, a kiln to fuse it, and quite a bit of money to get up and
running. The beads and pendants you can create are beautiful, but the skill and equipment
needed to get started makes it prohibitive for most of us.
Weve developed a way to create the look of dichroic
glass, without the expense, or the danger. Its called
Dichro-ISH, and its really fun! Many top-notch glass
artists have told us its the closest theyve seen to actual glass, and lets you do many things you couldnt do
with traditional glass techniques.
The video below demonstrates how easy it is to create
gorgeous focal pieces, buttons, and beads. Our DichroISH Supplies and support make it fun for everyone!
9. RitzyToo: In what ways does your Brilliant Resin process improve on traditional glass fusing? How do the products that are produced from the two techniques compare?
Fran: First, its much safer and easier, even kids can make gorgeous creations.
Second, its much less expensive. Third, you can do so much more, such as layering, embedding our dichroic films along with other objects that couldnt withstand the heat of
glass fusing. Fourth, your resin pieces will be about 1/3 of the weight of a glass piece, so
that makes them more comfortable to wear, particularly for earrings and buttons.
Fifth, theyre drillable so you can make beads, buttons, and embellishments of any kind.
Sixth, theyre washable, so if youd like to incorporate them into wearable pieces, thats
just fine. Just make sure nothing sharp (like exposed zippers), is in the wash with them.
Oh, I could go on and on.....
10. RitzyToo: Can Brilliant Resin be used as a coating to preserve fresh flowers -- for example, an orchid? If so can you successfully preserve at least some of the 3D nature of a
flower? If orchids are a bad example, are there any that will work, like a simple dandelion?
Fran: The only thing you cant put into our resin is water. Fresh flowers contain quite
a bit of moisture, and if you put them into resin the petals can turn brown as the water
and chemicals interact. Dried flowers, silk and fabric flowers, and paper flowers, can be
beautiful in resin, and can be layered in lots of lovely ways.
And then, there is the message youll find keepsakes with Brilliant Resin and, as soon
on the tongues of every one of The Beading as this years hard winter recedes, she exDen family!
pects to ad some resin workshops. She leads
out in regularly scheduled Bead for a Need
nights when she invites everyone to come
in and help out with beading projects used
to support local charity causes like the local
Homeless Womens Shelter.
I was so taken with Fran Valera, owner of Little Windows! She was not just your typical
business owner, Little Windows is her baby,
and she treated each and every order just
like that! She wanted to know how you liked
it, she cared about your experience, and if
you had a problem, it was corrected right
away! I will continue to purchase my resin
from Little Windows for two reasons, the
first being its ease of use, and great results,
but also, because of Frans personal dedication to her customers! Buying from Fran is
like buying from a friend you have known for
years. Yes, she is that special! Here is one
of my Brilliant Resin creations!
Next, I had 5 minutes on the treadmill, after which he took my pulse. It was high
enough that it alarmed him it was so fast,
something I attributed to standing next to
him in his muscle shirt. I enjoyed watching
If a woman is upset, hold her and tell her the vigorous and smooth way he conducted
how beautiful she is. If she starts to growl, his aerobics class after my work out. Randy
step back to a safe distance and throw choc- was very encouraging as I did my sit-ups,
olate at her.
even though my stomach muscles were already hurting from holding it in every time
Dear Diary ...
he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!
SATURDAY:
Today is my 50th birthday. I was more than TUESDAY:
excited when my sweet husband informed It took a whole pot of coffee, but I finally
me that he had purchased a week with my made it out the door on my way to the club.
own trainer at the local health club for my Randy was waiting for me when I arrived.
50th! I am still in great shape since playing The first thing Randy did was make me lie
short stop for my high school softball team, down on my back and push a heavy iron
but I cant tell you how excited I am! I called bar into the air. Next, he put some heavy
the club, made my reservations and spoke weights on it, and I pushed the bar into the
briefly with a friendly young man named air repeatedly.
Randy who said he would be my personal
trainer.
From there we hit the tread mill until my
legs got weak and wobbly, but I stayed with
Randy told me that he was a 26 years old it until I finished my mile. Randys personal
aerobics instructor and personal trainer who attention and warm smile made it all worthmodels athletic clothing and swimwear. He while. I feel GREAT!! It is a whole new life
said I sounded excited and looked forward for me.
to working out with me! Even my husband
seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get WEDNESDAY:
started. The club suggested that I keep a The only way I can brush my teeth this
diary to chart my progress.
morning is by laying on the tooth brush on
the counter and moving my mouth back and
MONDAY:
forth over it. I feel like I have a hernia in
6 a.m. came early, but I was up and at em both pectorals. Driving went a little better,
I could hardly wait to meet Randy and but only if I didnt try to steer or stop forceget started! My anticipation soon paid off fully. I parked on top of a Geo in the
58| April-May | RitzyToo! | RitzyToo.com
SATURDAY:
Randy left a message on my answering machine in his grating shrill voice wondering
why I didnt show up today. Just hearing his
nasty voice made him want to smash the
machine with my planner. The fact is, I am
too weak to even work the TV remote and
ended up catching eleven straight hours of
the weather channel!
SUNDAY:
Ok. I am having the church van pick me
up for services this morning so I can go and
thank God this fantasy is over. I will also
pray that next year year my husband will
choose a gift for me that is fun-- like a root
canal!
FRIDAY:
I am laying in my bed, seemingly unable to
get up, and thinking about how much I hate
Randy... more than any other human being
on the planet. Stupid , skinny, anaemic little
cheerleader wanna-be anyway! If there was
any part of my body I could move without
unbearable pain I would seriously beat him
with it.
Today, Randy wants me to work on my triceps. I dont have any triceps! And if you
dont want dents in your floor, then dont
hand me anything that weighs more than a
sandwich. This treadmill flung me off, and
I landed on the health and nutrition coach!
Why couldnt it have been someone softer
like the drama coach or choir director?
RitzyToo.com | RitzyToo! | April-May | 59
Several of us were talking the other day about how crazy we women are about beading. I mean
all you see on candid public comments are intense expressions like need to bead, feed your need
to bead, beading passion, my habit, beading is my passion, beading is good for the soul, etc. One
of the gals offered to bring her Almost Better Than Beading Cake the next time we got together.
She did! WOW! Here is the result and how to bake one! Enjoy!
Directions:
1. Bake the cake mix according to the directions on the box.
2. Remove cake from oven and immediately, using a wooden spoon handle, immediately
poke holes of the way into the cake about 1 inch apart all over the cake.
3. Using about half of the sweetened condensed milk pour into holes evenly across cake,
let soak in and then repeat with remaining half.
4. Pour caramel sauce evenly over cake. Save a small amount to drizzle over Cool Whip.
5. Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate least 1 hour.
6. Spread top of cake with Cool Whip, top with toffee bits & drizzle with caramel topping.
7. Refrigerate until served.
60| April-May | RitzyToo! | RitzyToo.com
http://beadsmagic.com/?cat=12 (7)
http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/2012/06/anthropology-knock-off-earring-tutorial.html (1)
http://eridhan.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-beaded-bead-free-pattern.html (1)
http://eridhan.blogspot.com/2013/05/beaded-flower-free-tutorial.html (1)
http://marylindell.com/2013/07/free-beading-pattern-for-lazy-susan-bracelet/ (1)
http://www.uniquebeadedjewelry.com/freepattern.html (4)
http://www.bead-patterns.com/shop/shop.php?category=138 (326)
http://www.rubysbeadwork.com/WheelVariation2.html (1)
http://3dbeading.com/patterns/25/1/ (1)
Artisans Gallery
Beaders Marketplace
CALIFORNIA
Chino
Ad Copy 220 Characters, Spaces - swarovski beads, pendants, pearls and flatbacks, glass
pearls, fire polished glass, charms, findings, seed beads in all sizes and shapes, chain,
tools, books, magazines and much more! we offer classes too!
Bead It!
3460 central ave., ste. E, Chino, CA 91710
909 364-2402
CALIFORNIA
Concord
Beads to thread, wire, and just admire. All for your hearts desire. Family owned since
2003. www.Justbeaditconcord.com
Just Bead It
2051 harrison street suite c
925-682-6493
FLORIDA
Maitland
BEADS ETC, A FULL SERVICE BEAD STORE, TEACHING & DESIGN STUDIO. FEATURING:
SWAROVSKI PRODUCTS, SEED BEADS, THUNDER POLISHED CRYSTALS, GEMSTONES,
PEARLS, STERLING, SILVER/GOLD FILLED & BASE METAL FINDINGS, KITS & PATTERNS
BEADS ETC. FULL SERVICE BEAD STORE, TEACHING & DESIGN STUDIO: TEACHING CLASSES FROM BEGINNER TO ADVANCED, SPECIAL ORDER CATALOG, CUSTOM DESIGN SERVICES: JEWELRY SALES/REPAIRS, TRUNK SHOWS, PARTIES & CONVENTION SERVICES
BEADS ETC
110 N ORLANDO AVENUE, SUITE 5, MAITLAND, FL 32751
407-339-2323
FLORIDA
Ocala
We offer north central Floridas best selection of seed beads as well as crystals, czech
glass, gemstones and findings. visit us online at thebeadstrand.com or floridabead.com
for class offerings and specials.
The Bead Strand
6140 SW Hwy 200
352-620-2323
FLORIDA
Sebastian
Your beading home on the treasure coast. Featuring a full line of metalsmith tools, wire,
beads, pearls, stone and findings. If you dont see it, just ask. Join us for classes and
beading circle. www.aabeadsonline.com
AA BEADS & MORE
8802 N US Hwy 1 Ste 10
772-581-0515
ILLINOIS
Chicago
Seed bead and aiko specialists. monthly classes with nationally renowed teachers. huge
selection of czech glass, pearls, cabochons and semiprecious stones. discount prices! go
to www.citybeadschicago.com for more info
Class Schedule: huib petersen-march 21-23, jean power-april 3-6, margo field-may 2-4,
Shelley nybakke-july 12-13, melissa grakowsky -aug.15-17, sabine lippert-sept. 11-14,
nancy cain-oct 10-12
City Beads
3928 n. rockwell street
312-316-1910
KANSAS
Lenexa
Come to browse. stay to bead. great selection - amazing staff - free classes! Come let us
inspire your creativity!
Heartland Bead Market
13964 santa fe trail dr
913-888-0231
LOUISIANA
Alexandria
Cenlas only bead shop! In our 9th year! custom jewelry! Large inventory. PEARLS, gemstones, crystals, czech glass, seed beads, tools, findings & more! classes at all levels.
parties. trunk shows. open tues sat
A beaders paradise... beads from around the world. jewelry supplies. custom jewelry for
sale. classes! parties! visit our blog @ www.abeadboutique.com. follow us on facebook @
facebook.com/abeadboutique. open tues-sat
A Bead Boutique
2924 JACKSON STREET
318.442.2575
MISSOURI
Branson
Be PLUM overwhelmed by our thousands of bead strands. A beading bazaar of wire, findings, chain, leather, stones, and beading supplies. Open 7 days/week year round 9:30 5:30. Classes
PLUM BAZAAR LLC
123 East Main St
417-337-7586
OREGON
Portland
Knowledgeable, Friendly Staff. Best selection of TOHO Seed Beads, Sterling, Thai Silver
& Base Metal findings in PDX. Czech Glass, Freshwater Pearls, Natural Stones, Semi-Precious. Open Daily. BeadsAtDustiCreek.com
BEADS AT DUSTI CREEK
4848 SE Division St
503-235-4800