Halloween is Coming

Last Updated on Sunday, 23 October 2011 08:41 Written by Handmade Artists' Forum and Shop Sunday, 23 October 2011 08:41

Well Halloween is just around the corner and it’s time to get your last minute Halloween goodies. Check out the Halloween section of the Handmade Artists’ Shop. The Halloween holiday mall section of the HAFshop has some goodies that would add flavor and class to any Halloween Party or outfit.

You can also just search Halloween on the HAFshop and you’ll see a whole bunch of other creations as well.

Maybe some Halloween Earrings will be the touch you need!

Regardless of what your looking for the Handmade Artists’ Shop has what you need! Handmade from the Artist, everyday.

What Are Polymer Canes? How Are They Made?

Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 October 2011 12:50 Written by Start's Arts Tuesday, 18 October 2011 12:50

What are polymer canes? How are they made?

By Beverley Start, Polymer Clay Artist

October 14 2011

Like tubes of cookie dough with pictures in them that you can slice up into a dozen identical treats, polymer canes also have pictures or patterns running through their entire length, only they’re made from clay.

Click here for example one and here for example two.

Detailed images, simple geometric patterns, or anything in between can be designed and created. One of the most magical things to me about polymer cane art is that when the cane begins it is quite large to create the detail but once complete it may be reduced in size. This is quite remarkable because the reduction of the cane reduces the image it holds as well.

Stay tuned for more information on polymer clay and canes.

Why I Knot Between the Beads

Last Updated on Sunday, 3 July 2011 07:47 Written by beadbear Wednesday, 6 July 2011 07:40

Knotting between the beads is important for a variety of reasons. Bead stringing, properly speaking, is a form of rigging. Where a knot is placed, it strengthens the cord three-fold. Consequently, if cord with a tensile strength of 17lbs. The cord is strengthened to 51lbs.10lb-test becomes 30lbs, etc. Thus, it secures the beads. This is especially true when a variety of different sized beads and materials are used. If the cord breaks, there is only one or two beads to pick up off the floor. Losing precious metal beads, or gemstones, can make it costly to repair.
I use a variety of different stringing material as well. I use anything that will take a knot. Generally, I will use silk, or linen. These are natural fibers, and are quite sturdy and durable. Cotton is too weak. I also use braided kevlar, of varying thicknesses. Kevlar is used in bullet-proof vests, as well as the suits astronauts wear. I often use kevlar with beads that have rough holes.
I never use tiger-tail, or any of the coated wires that many others use. Wire eventually will cut the beads, particularly pearls and opals, which are quite soft. Furthermore, when metal fatigue sets in, which it will, sooner or later that wire will kink. That kink will not only weaken it, but will cause the necklace to not to wear properly. Wire is just too stiff for necklaces and bracelets, in my opinion.
Second and more important, a knotted necklace will lay better against the body. Indeed, knotted necklaces will conform to the body of the wearer. Thus it actually becomes a part of the wearer. And you will wear the jewelry, rather than the other way ’round. So there is no “Afghan hound” effect. That is particularly vital when wearing a large piece.
Yes, it takes longer to assemble a knotted necklace. I knot each bead into place, by hand. I do not employ any of the bead-stringing devices that are available, because it does not allow me to place the knot closely by the holes on each side of the bead. Again, this is of particular importance when using beads of differing sizes, shapes or material (metal, glass, gemstone). I create my jewelry the time-honored traditional way, one bead at a time, and one knot at a time.
Beads reflect a tradition dating back to 3000 BC These beads were worn to promote good luck, and for protection from misfortune (the evil eye or malocchio). Archeological evidence suggests that concepts linking eyes and protective magic to beads evolved in western Asia and Africa, and were carried west and east with developing trade routes. The oldest eye beads made were drilled stones like agate and carnelian. 
I see both antique and contemporary beads as a link to the past through work that will last into the millennium. Beads and jewelry reflect where we are today, what we were, and who we will become. One can neither break nor ignore the thread of history, for like a strand of beads, the result would be chaos.
Wear your beads in good fortune!
Thanks,
Beadbear