Surprise from Prima Bead

I came home from my day job the other night and noticed a large package on my front step. I wasn't expecting any deliveries... unless I forgot I had ordered some beads, but this box was way too big.
Once I got into the house and my arms unloaded, I noticed that the sender was Prima Beads! I quickly opened the box and discovered an exciting gift!

Inside was a bead palette, earring cards, packaging supplies and an amazing ergonomic tool set! Prima Bead really gave me a surprise and I want to thank them for such a wonderful and generous gift :)

Multiple Strands

Lately I have been working on a few multi-strand designs. I'm loving the bold dimension it gives each piece and the wide range of possibilities when combining colors and materials.

This necklace is actually six strands, despite the five strand clasp. It includes Amethyst gemstones, blue freshwater pearls, traditional Czech glass and other various glass beads in grey and silver tones.

I designed this bracelet to be only half mutli-strand. Here I combined two types of Jasper (Red and Impression) with light blue faceted glass beads and a lovely handmade lampwork focal bead. A sterling silver toggle clasp features a two strand design as well :)

Tips for creating multiple strand jewelry:

1. Use a bead board to help in the design process. This handy tool has to be one of my favorite because it allows me to lay out beads and play around the the design before committing and creating the piece. This also lets me put to put my project away for a bit and I know that the beads will not be moved out of order.

Available from Prima Beads

2. Let your findings make it easy. While no special clasps or findings are necessary to create multi-strand jewelry, these items can really help enhance your designs and make creating a piece much easier on yourself.

Clasp available from Prima Beads           Cones available from Art Beads

3. Experiment with different color and material combinations. Be brave and play with your stash of materials. Combine unlikely colors or contrasting materials, like rough chain and elegant pearls.

For further reading, I recommend Magpie Gemstone's article 'How to Make Multi-strand Necklaces' Part I and Part II.

Class in a Box: A Prima Bead Review

As you may remember, I was recently contacted by the Prima Bead company, sent a great 'Class in a Box' gift and asked to write a review here on my blog.

I have to admit that a kit with predetermined designs was not what I had in mind when I received my gift. After all, I would not consider myself a beginner, however I really do like these beads and components a lot.

I decided I wasn't going to create the designs in the instructions booklet. I wanted to use the materials as I would any other; this way I can give a real and honest opinion about the Prima Bead products. You can see the jewelry designs intended to be made from this kit above. Below is the jewelry that I have created using the same beads and components.

 Maroon glass pearls and Quartz 'icicle' beads

 Earrings with pretty bow charms and teardrop shaped links

For this necklace I used the brownish glass pearls and the heavy chain from Prima's kit. I love how this chain is two toned bronze and silver.

I still have a lot of the beads and components left over and will defiantly be posting more of my creations soon! So, how would I review this Prima Bead 'Class in a Box' product?

Here are some pros:
· An abundance of different materials to work with for a little price.
· The kit comes with a beading mat!
· The designs are current with the latest styles. You're gonna love wearing your pieces.

Here are some cons:
· I felt the tool was not the greatest, and you're going to need more than one pair of pliers.
· Plated, base metal findings. I typically prefer better quality metals, at least for the earring hooks.
· The quality, overall, is much more 'crafter' than 'artisan'

Final rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Conclusion:
While there are many great quality Prima Bead and Cousin products that I use regularly, this "Class in a Box" kit isn't something I would have purchased for myself. I think this is great for beginners or crafty people that create jewelry as a hobby.

Bows and Pearls

Last month, I was contacted by the good people of Prima Bead and Cousin Corp. They wanted to know if I'd be willing to blog about some new products if they sent them to me. Heck yes, I'm willing!

This is what arrived in the mail last week, a 'Class in a Box' kit. It includes maroon, pink and cream colored glass pearls, brass chain and cute little brass charms. Everything has a very romantic, feminine feel and will be sure to make some very beautiful jewelry.

I haven't had the time to make anything using the beads yet, but I hope to once the craft show I'm participating in this weekend is over.