Beads, Baubles & Jewels: Elements of Jewelry Making

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This season, we’re taking an in-depth look at longer projects so that we can explore each element in greater detail.

Fabric Elements

The first episode features fabric elements. Tammy Honaman shows knotting two ways using non- traditional cotton pearls. Then, Lindsey Burke creates a woven bracelet in a metal blank that mimics the look of Pendleton wools or a traditional woven Navajo design. Last is host Katie Hacker with a yarn tassel.

History and National Heritage

The inspirational element for this episode is heritage and history, featuring an in depth look at Czech seed beads. Beth Simmons talks about their history, use in the brick stitch and a unique project, fringed earrings.

Water

Water is the inspiration for this episode. Learn a new technique with Eva Sherman, water casting. Then, Leslie Rogalski has a lesson on the chevron stitch featuring a tutorial on color stories.

Shapes

Shape up today, as two projects are featured where shape is a key element. The first is a bracelet loom project featuring tila beads. Tammy Honaman makes interesting shape combos. Then, Jill Wiseman shares an updated version of kumihimo. Interesting shapes are created using cords and beads.

Wired

Get wired, as we explore the use of different colors, styles and dimensions of wire. Wire expert Brenda Schweder is first with a faux filigree design using a jig to bend wire. Then, Beth Simmons shows how to use as wire as the framework for a musical wind chime.

Metal Elements

Think out of the box, or maybe actually use that box as we explore the element of metal. Mary Hettmansperger creates pendants from old metal tins and assembles using cold connection techniques. Then, it’s time for metal clay basics with Tammy Honaman, a very different metal medium.

Tools

The feature element is tools. Learning to use your tools correctly and safely gives you the maximum benefit of specialty tools. Meet Melissa Muir as she transforms metal using a rolling mill and disc cutters as you become your own metal smith.

Quick and Easy

Time can be an element of jewelry design and this episode is all about speed – quick and easy projects that include prefinished components and unique materials. First, Leslie Rogalski shows how to stitch a suite of variations of finished jewelry using shaped beads and metal fashion components; mix and match for quick designing. Then, Julie Fei Fan Balzer, the host of Make It Artsy, stops by with cork earrings.

Unexpected

Jewelry is not always predictable, sometimes the unexpected adds a fun element. Nowhere is that truer than with Gay Isber as she makes an embellished crown using clay and embedded gems perfect for cosplay, dress up or maybe wedding wear. Then, it’s Lindsey Burke and combining leather and seed beads.

Fiber

The element of fiber takes different forms from fabric to cording on this episode. Tammy Honaman is first with a copper fringed tassel featuring fabric. Then, Beth Simmons creates a micro macramé leather cuff. Finally, Leslie Rogalski presents the popular waxed cord bracelets.

Techniques

One necklace is the catalyst for a multitude of techniques on this episode. Rita Pannulla is dapping, stamping and setting crystals for a versatile necklace that is a great tutorial and a beautiful interchangeable piece.

Semi Precious

The key elements on this episode are beautiful semi-precious stones highlighted by intricate wire work with Wyatt White.

Metal Forms

Metal comes in so many shapes and forms. Explore two very different types on this episode. First, Leslie Rogalski creates a centerline bracelet, the actual bracelet is pre-shaped chevron metal with holes and and an opening to string seed beads. Then, Tammy Honaman has another metal clay lesson.