Taking Pictures Like a Pro with my Fancy Nikon DSLR Camera

 I'm wondering if I'm overselling myself with the title of this post. I don't think so. After all, I've spent the better part of the last month working on understanding basic photography concepts. My camera is indeed a fancy Nikon DSLR. And the photos that I'm taking will be published in a print and online book about making wire wrap jewelry with beads, so they will have to be 'like' professional photographs. Now that I've overanalyzed the title, let's get to the intent of this post...Just capturing what I've figured out so far in case it helps anyone else AND so I know where I'm at currently as I strive to improve.

Star of David Brick Stitch Beading Pattern

 At a beading play date earlier this year, my friend mentioned that there is a serious lack of jewelry that represents Judaism - especially at holiday time. I pretty much promised myself that I would make some designs to make up for that.

This is the first one, a Star of David pattern done in brick stitch.

Coiled Wire Wreath, Candy Cane and Icicle Ornaments DIY

 Are you ready to trim the tree? Or do you need some quick gifts for co-workers, teachers or friends?  I've got you covered with some simple and fun ornaments made using coiled wire. The shapes in this tutorial are a wreath, candy cane and icicle.

All three shapes are based on the same simple wire technique - a wire coil.

2021 Bead and Jewelry Maker's Holiday Gift Guide

 This week, I figured I would share some of my favorite recent bead and jewelry related purchases. Who knows, maybe these are perfect gifts for someone on your list, or perfect for you to add to your holiday wish list.

First up are some favorites to help bead organized. Finding materials is a huge challenge for me since I love to buy supplies and tools. I've recently stumbled upon these hanging jewelry organizers that are perfect for storing tubes of beads, spools of thread, findings and other supplies.

Easy Macrame Christmas Tree Ornament Instructions

 These Christmas tree ornaments are super easy to whip up and even though I show you how to make ornaments here, they are make great pendants or earrings if you use smaller cord and beads.  I like to use these tree ornaments as gift toppers. The best part, if you make macrame plant hangers, it's the perfect way to use up those smaller scraps of cord that are left over.

You only need to know one knot - a macrame square knot.  Let's get started!

Squid Game Invitation Card Peyote Bead Pattern

This project replicates the business card symbols from the Squid Game series on Netflix in beaded peyote strip that is suitable as a ring, bracelet or anything else you might like to make.

I tried it several different ways and have included the bead diagram and word diagram below - as well as some instructions and my variations.