Cathy’s famous bottle cap beads and bottle cap pendants are “editors’ pick” in the current issue of Beads 2008 along with many other beautiful finds from around the country. Also included are instructions incorporating her bottle cap pendants into a vintage-looking necklace! They are in stores now so pick up your copy today!

“Beadwork Editors’ Top 120+ Picks.” Beads 2008. 2008, pp. 13.

There are many ways to finish a bracelet or necklace with jump rings. Here are a few tips to make your pieces more secure and longer-lasting while keeping a clean, finished look.

Use Oval Jump Rings: I cannot tell you how many times I have had to repair a bracelet or necklace because the wire has pulled through a circular jump ring. An easy way to combat this problem is to use oval jump rings instead of circular when finishing your jewelry. The wire naturally rests in the crook of the jump ring where there is no split, unlike the round rings where the point at which your wire will rest is arbitrary and will most likely pull through at some point.

Use Two Rings: If you would like to use round rings but are unsure of the security you can use two jump rings instead of one. This will diminish the chance that your strand will pull through, and it adds an interesting aesthetic!

Widen your Chain Link: If you are using a super-fine chain and are having trouble getting your thick jump ring through you can widen the last link of your chain with an awl. Simply put the awl through the last link and work back and forth until it opens to the desired degree. This generally works if you are using chain with an oval link, rather than round.

Use a Link for a Ring: If you are short on soldered jump rings you can always cut a link of chain to use instead. This works just as great as a normal jump ring and you can feel fabulous for your ingenuity!

Bead Fair 2008
Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 16th 7 17th
Visitor Center at Living History Farms Urbandale, IA

GLBG Bead Bonanza
Sunday, March 9th
South Municipal Complex Pavillion Southfield, MI

Twin Cities Bead Bazaar
Saturday & Sunday, March 15th & 16th
Eisenhower Community Center Hopkins, MN

Omaha Bead Bazaar
Saturday, April 5th
Westside Community Education Center Omeha, NE

Art Glass and Bead Show
Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13th
Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall Madison, WI

Bead Blast 2008
Saturday and Sunday, May 3rd-4th
Kansas City Market Center Overland Park, KS

Bead and Button Show
Thursday-Sunday, June 5-8th
Midwest Airlines Center Milwaukee, WI

Puget Sound Bead Festival
Friday-Sunday, July 11th-13th
Greater Tacoma Convention Center Tacoma, WA

GLASS GARDEN IS LOOKING FOR BOTTLE CAPS FROM YOUR FAVORITE BEER OR SODA!

You can join the effort and recycle your bottle caps in the yellow containers at Tiny’s, Blue Monday, James Gang Coffee Shop. James Gang Hideaway, or Just Food Coop. Or you can send/bring your caps to:

Glass Garden Beads
413 Division St
Northfield, MN 55057

This project feature in the October/November 2007 BEADWORK magazine (pp. 64-65) gives instructions to make Cathy’s beautiful starflower bracelet. You can order the materials separately or get one of our nifty kits. Either way, you will have a stunning piece to “wreath” your wrist for the holidays!
Take me to the STARFLOWER kits!

“Starflower Bracelet.” Beadwork Magazine. October/November 2007, pp. 64.

“Bead Babble.” Stringing Magazine. Fall 2007, pp. 9.