Rhinestones

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According to Wikipedia:

“A rhinestonepaste or diamante is a diamond simulant made from rock crystalglass or acrylic.

Originally, rhinestones were rock crystals gathered from the river Rhine. The availability was greatly increased in the course the 18th century when theAlsatian jeweller Georg Friedrich Strass had the idea to imitate diamonds by coating the lower side of glass with metal powder. Hence, rhinestones are calledstrass in many European languages.

Rhinestones can be used as imitations of diamonds, and some manufacturers even manage to reproduce the glistening effect real diamonds have in the sun.

In 1955, the Aurora Borealis, a thin, vacuum-sputtered metallic coating applied to crystal stones to produce an iridescent effect, was introduced bySwarovskiAurora Borealis tends to reflect whatever color is worn near it, and it is named after the Aurora Borealis atmospheric phenomenon, also known as the “Northern Lights”. Similar treatments are Aqua aura and “Flame aura”.

Typically, crystal rhinestones have been used on costumes, apparel and jewelry. Crystal rhinestones are produced mainly in Austria by Swarovski and in the Czech Republic by Preciosa and a few other glassworks in northern Bohemia. In the US, these are sometimes called Austrian Crystal. In the Spanish-speaking world they are called Cristal de Bohemia (Bohemian Crystal).”

So, I am impressed to find out that originally they were real, and found along the river Rhine, hence the name. And, the name Rhinestone did not necessarily apply to a specific shape but rather to the type, stones that are man-made and meant to approximate the beauty of diamonds. Chatons, Flatbacks, etc, all can be called Rhinestones but it seems in the “industry” that Rhinestones are mainly flat backs, so we will refer to them as such on http://www.bellomodo.com.

Until recently we have offered little in the way of flat backs but now we are working towards offering a larger selection of them as well as the glues and tools needed to work with them. We are offering flat backs in paks of 24, with discounts for multiple pack purchases (of the same color).

To celebrate our foray into the world of flat backs we are offering a ‘Rhinestone Challenge’.BJPRO

Send us a picture of something you have made with Swarovski Rhinestones (otherwise know as Flat Backs).

We will post all the entries here on the blog and we will select 3 winners at random from all the entries received by June 30th.

Prizes:

  • 1st prize – 20 paks of 24 in our choice of colors and sizes, will be a nice mix (appx. $70.00 value)
  • 2nd prize – A BeJeweler Pro system designed to afix Swarovski rhinestones. (value $32.95)
  • 3rd prize – A mix of unusual Flat back shapes (value $20.00)

We look forward to seeing all the work!

WireLace Challenge Winners!

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Thanks to everyone who took part in our Challenge, and all the voters. We hope this has helped to inspire others to consider using WireLace in your designs.

Winners:

1st Place – Loomed Bead Cuff by Carol Reid

2nd Place – Dog Rose by Olga MacAfee

3rd Place – Blue Rhapsody by Barbara Ellis

Special Gift Recipient – Hummingbird & Lace by Kristy Zgoda

WireLace™ is a USA owned small business. They were the first to bring this lovely Italian woven wire product to the US, and continue to innovate, offering new colors, sizes and designs. We offer the entire line, all sizes and colors. If you would like a sample piece just leave a comment in the comment field during checkout with your next order and we will happily send you a sample.

Sept 2012 WireLace Challenge!

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WireLace has so many uses, so we decided to post a challenge to see how people are putting it to the test. Below you will find the images for the entries. Please email us at support@bellomodo.com and let us know which one you like the best.

We will award a $50.00 gift certificate for 1st place, a $40.00 gift certificate for 2nd place and a $25.00 gift certificate for 3rd place.

In addition we will award a nice Wirelace gift package to the Editor’s Choice, donated by the good people at WireLace! Our staff will decide on the winner of this super package which will include:

1 spool of 1mm
1 spool of 3mm
1 yard of 6mm
1 yard of 12mm
1 yard of 20mm
All in your choice of colors!

 

We got seven entries to the challenge, and without further ado here they are:

Blue Rhapsody

 

Let the Sun Shine

 

Loomed Beaded Cuff picture 1

Alternate picture of Loomed Beaded Cuff

‘My Favorite Italian Jewels’

 

 

 

‘Hummingbird and Lace’

 

Comets picture 1

 

Comets alternate picture

 

‘Dog Rose’ Image 1

 

‘Dog Rose’ Closeup image

Please remember to let us know which one is your favorite!  Please email your choice to us at: support@bellomodo.com. Voting ends on the 17th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portland Bead Society WireLace Challenge

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In March, we gave out WireLace samples to all the attendees and offered a Challenge to the Portland Bead Societies annual Retreat in Cannon Beach, OR. We got three entries, all wonderful! Here they are:

Kay Chriton, PBS WireLace Challenge

 

Karen Bettin, PBS WireLace Challenge

Pat Vance, PBS Wire lace Challenge

We thank all three of you! Winners all!

Oscars-Inspired Challenge Winners!

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Hooray! We have our winners!

1st prize goes to #8 from Valera Todd

2nd prize goes to #13 from Cheryl Colville

3rd prize goes to #7 from Barbara Zaner

Thanks so much to all of our challengers for sending in their lovely work. It take courage to enter these contests and I salute all of you for doing so. Congratulations to our winners, your gift certificates will be email to you shortly.

Entries in the Oscars-Inspired Challenge!

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#1 - From all the dresses I saw at the  Oscars this year I was inspired by Penelope Cruise’s grey elegant dress. I designed an asymmetrical necklace with cabochons, and positioned the cabochons in my drawing, interlocked with beaded “pipes” full of pearls. The necklace catches the neck and values the cleavage underlining the simple elegance of the dress and catching the eyes. The glamour of the necklace is given by the design and especially by the shiny and elegant mother of pearl cabs.
I created a “Medusa” necklace beaded with Miyuki seed beads and mother pearl flat beads and pearls.  The Medusa body is
tentacled and the flat mother pearls are cabochon encased using the chevron style.  The “lace” is beaded with round mother pearls, in a chevron variation technique. The upper side of the laces are beaded also in a chevron style and grey organza is woven in.  Dimension: 16 x 14 cm; 46 cm around the neck.
Here is my website: 
http://www.spiraldesignjewelry.com/jewelry/necklaces/medusa-necklace.html

ioana-1

#2 -

I designed this necklace for strapless dresses.  It was used at a bridal fashion show and totally completed the gown.  When I see a lady in a gown with hardly any jewelry I really see the outfit as incomplete.  I feel the right pieces of jewelry compliment and complete an outfit! www.jazzyjewelzbynancy.com

#3- I was inspired by the classic design of Natalie Portman’s necklace.  Using triangle seed beads and 15/0 silver makes my piece casual enough to wear everyday.

#4 -

This necklace is inspired by ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ because it’s high style and sophisticated, but also has some unexpected, fun elements such as the random beads and dangles. To me this fits in with the movie’s over-the-top, somewhat satirical look at the fashion mag industry. I also think it has a little ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ because I can see Audrey Hepburn wearing it in the iconic photo of Ms. Hepburn with the cigarette holder that advertises the movie.
#5 - While looking at all the mega-bling at the Oscars I was trying to think of what in the world a regular woman could wear every day that had some of the beautiful elements of the Oscar jewels.  I noted many flowers, crystals and some outstanding pearls, so decided to try combining them with a cold-connections, mixed metals theme.  I used alcohol inks and sharpies along with copper, brass, lead-free pewter, chain, a CZ crystal  along with a healthy dose of fresh water pearls to create the necklace shown below.  It’s not emeralds and rubies, but it is kind of fun!
#6 -
I was reading a 2003 magazine an article written by Diane Fitzgerald, a name we all know. She interviewed a jewelry artist or Designer Extraordinaire named Ian St. Gielar. A once famous designer in NYC, who has designed jewelry for Whoopee Goldberg to wear to the 1992 Oscar awards, and Warren Beatty in 1999. Who himself dreamed of an Oscar for Fashion some day.
I used some of his collection ideas in my Oscar pieces of jewelry. He was famous for using flowers, beads, butterflies, millions of flower embellishments, rhinestones, faceted glass stones,pearls and metal beads and findings.
Oscar piece of Jewelry number #1 is designed as a small necklace, covered with shimmering beads and pearls of soft muted grays, assembled on a gunmetal filigree metal plate. My secondary element consists of crystals, stone, tiny pewter flowers and glass beads. The neck piece is painted gray 4mm pearls. Creating detail in layering and textures. I call this necklace “Little Beauty”.
Oscar piece of Jewelry number #2 is round in shape, giving the impression of wearing lots of little flower bouquets with tiny plastic flowers. A palette is covered with monochromatic and bold colors. Making it a very bold but a sweet statement. Assembling many glass beads, pearls,pearls, and the center focus piece is an antique PENNY DOLL and a tassel. This is a choker in length, can be worn in the evening or in the day. If your BOLD enough. I call this necklace “The Antique Garden.”
Oscar piece of Jewelry number #3 is a layering of components and juxtaposition of textures. Lots of colors, glass, crystal, pearl, and mirrors. My centerpiece or focal point is a floral necklace I had never worn, dark coral, also a crystal and pearl necklace incorporated around the edge of this bib necklace. I added wire lace to create flowers, I added flower patterns I created out of pearls, and beads. On a light weight but a statement chain in silver. This is one bold piece of costume jewelry that would set it apart from my other Oscar pieces. I call her “Big Mamma”.
I am happy to have found this artist and his wonderful jewelry which has given me new ideas to create.
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#7 -
I designed this bead crochet bracelet with the Oscars in mind.  The gold beads represent the gold Oscar trophy while the silver beads remind me of the silver screen.  My specialty is bead crochet.  This bracelet has a pattern of 8-around using 3 mm fire polish beads, 8/0 seed beads as well as 10/0 and 11/0 Delica beads.  The ends are finished with faux gold bead caps and a gold glass rondelle.
I don’t have a blog and haven’t joined Facebook yet, but samples of my other creations can be found by clicking on my website www.ToBeadAZ.com.
#8 - Everyone goes crazy for the Oscars. Year after year it feels that more than half the excitement is the anticipation of what couture gowns and fabulous jewels the stars will be wearing. This ever blooming Flower would definitely pass the red carpet test!  http://www.zibbet.com/valerval
#9 -

I was so excited to learn about the challenge with Oscar theme! I have decided – for the first time – take part and submit my piece of jewelry! I just could not pass such a theme! I’ve looked at MANY photos from this year’s awards ceremony and from last year.. and even though there are some nice pieces of jewelry, the thing that inspired me in the end was.. the Oscar “himself”.. him and red carpet! I think there are not enough rubies at the celebration.. I mean, seriously.. sparkly red in gold – what can be more festive than this combination of colors! So rubies (Swarovski’s Siam red bicone beads of 4 and 6 mm) and gold (Toho seed beads in 2 different “gold” colors, ##15 and 8) were used to make my Oscar Inspired Necklace which I called “Down the Red Carpet”. It is simple yet it stands out. I can only imagine how fabulous it would look on some brunette! Oh..

So whether I win anything or not – it does not really matter as I think I’ve already won by having such a good idea for my necklace! Thank you for this challenge!  www.moussycrafts.etsy.com

#10 – How it came together: I watched the Oscars and loved the purple and silver of Maya Rudolph’s gown. The next morning I grabbed various purples and some silver links I had hanging around and had been wanting to work with. I started making peyote rings to link them together, bezeled and embellished an amethyst rivoli, and ended up with this!   http://www.etsy.com/shop/onthepondcreations

#11 - The Black Mystic was inspired by an Alexander McQueen dress worn by Jessica Chastain on the night of Oscar. I was inspired by the elegant masquerade theme of the dress- a mysterious black with an intricate use of gold to achieve a classy yet vintage look.

Instead of using the traditional weaving method, the necklace rope was executed with the” herringbone twist”, using size 11 (gilded marble black) seed beads which had an understated gold tone.
Furthermore, I added some matte gold fire-polished and triangular seed beads in between the rope to accent the gold tones of the piece. The rectangular shape toggle and frame pendant made the necklace more unique, in order to highlight the frame pendant, I suspended a black spinel teardrop inside.

http://www.days-wong.blogspot.com

#12 - My inspiration came from Alexander McQueen’s black-and-gold bespoke gown worn by Ms. Jessica Chastain during the Oscars in 2012.

The name of my piece is: Flagship Couture Earrings inspired by Alexander McQueen’s gown.
 One of Sprinkles Twinkles LLC’s specialties is to combine recycled items with other fashion finds to make beautiful statement pieces.
#13 -
I saw Gwyneth Paltrow’s fabulous white dress and cape when she was at this year’s Oscars and noticed she had a lovely white cuff as well. I’ve been fascinated by beaded micro macramé for a while now and I thought I’d try to make something like this cuff by working a wider bracelet. In this case, I began 2 bracelets and wove them together as I went along, joining them at the button end. There are 2 loops and 3 antique buttons. The Ice Queen Bracelet measures 1 1/2 inches wide and it is 7 1/2 inches long. It is made with C-Lon cord in the Oyster colourway with 11/0 round Toho beads in aqua/gold ICL, 8/0 round Toho beads in aqua/light jonquil ICL and 11/0 clear beads.
My micro macramé jewelry shop: http://cocoknots.bigcartel.com/
#14 -

Inspiration: “The Artist” – black and white!

My original peyote bracelet pattern (Ahead of the Curve) was published in Interweave’s Step by Step Beads in 2009, and I have since made my bracelet in MANY color and bead variations. But the idea of using only black and white beads intrigued me.

So like the movie, “The Artist”, I took something normally done in color and converted it to black and white. This version of my design is slightly wider than my original pattern and the triangle inserts are more dramatic. www.bylynette.blogspot.com

bylynette.etsy.com

http://pinterest.com/bylynette/i-made-this/

#15 - I have attached 2 views of a necklace that I made primarily of Swarovski crystals. I was inspired by a necklace I saw on Amy Adams two years ago at the Academy Awards (which I attended). Her necklace was round and very colorful, however I love art deco and seemed to gravitate to this style to go with some of the incredible and simple black gowns. I have been beading for 4 years, have a website: www.beadartistrybynancy.com and have sold my work at craftshows.

#16 - I love to watch the stars sparkle at the Oscars only sometimes they just don’t wear any jewelry.  But Keira Knightley wore a beautiful Victorian inspired necklace at the 2006 academy awards.  It looked beautiful with her one-shouldered dress.  I love the sapphire, emerald and ruby color combination accented by the clear crystals.  The necklace is made using 12mm rivolis and 4mm crystals along with 2mm crystals for accents.  It uses RAW as well as netting to make the elements with 11/0 and 15/0 seed beads.

#17 - A beautiful combination of Swarovski rondelles, sterling wavy disc and cultured pearls, stick and potato. The focal piece is a Crystal Quartz with sterling bead caps surrounding it. It is a beautiful piece that has the ability to pick up the blues and teals in your attire and show those colors as if it were blue or teal itself. The Swarovski rondelles have a hint of blue grey to them. It sits nicely right at the neckline and has a very regal style to it.

Please post a comment on this blog and let us know your favorite. Voting ends March 19th. Thanks to all the challengers! Also, please, one vote per person.