The Beading Gem

Anatomically Inspired Bead Embroidery Designs and Tutorials by ambroidering | Amazing Synchonized Japanese Gymnasts in Action

Anatomy is the study of the internal and external structures of our bodies. It is a very old science as people have been interested in how our bodies work since prehistoric times.

ambroidering is the shop British artisan who specializes in anatomical art. The work is so well detailed with both bead (and sequin) embroidery and stitching and does indeed pay homage to human anatomy. The heart, teeth, nervous cell, kidneys, musculature, eyes, brains, digestive system and parts of the skeleton are all featured.

feature designer tutorial wire work

Lovely Wire Wrapped Jewelry Tutorials by MevolikaJewelry

I first came across Meltem of MevolikaJewelry's work when I stumbled upon her awesome wire wrapped spider pendant tutorial. It was featured in this past post about autumn jewelry and decor. It is the most striking and innovative spider design I have ever seen. I also love her unusual witch design shown further down.

Her collection is full of lovely designs which are distinctly different. I get the impression that this artisan does not put out a design unless it was original and perfectly done.

beadwork feature designer tutorial video tutorial

5 Simply Elegant Beaded Necklace Tutorials to Try

I get it. Making beaded necklaces can be a lot of work. Fun, but time consuming. So here is a lovely collection of simply elegant beaded necklace tutorials which are sure to take you way, way less time to complete than 2 Christmases from now!

First up is the lovely bicone design shown above by @HuongHandmade12. There is a central star flower design which bears the pendant. The rest of the necklace features staggered leaves which then gives way to a simple seed bead portion at the back. She is a wonderful creator who has many dainty designs.

feature designer historical recycled plastic

Abstract Recycled Plastic Earrings by ellybead | A Brief History of Waste and Recycling

We have 8 billion people on this planet today, all of whom generate trash. Perhaps some more than others but collectively, trash is a huge problem today. The biggest culprit is plastic. Don't get me wrong, we do need some plastic for many applications but the throw away culture means a lot of plastic ends up in the environment.

So it is a great pleasure when I come across an artisan who can elevate what is an unwanted material into fashionable earrings and divert waste from the landfills. The transformation by ellybead, a US designer based in Ohio, is remarkable. Her recycled plastic earrings are beautifully coloured and the abstract shapes is on trend.

ceramic feature designer feature supplier

Beautiful Handmade Ceramic Charms and Cabochons by PoppyBis

Nothing says more about a design being handmade than if as many components as possible are indeed handmade. However, few of us are masters at all kinds of techniques. So artisanal supplies are sought after for their uniqueness.

One such artisan is French ceramic artist, PoppyBis. Her designs come as charms or cabochons. She also offers a custom service for text cabochons. My favourites from her collection include the ever popular flowers, mushrooms and the whimsical designs such as the cats and corsets.

blog

The Beading Gem's 19th Anniversary | The Year in Review | Tariffs and AI

I actually made it! This year on January 4, marks the 19th blogging anniversary of The Beading Gem's Journal. I've bucked the trend as the average lifespan of a blog is just 2-3 years. This blog was and still is a passion project. I have kept it a one woman blog all these years with no desire to grow beyond what one person can do.

I would not be still be blogging if it were not for you, dear readers, as well as all the wonderful designers and instructors who inspire us all. I will continue to do so if I still see a need to do so.