Awww oodie this is beautiful!!! Great job!! You give me way too much credit woman!! I've always considered myself a terrible teacher! I'm too detail oriented and most of the time think if someone like me can do something then anyone can. I'm a visual/hands on learner so instructions sometimes slow me down...give me a photo of something I'm interested in and I'm good to go. I joined the group to help where and when I can and to learn from all you other wonderfully talented and creative folks. I'll be happy to help anyone out who asks...if I don't know the answer I will surely find the answer for both of us. zshopper- don't spend a lot of money on beads,tools and supplies until you decide if you like making jewelry. It's like any other craft you can spend a fortune on supplies and gear then end up hating it...like me and scrapbooking..UGH!! I love card making but scrapbooks are really not my thing at all...too much time. I say go to Wal Mart buy a few things and for tools you can use old nail clippers for wire cutters to get started or raid someone's tool box..lol, needle nose pliers or invest a little in a 3 n 1 tool there in the Wal Mart jewelry department. Don't forget to check out Wal Mart's Dollar beads. Get one of those little plastic boxes with the comparments it's what I use to use to seperate my cross stitch thread or little tupperware bowls with lids are a good starter. A bead board is another good investment they cost less than $5.00. Then when you decide you really are addicted to this craft...start buying the very best you can afford and take really good care of it. Got to the library look through the magazines, newest jewelry craft books they have get inspired! If you have DIYNetwork check out the jewelry show on there, a lot of basics are taught on that show. Check out jewelry makers on Carol Duvall. We are all here to support you,hold your hand and cheer you on!! delaniemae...beginning in junior high(long ago),I would scour flea markets,yard sales,thrift stores and such before it was hip to do so,and revamp and restore old pieces. I hand my own style kinda like the movie Pretty in Pink...making something out of nothing. I still get giddy over beautiful buttons, fabric(I don't sew) and rhinestones. I use to carry vintage purses to match all my outfits, even if it was jeans and a sweatshirt my purse, earrings and bracelet was color coordinated vintage wear. I have huge bins of stuff in my basement that I've had since then and refuse to give up. I started collecting and making the "Bejeweled Christmas" trees a few years back. It was a 70's craft that caught my eye and I've been doing for a while but only for special orders...it's a lot of work. I have collected more than I have made and each one is so unique and different. I LOVE THEM!! Sorry guys didn't mean to write a book or hog a thread it's just one of those rainy mornings and I've been up for ages! ginger Here is a link that might be useful: Bejeweled Christmas Tree

Terri_pacna Thank you ! I have always loved black onyx, and when I seen the beads on the clearance area I got bouth packs was enough with other parts to make two bracelets. if you go to hobby lobby much check out there clearance, last week I got some real pretty crystal heart, two in a pack for .52, I think I paid $1.50 for the onyx beads, yes I am cheap, but in the end the results are the same. now what to do with those pretty hearts Happy Crafting oddie

deb....it is on wire....and the beads are bugle beads..long narrow glass. If I can find glass heart beads as pretty as those plastic ones I would make myself one with S silver bugle beads. I have one similar that is s silver and black glass beads. I just used what I had and bought the hearts...They are clear with pink flowers and green leaves all over them. Even though it is a cheapy...I love it. And I really don't think by looking at it that anyone would think it cheap. The center bead is pink glass with little white spots in it. the three graduated bead on each side are crystal with that finish that makes them shine with blues and pinks. patti

Oh no, not at all Ginger, they're from Kabs Concepts. Her stuff is incredible. So clean and uniform. She sells gorgeous jewelry also. YOu probably know her from the B&B forums. I'd love to lampwork too, but I think I'd have to build an addition! Here is a link that might be useful: Kabs concepts