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Definition Day: What's an Assemblage?

7/20/2015

as·sem·blage
əˈsemblij
noun
1. a collection or gathering of things or people.
"a wondrous assemblage of noble knights, cruel temptresses, and impossible loves"

a machine or object made of pieces fitted together.

"some vast assemblage of gears and cogs"

a work of art made by grouping found or unrelated objects.

An assemblage of assemblage jewelry

Assemblage is an old word made new in the jewelry world these days. And why not? Re-using old (or not so old) components to create new art is the perfect visual definition.

Type "assemblage jewelry" into Pinterest or Google and you will see an amazing array of creativity. The fun is in the design and layout. The challenge is attaching the components. Wire, glue and jump rings are quite useful.

Here are a few components available at Bead In Hand. How might you use two or more of these in a piece of jewelry? Have you ventured into the world of assemblage jewelry? Send us pictures (we love show and tell).

A sampling of components available at Bead In Hand

Pssssssst . . . the word is so fun we had to use it in the name of an upcoming workshop. Our Buttoned Up Assemblage Workshop is scheduled for Friday, September 18, 6-8 pm. $10, materials extra.

Happy assembling!

Buttoned up assemblage necklace

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Beaded Blooms (French style)

7/13/2015

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Have you always (or frequently or just now & then) wondered how to make those lovely French beaded flowers?

I'm in the "now & then" category. Occasionally someone asks if we know anything about the technique, and mostly we refer them to a book or the internet.

Speaking of the internet, I came across this site where truly, the pictures are worth thousands of words.

French Beaded Flowers by Lauren Harpster

Lauren's Creations (by Lauren Harpster) has a Facebook page, Etsy site and blog highlighting her French beaded flowers, and they are georgeous! She has free tutorials for the tools and techniques for making your own and also sells patterns.

The tutorials are very well written with step-by-step photos and helpful tips. Even if you don't want to make your own, you should check out her site (click HERE) to admire the detail and beauty and talent in these beautiful blooms.

I'm all out of words, so go peruse!

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Itching for a Tassel

7/6/2015

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Have you gotten the tassel itch? They're everywhere these days, and definitely more sophisticated than the ones I remember from my childhood. If you're unsure how to incorporate tassels into your designs, here's a quick tour to tickle your inspiration.

The thing about tassels is that you can make them out of just about any material. Really. If it's something that can be turned into strips, you can make it into a tassel. Paper. Plastic. Chain. Thread. Embroidery floss. Tissue paper. Fabric. Yarn. You get the idea.

Tassels with beaded caps

We made these tassels with materials that were just hanging around (so to speak). Any type of cord or thread works, and even chain.

Tassels made from different materials. Left to right: Chinese knotting cord; Nymo thread; waxed polyester; plastic string.

Tassel made from chain.

For total tassel inspiration, Pinterest is the go-to place. Here are a few images that show how varied and unique tassels can be.

Vintage-y tassel from various materials

Tassel made from ribbon

Sheet music tassels

Suede tassels

Fabric tassels

Pinterest is also great for DIY instructions, so I won't get into it here. Mostly, it's the same technique you used in fifth grade. Find a sturdy piece of cardboard (sturdier than an index card), cut to your desired length. Wrap the cord around the card until you have the desired fullness. Bring a string through the center to make a loop, and wrap another length of cord around the whole bundle to hold it all together. The image at right links to one set of instructions, but once you start perusing Pinterest you'll find many more. So start tasselling -- and send photos of your creations!

Kate's kumihimo with tassel finish

One of many DIY instructions for making a tassel

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Definition Day: What's an Assemblage?

Beaded Blooms (French style)

Itching for a Tassel

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