Beads Beads Beads: Glass Beads

Hi everyone! Welcome to my series, Beads! Beads! Beads! Today, we are going to talk about:

 GLASS BEADS!

Oh, the myriad of glass beads! The shapes, the sizes, the colors! Now the category of glass beads alone has it's own encyclopedia of subcategories that are all fascinating! We will start with seed beads, because that's what I use the most in my jewelry.

SEED BEADS

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Basically, seed beads are made from recycled glass and raw materials melted in a extremely hot furnace to make molten, red-hot liquid glass. As the molten glass is transferred, it is poured into a long hollow tube that is formed into the shape of the glass bead. As the molten glass goes through the shaped hole, decompressed air is blown through the center of the liquid glass, forming the molten glass into a tube. The glass is then pulled like taffy into a long rod shape and then cooled. Any rods that are misshapen or broken are gathered and put back into the furnace to be melted and shaped again. Once the rods are cooled, they are cut and polished into the finished seed beads.

Seed beads are made in different sizes. The unit of measurement for seed beads follows the rule that the smaller the number, the bigger the bead. For example, a 13/0 size bead would be smaller than an 11/0 bead, an 8/0 bead would be larger than an 11/0, a 6/0 is larger than an 8/0, etc. There are different finishes such as opaque, luster, metallic, rainbow (or AB which is short for aurora borealis). There are also different cuts: rocaille, delicas, hex, to name a few. Seed beads that are the most popular are Miyuki, Czech, Toho.

Vintage Violets Cuff Bracelet - Patricia Bowe Designs

The art of beadweaving has been around for centuries. Just about every culture has some artwork, whether in jewelry, on clothing, or in home decor that uses seed beads in some way, shape or form. My favorite jewelrymaking technique is beadweaving and I learn new skills and techniques every day.

soon.  Toodles!

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Handcrafted Jewelry by Patricia Bowe Designs

Handcrafted Jewelry by Patricia Bowe Designs: BEAUTIFUL HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE. Hand Beaded Necklaces, Bracelets. Filigree Metal Jewelry. Wooden Bangles. Earrings, Beading Patterns...

A Honey of a Post: The Benefits of Honey

 

photo by phasinphoto

I was looking to change my way of eating. So I bought some coconut oil, some nutty nibblies, almond milk and some raw honey to start. I have never had raw honey before and I am hooked! Looked up the benefits of eating straight raw honey and I thought I would share my research with you as well as one of my favorite recipes.

This sweet gift of the bee has so many healthful benefits for the human body. Aside from being just a sweetner, honey has more important healing properties:



*It is said that eating honey can strengthen those weakened by illness or stress.



*It can calm the mind and may help with insomnia.



*It is said that honey can also relieve indigestion and treat respiratory complaints and cardiovascular disease.



*Eating honey that is grown locally is well known to help against hay fever and strengthen the immune system against pollen from local trees and flowers.



photo by graur razvan ionut.

Honey Tips:



1. When buying honey, organic is the best. 

Organic honey is honey that is produced, processed and packaged in accordance with USDA regulations and certified by a USDA certified agency or organization. Also buy honey in which the bees produce the honey naturally, without being fed refined sugars. 



2. Get to know the different flavors and types of honey.



Not all honey is the same. Depending on the region, the flowers from which the bees collect their nectar, etc. there are so many flavors, fragrances and consistencies out there. The types of honey are vast. There are at least 300 types of honey in the USA alone! And as far as forms of honey they range from liquid, comb honey,(where the edible honeycomb is in the jar with the honey), crystallized, whipped... then there are honeys that are infused with fruit, herbs...((Whew!)), even honey made by killer bees! (yes, you read that right...killer bees! And it's delicious.) Go on a honey quest and see how many flavors you can find.



3. Important!! 

 Do not feed unpasturized honey to children under a year! Unpasturized honey contains a bacteria that is very harmful to small children but seems to be harmless in adults.



 4. Having trouble sleeping? I love this and use it all the time to relax. Add a spoonful to some lavender or chamomile (or better yet, a combination of both flowers) tea before bed. Breathe in deeply the relaxing aroma of the lavender or chamomile. Sip slowly, letting each sip go down gently. You should feel nice and relaxed by the time you finish your cup of tea.



5. I also like a nice cup of warm milk laced with a little rum, a dash of spice and a spoonful or two of honey at night. You can use regular milk or soy milk(vanilla is better for this - it has a nicer taste)



6. Take a honey bath! Take an ounce or two of honey and add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil. Add to a warm bath to help you relax.


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AND NOW...

This is my favorite chicken wing recipe!!

Spicy Honey Wings

2lbs chicken wings cleaned and split into sections


1/8 tsp of each of the following (mix these together):


Salt


Black Pepper


Garlic Powder


Paprika


Nutmeg


Ginger


Cinnamon


Pinch or two of Cayenne Pepper or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (this is to taste. If you love fiery wings like me, add more. I even go as far as to add Tobasco sauce on top of that!)



1/4 cup honey



Combine the dry ingredients and set aside. Clean and split chicken wings. Take the dry mix and rub a liberal amount on the wings. Whatever spices are left set aside for now. Either broil or grill wings until their juices run clear. 

While the chicken is cooking, take the remaining spices and mix them into the honey. Baste the honey mixture over the chicken pieces like you would a barbecue sauce, let caramelize then baste again. You want a nice, thick sticky coating so people have no choice but to lick their fingers! This is my favorite chicken dish and you can use it for wings, or even larger pieces or a whole bird! Enjoy!!

 (By the way, the spices are very adjustable. If you want more cinnamon, by all means. If you want a more garlicky chicken, sprinkle away.

SEE YOU NEXT TIME FOR MORE BEADWEAVER DREAMS!

Keep Your Jewelry Looking Its Best!

Caring for Your Handmade Jewelry

As you know, I make handcrafted jewelry. When you buy a piece of handmade beaded jewelry, there are a few things you should remember so you can enjoy your hand beaded treasure for a long time.

Please store your beadwoven pieces in a dry place that is protected from direct sunlight and excess humidity.  I use only high quality materials in my creations; however, many types of seed beads, vintage parts and components can tarnish, change, or even lose their color if stored in high moisture, heat or sunlight. Those conditions may also damage the thread, making it more susceptible to breakage.  A soft pouch may help to prevent seed beads, crystals and gems in your woven items from chipping and scratching. Avoid dropping or tossing your beadwoven jewelry onto hard surfaces or into your jewelry box which encourages tangling. Pieces made with beading wire should be gently coiled or hung to minimize kinking.

Pieces utilize materials such as small beads, vintage metal components, dyes, finishes, glues, colorants, etc.  Please do not let children or pets play with these pieces or place pieces in their mouths.  Small beads and components are a choking hazard.  Do not place jewelry in your mouth.

Jewelry pieces are for adult use and wear only.  We are not responsible for the misuse of these jewelry pieces.  If you find that you are allergic, remove the piece and seek medical attention immediately.

Never expose beadwoven jewelry to water, perfume or any other chemicals (including soap and other detergents, crèmes, lotions, disinfectants, etc.) as doing so will reduce the life of the piece. Apply your cosmetics, lotions and perfumes let them dry before putting on the piece.   Do not wear jewelry when doing dishes, taking showers or swimming.  Avoid wearing your jewelry to bed as it increases the risk of breakage, kinking and it is also a safety hazard.

Well, that's all for now. Come back soon for another Beadweaver Dreams post! Visit Patricia Bowe Jewelry for beautiful handcrafted and fashion jewelry designs!

Toodles!!

Shades of Purple Cuff Bracelet

FEATURED PRODUCT: Shades of Purple Pearl Cuff Bracelet

This gorgeous pearl cuff features glass pearls in shades of purple, pink and white. It's a nice, wide cuff with a comfortable weight on the wrist. The clasp is a slide lock which is nice and secure. Available now at only $32.00

Spinner Crystal Pendants!

Happy Autumn!!

Autumn. The air gets crisp and cool, the kids go back to school. The days grow shorter, and the leaves turn a rainbow of colors. There's leaf jumping and Halloween!! 

There's also warm, comfy clothes. Bulky warm sweaters, neck hugging cozy scarves. And a host of accessories to accessorize with them.  Check out these gorgeous pieces!

Colors of Autumn Bangle

This adorable bangle is so comfortable to wear!  Made with a beautiful nylon yarn wrapped around a wooden bangle. Simple but sweet.  Available in 6 colors and more coming!

Autumn Berries Necklace

This beautiful spiral necklace is made with varying sizes of seed beads in autumn colors. Perfect over a nice sweater dress or turtleneck.

Leaf Prints Wooden Bangle

The shadows of leaves that have fallen sometimes can still be seen on the ground long after the leaves have been swept away. This is what I thought of when I made this sweet bracelet.

Well, that's all I have for you now!  There are lots more autumn jewelry pieces available in my shop!

Toodles!