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Showing posts from July, 2020

Friendship Bracelet Project Using Fimo Beads

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Making your own beads is incredibly therapeutic, particularly when using Fimo, as the colours are instantly impactful and ready to go. Read on to see how to make these easy Friendship Bracelets in honour of World Friendship Day which is on 30 th July this year. You will need: Fimo – I used Fimo Professional 12 Pack – (866 370) Fimo Magic Roller – (867 201) Fimo Varnish – (867 217) Sterling Silver 2 Hole Beads 8mm and 5mm – ( NVQ D08 and NVQ D05 ) Coloured Plastic Beads or beads of personal choice Leather Cord 2mm – (998 1010) Sterling Silver End Caps – (NVO 215X) 5mm Jump rings – (NVH L50) Sterling Silver Lobster Clasp 11mm – (NVF L11) Needle Cocktail sticks Round Needle File Parallel Pliers First, choose your Fimo colours and assemble your Magic Roller. The top section simply slides along the bottom one, rolling the Fimo into a uniform shape as it goes. (There is a locating piece which can be slotted into place but I found it easier without it). There are three diff...

Bead Trends: Styles, Colours and Shapes

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The sun is out, the pubs are open and it is time to welcome the great British Summer and all that goes with it. And what does Summer equal in jewellery terms? That’s right, you’ve guessed it, BEADS! Fun, frivolous and in every conceivable shape, colour and style; they are just what we need right now and we have oodles of them available at the touch of a button. Read on to see what styles are currently trending here at Cooksongold. Semi-Precious Beads Rose Quartz Semi Precious Round Beads 6mm, 16″/40cm Strand ( 67SPQR02) The delicate pink of Rose Quartz never fails to please and is proving extremely popular with customers at the moment. Our Rose Quartz beads are light, fresh and perfect for casual summer necklaces and bracelets. Layer them up to create an effortless Boho Chic look and try mixing them with other materials such as wood, metal and leather to keep things interesting. Available in 16” strands of 6mm – 10mm round beads, as well as nuggets and ovals. Seed Beads Miyuki 1...

Beads 101: The Ultimate Beads Guide

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Beads come in all shapes and sizes; they can be tiny and they can also be huge and made of all manner of weird and wonderful materials. If you find yourself feeling a little confused by the sheer volume available, read on for a whistle stop tour of what’s what. Glass Beads Glass beads make up one of the biggest categories of beads available and encompass everything from tiny seed beads measuring just a few millimetres, to hand blown lamp beads, at up to an inch or two. They can be transparent or opaque. Some have decoration inside (e.g. crackle effects or stripes of colour), whereas others have coloured coatings to the exterior, often iridescent, to add shimmer. Glass beads can be both smooth and faceted and also come in a variety of pressed shapes which are made in moulds. Crystal beads are very popular (Swarovski), as they contain extra lead which results in the most amazing sparkle and brilliance. Prices vary enormously and depend on size, quality and method of manufacturer for ex...

Three Beautiful Beading Projects for National Beading Week

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Are you looking to challenge yourself this International Beading Week? Do you want to try your hand at creating something different? This year, we’ve collaborated with BeadSmith this International Beading Week to present you with three amazing projects for you to try at home. Once again, International Beading Week is here! This week is all about celebrating the art and craft of beading in all its form. That is why at Cooksongold, we have a ton of amazing deals on our beading ranges as well as all sorts of projects for you to do at home. Whether you’re starting out and learning the basics or you’re an avid crafts person who’s been crafting with beads for years, this week is for you. So here are three amazing projects for you to try at home. Super Duo Honeycomb Bangle A simple but rewarding project for the crafter looking to build on their skills. Once you learn how to make a Honeycomb Bangle and the principles of how to create them, it opens you up to much more creatively. To cre...

What’s Hot in Finished Jewellery

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We have a number of Finished Jewellery items on our site, but what’s trending this Summer? We delve into the range find out Chain If you want to stay on trend this Summer, the key piece to get yourself is an oversized chain, otherwise known as macro chain, which is the must-have item this year. Never ones to rest on our laurels, we have a great range of larger sized chains and chain earrings available, which will allow you and your customers to achieve the perfect look of the moment. Top to bottom: Sterling Silver 6.6mm Diamond Cut Curb Chain 18″/45cm Hallmarked (VVCD A66H) , Sterling Silver 7.4mm Diamond Cut Curb Chain Identity Bracelet 21.5cm/8.5″ Hallmarked (VVJH I04D) and Sterling Silver Large Link Chain Design Drop Earring (XSS 2232)   Our brand-new Sterling Silver Chain earrings will not be around for long I guarantee. They are bang on trend as well as being beautifully elegant, so I really wouldn’t wait to order these. We really know about chain here at Cooksongold...