Craft Diva

Designer Glass Bead Assortments

 

Cool Hues glass bead assortment

I like to work with certain color schemes when I'm creating a new craft or art project. I find staring at hanks or containers filled with one type of bead a bit boring. Whenever I start planning a new project, my first step is to decide what colors I want to work with. Then I get out all my supplies in those colors and start making custom bead mixtures.

 

Ocean Breeze glass bead assortment

I decided to offer some of my custom bead mixtures for sale on the Etsy.com website. The bead mixtures all contain a mixture of vintage German glass beads and new Czech glass beads. The vintage German glass beads date back to 1970 or earlier.

 

Tooty Fruity glass bead assortment

The glass bead mixtures are packaged in a round, aluminum tin which has a clear plexi-glass lid. I currently offer the glass bead mixtures in 28 different color schemes. To view all my designer glass bead assortments, that are currently offered for sale, visit my Etsy store: lynnsmythecreations.etsy.com.

 

Sugar Plum glass bead assortment

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Craft Diva

 

Patriotic glass bead assortment

Turtle Powered Beadwork

ABOVE: Beaded earrings by Lynn Smythe. Turtle pattern on one side, bugs on the other!

Here's a couple of photographs of two turtle themed beadwork pieces I created. The earrings use tiny size 14/o seed beads, while the beaded needle case uses size 11/o Miyuki delicas.

ABOVE: Beaded sewing needle case by Lynn Smythe. The case features a beaded neckstrap so the piece doubles as a piece of wearable art.

The pattern featured in both pieces is my own original design. I'm going to be researching bead design software in the very near future. My plan is to start offering my original bead patterns for sale. Once I get my patterns all graphed out, I'll have loom woven bracelet patterns, beaded earring patterns, beaded needle case patterns and amulet bag patterns available.

The patterns will be available on my Etsy.com store: Craft Diva's Shop.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Craft Diva

Craft Diva's Favorite Glass Suppliers

ABOVE: Sculptural peyote necklace featuring 3 fused glass donuts by Lynn Smythe

In the coming weeks and months, I'll be posting up lots of photos and information on my various fused glass creations. I make a variety of fused glass cabochons, pendants and gift items such as plates, bowls and vases.

Fused Glass Classes
Not ready to place a catalog order, do you want to be able to pick out your glass in person? Visit your local stained glass studio. Many of the studios in my area also teach fused glass classes, rent kiln time and sell a variety of fused glass supplies. You can't just use any type of glass to make fused glass, it has to be tested compatible.

If you are new to the medium of fused glass, I highly recommend taking a basic/beginners level class. Check out bead stores in your area too. I've taught fused glass classes at both local bead stores and my local gem & mineral society.

ABOVE: Detail of fused glass necklace by Lynn Smythe

Fused Glass Suppliers

Here is a quick list of my favorite glass suppliers.

1. Delphi Glass - www.delphiglass.com
2. Ed Hoy's International - www.edhoy.com
3. Glass Crafters - www.glasscrafters.com
4. Slumpy's - www.slumpys.com

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Craft Diva

Craft Diva Store on Etsy.com

 

ABOVE: Glass Bead Assortment available from the Craft Diva Etsy.com store

I have just opened a shop on the Etsy.com website. I will be listing a variety of jewelry making, beads and scrapbook supplies for sale. 

I have a ton of inventory in stock, so it will take me awhile to get it all photographed and added to the website.

Craft Diva's Creations
In the future I may also list some of my OOAK (one-of-a-kind) beaded jewelry and fused glass creations for sale. If you are interested in any of my pieces that are showcased on the Craft Diva site, email me to ask if they are available.

ABOVE: Fused glass pendants and necklaces by Lynn Smythe

Craft Diva's Etsy.com Store
My user name on Etsy.com is Lynn Smythe Creations, so my Etsy.com Craft Diva store is located at lynnsmythecreations.etsy.com. Here's a teaser of some of the items that will be available on my Esty.com store.

Fused Glass Items by Lynn Smythe
Fused glass pendants
Fused glass cabochons

Jewelry Making Supplies
Delica beads by Miyuki
Seed beads
Glass bead assortments

Craft Supplies
Scrapbooking materials
Altered art supplies
Rubber stamps
Stickers

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Craft Diva

Jewelry Making Supplies on Overstock.com

I was recently searching the Overstock.com website for some home decor items I saw in a magazine. Just for kicks, I decided to do a search on jewelry making supplies and was surprised when the search turned up 5 pages of supplies.

A few of the jewelry supplies I found listed on Overstock.com include:

Beads

• Czech fire polished beads
• Swarovski crystal beads
• Gemstone beads
• Seed beads

Jewelry findings

• Head pins
• Clasps
• Bulk chain

The merchandise on Overstock.com is continually changing. I will be checking the site on a weekly basis to see what bargains I can find.

I'd like to hear about other online sites you use to find great bargains on beads, findings and other jewelry, sewing and craft making supplies.

Take care,
The Craft Diva