Wether you're just starting out on jewellery making
as a new hobby, or you need a little refreshing ...
the foundational basic techniques are the most
important skills to build on. As such, I have put
together some videos on my YouTube Channel:
Linda Jones Wire Jewellery, covering making
your own findings, such as clasps, headpins,
eye pins, jump rings, bead links, etc... as well as
some design tutorials.
Making your own findings not only saves you
money, but also means you can customise your
pieces and create more original designs that
blend with your style.
We're also approaching St Valentine's Day on the 14th
of this month, which is always a time for a crafter to
get busy! But did you know the real story around the
legend of this now, very commercial day?
Well, it turns out that it originated in Roman times,
when the Roman Emperor Claudius II needed more
soldiers. He suspected that 'marriage' softened men
and made them want to stay home with their wives
instead of fighting wars. So he outlawed marriage!
However, a kind hearted young priest named
Valentine, felt sorry for all the couples who wanted
to marry but who couldn't. So he secretly married
as many couples as he could, until the Emperor found
out and condemned him to death.
Whilst he was in prison awaiting execution,
Valentine showed love and compassion to everyone
around him, including his jailer. The jailer had a
young daughter who was blind, but through Valentine's
prayers, she became healed!
Just before his execution and death in Rome
on 14th February, Valentine wrote her a farewell
message signed, "From your Valentine". So, the
very first Valentine card was not between lovers,
but between a priest about to die and a little girl,
healed through his prayers!
Here's a Valentine Heart Earring Tutorial
that you might enjoy making. Just click on this link:
Although this tutorial is for earrings,
it's also perfect for the front of a
card, or for a pendant on a chain...
Alternatively, you can link them
together to form a Chain of Hearts!
Sending much LOVE to you all!
