GETTING BACK TO BASICS

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:

Valentine Heart Tutorial

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!