One of the many great things about attending the Tucson Gem and Mineral shows is to be able to preview all of the new trends and products being introduced in the beading and jewelry making industry. I am so inspired with ideas from seeing many techniques and designs I just don’t know where to start first.
Metals and metal working continues to grow with so many new tools, products and interest. Metal stamping, texturing, mixed metals, found objects and resin continue to grow in popularity and overall accessibility. There are so many directions to take these cool techniques. The “Steam Punk” movement continues to build in popularity which has incorporated the use of many of these metal techniques. This year you will see more beaders adding images of keys, watch faces, watch parts and gears. These elements are everywhere! They come in charms, pendants, impressions, images, ink stamps, in all different sizes from silver, gold, brass and copper finishes. C-Koop http://www.ckoopbeads.com/ was one of my favorite vendors that offer a brilliant display of enameled copper elements in all shapes and designs that fit along perfectly with these current trends. No matter what your beading technique of choice is, many designers are adding some of these fun ideas to their designs.
Another really cool product I saw was two part epoxy clay that comes in various colors. You can add the clay into a frame, a bezel or any kind of a surface and then embed flat back crystal, stones or charms to make a mosaic like design. It is easy to use, not messy and dries within an hour and a half. This was one of my favorite products I saw and the crowds around the tables were non-stop so I know this will be the next big thing!
The latest hot thing from Miyuki is the ever so cool Tila Beads. They are 2 hole little tiles that are 5mm and lend themselves to so many great design options. You can use them in an easy square stitch design to make a quick and easy bracelet. It also looks fabulous in a right angle weave stitch also. It comes in all the great Miyuki colors and finishes. I can’t wait to play with these and see what kind of fun designs I can come up with.
Swarovski always goes all out with its glitz and glamor for the Tucson show. They bring in all of their design ambassadors for classes, demos and to roll out their latest and greatest in “sparkle”. This year was no exception as they previewed their Xilion cut crystal beads. These crystals have a brilliant luminosity with many facets that reflect the light and I didn’t think it could be possible for more sparkle but they created it. Another great feature is the clear rounded smooth holes of the crystal that protects your thread from getting cut or frayed. Chanton and Rose are the new hot colors in these beads as well as all of the other fabulous hues and finishes Swarovski has to offer.
I was really into the many “chain alternatives” like Wire Lace. They offer over 30 different yummy colors in sizes ranging from 1mm to 20mm wide. The samples were so inspiring and looked awesome with Swarovski crystals of course. Another favorite is the Silver Silk woven wire chain. I am partial to their captured chain. It is ball chain encased in a woven wire tube. Kabela Design also offers this product in the vintage copper, brass and a lush matte gold to go along with their vintage filigree components.
I am so full of creative energy and inspiration. I have made a list of new techniques and skills I hope to learn this year. Besides gaining some new bead weaving skills, I am looking forward to trying my hand at polymer clay, more resin work, metals and cold connections. I am very excited about sharing all the latest and greatest in beading and jewelry making with all my bead friends this year.
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