<![CDATA[Kelly Malouf's Hand Beaded Designs Blog]]> http://kellymalouf.com/blog.html?cq=1 en-us Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:53:27 GMT <![CDATA[Summer Clearance]]> http://kellymalouf.com/blog.html?cq=1&p=22 SUMMER CLEARANCE




Going On Now




Save up to 50% on select items!
]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:53:27 GMT <![CDATA[Entry for May 19, 2008 Big Sale of the Season!]]> http://kellymalouf.com/blog.html?cq=1&p=21 Announcing my BIG SALE of the season.


Please enjoy the COOL 25% off ALL PRODUCTS in my store.

Hurry, it's for a limited time only!


Enjoy Risk Free shopping and excellent Customer Service.


Thank you!

]]> Mon, 19 May 2008 16:01:22 GMT <![CDATA[Entry for March 17, 2008]]> http://kellymalouf.com/blog.html?cq=1&p=20 I did this post on my newer Blog last week.  I thought I would share it here with you.  If you are interested in viewing other posts there go to www.kellymaloufsblog.blogspot.com . 

My Favorite How to Jewelry Sites




If you ever wanted to learn to make your own creations with beads, whether it be jewelry, hair accessories, home decor or clothing, it can become overwhelming when you have to search for a place to learn.

I've compiled my favorite tutorials that I've turned to online. Whether I wanted to learn a new technique, get some inspiration, or just a new color combination. I hope they help you like they have helped me. And when you find one you like, don't for get to bookmark it or add it to your favorites.



Basic Stringing

http://www.firemountaingems.com/beading_howtos/default.asp?navsrc=2

Great basic stringing tutorials and beyond. Tons of ideas also. Can buy supplies here too.

www.artbeads.com/learning-center.html

Great ideas, tips, and more. Can buy supplies here too.

http://www.ring-things.com/

Projects, classes, information and supplies.



Beyond the Basic

http://www.rubysbeadwork.com/

Great beadwork and tutorials for beyond basic stringing. Peyote, Herringbone and more.

http://www.diynetwork.com/

Tons of DIY projects for beading and beyond



Wire Work

http://www.wire-sculpture.com/

Great tutorials with some being free. Can buy supplies here.

www.wigjig.com/making-jewelry-with-beads.htm

Great wire tutorials and ideas.

www.beadshop.com/learnonline/techniques/wirewrappedloops.aspx

Great tutorials and ideas.



Blogs for Beading and Beaders

http://www.katiehacker.com/

http://www.naughtysecretaryclub.com/

http://www.jewelryandbeading.com/



Beading Magazine Sites

http://www.beadstylemag.com/

http://www.beadandbutton.com/

http://www.artjewelrymag.com/



Short list, I know, and there are tons more out there. But these I found to be the easiest to follow and understand. For additional help, you are able to sign up on the magazine sites and join in on the wonderful forums there. There are plenty of people willing to answer questions and help. And don't forget to check out the beautiful creations people make after you join.

Or send me a message, and I will be more than happy to help you myself.

And don't forget to share the pictures of your new creations with me :)

HAPPY BEADING!


]]> Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:04:41 GMT <![CDATA[Entry for February 19, 2008 More new items]]> http://kellymalouf.com/blog.html?cq=1&p=19 Other new items added recently.  These great bracelets come in other colors too!  Go back and take a look, they are a must have for this Spring's Fashion.  Made from Fire Polished Czech Glass and Silver Plate.]]> Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:05:06 GMT <![CDATA[Entry for February 19, 2008 A new item...]]> http://kellymalouf.com/blog.html?cq=1&p=18 This is one of my new items.  Siam Swarovski Crystal and Sterling Silver Earrings.  They are gorgeous!  I am working on other colors to add as well.  If you have a favorite Swarovski Crystal color, let me know!  Don't forget to see the Emerald Swarovski and Sterling Silver Earrings too!








]]> Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:00:13 GMT <![CDATA[Entry for February 10, 2008 Getting to know you....]]> http://kellymalouf.com/blog.html?cq=1&p=17 I have already started my new segment.  I have been getting responses already.  It is really great getting to know the many talented people behind the websites. 


This has been so much fun!  I thought I would answer my own questions and let everyone get to know me a bit better too.   So head over to http://kellymalouf.com/blog and read all about me.  Then you can read all about Megan.


Happy Reading!  (Don't worry, it's not that long.  LOL)



]]> Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:18:58 GMT <![CDATA[Entry for February 8, 2008 Blog interviews have begun!]]> http://kellymalouf.com/blog.html?cq=1&p=16 I'm excited to let you all know I have started yet another blog.  You can view this one at http://kellymalouf.com/blog . 


A little update of what's to come on the new Blog above:


I have sent out requests for interviews with crafty people who design, make and sell their own products (products of all kinds).  Very soon I will start this segment for you.  This way you can get to know the people behind the products and sites you actually visit.  If there is someone you would like to learn more a bout, let me know and I will see if they would be interested in participating. 


So, until then, happy shopping (and reading)!


]]> Fri, 08 Feb 2008 23:06:06 GMT <![CDATA[Entry for January 23, 2008 Care, Cleaning and Storage of your Hand Beaded Jewelry~ It's Easy!]]> http://kellymalouf.com/blog.html?cq=1&p=15 So, you bought your piece of hand beaded jewelry, wore it, got tons of compliments and want to buy more.  Or, you are thinking about buying your first piece.  Good for you!  Hopefully, you are buying it from my website.  OK, even if you don't, I am compelled to tell you how easy it is to care for, clean and store these treasured hand beaded jewelry pieces.

A couple of important things you need to know to care for these pieces is first, ALWAYS put your jewelry on last.  Yes, after your "getting ready for whatever" routine, dressing, makeup, lotion, hairspray, perfume, etc...Jewelry goes on last.  These things can all affect the look of your piece either immediately or it will build up over time.  It is not fun to try to clean off and may discolor or scratch your jewelry.

Second, it is wise to remove your hand beaded jewelry pieces before you shower, swim, clean or go to bed.  Any harsh chemical can scratch or dull the surface of the beads and metals used in your piece.  And who really wants to wake up with beaded imprints on their skin?  LOL (I got a visual~sorry)

Cleaning your hand beaded jewelry is simple.  All you need is a soft dry or damp cloth and then gently polish the stones and findings.  You should never use cleaners of any kind on hand beaded jewelry.  With proper care and storage, you won't need to.

Storing your hand beaded jewelry is easy too.  It is best to keep your pieces in a plastic bag, satin bag, jewelers bag, or a covered box.  They should be kept seperate from other jewelry to avoid scratching.  Never fold your jewelry.  I know this seems like common sense, but I have seen this happen.  This causes kinks in the stringing material used to make your beautiful piece.  Always store jewelry flat or gently coiled.

If it has been a while since you've worn your piece of hand beaded jewelry, and you take it out to find that it's not laying right, a little curvy in places~Do not fear!  Sometimes the stringing material used  will "settle" into the position stored in.  Try putting the piece on the neck of an empty hanger and hang it in the bathroom while you shower, let the humidity try to straighten it out.  If this does not work, then try placing your piece around a round object  for a bit.  I do not recommend stretching the piece to get the curves out.  This could put too much tension on the stringing material and your piece could break.  That would not be good.

See?  It is simple!


Now have fun!  Look beautiful!  Wear Hand Beaded Jewelry!


Visit www.kellymalouf.com and buy your Hand Beaded Jewelry Today!

]]> Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:10:55 GMT <![CDATA[January 11, 2008 What is your Favorite Gemstone? What is your Favorite Color Combination?]]> http://kellymalouf.com/blog.html?cq=1&p=9 I'd like to do a little survey and was wondering if I can get your help?  It is just for fun, nothing serious...


What is your Favorite Gemstone?  Do you have one?  Let me know what it is....


What is your favorite color or color combination?  Have a couple or a few?  Let me know what they are...


Thanks for participating! 


Until next time.....


]]> Fri, 11 Jan 2008 23:30:18 GMT <![CDATA[Entry for January 2, 2008]]> http://kellymalouf.com/blog.html?cq=1&p=4 Garnet is the Gemstone for January.  Found mostly in a red tone, I learned it can be found in various shades of other colors, all but blue.  Garnet is a fairly hard/tough stone of 7-7.5 .


Garnet, being fairly hard does well with being cleaned with cleaners and soap.  I will do a post on cleaning gemstones soon.  I would recommend a damp soft cloth or a dry one soft cloth. 


Metaphysically speaking it is believed that Garnet is used for protection from evil, protection on travels, business success, popularity and self esteem.  It is said the Garnet is the stone of purity and truth.


The Garnet is also the stone for Capricorns!  12/22-1/19.


If you are an Aquarius, 1/20-2/18 your lucky Gemstone is the Ruby.  (Ruby is also the birhtstone for July)


Ruby is usually found in a red color, but pinkish (pink saphire), purplish (purple saphire), oranges and brownish tones are also found.  Usually found to be heat treament enhanced.


Ruby is a hard stone, a 9.  A suburb jewelry stone, with only the Diamond being harder, a 10.  Ruby is also one of the elite Top Four Gems along with Diamond, Emerald and Saphire.  Rubies can be cleaned using cleaners, but as I said before, I recommend using a soft cloth. 


Metaphysically speaking, the Ruby is used for protection against misfortune and bad health.  The Ruby is also associated with love, passion and power.  In a ring, it is said that it should be worn on the left hand.


Until next time....

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