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The woman who helped usher the interior design industry into full flower in the United States was prolific in putting out ideas that will help freshen up today's interior design business. Look at our latest Designer Monthly, Interior Design: Look Forward by Looking Back to Dorothy Draper.

Did you ever have a problem designing small spaces?  Take a look at how top interior designers solved this common problem in our latest Designer Monthly, How to Design Small Spaces at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House.

 

 

 

 

Entries by Haley Mindes (21)

Friday
Jul262013

Random Interesting Rings

 

 


Murder She Wrote Ring by Stephen Webster

While these are not the type of rings that we are teaching students to make here in the Sheffield Jewelry Design Course, I thought you would still enjoy seeing them. During my search for blog images, for other blogs, I have set aside a few interesting rings that I have come across. Not knowing what to do with them, I figured posting them under the title random interesting rings is self explanatory. Starting off with Stephen Webster's ring, since we are here in the big apple. Enjoy!

Paris snow globe ring on Pinterest

 


Selda Okutan Ring  

Szofita on Etsy

Seven Dwarfs two finger ring 

fashionhause

 

Are you interested in taking a great jewelry design course and learning more about how to make your own jewelry or get started professionally in this creative field? Sheffield School began as an Interior Design school in 1985, and then expanded our course offerings to train people in other design-related fields, including Feng ShuiWedding and Event Planning, and Jewelry Design. With thousands of active students and more than 50,000 graduates, Sheffield has trained more design professionals than any school in the world.

 
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  • Friday
    Jul122013

    Organizing Ideas For Your Beads and Jewelry Supplies

    Christine Marie Studio blogspot

    Many Sheffield students ask me what is the best way to store their beads - by color, size, or shape? When you develop a jewelry making addiction the supplies seem so tiny and harmless, but they start to add up and take over your room real fast. This can lead to a confusing mess unless you are willing to put your creativity into your organizational skills and find a solution that works for your space. 

    Jars of beadson 2 me 4 art blog.

    There is no right or wrong way to store your jewelry supplies, but it is far better to see your materials and know what you have to work with, rather than relying on memory. Separating materials properly creates the need for lots of small storage spaces but will make your life easier when you are scanning your materials for the perfect stone or bead for your project. I have always liked the look of glass jars for storage but do not trust myself with all that glass. 

     

    Whether you keep them separated with trays inside a drawer to tuck them out of site, or visible in jars on shelves, it does not really matter if you separate them by by color, size or shape. Depending on what you make you will find that you reach for some things more often than others. Figuring out what those items are will help you start the organization process.

    Nick and Caeli blogspot

    Not only will it be easier for you to see what you have to use when working, but it will save you from going out and purchase something you already had. 

    Haley M bead storage idea.

    My gemstones and findings are separated in tins, with clear lids, inside drawers. I can easily see what I have when working and keep the items I use most in the top drawers. In a larger bottom drawer I keep my larger gemstones inside zip lock bags. Inside each bag I write how much each stone costs. When I purchase a strand of stones I write the cost of the strand (for comparison shopping) and I count how many stones are on the strand. I then divide the price of the strand by the number of stones, which gives me a price per bead. When reaching to use that stone in a design a year later, I will know how to calculate my costs for pricing the piece I am working on. 

    If you are more of a part time addict, or live in a really small space, you may want to tuck your supplies away in a trunk and slide it under a bed or inside a closet. If you want your part time addiction to be displayed proudly, Amy Powers shows us how to convert an old suitcase into fun storage with this great tutorial.

    A parts storage container meant for screws and washers is a great way to neatly store beads and findings. They can be be purchased at nearly every hardware store. The small drawers are clear so it is easy to see what is inside, while keeping everything in a contained area so it is not taking up too much space.

     

    Martha Stewart hinged 2 bookcases together, Pinterest.

    Martha Stewart hinged two bookcases together to form a closing cabinet. It is so beautifully organized if it were in my house I would feel no need to close it. It feels almost too perfect to mess up by actually working on it. Love that the tools are neatly hanging in front and the beads are stacked in clear containers on the shelves at eye level. 

     

    Are you interested in taking a great jewelry design course and learning more about how to make your own jewelry or get started professionally in this creative field? Sheffield School began as an Interior Design school in 1985, and then expanded our course offerings to train people in other design-related fields, including Feng ShuiWedding and Event Planning, and Jewelry Design. With thousands of active students and more than 50,000 graduates, Sheffield has trained more design professionals than any school in the world.

     
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  • Wednesday
    Jul032013

    Thinking Outside The Box And Recycling In Jewelry Packaging - Part 2

    Decor8 blog fabric pouches.

    The importance of making an effort to creatively package your work shows your customer you are putting thought into every aspect of your work. These are inexpensive ideas that will not only enhance your image to your customer but also good for recycling. 


    Unkown on Blog Bomming

    Art Jewelry Elements packaging.

    Wrapping colored tissue paper up and sealing it with a custom sticker is not only an easy way to have great looking gift packaging but you can size your wrapping to suit your needs so you will not have to purchase different size boxes or bags. 

    Kellyssimadesigns blogspot.

    Cutting out magazine pages to fold into envelopes is not only a money saver but has a great recycled look. Depending on the images used it also adds some edge to your packaging. Here is a tutorial on how to make an envelope.

       

    Packaging by Moondrops on Etsy.com

    Packaging by Visit Jess Janz.

    Love the look of tying up a folded paper bag, or tissue paper, with a business card. It has a non-fussy feel and great looking effect. Taking it a step further and adding a pouch will enhance it, but only if it does not cover up already great looking packaging. 

     

    Packaging by Asil Designs 

    Packaging by Kimberly Layton.

    If you know how to sew, and you have the time, well then... lucky you! Think of all the little pieces of fabric you can sew together to create envelopes and pouches that are unique to you. From the simple red stitched holder on Asil Designs Blogspot to the colorful strips of fabric sewn together by Kimberly Layton. These should be giving you lots of ideas right now. Hanging the beads on the string is giving me ideas.

    I wonder if Sheffield would be open to adding a creative packaging class? If you are interested in tutorials to make your own fabric envelopes and pouches, I found these on my creative packaging search and they seem like a good place to start.

     

    Are you interested in taking a great jewelry design course and learning more about how to make your own jewelry or get started professionally in this creative field? Sheffield School began as an Interior Design school in 1985, and then expanded our course offerings to train people in other design-related fields, including Feng ShuiWedding and Event Planning, and Jewelry Design. With thousands of active students and more than 50,000 graduates, Sheffield has trained more design professionals than any school in the world.

     
  • Request a free Sheffield School catalog describing our distance education courses.
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  • Subscribe to the Sheffield Designer newsletter.
  • Wednesday
    Jun262013

    The Rock Cycle. Where Do Precious and Semi-Precious Gemstones Come From?

    Eternal Tools Color Wheel

    Rocks and minerals are in a constant state of change, referred to as the Rock Cycle. Heat, pressure, water and erosion slowly change them over time. They are mined from the earth, lakes, rivers, and rock formations on the sides of mountains. Almost all gems are formed below the Earth's surface. The largest producers are Brazil, parts of Asia, and several countries in East Africa.


    Raw Emerald

    Some stones are brought to the surface through mining and some are brought to the surface through the earth's natural process of faulting, and volcanism. Research shows meteorites, pieces of rock or metal that fall to earth from outer space, are where precious metals come from. 

    Raw amazonite on Wiccan Leanings.

    Spiritualists believe each gemstone has it's own healing property.

    Raw Rubies

    Gemstones are referred to as precious and semi-precious stones. They are pieces of mineral that are cut and polished to form a shape. Most stones are cut, polished and drilled for usage as jewelry. Precious stones are diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds, because of their rareness. All other gemstones being semi-precious. Gemstones are classified by their color, translucency and hardness.

    Gem Cutting and shaping Bespoke Gems.

    If you have a dremel you can drill your own hole through a stone. If you are going to attempt to drill your own holes you may want to start out by drilling through pebbles. Here is a great tutorial blog that covers drilling holes in pebble stones. 

    Raw Citrine post earrings from Anthropologie.

    Raw diamond ring by Todd Reed. 

    Some designers choose to work with raw gemstones, in the form in which they are found. These are two beautiful examples of using raw stones - the citrine earrings from Anthropologie and raw diamonds by Todd Reed.

    The stones themselves have little value, but are often used in jewelry for their beauty. The value of the stone comes from the workmanship done to shape the stone and the color's desirability. We teach students here at Sheffield how to make beautiful settings for their semi precious stones. 

     

    Are you interested in taking a great jewelry design course and learning more about how to make your own jewelry or get started professionally in this creative field? Sheffield School began as an Interior Design school in 1985, and then expanded our course offerings to train people in other design-related fields, including Feng ShuiWedding and Event Planning, and Jewelry Design. With thousands of active students and more than 50,000 graduates, Sheffield has trained more design professionals than any school in the world.

     

     
  • Request a free Sheffield School catalog describing our distance education courses.
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  • Subscribe to the Sheffield Designer newsletter.
  • Friday
    May172013

    Make More Than Jewelry With Your Materials. 

     

    Holli Brown Mosaics

    Have you ever looked at something in a store and said I can make that. If you are crafty, you see DIY projects as something you are excited about. Sometimes it turns out that it was not as easy as we thought to make. Don't let that burst your bubble. Maybe you didn't find the right project for you. If you are still determined to persevere on with a DIY project with materials you have sitting around, then these projects should get you thinking about what to do next with those beads and chain hanging around in your jewelry supplies. 

    Eiffel and Empire

    Think about revamping a pair of shoes you never wear anymore by either blinging up the heel with crystals, or gluing on rhinestones, or replacing the center strap with a chain to dress it up. 

     

    Halter tops are great projects to play around with. Changing out the neckline or tank top straps with some chain, or beads, will give it a new and refreshed look. These recycled tops found on ebay inspired me to recycle some of my tired old tanks. 

     

     

     

    Best Phone Cases found on Etsy.com

    Add some beads to a summer straw hat, like this one by Melissa Odabash. The turquoise stones are great for summer but you can get creative with whatever color beads you like. Best Phone Cases on Etsy has fun gluing all sorts of things to their phone cases. 

    Mirror by Georgia Peachez

    Every one has materials they have no idea what to do with. Start recycling them and get creative! Make sure you have fun while doing it. This mirror by Georgia Peachez looked like it was fun to make. 

     

    Are you interested in taking a great jewelry design course and learning more about how to make your own jewelry or get started professionally in this creative field? Sheffield School began as an Interior Design school in 1985, and then expanded our course offerings to train people in other design-related fields, including Feng ShuiWedding and Event Planning, and Jewelry Design. With thousands of active students and more than 50,000 graduates, Sheffield has trained more design professionals than any school in the world.

  • Request a free Sheffield School catalog describing our distance education courses.
  • Subscribe to the Sheffield Designer newsletter.