Learn Silk Knotting This Saturday
It’s Beadaholics roundtable time again! The Charlotte Beadaholics are a monthly meetup group for local jewelry artists. We meet at On A String Bead Shop in Myers Park. Our roundtable meetups include a demo or discussion. This month, Nolan from On A String will be showing us how to create a knotted silk strand.
The silk knotting technique can be used to create necklaces or bracelets (or even earrings if you want to). Traditionally, most people think of knotting as a method to string pearls. One sign of a “good” strand of pearls has always been their strong, hand knotted silk. The silk knots protect the pearl nacre by preventing individual pearls from rubbing. They also give the strand a liquid or fluid feel that allows them to lay perfectly around the neckline. And should that string of pearls catch on something and break, only one pearl will roll off. Anne, at On A String, mentioned that you can experiment with the color of the silk used to knot crystals or transparent stones for unique and beautiful effects.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been seeing lots of higher end gemstone necklaces knotted lately. It’s a gorgeous, luxurious look. Hope you can make it!
American Gem Beads & Jewelry Expo Bead Finds
I attended the Charlotte Beadaholics Meetup at Metrolina last Saturday for the American Gem Beads & Jewelry Show. I ended up purchasing these lovely gemstone beads:
They look good enough to eat, don’t they? From left to right, they are kyanite sticks, kyanite rounds, yellow jade pumpkins, a grayish moonstone, tourmaline, pink opal and amethyst. Love, love, love them all! I’m so glad I went to this show.
Rings & Things Bead Tour in Charlotte
If you’re a Charlotte area jewelry artist, you might want to put the Rings & Things Bead Tour on your calendar. They set up a sea of beads and allow you to browse with no pressure to buy. I seriously can’t wait! If you’re interested, here are the details:
Sunday, June 19th, 2-6 PM
Renaissance Suites Hotel Google Map
Terrace Ballroom
2800 Coliseum Centre Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 357-1414
Be sure you bring along your tax ID/license if you are tax exempt. Questions? Read their FAQ.
The Beadaholics will have an informal meetup there also. We’d love to see you!
