Thursday 23 October 2014

I Love Designing Earrings - Here is My Collection

I love designing earrings and for the past few weeks, I've been creating a collection using swarovski crystals, pewter, silver plating, gold plating and plastic. I truely love my designs and would now like to move onto my next project and work with gold and silver.

My customers often ask when I'm going to start to create jewellery with gold and silver, as they tell me that would like certain designs I create to be produced using these materials. Below are some the designs which my customers love.

Upcycled Gold Toned Swirl and Light Grey Bead Earrings


The earrings above won the design of the week by Fire Moutains Gems and Beads, I'm so honoured that they won, as all the previous winners have designed some gorgeous jewellery.




Blue Swarvoski Crystal and Pewter Drop Earrings


These blue swarovski crystal earrings, has received a lot of interest from my customers. The earrings were created with a pewter beads and a  pewter flower bead. I'm so proud of this jewellery piece, it, looks so regal. My final design is a brown swarovski crystal and gold jump ring earring. I  wanted to try something different with jump rings, so I experimented a little and the final design turned out beautiful.

My jewellery can be purchased on my jewellery etsy website, www.etsy.com/shop/Euphena, please feel free to purchase any of my one of a kind pieces, I love making beautiful jewellery for women. I want women to feel and look beautiful when they wear my designs.


Brown Swarovski Crystal Drop Earrings 






Thursday 28 August 2014

Do You Mind If I Share Some Of My Latest Beaded Jewellery Designs With You?

Well it's been a while since I've last blogged, but I've been busy working on my other passion in life which is dance. I now  feel energised  and inspired to share my new designs and I love them. To start, I wanted to try something new and created my first ring. I'm so happy with how it turned out and would now like to use unusual materials such as buttons  for future ring designs.

Butterfly Swarovski Crystal Encrusted Ring.
My second attempt in ring design involved using beads, and the cocktail ring below features light brown and white beads, I'm in love with this design and think it's absolutely gorgeous. I'm now thinking of using swarovski crystals to create more rings. The feedback from  friends is very exciting and I already have a custom order from a close friend.


Light Brown and White Bead Cocktail Ring

Today I created two jewellery pieces, an upcycled necklace created from an  large drop earring and a stretch bracelet. Upcycling is my passion  as it always gets my creative juices flowing. The reason I created the neckalce was because I couldn't find the other earring, however the finished piece looks really nice.

Moroccan Style Pendant Upcycled Necklace
The overall look has a Moroccan feel. I would like to attempt to make another  upcycled necklace, as I like combining different beads to finish off the design and give it a striking look.

My final creation is the lovely stretch bracelet using turquoise swarovski crystals, pewter spacer rondelles and metal lustre beads. I absolutely adore this bracelet. I really think it'll be an excellent fashion accessory for a woman who's going out for the evening and wishes to finish off her outfit with a sophiticated piece of jewellery.
Let me know your thoughts on my jewellery designs. As always I'm happy to create custom orders. Quite recently I've been upcycling jewellery for clients and friends, I will be sharing the designs in my next blog post. If you wish me to upcycle your broken jewellery,please drop me a line at euphenabeadedjewellery@hotmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Turquoise Swarovski Crystal and Pewter Rondelle Stretch Bracelet

Friday 1 August 2014

The Summer Sun Has Inspired Me To Create More Beautiful Jewellery

I love summer and I'm so grateful God has granted  us with such warm  lovely weather this year. I took the opportunity to take my jewellery making tools and beads and sit in my local park under the shade and start creating something beautiful.

There is something about the sun's rays that just brings joy, as I see families coming together to play together, have picinics or just simply enjoy eachothers company, I love hearing the squeals of laughter of young children running playfully in the grass with their friends and siblings.

I feel inspired by the greenery of the trees, bushes, grass, leaves, everything is perfection. So with this new found joy I take out my jewellery kit and beads, play my favourite tunes on my iphone and I get busy.

Here are my designs below. I hope you like them - Have a beautiful Summer everyone !!

Sweet Heart Pendant and Purple Swarovski Crystal Earrings
Flower and Cream Bead Bracelet


Butterfly Pendant and Cream Bead Earrings

If you wish to purchase my unique one of a kind jewellery designs, please contact me at euphenabeadedjewellery@hotmail.com. Look forward to hearing from you.

Friday 18 July 2014

London Jewellery School - The Best Jewellery School Ever !

I've just attended yet another course at this amazing jewellery school. I booked the  silversmithing class, as this is an area of jewellery making I want to pursue. Click here for more information on this class.

My silversmith tutor Michelle Leaver was lovely and took us through the process of creating a sterling silver pendant charm. The beautiful  pendant was created in 2 hours and I absolutely love my design. I feel fairly confident that I would like to use this technique again, so that I create personalised sterling silver jewellery pieces for my customers.

My sterling silver charm pendant created at the London Jewellery School

I have to say the London Jewellery School is one of the best schools to attend if you want to  learn to create jewellery either as a hobby or as a fully fledged jewellery designer. All the tutors  are professional jewellers. The taster courses are wonderful and give an excellent introduction to the various jewellery techniques offered by the school.

For those who want to pursue a career in jewellery design, I recommend the Diploma in Creative Jewellery
which is a comprehensive year-long course that runs 1-day a week and covers a broad range of jewellery techniques from traditional silverwork and design to beading, metal clay and fashion jewellery.

www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk/

Thank you London Jewellery School  for your excellent courses, they are value for money and I learn't so much. I can't wait to book my next course!

Friday 11 July 2014

Inspiring Individuals who Introduced Me To Jewellery Making

I love creating jewellery and felt at this point I should introduce you to the amazing individuals who inspired me in my jewellery making  journey. I would like to introduce you to my very first jewellery making teacher Shafina Fazaldad.


Shafina  is originally from Pakistan and opened her jewellery shop in East Ham (London) after taking a jewellery making course  at a local school. Just like me she was so inspired by her teacher, that she told her husband that she wanted to open a jewellery shop. Shafina explains “the first 6 months of opening the shop was difficult, but I never gave up”.  Shafina started off selling ready made jewellery, but then added beads to the shop. Today Safina’s bead shop is a very successful local  business, it brings the local community together as a lot of her  customers spend time sharing and talking about their jewellery designs.

Shafina Fazaldad - Jewellery Shop Owner and  Designer

I first met Shafina when I had a day off from work and I stumbled across her bead shop, I loved the sparkly beads on show. Shafina said she offered jewellery making classes, so I booked a one hour session with her and I can tell you from that very day I was hooked, my jewellery making journey had begun.  Below is my first ever jewellery design.

My first ever jewellery design set
What I love about Shafina is that she is a very kind and patient teacher, her jewellery making techniques are exquisite and all her  customer say she is very friendly, that’s why you often see customers hanging around the shop for a chat and a cup of tea graciously offered by Shafina.
Shafina says her customers and jewellery making clients are supportive, but the reason I think people keep coming back to her shop is that she is very knowledgeable about jewellery making, you can always find what you need to make beautiful jewellery and Shafina always gives helpful hints to get your jewellery project  started.

Shafina and her Jewellery Shop


I asked Shafina who was her favourite jewellery designers and she mentioned Linda Jones who is an expert in intricate wire work.

I want to thank Shafina for allowing me to interview her, I love purchasing my jewellery findings from her shop, as some of the findings are so unique, that you cannot find them anywhere else.

If you wish to purchase beads, accessories, jewellery kit or anything pertaining to jewellery making , Shafina’s details  are below, I highly recommend her.

Address:  Handmade Jewellery and Beads Unit 48-50, East Ham Shopping Hall, Myrtle Road, East Ham London E6 1HY
Contact: 07859240695

Thursday 26 June 2014

Upcycle Jewellery - Hairpin Necklaces and Earrings

I like to use unusual materials to create beautiful jewellery and I'm happy to share my upcycle jewellery collection. I'm very proud of these designs and took the time to model one of jewellery sets (please see picture below)
Bronze and Gold Coloured Hairpin Necklace with Matching Earrings Modelled by Jennifer Quamina

I shared the design on one of my jewellery facbook groups and the reaction has been incredible, everyone loved it, I've also received requests for instructions, so that group members can make their own designs.

The picture below is my first attempt in creating a hairpin necklace and since writing this blog, I've sold the piece and re-created a dulpicate. The hairpins were purchased from a local retail store in the hair accessories department.
Silver and Bronze Coloured Hairpin Bead Necklace.
The pins come in packs of 50 in two shades namely silver  and bronze which contrast beautifully.

My personal jewellery set was created with bronze and gold coloured hairpins, many of friends have commented that the design has a egyptian look to the design and I have to say I agree with them.

I wanted to extend the jewellery collection and added beads to a third necklace I designed, I think the beads look so sophiscated and sit very well with the hairpins, they almost look regal



To finish off the collection I designed a pair of hairpin earrings. In the ring section I added a white swarovski crystal to complete the overall design. I'm very happy with these designs and it has spurred me on to hunt for other unusual materials to create more upcycle jewellery.


Hairpin and White Bead Necklace 


Silver Coloured Hairpin and White Swarovoski Crystal Erarings


If you wish me to create a custom made hairpin necklace or earrings, please do not hesitate to contact me Jennifer Quamina at euphenabeadedjewellery@hotmail.com. If you have any comments about the designs please leave them below.

Tuesday 10 June 2014

How Creative Beading Can Help Relieve Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression Caused by Chronic Illness

Carrying on the theme, looking at the therapeutic benefits of beading and how it relieves anxiety and depression. I want to share  the story of my friend Dawn Walker who is  currently  living with an illness  that manifests itself with constant chronic pain.

I interviewed  Dawn and asked her a  few questions about how she copes with her illness and discussed  how jewellery making helps her therapeutically. I hope her answers will help others who are undergoing  challenging times will be encouraged by this blog  post with the view  that there is light at the end of tunnel  through creativity.


Can you tell me a little about your illness and how it impacts on your health

I have chronic pelvic pain which hasn't been given a conclusive diagnosis. I am in constant acute pain 24/7 and only get varying levels of relief from a number of opiates and strong painkillers, ranging from mild to moderate. On a scale of 1 - 10 my days go from a 6/7 which takes a lot from myself for it to be just bearable, but the pain increases in waves, which literally wash over me. When the pain worsens I struggle to keep control.

My illness has affected every part of my life, there are weeks where I simply cannot get out of bed because of the pain and have to remain in my bedroom all day ( the worst part of that is all the days I've missed spending time with my 2 two sons).

Physically, I find it hard to walk and most days I can only walk a few feet. There are times where I won't leave the house for weeks on end.   Most nights I don't sleep, if I'm lucky I may get one full night of sleep a week then maybe a few hours a few hours but more often than not I will not sleep a wink.

I think the most upsetting thing is the way all the medication I  take  affects my memory, I've gone from intelligent, articulate to someone who can't hold a sentence, I often forget the simplest of words. I have violent limb spasms, I've scolded myself countless times.
I'm unable to do any housework, I can't cook a family meal unaided as I can't bend to the oven. 

I also have Fowlers Syndrome, whereby I can no longer empty my bladder spontaneously and, now have to self-catheterise, which is horrible believe me.

Emotionally, my illness has driven me to the lowest of lows, because people can't see anything physical. I became suicidal and the last 6 months have been very challenging for me. I've battled my demons and every day was a struggle


What made you decide to turn to jewellery making

I'd saw a bracelet on eBay and I commented to fiancé that I could make a similar bracelet with my own personal touches, so I ordered some jewellery making supplies and  a few days a later a couple of small  jiffy envelopes arrived with my supplies. That very day I sat down and started making jewellery. Initially I used a lot of upcycled components from my own jewellery collection.

Up until that day my life was at all time low and I was really struggling with thoughts of self harm but  jewellery making served as a new outlet for me  and  had a huge impact on my life, I haven't looked back.

 
Beautiful Wire Wrap Bracelet created and designed by Dawn Walker


How has jewellery making helped you personally

Jewellery making for me has given me so much, I've found solace in my jewellery making. I've made friends through Facebook I’ve met some amazing people too.

I've found a new purpose in life and even though my daily life is still a struggle, when I sit down and my hands start making something that I'd pictured in my mind, I can lose myself in what I'm doing. It helps quieten my mind and helps me focus when my pain often becomes so bad that I lose control and panic.  And I know that making jewellery is what I really want to do, to learn, I desperately want to become skilled jewellery maker. I know that's where my journey is to be, I've thoroughly enjoyed it thus far and know the road ahead is going to be an exciting one.

Gorgeous Beaded Bracelet by Dawn Walker 



I want to thank Dawn for her candid and heartfelt answers. 



Below are  a few of Dawn’s exquisite jewellery designs



Crystal and Wire Wrap Bracelet by Dawn Walker




Exquisite Wire Wrap Pendant Necklace created and designed by Dawn Walker


Friday 30 May 2014

Wedding Jewellery - My First Jewellery Designs

I felt honoured to create some beautiful wedding jewellery for my manager (Sarah) who got married last month. Amazingly she organised the wedding within a couple of weeks and her dress looked absolutely gorgeous.

I asked Sarah for the wedding colour theme, so that I could match the jewellery colours and  I'm happy to share the jewellery designs below. Along with the necklace I designed a pair of sterling silver and lavender swarvoski crystal earrings (not shown).

The necklace was created with a sterling silver flower pendant, connected to a single lavender swarvoski crytsal finshed with a  sterling silver chain and silver lobster claw.

Sarah looked gorgeous and I will miss her as she will be leaving the UK to start a new life abroad. I wish her all the best for the future.


Following the wedding theme, I've created the white swarvoski crystal bridal earrings below,which I know will go very well with any brides wedding dress.The earrings were created with silver plated beads surrounded by a single white swarvoski crystal and crystal rondelle. 


I love creating beautiful jewellery for women and I know these earrings will make any woman feel good. If you wish to purchase this lovely piece of jewellery please contact me at euphenabeadedjewellery@hotmail.com.



Saturday 24 May 2014

Inspired to Create Beautiful Beaded Jewellery for Women

This week I took the opportunity to design some beautiful earrings. I love using swarvoski crystals, they give a luxurious feel to a jewellery design. The purple earrings below were created with lavender rondelle swarvoski crystals with silver beads and silver plated and white crystal rondelles.

Lavender Swarvoski Crystal Drop Earrings


The earrings would suit women who love luxury jewellery accessories and I know these earrings will finish off any outifit. This is a one of kind design, as I want all my jewellery to be exclusive to my customer.

I absolutely take pride in my jewellery making and attention to detail is very important to me. I always want to  update my jewellery making skills, so I've booked  myself on  a course at the London Jewellery School. I'm very excited to be going there.

www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk
Below are a few more of my earring designs, if you wish to purchase my jewellery please contact me (Jennifer Quamina) at euphenabeadedjewellery@hotmail.com. I hope you like my designs.

Purple Bead and Silver Plated Drop Earrings

Light Fuschia Swarvoski Crystal and Silver Plated Bead Earrings

Saturday 17 May 2014

Latest Jewellery Designs by Jennifer Quamina of Euphena Beaded Jewellery

I love creating beaded jewellery and I'm currently creating my website to sell my jewellery collections. However you can buy my designs by contacting me (Jennifer Quamina) at euphenabeadedjewellery@hotmail.com and I''l be happy to post your jewellery free of charge.

Below are my latest designs. I hope you like them.


Swarvoski Crystal Stretch Bracelet - £35.00

Light Purple and Silver Plated Bead Stretch Bracelet - £40.00

Each piece of jewellery I create is handmade and exclusively one of a kind. I pride myself on attention to detail and  love creating designs that make women look and feel beautiful. Here is what some of my lovely customers are saying about my jewellery designs.


“Dearest Jennifer, I’m writing about the gorgeous earrings and bracelet I purchased from you recently, as soon as I saw them on your website I knew they would make the perfect Christmas gift for my mum and my aunt – and I couldn’t have been more right! I cannot tell you how much they absolutely loved their gifts (I wish you could have seen their faces when they opened the boxes!), nor how happy it made me that I could give something so beautiful and unique to two of the most special people in my life. Thank you for making their day, and for making mine to see them so overjoyed”
  N  H  Nash
“Hi Jennifer, when I  gifted people the pieces I bought from you, they loved them. Each piece is done with such detail, care and meticulously, beautifully created. Each piece is exquisite. You have a real gift”                                   S Manglani
Silver Foil and White Bead Bracelet - £45.00

Thursday 15 May 2014

Developmental Benefits of Beading for Children

In my previous blog, I highlighted the therapeutic benefits of beading. Well an article written by Kimberly Voaden confirmed my findings: http://www.beadingbuds.com/developmental-benefits-of-beading-for-children. Here is her wonderful article

As an Occupational Therapist with over 7 years experience working with children of all ages, I can strongly endorse beading as an excellent leisure activity, promoting childrens' development in the following areas:

Fine Motor Skills:

Grasping: Various sizes of beads promote different grasps. Larger beads often promote the "3-jaw chuck" grasp, similar to holding a large pencil or marker. Smaller beads encourage children to use their pincer grasp, thus strengthening the small muscles of their hands.




In-hand manipulation skills: Many components of making a beaded craft increase strength and coordination in the small hand and finger muscles. For example, picking a bead up from the beading tray, and then manipulating it in one's hand until it is pinched between your thumb and finger, involves translation, shift and rotation movements of the bead within the hand. 


Visual Perceptual Skills:

Visual Discrimination, Scanning, Visual Memory: The child must be able to remember the beading pattern to determine the bead they want to use. Once they know what bead they want, visual discrimination assists them in selecting the bead that fits their mental image of the desired bead. Finally, the child must scan across many different beads before finding the desired bead. 

Visual Motor Skills:

Eye-Hand coordination: Threading beads onto a string involves bilateral coordination of the child's hands, and requires their eyes and hands to work together. 
Cognitive Skills:

Overall Developmental Benefits of Beading: 
Planning: What style of necklace does the child want to make? What pattern will they choose? Where are all the materials needed to complete this beading activity? By answering these questions, the child develops his/her planning and problem-solving skills.

Math Skills: How long will my necklace, bracelet, or keychain need to be? How many beads do I need to complete this project? How can I create and maintain this beading pattern? Encouraging children to think through these functional math problems is a motivating way to improve academic skills in this area.
Social Skills
Beading Parties promote sharing and cooperation, as children choose beads and complete their projects in a group setting. 
* Improved fine motor, visual perceptual, visual motor and cognitive skills
* Improved dressing skills (especially clothing fasteners, like buttons and zippers)
* Improved pencil grasp and pencil control during colouring and writing activities
* Improved visual perception and better planning often help a child to become more organized (e.g. Where is that sock? Where did I put my pencil case or favourite toy? Do I have everything I need to complete my homework?)
* And last but not least, Beading can provide a sense of accomplishment in completing a project that offers freedom of self-expression and camaraderie with other party-goers. This sense of "Occupational Fulfillment" can contribute to improved self-esteem.
**In other words, Beading is just plain FUN, and FUN is good for kids!!**

Accommodations for Children with Special Needs:

Beading can still be a special and fun party activity for some children with special needs. 

For children with difficulty using their hands and fingers, try:

1) Using larger beads that have larger holes.

2) Wrapping stiff tape around the end of the beading string, to crate a long "shoelace" style tip that may be easier to push through beads.

3) Work with an assistant- one person can hold the string, and the other can put the beads on the string.

4) Children with severe physical difficulties may still be able to direct how they wish their necklace to be made. Every effort to honour their wishes by allowing them to participate as much as possible will provide them with a successful experience.

5) Provide comfortable seating, with child's feet touching floor, or supported on footstool, sitting at appropriately sized chair and table. 

For children with Visual Impairments, try the following accommodations:

1) Use large, brightly coloured , textured beads, and brightly coloured or textured string (e.g. fuzzy yarn).


2) Place beads on background of contrasting colour (e.g. light or coloured beads on black paper, and dark beads on light paper).



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