Often beginning potters learn with earthenware clay because it is a forgiving, flexible medium usually finished with low fire glazes. When beginners start crafting, pliable clay bodies and low fire glazes make it easier to learn pottery crafting. Another simple medium to experiment with as a beginner is polymer clay.

Learning how to make polymer clay beads is fun and easy. Polymer clay is a unique material available in many colors. Beads are small and do not take a lot of time to create so they are a terrific project for beginners. You can make your own jewelry to match a particular outfit, to wear on a certain holiday or occasion or to give as gifts.

You can make polymer clay beads by hand or in a bead rolling machine. People often experiment by hand at first then get a bead rolling machine to make multiple creations more quickly. Try different techniques to design colorful, eclectic beads for jewelry.

Marbling mixes different colors in swirls or by twisting moist polymer clay into patterns. Texturing creates unusual surfaces by stamping, rolling the clay on textured surfaces and by making impressions in the unbaked clay with objects such as needles, which are also used to create holes for stringing beads. Powdering uses a mica powder with pigment for metallic effects. Glittering steps up the metallic effects to the next level and is easy to used on polymer clay that was not yet baked. Painting is done before or after baking with colorful acrylic paints.

After creating and decorating beads, they are baked and varnished for a durable shine that will last for a long time. Use the beads to create necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pendants. If you decide to make more creations, you may want to try a bead roller easily create consistent beads. You just slide the base and top of the bead roller back and forth to make uniform beads in a variety of shapes and sizes for all kinds of jewelry creations. Create modified hexagon, round, tube, oval, bicone and tri-oval beads using a bead roller. Bead rollers are so safe and simple, children have fun using them with safe materials such as soft polymer clay and Mexican pottery clay.

When you learn how to make polymer clay beads, start with top quality AMACO clay selections and bead rollers. From polymer clay to Mexican clay pottery to low fire glazes, AMACO has everything you need to become a jewelry designer.

Soft, sublime and blue, aquamarines have a distinct look and color that makes them stand apart amongst all other gemstones. The lovely color of this stone reflects clear blue skies and the serene seas. The most admired quality of aquamarines is that they flatter most skin tones and eye color, the main reason behind their popularity with the ladies.

Aquamarines get their name from the Latin words ‘aqua’ meaning sea and ‘mare’ meaning water. These charming stones have forever been associated with water. Greek soldiers in ancient times wore aquamarine amulets to protect themselves from the rage of sea gods. Some legends also say that aquamarines were first discovered in the treasure trunk of mermaids.

The alluring aquamarines possess many qualities. Where on one hand they cure insomnia, on the other hand they are considered effective for eye problems mainly short sightedness. It is said that Germans used aquamarine crystals as eyeglasses to prevent shortsightedness. Aquamarines are positive stones that bring in a feeling of cheerfulness. Besides, the soothing color of aquamarines is believed to bring about feelings of belief, harmony and camaraderie. Anybody sporting an aquamarine is said to benefit with happiness and wealth.

The most fascinating feature of aquamarine lies in its color. A lovely shade of clear sky blue that the stone reflects is ultimately beautiful. The value and worth of aquamarines is also determined by the color of these stones. The color in an aquamarine ranges from light blue to sky blue and teal. While a deep shade of blue is preferred and coveted in aquamarines, personal preferences may lead one to bluish green or greenish blue varieties of the stone. A wise aquamarine buy would be to go for a stone that has a good cut in a lighter shade that will sparkle like a diamond minus the price tag.

Aquamarines have fewer inclusions as compared to other gemstones. These stones have good clarity with very few inclusions. While buying an aquamarine it is a good idea to opt for a stone with more carat weight which will enhance both the color as well as clarity of the stone. Aquamarines like most other gemstones are heat treated. Heat treatment being permanent in nature preserves the beauty of these stones.

Aquamarines were first discovered in Madagascar. The ‘Santa Maria’ varieties of this stone found mainly in Brazil have created a storm in the jewelry world for their sheer beauty. Other sources of aquamarines are Tanzania, Kenya and Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Russia.

Whether aquamarine rings, aquamarine earrings or aquamarine pendants, these stones stand out in every form of jewelry. Teamed with diamonds or alone, aquamarines make a mark due to their innate charm.

Titanium engagement rings

One of the hottest trends in men’s and women’s jewelry is titanium rings. No longer do ring buyers have to settle for a 14 ct gold rings from the local jeweler or department stores. Nor do ring buyers have to settle for cheap, imported jewelry that will turn one’s skin green or cause an allergic reaction.

Titanium rings have become very popular due to the strength, durability, cost and design options available. This article is a good buying guide for those who are looking for a titanium ring.

Titanium Ring Material
Most grades of titanium are hypoallergenic, which means that will not react with human skin. Most are also non-reactive to most chemicals, salt water and other corrosive elements. The only exceptions are the extremely cheap titanium rings found online. These are are often made from impure titanium or low grade titanium and will, on occasion, contain other metals or impurities that will affect the ring.

Most U.S.-based titanium ring manufacturers use high grade titanium for two reasons. The first is that it guarantees the ring will be hypoallergenic. The second is that high grade titanium is much stronger than the inferior grade titanium often used in imported rings. For the strongest and most durable ring, you need to move away from the very low price point rings.

Titanium Ring Designs
The design choices for titanium rings are basically limitless. With modern milling and engraving machines, the possibilities for making truly unique ring designs are only limited by the artisans creativity and skills.

Some of the most popular titanium rings are those that feature inlays. The base of the ring is made from titanium and the outside of the ring is grooved and inlaid with some materials. Popular inlays include gold, silver, exotic hardwoods, minerals and gemstones. These handcrafted titanium rings are all unique to the wearer and, if properly made, will last a lifetime.

Ring Makers Experience
With titanium rings, like most things, you really do get what you pay for. At the lower end of the spectrum, there are the titanium rings that are imported from Southeast Asia. These are mass-produced of inferior quality titanium and feature designs that might just be etched on the surface of the ring. These rings are good for a temporary ring or for an occasion that is not meant to form a lasting part of a person’s life.

For a women’s or men’s titanium engagement or wedding ring, you will want to locate an artisan with many years of experience making titanium rings. An experienced titanium ring artisan will have superior titanium, ring-making machines and artistry to make a ring that is is made to last a lifetime.

When shopping for a man’s or woman’s titanium ring, keep in mind the material, the range of titanium ring designs available and the ring maker’s experience.

Framont Swiss Watch

Even though you are not a car enthusiast, you must have heard about the BMW or the Mercedes Benz, you have, have you not. Well when you hear about these names they are usually synonymous with being at a zenith when it comes to the automobile industry. It would rather be a stiff and competitive dialogue to say that these are best manufactured automobiles that exist in the world but with the legacy that built up behind them when an ordinary car buyer or fan thinks of supremacy in automobile engineering they would always think of definitely think of these to companies. Well what does this have to with a watch, you might ask yourself. Then could you imagine if all the products that came out that place held that same level of quality and held the same presence in the marketplace.

What if I then said that the watches of Switzerland did the same thing? Well that is exactly what occurred, being well recognized for their excellence in accuracy and durability. Well, after years and years maybe even decades or centuries even of producing first class timepieces, the water of Switzerland now sit on the same bench as the BMW and Mercedes Benz, gaining the same respect and reputation they earned in the automobile industry. As with all great things, a great amount of reputation is earned while others are stuff that only legends are made of. But as with any good story there is always someone else to take it on and make it grander than the truth and the watches of Switzerland are no exception. What really makes the Swiss watch different and that much more appealing and unique is the Swiss on each timepiece that automatically scream quality no matter the stories behind are fact or fiction.

As regards to actual story that is behind the watches of Switzerland is a combination of Swiss precision with German marketing. You probably did not know this but much the watch making companies early on were originated in Switzerland and sooner or later got involved with German parent companies to create an engineering masterpiece with a decisive marketing push behind it. In the end everything in this process had eventually worked for the best as far as the watches were concerned. But what really made the watch the success it is today was not some overnight miracle, it actually took being televised in an international sporting event to secure the final touches on this great watch’s reputation.

Swiss Watches and The Olympics

The organizers knew the once the Olympic Games hit television airwaves that it was an absolute priority that precision timing came into play after all it was an international event. To most of the worldwide community the idea of precision Swiss timing was already well accepted and very well known, but however to Americans this idea was still a little in dark for them. But, just as the Olympics hit the airwaves and Americans started watching and viewing this event being timed by Swiss timing, at the bottom of the television screen words stating Swiss Timing constantly reminding the world that if you want precision timing you go with a Swiss product there was nothing left to say.

As stated after the Olympics there was nothing left to say or do, from then on whenever you mention Swiss timing you are speaking of something of undeniable quality and precision. Just one of the more of the legends that the television helped create and let run wild but here is the thing, this one is real.

Lampwork Earrings

There are a lot of people who love the matte look of handmade lampwork beads. Sometimes people don’t ask to have them etched, but realize when the beads arrive, that they’d like the aged, worn out matte look on them. Some vendors give customers the options of sending the beads back and having them etched for free, but most people do it themselves. If you want to etch your own beads, here are some useful tips.

First, a small jar of etch solution will be required, you can get these at your local craft shop. Ask the store workers for glass etching solutions, they’ll usually know what you mean.

Safety first. Once you have the solution, put on some disposable rubber gloves, open up your windows if you’re in a confined space (just make sure that you have ventilation – imagine that it’s chemical cleaning – and you’re all set to go. IMPORTANT – keep in mind that the etch solution is acid, though it’s easily neutralized by baking soda, so make sure to have that close by just in case you spill the acid on anything.

The best thing to use would be a plastic bowl, after placing the beads inside it, pour the solution over them so that they are fully covered. Or if you have the option, strap the beads on something (wire would do), and just put them inside the confinement. Read the instructions on the bottle you purchased, written there should be a time that it takes to etch materials. Usually it’s around 5-10 minutes, but just double-check in case it’s something new and highly toxic. After that, use a plastic spoon to scoop up the lampwork beads out and take them out. Have a glass of soda nearby to put the beads in there to neutralize the acid – and do never take the beads with your bear hands prior to neutralization.

And voila – you’re done! The lampwork beads might have some white dust on them, but don’t worry, it’s easily removable with a toothbrush. Just don’t brush your teeth with it afterwards.

Don’t throw away the etching solution – there are 2 reasons for that. First, you don’t want to have acid in your garbage, and second – economy. You can reuse the acid over and over for years and it would work just as fine. Though make sure to keep it outside children’s reach.

Main things to remember here is to never let the etch solution touch glass or metal. Nor should you let it come in contact with cloth or skin, wash immediately with baking soda.

Panerai

While most watch manufacturers anticipate market demand, and rise to meet it, there is one brand which follows its own path, regularly choosing to produce fewer watches than consumers demand. With long waiting lists a constant feature, and limited editions typical of their production style, who is this elusive brand? The answer: Panerai.

Although founded in Florence in 1860 by one Giovanni Panerai, the company spent most of its long history not selling watches to the public at all, only launching themselves fully to the global market in the 1990s. But what were they doing before that?

Giovanni Panerai formed links with the Swiss Watch industry when he opened the business, which gave the brand enough accuracy and credibility that when his grandson inherited the company, he was able to become the official supplier to the Italian navy, by specialising in high-precision instruments. The link between the two would continue well into the next century, and branch out into other areas of the military, beginning with shipments of optical and mechanical instruments to the Ministry of Defence. In 1910, Panerai began testing luminescent materials, later patenting a mixture called Radomir. This luminescent substance, and its successor Luminor, gave their names to two of Panerai’s most recognised models.

Panerai presented prototypes of their first Chronograph, the Mare Nostrum, in 1943. The watch was designed for Italian Officers but the war which was keeping those officers occupied at the time meant that it never went into production. Product development continued apace leading to a version submersible to 200m, quite a feat for the time. Over the next half century the company worked closely with the Italian military, until it no longer became cost effective. This is what finally pushed Panerai into the consumer market, and in 1993 they finally released a number of limited edition models aimed at the civilian market. These included The Luminor, Luminor Marina, and the Mare Nostrum Chronograph. The company was further promoted when Sylvester Stallone requested the Limited edition Slytech watch following his discovery of the brand while filming Daylight.

Panerai have become very popular in recent years; their military legacy has been a range of highly accurate and precise watches which are nonetheless in short supply – the company have never been in large scale production and waiting lists for popular models – such as the Luminor Marina and variations thereof in the Contemporary Collection – are always long. It was Panerai that lead the recent trend in large dials, and its watches are highly prized; not least because they produce a limited number each year. If you want a new Panerai, be prepared for a long wait.