Jewels and Beads, Handmade Jewellery: Boot Camp: Fiber in Jewelry

by Staci Louise Smith

Well, we are finally going to get some boot camps in again! Boot camp is a time when we, as a group, concentrate on one area of jewelry making or design. We bring you ideas, tips, resource links and tutorials to help you try out a new area of jewelry making.

This one is on fiber in jewelry or fiber jewelry.

You can see a Boot Camp post the 2nd and 4th Monday of both April and May, as well as scattered through the month on personal posts.

I first fell in love with fiber for jewelry way back when I was making mainly sea glass jewelry. I went to a bead show and found Marsha Neal's silks. I was smitten. I ended up coming home and ordering from her online. I was hooked on the variety of colors.

I have never stopped loving fiber in my jewelry.

I thoroughly enjoy the softness fiber can add to a piece- it adds a softness and contrast against the hard beads.

We will be sharing lots of ways to use fiber in your jewelry, as well as showing you some of our favorite places to buy it! Fiber in jewelry is not limited to cording! That is just what I have always been drawn to.

We cannot wait to have you join us as we explore this medium.

Here are some teasers of my favorite fabric cording to start you off drooling, or in case you want to get some so you have it to try out as we go along!

I love the rustic look of recycled sari silks. This is my favorite go to shop

https://www.etsy.com/shop/goldenonetoo?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count

Marsha had me at hello- and I am still a fan

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MarshaNealStudio

And recently, Karen Totten has decided to use BATIK FABRIC to use as cording. My first batch is on the way. I have always loved batik fabric- to wear, to drool over, anything......so I am uber excited to use it for some jewelry. Stay tuned...