For my restringing I need a pair of very sharp precise snips to cut the final strands of silk flush to the pearls so that no loose threads show. I have used various embroidery snips in the past which are fine for a while but not great. Then a few years ago I treated myself …
Maternity Leave
Aka: unlimited crochet time until baby arrives!! Just to let you all know that I am now on maternity leave and I am halting my restringing work until the arrival of baby C. Once I am in the swing of this looking after a baby thing, I will resume my restringing which I hope will …
Metal Beads on Silk – NoNoNo
I think I have spoken about this before and it still winds me up! Why would you put metal beads on silk thread?! I know they might be gold, the pearls are nice pearls and you probably paid a lot of money for the necklace. I understand you want it threaded "the best" way, but …
Why I can’t always knot your pearls!
This is an example of when there is little point in knotting your pearls. This was a very graduated string of pearls that has a large size difference between the smallest and largest pearls. The problem with this is that the holes in the small pearls are often smaller than those in the largest …
How I organise my thread…
My elastic, wire, silk and thread are nutotious for getting tangled and unravelling of their own accord. The best way I have found for storing them is on a mug tree that keeps the thread separate and easily accessible. Occasionally either I loose or break the little plastic cuffs that stop the thread unravelling. …
How I organise my tools…
I often get asked how I store my tools so I thought I would share... Ta daa!!! I use IKEA magnetic strips on my wall to keep my tools organised. Most of the pliers etc are magnetic so this is the perfect way to keep everything in easy reach. 🙂 You're welcome! Update: …
Links Of London Sweetie Bracelet
I get these bracelets often for restringing so I thought I would share how I go about it... This is what I got to start with. This one had no charms on it but did have the split rings. As you can see, the original elastic was brown and discoloured. Not surprising that it had …
Pearl Necklace Lengths
Types of Pearls – Freshwater
Freshwater pearls are the most common non synthetic pearl that are available and are produced by mussels not oysters. They are cultured which means that the mussels are farmed and the pearls are encouraged to form in a controlled environment. This is done by a technician delicately grafting small piece of donor tissue into …
New Delivery!
I still get a little flutter of excitement when my little Jiffy bags or supplies land on the doormat! Aside from hobbycraft, (ok for emergencies but expensive and basic), there isn't anywhere locally where I can buy my supplies so I have to order online from places in Birmingham or London. It isn't a problem, …
New Prices
I have a new pricelist for 2015. Don't worry. Not much has changed - I have just made it easier to understand. Pearl, Precious Metal or Gemstone Bracelets (Lengths up to 8”): Knotted using existing clasp: On silk or a coloured thread where appropriate £27.00 Plain using existing clasp: This can be on elastic, wire, …
Pearl Care
Daily Care To ensure that your lovely pearls stay looking lovely you need to look after them! A pearls worst enemy is sweat, perfume, alcohol and all other acids, chemicals and dirt! A simple rule to live by is: make sure that your pearls are the last thing you put on and the first thing …