Monikaluedesigns - Monika Lue Designs

Hey that's some view on a great day for an art exhibition.

So on my down days I still get busy. There will always be weeds in my garden to tackle. And as new beads & chains from a few newer vendors arrive i’m busy restocking my supply station. Mixing it up with older stock i get excited and start creating more goodies.

Vendors I trust and have had good service and safe delivery are as follows.

Chains & Metal beads from Jesse James Beads, SilverSilk & More,

Turquoise from Stones n Silver, The Turquoise Chick,

Crystals and more from Beadholique,

Shells, beads, metals, focals from Beads n More, Happy Mango Beads, Beads and Pieces,

Fire Mountian beads for great sales and cool mail catalogue.

Plenty of stock from Magpie Gemstones, Sharka Carter has recently retired and company has switched hands, but man did sharka have plenty of awesome how to videos on YouTube which really helped me learn to get creative.

A few more online favorites I win bids on who have US addresses.

Also Including my cousin bud who welds precious metals for me.

Hint when starting out and purchasing beads, look for bulk, or sold in lengths. That will start you off with plenty of beads to make a necklace, bracelet and earrings.

I’d tell anyone if you are interested in making jewelry check out groups, friends, online videos, some cool stores like Michaels hold classes, and of course do an internship with a jeweler. I did with a cool artist and precious metal jeweler in my hometown. Best experience of my life. Still feel blessed.

Remember to shop good deals even hock shops, thrift stores, yard sales, etc. Any place you can find deals on jewelry for the beads and clasps. Take the stuff apart and get busy. Try trading beads & supplies, including tools with fellow enthusiasts or friends. I trade work for beads too.

Use good strong beading wire. Pay attention to the weight of piece and remember to crimp well. Use proper size, don’t cross your wires in the crimp tube or bead, and press that bead well, not too hard or it will crack the crimp bead or weaken your design. Remember to have fun! Oh and if you’re like me, the sale is not as important as the gift. ✌🏼

Join the prayer circle to support our indigenous family.

New set. Worn to show length, feels good.

That’s right! 🤩

Disk cut beads of Jasper, n turquoise with small horn spacer beads. The focal was made by a cool artist, he set a Wild Horse Turquoise stone in copper. It was a cool find along the side road of the Taos River Bridge. NM.

Handmade Clasp is copper.

My stash from the Alameda Antique Fair.