Did you know…?
TEN ideas for beaded Christmas gifts!
- JEWELRY! There are way too many kinds of jewelry to name so we’re listing it as one idea. Whether it’s earrings, a necklace, bracelet, or anklet, jewelry is an affordable and personalized gift that everyone loves!
- BOOKMARKS Our metal bookmarks have a ring at the top where you can attach a dangle of beads that will decorate the spine of the book. You could also make a “book thong” – a thin strand of linen with pretty beads on each side.
- CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS The easiest ornament to make is with a snowflake form. Just put beads on the spokes, bend the ends and you’re done! We also have lots of books that will show you how to make more elaborate designs.
- WINE CHARMS Always handy, wine charms will distinguish one person’s glsas from another. We can show you how to use ring memory wire with charms and beads to make the perfect set.
- NAPKIN RINGS Bracelet-size memory wire makes a great napkin ring. Keep it simple or make a multiple-ring banded design.
- BEADED WATCH Choose from gold, silver, or copper color watch faces for a great beaded watch/bracelet. Make it elastic or use a clasp.
- ZIPPER PULL or CELL PHONE CHARM It’s almost TOO easy to add beads to our zipper pull components! Great for group gifts or door prizes.
- KEYCHAIN Find a special set of beads that your loved one can hold onto throughout the day.
- EYEGLASS CHAIN String up some colorful beads and add eyeglass holders on the ends. Your friend will never lose her glasses again!
- SUNCATCHERS Add some sparkle to someone’s window with a suncatcher crystal on a beaded hanging cord.
AND MORE…the sky’s the limit! Let your imagination lead the way!
Ask Us!
Q. What are Ojimes and Netsukes?
A. Japan during the seventeenth century was a world without pockets. To carry medicines, tobacco, seals, and other small personal affects required one to hang them from their obi or sash. From this need sprung various sets or kits such as the tobacco pouch, the inro, and the yatate (writing set). The inro was a layered box with two to seven tiers that could contain various small objects. The inro was held together by braided silk cords, which ran vertically through the many layers. Keeping these braided cords together was an ojime or bead, which finally ended in a toggle piece called a netsuke. The netsuke was tucked under the obi and helped to suspend the inro below. Through human nature, these elements began to serve as more than just their utilitarian use, they became expressions of the artist who created them and the individual taste of the wearer.
Although the Japanese did not have jewelry in the Western sense of the word, they most certainly knew about craftsmanship, artistry, decoration, and adornment. These small sets of accessories became highly refined and reflected great sophistication. Inro were usually made of wood coated in lacquer, decorated with gold and silver inlays. Ojime and netsuke were crafted out of wood, ivory, ceramic, or metal. A true inro suite would consist of an inro, ojime, and netsuke sharing a unified theme.
Just as women today covet their Prada bags and Manolo Blahnik shoes, inro suites were prized for their artistry and elegance. Rarely do we find the inro suites intact with their matching components. In the world of Japanese art there are collectors who are drawn to the exquisite beauty of the inro boxes, which often demonstrate the most sophisticated lacquer work to be found. Bead enthusiasts marvel at the intricacy and refinement of the tiny ojime beads. Netsuke themselves are collected for their sculptural nature and ingenious miniature designs. Function provided the stage upon which Japanese artists could perform their magic. — By Aisha Buntin for the Hawaii Antiques & Collectibles Newspaper
Have a question for us? drop it in the mail to: Ask Us!, Mana Beads, 423 Broad St. Nevada City, CA 95959 or email it to newsletter@manabeads.com
How To…
Use Pinch Bails
Pinch Bails are a great, EASY way to add an attractive bail to any pendant-style bead. There are basically two types: Bails for front-drilled pieces and Bails for side-drilled pieces.
There is no hidden trick to how they work, you simply squeeze the two prongs on the bail into the hole of the pendant.
Want to see it demonstrated? Come in anytime and we’ll show you how! |
