I recently decided to award myself with new tools. With the help of the advice of my friend, Karen Totten, I decided to go with the Lundstrom RX and purchased a set during RioGrande's sale. I really wanted to buy the Swanstrom because I buy USA made whenever possible, but because my right wrist has been giving me some tendon problems, I went for the ergonomic feature. You see, heretofore, (love that word), I have made all my jewelry with the Walmart tools that I've had for years. Sad, but true. I don't know if the new tools will make the jewelry any better, but I will feel like a professional, I hope.
I also purchased a small pocket crimper. The crimper I had was good, but it didn't work well on the smaller 1mm crimps so I either had to avoid them or just flatten them which was not my first choice. So, with this handy dandy pocket crimper - problem solved.
Here is the first necklace I made with these tools and then earrings that I made using some rubber tubing that I've had but didn't have an idea what to do with it. The white and purple beads were a gift. I used pink artwire with these. My goal was to make something springy, colorful and fun! Did I do'ed it?
I also used my new tools on my Bead Soup project which I finished but can't show you yet. The necklace and earrings are in the shop.
Also, I also want to let you all know about a Giveaway for some wonderful leather pieces. Go to Barbara Bechtel's blog at
http://www.secondsurf.com/ to read all about it. The leather is being given by
http://www.modern-fabrics.com/. Check out both websites for more information.
