Egyptian Coil Free Tutorial from Marie Cristine

Aside from Chainmaille, Egyptian coil is one of the wire work techniques in jewelry making that I admire. It’s not that difficult to make and with only around, I think, seven simple steps, you’ll be able to create beautiful pieces.

Here's an earring using Egyptian Coil Technique from Wellspring Creations.

It's a simple one, that even without embellishment or some sort, just the coil itself, already looks beautiful.

You can also add charms or beads to add character like this Egyptian Coil & Turquoise Earrings from All A Glow Jewelry

...and creating Egyptian links, you'll be able to create a necklace or a bracelet like this shimmery bracelet from CatinaLife Creations.

What a beauty...can't help but admire these beauties. I think Egyptian Coil is a versatile wire work jewelry technique and I would love to include it in my list of favorite jewelry techniques. ^_^

And to help everyone with this technique, I found a free tutorial created by Marie of Marie Cristine blog. She has created an easy step by step instructions. And as I've mentioned earlier, with only seven simple steps you'll be able to master it.

So, get ready with your round nose pliers and your wire, and find out more with this

free tutorial from Marie.

Here's an added bonus!!! For your Egyptian Coil bracelet, you can finish it off by making an Egyptian Clasp. Learn how to with Kate Drew-Wilkinson at DIYLessons. Click the links for

Part 1 and Part 2

Social Networking Karma!

Check out this week's Giveaway featuring Mama's Little Monkeys!

Celtic Camo Bead Woven Bracelet

What is Social Networking Karma? Why am I talking about it? First let's back up and examine the idea of Karma...

Karma, the Golden Rule, "What goes around comes around," - whatever you call it, it's a concept that has been around for for a long time. When you do nice things for other's, it often comes back to you in wonderful and unexpected ways. Right? 

Now let me ask you a question. Do you ever get tired of promoting yourself? I know I do! There have definitely been times when I get tired of tooting my own horn and where I feel like I'm just blabbing to the universe with no feedback. The various social networking sites were starting to feel pointless. That's when I started thinking about Social Networking Karma. 

Green Kabbalah Jasper Pendant

Now, I don't want you to think I came upon this idea on my own, this has been a long process and I know that there have been a lot of different artists who've given me individual ideas that I eventually pulled together into a whole!

How it works: 

Social Networking Karma happens when you promote artists (authors, bloggers, etc), other than yourself. You can do this in a lot of ways! See something you like? Share it on Twitter, Facebook, Plurk, or your blog! Then, and this is key, tell that person where you've shared it and send them a link. You'll be amazed at the results! 

Since I've started practicing this habit the results have blown me away. I've had people e-mail me and tell me that I've made their day because they had a horrible day and having someone do something nice just totally floored them. I've had people tell me that they were considering shutting down their shop, then I promoted them, and it made them think that maybe there is some value to their work. I've also had a lot of people return the favor and promote me in one way or another.

There's no feeling like it! When they return the promotion, it's great, but it's the people who's day's I make, or who I end up building a relationship with them as a result, that I love :) 

Damask Pin Cushion by Destash City

One of our featured giveaway artist's shops!

I'm going to be talking about some different approaches to practice Social Networking Karma over the next few weeks. Specifically we'll be talking about Twitter, Facebook, and Blogging. I may add to that list as I continue to explore the topic! 

Renewing Frenzy!

I haven't been feeling too good the last few days, and that meant my shop got quite neglected! I had a whole bunch of items expire because I didn't renew them (I generally renew on the date they are going to expire), so today I had a renewing frenzy! Here's most of them...tell me your favorite and get an extra entry into the Top Commentators contest!