business advice - Craft Focus Magazine

eautiful beading
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
BRIGHT LIGHTING
Specialist pliers
Those who are into beading will also need various tools
with which to create their pieces. Recognising the similarities
between the intricate work of doctors and dentists and that
of jewellery makers and craft workers, Mr Murray Burfi tt,
MD of Burfi tt Medical, has transformed specialist medical
instrument into “the most effective equipment for craft work
and hobbyists.” The latest addition to the Burfi tt range is the
new and exciting bow or circlip plier. “It’s an ideal tool for
opening up or keeping apart links,” said Murray. It works in
reverse from normal pliers that close shut when squeezed
together and features long, high precision tips with three
gripping slots on each jaw, a thinner nose piece for access to
tight areas and ergonomic, anti-slip PVC handles. The bailing
plier is another new addition to the range. “There are many
tools you can use to coil wire and make consistent sized loops.
The bail forming pliers are yet another option which can help
you make connectors, clasps, ear wires and jump rings. These
pliers make two different sizes of rings - 9 mm and 7 mm. For
further information: www.burfi tt.com.au.
HOT TRENDS IN
JEWELLERY MAKING
We can all see what trends are in when they hit the high
street, and of course, what celebrities are wearing can often
infl uence trends. However, the real trick is to predict what is
going to be hot and in fashion. We’ve already heard of Steam
Punk, but in addition, Michelle Powell, editor of Beads and
Beyond magazine suggests other trends worth watching. (see
overleaf)
Lighting is very important when working on fi ne beading projects. Daylight, the
leading specialist lighting designer, has recently unveiled its most powerful art
(beading and jewellery making) lamp to date. “The Triple Bright Light delivers an
incredible 250w, brighter and whiter than any other lamp and is the brightest
lamp in Daylight’s comprehensive range of lighting options” explained Daylight.
The brilliance of the light and intelligent design makes it ideal for use in creative
environments that require optimum lighting. It enables users to continue crafting
into the evenings, when natural light fades etc. “The fl exibility of the light source
positioning is a key feature of this innovative lamp. The shade can be adjusted to
every required angle and is well suited for illuminating wide work areas where
plenty of shadow-free light is needed. The Triple Bright Light has a high quality
metal arm with internal springs, a strong metal lamp stem and clamp making
it robust and durable. The rrp is £124.99 and it is available from Spring 2011.
Further details: T: +44 (0)20 8964 1200, W: www.daylightcompany.com.
WEAVING
Peak Dale Products has just
produced The Ultimate Loom, a
tabletop loom that allows you to
face the work so you don’t have
to bend over. This is far better for
posture and enables users to work
for longer periods without suffering
back or neck problems. The
Ultimate Loom is wider than most,
so work can be up to 15 cm wide.
It’s perfect for making beautiful
beaded bags, chokers or bracelets.
“Everything is included to get keen crafters started in this simple, but rewarding,
hobby. “The kit retails at £18.99 – and once your customers have bought it, they
will keep coming back to you for more beads,” said Peak Dale Products. Further
info T: +44 (0)1298 78447, W: www.peakdaleproducts.co.uk.
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