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Enter the world
of beading at
Bijoux Design Creations
By Ofra Chanti
Beading, which is leading the latest trend in jewelry making, is not just
for professional crafters anymore. With a little creative effort one can
turn glass beads, vintage glass and Swarovski crystals into an ornate beaded
necklace or bracelet.
At Bijoux Design Creations
in South Miami, a grand assortment of beads, crystals, semi-precious
stones, and pendants await crafters. Expert pieces can be created using
tools and materials sold at the shop. Storeowners, who are husband and wife
Dave and Nancy Albert, say the popularity of beading continues to soar.
“People are always looking for ways to express themselves, and using
the latest trend of designing jewelry or updating handed down jewelry, is
the perfect solution,” Nancy said. “Beads have been around for thousands of
years.”
Nancy said that long ago, beads helped distinguish among social
status and they displayed group membership, gender, individual life history
and marital status.
“The latest therapeutic craft will be around for a while, as we all
want to uniquely express ourselves with one-of-a-kind designs,” Nancy said.
The Alberts opened
Bijoux Design Creations, at 4776 SW 72
Ave., when they realized the lack of bead stores and classes in Miami. A
jewelry designer by trade, Nancy previously was an event planner while Dave
worked in the Information Technology field.
“As with most jewelry designers, I need to see and touch the beads
in order to gather inspiration from them,” she said.
Jewelry-making components are available at the shop as well as
custom designs. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings are beautifully
beaded, while ankle bracelets, prayer beads and rosaries are spectacularly
created. Beaded purses and evening bags can be intricately designed. Evening
bags and wedding tiaras stand apart from the rest. With beading, there are
endless options.
“A lot of ladies make barefoot sandals, the beaded
design of a thong around the
foot and the ankle,” said Nancy. “They’re worn primarily at the beach.”
Some of the more popular beads at the shop include semi-precious
stones, such as smoky quartz and onyx. There also are pendants featured.
The imported merchandise is attractive and reasonably priced.
“We also carry some precious stones, such as rubies and sapphires,”
Dave said. “We import directly from India, keeping cost low and quality
high. In fact, our prices are very competitive to wholesale.”
For people holding resale licenses, they offer a discount program.
Retail beading can often start as a hobby, Dave said.
“Sometimes, people who have this hobby develop it to a retail
level,” he said.
At Bijoux Design Creations, there are
three classes offered. “Basic Stringing” teaches the basics for making a
necklace or earrings. In the “Wire Wrapping” class, hoop and link beads are
utilized with sterling silver wire. In the “Knotting Class,” the focus is on
knotting in-between beads. While classes are offered on an appointment
basis, the shop store hours are Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
On the Web site at
www.bijouxdesigns.com, a map is displayed, along with pictures of
available products and tools. Private birthday parties and bridal showers
are available, enhanced by the fun of jewelry making in the picturesque
tearoom downstairs.
Meanwhile the shop is a tribute to beading and why it is such a big
hit. Warmth and beauty emulate from the Venetian beads, from Venice or
Murano, Italy. Hand-blown glass is uniquely artistic in itself. Swarovski
Crystals sparkle classically, while vintage beads made prior to 1950 appeal
to those who appreciate art. Even “mommy bracelets,” which can sport a
child’s name, make wonderful gifts.
Nancy offers a creative book of designs for beading inspiration. The
Alberts experiment in whimsical ways with silver — from sterling to handmade
Bali and Hilltribe silver.
“We carry both sterling silver and 14-karat gold-filled,” Nancy
said. “One of the things we are experimenting with is manufacturing silver
products in the shop. I draw out a
design and he makes them out of
silver.”
Nancy also is embellishing bikinis for a swimsuit designer, adding
semiprecious stones for a dazzling effect. She said fashion will continue to
evolve to offer crafters new visions in beauty.
“The spring trend will be natural beads such as wood, horn and
bone,” Nancy said.
For more information, call 305-740-3442. |
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MIAMI'S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS - Phone (305) 669-7355 - Fax: (305)
661-0954 - E-Mail: cnews@gate.net
©2003 Miami's Community Newspapers. All rights reserved.
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