Mar 8th, 2010
by Empire Beads.
A few weeks ago we mentioned the exciting work being done by outstanding fashion designer Mr Elliott J. Frieze and it’s launch at London Fashion Week. We are very pleased that we have been able to work with Elliott and contribute some of our beautiful natural semi-precious gemstone beads for use as a highlight for one of the core pieces of his collection.
The particular (STUNNING!) piece which highlighted our gorgeous beads was this elegant Prince of Wales fabric dress, highlighted with lovely Tiger-eye and Natural crystal teardrop beads from Empire Beads. You can see more close-ups of this, well it really is a work-of-art, on Elliott’s Collection Showcase page and on This Page.
Elliott’s inspiring design illustrates the power of extending creativity with beads, crystals, semi-precious and other embellishments away from more traditional jewellery applications. These exquisite pieces show how the strong designs of Elliott’s fashions have been subtly augmented with the strategic application to create pieces which are unique, elegant and strikingly feminine. We encourage all of our beaders to explore beyond their traditional jewellery focus and join those who are finding passion and creativity in applying beads to fashion (and more than seed beads at that!),
All reports are that Elliott’s collection received rave reviews and he continues to be recognised as one of the “designers to watch” in international fashion circles. We’d like to congratulate Elliott on his stunning work and thank him for choosing Empire Beads and our collection of natural semi-precious gemstone beads for his work.
Posted in: Empire Beads News.
Tagged: Featured Product · News · semi-precious
Mar 1st, 2010
by Empire Beads.
Our newest Featured Beader is UK Based Laura, who creates and trades under the name LobsterLove.
Browsing through Laura’s Folksy Catalogue, one quickly develops a sense of her elegant style, through which she allows the beauty and form of the beads to really stand out. Laura’s collection features some lovely necklaces, bracelets, chokers and even a very cute Shell Flower Hair Comb, but was these simple, elegant drop earrings which feature clear Swarovski Bicone Crystal Beads to add highlights to our Glass Pearl Drops which caught our eye. Built around our silver colour plated headpins, these very pretty earrings are suspended off our Sterling Silver fish-hooks.
Laura’s work is a fine example of the importance of an attention to detail in your core skills. The quality of her wire-work and the focus on the clean styling of beautiful beads and crystals, standing out in their own right creates pieces which are timeless and elegant.
You can see more of Laura’s work on her Folksy Catalogue and you can follow her on Twitter.
Thank you Laura for sharing your beautiful work with us.
Posted in: Featured Beader.
Tagged: Beads · earrings · Featured Beader · Pearls · silver · Swarovski
Feb 24th, 2010
by Empire Beads.
Seasoned beaders know that some of the best pieces are achieved by taking the time to carefully integrate a range of materials, finishes and shapes into a single piece. When browsing through our extensive Empire Beads catalogue, featuring thousands of items, you’ll soon see that the possibilities are very broad indeed.
One trick is to combine elements into jewellery which break from the solid finish of beads such crystal, glass, semi-precious and even some natural beads. You can include linear elements such as pins, bars and chain with stunning effect, but in many pieces elegant results can be achieved by introducing our Vintage Style Filigree Metal Balls into your designs.
These high quality Metal Filigree Balls achieve the dual purpose of maintaining the consistency of shape of a round bead, but without the solid finish, They can add volume to pieces without adding undue bulk and when combined with the right mix of other components, can be used to create that classic ‘vintage’ look.
Empire Beads carries an excellent excellent range of Metal Filigree Balls in the following metal colour plated finishes; gold, silver, antique gold, antique copper and black nickel. They are available in sizes from 2.4mm filler beads to 12mm.
Posted in: Featured Product.
Tagged: Beads · Featured Product · vintage
Feb 17th, 2010
by Empire Beads.
The great thing about beading, and especially about meeting our Featured Beaders is that we get to enjoy the great quality and creative work that you create with our Empire Beads. Our latest Featured Beader is Black Heart Jules, whose “Dark Romance, Victorian Gothic & Rock Chick Inspired” pieces exude both.
We got immersed in her website, but were particularly taken with Jules’ Red Siren Necklace. This piece combines our Czech Fire Polished Jet Metallic Red Round 4mm & 6mm Beads, our Black Nickel Belcher Chain (3.5mm), and Black Nickel eyepins, headpins, jumprings and hook/eye clasp to create a delicate, stylish effect. By varying the length of the beaded drops and connecting the drops to the necklace with two beaded pins, Jules has created a beautiful lace effect. We really like this elegant piece and thank Jules for sharing it with us.
You will find Jules and her work on her website, on Twitter and on Facebook.
Posted in: Bead News.
Feb 15th, 2010
by Empire Beads.
Over the last few months we have been working with a VERY talented Fashion Designer in Elliott J. Frieze as he develops his haute couture collection for 2010 London Fashion Week.
Details of Elliott’s collection are of course more closely guarded than the Crown Jewels, but we can tell you that he has been working with some really lovely items from our Empire Beads range to embellish and enhance his collection. We’ve managed to get a sneak peak of one of his drawings for the collection and we’ll be showcasing some of his brilliant work as the collection gets released over 2010 London Fashion Week.
On behalf of the whole Empire Beads Team we wish you the very best for your new collection Elliott. We’ve really enjoyed working with you and helping to find ways to make your signature pieces SPARKLE
Posted in: Bead News, Empire Beads News.
Tagged: Fashion · News
