Articles written by Karey Grant

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About me - Karey Grant

A Jewelry Designer, Instructor and Artist, I am always in search of what is yet to be known. My work is inspired by my environments, memories and photographs. Dominant in my influential landscape these days is my 3-year-old who keeps me in beading. The playfulness

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Jobs & Careers > International & Government Jobs How to get a job at a national or state park: 2 of 8

The Colorado State Park System is one of the best, and if you are looking for seasonal work, it isn't very hard to get in exchange for an amazing experience. I decided that I wanted to fulfill my dream of working in a park and looked to move to CO. I researched and made myself a binder of various parks, and narrowed it down ...
Sciences > Geology & Geophysics A guide to backyard geology: 5 of 19

Backyard geology using everyday logic What is awaiting discovery outside your back door? We all dream of discovering that hidden treasure just waiting for us to find it. When we were young anything could have been that treasure- so why allow ourselves to outgrow it? I say- dig in the dirt! If you find something that sparkles...
Hobbies & Games > Beading & Jewelry Making Common mistakes when finishing beaded jewelry: 2 of 6

Have you been making beautiful pieces just to be frustrated as they crash to the floor? The finishing steps in any jewelry piece are always the most nerve racking. Here are some tips for common stringing mistakes. *for thread endings, see my article under bead tips Before we get to technique, take a look at the materials you...
Style & Beauty > Jewelry Truth about pearls: 1 of 3

A bit of pearl history, trivia and encouragement to learn pearl knotting... Why knot pearls? Traditionally pearls were knotted to protect them from each other. The gritty consistency of a pearl is abrasive enough to scratch the soft sides of their neighboring pearls over time. * for tips on ending knotted necklaces see my ar...
Hobbies & Games > Beading & Jewelry Making How to make a wire wrap on a top drilled bead: 1 of 2

Commonly referred to as a briolette wrap to honor those lovely little tear drops or a Bail wrap to attach a large pendant, wire wrapping these beads can be a challenge. If you are familiar with how to wrap beads onto head pins, this should come more easily. 1- Cut a piece of suitable sized wire 2-3 inches. 2- Fold it up on e...
Hobbies & Games > Beading & Jewelry Making Beading terminology guide: 1 of 2

Beaders begin as buyers. Let's first get the terminology for our beads before we move onto articles on what to do past coveting them! Bead Shapes Barrel longer than wide, cylindrical shaped, bows out slightly in the middle Bicone one faceted "cone" on top of the other, connected at the bases and apexes at opposite sides. Bri...
Hobbies & Games > Beading & Jewelry Making Choosing the right stringing wire for your beading project: 1 of 2

What are all those numbers on the label? There are two things to take into consideration when deciding on a stringing material for your project. The diameter of the finished wire you will be fitting through your beads and the number of strands of wire included beneath the nylon coating are the two most important things to lo...
Hobbies & Games > Beading & Jewelry Making Beading techniques: How to knot for beading: 1 of 1

Materials and overall design dictate what kind of knotting technique you will use on a project. If you want a snug knot between every bead, there are options of tri-cord knotters, tweezers, awls or how I knot, using no tools other than my hands. This method is vary relaxing and kind of addictive once you get it down, but the...
Hobbies & Games > Beading & Jewelry Making Jewelry making: How to make a bail for a flat pendant: 1 of 1

Pendants are the quickest "new jewelry" a person can make. To make a flat bead ready for wear is simple. Pendants require a heftier look when using wire. If your bead is drilled all the way through and only fits a thinner wire, consider doing a wire wrap to a pre-made bail, or even a heavy soldered or closed jump ring. If yo...
Hobbies & Games > Beading & Jewelry Making How to choose the right clasp for beaded work: 3 of 5

What is the best clasp to use for your project? My first answer will always be "whichever is easiest for you to use". If you make something with a tricky clasp, you won't wear it nearly as often. Here on some secondary things to consider when choosing a clasp. When making necklaces: -Front or back? A clasp can also double as...