Metric Conversion Chart for Jewelry Makers

Some people new to gemstones and beading have never come across the metric measuring system often used in jewelry making. Even some of us who have been at it for a long time need help figuring out just how big 11mm is.
Dr Karen Meador made this chart to help with these conversions.

Conversion of Units

25.4 millimeters (mm) = 1 inch

1 millimeter is less than 1/16 inch

To Convert Inches to Millimeters: Multiply Inches x 25.4

To Convert to Millimeters to Inches: Multiply millimeters x .03937

Conversion Chart: Millimeters to Inches

Mm	Inches in Decimals	*Inches in Fractions
1mm	0.04 inches	Less than 1/16 inch
2mm	0.08 inches	Greater than 1/16 inch & less than 1/8 inch
3mm	0.12 inches	Greater than 1/16 inch & less than 1/8 inch
4mm	0.16 inches	Greater than 1/8 and less than 3/16
5mm	0.2 inches	Greater than 3/16 and less than 1/4
6mm	0.24 inches	Greater than 3/16 and less than 1/4
7mm	0.28 inches	Greater than ¼ and less than 5/16
8mm	0.32 inches	Greater than ¼ and less than 5/16
9mm	0.35inches	Greater than 5/16 and less than 3/8
10mm	0.40 inches	Greater than 3/8 and less than 7/16
12mm	0.47 inches	Greater than 7/16 and less than 8/16
14mm	0.55 inches	Greater than ½ and less than 9/16
16mm	0.63 inches	Greater than 5/8 & less than 11/16
18mm	0.71 inches	Greater than 11/16 and less than 3/4

*The third column of this conversion chart is offered to help anyone who thinks more clearly using fractions than using decimals.

Approximate Number of Round Beads on a 16” Strand

2mm	3mm	4mm	6mm	8mm	10mm	12mm
203	136	100	67	50	41	34

Every inch is 25mm so times the number of inches by 25mm and you have how long the strand is in millimeters. Then divide by the width of the bead.

Note: Copied with the permission of:
Karen Meador
Dream Catcher Designs

Winner's Choice Giveaway

Maria Grimes is having a Great Giveaway to celebrate

her 8th year of lampworking! She will make5 lampwork beads for you..

Don't miss out check this out!

 

Click on Maria's name above for more details.

Wonderful colors for fall...

For each season of fashion, the world-renowned authority on color, Pantone, releases a palette of 10 colors (see color trends blog post) that inspires designers and artisans to create the clothes and accessories we all love.  My favorite color this Fall season is Purple Orchid.  I've included some of my designs featuring this color below; all are available now in my Etsy shop.

Carry a Hankie

Life Lessons......

While visiting Mexico many years ago as a teenager, I experienced my first seasonal allergy attack. Caught off guard and unprepared for the sniffles on a tour of the jungle, my Father handed me a fresh hankie and told me to keep it in my backpack/purse.  And so I have.  I keep it in one of the small inner pockets of my purse so it will stay clean and fresh.  I've found many uses for my Hankie; restroom dryer on the fritz...Hankie; sunglasses covered with sea-spray...Hankie; missing blindfold for "pin the tail on the donkey"...Hankie; wipe away tears at my best friends wedding...extra large hankie!

Hankies can say something about yourself. Like the accessories that you wear, and the music that you listen to, your hankie can add individuality to your identity.

Hankies found on Etsy pictured above:

(click description to go to Etsy Shop for more details)

Upper Left: His and Hers Embroidered Bicycle Hankies- Set of 2

Middle Left: Monogrammed Men's Handkerchiefs - Set of 3

Lower Left: Cherries Hand embroidered tattoo hanky

Right: Personalized Wedding Hankerchief

 

Color Trends for Fall 2010

 

The 2010 Fall Color Trends from Pantone, the industry standard on fashion color trends.

My new jewelry design rule is to make use of colors that make you feel good and breathe new life into your wardrobe. Now more than ever is the time to mix new colorful accessories with your classic silhouettes. You’ll be amazed at what a splash of color can do to both your ‘look’ and your ‘outlook.’  I hope to inspire Etsy shoppers by offering vibrant color hues and an array of potential new color combination to make getting dressed more exciting. Click here for the full Pantone Fall Report      

 

Logging my favorites...

This is the third installment of a ongoing log of my favorite things. Once a month I will post a favorite. It might be a person, or a place, or even a event. Hopefully it will help you get to know me a little better. I'd love your comments and I hope to make some connections through our mutual enjoyment of these treasures.

The Chicago Style Hot Dog... 

  The periodic table of Vienna Chicago Style Hot Dog.

The "Chicago Style" hot dog got its start from street cart hot dog vendors during the hard times of the Great Depression. Money was scarce, but business was booming for these entrepreneurs who offered a delicious hot meal on a bun for only a nickel. The famous Chicago Style Hot Dog was born! They'd start with a Vienna Beef hot dog, nestle it in a steamed poppy seed bun and cover it with a wonderful combination of toppings: yellow mustard, bright green relish, fresh chopped onions, juicy red tomato wedges, a kosher-style pickle spear, a couple of spicy sport peppers and finally, a dash of celery salt. This unique hot dog creation with a "salad on top" and its memorable interplay of hot and cold, crisp and soft, sharp and smooth, became America's original fast food and a true Chicago institution.

Fall Earring Preview

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LorisGlassworks

Fall is my favorite season, so I'm updating my Etsy shop with new items in fall colors. The items above are some of my recent designs. Take a peek and let me know what you think. All items are currently available in my Etsy shop and ready for immediate delivery.

Where are my Keys…….?

I’m constantly searching for my keys that have migrated to the bottom of my purse. I think many students also have this problem with their keys, lost inside their backpack. To help with this problem I made several key minders that will hook to the purse or tote, yet keep the keys securely inside the bag. Take a look and let me know what you think. The beads are my handmade lampwork. Available in my Etsy shop.

Happy Friday....

Most Friday's my husband I go to a little cantina for dinner and margaritas. It’s our way of releasing the tensions of the work week. The restaurant is called Bone Garden Cantina and it has a Day of the Dead theme. The art work and sculpture created by the owner Michael is fabulous, take a peek:

 http://www.bonegardencantina.com/

From pre Columbian times, El Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead has been celebrated in Mexico, and other Latin countries. This is a very special ritual, since it is the day in which the living remember their departed relatives.  Sometimes, when people of other cultures hear for the first time about the celebration of the Day of the Dead, they mistakenly think it must be: gruesome, terrifying, scary, ugly and sad. Nothing further from the truth, Day of the Dead is a beautiful ritual in which Mexicans happily and lovingly remember their loved relatives that have died. 

Bone Garden Cantina is one of our favorite places to relax, the food is fabulous and the staff is top notch.  I love their Chili Rellenos, they are the best in Atlanta. Stop by sometime; I'm sure you won't be disappointed!