What an interesting selection! The cocoons are particularly interesting & I'd love to come up with ways to use them. The colors of the silk cords are beautiful!
Pearl, once again, a reason to love reading your blog! What a great source for eye catching jewelry supplies. Thanks to OandN for such a wonderful giveaway!
mee tooo ... a mi me encanta cuando estuve en colombia en la sierra vi de cerca el cultivo, y en china tambien, me traje una bolsita de 4 capullos y estoy a la espera de confeccionar algo hermoso, por que la joyeria que hacen en colombia y venden en frente del museo del oro en bogota es maravillosa...
Lindy - the silkworms are indeed killed because if they hatch, the cocoon is broken. Silk can be retrieved from such cocoons but they will not be as good as silk made from unbroken strands.
One article advocates wild silk harvested from non-cultivated silkworms. Here is a quote which puts into perspective the fate of silkworms who do hatch:
"Producers do allow some caterpillars to develop into moths for breeding purposes, but due to the severity of their inbreeding, bombyx mori moths are blind, cannot fly and cannot eat. All they can do is mate, and then starve to death."
Looks very nice, I'd love a chance to win! (Even if seeing silk cocoons and rods always give we a twinge of bad conscience as I have a handful that's been in my stash for years without my doing anything with them...)
I LOVE the ceramic beads, and the silk cording is to die for! I am adding their shop to my favorites <3 I would love to win this giveaway...so many beautiful items to choose from...
Oh how lovely I would really like to do something with those beautiful beads and silk ropes the possibilities are endless. Margaret gorella50@gmail.com
January 13, 2014 at 8:50 PM
Anonymous said...
Silk cord would be fun to play with. Thanks for exposing us to new supplies. Rose
I subscribe to your blog via email. I follow on Twitter @barleecreations I follow on G+ as Linda Barlee I tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/barleecreations/status/423144587134119938
January 14, 2014 at 12:28 PM
Greta Marullo, gdmar@comcast.net said...
Wow! What an interesting article. Thank you for the chance to win this gift certificate. I follow your blog and enjoy it very much.
How beautiful! I just started to incorporate silk into my design and would love to play more with this beautiful material! Thanks for the chance to win! :)
The petals are gorgeous! And I love the fresh, bold colors of the Greek beads....oh, I hope I win! I would love to imagine and create with these fabulous finds! Lizbraich@AOL.com
Would love to win this giftcard. What a fun prize!
January 21, 2014 at 5:53 PM
Anonymous said...
Those silk cocoons are scrumptious, also the ropes. I am a subscriber and follower. Susan Samuel shw_samuel@sky.com
January 21, 2014 at 6:13 PM
When I was a little girl, I enjoyed rearing caterpillars I found in the garden. I always let them go after they emerged as butterflies from the pupal stage into my large plastic bag enclosure. Once, just once, my aunt managed to bring me some silkworms to rear.
[Image]
Silkworm and cocoon (picture source)
A kind neighbor gave me fresh mulberry leaves from their garden to feed the voracious little things for about 40 days! Each silkworm spins about 1 mile of silk filament from its salivary gland. It completely encases itself into a cocoon in a couple of days.
[Image]
Dyed Silk Cocoons Flower cutouts : Silk Cocoons from OandN Craft Supplies
Sericulture began as far back as 5000 – 3000 BCE in China. The practice spread to other countries including Europe. One European town still producing natural silk is "Silk Town" or Soufli in Northern Greece. Making silk was a major industry there in the 19th and early 20th century. While the production has since declined, they still make quality silk.
[Image]
Undyed silk cocoons cut like leaves
Did you know silk cocoons can be used as jewelry and crafting materials? Tina Anapnioti of OandN Craft Supplies sources these beautiful natural products directly from Soufli. Textile, fiber, mixed media jewelry artisans will revel in them!
[Image]
Dyed silk cocoon halves
They come dyed in different colors or undyed and cut in different shapes. The flower shapes are great as bead caps! OandN also supplies whole undyed cocoons (including the dead pupa inside). By the way dupioni silk with its distinctive knobbly look, is made from double cocoons formed when 2 silkworms create them side by side.
The shop also carries a fantastic range of silk cords and other stringing materials at very affordable prices. This satin braided silk cord is a beauty :
[Image]
As is this midnight blue braided thick silk cord :
[Image] Thick cords like this beautiful twisted 9 mm silk cord have many applications in jewelry making.
[Image]
[Image]
OandN also supplies beautiful Greek ceramic beads with larger holes. These are either handmade or created using manually operated machines. They are hand painted about 7-12 times and are fired up to 3 times. I really love the multicolored ones above as well as the crackle slider beads below.
[Image]
This is just a small sampling of the OandN store! So check it out.
Giveaway OandN Craft Supplies are sponsoring a $40 gift certificate for any of their products. If you'd like be one of the winners, please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.
Subscribers need to click on the post title to come to my actual blog. Scroll down and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank. This giveaway is international.Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments.It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, January 27 , 2014. I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck! Before You Go: How to Use Rope for Jewelry TutorialsWoven Rope Wearable Art Jewelry by Jaclyn MayerHow to Make a Paracord Knotted Cross Pendant Tutorial
______________________________
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
posted by The Beading Gem at 8:00 AM on Jan 13, 2014
"OandN's $40 Greek Jewelry Supplies Gift Certificate Giveaway"
64 Comments -
Would love to win this!!! Thanks
Marlene
mlsjewel@yahoo.com
January 13, 2014 at 8:38 AM
O andN's offerings look YUMMY! Going the check the www now.
bmeagher@sympatico.ca
January 13, 2014 at 8:52 AM
I love trying new things and these products look amazing. I am especially interested in the silk ropes.
I have tweeted and shared about your contest!
January 13, 2014 at 9:07 AM
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
January 13, 2014 at 9:08 AM
Hi Pearl, I am a subscriber. I pinned you on my giveaway board. Thanks for a chance to win.
January 13, 2014 at 9:17 AM
Wow! The shop has a nice selection! I especially like the green ceramic slider beads.
January 13, 2014 at 9:18 AM
What an interesting selection! The cocoons are particularly interesting & I'd love to come up with ways to use them. The colors of the silk cords are beautiful!
January 13, 2014 at 9:24 AM
Pearl, once again, a reason to love reading your blog! What a great source for eye catching jewelry supplies.
Thanks to OandN for such a wonderful giveaway!
January 13, 2014 at 9:29 AM
I am a blog follower
January 13, 2014 at 9:29 AM
Also a fb fan
January 13, 2014 at 9:29 AM
Shared on fbhttps://www.facebook.com/shirley.j.moore.12
January 13, 2014 at 9:32 AM
Awesome silk worms. Thanks for the chance to win
January 13, 2014 at 9:37 AM
Very interesting article. Would love to win.
Carolyn
Carolynscreations@live.com
January 13, 2014 at 9:47 AM
mee tooo ...
a mi me encanta cuando estuve en colombia en la sierra vi de cerca el cultivo, y en china tambien, me traje una bolsita de 4 capullos y estoy a la espera de confeccionar algo hermoso, por que la joyeria que hacen en colombia y venden en frente del museo del oro en bogota es maravillosa...
January 13, 2014 at 9:58 AM
I love, love, love the red beads. Can't wait to check out the site.
January 13, 2014 at 10:13 AM
I think it's barbaric! Surely by now someone would have found a way to use the silk after the moth has emerged instead of boiling the pupae alive :-(
January 13, 2014 at 10:31 AM
What a great giveaway.
patti panuccio
patti.panuccio@gmail.com
January 13, 2014 at 10:42 AM
Lindy - the silkworms are indeed killed because if they hatch, the cocoon is broken. Silk can be retrieved from such cocoons but they will not be as good as silk made from unbroken strands.
One article advocates wild silk harvested from non-cultivated silkworms. Here is a quote which puts into perspective the fate of silkworms who do hatch:
"Producers do allow some caterpillars to develop into moths for breeding purposes, but due to the severity of their inbreeding, bombyx mori moths are blind, cannot fly and cannot eat. All they can do is mate, and then starve to death."
http://greenopedia.com/article/cruelty-free-silk-fact-or-fiction
January 13, 2014 at 10:53 AM
So many wonderful goodies to choose from. Thanks for the giveaway offer.
zanc@att.net
January 13, 2014 at 11:36 AM
I am a blog subscriber.
zanc@att.net
January 13, 2014 at 11:36 AM
I pinned the giveaway:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/365987907189765510/
zanc@att.net
January 13, 2014 at 11:39 AM
What a fun and creative process! I'm a happy blog follower. Thanks for the chance to win!
~Julie
julie4kw@yahoo.com
January 13, 2014 at 11:40 AM
I've never seen cocoons used in such a way ! Thank you for this giveaway.
voltzia@gmail.com
January 13, 2014 at 11:58 AM
I am a blog subscriber.
January 13, 2014 at 11:58 AM
I have never seen any of these products before and I'm fascinated. Will have to check out the store as soon as I finish this comment.
PS..... I'd do a happy happy dance if I win (but not going to video tape it lol).
January 13, 2014 at 12:12 PM
Looks very nice, I'd love a chance to win! (Even if seeing silk cocoons and rods always give we a twinge of bad conscience as I have a handful that's been in my stash for years without my doing anything with them...)
Am a follower (and have pinned about this).
January 13, 2014 at 12:36 PM
I LOVE the ceramic beads, and the silk cording is to die for! I am adding their shop to my favorites <3
I would love to win this giveaway...so many beautiful items to choose from...
Stace Walker
captivate779@gmail.com
January 13, 2014 at 12:37 PM
They look really amazing and would love to work with such patterns.
www.ivoryvines.com
January 13, 2014 at 12:50 PM
Looks really amazing and so many designs are popping in my mind to work with these.
www.ivoryvines.com
January 13, 2014 at 12:52 PM
What a unique use of silk. Love the half cocoon shape.
January 13, 2014 at 1:24 PM
I just love Greek ceramic beads. But I must say I have never heard of using silk cocoons in jewelry. What an inspiring idea!
January 13, 2014 at 6:51 PM
Wow! Those are gorgeous beads! I'm almost too stunned for words Pearl and you know that's saying something!
I also love everything they have that's silk!
My mind is spinning off in many directions with what could be created from what OandN offer!
Aims
bigbluebarn@gmail.com
January 13, 2014 at 7:20 PM
Lovely items! I am a subscriber to your blog and on facebook.
Thanks for a chance to win!
arienna_elf at hotmail dot com
January 13, 2014 at 8:33 PM
Oh how lovely I would really like to do something with those beautiful beads and silk ropes the possibilities are endless.
Margaret
gorella50@gmail.com
January 13, 2014 at 8:50 PM
Silk cord would be fun to play with. Thanks for exposing us to new supplies. Rose
wncon@aol.com
January 13, 2014 at 11:04 PM
I would love to see the silk ropes. They look spectacular.
Thanks for the chance to win.
January 13, 2014 at 11:16 PM
I am a blog follower.
January 13, 2014 at 11:16 PM
Oh I would love to win this! I am just drooling over the silk cords.
January 13, 2014 at 11:53 PM
The cocoons and cord are awesome!
nancysopp@gmail.com
January 14, 2014 at 2:36 AM
Yes please enter me to win!
January 14, 2014 at 12:25 PM
Thanks Pearl for the give away and these are really different supplies. Going to check them out. Have a great day!
January 14, 2014 at 12:25 PM
I subscribe to your blog via email.
I follow on Twitter @barleecreations
I follow on G+ as Linda Barlee
I tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/barleecreations/status/423144587134119938
January 14, 2014 at 12:28 PM
Wow! What an interesting article. Thank you for the chance to win this gift certificate. I follow your blog and enjoy it very much.
gdmar@comcast.net
January 14, 2014 at 1:10 PM
Such cool stuff. Thanks for doing a giveaway!
January 14, 2014 at 1:23 PM
I am a blog follower as well.
January 14, 2014 at 1:24 PM
Follow you on Bloglovin.
Carolyn
Carolynscreations@live.com
January 14, 2014 at 10:57 PM
I hope I win!
Karen H
January 15, 2014 at 11:08 AM
Very cool!!!
Designingit4U@gmail.com
January 15, 2014 at 11:39 AM
Would love to win this also, great beads.
thx,
Twila
twmihas@gmail.com
January 15, 2014 at 1:53 PM
I love to try these new materials. Blog subscriber.
January 16, 2014 at 9:05 AM
Wow! These silk cocoons are beautiful. I also love the cords you have shown.
Thanks for this opportunity and a new resource to order from!
January 16, 2014 at 10:07 AM
would be fun to make a mobile using those silk cocoons !
January 17, 2014 at 8:01 AM
Thank you for the chance to win.
acbeads@gmail.com
January 17, 2014 at 9:54 AM
I'm a blog subscriber too.
acbeads@gmail.com
January 17, 2014 at 9:55 AM
I pinned the giveaway.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/498562621221020827/
acbeads@gmail.com
January 17, 2014 at 9:57 AM
How beautiful! I just started to incorporate silk into my design and would love to play more with this beautiful material! Thanks for the chance to win! :)
January 20, 2014 at 1:44 PM
I would love to win, thank you for the chance. Awesome prize. I'm a subscriber and love your blog. Thank you!
January 20, 2014 at 1:56 PM
The braided silk cord is so pretty. I hope I win!!!
January 20, 2014 at 6:54 PM
I also subscribe via email. thanks!
January 20, 2014 at 6:54 PM
Wow, that's beautiful! kathyouthere@yahoo.com
January 21, 2014 at 11:28 AM
The petals are gorgeous! And I love the fresh, bold colors of the Greek beads....oh, I hope I win! I would love to imagine and create with these fabulous finds! Lizbraich@AOL.com
January 21, 2014 at 2:57 PM
These beads are great!
Thank you for the give away, it should be great to win such an amazing prize.
Annalena
annalena.colombo@hotmail.it
January 21, 2014 at 5:32 PM
Would love to win this giftcard. What a fun prize!
January 21, 2014 at 5:53 PM
Those silk cocoons are scrumptious, also the ropes. I am a subscriber and follower.
Susan Samuel
shw_samuel@sky.com
January 21, 2014 at 6:13 PM