gma2rjc

Has anyone ever heard of porcupine jewelry?

Several years ago (maybe 10?) my friend in Florida was making beaded earrings out of porcupine quills. She had fun making them.

I only remember this because she told me a few times, "If you ever see a dead porcupine on the side of the road, stop and get some of the quills for me." :sick: . NWIH am I doing that.

Ever since then, when I see a dead animal beside the road, I wonder if she was just pulling my leg or can the quills be purchased in a craft store.

So, if someone was into making those earrings, where did they get the quills? Does anyone know?

squiggles60

yes porcupine quills are used to make alot of native american jewelry and other items. We have seen some amazing pieces at craft shows over the years. And yes you can buy them. I wouldn't go poking some dead porcupine for its quills either thank you Anyway just for those who might want to know some of the best quills to use is from the African Crested porcupine as the quills are smooth and barbless. The North American porcupine's quills have a barbed end. They are hollow and can be cut into tubes for stringing.....

Google porcupine quills for sale you will find plenty of sites where you can buy them ( already picked ) and cleaned

Here is a link i found to start you out
http://www.spiritconnectionstore.com...ine-quills.htm

gma2rjc

Thanks squiggles. I've learned something new.

I probably won't be buying any quills, but I'll forward the link to my friend.

One of these days, if I ever have a lot of money and an empty room in the house, I'd like to get into beading.

Warner Johnie

hai,
some tips for porcupinejewelry ! Winona Porcupine Quill Jewelry is handmade using native Adirondack porcupine quills, semi-precious stones, Austrian crystals, and freshwater pearls, with sterling silver or gold earwires.

Charmedp3

you don't need alot of room for little beads really!!! i do ALL my work on a table 2' x 4'

Angela

I agree!!!!!! I have a small cupboard designated for beads and supplies, and I do all my work at the dining room table. I have LOTS of labelled, stackable tins to hold all my goodies.

I don't think you need a lot of money to get started. Unless you want to start with a boatload of beads and every accessory possible. Just decide what you would like your first project to be, and don't fall for buying a lot of unnecessary crap. You can get that later when you find your style and what tool would make it easier for you.

(My favourite wire cutters are hand-me-down ones from my electrician hubby!)

gma2rjc

Does it get frustrating trying to work with little tiny beads? I have a hard time coordinating my fingertips to hold eyelets and brads when I'm scrapbooking. I sometimes end up having to use tweezers to hold them and fit them into the hole they go in.

I've been in a bead shop in Grand Haven, Michigan a few times. Boy do they have some neat beads!

I also saw a craft show a couple years ago on tv where a woman was making her own glass beads at home. She used long sticks of colored glass and somehow added streaks of other colors in them. Then it seems like she used a torch(?) to cut the glass into smaller beads. It was interesting.

Barb

__________________
May your troubles be less.
May your blessings be more.
And may nothing but happiness
Come through your door.

Charmedp3

Hi Barb was that question for me? If it was the answer is no. The thread i use is on the stiff side ummm thin fishing line....so i use the end of the thread to "pop" the bead on the thread. I have my work area covered with a tee shirt so when i do stick the thread into the bead the surface gives and the bead pops on . it takes a bit to get it down to a science but after you do you really never "touch" the bead to string it. At least not with the things i make.

gma2rjc

Well it sounds like it might not be as complicated as I've made it out to be. Maybe I'll ask Santa for a couple basic beading tools and a package of beads.

Thanks Charmedp3.

I like the tee shirt idea. My biggest problem with working with the brads and eyelets is that when I drop them, they sometimes land on the floor.

__________________
May your troubles be less.
May your blessings be more.
And may nothing but happiness
Come through your door.

Charmedp3

Make sure you tape the tee shirt to a peice of cardboard or it will bunch up. you want a flat surface with a little cushion. Please don't let the little beads scare you . If you want to start with beading maybe you should try # 10 seed beads they are big but not to big and there are tons of things you can do with them. www.firemountaingems.com has some great deals and ship everywhere . Anything i can do to help you feel free to ask. Elaine