Hill Tribe Silver, & Why It’s Awesome

When I first joined the Bead World as a maker in 2002 (I didn’t turn it into a full-time profession until 2005) it was the golden age of Hill Tribe Silver, and it was everywhere. I instantly fell in love with the hand-made, detailed designs, and used the beads and findings liberally in my own jewelry making.… Read More

Miyuki Delica to Miyuki Seed Bead Conversion Chart

Hi Beaders!

I’m working late tonight, adding more than 100 new colors of Size 15 seed beads – both Toho and Miyuki, but this batch is mostly Miyuki. And as I was typing along, I realized that I could provide the information about which Miyuki Delica matches which Miyuki seed bead!… Read More

How to Shop the Live Sales!

I’m so enjoying doing the weekly Live Sales, and it’s definitely something we’re going to continue to do and expand on! We’re getting new shoppers each week, so I want to give you guys a place where you can find specific instructions on how and where to shop the Live Sales.… Read More

How to Register for my Live Facebook Sales

What is CommentSold & why do I need it?

Our new Live shopping platform will allow:

  • Invoices to be sent as soon as an item is claimed
  • Prevent Facebook comments from being missed or forgotten
  • Show each product number on the screen to make claiming items faster
  • Opting into a waitlist for sold-out items… and so much more!
Read More

Playing favorites

I can’t help it!! I LOVE BEADS! I love their colors and shapes and the feel of them and, *sob*, when it’s time to discontinue some of them, I have to admit I play favorites!!!

It’s been far too long since I’ve taken a look at our sales statistics and weeded out the slow sellers across the store.… Read More

New limited edition bead mixes

You may have heard me silently weeping a few months ago when one of my favorite bead vendors decided the time had come to close up shop. There have been so many significant changes in the bead world over the last few years, and this one hit hard!… Read More

What’s so great about our Czech pearls?

Czech glass pearl beads from Jill Wiseman Designs

I’m SO GLAD you asked! LOL!

When Swarovski exited the DIY (including bead) market, one thing I didn’t fret about was losing access to their pearls. And that’s because I already carried a fantastic lineup of Czech pearls!

With over 40 colors in 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8mm sizes, the Czech pearls I carry are the result of careful research for the best quality non-Swarovski pearls I could find.… Read More

Clasp Options for Flat Bracelet Kits

We’ve been carrying bead packs/kits for some of Sue Arrighi’s flat bracelet patterns for several years now, and we’re launching 8 new ones this week! There are two questions I get the most regarding the kits:

  1. Where do I buy the pattern?
Read More

Weighing Delicas

Recently there was a post on Facebook in a seed bead group from a beader who purchased Delicas from an online site and didn’t end up with what she expected.

The website stated that there were 7-8 grams of Delicas in their tubes, but the customer discovered, after running short of beads for her project and weighing the remaining tubes, that many of the tubes only contained 6 grams.… Read More

Will this finish last?

I can’t even begin to tell you how often I’ve answered this question about bead finishes. Will it hold up over time? Will it rub off? How do I know?

The answer is: it depends.

Maddening, isn’t it? I agree! But that’s the truth of the matter.… Read More

Celebrating the Carrier Bead Craze

Carrier Bead Round-Up

You know how much we love Carrier Beads here at JWD, so we thought that as International Beading Week is approaching it was high time that we put together a little blog post celebrating the versatility and down right FUN of these little rectangular beauties!… Read More

Bead & Button 2018 Round-Up

Jill Wiseman does the Bead & Button Show - 2018 round up

Didn’t make it to the Bead & Button show in Milwaukee this year? Don’t be sad! Read on to get some exciting peeks behind the scenes at Meet the Teachers, plus I introduce you to some of my favorite beady people and there’s plenty of wonderful beadwork to drool over!… Read More

Join my Carrier Bead-A-Long!

Come and Bead-A-Long with me!

What better way to begin National Craft month then with a Bead-A-Long that celebrates the Carrier bead craze with these wonderful Czech glass beads! Sponsored by The BeadSmith.

Read More

Tucson 2018 round-up

Once again I’m reminded that this bead world of ours is a wonderful and exciting place.

Coming to the Gem Shows this year has been a much needed boost. There’s nothing like being amongst your people – the ones who inspire you, and challenge you, and with whom you can plan new collaborations and adventures.… Read More

Introducing Carol Dean Sharpe…

Sand Fibers - Carol Dean Sharpe - patterns now available from Jill Wiseman Designs

We’re delighted to launch a wonderful range of brand new limited edition kits and patterns to the Jill Wiseman Designs Shop, designed by the very talented Carol Dean Sharpe of Sand Fibers. Perfect for lovers of Delicas, our beloved Size 11 Triangle beads and peyote stitch, Carol’s abstract and intricate designs really explore the possibilities for cylinder beads.… Read More

So many beads!

I honestly thought my days of blogging were over, but I guess I was wrong! Because here I am! While my use of Facebook really took over all of my time and attention the last few years, sometimes there was info that just didn’t quite fit on a Facebook post.… Read More

It’s coming – our biggest ever Garage Sale!

Bead Garage Sale at Jill Wiseman Designs

What’s a Bead Garage Sale you might ask? Well, it’s lots and lots of beads at super bargain prices! Sometimes Jill makes ordering mistakes and orders WAY too much of a particular bead. Or maybe it’s some products we’re discontinuing so we can move fresh beads in.… Read More

Reunited (and it feels so good)

Operation Refresh was a complete success! What a relief to get a break for a few days and see some people I adore, meet new people to adore, and acquire far too much fabulous yarn! I left home without a single bead project and while it seemed scary, it was the right decision.… Read More