Beading Arts

This is a project that I filmed for HGTV a couple of years ago. It was filmed in the heat of an early summer day, and didn't air until mid-December. It was a trip, I'll tell you that! Materials: vintage optical test lens ( to purchase lenses ) photo to use on pendant (original will not be harmed) clear fixative spray ( Krylon Clear Acrylic Spray ) chain tag head pin assorted beads Golden’s Polymer Medium or Diamond Glaze bail or jump ring Tools: photo-editing software on computer (colored photocopies can be substituted) printer 1-1/2 inch hole punch paintbrush pliers : chain nose and round wire cutters 1. Scan and alter a photo using image software into a 1-1/2 inch square. Print out on quality white printer paper. 2. Spray lightly with fixative and let it dry. 3. Cut out picture with a 1-1/2 inch hole punch. Cut out a 1-1/2 inch-circle out of plain white paper too. 4. Pick beads that complement the colors in the picture and thread beads onto a

  Copper Glow With a gorgeous Swarovski disc as the centerpiece, this necklace combines bead weaving with basic stringing. All the bead supplies are available from Artbeads.com. I found it easiest to create the bead woven bail first, and then to string up the necklace. Materials Copper tube with loop Mixture of 11/0 and 8/0 seed beads in coppery and red colors Nymo O, black G-S Hypo tube cement 2 copper discs, 10mm 24" beading wire (SoftFlex) Copper toggle clasp 2 crimps 2 copper crimp covers 20 copper rondelles, 6 mm 10 facetted glass rondelles, 8 mm 40 round glass beads, 11mm Tools Beading needles Wire cutters Chain nose pliers Measuring tape 1. Thread a long piece of Nymo O onto a beading needle, and pick up enough 11/0 seed beads to create a bail the length you want. Go through the loop on the tube and the Swarovski disc, and knot the thread well in the back. Glue the knot and clip ends after it dries. 2. Using the directions for the Spiral

Blue Bells has no clasp, so make sure that you string the necklace long enough to fit comfortably over your head. I used some terrific multi-colored ribbon-style yarn to make this necklace, but feel free to experiment with the fabulous array of fibers that are available these days! Materials: Ribbon yarn 28 gauge wire Czech crystals or other beads Beading wire 2 crimps 2 dozen Indian bells 2 large-holed silver beads Small beads, approximately 4 mm Tools: Large crochet hook Scissors Wire cutters Chain nose pliers 1. String 50 Czech crystals onto 28 gauge wire. I used dark blue. Leaving a 4 inch tail, crochet the wire together with multicolored flat ribbon "yarn". Slide a crystal into place every few stitches. I crocheted a long enough length to be able to fold it into quarters. Vary this section to suit yourself. When you've finished crocheting, leave another 4 inch tail. 2. Fold the long strand up and use the tails to wrap around and secure them together. Cut another piec

I spent some time looking back over the Jewelry & Beading blog, and I decided that it was way past time to update our list of all the posts that will give you the basic info you need to get started in beading and jewelry-making. Tammy Powley, who was the original editor of Jewelry & Beading , provided an absolute treasure trove of tutorials and information. I’ve attempted to pick up where Tammy left off and have added my own 2-cents worth. So that you don't have to bookmark it, you can always find this link in The Basics , listed in the sidebar. Which kind of jewelry to start making How to string gemstone and pearl jewelry Determining hole and bead size Making a wrapped wire loop Getting started with making wire jewelry Beading wire vs silver wire Adding new jewelry methods - start simple Considering your jewelry clasp Jump ring problems Do not fear your torch Copper jewelry skills Filing jewelry A blank bead board The Tri-Cord Knotter Test drive your je