Beading Arts

Image via flickr Here is a guest post from Resin Obsession !  They have all the materials you need for your resin projects.  The links throughout the tutorial are not affilate links, and I have not been paid to share this project with you.   We’ve all seen Pandora beads. Trendy and stylish, these unique beads can be customized on bracelets or necklaces for endless combinations. They are beautiful and fun to collect. But did you know you can create your own? There’s something very satisfying about creating your own beautiful jewelry, and even more so when you get compliments on it! Here, we will give you all the details you need to know about making your own Pandora-style beads with resin. This project is also appropriate for beginners. New to making beads? Head over to our tutorials to learn more about how to make your own beads and other must-knows for beginners! Tools you will need for this project: Mixing cups Rubber gloves Stirring...

Here's a little peek at a piece of beadweaving that I just finished.  You can probably tell that it's right angle weave beadwork (RAW) and that it's a necklace.  It's not my design, and there's a reason that I'm not showing you the whole thing...you might want to make one yourself! I told you all about Facet Jewelry Box earlier this year.  It's a great subscription to have if you don't have a local bead shop, or if you just want additional projects to do each month.  The nicest part is that everything you need, with the exception of the tools, is included.  No more buying an entire hank of beads just so you can use a couple of them in a project!  The tools needed are all basic, so if you've been making jewelry for any length of time, you'll have all you need. This box came with a necklace and earrings set.  So far, I have finished the necklace...the earrings I've set aside for later this week when I'm in between other projects.  I...

There has been one not-so-wonderful thing about my worktable, for as long as I've had my studio.  Don't get me wrong...I am extremely grateful for having the space, with room for storage as well as work, and with a wonderful view.  But, my hinged clamp-on magnifying table lamp sometimes left me unhinged! Enter Brightech.  The good folks at  Brightech lamps  sent me a replacement for my terrible terrible lamp.  Not only is the design far superior - and yes, looks do matter! - but the function is also way way better.  The magnifying lens is large, clear, and perfectly balanced.  Unlike my old lamp, there is a cover (shown in the up position above) that protects your lens from dust while not in use.  All the springs and hinges are protected, which not only looks nicer, but also keeps your fingers out of danger.    I received a clamp-on magnifying model (shown above but in white) that is dimmable and also boasts 2 different la...

Beadweaving patterns for National Pet Month (shown above) Bird Set Free necklace video tutorial New Vintaj pearl patinas The Butterfly Effect necklace video tutorial DIY wrap bracelet video tutorial How to wire wrap and make a druzy bead necklace video tutorial Silver bead tassel necklace video tutorial Jade horn earrings video tutorial Crochet cherry blossom earrings tutorial This post contains affiliate links: Beadaholique and Jesse James Beads

Pet collection from Tierra Cast   (shown above) Honeycomb double wrap loom bracelet kit Ready-to-wear chain tassels Silk beading thread for stitching or for creating tassels Seasonal bead collections for designers and makers  (shown above) Spring Pantone collection (shown below) This post contains affiliate links: Beadaholique and Jesse James Beads

I told you about Facet Jewelry Box back in November.  It launched in January, and they sent me two boxes.  However... However, I ended up sick for about six weeks this winter, so I am just now getting around to doing new projects.  What a winter, huh? So here's the first box and what I made from it! It came with two projects: the really cute necklace and the briolette earrings.  I liked that all the materials came packed together in zip-locs that had the project name right on them.  I don't know about your work table, but mine is...messy is a kind word for it.  I made the necklace first, and I really liked that there were a few extra head pins in case of goofs.  That's easy enough to do when your're learning.  The instructions were easy to follow, and there is additional help online if you need it.  The instructions also include tips as to why the project works, which is helpful if you decide you want to make another using...

  Special sales start today !  20% off the Make it Merry collection...but what will it be tomorrow? This post contains affiliate links: Jesse James Beads

  Did you see that Beadaholique has started their T welve Giveaways of Christmas and special sales?  They run every weekday until December 21.  You do not have to buy anything to enter! This post contains affiliate links: Beadaholique

  Did you see this?  Today only at Beadaholique ! This post contains affiliate links: Beadaholique

People have been asking for it, and now they can have it... two complete new projects every month, all materials, patterns, and instructions (curated and vetted by the editors of Bead&Button and Facet !), by subscription!! And right now, you can enter to reserve a spot, with no obligation to subscribe.  Entering now will enter you to win over $300 worth of jewelry supplies!   Go to the link below and enter your email.  Again, you will be under no obligation to take a subscription, but you will be in line to be able to.                         Facet Jewelry Box

Autumn Maple Grenadine Shaded Spruce Tawny Port Ballet Slipper Butterum Navy Peony Neutral Gray Golden Lime Marina   This post contains affiliate links: Jesse James Beads

The top 3 reasons your guest post queries are rejected   17 Coffee-infused drinks and dishes!  Beautiful vintage fall botanical printables for your projects  

Using lampwork glass beads in your finished jewelry designs Beaded alternating feather stitch tutorial 14 Quick bread recipes...from scones to muffins! An interview with Carl Clasmeyer

One of the best things about working with black and white beads in the new Jesse James Beads Tribal Stripes collection is that it gives you unlimited potential for mixing in other colors.  The Pantone color called Pink Yarrow is so hot right now, and I like it anyway, so that's the direction I went in stitching up this new pendant that I call Fierce ! Materials + Tools Jesse James Beads Tribal Stripes inspiration bead mix Tribal Stripes mini bead mix Seed Beads Size 11/0: Black matte Fuchsia matte White Fuchsia Delicas Size 8/0: Color-lined hot pink Size 15/0: Black Tools Beading needles Scissors Nymo beading thread, black, size O Foundation fabric, like ultra-suede Double sided tape 1. Use a small piece of double sided tape to position your focal bead and stitch it down. 2. Stitch a row of back stitch around the bead with size 11/0 seed beads.  Keep an even number of beads on each side, not counting the corners.  Run your thread t...

I received a wonderful package of beads recently from Jesse James Beads , all from their new Tribal Stripes line.  It's part of their Afrika Afrika collection, new for late summer/fall.  Why did they send them to me?  So I could make some projects that you might enjoy doing! Materials + Tools Jesse James Beads Tribal Stripes inspiration bead mix Tribal Stripes mini bead mix Seed beads, size 11/0 Black Black matte White Red Seed beads, size 15/0 Black Tools Beading needles Scissors Nymo beading thread, black, size O Foundation fabric, like ultra-suede Double sided tape 1. Use a small piece of double sided tape to position your focal bead.  Stitch it down and surround it closely with back stitched matte black size 11/0 seed beads to stabilize it. 2. Continue to add rows of back stitch in color combinations that please you.  A few rows out, add some smaller focal beads for variety. 3. Add a couple more rows of bac...

From the Afrika Afrika collection: Tribal Stripes I received this collection of beads yesterday from Jesse James Beads , and I'm very excited to get going on a series of designs that will feature these.  Just as soon as I clear my worktable...stay tuned! This post contains affiliate links: Jesse James Beads

Unfortunately, I do not have any step-out photos for this necklace.  I actually made it a long time ago, back before I was keeping a blog with tutorials.  But the theory behind making a necklace like this is simple enough, so I'll share with you how it came to be. "Waves" features a lovely four-holed fused glass pendant by Jeanne Kent of New Terra Artifacts .  It also contains Chinese turquoise, green onxy, amazonite, sodalite, fresh water pearls, crystals, seed beads, and my own lampworked glass beads.  My glass beads provide the structure for the design.  I mentally spaced out the large-holed beads and created the necklace straps in several passes. You will find all the beautiful beads that you need at Beadaholique or your favorite local bead store. The first pass went from the clasp down through one outside hole, across the bottom to the next hole, and back up through that one, creating a second necklace strand up towards the staring point.  A th...

No, I'm not being cute.  The fabulous Kat Wisniewski sent me a kit for a bracelet that is featured in her new book, New Connections in Chain Mail Jewelry with Rubber and Glass Rings (my review at the link).  I don't work in chain mail at all except for a very few small pieces, just for experiments, so I had a certain amount of trepidation upon receiving the kit.  All those jump rings (well, duh!). It turns out that as long as you follow the instructions, which are super-easy to follow, you will end up with a fabulous piece of jewelry!  Who knew? Arched Ascent Bracelet, designed by Kat Wisniewski Inexpertly assembled by Cyndi Lavin My biggest challenge was closing the jump rings properly.  But not to worry...there are a few extra in each size needed just in case you really mess one up (I did!  Twice.).  Still, I think I ended up with a very presentable bracelet that I'll be proud to wear.  You can find Kat's kits on her website, New...

Here’s a guest post from The Bead Shop , the perfect place for anyone looking to stock up on jewellery making equipment. Today we’re going to show you how to make this cute bow necklace - perfect for spring! To make the necklace pictured above you’ll need the following: Craft wire Swarovski Crystal Bicone Beads Swarovski Crystal Faceted Round Beads Swarovski Pearls A Heart Trigger Clasp 5mm jump rings However, if you’d rather use different beads entirely, that’s okay too! This really is one of those uber-versatile designs that can perfectly incorporate a variety of beads. Let’s look at how we made the necklace pictured… Step 1 First of all, you want to start threading beads onto your craft wire. For this necklace we threaded beads on in this order: 4mm Bicone 6mm Pearl 6mm Bicone 6mm Pearl 6mm Bicone 6mm Pearl 5mm closed ring Step 2 Next, thread on four more 6mm Pearls and three more 6mm Bicones (alternately) followed by another 4mm Bicone to...