» Beads
Crochet Chains for Beaded Jewelry
Made the perfect beaded pendant, but can’t find a chain with the right hue to match? Consider a crochet chain. Crochet thread comes in a rainbow of colors. Some types of thread even include effects such as a metallic filament that could be the perfect complement for your design. Making a crochet chain requires no advanced crochet techniques. Even if you’ve never crocheted before, you can make a crochet chain. It’s the most elementary of all … Read entire article »
Filed under: Beads, Beginner, Crafts, Knit and Crochet, Less than an Hour, New Featured
Wire Jig Tree Ornaments
In search of a quick wire ornament for the holidays? Have a wire jig handy? Then give this simple design a try. It’s a wire and bead tree-shaped ornament in two styles: loops on the inside or loops on the outside. Hang beads on the loops for instant mini decorations. The wire is basic 18 gauge craft wire found in most craft supply stores, and it comes in a rainbow of colors. The color used here is … Read entire article »
Filed under: A couple of hours, Beads, Intermediate, Misc. Crafts, New Featured
Ice Cream Cone Earrings
Summer may be almost over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a little of it with you in your next beading project. Try these crystal ice cream cone earrings. They’re very easy to make and only require a few materials. Earlier this year I wrote a step-by-step article for this craft over at eHow.com featuring Swarovski crystal beads, which are super-duper sparkly and wonderful to work with, but other brands of crystal beads, or even … Read entire article »
Filed under: All Crafts, Beads, Beginner, Under an hour
Stringing 101
If you’re new to beading and jewelry making, stringing is probably one of the easiest techniques to try. You don’t need a lot of special equipment and the possibilities for creative design are endless. What you will need: Tools – Crimp pliers, Needle or chain nose pliers, Small wire cutters Flexible beading wire such as Soft Flex, Accu Flex, or Tigertail Findings – Crimp beads, Jewelry clasps, Jump rings (for hanging pendants) Beads – any colors, any shapes, but large … Read entire article »
Filed under: A couple of hours, All Crafts, Beads, Beginner
Valentine’s Day Charm Bracelet
A simple Valentine’s Day beaded charm bracelet makes a great gift for yourself or a friend. It is also a quick project, and perfect if you are new to beading. The main techniques used to make this bracelet are wire loops and jump rings. You will need these common beading supplies: • Assorted beads in red, white, pink or any “Valentine’s Day” shape/theme. • 7 inches of charm bracelet chain • Several headpins and jump rings • Needle nose or … Read entire article »
Filed under: All Crafts, Beads, Beginner, Inspiration, Under an hour
Jewelry-Makers Selling Guide
