Ravishing Ribbon and Beads

The look of fibers and beads can be edgy or sophisticated depending on your choice of colors and materials. Our example features a soft, romantic look created from beads on headpins, attached to jump rings knotted onto a creamy, satin ribbon. This type of necklace does not require a clasp and is adjustable in length. Simply tie around the neck at the desired length. However, if you would like to have a more structured closure, it is very simple to attach chains and findings to complete this necklace.

If you can wire wrap, then this will be a simple piece to create in less than an hour (depending on how many beads you use).

Materials
3/16" satin ribbon
8mm closed jump rings (open jump rings will work, but closed jump rings are preferred to prevent snagging the ribbon)
Beads - your choice, choose beads that are 8mm and smaller to keep the look light and flirty. My example includes 8mm Luster Blue Czech Firepolished beads, 6mm Milky Aquamarine Czech Firepolished Beads and 4mm Light Smokey Quartz Firepolished beads.

Instructions

Determine the length of your necklace, then decide where you would like to knot in beads, this may be every 3-4". At each of these spots, knot a jump ring into place. Next, attach 3-5 beads to each jump ring. This necklace can be composed of a single strand or multiple strands of ribbon. Our example shows two strands at slightly different lengths. No clasp is needed, simply tie around neck at desired length.

If you would like to attach chains and clasp, loop one end of the ribbon around a closed 8mm jump ring. Hand-stitch the ribbon to secure the jump ring. Repeat on the other side. Next, attach a piece of chain to each jump ring, this will allow you to adjust the length of the necklace. Lastly, attach a lobster claw clasp.

Why I Bead

Hello everyone :)

I've been sitting, pondering what to write about, and then I figured blogging is all about the first thing that comes to your mind. Before I get into detail about jewelry I've made and sharing my ideas, I just wanted to talk about the reason I love beading so much.

First of all, jewelry is such huge part of pulling an outfit together in the fashion world. It can take something as plain as a t-shirt, jeans, and flats, and turn it onto something that's really trendy and eye catching. Since I'm into both art and fashion, I'm attracted to all the different shapes and colors in beads, in combination with the colors and textures of clothes.

Also, whenever I used to go shopping for jewelry, one piece (such as a necklace or bracelet) could clear my whole wallet. When making my own jewelry, I realized the amount it costs to purchase the beads is at least 40%, if not more, cheaper. If I need something for an event, I can coordinate my jewelry to go with a specific outfit I want to wear. This saves me the time I could waste searching for that "wow factor" piece, only to end up settling for something I'll only wear once.

One more reason I enjoy making jewelry is that it's a great way to give gifts and people will know you put thought and heart into. Last Christmas, instead of battling overcrowded malls, I decided I would make all of my friends and loved ones a piece of jewelry that they would cherish. There's nothing that makes me happier than seeing the reactions on their faces when they pull out a necklace or bracelet that was designed just for them.

So, the next time you want a new jewelry set or you need to find your friend a perfect pair of earrings, remember that only you have the ability to make them the exact way you want them to be made!

Brianna is our guest blogger for this Spring/ Summer season - welcome Brianna! Click here to send Brianna message or leave a comment.

Beads of Natural Beauty

Harness the natural beauty of wood and gemstone beads. They can be combined to create a chic bohemian look that can be both casual and sophisticated. In my example, the rich, brown tiger ebony wooden beads are complimented by the multi-colored jade beads. To achieve a finer look with wooden beads, choose rich colors, smooth, polished beads and clean shapes.

You can also test out different combinations such as wood and crystal, glass or other gemstones. Incorporating sterling silver or gold will add a more formal look.

Brilliant Beaded Bracelets

I enjoy using Czech glass fire polished beads in my jewelry designs because there are so many choices of shapes, sizes and colors. The Pantone Spring 2010 Color Report has inspired this set of four multi-colored glass bead bracelets. The Pantone Spring color palette identifies "Fusion Coral" as one of the colors which lead me to the pink coral Czech glass donut beads pictured above. I wanted to create a fun, bright set of bracelets in different colors so I also chose "Turquoise" and "Aurora" from Pantone's color palette. To complete the set, I used a milky baby blue bead, not one of the colors in the palette, but still complimentary.

These can be worn all at once to add color to solid fabrics in your wardrobe. The beaded bracelets can also be worn with gold or silver bangles for added style

I strung all these beads onto gossamer stretch cord using a large eye needle. For spacer beads, I used a mix of White Toho Seed Beads .

What colors are your drawn towards this season?

Immerse Yourself in Radiant Spring Colors

In contrast to deep, rich, fall colors, this season’s colors of style are upbeat, yet rich and soothing. For Spring 2010, Pantone has coined these colors for the season:

Turquoise, Tomato Puree, Fusion Coral, Violet, Tuscany, Aurora, Amparo Blue, Pink Champagne, Dried Herb and Eucalyptus.

Knowing the current colors of the season is important so that the jewelry you create coordinates with current fashions and also allows you to upgrade your existing wardrobe. Be inspired to create your own color palette based on your personal style.

Beading offers a huge material palette so you are sure to find the colors and shades that you are looking for in Czech glass beads, Swarovski crystal beads, gemstone beads or pearl beads.

Tomorrow I will post my first piece of jewelry inspired by this season’s colors.

How will the Spring colors inspire you?

If you are obsessed with color like I am and are interested in learning more about Pantone, go to www.pantone.com.

Simple Lariat Necklace

A lariat necklace is a stylish and unique design resembling a noose. Most designs are adjustable, but variations can be clasped in the front. My example does not require any findings except for two crimp beads and some wire. If you chose to use a clasp, a large, ornate toggle is a nice option.

The overall length is about 36" long. I chose a neutral palette of golden peach freshwater pearls, and brown and copper beads of Czech glass and Swarovski crystals. These neutral tones help highlight the wooden centerpiece and the fuchia jade pendant, which provides a dramatic touch of color.

I chose the wooden donut as the centerpiece for this necklace. The hole is large enough for two strands of beads to pass through comfortably. One end of the necklace is permanently attached to the donut (photo shows one end of the beaded strand is looped around the donut and crimped, smaller beads are used on this end).


To make this necklace, string all the beads onto flexible beading wire. I recommend using smaller beads on the end that will wrap around the donut. It is good to use beads that vary in shape and size, if your necklace is too uniform in size, it will not "catch" on the donut and stay in place.

After stringing on all the beads, wrap one end around the donut and crimp in place. Then insert the second end through the donut. Add any additional accent beads and a pendant to finish the necklace.

This necklace is adjustable in length by adjusting the location of the centerpiece. Since making this piece, I have created other variations and will share them in future posts.

Two Tier Beaded Necklace

Combine the look of a choker and a long elegant beaded strand into a single necklace that you can wear for work or play. My example features beaded strands made from large white freshwater pearls, sky blue coral 8mm Czech glass fire polished beads, 6mm crystal Czech fire polished beads and 6x9mm crystal Czech fire polished donuts, accented with Toho seed beads.

The contrast between the short and long strands create a dramatic aesthetic that can be worn with a collared shirt and blazer or a fabulous scoop neck dress. The random pattern of the beads keeps it playful and romantic.

For an ultra feminine touch, in lieu of a clasp, I finished this piece with a silky cream ribbon  that ties around the neck. Click here for ideas on using ribbon in your jewelry designs.

How to Make a Nursing Bracelet

Nursing bracelets are a wonderful gift for the mother of a newborn. Not only are they stylish, they are also functional. These bracelets are a helpful tool for a nursing mother to remember the time of the next feeding.
Each bracelet contains the numbers of a clock. The three beads following the number each represent a quarter of an hour. A movable charm attached to a lobster claw clasp is clipped in place to designate the time of the next feeding.

The beads of this bracelet are strung onto memory wire so it is easy to put on and take off. This way, nursing mothers can also switch wrists according to which side she is to nurse from at the next feeding.

To create this bracelet, you will need: memory wire, number beads, spacer beads (example above features Czech Glass fire polished beads and sterling silver stardust beads), a lobster claw clasp and a charm. However, in my example, I attached a Swarovski crystal butterfly bead onto the lobster claw claps using a head pin.

The number beads you will need are a set of 15: five "1" beads, two "2" beads and one each of number 0 and 3-9.

We offer the number beads in a pre-counted set so you don't have to worry about ordering each number individually.

Number beads are available in white plastic, rhodium plated pewter and gold plated pewter.

Helpful Tips
1) Make sure you have a memory wire cutter, memory wire will damage other cutters that are not designed to cut memory wire

2) After you determine the approximate length of your bracelet, cut the appropriate length of memory wire, add extra length for margin of error.

3) String the beads in sequence from bottom of the coil and push the beads to the top. Otherwise, if you start from the top and push the beads down to the bottom, the bracelet will be backwards.

Make Your Own Head Pins

Making your own "head pins" is a great way to use scraps of wire.

When making your own head pins, you will actually be making an eye pin by creating a loop at the end of the wire which will serve as the "head". This technique creates a different look than ready made head pins and can be intentionally used as a design element.

I created earrings by dangling beads onto handmade pins that accent each bead with small delicate loops.

You can create the loops as large or small as your like, as long as they will hold the beads. You can also get creative by making swirls and other designs for added detail. You can use this technique to add beads to chains, and create bracelet and necklaces.

Tie It All Together: Beads & Ribbon

Soft materials like ribbon, leather and suede are a nice way to add a unique touch and a softer look to your handmade jewelry. Here are some simple ideas to incorporate ribbon and other fibers into your designs:

*Use ribbon to serve as a closure for chained necklaces or bracelets. The ribbon tie closure is especially convenient because it makes the jewelry adjustable in length. This technique is easy, simply string the ribbon through each end of the chain and tie around your wrist or neck.

*Strands of beads can be crimped and attached to ribbon, suede or leather.

*Color coordinated ribbon bows can add an adorable touch to a simple piece of jewelry.

*Knot beads and charms onto ribbon for a soft, feminine look. (Click here for more details on creating this look).

I love using ribbon in my jewelry designs, the look is ultra feminine, romantic and simply beautiful! There will be more ribbon jewelry designs to come.

Related posts about using ribbon in jewelry making:
"Alphabet Beads for Grown Ups"
"Ravishing Ribbon and Beads" 

Make Your Own Lanyard with Beads

If you are required to wear an ID bagde daily, use this as an opportunity to enhance your work attire by creating stylish lanyards that express your unique personality.

For a simple design that is easy to make, use seed beads accented with a few larger beads in a pleasing pattern. Using more smaller beads (seed beads) keeps the lanyard from getting too heavy and also avoids clashing and competing with the other jewelry & accessories you may wear. In my examples, I used Toho seed beads, and Czech glass beads. For stringing material, use 49 strand, .024" flexible beading wire for added strength. You will also need sterling silver crimp beads, split rings and lanyard hooks or key rings.

Create a lanyard with a neutral color palette that can match most of your wardrobe, or have fun creating several lanyards in your favorite colors to match different outfits. You can also create lanyards with school colors, the colors of your favorite sports team, or company colors. The possibilities and color combinations are endless. Add charms to your lanyard for further personalization or use our popular alphabet beads to spell your name or other personalized message.

Beaded lanyards will transform your I.D. badge into a beautiful piece of jewelry that compliments your professional wardrobe. Whether you work at a school, hospital, or corporate office, a beaded lanyard is the perfect work accessory.

Attend a Lanyard Design Make & Take Workshop at Bead Bee - See workshop schedule

All Mixed Up - Mixed Media Bracelet

A great way to use left over beads from previous projects is to incorporate a mixed media strategy which involved a simple strategy of combining different types of materials to create jewelry. You can achieve beautiful results buy combining glass, pearls, metal and gemstones and create jewelry that is unique, versatile and can compliment many different outfits.

If you have a collection of "orphaned" beads or leftovers waiting to be incorporated into the right project, this is a great way to gather them all together.

Our example features Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls in different shades of purple, violet, peach and crystal. Different sizes and shapes were used as well. There are no rules when creating mixed media jewelry. Simply experiment and play around with different combinations of shapes, sizes and colors until you discover something that you like. The key is to just try it out even if you don't think it will look good together, this will allow you to discover unexpected, yet pleasing combos. Then string it all onto a necklace or bracelet in a random pattern.