How to Keep Multi-Strand Bracelets Together

Multi-strands bracelets are such gorgeous designs and simple to make. Yet, many times, depending on many things, such as stringing materials, the types of beads and clasp, the strands splay apart on our wrist, ruining the multi-strand effect. This issue can be solved in may ways.

• Use the most flexible wire that will fit through your beads, we recommend a 49 strand flexible beading wire
• Use a multi-strand clasp which will help keep your strands evenly spaced and separated, using a single strand clasp causes the strands to be squeezed together at the clasp which often causes them to spread apart towards the middle of the bracelet
  
• For hard to tame pieces, add multi-strand spacer bars throughout your design which will physically join the strands together, 2-3 spacer bars should suffice.

Thank you for reading our blog!

What are you looking for?
Find it at BeadBee.com

Shop online or order by phone and get 20% off with this coupon
Use coupon code: BEADBEEBLOG20
Offer Expires 11/30/09


Coupon can be used online, for phone orders or in-store. Coupon is valid only on in-stock items and cannot be combined with other offers. Coupon is not valid on previous purchases

Start shopping now at BeadBee.com

Pony Beads in Team Colors

Parents, teachers and kids love creating key chains, bracelets and necklaces to show their school spirit and team spirit.

We have alphabet beads so that you can spell out your team name as well as colored plastic pony beads in team colors. Plastic pony beads come in over 30 different colors in pony beads including colorful mixes.

Pony beads are a great option because of the large selection of colors and their cost effectiveness, especially for large group activities or fundraisers.

We also have plastic sports ball beads which are perfectly sized to work with our plastic pony beads and 7mm alphabet bead cubes.

Alphabet Beads for Grown Ups

You may remember stringing up plastic or wooden alphabet beads as a child. Now that we are all grown up, here are stylish options that allow us to spell with style.

Our satin ribbon bracelet and necklace design is simple and fun. Pewter alphabet beads, gold plated alphabet beads and sterling silver alphabet beads are classy and modern and allow you to create stylish and personalized pieces that will fit right into your jewelry collection.

These satin ribbon baubles make perfect gifts, ribbons can be tied at any length, making these pieces one size fits all.

Materials: metal alphabet beads, colored accent beads such as crystal beads, Czech glass beads or metal beads, metal charms with large jump rings, flexible beading wire, crimp beads, crimp tool and ribbon.

1)       Cut two pieces of satin ribbon. For bracelets, cut two pieces at 20 inches each, fold in half. For necklaces cut 30” each and cut in half. (Feel free to cut the ribbon to whatever length you desire or need.

2)      Layout beads in desired order, measure the length and add 4 inches. This will be the length at which to cut the flexible beading wire

3)      Attach a bead stopper to one end of the flexible beading wire. String beads. Add crimp bead to each end.

4)      Loop one end of flexible beading wire around the folded end of one piece of satin ribbon and crimp. Do not crimp too tight, create a “loop” with the flexible beading wire where it is attached to the ribbon. This allows for flexibility and movement. Repeat with on the second side

5)      Attach charms on the ribbon. We used 8mm jump rings. This prevents from crinkling the ribbon.

We opted to string our beads on flexible beading wire to allow for a wider selection of beads that can fit on the wire. Of course beads can be strung directly onto the ribbon, however, you will be limited to beads with larger holes. The use of a needle can aid in stringing ribbon through beads with smaller holes. Pull the ribbon through slowly to avoid snags, especially with organza ribbon.

No clasp is required- just tie the ribbon in a bow around your neck or wrist. If you prefer to add a clasp, you can use ribbon cord ends to attach your clasp of choice.

Discover Your Creativity Through Beads

I have heard so many people say they are not creative or not crafty - this is not true! You simply have not found the right outlet for your personality. If you love jewelry, then give beading and jewelry making a try. Techniques are simple to learn and materials are inexpensive. This is a hobby that does not require expensive equipment or tools. Here are two ways to get started:

Super Simple Start to Beading - all you need are beads, stretch cord, scissors, bead board and a bead mat. This is an easy and quick start to creating your own bracelets. Simply arrange your beads in a nice pattern on the bead board, string onto the stretch cord and tie a knot. This is a great way to make jewelry with your kids.

Beginner's Beading - You will be able to create bracelets, necklaces and earrings by learning a simple technique called crimping which allows you to attach a clasp to your jewelry. This involves a crimp tool, crimp beads, and flexible beading wire such as Flexrite or Softflex. You will also need beads, flush cutters, a bead board and a bead mat. Note that you will need at least two crimp beads for each jewelry piece you make (one crimp bead for each end).
Click here for illustrated instruction on the crimping technique.

Find Your Creative Side - I always recommend that beginner's look at bead magazines as well as fashion magazines. You will visually begin to learn simple principles of design such as how to arrange beads in a pattern, how to use color combinations, and how to work with different shapes and sizes. We also offer ideas and advice on our website and blog. You will quickly learn how to create your own designs and patterns without any assistance.

Mixed Media

Mixed media is a fun and easy strategy to create interesting jewelry designs. You just need to combine two or more different types of beading material such glass beads, gemstone beads, crystal beads, metal beads or pearl beads. Mixed media is fun because you can mix different materials, shapes and colors and incorporate them into a harmonious design. For example, you can mix strands of pearls, gemstones and Czech glass in different, but complimentary colors. You can also mix beads that are made of different materials but are similar in color for the monochromatic effect. Test out several combinations to help you visualize the perfect match.

Top 10 List for July 10

this week's favorites...
1. Czech Fire Polished Beads Amethyst
2. Chunky 12mm Alphabet Beads
3. Czech Fire Polished Beads Coral Amethyst 8mm
4. Flex Rite Flexible Beading Wire
5. Pink Mix Designer Bead Mix
6. Swarovksi Crystal 4mm Bicones Violet
7. Sterling Silver 2mm Crimp Beads
8. Freshwater Pearls Pink Top Drilled
9. Bead Stoppers
10. Sterling Silver Head Pins 1 1/2"

Kid's Beading Projects

While traveling on vacation this summer, these phone number bracelets will help kids remember their parents' phone number in case of emergency. They are simple to make and fun to wear. All you need are stretch cord, glass seed beads and 7mm round number beads. Have your child string the seed beads onto the cording and arrange the number beads to form your phone number. Then tie the ends of the cording into a knot. Your child will have fun bracelet to wear and have your phone number handy in case of an emergency.

Other fun beading project for kids that can be done at home or at school or camp is a beaded zipper pull. This zipper pull allows children to create something that can be hung on a backpack, sweatshirt, or overnight bag that will make it uniquely his or hers. To make this project, you need lanyard lacing, metal lanyard hooks, pony beads, and alphabet beads. This project is great because it allows kids to actively create something fun and practical or to trade with other kids.
Blog Listings
Super Blog Directory

Beading Technique: Funky Fringe

If you love wire wrapping, then this technique will be simple and fun! Create bold, multi-dimensional necklaces and bracelets by wire wrapping beaded "fringe" onto head pins or ball pins. The only materials you need are beads, head pins and/or ball pins, flexible beading wire, crimps, a clasp and the right tools.

If you like chunky pieces, I recommend beads from 6-10mm. For more dainty pieces, stick with 3-6 mm sizes. Incorporate mixed shapes and colors to enhance the playful look. Our example features Czech glass fire polished beads, Czech glass dagger beads and miyuki cube beads. If you want something more elegant, stick with a single color in different sizes or create work with monochromatic mixes such as our Soft White designer bead mix which is perfect for bridal jewelry.

Love this look? Click here for illustrated instructions.

Click here to see other blogs for Project Ideas & Tips

Top 10 List for July 3

this week's favorites...
1. Soft Flex Medium Beading Wire
2. Miyuki Cube Beads Light Blue Silver Lined
3. Sterling Silver Head Pins 1 1/2"
4. Czech Glass Dragon Fly Dagger Beads
5. Czech Glass Pink Heart Beads
6. Tool Magic
7. Sterling Silver 2mm Crimp Beads
8. Glass Millefiori Rectangle Beads
9. Labodorite Rectangle Beads
10. Gossamer Stretch Cord

The Art of Color in Jewelry Design

Beads come in a gorgeous array of colors and materials. When we want to go beyond simple monochromatic designs, color theory comes into play. While studying architecture in graduate school, I became interested in the the color theory teachings of painter and theorist, Josef Albers. Since then, I have been incorporating innovative color combinations in my jewelry designs.

If you would like to do the same, there is no need to go back to design school, simply look for inspiration in your everyday life - a silk print at a clothing boutique or the backdrop of a magazine ad. You can also look at fine jewelry designs and translate the gemstone colors into similar Swarovski or Czech glass tones. You should even experiment with color combinations that you don't think will look good, they often will evolve into the perfect combination.

When working with color combinations, think about proportion.
Sometimes two or three colors should be used in equal proportion and in other cases you should choose one main color and use other colors just as accents.

If you need help with color combinations, take a look at our Jewelry Design Color Palette where you will find a few color combinations that I have put together to assist in your jewelry design process.

Vibrant Green: Color of the Month

Green is a color inspired by nature and full of positive energy. Our Vibrant Green designer bead mix features Czech glass and Swarovski crystals in gorgeous green shades of opaque and transparent colors. This is a bold mix, yet, when accented with freshwater pearls, this Vibrant Green Mix will surely add elegance and style to your jewelry designs. Click here to see all of our designer bead mixes, you will find designer beads mixes in a large array of colors.