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.
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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.

Top 10 List for June 26

this week's favorites...
1. Crystal Czech Fire Polished Beads
2. Soft Flex Medium Beading Wire
3. Rainbow Soo Cho Jade Rondelles
4. Pastel Alphabet Bead Mix 7mm
5. Sterling Silver 2mm Crimp Beads
6. Tool Magc
7. Imperial Turquoise Gemstone Beads
8. Bright Pearlized Pony Beads
9. Chunky 12mm Alphabet Beads
10. Fuchsia Red Designer Bead Mix

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Don't Let Tool Marks Ruin Your Hard Work

Have you tried Tool Magic yet? It's a gel-like solution that dries to a protective coating for your tools to protect wire work from dents and scratches. Along with good technique, Tool Magic will help ensure that your wire pieces will not be marred by tool marks. I coat my round nose pliers, flat nose pliers w/ tip and chain nose pliers. Ever since I discovered Tool Magic 5 years ago, I always keep a bottle in my tool box.

Depending on how intensive your wire work is, the coating may last through several projects. If you work extensively in wire work or work on several pieces in one sitting, it is a good idea to have two sets of tools. When you need to re-apply Tool Magic to the tools you have been using, you have a fresh set of tools to use as you wait for the solution to set (2-3 hours) and you won't miss out on valuable production time, especially if you are working on a deadline like a wedding or craft show.

Click here to see instructions on how Tool Magic works or visit Bead Bee and ask for a demonstration.

Top 10 List for June 19

This week's favorites...
1. Flex Rite Flexible Beading Wire
2. Sterling Silver 2mm Crimp Beads
3. Swarovski Crystal 4mm Bicones
4. Alphabet Beads 7mm White Round
5. Summer Sparkle Gem Bead Mix
6. Jewelry Tags
7. Soft Flex Medium Beading Wire
8. Heart Shaped Sterling Silver Chain
9. Vibrant Green Designer Bead Mix
10. Sterling Silver Earring Hooks w/ Ball