How to Create Long Necklaces Using Seed Beads.

Seed beads are a great alternative to creating length which adds more color and texture than gold or silver chains. They come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes and creating necklace or bracelet using seed beads is easy and fun.

Make your own stylish, long necklace using seed beads to build length and larger beads as focal points or to create dimension. Our example features designer bead mixes and mother of pearl shells dyed to a gorgeous aqua color.

Seed beads are also great with Czech glass beads, gemstone beads, pearl beads or wood bead.

SUPPLIES

• your choice of beads
• Flexible beading wire
• Crimp beads & crimp tool
• Clasps & findings (Tip: Make your necklace long enough to fit over your head and skip the clasp)

We Love Beads in Layers

Creating charmed bracelet sets are fun and result in a versatile look - wear just one bracelet at a time or mix and match for different looks.

4mm Czech glass beads are the perfect size for creating this look. 4mm beads can be worn as a single strand but can be layered without too much bulk or weight.

If you need help with choosing colors, you have many options depending on your personality: a combination of neutrals, monochromatic mix (pick your favorite color), blacks (matches almost anything and looks good with silver or gold).

Our example features two neutral tones with a pop of color.

Adorn each bracelet with a different charm or wire wrapped bead dangles (these are the little beads hanging of the bracelets).

Related Blog Post about charm bracelets: 
Braided Suede Charm Bracelet

The Perfect Tool for Quick and Consistent Wire Wraps

Here is a tool that will make the finishing touches a lot easier and improve the quality of your craftsmanship - the flat nose plier with a tip.

These pliers come with 1mm, 1.5mm or 2mm tips and are perfect for getting into tight spaces. These pliers will also guarantee the same size coil every time when you use these pliers to create your bend before looping - see photo. Use the narrower tips for smaller gauge wire such as 28 or 26 gauge and the 2mm tip for 24 gauge wire. For project that require a large number of wraps, these pliers will allow you to work quickly yet with consistent results.

If you have more questions about these pliers, please give me a call!

You can purchase these pliers online at BeadBee.com.
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Beads & Links on Chains, Especially on Long Necklaces

Longer necklaces have become very popular (they are great for certain body types to slim down your figure or create the illusion of height), thus, more and more beaders are making their own stylish designs using links, chain, beads and pendants.

I have been asked this question so many times so I am posting a quick note in case anyone else wants to know - the question is, how to avoid the pointy dip at the bottom of a long necklace.

Sometimes this is intentional, but sometimes, depending on the design, we want to maintain that nice smooth, loop shape of the necklace.

The answer is simple - gravity and weight. It looks great on the design board or on paper - really cool chunks and links at the bottom of your necklace, but if not constructed the right way, there will be a pointy "V" at the bottom of your necklace.

Tips:

• Avoid single heavy pieces at the bottom of your design, they will act as a pendant and weigh the whole piece down
  
• Wire wrap smaller components together to create the look of heavier, chunkier components. Wire wrapping to link these pieces together will give them more movement and the ability to maintain the curvy, loop shape at the bottom of your necklace
  
• Distribute beads and components evenly to avoid asymmetry and an uneven look
  
• Trial and Error - you don't really know how your piece will look until you try it on, depending on the design and placement of your beads and links, the length can play a big role. Beware that the necklace will hand differently on different neck size and people of different heights.

More beading tips and project ideas.

Swarovski Crystal Beads - combining them with other materials

I am often asked for recommendations of other materials that would be suitable for use with Swarovski crystal beads.

One of the best things about Swarovski crystal beads is that they are extremely versatile and can be dressed up or dressed down. They can be used to add a subtle hint of sparkle or be dominant in a piece.

My first piece of advice is that anything goes with Swarovski crystal beads as long as you can design it right. This may seem a bit vague, but it will keep your mind open to all possibilities.

Next, here are a few key principles of design that will help as well (in no particular order):

• Sometimes I find that Swarovski crystal beads are "too perfect" to mix with certain gemstones. In this case, I have done several things: 1) mix a whole assortment of shapes, colors and sizes in order to "blend" the natural materials and crystals (see photo of green gems necklace above), or 2) consider asymmetrical Swarovski beads such as cubist, helix, or cosmic shapes.
  
  
• Choose your findings carefully. The right style and color of findings can be the last detail that pulls your design together. Sometimes it's as simple as choosing the right toggle clasp.
  
  
• I have seen Swarovski crystal beads beautifully combined with Wood Beads, Czech Glass Beads, Toho Seed Beads, Gemstone Beads, Pearls, and Sterling Silver. Because the colors of Swarovski crystals are so brilliant, be mindful of the color combinations that you are creating as you design your piece.
  
  Take a look at our Color Palette for advice and recommendations on creating pleasing color combinations. Thanks for reading!!!

Adorable Personalized Embellishments!

I haven't had much time to scrapbook lately, but recently, a lot of scrapbookers have been buying alphabet beads from our store, and I just couldn't resist putting together some personalized embellishments and taking the opportunity to catch up on my scrapbooking projects.

I posted ideas on our Scrapbooking ideas page, which also include layouts from Alex's sorority scrapbook where she used alphabet beads and sports beads in a really adorable way.

Beads and charms are also a really nice way to create personalized greeting cards and gift wrapping.

Let me know what you think and if you have any other ideas of your own.

Beading for Beginners: What Tools Do I Need?

I think that beading is a great hobby because it is very scalable. What I mean is, that you can start very simple, with no tools at all, except a pair of scissors. Then as you get more involved, you can add more tools and supplies as needed. It is not necessary to go out and buy a whole bunch of tools and things that you don't need or don't know how to use.

I have defined different levels of beading, the tools and supplies that you need, and what you can make with the tools

Simple is a great way to start dabbling with beading. All you need are beads in your favorite colors and stretch cord. A ruler is helpful so that you know how many beads to string on and you will need scissors to trim the stretch cord after you tie a knot. Then you will be able to string a fun bunch of stretch bracelets. It's a great way to spend a few hours with girlfriends, daughters, and sisters.

Beginners - there is no need to be intimidated, beading is fun, so please enjoy it!

There is a lot you can do with beads but take it slow and learn a little bit at a time. To start, I would recommend just a few basic things. It seems like a long list, but most of these items are relatively inexpensive and will make your beading experience easier and more enjoyable.

Bead stoppers - these are are springy clamps that you attach to one end of your string so that beads don't fall off the back end while you are stringing on the beads

Crimp Beads - these are little tubular beads. When compressed with a crimp tool, they will secure the clasp on your bracelet or necklace

Crimp Tool  - compresses crimp beads, we have illustrated crimping instructions on our website, but most of the time there are instructions on the packaging.

Bead Mat - this will pad your work space and keep beads from rolling off onto the floor.

Bead Board - this is a board with a U-shaped groove. Lay your beads in the groove to design your piece before stringing. This allows you to arrange and rearrange the beads until you are happy with the design.

Flexible Beading Wire - this is a quality, multi-purpose stringing materials that is great for stringing bracelets, necklaces, anklets and even making earrings. When using flexible beading wire, you will need crimps and a crimp to attach clasps and findings.

Findings (clasps, jump rings, crimps, etc.) - this term refers to clasps jump rings, ear wires and mainly metal components

Flush Cutter - needed for trimming excess stringing material

Chain Nose Pliers - just a handy tool to have to give you an extra pair of hands or help with picking up items.

Last, but not least - you will need BEADS!!! There are so many to choose from, half the fun is hunting for beads in uniques shapes and colors.

Beading blogs, books and magazines are a great way to get ideas and teach you to visualize how beads will look together as you are designing.

In a future blog post, I will talk about more advanced skill levels - Intermediate, Advanced & Obsessed!

Breast Cancer Awareness Book Mark

Beaded bookmarks are completely customized by the beads and the charms that you choose, so you can make each one truly unique.

This design features beaded dangles at the end of satin ribbon. The satin ribbon is flat so it fits perfectly between the pages of a book. The book mark is decorated with beaded dangles that are attached to a large ring that connects the beaded dangles to the ribbon. You can have fun combining different types of ribbon with different combinations of beads and charms.

We have created this design for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but you can adapt this beaded book mark design for any occasion. They are great stocking stuffers and wonderful gifts for teachers & book worms.

Simple instructions to create this beaded book mark are available on our website with detailed photographs. All you need to know is how to use crimp beads and a crimp tool.

To purchase products featured in this blog post, use the following links:

FlexRite Beading Wire
Sterling Silver Crimp Beads
Czech Glass Beads
Pink Designer Bead Mix
Silver Pewter Hammered Ring
Vertical Hole Alphabet Beads
Pewter Charms

Click here for more ideas for Bead projects for Breast Cancer Awareness

Look for our beads on TV... Extreme Makeover Home Edition

We have been anxiously waiting for this episode to air so we can see how the EMHE designers have incorporated our beads into the Lutz Family's new home. We sent them all types of beads and we can't wait to see what they have done!

After the show airs, we will post photographs, so stay tuned!

Watch on ABC, Sunday, October 3, 2010, 8/7 central.

After you see this episode, let us know what you think (post your comments)! Thanks!!!

Bead Bee in Real Simple Magazine

Pick up the Fall 2010 of Real Simple Family Magazine for great party favor ideas for all of your fall and holiday festivities! Bead Bee's bead kits, featured in this issue (p.24), are perfect for creating personalized gifts and party favors such as bracelets, necklaces, book marks or key chains.

To shop for the bead kits seen in Real Simple Magazine enter keyword Real Simple Bead Kits into the BeadBee.com search bar, or click here



Blog readers get an extra 10% off our Real Simple Bead Kits! Use coupon code: realsimple (Offer expires on December 31, 2010)

A Simple Beaded Keychain for Every Skill Level

Hand made beaded keychains are simple to make and are a great activity for both kids and adults. Many people have created them as fundraisers or as gifts. All you need are large hole beads and alphabet bead beads to spell out a special message. No tools are necessary except for a pair of scissors.

Click here for detailed illustrated directions on How to Make a Beaded Key Chain

A Heritage of Inspiration: Creating Jewelry with Czech Glass Beads

Hello Everyone!

For this blog, I wanted to focus on the beautiful Czech Glass Beads that you can find at Bead Bee. The reason I'm so interested in these beads is because they're linked with my heritage, and I wanted to find out a little bit of history on them.

In essence, Czech Glass Beads were made from the ideas and demands of people all over the world. In the mid 1800s, Czech "sample men", as they called them, would travel the world trying to figure out what kinds of beads people wanted. They took back their notes and sketches to their home factories where the beads were produced. After a while, technological advances made it possible for Bohemia to mass produce pressed-glass beads. As a result, by the 1920s Czechs became the main bead exporters of the world.

I created a memory wire bracelet using turquoise Czech flower glass beads, jet Czech petal beads and tortoise Czech fire polished glass beads. For added detail, I added antique copper spacers. I picked these colors because I haven't seen these colors used together on jewelry. This bracelet can be worn dressed down with a white t-shirt, jeans, and flip flops, or dressed up with that "little black dress" you save for special occasions. Please leave questions and comments to let me know what you think!

Brianna

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

Girlfriends & Beads

Beading is such a nice hobby to share with your friends and family. Last Saturday, my beautiful and awesome friends Brianna (our guest blogger), Bethany and I spent the afternoon beading and then went out for a delicious dinner. We talked, laughed and shared ideas.

Bethany made a precious pink lanyard to wear at her new job.

Brianna created a gorgeous Turquoise Flower Cuff Bracelet, see her blog post for details on making this bracelet for yourself (coming soon).

I created a gorgeous pendant necklace featuring a Thai silver rose pendant surrounded by gemstones, you can see it in this blog post: Rose Bouquet Necklace

Tell us how you have fun beading with your friends and loved ones, please leave a comment!

Rose Bouquet Necklace

This Thai silver rose pendant is absolutely exquisite. I wanted to create a sophisticated, garden inspired necklace featuring this rose in a cluster, surrounded by gorgeous gemstone beads that include blue topaz, pink topaz, chrysophrase and rhodonite.

To create this necklace, attach beads and charms to a piece of chains. The rose pendant is attached to the chain with a jump ring and all of the gemstone beads are wire wrapped and attached to the chain as well. I chose beads that were no larger than 6mm so that the rose pendant would remain the focal point of the piece.

When beads are wire wrapped and attached to chain, they dangle elegantly. Using this technique to attach beads to chain can also be used to create earrings.

If you are new to wire wrapping and want to learn how to wire wrap top drilled gemstone beads (mostly tear drop shaped briolettes with the holes drilled horizontally across the top), click here to see illustrated wire wrapping instructions on our Bead Bee website.

My First Bead Box

A few days ago, I discovered a dusty old tackle box while cleaning out a closet in my house - it was my first bead box.

When I first started beading, I was instantly addicted and this little plastic box filled up quickly and overflowed into a large basket, which then grew into a spare room in my house.

Here are some forgotten treasures that I found in my first bead box:

• Gray pearl daisy chain necklace
• Antiqued copper filligree components
• hanks of gorgeous Czech 15/0 seed beads
  

This little old box brought back all the memories of why I started beading, the eagerness to learn all about making jewelry, coming up with new jewelry designs and having fun discovering new beads and the ideas that they inspired. As I look back, I think of how lucky I am to still have the same passion about beading and jewelry design today.  What memories do you have about when you first started beading?

Large Link Chain Gemstone Briolette Necklace

This is a simply elegant necklace that will showcase gorgeous gemstone briolettes on sophisticated sterling silver links.

Create this necklace at loose choker length. This will allow the necklace to drape around the neck in a circular shape. Choose a larger link chain for added drama. The chain featured in this example has 12mm links. When cutting the chain, don't forget that the clasp that you choose will add about 1" to the total length of the necklace.

Next, select one briolette per chain link. You may choose to arrange the briolettes according to color and size before wire wrapping them onto the chain.

I have been saving these exquisite tourmaline briolettes and this project is perfect for them. The size of the large chain link is well proportioned to the 10mm briolettes and the rich color of the stones makes them the perfect beads to show off in this design.

If you want to use smaller briolettes or other shapes, you may choose to attach more than one bead to each chain link. The result will be just as stunning.

Here are several way to attach a clasp to the chain to complete the necklace:
1) Use open jump rings to attach your choice of a clasp
2) Use matching beads to wire wrap the clasp to the chain
3) Use a matching satin ribbon to tie the chain around your neck
4) Use a simple "S" hook - see photo below 

To purchase products featured in this blog post, please use these links:
Sterling Silver Chain
Gemstone Beads
S Clasp
Sterling Silver Wire

Gemstone Lariat Necklace

Here is a version of a lariat necklace that features gorgeous freshwater pearl bead strands sprinkled with multi-colored gemstone beads. An ornate sterling silver toggle serves as the focal point.

I really love the poetic combination of the rich gemstones in this necklace design. The pearls add to the classic style that can be dressed up or down. The gemstone beads used include: amethyst, pink chalcedony, green chalcedony, apatite, pink topaz, prehnite, london blue topaz and lemon quartz.

Lariat necklaces are typically designed to be long and graceful. Since I used small rice pearls, I chose to make this necklace two strands so that it would a little more dramatic.

Materials
Ornate Sterling Silver Toggle

Freshwater Rice Pearls

FlexRite Beading Wire

Sterling Silver Crimps

26 gauge Sterling Silver Wire

3 Sterling Silver ball pins

Gemstone Beads include Amethyst Tear Drop Beads, Pink Chalcedony Briolette Beads, Green Chalcedony Briolette Beads, Blue Apatite Rondelle Beads, Pink Topaz Rondelle Beads, London Blue Topaz Briolette Beads, Lemon Quartz Twist Briolette Beads

Instructions
You will need one 36" strand and one 38" strand of Flex-Rite beading wire (I used medium weight, however, a few of the pearls and gemstones didn't fit. I prefer to use medium weight for the strength and am willing to sacrifice a few beads in the process. However, light weight beading wire will work fine.

String beads in the desired pattern onto the flexible bead wire. One end of each strand should be attached and crimped to the toggle ring. The other ends should be thread through the toggle ring. (See Photo A, below)

Next, wire wrap your choice of larger size gemstones (8mm or larger) onto ball pins to create dangling beads. The wire wrapping will create loops above the beads so that they can be attached to the ends of each strand. (See Photo B, below)

Start with the unfinished end of one strand, string on a crimp bead, thread the beading wire through beaded dangles and crimp. Repeat with the second strand.

Related Posts:

How to Wear a Lariat Necklace

Simple Lariat Necklace (design idea)

How to Wear a Lariat Necklace

A lariat necklace is typically longer than most necklaces. It does not have a clasp and can be worn in many ways for different looks and can be adjusted to suit different pieces in your wardrobe or to fit different necklines. Here are a few suggestions on how to wear a lariat necklace:

1) Double Wrap - this is a great way to shorten the necklace and achieve a two strand look.

2) High Neck - wear the necklace closer to the neck for a dramatic look when wearing a low scoop neck. The long, graceful dangle can have a slimming affect and can add interest if you wear it with a simple dress.

3) Long V Neck - a more traditional necklace look, also very versatile, great with button down shirts, sleeveless tops, or turtlenecks.



Lariat necklaces are designed in many different ways, depending on how it is made, a lariat necklace can also be knotted, tied, or worn as a belt.

Related blog posts:
Gemstone Lariat Necklace (design idea)
Simple Lariat Necklace (design idea)

How to Choose the Right String for Beading

There are countless choices of stringing materials for beading, so how do you know which to choose? Your choice of stringing material is important because it can affect the look of your design as well as the strength, shape and structure. Here are 5 main stringing materials that I use the most:

Flexible Beading Wire is one of the most versatile types of stringing materials. It is a flexible beading wire made of stainless steel and covered with nylon, making it a nice combination of strength and flexibility. It works with most types of beads including glass, crystals and gemstones, and pearls and very is easy to finish by using just a few findings such as crimp beads, jump ring, lobster claw clasp and a crimp tool.

Flexible beading wire is available in several thicknesses, light, medium and heavy. For most projects, choose medium flexible beading wire with 49 strands. If you are using heavier beads, heavy weight beading wire may be a better choice. For gemstones or pearls with smaller holes than most beads, you may need to use light flexible beading wire because it is slightly thinner.

In order to attach a clasp or findings to flexible beading wire, you will need crimp beads, a crimp tool and a flush cutter. If you need help getting started with crimping, click here to get illustrated crimp bead instructions from our website.

Stretch Bead Cord or Elastic - For making stretch bracelets, you will need a type of stretch cording or elastic. There are many different types, colors and thicknesses. I have used many types and now favor the gossamer stretch cord that we carry at Bead Bee. It knots well and stretches well. There are some brands that barely stretch so they are not as easy to put on. Another type of stretch cord that is easy to use is a type often found in sewing shops, it is a rubber cording that is covered in polyester thread. When the cord is cut, the polyester thread will fray, but you can simply singe the ends. I like this type of elastic cording too because it is durable and the knots hold.

I love making and wearing stretch bracelets - you don't need clasps and findings, and sometimes it is nice for a bracelet to be beaded all the way around and not be interrupted by a clasp.

Memory Wire - Like stretch cord, memory wire does not require clasps and findings. You will need a special memory wire cutter and pliers to curl the ends to secure the beads. Memory wire is springy and maintains its round shape so a clasp is not required to fasten it on your neck or wrist.

Memory wire usually comes in a coil, you can cut it at any length to create single strand, bangle like bracelets, or cut more coils for multi-strand, cuff like bracelets. Simply curl the ends to keep the beads from falling off. Memory wire bead ends are also available, they are beads with one hole, that can be glued onto the ends of memory wire.

Wire - Beads can be strung on hard wire and head pins and linked together to create beaded chains. Wire wrapping techniques are necessary to do this. The tools needed for wire wrapping include round nose pliers, a flush cutter, chain nose pliers and a flat nose plier with tip.

Chain - Chain is not really a stringing material, but using chains and wire to wire wrap beads together can create beautiful designs. Beads can be strung directly onto chain such as ball chain or snake chain.

We are happy to help you choose the right materials and techniques for your project so feel free to call or email us, you can even include pictures to assist in answering your questions.





Related Posts:
Soft Flex or Flex Rite? 
Brilliant Beaded Bracelets
Memory Wire Bangle Charm Bracelet
Attaching Clasps to Fine Chain

Modern & Simple: Sterling Silver Tube Beads

Sterling silver tube beads are the perfect spacers for larger size beads. They provide a more modern look and will allow the gorgeous beads that you pick to stand out in your jewelry.

Sterling silver tube beads are available in many lengths and thicknesses. They can be straight, curvy or wavy

In this example, I used a sterling silver heishi bead on each side of the glass beads for added detail.

This piece was strung on medium weight Flex Rite beading wire and finished with a simple lobster claw clasp.

To purchase materials featured in this blog post, please use these links:
Sterling silver tube beads
Flex Rite beading wire
Lobster claw clasps