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.

Photographing Your Jewelry: Inspiration

I frequently receive emails from people who share their projects with me. I always love to see what they do with beads that they purchase from Bead Bee. My friend Carolyn recently sent me photos of her latest work. I met her last year when she took a beginner's beading class at my store - she is very sweet and talented.

I wanted to share her photos with you because her jewelry is very beautiful, but the photography is just as striking because she has uses nature as inspiration in composing her images.

Please visit Carolyn's Etsy store at: JewelsByCarolyn

Bringing You Blue Skies & Florida Sunshine!

Right now it is 48 degrees here in Orlando, FL - here we think it's cold, but I know that many of your are braving much, much colder conditions of wind, rain, snow, and gray skies.

We wish we could share our blue skies and Florida sunshine with you, since we can't, enjoy this photo and coupon. You can use it when you shop online, order by phone, or visit our store.

How are you keeping busy with beads? Please let me know by sharing your comments!

Bead Bee Coupon
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Dazzled by Swarovski Crystals in NYC

I had the chance to visit the Swarovski Crystallized Concept store in NYC. It was like stepping into a 3 dimensional Swarovski crystal bead catalog. Every Swarovski bead in every color was on display. It was a great opportunity for me rediscover all the shapes and colors and see the new designs and colors of  Swarovski crystal beads.

There was finished jewelry on display as well which was just as inspiring. If you ever has a chance to visit the store, you definitely should, you will be mesmerized by all the gorgeous crystal beads.

My experience inspired several pairs of dazzling Swarovski crystal earrings, cascading from simply elegant sterling silver ear wires.

Theses earring as simple to make if you know how to wire wrap. The only materials you need are ear wires, head pins and crystal beads. There are endless combinations of colors and shapes.

Happy Valentine's Day

We are celebrating here at Bead Bee with a little Valentine's Day party with cupcakes & cookies and a little beading fun!

Enjoy your day and the special people in your lives.

Layered Strands of Necklaces

Layering multiple necklaces is one way to enhance your attire and add dimension to any outfit. By putting together different strands of beads, you can create a dramatic look that enhances any ensemble that will be appropriate for any occasion.

Have fun and layer together strands in unexpected color combinations or incorporate colors from printed fabrics in your wardrobe. To create the perfect spring-inspired necklace, pair shades of lavender, pastel greens, light blues, champagne pinks, and silver. A more dramatic look can be fashioned by putting together strands of gold, bronze, oranges and browns. Another impactful layering strategy is to layer multiple shades of one color.

To keep your layers from getting too heavy or overwhelming, stick with bead sizes of 4 to 8mm when stringing your own necklaces.

Stringing 101

It's a new year and many of you are new to beading - welcome to the fabulous world of beading where you can create your own unique designs, make personalized gifts and have lots of fun!

For those who are just starting, stringing is simple, but enjoyable and rewarding. You can create beautiful pieces just by stringing the right combination of beads together onto flexible beading wire such as Soft Flex or Flex Rite. Then use crimp beads and a crimp tool to close the ends and add a clasp. Bead Bee offers a illustrated instructions on using a crimp tool - click here to see instructions.

Below are pieces that were created just by stringing beads. To get more ideas, take a look are our other blog entries, read beading magazines and pay attention to beading patterns, color combinations and materials.

An Ocean of Inspiration

Growing up in Florida, I have drawn lot of inspiration from the beach and ocean in my jewelry design work.

This Swarovski crystal bracelet was inspired by the golden sand, turquoise blue waters, and mossy green grass. I translated these colors into Swarovski Crystal and Czech glass in the following beads: Pacific Opal Swarovski Crystal, Copper Luster Czech glass drop beads, Champagne Czech glass drop beads and Luster Green Czech glass drop beads. Czech glass drop beads add a playful, yet elegant touch to the design, and the Bali sterling silver beads along with the double strand design add texture to the bracelet.

Helpful Hint: When creating a double strand bracelet using smaller beads (no larger than 6mm), you can use a single strand clasp such as the toggle used in our example. Simply crimp each strand one at a time to the clasp. If your design is quite chunky, a two strand clasp may be preferred because the larger beads tend to push on each other and the two strands will tend to splay apart more than smaller beads would. You may also consider using multi-strand spacers, however, this will add more structure to the design and it will not be as playful as two separate strands. 

How to Make a Name Bracelet

Name bracelets are very popular keepsake gifts and are often giving to babies, mothers, grandmothers and children on special occasions.

While there are many jewelry makers that can create one for you, it is easier than you think to make one yourself. This adds an even stronger personal touch to the bracelet and you can design it however you like. In addition, once you learn how to make one, you will know how to add strands, or make another when a new child a born. You will also be able to do your own repairs, or resize an existing bracelet for a growing child.

MATERIALS LIST
Sterling Silver Alphabet Beads (I prefer the ones with the rounded edges, for a more professional, finished look)
Sterling Silver Rombo Beads (these will be used in between the alphabet beads but are also great for spacers throughout the bracelet, chose the size that is closest, but smaller than your alphabet beads. Round beads can be used as well)
Flexible Beading Wire (such as Soft Flex or Flex Rite), choose any medium weight brand, you will use about 10-12" per bracelet depending on the size of the bracelet
Swarvoski Crystal Beads or Glass Beads (colors representing birth stones are often chosen, but use colors that you enjoy wearing or that will coordinate well with most of your wardrobe)
Sterling Silver Seamless Round Beads  (I generally use 2mm, 2.5mm or 3mm, however the size should be scaled and proportionate to the crystal beads that you use)
Sterling Silver Daisy Spacers - these are great for adding little details into the bracelet
Sterling Silver Crimp Beads 2x2mm (one for each end, have some extras just in case)
Sterling Silver Clasp (either a toggle clasp or lobster claw clap will work great)
Crimp Tool used to compress crimp beads and secure clasps.
Flush Cutter for cutting and trimming flexible beading wire.

Feel free to choose any other beads or charms for your design.

20% off Sterling Silver & Gold Filled Beads & Findings

Sale includes beads, findings, chain, wire, earring components, spacer bars, sterling silver alphabet beads and more!

Plus FREE First Class Shipping

Use Coupon Code: BEADBEESS25QX
Expires 12/14/09


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

Pony Beads...oh the possibilities

Don't underestimate the potential of pony beads. They come in lots of colors that lend themselves to fabulous color combinations.

The availability and economy of pony beads makes them a popular choice for kids beads projects and craft projects.

Because they have larger holes than most beads, they can be strung on yarn, leather, hemp and other thicker cords. The larger holes also make them perfect for hair braiding.

Take a look at the fun color combinations that we came up with. You can create friendship bracelets with pony beads that your friends will rave about.

Fabulous Fringe Earrings

Fringe is all the rage this season - seen on necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

With just a few simple materials and tools, you can create your own dazzling beaded fringe earrings that will be perfect for your holiday wardrobe.

This design features Toho Seed Beads strung on 1 1/2" head pins and then attached to sterling silver chain by using round nose pliers. Use flush cutters to trim excess wire from the head pin.

I love using the pre-mixed Toho Seed Beads because I like the random look of the different size and different colored beads. The beads can be strung onto the headpins in any order and all the dangling "fringe" will blend together. Feel free to string your beads in a predetermined pattern, this will give it a more formal and refined look.

Each earring has 9 beaded head pins, but you can add as many as you wish. You can also experiment with different size head pins.

For extra sparkle, throw in a few Swarovski crystal bicones.