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

Beading Technique: Cuff Bracelets

If you are looking to make a statement, cuff bracelets are a stunning and versatile fashion accessory. We love this look because the boldness of a cuff can add interest to any outfit in a sophisticated way. Here are a few different techniques you can use to create a cuff bracelet.

One way to achieve the chunky, wide look of a cuff is to make a multi-strand bracelet. This look is simple to make and only requires that you know how to string beads onto flexible beading wire and use a crimping tool. You can choose how many strands you would like to add to make the bracelet wider for a “cuff” look. Play around with a variety of sizes, shapes and colors like mixing pearls with crystals and stones (see photo on top left). Multi-strand clasp and spacer bars can be used to join the strands together.

If you prefer a piece with more structure, create a cuff bracelet from memory wire. A multi-strand piece is joined together with spacer bars. Our example features four strands joined together with four hole spacer bars. However, you can use more or less strands depending on how you use your spacer bars. For example, you can stagger two hole spacer bars to join 4 or 6 strands. Also consider the size of the beads, which will affect how far apart your wire needs to be and which type of spacer bars to use. Using bigger beads will require spacer bars with the holes further apart, smaller beads will require spacer bars with holes closer together. Get instructions for the Summer Sparkle Cuff Bracelet. (See photo on top right)

For a simpler method, simply cut a longer coil of memory wire, and string all the beads on. You will get the width and stiffness without the trouble of multiple strands or spacer bars. (See photo on bottom right)

Our Sizzling Cuff Bracelet design creates a stretch cuff bracelet, made from connecting multiple pieces of beads strung on wire that is looped on the ends. This technique requires knowledge of wire wrapping. Wire wrapped components are strung on gossamer stretch cord so no clasps or findings are needed. The result is breathtaking and the patterns and designs are endless. Click here for detailed instructions for the Sizzling Cuff Bracelet.