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.

Rosy Bouquet Bracelet

Buttons are just as bountiful and beautiful as beads, which you will discover if you visit the many button and trim shops in New York's Fashion Center.

On my most recent trip to NYC, I discovered these pearly flower like beads and imagined them dancing on a two strand bracelet - I couldn't wait to get home and make something with these buttons!

I chose Swarovski pearl beads to match the shimmer of the buttons. The neutral colors don't compete with the bold color of the buttons and allow them to stand out. The addition of Czech glass beads in matching neutral colors gives the piece just enough sparkle and enhances the elegant styling. This color combination was inspired by the frosting on yummy cupcakes from Magnolia's Bakery!

I love using the tube clasp on multi-strand bracelets because of the simple, elegant shape which does not distract the eye from the focal elements of the bracelet.

Related Blog Post:
Beads, Buttons & Pearls


To purchase materials featured in this blog post, please use these links:
Sterling silver tube clasp
Swarvoski pearl beads
Czech beads

Miyuki Color Block Cuff Bracelet

Showcase the perfection of Japanese Miyuki Cube Beads by creating this two tone cuff bracelet. The cube beads fit together nicely to create geometric color blocks along the length of the bracelet which is finished with a simple tube clasp.

I chose an opaque turquoise blue and gold for my bracelet, accented with sterling silver 5 strand spacers  that look like sterling silver rondelles. The spacer bars are not only functional, but mark the beginning of one color and the end of another.

This is a simple way to create a bold look that is not overdone. Feel free to experiment with other color combinations or other types of beads.

Materials
2 colors of 4mm Miyuki cube beads
Flexible beading wire
7 - five strand spacer bars
Crimps
Tube Clasp
Crimp Tool
Flush Cutter

Beads, Buttons & Pearls

If you are ever at a loss at finding the right center piece or clasp, you can broaden your options with buttons.

When I saw this button, I just fell in love with it - the golden shimmer and the blue detailing of leaves. I felt it best to use this button as a focal point with simple, but elegant white pearls.

Buttons can be strung with beads or transformed into a clasp, in this case, I created a clasp with this beautiful button. The button did not have a shank, so I had to create one by wire wrapping a loop using gold filled wire. After creating this loop, the button could be attached with a crimp, just like any other clasp.

For the other end, I created a loop for fastening the button, using 11/0 seed beads. Since the button is 22mm in diameter, I strung 44mm worth of seed beads and added 4 more to account for the thickness of the button, this gives it just enough slack to slip around the button. Since the button fits sideways through the loop, it is unlikely that it will slip off.

Related Blog Post: Rosy Bouquet Bracelet

Braided Strands of Beads

When strands of the Borakku Black Toho Seed Bead Mix are braided together, a rich textural rope is created. This is a simple technique for creating modern and innovative pieces of beaded jewelry.

Create These Looks...
1) Attach a large pendant to a long braided strand and create a statement piece (shown)
2) Create several necklaces at various lengths that can be layered together or worn individually, the necklaces can be the same color, or choose several coordinating colors.
3) Braid 6 or more strands together for a chunkier or bolder look

You don't have to stick with seed beads, experiment with different size beads as well as different materials like suede, chains, leather, silke or satin.

Beads, Chain & Suede

Add interest to your chains by incorporated a mixed palette of materials. It can be as simple as braiding strands of gold chain, Czech glass beads and suede cord, as I did in this example. If you want more embellishments, add dangling crystals or pewter charms. It's such a simple idea that makes a big statement.

To finish this look, create a matching Braided Suede Charm Bracelet.

Memory Wire Bangle Charm Bracelet

Bangles are fun to wear and simple to make. This example features Toho Seed Beads in the Sea Green Mix which contains various seed bead shapes in shades of green. The multiple coils show off the simple elegance of Japanese seed beads.

Using Memory Wire: Memory wire maintains its shape on its own and clasps are not necessary. Memory wire cutters or parrot beak cutters will be required to cut the memory wire, other types of cutters will be damaged by the memory wire. Once you cut the memory wire, curl one end to create a loop which will prevent the beads from slipping off. Then thread the beads onto the memory wire, curl & loop the second end to finish. Charms can be attached to the loops on the ends or at different places along the length of the bracelet.

Blogging About Beads from NYC

Blogging from NYC!

It is such a great place and I found so many great things to incorporate into my jewelry designs.

I had the chance to visit lots of bead shops, button shops,  trim stores, hardware stores, and indulge in other sweet things (like cannolis and cupcakes!). We also stopped at my favorite pizza place in Times Square, a place I discovered while living in the city many years ago.

Since I live in Florida, it's always nice to go up north and see the autumn flora and fauna - Central Park was gorgeous!

I also visited the Swarovski Crystallized Store on Broadway, it was spectacular to see all the crystal beads on display.

Take a look at previous posts and future posts for all the ideas that I came up with while on my trip. I always enjoy collecting neat little tokens from different cities and incorporating them into a special piece of jewelry to remind me of the great memories.