DNA Necklace

Here's a new twist on an old technique - a DNA Seed Bead Necklace with a pearl accent designed by Catharina Thomas for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads.

DNA Necklace with Pearl Accent
Project and Photo by Catharina Thomas

What "old technique" you may ask? Why it's the ever popular and oh so versatile Brick Stitch. Catharina's take on this stitch is how she makes it twist. I also love, love, love the built in beaded clasp as well.

Seed beads and any large round bead are all you need to create this necklace and there are plenty of step by step graphics to help you along.

Click HERE to find out how to make one.

Now go bead something.

Easy Breezy Sterling Silver Earrings

If you love the Boho style or just the idea of swinging loops on your ears, you're going to love these Easy Breezy Sterling Silver Earrings at Rings & Things.

Easy - check, breezy - check, sterling silver - check and oh so trendy!

Don't have or can't afford sterling silver? No problem, you can substitute almost any other metal for the sterling including aluminum, copper or even nickel. And, if you buy the loop blanks the only other tool you need are some round chain nose pliers.

Anyway, click HERE to learn how to make you a pair or two or three.

Now go bead something.

Easy Breeze Sterling Silver Earrings
Project and Photo by Rings & Things

Daisy Chain Necklace or Bracelet

Here is a perfect end of summer project for you to make - it's a classic stitch and, although, I have a tendency to say this a lot - I love this stitch.

Daisy Chain Bracelet or Necklace
Photo and Project by Sandra Halpenny

This project can be retro or modern depending on the beads and color that you use. And, don't forget, this can also be made into an anklet.

Perfect for all your boho loving friends or flower children or, really, anyone on your list.

Click HERE to find out how to make one.

Now go bead something.

AUGUST 2015 MEETING

August Program
Spiral Bracelet (right)
Variation (left)

Our Next Meeting:
Saturday, August 15, 2015
10:00 am to 12:30 pm
St. Martin's Episcopal Church
717 Sage Road - Blast Kitchen Meeting Room

Program:
Flat Spiral Bracelet with Tish Reed
Kits - $10.00
 
Materials Needed:
- 28 to 30 6mm crystal bicones or similar
- 56 to 60 4mm crystal bicones or similar
- Approx. 5 grams of size 10 or 11 seed beads
- Beading needle and thread
- Clasp

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Beaded Napkin Rings

Imagine throwing a dinner party for your friends... the lighting is perfect, the food is delicious and the place settings... well, your place settings are going to need these beautiful napkin rings created by Dans le Lakehouse.

Beaded Napkin Rings
Photo and Project by Dans le Lakehouse

A little wireworking skills, wire and beads are all you  need to make this lovely addition to any gathering. But, wait - there's more! It can double as a cuff bracelet! So, wouldn't it make a great favor for a bridesmaid lunch, baby shower or bridal shower?

I've said it many times - I love projects like this because what beader doesn't have leftover beads from previous projects? Mine usually end up in a bead soup, but I think I'm going to start gathering them up for this project.

Mosey on over HERE to find out how to make them.

Now go bead something.

Embellished Ladder Stitch Bracelet

The Ladder Stitch is one of the very first bead techniques I learned when I first started beading. To this day - along with the spiral stitch - it's one of my very favorite bead techniques I know.

If you don't know the Ladder Stitch, this Embellished Ladder Stitch Bracelet is the perfect project for you to create while learning this very versatile stitch. Even if you already know it, this bracelet is good practice and will work up very quickly.

Embellished Ladder Stitch Bracelet
Project and Photo by Bead and Button

Not only is the Ladder Stitch easy to learn and quick to work up, the variations are endless - simply by changing the number, type or color beads you use.

Click HERE for a video tutorial of this really lovely and versatile bracelet.

Now go bead something.

Top 10 Tips for Beginning Jewelry Makers

Here's some handy dandy little tips beaders/jewelry makers should consider when they finally begin to think about getting serious about their work.

Photo by craftsy.com

From taking classes to mastering skills, the list really does cover a good amount of topics (tips) that every jewelry maker/beader should think about.

My favorite? Have a dedicated and organized workspace. This doesn't mean that you absolutely must have an entire room to work in. But, I think everyone deserves their own private workspace even if it's just a corner in your bedroom or an unused closet.

Click HERE to see the entire list.

Now go bead something.