Quick and Easy Pendant

Check out this quick and easy pendant with a cute spiral bail created by Rena Klingenberg at www. jewelrymakingjournal.com.

Pendant by Rena Klingenberg

A couple of tools (you should already have in your beady toolbox), some wire and a top drilled stone or other object are all you need to create this little gem.

Click HERE to get the instructions from Rena.

Now go bead something.

Hardware Store Earrings

Here's a project for all you hipsters and upcyclers - a pair of earrings using items you can find at your local hardware store.

DIY Teardrop Earrings by Kittenhood

Created by by the blogger at Kittenhood, they use an unusual hardware item (at least for me - I've never even heard of it) called a galvanized thimble. Although this item is usually used to prevent wear in splice line and rope, Kittenhood created a pair of industrial style earrings and, the chic red thread gives it a touch of femininity.

So get thee to a hardware store and whip up a couple pair of these earrings. Start by clicking HERE to get all the how-tos.

Now go bead something.

Bead Soutache Workshop with Amee K. Sweet-McNamara

It's stunningly beautiful and elegant, but what exactly is soutache bead embroidery?

Soutache is a flat, fiber braid usually with a braid down the center between two rows of piping (cording) wrapped in some sort of fiber like silk, cotton or synthetic. It first appeared in France around the 15th century mostly as a decorative element on clothing (especially military uniforms). 

Several centuries later beaders have really taken off with it and the work coming out of Eastern Europe is especially stunning. Anneta Valious is one soutache bead embroidery extraordinare that comes to mind (see her book published by Lark Jewelry and Beading entitled Soutache - 30 Gorgeous Bead Embroidery Designs that was released in April 2013). Another is Amee K. Sweet-McNamara of Amee Runs with Scissors who not only creates lovely, exquisite soutache creations, but also teaches - most recently at the Bead & Button show where most if not all of her classes sold out.

Anu's Blossom Pendant by Amee K. Sweet-McNamara
HBS Workshop - September 9, 2013

The great news is that Amee has agreed to come teach for HBS and she is introducing two brand new projects! On Saturday, September 7, Amee will teach Anu's Arabseque Earrings and on Sunday, September 8, she will teach Anu's Blossom Pendant. Workshops are $140.00 each (includes lunch) plus $50.00 for a kit (which is inclusive of all materials needed).

Click HERE to go the HBS website to learn more about workshops or to register.

Now go bead something.

HBS JUNE MEETING

When: Saturday, June 15, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 pm
Place: 1st Floor Auditorium at Bayou Manor, 4141 South Braeswood, Houston, TX
Program: Theresa Olin - 4 in 1 Chain Maille

Parking is available in the uncovered spaces in the rear of the gated parking lot. Covered spaces are for residents of Bayou Manor only. After parking, walk back through either the pedestrian or vehicle gate and access the building through the main entrance. Please check in with the receptionist for an ID badge before proceeding to the auditorium.

See HBS website for more information.

How to Wire Wrap a Briolette

I love briolettes, but they can be tricky to use. I've always used a simple triangular wire wrap when I used them in my designs; that is, until now. Check out this lovely pair of wire wrapped briolette earrings by Rings & Things.

Wire-wrapped Aurora Borealis Swarovski
Crystal Pear Briolettes
Photo and Project by
Rings & Things

While I've taken a liking to the messy, tornado style wraps that many pieces have now, I really love the neat, multiple wraps around the briolettes.

Looks complicated, but it's really not. So, click HERE to get the instructions and get to wrapping some briolettes of your own.

Now go bead something.

Arizona Summers Necklace

Here's a sweet little necklace for all you stone and donut lovers out there. Arizona Summers Necklace was created by Josie Arndt for Rings and Things and features one of my favorite focals - a stone donut (jasper).

Arizona Summers Necklace by Josie Arndt for
Rings and Things

I really love the earthy feel of this necklace and the colors are perfect for summer (Arizona summers, that is). 

Click HERE for all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

Pearl Stud Earrings

Not everyone is into the long or Bohemian studded earrings. Many of you like to wear simple - minimalist - earrings. And, with peak wedding season coming up very soon, I though this tutorial for a pair of simple, yet elegant pair of pearl and wire earrings created by Emi Harrington for FaveCraft would be perfect.

Pearl Stud Earrings Designed by Emi Harrington
for FaveCraft

Do you have to use pearls? Do they have to be that big? Don't have silver wire? Well, these tutorials are meant to teach the technique, but then you use what you learn to take off and make them your own. Don't like or have pearls? Use those turquoise beads you have in your stash. Still to big for your taste? Use a 6 mm bead instead. Don't have to like silver wire or it's just to expensive? Find some copper or brass wire and use that.

I think this project also looks a lot like the bird's nest pendants that are so popular too. Best of all, the design has a built in ear wire and the tutorial is a video! So, click HERE and get all the how tos. 

Now go bead something.