12 Days of Christmas Project - Day 12: Bead Angel Tutorial

Because I feel I have a special connection to Angels (I even have a Christmas Angel tree filled with ornaments I have been given, collected or made over the past 30 years) and because I feel everyone deserves their own special Angel - at any time - but, especially, this time of year; here is a truly, lovely Bead Angel tutorial by Fibered Feathers.

Bead Angel Tutorial and Photo by
Fibered Feathers

There are so many, many variations you can make with this project simply by changing the cones and beads. Click HERE to get everything you need to make them.

Make them small or make them large, but make lots of them! I'm planning on making a "flock" of these, putting them on cards and handing them out to strangers or simply abandoning them in different places.

I would like to wish you all a Blessed and Merry Christmas and/or Holiday Season. Take care, be kind, love on your family and pets and do something nice.

Now go bead something.

12 Days of Christmas Project - Day 11: Wire and Bead Ornaments

Yesterday, I posted a bead and wire Star Ornament, today is a variation of that. This round ornament uses - get this - a balloon as the base. And, as I've mentioned many times, I love projects that use up leftover, miscellaneous beads because, let's face it, we all have them, we don't know what to do with them and we, certainly, don't want to throw them away.

Wire and Bead Ornaments
Photo and Project by Everyday Art

So, here you go Day 11 of the 12 Days of Christmas Project. Have fun and make a ton of these and then bring them to Show and Tell at our January meeting.

Click HERE for all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

12 Days of Christmas Project - Day 10: Beaded Wire Star Ornament

Beaded Wire Star Ornament
Photo and Project by The Eclectic Chica

Okay, you have your beaded wire ornament holders and - ta dah - here are the ornaments!

The Eclectic Chica uses a very clever way to get her star shape (click on the link to find out what) - that will also enable you to get any shape you want. As a matter of fact, I'm thinking Valentine's Day right now.

Anyway, it's a super simple, super cute and you can click HERE to find out how to make you some.

Beaded Wire Star Ornament 
Photo and Project by The Eclectic Chica

Don't want to add beads - no problem. Check out the photo of the Star Ornament with just wire.

Now go bead something.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 9: Ornament Holder

Wire Ornament Holder
Photo and Project by Mamie Jane's

Thought I'd post something a little different today - a wire ornament holder by Mamie Jane's. The loops are much easier to do if you have a wire jig, but if you don't have one - no worries - she shows you how to make your own with some scrap wood and small nails.

Although this is a beaded version of the ornament holder, you can make one without the beads as well. I really like this version because it's not your run of the mill shepherd's hook style holder.

Oh yeah - did I mention she also shows you how to make your own jump rings? I think I just did.

A set of these would make a perfect hostess gift too.

Click HERE to find out how.

Now go bead something.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 8: Beaded Snowflake

I absolutely love this beaded Snowflake by the Learning Center at Panda Hall.

Beaded Snowflake Project and Photo
by Panda Hall at the Learning Center

I don't know - could be the light, icy blue seed beads between the snowy white pearls, but I truly do love it.

If you know right angle weave, you'll can  make these in no time. But, no worries, if you don't. This project is the  perfect opportunity for you to learn how RAW (right angle weave) because there are lots of step by step pictures.

Click HERE to make one yourself.

Now go bead something.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 7: Beaded Ornaments

Thought I'd change it up a little from earrings and, instead, show you some beaded ornament projects from the Beading Gem's Journal (all projects and photos from their site) - like these:

There are several other beaded ornament tutorials in addition to these.

Click HERE to see them all.

Now go bead something.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 6: Santa Earrings

These rosy cheeked Santa earrings will make everybody smile when they see them!

Santa Earrings and Photo by
Living with 3 Moon Babies

And, I absolutely love his seed bead fringe beard!

All you need to know is peyote stitch - that and a few seed beads. Click HERE to see how to make them.

Now go bead something.

12 Days of Christmas Project - Day 5: Star of Bethlehem Earrings

Star of Bethlehem Earrings
Still from Video and Project by HoneyBeads

Here is a pair of earrings called Bethlehem Star created by HoneyBeads.

Though I love the length of these earrings, I could see how you could easily just stop at the larger star and create a pendant. Add a simple beaded necklace or even a silver chain and you're done.

I also like how the shape reminds me of snowflakes as well.

The video tutorial by HoneyBeads shows you everything you need to make a pair or two or three.

Click HERE to watch the video.

Now go bead something

12 Days of Christmas Project - Day 4: Christmas Tree Earrings

Here is your Day 4 of the 12 Days of Christmas Project - several variations on some Christmas Tree Earrings.

Christmas Tree Earrings and Photo
by the Beaded Jewelry Diva

I love projects that only take up a few beads - especially because I have so many leftover beads from other projects!

There are other several things that I like about these Christmas Tree Earrings - 1) super simple to make; 2) the spiral ear wire and 3) it's a video tutorial.

You're welcome.

Click HERE to watch the video.

Now go bead something.

12 Days of Christmas Project - Day 3: 20 Pearl Necklace Tutorials

Here's not one, not two but 20 different pearl necklace tutorials for you to check out!

Twenty Pearl Necklace Tutorials
Photo and Project by
mygirlishwhims

Whether you have a substantial stash of pearls or just a few, there are plenty of designs for you to look at and create.

FaLaLaLaLa LaLaLaLa!

Click HERE to check them out.

Now go bead something.

DECEMBER 2014 MEETING - ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

HO HO HO - Merry Christmas to those who celebrate and Happy Holidays to everyone else!

It is time for the HBS December Christmas Party.

Location and Date:
Saturday, December 20, 2014
10:00 a.m. to Noon
750 Bering Dr.,
1st Floor Conference Room
Houston, TX 77057

Directions:
Driving South on 610 (towards Galleria), take the Woodway/Memorial Dr. exit and make a right on Woodway (away from Memorial Park). Take Woodway for about about 1 to 1.5 miles to Bering Dr. and make a left (Bering is the next light after Chimney Rock). Then drive about one half mile to 750/800 Bering Dr. which is on your right. 750 Bering Drive is the Independent Bank Building. If you pass up Kelsey Seybold Clinic on Sugar Hill Road you just barely missed it.

Parking
You may park anywhere in the parking garage - even in the "Reserved" spaces. Use the driveway on the right side of the bank building. The conference room entrance is just outside the garage entrance.

Program:
This month is our gift exchange led by Michael Miles. Please bring

• A gift about $10 in cost to exchange; and
• A holiday snack to share with the group. To keep a balance of sweet & savory snacks, members whose last names begin with A-L should bring a sweet snack while those who are M-Z should bring something savory.

Library:
The library will only be open for checking in materials.

See you then.

12 Days of Christmas Project - Day 2: Wine Glass Charms

Holiday season is party season and it has just begun! So, if you're attending some holiday parties, you'll probably need a hostess gift or two - yes?

Then, give these Wine Glass Charms a shot:

Photo and Project by
DJA Jewels & Company

So easy you could probably make up several sets in one evening and a it's great project to use up all those leftover beads too.

Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

12 Days of Christmas Project - Day 1: Wreath Earrings and Necklace

Christmas Wreath Earrings
Design and Photo by Rita Hutchinson for
Rings N Things

Thought I'd try something new here - our version of the the 12 Days of Christmas by giving you readers 12 different projects.

I know, I know - I'm already a day behind, but no worries you'll get another project later today.

So for Day 1 of the 12 Days of Christmas, here's a pair of holiday earrings you can  make for giving and receiving.

The Christmas Wreath earrings, like most of the projects I post, are simple to make and modify. So, although these are in Christmasy colors, you could switch up the colors of the crystals and make a pair for every occasion on the year.

This  project is perfect if you have a stash of crystals, like I do, or even some small amount of leftovers from other projects.

Best of all, the instructions also include a matching pendant necklace.

Click HERE to learn how to make your own.

Now go bead something.

Swirly Cupcake Dangles

If you're a regular reader of this blog, then you probably know that I also happen to love polymer clay. I love it's versatility and how it can be transformed into almost anything. It can also be made to look like anything - ceramic, glass - you name it.

So, when I found this sweet little Swirly Cupcake Dangle Tutorial at the Swirly Designs Blog, I knew I had to share it.

Swirly Cupcake Dangles
Photo and Project by swirlydesigns.com

So, if you're having visions of sugar plums dancing in your head, take out your polymer clay and go make a few of these cute cupcakes - did I mention they were calorie free?

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Twisted Knot Wire Rings

Check out these easy to make Twisted Knot Wire Rings by Shellie Wilson at Fall for DIY.

And, look at what you need to make your own on the bottom of the picture. Even if you don't own a ring mandrel, as long as you can find a dowel, bottle neck or anything close enough to your ring size to use, you can make this ring. But, really, ring mandrels are useful for so many other things and they are so inexpensive, why wouldn't you want to have one?

Anywho, I really like the twisted wire design aspect that Shellie used here.

Click HERE to learn how to make your own.

Now go bead something.

Star Dangle Earrings and Card

There's still plenty of time for you to make a pair (or lots of pairs) of these super simple Star Dangle earrings - for you and for gifts.

Star Dangle Earrings and Earring Card
by Live, Craft, Love

The Blogger at Live, Craft, Love even gives you a printable for the just as cute earring card.

Click HERE for all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

Five Minute Snowman Earrings

Halloween is over. Thanksgiving is two weeks away and Christmas will be here before we know it.

Pearl Snowmen Earrings
Photo and Project by
by Menucha at Moms & Crafts

So, I thought let's get started with some beady Christmas projects before it gets too crazy.

Here is a cute, simple and fast earring project by Menucha at Moms & Crafts - a pair of Pearl Snowmen Earrings that can also double as a pendant or a tie to tie a bag of your favorite treats you plan on giving away.

Seriously, 5 minutes - who doesn't have five minutes to create these cute, but yet still elegant, pair of earrings?

Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

Dark Fairy Crystal Earrings

Sorry beaders, but I've been way too busy (moving at work, etc.) to have posted anything lately; but, hopefully, that's changed.

Right in time for Halloween, I bring you these spooky, Dark Fairy Crystal Earrings designed by Rita Hutchinson and they are so easy to make you can make a bunch of these in one evening - right in time for your Halloween party.

Dark Fairy Crystal Earrings by Rita Hutchinson
Photo by Rings & Things

One of the best things about this project is how you can completely change the look of these by the color beads you use. Like, sure, these are black and spooky; but, add some red or green beads and you have a Christmas or holiday look. And, wouldn't they make great gifts?

You're welcome.

Now go bead something.

Pop??? Bracelets

No - that's not a typo on the title of this post. I didn't complete it because I wanted you to guess what these bracelets are made of. I'll give you one guess.

Popsicle Stick Bracelets
Photo and Project by Candie Cooper forThe Graphics Fairy

If you guess (or read) popsicle sticks - winner, winner, chicken dinner - you are right! Candie Cooper has created these cuties using scrap pieces of paper and either leather strips or ribbons for closures. And, wait til you see how easy it is to bend the popsicle sticks - you'll want to make an arm full!

Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

Make Your Own Cone Shaped End Cap

Wire Cone
Project and Photo by Wirewoman

If you make multi-strand, crochet, kumihimo or any other type of bracelets or necklaces that need to be gathered together at the end, then this project is for you.

Wirewoman shows you how to create your own cone shaped end cap for those multi-strand projects - especially handy when you're finished with your necklace/bracelet and then, suddenly realize, you don't have the cone shaped finding you need.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Confetti Hoop Earrings by Erin Siegel

Confetti Hoop Earrings
Project and Photo by Erin Siegel

It's not quite Fall yet, so I think right now is the perfect time to say our last hurrah to Summer with these cute Confetti Hoop Earrings by Erin Siegel.

All you need are the simplest of tools (that are probably already in your tool box), some beads (perfect for those leftover seed beads that are laying around) and some wire (or just use pre-made hoops). Erin has a really nice tutorial with plenty of photos that shows you how to not only wrap the earrings with the beads, but she even shows you how to create the earring loop. Cool - huh?

And, did I mention, I think they'll make great gifts? And, we all know Christmas will be here before we know it.

So, click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

SEPTEMBER 2014 MEETING

Come join fellow bead lovers as Audra Gladney guides you in creating your own Tree of Life Pendant like this!

Tree of Life Pendant
by Audra Gladney

WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2014
TIME: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
WHERE: 750 Bering Drive - 1 st Floor Conference Room (Independent Bank Building)
PARKING: Any space in the garage (including "reserved" spaces)
DIRECTIONS: Driving South on 610 (towards Galleria), take the Woodway/Memorial Dr. exit and make a right on Woodway (away from Memorial Park). Take Woodway for about about 1 to 1.5 miles to Bering Dr. and make a left (Bering is the next light after Chimney Rock). Then drive about one half mile to 750 Bering Dr. which is on your right. If you pass up Kelsey Seybold Clinic on Sugar Hill Road you just barely missed it.

PROGRAM: Tree of Life Pendant with Audra Gladney. Audra will have kits available for $7.00. Please bring: needle nose pliers, silver chain and a clasp.

CHALLENGE - Watch Faces: This Fall's challenge will be to make a watch band or other wearable art using a watch face to submit for the member challenge. All entries will be displayed at our November meeting. Watch faces will be available for sale by HBS for $10.00.

FAMILY DAY AT THE HOUSTON CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT: On October 4, 2014, Houston Bead Society volunteers will be teaching"Wish Bracelets" to participants coming for this free event. About 750 people are expected to attend. However, we need volunteers to put together the kits. If you are not going to take part in the program, please stay and help us get the kits ready. You'll even get to  make your own Wish Bracelet!

Wish Bracelet
Family Day Project at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
October 4, 2014

If you want to volunteer for this very fun event, please contact Pat Powell who will be at the meeting or Lillian Skogsberg, HBS - President.

Now go bead something.

Sparkle Flower Earrings

French Flower beading is a very old technique, but here is a new and modern twist - Sparkle Flower Earrings.

Sparkle Flower Earrings
Project and Photo by Meredith Roddy for Beadalon

This involves the same age old technique, but made into a wearable piece. And, as usual, you change up the colors and you change up the look. Make it your own.

Click HERE for all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

Simple, Dainty River Rock Necklace

Ooooh... I am so loving this pendant and I think you will too.

Simple, Dainty Rustic River Rock Necklace
by Amy Mickelson
as seen at Rings &Things

Don't let the fact that you are working with a river rock deter you from making this necklace because the rocks come pre-drilled! If you also have a pair of chain nose pliers, a pretty little charm and a neck chain, then you are ready to make one yourself.

Click HERE to find out how.

Now go bead something.

How to Open and Close Jump Rings

Sometimes it's good to revisit the basics. So, whether you are a novice or experienced beader, knowing how to open and close a jump ring is one of those have-to-know techniques you need to have in your arsenal.

I know when I first started beading many, many years ago, my first experience with jump rings involved opening them from left to right only to learn years later that's not how you do it.

Photo by Ice Resin as Seen on
FaveCrafts

Lucky for us, there is a video on the FaveCrafts website that details exactly how to open and, just as importantly, close a jump ring.

Click HERE to view the video.

Now go bead something.

Top 8 Jewelry Trends for the 2014 Holiday Season

If you make jewelry on a professional or semi-professional basis (as in seasonal shows) - and, even if you don't, this guide to the Top 8 Jewelry Trends as compiled by Halstead for the upcoming holiday season may be of interest to you.

Moon and Star Objects such as these are one of the top jewelry trends
for the 2014 Holiday season - As compiled by Halstead.
Photo by Halstead

In short, they are:

1. Stick drops and bar links;
2. Chevrons and triangles;
3. Wire bracelets and bangles;
4. Collars and omegas;
5. Festoon pendants;
6. Moons and stars;
7. ID bracelets;
8. Rose gold-filled items

Click HERE to see a more detailed list.

Now go bead something.

Seed Beads 101

Whether you are a beading newbie or veteran, you are going to want to read through this article by Fire Mountain Gems and Beads called Seed Beads 101.

It is full of very useful information on sizes, types,  brands, shapes and styles of seed beads.

Seed Beads 101
Photo and Information by
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

For instance, did you know that according to this article, the size of a seed bead "correlates with the number of beads that will fit into a given inch when the beads are lined up side by side (with the holes parallel to each other, as in the ladder stitch). For instance, size 8/0 would equal eight beads to one inch. Keep in mind this is just a general rule of thumb, as there can be variances in this measurement based on the manufacturer, the type of glass used and the bead's finish."

There is also some information on seed bead coatings and finishes.

So, maybe, just maybe, before you start your next seed bead project, you take a gander at this article and learn a little bit more about those bad, bad seed beads.

Click HERE to find out more.

Now go bead something.

Basic Sliding Knot Bracelet

I adore this bracelet project by Happy Hour Projects! Could be the minimalist style focuses on one fabulous bead (or one beautifully simple shell like this one). Could be that it takes minutes. Could be that it is so easy. I don't know maybe for one or all of these reasons - but, I love it.

Basic Sliding Knot Bracelet
Project and Photo by Happy Hour Projects

All you need is about one yard of cord or leather and a focal bead. If you can make a knot, then you can make this bracelet. Or, use a little more cord or leather and make it an anklet to celebrate the end of summer with one more last beach trip.

Regardless, click HERE and make it yourself. It's easy. And fun.

Now go bead something.

Beaded Bead Necklace by Luxe DIY

If you were at last Saturday's meeting, then you probably participated in the program which was Peyote Tube rings, led by HBS Vice President, Patti Berg.

Patti reports that most, if not everyone, got a great start on their ring while learning one of the classic and well loved bead weaving stitches known as Peyote.

So, by now you have finished your ring - right (right!). And, now is the perfect time for you to continue peyote stitch practice by weaving up this cool, little tube. Although, they show it as a pendant or even focal for a bracelet, you obviously could make it long enough to stand on it's one.

Beaded Bead Necklace
Project and Photo  by Luxe DIY

I really like how they placed the beaded bead on a change rather than a beaded necklace. I think it really shows off the stitch and bead colors.

Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

Colorful Bead and Knot Necklace

If you came to last month's meeting, you probably saw the size of my bead soup. What you don't know is that is just a small portion of it. I actually have about 4 maybe 5 times that much more in bags stored in my bead closet.

What I'm getting to is that if you bead and have been beading for a while, you probably have a nice bead soup (orphaned beads all thrown in together) too. And, if it is like my bead soup, it's more than a few months or years old.

So, what to do with a spare bead here and there? How about this Colorful Bead and Knot Necklace by Vicki for Crafts Unleashed.

Colorful Bead and Knot Necklace
Project and Photo by Vicki for Crafts Unleashed

I love projects that I can use my leftover beads and I like this one in particular because it is completely random.

Check out what you need and how to make your own Bead and Knot Necklace HERE.

Now go bead something.

AUGUST 2014 MEETING - BRING A FRIEND

Location and Time:

Saturday, August 16, 2014
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
750 Bering Dr.,
Houston, TX 77057
1st Floor Conference Room

Driving Directions and Parking:
Driving South on 610 (towards Galleria), take the Woodway/Memorial Dr. exit and make a right on Woodway (away from Memorial Park). Take Woodway for about about 1 to 1.5 miles to Bering Dr. and make a left (Bering is the next light after Chimney Rock). Then drive about one half mile to 750/800 Bering Dr. which is on your right. If you pass up Kelsey Seybold Clinic on Sugar Hill Road you just barely missed it.

Parking:
Please park in the parking garage of the 750 Bering building (use driveway on the right side of the bank building). You can park anywhere (even in the "reserved" spaces on the first floor – if full then the second floor). The conference room entrance is inside the garage on the 1st floor.

August Program - Peyote Rings with Patti Berg:

August Program - Peyote Rings with Patti Berg
Photo and Project by Patti Berg

Supplies to Bring:

• Seed beads – size 10 or 11. I prefer Delicas, but I am sure you can use whatever you have. 
• Bead mat
• Bead thread or Fireline - your choice
• Bead Needle appropriate to your choice of stringing material
• Optional: Size 15 seed beads if you wish to add a picot edge.

Vendors:
Any current member can be a vendor at the monthly meetings. The cost is $10 for one 6' table space, payable at the meeting. Vendors are limited to one table space and must provide their own table, coverings and arrive no later than 9:00 a.m. to set up. Sales can continue until the meeting is called to order at which time you are expected to cover your table. You may resume sales once the meeting is over. If you would like to vend this month, please contact Pattie Berg at sapamojo@comcast.net. Phone: 832-247-0407.

Remember: 

• You must be a Houston Bead Society member for at least one month before you can check out books from our extensive library.
• Programs are free for current members and for first time guests only. All others - $10.00.
• We must exit the building no later than 12:15 pm

Woven Cluster Bracelet

I am so loving this bracelet on so many levels. Not only because it uses up my what looks like an endless supply of gemstone chips (why did I buy those), but because it also appeals to my hippie chic sensibility.

Woven Cluster Bracelet Project and Photo by
happyhourprojects.com

Oh, did I mention that it takes an hour and probably less to get it done? Yep, that's right.

Gemstone chips, a few beads, waxed linen cord, glue on end caps and some glue are all you need to create one of these little beauties for your own.

Check it out HERE.

Now go bead something.

Chenille Stitch

Jean Campell states that while teaching a class at Arrowmont, one of her students pointed her to a video of someone doing a beaded "Chenille" stitch and she fell in love with it.

Chenille Stitch
Project and Photo at Beading Daily Blog

She states that it's actually a combination of herringbone and netting. To my eye, it actually looks like some sort of embellished right angle weave.

Regardless, Jean shows you how to do it in 5 easy steps. To see how Jean creates it, click HERE.

If you want to see the video, click HERE.

Now go bead something.

Washi Tape Jewelry

These projects are so easy to do and with Washi Tape - what's not to love? The colors and designs are so on trend and washi tapes are so easily available everywhere! So, I'm not surprised to have found not one bu,t six different tutorials for jewelry projects made with washi tape.

Washi Tape Pendants
Photo and Project by Jewelrymaking at craftgossip

Like these two cute little pendants above, the six tutorials ranging from pendants to earrings to bracelets all use washi tape and some jewelry findings and most can be made in just minutes! I know the kiddos are still on summer break, so if you are looking for a project to do with them, this would be the perfect one - fairly inexpensive, no dangerous tools and pretty darn cute. They could even get a head start on their holiday gift list with this one.

So, click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

Crystal Wave Bracelet

I love video tutorials - don't you? Especially, if it's as well done as this one by Ruby Lockwood of her Crystal Wave Bracelet.

Crystal Wave Bracelet - Still Shot from Video
Project and Video by Ruby Lockwood

Just a warning, the video is almost 42 minutes long, so make sure to watch it when you have that expanse of time. Of course, you can always come back to it too - that's the beauty of video tutorials.

Anyway, click HERE to get the directions.

Now go bead something.

Bracelet with Swarovski Elements

I really like this take on the classic tennis bracelet design by one of the employees at Fire Mountain Gems and Beads.

Bracelet with Swarovski Elements
Photo and Project by Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

This is a pretty ingenious design in that it uses Swarovski spacer bars for a little extra bling. And, although I love this fiery red color, I can so see this bracelet in beachy colors or even pastel colors - especially for a wedding. Actually, this would make a really nice bridesmaid gift too.

Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

Daisy Chain Bracelet

I'm sure you've seen this chain or variations of it all over the place, so here is a video tutorial of how to create one by Catherine Fox. Such an easy, simple technique that - depending on the beads that you use - can yield either a very sweet or very complex bracelet (or anklet or necklace).

Either way, you should give it a try.

Still shot from the Daisy Chain Bracelet video by
Catherine Fox

I love the simplicity of this sweet little bracelet (or anklet) and, of course, you can change the look of it simply by changing colors and beads. The main thing is to make sure you have a different bead for the daisy center so that it pops out as a flower. And, there is nothing wrong with making each flower a different color.

So many possibilities with this one.

Click HERE to get all the how tos - in video format - no less.

Now go bead something.

Chinatsu Bracelet ("Pulsera Chinatsu")

While just looking around for projects for this blog, I happened across this tutorial for this pretty neat little bracelet. The only problem - it's not in English. Regardless, I think that the pictures are pretty specific and easy to understand.

Still Shot from Video by Anna Maria Buse de Avila
Project and Video  by Anna Maria Buse de Avila

It involves several different steps and I probably wouldn't recommend it for a rank beginner - but, what the heck, if you can't start here - where can you start?

Anyway, click HERE for the video tutorial.

Now go bead something.

Easy Texturing Techniques by Craftsy

Photo and Technique by
Craftsy

So, you've already learned how to make these super cool, on trend loop earrings (see this POST). But, you're thinking, they need just one more thing. Sure, it could be beads, but why not try adding some texture instead of or in addition to beads?

It seems there is no way you can get around the word "texture" these days. It's heard all over the DIY shows and internet tutorials. But, more importantly, it's one the elements of successful art.

So, thanks to Craftsy, here is a super easy tutorial that teaches you how to add texture to your work with just a few tools you may already have hanging around in your studio.

Click HERE to learn more about adding texture to your metal work.

Now go bead something.

JULY 2014 MEETING - BRING A FRIEND!

Location and Time:

Saturday, July 19, 2014

10:00 am to 12:00 pm
750 Bering Dr.,
Houston, TX 77057
1st Floor Conference Room

Driving Directions and Parking:
Driving South on 610 (towards Galleria), take the Woodway/Memorial Dr. exit and make a right on Woodway (away from Memorial Park). Take Woodway for about about 1 to 1.5 miles to Bering Dr. and make a left (Bering is the next light after Chimney Rock). Then drive about one half mile to 750/800 Bering Dr. which is on your right. If you pass up Kelsey Seybold Clinic on Sugar Hill Road you just barely missed it.

Please park in the parking garage of the 750 Bering building (use driveway on the side of the bank building). You can park anywhere (even in the "reserved" spaces on the first floor – if full then the second floor). The conference room entrance is inside the garage on the 1st floor.

July Program
Mixed Media Pendant with Tish Reed

July Program - Mixed Media Resin Pendant:

Kit price - $8.00 and includes enough material for 2 pendants.

(See Monthly Programs Page for detailed information and what tools and supplies to bring).

Vendors:
Any current member can be a vendor at the monthly meetings. The cost is $10 for one 6' table space, payable at the meeting. Vendors must provide their own table and coverings and may arrive at 9:00 a.m. and sell until the meeting is called to order. Vendors are expected to cover their tables at that time and may resume sales once the meeting is over. Everyone has to be out of the conference room by 12:15 p.m. If you would like to vend this month, please contact Pattie Berg at sapamojo@comcast.net. Phone: 832-247-0407.

Remember:
- You must be a Houston Bead Society member for at least one month before you can check out
  books from our extensive library.
- Programs are free for current members and for first time guests only. All others - $10.00.

Skinny Cube Twin Band Bracelet

I was recently reorganizing my bead stash recently and came across a number of tubes of these square beads. For the life of me, I can't remember what I bought them for other than maybe I fell in love with the colors. So, I set them aside hoping I'd run across a project that I could use them for - and I have!

Skinny Tube Twin Band - Project and Photo
By aroundthebeadingtable.com

Check out this Skinny Tube Twin Band bracelet created by aroundthebeadingtable.com. "Twin" beads have two holes - which by themselves can be somewhat challenging; but, there are explicit instructions and detailed drawings to help you through all that.

So, challenge yourself and hop on over to get all the how tos. Click HERE to go over to the site.

Now go bead something.

Classic Hoop Earrings

Classic hoop earrings have been around since the age of Cleopatra, so you can probably bet they'll be around forever. And, who doesn't love this classic style of earring? They go with everything from a pair of jeans and your favorite white shirt to a classic black dress.

But, Craftsy has put a slightly different spin on the classic round hoop style earring... turning it into a teardrop instead. And, they are super-easy to make.

Class Hoop Earrings
Photo and Project by Craftsy

So, pull out your round, flat and needle nose pliers along with some wire (copper is shown here, but I'm going to try using sterling silver wire) and follow along to make a pair for you. However, I suspect when your family and friends see these, you will be pretty busy making some for them too.

I'm even going to try to add a bead or two to my pair.

Click HERE to make a pair or two or three of your own.

Now go bead something.

Sparkly Silk Wrapped Bracelet

First off, how could you not love a blog that goes by the name of "Flamingo Toes!" Second off, I love that this bracelet has the perfect combination of fiber and bling.

Sparkled Silk Wrap Bracelet
Project and Photo by Flamingo Toes

Third, I also like that it has the boho, multi-wrapped look that is so trendy right now.  Fourth, it will take minutes to make, and fifth it only costs around $8 or $9 in materials.

I'm sure you will find many other things to like about it too, so click HERE to get the instructions and make you one or two or three or....

Now go bead something.

How to Make Stronger Beaded Bracelets

It's happened to all of us at one time or another - we're wearing a bracelet (maybe one of the favorite ones) and it simply comes off. If we're lucky, we find all the beads and try to restring it; but, what a hassle! And, what if it happens to one that we've sold!

Well, what if we could figure out a way to avoid that problem by simply making a stronger beaded bracelet.

Brenda New at the Jewelry Making Journal has six simple to do tips to do just that,

Bali Beauty Bracelet
Photo and Project by Brenda New

Click HERE to learn how to make stronger bracelets now.

Now go bead something.

Red, White and Blue Spiral Patriotic Bracelet

Red, White and Blue and oh, so cute too!

Star Spiraled Banner
Photo and Project by Fusion Beads

Here is a project you can cook up tonight just in time to wear to your 4th of July celebration later this week. The technique is a spiral rope (taught by Holly for the May program) and it is chock- full of crystals and bling.

Click HERE to learn how to make it yourself.

Now go bead something.

Mirror Jewelry Wall Hangers

If you are running out of places to store your jewelry, then check out this cute and oh so clever idea by Homey Oh My!

Project and Photo by
Homey Oh My!

These mirrors are all over the craft stores so they are easy to get. She also uses E6000 to glue on the components and, if you live in an apartment, you don't damage the walls because she uses Command Strips to hang up the mirrors. Oh My! Clever, indeed.

Really easy, really cute and functional too - so what's not to love.

Click HERE to make a few of your own.

Now go bead something.

Multi-Strand Necklace and Earring Set

Holy smokes - I am so in love with this design!

Multi-Strand Necklace and Earrings by
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

But, what's not to love when you're working with corals and turquoise! Oh yeah - silver too. And, multi-strands. And, chain. And, a wild assortment of different types and sizes of beads.

Can I just say again that I am so in love with this design?

Although there is no actual tutorial for this design (by Esther Pollock - Jewelry Production Specialist in the Marketing Content Development Group for Fire Mountain), they do have a list of materials you need to create your own.

And, really, it's just simply stringing and some bead chain all wrapped together in a cone that is attached to a chain necklace. If you work with Viking Knit, this would be a great time to add one of a piece of that. If not, then you can use some chain - vintage or new.

Anyway, click HERE to see the list of materials you need.

Now go bead something.