Loopy Earrings

Loopy Earrings by Beadstudio
Photo by Favecrafts.com

I am so digging the hippy chic/boho look of these Loopy Earrings by Beadstudio. The colors - not so much; but, hey that's why we make our own jewelry to give it a twist and make it our own.

I plan on making these in turquoise and coral or - in honor of Spring - bright flower colors! I may even use flower and leaf beads instead.

And, if you don't like working with jump rings, this project uses ready made loopy chain.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Sparky Barbie Boot Earrings

Sparkly Barbie Boot Earrings
Photo and Project by Savannah Starr

Okay, at first glance, you're probably thinking "what the heck is she thinking with this project?" but, really - Barbie Boots!! No boots? This same technique will work with any small, earring size doll shoe or make a pendant with a larger size.

So go raid your daughter or granddaughter's toy box and give it a try.

'Nuff said, just click HERE to get the directions and a link to a video tutorial.

Now go bead something

Some Great Tips to Prevent Tarnish From Ever Happening

I don't know about you, but I hate it when I pull out a a nice sterling silver piece to wear and it is completely tarnished. Naturally, I have no cleaner, so out comes an old toothbrush and some toothpaste to try to scrub it clean. And, it always happens just as I am about to leave.

Preventing tarnish is far less work
than cleaning it.
Photo by Rena Klingenberg

Well, Rena Klingenberg has 7 handy little tips for preventing tarnish from ever forming on your jewelry. I am all for a little prevention if it means I don't ever (or almost never) have to clean my jewelry again. And, if you are in the business of selling, this can save you a lot of time and aggravation.

She lists simple solutions from using bags to bag up your jewelry to protecting it from oxidation to begin with by using silver tarnish cloths and she even gives a simple homemade solution to clean up your tarnished items using kitchen items.

Click HERE to check it out.

Now go bead something.

Sparkle Flower Earrings

Try this new "twist" on an age old technique, French Beaded Flowers, and make a pair of earrings or a pendant).

Sparkle Flower Earrings
Photo by Favecrafts.com
Project by Meredith Roddy for Beadalon

If you've never tried your hand at French Beaded Flowers, it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the technique before giving this project a shot; but, really, it's a fun and easy technique. Just Google French Beaded Flowers Tutorial or search for it on YouTube and you'll be beading the French way in no time at all.

Viva le perles!

Make some blooms of your own. Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Twig Bracelets by Simply Bold

Twig Bracelets
Photo and Project by Kristina at Simply Bold

At first glance, you would think these bracelets were made out of wire - well, at least I did; but, wait...no, not wire at all!

Would you believe real twigs? Yep, the real stuff that's been hot glued and then painted gold.

Four simple things are all you need - twigs, hot glue, spray paint (she used gold, but I could so see these in copper and bronze) and scissors.

I would make a bunch and wear them altogether; but, check them out when they are stacked with other bracelets.

Twig Bracelets
Photo and Project by Kristina at Simply Bold

Oh yeah - check out the twig rings too.

Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

April 2013 Meeting

April 2014 Program
Spiral Rope Bracelet by Holly Matherly

Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Center
6200 North Braeswood, Houston, TX 77074
Saturday, April 19, 2014
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Program: Spiral Rope Bracelet/Necklace
               with Holly Matherly

Programs are free for HBS members and first time attendees. Thereafter, $10.00 per program until you join.

Dangling Decoupage Earrings

Don't get me wrong, I love to use resin in my projects, but sometimes mixing up a batch of the stuff for just one or two projects doesn't seem worth my time. So, when I can create a project like this with some ready made material, I am all over it.

Check out these Dangling Decoupage Earrings created by Debbie Saenz for Mod Podge.

Dangling Decoupage Earrings
Project by Debbie Saenz for Mod Podge
Picture at favecrafts.com

Super easy and super fast to create and they don't involve using a bezel, but some wooden circles you can get at any craft store along with some scrap pieces of paper. And, as I already mentioned, no need to mix up a messy batch of resin with this ready made product.

Go make you a couple of pairs. Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

Shamballa Bracelets

Did you know that traditionally bracelets like the Shamballa style that is so trendy right now actually has meanings associated with the color used? Shamballa represents the mythical kingdom that Tibetan Buddhists believe symbolizes enlightenment, peace and perfection and the colors are associated with a particular chakra (energy centers in your body). For example, red is associated with the base chakra and symbolizes passion, green is associated with the heart chakra which gives rise to balance and harmony and violet is associated with the 7th chakra - the one located at the crown of the head and is meant for bliss and spirituality. Regardless, of whether you wear or make these bracelets for a spiritual purpose or a fashion statement, theyare fun to make.

Blue Shamballa Bracelet
Photo and Project by Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

To get more information about what the colors and chakras mean, click here.

To get the instructions on how to make your own Shamballa bracelet by Fire Mountain Gems and Beads, click HERE

Now go bead something - like this bracelet.

Bead Woven Bracelet

I really like how using beading wire (insert your favorite brand name here) adds some structure to this bracelet created by Pandahall.com.

Bead Woven Bracelet
Photo and Project by Pandahall.com

I also like the secondary pattern made by the red beads and how those same beads give it a pop of color. On the other hand, using beads from the same color palette would give it a totally different look too. What about black and silver, tans and corals or... the possibilities are endless.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Recycled Paper Bead Bib Necklace

I have seen these recycled bead necklaces in all the trendy catalogs, jewelry television stations and even some of the runway shows. And, now you can make one yourself.

Project and Photo by
Purl3agony

The project includes really good detailed instructions on how to create your own paper beads - using recycled materials no less - and the necklace itself. And, as you will soon find out, the color will vary depending on the type of paper you use. Best of all, no fancy, expensive tools needed - in fact, just your finger!

Click HERE to learn how to make your own.

Now go bead something.

Beaded Eggs

Here comes Peter Cottontail, hippity hoppity on the trail. Look out World - Easter's on it's way!

Beaded Easter Eggs
Project and Photo by Instructables

If you're not lucky enough to get one of these beaded eggs in your Easter basket from the head Rabbit himself, then don't worry, you can make your own.

Click HERE to get the how tos.

Now go bead something.

Daisy Chain Bracelet

I adore flowers and am so envious of people with green thumbs - like my mom and my sister who inherited that green thumb. Me - not so much. In fact, I've been known to kill silk plants.

So, when I see cute, beaded flower patterns like this classic Daisy Chain bracelet by Sandra as seen in her blog, I am all over it.

Daisy Chain Bracelet and Photo by
Sandra Halpenny

Although I love the sweet, soft pastel colors she used in her project (which are so very trendy right now), I would use some brighter colors or even a variety of colors all in one project. Actually, the possibilities are endless.

Sandra even has awesome close up photos of each step to help you along.

Click HERE to get the instructions on how to create your own Daisy Chain bracelets, necklaces or even anklets.

Now go bead something.

Shoe Box Bracelet Organizer

I think I must have been a Professional Organizer in a previous life because next to creating art, I love to organize!

Check out this inexpensive and very clever way of storing your bracelets by Parvathi at AlternateCreations.blogspot.com

Shoe Box Jewelry Organizer
Photo and Project by Parvathi at AlternateCreations.blogspot.com

All you need to create your own organizer are four simple, little things - 1) a shoe box 2) pencils 3) a craft knife and 4) a ruler - that's all!

Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

Glitter Earrings

Check out this super duper, easy pair of earrings by She Is Red.

Glitter Earrings
Project and Photo by She Is Red

Bet you can't guess what the base is made off.

Buttons - that's right a simple pair of your run of the mill buttons. And the size of the stud earring you make all depends on the size button you use.

Although Alex spray painted her buttons gold, I can so see these in the hot neon colors that are so trendy right now. Glitter not your thing? Then how about inserting a picture and filling it with resin.

That's right - one project and infinite number of possibilities.

Click HERE for the instructions.

Now go bead something.

13 Simple Wire Jewelry Designs

For all you wire jewelry makers and lovers, here are 13 Simple Wire Jewelry Designs to peruse.

Photo and Projects by
All Free Jewelrymaking.com

There are way too many designs for me to even try to pick a favorite, but I really like the minimal, simple look of the wired bead pendant in the middle right.

What's your favorite? What are you going to make?

Click HERE to see all the designs and start cooking with wire.

Now go bead something.