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.