Thursday, December 25, 2014

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.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

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.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

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.

Monday, December 22, 2014

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.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

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.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

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.


Friday, December 19, 2014

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.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

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

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

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.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

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.

Monday, December 15, 2014

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.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

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.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

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.

Monday, December 8, 2014

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.