DIY Jewelry Pouch

Yikes! Summer is almost here - which means good news (vacations) and bad news (hellish weather). I'm definitely okay with the vacation part, the hellish part - not so much. In fact, not at all.

But, if you're planning a vacation (or even starting to pack for one already), what do you do with the jewelry you plan on taking with you to wear? Do you just toss it in plastic bags and throw in a suitcase? Yeah - probably. But, why do that when there are much more simpler, elegant and safer ways of packing your bling?

Why carry around all your handmade beaded jewelry in plastic bags, when you can make this lovely Jewelry Pouch from Make It Handmade and then pop it in your carry-on or even your purse.

The Perfect Pouch
Project and Photo by Make It Handmade

So many of you bead and sew or quilt, so I'm sure many of you already have everything you need to create you own.

Make it sophisticated (think silks, satins) or as whimsical (think cottons, etc.) as you like, but go make one.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Free Until Sunday - Garden Bracelet Pattern

Check out this gorgeous Garden Bracelet by Around the Beading Table!

Garden Bracelet
Photo and Project by Around the Beading Table

Best of all - the pattern is free - until Sunday, May 11th that is.

So click HERE to get your free pdf pattern (remember you'll need Adobe Reader to download the document).

Now go bead something.

Crochet Wish Bracelet

I really adore the sentiment behind this Crochet Wish Bracelet by Chilly Dog!

It appears that the idea behind this project is that you when you tie the bracelet onto your wrist, you make a wish. And since it is made with hemp, over time the hemp naturally weakens. When it wears through and the beads fall off, your wish is released and will come true.

Crochet Wish Bracelet
Photo and Project by The Chilly Dog

But - guess what? You don't really need to know how to crochet - just how to chain (and that is super duper easy). Best of all, Chilly also includes video instructions on how to create your own. I just love video tutorials.

If it was me...I would add a large bead for myself in the middle, a smaller one for every child (and/or grandchild) in the color of their birthstone on each side; then, I would make a wish for each one of them. Hey, come to think of it that would make a pretty sweet Mother's Day gift!

You're welcome.

Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

Easy Wire Wrapped Ring

Wire Wrapped Ring
Project and Photo by Jewelry From Home

I don't usually wear a lot of rings, but sometimes I see a cute ring project that I just might not only make, but wear too.

This super simple, wire-wrapped ring by Jewelry From Home is just one of those projects. Best of all, it uses a ready made ring blank to begin with and some already bezeled stones. In fact, if you're a collector of vintage jewelry, you can probably nab a stone or two from your stash to use in this project.

Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

Oceanside Opulence Earrings

Sometimes you want the blingity, bling, bling and sometimes you want a simple pair of earrings. Most of the times, I opt for simple and this lovely pair of earrings, in one of my favorite color combinations, fits the ticket.

Ocean Opulence Earrings by Margot Potter for Beadalon
Photo by favecrafts.com

Simple wire wrapping techniques using a large focal bead, some pearls and branch coral (and who doesn't need some inspiration to work with branch coral?) are all you need to create your own pair of Oceanside Opulence Earrings. However, this is such a basic technique that you could add any combination or type of beads that you want. How about a large, black crystal and creamy pearls, omit the branch coral and repeat the crystal bunch from the top for a pair of over the top earrings that you can wear with your simple black dress. Or, how about some resin bezels as your focal bead or a large white pearl or .... the possibilities are endless with this design.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Cluster Drop Earrings

I love making charms - mostly because they are just plain easy to make; but, also because they are a good way to use up leftover or orphaned beads and pieces of wire, eye or head pins.

Cluster Drop Earrings by Beadstudio
Photo by favecrafts.com

And, these Cluster Drop Earrings created by Beadstudio are the perfect opportunity to use up all those orphaned charms. Sure, they used all the same beads for a more uniform, sophisticated look; but, you could just as easily substitute all those one of a kind dangles for a completely different and unique look. No large crystal focal beads? No, problem - just use a large resin bezel or any other large bead instead.

All it takes is a couple of rings, eye pins, ear wires and, of course, beads! Everything you should already have in your bead studio.

Click HERE to get all the easy how tos.

Now go bead something.

How to Bead a Round Rivoli to Make It Look Square

I have to admit, this technique is pretty clever. Sidonia shows you how to create a square out of a circle - a square beaded rivoli out of a round rivoli that is.

How to Bead a Round Rivoli to Make it Look Like
a Square Rivoli by Sidonia
Still Shot from her YouTube Video

And, the results are pretty spectacular looking too, don't you think? Best of all, the directions are in a video with close up shots that is over 30 minutes long.

So, what can you do with this lovely now square beaded rivoli? Make it a focal in your next necklace, attach it to a peyote band and wear it as a ring even make a number of these for a spectacular bracelet.

What would you do with this piece?

Click HERE to get all the directions.

Now go bead something.