New Chakra stone sets containing 8 gemstones in one strand. Check out these stones and their chakra energy properties.

What is a Chakra? 

The original meaning of the word chakra is wheel, as referring to the wheels of the chariots of the rulers, cakravartians. The oldest text recording of the chakra is in 1500-500 B.C. by the Vedas from India. Since this time there have been many different interpretations of the chakra. There is not one single “correct” version, as it is an ever evolving philosophy that has been adapted by the many different societies who have embraced it. (DakotaStones)

Chakra, in this modern age, refers to the the wheels of energy in the body. Each Chakra is like a swirl of energy, constantly moving to enrich and enhance your mind, body and soul. If a Chakra is blocked, it could cause an imbalance in your body and state of mind.

Chakra Stones

A reminder to balance your mind and soul are with Chakra stones. We have Chakra stones in a 16in strand consisting of 8 gemstones in your choice of 6mm (CHK6RD), 8mm (CHK8RD) and 10mm (CHK10RD). Or for a beautiful array of sizes, you can get the 3 Strand Chakra set of 6, 8 and 10mm beads (Z016208)

Each stone type has different healing qualities for each Chakra energy. Here are some information on the 7 types of Chakra stones: (Courtesy of DakotaStones)

Garnet – Root or Base Chakra

Carnelian – Spleen Chakra

Yellow Jade – Solar Plexus Chakra

Green Aventurine – Heart Chakra

Blue Apatite: Throat Chakra

Dumortierite or Lapis –  Brow or Third Eye Chakra

Amethyst – Crown Chakra

Adjustable jewelry really gives a new meaning to One Size Fits All. Our NEW slide clasps will give you the ability to customize your own adjustable jewelry.

This blog will cover the two types of clasps and compatible chain, perfect for making adjustable jewelry. Plus, a tip on how to get your chain through the slide clasps.

Slider Clasp and Slide on Clasp

We have two types of slider clasps.

1. Two Hole Slider Clasp: This will allow chain to run through the holes parallel to each other.
   (Item#: Z011948, Z011951, Z011952)

      2. Slide on Clasp with Hole for Jump Ring: This clasp has a hole on the side that you can attach a jump ring and chain. You will typically use two Slide on Clasp, two pieces of chain and two jump rings. The chain will run parallel and in opposite directions.

(Item#: Z010758, Z010759, Z010769)

It’s best to use size 4mm oval or round jump ring: A002413, A011517, Z001661, Z001662.

Compatible Chain

The best chain to use with these slider clasps are small dainty chains between 1.8mm and 2.2mm in size. The following chains will work with the slider clasps:

• A008135 / CH01090 / CH01194 – 2mm Rollo Chain
• CH00533 / CH00532 – 2.2mm Soldered Cable Chain
• A008118 – 2.2mm Silver Plated Ornate Chain
• A008131 /A008132 – 7mm Bar Chain

However, we would recommend using the Two Hole Sider Clasps with 2mm Rollo Chain and 2.2mm Soldered Cable Chain. And all chain recommendations can be used with the Slide on Clasp with Hole for Jump Ring.

Chain and Clasp Tip

There is a silicone ring inside each hole of the slider clasp. This allows the chain to slide and make your jewelry adjustable. To get your chain through, we have two suggestions for you:

• Use a 2 inch piece of wire and make a small loop at one end and attach your chain to the loop. Use this makeshift needle to sew through hole clasp, and pull your chain through.
• Or if you are using a very thin wire, fold your 2 inch piece of wire in half, slide your chain end through to the middle section of the wire and use both end of the wire to sew through hole clasp.

The Lotus is iconic and symbolic in many cultures. Learn its significance and check out our DIY lotus jewelry, inspired by the lotus motif.

Lotus: A Religious Symbolism

• Through Egyptian art, “(t)he Lotus is used as a symbol in ancient Egyptian art representing the sun, of creation, rebirth and was a symbol of Upper Egypt. As a symbol of the sun it is closely associated with Atum-Ra, the Sun god and later with Nefertum, lotus god of perfume. Lotus flowers, also called water lilies, open in the morning and close again at night symbolizing rebirth and regeneration. ” (LandofPyramids)
  
• In Buddahism, the Lotus symbolize not only rebirth, but also purity and spiritual enlightenment. (LotusFlowerMeaning)
• And in Hinduism, the Lotus motif is a strong symbol associated with “beauty, fertility, prosperity, spirituality, and eternity.” (LotusFlowerMeaning)

Check out our jewelry using the strong and symbolic meaning of Lotus.

Lotus Porcelain Necklace

We paired a stunning TierraCast Lotus link with an organic-looking porcelain oval bead. Take a headpin, slide on a small silver seed bead, porcelain bead and another seed bead. Make a wrapped loop by hooking on the lotus link before wrapping the headpin. Open a jump ring, slide on the top part of the lotus and onto the necklace chain and close jump ring. STUNNING, don’t you think?

Items used in necklace: TC02466, A019656,  A008273, SB00106, A001528, Z001033

Lotus Chain Earrings

We can’t get enough of the beading chain here at GoodyBeads. We used the same tutorial and concept from our previous blog to make this pair of earrings with Czech Lotus Coin Beads.

Items used in earrings: Z018245, CH00724, X001505, TC01897 (2), TCZ0077

Lotus Link Bracelet

Who doesn’t love a simple adjustable bracelet! We certainly do. We used the Silver Plated Adjustable Rollo Chain Bracelet Sliding Clasp (Z012151) with a gold lotus charm. The contrasting metal really makes the lotus charm pop!

One of the most easy way to design with these DakotaStones Gemstone Cabochon is using Glue On Bails. They make easy necklace pendants. Check out this easy tutorial.

What you’ll need for making a cabochon pendant:

• DakotaStone Gemstone Cabochon
• Glue on Bail
• E 6000
• File (Examples: Bead reamer or Sanding Sponge)

Preparing Gemstone Cabochon

The first thing to do when you receive your gemstone cabochons is to clean the flat, back-side. Some of these cabochons may have been applied to a paper backing for shipping purpose. Remove and rub as much of the paper and adhesive as you can. You can also use Goo Gone to help with getting removing the adhesive. DO NOT USE nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol or any liquid with acetone. It can discolor the gemstone

Glue on Bail

When determining the size Glue on Bail you want to us, first determine the size and shape of your cabochon. You want to have enough surface on the bail to hold the cab.

• For small Cabochons, you may be better at using the 10mm or 15mm bail: A011979, A011980 or A011982
• For larger round or oval shape cabs, use the Round Glue on Bail: Z002366 or Z002384
• For square or rectangle shapes: Z002386, Z002387
• And for all other shapes and sizes, use one of these Glue on Bails: A013643, A013644, A013645, Z013646, A013647, A013648

Cabochon Pendant Tutorial

Gemstone Cabochons in image: CAB-CRN30X22REC, CAB-LAP25DC, CAB-BAZ35X20OV-AAA, Pink Quartz, CAB-CHR10X8OV, CAB-NCT10DC

We love these beadable accessories, especially the beadable cuffs. So Vang has designed a layered beadable cuff and we could not be MORE excited to show you how to make one with this illustrated tutorial.

What you will need:

• Beadable Cuff (Silver/Gold)
• Fireline Beading Thread
• Czech Honeycomb Beads (Two color ways)
• Czech GemDuos
• Size 11/0 Miyuki round seed beads
• And Downloaded PDF Pattern Tutorial

This pattern is great for making a three layered bracelet. You can also layer on top of that, creating a pyramid shape. You can stitch on one layer, two layers or mix-up some two-hole Honeycomb and DiamonDuo/GemDuos beads.

Items used in image: Z001860, A006586, Z013809, Z013595, SB03303/SB04160, A015211, SB00402

Make an impression with Mandala Stamp Packs and creating Mandala designs.

Mandala is an abstract and geometric pattern, usually in a circular form. Here are some tips, tools, and techniques to help you create your mandala designs!

Stamping Tools

Tools you will need:

• Mandala Design Stamp Pack (Z009934/Z009935/Z018002/Z018003)
• Stamping Blanks
• Stamping Hammer (TL00235/TL00277)
• Bench Block (A014415)
• Polishing Cloth (A002371)
• Stamp Enamel Marker

A helpful supply to have when creating your circular shape is getting the ImpressArt Stamp Guides. These guides are stickers that you peel off and lay over your stamping blank. Once your design is stamped these stickers are easily removable! They also have markers to help you evenly space out your stamping, especially if you are using letter stamps.

But for Mandala there is a circular, see-through sticker guide with diagonal lines to help space out your stamps.

A tip when stamping is to stamp from the center out. And when stamping from the center out, stamp closer to you and rotate to keep the stamping even. Once your design is complete peel off the guide. There will be small patches still stuck within the stamped areas, so make sure to remove it all before adding your enamel or brushing it over with a Sharpie to make your designs stand out. Rub your polishing cloth of the surface to remove excess enamel or markings.

Mandala Stamp Samples

Each set ImpressArt Mandala Stamp Pack are sold at GoodyBeads with four different stamps. When combined can create an endless mandala design. See how ImpressArt using these stamp sets. Each set can be bought at GoodyBeads. (Images courtesy of ImpressArt)

A018004 – Mandala Design Stamp Pack

Z009934 – Southwestern Mandala Design Stamp Pack

Z018002 – Mandala Design Stamp Pack

A009935 – Henna Mandala Design Stamp Pack

Druzy Pendant Necklaces are easy to make! With only 5 components needed to complete one, you’ll want to make more!

What you’ll need:

• Druzy Connector
• 5mm Jump Ring
• 4mm Jump Ring
• Suede Tassel or your choice of Metal Charm dangle
• Chain Link

Items used in the two necklace above:

• LEFT (Z005861, Z020510, CH00280, A001528, A002413)
• RIGHT (Z005860, A019711, CH00976, A011519, A011517)

Tutorial

See how easy it is to make these two pair of necklace in this video tutorial

1. Open 5mm jump ring and slide on both ends of your chain link. (Chain can be to your length. We used a 2 feet link so that it can easily draped over your head.) Close jump ring.
2. Open 4mm jump ring and slide through one end of the Druzy connector and through jump ring from Step One. Close jump ring.
3. Open 5mm another jump ring, slide through tassel or charm and through other end of the Druzy connector. Close jump ring.

Accessorize your accessories with this easy DIY using large hole beads and an interchangeable dangle. With a clasp you can easily dangle it on your handbag, clutch, keys, backpack and more!

Items you will need for bead and tassel dangle:

• 4mm Interchangeable Dangle (A007523)
• TWO – 13mm or 14mm Large Hole Beads
• ONE – 20mm Large Hole Bead
• 5mm Jump Ring (A001528)
• Suede Tassel

Tutorial

Items used in tutorial: A007523, Y011044, Z011039, Z006772, A001528, A019705

Mix up different large-hole beads to make your very own!