We’re highlighting the Imperial Jasper from Dakota Stones in these easy DIY tutorials using clam shell bead tips!

Imperial Jasper

Imperial Jasper occurs naturally in a beautiful range of colors including pinks, mossy greens, burgundy and milky white, with striking patterns of parallel banding. Jasper has a long and illustrious history, having been worn by shamans, priests and kings and believed to be a powerful protection stone. Ancient Egyptians sometimes buried their dead with amulets of Jasper for safe passage into the afterlife. Our stock of Imperial Jasper are from DakotaStones and North America mined!

For our tutorial, we’ve taken the large Oval Imperial Jasper (IMP20-40OV) and the Nugget Imperial Jasper (IMP6-20NUG-F) and making a simple necklace and bracelet. These two strands come pre-strung and knotted with cotton threads. The knots will help us add our chain and clasps for easy DIY jewelry.

 NOTE: If you are using different beads and are not strung on cotton thread, you can string them and knot them with Griffin Silk Cord. Refer to our previous blog posts on Knotting with Silk Cord. May I suggest using a Size 6 or 8 Griffin cord.

Imperial Jasper Knotted Necklace

We love the chunkiness of the large Oval Imperial Jasper beads (IMP20-40OV) and makes a stunning collar necklace. Becuse these strands are strung out to be about 16 inches, we only need a short piece of chain to complete our necklace. Use about 4-6 inches of chain for a short necklace. You can also lengthen your necklace by adding longer pieces of chain.

Items used in necklace: IMP20-40OV, Z008717, Z001124, X003062, CH00313 & A015821.

Imperial Jasper Knotted Bracelet

We are loving these Imperial Jasper nuggets (IMP6-20NUG-F). Their variation in size and shape really adds an organic look to our bracelet. These strands are also knotted, which makes it easy to customize a bracelet.

Items used in bracelet: IMP6-20NUG-F, Z008717, Z001124, X003062 & A015821.

We’re continuing our love for Cymbal components with these FANCY Stripe Earrings made with the Cymbal Kolympos bead ending. Check out this FREE pattern from our designer, So Vang.

If you haven’t yet seen the Cymbal components that just came out a few month ago, you’re missing out on some great components and findings for your bead stitching patterns. Here is a simple pair of earrings you can make using the Cymbal Kolympos bead ending.

Though this pattern was intended and can be used for a bracelet pattern, we’ve shorten the pattern to make some statement earrings instead!

What you’ll need for earrings:

• Cymbal Kolympos (Silver or Gold)
• Czech Honeycomb Beads
• Czech DiamonDuo Beads
• Czech O-Beads
• Miyuki 8/0 Seed Beads 
• Earring Findings
• Fireline Beading Thread and Needle
  AND

• Download PDF Pattern for Fancy Stripe Earrings

Items used for earring example: Z013596, SB03303, SB00107, SB01916, Z004589, A006587, A015211 and TCZ0139

Learn how to make easy DIY bracelets using the Half-Circle Magnetic Clasp with round, flat and licorice leather.

The half-circle magnetic clasp really transforms the overall style of any bracelet because it circles around half of your wrist, it is a clasp but also a bold, statement look. The Half-Circle Magnetic Clasp comes in 4 specific styles and works only with a specific leather. It has an end bezel/opening that will only accommodate 5mm round leather, 5mm flat leather, 10mm flat leather or licorice leather. Let’s go through the 4 different clasps AND how to determine leather length for each of the Half-Circle Magnetic Clasp.

Determining Leather Length

Before we start on the different types of clasps, let’s determine the length of leather you want to approximately use. This will depend on your wrist length and the amount of wraps you want.  These are approximate measurements, so make sure when you order or cut your leather, to give yourself an inch or two to test out your leather clasp. Always test out your leather length and clasp by assembling them together and carefully put your bracelet on. Cut excess leather if you need adjusting before finalizing with glue. There will be a bit of math involved, but don’t worry we aren’t testing you.

• Single-wrap bracelet: Take your wrist length and subtract 2.75 inches. (i.e. for a a 6.5″ wrist, subtract 2.75 for a length of 3.75″ piece of leather.)
• Double-wrap bracelet: Take your wrist length, multiply by 2 and take that total and subtract by 1.75 inches. (i.e for a 7″ wrist, you will get a total of 12.25″ of leather)
• Triple-wrap bracelet: Take your wrist length, multiply by 3 and take that total and subtract by 1.5 inches. (i.e for an 8″ wrist, you will get a total of 22.5″)
• Quadruple-wrap bracelet: Take your wrist length, multiply by 4 and take that total and subtract by 1. (i.e for a 6.5″ wrist, you will get a total of 25″)

Quick Tip for Leather Bracelets

• Make sure to check out our Cutter Tool and Adhesive blog for the right tools to cutting your leather
• Make sure when you make multi-wrap bracelets to work with the natural curve of your leather. When you gluing in your leather pieces, keep your magnetic clasp closed. Glue one side of your leather in your clasp with Super New Glue. Then mimic the wraps with your leather and then glue in the other end into your clasp.

5mm Flat Leather

When using 5mm Flat Leather you will want to use these half-circle magnetic clasp options because they are made specifically for 5mm flat leather.

• Silver – Z001190
• Gold – Z001004

With our two examples, we created a two and four wrap bracelet.

Items used in 6.5″ wrist bracelet example: CH00834 (12″) & Z001004.

Instead of using leather, we are using this bright neon orange synthetic flat leather. Make sure to try out the Neon Yellow and Green!

Items used in 6.5″ wrist bracelet example: A019004 & Z001190.

10mm Flat Leather

There is only one option for the 10mm Flat Leather and it’s the popular silver half-circle magnetic clasp: A007209 You can make a single wrap bracelet or multiple one. In our example, we went with the 10mm Pale Turquoise Flat Cork Cord.

Items used in 6.5″ wrist bracelet example: CH00438 (11″) & A007209

5mm Round Leather

When using 5mm Round Leather, you’ll want to use these half-circle clasp in four color options:

• Silver – Z006715
• Gold – Z006785
• Antique Copper – Z006746
• Antique Brass – Z006715

One thing to remember when using 5mm round leather on this clasp is the stiffness of the leather. It is rigid enough to hold its curve shape wonderfully but when making more than one wrap, the curves will be irregular. So when using the 5mm on this clasp, we suggest that you only make a single wrap bracelet.

Items used in this 6.5″ wrist bracelet: CH00605 (4″) & Z006715

In this example, because there wouldn’t be an issue with stiffness we made a double-wrap bracelet using 1.5mm leather. We’ve cut 5 strands of 1.5mm leather and insert the bulk ends to each end of your clasp.

Items used in bracelet example: Z006785 & Z019114

Licorice Leather

When using Licorice Leather, pair it with one of these Half-Circle Magnetic Clasp:

• Antique Silver – A019017
• Antique Brass – A019018
• Gold – Z009813

Just like 5mm round leather, Licorice Leather has a stiffness to it, so making a simple wrap bracelet with this clasp is highly suggested.

Items used in bracelet example: A015302 & A019018

Make this pair of earrings for your next beach vacation because it screams FUN! Designed with Acetate, Straw and a post earring, it’s so easy to make and is lightweight.

What you’ll need for earrings:

• Acetate Coin (Z015174)
• Straw Diamond Pendant (Z001655)
• Gold Post Earrings (Z001831)
• 5mm Gold Jump Ring (A011519)
• 8mm Gold Jump Ring (A011523)
• Tool: Bead Reamer or Awl

Directions:

1. With your bead reamer or awl, make a hole at a corner of your straw component; likely between the outer and second layer of straw.
2. Open 8mm jump ring and slide jump ring through Straw hole you made in Step 1 and through an acetate hole. Close jump ring,
3. Open 5mm jump ring and slide through other hole of acetate coin and through post earring hole. Close jump ring.
4. Repeat all steps for other earring.

Design a modern and boho style earrings with Swarovski Triangle Shaped Sew-On Stone and tassels!

What you’ll need for earrings:

• 2 – 18x21mm Swarovski Triangle Shaped Sew-On Stone – Item used in example: SW002270
• Gold Chain Link – CH00532
• 5mm Gold Jump Ring – A011519
• 3mm Gold Jump Ring – Z007861
• Gold Post Earrings – Z001831
• 2 – 52mm Tassel with Cap – Item used in example: Z006094 

Instructions:

1. Cut chain with 10 links. Cut 2 pieces total.
2. Open 3mm jump ring, slide on tassel loop and close jump ring.
3. Open 5mm jump ring, slide through 3mm from Step 2 and hole of Swarovski triangle (point end). Close jump ring.
4. Open another 5mm jump ring, slide through other Triangle hole and through a piece of chain end. Close jump ring.
5. Repeat Step 4 to other Triangle hole.
6. Open another 5mm jump ring, slide through both chain ends and close jump ring.
7. Open another 5mm jump ring, slide through 5mm from Step 6 and through post earring hole. Close jump ring.
8. Repeat all steps for other earring.

Designed by Tory.

Mix up shiny Swarovski crystals and natural gemstone beads in an easy memory wrap bracelet.

Mixing up different types beads makes for a modern and even edgy DIY jewelry, especially when you use Swarovski Fine Rocks Tube beads and round Dakota Stones gemstone beads. And to bring even a more edgy look, we’ve added some beautiful Star Cut Crystal Quartz gemstone.

What you’ll need for project:

• 6mm Round Gemstones
• 6mm Crystal Quartz Star Cut Beads
• 30mm Swarovski Fine Rocks Tube Crystal Bead
• 7mm Nugget Spacer (TC00034)
• Extra Heavy Duty Round Bracelet Memory Wire (Silver/Gold/Rose Gold)
  OR Heavy Duty Memory Wire (Silver/Gold)
• Tools: Memory Wire Shears and Memory Wire Finishing Pliers

Minimal Fine Rocks Bracelet

Items used in bracelet: SW01736 & WR00131

Nothing like a simplistic DIY jewelry! Here, we used Extra Heavy Duty Memory Wire, cut a 1.25 coil and slide on the Fine Rocks Tube. The trick to getting the crystal tube curve is to gently curve the tube while sliding it on the memory wire. Center the tube and make a loop to both memory wire ends with the Memory Wire Finishing Pliers. The thick memory wire gives a hearty substance to a minimalistic design, without covering the whole wire!

Sparkly Starry Wrap with Gemstones

Items used in Onyx bracelet: WR00121, CRY6RD-SC, TC00034 (4), SW01736 (2) & ONX6RD-8.

Items used in Howlite bracelet: WR00121, CRY6RD-SC, TC00034 (4), SW01740 (2) & WHT6RD-8.

In these two bracelets are 6mm round gemstones and 6mm Crystal Quartz star cut beads. The star cut and fine rocks tube bead are both a compliment to an edgy and even punk-ish vibe!

1. Cut a coil and a half of heavy duty memory wire.
2. Make a loop to one end of your memory wire with memory wire finishing pliers.
3. Slide the following onto the memory wire:
   9 gemstone beads, nugget spacer, fine rocks tube, nugget spacer, 5 Crystal Quartz star cut beads, nugget spacer, fine rocks tube, nugget spacer and 9 gemstone beads.
4. Cut excess wire, leaving a 3/8 inch end. Make a loop.

Video Tutorial

Check out our previous Facebook LIVE episode, where Tory demonstrates how to easily create one of these wrap bracelets!

We have three exciting projects using September’s Swarovski Psychology of Color: Peridot. See how to energize yourself with this natural hue!

Peridot Wheel Pendant with Ball Chain Necklace

We designed a simple beaded wheel with round Peridor Shimmer crystals. Check out the simple TUTORIAL and all you need to make this Peridot Wheel Pendant on a a ball chain necklace!

What you’ll need:

• 4mm Round Crystal – SW02058 (12)
• 8/0 Silver Seed Bead – SB00106 (1 tube or 12 8/0 seed bead)
• 20mm Quick Link Rings – Z010632
• Crystal Fireline Beading Thread (Z006587/Z006585)
• Needle
• 1.5mm Ball Chain (2-3 feet)
• Silver Ball Chain Connector (Z004792)
  AND
• Peridot Wheel Pendant PDF Downloaded Tutorial

Brushed Peridot Earrings

Make your Peridot colors POP with brushed silver beads and components!

Items used in earrings: SW02060 (2), SW02058 (2), Z018411, A019694, A019606, Y018086 and TC02297.

1. On a headpin, slide on a 4mm crystal, 8 wavy disc (alternating them so it creates a wavy look) and an 8mm crystal. Make a simple loop.
2. Open eyepin loop, slide on loop from step 1, close eyepin loop.
3. On eyepin, slide on brushed silver bead and make a simple loop.
4. Open earwire loop and slide on brushed silver loop. Close loop.
5. Repeat all steps for other earring.

Swarovski: Peridot Passion

This sample and tutorial comes from our friends at Swarovski: Create Your Style, called Peridot Passion. You see how stunning Peridot looks with brass findings!

What you’ll need for necklace:

• SW02060 (13)
• SW02059 (7)
• Vintaj Pattern Leaf in Natural Brass
• 4mm Cable Chain in Natural Brass (Our recommendation CH00514 or A008181)
• TC00710 (8)
• Z016115
• TC01256 (7)
• TC00547 (1)
• Z006523

Instructions

1. Cut the chain into fifteen 1 ½” pieces and set aside.
2. Using one eye pin slide on one 6mm Crystal, one 8mm Crystal and one 6mm Crystal and make a simple loop. Repeat this step 5 more times and set aside.
3. Using one eye pin slide on one 6mm Crystal and make a simple loop. Set aside.
4. Using one head pin slide on one 8mm Crystal and make a simple loop. Set aside.
5. Using the leaf pendant attach seven of the 5mm jump rings across the top of the opening.
6. Using the 1st jump ring on the left of the top of the leaf pendant attach one piece of chain, then attach one 9mm jump ring, then attach another piece of chain. Now attach one component made in Step 2 and to the other side of the component attach another piece of chain. Repeat this pattern two more times and then attach the lobster clasp with a 5mm jump ring.
7. Using the last jump ring on the right of the top of the leaf pendant attach one piece of chain, then attach to the 7.25mm jump ring already on the left of the necklace, then attach another piece of chain. Now attach one component made in Step 2 and to the other side of the component attach another piece of chain. Repeat this pattern two more times and then attach one 9mm jump ring.
8. Using the component made in Step 3 attach one end of this component to the bottom middle of the 9mm jump ring hanging above the leaf pendant. Now attach the component made in Step 4 to the bottom of the 6mm bead.

For September, Swarovski’s Psychology of Colors pick is Peridot. Check out how earthy and natural this hue is!

Jump into this color with high spirits and peacefulness! Peridot is a fresh and energetic color that makes you want to just relax and smell the roses! Here are some Swarovski colors to match this earthy hue:

• Peridot
• Peridot Shimmer
• Chartreuse
• Light Green
• Iridescent Green
• Chrysolite Opal
• Luminous Green

Peridot Jewelry

Check out our other blog post with designs using Swarovski Peridot and Peridot Shimmer crystals!

Our DIY lariat feature many of our most popular products: beading chain, tassels, slide clasp, gemstones and clamshell bead tips! Check out all you need to make one of your own along with our previous Facebook LIVE video!

We’ve combined many of our favorite products in this lovely necklace set. It’s adjustable with the sliding clasp, colorful with quality gemstones and simplistic with the popular beading chain. Plus, it’s tied together at the front with clamshell bead tips and tassels!

What you’ll need:

• 3 Feet – Beading Chain (CH00724)
• 2mm Crimp Tube (A004830)
• Clamshell Bead Tip (Z010740)
• 4x5mm Slide on Clasp (Z008576)
• 4mm or 6mm Gemstone Beads
• Spacer Beads (Item used in sample Z019080)
• 52mm Tassel with Cone Cap

Video Tutorial

Blue Impression Jasper Necklace

Items used in necklace: CH00724 (3 feet), A004830, Z010740, Z008576, Z019080, IJR6RL and Z004964.

OR Buy All the Products you need to make this project with this one sku – BAP0013

Purple Impression Jasper Necklace

We’ve used 4mm Purple Impression Jasper & Pyrite Round Beads by Dakota Stones (PPLPYR4RD) in this necklace. It’s definitely a stunning color!

Items used in necklace: CH00724 (3 feet), A004830, Z010740, Z008576, Z019080, PPLPYR4RD and Z006096.

Blue is always one of the most popular color to design with. There’s no exception to how the earthy blues and browns are in this Impression Jasper Rondelle Beads (IJR6RL) look.

Here is a simple bracelet braided with macrame square knots using Chinese knotting cord and 1.5mm leather cord.

With the boho, fiber and minimalistic trend, macrame is making its comeback to wall decor and even jewelry making. Like our Macrame Leather Bracelet, we used Chinese knotting cord and made square knots on two strands of leather for a simple bracelet. The contrast of the white Chinese knotting cord still brings out the natural colors of the leather!

What you’ll need:

• 1mm Chinese Knotting Cord (Item used in example: A018859)
• 1.5mm Leather Round Cord (Item used in example: Z019114)
• Button (Item used in example: TC00897)
• Macramé Board or Clipboard
• T-Pins or general pins.
• Scissors and Lighter

You can use 2mm Chinese knotting cord or leather for this tutorial also!

Tutorial

Let’s get knotting!