Memorial Day is a special day to honor those who have died while serving in the United States of America armed forces. We have a few DIY jewelry projects to commemorate this day and all American holidays.

Red, White and Blue Flat Leather Bracelet

Here’s a clean and sleek bracelet made from 5mm flat leather and rivets. First, measure four strands of leather at your wrist size plus two more inches for the loops. You can learn how to rivet leather loops by reading our previous blog. Make sure to loop your ends through the bar end before you hammer your rivets. Add a clasp and you are ready to rock to the beat of an American song.

• (9) CH00046 – 5mm Red Flat Leather
• (9) CHZ0044 – 5mm White Flat Leather
• (9) CH00184 – 5mm Navy Flat Leather
• (2) TC01720 – 1 Inch Gold Distressed End Bar
• (2) A011522 – 6mm Gold Plated Jump Ring
• (1) A019949 – Round Gold Magnetic Clasp
• (8) TC01450 – 4mm Brass Oxide Rivet

Red, White and Blue Wrap Around Cord Bracelet

We made this bracelet easy to wear, make, and adjust. Take a strand of red, white and blue 2mm leather cord and line them up at one end. Take a silver clamp and clamp the three ends with serrated chain nose pliers. Hold your strands together and evenly straighten your strands. Make a flush cut at the other end and use another silver clamp to clamp those ends. Add your clasp and a simple USA charm. What’s versatile about this bracelet is that you can add knots in between your leather cords if you find the bracelet to be a bit loose. Plus, we think the added knots are a neat feature to the bracelet. Wrap 4 or 5 times around your wrist for a fire cracking weekend.

• (1) A013401 – 2mm Navy Leather Cord
• (1) A013406 – 2mm White Leather Cord
• (1) A013408 – 2mm Burgundy Leather Cord
• (2) A012441 – 10mm Silver Plated Clamp
• (1) A019951 – Round Silver Magnetic Clasp
• (3) A001529 – 6mm Silver Plated Jump Ring
• (1) Z010064 – USA with Stars and Stripes Charm

Red Poppy Pin and Ring

You will find red poppies being adorned and worn on Memorial day. Here is a quick tutorial on how to make these red poppy pin and ring.

Red Poppy Pin

What you will need:

• (19) A010294 – 12mm Siam Glass Dagger Czech Beads
• (7) A010288 – 12mm Jet Glass Dagger Czech Beads
• (1) SW00135 – Swarovski® 8mm Bicone Crystal Beads Light Siam
• (1) SW00101 – Swarovski® 8mm Round Crystal Beads Jet
• (1) TC01257 – 2 Inch Silver 21 Gauge Headpins by TeirraCast
• (1) MCPN0001 – 1 Inch Long Silver Plated Bow Tie Pins
• A006588 – Smoke Fireline Thread

To make the pin, you will make Czech dagger rings by threading on Czech daggers and making a knot with the thread ends. Cut off excess thread. You will need to make three rings with 10 red Czech dagger beads, 9 red Czech dagger beads and 7 black Czech dagger beads.

Next, slide on your headpin the 8mm black round crystal, black dagger ring, red dagger smaller ring, red dagger larger ring and 8mm red bicone crystal. Make a simple loop. Open the headpin dangle loop and attach to the loop on the bow pin.

Red Poppy Ring

What you will need:

• (17) A010294 – 12mm Siam Glass Dagger Czech Beads
• (1) SW00101 – Swarovski® 8mm Round Crystal Beads Jet
• (1) A015180 – 12mm Adjustable Silver-Plated Ring
• A015821 – Super New Glue
• A006588 – Smoke Fireline Thread

For this ring, you will need to make two rings with 10 red dagger beads and 7 red dagger beads. Use a fast-drying glue, like Super New Glue to add to the base of your ring. Lay the larger red ring on top and press down with your finger. This will help the ring to lay flat. This should only take a few seconds to dry. Add some glue on the inner part of the red dagger ring and add your smaller red dagger ring. Hold it in place with your finger for a few seconds. Add some glue to that layer and place the jet round crystal on top.

We just got some NEW Swarovski® flat backs crystals to play with. We love the subtle sparkle they brings to trending minimalist jewelry. Here are a few projects that use flat back crystals.

To get started, we recommend these tools to help you start BLINGING your jewelry with Swarovski flat back crystals:

1. Adhesive: Check our Adhesive page for options. Fast-drying glue are ideal for quick placements of flat backs. When you are covering a larger area, we recommend using E-6000 as you still have time to adjust the flat backs when it has been placed. Please keep in mind when using adhesives, to make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.
2. Pick Tools/Tweezers: Because Swarovski crystals are small, pick tools will help to accurately place your flat backs. We recommended handling them by using a BeadSmith® Magic Pick or a Crystal Kanata. Tweezers will also help with adjusting your crystals once they have been placed.

Emerald Bangle and Earring Studs

For this simple bangle, it consists of flat memory wire with Round Silver Flat Memory Wire Finding (A021628) with 7mm flat back crystal studs. First, cut one round of the flat memory wire with a memory wire cutter. Slide on the flat findings and hold it in place while you add your adhesive and flat back crystals. When you have finished gluing all your flat back crystals and it has dried, glue on a Flat Memory Wire End Cap to both ends of the memory wire.

For these stud earrings, we also used 7mm Swarovski crystals. Glue crystals onto Flat Post Earrings and you have simple, crystal studs to glam up your ears!

Tierra Cast® Bezel Earrings

TierraCast® has bezel charms that accommodate the 7mm Swarovski flat back crystals. These bezel charms are available in a selection of finishes and are perfect for showcasing the color of crystals you want to use. We used the bright rhodium bezel with a vibrant Capri Blue crystal in this pair of earrings.

Gold and Red Earrings

Flat backs are a versatile jewelry embellishment because you can adhere them to charms and even jewelry findings. For these earrings, we used 3mm flat back crystals to embellish the top two rows of these Chandelier Earrings. Adding an inch of gold chain to the bottom rows with a jump ring and you have yourself a boho-style earring.

There are endless possibilities for flat backs. Flat back are easy to use as an embellishment to charms, jewelry, and even everyday items around the house, such as your tape dispenser or thumbtacks. Add Swarovski flat back crystals to your phone case, wallet, or couture clothing! Even nail artists, uses flat backs for a 3D design. How will you use it?

Emerald Bangle

• WR00119 – Large Silver Flat Bracelet Memory Wire
• A021628 – Round Silver Flat Memory Wire Finding
• SW01249 – 7mm Swarovski Emerald Flat Back

Emerald Stud

• A015178 – Silver Plated Flat Post Earrings
• SW01249 – 7mm Swarovski Emerald Flat Back

TierraCast Bezel Earrings

• TC02098 – 16mm Bright Rhodium Beaded Bezel Charm
• SW01217 – 7mm Swarovski Capri Flat Back
• A002413 – 4mm Jump Ring

Gold and Red Earrings

• A010238 – 35mm Cold Chandelier Earring
• SW01266 – 3mm Swarovski Light Siam Flat Back
• A014109 – Gold Plated French Wire Earrings
• A011517 – 4mm Gold Plated Jump Ring
• A008191 – 4mm Gold Plated Cable Chain Link

Rose Quartz and Serenity are Pantone’s color of the year winners. And for the first time they debuted a duo-color that blurs the line of femininity and masculinity.

We will show how we used these colors to inspire our Color of the Year Jewelry.

Link Earrings

Made with blue foil tint beads and a hint of pink, these earrings pairs the two colors harmoniously.

Necklace

Rose Quartz
Draped with a shiny tassel and beaded chain, this Rose Quartz necklace is the perfect statement piece to wear this spring. Can you imagine wearing it with your sweet summer dress and suede floppy hat?

Serenity
This dream catcher necklace has the right Serenity hues for 2016. Made with handmade silk ribbon, Czech glass chip beads and feather charms, you can pair this with your trending flannel outfit and skinny jeans.

Bracelets

Wire Wrap
This wire wrap bracelet combines a darker shade of Serenity and square pink crystals. Accented with silver bali beads, string these colors onto memory wire for a three-loop bracelet with a simple loop on each end. This fun and easy Color of the Year-inspired memory wire bracelet is ready to flaunt.

Leather cord
When it comes to transcending gender barriers, leather is best to use to create an accessory that both men and women can casually wear. Using the same darker Serenity color as in the bracelet above, we used red aventurine beads on 1mm leather cords. We cut the 1mm cords into three equal strands. Taking the three strands, crimp one end with a revolving crimp tubes. Insert a bead on your top two strands and then the next bead will be on your bottom two strands. Repeat until desired length. Cut the three strand ends straight and crimp them with another revolving crimp tube. Add your choice of clasp and it is ready to wear.

How will you wear this year’s colors of the year?

Link Earrings

• (2) Z007149 – 30mm Antique Silver Hammered Round Pewter Link
• (1) A008998 – Silver Base Metal French Wire Earrings
• (2) A002413 – 4mm Silver Plated Jump Ring
• (2) A001493 – 2 Inch Silver Plated Headpins
• (2) A003564 – 6mm Bali Spacer
• (2) Z014750 – 17mm Light Blue and Silver Foil Rectangle
• (2) GS00215 – 4mm Round Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz Necklace

• (1) GS00221 – Oval Rose Quartz
• (1) Z007727 – 2.5 Inch Rhodium Plated Tassel
• (1) A001529 – 6mm Silver Plated Jump Ring
• (2) CH00004 – 4mm Silver-Plated Link Fire Polished Pink Bead Chain
• (1) A019633 – 3 Inch Eyepin

Serenity Necklace

• (1) A017782 – Moody Blues Hand Dyed Silk Ribbon
• (1) Z006771 – 26mm Antique Silver Filigree Washer Pewter Link
• (3) A019629 – 1 Inch Silver Plated Eyepin
• (3) A020394 – Matte Blue Mix Czech Glass Chip
• (1) TC00040 – 29mm Feather Charm
• (2) TC00041 – 23mm Feather Charm

Wire Wrap Bracelet

• WR00120 – Large Silver Memory Wire
• A016464 – 6mm Faceted Cube Pink Glass
• GS00517 – 8mm Blueberry Quartz Gemstone
• A003563 – 6mm Bali Spacer
• A021452 – 18mm Silver Plated Bali Ornate Oval Tube
• A021434 – 12mm Silver Plated Bali Deep Fluted Round

Leather Bracelet

• (1) A020113 – 1mm Red Brown Leather
• (1) A003578 – 8mm Simple Round Toggle Clasp
• (2) A014995 – 4mm Antique Revolving Crimp tubes
• (2) A002413 – 4mm Jump Rings
• (2) A021435 – 8mm Bali Fancy Fluted Rondelle
• (6) GS00505 – 8mm Red Aventurine Gemstone Round Large Hole
• (6) GS00517 – 8mm Blueberry Quartz Gemstone

by Kristal Wick

One of the easiest “go-to” designs I have found is a multi-strand necklace or bracelet. WHAT? You say these look soooooooo difficult? Not true! Once you master the multi-strand, you’ll be hooked! I like to start by making piles of my fave components; for example, sitting in my studio on a chilly (16 degrees below zero) January day in Minnesota, I CRAVED a splash of beach so I grabbed some TierraCast® dolphins and seashells, beautiful blue Swarovski Tahitian pearls and crystals and frosted seed beads to give the piece a sea glass effect. Use three different colors of beading wire with one exposed to add an additional dimension to the necklace. It’s trendy these days to mix metals so I threw in copper components to reflect the shades of glistening sand and a bit of silver to represent the crest of the waves breaking up on shore. Whether you’re physically on a beach or visiting one in your mind, I hope this seashore delight will help you get through this long winter! Use three colors of beading wire – one color exposed – to add an additional dimension to the necklace.

Multi-Strand Blue Necklace

(1) A005473 – Soft Flex TRIOS Beading Wire – Tranquility

(10) FTCT0001 – 2mm Sterling Silver Crimp Tube Beads

(10) Z008729 – 4mm Antique Copper Plate Crimp Bead Covers

(1) TC00690 – 22mm Antique Copper Vine Hook & Eye Clasp Set by TierraCast

(1) CH00018 – 3.4mm Antique Silver Plated Double Cable Chain (Sample shown uses 2 pieces of 2’ chain)

(2) TC01253 – 2 Inch Silver 21 Gauge Eyepin by TierraCast

(2) TC00001 – 6mm Copper Oval Jump Ring by TierraCast

(2) TC00545 – 4mm Antique Copper Beaded Bead Cap by TierraCast

(2) SW00839 – Swarovski® 6mm Indicolite Round Mini Bead Style #5052

(2) TC00304 – 9mm Antique Silver Spiral Cone Bead Cap by TierraCast

Strand 1

(1) SB00367 11-9263 – Lined Light Seafoam AB Miyuki Seed Beads Tube

(1) SB01996 LDP-1F – Matte Transparent Silver Lined Crystal Long Drop Miyuki Seed Beads Tube

(6) TC00314 – 11mm Antique Silver Diamond Bead Frame by TierraCast

(6) SW00839 – Swarovski® 6mm Indicolite Round Mini Bead Style #5052

Strand 2

(10) FTCT0001 – 2mm Sterling Silver Crimp Tube Beads

(10) Z008729 – 4mm Antique Copper Plate Crimp Bead Covers

(10) TC01116 – 4mm Antique Silver Beaded Heishi Spacer by TierraCast

(10) TC00018 – 3mm Antique Silver Beaded Heishi Spacer by TierraCast

(5) SW00680 – 12mm Tahitian Swarovski Pearl

Strand 3

(1) SB00486 6-9149S – Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Beads Tube

(8) TC01150 – 9mm Antique Copper Small Shell Bead by TierraCast

(32) TC00632 – 4mm Antique Copper Scalloped Bead Cap by TierraCast

(16) SW00512 – Swarovski® 6mm Bicone Crystal Denim Blue AB2X Style #5328

(4) TC00001 – 6mm Copper Oval Jump Ring by TierraCast

(4) TC00066 – 16mm Antique Silver Dolphin Charm by TierraCast

(4) TC00113 – 14mm Antique Silver Small Spindle Shell Charm by TierraCast

Strand 4

(1) SB01832 DB1847F – 11/0 Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads Tube

(26) SW00779 – 3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl

(1) SB00483 6-9148FR – Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Beads Tube

(10) TC00545 – 4mm Antique Copper Beaded Bead Cap by TierraCast

(5) SW01150 – Swarovski® Crystal 14mm Aquamarine Emerald Cut Bead – Style 5515

Strand 5

(1) SB00485 6-9148 – Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Beads Tube

(1) SB00041 8-9234 – Sparkle Metallic Gold Lined Crystal Miyuki Seed Beads Tube

(1) A018807 – 8mm Baby Blue Czech Faceted Rondelle Glass Beads

Multi-Strand Blue Necklace Steps

1. Cut five 16 inch pieces of beading wire (various colors).
2. Crimp one end of the wire leaving a small loop.
   
3. String the following onto strand #1:
   Three Lined Light Seafoam AB Miyuki Seed Beads
   Seven Matte Transparent Silver Lined Crystal Long Drop Miyuki Seed Beads
   Antique Silver Diamond Bead Frame
   Indicolite Round Mini Bead
   Series: 20 Matte Transparent Silver Lined Crystal Long Drop Miyuki Seed Beads
   Antique Silver Diamond Bead Frame
   Indicolite Round Mini Bead
   Repeat the series four more times and add the following:
   Seven Matte Transparent Silver Lined Crystal Long Drop Miyuki Seed Beads
   Three Lined Light Seafoam AB Miyuki Seed Beads
4. Crimp beading wire end leaving a small loop.
5. Add Copper Oval Jump Rings to the four dolphin charms
6. Crimp one end of the wire leaving a small loop and string the following onto strand #2:
7. Slide the following series onto the beading wire:
   Series: Crimp tube
   3mm Antique Silver Beaded Heishi Spacer
   4mm Antique Silver Beaded Heishi Spacer
   12mm Tahitian Swarovski Pearl
   4mm Antique Silver Beaded Heishi Spacer
   3mm Antique Silver Beaded Heishi Spacer
   Crimp tube
8. Lay this strand down next to Strand # 1 and space the pearl series in the center of the first 20 Matte Transparent Silver Lined Crystal Long Drop Miyuki Seed Bead series and crimp on either side of the pearl series.
9. Gently squeeze the crimp covers over the crimps.
10. Add the series again and crimp about an inch down the beading wire. Repeat steps 8–10 for the remaining three pearl series.
    NOTE: Before doing the final crimp on each strand, make sure they all end up the same length. Adjust the number of beads on each strand to ensure this.
11. Crimp beading wire end leaving a small loop.
12. Crimp one end of the wire leaving a small loop and string the following onto strand #3:
    Three Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Beads
    Series: Antique Copper Scalloped Bead Cap
    Bicone Crystal Denim Blue AB2X
    Antique Copper Scalloped Bead Cap
    Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
    Antique Silver Small Spindle Shell Charm
    Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
    Antique Copper Scalloped Bead Cap
    Bicone Crystal Denim Blue AB2X
    Antique Copper Scalloped Bead Cap
    Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
    Antique Copper Small Shell Bead
    Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
    Repeat the series seven more times alternating the Dolphin charms and Spindle Shell charms, then add two Silver Lined Capri Blue Miyuki Seed Beads.
13. Crimp beading wire end leaving a small loop.
14. Crimp one end of the wire leaving a small loop and string the following onto strand #4:
    Two Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Beads
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Series: Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
    4mm Antique Copper Beaded Bead Cap by TierraCast
    Swarovski® Crystal 14mm Aquamarine Emerald Cut Bead
    4mm Antique Copper Beaded Bead Cap by TierraCast
15. Repeat the series four more times then add the following:
    Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Bead
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Five Matte Dark Seafoam Delica Duracoat Galvanized Seed Beads
    3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl
    Two Matte Transparent Light Blue Miyuki Seed Beads
16. Crimp beading wire end leaving a small loop as in Step #2.
17. Crimp one end of the wire leaving a small loop and string the following onto strand #5:
    Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Bead
    Series: 8mm Baby Blue Czech Faceted Rondelle Glass Bead
    Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Bead
    Sparkle Metallic Gold Lined Crystal Miyuki Seed Bead
    Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Bead
    Sparkle Metallic Gold Lined Crystal Miyuki Seed Bead
    Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Bead
18. Repeat this series 17 more times. Add a Transparent Aqua Miyuki Seed Bead and then crimp beading wire end leaving a small loop.
19. Open eyepin, insert one end loop of all five strands and close the eye pin. Repeat for the other necklace end.
20. Slide on Antique Silver Spiral Cone Bead Cap, Swarovski® 6mm Indicolite Round Mini Bead, Antique Copper Beaded Bead Cap and make a simple loop on the end. Repeat for the other necklace end.
    
21. Add desired chain length (the sample shown uses 2-¼”) to simple loop.
22. Using a jump ring, add the toggle to the other end of the chain. Repeat steps 20-21 for the other necklace end.

Happy January Birthdays! Being the first birthstone of the year, January’s garnet, also know as the “Gem of Faith,” derived its name from the Latin word Granatum or pomegranate, because it resembles a dark red fruit. While garnet is a rich red hue, it “signifies power, victory, truth, purity, faith, and protection,” (BirthstoneZodiac) as well as life, happiness and strength.

Swarovski® defines January birthstones with garnet and siam crystals. We have four simple jewelry projects to start your new year! Wear garnet or siam this year whether it is for showcasing your birthstone color or to showcase this vibrant red color.

January Crystal Earrings

This pair of earrings is made with TierraCast® bezel charm that uses Swarovski® crystals. Simply open up your sterling silver ear wire loop and slip these glimmering charms on. Because these charms are 18mm, they are the perfect statement earrings for January 2016!

January Bangle Bracelet

The fun thing about these expandable bracelets is that you can add any of your favorite charms. Add your garnet crystal charm and your favorite charms for this easy to do and wear popular expandable bracelet.

Red Golden Dagger Necklace

For this necklace, we paired sharp red dagger Czech beads with copper/gold-tone beads. Take some 22 gauge artistic wire and make a full loop. Before you finish it with a coiled wrap, insert your gold chain. Finish your loop with a wrapped coil. Insert your beads alternating between the dagger beads and copper/gold beads. Make another wrap loop at the other end while adding another piece of your gold chain. Bend your beaded wire piece to create a slight curve. Add your lobster clasp to one end of your chain and a jump ring to the other.

2-in-1 Necklace and Bracelet

We used Chinese crystal beads, brass bali beads, seed beads and Czech O beads to create this simple elastic-strung jewelry piece that doubles as a wrap around bracelet or necklace. Create this fun sequential design as long as you want for an everlasting jewelry piece you can wear year round.

Sources: Birthstone Zodiac: January Birthstone – Garnet. http://www.birthstonezodiac.com/birthstones/january-birthstone/

January Crystal Earrings

• (2) TC02118 – 18mm Siam Crystal Charm
• (1 pair) FTEA0003 – Sterling Silver Earrings

January Bangle Bracelet

• (1) TC02103 – 16mm Siam Crystal Charm
• (1) A021132 – Silver Plated expandable Bracelet
• (1) TC01969 – 16.6mm Letter M Alphabet Charm
• (1) TC00141 – 22mm Key Charm
• (1) A011729 – Small Anchor Charm
• (5) A002413 – 4mm Jump Ring

Red/Golden Dagger Necklace

• AW00028 – 22 Gauge Natural Artistic Wire
• (2) CH00721 – 2mm Petite Cable Chain with Soldered Links
• (2) A011517 – 5mm Gold Plated Jump Ring
• (1) A011537 – 10mm Gold Lobster Clasp
• (7) A010294 – 12mm Siam Glass Dagger Bead
• (6) A020510 – 4mm Gold Hematite Rondelle

2-in-1 Necklace and Bracelet

• (1) A002290 – .7mm Stretch Magic Elastic Cord
• (49) A016781 – Light Siam Chinese Crystal Glass
• (7) A004246 – Silver Brass Plated Bali Style
• (84) SB02042 – Czech O Beads
• (140+) SB00066 – Size 8/0 Black Miyuki Seed Bead

Who doesn’t love ringing in the New Year? You may find yourself at a rooftop party, celebrating New Year’s Eve with cheerful faces, sparkling fireworks, glittering streamers, plastic party hats, bubbly beverages, and midnight kisses! Whether you are dancing the night away or making a toast, we have the perfect earrings, made with Swarovski® crystals, to help ring in the New Year! PLUS, learn how to wire wrap Briolette Beads!

Pendulum Posh

Make these fun statement earrings with GoodyBeads.com NEW stock of Swarovski® pendulum beads. Take an eyepin and thread on the 10mm and 8mm crystal beads and make a simple loop. Attach the TierraCast® bar link to each loop. Connect the two bar links with the 6mm jump ring. Add your favorite choice of ear wires. Can’t you see yourself at a FABULOUS party wearing these FABULOUS earrings?!

Swarovski® and Rhinestone Earrings

You can’t have enough sparkle when it comes to dressing up for New Year’s. You have to sparkle as much as the flashy New Year’s ball!

We’ve given these Swarovski® an extra boost of bling with rhinestone rondelles. We made these earrings with an eyepin, 8mm round Swarovski® bead, 6mm rhinestone rondelle bead and a 4mm bicone Swarovski® crystal. Thread on beads and make a simple loop. Open the eyepin loop closest to the 4mm crystal and attach 1 inch of CH00412 – 5mm Filigree Leaves Chain. Open the other loop and attach 1 inch of CH00533 – 2.5mm Soldered Cable Chain. Attach the other end of CH00533 chain to your choice of ear wire. You are ready to rock the night away when the ball drops for 2016!

Wrapped Crystal Drop Earrings

We love these pear-shaped Swarovski® earrings with patina sparkle that add a glittery shine. Paired with gold earring hooks and gold artistic wire, heads will turn to ask, “Where’d you get those?” Check out our tutorial below on how to wire wrap a briolette or top-drilled bead.

Jewelry Components List

Pendulum Posh

• (1 pair) A012827 – Sterling Silver Filled French Wire Earrings
• (4) TC01295 – Rhodium Bar Link
• (1) A001529 – 6mm Jump Ring
• (2) A019612 – 2 Inch Eyepins
• (2) SW01205 – 10x7mm Silver Night Pendulum Bead
• (4) SW01204 – 8×5.5mm Silver Night Pendulum Bead

Swarovski® and Rhinestone Earrings

• (1 pair) A012827 – Sterling Silver Filled French Wire Earrings
• (2) A019612 – 2 Inch Eyepins
• (2) SW00039 – 8mm Round Light Colorado Topaz
• (2) SW00204 – 4mm Bicone Light Colorado Topaz
• (2) A004469 – 6mm Clear Rhinestone Rondelle
• (1) CH00412 – 5mm Filigree Leaves Chain
• (1) CH00533 – 2.5mm Cable Chain

Crystal Drop Earrings

• (2) SW01029 – 16mm White Patina Pear Shaped Pendant
• (1 pair) Z001082 – Gold Filled Ear Wire
• AW00028 – 22 Gauge Natural Artistic Wire

by Kristal Wick

Nothing says celebrate like darling, dangling ear candy, am I right beady peeps? And since this is the time of year for pulling out all the stops on festivities, here are five new Merrily Bright Holiday Earring Kits for your DIY pleasure!

Frosty the Snowman and Penguin Santa Swarovski® Earring Kits

Everyone needs a little whimsy now and then, don’t you think? These little snowmen and penguins are just the ticket. Whether you’re gift giving to a youngster or a young-at-heart-ster, these are sure to bring a smile—not to mention they’re simple and quick!

Mini Snow Globe Swarovski® Earring KitNostalgic Nana on your nice list? These darling mini snow globe kits have the daintiest, detailed Santas just waiting to delight all ages (mostly yours). They’re very lightweight and wearable, perfect for the office.

Star Bright Swarovski® Earring Kits

Need a cup of classy cheer? Our Star Bright earring kits made with Swarovski® Artemis crystals are excellent for those holiday parties and events where you need a more elegant look. There’s nothing better than Swarovski® to deliver stylish chic. Make a red pair and a green pair, keep one earring of each and gift the other set to your BFF so you’ll have a matching “unmatched” set of earrings for the holidays. Remember our  Merrily Bright Holiday Earring Kits make great necklaces as well. Just add a chain,  leather or suede cord to your earring loop and you have an instant pair of matching necklaces! Or gift a kit to one of your “jewelry-making-wannabee” friends and guide her through the first kit. We’ve given you everything you need (you provide the tools) to ensure success and convert another pal to the wonderful world of jewelry-making!

With the holiday season quickly approaching, it’s time to get serious about our bling and what better way than to adorn with red and green Holiday Swarovski® Cha-Cha jewelry? Expandable bracelets and rings are perfect for every shape and size of gal pal, and who can resist some blingy baubles for your lovely lobes.

Holiday Swarovski® Cha-Cha Bracelet

Why red and green for the holidays? This tradition dates back thousands of years when folks used holly, ivy and mistletoe to beautify and brighten up their homes during the long dark winter. This was also a vital reminder that winter would NOT last forever and spring would definitely come blooming around the corner! The Romans exchanged evergreen branches in January and the Egyptians used palm branches to symbolize good luck. Red represented the color of fire and keeping warm. White symbolized peace and purity in the western cultures.

Items used in Bracelet: A005639, A019691 (2), SW00167 (33), SW00133 (33), SW00105 (33)

Directions:

1. Slide a bicone onto a headpin and make a simple loop. NOTE: Be sure the loop is large enough to freely swing from the bracelet loops.
2. Repeat Step #1 for all the bicones.
3. Open bicone dangle and hook it through a bracelet loop, close loop. Complete bottom row with the following pattern: clear bicone, red bicone, clear bicone, green bicone.
4. Complete top row using the same pattern and add another round of bicones around this row so you end up with two bicone dangles per bracelet loop.

Holiday Swarovski® Cha-Cha Earrings

When creating our DIY Holiday Cha-Cha projects, we suggest making all the bicone simple loop dangles first. Get comfy on the couch and watch your fave movie or TV series marathon while you’re cranking these babies out. Practice makes perfect in the world of simple loop making! So why not perfect your talents while you’re on a roll and make them all at once?

Whether you believe the deeper meaning of these colors or simply just like how they look, nothing feels quite as festive as sparkly Swarovski® crystal holiday jewelry for your parties, the office or gifts. Of course put yourself first on that gift list, and while you’re beading away remember: one for you, one for your BFF, mom, sister, etc. Well, you get the picture. Now, get going and happy beading!

Items used in earrings: A010233, A019691, SW00167 (14), SW00133 (14), SW00105 (14)

Directions:

1. Slide a bicone onto a headpin and make a simple loop. NOTE: Be sure the loop is large enough to freely swing from the earring loops.
2. Repeat Step #1 for all the bicones.
3. Open bicone dangle and hook it through an earring loop, close loop. Add three bicone dangles per earring loop (one of each color).
4. Repeat Step #3 until all earrings loops have three dangles.

Remember when you were young and made stretchy elastic bracelets with a store-bought DIY kit of colorful beads and letters? Fast forward 10-20 years and let’s take that idea up a notch with a grown-up mentality of elastic bracelets. We love the concept of elastic bracelets because they are easy to make, inexpensive, and if you aren’t crimping the elastic, there are no tools needed.

Elastic Bracelets are simple to create, comfortable to wear and convenient: just slip them on and off! Elastic bracelets are the perfect jewelry piece for people with arthritis or those who have difficulty hooking on clasps with one hand. Layering different elastic bracelets is very on trend and bohemian looking.

We have two easy tutorials on how to finish your very own elastic bracelet.

Our first tutorial is how to tie the elastic cord of your bracelet using a surgeon’s knot.

Our second tutorial is how to crimp your elastic ends to clasps, connectors, jump rings, toggle clasp, etc. Follow the same bead sequence as above or try your own sequence without tying the ends. For this tutorial, you will need a pair of Crimping Pliers, crimp beads/tubes, and your choice of clasp.

A tip when using elastic cord: loosen the elasticity by giving it a tug/stretch before starting your project. This will help in two ways. First, if you start with a piece of elastic cord, sometimes you will find it stiff. Stretching it will help make the cord more manageable to use. And secondly, because over time you will constantly stretch the elastic when slipping them on and off, it will eventually loosen the elastic. Loosening it before starting your project can avoid a looser and larger fit in the future.

Another tip when knotting or crimping your elastic, is to have a large hole bead next to it. You can conceal the knot or crimp inside the bead for a clean and professional looking finish. Or you can use crimp covers to cover the crimp or knot as if it was another bead in your elastic bracelet design.

Here are some inspirational, simple elastic bracelets that we have made using our tutorial above.

Onyx Stone Bracelet

Elastic bracelets can be as simple as this Onyx Stone Bracelet. What makes this bracelet more grown up is the quality beads used for your projects. These Dakota Stone Sardonyx Gemstone Beads have a smooth, round shape with natural white lines. They are also cool to the touch so you know they are high-quality gemstones.

Wrap-Around Golden Ruby Bracelet

You will find that elastic cords are thin yet sturdy enough for seed beads. Here, we used some size 8 seed Japanese Miyuki seed beads that have a hole size large enough for a .7mm elastic cord. Making a fun sequential design with faceted Chinese crystals, brass-plated Bali beads, Miyuki seed beads, and Czech O beads, we strung on a 28” long strand to wrap around four times a 7” wrist. You can always add more or less beads to accommodate your own wrist size.

Elastic Watch

For this piece, we used crimp tubes/beads to connect the elastic ends to the watch face and toggle clasp. This is a fun combination of using a watch face and making it into an elastic bracelet.

Wood Tassel Bracelet

From our Tassel blog post, comes this pair of Wood Tassel Bracelet that were made with elastic cord. Wood beads were strung in a random sequence and an added tassel for extra embellishment. We adore these two bracelets because they are lightweight and trendy with tassel addition.

Birdy Bracelet

Blue Sky Tiger Eye Stretch Bracelet

Onyx Stone Bracelet

• (1) A021634 – Clear 0.8mm Elasticity
• (1) SDZ10RD-8 – Dakota Stones 10mm Round Sardonyx Gemstone Beads

Wrap-Around Golden Ruby Bracelet

• (1) A002290 – .7mm Stretch Magic Elastic Cord
• (49) A016781 – Light Siam Chinese Crystal Glass
• (7) A004246 – Silver Brass Plated Bali Style
• (84) SB02042 – Czech O Beads
• (140+) SB00066 – Size 8/0 Black Miyuki Seed Bead

Elastic Watch

• (1) Watch Face
• (1) A021634 – Clear 0.8mm Elasticity
• (1) A003579 – 17mm Bali Style Round Toggle
• (6) PYR10RLLH-8 – 10mm Pyrite Gemstone Rondelle Large Hole Beads from Dakota Stones
• (8) A014364 – 7mm Butter Pecan Czech Glass Bead
• (6) Z002570 – 6mm Silver Disc Beads
• (6) A021125 – 11mm Silver Plated Bali Swirl Bead
• (4) A004830 – 2mm Crimp Tubes
• Tool: FTTL0003 – Crimping Pliers

Wood Tassel Bracelet

• (1) Z002653 – Red Tassel
• (1) Z003429 – Brown Tassel
• (3) NBWB0003 – 16mm Wood Bead
• (8) Rondelle Nut Bead
• (26) Z004978 – Red, Black, and Brown Round Wood Bead
• (14) Z004009 – 6mm Wood Bead
• (4) 10mm Dot Design Wood Bead
• A021637 – Elastic Cord
• A007224 – GS Hypo Cement

Blue Sky Tiger Eye Stretch Bracelet

• (1) A021635 – 1mm Elasticity Cord
• (7) TGE8RDLH-F-8 – 8mm Tiger Eye Gemstone Faceted Round Large Hole Beads
• (14) BCL8RD-8 – 8mm Round Blue Crazy Lace Agate Gemstone Beads
• (2) TC00340 – 8mm Antique Silver Legend Spacer
• (6) TC00032 – 5mm Silver Kenyan Heishi Spacers
• A007224 – GS Hypo Cement

Threader Earrings are a chic, modern jewelry that’s dainty and subtle, yet offers a simple to sophisticated look. These threader earrings are easy to make and wear. At one end you have a jump ring, where it is best to add a charm or wire-looped dangle of beads or crystals. Simple enough.

Below we have some simple and easy threader earrings that we’ve made. What will you add to your threader earring?

Golden Star Earrings

Get ready to rock out to your favorite head-banging song with these pair of star charm earrings. We used 4mm gold-plated jump rings to attach these cut-out gold-plated stars to the threader earrings. Let’s get jamming!

Golden Gear Earrings

For your secret love of steampunk fashion and jewelry, gear charms offers a modern, Victorian, and mechanical edge. Also attached with 4mm gold-plated jump rings to the threader earrings, these earrings bring an awareness to all types of fashion jewelry we are yet to explore.

Sparkly Ball Earrings

Using 1” headpins, we made rhinestone ball dangles to attach to our threader earrings. They add a pop of sparkle and shimmer! 

Turquoise Drop Earrings

Still using the 1” headpins, we used turquoise beads to give these threader earrings a dab of color.

Golden Star Earrings:

• (1) Y001135 – U-Threader Gold Filled Chain Drop Earrings
• (2) TC01186 – Gold Star Charm
• (2) A011517 – 4mm Gold Plated Jump Ring

Golden Gear Earrings:

• (1) Y001135 – U-Threader Gold Filled Chain Drop Earrings
• (2) A015816 – Open Gear Stamping Blank
• (2) A011517 – 4mm Gold Plated Jump Ring

Sparkly Ball Earrings:

• (1) Y001148 – U-Threader Sterling Silver Charm Drop Earring
• (2) A009998 – 6mm Crystal Rhinestone Bead
• (2) A001494 – 1 Inch Headpin

Turquoise Drop Earrings

• (1) Y001148 – U-Threader Sterling Silver Charm Drop Earring
• (4) A020983 – Rondelle Blue Magnasite Gemstone
• (2) A001494 – 1 Inch Headpin

Birthstone jewelry makes a classic, customized gift for the special people in your life, from girlfriends, mothers and grandmothers to yourself.

We are using radiant Swarovski® crystals to represent birthstone colors. Below is a chart of birth months and its Swarovski® birthstone colors. What color represents you?

We have created some subtle yet personalized pieces of birthstone jewelry that are easy to make and customizable to fit your birthstone preference.

Sapphire Ring:

Our sapphire ring, which represents September birthdays, is an easy, minute project. Consisting of two components, a ring base and a 14mm Swarovski® rivoli crystal, and your choice of adhesive, you can wear this ring within minutes!

Emerald Tier Earrings:

With our earrings, we are showing fun and different ways to use connector pieces. Using the simple wire headpin loop with Swarovski® crystals, links of chain and a 2-to-1 connector, these earrings are prefect as trending statement jewelry.

Swarovski Bali Bracelet

This bracelet is ideal for combining different birthstones into one jewelry piece. It’s a gift best for a mother with family birthstone colors or for a grandmother with grandkid’s birthstone colors. Accented with Bali scroll beads and tubes, this bracelet holds a sturdy shape and fun/sentimental design.

Sapphire Ring:

• (1) Z005966 – Antique Silver Ring
• (1) SW00990 – 14mm Rivoli Crystal
• (1) A015821 – Super New Glue

Emerald Tier Earrings:

• (2) TC00185 – 10mm 2-to-1 Link
• (1) A008998 – French Wire Earrings
• (6) SW00167 – 4mm Emerald Bicone
• (2) SW00168 – 6mm Emerald Bicone
• (1) A008125 – Figure Eight Chain
• (4) A002413 – 4mm Jump Rings
• (8) A007659 – 1 Inch Eyepin

Swarovski Bali Bracelet:

• (1) FTBW0001 – Beading Wire
• (1) A003577 – Shepherd’s Hook
• (2) A004830 – 2mm Crimp Tubes
• (2) A021472 – 45mm Silver Plated Bali Curved Tube Bead
• (8) A021117 – 8mm Silver Plated Bali Circle Bead Cap
• (1) SW00027 – 8mm Siam Crystal
• (1) SW00062 – 8mm Emerald Crystal
• (1) SW00074 – 8mm Sapphire Crystal
• (1) SW00042 – 8mm Topaz Crystal
• (9) SB00640 – 6/0 Metal Seed Bead

Are you thinking about Christmas in July? We are. We want to give you a heads up about the gift of handmade this upcoming Christmas. And what better way to jump start your jewelry projects by learning the basic skill of how to make a headpin wire loop.

Make sure to have lots of headpins on hand. Plated headpins are inexpensive and a great starter for wire looping. Don’t be discouraged if your first or second or tenth loop doesn’t turn out the way you want it. Practice. Practice. Practice. Just remember to grip your tools loose but firm and as cliché as it may sound, it’s all in the wrist.

The tools you will need:
Round Nose Pliers
Needle Nose Pliers
Side Cutter

Supplies you will need:
Beads
A LOT of headpins (for practicing)

Tutorial:

Tip:
When clipping, be safe and hold headpin end so that the end doesn’t shoot away. You can also face the headpin end away from you – towards your jewelry mat – to avoid excess from flying off.

Get your holiday gifts done and ready with this essential skill. You can make multiple bead dangles for a chunky beaded bauble bracelet, a statement pendant for a necklace or simple holiday dangle earrings. For a fun and easy idea to test your skill, pick up one of our many earring kits. The necessary beads, headpins, and ear wire are included to make a charming pair of earrings.

Happy Holiday and Happy Beading!

Tools and Supplies used in images:

Tools:

• A001400 – Super Fine Side Cutter
• FTTL0002 – Super Fine Chain Nose Pliers
• FTTL0004 – Super Fine Round Nose Pliers

Supplies:

• A006236 – Peridot Swarovski Christmas Tree Earring Kit
• A006547 – Garnet Swarovski Holiday Light Bulb Earring Kit
• A019505 – Holiday Tree and Swarovski Earring Kit
• A002428 – Natural Gift Box
• A001493 – 2 Inch Headpins

June is known for wedding days with tiered cakes, delicious finger foods and of course, the beautiful bride coming down the aisle. From choosing bridesmaids dresses to the color of reception napkins, everything can and will be perfect. Cut back on a little expense by making beautiful wedding jewelry of your own or for the bride with Preciosa crystals and pearls. About half the cost of Swarovski ®, they give off an elegant look without the price.

Below, we have picked three popular 2015 wedding themes and paired them with their own jewelry pieces, fully handmade with Preciosa crystal and pearls.

Rustic Chic Necklace
Rustic chic has its charm of pastel and greenery colors, a backyard tent with white garland lights, and the bride in her white chiffon, flowing dress with side swept braid. Our jewelry piece for this fun and charming wedding theme is something fun and charming itself.

Our rustic chic themed necklace is a long, loose flowing necklace meant to wrap around twice for a layered look. The fun part about making this necklace is that there is no wrong sequence, pearl/crystal quantity, or length you need to follow. Starting out with three feet of silver chain (CH00341), prep the 6mm Preciosa crystals, 10mm Preciosa Pearls, and 6mm Preciosa Pearls by making double loop wire bead segments by using eyepins and making a second loop on the other end. Once there is a good amount of pearls and crystals (about 10 or so each), start at one end of the chain by cutting about an inch off and attaching a crystal, pearl, or a combo of both segments. The various length of where you cut the chain and the type of pearl or crystal segments, really adds to the rustic charm of this necklace. Make more segments as you go along if needed. Once you get to the end, use one more bead segment to attach the chain ends together. Now it’s ready to be showcased on the aisle

Vintage Style Necklace
Inspired by Downton Abbey, The Great Gatsby and the royal wedding, gives a chance for vintage-inspired weddings of a courtyard garden, lace wedding dress, satin gloves and curled updos.

A lovely pearl strung necklace is perfect for this celebration. A sequence combination of Preciosa Pearls and Rhinestone Crystals give the bride an elegant statement necklace to wear.

Boho Pearl Earrings
Imagine wild flowers hanging dangling from the ceiling canopy, the lush smell of grass under your toes, and the bride in a draped, maxi wedding gown with tousled hair and flowered headpiece.

Trying not to take away from the natural beauty of it all, a perfect pair of boho-inspired earrings would be subtle enough for a little sparkle to this dreamy celebration. We chose these Rhinestone Silver cones to accent a 10mm Preciosa Pearl. They give off a fresh, whimsical touch to a perfect wedding day.

Tools and Supplies

Rustic Necklace:

• (3) CH00341 – 2mm Silver Chain
• (14) PR00293 – 10mm white Preciosa pearl
• (15) PR00271 – 6mm white Preciosa pearl
• (18) PR00157 – 6mm Precisoa Bicone Crystal
• (47) A001495 – 2 inch Eyepin

Tools:

• Round nose pliers
• Side cutter
• Flat/Chain nose pliers

Vintage Necklace:

• (1) A011534 – 12mm Lobster Claw
• (6) A001764 – 8mm Round Rhinestone Crystal
• (2) A014317 – 7mm Filigree Rhinestone Cap
• (7) PR00293 – 10mm white Preciosa pearl
• (30) PR00282 – 8mm white Preciosa pearl
• (1) CH00515 – 4.7mm silver chain
• (1) Z011515 – 5mm jump ring
• (2) A007104 – Crimp cover
• (2) A004830 – Crimp tube bead

Tools:

• FTBW0001 – Fine Beading wire
• FTTL0003 – Crimping Pliers
• Flat/Chain nose pliers

Boho Earrings:

• (2) Z010803 – Rhinestone Cone
• (2) PR00293 – 10mm white Preciosa pearl
• (1 pair) A008998 – Silver French Wire Earring
• (2) SB00106 – Silver Seed Bead
• (2) A001493 – 2 inch Headpin

Tools:

• Round nose pliers
• Side cutter
• Flat/Chain nose pliers