Channel your free spirited soul with these DIY Boho Pip Earrings with Gemstone beads.

Our focal piece to our DIY earrings are these magnificent chandelier earring findings! We went bold and added a pop blue Pip beads and an earthy brightness of Howlite Gemstones.

What you’ll need for earrings.

• Chandelier Earring
• 4mm Jump Rings
• Eyepins
• 6mm Gemstones
• Czech Pip Beads
• Earwire findings

Directions:

1. Open a jump ring and slide on a pip bead. Close jump ring. Repeat for a total of 12 ‘pip dangles.’
2. On an eye pin, slide on a gemstone bead and make a simple loop. Repeat for a total of 12 ‘gemstone links.’
3. Open a loop on one of the ‘gemstone links’ and slide on a ‘pip dangle’. Close loop. Repeat for a total of 10 ‘gemstone pip dangles.
4. Open a jump ring, slide a pip dangle on and through the inner middle loop of chandelier finding. Close jump ring. Repeat to other chandelier finding.
5. Open loop of a ‘gemstone pip dangle’ (from step 3). Slide loop through the third loop from the right of your chandelier bottom loops. Skip a loop and add another ‘gemstone pip dangle’. Repeat 3 more times. Repeat this step with other chandelier finding.
6. Open a ‘gemstone link’ (from step 2) loop and slide onto the top loop of the chandelier. Close loop. Repeat this step with other chandelier finding.
7. Open ear wire loop. and slide on top loop of gemstone link from Step 6. Close loop. Repeat this step with other chandelier finding.

Items used in earrings: WHT6RD-8, Z001892, A002413, A021158, A019606, TCZ0078

Candie Cooper came by the GoodyBeads Mezzanine to show us how to make an easy DIY wrap bracelet with flat memory wire and gemstone beads. Watch the video today!

After the Spring Twin Cities Bead Bazaar, Candie stopped by to demonstrate how to make a classy and chic bracelet using 4mm faceted coin gemstone beads, wire wrapped around flat memory wire.

What you’ll need:

• Flat Memory Wire (Silver/Gold)
• 4mm Faceted Coin Gemstone Beads
• 24-Gauge Artistic Wire (Silver/Tinned Silver/Gold)
• Tools: Memory Wire Shears & Memory Wire Finishing Pliers

Video Tutorial

Create and design this urban necklace using one of our newest products: Deertan Lace leather.

Softer than Calf Craft, yet incredibly strong, Deertan Lace is expertly cut from only the finest hides. Deertan lace is full grain leather cut from the top 5 percent of hand selected Italian calf hides. Each hide is specially treated to be water resistant. Great for all your jewelry and beading projects or for garment lacing. Deertan Lace is the softest leather lace around. This product comes from our friends at Leather Cord USA, always producing high-quality leather for DIY jewelry and crafts.

Deertan Lace and Gemstone Necklace

An easy jewelry project using Deertan lace is this simple DIY necklace. We’ve paired this necklace using 3mm Deertan Lace with Dakota Stones large-hole gemstones, Beadalon Quick Links and TierraCast beads and components.

Directions:

1. Cut a 3 feet piece of deertan lace.
2. Fold lace in half and make a lark’s head to both the 20mm and 25mm ring.
3. Slide on flat barrel bead through both lace pieces from Step 2.
4. Make an overhand knot at the ends of the deertan lace. Adjust knot to get desired length.
5. Cut two piece of lace at 10 inches. And one piece at 12 inches.
6. With a 10″ lace, fold in half and make a lark’s head knot on the 25mm ring link. Repeat with the 12″ next and then the 10″. Bunch them together.
7. On a lace fringe end, slide on a nugget bead, large-hole gemstone and another nugget bead. Make an overhand knot. Repeat to the other 5 lace fringe ends.
   Note: To assist in sliding on beads and gemstones, make an angled cut to leather ends.

Items used in necklace: Z015547, ATQ8RDLH-8, TC01492 (12), Z010360, Z010362, TC01750

Our Designer So Vang went Tourmaline mining in southern California. Check out her rocky finds and simple wire tutorial to wrapping raw gemstones.

Written by So Vang-

My husband and I visited the Himalaya Tourmaline Mine in Santa Ysabel, California, known for their pink and green Tourmaline. You can also fine crystal quartz and black tourmaline. The added bonus about going to this mine is that you don’t have to bring any tools. With the day fee, you get buckets to use, mesh sifters and shovel. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and clothes you don’t mind getting dirt on, because you will get dirty. I suggest bringing a toothbrush to help brush the dirt and long gloves because yours nails will get chipped if you have brittle nails like me. And lastly a container to put all your fabulous finds in!

Keep in mind that at their mining site, larger gems has been sorted out and what you sift through is a sifted pile. Granted, be open minded because you can still get a large piece of gem and gorgeous tourmaline chips! They also have a higher-quality bag that you can sift through for an extra $100. But enjoy what you find because the small gems you find and discover is all in the adventure itself.

Below is a pile of small pink, green and black Tourmaline we found. They certainly look gorgeous in their raw state.

The way Tourmaline is created it by the natural minerals and chemicals within the pockets of crystal quartz. You can see in the images below the raw forms of quartz with pieces of pink, green and black tourmaline jutting out of them.

Pendant with Raw Tourmaline – Tutorial

Now that you have your Tourmaline, what do you make with them? I love this easy trick to making rock pendants by wrapping and encasing them with wire. You can easily use some Dakota Stones gemstones in this tutorial. Especially the faceted Botswana Agate stones.

What you’ll need for this tutorial is:

• 24-Gauge Wire
• A Round Nose Plier and Flat Nose Pliers.

Watch our previous Facebook LIVE where I talked about these amazing rocks and do a quick tutorial to create your very own pendant!

If you are in the San Diego area and need an adventure to go gemstone mining, I recommend trying out the Himalaya Tourmaline Mine!

Make and Take project at MN Pinners Conference for you to try out, featuring wood and gemstone beads tied into an easy stretch bracelet!

We are at the Pinners Conference this weekend and could not be happier that it’s in Minneapolis, our own backyard. We have loads of Make & Take projects taught by GoodyBeads, TierraCast and LeatherCord USA. AND classes being taught by our own Tory Vezina and our friend Ricky and Kayla from Dakota Stones. If you’re unable to make it out to us and participate in our DIY Jewelry Make & Take, no worries! We have this super simple stretch bracelet we are offering at the booth, but featuring them here for all to make!

This stretch bracelet is made with 8mm round gemstones from Dakota Stones, Stretchy cord from Beadalon and lightweight wood beads.  Plus, make sure you check out many videos featuring the famous Tricky Ricky Knot by Ricky from Dakota Stones.

What you’ll need for bracelet:

• 20-24″ of .5mm Stretch Elasticity
• 8mm Round Gemstones
• 8mm Round Wood Beads
• (2) TC00342 TierraCast Beaded Spacer
• Watch Ricky demonstrating his Ricky Knot on Facebook Videos

Instructions:

1. Pull and pre-stretch elastic to loosen the elasticity.
2. Find the middle point of the elastic and slide needle to that point. Cut one side of the needle to open the needle.
3. Slide the following beads onto the elastic: 20 wood beads, spacer, 5 gemstones and spacer.
4. Slide off needle and follow Ricky’s Knot Instructions to tie elastic.
   a. Take elastic ends and feed it through the loop of the elastic.
   b. Take elastic ends and wrap behind elastic loop going in opposite directions.
   c. Bring both elastic ends foward and tie an overhand knot going right over left.
   d. Tie a second knot going left over right.
5. Cut off excess elastic leaving an 1/8” or 1/4” end.

Items used in bracelet: A021633, (2) TC00342, WD-BYG8RD, TL00281, DMT8RD-8

Candie Cooper is back with Tory to show how easy it is to use the Beadalon Knot-A-Bead tool. Check out today’s video tutorial to knotting your own creating today!

Making knotted jewelry is a delicate skill that can be done with chain nose pliers, awl or tweezers. But with the Beadalon Knot-A-Bead tool, you can easily make quick and easy knots. Here is what you’ll need to get you started:

• Beadalon Knot-A-Bead tool
• No. 8 Silk Griffin Cord
• Beads – We are using Crystal Quartz Points from DakotaStones (CRY6-50PT) AND Hematite Beads

Video Tutorial

Instructions

1. Make a loop with the end of your beading thread and make an over hand knot. This will create a loop for your necklace later.
2. Slide on the silk cord, all the beads you’ll be knotting. It is helpful to layout your design ahead of time to determine your sequence.
3. Slide a bead down to your first knot. Take thread and wrap it over the metal dowel/awl, and then under.
4. Tie a knot and pull the silk cord upwards to cinch the knot together.
5. Take the beaded portion and push it to the back to get it out of the way.
6. Slide knot over to the right and hook thread under the yoke and pulling downwards and across to tighten the knot. There is a button lever on the left side. Push that to release the knot and thread.
7. Slide over next bead and repeat.
8. Once you’ve made a knot in between all your beads, repeat step 1 to other end of knotted beads to create a loop.
9. Cut excess thread.
10. Open a jump ring, slide through beading thread loop and a 6″-8″ chain end. Close jump ring.
11. Repeat steps 10 to other end of knotted beads.
12. Add your clasp to one end of your chain piece with a jump ring and your necklace is complete!

Along with the Beadalon Knot-a-Bead, you will get instructions on how to easily use the tool:

We love a good tassel, and these leather tassels from LeatherCord USA are no exception! Here is a fun and easy DIY gemstone tassel earrings you can make in seconds!

We adore these leather tassels from LeatherCord USA, because they have a long enough loop at the top, which will hold these large-hole gemstone bead from DakotaStones and then topped off with a TierraCast ear wire. With high-quality materials from well-known brands, you’re sure to make a fabulous pair of earrings!

What you’ll need for earrings:

• LeatherCord USA – Leather Tassel
  • Nappa Leather (Black/Red Brown/ Brown)
  • Suede Tassel (Black/ Rust/ Camel)
• DakotaStones – Faceted Rondelle Large-Hole Gemstones (Mixed Gemstones)
• TierraCast – Ear wires
• Artistic Wire – 24 or 26 Gauge Wire OR a short piece of wire.

Earring Tutorial

We’ve got a fun lattice beaded bead pattern tutorial for you using 6mm round gemstones. Can’t you image the possibilities!

As a request from our viewers, So Vang is sharing her pattern to making a lattice beaded bead using 6mm round gemstones. You don’t have to use 6mm gemstones. You can use 6mm bicone beads or 6mm round Chinese Crystals or Pearls. You can decide on the colors, that’s the fun of taking a tutorial and making it your own!

This pattern is also an altered version to the 2mm Pearl blog.

For this tutorial you’ll need:

• 8/0 Miyuki Seed Beads
• 11/0 Miyuki Seed Beads
• 6mm Round Gemstones
• Beading Thread
• Needle

And of course…

• Lattice Beaded Bead with 6mm Gemstone PDF Tutorial

Adjusting Your Pattern

Sometimes, when designing your lattice beaded bead, you will find that the tutorial pattern won’t work as well and you’ll need to adjust the pattern. In this example, we have the 6mm Labradorite round beads. These beads are a slight smaller than the white Howlite, so in Step 6 I had adjusted to using THREE 11/0 seed beads instead of FOUR. This way, the lacing of the seed beads will hug the round gemstones.

Items used in image above:

• White Howlite – SB00423, SB00066, WHT6RD-8
• Labradorite – SB00107, SB00387, LBT6RD-8

What will you design today! We would love to see them. Make sure to tag us on Social Media so we can see your lovely creations!

Design necklaces with these 11 Piece Gemstone Ladder Pendant Sets. We have 3 ways to make your own DIY necklaces.

Pendant Set Item Numbers: LAPLGIM15-38-LAD-PEN, PPLBRZ15-38-LAD-PEN, RCJ15-38-LAD-PEN, ORIM15-38-LAD-PEN, LAPBRZ15-38-LAD-PEN, TQSBRZ15-38-LAD-PEN, MLTPYR15-38-LAD-PEN, PKBL15-38-LAD-PEN, MGI-FAN-PEN-11

These pendant sets are a composite made by fusing stone fragments using heat, pressure and a stabilizing agent or resin. The stone fragments remain clearly visible, creating fascinating patterns. Composite beads may also be called “mosaic beads” because of the visible fragments. The stone used to create composite beads is usually the remnants from cutting, making them a great way to incorporate upcycled elements in designs with a vibrant pop of color!

These 11 piece gemstone ladder pendant sets are versatile for your jewelry designs! They make a great statement piece when using all 11 pieces or just use a few pendants in multiple designs. The size ranges from 15mm-38mm. Here are 3 ways to using these gemstone pendant sets.

Gemstone Collar Necklace

Items used in necklace: LAPBRZ15-38-LAD-PEN, FTBW0001, A004831, SB00106, Z010754, Z010740

The most basic way to using these pendant set is making a collar necklace. We used the entire set and strung the pendants on Soft Flex wire with a seed bead in between each pendant. At each end we slid on a clamshell bead tip and crimped a 1.5mm crimp tube to sit inside the clamshell tip. Because we LOVE our adjustable necklace slide clasp, we slid on its jump ring end to the loop of the clamshell bead tip and closed the loop. Instant necklace to wear!

Pendant Drop Necklace

Items used in necklace: MGI-FAN-PEN-11, SB00106, Z011944,  A019633 or WR00033.

Make a pendant drop with one or a few pendants from your set. One way is to simple slide a pendant on an eyepin for an easy drop. Or slide on three pendants with a seed bead on either side (optional) on an eyepin or wrapped wire loop. Then add your adjustable necklace chain to each loop of your drop pendant for a super easy necklace.

Beading Chain Pendant Necklace

Items used in necklace: MGI-FAN-PEN-11, Z012743, CH00725

A fun third option is to slide your pendants on a beading chain. Cut your beading chain to your preferred necklace length. Slide pendants onto the beading chain. End your beading chain using the Loop Crimp Lobster Clasp Set (Z012741/Z012743). Slide end cap on beading chain and crimp the end to your beading chain. Repeat to other beading chain end. Open jump ring and slide on lobster clasp and through end cap loop. Repeat to other end cap without a clasp.

Make this easy leather knotted bracelet with large hole gemstones from Dakota Stones.

Happy Friday. We’re having a fun time today since we’re all looking forward to the weekend. Why not try your hand at this easy leather bracelet tutorial with 1mm leather cord from LeatherCordUSA, large-hole gemstones from DakotaStones and a TierraCast button. You’ll make a simple overhand knot in between each large-hole gemstones. Don’t worry, you got it!

Components you’ll need to make bracelet:

• 1mm Leather Cord
• Large-hole Gemstones
• Button

Tutorial

Items in bracelet tutorial: A022063, TC02349, WAF8RDLH-M-8/APL8RDLH-8

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

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

New to GoodyBeads are these luxurious 4mm Faceted Coin Gemstone Beads from DakotaStones. Get an up close look at the facets! Plus, two projects using these shimmering faceted gemstones!

Each bead is diamond cut with a “checkerboard” pattern. With an up close look, ‘the puffed edge leads to a checkerboard faceted face. That’s a lot of surface to catch and move light in a multitude of directions.’

Bracelets with 4mm Faceted Coin Gemstones

Who doesn’t love blue! Especially these Amazonite strand! We kept the simplicity of this bracelet by using Soft Flex Beading Wire and sliding on a gemstone and 11/0 Miyuki seed bead sequence. We made a sequence up to 7″ and used clamshell bead tips for the ends. Added a clasp and an inch of chain for an extender. (Adjust amount of beads to customize bracelet size.)

Items used in bracelet: AMZ4DC-F, FTBW0001, SB00422, CH00515, Z010740, A004830, Z005838

We kept this bracelet as simple as we can. We use three different gemstones: Amazonite, Amethyst, and Crystal Quartz all onto a .7mm beading chain. We first cut a 7″. At one end, we used a clamshell bead tip. Then we slid onto the beading chain a 2mm crimp tube, three gemstones and another crimp tube. Position the beads to the middle of the chain and using the Magical Crimping Pliers, crimp the crimp tubes on both sides of the gemstones. Cap the other end of the beading chain with another clamshell bead tip. Add your clasp and chain and you have a dainty gem bracelet!

Items used in this bracelet: CH00724, CH00515, Z010740, A004830, Z005838, AME4DC-F, AMZ4DC-F, CRY4DC-F

We have Ricky from DakotaStones to teach us how to make a Tricky Ricky Knot in this video tutorial. Make fun stretch bracelets using this knot for tying your elastics!

A few products and tools to get your started in making your own stretch bracelets:

• Beadalon Elasticity  (We recommend using 0.5mm or 0.8mm elastic for standard beads. If your beads have larger holes, use the 1mm.)
• Bead Smith Big Eye Needle
• Your choice of Cutter Tool
• Bead Stoppers
• Your choice of beads, gemstones, metal beads and more!

Video Tutorial

Now that you have watched the video and found the perfect knot to making your stretch bracelet, you are sure to make an arm full of stretchy bracelets! A few important notes to keep in mind when making your knots:

• Start with a 2.5′ elastic
• Pre-stretch your elastic before stringing.
• Cut one end of your Big Eye Needle to be able to easily slide your needle off the elastic. You can re-use needle for more stretch bracelets.
• Optional: you can add a drop of glue to add strength to your knot.
• A visual illustration of tying the elastic:

A trendy fashion statement piece for your wardrobe are Mala necklaces. And a Mala necklace isn’t complete without a Guru bead. Watch this informative video on how to thread on your Guru beads from DakotaStones.

Mala necklaces are an easy statement necklace that you can make with your favorite gemstone, wood or lava beads, strung on simple Griffin silk cord with a knot knotted between each bead. Check out our previous blog on Tassel Jewelry, which also tackles the ever-popular Mala necklaces.

Mala is a strand of counting beads used in Hindu or Buddhist practice for praying or reciting a mantra to aid concentration during meditation. Depending on the type of chant, counts of strung beads may vary.there are no knots between beads in a Hindu or Buddhist mala. Often, there is even empty space on the strand, so that the beads can more easily be slipped as they are “counted”. It is said that with each count, people recite a mantra to bless the beads. The strand is also accompanied with a larger bead named the “Guru” bead and a tassel.

Here is a video from our friends at DakotaStones on how to thread on a Guru bead with Griffin Silk Cord.