5mm Flat Leather with Slider Charm Bracelets

We love, love, LOVE the simplicity of making 5mm flat leather bracelets. With two simple components of flat leather and a clasp, plus the help of adhesive, you have a simple bracelet in no time. Let’s amp that 5mm flat leather bracelets by adding slider charms and dangles. With over 300 slider charms to choose from on GoodyBeads.com website, you can customize your bracelet with unique charms or colors, make a fun seasonal theme, or choose some of your favorite charms and bling your bracelet.

We suggest that you start by compiling your slider charms and laying them out before stringing them on 5mm flat leather. This way you get an overall look at the colors and sequence, and at the same time, you can choose what color of 5mm flat leather you want to go with. Once you are satisfied, cut the flat leather to fit your wrist, slide on slider charms and glue on a clasp. Quite easy, eh?

We made three different bracelets to showcase how you can spruce up a 5mm flat leather bracelet.

Love Bug Wrap Around

We love how our selection of black, white and red slider charms pops out from the white flat leather. One added bonus is the Charm Holder Slider that allows you to add any charm or dangle. Here, we added a fun TierraCast® heart charm and red enamel ladybug.

Seafoam Waves Bracelet

Summer may be over, but we will always have sunny days on our minds; the smell of salty water, the cool, brisk breeze of the wind, and the warm sensation of sand between your toes. In memory of summer, we made this Seafoam Waves Bracelet with a combination of turquoise, green and topaz colors. We also added a Charm Slider Holder and created a stone dangle, making a simple loop with a headpin and gemstone, for extra embellishment.

Kim Bracelet

For this bracelet, we doubled up a 5mm flat leather bracelet to have the width of 10mm. With that, we were able to use 10mm letter sliders to customize a name, while still adding two slider charms.

Love Bug Wrap Around

(14) CH00044 – 5mm White Flat Leather
(1) A020079 – Small Magnetic Clasp
(1) A015821 – Super New Glue
(2) Z002276 – Mini Charm Holder Slider
(1) A016890 – White Enamel Heart
(1) A017016 – Red Enamel Nautical Oval
(1) A017044 – Tempest Red Stone Oval
(1) A017043 – Tempest Jet Stone Oval
(1) A017060 – Athena Red Stone Pointed
(1) A017253 – Jet Sienna
(1) A017285 – Jet Stones Lavish Square
(1) A017855 – Light Siam Round Pave
(1) TC01634 – Black Jubilee Heart Charm
(1) A007695 – Red Enamel Ladybug
(2) A002413 – 4mm Jump Ring

Seafoam Waves Bracelet

(7) CH00423 – 5mm Turquoise Flat Cork Cord
(1) A020079 – Small Magnetic Clasp
(1) A015821 – Super New Glue
(1) Z002276 – Mini Charm Holder Slider
(1) A016928 – Aqua and Smoke Topaz Stones Lillian
(1) A017013 – Fish Slider
(1) A017025 – Peridot Stone Curly Flower
(1) A017069 – Delight Aqua Stone Square
(1) A017235 – Sand Dollar Slider
(1) A017275 – Smoked Topaz Stone Regal
(1) A017862 – Aquamarine Round Pave
(1) A017264 – Jade Gemstone Billiard
(1) A019691 – 1 Inch Headpin with Ball
(1) A020977 – 6mm Round Reconstituted Larimar Gemstone

Kim Bracelet

(14) CH00254 – 5mm Violet Arizona Flat Leather
(1) A015688 – Antique Silver Magnetic Clasp
(1) A015821 – Super New Glue
(1) A016981 – Clear Stone Sweet Blossom
(1) A017266 – Cream Pearl Decorous
(1) A020126 – Letter K Slider
(1) A020124 – Letter I Slider
(1) A020128 – Letter M Slider

TierraCast Cord Ends

TierraCast Cord Ends have proven to be easy to use, with so much possibility for variation in materials and styles! The projects included here were designed by Tracy Gonzales, TierraCast’s Jewelry Designer and Product Educator. All designs were inspired by the current tassel trend and Goody Beads’ fabulous selection of fun fibers and threads.

Tassel and Chain Earrings

The Tassel & Chain earrings are a simple technique. We made the tassel ends and then used an additional piece of thread to attach a few short strands of chain at the top. After applying some E6000 adhesive inside a 6mm cord end, we tucked the tassel and chain inside. Added a jump ring and ear wire at the top, and Voila!

Seed Bead Loop Earrings

The Seed Bead Loop earrings involved stringing up several bead strands in varying lengths and making them into loops and secured with crimp tubes. We then layered 3 beaded loops with loops of fine, metallic-finish embellishment fibers. We secured both ends together at the top with E6000 adhesive and finished them up with jump rings and ear wires.

Multi-Strand Fiber Bracelet

The Multi-Strand Fiber bracelet uses cord ends that have a hole at the top, instead of a loop, so the finishing technique is wire wrapping instead of gluing. Start by threading four strands of Czech beads and TierraCast spacers with beading wire. Crimp each end to hold beads in place and cut leaving an excess of 1/4-1/2 inch. Take different fiber strands and cut them at equal lengths of the beaded wires. Next, make a slip knot with the strand ends, tying close enough to the crimp ends. Glue with Hypo Cement to secure the knot.

After it has dried, cut about 5 inches of Artistic wire and loop it under and in between the knot halfway. You should have two 2.5 inches of wire ends that you will feed through the cord end. Here, you can add more hypo cement in the cord end to secure the thread ends. Make a wire wrap loop with the Artistic Wire and repeat to the other bracelet end. Add a jump ring and clasp and you are done!

Our friends at TierraCast have an informative YouTube video on how to use Cord Ends. Check it out to guide you in the fun projects shown above and for more inspirational techniques.

Tassel and Chain Earrings

(2) TC01831 – 10mm Tin Oxide Cord End
(1) TC01903 – Silver Filled Hoop Wire Earrings
(2) A002814 – 10mm Jump Rings
(1) CH00094 – 2.2mm Blue Enamel Chain
(1) A011455 – E-6000
(1) A010412 – Precious Metal Embellishment Cord

Seed Bead Loop Earrings

(1) 11/0 Miyuki Delicas
(1) A014109 – Gold Plated Ear Wire
(1) TC01839 – Gold Taj Cord End
(1) A016245 – Gold Metallic Thread
(1) FTBW0001 – Fine 0.014 Inch Beading Wire
(6) TC01896 – 2mm Crimp Tube
(1) A011455 – E-6000
(2) Z011514 – 5mm Gold Jump Ring

Multi-strand Fiber Bracelet

(1) TC01017 – Copper Leaf Clasp
(2) TC01858 – Copper Cord Ends
(52) TC00552 – 4mm Copper Heishi Spacer
(60) TC00020 – 3mm Copper Faceted Spacer
(78) Z017489 – 3mm Amber Czech Bead
(46) A003332 – 3mm Opaque Rose Gold Topaz Czech
(1) A010405 – Sedona Sunset Embellishment
(8) TC00002 – 2mm Crimp Tube
(2) TC00001 – 6mm Oval Copper Jump Ring
(1) AW00052 – 24 Gauge Natural Artistic Wire
(1) FTBW0001 – Fine 0.014 Inch Beading Wire
(1) A007224 – Hypo Cement

Easy DIY Threader Earrings

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

Swarovski® Birthstone Jewelry

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

Czech SuperDuo Jewelry with Pattern Tutorial

SuperDuo is a Czech-made glass seed bead with a diamond shape and two 0.8mm holes. They are great for dimensional bead weaving designs, from your basic flat stitching to more intricate 3D lace seed bead designs. We have two fun jewelry pieces using these versatile Czech SuperDuo seed beads; accompanied with pattern tutorials.

Ocean Pebble Bracelet

GoodyBeads.com Blog | Ocean Pebble Super Duo Bracelet and Tutorial — Design and tutorial illustration by So Vang

We love the different mixes that SuperDuo offers. The assorted SuperDuo colors make it easy to bead freely and not worry about color sequence. Our bracelet is weaved with a simple straight stitch and because Super Duo has two holes, they are easy to intertwine.

Below is our bracelet pdf pattern tutorial. With a tube of 300+ beads, we were able to make this bracelet project, with extra beads to spare. For our 7” bracelet, we started with 83 beads for the first row. You can add more or less for your wrist preference, but make sure to have an odd bead count before coming back around. When you reach the end of the pattern, tie the remaining string with the string closest to it and thread through a few more beads before snipping the string. As an option, you can glue the knot for a secure hold. Add your choice of lobster clasp to one end with a jump ring and on the other end, attach ¾” of chain with another jump ring. Or you can certainly choose a toggle or tube clasp to finish off your bracelet.

Click HERE for Ocean Pebble Bracelet PDF Tutorial

A006587 – Crystal Fireline Thread
(1 tube) SB02575 – Calico Cat SuperDuo Seed Bead
(80+) SB01448 – Size 8 Red Brown Miyuki Seed Bead
(1) A011534 – 10mm Lobster Claw
(3) A002413 – 4mm Jump Ring
(2) A013608 – 3 Ring Connector
Alternative Link: TC00184
(1) A012848 – 9mm Cable Chain Link

Spiral Super Duo Earrings

We love our dainty spiral SuperDuo earrings. They glisten with an edging of gold seed beads and findings. These earrings are simple to make and a great project for the beginning bead stitcher.

Click HERE for Spiral SuperDuo Earrings PDF Tutorial.

A006587 – Crystal Fireline Thread
(20) SB01424 – Blue Brown Purple SuperDuo Seed Bead
(32) SB00632 – Size 11 Gilding Metal Seed Bead
(4) A011517 – 4mm Gold Jump Rings
(1 pair) A014108 – Gold Plated French Wire Earrings

Memory Wire Leather Wrap Bracelets

A fun new trend is memory wire leather wrap bracelets. They are easy to pair with your casual outfits, easy to slip-on on your way out the door, and definitely easy to make.

Memory wire leather wrap bracelets are easy to make and require only three components: leather cord, memory wire, and end/bead caps. The best type of leather cord to use for these bracelets has a hollow inner tube or has a hollow center, such as our braided leather and cork cord. The great thing about using memory wire with leather cord is that the bracelet will retain its round shape through many wears. For a clean look, cap off your leather bracelets with bead caps and end caps. You can also add extra character, color and movement to a bracelet with beads, spacers and/or charms.

Memory Wire and Leather Bracelet Tutorial

GoodyBeads | Blog: How to make a memory wire leather bracelet

Memory Wire Tips

When making your wrap leather bracelet, don’t cut the memory wire before adding your bracelet components. First, slip all beads, leather pieces, and caps onto the loops of memory wire. Then you can see how the whole bracelet will look and still have a chance to make changes.
Use Memory Wire Cutters to cut the memory wire, as regular cutters may not be strong enough to cut through the wire.
Use Memory Wire Finishing Pliers to create a simple loop when using an end cap with a hole. These pliers can withstand the toughness of the memory wires. Learn how to make a simple loop on our blog.

Scarlet Willow Memory Wire Leather Bracelet:

GoodyBeads | Blog: Scarlet Willow Memory Wire Leather Wrap Bracelet

What you will need:

WR00120 – Large Silver Heavy Duty Memory Wire
(16-18″) CH00159 – 5mm Braided Red Round Leather Cord
(2) A021678 – End Cap
A015821 – Super New Glue
TL00206 – Memory Wire Shears

Morocco Mint Memory Wire Bracelet

For this bracelet, we broke up the leather into two pieces and used Czech beads and flat spacers to accent the middle portion of this bracelet. We added drop charms to each ends for extra movement.

What you will need:

WR00109 – Silver Memory Wire
(8) CH00881 – 5mm White Cork Cord
(4) A015229 – Gold Smooth End Cap
(12) A022157 – Blue Silk Picasso
(11) Z001355 – 6mm Gold Steel Disc Beads
(2) A001550 – Copper Etch Oval Drops

Instructions:

Make a simple loop at one end of your memory wire.
Cut cork cord in half.
Refer to image above to slide on the following cork cord, end caps and beads.
Make another simple loop and cut excess wire.
Open one side of the memory wire loop and slide two drop charms. Close loop.
Repeat step 5 to other memory wire loop end.

Pink and Pearly Wrap Bracelet

For this leather bracelet, instead of having beads in the middle, we added pearls to the ends of the bracelet for a for a pretty accent before finishing it off with a simple loop.

What you will need:

WR00109 – Silver Memory Wire
(8) CH00319 – 5mm Pink Twisted Leather Round Cord
(2) A021121 – 7mm Bali Deep Bead Cap
(2) SW00672 – 8mm White Pearl Bead
(2) SW00673 – 10mm White Pearl Bead

Instructions:

Make a simple loop at one end of your memory wire.
Pull out inner threading inside of the braided leather. Using chain nose pliers will also help this process.
Slide on the following beads:
Small pearl, larger pearl, end cap, leather cord, end cap, large pearl, smaller pearl.
Make a simple loop at the end and cut excess wire with memory wire cutter.

Teal Braided Wrap Bracelet:

What you will need:

WR00109 – Silver Memory Wire
(8) CH00660 – 5mm Pale Turquoise Braid Cord
(2) A010436 – 6mm Barrel End Cap
(2) A002413 – 4mm Jump Rings
(1) TC00082 – Made with Love Charm
(1) TC00464 – Lotus Flower Charm

Cut cord at about 7-8 inches or to your wrist preference.
Feed the Memory Wire through the inside of the leather until you’ve reached the end of leather.
Cut the wire flush to the end of the leather. Adhere end cap and leather ends together with Super New Glue.
Open a jump ring, slide on charms and loop end of your end cap. Close jump ring.

Check out these inspirational GoodyBeads memory wire leather bracelets:

Headpin Wire Loop Tutorial: Christmas in July Edition

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:

Step 2: Using Flat Nose Pliers, bend the headpin, from the top of the bead, in a 45 degree angle.

Step 3: Using a Round Nose Pliers, measure about ¼” of the plier tip. That is where you will place your pliers at the curve of the headpin. *Tip: You can mark the pliers with a Sharpie if you want consistent loops

Step 4: Using your fingers, wrap the headpin over the plier.

Step 5: Continue wrapping the headpin under the plier.

Step 6: Using Side Cutters, cut the excess wire where the headpin crosses.

Step 7: If there is a gap, use Flat Nose Pliers to adjust and close the loop.

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

Tassel Jewelry

A hot trend this summer are tassels. We have three fun inspirational tassel jewelry projects for you to enjoy at your next music festival or relaxing under the shade by the beach.

Mala Meditate Necklace

Mala is a strand of counting beads used in Hindu or Buddhist practice for praying or reciting a mantra to aid concentration during meditation. A typical mala is made with 108 beads that are strung with a knot tied in between each bead. Depending on the type of chant, counts of strung beads may vary. It is said that with each knot, people recite a mantra to bless the beads. The strand is also accompanied with a larger bead named the “Guru” bead and a tassel.

For our Mala necklace, we used 8mm round gemstone beads for a 42” necklace. Using a sturdy Super-Lon bead cord, cut a piece of cord about 150″ and make a knot 6″ in. This will help stop the end bead from falling off. String on your first bead and make a knot (using a pliers or tweezers if needed) flush to the bead to keep it in place. Repeat until you’ve strung and knotted all 108 beads.

Now take both cord ends and tie together. At these two ends, you will string on your Guru bead and tassel.

We made our tassel portion by using a large rust suede leather tassel. Insert a 3” eyepin from the middle-bottom of the tassel up. Slip on a 10mm tulip end cap to cover the top of the tassel. Wrap the headpin and your tassel is ready. (see images below)

Now take the two tied ends, string on the 12mm wood bead and place the tired ends through the tassel wire loop. Bring the strings back through the bottom of the wood bead and make a knot or two. Secure it with some clear adhesive like GS Hypo Cement. Cut the ends and you are ready to meditate or wear your Mala as a fashion accessory.

Beaded Tassel Earrings

For these Beaded Tassel Earrings, we used our brand new Tassel Maker from Beadalon®. You can find a tutorial of how to make tassels HERE. We took Super-Lon bead cord and made 25 loops to make the tassel. Attach an eyepin to the top of the tassel and slip on a cone bead cap and a 4mm round bead. Make a simple wire loop and attach to earring hooks.

If you find that some of your tassel ends have kinks, twists or curls, dampen with water, twist and pull them straight. After a few seconds when dried, you will find them straightened out. Taking about a third or half of the tassel ends, string 10 beads to each strand and knot the end. We recommend using an already-mixed, size 8 seed bead for a fun colorful look. Cut the remaining, unstrung tassel ends at a variety of shorter lengths to blend into the rest of the beaded tassels. Now you are ready to rock these earrings at your next music festival!

Wood Tassel Bracelets

One of our easier projects is our Wood Tassel Bracelets. Make these quick and easy bracelets to show your love of tassels. For each bracelets, we used different round wood beads in a sequential design along with a tassel, strung on elastic. Make sure to stretch the elastic string lightly to loosen the elasticity before stringing on beads. Also, after knotting the elastic, use GS Hypo Cement to secure your knot.

Malas Meditate Necklace

A012991 – Super-lon Cord (Maroon color)
(4 strands) FJR8RD-8 – 8mm Fossil Coral Round Bead
(1) NBWB0003 – 16mm Wood Bead
(1) A018886 – Tulip End
(1) A003255 – 3 Inch Eyepin
(1) Z008825 – Large Rust Suede Leather Tassel
Tool: A007224 – GS Hypo Cement
Optional Tool: A013730 – Bent Chain Nose Pliers

Beaded Tassel Earring

SB01054 – Size 8 Honey Butter Mix Seed Bead
A012991 – Super-lon Cord (Maroon color)
(2) A021484 – Bali Etched Cone
(2) Z001480 – Antique Gold-Plated Round Bead
(1 pair) A008998 – French Wire Earrings
(2) A001495 – 2 Inch Eyepin
Tool: TL00230 – Tassel Maker Tool

Wood Tassel Bracelet

(1) Z002653 – Red Tassel
(1) Z003429 – Brown Tassel
(3) NBWB0003 – 16mm Wood Bead
(8) A002425 – Rondelle Wood Bead
(26) Z004978 – Red, Black, and Brown Round Wood Bead
(14) Z002802 – Ivory Round Wood Bead
(4) A004268 – Dot Design Wood Bead
A002290 – .7mm Stretch Elastic Cord
Tool: A007224 – GS Hypo Cement

Summer DIY Hemp Bracelets by HappyHourProjects.com

Who doesn’t love summer? It’s a season full of sunny days, barbecues and beach waves. And who doesn’t love an easy-to-wear, easy-to-make hemp bracelets? Here is an inspiring project to keep you kicking back this summer!

Our friend Adrianne, from HappyHourProjects.com, has an easy-to-follow beaded button-clasp hemp bracelet tutorial for designing the perfect festival bracelet. All you need is some hemp cord, seed beads, a button piece and a few minutes. With a minimal purchase, you should have enough time and supplies to make more than one!

Create several handcrafted hemp bracelets to mix, match and love this summer!

Click HERE to go to tutorial now.

Using Charms in Jewelry

Making charm jewelry is fun, versatile and easy! There are literally hundreds of charms to choose from, giving you numerous options for creating a customized piece you’ll love. Here are a few of our favorite charm projects to be inspired by. Which will you make next?

Sweet Handbag Charm Accessory

Charms come in a variety of material, including resin for a colorful 3D effect. For this project, we made an on-trend handbag charm with yummy dessert theme resin charms. Stagger the resin charms attached to jump rings along a 2.5” chain link. Attach the large clasp to the top of the chain and the tassel at the bottom. This handbag charm is sure to get your mouth watering for some tasty sweets every time you go out.

Items used: CH00533, A019700 , A011299, A003854, A001528, A002413, Resin Mix and Choice of Resin Charms

Charm Expandable bracelet

A popular trend is expandable bracelets. They are easy to complete and fun to wear. Choose an expandable bracelet and customize it with different charms to personalize your style. Our Calm Bracelet features gold-tone metal charms to relax the mind and soul. Perfect for your next yoga or Pilates class. Our Coastal Bracelet is pulled together with one of our ready-made charm sets. Make sure to wear this bracelet to your next beach outing or cruise getaway.

Feathered Earrings

For this charmed earring project, we show two different ways to use the same feather charm. Our first pair of earrings is simple and easy: just attach the feather charms to ear wires. To express more personality, our second pair of earrings consists of an inch of chain link and a bead component using an eyepin and Czech beads. Linking it all together with the feather charms, you get a cute boho-inspired pair of earrings ready to wear with your loose tee and bellbottoms. A popular modern trend is to wear asymmetrical earrings; one long and one short.

Supplies

Charm Expandable Bracelet

Calm Bracelet:

(1) Z009775 – Gold Expandable Bracelet
(1) Z005612 – Gold Flower Charm
(1) TC01993 – Lotus Flower
(1) TC02001 – Yin Yang Charm
(2) TC00428 – Gold Round Drop
(1) TC01997 – Om Charm
(9) Z011514 – 5mm Gold Jump Rings

Coastal Bracelet:

(1) TC01907 – Sealife Charm Mix
(1) A021134 – Silver Wire Expandable Bracelet
(5) A001528 – 5mm Jump Rings

Feathered Earrings

(Version 1)

(2) A010839 – Feather Charm
(1 pair) – A008998 –Base Metal Wire Earrings

(Version 2)

(2) A010839 – Feather Charm
(1 pair) – A008998 – Base Metal Wire Earrings
(2) A019595 – Silver Eyepin
(1) CH00341 – 2.1mm Chain Link
(2) A014363 – Turquoise Czech Bead
(2) A014364 – Butter Pecan Czech Bead

Easy Leather Bracelets – Summer Style

Love starting projects but can’t seem to finish them? Well, here is an easy project that you can make and wear within minutes! Making leather bracelets with flat leather and leather cord is so easy, you may end up making more than one in one sitting. It’s a perfect project for when you gather your girlfriends for a night in.

Flowery Flat Fabric Leather Bracelet:

To prep for summer, we chose a summery, flowery flat fabric leather paired with the half-circle clasp. Because the clasp is already a half circle, you only need 3.5” to 4” of 10mm flat leather. Glue both ends to each clasp end for a complete summer look.

Purple Sky Flat Leather Bracelet:

For this buckle clasp, use three 5mm flat leather or one 5mm and one 10mm flat leather. To keep in line with our summer look from our fabric bracelet, we chose a sky blue and deep purple. Cut three leather pieces identical to 7” (or to your wrist preference). Glue all three strand ends together to each clasp end. After a few minutes, you are ready to enjoy a new piece of summer jewelry!

Cobra Bracelet:

For a unique statement bracelet, we chose this cobra snake clasp. Pair it with 5mm round leather cord, cut to approximately 15” long. Thread in the slider through both round leather ends to create a loop at the middle. Glue both ends to the other end of the clasp. After the glue dries, you are ready to show off your cobra bracelet.

Check our Watercolor Flat Leather Bracelets for more inspiration.

Tools and Supplies:

Tools:

A015821 – Super New Glue

Flowery Flat Fabric Leather:

(4) CH00481 – 10mm Purple Daisy Flower Fabric Leather
(1) Z007209 – Half-Circle Magnetic Clasp

Purple Sky Flat Leather:

(1) A017215 – Silver Leopard Print Buckle Clasp
(7) CH00254 – 5mm Violet Flat Leather
(14) CH00423 – 5mm Turquoise Flat Cork Cord

Cobra Bracelet:

(1) Z007641 – Snake Hook Clasp
(1) A015611 – Slice Spacer
(15) CH00558 – 5mm Round Cream Cork Cord

Preciosa Crystals and Pearls: Wedding Jewelry

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:

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:

Get Started with Metal Stamping

A great addition to any jewelry or crafting project is metal stamping. Personalize a piece by stamping a specific name, inspirational quote, special date, sentiment, etc. There are a variety of fun, decorative designs for stamping, too, such as hearts, animals and flowers. The options are endless!

Take a look at our recommended metal stamping essentials to get you started with this exciting jewelry-making trend.

Our friend, Adrienne, from Happy Hour Projects, wrote an introduction to metal stamping and a tutorial on stamping for beginners. Her advice and instructions are easy to follow, so you can start stamping pieces right away. Check out her metal stamping tips.

Don’t feel intimidated by the thought of metal stamping. Once you learn the skill and develop your own technique, you’ll add it to all of your everyday jewelry making ideas. Make your next project meaningful and memorable with metal stamping.

Watercolor Flat Leather Bracelets

Goody Beads has a fun collection of watercolor flat leather. With a touch of soft and vibrant hues and strokes of whimsical patterns, watercolor flat leather projects can be perfect for bright summer days ahead. Here are some inspiring bracelet designs you can do with watercolor flat leather.

Watercolor Double Rainbow Bracelet

Have you seen a double rainbow before? I almost lost my head the first time I saw one; which would have literally been a bad idea since I was driving in traffic. To make this bracelet, I chose 5mm squares watercolor flat leather, because it reminds me of rainbows. A double wrap-around style would be prefect for my double rainbow-themed design.

What you will need:

(4) A008809 – 7mm Brass Jump Rings
(2) Z011513 – 5mm Brass Jump Ring
(15) CH00571 – 5mm Squares Water Color Flat Leather
(1) SW00665 – 6mm White Pearl
(1) Z006528 – 15mm Brass Lobster Claw
(1) TC00733 – Brass Key Charm
(1) TC00735 – Brass Heart Locket
(1) TC00547 – Brass Headpins

Because I wanted to show a different way to clasp a flat leather bracelet, use this alternative on your next flat leather project: first, cut the 5mm watercolor flat leather at twice the length of your wrist, and add 2-3 inches. Fold over each leather end about 1” and loop through a jump ring. Flatten the each jump ring using a serrated pliers, squeezing the leather together gently. Add another jump ring to each of the leather loops you’ve created. Add fun charms, or create a bead dangle to decorate your bracelet. Finish it off with a lobster claw and you are ready to wrap yourself in a watercolor double rainbow bracelet.

Crisscrossed Watercolor Bracelet

Here’s an interesting take on combining flat leathers.

What you will need:

(7) CH00043 – 5mm Tan/Black Flat Leather
(7) CH00577 – 5mm Blue Floral Flat Leather
(1) A015678 – Silver Fold Over Clasp
(2) A015700 – Silver Bar Slider
A015821 – Super New Glue

Take two same-length 5mm watercolor flat leather, glue both ends side by side into one side of the clasp. For this project we used a solid color flat leather to enhance the colors of the watercolor flat leather. Keeping the strands straight side by side, thread through the bar slider. Now, cross the watercolor leather over the solid color flat leather. Thread through the second bar slider and glue the ends to the other side of the clasp. Neat, huh?

Golden Watercolor Bracelet

This Golden Watercolor Bracelet is simple yet packs a golden glow!

What you will need:

(6) CH00579 – 10mm Brushed Water Color Flat Leather
(1) Z001814 – Gold Double Bar Slider
(1) Z001318 – Gold Magnetic Buckle Clasp
A015821 – Super New Glue

After measuring your 10mm watercolor flat leather to your preferred wrist length, slide on the gold double bar and then glue the ends to its golden clasp. You can make this simple bracelet in less than a minute and it is sure to brighten your sunny outfit!

Hello Spring: Tulip Necklace and Earrings

Here in the Midwest, you know that spring is approaching when people are wearing shorts in 45-degree weather. If you think like me, spring reminds me to clean the winter-long mess inside and outside of the house, a thought that makes me groan. Since I LOVE distractions, let’s do some spring beading projects to ready ourselves for lovely spring days, instead.

Nothing says good morning like budding and blooming tulips in early spring. So of course, the theme for our first spring beading project is tulips. I personally enjoy the freshness of pink tulips. Pairing the subtle color with a gold-accent finding, you get a bold jewelry piece sure to get a conversation brewing.

Tulip Earrings

Here’s how to make a pair of gorgeous tulip earrings with pink Swarovski crystals dangling from tulip end caps. First, take three headpins and add a crystal to each, then make a simple wire loop, keeping in mind to stagger the lengths (this adds more movement to the earring). Attach the looped headpins to an eyepin and thread it through the 5mm tulip end cap. Then, top it off with a dainty TierraCast bead cap, another crystal and a seed bead. Lastly, make another loop and hang it on a French wire earring. Repeat for a complete, easy-to-create pair of tulip earrings.

Items used in earrings: (2) Z009539, (8) SW00120, (2) TC00638, SB00413, A019693, A019617, A014108

Tulip Necklace

To coordinate with the tulip earrings, a complementary tulip necklace is best! We will basically use the same concept design as for the earrings, but for the necklace we’ll use a 10mm tulip-plated end cap for a more prominent look, along with 5 dangles of 4mm and 6mm pink Swarovski crystals for a variation of dangle size. Because our tulip should shine, we have selected a finer gold chain. Size it according to length, add the clasp of your choice, and violà—you are ready to enjoy your spring tulip necklace and earrings!

The great thing about any beading project is that you can personalize it and alter it to your liking. Perhaps you prefer more colors than the pink or want to use some Czech crystals, pearls, iridescent cat’s eye or charms. Maybe you fancy silver over gold. Choose what excites and inspires you.

What comes to mind when you think of spring? Do you have any favorite pastimes? Please drop us a line or share your project stories on our Facebook page or in the Comments below. Until next time, stay inspired!

Items used in Necklace: Z018885, (3) SW00120, (2) SW00244 , TC00638, SB00413, A019693, A019617, (2) A008126, A008808, A011537