This month’s trip is Ireland. Find out how rich and romantic this country is from its green landscapes and historical architects. Plus, venture the lush hues Swarovski suggests to inspire your Ireland trip along with a DIY jewelry project for you to try.

Ireland

As you follow the rolling hills from the Causeway Coast to the Sunny South East, your heart will be one with Ireland. Filled with centuries of ancient stories, rich culture and rugged, romantic landscapes, the “Emerald Isle,” is sure to put a sparkle in your eye. The wild unruly countryside and awe-inspiring sights lead to countless photographs in the hopes of capturing nature in its most majestic state. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but these pieces capture all the heritage and beauty that is Ireland.

Here are some fun facts for your visit:

• Ireland is named the Emerald Isles, first mentioned in William Brennan’s poem ‘When Erin first rose.”
• Ireland is home to Guinness Beer
• Riverdance consists of traditional Irish music and dance
• The origins of Halloween is from Ireland
• St. Patrick’s Day is a national Ireland holiday
• Ireland has a history of world-known writers such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde W. B. Yeats
• Ireland has over 30,000 castles.

Ireland – Swarovski Colors

• Crystal Metallic Sunshine
• Olivine
• Crystal Vitrail Medium

Ireland Inspired DIY Jewelry

What you’ll need:

• Gold Memory Wire – WR00126
• 11/0 Galzanized Yellow Seed Bead – SB00423
• 4mm, 6mm, & 8mm Round Swarovski Crystals:
  SW02532 (8)
  SW02531 (8)
  SW02530 (8)
  SW02527 (8)
  SW02526 (8)
  SW02525 (8)

Directions:

1. Make a simple loop to one end of your memory wire.
2. Slide on 6 seed beads.
3. Make various sequence of 1-3 crystals with a seed bead in between. And 6 seed beads in between each sequence.

We have a cute DIY for you today and it involves one of our favorite products, leather cord! We’re making an easy DIY leather bracelet with 2mm and 1mm leather cord to braid and make a criss cross design with flat ring links.

Here is what you’ll need:

• 2mm Round Leather Cord  – (Item used in sample A022079/Z018651)
• 1mm Round Leather Cord – (Item used in sample A022061)
• 14mm Brushed Silver Ring Link – Y018889
• Your choice of button – (Item used in sample TC01245)

Directions:

1. Slide button onto the middle of a 30 Inch piece of 2mm leather and tie an overhand knot about ¾ of an inch from the button.
2. Do 7 macramé square knots starting right up against the overhand knot with 50 inches of 1mm leather cord.
3. Slide on a ring.  In front of the ring cross the left piece of the 1mm over the 2 strands of 2mm cord and then cross the right piece over the left piece.
4. Take the ends of your 2 cords of 2mm leather and bend them back over the crisscrossed strands and go back thru the ring. Tighten, adjust and straighten your strands.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4, 8 more times. Adjust number of rings to make bracelet larger or smaller.
6. After last ring do 7 macramé square knots.
7. With all 4 pieces of cord make an overhand knot where the macramé ends. Trim ends of the 1mm cord
8. Place another overhand knot using just the 2mm cords about one inch from first to create your button hole clasp.

Video Tutorial

You can view a similar version of this bracelet on our previous Facebook LIVE video HERE.

Hashing out our love for our newer paperclip chain, we’ve make a simple bracelet with dainty charms and adjustable with a sliding clasp.

What you’ll need:

• 8.4mm Paper Clip Chain – CH01158 (Rhodium – CH01156)
• 4mm Jump Ring – A011517 (Silver – Z011500)
• Charms – Z005245, TC01163, TC01904 (Rhodium/Silver – Z005244, TC00418, TC00056)
• Adjustable Sliding Clasp – Z012178 (Rhodium – Z012150)

Directions:

1. Cut paper clip to chain to consist of 15 links (6 inches).
2. Open ring on star charm, slide through middle chain link and close ring.
3. Open jump ring, slide through link two links right from the middle link and slide on moon charm. Close jump ring.
4. Open jump ring, slide through link two from the left side of the middle link and slide on heart charm. Close jump ring.
5. Open jump ring from sliding clasp and attach to either ends of the paper clip chain. Close jump ring. Repeat on other end. NOTE: If adjustable clasp is too long, trim chain on each side 1-2 inches.

Some of our newer beadable products are in and we, meaning So Vang, is pretty excited to get designing! We have new Diamond Beadable Pendant and Diamond Beadable Ring, with example designs and templates so that you can get designing on your own!

For these projects you’ll need:

• Size 11/0 Miyuki Delica Beads
• Crystal Fireline Beading Thread – A006587/A006585
• Needle – A015211
• Diamond Beadable Ring – Z018109 or Z018108
  OR
• Diamon Beadable Pendant – Z018096 or Z018099

Diamond Beadable Ring

Items used in ring: Z018109, SB00269, SB00260 & SB03538

Download Pattern & Template PDF for Ring HERE.

Diamond Beadable Pendant

Easily design two and make a cute pair of earrings or pair it with a tassel for a fun necklace pendant!

Items used in TOP pendant: Z018096, SB00269, SB00227, SB00223, SB02336 & SB00253

Items used in LEFT pendant: Z018099, SB00269, SB00260, SB00229 & SB02324.

Items used in RIGHT pendant: Z018096, SB00269 & SB00255.

Downloadable Pattern and Template PDF for Beadable Pendant HERE.

Video Tutorial

Check out our previous LIVE where So Vang demonstrates how to bead stitch the Beadable Pendant. Tutorial starts at 11 Minutes. Watch Video HERE!

It’s getting warmer out, so why not plan for a stargazing trip? Let’s get your gear ready with some appropriate star earrings with acetate components. Here are two DIY Starry Acetate Earrings to get you started, from the Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Trend.

Items used in earrings: Z019901, Z016733 (2), A011525 & A014108

Directions:

1. Open jump ring, slide on acetate and inner loop of round hoop. Close jump ring.
2. Open ear wire loop and slide on top loop of round hoop.
3. Repeat for other earring.

Items used in earring: Z019900, Z017165 (2), A001528, A001530, Z015030 & TC02297.

Directions:

1. Open 8mm jump ring, slide on star acetate and inner loop of teardrop hoop. Close jump ring.
2. Open 5mm jump ring, side on top loop of teardrop hoop, through one hole of acetate connector and close loop.
3. Open earwire loop and slide on other hole of acetate connector. Close loop.
4. Repeat all steps for other earring.

Spring into Spring with a flowery wrap bracelet with Czech flower beads. We’re featuring a variated design with Raven’s Journey Czech beads strung on memory wire.

What you’ll need:

• Czech Flower Beads
• Czech Rondelle Beads
• Czech Drop Beads
• Or try other Czech beads like Druks or Fire Polish
• Memory Wire Bracelet – WR00120

Pick out a few of your Czech flower favorites.

Make a simple loop to one end of your memory wire and slide on a few Czech beads. This sequence does not have to be planned and can be random. This is the natural beauty of this design. Then slide on one of your flower beads and repeat.

Today’s DIY Gemstone Donut and Deerskin Necklace features three of our favorite brands. Dakota Stones gemstone donuts, LeatherCord USA deerskin lace and TierraCast barrel bead.

Items used in necklace:

• 40mm Dendritic Fossil Ocean Agate Gemstone Donut. – DFOA40DNT
  Try other Gemstone Donut.
• 6mm TierraCast Barrel Bead – TC01543
  Try out Gold or Antique Silver barrel bead.
• 5mm Slate Grey Deerskin Lace – Z011156
  Try other 5mm Deerskin Lace

Directions:

1. Cut deerskin lace in half (if you’re using the 2 meter product item) or cut 3.5 feet of lace.
2. Fold lace in half and slide through gemstone donut and make a lark’s head knot. Make sure the front side of the lace is facing outwards and evening out your lace ends.
3. Slide barrel beads through both lace ends and slide to sit on top of lark’s head knot.
4. Make an overhand knot to both of your lace end to complete your necklace.

Spring is here and flowers are blooming! So we have this sweet DIY flower blossom necklace.

What you’ll need:

• 15mm Pink Purple Allover Flower Lampwork Bead – A020050
• Lilac Purple Tassel with Gold Cap – Z013829
• Gold Eyepin – A019611
• 6mm Swarovski Pink Pearl – SW00741
• Gold Double Chain Necklace – Z007820
• TierraCast Gold Bail – TC02312
• 3mm Gold Ball Bead – Z001310
• 5mm Gold Jump Ring – A011519

Directions:

1. Open jump ring, slide on tassel and eyepin loop. Close jump ring.
2. On eyepin, slide on pearl bead and make a simple loop.
3. Open another jump ring, slide on loop you made in step 2, and another loop of eyepin. Close jump ring.
4. On eyepin you added, slide on gold round bead, flower lampwork and another gold round bead. Make a simple loop.
5. Open loop you made in step 4 and slide on loop of bail. Close loop.
6. Unhook necklace clasp and slide necklace chain through bail.

11/0 Miyuki Delica Mixes are some of our newer items here at GoodyBeads. And an interesting way of designing with them are some simple Memory Wire Bracelet. They are perfect for all ages and also the perfect bracelet to wear in warm summer months!

What you’ll need:

• 11/0 Miyuki Delica Mixes – Item used in bracelet SB03806
• Memory Wire WR00126/WR00127 – Item used in bracelet WR00126
  Note: do not use the Heavy or Extra Heavy Memory Wire. The thickness may not fit the Delicas.
• Tools: Memory Wire Shears , Memory Wire Finishing Pliers and Serrated Pliers

Items in bracelet: SB03806 and WR00126.

Directions:

1. Make a simple loop to one end of your memory wire.
2. Slide on Delica seed beads on memory wire. Make two wraps or more.
3. Cut excess memory wire leaving a 1/4″ end. Make a simple loop.

Take a trip to Austria for this month’s destination. Find out how majestic and traditional this country is from its humble villages to intricate architecture to the majestic mountain. Plus, venture the cool hues Swarovski suggests to inspire your Austria trip along with a DIY jewelry project for you to try.

Austria

Austria may be one of Europe’s smallest countries, but it is also one of the most popular destinations in the world. Whether you’re traversing across its drawbridges or hiking up the Alps, the region’s roaring waters and crisp mountain air will greet you as if you were home. The inspiration of these pieces is derived from a multitude of Austria’s most iconic wonders — deep valleys, vast farmland, whimsical woodlands, raging rivers, and of course, its majestic mountains.

Here are some fun facts:

• Swarovski Kristallwelten or Swarovski Crystal World is located in Austria – featuring a garden, sculptures and playground!
• “Sound of Music” was filmed and set in Salzburg, Austria.
• Many of the Classical music icons were born and lived in Austria, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss, Schubert, and others.
• Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in Austria
• The first zoo was established here.

Austria – Swarovski Colors

Swarovski Create Your Style, has selected three colors to depict the majestic sites of Austria:

• Crystal Clear
• Crystal Clear AB
• Denim Blue

Austria Inspired DIY Jewelry

Using a variation of round and bicone beads in the three colors, we made a chain link necklace by making wrapped loop links. Refer to our Wire Wrapped blog post on a visual tutorial.

What you’ll need:

• 22 or 24 Gauge Wire – Item used AW00025
• 11/0 Galvanized Gold Seed Bead – SB00423
• 4-8mm Round Crystal Beads (Get Suggested Qty of 6/each) – SW00514, SW00515, SW00516, SW00001, SW00002, SW00003, SW00005, SW00006 & SWZ0007.
• 4-8mm Bicone Crystal Beads (Get Suggested Qty of 6/each) – SW00401, SW00504, SW00102, SW00103, SW00104 & SW00105.
• Bracelet Sliding Clasp – Z012152
• Diamond/Charm Connector – Z016366

Directions:

1. Make a wrapped loop to one end of a 2-3 inch piece of wire. Slide on a seed bead, crystal and seed bead. Make another wrapped loop.
2. Create another wrapped loop while sliding on link you made in step 1 before completing the loop. Slide on a seed bead, crystal and seed bead. Make another wrapped loop.
3. Repeat step 2 with various different of crystals to create 7-10 links. With the last link wrapped loop, slide on the diamond link before completing the wrapped loop.
4. Make next set of wrapped beaded links, linking the diamond link in Step 3.
5. Repeat to your desired length. We made a length of 28 inches.
6. Open jump ring of the bracelet sliding clasp and link each end of your beaded links to clasp.

As an alternative, you can use 20 gauge wire and make simple loops to create your beaded links.

Design delicate and minimalistic necklaces with a secretive morse code, using Miyuki Delica seed beads, strung on beading chain.

Morse Code Letters

Morse code is a type of telecommunication invented in the early 19th century that takes texts and converts them into dots and dashes. Each letter has a series of dots and/or dashes. Here is what they look like:

DIY Morse Code Necklace

Items used in necklace: CH00725 (2), SB00269, SB00223, A021708 (2), A002729, TC02294 (2)

What you’ll need overall:

• Size 11/0 Miyuki Delica Seed Beads
  Two Colors: One color will compliment the beading chain – Gold/SB00269 or Silver/SB00141 AND a secondary color of your choice
• 2 feet of Beading Chain – CH00724 OR CH00725
• Your choice of bead ending:
  1. Using X001505 like previous Blog Post
  2. Crimp End like THIS previous Blog Post
• Choice of clasp endings.

In our tutorial today, we’ll use the word LOVE, subbing each dot for a bead and a dash for three beads:

L • — • •
O — — —
V • • • —
E •

And then adding a silver or gold delica to space each dot and dash. This is how LOVE will look like:

Complete your necklace with beading ending of your choice and you have a simple dainty necklace!

1. Using X001505 like previous Blog Post
2. Crimp End like THIS previous Blog Post

Why not try something new this weekend with some fun Apoxie sculpt. Apoxie sculpting clay from Aves Clay, is a versatile clay that air dries naturally in 24 hours. Check out our previous blog on Apoxie Sculpt 101 and Blending Colors.

Today’s blog is creating a simple pendant using our black Apoxie mix. Try out other colors we have and the Blending Colors blog in creating different colors!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Black Apoxie – Z018273
  Make sure to try other colors!
• 20 gauge Eyepin – A019612
• Chain or Adjustable Necklace
• Vintaj Patinas or thick paint.
  We used Martha Stewart Metallic Gold Paint in our sample.
• Other tools: gloves, Ziploc bag, round nose pliers

Painted Pendant

You can also to the same tutorial by adding eyepin loops to both ends of your cylinder and shape the clay in a curve, like our other example. Add your choice of chain or Adjustable Necklace chain for a super simple necklace idea!

Featured in our Trends We Love on Acetate Components, make this pair of Acetate and Chain Tassel Earrings today!

What you’ll need:

• 18mm Grey Acetate Small Diamond Shape Pendant – Z020413
• 6mm Gold Jump Ring – Z011522
• 1.7 Inch Gold Plated Tassel – A013211
• Gold Plated French Wire Earrings – A014108

Directions:

1. Open jump ring, slide on tassel loop and through one hole of acetate connector. Close jump ring.
2. Open another jump ring, slide on other hole of acetate connector and through ear wire loop. Close jump ring.
3. Repeat all steps for other earring.

We’ve got TWO easy projects using March’s Swarovski Psychology of Color: Amethyst. Design jewelry with this passionate hue!

Amethyst Wrap Bracelet

Items used in bracelet: SB00422, SW02206 (30), SW00084 (20), SW00081 (20), WR00127 & A014097

Directions:

1. Make a simple loop to the end of your memory wire with Memory Wire Finishing Pliers.
2. Slide on the following bead sections onto the memory wire:
   Seed bead, silver curve tube, seed bead, light amethyst crystal, seed bead, amethyst crystal, seed bead, 3 amethyst shimmer crystals, seed bead, amethyst crystal, seed bead and light amethyst crystal.
3. Repeat this sequence 9 more times. Then end with a seed bead.
4. Cut memory wire end leaving a 1/4″ end and make a simple loop.

Ombré Amethyst Earrings

Items used in earrings: SW00198 (4), SW00195 (4), SW00105 (4), SB00422, A019656 & TCZ0077

Directions:

1. On a headpin, slide on the following and make a simple or wrapped loop:
   Amethyst bicone, seed bead, amethyst bicone, seed bead, light amethyst, seed bead, light amethyst, seed bead, clear crystal, seed bead, clear crystal and seed bead.
2. Open earwire loop and slide on crystal dangle. Close loop.
3. Repeat all steps for other earring.

Our tutorial today features some trendy tassel earrings made with seed beads. You may recall our previous blog post on Beaded Tassel Tutorial. Today’s project will use that tutorial along with multiple colors of seed beads and beautiful TierraCast pieces.

What you’ll need:

• Size 11/0 seed beads. We used 3 different colors in our sample:
  • SB00423, which will pair with the gold TierraCast finding. You can also use SB00422 and silver TierraCast finding.
  • Cream color: SB00444
  • Color seed bead: SB00447 You can also swap this color!

• TierraCast Hammertone Cone – TC02824/TC02823
• Eyepin or 20 Gauge Wire – A019632/A019633 or AW00004/AW00007
• 4mm round bead, we’ve used a 4mm Swarovski pearl bead – SW01053 (2)
• Earwire – TCZ0139/TCZ0077
• Size AA Beading Thread – Black or White
• Needle – A015211

Directions (Refer to Beaded Tassel Tutorial for example visuals):

1. Make a wrapped loop to a 3 inch piece of wire. OR if you’re using an eyepin, coil the eyepin loop.
2. Starting with 4 feet of thread, create a stopper bead on your thread leaving a 4-6 inch tail.
3. Sew through the wire loop.
4. Pick up the following bead sequence
   1. 20 cream seed bead
   2. Wine bead, cream bead, 2 wine bead, cream bead, 3 wine bead, cream bead
   3. 10 wine bead
   4. gold bead, wine bead, 2 gold bead, wine bead, 3 gold bead, wine bead
   5. 8 gold bead.
5. Skip the last bead and sew back up through all the beads you’ve sewn and through wire loop. Don’t pull to hard, you want your fringe to hang loose.
6. Repeat step 4 and 5 another 7 more times for a total of 8 tassel fringes.
7. Tie thread ends together, securing it with a small dot of Super New Glue.
8. Slide wire through cone and pick up 4mm round bead (pearl) and cream seed bead. Make a simple or wrapped loop.
9. Open earwire and add tassel dangle.
10. Repeat all steps for other earring.