Are you ready to head bang to the beat of “Boys of Summer,” while cruising along the beach? We have three bracelets that feature trending flamingo and palm tree motifs. Easy to make and slip on, you can make these simple stretch or leather bracelets while catching rays on the beach.

Beach Party Stretch Bracelet

Wear your oversized floppy hat, romper, flip flops and this cool bracelet to your next beach party! You can whip up this bracelet and still have time to figure out if you want to change your outfit again.

What you will need for this bracelet is the following:

• (1 pk.) Z007190 – Flamingo Bead
• (1 pk.) A007214 – Palm Tree Bead
• (1 pk.) A005646 – Beige with Light Pink Dot Bead
• (1 pk.) A006682 – Raspberry with White Dot Bead
• (1) Z001624 – 0.8mm Elastic Cord
• (1 pk.) MIRA0008 – Green Miracle Bead
• (1 pk.) A002225 – Silver Plated Bali Style Beads
• (1 pk.) A021466 –Silver Plated Bali Style Disc Spacer
• (1) Z004335 – Burgundy Tassel
• (1) A007703 – Sand Dollar Pewter Charm
• (1) A001529 – 6mm Jump Ring
• Fast-drying glue OR (1) A015821 – Super New Glue

Instructions:

Step 1 – Open your jump ring and slide on your tassel and sand dollar loop. Close jump ring.

Step 2 – Cut your elastic to 9 Inches. Give your Elastic a tug to loosen the elasticity.

Step 3 – Slide on the following bead sections:

1. Raspberry bead, disc spacer, pink bead, disc spacer, pink bead, disc spacer, pink bead, raspberry bead
2. green bead, small spacer, green bead, flamingo bead
3. green bead, small spacer, green bead, palm tree bead
4. green bead, small spacer, green bead, flamingo bead
5. green bead, small spacer, green bead, palm tree bead
6. green bead, jump ring dangle, small spacer, green bead

Step 4 – Make a surgeon’s knot. Check our elastic bracelet post to learn how to make a surgeon’s knot.

Step 5 – Add a dab of your fast-drying glue to your knot.

Step 6 – Cut excess elastic.

Coastal Palm Tree Leather Bracelet

We are so loving this palm tree leather bracelet. It’s ultra trendy for summer with leather cord and bright palm tree beads in this simple design.

Items you will need:

• (1 pk.) A007214 – Palm Tree Bead
• (1) WR00120 – Large Silver Memory Wire
• (2) TC01855 – Brass Cord End
• (2) SW00300 – Swarovski® 4mm Topaz Cube Crystal
• (9) CH00789 – 6mm Whiskey Round Portuguese Leather Cord with Hole

Tools:

TLZ0207 – Memory Wire Finishing Pliers
FTTL0005 – Memory Wire Cutter

Instructions:

Step 1 – Make a simple loop at one end of your memory wire.

Step 2 – Slide on the following beads:

Palm tree, cube crystal, cord end, leather, cord end, cube crystal, palm tree

Step 3 – Cut with your memory wire cutters 1/2″ away from the last palm tree.

Step 4 – Round the wire end to make a simple loop.

Blushing Flamingo Leather Bracelet

Can you imagine yourself wearing this bracelet, while humming and sipping on a fruity drink? We love the handmade flamingo glass bead surrounded with hues of pink.

Items you will need:

• (1 pk.) Z007190 – Flamingo Bead
• (1 pk.) A005646 – Beige with Light Pink Dot Bead
• (1 pk.) A006682 – Raspberry with White Dot Bead
• (1) WR00120 – Large Silver Memory Wire
• (4) TC01857 – Rhodium Plated Cord End
• (7) CH00791 – Distressed Red Round Portuguese Leather Cord with Hole
• (2) SW00232 – 4mm Swarovski Round Indian Pink Crystal
• (2) SW00233 – 6mm Swarovski Round Indian Pink Crystal
• (8) TC00357 – 8mm Rhodium Bead Aligner

Tools:

TL00207 – Memory Wire Finishing Pliers
FTTL0005 – Memory Wire Cutter

Instructions:

Step 1 – Cut your leather cord in half to create two 3.5” lengths.

Step 2 – Make a simple loop at one end of your memory wire.

Step 3 – Slide on the following bead sections:

1. Cord end, leather, cord end, 4mm crystal, bead aligner, raspberry bead, bead aligner
2. 6mm round crystal, bead aligner, pink bead, bead aligner, flamingo bead, bead aligner, pink bead, bead aligner, 6mm pink crystal
3. bead aligner, raspberry bead, bead aligner, 4mm crystal, Cord end, leather, cord end

Step 4 – Cut with your memory wire cutters 1/2″ away from the last cord end.

Step 5 – Round the wire end to make a simple loop.

Czech Crescent beads are NEW at GoodyBeads. The Czech crescent beads are wedge-shaped beads with two holes. We have two easy and free tutorials using these Czech crescent beads.

Midnight Gold Czech Crescent Bracelet

For this bracelet, we used a combination of black and gold crescent beads with Swarovski® crystals in Graphite AB2X. The midnight glow of the AB2X is hauntingly beautiful in this piece.

What you will need:

• Czech Crescent beads
• 4mm bicone Swarovski® crystals
• Size 8 Miyuki Seed Bead
• Fireline beading thread
• Needle
• 6mm jump rings
• Lobster claw clasp
• 2” of chain link

We love this bracelet because it is simple to make. First, start by threading on 4 seed beads. Keep the ends of your thread untied. Then, you will thread on a top layer with a sequence of 3 Czech crescent, a seed bead and a 4mm bicone crystal. Repeat this sequence until you’ve reached your preferred bracelet length. End this top layer with 3 crescent beads and 4 seed beads. Now, bring the thread down to the bottom 3 crescent beads you’ve ended with. You will now be threading the bottom layer by adding a seed bead and bicone crystal in between each crescent bead grouping until you’ve reached the end. Tie both of your thread ends together. Feed your threads back through a few beads before you cut off excess thread. Add your clasp and chain link to the seed bead loop ends you’ve made with jump rings.

Enjoy this illustrated pdf tutorial with instructions.

Midnight Czech Crescent Earrings

Complement your bracelet with this pair of earrings. Check out our illustrated pdf tutorial and instructions for these Czech Crescent Earrings.

What you will need:

• Czech Crescent beads
• 4mm bicone Swarovski® crystals
• Size 8 Miyuki Seed Bead
• Fireline beading thread
• Needle
• 8mm Round Swarovksi® crystals
• 6mm Round Swarovksi® crystals
• Headpins
• Ear wire

First thread on your top layer with, crescent bead, seed bead, bicone crystal (4 times). Tie both thread ends together to create a cylinder shape. Feed your thread through one crescent bead and loop down through the second hole of the crescent bead. Thread in reverse of your cylinder shape with adding a seed bead and bicone crystal inbetween the crescent bead. Once you’ve reached the end. Tie off thread ends and thread through a few beads before cutting off excess and you’ve completed your crescent bead design.

Slide these beads onto the headpin and make a simple loop:
Seed bead, bicone crystal, 8mm round crystal, 6mm round crystal, crescent bead design, bicone crystal and seed bead.

Open your Ear-wire loop and slide on your crescent bead design headpin loop. Repeat for other earring.

Midnight Gold Czech Crescent Bracelet:

• (30) SB03297 – 10mm Jet 2-Hole Czech Crescent
• (15) SB03284 – 10m Matte Metallic Flax 2-Hole Czech Crescent
• (28) SW01413 – Swarovski® 4mm Bicone Graphite AB2X Crystal
• (36) SB00084 – 8/0 Metallic Dark Bronze Iris Miyuki Seed Bead
• (2) TC00708 – 6mm Brass Oxide Oval Jump Ring
• (1) Z006523 – 12 Brass Oxide Plated Lobster Claws
• A006588 – Smoke Fireline Thread

Midnight Czech Crescent Earrings:

• (8) SB03297 – 10mm Jet 2-Hole Czech Crescent
• (20) SW01413 – Swarovski® 4mm Bicone Graphite AB2X Crystal
• (20) SB00084 – 8/0 Metallic Dark Bronze Iris Miyuki Seed Bead
• (2) TC01257 – 2 Inch Silver Headpins
• (1 pair) – A008998 – Silver Base Metal French Wire Earrings
• (2) SW00014 – Swarovski® 6mm Round Crystal White Opal
• (2) SW00015 – Swarovski® 8mm Round Crystal
• A006588 – Smoke Fireline Thread

Make a personalized gift with special, customized words for Dad. A new alternative to sterling silver, Alkemé™ stamping blanks make personalizing gifts easy and fun.

Made with a newly formulated, non-corrosive metal alloy, these metal discs allow for intricate, detailed stamping at just a light tap of a hammer. Plus, Alkemé™ stamping blanks are lead-, nickel and cadmium-free.  Just buff with a soft cloth, like you do with silver. It’s a great, affordable option to using sterling silver, and looks fantastic.

Leather KeyChain with Alkemé Blank

Dads are heroes, don’t you agree? They fix the sink when clogged, change out the burned-out light bulb, chase away monsters under your bed and even drive you to the mall. We have this easy leather keychain to remind him of his superhero qualities. Refer to our How to Rivet blog post for a tutorial on how to rivet leather and our metal stamping blog post on how to stamp metal blanks.

What you’ll need:

• Stamped Alkemé blank
• 6” of 10mm leather
• Key Ring and jump ring
• 6mm compression rivet and 6mm rivet setter
• Metal working tools

Leather Cord Wrap Bracelet

This simple bracelet is for the fishing enthusiast Dad. Using this stylish fish hook clasp, 2mm leather cord and an Alkemé dangle blank, he is sure to wear this bracelet all day, every day, fishing, or non-fishing.

What you’ll need:

• Stamped Alkemé blank
• 2mm leather cord
• Jump ring
• Fish hook clasp

Leather KeyChain with Alkemé Blank

• (1) MCKR0002 – Key Ring
• (1) Z009650 – 1 1/4 Inch 18 Gauge Silver Dog Tag Alkeme™ Metal Stamping Blank
• (1) A001530 – 8mm Jump Ring
• (6) CH00185 – 10mm Brown/Turquoise Flat Leather
• (1) TC01679 – 6mm Antique Copper Compression Rivet
• Tool: TC01812 – 6mm Rivet Setter
• Letter Stamps: TL00191 – 3mm Bridgette Metal Letters Stamping Set

Leather Cord Wrap Bracelet

• (1) A019153 – 5/8 x 1/4 Inch Oval Tag Soft Strike Aluminum Stamping Blank
• (1) A021702 – Antique Silver Multi Fish Hook
• (1) Y002922 – 1.3mm Natural Orange Leather Cord
• (1) A001530 – 8mm Jump Ring
• Letter Stamps: TL00191 – 3mm Bridgette Metal Letters Stamping Set

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.

Czech Honeycomb beads are popular! We have two easy and free tutorials on how to use these popular honeycomb beads to make a bangle and cuff bracelet.

Honeycomb Bangle by Apollinariya Koprivnik

We followed BeadSmith’s Inspiration Squad Member, Apollinariya Koprivnik’s tutorial to make this stunning honeycomb bangle. We love its mesmerizing, 3D design. We dressed the bangle with the matte jet honeycomb and accented it with gold and silver seed beads and SuperDuos.

What you will need:

• (2 strands) Z013173 – Jet Matte Honeycomb Czech Glass Beads
• A006588 – Smoke Fireline Thread 50 Yard Spool (6LB TEST)
• SB02474 – Matubo: Crystal Full Amber
• SB01171 – Size 15 Matte Black Miyuki Seed Bead
• SB00422 – Size 11 Galvanized Silver Miyuki Seed Bead
• SB03131 – MiniDuo: Jet Mat
• SB02170 – SuperDuo: Jet Amber Luster

Follow link for the BANGLE TUTORIAL.

Honeycomb Cuff

To create this wire-wrap cuff, we drew inspiration from Julie Romero’s honeycomb bangle bracelet. Follow our directions below to create this easy wire wrapped honeycomb cuff.

What you will need:

• Raw Brass Open Cuff Bracelet
• 26-gauge wire
• Qty of 26 Czech honeycomb beads

* Note: It is easier and quicker to work with shorter pieces of 26-gauge wire.

Items used for cuff bracelet: AW00088, Z002579, Z014736, Z014689

We are celebrating spring with some fresh Czech hibiscus flower beads. Flowers always come to mind when thinking about spring. And tropical hibiscus flowers are the perfect reminder that warmer months are ahead. We have some easy and inspiring spring jewelry projects that use beautiful Czech hibiscus flower glass beads and porcelain beads.

Porcelain and Czech Elastic Bracelet

Here is a perfect bracelet to add to your spring outfits. Made with Czech hibiscus flower beads, Czech leaves, and pink porcelain beads, it is strung on elastic for an easy and wearable bracelet. For additional ideas, check out out our previous blog on elastic bracelets.

Cherry Blossom Czech Necklace and Earrings

We love these Pink with Picasso Hibiscus Czech Glass Beads because it reminds us of cherry blossoms. Our necklace has eyepin links of these pink hibiscus beads, as well as links of Frosted Green Porcelain Round Beads capped with Pink Luster Piggy Czech Glass Beads. Finishing the links off with a 24” brass chain, we have a simple necklace to wear to the next garden party.

We took the same link sequence from our necklace and made two pairs of earrings.

• Porcelain and Czech Elastic Bracelet
• (4) Z004860 – 14mm Aqua Opalite with Picasso Hibiscus Czech Glass Beads
• (4) A008296 – 12mm Frosted Pink Porcelain Round Bead
• (4) Z006506 – 10mm Olive Luster with Picasso Maple Leaf Czech Glass Beads
• (12) A020421 – 6mm Antique Gilt Corrugated Metal Bead with Resin Base
• A002290 – 0.7mm Stretch Magic Elastic Cord

Cherry Blossom Czech Necklace

• (3) Z010013 – 14mm Pink with Picasso Hibiscus Czech Glass Beads
• (3) A008292 – 12mm Frosted Green Porcelain
• (6) Y008814 – 8mm Pink Luster Piggy Czech Glass Beads
• (7) A019630 – 2 Inch Gunmetal Eyepins
• (2 Feet) A008181 – 2mm Antique Brass Rollo Chain
• (14) A020510 – 4mm Gold Hematite Rondelle Bead Strand

Cherry Blossom Czech Earring (Porcelain)

• (2) A008292 – 12mm Frosted Green Porcelain
• (4) A020510 – 4mm Gold Hematite Rondelle Bead Strand
• (2) A019676 – 2 Inch Gunmetal Headpin
• (1 Pair) A002409 – Gunmetal Leverback Earrings
• (2) Y008814 – 8mm Pink Luster Piggy Czech Glass Beads

Cherry Blossom Czech Earring (Pink Czech)

• (2) Z010013 – 14mm Pink with Picasso Hibiscus Czech Glass Beads
• (4) A020510 – 4mm Gold Hematite Rondelle Bead Strand
• (2) A019676 – 2 Inch Gunmetal Headpin
• (1 Pair) A002409 – Gunmetal Leverback Earrings

Rainy season is upon us. And what better way to a rainy day then making some leather cuffs. We have an easy leather cuff tutorial that will make you want to put away your rain boots and umbrellas, and “veg out” making these easy leather cuffs.

What you will need are:

• Glue-In-Cuffs for Flat Leather
• E-6000 or Super New Glue
• 7 Inches of 10mm Flat Leather OR Two Pieces of 5mm Flat Leather cut at 7 Inches

We love the simplicity of this project because it only requires flat leather, cuff, glue, and patience.

Mayan Magic Leather Cuff Bracelet

The textile trend is here. And what better way to embrace this trend by making a cuff with some flat cotton cord.

• (7) CH00644 – 10mm Flat Beige Multi Cotton Cord (out of stock)
• (1) Z020971 – 10mm Rhodium Glue-in-Cuff for Flat Leather

Men’s Stitched Leather Cuff

We think this bracelet would be popular for men as it has a masculine-stitched leather on this rhodium color glue-in-cuff.

• (1) A019002 – 10mm Brown with Stitching Synthetic Flat Leather
• (1) Z020971 – 10mm Rhodium Glue-in-Cuff for Flat Leather

Double Neon Mustard Leather Cuff

Instead of using a strand of 10mm flat leather, you can make two layers with two 5mm flat leather. We paired the mustard flat leather with this graphic neon splatter-printed leather on a gold-plated, glue-in-cuff.

• (7) CH00047 – 5mm Mustard/Black Flat Leather (out of stock)
• (7) CH00697 – 5mm Neon Splatter Ornate Printed Flat Leather
• (1) Z020943 – 10mm Shiny Gold Glue-in-Cuff for Flat Leather

To encompass the trend of boho, we have pulled our wonderful stock of silk ribbon and ribbon mixes to show you how to use silk ribbon in jewelry. We will show you how to make an easy wrap memory wire bracelet with silk ribbon and silk ribbon tassel earrings.

Boho Silk Memory Wire Bracelet 

This bracelet is perfect to wear on a beautiful summer day. We used the Hand Dyed Ribbon Mix, which has eight 2 yards of ribbon, yarn and fabric mix. When wrapped around memory wire, the colors and various fibers has a boho charm. You can finish off your bracelet with a tassel attached at the memory wire loop end or add charms scattered around the bracelet with jump rings. This memory wire ribbon wrap bracelet is easy to make and to pair with your everyday outfit. Just follow our easy instructions or DOWNLOAD our pdf tutorial.

What you will need are:

• Memory Wire
• Hand Dyed Ribbon Mix
• 26 Gauge Wire
• Glue
• Tools: Memory Wire Cutter and Memory Wire Finishing Pliers

Items used in bracelet: WR00121, A017686 , AW00097, Z003429, 

Silky Tassels

Use silk ribbon to make a trendy pair of tassel earrings.  Make some fun pair of earrings like what we have made here. OR create a longer tassel to use in a statement necklace.

Items used in earrings: A021370 , WR00033, A021484, Z001480, A008998

Ribbon Necklace

Center a porcelain pendant to these mix ribbon and make knots on both sides. Then make another knot next to those knots and added seashell and starfish charms with copper jump rings in between each knots. This necklace takes you to the beach without even being there!

• (1) A017683 – Peacock Color Hand Dyed Ribbon Mix
• (1) A007869 – 47.5x22mm Ocean Mist Shells Handmade Porcelain
• (1) TC01179 – 24mm Antique Copper Spindle Shell Charm
• (1) TC00582 – 20mm Antique Copper Starfish Charm
• (2) Z012870 – 9mm Antique Copper Jump Ring

From traditional Native American Indian-loomed wampum belts to popular and modern Julie Rofman wrap bracelets, bead looming has transcended through changes in time, culture and fashion.  A bead loom can help you make elaborate, beautiful necklaces to simplistic bracelets.

If you are new to using the bead loom or have been wanting to use a bead loom, believe us when we say that using the Ricks Bead Loom is super easy and simple. Here are some tips and tricks to using Ricks Bead Loom, as well as some inspirational loom bracelets to get you started. We also provide two different ways to clasp loom bracelets.

Ricks Bead Loom

When you purchase a Ricks Bead Loom, you receive the bead loom and its components, as well as a detailed, visual instructions of how to set up and use the bead loom. You can also check out Ricks video tutorial on his webpage on how to use his bead loom.

The basic method of bead looming is weaving a thread back and forth through rows of seed beads that are sandwiched in between vertical strands or “warp strands”. The difference between a traditional bead loom and Ricks Bead Loom is the amount of warp strands you are using. A traditional loom will have multiple warp strands going up and down along the loom, while a Ricks Bead Loom will have only one strand that wraps back and forth, up and around between the two rods. This continuous wrapping of the strands between rods will leave you with two threads at the end.

Like the instructions you will receive, first you insert your metals rods. These rods are where your vertical warp strands will lay. Adjust the wood piece/tailstock to your preferred bracelet length and start making your warp strands. The amount of warps you have is according to the amount of beads you have in a row, PLUS ONE. If you see the image below, you will see that we have eight seed beads per row and thus we need nine warp strands.

Next, lay your card separator in between the warp strands. It is optional to use the card separator. You can use the warp separator card that comes with the kit. Here, we cut a ½ inch piece of cardstock paper to get us started.

Hook your thread end to your peg and insert it into one of the holes in the front.

You are ready to start your rows. The basic motion of weaving each row is by weaving behind the warp strands with your beads and string. You will then weave back into the same row of beads, but when you feed your needle through, you are gracing the top side of the warp strands.

TIP: When bringing your needle back, use the backside of your needle. Using the backside of the needle will give you a smoother glide through the beads. Be careful not to prick yourself with the sharp end when using this method. Makes you wish you had a thimble on hand, huh? I did.

The first two rows will be tricky but after that you get those two on, it will be easier.

After your two rows are done, slide off the separator and pull your two rows down so it is flushed against the metal rod. Twist the peg that attaches to your thread to keep loose thread tight.

And you are ready to continue with your rows until you’ve reached the end.

TIP: When bringing your needle back through the row of beads, press up on the beads so that they protrude upward. Then, when you sew back through the beads, you will go over the vertical warp strands.

When you have finished your piece, unhook your threads from the pegs and sew the end threads through the rows and knot them. Cut excess thread. Slide your loomed piece off the metal bars and spread out your bead rows evenly outwards towards the ends to hide the loops of the warp strands. Then you are ready to add your clasp ends. Here are two types of loomed bracelets with instructions for adding a Miyuki Tube Finding and sewing on a bead loop to add your clasp.

Miyuki Tube Findings

Items used in Miyuki Tube Finding Loom Bracelet: A015624 (2), SB01824, SB01826, SB01822, Z004093, A012847, A006597, A014106

For this bracelet, we used Miyuki Tube Findings, which are used particularly with Miyuki Delica Size 11 seed beads. GoodyBeads has four available sizes at 15mm, 20mm, 35mm, and 60mm, which will accommodate a certain amount of seed bead per row.

• 15mm uses 10-11 Delica seed bead (A015623 & A015624)
• 20mm uses 15-16 Delica seed bead (A015621 & A015622)
• 35mm uses 26-27 Delica seed bead (Z010413 & Z010422)
• 60mm uses 45-46 Delica seed bead (A018389 & A018390)

Bead Loop Clasp

Items in Bead Loop Clasp Loom Bracelet: A001528, TC00452, A006599, SB01077

You can make a design like our Delica seed bead bracelet or you can use a Miyuki seed bead mix like our bracelet here. For our clasp for this bracelet, we made a loop using seed beads.

It is official! Spring is just around the corner for 2016! Soon the snow will be melting and spring will be knocking at our doors. It’s the perfect time to rummage through your beads and do some spring cleaning: to make way for MORE beads, of course. Here are three different ways to use your leftover beads, findings and chains.

As a beader, you know that you always have extra beads from previous projects lying around. We, at GoodyBeads, are guilty about that! There is a whole shelf dedicated to leftover items of miscellaneous beads, findings, chains, cords, tools, crystals and the list goes on and on. It was hard to not open a fresh pack of new beads or a full length of cut chain or a string of gemstones. But with our wall of STUFF, there were enough items for this spring cleaning project!

An Array of Colorful Beads for a Wrap Bracelet

A perfect way to use your extra beads is to make a quick and easy wrap bracelet. Check out our previous blog, How to Make Wrap Bracelets, for a tutorial.

For this particular bracelet, we gathered similar round 8mm of gemstones and Czech glass beads. Using our used roll of Waxed Cotton Cord and Superlon Brown Thread, we made a wrap bracelet that wraps 4 times. Even check out our button piece. Instead of grabbing a new button, we used a Bali spacer (A021466) and made knots to act as a button piece. Love this idea! What a way to think outside of the box, eh?

If you need supplies, head over to our Gemstone and Czech section. If you are looking for a particular size or shape, we have that option on the left hand navigation under “Size Range” or “Shape.” Or you can even check our selection of Bead Set and Mixes for a quick mix.

Chain Chain Chain

Do you have various length of chain bunched together waiting to be used for bracelet extenders pieces or necklace additions? Make CHAIN the main piece of your jewelry!

What we made here is a multi-chain bracelet. Randomly select a few chain pieces, then measure each chain to your bracelet length. Using a 7mm jump ring to combine each piece of chain end. Do the same to the other end. Use another 7mm jump ring and attach to each end with a magnetic clasp. We have to be honest here and say that we cheated. We did have to get a magnetic clasp from GoodyBeads inventory. You can go ahead and cheat too. We won’t tell if you don’t either!

Another idea is to make a statement necklace with miscellaneous chain braided together. What’d you think?

Linking Bead Dangles

We love our selection of glass beads. The vibrant colors and designs are BEA-U-TIFUL! One way to weed through your stash of beads is to find a HERO bead and play off on the colors and shapes. Grab some eyepins and start making simple loop dangles of the beads you’ve chose. By linking them, you can make a bunch of different jewelry pieces.

Our hero bead was this blue and amber glass bead (A013249). We pulled beads with hues of blue, light blue, and amber as well as some bronze Czech fire polish beads. Using gold eyepins, make a simple loop with the glass and Czech beads. We made enough eyepin dangles until we ran out of the bronze Czech fire polish beads. Plus, we made a handful of Black Diamond Chinese crystal dangles.

Start linking them up to make a necklace, bracelet or earrings. Play with the sequence of the beaded dangles and add chain and different findings. Using up every last beaded dangle and with the help of gold plated findings and chain, we made two necklaces, earrings and a bracelet.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea because it gives you the chance to use up beads that you can’t find anymore. Even some of these beads we used are styles that we no longer have. It makes it more unique don’t you think?

Now that you’ve used your beads up, there’s room to buy more!

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

Leather wrap bracelets is a trending favorite to spice up a boho outfit or rock out to a head-banging concert or add to a casual outing with your girlfriends. Wrap bracelets are a must-have for 2016. We will show you how to make wrap bracelets with illustrated tutorial that you can download.

They may look difficult to make, but after a few attempts, they are honestly easy to make. We will show you a tutorial on how to make these bracelets using one-hole beads and super duo beads, as well as a few tips and tricks to help you make these wrap bracelets.

The basic components you need for these bracelets are:

1. Button findings: which will act as your clasp. Button Ends will work well, also.
2. Leather or cotton round cord: these could range from 1mm to 2mm or larger, depending your preference and on the size of beads you are going to use. The length of cord needed for your bracelet will be determined below.
3. Thread: you can match the thread to your leather cord to hide the look or to add color. Check out some Beading Thread options but keep in mind that you will need a thin enough thread to go through the hole of your beads twice.
4. Beading Needle: size will be according to your thread and bead’s hole size.
5. Adhesive: Hypo-Cement with precision tip, is a good choice to glue thread ends or any fast-drying glue will do.
6. Beads: use your preference of beads or seed beads. Have enough if you plan to have a multi-wrap bracelet.

Determine leather length needed for a wrap bracelet

Use this method to determine the leather cord length you may need for a multi-wrap bracelet.

Take your wrist length and double the length. Multiply that by the number of wraps you want and then add 12”. That will give you an approximate cord length you will need to start your bracelet. (The extra 12” factors in the button knot, end knot(s) and bead size.)

Example:

2 wraps for an 8.5” bracelet: (8.5” x2) x 2 wraps = 34 + 12 = 46” needed.

Or

4 wraps for a 7.5” bracelet: (7.5” x2) x 4 wraps = 60 + 12 = 72” needed.

Keep in mind, these total numbers are approximate. You will want to test the wrap length while you’re making your bracelet. Having extra length is better than being short on your wrapped length goal.

Basic Leather Wrap Bracelet Tutorial

The basic weaving of the thread will be going under the leather cords and then coming over leather cords.

Click HERE to View and Download an illustrated PDF tutorial on how to make these Wrap Bracelets. You can also save/download this pdf file.

Czech SuperDuo Leather Wrap Bracelet Tutorial

With Czech SuperDuo seed beads, you will be layering the bead holes to create a layer sequence. Below is a tutorial on how to make this SuperDuo wrap around bracelet.

Click HERE to View and Download the SuperDuo bead wrap bracelet PDF tutorial and to download illustrated pdf tutorial.

Example Wrap Bracelets

Here are some of our inspired wrap bracelets.

This is a simple one-wrap bracelet. Think about using a different thread color than your leather cord color for a mix of colors.

Use more than one bead on each layer for more embellishment options.

Make a bracelet with multiple combinations of beads to create a fun layered look.

These SuperDuo beads look like tiny stone pebbles, don’t you think? Try a SuperDuo mix set for a colorful bracelet or create a zigzag pattern. What will you try?

Other Tips

How to add on additional thread: Tie thread to closest leather cord and glue with Hypo Cement or fast-drying glue. Cut off excess. Tie new thread to leather cord, glue knot and continue.

How to hold leather strands: An alternative to holding the leather strands, for stability when adding beads, is to clamp the button to a clipboard.

How to straighten leather cords: While you are stringing on beads, adjust previous beads with fingers to straighten out leather cords. Or when you have reached your desired bracelet length, lay the bracelet down and run your hand across your bracelet. This will help to smoothen and straighten your leather cords.

How to tighten threads/bead layers: If you find that your thread does not keep your bead(s) sandwiched in place or the bead sits loosely, sew up and under the cords and through the bead again. Over and down through the bead. Sewing through the bead twice on the leather cords will give your beads a tighter hold.

Tighten leather knots: If your leather cord knots are loosening, add a small dab of fast-drying glue or Hypo-Cement to knot(s) for tighter holds.

How to make an adjustable bracelet: Make additional knotted ends for an adjustable bracelet.

Single Wrap Bracelet

• (1) Z005069 – 2mm Emerald Green Leather Cord
• TCZ0194 – 17mm Flower Button
• A006596 – Brown Beading Thread
• GS00490 –6mm Blue Dyed Impression Jasper
• A018854 – Gold Eye Beading Needles

Faceted and Gold Nugget wrap bracelet

• (1) A020532 – 1mm White Leather Cord
• BT00038 – 12.5mm Gold Circles Button
• A020510 – 4mm Gold Hematite Rondelle Bead
• GS00414 – 6mm Faceted Blue, Red & Brown Tiger Eye Gemstone
• A006587 – 6lb Crystal Fireline Thread
• A018854 – Gold Eye Beading Needles

Pink and Pearl Wrap Bracelet

• TC01262 – 15mm Brass Round Radiant Button
• A016808 – 8mm Pink AB Round Chinese Crystal Glass
• PR00284 – 8mm Preciosa Round Cream Rose Pearl
• Z001553 – 8mm Czech Fire Polish Shiny Gold Beads
• A019038 – 2mm Dark Pink Economy Leather Cord
• A006587 – 6lb Crystal Fireline Thread
• A018854 – Gold Eye Beading Needles

Arianna Caribe SuperDuo Wrap Bracelet

• (1) A020113 – 1mm Natural Red Brown Leather Cord
• TC01263 – 15mm Antique Pewter Round Radiant Button
• SB02239 – Turquoise Blue Picasso Super Duo
• A006596 – Brown Beading Thread
• A018854 – Gold Eye Beading Needles

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

Cold connection is a unique metal technique that connects metal components without the use of heat. While you can connect metal pieces by glue or other adhesive, we will demonstrate some basic steps on how to use rivets with leather.

You will find many cold connection and riveting techniques in steampunk jewelry and metalworking. Once you have the basic tools and components for metal working and rivets, you will find how easy this versatile skill can be used for jewelry making.

Rivet Leather (Part One)

For this project, we are using TierraCast® Rivets to show how to rivet on leather. When riveting on leather, use a two-part compression rivet, which will have a bottom and cap piece. Two-part compression rivets are best for leather, as they will create a tighter hold if you are adding embellishments with the rivets.

Tools Needed for Leather Riveting:
Steel Hammer, Bench Block, Leather Hole Punch Pliers, and TierraCast® Rivet Setter.

Rivet Leather (Part Two)

Make leather loop for jump rings, clasps, or joining components together. Create this wrap-around leather watch by using these two part compression rivets. Cut two 12” 5mm flat leather. Make leather loops on all four ends. Attach your clasps and watch face for a fun wrap-around leather watch.

Leather Bracelet

• (1) TC02030 – Breathe Link
• (1) Z003952 – Brass Magnetic Clasp
• (7) CH00259 – 10mm Burnt Orange Flat Leather
• (1) TC01450 – 4mm Brass Rivet
• A015821 – Super New Glue

Wrap-Around Leather Watch

• (1) Z001647 – Gold Watch Face
• (4) TC01450 – 4mm Brass Rivet
• (1) A019947 – Antique Brass Magnetic Clasp
• (2) Z011513 – 5mm Brass Jump Ring
• (24) CH00043 – 5mm Tan/Black Flat Leather