by Kristal Wick

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

Multi-Strand Blue Necklace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strand 1

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

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

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

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

Strand 2

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

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

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

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

(5) SW00680 – 12mm Tahitian Swarovski Pearl

Strand 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strand 4

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

(26) SW00779 – 3mm Crystal Jade Swarovski Pearl

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

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

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

Strand 5

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

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

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

Multi-Strand Blue Necklace Steps

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

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

Pendulum Posh

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

Swarovski® and Rhinestone Earrings

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

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

Wrapped Crystal Drop Earrings

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

Jewelry Components List

Pendulum Posh

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

Swarovski® and Rhinestone Earrings

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

Crystal Drop Earrings

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

by Kristal Wick

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

Frosty the Snowman and Penguin Santa Swarovski® Earring Kits

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

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

Star Bright Swarovski® Earring Kits

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

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

Holiday Swarovski® Cha-Cha Bracelet

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

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

Directions:

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

Holiday Swarovski® Cha-Cha Earrings

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

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

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

Directions:

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