4 Last-Minute Mother’s Day Ideas

Don’t have a gift for Mother’s Day? We have 4 last-minute gift ideas for the deserving mother and women.

Whether it’s your Mom, sister, Aunt, Grandmother, wife or other beautiful women in your lives, a small gift can show your appreciation. If it’s handmade, that’s extra bonus points! Plan with handmade jewelry made with Swarovski Pearls, customized glass tiles with photos, easy-to-make beadable gifts or select the many DIY kits available.

 

Pearls

It’s been a tradition to gift pearls for mothers, so why not on Mother’s Day. While it embodies purity and love, it’s the kind of jewelry that reflects the elegance of a woman. Here are different ways to use Swarovski Pearls.

MotherDayIdea_Pearls01

Make a simple knotted pearl necklace with griffin silk cord or a leather wrap memory wire bracelet from our Swarovski Wrap Bracelet Trend.

MotherDayIdea_Pearls02

Wire-wrap pearls to make linked earrings or a waterfall necklace (Wire-Wrap Loop and June Birthstone Trend). Or make cascading earrings with Swarovski pearls and crystals in this stunning lampwork glass earrings (Wedding Jewelry Trend).

 

Customized Glass Tiles

MotherDayIdea_GlassTile

One project you can get kids involved in making are customized glass tiles with photos. Check out our previous blog how to make customized glass tile for a fun keychain dangle, ring or add a magnet to stick on the fridge.

 

Beadable Ideas

An easy-to-make gift idea are beadable products like bead pens or beadable gifts.

MotherDayIdea_BeadPens

Bead pens are perfect for moms to slip into their handbag or on their work desk. They are sturdy in weight and customizable with beads. Check out Hot Category: Bead Pens for compatible bead pens and large-hole beads to create one today.

MotherDayIdea_BeadableGifts

Don’t forget that moms will also love beadable gifts like a letter opener, winestopper or even a beadable keychain. Add large-hole beads and wrap it up for an acceptable gift!

MotherDayIdea_BeadableGifts2

(Easy Gifts Trend)

 

DIY Kits

If you can’t decide what to make, pick up a DIY kit. Make jewelry with an easy Earring, Bracelet or Necklace Kit and gift it. These kits are packaged with bead, findings and instructions, so you can even stick on a bow and gift the whole kit for the crafty, beading lady!

MotherDayIdea_Kits01

MotherDayIdea_Kits02

OR buy two and make them together.

(Kits shown: TL00197, KT00154, KT00144, KT00248, KT00176, KT00150, KT00250)

 




Inspirational Bars for the New Year

Believe it or not, 2017 is coming to a close. So get ready for 2018 with new beading adventures, projects, supplies and you! Get pumped with these Inspirational Bars, where you can make a snazzy fabric bracelet or lovely key charm.

 

Inspired Lycra Bracelet

InspiredLycraBracelet

This bracelet uses Italian Lycra Cord, which sells as a flat wide 30mm piece. Measure your wrist and add 5 inches. Cut your Lycra Cord at that length. Stretch your cord and see that the sides will curl in. Insert your cord through the two side holes of your inspirational bar. Make a knot with your cord ends but not into a tight knot. Wrap the bracelet around your wrist twice and adjust the knot to a comfortable band. Your bracelet should stretch and hug your wrist, not dangle loosely. Tighten up your knots and you are ready to rock out the new year.

Items used for bracelet: A017779 & Z013317.

 

Inspired Leather Key Chain

InspiredKeyChain

For this project, we are adding 1mm leather cord and a large-hole gemstone to this keychain. Cut a 6 inch piece of 1mm leather cord. Slide leather cord through one hole of your inspirational bar. Take the two leather ends and slide your large-hole gemstone through. Make an overhand knot with your leather ends close to your gemstone. Make sure when knotting your leather that the leather loop is loose and dangles off your bar. Cut your leather ends at an angle as a leather fringe tassel. Add your keyring and you are set. This make a cute stocking stuffer idea for a friend or for yourself.

Items used for keychain: Z013306, A020543GAV8RDLH-8, MCKR0002




GoodyBeads Inspiration: Chain Fringe

Chain link is not only great to add length to necklaces or as chain extenders for bracelets, but they are fun to create fringe with. With its popularity in fashion jewelry and accessories, we have some examples of how we’ve created fringed jewelry with chain.

 

Dangle chain for some crazy, fun fringe. Keep fringes simple or trail it with beaded dangles. Let these examples inspire the next time you create with chain links.

GoodyBeads | Blog: Examples of how to add chain fringe to jewelry.

  1. February Birthstone – Feb ’16 Trend
  2. Beaded Tassel Jewelry – June ’16 Trend
  3. Fringe Earrings – Aug ’15 Trend
  4. Boho-Inspired Bib Necklaces – Blog
  5. Folding Silk Ribbon – Blog

 

GoodyBeads | Blog: Examples of how to add chain fringe to jewelry.

  1. Swarovski® Raindrop Pendants – Blog 
  2. Using Swarovski® Flat Back Crystals – Blog
  3. Think Spring – Feb ’17 Trend
  4. TierraCast Cord Ends – Blog
  5. Jesse James Beads – Dec ’16 Trend

 

GoodyBeads | Blog: Examples of how to add chain fringe to jewelry.

  1. Feather – July ’16 Trend
  2. Feather – July ’16 Trend
  3. Sept Birthstone – Sept ’16 Trend
  4. All About Fringe – Dec ’15 Trend
  5. Spotlight on Nunn Design® – Oct ’16 Trend
  6. Swarovski Innovations – March ’16 Trend

 




GoodyBeads Gift Kits

Introducing our new gift jewelry kits perfect for gift-giving. Created by our in-house designers, So Vang, Tory Vezina and Heidi Urlaub, these kits are easy to make and versatile to wear to all of your upcoming events and celebrations. Plus, the kits are conveniently packaged inside a plastic pillow-shaped container for easy gift giving to the DIYers in your life!

 

Thinking of what to give this holiday season or for birthdays or special occasions? Gift kits are the perfect gift to give to your girlfriends, sisters, bridesmaids, work buddies, etc.

 

Gift Kits by So Vang

GoodyBeads | Gift Kits by So Vang

(Kit Shown: KT00147, KT00152, KT00151)

So’s kits play with bold hues of porcelain, Czech and blown glass beads. Make a statement with Indonesian Dream Necklaces, style your nightlife with Maya Moon Earrings or stack up your love of arm candy with Peaceful Journey Stretch Bracelets.

 

Gift Kits by Heidi Urlaub

GoodyBeads | Gift Kits by Heidi Urlaub

(Kit shown: KT00166, KT00158)

Heidi’s kits have an earthy and edgy vibe with her love of leather and gemstones. You can easily wear her jewelry with the intent of going everywhere and still be on trend. Her Tears of Leather Earrings and On the Fringe Leather Earrings are so gorgeous, you’ll long to own one, two or all of her styles! Meditation Stretch Bracelets have a harmonic combination of round gemstones and emerald-cut Swarovski® crystals, while the Boho Belle Tube Necklace is decorated with small gemstones and curved tubes that gently hug your collarbone.

 

Gift Kits by Tory Vezina

GoodyBeads | Gift Kits by Tory Vezina

(Kit shown: KT00181, KT00171, KT00175)

Tory created artistically-inspired kit designs with popular memory wire bracelets, fringy tassels and beautifully handmade lampwork beads. Make a simple Free Spirit Leather Wrap Bracelet with memory wire, leather, tube beads and assorted silver-plated beads. Extend your love of tassels with a Bellisimo Bracelet or an Amalfi Leather Tassel Necklace. Or update your look with Modern Art Earrings or Celestial Jewel Earrings.




Christmas in July: Easy DIY Necklaces

Here in GoodyBeads land, we can’t wait for Christmas. We love everything from the decorated trees, freshly fallen snowflakes, holiday music to the aroma of peppermint candy canes. Get your gift shopping done early by making some easy DIY necklaces. Fulfill all of your gifts and still have time to enjoy the holidays, even if it is six months away.

 

Chain

Choose your chain from larger links or dainty links, silver-plated or gold-plated, beaded chain or bar chain. One of the easiest necklace to wear is an extra-long style, like a 30” length is easy to slip over your bead or double for a different look. Though a shorter necklace length is doable, by adding your own clasp findings with jump rings. Check out our image below to determine your necklace preference.

necklace_length

Pendants

GoodyBeads.com | Blog: Easy Necklaces with Gemstone Pendants

An stunning focal piece you can use to make an easy necklace are slice pendants or gemstone pendants. We are loving this quartz pendant as it comes with a bail that you can slip a chain through for easy making and wearing.

Pendants in image: Z007501 & Z001498

Charms & Links

GoodyBeads.com | Blog: Make easy necklaces with charms and links.

Another easy addition to a necklace are charms and links. Choose a favorite charm or link and attach it to your necklace with a jump ring. Check out our bar connectors for a trendy boho look, alphabet charms for a personalized touch, or quirky TierraCast® or metal charm for a quirky personality.

Charms and links in image: Z017709, A019962, A018504, & Z00177 

 

Tassel

GoodyBeads.com | Blog: Make easy DIY necklaces with tassel.

Tassels are everywhere. Slide on a leather/suede tassel or chain tassel for a street-smart, easy-to-create necklace everyone will love.

Tassels in image: Z008631/Z001388, A013214

 

Inspired Necklaces

Check for favorite trends to inspire your next necklace project:




Expandable Bracelets and Rings

What kind of summer will you have? Whether it’s on the beach, surfing, roaming an outdoor mall or lounging on your back patio, be ready with our easy project using expandable wire bracelets and adjustable rings.

Stack multiple adjustable bracelets together. Or make a cluster of rings and wear them scattered around the base of your fingers or as knuckle rings. However you style it, remember to make it about you by personalizing and customizing them with simple charms and dangles with a quick open of a jump ring.

Expandable Bracelets

GoodyBeads.com | Blog: Customize our selection of expandable bracelets with charms and dangles.
Designed by So Vang

What makes these bracelets expandable is the way you can slip them on and off any wrist size without altering the shape. You can get an antique silver finish or gold finish bracelet and complement them with gold or antique silver charms. Or mix up the colors. Create a theme or select your favorite charms. Attach charms with a jump ring and you are ready for summer fun!

Adjustable Rings

GoodyBeads.com | Blog: Customize adjustable rings with charms and dangles. Wear them at the base of your finger or wear them as knuckle rings.
Designed by So Vang

We are loving the versatility of these rings. They come in three different sizes to give you options to place them on your knuckles, thumbs or simply at the base of your fingers. We’ve added simple charms to our rings, as well as a cute pearl dangle to tie in a beachside look.

  • (2) Z003520 – Sterling Silver Adjustable Ring – Size 5-7
  • (2) Z003521 – Sterling Silver Adjustable Ring – Size 6-8
  • (1) Z003522 – Sterling Silver Adjustable Ring – Size 8-10

Boho Ring-Chain Bracelet

GoodyBeads.com | Blog: Make this boho-inspired ring-chain bracelet with our adjustable rings. Stack or layer them up for a fun-filled summer accessory.
Designed by So Vang

Of course you can use these rings to help achieve a popular ring-chain bracelet. First, we made a simple chain bracelet with a lobster clasp. Then we put the ring on and measured a loose length of our chevron chain across the back of the hand­­. To finish, we connected the chevron chain to the ring and to the middle of the chain bracelet with two linked jump rings. It’s perfect for wearing with other selections of expandable bracelets and adjustable rings for a groovy summer!

Gold Adjustable Rings

GoodyBeads | Blog: 14k Gold filled adjustable rings!

Adjustable rings now in 14k gold filled! Z005593, Z005594, Z005595.


Version 1 Expandable Bracelet:

  • (1) A021132 – Silver Plated Expandable Wire Charm Bracelet
  • (1) CHPW0020 – 17mm Believe Charm
  • (1) A005613 – 12mm Floral Pewter Charm
  • (1) TC00843 – 11mm Wing Charm
  • (1) A002209 – 12mm Peace Sign Pewter Charm
  • (4) A008799 – 5mm Silver Plated Oval Jump Ring

Version 2 Bracelet:

  • (1) A021132 – Silver Plated Expandable Wire Charm Bracelet
  • (1) TC00464 – 17mm Lotus Flower Pewter Charm
  • (1) TC00056 – 13mm Crescent Charm
  • (1) A021738 – 10mm Round Pink Faceted Glass Charm with Silver Plating
  • (1) TC00098 – 15mm Small Dragonfly Charm
  • (4) A008799 – 5mm Silver Plated Oval Jump Ring

Rings:

  • (2) Z003520 – Sterling Silver Adjustable Ring – Size 5-7
  • (2) Z003521 – Sterling Silver Adjustable Ring – Size 6-8
  • (1) Z003522 – Sterling Silver Adjustable Ring – Size 8-10
  • (1) A019636 – 1 Inch Silver Plated 24 Gauge Headpins
  • (1) SW00664 – 4mm White Swarovski Pearl
  • (1) TC00076 – 13mm Paisley Charm
  • (1) TC00093 – 10mm Aum Charm
  • (1) TC00113 – 14mm Small Spindle Shell Charm
  • (1) TC00055 – 13mm Open Star Charm
  • (5) A008799 – 5mm Silver Plated Oval Jump Ring

Boho Ring-Chain Bracelet:

  • (1) CH00800 – 6.5mm Bright Silver Chevron Chain
  • (1) A012846 – 4mm Matte Silver Cable Chain
  • (1) Z003522 – Sterling Silver Adjustable Ring – Size 8-10
  • (2) Z007856 – 3mm Silver Plated Jump Rings
  • (3) A008799 – 5mm Silver Plated Oval Jump Ring
  • (1) A011534 – 10mm Silver-Plated Lobster Clasp



DIY Father’s Day Gifts with Stamping Blanks

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

GoodyBeads.com | Blog: DIY Father’s Day Gifts with Alkemé™ Stamping Blanks - Leather KeyChain
Designed by So Vang

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:

 

Leather Cord Wrap Bracelet

GoodyBeads.com | Blog: DIY Father’s Day Gifts with Alkemé™ Stamping Blanks - Leather Cord Wrap Bracelet with Alkemé Blank
Designed by So Vang

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:

 


 

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

 

 




Easy DIY Leather for the Holidays

The holiday season is here and it’s the time of reconnecting with loved ones and gift giving. Looking for a quick holiday gift? We have some inspirational easy leather DIY projects. Jump on the trend of fashionable leather bracelets or try out an alternative use of flat leather for an easy DIY key chain.

Winter White Splendor Leather Bracelet

GoodyBeads.com Blog | Easy Leather DIY : Winter White Splendor Leather Bracelet
Designed by Tory Vezina

Simplify gift-giving with a stunning bracelet using 2mm leather cord. Cut the 2mm round cord at 8 inches. Fold the cord in half and slide the TierraCast® barrel bead (TC01538) through the cord ends to create a loop. Glue the cord ends to a hooked curved clasp (A019043) and you are done! You may want to make a few of these because you’ll want to keep one for yourself.

Licorice Leather Bracelet

GoodyBeads.com Blog | Easy Leather DIY : Licorice Leather Bracelet
Designed by Tory Vezina

Licorice leather bracelets are the perfect statement jewelry. Cut the licorice leather to the preferred wrist length. Add a combination of beads and spacers to add color and use O-rings to keep beads and spacers in place. Lastly, glue your choice of licorice clasp.

Leather Key Chain

GoodyBeads.com Blog | Easy Leather DIY : Leather KeyChain
Designed by So Vang

Think outside the box of bracelets and you have an alternative way to use flat leather. Make a leather key chain with 10mm flat leather and licorice beads, spacers, and O-rings.

  1. Start out with 6 inches of 10mm flat leather.
  2. Fold the leather in half with the key ring in the loop Glue your leather pieces together.
  3. Slide on licorice spacers/beads and a 12mm rubber O-ring.
  4. Cut your leather ends in a criss-cross angle.

These customizable leather key chains are great stocking stuffers, don’t you think?

 

Check out our other blog posts for more easy DIY leather projects:

Memory Wire Leather Wrap Bracelets

Watercolor Flat Leather Bracelets

5mm Flat Leather with Slider Charm Bracelets

Easy Leather Bracelets – Summer Style

 

Need more inspiration? Be inspired with GoodyBeads.com’s past monthly Trends We Love featuring leather. Here are a few leather trends we LOVE!

Clasp It: Unique Clasps Make Stunning Bracelets

2mm Round Leather: Easy Leather Bracelets are Great for the Holidays

Leather Wrap Bracelets: Get Wrapped Up In Stylish Leather and Cork Bracelets

Spell It Out: Make a Personalized Phrase Bracelet!

Statement Bracelets: Big and Bold Leather Bracelets

Wrap Suede & Chain Bracelets: Make Trendy Stackable Wrap Bracelets


Winter White Splendor Leather Bracelet

  • (8”) A013406 – White Leather Cord
  • (1) A019043 – Gold Plated Hook Curved Clasp
  • (1) TC01538 – Gold Hammer Barrel Bead
  • OR TC01752 – 4mm Gold Deco Barrel Bead by TierraCast

 

Licorice Leather Bracelet

  • (7.5”) A015304 – Baby Blue Licorice Leather
  • (2) Z001947 – 12mm Chocolate Brown Rubber O-Ring
  • (2) Z001948 – 12mm Sage Green Rubber O-Ring
  • (2) A015327 – Antique Brass Oval Spacer Bead
  • (2) A015612 – Antique Brass Slice Spacer Bead
  • (1) A015348 – Green/Brown Oval Ceramic Bead

 

Leather Key Chain

Black Version:

  • (6”) CH00051 – 10mm Black Flat Leather
  • (1) A016424 – 12mm White O-Rings
  • (1) A018905 – C-Koop Steel Grey with Chamois Brown Enamel on Copper Slider
  • (1) MCKR0002 – Key Ring
  • A015821 – Super New Glue

Natural Cork Version:

  • (6”) CH00547 – Natural with Gold Flecks Cork
  • (1) Z001947 – 12mm Chocolate Brown Rubber O-Ring
  • (1) Z003499 – Alphabet K Letter
  • (1) Z003555 – Alphabet M Letter
  • (1) MCKR0002 – Key Ring
  • A015821 – Super New Glue




Black Friday Free Gift DIY

by Kristal Wick

We’ve got a brilliant Black Friday gift with purchase for all you beady peeps! Since the gift-giving season is upon us and you’re creating like magical elves, we’re here to help you out with loads of FAB holiday beads you can mix and match! Use them to design an all-in-one beautiful jewelry piece for yourself or make dozens of earrings for your gal pals. Just add a few ear wires, headpins, chain and you’re good to go. I made seven different projects out of this Black Friday Free Gift and still had leftover beads! So there’s plenty to go around. You can also find all the beads included in our Black Friday Free Gift on our website. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get going!

Snowman Earrings

GoodyBeads.com Blog Black Friday Give Away DIYHere are three easy designs in this DIY blog. They’re quick to make and highly addictive – once you start, it’s impossible to stop!

Snowman Earrings

(2) A012827 – Sterling Silver Filled French Wire Earrings

(2) A019688 – 2 Inch Silver Plated 20 Gauge Headpins with Ball Top

(2) A004285 – 12mm Clear Hand Painted Snowman Head Lampwork Beads

(2) A008069 – 4mm Red Miracle Bead

(2) A008067 – 4mm Green Miracle Bead

Steps

  1. Slide your beads onto a headpin in the following order:

Red Miracle Bead

Snowman Bead

Green Miracle Bead

  1. Make a simple loop at the top of your headpin.
  2. Open the loop of the earwire. Slip the headpin dangle onto earwire loop and close loop.
  3. Repeat for the other earring.

Snowman with Flowers Earrings

GoodyBeads.com Blog Black Friday Give Away DIYWho doesn’t like a darling snowman? Festive with a pair of jeans as well as with a fancy holiday party dress, these little guys are sure to bring many smiles this holiday season.

Snowman with Flowers Earrings

(2) A020541 – Sterling Silver Ear Wire with 4mm May Bi-Cone Crystal

(2) A019688 – 2 Inch Silver Plated 20 Gauge Headpins with Ball Top

(2) A004282 – 20mm Clear Hand Painted Snowman Lampwork Beads

(4) A008069 – 4mm Red Miracle Bead

Steps

  1. Slide your beads onto a headpin in the following order:

Red Miracle Bead

Snowman Bead

Red Miracle Bead

  1. Make a simple loop at the top of your headpin.
  2. Open the loop of the earwire. Slip the headpin dangle onto earwire loop and close loop.
  3. Repeat for the other earring.

Snowflake Bracelet

GoodyBeads.com Blog Black Friday Give Away DIYBlue snowflakes and a splash of silver says winter in the warmest way, don’t you think? Customize this bracelet for any age and style. Oh, be sure to make one for yourself, too!

Snowflake Bracelet

(1) A002734 – 8mm Rhodium Plated Fancy Chain Link

(1) A019633 – 3 Inch Silver Plated 20 Gauge Eyepins

(3) A012842 – 4mm Matte Silver Plated Jump Rings

(1) A005566 – 10mm Blue Hand Painted Snowflake Lampwork Beads

(4) A008065 – 4mm Silver/White Miracle Bead

(2) A002968 – 9mm Silver Plated Bali Style Round Beads

(1) A003578 – 8mm Silver Plated Simple Round Toggle Clasp

Steps

  1. Cut two equal lengths of chain.
  2. Slide your beads onto the eyepin in the following order:

Silver/White Miracle Bead

Silver Plated Bali Style Round Bead

Silver/White Miracle Bead

Snowflake Bead

Silver/White Miracle Bead

Silver Plated Bali Style Round Bead

Silver/White Miracle Bead

  1. Make a simple loop at the top of your eyepin.
  2. Open the eyepin loop, slip one chain link into the eyepin loop and close loop.
  3. Repeat for the other side of the bracelet.
  4. Add a toggle bar to one end of the chain using two jump rings.
  5. Add the toggle to the other chain link using a jump ring.

 




Yummy Holiday Sparkle

by Kristal Wick

What’s better than family-and friend-filled holiday feasts? An embellished holiday feast! We bling up our jewelry, why not our dining utensils! Seriously, I think most DIY-ers are so busy making jewelry for gift-giving, they completely forget the forks and spoons! How cute is a red-and-green canape knife? Or a serving set for your salad or turkey with all the fixins. The best part is, you can remove the large hole interchangeable beads and use them in your jewelry the next day. Mix and match customized dinnerware in your fave colors and shapes for added entertaining elegance.

Salad Serving Set

GoodyBeads.com Blog Serving ForkOur salad serving set is ideal for serving salads, I’ve found embellished forks and spoons perfect for mashed potatoes and dressing as well!

GoodyBeads.com Blog Serving SpoonThe handles on each service piece unscrew so you can load up about 2.5 inches of beady deliciousness. Slide on the O-Rings to secure the beads from scooting around on the stem. Once you’re pleased with your line up, simply screw the ball onto the top of the stem and you’re ready to munch!

Canape Knife

GoodyBeads.com Blog Canape KnifeUse these darling canape knives for all your hors d’œuvres, spreading butter, pate, jellies or jams. They look festive and are easy to clean once your guests depart. Keep a few favorite color schemes when entertaining other times of the year, such as birthdays and fourth of July picnics.


Salad Serving Set

(1) A003251 – Stainless Steel Salad Serving Set

Spoon

(2) A018030 – 6mm Rubber O-Ring for Bead Pens

(1) A006069 – 12mm Light Siam Czech Crystal Sterling Silver – Large Hole Bead

(2) A002833 – 10mm Beaded Large Hole Spacer – Rhodium Plated

(1) A004848 – 13mm Green with White Dots Large Metal Hole Glass Beads

(1) A012630 – 9mm Red Enamel Drum Large Hole Bead – Rhodium Plated

(2) A003864 – 11mm Emerald Rhinestone Large Hole Spacer Bead – Rhodium Plated

(1) A005438 – 13mm Red with White Pattern Rondelle Large Metal Hole Glass Beads

(1) A012631 – 9mm Lime Enamel Drum Large Hole Bead – Rhodium Plated

Fork

(2) A018030 – 6mm Rubber O-Ring for Bead Pens

(2) A002858 – 8mm Crystal Flower Square Large Hole Bead – Rhodium Plated

(2) A005951 – 9mm Garnet Rhinestones Large Hole Bead – Rhodium Plated

(2) A005437 – 13mm Green with Green Swirl Rondelle Large Metal Hole Glass Beads

(1) A004849 – 13mm Red with White Dots Large Metal Hole Glass Beads

Canape Knife

(1) A003252 – 5 Inch Canape Knife – Add a Bead

(1) A018030 – 6mm Rubber O-Ring for Bead Pens

(3) A013373 – 12mm Light Siam with Clear and Jet Dots Preciosa Crystal – Large Hole Bead

(2) A004892 – 12mm Emerald Green Foil Lined Large Hole Beads


 




Merrily Bright Holiday Earring Kits

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

GoodyBeads.com Blog Merrily Bright Holiday Earring KitsEveryone 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 KitGoodyBeads.com Blog Merrily Bright Holiday Earring KitsNostalgic 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

GoodyBeads.com Blog Merrily Bright Holiday 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!





Holiday Swarovski® Cha-Cha Bling

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

GoodyBeads.com Blog Holiday Swarovski® Cha-Cha Bling

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: A005639A019691 (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

GoodBeads.com Blog 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: A010233A019691SW00167 (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.

 




Easy Halloween Jewelry Ideas

Prepping costumes, buying candy, carving pumpkins, setting up ghoulish decorations and all your yearly routines of getting Halloween-ready, you can sure make some time to whip up some easy Halloween jewelry pieces. We have three fun and easy jewelry pieces to complement this spooky holiday.

#BOO Necklace

GoodBeads.com Blog | Make your own #boo Necklace with dainty letters.

One of Goody Beads’ New Goodys for September month are these dainty, cute letters that you can string onto even daintier chain. For the love of Halloween, we choose “#boo” letters to showcase one Halloween’s signature statements, while throwing in a social media reference of course! We cut the 1mm rolo chain at 16 inches and attached a silver crimp with loop to the ends of the dainty chain by folding the crimps. We selected an easy lobster claw to one end and a closed jump ring to the other. You are ready to trend up your outfit with this #boo necklace!

Spider Web Necklace

GoodyBeads.com Blog | Make this simple Spider Web Necklace

We started out by choosing one of our many beaded link chains, in our chain section. The CH00281 is perfect in size and theme. We had measured it to a length of 3 feet and used a small jump ring to link the ends together. With another jump ring, we attached a spider and web charm to the chain. And you are done with this easy necklace that you can slip on and off with your wicked costume outfit.

Candy Corn Earrings

GoodyBeads.com Blog | Candy Corn Earrings

Halloween isn’t Halloween without mentioning candy corn. Who doesn’t love candy corn? It’s pure sugar! We dedicate this portion to the love of candy corn by making a pair of cute earrings! Using gunmetal headpins, we threaded on seed beads and iconic candy corn and finished it off with a simple loop. Hooked them onto some gunmetal lever back earrings and you are set to celebrate Halloween!


#BOO Necklace

(2) CH00707 – 1mm Silver Plated Rolo Chain

(2) A021707 – Antique Silver Crimp with Loop Chain Ends

(1) A021625 – Hashtag Beads

(1) A021598 – Lowercase B – Alphabet Initial Bead

(2) A021611 – Lowercase O – Alphabet Initial Bead

(2) A002413 – 4mm Jump Ring

(1) A004272 – 7mm Closed Jump Ring

(1) A014106 – 7mm Lobster Claw

 

Spider Web Necklace

(3) CH00281 – 3mm Jet Beaded Link Chain

(2) A002413 – 4mm Jump Ring

(1) Z003988 – Spider and Web Pewter Charm

 

Candy Corn Earrings

(2) A022043 – Glass Candy Corn

(4) SB00066 – Size 8 Opaque Black Seed Bead

(4) SB02042 – Jet Amber Czech Glass O Beads

(2) A019655 – 2 Inch Gunmetal Headpin

(1 pair) A002409 – Gunmetal Leverback Earrings





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?

GoodyBeads.com Blog | Swarovski Birthstone Chart

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:

GoodyBeads.com Blog | Sapphire Birthstone 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:

GoodyBeads.com Blog | Emerald Tier Birthstone 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

GoodyBeads.com Blog | Swarovski Bali Birthstone 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:

Emerald Tier Earrings:

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




Locket and Metal Stamping Necklace: Back to School

With school quickly approaching, you can hear teachers rustling papers and kids groaning. While prepping blank notebooks, unsharpened pencils, and crisp folders, you can certainly throw in some easy and fun metal stamping projects to celebrate back to school time.

GoodyBeads.com Blog | Back to School Locket

Here, we have made a simple Back-to-School theme glass locket with floating charms. It’s prefect for a parent dropping their kids off on their first day of school or school orientation.

GoodyBeads.com Blog | Adrianne Locket and Metal Stamp Back to School Necklace

Our friend Adrianne from Happy Hour Projects, made a similar necklace but added an easy metal stamping disc inside the locket. Intended as a teacher’s gift, Adrianne has a quick and easy tutorial to personalize the locket with metal stamping. (image source from Happy Hour Projects)

You can also show your school pride by personalizing a stamping blank with “2015” or “Wildcats.” Or add Swarovski crystals to your locket representing school colors. Whatever your choice, this locket and metal stamping project is a great way to celebrate learning and school memories! Check out our Back-to-School Metal Stamping Trend for more inspiring Back-to-School projects.


Locket One

  • (1) A019152 – 30mm Round Silver Glass Locket
  • (1) Z005241 – Cable Chain Necklace with Extender
  • (1) Z012824 – Red Apple Floating Charm
  • (1) Y004314 – Gold Star Floating Charm

Adrianne Locket

  • (1) A019152 – 30mm Round Silver Glass Locket
  • (1) A018597 – 3/4” Stamping Blank
  • (1) Y013843 – 28” Cable Chain
  • (1) Z012824 – Red Apple Floating Charm
  • (1) Y004314 – Gold Star Floating Charm
  • Tools:
    • A010618 – Stamp Straight Tape
    • A014415 – Bench Block
    • A010617 – Stamping Hammer
    • A010615 – Jeanie Metal Letters Stamping Set
    • Polishing Cloth/Pads
    • Sharpie
    • Jewelry pliers