The Lotus is iconic and symbolic in many cultures. Learn its significance and check out our DIY lotus jewelry, inspired by the lotus motif.

Lotus: A Religious Symbolism

• Through Egyptian art, “(t)he Lotus is used as a symbol in ancient Egyptian art representing the sun, of creation, rebirth and was a symbol of Upper Egypt. As a symbol of the sun it is closely associated with Atum-Ra, the Sun god and later with Nefertum, lotus god of perfume. Lotus flowers, also called water lilies, open in the morning and close again at night symbolizing rebirth and regeneration. ” (LandofPyramids)
  
• In Buddahism, the Lotus symbolize not only rebirth, but also purity and spiritual enlightenment. (LotusFlowerMeaning)
• And in Hinduism, the Lotus motif is a strong symbol associated with “beauty, fertility, prosperity, spirituality, and eternity.” (LotusFlowerMeaning)

Check out our jewelry using the strong and symbolic meaning of Lotus.

Lotus Porcelain Necklace

We paired a stunning TierraCast Lotus link with an organic-looking porcelain oval bead. Take a headpin, slide on a small silver seed bead, porcelain bead and another seed bead. Make a wrapped loop by hooking on the lotus link before wrapping the headpin. Open a jump ring, slide on the top part of the lotus and onto the necklace chain and close jump ring. STUNNING, don’t you think?

Items used in necklace: TC02466, A019656,  A008273, SB00106, A001528, Z001033

Lotus Chain Earrings

We can’t get enough of the beading chain here at GoodyBeads. We used the same tutorial and concept from our previous blog to make this pair of earrings with Czech Lotus Coin Beads.

Items used in earrings: Z018245, CH00724, X001505, TC01897 (2), TCZ0077

Lotus Link Bracelet

Who doesn’t love a simple adjustable bracelet! We certainly do. We used the Silver Plated Adjustable Rollo Chain Bracelet Sliding Clasp (Z012151) with a gold lotus charm. The contrasting metal really makes the lotus charm pop!

One of the most easy way to design with these DakotaStones Gemstone Cabochon is using Glue On Bails. They make easy necklace pendants. Check out this easy tutorial.

What you’ll need for making a cabochon pendant:

• DakotaStone Gemstone Cabochon
• Glue on Bail
• E 6000
• File (Examples: Bead reamer or Sanding Sponge)

Preparing Gemstone Cabochon

The first thing to do when you receive your gemstone cabochons is to clean the flat, back-side. Some of these cabochons may have been applied to a paper backing for shipping purpose. Remove and rub as much of the paper and adhesive as you can. You can also use Goo Gone to help with getting removing the adhesive. DO NOT USE nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol or any liquid with acetone. It can discolor the gemstone

Glue on Bail

When determining the size Glue on Bail you want to us, first determine the size and shape of your cabochon. You want to have enough surface on the bail to hold the cab.

• For small Cabochons, you may be better at using the 10mm or 15mm bail: A011979, A011980 or A011982
• For larger round or oval shape cabs, use the Round Glue on Bail: Z002366 or Z002384
• For square or rectangle shapes: Z002386, Z002387
• And for all other shapes and sizes, use one of these Glue on Bails: A013643, A013644, A013645, Z013646, A013647, A013648

Cabochon Pendant Tutorial

Gemstone Cabochons in image: CAB-CRN30X22REC, CAB-LAP25DC, CAB-BAZ35X20OV-AAA, Pink Quartz, CAB-CHR10X8OV, CAB-NCT10DC

We love these beadable accessories, especially the beadable cuffs. So Vang has designed a layered beadable cuff and we could not be MORE excited to show you how to make one with this illustrated tutorial.

What you will need:

• Beadable Cuff (Silver/Gold)
• Fireline Beading Thread
• Czech Honeycomb Beads (Two color ways)
• Czech GemDuos
• Size 11/0 Miyuki round seed beads
• And Downloaded PDF Pattern Tutorial

This pattern is great for making a three layered bracelet. You can also layer on top of that, creating a pyramid shape. You can stitch on one layer, two layers or mix-up some two-hole Honeycomb and DiamonDuo/GemDuos beads.

Items used in image: Z001860, A006586, Z013809, Z013595, SB03303/SB04160, A015211, SB00402

Druzy Pendant Necklaces are easy to make! With only 5 components needed to complete one, you’ll want to make more!

What you’ll need:

• Druzy Connector
• 5mm Jump Ring
• 4mm Jump Ring
• Suede Tassel or your choice of Metal Charm dangle
• Chain Link

Items used in the two necklace above:

• LEFT (Z005861, Z020510, CH00280, A001528, A002413)
• RIGHT (Z005860, A019711, CH00976, A011519, A011517)

Tutorial

See how easy it is to make these two pair of necklace in this video tutorial

1. Open 5mm jump ring and slide on both ends of your chain link. (Chain can be to your length. We used a 2 feet link so that it can easily draped over your head.) Close jump ring.
2. Open 4mm jump ring and slide through one end of the Druzy connector and through jump ring from Step One. Close jump ring.
3. Open 5mm another jump ring, slide through tassel or charm and through other end of the Druzy connector. Close jump ring.

You’ll want to wear these gorgeous earrings everyday after seeing how easy they can be made with Vintaj Patina.

Components in tutorial: Z015971, TCZ0139, TL00297, TL00287

Vintaj Patinas are opaque inks specially formulated by Ranger to adhere to metal. They can be used on a variety of surfaces like metal, leather, wood, etc. Check out our previous blogs on painting them on various metal components and Sizzix leather.

Continuing from our Vintaj painted on Sizzix Leather blog/video, learn how to take your painted leather and make an easy cuff bracelet using Sizzix Cuff Dies and TierraCast buttons.

Candie Copper is Back! She has tips and tricks for making a super simple leather cuff bracelet using the Cuff Dies and Button Hole Dies.

What you’ll need to make your cuff:

• Sizzix Cuff Die. You have the option of a Wide (SZ00028) or Thin (SZ00029) bracelet die. Both sets will have two dies for a short and long bracelet.
• Button Hole Dies (SZ00032)
• Leather Hole Punch Tool
• TierraCast Oval Jump Ring (Silver/Gold)
• TierraCast Button

Video Tutorial

New to GoodyBeads are these luxurious 4mm Faceted Coin Gemstone Beads from DakotaStones. Get an up close look at the facets! Plus, two projects using these shimmering faceted gemstones!

Each bead is diamond cut with a “checkerboard” pattern. With an up close look, ‘the puffed edge leads to a checkerboard faceted face. That’s a lot of surface to catch and move light in a multitude of directions.’

Bracelets with 4mm Faceted Coin Gemstones

Who doesn’t love blue! Especially these Amazonite strand! We kept the simplicity of this bracelet by using Soft Flex Beading Wire and sliding on a gemstone and 11/0 Miyuki seed bead sequence. We made a sequence up to 7″ and used clamshell bead tips for the ends. Added a clasp and an inch of chain for an extender. (Adjust amount of beads to customize bracelet size.)

Items used in bracelet: AMZ4DC-F, FTBW0001, SB00422, CH00515, Z010740, A004830, Z005838

We kept this bracelet as simple as we can. We use three different gemstones: Amazonite, Amethyst, and Crystal Quartz all onto a .7mm beading chain. We first cut a 7″. At one end, we used a clamshell bead tip. Then we slid onto the beading chain a 2mm crimp tube, three gemstones and another crimp tube. Position the beads to the middle of the chain and using the Magical Crimping Pliers, crimp the crimp tubes on both sides of the gemstones. Cap the other end of the beading chain with another clamshell bead tip. Add your clasp and chain and you have a dainty gem bracelet!

Items used in this bracelet: CH00724, CH00515, Z010740, A004830, Z005838, AME4DC-F, AMZ4DC-F, CRY4DC-F

Clamshell Bead Tips can be the perfect way to finish the ends of your stringing materials like chain, flex wire or beading thread. Here are two ways on how to use clamshell bead tips.

These versatile clamshell bead tips can be used with all types of stringing materials. You can use it to finish off Nylon Silk Cord, Chain, Soft Flex Beading Wire and more. There are two types of bead tips we carry.

One opens and closes from the side like a book. And the other opens and closes at the base with a hole in between.

The process of how to use the clamshell bead tips are as followed:

1st Clamshell Bead Tip

This clamshell will fold like a book. We have used here, Nylon silk cord. You will make a knot at the end of your thread and cut off the excess end. Cup the knot by sliding the bead tip to surround the knot. Bring both sides of the bead tip together by squeezing your finger together. You can also use a plier to gently close and enclose the knot within the bead tip.

You can find these bead tips in Silver, Gold, Antique Silver and Brass.

Plus, this clamshell bead tip has a loop at the top, which makes it easy to use a jump ring to attach your clasp, chain, etc.

2nd Clamshell Bead Tip

This clamshell (Z010740) folds upwards and has a hole in the middle of the hinge/folded part. We are using Soft Flex Beading Wire and a crimp tube with this clamshell bead tip. Slide end of flex wire through hole. Slide a 1mm or 2mm crimp tube on beading wire and flatten it with a flat nose pliers. Slide crimped tube inside the clamshell and close. This tutorial works well with .7mm beading chain (CH00724). 

This clamshell bead tip has an open loop, where you can slide on your clasp, chain, etc without the use of a jump ring. All you do is slide your clasp through and use a flat nose pliers to close the loop.

Here are samples of jewelry using this clamshell bead tip.

Beading chain is a hot hot item at GoodyBeads. Check out this alternative to using beading chain for drop earrings!

We previously used beading chain for making adjustable bracelets. Now here’s an easy DIY using beading chain for making modern drop earrings. For this tutorial, it is helpful to learn about the Magical Crimping Pliers from a previous blog post.

What you’ll need for this DIY tutorial:

• 0.7mm Silver Beading Chain (CH00724)
• 8mm End Cap (X001505)
• 2mm Crimp Tubes (TC01897)
• And your favorite beads!

Tools:

• Magical Crimping Pliers (TL00288)
• Flush Cutters
• Flat Nose Pliers

Tutorial

For this tutorial, we are using dainty Miyuki Delica beads for a cute pair of minimalistic earrings!

Items used in Miyuki Delica drop earrings:CH00724, , X001505, TC01897(2), TCZ0078, SB00269, SB02322, SB00141, SB02334

Drop Earrings with Beading Chain

We are loving these Swarovski Fine Rocks tube beads. To make this pair:

1. Cut two piece of beading chain at about 2.5 inches.
2. Use Magical Crimping Pliers, crimp one end of the beading chain with a 2mm crimp tube. (Make sure to leave a little beading chain sticking out of crimp tube so that when you crimp, the crimp tube will catch onto the beading chain.)
3. Use flush cutters to cut excess beading chain tip left from step two.
   
4. At this time, repeat steps 2 and 3 to other beading chain. After you’ve done this, make sure both beading chains are still the same length. Cut chain to adjust length if needed or for desired length.
5. Slide onto the crimped beading chain a silver spacer, crystal tube beads and another silver spacer.
6. Slide top end of beading chain through end cap and flat crimp the middle of the end cap with flat nose pliers.
7. Open ear wire and slide on end cap loop. Close ear wire loop.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 on other crimped beading chain.

Items used in crystal fine rocks earrings:CH00724, X001505,TC01897(2), Z002570, SW01965 (2), TCZ0077

Here, we used the same instructions as above with a simple 8mm Swarovski Pearl bead. Use a piece of wire or headpin first, to slide through pearl bead, so that beading chain can run through it. We had also trimmed the beading chain to 1.5 inches after we crimped on the 2mm crimp tube.

Items used in pearl drop earrings:CH00724, X001505,TC01897(2), SWZ0878 (2), Z012031

New from LeatherCordUSA is 1.5mm round leather cord. This popular size is a must-have for your leather projects. Here is a simple leather wrap bracelet project using 1.5mm leather cord, curved tubes and adjustable sliding clasp.

Here are components you will need to make the leather wrap bracelet:

• 1.5mm Leather Cord
• 50mm Curved Tubes (A014097/A014101)
• 3mm Barrel End Cap (A010432/A010433)
• Bracelet Sliding Clasp (Z012510/ Z012511/ Z012512/ Z012513/ Z012176/ Z012678)
• Super New Glue
  OR
• Clasp optional: 2 jump rings and clasp of choice.

Tutorial

1. Measure your wrist length and multiple that by 3 and subtract 2 inches.
2. Cut leather cord to 3 equal lengths to your measurement from step 1.
3. Take an end from each of your 3 leather cords and pinch them.
4. Add a drop of Super New Glue to your end cap and slide the cord ends into the end cap. Let it dry for a few minutes for it to set.
5. Slide curved tubes onto your leather cords. You can add as many tubes you want to each leather cord.
6. Add a drop of Super New Glue to the other end cap and slide the other three ends into the end cap. Let it dry for a few minutes.
7. Open the jump ring of your sliding clasp and slide on end cap loop. Close jump ring.
8. Repeat to other jump ring and end cap.
9. Complete!

As an option, you can add your own choice of clasp with a jump ring or split ring instead of the sliding clasp.

A trendy fashion statement piece for your wardrobe are Mala necklaces. And a Mala necklace isn’t complete without a Guru bead. Watch this informative video on how to thread on your Guru beads from DakotaStones.

Mala necklaces are an easy statement necklace that you can make with your favorite gemstone, wood or lava beads, strung on simple Griffin silk cord with a knot knotted between each bead. Check out our previous blog on Tassel Jewelry, which also tackles the ever-popular Mala necklaces.

Mala is a strand of counting beads used in Hindu or Buddhist practice for praying or reciting a mantra to aid concentration during meditation. Depending on the type of chant, counts of strung beads may vary.there are no knots between beads in a Hindu or Buddhist mala. Often, there is even empty space on the strand, so that the beads can more easily be slipped as they are “counted”. It is said that with each count, people recite a mantra to bless the beads. The strand is also accompanied with a larger bead named the “Guru” bead and a tassel.

Here is a video from our friends at DakotaStones on how to thread on a Guru bead with Griffin Silk Cord.

Here’s a super simple TierraCast Feather Necklace using all TierraCast components. It’s simple enough to have John, our photographer, put this ensemble together.

This necklace is made with simply using a pinch bail to connect the feather and necklace. Read our previous on How to Use Pinch Bails.

What you’ll need:

• 3 Inch TierraCast Feather Pendant (Silver TC02508/  Brass TC02510/Copper TC02511)
• TierraCast Ball Chain Neckalce (Silver TC02063/ Brass TC02067/Copper TC02065)
• Pinch Bail

Video Tutorial

Items used in video tutorial:TC02511, TC02319,TC02065

Lava bead jewelry is all the rage, whilst combining them with essential oils. Learn about basic essential oil healing properties and create an easy DIY lava bracelets using lava beads from Dakota Stones.

Essential Oils Healing Properties

The aromatic scent of essential oils add extra healing and therapeutic property to calm your mind and your soul. While essential oils are used in aromatherapy, it’s even trending for medicinal uses.

Here are some healing properties of 5 basic essential oils. 

1. Lavender
   Healing Properties: calming and relaxing, stress reliever
2. Peppermint
   Healing Properties: uplifting and invigorating, energy booster
3. Eucalyptus
   Healing Properties: clarifying, enhance concentration
4. Tea Tree
   Healing Properties: cleansing and clarifying
5. Lemon
   Healing Properties: moon enhancer, cleansing, freshening, improves concentration

One way to use essential oils is adding a drop or two to jewelry made with lava beads. Let lava beads absorb the essential oils for a few minutes before wearing your jewelry!

DIY Lava Bracelets

An easy DIY you can make are stretchy bracelets! Pair lava beads with wood beads for a natural look. And we couldn’t resist these dyed lava beads! What we did to make this bracelet was pre-stretching a 9″ piece of elastic. String on your beads and make a surgeon’s knot. (Check out previous Stretch Bracelet blog for surgeon’s knot).

Item used in bracelet: LVA6RD-TQS, WD-BYG6RD, Z002570, A021634

We made this bracelet using wavy disc and the popular gray lava beads. Cut a 9″ soft flex wire. Slide on 9 lava beads. Slide on 10 wavy discs by sliding one bead concave out and slide another concave in so that the two discs cup together. Repeat for the rest. Then slide on 9 more lava beads. You can add more lava beads to either sides to customize your wrist size. Slide on a crimp tube to one end and loop of your clasp. Loop flex wire back through the crimp tube and crimp your tube. Cut flex wire with a 1/4″ tail. Repeat to other end but adding a jump ring.

Items used in bracelet: LVA8RD, Z018418, TC01896 (2), A012353, A011517, Z011537

Who doesn’t love a simple gemstone cuff? We made this Gemstone Coin Cuff using Dakota Stones’ coin-shaped gemstones and Nunn Design Thin Cuffs. Watch this short video and learn how easy it is to wire wrap gemstones onto a cuff.

What you’ll need:

• Nunn Design Thin Hammer Cuff (Z016227/Z016228/Z016229/Z016230)
• 24 Gauge Artistic Wire
• 8mm or 12mm Coin Gemstone Beads

Video Tutorial

Watch Video Here on our Facebook Videos.

1. Cut a 30″ piece of wire.
2. Wrap an inch of wire end to the bangle.
3. String 6 gemstone coins onto the wire.
4. Coil the wire a couple of times around the other side of the bangle. It is alright if the beads sit loosely on the cuff.
5. Make sure to center the beads on your bangle.
6. Coil wire three times around in between each bead, across the bangle. Make sure to adjust the beads so that they sit flushed on top of the bangle.
7. Coil wire end around bangle to secure the wire. Cut off excess wire.

Item/Components used in video:

• Blue Crazy Lace: BCL8DC-8, Z016230, AW00050
• Matte Blue/Gold Amazonite: BGA8DC-M-8, Z016228, AW00052

Tory and Candie Cooper are back in this video to demonstrate how to make simple bracelets using memory wire, leather, end caps and beads!Making bracelets with memory wire is one of the easiest way to make jewelry! Make sure to stop over to our Memory Wire Hot Category page to shop for memory wire, end caps, tools and leather with an inner hole that can be used with memory wire. Don’t forget to get some of our favorite beads to accompany your leather memory wire bracelet like glass beads, gemstones, TierraCast beads, Swarovski crystals and more.

Because memory wire comes pre-coiled, it will sustain and keep its shape. We personally like the Beadalon® Heavy Duty Memory Wire (WR00120/WR00121), which Tory and Candie use in the video. And most importantly, having the correct tools will help create your bracelets: Memory Wire Shears and Memory Wire Finishing Pliers

These pliers will help with looping the memory wire because wire itself is a thick and sturdy wire.

Video Tutorial

Bracelet Examples

Here are different variations of bracelets we’ve made using a combination of gemstones, metal beads, spacers, Czech beads, Swarovski crystals and more.

You can find other ways we’ve used memory wire in other blog posts: 

• Memory Wire Leather Wrap Bracelets
• Beachy Flamingo and Palm Tree DIY Bracelets
• How to Use Silk Ribbon in Jewelry
• 6 Multi-Wrap Memory Wire Bracelet Ideas – Video Tutorial
• How to Make a Leather and Memory Wire Bracelet – Video Tutorial

How do you design your memory bracelets? We would love to know!