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

Here 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

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

Snowman with Flowers Earrings

Who 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

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

Snowflake Bracelet

Blue 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

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

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

Our salad serving set is ideal for serving salads, I’ve found embellished forks and spoons perfect for mashed potatoes and dressing as well!

The 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

Use 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

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!

By Kristal Wick

We love everything about a good tassel here at Goodybeads. You can create the simplest of jewelry designs, add a tassel and violà you’ve got instant glam! Traditionally, tassels were popular for embellishing home goods (Aunt Gertrude’s curtains, pillows, lampshades and even chandeliers), but they’ve “trended” their way into our jewelry and DIY projects — thank goodness! “Tassel” originated from “tassau”, a Latin term referring to a clasp at the neck of a garment that was originally worn by military officers and priests as talismans to ward off evil spirits. Also known as “passementerie” in France, “passamanaria” in Italy and “aziamentos” in Spain, the simple tassel can be traced back to the ancient tombs of the pharaohs in Egypt.

The Chinese incorporated tassels into their woven silks. But it was those trendsetting French folks that turned tassels into some serious ornamentation. In the 16th century, the first Guild of the Passementiers was founded and passementiers had to complete a seven year apprenticeship in order to become a Master in one of the many guilds. Each tassel was made from highly valued materials like silk or metallic gold-and-silver threads, so they became a symbol of wealth, power and prestige. With at least 300 threads per tassel, it is no wonder that the passementiers took such great pride in their work (and you thought seed beading took a lot of time to perfect)!

Tassel Earrings

You can actually make your own tassel (perhaps not quite as elaborate as the passementiers’ version) or you can use ready-to-wear tassels such as these in our earring and bracelet projects. They come in some very popular colors so you can customize to your liking. Earrings can also become dangle purse charms, or make a necklace using a single tassel. Here’s the #411 on how to make these terrific tassel beauties:

Tassel Earrings

(2) Z007553 – 8cm Small Black Suede Leather Tassel

(2) A016387 – 2 Inch Hematite Enameled Copper 20 Gauge Eyepins

(2) TC01903 – Silver Filled French Hoop Wire Earrings by Tierracast

(4) TC00030 – 4mm Antique Silver Quad Heishi Spacer by TierraCast

(4) TC00252 – 5mm Antique Silver Beaded Cap by TierraCast

(1) GS00530 – 8mm Apple Jasper Faceted Rondelle Gemstone Beads from Dakota Stones

Tool: A013734 – EUROnomic 2K German Side Cutter

Tool: A013728 – Classic Wubbers Round Nose Pliers

Tool: A013727 – Classic Wubbers Chain Nose Pliers

Steps

1. Open eye pin and insert tassel. Close eye pin.
2. String onto eyepin: bead cap, rondelle, spacer, rondelle, spacer, rondelle, bead cap and create a small loop at the top of the eye pin.
3. Open earwire loop and add eye pin. Close loop and trim tassel to desired length.
4. Repeat for the other earring.
5. Trim tassels to your liking.

Tassel Bracelet

Tassel Bracelet

(2) Z007553 – 8cm Small Black Suede Leather Tassel

(2) A021663 –  Small Bead Stoppers

(1) FTBW0002 – Soft Flex MEDIUM Gauge 0.019 Inch Diameter Beading Wire

(1) A012857 – 2mm Crimp Tube Assortment Pack

(2) TC01899 – 3mm Silver Crimp Cover by TierraCast

(1) TC00439 – 17mm Silver Oval Pewter Toggle Clasp by Tierracast

(3) Z011515 – 5mm Silver Plated Round Jump Rings

(1) GS00537 – 8mm Black Silver Leaf Jasper Gemstone Faceted Rondelle Beads from Dakota Stones (20)

(40) TC00030 – 4mm Antique Silver Quad Heishi Spacer by TierraCast

(22) TC01132 – 4mm Black Kenyan Heishi Spacer by TierraCast

Tool: A013734 – EUROnomic 2K German Side Cutter

Tool: A013728– Classic Wubbers Round Nose Pliers

Tool: A013727– Classic Wubbers Chain Nose Pliers

Tool: FTTL0003– Crimping Pliers

Steps

1. Open jump ring, insert tassel and close jumpring.
2. Cut a piece of beading wire 12 inches long, add a beadstopper to one end.
3. String on silver spacer, black spacer, silver spacer, rondelle.
4. Repeat Step #3 nine more times.
5. Add black spacer, tassel jumpring, black spacer, rondelle and repeat Step #3 ten more times.
6. Slide a crimp tube into the wire, add the toggle and pass the wire back through the crimp tube.
7. Place the crimp tube into the crimping pliers’ notch closest to the handle and squeeze the pliers until you feel the crimp tube squish into a little taco shape.
8. Place the crimp in the first notch of the pliers so the taco is standing up.
9. Squeeze the pliers until the crimp is fully squished. Give the wire a gentle tug to make sure the wire is secured.
10. Trim the wire using your wire cutter so the wire is flush with the crimp tube.
11. Add a crimp cover over the crimp end and place in the 1^st notch of the crimping pliers. Gently squeeze until the crimp tube is completely surrounding the crimp forming a round bead shape.
12. Repeat crimping the other bracelet end attaching the toggle bar using two jumprings.
13. Repeat Step #11 on the other bracelet end.
14. Trim tassel to your liking.

Are you ready to start beading but unsure of what you need to get started? We have compiled some beading essentials that we always have on hand.

Tools: Tools are the number one essentials of beadings. Without the necessary tools, you will not be able to complete most of your jewelry projects.

Chain/Flat Nose Pliers – Personally, I like to have two pairs of chain nose pliers on hand. Sometimes when opening jump rings with a stronger gauge or for daintier/smaller size jump rings, it is helpful to use two pliers.

Round Nose Pliers – This is another great essential tool if you are planning to do a lot of wire or headpin looping and/or wrapping.

Flush or Side Cutters – These are great for soft wire or headpin precise cuts. Make sure to use a softer gauge wire with these cutters, as thicker/stronger wire can damage these cutters. You may want to get a Memory Wire Cutter for thicker and heavier duty cuts.

Crimping Tool – This tool is best to have around for your flex wire and crimp tubes.

Memory Wire Cutter – This cutter is used for thicker and heavier cuts like bulky chain or thick gauge wire.

Or, to get you started, you can always get a starter plier kit/set, which will have most of the essentials tools listed above.

Stringing Materials are the backbone of your design. It holds and shapes your beads and findings together.

Elastic Cord – Great for starting out making stretchy bracelets. Elastic Cord is sturdy cord that comes in different colors and thickness.

Beading Wire – For a clean, finished, durable, and flexible jewelry design, use flex beading wire of many different colors and thickness. It is best to use with crimping tool and crimp tubes.

Beading Thread – This is similar to nylon thread used for knotting a pearl necklace or hemp cord for making the popular macramé bracelet.

Chain – Make chain into tassels, or use as an extender to a bracelet or necklace, or layer different chain finishes for a necklace complete of chain.

Findings: Findings are the extra bonus pieces to your jewelry that gives it that WOW factor. It individualizes the jewelry with different pops of color finishes, unique designs or shapes.

Ear Wire – Ear wire comes in different styles: french hook, lever back, post, thread and kidney. Choose your statement ear wire.

Headpins/Eyepins – It is always essential to have some standard headpins with flat bottoms and eyepins with a looped ends of all different lengths and finishes on hand. They can be quickly used for earrings or to make bead dangles. We do recommend getting a variety of headpin/eyepin with different gauges. The larger the gauge count (22 and higher), the thinner and flexible the wire will be. These are best to use for wrapped loops or lightweight bead dangles. For headpins/eyepins that has a lower gauge count (18-21), they are thicker and sturdier. These are best for making wire loops and pendant charms.

Clasps/Claw/Toggles – Add finishing touches to your necklace or bracelet with a unique clasp or toggle. TierraCast® has some decorative clasps and toggle findings.

Jump Rings – Jump rings comes in many sizes and used for attachment of charms, pendants, clasps, beads, and anything that needs dangling. You can also round up a large amount of them for a chain maille project. The gauge of the jump rings also does help to have many different sizes on hand. A larger gauge jump ring are great to use for simple, small charms, while smaller gauge jump rings are thicker and best to use for holding clasps and extender chain for a sturdy hold.

Bead Storage:

Neatly contain your beads and findings with bead storage. We love to have see-through containers so that you can visually see your products. With many bead storage options to choose from, you are sure to find one for your beading needs.

Now that you have your jewelry beading essentials, round up your favorite beads, spacers, bead caps, pendants, etc. and get to beading! There are endless possibilities and styles when it comes to beading. What will you make today?