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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

A hot trend this summer are tassels. We have three fun inspirational tassel jewelry projects for you to enjoy at your next music festival or relaxing under the shade by the beach.

Mala Meditate Necklace

Mala is a strand of counting beads used in Hindu or Buddhist practice for praying or reciting a mantra to aid concentration during meditation. A typical mala is made with 108 beads that are strung with a knot tied in between each bead. Depending on the type of chant, counts of strung beads may vary. It is said that with each knot, people recite a mantra to bless the beads. The strand is also accompanied with a larger bead named the “Guru” bead and a tassel.

For our Mala necklace, we used 8mm round gemstone beads for a 42” necklace. Using a sturdy Super-Lon bead cord, cut a piece of cord about 150″ and make a knot 6″ in. This will help stop the end bead from falling off. String on your first bead and make a knot (using a pliers or tweezers if needed) flush to the bead to keep it in place. Repeat until you’ve strung and knotted all 108 beads.

Now take both cord ends and tie together. At these two ends, you will string on your Guru bead and tassel.

We made our tassel portion by using a large rust suede leather tassel. Insert a 3” eyepin from the middle-bottom of the tassel up. Slip on a 10mm tulip end cap to cover the top of the tassel. Wrap the headpin and your tassel is ready. (see images below)

Now take the two tied ends, string on the 12mm wood bead and place the tired ends through the tassel wire loop. Bring the strings back through the bottom of the wood bead and make a knot or two. Secure it with some clear adhesive like GS Hypo Cement. Cut the ends and you are ready to meditate or wear your Mala as a fashion accessory.

Beaded Tassel Earrings

For these Beaded Tassel Earrings, we used our brand new Tassel Maker from Beadalon®. You can find a tutorial of how to make tassels HERE. We took Super-Lon bead cord and made 25 loops to make the tassel. Attach an eyepin to the top of the tassel and slip on a cone bead cap and a 4mm round bead. Make a simple wire loop and attach to earring hooks.

If you find that some of your tassel ends have kinks, twists or curls, dampen with water, twist and pull them straight. After a few seconds when dried, you will find them straightened out. Taking about a third or half of the tassel ends, string 10 beads to each strand and knot the end. We recommend using an already-mixed, size 8 seed bead for a fun colorful look. Cut the remaining, unstrung tassel ends at a variety of shorter lengths to blend into the rest of the beaded tassels. Now you are ready to rock these earrings at your next music festival!

Wood Tassel Bracelets

One of our easier projects is our Wood Tassel Bracelets. Make these quick and easy bracelets to show your love of tassels. For each bracelets, we used different round wood beads in a sequential design along with a tassel, strung on elastic. Make sure to stretch the elastic string lightly to loosen the elasticity before stringing on beads. Also, after knotting the elastic, use GS Hypo Cement to secure your knot.

Malas Meditate Necklace

• A012991 – Super-lon Cord (Maroon color)
• (4 strands) FJR8RD-8 – 8mm Fossil Coral Round Bead
• (1) NBWB0003 – 16mm Wood Bead
• (1) A018886 – Tulip End
• (1) A003255 – 3 Inch Eyepin
• (1) Z008825 – Large Rust Suede Leather Tassel
• Tool: A007224 – GS Hypo Cement
• Optional Tool: A013730 – Bent Chain Nose Pliers

Beaded Tassel Earring

• SB01054 – Size 8 Honey Butter Mix Seed Bead
• A012991 – Super-lon Cord (Maroon color)
• (2) A021484 – Bali Etched Cone
• (2) Z001480 – Antique Gold-Plated Round Bead
• (1 pair) A008998 – French Wire Earrings
• (2) A001495 – 2 Inch Eyepin
• Tool: TL00230 – Tassel Maker Tool

Wood Tassel Bracelet

• (1) Z002653 – Red Tassel
• (1) Z003429 – Brown Tassel
• (3) NBWB0003 – 16mm Wood Bead
• (8) A002425 – Rondelle Wood Bead
• (26) Z004978 – Red, Black, and Brown Round Wood Bead
• (14) Z002802 – Ivory Round Wood Bead
• (4) A004268 – Dot Design Wood Bead
• A002290 – .7mm Stretch Elastic Cord
• Tool: A007224 – GS Hypo Cement

June is known for wedding days with tiered cakes, delicious finger foods and of course, the beautiful bride coming down the aisle. From choosing bridesmaids dresses to the color of reception napkins, everything can and will be perfect. Cut back on a little expense by making beautiful wedding jewelry of your own or for the bride with Preciosa crystals and pearls. About half the cost of Swarovski ®, they give off an elegant look without the price.

Below, we have picked three popular 2015 wedding themes and paired them with their own jewelry pieces, fully handmade with Preciosa crystal and pearls.

Rustic Chic Necklace
Rustic chic has its charm of pastel and greenery colors, a backyard tent with white garland lights, and the bride in her white chiffon, flowing dress with side swept braid. Our jewelry piece for this fun and charming wedding theme is something fun and charming itself.

Our rustic chic themed necklace is a long, loose flowing necklace meant to wrap around twice for a layered look. The fun part about making this necklace is that there is no wrong sequence, pearl/crystal quantity, or length you need to follow. Starting out with three feet of silver chain (CH00341), prep the 6mm Preciosa crystals, 10mm Preciosa Pearls, and 6mm Preciosa Pearls by making double loop wire bead segments by using eyepins and making a second loop on the other end. Once there is a good amount of pearls and crystals (about 10 or so each), start at one end of the chain by cutting about an inch off and attaching a crystal, pearl, or a combo of both segments. The various length of where you cut the chain and the type of pearl or crystal segments, really adds to the rustic charm of this necklace. Make more segments as you go along if needed. Once you get to the end, use one more bead segment to attach the chain ends together. Now it’s ready to be showcased on the aisle

Vintage Style Necklace
Inspired by Downton Abbey, The Great Gatsby and the royal wedding, gives a chance for vintage-inspired weddings of a courtyard garden, lace wedding dress, satin gloves and curled updos.

A lovely pearl strung necklace is perfect for this celebration. A sequence combination of Preciosa Pearls and Rhinestone Crystals give the bride an elegant statement necklace to wear.

Boho Pearl Earrings
Imagine wild flowers hanging dangling from the ceiling canopy, the lush smell of grass under your toes, and the bride in a draped, maxi wedding gown with tousled hair and flowered headpiece.

Trying not to take away from the natural beauty of it all, a perfect pair of boho-inspired earrings would be subtle enough for a little sparkle to this dreamy celebration. We chose these Rhinestone Silver cones to accent a 10mm Preciosa Pearl. They give off a fresh, whimsical touch to a perfect wedding day.

Tools and Supplies

Rustic Necklace:

• (3) CH00341 – 2mm Silver Chain
• (14) PR00293 – 10mm white Preciosa pearl
• (15) PR00271 – 6mm white Preciosa pearl
• (18) PR00157 – 6mm Precisoa Bicone Crystal
• (47) A001495 – 2 inch Eyepin

Tools:

• Round nose pliers
• Side cutter
• Flat/Chain nose pliers

Vintage Necklace:

• (1) A011534 – 12mm Lobster Claw
• (6) A001764 – 8mm Round Rhinestone Crystal
• (2) A014317 – 7mm Filigree Rhinestone Cap
• (7) PR00293 – 10mm white Preciosa pearl
• (30) PR00282 – 8mm white Preciosa pearl
• (1) CH00515 – 4.7mm silver chain
• (1) Z011515 – 5mm jump ring
• (2) A007104 – Crimp cover
• (2) A004830 – Crimp tube bead

Tools:

• FTBW0001 – Fine Beading wire
• FTTL0003 – Crimping Pliers
• Flat/Chain nose pliers

Boho Earrings:

• (2) Z010803 – Rhinestone Cone
• (2) PR00293 – 10mm white Preciosa pearl
• (1 pair) A008998 – Silver French Wire Earring
• (2) SB00106 – Silver Seed Bead
• (2) A001493 – 2 inch Headpin

Tools:

• Round nose pliers
• Side cutter
• Flat/Chain nose pliers

A great addition to any jewelry or crafting project is metal stamping. Personalize a piece by stamping a specific name, inspirational quote, special date, sentiment, etc. There are a variety of fun, decorative designs for stamping, too, such as hearts, animals and flowers. The options are endless!

Take a look at our recommended metal stamping essentials to get you started with this exciting jewelry-making trend.

Our friend, Adrienne, from Happy Hour Projects, wrote an introduction to metal stamping and a tutorial on stamping for beginners. Her advice and instructions are easy to follow, so you can start stamping pieces right away. Check out her metal stamping tips.

Don’t feel intimidated by the thought of metal stamping. Once you learn the skill and develop your own technique, you’ll add it to all of your everyday jewelry making ideas. Make your next project meaningful and memorable with metal stamping.

Here in the Midwest, you know that spring is approaching when people are wearing shorts in 45-degree weather. If you think like me, spring reminds me to clean the winter-long mess inside and outside of the house, a thought that makes me groan. Since I LOVE distractions, let’s do some spring beading projects to ready ourselves for lovely spring days, instead.

Nothing says good morning like budding and blooming tulips in early spring. So of course, the theme for our first spring beading project is tulips. I personally enjoy the freshness of pink tulips. Pairing the subtle color with a gold-accent finding, you get a bold jewelry piece sure to get a conversation brewing.

Tulip Earrings

Here’s how to make a pair of gorgeous tulip earrings with pink Swarovski crystals dangling from tulip end caps. First, take three headpins and add a crystal to each, then make a simple wire loop, keeping in mind to stagger the lengths (this adds more movement to the earring). Attach the looped headpins to an eyepin and thread it through the 5mm tulip end cap. Then, top it off with a dainty TierraCast bead cap, another crystal and a seed bead. Lastly, make another loop and hang it on a French wire earring. Repeat for a complete, easy-to-create pair of tulip earrings.

Items used in earrings: (2) Z009539, (8) SW00120, (2) TC00638, SB00413, A019693, A019617, A014108

Tulip Necklace

To coordinate with the tulip earrings, a complementary tulip necklace is best! We will basically use the same concept design as for the earrings, but for the necklace we’ll use a 10mm tulip-plated end cap for a more prominent look, along with 5 dangles of 4mm and 6mm pink Swarovski crystals for a variation of dangle size. Because our tulip should shine, we have selected a finer gold chain. Size it according to length, add the clasp of your choice, and violà—you are ready to enjoy your spring tulip necklace and earrings!

The great thing about any beading project is that you can personalize it and alter it to your liking. Perhaps you prefer more colors than the pink or want to use some Czech crystals, pearls, iridescent cat’s eye or charms. Maybe you fancy silver over gold. Choose what excites and inspires you.

What comes to mind when you think of spring? Do you have any favorite pastimes? Please drop us a line or share your project stories on our Facebook page or in the Comments below. Until next time, stay inspired!

Items used in Necklace: Z018885, (3) SW00120, (2) SW00244 , TC00638, SB00413, A019693,  A019617, (2) A008126, A008808, A011537