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

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

Pendulum Posh

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

Swarovski® and Rhinestone Earrings

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

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

Wrapped Crystal Drop Earrings

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

Jewelry Components List

Pendulum Posh

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

Swarovski® and Rhinestone Earrings

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

Crystal Drop Earrings

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

by Kristal Wick

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

Frosty the Snowman and Penguin Santa Swarovski® Earring Kits

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

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

Star Bright Swarovski® Earring Kits

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

by Kristal Wick
Customized purse charms and accessories have been on trend for many moons and for good reason! They’re darling reminders of what we carry near and dear to our hearts from kitties to cupcakes. Designs are all up to your own imagination and creativity.

Nylah Glass Tiles

Here at GoodyBeads, we love our kids and pets (they’re kind of the same thing to many of us) so we’ve come up with some super easy instructions for making your own personalized glass tile charms for purse charms, pendants and rings, with the cutest models Nylah, Sparkle and Bling (we realize we’re slightly biased but you have to admit, they are adorable)! Embellish a chain with Swarovski pearls, TierraCast® charms and other “Goodys” and you’ve created a masterpiece.

Bling and Sparkle Glass Tiles

Nylah is Carlee’s — our Graphics Designers’ – four-year-old daughter. Sparkle and Bling are my rescue pups who pose for treats any time — day or night! Whether you’re making these customized glass tiles for yourself, grandma or a BFF, let your creative juices flow when in design mode. They make great custom holiday and birthday gifts, wedding party jewelry and school picture memorabilia pieces – for just a few ideas.

Nylah, Sparkle and Bling Tiles

(1) A013854 – 35mm Large Circle Glass Tile (Nylah tile)

(1) A013863 – 35mm Large Square Glass Tile (Sparkle and Bling tile)

(1) A013850 – 23mm Small Square Glass Tile (Nylah tile and Bling ring)

(1) A013856 – 23mm Oval Dome Cabochon Glass Tile (Nylah ring tile)

(1) Z010105 – 20mm Adjustable Silver-Plated Flat Ring with Glue Pad (Nylah ring)

(1) A015180 – 12mm Adjustable Silver-Plated Ring with Glue Pad (Nylah ring)

(1) A013610 – 2 oz Diamond Glaze

(1) A011455 – E-6000

Paint Brush
Scissors
Sharpie Oil-Based Metallic Markers

Assorted images printed on an ink jet printer

Steps for a Custom Glass Tile

1. Size and print out your images on a laser printer (the ink from ink jet printers tends to run).
2. Cut out your image(s) to fit a specific glass tile, making sure the image is a tad smaller than the tile itself.
3. Using a soft paint brush, apply a light coat of Diamond Glaze to the back of a tile.
4. Carefully press the colored side of the image to the Diamond Glaze and press out any bubbles or air pockets.
5. When dry, color the edges of the tile with a metallic oil-based Sharpie maker (we used silver and gold in our samples). Let dry.

For a Pendant

6. Attach the pendant finding to the back of the pendant using E6000 and let dry.

For a Ring

6. Color the back of the tile with the Sharpie pen and let dry. Then attach to ring back using E6000 and let dry.

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.

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?

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:

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:

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

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:

• (1) Z005966 – Antique Silver Ring
• (1) SW00990 – 14mm Rivoli Crystal
• (1) A015821 – Super New Glue

Emerald Tier Earrings:

• (2) TC00185 – 10mm 2-to-1 Link
• (1) A008998 – French Wire Earrings
• (6) SW00167 – 4mm Emerald Bicone
• (2) SW00168 – 6mm Emerald Bicone
• (1) A008125 – Figure Eight Chain
• (4) A002413 – 4mm Jump Rings
• (8) A007659 – 1 Inch Eyepin

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

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