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!

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

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

Here at GoodyBeads, we love a good TierraCast® finding and tassels. So combined these favorites to make a fun and flirty pair of boho earrings.

This tutorial is as easy as opening and closing a jump ring, which is all there is to making this easy pair of DIY earrings.

Items you will need for a boho tassel earring:

Gold version –

• 2 – TierraCast Gold Ethnic Ring Fan Link (TC02461)
• TierraCast Gold Coil Earring Wire (TCZ0140)
• 5mm Gold Jump Rings (A011519)
• Tassel with Gold Cap

Silver version –

• 2 – TierraCast Silver Ethnic Ring Fan Link (TC02460)
• TierraCast Silver Coil Earring Wire (TCZ0078)
• 5mm Silver Jump Ring (A001528)
• Tassel with Silver Cap

EZ DIY Tutorial

Items used in tutorial: A011519, TCZ0140, Z013670, TC02461 (2)

Here’s a fun pair of earrings using TierraCast hoops, Czech rondelle beads and 24-Gauge wire. This easy step-by-step tutorial will make you want to scream with delight!

What you will need for Earrings:

• 2 – TierraCast 42mm Wire Hoops (TC02417)
• Brass French hook Earrings (A009402)
• 24-Gauge Brass Wire (AW00050)
• 5×3 Czech Rondelles (Beads used in tutorial: A022126 & A0022128)

Tutorial

Learn to bead stitch this easy pair of Boho Feather Earrings with Miyuki delica beads and beadable feather findings.

Items used in feather earrings:

• Delica Beads – SB03545, SB01822, SB02334, SB00269
• 2 Gold Beadable Feather – Z001470
• Beading Needle and Beading Thread – A015211, A006587
• 5mm Jump Ring – A008801
• Earring Wire – TCZ0140
• Red Fabric Tassel with Gold Cap – Z013676

We’ve launched a beautiful selection of new Swarovski from their new Fall/Winter 2019/2020 Innovation: Be Yourself. Our first selection consists of new Crystal Shimmer and Amethyst Shimmer bicone crystals, and Crystal Iridescent Tahitian Look Pearl. Plus, we have two lovely jewelry pieces to compliment the hues of these new Swarovski.

Passion Pearl Wrap Bracelet

In this three -wrap bracelet, we used Griffin Silk Cord knotted with Tahitian Look Pearls, Amethyst Shimmer bicone crystals and 6mm Labradorite round beads with size 8/0 gold seed beads. Plus, we finished up this piece with gold findings.

Items used in 6.5″ bracelet: SB00107, LBT6RD-8, SW01915 (10), SW01916 (6), SW01908 (6), SW01906 (7), Z008768, A006581, TC02395, A008801, 

1. Make a knot at the end of the silk cord and cut excess end. Slide over knot with a clamshell bead tip (Check previous blog on examples). Optional, add a small dab of Super New Glue to the knot before sliding the clamshell over.
2. Slide on a seed bead and make another knot flushed to the seed bead.
3. Slide on a 6mm Tahitian Pearl and make a knot.
4. Side on a seed bead and make another knot.
5. Repeat with alternating with pearl beads or 6mm Labradorite beads until you reach your desired wrist length. This will be your first row.
6. Next row, alternate a knot between an 8mm Amethyst Shimmer bicone crystal, seed bead, 4mm Amythest Shimmer bicone crystal, seed bead, 8mm Tahitian Pearl and seed bead. Repeat until your desired wrist length.
7. For your third row, alternate seed beads and Labradorite beads in no particular order to wrist length.
8. End with a knot, add a small dab of glue and cap off with a clamshell bead tip.
9. Open jump ring and attach either clamshell bead tip end to a toggle clasp. Repeat to other bead tip end.

Passion Flower Necklace

We used the Griffin Silk cord to complete the bracelet with a necklace with similar beads as in the bracelet with TierraCast Findings.

Items used in necklace: TC02387, A019617, SW01908 (2), Z018414, Z018257, TC02397, A008801, Z008768, A006581, SW01912 (6), SW01905 (6), SB00107

1. Open loop of eyepin and slide on TierraCast Mehndi charm. Close loop.
2. Slide on the following beads onto the eyepin and make a simple loop or wrap loop: 8mm Ameythst Shimmer bicone crystal, wavy disc (concave down), Czech Hibiscus, wavy disc (concave up) and 8mm Amythest Shimmer bicone crystal. (If making a wrapped loop, make sure to slide on TierraCast magnetic clasp end before finishing loop off.)
3. Make a knot at the end of the silk cord. Slide on a seed bead, 3mm bicone, a seed bead, a pearl, 2 seed bead, 3mm bicone, 2 seed bead, a pearl, 3 seed bead, a 3mm bicone, 3 seed bead and a pearl.
4. Slide on seed beads to accomodate a length large enough to slide over your head.
5. End silk cord with pearl, 3 seed bead, 3mm bicone, 3 seed bead, a pearl, 2 seed bead, 3mm bicone, 2 seed bead, pearl, a seed bead, 3mm bicone and seed bead.
6. Take both ends of your silk cord and make a knot to tied the ends together.
7. Slide a clamshell bead tip over the knot.
8. Open jump ring and slide on loop of bead tip and other end of the TierraCast magnetic clasp. Close loop.

Learn to make the popular TierraCast leather cord bracelet with its feather component from the Western Winds collection.

TierraCast is sharing a tutorial on how to make their Feather Bracelet. Here are GoodyBeads products to help you make this bracelet:

• TierraCast Feather (TC02508/TCZ2509/TC02510/TC02511)
• TierraCast Western Rondelle Bead (TC02524/TC02525/TC02526/TC02527)
• 2mm leather cord
• Headpin
• Gemstone beads (preferably 4mm or 6mm)

Tools you’ll need:

• Nylon Jaw Bracelet Bending Pliers (Z005839)
• And Metal Hole Punch Pliers (A011612)
• Round Nose and Flat Nose pliers

Click Link to download TierraCast Feather Bracelet.

New to GoodyBeads are the oh-so popular Czech Carrier Beads. We have an easy even count peyote stitch pattern to get you started.

Czech Carrier beads are making waves in the DIY jewelry making world. They have two holes and can be used for a stretch bracelet or intricate necklaces! Because they have two holes, they can be easily used in your favorite bead-stitching projects! The typical way to style carrier beads is bead stitching a tube of beads or seed beads to encase the carrier beads. We are using the classic peyote stitch tubes to slide over the carrier beads. Check out this tutorial and pattern ideas below!

Even Count Peyote Stitch

For these patterns, we used an even count peyote stitch pattern and created tubes to side over Czech Carrier beads. Check out this simple illustration below to understand how to do an even count peyote stitch pattern. Don’t forget to PIN this for later!

Peyote Stitch Patterns

We adore these colors! We used four colors to design these 15 different patterns. Make sure to DOWNLOAD PDF of these patterns and a quick tutorial of how to create tubes to add to your Czech carrier beads.

Plus, you can download this Carrier Bead Pattern Template, where you can create your own designs!

Glue/Adhesive

This step is important because this avoids the tubes from sliding off the carrier beads. We would recommend using GS Hypo Cement (A007224). It has a precision applicator, which helps get into small openings and a cap that stops overflowing glue from escaping and drying up. You have two options of when to add your glue.

First option is before you zip up your tube pattern. Apply glue to both sides of the carrier bead and lay it in the middle of your pattern. Fold your pattern around the carrier bead and sew the ends to zip up the tube patter.

Second option is after making your peyote stitch tubes. Complete your tubes and slide carrier bead half way through, still exposing the bead. Run your glue around the exposed area of the bead, let it sit for a second or two and slide the tube over the rest of the carrier bead.

Let it the beads dry completely before using. Make sure to read instructions for more information.

Pearly Pastel Necklace

Here’s a simple necklace we created with the beads we made above. It’s strung on using Fine Soft Flex Beading Wire (FTBW0001) and ivory miracle beads.

First we cut a 4 feet piece of wire. Fed one end of the wire through a 2′ piece of chain (this will be the extender chain for the necklace) and centered the chain at the middle of the beading wire. Slide on a 2mm crimp tube and using the Magic Crimper (TL00288) crimped the tube into a bead. You can check out our previous blog post HERE about the tool. Next, with both ends, slide on (25) size 4mm ivory miracle bead, (3) size 6mm miracle bead and (3) size 8mm miracle bead. Slide a 6mm miracle bead on each wire thread and slide on first carrier bead. As you can see we added a miracle bead in between each carrier bead. from the top strand, we used size 6mm miracle bead and the bottom used size 8mm miracle bead. This helps the necklace take shape. Reverse the pattern of strung beads to the end and crimp off the end with a lobster claw clasp.

Items used for necklace: SB02334, SB00269, SB01822, SB02346, A006587, A015211, Z016460, A007224, A011534, FTBW0001, TC01897 (2), A010140 (2 pks), A010141, A010142 (2 pks) and CHZ0101

One of our popular project request is our beadable fan earrings with 11/0 Miyuki Delicas and long tassels. Check our video to see how easy they are made.

Components used:

1. Beadable Fan: Z001471 (2)
2. Delicas: SB03543, SB02334, SB00269
3. Pearl: SW00736 (2)
4. Tassel: Z013818
5. Findings: A002413, TCZ0078
6. Beading Tools: A006587, A015211

Tutorial:

1. Starting with 2.5′ to 3′ of beading thread, attach a stopper bead leaving a 6″ tail end.
2. Start from one end of the fan, come up through the bottom hole.
3. Add your three delicas and go across the beadable opening and down the hole.
4. Sew up the next hole, add your three delicas, go across the beadable opening and down the hole.
5. Repeat this until you’ve gone across the beadable fan pendant.
6. You will now add your pearl bead by sewing up the hole closest to the round opening, add your pearl bead and go across the circle opening and down the hole.
7. Sew through the pearl bead again and up the hole, through the pearl again and down the hole.
8. Tie off your ends and cut excess off.
9. Open small jump ring and slide on tassel and through the middle hole of your fan pendant. Close jump ring.
10. Open earwire loop and attached top fan pendant loop to earwire. Close loop.
11. Repeat all steps for other earring.

Learn how make our popular leather and memory wire bracelets in our video tutorial and watch as we teach you how to finish your memory wire bracelet with the nifty Memory Wire Finishing Pliers.

Leather and Memory Wire Components

Here are items you need in order to make your leather and memory wire bracelet.

Round Leather

Round Leather is the star of your bracelet. We carry 5mm and 6mm round leather cord, which will need to have a hollow core or hole inside the leather. The hollow core helps the memory wire go through the leather. Make sure when selecting your leather cord to read the descriptions, as not all round leather cords have a hollow core or hole. All leather cord is sold in inches, so order according to the amount of inches you will need for your project.

Another type of cord you can use are Regaliz® Licorice Leather with Hole as seen in our Leather & Swarovski Trend. They are thicker in size with flatten sides.

You can also use Hollow Rubber Cord. These are 3mm in diameter and sold in foot increments. Make sure they say “hollow” in the description for memory wire.

Memory Wire

Memory Wire is the skeleton of your bracelet. Make sure the wire you are selecting is round as we also carry flat memory wire and that “Memory Wire” in the description and/or name.

End Caps

End caps will be used to cap the ends of your leather cord. They make your leather ends look cleaner and finished. When looking for end caps, you can find them in Findings: Clasps & End Caps, TierraCast Findings, or search “End Caps.” PLUS, read the descriptions to determine their inside diameter/opening. This will help to accommodate the round leather size you choose to order.

Beads

Lastly, add these beads to your bracelet: glass beads, Swarovski crystals, gemstones, wood and any type of beads that will slide easily through the memory wire. Don’t forget some accent beads like bead caps, metal beads and seed beads.

Some beads we would not recommend are large-hole beads like interchangeable large-holes or large-hole gemstones because their holes are large and may wiggle around on the memory wire. Some tubes will not work because their shape will not curve along with the memory wire. Pearl beads can be tricky because some will have holes to small for the memory wire.

Tools

The best tool to cut your memory wire is the Memory Wire Cutter (TL00206). This cutter is meant to cut through heavy-duty wire like memory wire or thicker gauge wires.

One of your best friends in making your bracelet is the Memory Wire Finishing Pliers (TLZ0207). It’s a sturdy round plier used to loop your wires. It has two mandrel sides to create a consistent 2mm or 4mm loop. This tool will make it easier for your hands to making a loop compared to your round-nose pliers.

Video Tutorial

Watch our facebook live spin-off video below to learn how to add leather cord and end caps to memory wire and how to loop with the Memory Wire Finishing Pliers.

Items used: WR00121, CH00924 (3″), TC01854, SW00171, SW00180, SW00182, A022201, A022205

Memory Wire Bracelet Examples

You don’t have to only use leather cords. Here are some fun examples we used with leather and/or beads.

(Leather & Swarovski Wrap Bracelets, Cork Cord and Wood Beads, Round Leather and Wire Bracelets)

(Flamingo and Palm Tree Blog, Summer Wrap Bracelets, Memory Wire Leather Wrap Blog)

(Fall Gemstone Trend, Turquoise Czech Glass Beads)

(February Birthstone, March Birthstone, Naturally Coastal)

Check out these 5 ways to use hand-dyed silk ribbon. If you haven’t picked up on these Hand-Dyed Silk Ribbon, you’re missing out! Grab some today and make your favorites!

These quality hand-dyed silk ribbon are 34″ long and hemmed around the edges for a finished look without the fraying. They come in many different color combinations that gradients across the ribbon. No two will look the same because they are hand-dyed and handmade. Here are five ways to use hand-dyed silk ribbon in your jewelry-making or be inspired!

1 Braided Cuff

In our previous blog post, Fishtail Braided Cuff Video Tutorial with Candie Cooper, Tory and Candie demonstrate how easy it is to braid your very own cuff bracelet. Watch the video HERE and pick up some ribbon and cuffs today!

2 Charm Wrapped Bracelet

Another easy way to make a bracelet is by adding charms and dangles. Slide on metal charms and beads, staggering through the ribbon. At one end, make a double knot to secure a button. Wrap the bracelet around your wrist and loop the other ribbon end around the button. This will help determine where you will tie a loop to slide over the button.

3 Links and Connectors with Ribbon

Use TierraCast Links from our TieraCast Components Trend! Bend the link slightly with Nylon Jaw Bracelet Bending Pliers (Z005839). Feed one end of the silk ribbon down one hole of the link and up the other hole. After you center the link, wrap the ribbon around your wrist and tie the ends for a simple bracelet OR add a favorite clasp.

You can use Druzy Connectors also for all you gemstone lovers, from our Glitzy Gemstone Trend.

4 Ribbon Necklace

One easy way to use hand-dyed ribbon is to add a pendant and make it a necklace. In this necklace, we made a pendant with Swarovski® crystals, a flowery lampwork bead and silver findings. We attached the dangle to a bail and fed the ribbon through the bail. Tie ends together to your preferred length.

Here’s another way to make a necklace from our TieraCast Components Trend. We took the hammered toggle clasp and used the ring part of the toggle. You will take your ribbon and make a lark’s head knot by folding your ribbon in half, slide the folded end through the larger hold of the ring toggle about an inch or two, take the other ribbon ends and slip it through the loop of your ribbon fold. Pull your ribbon ends all the way to latch the ring toggle to the middle of your ribbon. Tie your ends together to a preferred length and then add dangles and charms to the small hole of your ring toggle.

The second image is also a ribbon necklace with wood beads and silver findings with a seashell pendant. Be inspired from our Coastal Charm Trend.

5 Ribbon Tassel

Tassels are everywhere! What a neat way to create a tassel with ribbon! From our Silk Ribbon in Jewelry blog post, you will see an easy tutorial in creating these tassel earrings.

We used the same concept from above for this necklace from our Naturally Coastal Trend. Instead of a straight blunt cut at the end, we cut each section individually at a diagonal. This will help create a fun wispy tassel.

What is your favorite ways to use Hand-Dyed Ribbon? We would love know how you use ribbon in your jewelry making!

Miracle beads with a teardrop shape is the perfect bead to use for easy DIY earrings. Here are five examples of earrings using the teardrop miracle  bead with various spacers and small accent beads.

Starting from the top and moving left to right here are different ways to embellish the bottoms of your teardrop earrings:

• We paired the silver miracle bead with an 8mm rhinestone rondelle beads and a 6mm Swarovski crystal. (A014928, SW00103,A004467).
• Next, we used bead caps and a 4mm bicone crystal to accent this purple miracle bead. (A014934, SWZ0581, A002234)
• For the orchid, we used two 6mm wavy disc stacked with a 4mm bicone crystal. (Z018411, Z008142, SWZ0694)
• We LOVE this black teardrop. It is used with silver dics beads and a 4mm pearl bead. (Z002570, SW01445, Z008523)
• And lastly the popular turquoise blue earrings are used with TierraCast spacers and a size 4mm rondelle Chinese crystal bead. (Z007392, A014930, TC00013)

What is your favorite? What will you create with these lovely Miracle Beads? We would love to see what you create!

We are back from the Gem Show in Tucson, Arizona. We’ve brought back a bunch of new products and new ideas. AND made lots of NEW friends. Take a look at this quick video and images from our trip.

There were beautiful Czech beads, charms, links, leather, gemstones, beaded jewelry and so much more. Did you go to the Gem Show? What did you see? What was your favorite?

Add alphabet charms, boho feathers, coastal animals and so much more to personalize your next beading project. Take a gander at some of our favorite uses of charms!

1. Feathers – July ’16 Trend
2. Personalized Initial Jewelry – Nov ’15 Trend
3. Personalized Initial Jewelry – Nov ’15 Trend
4. Beaded Chain Pendant Necklaces – Dec ’15 Trend
5. Christmas in July: Easy DIY Necklaces – Blog
6. Easy Halloween Jewelry Ideas – Blog

1. Feathers – July ’16 Trend
2. Using Charms in Jewelry – Blog
3. Coastal Charm – Jan ’15 Trend
4. Easy DIY Threader Earrings – Blog
5. Feathers – July ’16 Trend
6. Expandable Bracelets and Rings – Blog

1. Vendor Spotlight: TierraCast – March ’16 Trend
2. Coastal Charm – Jan ’15 Trend
3. Beadalon® Artistic Wire® 3D Bracelet Jig and Tutorial – Blog
4. Beach-Ready Lampwork – May ’16 Trend
5. Personalized Initial Jewelry – Nov ’16 Trend