Project Inspiration: Macrame Planter Hanger with Large-Hole Beads

We love to be inspired by all crafty communities. Here is a simple DIY with the popular macrame trend, creating a planter hanger while incorporating our interchangeable large-hole beads. Designed by our friend Jacque from Dakota Stones, she has definitely inspired us!

What you’ll need:

Directions

  1. Measure your macrame cord to 64 inches + the width of your planter + 24 inches. Cut 4 pieces at that length.
  2. Fold all 4 pieces in half and make a looped knot at the fold.
  3. Anchor your loop.
  4. On each strand, slide on your large-hole beads. Pattern and amount is up to you.
  5. Take two cords and make an overhand knot. Repeat this to the other strands, making sure the knots are distanced the same.
  6. Take two adjacent knots and take two cords from each of those and make a knot. Do this all the way around. Make sure they are all the same level.
  7. Add your planter to see if your knots are situated to fit your pot.
  8. Take all strands at the end and make a full overhand knot. Cut excess if you prefer.

Video Tutorial

This tutorial is inspired from the DIY 5 Minute Macrame Planters video by WhatsUpMom on YouTube. You can see the video HERE.




DIY Colorblock Memory Wire Bracelet Wrap with Vinyl Beads

Today’s DIY Colorblock project was featured in our previous Facebook LIVE episode, and uses bright Vinyl beads and memory wire. Create color blocking with separating chunks of color and wavy disc beads.

Items used in DIY colorblock bracelet project:

  • X002168 – 6mm Multi Color Vinyl Beads
  • X001538 – 6mm Black/Grey Vinyl Beads
  • WR00126 – Gold Memory Wire
    OR WR00139 Gold Assortment Memory Wire
  • Z018412 – 6mm Gold Wavy Disc

Directions:

  1. Make a simple loop on one end of memory wire.
  2. Without pulling all the beads off the multi-color strand, grab about an inch off and hold between your fingers while you feed the memory wire through them. Grab another chunk and slide on memory wire. Do this to add 30-50 vinyl beads.
  3. Add 5 wavy disc beads to memory wire, making sure to feed them in opposition directions to create the wavy look.
  4. Separate the whites from the Black/Grey strand and slide on 10-15 white vinyl beads on the memory wire.
  5. Add 5 wavy disc beads.
  6. Repeat Steps 2-5 another two or three more times, or to your desired length.
  7. Add another 2-3 inch length of multi-color vinyl.
  8. Cut off excess memory wire with memory wire cutters, leaving about 1/4 inch tail.
  9. Loop that end to finish your bracelet.

Video Tutorial

Check out the Facebook video on how to make this bracelet. Go to this VIDEO LINK and tutorial starts at 9:00 minutes.




DIY Natural Pearl Hair Pin

Hair accessories are very popular this year. From the comeback of scrunchies to oversized fabric headbands, today’s project features a DIY pearl hair pin. Natural pearls are wire wrapped on a Silver Plated Hair Pin with 2 Loops.

What you’ll need for Pearl Hair pin project:

Directions:

  1. Cut a 14 inch piece of wire.
  2. Loop one time through one end of the wire through a hole of the hair pin. Twist the shorter wire around the other wire twice and push coils close to hole of the hair pin.
  3. Slide on 5 beads or how ever many you need to fit between the two holes of the hair pin.
  4. Slide wire through other hair pin hole.
  5. Criss cross around pearls and back again.
  6. Cut off excess.

Video Tutorial

Check out our previous Facebook LIVE episode with this tutorial. Tutorial starts at 10 minutes.




DIY Summer Vinyl Bead Earrings with Gold Findings

We’re making summer last longer with fun, bright earrings using new colorful Vinyl beads.

What you’ll need:

Tools:

GoodyBeads Blog | DIY Summer Vinyl Bead Earrings FREE Tutorial and Video.

Directions

  1. Using the 2nd smallest memory wire in the pack (child’s wrist size), cut about one loop of wire.
  2. Using memory wire finishing pliers, loop one end outwards, into a simple loop.
  3. Slide about 46 vinyl beads onto your memory wire.
  4. Cut excess wire leaving a 1/2 inch tail. Using memory wire finishing pliers, roll and loop that end outwards, into a simple loop.
  5. Open one loop with flat pliers and slide on bar connector. Close loop. Repeat on other memory wire end with other bar connector.
  6. Open a jump ring, slide on both ends of bar connector and through ear wire loop. Close jump ring.
  7. Repeat all steps for other earring.

Video Tutorial

Watch our previous Facebook LIVE episode where we demonstrate creating these earrings! CLICK HERE > Start at 14:20 for tutorial.




DIY Sodalite and Straw Post Earrings with Gold Findings

One of our popular Facebook LIVEs we did previously was these pair of earrings using Sodalite gemstones, straw and Flat Artistic Wire. Get all the components to make this pair of unique earrings.

What you’ll need:

GoodyBeads Blog | DIY Sodalite and Straw Post Earrings with FREE Video Tutorial

Directions:

  1. Slide in through the middle and clamp down onto the wire end and piece.
  2. Wrap wire around and up. Take off pliers and clamp both sides of the wire and pendant piece.
  3. Bend wire to come across the top of the pendant.
  4. You can take your sharpie or some fine point marker to mark the top to indicate where you will hope punch for the headpin.
  5. Gently pull off wire. Take hole punch to the middle of that dot you made.
  6. Slide on headpin, coming under the hole you punched.
  7. Slide wire piece back on your pendant piece. Fold wire to the back.
  8. Cut wire so that it overlaps with the other wire end.
  9. Bend out the bottom end, fold in the top end and bend back the bottom end to overlap. Use nylon pliers or regular pliers to cinch them closed.
  10. On the headpin, slide on nugget bead, gemstone and Czech bead and make a simple loop. Open loop and slide on post earring hole. Close loop. (As an option here, you can make a wrapped loop.)
  11. Repeat all steps for other earring.

FB Live Video Tutorial

Check out the Video for a tutorial. Tutorial begins at around 8 Minutes.

(opens in a new tab)”>LINK TO VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE >




DIY Josephine Infinity Leather Knot Bracelet

One of our recent popular request is the leather knot bracelet using the Josephine infinity knot. We did a previous tutorial on a variation of this knot HERE. In our tutorial today, we’re using 5mm flat leather or as another option, two piece of round leather.

What you’ll need:

GoodyBeads Blog | DIY Josephine Infinity Knot bracelet with leather.

Items used in bracelet example: A015688, Z012736 (2) & CH00043 (24)

Knot Tutorial

  1. Start with 2 pieces of 5mm leather at 12″ each or four pieces of 2mm round leather at 15″ each.
  2. Follow illustrated diagram to make knot.
  3. At the end, after you gently pull your ends to create your knot, slide on your slider beads through both leather cinch the knot in the middle.
  4. Measure the bracelet to desired length, making sure to center your knot. Cut leather with sharp shears or Xuron Shears.
  5. Add a small dab of Super New Glue to clasp channel and slide one side of your leather ends through. Repeat to other clasp end.
  6. Let it fully dry for a few hours before wearing!

GoodyBeads Blog | DIY Josephine Infinity knot with leather Tutorial

You can also checkout this video tutorial clipped from our Facebook Live episode featuring Tory’s Birthday.

Tutorials starts at 10 minutes and 35 seconds.

https://www.facebook.com/GoodyBeads/videos/2426376794140741/




Memory Wire Wrap Bracelets with Swarovski Fine Rocks Beads

Mix up shiny Swarovski crystals and natural gemstone beads in an easy memory wrap bracelet.

 

Mixing up different types beads makes for a modern and even edgy DIY jewelry, especially when you use Swarovski Fine Rocks Tube beads and round Dakota Stones gemstone beads. And to bring even a more edgy look, we’ve added some beautiful Star Cut Crystal Quartz gemstone.

 

GoodyBeads Blog | Swarovski Fine Rocks Crystal Tube and Gemstone Memory Wrap Bracelet with Tutorial

What you’ll need for project:

 

Minimal Fine Rocks Bracelet

GoodyBeads | Blog - Swarovski Fine Rocks Crystal Tube Bracelet with Memory Wire!

Items used in bracelet: SW01736 & WR00131

Nothing like a simplistic DIY jewelry! Here, we used Extra Heavy Duty Memory Wire, cut a 1.25 coil and slide on the Fine Rocks Tube. The trick to getting the crystal tube curve is to gently curve the tube while sliding it on the memory wire. Center the tube and make a loop to both memory wire ends with the Memory Wire Finishing Pliers. The thick memory wire gives a hearty substance to a minimalistic design, without covering the whole wire!

 

Sparkly Starry Wrap with Gemstones

GoodyBeads | Blog Swarovski Fine Rocks Wrap Bracelet with Gemstone beads (Tutorial)

Items used in Onyx bracelet: WR00121, CRY6RD-SC, TC00034 (4), SW01736 (2) & ONX6RD-8.

Items used in Howlite bracelet: WR00121CRY6RD-SCTC00034 (4), SW01740 (2) & WHT6RD-8.

In these two bracelets are 6mm round gemstones and 6mm Crystal Quartz star cut beads. The star cut and fine rocks tube bead are both a compliment to an edgy and even punk-ish vibe!

  1. Cut a coil and a half of heavy duty memory wire.
  2. Make a loop to one end of your memory wire with memory wire finishing pliers.
  3. Slide the following onto the memory wire:
    9 gemstone beads, nugget spacer, fine rocks tube, nugget spacer, 5 Crystal Quartz star cut beads, nugget spacer, fine rocks tube, nugget spacer and 9 gemstone beads.
  4. Cut excess wire, leaving a 3/8 inch end. Make a loop.

 

Video Tutorial

Check out our previous Facebook LIVE episode, where Tory demonstrates how to easily create one of these wrap bracelets!




Lariat Gemstones and Tassel Necklace – Video Tutorial

Our DIY lariat feature many of our most popular products: beading chain, tassels, slide clasp, gemstones and clamshell bead tips! Check out all you need to make one of your own along with our previous Facebook LIVE video!

We’ve combined many of our favorite products in this lovely necklace set. It’s adjustable with the sliding clasp, colorful with quality gemstones and simplistic with the popular beading chain. Plus, it’s tied together at the front with clamshell bead tips and tassels!

What you’ll need:

Video Tutorial

Blue Impression Jasper Necklace

Items used in necklace: CH00724 (3 feet), A004830Z010740Z008576Z019080IJR6RL and Z004964.

OR Buy All the Products you need to make this project with this one sku – BAP0013

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Purple Impression Jasper Necklace

We’ve used 4mm Purple Impression Jasper & Pyrite Round Beads by Dakota Stones (PPLPYR4RD) in this necklace. It’s definitely a stunning color!

Items used in necklace: CH00724 (3 feet), A004830Z010740Z008576Z019080PPLPYR4RD and Z006096.

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Blue is always one of the most popular color to design with. There’s no exception to how the earthy blues and browns are in this Impression Jasper Rondelle Beads (IJR6RL) look.




DIY Jewelry with Beadable Components

Make easy DIY jewelry using Beadable Components and adding POPS of color with Miyuki Delica Seed Beads. Here are ways to bead and use the beadable components.

From our recent Trends We Love, our new Beadable Components are what you need for an easy bead-stitch project. These pairs well with our 11/0 Miyuki Delica Seed Beads or beads with a width of 1.5mm or thinner. Our projects uses the basic ladder stitch. Here is a look at how a ladder stitch is done to sew through the channels. Make sure when you’ve sewn through your pattern or channels, to sew through them again to strengthen the pattern.

ladderstitch

Here are some projects using these beadable components:

Beadable Ring Pendant

Beadable_11336_11337

The Beadable Ring Pendant (Silver or Gold) has 24 channels and fun options to designing with this piece. Each channel holds 3 Delica beads. Here are a few ideas.

GoodyBeads | Blog - DIY Jewelry with Beadable Components and Miyuki Delica seed beads. Free tutorial

On the left is a pretty pair of pink and gold earrings. We even added a pearl dangle at the bottom! Make sure to use size 24-gauge headpins if adding dangles to beadable components.

Items used in earrings: Z011337 (2), A019635, SW00665 (2), TC02298, SB00269, SB02332 (A015211 & A006587)

In the middle, we’ve made a rainbow wheel with the beadable pendant. Attach it to your necklace chain for this easy DIY necklace!

Items used in rainbow pendant necklace: Z011336 (2), SB03546, SB02343, SB02336, SB02310, SB02311, SB03545, SB02327, SB02349, A001528, Z001033 (A015211 A006587)

And lastly we created an ombré effect with the pendant on the right.

Items used in right pendant: Z011336 (2), SB01824, SB01822, SB01826 (A015211 A006587)

Beadable Teardrop Pendant

Beadable_11339_11342

Love the shape of the classic teardrop! This beadable component is much easier to sew through since it only has 5 channels to work with. Each channel holds different amounts of Delica beads. The outer channel holds 13 Delicas, the inner two holds 15 Delicas and the middle holds 16. Here are two ways to using this beadable component.

GoodyBeads | Blog - DIY Jewelry with Beadable Components and Miyuki Delica seed beads. Free tutorial

The necklace on the right uses the amount of correct amount of Delicas for each channel. We’ve also used two colors to add a design to its channels. Then, using 24-gauge jump rings, we’ve added small tassels to the bottom holes of the pendant before making a fun necklace with it!

Items used in necklace: Z011339, SB00269, SB02336, A002413, Z013681, Z001033 (A015211 & A006587)

And who wouldn’t love a pair of earrings! On the right, we have a charming pair of gold earrings using Delica beads and metal tube beads. The tube beads has the small thickness as Delica seed beads and works perfectly for these beadable components.

Items used in earrings: Z011342 (2), Z009196, SB003545, A014108 (A015211 & A006587)




Flat Memory Wire and Gemstone Bracelet – Video Tutorial

Candie Cooper came by the GoodyBeads Mezzanine to show us how to make an easy DIY wrap bracelet with flat memory wire and gemstone beads. Watch the video today!

 

GoodyBeads Blog: Flat Memory Wire and Gemstone Bracelet Video Tutorial

After the Spring Twin Cities Bead Bazaar, Candie stopped by to demonstrate how to make a classy and chic bracelet using 4mm faceted coin gemstone beads, wire wrapped around flat memory wire.

 

What you’ll need:

 

Video Tutorial

 




Tourmaline Mining Adventure

Our Designer So Vang went Tourmaline mining in southern California. Check out her rocky finds and simple wire tutorial to wrapping raw gemstones.

Written by So Vang-

My husband and I visited the Himalaya Tourmaline Mine in Santa Ysabel, California, known for their pink and green Tourmaline. You can also fine crystal quartz and black tourmaline. The added bonus about going to this mine is that you don’t have to bring any tools. With the day fee, you get buckets to use, mesh sifters and shovel. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and clothes you don’t mind getting dirt on, because you will get dirty. I suggest bringing a toothbrush to help brush the dirt and long gloves because yours nails will get chipped if you have brittle nails like me. And lastly a container to put all your fabulous finds in!

 

Keep in mind that at their mining site, larger gems has been sorted out and what you sift through is a sifted pile. Granted, be open minded because you can still get a large piece of gem and gorgeous tourmaline chips! They also have a higher-quality bag that you can sift through for an extra $100. But enjoy what you find because the small gems you find and discover is all in the adventure itself.

 

Below is a pile of small pink, green and black Tourmaline we found. They certainly look gorgeous in their raw state.

GoodyBeads Blog: Mining for Pink Green and Black Tourmaline

 

The way Tourmaline is created it by the natural minerals and chemicals within the pockets of crystal quartz. You can see in the images below the raw forms of quartz with pieces of pink, green and black tourmaline jutting out of them.

GoodyBeads Blog: Mining for Pink, Green and Black Tourmaline

GoodyBeads Blog: Mining for Pink, Green and Black Tourmaline

 

Pendant with Raw Tourmaline – Tutorial

GoodyBeads Blog: DIY wire wrapping raw gemstones

Now that you have your Tourmaline, what do you make with them? I love this easy trick to making rock pendants by wrapping and encasing them with wire. You can easily use some Dakota Stones gemstones in this tutorial. Especially the faceted Botswana Agate stones.

What you’ll need for this tutorial is:

Watch our previous Facebook LIVE where I talked about these amazing rocks and do a quick tutorial to create your very own pendant!

 

If you are in the San Diego area and need an adventure to go gemstone mining, I recommend trying out the Himalaya Tourmaline Mine!

 




Leather Wrap Bracelet with Matubo Beads – Video Tutorial

We’ll show you how to make a leather wrap bracelet by fishtail braiding leather with new 2/0 Czech Matubo Beads.

 

For this bracelet tutorial, you’ll need:

 

Determine Length of 1.5mm Leather needed for a wrap bracelet

Use this method to determine the leather cord length you may need for a multi-wrap bracelet.

Take your wrist length and double the length. Multiply that by the number of wraps you want and then add 12”. That will give you an approximate cord length you will need to start your bracelet. (The extra 12” factors in the beads and leather you’ll be adding along with loop end.)

Example:

2 wraps for an 8.5” bracelet: (8.5” x2) x 2 wraps = 34 + 12 = 46” needed.

Or

4 wraps for a 7.5” bracelet: (7.5” x2) x 4 wraps = 60 + 12 = 72” needed.

Keep in mind, these total numbers are approximate. You will want to test the wrap length while you’re making your bracelet. Having extra length is better than being short on your wrapped length goal.

 

Video Tutorial

Leather bracelet tutorial begins at 15:00 mark.

 




Apoxie® Sculpt 101

Check out this easy and simple tutorial with a video tutorial on Apoxie Sculpting clay.

 

We were lucky to have Erin Gerlach from Aves® Studio to join us in the GoodyBeads mezzanine to show one of our newest products: Apoxie Sculpt. ‘Apoxie® Sculpt combines the features and benefits of sculpting clay with the adhesive power of epoxy! Its smooth, putty-like consistency is easy to mix & use.’ (Aves) It self hardens and will adhere to any surface such as wood, glass, metal, plastic, etc.

 

Apoxie Colors

GoodyBeads sells all the colors that Aves has to offer in different sizes amounts. Being new to Apoxie Sculpt, we would recommend the small .10 lb product to test out the product. It’s a good amount to get started and even make a few beads!

 

Mixing Apoxie Sculpt and Curing

Apoxie Sculpt comes in a two part package. Part A will consist the color of your clay, while Part B is the hardener. When both parts are mixed at a 1:1 ratio, it will begin it’s curing and hardening process. You will have a limited amount of time to mold, adhere and design before it begins to thicken and harden, making it harder to shape and mold. Here is a step-by-step tutorial from Aves Studio on mixing Apoxie Sculpt:

  1. Wear disposable gloves to measure equal parts of A & B. Always retrieve parts A & B with different tools.
  2. Mix & knead together for 2 minutes until thoroughly combined and a uniform color is achieved. Note: incomplete mixing will give poor results. *Allow mixed product to rest up to 5 minutes for better handling.
  3. Apoxie® Sculpt is ready to use; working time is 1- 3 hours. Shape as desired. Smooth or texture with a wet finger, brush, Q-tip or sculpting tool. Self-hardens (NO BAKING); 24 hour full cure. 24 hr. full cure required for hard finishing purposes such as sanding, carving, drilling, machining, etc., without chipping, cracking or flaking.

One of the best surface to lay your designs on is a silicone mat. If you don’t have a silicone mat, a plastic sheet like a Ziplock bag will work. You want a pliable surface so that you can peal your piece off easily.

Make sure to check out Apoxie Color Chart blog post to see the many colors you can create.

 

Video: Product Feature and Tutorial

 

Additional Tools (Optional)

  • To keep your work surface clean, use a silicone mat.
  • Rubber fondant roller to roll out your clay
  • Cookie cutters
  • Silicone Molds
  • Mica Powder or Powder Pigments: add color to the surface of your clay.

Tips and Tricks

  • Wear gloves for easy cleanup.
  • If you are not wearing gloves, make sure to fully wash and clean hands and nails thoroughly.
  • Use a dab of Vaseline or olive oil, or a light spray of coconut oil on your gloved hands before mixing the clay. This will help to easier to mix the clay, lessen the stickiness on your fingers.
  • For cleanups, use Aves® Safety Solvent to clean up pigment/product residue. Put a drop of solvent on a paper towel for cleanups or on a Qtip for small detailed cleanups. Use solvent to also smooth clay or remove fingerprints.
  • Properly close unused containers to extend shelf life.
  • Put mixed Apoxie in the freezer to halt curing time.
  • Spray molds or rollers with coconut oil for easy

 

Apoxie Sculpt Samples

Here are samples of what you can make! Designs by Erin Gerlach.

GoodyBeads Blog - Apoxie Sculpt from Aves Studio Video Tutorial

GoodyBeads Blog - Apoxie Sculpt from Aves Studio Video Tutorial

GoodyBeads Blog - Apoxie Sculpt from Aves Studio Video Tutorial

How will you design with Apoxie Sculpt? We would love to see your creations!

 




Vendor Video: Artistic Wire® Adjustable Necklace Jig

Make adjustable necklaces with Artistic Wire Findings Forms Necklace Jig. Accompanied with a video tutorial from Beadalon® and Artistic Wire.

 

Make trendy choker necklaces with the Adjustable Necklace Jig, using Artistic Wire and basic tools.

Here are things you’ll need to make adjustable wire necklaces:

 

Tools:

 

Video Tutorial

 

  1. Straighten wire with Wire Straighter Tool.
  2. Bend the wire around the top of the jig.
  3. Bend one end of the wire around the top peg.
  4. Wrap the wire around the jig one and a half times. (Turn the jig to wrap the wire.)
  5. Wrap the wire around the other jig  peg.
  6. Remove the wire from the jig.
  7. Cut the tail end with flush cutters, leaving a small hook. Cut the other end leaving a small hook.
  8. Optional: If you’d like the necklace to be smaller, just a small cylinder to adjust wire.
  9. Use the Memory Wire Finishing Pliers to turn a loop. (Use larger peg of plier.)
  10. Use Bent Chain Nose Pliers to bend wire 90° down.
  11. Repeat Steps 9 and 10 to other wire end.
  12. Use pliers to open loop. Latch the loop onto the necklace and close it.
  13. Repeat step 12 to other end.

 

Finish off your necklace with a dangle charm. Or if you want to add beads to your necklace, string on beads before completing step 11.

 




Beadalon Knot-a-Bead Tool – Video Tutorial

Candie Cooper is back with Tory to show how easy it is to use the Beadalon Knot-A-Bead tool. Check out today’s video tutorial to knotting your own creating today!

 

GoodyBeads Blog | Beadalon Knot-a-Bead Tool Video Tutorial

Making knotted jewelry is a delicate skill that can be done with chain nose pliers, awl or tweezers. But with the Beadalon Knot-A-Bead tool, you can easily make quick and easy knots. Here is what you’ll need to get you started:

 

Video Tutorial

 

Instructions

  1. Make a loop with the end of your beading thread and make an over hand knot. This will create a loop for your necklace later.
  2. Slide on the silk cord, all the beads you’ll be knotting. It is helpful to layout your design ahead of time to determine your sequence.
  3. Slide a bead down to your first knot. Take thread and wrap it over the metal dowel/awl, and then under.
  4. Tie a knot and pull the silk cord upwards to cinch the knot together.
  5. Take the beaded portion and push it to the back to get it out of the way.
  6. Slide knot over to the right and hook thread under the yoke and pulling downwards and across to tighten the knot. There is a button lever on the left side. Push that to release the knot and thread.
  7. Slide over next bead and repeat.
  8. Once you’ve made a knot in between all your beads, repeat step 1 to other end of knotted beads to create a loop.
  9. Cut excess thread.
  10. Open a jump ring, slide through beading thread loop and a 6″-8″ chain end. Close jump ring.
  11. Repeat steps 10 to other end of knotted beads.
  12. Add your clasp to one end of your chain piece with a jump ring and your necklace is complete!

 

Along with the Beadalon Knot-a-Bead, you will get instructions on how to easily use the tool:

Beadalon Knot a Bead Tool Instructions