Circular Brick Stitch Daisy Flower [Perfect for Beginners]

 When I was first figuring out how to make this pretty beaded flower, I had to try 3 different ways before I got it right. Once I realized how easy it was, I thought I would make a garden full of flowers. Of course, I didn't and just moved on to the next project on my list. 

I figured today was the day I would make more - maybe a pretty red drop bead for the petals with yellow or white (or both) in the center. I was hoping for something resembling a poinsettia. But knowing my bead collection (and lack of organization), my backup plan was black petals, with orange or purple - a little Halloween themed fun. 

I did finally find the red beads to make this version.  Read on to find out how to make these beginner friendly flowers.

Improve Your Jewelry Loops with 6 Step Bail Pliers

 Are you ready to try a new round nose plier for your wire jewelry making?  

This is a comfortable, easy to use round nose plier that will:

• improve the consistency of your loop size
• provide nice circular shaped loops
• allow you to make larger sized loops and curves.

 If that sounds good, then a pair of six step looping (aka bail making) pliers is just what you need.

I am a surprised by how long it took for me to use these round nose 6 step pliers for all my wire loop making. I guess old habits die hard, but now I rarely reach for my tapered round nose pliers to make loops. I think these looping pliers are great for beginner wire jewelry makers.

Sparkly Right Angle Weave [RAW] Bicone Crystal Bead Tennis Bracelet - It's Easy!

 Do you like sparkle? Then this bracelet is for you. This is a good beginner right angle weave (RAW) beading project.

To make a 7 inch bracelet you will need the following materials: Beading thread (I am using FireLine thread in Crystal), 100 4mm bicone crystals - formerly known as Swarovski but another brand will work, scissors, size 11 delica beads  (Translucent Silver Gray Luster), a clasp, and a beading needle.

Taking Pictures Like a Pro with my Fancy Nikon DSLR Camera

 I'm wondering if I'm overselling myself with the title of this post. I don't think so. After all, I've spent the better part of the last month working on understanding basic photography concepts. My camera is indeed a fancy Nikon DSLR. And the photos that I'm taking will be published in a print and online book about making wire wrap jewelry with beads, so they will have to be 'like' professional photographs. Now that I've overanalyzed the title, let's get to the intent of this post...Just capturing what I've figured out so far in case it helps anyone else AND so I know where I'm at currently as I strive to improve.

Star of David Brick Stitch Beading Pattern

 At a beading play date earlier this year, my friend mentioned that there is a serious lack of jewelry that represents Judaism - especially at holiday time. I pretty much promised myself that I would make some designs to make up for that.

This is the first one, a Star of David pattern done in brick stitch.

Coiled Wire Wreath, Candy Cane and Icicle Ornaments DIY

 Are you ready to trim the tree? Or do you need some quick gifts for co-workers, teachers or friends?  I've got you covered with some simple and fun ornaments made using coiled wire. The shapes in this tutorial are a wreath, candy cane and icicle.

All three shapes are based on the same simple wire technique - a wire coil.

2021 Bead and Jewelry Maker's Holiday Gift Guide

 This week, I figured I would share some of my favorite recent bead and jewelry related purchases. Who knows, maybe these are perfect gifts for someone on your list, or perfect for you to add to your holiday wish list.

First up are some favorites to help bead organized. Finding materials is a huge challenge for me since I love to buy supplies and tools. I've recently stumbled upon these hanging jewelry organizers that are perfect for storing tubes of beads, spools of thread, findings and other supplies.

Easy Macrame Christmas Tree Ornament Instructions

 These Christmas tree ornaments are super easy to whip up and even though I show you how to make ornaments here, they are make great pendants or earrings if you use smaller cord and beads.  I like to use these tree ornaments as gift toppers. The best part, if you make macrame plant hangers, it's the perfect way to use up those smaller scraps of cord that are left over.

You only need to know one knot - a macrame square knot.  Let's get started!