Easiest Way to Start Flat Brick Stitch

Flat brick stitch doesn't have to start on a base of ladder stitch? 

Nope, it really doesn't. There is an easier way. 

And who knows, like me, you may have been using it for some of your projects, like brick stitch earrings, without even knowing it.

How to add Connector Rings to a Beaded Charm

 Today I'll show you how I finished the brick stitch beaded heart charm by adding rings to connect it to a cord and made it into a simple bracelet or necklace or whatever makes you happy!

It's one thing to make a pretty beaded bauble, but learning how to finish them into jewelry is the next step.  Here's what I did and some lessons I've learned.

Brick Stitch Beaded Heart Charms

 Brick stitch is a perfect beadwork stitch for beginners. This heart pattern is also perfect for beginners because, in addition to practicing the basic stitch, you can learn fundamental techniques like increasing and decreasing on the beginning and ends of rows.

Brick stitch was one of the first bead stitches that I learned and it is still a favorite of mine.  In this post, I'll go over how to make these cute brick stitch heart charms and provide the pattern I used to make them. In future posts, I'll show you how to make all sorts of cute jewelry with these hearts.

Beads and Stones Artistic Wire Wrapper Jewelry

 I made these wire wrapped pendants several years ago when I was writing as the beadwork expert for About.com.  They use pre-made frames made by Beadalon called Wrappers. At the time, they were sent to me as part of goody bag of products for me to review.   

I have always really liked the idea and they are super easy to use. 

Rainbow Chakra Crystal Wire Pendant Tutorial

I have been wanting to make chakra rainbow colored jewelry for a long time, but one of the hardest parts has been finding the right beads. Finally, I lucked out with a large quantity of these beautiful multi-color glass crystal beads and they had all the colors I needed... and more.

I use a simple wire wrap technique to make this stick design that is perfect for pendants, but will also work for earrings or could be adapted for a bracelet.

K.O. Beading Thread Review

I previously gave a quick overview of what factors help determine the best thread for beading. Thanks to feedback from other beaders, I realized there are quite a few bead threads I've never tried or haven't examined in enough detail yet. One of those is K.O. thread.

K.O. thread is a nylon thread that is made in Japan. In various product descriptions, I've read that it is color fast, does not stretch, is strong, holds knots well, is pre-waxed and does not fray.  

So, the big question, is it really all of that and how does it compare to my standard go to thread, Nymo on the cone, size D?