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?

Best Thread for Beading

Selecting the best thread for your beading projects can be tricky, especially since it can depend on the bead weaving stitch or the type of project you are making. There are lots of choices for thread material, thread size, needle size as well as thread conditioners. All of this can add up to a big headache for beginning beaders.  

The size and type of thread you choose can influence:

• how easily your thread goes through the beads
• how many times you can put your thread through the beads
• how easily your thread will tangle or knot
• if you should condition your thread
• if your thread will stretch
• if your thread will fray and therefore how long your beadwork will last
• how well your thread will hold tension in your beadwork
• the best method for tying off your thread
• and there's probably more...

Your thread choice and the colors it is available in will even affect the color of your beads! 

With so much riding on this, shouldn't you spend a little time to know about your beading thread options?

Beaded Daisy String Tutorial

These are so fun! A strand of beaded daisy flowers separated by a string of beads. You can use this technique to make bracelets, anklets, necklaces, eyeglass straps and probably more items. 

I think this is the simplest of the beaded daisy chains and teaches the basics of stitching back through beads to make a pattern. That makes it a great beading stitch for beginner's of all age to learn. It was my first introduction to working with beads - even if I didn't do the stitch quite right back then.

For reference, I re-learned this stitch the right way from the book Indian Bead-Weaving Patterns by Horace R. Goodhue. It's not the easiest bead pattern book to follow, but it is one of the most comprehensive compilations of Native American bead techniques. If you are interested in the book, I recommend you review this article on Native American Technique for Daisy Chain Stitch where I talk about it in more detail.

Crescent Moon Wire Pendant Frame Instructions

Today's project is how to make a crescent moon shaped wire frame that you can use as is, or wire beads to it, maybe add some bead fringe. Lots of options!

I've wanted to make a crescent moon shape for a while. For whatever, reason, it started off as a difficult project for me. I had to draw a few on paper and think about how nature makes a crescent moon in order to translate that into how to make one with wire.  In the end, I think you will find it pretty easy!