DIY: Interchangeable Stretch Bracelets with Infinity Clasp

And switch

This is a work in progress.  Not at all my original intent.  One of those, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade type of things.  But I think it has a lot of promise.

It all starts with this free tutorial on how to make your own hook and eye clasps.  Naturally, I'd like to show you how to make fancier clasps, so I made this S clasp.

Since you don't know the size of my rock, I'll tell you that it's an infinitely large infinity clasp.  Slight exagerration, but just under two inches long.  But I really like it.  So it has sat next to me for a week while I considered my options. 

A multi-strand anything will look nice in it - and I think it's one of those clasps that begs to be seen instead of hidden in the back.  So, what to do?!

How to Make a Hook and Eye Clasp and Pliers Comparison

This post is about how to make a hook and eye clasp.  In particular, it's about making a hook and eye clasp with my new Lindstrom RX Plier and Cutter Set!  That is my newest set of tools and I'm so excited to get started using them.

That means the projects are a little bit more focused on the pliers right now. Mostly, I would like to see for myself if the age old jewelry making wisdom of buying the best tools you can afford is true.

So, here's the first project that I unleashed the new pliers on - making hooks for hook and eye clasps.

My personal opinion is that learning to make your own findings is one of the best things you can do - no matter what type of jewelry you make (i.e. stringing, bead weaving or wire wrapped).  Especially if you have any plans to sell your jewelry. 

Should You Buy The Best Jewelry Making Tools You Can Afford?

If I told you once

It could be the golden rule of jewelry making. It's advice often given to beginners just starting out.  I read it weekly in blogs, groups and magazines.  

Buy the best tools you can afford.  

I've always been skeptical of this advice. I should tell you that I'm naturally skeptical of most advice though.  I'm pretty much one of those find it out for myself kind of people. (But at least I understand why my kids don't always listen.)

So, here I am many, many. many years into my jewelry making career (I'm trying not to overstate this to protect my youthful image - but it has been a loooong time), and I have finally taken the plunge.

(insert angels singing).  Here they are:

Brick Stitch Around the Inside and Outside of a Circle Link

Brick Stitched Circle

Have you ever had one of those things you always want to try, but it looks hard or you haven't quite figured it out so you keep waiting on it?

This brick stitch project was like that for me. In my mind, it always seemed like it was going to be difficult to get the beads on both the inside and the outside of the ring.  But then I finally tried it - and it's not!!

How to Make a Diamond Shape Wire Frame For Beading

Diamonds are a girl's best friend

If you've been following my blog, you know how much I like to use wire frames as a base for my beading creations.  I find it supports a variety of beading techniques - using either thread or wire.

Today I've worked up a tutorial to show you how to make a diamond or square frame.  In this case a diamond is a square turned to hang at the angle instead of a side.

Here is the finished harlequin beaded diamond pendant (and yes -there's a tutorial for for adding the beads to the frame too!)

DIY Chan Luu Style Triple Beaded Link Earrings

Quick change

When I made these superbowl team color earrings, I thought they were silly - just something to wear to the superbowl party and flaunt my team colors.  I love that I can whip up something quick for an event.

But, when you look beyond the bright team colors, the design has promise to be much more.


I saw this pair of earrings by Chan Luu (on my Pinterest board) and it shows that beaded links could be much more glamorous and fabulous.

How to Make Beaded Tassel Earrings

How hard can it be?

Maybe this should be called How Not To Make Beaded Tassel Earrings.

You know how there's always an easy way to do something and the hard way?  Well, I think I tried every way imaginable with these earrings!

I expected they would be soooo simple. What could be difficult about a beaded tassle for gosh sakes?

Especially since I already knew what the key was to making them swing and hang properly.  I mean, once you know that, it should be a snap - right?