Twisted Bead Fringe Tutorial

Twisted bead fringe is a variety of loop bead fringe that wraps around itself to form a spiral column of beads. The effect is a lot like twisting a loop of string or wire - but, of course, it is more interesting with beads since you can vary the size, color and pattern. 

It is not a style of fringe that you see very frequently, but I think that's a shame - so I'll show you how to make it and try to change that! 

Beadographer Beading Design Software Review

 Have you heard of or tried Beadographer? Beadographer is a web-based bead pattern design tool. If you currently draw your beadwork patterns by hand on bead graph paper and are looking to do this on your computer or I-Pad instead, beadographer can help you do that. 

There are several advantages to using bead design applications over designing on paper. I like that bead programs give a more realistic representation of my project. Most create the bead grids based on the size and type of beads you specify and provide the approximate finished size of the project. They also have libraries of the different bead colors for different manufacturers, so you're not limited to marker or pencil colors - and you can even get an idea of how different bead finishes will look.

Prior to Beadographer, I used BeadTool 4, but there are a few features of Beadographer that I think really make it stand out, so I'll make sure to tell you those. Before I get there, I'll start with the basic info.

Rio Grande Jewelry Findings and Supplies Review

Rio Grande is a reputable supplier of metals, findings, diamonds and gemstones, tools, finished jewelry, displays, packaging and anything else a jewelry crafter or designer needs. Their selection ranges from base metals like stainless steel, brass, bronze and copper to precious metals including argentium silver, sterling silver, gold filled, karat gold and even platinum. I'm guessing their customer base is mostly jewelry businesses and more advanced hobbyists.

This article is a review of jewelry making products that I've purchased from Rio Grande. It is meant for my personal reference to remember which products I like, which were different than what I expected, how the item held up over time, what I want to reorder, etc. 

If you find it useful, that's great - but remember it's just my opinion. (And opinions are like a**holes, everyone has one). There are no affiliate links in this article, all of these items were purchased by me, and if you would like to add your 2 cents about items from Rio Grande you like or dislike, please add it in the comments.

Make Two Strand Bead Fringe Component for Earrings

Making this small bead fringe component is a good way to experiment with fringe length and patterns, and also a great way to add bead fringe to different styles of earrings.

When I think of bead fringe earrings, I tend to think of brick stitch beaded triangles with fringe dangling from the base row. I love these types of earrings but I wanted to experiment with fringe length without having to make a lot of different pairs of earrings. My solution is this fringe component that can be added to a wide variety of jewelry styles.

DIY Plain Thin Round Wire Hoop Earrings

These instructions to make your own simple wire hoops are going to be an absolute favorite. You can make small huggie style wire hoops as well as dramatic larger thin wire hoops. 

And these hoops can be embellished with removable beaded headpin style drops or decorated by wrapping with wire and beads. It's all up to you.  

*I will be adding a video tutorial to this post soon - so check back if you find that helpful.

Making Love Letter Bead Earrings with Wire

 Using letter beads, what I used to call 'baby beads' are a great way to make personalized unique jewelry that express your true feelings. Or they could just be a way to make jewelry that amuses you.

One thing that makes using letter beads in jewelry challenging is that the beads have a horizontal drill hole. That makes them work best for bracelets (or for people who like to read sideways).

How to Make Loop De Loop Wire Hoop Earrings

 Wire hoop earrings have been my go-to wire wrap project lately. I am enjoying both making and wearing all of these fabulous wire hoop earrings.

This week, I am adding another unique and fun wire hoop design, although it is more challenging than the loose messy coiled wire hoop earring tutorial and the small coiled wire huggie hoops design. In fact, I'm not sure I've fully mastered the technique for these - but I'm definitely on the verge of it.

Hugs and Kisses Heart Peyote Tube Bead Free Pattern

 Make this Valentine's Day themed peyote bead pattern to send hugs and kisses to someone you love.

 The pattern can be used to make a small square of peyote beadwork that you can use for a pin or earrings or a pendant - or maybe even add it to a Valentine's Day card. 

Or you can zip up the edges like I did in order to make a peyote beaded tube bead. You can also use the bead diagram to make the project in brick stitch, if that is the stitch you prefer. 

2 Ways to Make Wire Jump Rings for Jewelry Making

Jump rings are a necessity for jewelry making. Jump rings are used to hang pendants, join components and attach findings such as clasps and earring wires. Having a variety of jump rings on hand can mean the difference between finishing a jewelry project or waiting for supplies to be delivered.

No matter how many types, styles and sizes of jump rings I have on hand, there are always times I can't find the jump rings that I need.

So, the question is, do you buy more jump rings or should you learn how to make your own jump rings?

Loose Messy Coiled Wire Hoop Earring Tutorial

 These coiled hoop wire earrings may be my new favorites - favorites to make and to wear. 

It's always fun (and challenging) when making wire jewelry to let things be loose and not make everything match exactly. Especially when you are making earrings! I'm so used to trying to make earrings be carbon copies.

DIY Small Coiled Wire Hoop Earrings (Huggie Hoops)

Making these wire hoop earrings is a great beginner wire wrap jewelry making project. 

This wire hoop DIY follows the current trend of smaller hoops that hug your ear (huggies). I saw a pair of coiled hoop earrings similar to these during my recent shopping trip at the mall, so of course, I decided I needed to make a pair for myself.

The materials and tools are super simple and they will take less than an hour to make from start to finish. My finished hoops are a little less than 3/4 of an inch in diameter. Perfect for everyday wear.

Is ParaWire Good Jewelry Making Wire?

Choosing jewelry wire is a very important part of the jewelry making process.

 Jewelry wire can affect

•        how easy it is to make your project,
•        the visual appeal
•        the cost of making the jewelry and therefore the price (if you are selling) and
•        how long the finished jewelry will last.

With so much depending on the wire you choose, it makes sense to find a good quality jewelry making wire. Read on for my recent experience using ParaWire.