DIY Wire Bow Charm or Clasp

Who doesn't love to get a gift with a glittering bow on top? Making wire jewelry is a gift you give yourself (or others), so use this tutorial to "put a bow on it". The bow charm is perfect as the centerpiece to a bracelet or necklace, make a pair for earrings or I also used it with a handmade wire hook to make it into a clasp. I'm sure you'll find other options too.

Make every day an excuse to celebrate, just choose some jewelry wire and pick up a few basic wire jewelry tools. My projects use 20 gauge jeweler's brass (gold colored) or twisted sterling silver wire. Use thicker 18 gauge wire if you are rough on your jewelry or prefer a less dainty look.

Free American Flag Beaded Peyote Ring Pattern

American flag stars and stripes peyote ring by Lisa Yang Jewelry

This peyote ring was made with celebrating the 4th of July in mind, but there are so many days and reasons to wear  American flag jewelry. It is a great way to honor the courageous service people and remind ourselves of the freedoms we are so lucky to have.

The pattern was designed using BeadTool 4 software. The word chart, including the delica bead numbers and detailed pattern is provided at the end of the step by step beaded ring tutorial.

Flat Brick Stitch Chain for Beginners

Bracelet made with Miyuki size 8 seed beads and flat brick stitch

This project will show you how to make a brick stitch chain of  beads that can be used for a necklace or bracelet.  The chain in this tutorial has rows that are two beads wide - which means it comes together very quickly and makes it easy to learn basic flat brick stitch. Using larger beads is also helpful for beginners.

How to Use Wire Guardians for Beaded Fringe Earrings

Bugle bead earring component next to wire guardian

 

There are a variety of ways to attach findings to beadwork. One very secure and attractive way is to use wire guardians. Wire guardians are small, U-shaped metal findings that are used to protect the ends of beading wire or thread from wear and tear. Wire guardians may also be called wire guards, thread protectors, or wire protectors. They are convenient to use and they can help prevent the thread on your handmade bead jewelry from breaking or coming undone. One way to use them is as the hanging loop for brick stitch fringe earrings.

Double Bugle Bead Chain Necklace Beading Pattern

Double bugle bead chain necklace 

 This easy beaded chain uses bugle beads and seed beads stitched together in a variation of right angle weave.  It's a sturdy beaded chain that makes a beautiful and delicate beaded necklace or bracelet, and also works well as a beaded amulet bag strap or eyeglass chain. An advantage to using bugle beads is how quick this chain is to stitch - with each bugle bead adding the length of 4-5 seed beads - so there are less beads to pick up.

About Bugle Beads in Jewelry Making

A variety of bugle bead sizes, types and brands

Bugle beads are long, narrow beads that are often used in bead weaving and other handmade jewelry projects. They can be made from a variety of materials, but most often they are made from glass, and sometimes metal. The beads are made from glass tubes or metal tubes that are cut to the desired size. They may have additional shaping to make them more interesting, such as twists or shaping that gives them facets that reflect light.

This article will look at the different types of bugle beads and how you can incorporate them into your jewelry designs, as well as some issues you may encounter using them.

Types of Seed Beads Used in Jewelry Making

Different types of seed beads including cylinder and round seed beads.

Getting Started with Seed Beads

Getting started making jewelry with seed beads seems like it should be easy.  You've got one or more types of seed beads, a beading needle and beading thread, possibly something you'd like to add some decoration to with bead embroidery or some findings to make jewelry. You may already have a project in mind, so what else do you need to know?

Honestly, getting started making bead jewelry is that easy - and can be very enjoyable, but once you get started you'll find that the little differences in the shape and size of your seed beads can make a huge difference in your finished project. To have more control over your finished beadwork, you'll want to know more about the types of beads, the sizes they are available in, and what beading stitches they are best suited for. 

This article will describe common types of seed beads, how to identify what types of beads you have or should buy, how to find the best beads for your project or how to find suitable projects for the beads you already own.

Hercules Fishing Line: Perfect for Beadwork including Fringe

Hercules is a brand of braided fishing line that is also an affordable, durable, and versatile beading thread. It can be used in place of other fishing threads that are used for beadwork like FireLine and PowerPro. One major benefit to Hercules brand is that it is less expensive than many other brands of fishing line that are often used for beading. But there are other benefits to using Hercules fishing line besides its affordability.