A Fun Key Chain Project

If you are looking for a simple activity for kids or adults, hand made beaded keychains are the perfect solution. They are simple to make and are a great for group activities. By using alphabet beads and colored beads, you can create special messages to go with a theme or to show your school spirit. The materials that you need are keyrings,  split rings, cording, large hole beads and alphabet bead beads to spell out a special message. No tools are necessary except for a pair of scissors.

A Heritage of Inspiration: Creating Jewelry with Czech Glass Beads

Hello Everyone!

For this blog, I wanted to focus on the beautiful Czech Glass Beads that can be found at Bead Bee. The reason I'm so interested in these Czech beads is because they're linked with my heritage, and I wanted to learn little more about the history of Czech glass beads.

In essence, Czech Glass Beads came from the ideas and demands of people all over the world. In the mid 1800s, Czech "sample men", as they called them, traveled the world trying to find out what types of beads people wanted. They brought back  notes and sketches to their home factories where the beads were produced. After a while, technological advances made it possible for Bohemia to mass produce pressed-glass beads. By the 1920s Czechs became the main bead exporters of the world.

My example features a memory wire bracelet using turquoise Czech flower glass beads, jet Czech petal beads and tortoise Czech fire polished glass beads. I also used antique copper spacers. I picked these colors because I don't see these colors used together on jewelry very often. You could wear a bracelet like this dressed down with a white t-shirt, jeans, and flip flops, or dressed up with that "little black dress" you save for special occasions. Please leave questions and comments to let me know what you think!

Brianna

Brianna is our guest blogger for this Spring/ Summer season - welcome Brianna! Click here to send Brianna message or leave a comment.

Girlfriends & Beads

Beading is great hobby to share with friends and family and spend time with them. Last Saturday, my beautiful and awesome friends Brianna (our guest blogger), Bethany and I spent the afternoon beading and then went out for a nice dinner. We talked, laughed and shared ideas.

Bethany created an adorable pink lanyard to wear at her new job.

Brianna make a beautiful Turquoise Flower Cuff Bracelet, see her blog post for details on making this bracelet for yourself (coming soon).

I finally had the chance to make a piece I had been thinking about for a while featuring a Thai silver rose pendant surrounded by gemstones, you can see it in this blog post: Rose Bouquet Necklace

Tell us how you have fun beading with your friends and loved ones, please leave a comment!

Rose Bouquet Necklace

When I first saw this exquisite Thai silver rose pendant I had a vision to create a sophisticated, garden inspired necklace. I wanted to use sparkly  gemstone beads in different colors including blue topaz, pink topaz, chrysophrase and rhodonite.

To create this necklace, I attached the rose pendant to sterling silver chain with a jump ring and all of the gemstone beads are wire wrapped and attached to the chain as well. I chose beads that were no larger than 6mm so that the rose pendant would remain the focal point of the piece.

Beads that are wire wrapped onto chain dangle elegantly. This technique can also be used to create earrings.

If you are new to wire wrapping and want to learn how to wire wrap top drilled gemstone beads (mostly tear drop shaped briolettes with the holes drilled horizontally across the top), click here to see illustrated wire wrapping instructions on our Bead Bee website.

My First Bead Box

A few days ago, while cleaning our a closet in my house, I foun a dusty old tackle box  - it was my first bead box.

When I first started beading, I was addicted and I very quickly grew out of this little plastic box. I started storing all my beads and supplies in a large wicker basket, which then grew into a spare room in my house.

Here are some forgotten treasures that I found in my first bead box:

• Gray pearl daisy chain necklace
• Antiqued copper filligree components
• hanks of gorgeous Czech 15/0 seed beads
  

This little old box brought back all the memories of why I started beading. I was so eager to learn all about making jewelry. Shopping for beads was just as fun as coming up with new designs. As I look back, I think of how lucky I am to still have the same passion about beading and jewelry design today.  What memories do you have about when you first started beading?

Large Link Chain Gemstone Briolette Necklace

This is necklace design is simply elegant necklace. The design showcases gorgeous gemstone briolettes on sophisticated sterling silver chain.

In order for this necklace to drape around the neck in a circular shape, it should be made at a loose choker length. When cutting the chain, don't forget that the clasp that you choose will add about 1" to the total length of the necklace. Attach one gemstone briolette beads per chain link. Before attaching the briolettes, you may choose to arrange them according to color and size.

My example features gorgeous tourmaline briolettes that I had been saving. The briolettes are about 9 to 12mm in size, so they are perfectly proportioned for the large links.

If you want to use smaller briolettes or other shapes, you may choose to attach more than one bead to each chain link. The result will be just as stunning.

Here are several way to attach a clasp to your necklace:
1) Use open jump rings to attach your choice of a clasp
2) Use matching beads to wire wrap the clasp to the chain
3) Use a matching satin ribbon to tie the chain around your neck
4) Use a simple "S" hook - see photo below

Gemstone Lariat Necklace

This version of a lariat necklace that features gorgeous freshwater pearl beads sprinkled with multi-colored gemstone beads. An ornate sterling silver toggle serves as the focal point. Since I used small rice pearls, I made two strands for a dramatic effect.

Several different types of gemstones were used in this necklace to create a multi-colored design. The freshwater pearls add to the classic style that can be dressed up or down. The gemstone beads used include: apatite, pink topaz, prehnite, london blue topaz, lemon quartz, amethyst, pink chalcedony, and green chalcedony .

Materials
Ornate Sterling Silver Toggle
Freshwater Rice Pearls
FlexRite Beading Wire
Sterling Silver Crimps
26 gauge Sterling Silver Wire
3 Sterling Silver ball pins
Gemstone Beads include Amethyst Tear Drop Beads, Pink Chalcedony Briolette Beads, Green Chalcedony Briolette Beads, Blue Apatite Rondelle Beads, Pink Topaz Rondelle Beads, London Blue Topaz Briolette Beads, Lemon Quartz Twist Briolette Beads


Instructions
You will need one 36" strand and one 38" strand of Flex-Rite beading wire (I used medium weight, however, a few of the pearls and gemstones didn't fit. I prefer to use medium weight for the strength and am willing to sacrifice a few beads in the process. However, light weight beading wire will cause less aggravation in regards to this issue.

String beads in the desired pattern onto the flexible beading wire . One end of each strand should be attached and crimped to the toggle ring. The other ends should be thread through the toggle ring. (See Photo A, below)

Next, wire wrap your choice of larger size gemstones (8mm or larger) onto ball pins to create dangling beads. The wire wrapping will create loops above the beads so that they can be attached to the ends of each strand. (See Photo B, below)

Start with the unfinished end of one strand, string on a crimp bead, thread the beading wire through beaded dangles and crimp. Repeat with the second strand.

Related Posts:
How to Wear a Lariat Necklace
Simple Lariat Necklace (design idea)

To purchase products featured in this blog post, please use the following links:
Ornate Sterling Silver Toggle
Freshwater Rice Pearls
FlexRite Beading Wire
Sterling Silver Crimps
26 gauge Sterling Silver Wire
3 Sterling Silver ball pins
Gemstone Beads

How to Wear a Lariat Necklace

A lariat necklace is usually make longer than most necklaces. It is a very versatile necklace because it can be worn in different ways. Typically, a lariat necklaces does not have a clasp so the necklace can be adjusted to create different looks. Here are a few suggestions on how to wear a lariat necklace:

1) Double Wrap - this is a great way to shorten the necklace and achieve a two strand look.

2) High Neck - wear the necklace higher up on the chest and closer to the neck for a dramatic look when wearing a low scoop neck. The long, graceful dangle can have a slimming affect and also dress up a simple outfit.

3) Long V Neck - the bottom of the necklace is stationed at a lower position, creating a more elongated, traditional necklace look, also very versatile, great with turtlenecks, sleeveless tops or button down shirts.



Lariat necklaces are designed and created in many different ways. Depending on how a lariat necklace is made, it can also be knotted, tied, or worn as a belt.

Related blog posts:
Gemstone Lariat Necklace (design idea)
Simple Lariat Necklace (design idea)

How to Choose the Right String for Beading

There are many choices of stringing materials, so how do you know which to choose? The stringing material you choose is important because it can affect the look of your design as well as its strength and structure. Here are 5 main stringing materials that I use the most:

Flexible Beading Wire is a versatile types of stringing material. It is a flexible beading wire made of stainless steel and covered with nylon. It is both durable and flexible. Flexible beading wire works with most types of beads including crystals, glass, gemstones, and pearls. This type of stringing material is easy to finish by using just a few findings such as crimp beads, jump ring, lobster claw clasp and a crimp tool.

Flexible beading wire is available in several thicknesses, light, medium and heavy. For most projects, choose medium flexible beading wire with 49 strands. If you are using heavier beads, heavy weight beading wire may be a better choice. For gemstones or pearls with smaller holes than most beads, you may need to use light flexible beading wire because it is slightly thinner.

In order to attach a clasp or findings to flexible beading wire, you will need crimp beads, a crimp tool and a flush cutter. If you need help getting started with crimping, click here to get illustrated crimp bead instructions from our website.

Stretch Bead Cord or Elastic - For making stretch bracelets, you will need a type of stretch cording or elastic. There are many different types, colors and thicknesses. I have used many types and favor the gossamer stretch cord that we carry at Bead Bee. It knots well and stretches well. There are some brands that barely stretch so they are not as easy to put on. Another type of stretch cord that is easy to use is a type often found in sewing shops, it is a rubber cording that is covered in polyester thread. When the cord is cut, the polyester thread will fray, but you can simply singe the ends. I like this type of elastic cording too because it is durable and the knots hold.

I love making and wearing stretch bracelets - you don't need clasps and findings, and sometimes it is nice for a bracelet to be beaded all the way around and not be interrupted by a clasp.

Memory Wire - Like stretch cord, memory wire does not require clasps and findings. To work with memory wire, use a memory wire cutter and and pliers to curl the ends to keep the beads on. Memory wire is springy and keeps its round shape so a clasp is not needed to fasten it on your neck or wrist.

Memory wire usually comes in a coil, you can cut it to length to create single strand, bangle like bracelets, or cut more coils for multi-strand, cuff like bracelets. Simple curl the ends to keep the beads from falling off. Memory wire bead ends are also available, they are beads with one hole, that can be glued onto the ends of memory wire.

Wire - Beads can be strung on hard wire and head pins and linked together to create beaded chains. Wire wrapping techniques are necessary to do this. The tools needed for wire wrapping include round nose pliers, a flush cutter, chain nose pliers and a flat nose plier with tip.

Chain - Chain is not really a stringing material, but using chains and wire to wire wrap beads together can create beautiful designs. Beads can be strung directly onto chain such as ball chain or snake chain.


We are happy to help you find the right materials and techniques for your project so feel free to call or email us, you can even include pictures to assist in answering your questions.

Modern & Simple: Sterling Silver Tube Beads

Sterling silver tube beads are great to use as spacers. They are modern and sophisticated, and will allow the gorgeous beads that you pick to stand out in your jewelry.

Sterling silver tube beads come in many lengths and thicknesses. They can be straight, curvy or wavy.

In this example, I used a sterling silver heishi bead on each side of the glass beads for added detail.

This piece was strung on medium weight Flex Rite beading wire and finished with a simple lobster claw clasp.

My Favorite Things Charm Necklace

My great great grandma and her family came to the U.S. all the way from Czechoslovakia when she was a young girl. Knowing this, I have always been really interested in all things Bohemian, especially jewelry. I'd like to share with you, my first Bohemian inspired piece in this blog post.

One day, in a beading store and the first thing the caught my eye was a glass bead in the form of a globe. I then found a beautiful bronze bead cap for the globe, matching chain and a clasp. To add more color, I incorporated four small glass beads similar to the colors in the globe bead. I also chose antiqued charms that represent things I like to express my personality in the necklace.

To make your own charm necklace, find a large bead, toggle or component to serve as the focal. Gather your favorite beads and charms, and use wire wrapping to attach them to the ends of multiple pieces of chain to create a tassel that attaches to the focal point.

Have fun scavenging from your bead box or parts from old or broken jewelry. Another place I like to look is thrift stores or consignment shops where there's an array of unique pieces to choose from. The possibilities are endless, just follow your creativity wherever it takes you!

Brianna is our guest blogger for this Spring/ Summer season - welcome Brianna! Click here to send Brianna message or leave a comment.

Create Your Own Stylish Stretch Bracelets

Stretch bracelets are wonderful accessories because they are simple to make and you don't need any findings or hardware. There are several types of elastic cording that you can use as stringing material. Based on my experience, I prefer two types that stretch well and knot well. I have found others don't hold the knot or do not have very much stretch.

Gossamer stretch cord is a fiberous, rubbery cording that stretches well and knots well. It is thin will work with most types of beads. The recommended type of knot for finishing this cord is a surgeon's knot, but a good and tight double knot will work tool.

Another type of stretch stringing material I like is an elastic cord commonly found in sewing shops. This is a rubber elastic that has been wrapped in polyester thread. This type of cord often comes in many colors and thicknesses.

Stretch bracelets are great for kids crafts if you don't want to worry about adding a clasp. Elastic cord can be used to create necklaces as well, just make sure the necklaces are long enough to fit over the head without overstretching.

If you are concerned about the strength, quality stretch cord will not break too easily, yet it is not unbreakable. Stretch bracelets should not be worn during physical activity or in any situation where the bracelets are likely to get caught or pulled. You can also reinforce stretch bracelets by using two or three strands of cording. The hole sizes in the beads need to be large enough for the multiple strands, also note that the more strands you use, the less the bracelet will stretch due to the increased resistance of the multiple strands.

Note: Beaded stretch bracelets should also not be given to young children who may choke on small parts should a bracelet or necklace break apart.

Photo: A simple stretch bracelet design using plastic pony beads and plastic alphabet beads, created for a Relay For Life fundraiser.

We would love to help you put together a fun stretch bracelet project for you so please give us a call.

To purchase materials featured in this blog post, please use these links:
Gossamer stretch cord
Plastic pony beads
Plastic alphabet beads