   A bangle style bracelet is always popular Easy to wear and you can make them easily and in all your favourite colours so they can be worn with anything and everything!!!  Start with 3 lengths of memory wire all equal in length They are usually cut less than one complete circle (making room for the clasp) so when finished, the necklace will be a bangle (if the lengths are too big, the clasp will sag) TIP: It may be easier when constructing, to put beads on all three memory wire circles at the same time (instead of one circle at a time) Start by attaching all 3 memory wire circles to a 3 to 1 finding (optional) If you decide not to add a clasp, the bracelet may be prone to falling off your wrist Be cautious when placing the beads ... ensuring that the size of the bead on one row do not push against the beads on the other rows I tend to lay out the beads out first in the order that I want which makes it easier when placing them on the wire Also, use silver tubes in one of the rows to create more space if you wish to use larger beads or closer to the ends as a design feature When putting the connectors on (square shaped in the photo) you may have to use pliers to get them through the holes Make sure they are lined up in the same hole on each side of the connector (going in and out at the same level) Watch for gaps between the beads and fix before continuing... to save time at the end You can use 2 or three connectors... it's up to you Any type will do, and there are lots in the craft store to choose from, it's your creation! (the ones used in the photo have 6 holes so you can have 3 rows of wire or 2... it's your choice) Use your beads that you have not used in other projects it does not have to be symmetrical! Add some crystals and bling to really create interest Finish putting the beads and connectors on make an end loop attach to the 3 to 1 finding add the lobster (or other) clasp and you are done! So pretty and unique! I bet you can't just make one... make them in each of your favourite colours and don't forget to make some for your friends!!! 
0 Comments
Tutorials and ideas on making jewellery with gem stones, amethyst, sodalite and red-dyed jade8/15/2015  Here are some jewellery making ideas using real gem stone beads Ideas of what you can make using amethyst round beads, rondelle crystals, 22 guage silver wire, memory wire and some pretty charms Above is a bracelet using amethyst beads, memory wire and a lobster clasp (see the other tutorials on the site to make bracelets using memory wire)  Above is a necklace (single strand) or a bracelet (when wrapped around the wrist twice) using glass beads and czech glass faceted beads on memory wire I also wire wrapped a bead to attach to the closures and added chain with a rhinestone charm.  Above is a necklace using one strand of crystals on beading wire and the second strand is links using wire wrap technique (see other tutorials on the site to wire wrap) Both strands are then attached to a silver ring (the ring from a toggle set) and chain attached Lobster clasp and jump ring attached as a closure.  Amethyst and rondelle necklace with matching bracelet (on memory wire)  Above is amesthyst round beads with glass and czech glass beads on beading wire (crimped at ends) with an added rhinestone spacer and heart charm at end of chain A small silver square bead was used to space out the glass beads Can be worn as a necklace (single) or when doubled, as a bracelet Lobster claw clasp as closure  Red dyed jade with matching glass beads on beading wire with rhinestone charm at the end of a small piece of chain and lobster claw clasp Can be worn as a necklace (single - as shown below) or as a bracelet (when doubled - as shown above)   Above are sodalite beads necklace and bracelet One row is on beading wire and crimped at the ends with a butterly charm attached to a tube spacer bead The inner row is segments attached by wire wrapping The matching bracelet uses crystals, silver tubes and is on memory wire Whatever you choose to make... be creative and have fun! 
Supplies: Silver Chain Large size lobster clasps (2) winged heart beads 6mm pearls (clear) 4mm crystals 22 guage silver wire Before making any project, I place my beads (and charms) and whatever I am using in place before I assemble to ensure that I have enough beads, etc and I can change the pattern, if required. 
Start by making the sections. I use the wire wrap technique And make several crystal, wing, crystal and also a single clear bead segment With a segment of chain attached to the lobster clasp on each end and make it as long as needed Mine is approximately 12 inches long and is intended to wear between two loops on the waiste of my jeans across my hip so when I ride my motorcycle, you will see the pretty hip chain that I made I have also made these as gifts for my lady rider friends to also enjoy Make it your own unique style using different beads and charms The waist chain below I made for an H-D riding friend who wanted a simple chain and I bought an engraved connector at Michael's She loved it! 
Make it unique and have fun!!!
 I have made several hugs and kisses bracelets, using different colours and sizes of beads, with embellishment, without... and I enjoy wearing them but find that they are quite delicate. Having used fireline to make them (it's like fishing line), they are prone to break easily. One little tug on the edge, breaking the fireline, and the whole piece falls apart. My friend made one of these hugs and kisses bracelets during our beading nights and she loves wearing them but has already broken it and re-made it twice, she is not willing to make it again. I came up with the idea to make them using beading wire instead of fireline but there are a few modifications so here is a tutorial on making them with beading wire.  If required, please refer to the hugs and kisses bracelet tutorial for instructions on the pattern and supplies on making the bracelet at: http://www.yesimadeitmyself.com/diy-jewellery-tutorial/category/gold-hugs-and-kisses-bracelet For this project, I used the 21 strand beading wire (photo above), 6mm blue rondelle beads, 8.0 silver round beads (czech glass, from a tube). NO NEEDLES are required with beading wire... a time saver... as trying to thread the needles with fireline can be quite tedious!! TO ASSEMBLE: Start with a "wingspan" of beading wire, the same length that you would use as with fireline. I had to find a way to attach the clasp and loop onto the beading wire but for the construction of the bracelet, followed the same hugs and kisses pattern.  Basically, you are making the bracelet using the beading wire first and THEN adding the clasp and loop AFTER and using the wire wrap technique to add the clasp and loop. I went about halfway of the construction of the bracelet before attaching the clasp, as in the photo above. I use 22 guage silver wire for my wire wrapping. To attach the lobster claw:
Note: The first bead in the pattern will now have both the beading wire AND the silver wire loop going through it.  TO FINISH THE BRACELET - you will see from the photo above, that on each side of the last blue bead, there are two crimp beads. As you would in the normal pattern using fireline and needles, you would secure the loop to the last set of beads of the bracelet by going around the last set of 4 bigger beads twice. Go around twice at the end of the bracelet with the beading wire in this project also. With the beading wire, before adding the loop, add the crimp beads on each side of the last blue bead in the first row, then go around the set of 4 blue beads with a second row of beading wire. For the second round of beading wire, go through the crimp beads and then using a crimp plier, secure both the first round and the second round of beading wire. Cut the beading wire. It is now secured. Note: The last blue bead will have two rotations of beading wire AND the silver wire wrap going through it.  To attach the loop segment, as with the other end of the bracelet, using the silver wire:
This segment consists of the blue bead, middle silver bead and loop to attach pre-made chain (approx 1 inch). To the other end of the section of chain, I added a blue bead charm with wire wrapping (as shown in the photo below). The piece is complete and I gave it to my friend as a christmas gift! She loved it and I know she can wear it without worry that it will easily break.  I had enough beads left over to make her daughter a matching necklace (photo below). For this project, I added butterfly charms and sparkly clear beads, used the same pre-made chain in the bracelet project and added all the segments using the wire wrap technique. It's a pretty matching set for mother and daughter and both pieces are durable enough to wear without worry of breakage! Tutorial for wire wrapped necklace can be found at: http://www.yesimadeitmyself.com/diy-jewellery-tutorial/category/silver-headpin-wrap-with-bead-necklace   A lovely matching set!! Whatever you choose to make...
make it unique and have fun!  The necklace above started out as a couple of strands of beads that I bought on sale, they were perfectly colour matched... and with very little effort on my part, turned into a lovely necklace to wear The necklace on the right above, I used flexible beading wire and crimp beads to attach a loop and lobster clasp to finish The necklace below, I used silver wire (22 guage) and wire wrapping with short lengths of chain in between the bead segments Typically, I would use odd number of bead segments 3 or 5 with chain in between but it is up to you to create your unique look  These beads were purchased at the fabric store on sale for $6 each strand! What a great deal and I have enough of the bigger beads leftover to make earrings The chain is a bigger loop chain, rectangle in shape that was on sale at the craft store It's simple and pretty: black, grey and white!  The necklace above is a single strand (doubled to fit into the photo) The beads are on wire (22 guage) and then wire wrapped in segments One bead per segment with wire wrapping on each end and joined them as you go along Then add chain between (each grouping of 5 segments) For interest, add a larger bead in between the smaller bead segments at a ratio of 2 small bead segments with one large bead segment in the middle   For a two strand necklace, make one strand using wire wrap and another using beading wire and crimp beads Make it charming!!! - by adding a charm!  To make a bracelet using beading wire Start by making two sets of segments (each using a smaller bead) on a piece of 22 guage silver wire IDEA: Use a wire wrap to attach to the clasp so that you are not using a jump ring that the wire can unattach to (because of the gap in the O ring) One segment: wire wrap to a lobster claw (right or left) Other segment: attach a loop (opposing end of bracelet) Leaving the other loop of the segment available to attach the 10mm aventurine beads Now you will have one right and one left segment to attach together as a clasp and loop and two free loops to attach the rest of the bracelet to beads segment In between these two closure segments use wire and a crimp bead to attach the beads, alternating as you wish Ensure that you leave a bit of a gap so that the beads can shape into a circle (if you do not leave a bit of space using wire and crimp beads, the piece will be straight and not curl around your wrist) Alternating with a charm and a seed bead in between each bead With all the beads strung, attach to the open loop using a crimp bead (I use 2 crimps) and use a crimp cover to conceal the crimp bead Add the chain and a charm on the end (attached charm using a piece of wire and wire wrapping it closed) and you have a unique bracelet! These bracelets can be worn several at a time "stacked" make a couple more of various colours to add to the collection The aventurine bead looks like jade and with the elephant charms, it gives it an exotic quality I refer to these types of bracelets: "delicates"   IDEA: To hold a bracelet steady while adding charms I made a ''holder'' out of a cardboard form (that I use to make flower wreaths) and attach the chain using pipe cleaners... The chain is held steady and I can use both hands to attach charms to! (photo above shows a chain held together with pipe cleaners)  The delicate bracelet above is created using wire wrap between the bead segments I alternated with: flower spacers small 2mm crystals butterfly charms and flowerish caps at each side of the pink beads I also added a length of chain and a charm at the end on one side (opposite to the lobster clasp side) The length is perfect to wear as a necklace or as a bracelet (wrapped around a couple of times)  Memory wire is a quick and easy way to make a bracelet Cut three rounds of memory wire (using special memory wire cutters) Make a loop at one end of the wire Start adding beads! You can use the same pattern of beads throughout or make a pattern on each separate level of the bracelet i.e. bead, crystal, bead on the first round, all beads on the second, all crystal on the third... whatever you like! Using memory wire is a great way to make a bracelet with the "odd" or spare beads that you have and make a beautiful piece Small or big beads, a variety of colours... The possibilities are endless! Add a loop to the end of the wire. No clasp is required!! To finish the look, I add a charm in one or both of the loops.  To make the bracelet in the photo above... I start with 3 lengths of memory wire all equal in length They are usually cut less than one complete circle (making room for the clasp) so when finished, the necklace will be a bangle (if the lengths are too big, the clasp will sag) TIP: It may be easier when constructing, to put beads on all three memory wire circles at the same time (instead of one circle at a time) start by attaching all 3 memory wire circles to a 3 to 1 finding (optional) If you decide not to add a clasp, the bracelet may be prone to falling off your wrist Be cautious when placing beads that the size of the bead on one row do not push against the other rows I tend to set the beads out first in the order that I want to put them on... it makes it easier Also, use silver tubes in one of the rows to create space When putting the connectors on (square shaped in the photo) you may have to use pliers to get them through the holes Make sure they are lined up in the same hole on each side of the connector (going in and out at the same level) You can use 2 or three connectors... it's up to you Any type will do, and there are lots to choose from, it's your creation! Finish putting the beads and connectors on, make an end loop and attach to the 3 to 1 finding add the lobster (or other) clasp and you are done! So pretty and unique! I bet you can't just make one In each of your favourite colours!   In the photo above, three bracelets are shown Add a silver tube to the middle of the circle of memory wire and add a charm The charm will slide on the tube... creating a unique look to the bracelet If you add a couple of charms... they might make a pleasant tinkling sound... so pretty to look at and to hear! Wear a few of them... stack them on your wrist!!!   The set above uses memory wire for the bracelet (three circles) - no clasp required!  Above bracelets were made using single row memory wire and the other two were made using beading wire (with crimp beads and covers) Stack as many as you like on your wrist and wait for the compliments!!! MAKE IT UNIQUE
and HAVE FUN CREATING!  I had ordered some white beads (2mm) and a 25mm medallion online. When they arrived, I loved how the silver and white looked together. The necklace is made using wire and crimp bead, each row is strung with one bead, 2 seed beads. I had to add one half of the beads, then add the medallion, then add the other half of the beads to each strand as the bail was not large enough to go over the 2mm beads. I made a matching bracelet using memory wire and a couple of charms wire wrapped to the wire and earrings made using the same beads, spacers and wire wrapped to the hook. Easy and elegant!  The same necklace, on a wire using crimp beads, in blue with a medallion and flower spacer beads  Comment Form is loading comments...  I saw these cute bracelets on google while looking around for some new designs. They expand when you put them on, and contract back when on your wrist so they are perfect to make when you do not know what size wrist the recipient has. I am making these bracelets to sell at a fundraiser Above in purple is using 2mm Czech glass beads and 1.5 times memory wire. Make a single loop on one end of the wire, then string on your beads, push the end of the wire through the loop and then make a loop through that end ensuring that the wire is sliding through the loops. The memory wire will hold its shape while you are putting the bracelet on and off and add a few charms for fun! They are quick and easy to make and are trendy  I used 'beggar' beads on the above bracelet. They are 4mm sized and varying colours.  A single slider bracelet with 10mm aventurine beads and smaller faceted beads in similar colour. Make sure that there is enough space between the two loops or two ends of the wire in order that it can contract back into a circle.  Two Bracelets stacked  3 Bracelets stacked  4 Bracelets stacked Be Creative and Have Fun! HTML Comment Box is loading comments... A fellow crafting friend gave me the idea to make a drop style necklace, using the clasp loop as a design feature and featuring a hanging chain with charms You can then wear the necklace either as a double or single strand and the clasp becomes part of the design of the necklace She also provided me with a lovely medallion "may you always have a shell in your pocket and sand between your toes" which inspired the shell charm Thanks Cindy for the inspiration!  Supplies Aventurine beads (purchased online from Fire Mountain Gems) in the 10mm size 2 and 4 mm beads (4mm are czech glass beads which have multiple colours in them to add dimension) a decorative clasp and fine small linked chain 24 guage silver coated wire ************************************************** These supplies were purchased at the big box craft store beginning with an "M" and ending with "s" I used my weekly coupon which I downloaded on my iphone and saved 10% on my total purchase Use your coupons! The bead segments are made by cutting a 2 inch piece of silver coated wire then each segment is joined using the wire wrapping technique placing pieces of chain in between groups of segments In the example, the chain between the bead segments is doubled Cut approx 4 inches of chain and then double it to add 2 inches to the necklace To attach the charms double the chain and use O rings to join the chain to the loop and bead charms Use spacers between the beads on the headpin use a round ended headpin for each of the charms Use silver balls and squares shapes and a shell charm for the silver accents! for a beautiful and natural look By using your own beads, in the styles and shapes that you chose this necklace becomes your own unique style Approximately 3.5 hours for this project and lots of compliments received I have taught this technique to my beading class and they are enjoying their own variations of the theme  I have two bowls full of shells I collected (and placed in my pockets while on the beach) on trips to Florida, Spain and Prince Edward Island which I lovingly display in my home to remind me of the joy of going barefoot in the sand
  Necklace in a single strand (but doubled over as it was too long to fit in the photo) This necklace is 24 inches in length (double strand) The matching bracelet in a hugs and kisses style (without the top embellishment row) Aventurine beads from an online supplier Add spacers between each of the bigger beads and 8.0 seed beads to each end of the "grouping" of beads so the wire wrap would not get covered over by the bigger hole of the bead potentially causing a gap to appear on the post Add the chain directly to the wire wrap using ''o'' rings to connect and it an add interest to the piece. Make it a "design style".   Add some charms to the end of the necklace.  The finished product with a lobster claw at the join (above the dangling charms). The wearer can then attach it together at any interval along the length of the necklace for a longer or shorter length   There are many variations on the same theme: a drop style necklace using various types and sizes of beads, using a bar and toggle clasp or a lobster claw (shown in the far right grey necklace) Make it long so your can wear it either as a double OR as a single strand Make it uniquely yours... Be creative and have FUN! Comment Form is loading comments... Bead Weaving is so creative! In a couple of hours, you can make a lovely bracelet and spend my time doing something fun! I teach my friends how to make their own bracelets when we gather together on what has become regular "beading nights"! So many ideas... and so much fun! These are great gifts too - if you do not know the size of the person you are making the bracelet for, you can use one inch piece of chain and a lobster claw so they can place the lobster claw anywhere along the length of the chain that feels comfortable instead of the bar and toggle (which is a fixed length) I would recommend making the flat spiral bracelet first (using a single needle) THEN moving on to the double needle Hugs and Kisses Bracelet (using two needles) THEN making the double Hugs and Kisses Bracelet (more beads, more fun, more sparkle and shine)!  Double Hugs and Kisses Bracelet using pearls as the base, silver seed beads, and 2mm crystals (two instead of one) in the chevron pattern for the embellishment row - with a silver clasp My recommendations on how to start I went online and watched videos on how to bead weave. There is a great company that has tons of DIY videos, I like Potomac (next word), Bead (next word), Company and watched their videos. I watched the video full through once, then set up my beads, made sure I had all the supplies (listed below) then watched the video again on my laptop while I created the bracelet and I could pause as needed while assembling. The only difficulty I had was in finding a pattern that stated the numbers of beads I would need before I started the project. There was brief mention in one of the videos so that gave me a start. I made one bracelet and wrote down the number of beads used so I would know for the next time when shopping. I am sharing that information below in this post. It is a good policy to lay out and count the beads before you start to ensure you have the right amount. If you make a mistake or need to make a change, you can undo by taking off the needles and pulling the bead back out from the thread. You can get a lot more beads for the $ when you order online (once you know the sizes of the beads that you are looking for). I use Fire (next word) Mountain (next word) Gems as they have an incredible selection and also a 100% full satisfaction guarantee. I also go online to their site, and they sent me a huge catalogue, just to browse at the creations they have by their designers. So many possibilities!  For the double hugs and kisses version, you make the base first going up one side and then the other, then you add the ring (or toggle), then do the embellishment row, and then add the toggle (or ring) on the other side and you are done! Once you have completed one bracelet, you will get the hang of making them without use of the video and you can then experiment with different colours and sizes of beads - the bead sizes will make a huge difference in the look of the bracelet (google search photos for some ideas). I use a piece of fabric under my beads to stop them from rolling away while I pick them up on my needle. I set the fabric on top of my box of beads and set them on my lap on the couch in front of my laptop! Those tiny seed beads can be frustrating to pickup on your needle but make sure that you have proper lighting and you can change the colour of your fabric underneath to contrast the bead colour to better see them. To see other designs of bracelets that I like, check out my pinterest page yesimadeitmyself or search "hugs and kisses bracelet" on google. Change up the size of the beads to create a completely different and unique look to your own bracelet!  Top - single, Lower is the double hugs and kisses design  Close up to see the crystals in between the pearls on the embellishment row  Double Hugs and Kisses Bracelet without embellishment row. Faceted beads on the outside with regular pearls on the inside  Want to make a stronger version of the hugs and kisses bracelet? Use beading wire! My tutorial on making a stronger bracelet can be found at: http://www.yesimadeitmyself.com/diy-jewellery-tutorial/hugs-and-kisses-bracelet-tutorial-how-to-make-a-hugs-and-kisses-bracelet-using-beading-wire-instead-of-fireline-to-make-it-stronger-and-less-likely-to-break  Above photos are all made with the single HUGS AND KISSES pattern On the left: New "jade" (glass) beads size 10mm with a size 11.0 seed bead spacer bead no embellishment row on top (so as not to cover the beauty of the beads) It is cool on the wrist - a favourite for summer In the middle: silver czech glass pearl size 8mm seed beads in between the top embellishment row 2mm "rainbow"' coloured crystal Simple and pretty On the right: zirconia shaped silver bead in 4 mm 11.0 seed beads 2mm crystal on the embellishment row So Blingy  The photo above is a lovely flower design embellishment on the top row of the Hugs and Kisses bracelet! SUPPLIES FOR FLAT SPIRAL TWIST BRACELET : Example shown in photo of black and silver bracelet above (far right) Approximate length is 6.5 inches 1 beading needle (approximate size 10) available at the Bead or crafting store 18 center beads (approximate size 4mm) 360 seed beads (approximate size 11.0) 34 side beads (approximate 2mm zirconia shaped) Fireline (it's like fishing line) 1.5 to 2 times of your "wingspans"(or the size of line that you can hold between your right and left hands when spread out horizontally) Toggle and loop or lobster and ring clasp **************************************************************************************** SUPPLIES FOR HUGS AND KISSES BRACELET Photos are the silver bracelet and also the gold bracelet Approximate length is 6.5 inches 2 beading needles (size 10 or 12 - your preference) 50 x 6mm center and side beads (for the bottom layer of beads) I use round shape, but you can adjust to the shape of the bead whatever you decide to use, use bicones for a sparkly effect 64 (approximately) 11.0 sized seeds beads (for the top layer of embellishment or between the beads in the bottom layer to cover any gaps between the beads - you will need more beads) 17 x 2mm center crystals (for the top embellishment layer - I used the bicone shaped in the gold bracelet) Fireline (I use 6 lb) : approximately 1 "wingspan" Toggle and loop or lobster and ring clasp **************************************************************************************** SUPPLIES FOR HUGS AND KISSES BRACELET (with a flower pattern): Photos in black with white crystals (below) Approximate length is 6.5 inches 2 beading needles 50 center and side beads (for the bottom layer of beads) I use round or bicone, but you can adjust to the shape whatever you decide to use 64 seeds beads (for the top layer) 17 Center flower crystals (for the top layer - I used the bicone shaped in the gold bracelet) For the flower pattern, I used 68 of the clear crystals as the "flower petals" Fireline (I use 6 lb) : approximately 1 "wingspan" Toggle and loop or lobster and ring clasp Of course, everyone is different size and depending on the size of the beads used, the amounts will vary.  So many variations on the same Hugs and Kisses Bracelet pattern... using different sized beads, in different colours! From left to right, black with round beads, silver using zirconia, gold using faceted beads, middle gray is hermitite beads (a faceleted center bead plus round beads), next is in green and black, finally far right the round bead, with bicones in the center bottom row and flower pattern on the top embellishment row!  Using pearls add classic beauty to the hugs and kisses bracelet  For the white bracelet, I used pearls and instead of a crystal as the "crossover"bead on the embellishment row, I used a montee bead to add sparkle   You can use two different colours by keeping the "other colour" on the same side working up one side and then up the other side. Online videos can show you how!  Silver Bracelet and Gold Bracelet single double and hugs bracelet - using faceted lower row and center beads and lined (silver / gold) 11.0 japanese seed beads with crystals to add sparkle and shine!   Don't forget to invite your friends over to join in on the fun of beading and creating! Be creative and Have Fun Comment Form is loading comments...  This is my first bead weaving bracelet! It took 3 hours (it will take less time next time as now I know what I'm doing - I hope) but it has already received lots of compliments! As is my usual colour choice... black and silver This is a GREAT beginner bracelet as it is single needle and the pattern is quite easy -- put on a center bead, then 5 seed beads, one crystal, 5 more seeds beads and loop back into the center bead for the right side then do the 5-1-5 again for the left side! After the initial center bead, you then loop back into two of the center beads to continue which creates an overlap of the side arrangement Supplies: 10mm center beads (can be 4, 6 too in any shape) 2mm crystals (I used bicones for this project) 11.0 seed beads (silver in the photo) One beading needle .06 Firewire Toggle bar and loop Approx. $10 in cost All items were available at the local big box craft supply store OR the local beading store OR available online I used a youtube video to go through the process step by step (pausing it on my laptop as required). There are several well put together and informative tutorial videos available (search on youtube: Single Spiral Bracelet Tutorial). When you are ready, they also have a double version of this bracelet - twice as nice as the single style! Note: the beads in this project were not real stones, the crystals were the "knock off'' versions and the toggle and clasp are silver plated. I imagine you could spend a lot more $ in making one of these bracelets using real crystals and stones - the results are quite stunning! ******************************************************************************************************** Tips and Tricks Ensure that there is not a lot of play when you are assembling the bracelet, i.e. keep the threat tension tight - especially when it comes to affixing the clasp - as these gaps can show on the finished product Check often that there are no gaps in between the beads before moving on to the next section If you make a mistake, pull out and remove the last few beads you put on to "undo" - to the point of the mistake and then start that section over If you run out of fireline, watch a tutorial from youtube on how to join more thread into the work (I ran out because I could not find an actual supplies list or indication of how much fireline to use) but it is easy to attach another length of the fireline I started with a "wingspan" as they call it - holding the fireline between both your hands while stretching them out from left to right of your body - I was comfortable only working with one wingspan though as two would have been difficult to handle Check the size often - I cut a strip of paper the size of my wrist and placed it at the top of my mat while assembling so I could check often (include space for the toggle and bar clasp) Also, chasing those seed beads around can be frustrating - buy the bead mat at the bead or craft store (so they can't run away as easily) or use a piece of fabric. I kept my needle as laid flat as possible so it is on the angle that the needle can easily slide into the tiny tiny hole and used my fingernail tip to "hold" the bead still - picking these tiny beads up on your needle will be the bulk of the actual assembly of the bracelet and I was frustrated at first but it was worth it - listen to some nice music to avoid frustration! Additionally, I have various colour photos on my pinterest page of other colour variations of this same bracelet search pinterest: YesIMadeItMysel (the full name on my website as translated on to my pinterest page was too long to have included the last "f"' so search accordingly) Enjoy making this project!  Silver and Black Oval Necklace
I thought I would try something a little different... so I bought 10 oval "rings" for added interest. With the necklace above, I put a bead inside the ring (these oval rings had holes on each side so I could put the silver wire into the side of the ring, then right into the flat bead and through the other hole of the oval ring so the middle bead stays in the middle of the oval ring). I then wire wrapped the segments together - alternating segments with a plain bead and two small silver beads - alternating with the "oval" shaped ring with the flat bead inside and a silver bead on each side of it segment. Connected them together, got to the length I wanted and put a clasp and ring on each side TIP: I always use a clasp - even if I can put it over my head without it so I can use it as a bracelet (check the length of the necklace to your wrist before finishing) or to wrap around a pair of my boots or around my ankle... or whatever. I have also used clasps to wrap a beaded necklace around the straps of my top (instead of around my neck) so the necklace drapes down in the front between the two straps of my top to create a unique look Below is the finished product!  Silver and Black Oval and round bead necklace  Above is a necklace using o rings and oval and round beads with two small silver beads on each side of the round bead. Wire wrapped between the segments. Approximately 30 inches long.  This arrangement of beads is different and I like that unique quality!   This looks like a pretty combination for a bracelet This necklace is a little longer and uses flat oval beds and silver ""o rings between the segments and a silver bead on each side of the plain round bead. On my white top... the contrast looks so nice. I like to wear this necklace! At work, I attach my security pass to it so it can work as a pretty sparkly lanyard as well which receives compliments Using the silver rings between the bead segments captures the eye and you can make a longer necklace using less beads! A Girlfriend gave me an elastic bead bracelet and I felt that the elastic is not as durable as a wire wrap bracelet so I plan on using the whiter beads as a bracelet and perhaps use the smaller beads with pins as the charms TIP: I ALWAYS set out my beads before hand - not just to see how the beads looks together but also to make sure I have enough beads before I start I use a paper cup (cut in half) and put my grouped beads into the bottom of the cup, then I can stack the cups into my plastic shoebox. I try not to buy more beads than can be contained one shoebox and it is convenient to have everything in one place available when I go to my friends house on Mondays to teach the beading technique to them - for our beading parties! I think this will be a necklace - I have set all my beads out first so I can see that I have enough of them and also that they all work well together . Perhaps I'll use some silver O rings to add some colour and interest!   Above is my plastic shoebox containing all my beads, wire, tools and smaller storage containers
Have lid - will travel!!! I also have a piece of fabric that I place on top of the lid when I am "bead weaving" to prevent the beads from rolling around I can turn the shoebox lid upside down and use it as a "mat" during construction and it is ideal because it has a "track" around the outside that acts as a "wall" or barrier to keep the beads from rolling away!! I use small plastic containers to store groups of beads and use the lids to keep the beads I am working on together and to prevent the beads from rolling away during construction of the item Be creative & Happy Beading!  Above is Midnight Silver necklace and bracelet. The beads were on sale - woohoo! The bracelet is made using headpins (snipped off the end) and a small silver ball in between each loop which was wire-wrapped. I used full for the necklace and used half of a 3 inch silver headpin, I used half for each charm. 5 beads on each segment of necklace and and one bead and 2 rings on each half headpin for the charm. I may add more charms... perhaps some crystals to match? I wish I could step out of my comfort zone and add some colour... but perhaps if I am asked to make items for others I will :) There is a beautiful bracelet with a bunch of charms of my pinterest page... I was so inspired, the artist uses 60 beads per bracelet!!! mine only has 24 AT THE MOMEN T... LOL Below is the same Bracelet as above but with a few clear teardrop beads added and a few silver balls added to create a splash of non-black...   Above is the snowflake necklace. using pearls and shine beads, wire wrapped with an inch or two of chain in between. I added a lobster clasp so I could wear it as a single long necklace OR wrap it twice around my neck OR wear it as a bracelet. As I went along in the making of it, I just kept checking the size on my wrist to ensure it would fit! Second pic. below are both necklaces I am wearing draped... (you can see the cat jumped up on me demanding my attention during the creation of my necklace and left its fur all over my sweater LOL :)   
My "Celestial Silver" bracelet. I used smooth white oblong beads for the bracelet and as charms too! Silver globes and pearls with silver ends. There are a few small frosted beads and spackle beads too (they remind me of stars hence the name of the bracelet). I added rings around each bead of the bracelet and added charms to them. It makes a light tinkling noise as it moves on my wrist :) Love it! I may keep this one for myself. 
Above is a bracelet I made for a friend using beads from a store-bought bracelet. I added the hearts and white pearls and beads. We took all the beads off and arranged a few around them - sort of made the bracelet by arranging the beads in the order that we liked and then we began making the bracelet. This is a technique that I always use so I can see what the end result will look like :) 
The above Hearts Bracelet I made for my girlfriend. We went to visit her puppy the day I gave it to her and a couple of the charms broke off!! Going forward, I'm going to use the wire wrap technique to secure the charms more completely :) 
Here's another silver "Hearts and Stars bracelet I made using a chainmaille style bracelet to start and adding the charms on every ring. Below is what it looks like while wearing it. 
Above is my "Amber with Pearl and Hearts" Bracelet which I made using the beads from a bracelet Jez gave me that she bought in Toronto. I took apart the bracelet (as it was too big) and re-used the beads using a bead wrap technique to make the bracelet (three beads on each pin) and then I added the charms and hearts as danglers. I love the wire wrap technique (which I learned from a youtube tutorial) as it makes the bracelet difficult to break apart, strengthening the bracelet, and the dangling charms and beads will not come off unless you cut the loop! I'm addicted to the wire wrapping technique :) 
Above is my Pretty in Pink bracelet that I made using a row of silver chain plus two rows of beaded chain for a total of three rows. Then I added a bunch of small pins with 3 beads each and attached them to the chain. It's a lot of charms but was fun to make. I love the spackle and pink tinged beads with swarov. crystals! pretty and sparkly.
It is so nice to be able to spend a couple of hours and create something beautiful and shiny! I started this project by making the bracelet using thick jump rings and joining them together with a clasp on the one side. Then I added the hearts and stars charms! Then added some beads to a one inch post and added those too! I love it! 
The above necklace is made by making small sets of 3 beads on a post, then adding them to each other and then adding chain in between. 
As you can see from above, I have my beads set out. Then I cut small pieces of 20 guage wire and bend them on both sides, then using my double circle pliers, makes circles onto each end. 
Above are all the pieces that I made myself. Then I used small jump rings to attach them to each in sets of three. Then cut two pieces of chain and attached the sets of beads to it. made it a comfortable length to go around my neck twice. I added a lobster claw so I could also wear it as a bracelet. 
 I found a fabulous bead store and found some pretty pearls that inspired an idea for a necklace. I watched an online tutorial video and this is my first attempt! A couple of my friends and I decided to try this project together. To make the necklace, use 26 guage wire. I put 100 beads on the wire in random order. Then using a 4.5 crochet hook, I started with a slip knot about 2 inches along the wire. Then I did 4 crochet stitches. then slid a bead down beside the crochet hook and did a stitch around the bead as normal. There are a ton of how to crochet with wire and bead tutorials online. TIP: it is worth ensuring that your wire comes away from its holder easily - I spent more time untangling the wire I bought that did NOT come wrapped in a spool - so either buy on a spool or re-wrap onto a spool before starting your project :) It was not easy at first, but my friend was really good at it (her necklace is pictured). She used 50 beads per strand! then I put the three strands together and braided them (below). trying to keep the beads in symmetry as I wrapped the 3 strings together. You can go back and fill in the spaces after - there are tutorials on embellishing necklaces.   I found a slot to attach the wire to while I was braiding so I could use both hands. After the strands are together, I spent some time arranging the beads to make them more uniform (1st pic below is   There is a little bit of black, grey and pearl... with the silver wire showing, it looks sparkly! I love that! Finished with some cones, jump rings and twisting the wire around to secure a clasp! The most time is spent beading the wire, approx. 3 hours in total and I spent $20 but most importantly, my friends and I had a fun time, learned something new together and are planning another BYOB - bring your own beads party!  The above is a matching bracelet that I made using the same process.  But I took the one above apart by taking out the crochet stitches one by one and re-used the beads and made them into a stretch bracelet using elastic jewelry cord and it took less than an hour to make 2 bracelets with 3 rows of beads each!  
Happy New Year! I wanted to make a bracelet that sparkled to ring in the new year... I loaded up the 26 size wire with these sparkly beads I bought at the bead store and spaced them out with small silver beads in between. I used a Labrador 1/2 coated 4x6 mm rondelle Chinese crystal bead that I loved in the store.... and a slightly bigger silver bead too! Each strand is attached to the silver jump ring and I just twisted the wire around and around until stable and added the clasp... completed in an hour and cost is under $10. Now to make a matching necklace! 
 I attended our Bookclub Christmas party and someone had made a lovely beaded bracelet so, with my christmas money, I went to the local bead store (after searching the internet for tutorials on making jewellery) and thus began my enjoyment of making my own jewellery!  Bead Mix and Silver Wire  The longest part of the DIY is stringing each bead onto the wire before braiding. I did not cut the wire until two packs of beads were on the wire. Then I measured a length to go around my wrist and cut 8 more lengths to match. I put three strands together, wrapping the three strands of wire around and around each other at the ends then "folded" them over a ring on each end. So there are 9 strands, attached to 3 rings on each end to attach to one ring and one clasp. Then I attached on one side and then braided the 3 strands of 3 and attached the last ring on one side and clasp on the other! And ready to wear  Above are 3 separate bracelets using spacer beads and tubes, crystals, olive green beads and czech glass beads with a heart charm!  Single row memory wire bracelets using 4 mm czech glass beads in lavender / pink with a magnetic clasp and charms on each end. (Two bracelets shown in the photo). Approx. 30 beads per bracelet to fit a 6.5 inch wrist  Above are two bracelets using beads, crystals and spacer beads (with rhinestones), tubes and charms!  3 Rows of Memory wire using beads, crystals, spacer beads and tubes Each row is made separately and then threaded through the large multi hole spacer placing the beads on row by row, section by section The end result is a cuff-like bracelet Using Memory wire to make BraceletsMemory wire is an easy way to 'string' beads and make beautiful jewellery quickly and easily ... and the results are beautiful and unique to the person making it! There are a broad selection of beads that you can use and you can be either symmetrical or not ... whatever you decide to do will be unique and there are lots of examples on the internet to get your inspired Memory wire comes in different sizes: For making rings For making bracelets (small or large sized, oval shape) For making necklaces There are no special tools required but a memory wire cutter tool is recommended as memory wire is very thick but regular wire cutters can also work You may use as many rounds of memory wire as you desire In the examples in the photos, there are single rounds and three rounds of wire (as noted) With memory wire, if you use at least two rounds, there is no requirement to have a clasp as the wire retains its shape and stays on saving both time and money on the project It is also great to use to make gifts as the memory wire will wrap around different sized wrists (so the exact size of the recipient is not a concern) TO MAKE A BRACELET WITH MEMORY WIRE Using double round pliers, make a loop on one end of the wire then start placing on beads When you are close to the end make another loop and add a charm to one or both of these end loops You can add a clasp if you wish Tip: make sure that your loops are close enough together to meet with the clasp in between. The memory wire has 'memory' and will keeps its shape so it is important to be accurate It is super easy and you can complete a project in 15 minutes of in about an hour ... depending on how many beads you use Quick, easy, unique and beautiful that you can make yourself!  Shown above, is a bracelet using a triple row of memory wire 3 different types of beads: blue pearls labrador rondelles crystals with a heart charm added to the loop on each end  The white bracelet shown above is made with 2mm white beads |
Powered by
