Daily Blogs : holiday jewelry

Quick Beaded Valentine Cards, Plus New Reader Gallery

Michelle M. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:01:00 GMT

The first reader gallery of 2009 includes designs by 35 readers from all over the world, including Mexcio, Greece, the United Kingdom, and Germany. From simple strung necklaces to a Victorian-style beaded bag with size 15 beads to a bead embroidered pin, you'll find something to love in this gallery!...(read more)

Romantic Beaded Fringe: 3 Lacy Techniques

Michelle M. — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:11:00 GMT

It was Valentine’s Day, 1985…my husband and I had been dating for a couple years…and this was the day I knew romance, poetry, and flowers wouldn’t be a big part of our relationship: He gave me a bottle of red-colored Listerine....(read more)

Free Seed Bead and Crystal Peyote Bracelet Project

Michelle M. — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:52:00 GMT

If it's been your dream to see your project published, but have felt nervous about the submission process, you'll find inspiration in Lynn Davy's story. One of her first submissions was to the "Bead Boy" reader challenge in Beadwork magazine two years ago. She might never have worked up the courage to submit, except her 8-year-old son created and submitted his own project to the magazine first! ...(read more)

Seed Bead and Wire Halloween Earrings

Michelle M. — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:36:00 GMT

Do you bead for the holidays? Which ones? Halloween? Easter? Christmas? How about National Chocolate Day (October 28), Poppy Day (November 11), or Read a New Book Month (December)?...(read more)

5 Tips for Designing with Color

Michelle M. — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:25:00 GMT

Color is such a key element of good design. Yet each of us wrestles now and then with being in a color rut—“I only buy purple beads”—or wondering what shade of blue brings out the best in a new multicolored lampwork pendant. Do you ever watch The View on TV? If so, you’ll understand how much fun it is to poll several of our bead magazine editors and learn new and different angles from each one....(read more)

Jewelry Ideas for Valentine's Day

Editor — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Isn't It Romantic?

I'm not an especially romantic person, particularly when it comes to jewelry design. As I mentioned in an earlier post ("Playing with Color") I have no pink beads in my bead collection and certainly no heart beads--or so I thought.

Imagine my surprise when I found these cute silver hearts at the bottom of my jewelry box! I'd forgotten about these heart charms that I created in my first metal clay class a couple of years ago. So apparently, even though I don't buy heart beads, somewhere deep inside I have the compulsion to make them. How weird is that?

Of course, now that I've found these beads, all I can think about is creating a sweet, sentimental design (dangly earrings? Y-necklace?) that features them. C'est la vie!

New Free Project

Love Me Tendril
by Christi Friesen

This new polymer clay project comes to us from Step by Step Beads. Learn how to make polymer clay and semiprecious stone leaf beads with these step-by-step instructions and photographs. Even if you are not a polymer clay fan, you might want to look at the close-up photo of this project for some springtime color inspiration. In the instructions, the designer also gives tips for an alternate autumn color palette.(Instructions are for the beads only; instructions for stringing the necklace are in the March/April 2008 issue of Step by Step Beads.)

More Lovely Free Projects

You might also enjoy these love-inspired projects:

	Keys to My Heart by Jean Yates Techniques: Stringing, Wireworking Create a matching earring and bracelet set using crystals and silver components with colorful shibuichi patina.
	Lovey Dovey Ring by Jamie Hogsett Technique: Wireworking Practice your wireworking skills as you create this dramatic crystal ring.
	Lilac Love by Debbie Blair Techniques: Stringing (necklace), polymer clay and wireworking (pendant) Craft your own unique polymer clay heart pendant to jazz up a simple necklace.
	Love Birds Necklace by Michelle Mach Techniques: Daisy chain, wireworking, sewing and gluing (pendant) Seed bead daisies decorate pearls and turquoise nuggets in this brass chain necklace. The pendant was fashioned from separate brass elements. (Yes, this is a romantic piece, but it was a Beadwork challenge--I never would have come up with a love themed necklace on my own!)

Inspired by . . . YOU

This Valentine's Day necklace is by Beading Daily reader Susan Cuss. Susan is a self-taught beader who has been beading for about three years. In addition to beading, she also paints in watercolors and oils. The spiral rope uses four shades of pink beads, plus a shade of gray inspired by the hematite heart. The fringe uses glass hearts, as well as crystal bicones and fire-polished crystals. The clasp was created with two metal love charms that Susan adhered together to create a two-sided piece.

Share the Love

The Beading for a Cure projects are now online. All the beaders used the same kit of beads and it's truly fascinating to see all the different pieces that they came up with! All the pieces will be auctioned off to raise money for the National Colorectal Cancer Research Association. The auction will begin March 2, 2008--mark your calendars!

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She'll be working on her Beadwork challenge piece this weekend and it's starting to look like it may be another love-inspired design!

10 Reasons We Love Making Beaded Gifts

Editor — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:00:00 GMT

y Holiday Beading

Above: One of my holiday gifts decorated with a ceramic snowman bead from Studio 59.

I've finished my holiday beading! It helped that my list was short this year--two pairs of earrings, a purple chain maille bracelet, and a few beaded snowflakes. I also stretched the meaning of "beading" gifts: For one of my beading friends--a busy mom--I created a simple earring kit with some handmade ceramic cupcake beads, ear wires, headpins, and round beads for the top of the cupcake. I also promised another friend with a 6-year-old daughter that I would come over one day and make some "Princess jewelry" with large, sparkly plastic beads and elastic cord. (I have a feeling that the experience will be more of an education for me than for the 6-year-old!)

So why do we love to make beaded gifts? Here are 10 reasons from Beading Daily readers:

1. It's personal.

"I think it's a rather nice personal touch to give a handmade gift no matter what it is."

"I really enjoy making jewelry gifts for my friends. I have gotten requests from family members on things they would like and it sure makes Christmas shopping a lot easier. Also, it really makes me feel good to see my friends wear things that I have made for them."

2. It costs less.

"It makes sense financially. (I do not really have much money to spend on gifts, so I'll make them myself.)"

"Everyone loves jewelry and I can make it so much cheaper than purchasing it."

"My husband is in Iraq so it is helping me to pass the time, plus saving money and giving our family and friends something really nice for Christmas."

3. It's safer.

"I always make beaded gifts as well as other types of handmade items for the holidays, but this year seems even more important with all the recalls on products out of China. It's time for America to get back to its roots!"

4. It makes good business sense.

"Just about everyone on my list will be getting beaded jewelry this year, including the guys! I look at it as a gift for them and free advertisement of my work for me!"

5. It beats shopping.

"I HATE to shop, even before I worked retail, I HATED it. This way, I get to be creative in spurts and everyone loves the uniqueness of their gifts."

6. It's a fun way to learn--and show-off--new skills:

"Knotted pearl necklaces all around since I finally mastered knotting."

"I will be making about 20-25 pairs of coin pearl dangle earrings. My wire wrapping skills are getting better already and I'm only halfway through."

7. It's a fabulous recruiting tool.

"My dear sister-in-law brought me a gift of a lovely turquoise peyote bracelet, I loved it and asked her to show me how to make it. Now, at least 10 beaded projects later, I'm seriously hooked!"

8. It's good stress relief.

"Last year I made 20-something beaded animals, pikachus, Glindas, balls, snowmen, etc. for my people as Christmas gifts, but also because I needed a little bit of anti-stress therapy (horrible evil exams)."

"It's less stressful than shopping at the mall and trying to get that person, just the right something. This is from the heart."

9. It's tradition.

"It's tradition that my mom gets a new jewelry set every year for Christmas."

10. It's hard to explain.

"I must be crazy!!"

Beading Daily goes on vacation!There will be no Beading Daily email again until January 2, 2008. Here are a few things to keep you busy in the meantime:

New Free Project:Montee Magic Earrings by Katherine Schwartzenberger. These crystal and seed bead earrings are perfect for holiday parties and last-minute gifts. The matching bracelet project is featured on the cover of the February/March 2008 issue of Beadwork magazine on sale January 15, 2008. Katherine describes herself as a new beader, but if these projects are any indication, I think we'll be seeing more of her work!

Bead Spa Jar
by Melinda Barta
Purchase PDF Download

New Poll: Do you brick stitch to Beyoncé? Or do you string along to Beethoven? I thought it would be fun to post a play list of songs that everyone enjoys listening to while beading. Take a minute to answer the new poll: Do you listen to music while you bead?
New Year's Beading Resolutions: Are there new techniques you want to learn? How about getting that bead stash organized? I'll be writing about beading resolutions when I get back.
Shop the Beading Daily Store: There's still time to make a few last-minute gifts, like the brick-stitch spa jar lid pictured at left.

Story Updates: Several readers sent in great tips for Wednesday's snowflake project--be sure to check those out! I've also added a photo of reader Diane Smith's bugle bead necklace, since there was a question about her technique. Finally, if you missed the interview with clay bead artist Melanie Brooks Lukacs, you may want to take a look--and learn how to enter her holiday bead giveaway!

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. And yes, she is going to bead during her vacation! How could she not?

Holiday Beading Ideas from Readers

Editor — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:00:00 GMT

Holiday Gift Ideas from Beading Daily Readers

Beaded holiday pin by reader
Karen Nicholson

"YES!!!!"

"Are you serious?!?"

"Are there any other kind?"

That how 95% of you answered the question: "Will you be making beaded gifts this year?" That's not surprising. What is surprising is the number of gifts. More than half of the more than 800 respondents claimed that they would be making a minimum (a minimum!) of six handmade gifts each.

Let's do the math. (Or rather, let me do the math--you probably should sit back and string a few more beads on that bracelet if you really expect to finish it on time!) That's more than 2,400 gifts--and that's not including all the folks who admitted to making somewhere between one and five gifts this year. Add those and we're talking at least 3,500 beautiful beaded gifts from just those who answered the poll. Whew!

So, what kinds of gifts are you making this year?

Earrings, bracelets, and ornaments were at the top of your gift-giving list. (Check out the holiday gallery to see some of the gifts that Beading Daily readers are giving this year.) Other items mentioned: wine charms, dolls, stitch markers, rings, necklaces, angel pins, beaded dragon, purses, eyeglass holders, beaded egg box, cell phone fobs, Christmas cards, needle cases, bookmarks . . .

"Right now, I'm in the process of beading a Tabasco cover for my uncle, who eats every meal with the stuff. Since he carries a bottle of it in the restaurant with him, I thought that I would give him an attractive cover for it. It's always so hard to give men beaded gifts that you know they will use."

A few readers mentioned the netted snowflake ornament featured on Beading Daily awhile ago. I made my own version and admit that this easy netting project has its charms--and according to one reader, at least one special power:

"The inspiration fairy has been ABSENT!! Thank you so much for the snowflake ornament--a netted snowflake brought her right back!"

Some of the lucky gift recipients include: daughters, sisters, mothers, nieces, aunts, friends, office workers, neighbors, hairdressers, and teachers.

"For my sister who has (and can get) everything . . . except a priceless beaded necklace from her less fortunate, albeit more talented, sister."

My version of the snowflake ornament

Of course, not everyone is easy to bead for. Men were often mentioned in this "difficult" category, but they weren't alone:

"If I'm able, I'll make gift sets for my four nieces. I know what I like, but I think females between 13 and 25 prefer something simpler. If anyone has ideas that have won praises, I'd love to hear about it or see an example."

But what about other beaders?

"I've decided that even making bead gifts for my beady friends is OK... after all, I have a different design sense than they do... and it's nice to have things that are not all your design."

Be warned, those of you who are making beaded gifts for the first time this year--this may easily become a tradition!

"My nieces, sister-in-laws, and friends all look forward to jewelry gifts. One year I gave something else, thinking they might be tired of always getting jewelry, and they all asked what happened to their jewelry gifts!"

"It's expected of me... Now that I 'Bead Daily'!"

"If I don't bestow beaded creations for the holiday, the relatives will hunt me down and string me up on the Christmas tree!!"

"I figure I'll make an ornament with a different beaded pattern every year, so they'll end up with quite a collection!"

"I've created a monster with giving jewelry gifts. Now my friends and family can't wait to see what they will get this year and they started hinting back in October."

Above: A Christmas necklace by reader Capitola Girl

What stops us from giving beaded gifts? A couple of people mentioned ungrateful recipients and lack of funds, but by far, time seems to be the universal enemy:

"I would love to make all beaded gifts but I have to earn a living. Horrible when real life gets in the way of beading!"

"I always plan to make handmade gifts, but never seem the have the time. Even though I'm making several gifts this year it's not as many as I had originally intended. Oh well, maybe next year!"

Of course, maybe it depends upon what other crafts you enjoy:

"I usually knit for people, but beading is so much faster!"

The sensible among us know to simplify when time runs short:

"When planning to give a number of gifts, I tend to think lots about the style and color preferences of the person I give to but due to the time it takes to do off loom beadweaving, I also tend to be less creative and make simpler bracelets instead of more time consuming necklaces."

"Mostly quick earrings. Life's too busy for more complex, but even these are amazingly satisfying."

But not the overachievers . . .

"I am making bracelets to go with scarves I have knit."

"I am making netted snowflakes for co-workers--roughly 45. I always make a few extra because you just never know who's going to be dropping by unexpectedly."

Simple Christmas Tree Earrings

"A nephew and his wife have a goal for me -- to cover their 10 foot tall Christmas tree with my beaded ornaments. I'm about 10% there. How wonderful to be so appreciated!"

"Probably close to 15 or 20 [gifts], but at least that beats the 58 ornaments last year!"

Of course, time isn't the only challenge:

"I sure hope that I give them away, and not end up keeping them for myself, and then buying a box of candy to give as a gift instead!!"

Never underestimate the power of chocolate!

Beaded Gift Wrapping Tip

"Mailing out gifts this year? After addressing your package, sprinkle some tiny beads sparingly around the addressee label without obscuring the information, then tape them down with clear packing tape, smoothing the tape securely. Instant festivity!"--Step by Step Jewelry Gifts for the Holidays

Coming Friday: Polymer clay beads by readers, plus an interview with Carol Blackburn.

Looking for more ornament ideas? Check out "Ornament Thursday" on Candie Cooper's blog. Each Thursday, Candie and other beading bloggers will publish photos and instructions for handmade Christmas ornaments.

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She still has at least two more pairs of earrings to make as gifts.

Netted Snowflake, Myrrh Beads, and Other Holiday Beading Ideas

Editor — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 17:00:00 GMT

Holiday Beading Projects

Are you making any beaded gifts this year? Over the weekend, I made my first beaded holiday gift--a quick necklace for my stylish new office mate. (I'll share a photo next week.) I also have two pairs of chain maille earrings on my gift-giving list this year, plus the snowflake below, which I'll probably use to decorate a good friend's Christmas gift. (I also have a long list of "if I have time" projects.) After Thanksgiving, I will share a few holiday projects by readers.

Here are four projects to kick off your gift-making this year:

Snowflake Ornament
by Robin Cowart

Mistletoe
by Amy Boehm

Beaded Pinecones
by Arlene Baker

Christmas Tree Earrings
by Brenda Tumeo

View all holiday or special occasion projects

Not Your Ordinary Bead . . . Myrrh Beads

Beading Daily reader Dorothy asked me about myrrh beads for holiday necklaces. (Myrrh was one of the gifts of the three wise men.) I did a little research and found that the scented beads are made from the hardened sap of the Myrrh tree. Look for them at places that carry African trade beads.

Jeanne A. E. DeVoto used myrrh beads in a turquoise, polymer clay, and silver necklace. You can see a larger photo on her website. She had this advice to share about working with myrrh:

"Myrrh beads are fragile and they can blacken over time when worn, particularly if your skin is acidic. If you work with myrrh, be prepared to restring the piece every so often. I personally think it's well worth it for the scent, but someone who doesn't care about the scent and just wants the look might want to lacquer the myrrh."

An update to this story appears in the "comments" section. A good reminder of "buyer beware" when it comes to any type of purchase!

Buy Handmade

Interweave Press is one of the sponsors of the "Buy Handmade" campaign that encourages people to shop for handmade gifts and support independent artists like yourself! You can read more about this effort and sign the online pledge.

I've already talked to one person who was upset by the "Buy Handmade" message--she thought we should be promoting making handmade gifts, not buying them. But "Buy Handmade" doesn't have to mean only purchasing a finished gift--it could include buying components like handmade beads or handspun yarn, or even buying brownies from a local bake sale that you munch on while you're creating! It's all about thinking outside the box (a.k.a. "the big box stores") for some of your holiday shopping.

Coming This Week: On Wednesday, we'll have a new poll. We'll be having a short week because of the Thanksgiving holiday--no Beading Daily email on Thursday or Friday.

Thanks to everyone who posted such warm and encouraging advice for new designers on Friday ("4 Jewelry Business Tips"). Becca really appreciated it--and so did I!

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She had fun researching myrrh beads. If you are curious about any unusual beads, let her know!

Special Occasion and Holiday Jewelry

Editor — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 16:00:00 GMT

More than 3,200 Beading Daily readers filled us in on beading for special occasions. In response to the question, "What one special occasion or event usually inspires you to design a new piece?", fifty-three percent said, "I design for many special occasions—I can't pick just one!" Surprisingly, the second most popular answer (14%) was "I never design jewelry for special occasions or events." The events that inspired jewelry most often were birthdays, holidays, vacations, and weddings.

Tatted Bridal Set with Beads Here are several very different holiday/special occasion beading projects. The first is a tatted bridal set is from PieceWork magazine. Looking at this beautiful piece, I'm reminded of how nicely beads fit into many different crafts. Adding beads to another craft you enjoy, like quilting or knitting, might be just the creative challenge you're looking for.

The second project is a bead embroidered heart pin that Amanda Berka created in a class taught by Amy Clarke Moore.
Amanda's Heart Pin I liked how Amanda used the traditional colors for Independence Day (red, white, and blue), but not a traditional shape (a heart, rather than a star). The holiday tie-in is there, but it's subtle. This pin has made me rethink my ideas about holiday jewelry!

The last project is the Lacework Tiara Necklace below which was inspired my a designer's memories of working on prom decorations. Even though a piece may have been made with a special occasion in mind, you don't need to limit yourself to only wearing it on special occasions. Our graphic designer Kat created a version of this necklace with unakite, rather than sunstone, and she wears it to work sometimes. Think of it like using the good dishes for a weekday dinner—sometimes it's just fun to celebrate an ordinary day!

Kat's Lacework Tiara Necklace

Original Lacework Tiara Necklace
by Monica Lehn