Free Projects

Caramel Swirl Bracelet

Tricia G. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:51:00 GMT

Spiral copper wire in a unique pattern, and pair it with delectable lampwork beads.
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Clever Connections Necklace

Tricia G. — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:21:00 GMT

Companion to Katie’s Beading Secrets, Beadwork, December 2009/January 2010.
Custom focals made with resin are heartfelt gifts at any time of year. Dip into your paper-crafting stash to make each one as unique as its recipient. Colorful glass beads and peyote-stitched rings combine with metal chain to complete the handmade look.
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Dear Diary Necklace

Tricia G. — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:33:00 GMT

Michelle created a unique focal piece by suspending three different keys from a large jump ring. This project is from Stringing magazine.
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A Walk in the Forest Necklace

Tricia G. — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:55:00 GMT

Create an earthy focal piece using semiprecious stone and crystal dangles.

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Crystal Radiance Brooch

Tricia G. — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:00:00 GMT

This brooch of concentric circles of brick stitch requires making gradual increases from round to round by changing bead sizes as well as changing the number of beads in each round....(read more)

Glass Whimsy

Erin Carey — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:03:00 GMT

This vibrant necklace was created using hollow Lampworked glass beads, disk beads, silver wire and a beautiful silver chain. The vivid color yet simplicity of this piece would be an asset to any jewlery box and would be a great project for beginners. Originally published in Creative Jewelry, 2009.
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Metal Clay Quilt Pendant

Michelle M. — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:15:00 GMT

Experiment with texture with this PMC (Precious Metal Clay) pendant. To add texture to the metal clay, simply use purchased textured sheets or rubber stamps. This project includes tips on how to make your own reusable textured molds using polymer clay. This intermediate/advanced project is from Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist. ...(read more)

Raindrop Earrings

Tricia G. — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Coil wire around drops to frame big beads. This pair of earrings is a quick and easy project you can customize with any color beads you like. Make them in all different styles to coordinate with your clothing or give as gifts. This beginner project is from Step by Step Wire Jewelry....(read more)

Foxy Roxy

Michelle M. — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Combine foxtail chain with rocky ceramic beads in this fun design by the associate editor of Step by Step Wire Jewelry. Make the chains to match your beads, or play around with different color combinations. This project from Step by Step Wire Jewelry will be free through September 25, 2009. ...(read more)

October Shore

Michelle M. — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Pull together a collection of favorite stones and other sparkly finds and string them up into a treasure-rich necklace. This beautiful necklace would compliment any wardrobe and was created using simple crimping and stringing techniques. This project was first published in Stringing Fall 2008 and will be free for a limited time.

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Playful Peyote Toggle Clasps

Erin Carey — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:50:00 GMT

Playful Peyote Toggle Clasps

Finish your next project with this easily customizable toggle clasp. Not only are the gold collars fun to play with because they slide around the toggle ring, but they also help hold the toggle bar in place when worn. In this expanded online version of Custom Cool, you’ll be able to make the ring half of the clasps following both step-by-step photographs and illustrations....(read more)

Right Angle Weave: 5 Free Beadweaving Patterns

Michelle M. — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:48:00 GMT

Right Angle Weave: Beading Daily Presents 5 Free Beadweaving Patterns contains 5 terrific right-angle weave (RAW) patterns. Learn the basics of right-angle weave with the sparkling Comet Right-Angle Weave Earrings by Step by Step Beads editor Leslie Rogalski. Then create a long ribbon of inch-wide beadwork with the colorful Ribbons necklace by Chris Prussing. The Achimedes’s Star bracelet by Gwen Fisher uses a technique variation that produces a lacy star pattern. Tina Koyama’s Triple Quatrefoil Wrap features fire-polished rounds to create a pretty cuff. Wrap up your right-angle weave exploration with the bold Egyptian Cuff by Shelley Nybakke. ...(read more)

Glitter Chic Choker

Michelle M. — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:09:00 GMT

Create a variety of dramatic, glittery focal points like those shown here using a combination of striking beads, pendants and interchangeable stick bails. A subtly sparkly, modified daisy chain strap works up in an evening and provides an all-purpose background for all of the pendants you can dream up. This project is a companion to Katie's Beading Secrets in the October/November 2009 issue of Beadwork....(read more)

Treasures of Atlantis Earrings

Michelle M. — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:22:00 GMT

These earrings coordinate with the Treasures of Atlantis necklace, the winning entry in our 2009 Semiprecious Stone Challenge, on page 24 of the September–October issue of Step by Step Beads. Clusters of freshwater gray pearls and gemstones (labradorite and hematite) add movement to simple dangles....(read more)

Caddis Weave Bracelet

Michelle M. — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:58:00 GMT

Anne developed Caddis Weave when she wanted to use a bead with a large hole and trap it in place with seed beads. She named this weave “Caddis” for the caddis fly, an insect that builds a wonderful case underwater during its larval stage. This technique begins with a freehand peyote cord (see tubular peyote for an illustration). Even tension is particularly important. When you’re designing a pattern for this project, avoid anything too precise—this technique is better suited for simple stripes, color areas, and freeform or organic designs. This project was originally published in the Fall 1999 issue of Beadwork. ...(read more)