Free Projects : Beadwork magazine

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.
...(read more)

Crystal Radiance Brooch

Tricia G. — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:00:00 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)

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)

Caddis Weave Bracelet

Michelle M. — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:58:00 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)

Charming Dream Necklace

tbeard — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:26:00 GMT

Herringbone tubes meet trendy charm accents in this quick, fashionable design that has hidden meanings: To reinforce the dream theme, Katie chose purple tones for creativity, a hummingbird charm for moving forward, and an eye charm for insight....(read more)

Square-Stitched Twisty Strap

Michelle M. — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:31:00 GMT

This tight-fitting bracelet from Beadwork magazine is made by working a strip of square-stitch on the diagonal. Instructions include step-by-step illustrations on how to create an alternative increase/descrease in square stitch that creates gently curved edges. This intermediate/advanced square stitch bracelet project will be free for a limited time....(read more)

Delicious Donut Lariat

Michelle M. — Fri, 01 May 2009 07:23:00 GMT

The leafy tendrils on the etched-shell donut were the inspiration for this long, lean design. Learn to create a simple peyote bail with matte hematite size 11 seed beads. For faster stringing of this multistrand necklace, use a seed-bead spinning tool. To wear the lariat, place the donut at the base of your neck with the seed-bead “vines” hanging downward in the front. This is a companion project to Katie's Beading Secrets in the June/July 2009 issue of Beadwork....(read more)

Bead Torture

Michelle M. — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:09:00 GMT

How can you tell which beads will fade, tarnish, or change over time? The author exposed a number of beads to light, chemicals (perfume, detergent, nail polish remover, etc.), and friction and reports her results. Includes tips on what to expect with certain types of beads from opaque seed beads to gemstones. This article was originally published in the Winter 2000 issue of Beadwork....(read more)

Perfect Pinwheels Necklace

Michelle M. — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:15:00 GMT

Katie Hacker went daisy crazy with this artsy, asymmetrical design. Beyond providing transitions between the wire-wrapped focal section and the ladder-stitched ends, the pinwheels also punctuate the necklace with color and provide dramatic places for the eye to rest while taking in the entire design. This is a companion project to Katie's Beading Secrets in the April/May 2009 issue of Beadwork....(read more)

Stones and Roses

Michelle M. — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:56:00 GMT

Rose montées are rhinestones with a channeled metal backing for thread to pass through in crossing directions. Prestring rose montées on a bead loom and then weave a cobblestone texture of 4mm cube beads and size 8 seed beads between them. This project from the Beadwork archives will be available free for a limited time....(read more)

Love Notes

Michelle M. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:15:00 GMT

It's fun and easy to make your own beaded Valentine's Day greeting cards. These five--Rick Rack Love Attack, Fancy Schmancy, Bunch of Flowers, I (Heart) You!, Loveheart--only require a few materials and about an hour of time. This beaded card project from Beadwork magazine will be available free for a limited time. ...(read more)

Egyptian Cuff

Michelle M. — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:36:00 GMT

This metal-bead cuff has just the right amount of crystal sparkle that's worthy of an Egyptian princess. Worked in segments, the multilayer right-angle-weave rectangles are first woven then connected with loops of beads. This project is from Beadwork magazine and will be free for a limited time....(read more)

Strap for Pretty Sneaky Snap Clasp

Michelle M. — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:38:00 GMT

This bracelet starts as a simple strip of right-angle weave, but with just a few embellishments, it takes on a zigzag shape. Best of all, the result is an unexpectedly stretchy strap. For the custom clasp that doubles as a pendant, see Melinda Barta's Custom Cool department in the December 2008/January 2009 issue of Beadwork....(read more)

Holiday Crochet Necklace

Michelle M. — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:34:00 GMT

Sitting on a lanai in Florida one May, leisurely crocheting a seed-bead tube, Barbara realized that pairing sets of red seed beads with green cylinder beads could result in a holly-branch effect. It worked just as she had hoped! This project is from Beadwork magazine. ...(read more)

Indian Summer Earrings

Michelle M. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:50:00 GMT

A great complement to Jill’s Indian Summer Necklace (Beadwork, August/September 2008, page 58), these stunning earrings feature an eye-catching combination of pearl, stone, seed, and silver beads and findings. Simple to make. Great results....(read more)