Free Projects : seed beads

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)

Bead Speak Crossword Puzzle

Michelle M. — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:03:00 GMT

Off-loom beadwork or bead stitching with seed beads isn't just beautiful, it also keeps your brain active. What do you call a long type of beading needle? What about decorative beaded edging? What should you use for trimming thread? Test your beadwork knowledge with this free just-for-fun crossword puzzle. If these beading questions have you stumped, check out Step by Step Beads which is packed with beginner-friendly beading projects and uses lots of these beading terms in the magazine. You'll soon be speaking "Beaderese" in no 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)

Clay River Earrings

Beading Daily — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 04:03:00 GMT

These ceramic and seed bead earrings by the editor of Step by Step Beads magazine are a simple way to get started with seed beads. Instructions for a matching pendant may be found in the July/August 2007 issue of Step by Step Beads. ...(read more)

Rock Star Lariat Necklace

Beading Daily — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 17:37:00 GMT

Seed beads and pearls in graduated colors are the perfect accompaniment to Christi Friesen’s polymer clay “Rock Stars.” Long enough (55 inches) to be worn several ways, this lariat will get so much attention that you’ll feel like a rock star when you wear it! ...(read more)