Free Projects

All About Cabochon Stones: Guide to Cabochon Settings and 5 Free Patterns Using Cabochons for Jewelry Making

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:03:53 GMT

Learn how to use your favorite cabochons in a gorgeous array of jewelry-making projects! This free eBook includes five free jewelry-making patterns using cabochon stones, including ways to create beaded bezels for cabochons, and step-by-step instructions for making your own cabochons using resin jewelry-making supplies.

If you're ready to learn how to incorporate cabochons into your jewelry-making projects, this is the perfect eBook to get you started. You'll learn how to create beaded bezels and cabochon settings using peyote stitch, herringbone stitch, right-angle weave, Viking knit, and bead embroidery techniques.

Dive into our free eBook and expand your jewelry-making horizons when you learn how to incorporate cabochons into your beading projects!

Test Post Do Not Publish

Tricia G — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:43:00 GMT

Designer: Michelle Mach
Published: October 30, 2009
Technique: Stringing

Download Dear Diary

Michelle created a unique focal piece by suspending three different keys from a large jump ring.

This project is from Stringing magazine.

All About Pearls: 6 Free Handmade Pearl Jewelry Designs

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:05:22 GMT

Who can resist the lure of pearl beads in their beading projects? Beading Daily has assembled a collection of six free handmade pearl jewelry designs just for you! Beading projects include both bead stringing and bead stitching, so no matter what your favorite jewelry-making technique is, there's something for you in this free eBook. This pearl beading project collection includes:

Birdsong Necklace by Amber Traden (pearl knotting, stringing, wire work)
Amber Opulence by Terry Ricioli (simple wire work, stringing)
Raku Rainbow by Diane Vannier (stringing)
By-the-Sea Bracelet by Riana Olckers (bead stitching)
Figure Eight Bracelet by Julie D'Amico-Beres (bead stitching)
Petite Pearls Toggle Bracelet by Csilla Csirmaz (bead stitching, stringing)

Enjoy!

Right-angle Weaving Instructions + 5 Free Right-angle Weave Patterns

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 17:09:25 GMT

Do you love working with right-angle weave? This superhero of bead-weaving stitches can do just about anything with any kind of beads that you have handy. When I want to bead just for beading's sake, I'll grab two or three colors of seed beads and start working in right-angle weave.

For those of us who love to embellish the surface of our bead-weaving with fringe and accent beads, right-angle weave provides the perfect base for us to let our imaginations run wild.

The thread path of right-angle weave is unique in that it goes in little circles as you work across each row or around in a tube. It's this thread path that makes right-angle weave such a strong and flexible bead-weaving stitch - you can even use it to create a right-angle weave beaded "fabric" that can be folded and stitched.

If you've never worked right-angle weave before, get an easy lesson in single-needle right-angle weave from none other than Jean Campbell in her Stitch Pro column from the pages of Beadwork magazine. Jean takes the guesswork out of right-angle weave with her clearly illustrated instructions.

Once you've mastered the basics, put them to use with one of these five free right-angle weave beading patterns:

While Margo C. Field's Magic Carpet Bracelets may seem simple, the use of three different sizes of seed beads is kind of like a little right-angle weave test. By the time you've finished your bracelet, you'll not only have a great understanding of the right-angle weave thread path, you'll also know a little bit more about how to pull off a successful color gradation!
Even though Shelley Nybakke's Crazy for Copper necklace only uses one base row of right-angle weave, it's a great way to practice that thread path. Bonus: you'll have a gorgeous copper and crystal beaded necklace when you're finished!
Right-angle weave also makes beautiful and easy beaded beads. Learn how to make self-supporting right-angle weave beaded beads when you make Amy Haftkowycz's Vintage Charm bracelet. Mixing the beaded beads with beaded dangles on a brass chain makes a beaded bracelet with a distinctive Victorian flair.
The thread path of right-angle weave also makes it perfect for securing multiple components in a beading project. Kelly Wiese's Royal Chains Lariat takes a few strands of chevron stitch and joins them together using right-angle weave for a beautiful and sturdy beaded necklace.
Now, if you're ready for a challenge, pick up two beading needles and make Trang Gordon's Diamond of Pearls Pendant. Use your favorite colors of sparking crystal beads, pearls, and seed beads to create this double layered pendant using two-needle right-angle weave!

Take a break from the ordinary and refine your bead stitching skills with these fantastic right-angle weave beading patterns. Layer it, shape it, embellish it - whatever you do with right-angle weave, you'll be one happy beader when you're finished. When you find yourself in a bead-weaving emergency, call on right-angle weave, the superhero of bead-weaving stitches, to save the day!

Beading Daily's Guide to Herringbone Stitch: 7 Free Herringbone Stitch Projects

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 16:45:10 GMT

With its origins in the heart of South Africa's Ndebele tribe, there is a rich history of culture and craft behind herringbone stitch. Herringbone stitch is instantly recognizable from the distinctive "v" pattern formed by the beads and thread path.

Herringbone stitch and all of its wonderful variations can be used for just about any beading task at hand. Need a quick beaded rope or lariat? Try making a soft, supple, and strong herringbone rope. A strong and sturdy base for beaded necklaces and bracelets can be made with flat herringbone. Tubular herringbone, with or without a twist, is the perfect way to create substantial beaded bracelets and necklaces that are just begging for a little embellishment!

Because we love herringbone stitch, we've put together six of our favorite herringbone stitch beading patterns for you in our latest free eBook, Beading Daily's Guide to Herringbone Stitch: 7 Free Herringbone Stitch Projects. Look at what's in store for you:

First, let Jean Campbell, our resident bead-weaving genius, take you through basic herringbone stitch and beyond with her Stitch Pro column.
I've always said that beading is the best therapy around, and apparently, Margo Field agrees. Her Therapy Necklace uses a simple herringbone tube that you can embellish to your heart's desire.
If you've ever thought that basic herringbone tubes were boring, check out Maggie's Weave by Marlene Blessing. Adding a splash of colorful stripes and mixing in some wonderful silver beads will give you a basic herringbone necklace that's casual, yet stylish.
Learn the basics of twisted tubular herringbone with Doris Coghill's Fresh Twist. This simple and refreshing herringbone necklace can be used to showcase your favorite glass bead!
Lynn Davy's Cairo Necklace is a perfect example of how a strong herringbone stitch base can be embellished with larger beads for a modern, sophisticated look.
Herringbone tubes and ropes are wonderfully supple and soft, and Maria Theresa Ferreira takes full advantage of these qualities with her Modern Medieval Ring. Bend and swirl a simple herringbone rope to capture a beautiful crystal pearl focal bead!
Finally, combine both tubular twisted and flat circular herringbone stitch in Leslee Frumin's fabulous Purple Anemone necklace. You'll give your newly-developed herringbone stitch skills a real workout while you create a stunning piece of beaded jewelry!

So grab your favorite tube of seed beads and get comfortable, because once you start stitching these projects using herringbone stitch, you'll find it's very hard to stop. (Don't say I didn't warn you!)

Learn How to Bead Crochet Jewelry: 4 Free Bead Crochet Patterns

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 20:12:24 GMT

In bead crochet, the beads are strung on your yarn or fiber before starting to crochet. Bead crochet ropes are soft and supple, and can be used either on their own with some fancy cones or end caps or with your favorite handmade art glass and ceramic beads. Tapestry bead crochet results in a flat piece of crochet that has been studded with beads, and can be used to make cuff style bracelets, brooches, necklaces, pendants, or bags.

We've selected four of our favorite beading projects that use bead crochet to get you started with this wonderful beading technique!

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Whether you like to make long, undulating ropes of bead crochet or you prefer the technique of tapestry bead crochet, you’ll find something in our bead crochet eBook to get you crocheting with beads.

Beaded Wedding Jewelry: Five Free Projects for Handmade Bridal Jewelry

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 20:03:37 GMT

We've put together five beautiful beaded bridal jewelry projects for you to give you some inspiration for designing and making your own handmade beaded wedding jewelry.

Mix chain and rich-looking glass beads in Melinda Barta's Beauty and Grace, a beaded necklace that works for bridal party jewelry as well as mother of the bride jewelry!
Make a statement with Janie Warnick's Keishi Pearl Bracelet: it starts out as an easy band of peyote stitch and becomes a magnificent bridal accessory with the addition of a handful of freshwater pearls.
Crystal beads and pearl beads are wedding jewelry staples, and you'll make a splash with Gabrielle Neijman's Sweet Starbursts necklace. Mix easy crystal clusters attached to a square stitch base with two strands of seed beads that encircle lovely crystal pearls.
For a vintage wedding jewelry look, try Cheryl Assemi's Festive Jewels. This necklace is a classic mixture of crystals, fire polished beads, and marcasite spacers.
Whether you're planning a spring wedding or just want to wear your flowers on your wrist, Nadiya Pakosh's Pearl Flower Bracelet will be just the thing! Delicate and sophisticated pearl clusters attached to a base made with shimmering bugle beads.

Make your special day even better by making your own handcrafted beaded wedding jewelry!

Know Your Rights: Copyright 101 for Beaders

tiffwarble — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:32:40 GMT

How Much Do You Know About Copyright?

Beading Daily and the staff at Interweave have released a new free eBook Know Your Rights: Copyright 101 for Beaders to help raise awareness of the issues surrounding copyright and give credit to the talented writers, designers, artists, photographers, and innovators who work with us to share their products and ideas with our readers.

This guide to the basics of copyright is for anyone and everyone: designers and makers, crafters, retailers, library staff, educators, and more.

"Most people think of pirated movies or music when they hear about copyright violations," says Eunny Jang, editor of Interweave Knits magazine. "But we answer questions about copyright for crafters, artists, designers, and authors every day—copyright and other intellectual property issues are a big deal in the DIY marketplace, where the "I can do that!" spirit and respect for original, independent design and authorship need to coexist peacefully."

This free resource addresses topics such as:

What is copyright?
How does copyright work?
What is copyright infringement?
Plus other pressing topics from simple questions to more complex issues, such as:
- Can I resell a pattern/magazine/book/DVD I own? What about purchases of my digital downloads?
- Can I make and sell projects I found in a book or magazine?
- Where can I find more instructions for projects that I can make and sell?
- How can I tell if a work is in the public domain?
- Do I always retain copyright as the original author of a piece?
- What do I do if someone’s violating my copyright?
- And much more.

"Ultimately, copyright is about protecting the creative process, ensuring that the creator of a work can benefit from that work," adds Jang. "Our goal at Interweave is to educate our consumers about what copyright is, and why it matters—and to give authors, artists, and designers everywhere the tools they need to protect their own rights so they can continue to create new works and share them with the public."

Guide to Making Jewelry with Beads: Create Handmade Beaded Jewelry from Your Own Bead Jewelry Designs

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:09:58 GMT

If you love making handcrafted beaded jewelry, you'll love our new free eBook, our Guide to Making Jewelry with Beads: Create Handmade Beaded Jewelry from Your Own Bead Jewelry Designs. We've selected some of our best jewelry design blogs, beading stitch tutorials and then added a sample of free bead jewelry patterns to show you how each beading stitch can be altered and modified to create a unique piece of handcrafted beaded jewelry.

Jewelry Business: How to Make Money Selling Your Handmade Beaded Jewelry from Beading Daily

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:48:23 GMT

Learn expert jewelry selling tips from successful jewelry business owners from the Beading Daily community. You can learn how to sell jewelry at jewelry shows and improve your home-based jewelry business with this free eBook; full of manageable ideas to get a plan of action in place for a truly successful jewelry-making business. Regardless of whether your ultimate goal is to have a catalog, sales reps, your own gallery, or be a private stylist to movie stars - it's important to consider participating in some bead and jewelry shows. Jewelry craft shows can prepare you for any other direction you decide to take your jewelry business. At jewelry craft shows, you can learn to make money selling jewelry by gaining exposure and experience with the public, as well as networking with other business owners who sell handcrafted jewelry.

The lessons and experience you gain from selling beaded jewelry at jewelry craft shows is priceless, but shows can also be very profitable. A successful jewelry making business tends to grow from word of mouth, and gaining and maintaining a loyal customer base. Learn how to sell your jewelry and make a profit selling at jewelry shows today with expert tips in this free eBook!

Free Bead Craft Patterns: Beaded Flowers, Beaded Ornaments, Pony Bead Patterns and More Bead Craft Patterns

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:10:23 GMT

Bead crafts have been around for hundreds of years. The first bead crafts were probably related to adorning clothing with thousands of tiny beads, but artists soon discovered the many opportunities using beads: crafts for other items such as baskets, jars, and ornaments. There are many wonderful examples of bead crafts in museums around the world! But beaded crafts don't have to be big and elaborate. In fact, you probably have everything you need right now to sit down and start creating a beautiful and unique beaded craft of your own. Turn an ordinary object into a treasure by adding some beads! Use beads to craft fabulous Easter eggs and add sparkle to your next egg hunt. And who hasn't admired those lovely beaded ornaments that turn up during the winter holidays?

The experts at Beading Daily have compiled this collection of 8 FREE beads craft projects to guide beaders through a journey of 3D beading, beaded flowers, a pony bead pattern, beaded snowflakes, and more unique bead crafts. We all know that beads can be used to make beautiful jewelry, but with a little imagination, beads can be used to craft all sorts of items. Enjoy the expert techniques and tips in this free bead craft collection and create a beaded snowflake ornament or a unique 3D beading craft today!

Sunshine Day

Stringing Editorial — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:30:31 GMT

Designer: Michelle Mach

Techniques: Stringing, Crimping

Michelle chose sunny orange and yellow beads as the highlights of this design, and then added the subdued, neutral tones of beige and gray in an attempt to tone down the brightness a notch. The result is a playful, modern necklace that works both for the office and for dancing around the living room in your tie-dyed T-shirt and bell-bottoms.

Spring Spectrum

Stringing Editorial — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:23:17 GMT

Designer: Jamie Hogsett

Techniques: Stringing, Crimping

Jamie used colorful buri seed beads, crystals, and buttons to create a harmonious blend of tones in this necklace design that brings to mind huge fields of bright spring flowers overflowing with blossoms and leaves.

April Whispers

Stringing Editorial — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:15:35 GMT

Designer: Danielle Fox

Techniques: Stringing, Crimping

Danielle paired Swarovski's coral crystal pearls with translucent aqua Lucite rounds and floral dangles made with Lucite flowers, resulting in this feminine, springtime necklace.

All About Glass Beads from Beading Daily: 5 Free Projects Using Lampwork Beads for Making Glass Bead Jewelry

Jennifer VanBenschoten — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:26:33 GMT

We have assembled five beautiful beading projects that all incorporate handmade lampwork glass beads to inspire your jewelry-making with glass beads. Whether you love to do stringing or enjoy the serenity of off-loom bead-weaving, you'll find a project in here to capture your imagination.

SaraBeth Cullinan's Garden Goddess Necklace is a simple but stunning glass bead necklace, made using easy stringing techniques and a fabulous handmade lampwork focal bead. Mix and match colors and glass bead styles to create your own unique version of this beautiful glass bead necklace!
Being a former city girl, I loved Lynn Davy's Big Apple Necklace and the way it combines a little bit of bead stitching with an unusual lampwork glass bead.
If you want to combine more stitching with lampwork glass beads, try Lynn's Going Bananas necklace or the Rhumba bracelet by Jamie Hogsett - both of these projects combines my favorite beaded bead stitching techniques with colorful lampwork beads.
Danielle Fox's Playing Around shows off some lovely flat handmade lampwork glass disc beads. The combination of bold glass bead colors mixed with silky ribbon makes for a fun, feminine bracelet.

So dive in to your bead stash and dig up those lovely handmade glass lampwork beads that you've been hoarding! With these five free beading projects using lampwork glass beads, you've got a range of options and techniques for showcasing these beautiful glass objects. Find that special lampwork glass bead in your collection and turn it into a beautiful piece of handmade jewelry today!