Blog for Beaders

Just in time for Valentine’s Day come these wonderful new jewelry and craft ideas from SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. From cute pins to an elaborate necklace, these cool new ideas are sure to make your special day sparkle! Click on the links below to view the PDF instructions for each project. You can also browse all of our Swarovski instruction guides in the Resources section of our Swarovski page.

Be My Valentine Tie Pin
With a formal black and white feel, this tie pin is perfect for complementing your evening attire. Make sure you’re dressed to impress this Valentine’s Day with subtle, elegant sparkle.

Heart in Lace Valentine Hair Pin
Weave a bit of romance into your hair with this cute hair pin! Accessorize your Valentine’s Day outfit with just a touch of sparkle.

Love Letter and Heart Valentine Earrings
These sweet little earrings will brighten anyone’s day! Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or another special occasion, you’re sure to find endless opportunities to wear either pair.

Love Collar Necklace
This elegant necklace idea is perfect for any special occasion. It makes a terrific homemade gift for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or date night.

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Riveting metal pieces together in jewelry making is a great alternative to soldering. Riveting is a cold connection method, meaning there is no heat applied. This is useful if using flammable or fragile materials in your design. A rivet looks much like a two-headed nail. The use of rivets provides an easy and inexpensive way to create pieces that are multi-dimensional and also moveable if you so desire.

STEP 1:

Mark where you want to place your rivets using a pen.

STEP 2:

Create the holes with a hole punch in both pieces of metal. For 36 gauge copper metal sheets use a standard hole punch.

For thicker-gauge metal use a heavy-duty hole punch.
STEP 3:

Push the rivet through the two metal pieces you want to connect.

STEP 4:

Turn your piece over and tap the end of the rivet with a hammer until it forms a nail head. The more you tap with the hammer the tighter fit you will achieve.

Your new metal embellishment is now ready to be part of a cool and unique jewelry idea!

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It was great to see Lisa Pavelka on our tip to Tucson this year, though it’s always a pleasure to spend time with her. If you don’t know who she is yet, we’re here to inform you on this fun, friendly and talented artist.

Lisa Pavelka is a rock star among jewelry designers, so it’s no wonder why we love working with her! She dips her hands into all sorts of cool mixed media ideas and the results are always amazing. She has been crafting for over 20 years, and throughout those years has established herself as an award-winning artist and author. This incredible designer shares her talent with others and helps them discover their own capabilities through workshops, spanning all age groups. You will often find Lisa at various conventions, stores and galleries around the world, eager to take everyone with her to new jewelry and crafting adventures.

Lisa is also a Swarovski ambassador, meaning she is part of an exclusive community comprised of other well-known designing experts. She has her own line of products, the Signature Series, which sprouted from never finding the right tools she needed in craft stores.

Some of Lisa Pavelka’s latest creations are her cute Carmex lip balm container lids. These darling components are made from various mixed media components such as polymer clay, Gilders Paste, resin and so much more. You can check out her line of lip balm lids on her website, 365 Days of Lip Service, or view some cool photos we took in Tucson below!

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After featuring this bracelet on our Chocolate Cake Day blog post a while back, there has been a huge request for the instructions for this beautiful bracelet. Perfect as a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift or for any other day of the year, you can create delightful romance when you wear this simple yet stylish piece. All you will need for this jewelry idea are five 12mm chocolate glaze smoked topaz Beadelle round pavé beads and approximately 8 to 9 feet of satin cord in the color Coffee.

Step One

Cut the satin cord into one strand 4.5 feet and fold it in half. Cut two other strands approximately 20 inches long and place one of them between the two folded strands. Set the other aside for now. You should now be ready to work with three strands running parallel. Tie a knot at the bottom of the center strand and thread the beads onto this strand, pushing them to the bottom. Wrap a small piece of tape around the top end of the center silk strand to make it easier to thread your beads through. You may also find it easier to tape the folded piece and the top of the 20-inch strand to a work surface while knotting.

Step Two

Move the right side of the cord over the center strand and then under the left side of cord. Now take the left side under the center strand and up through the loop you just created.

Step Three

Now, go the opposite direction. Take the left side of the cord over the center strand and under the right side. Then move the right side of the cord under the center strand and over the left cord through the loop you just created.

Step Four

Repeat this process six more times, and then push one bead up to rest against the last knot.

Step Five

Repeat steps Two and Three 3 times and then add another bead.

Do this for the remaining beads.

Step Six

Create seven more knots and then add a small dab of GS Hypo fabric glue to hold everything in place.

Step Seven

Snip off any remaining left and right side cords so only the center strand remains for both ends of the bracelet.

Step Eight

Cross the ends over one another to create two new parallel strands. Use the other 20-inch strand from Step One as your center strand and place it under the two ends.

Step Nine

Repeat steps Two and Three 4times or until you are satisfied with the length. This piece will act as the slider on the bracelet, so check the length to allow this piece to slide over your wrist and then cinch tightly. Tie the ends with a simple knot, add a dab of glue and then trim any excess.

If you’re in the mood for a more colorful idea, replace the chocolate glaze pavé beads with a rainbow collection of other 12mm Beadelle pavé rounds, and try working with 2mm satin cord in the color Plum. Mix and match for new ideas for every day of the year!

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Here’s a firsthand look at what new colors and shapes Swarovski has released for their lines of Spring/Summer 2013 Innovations! This season will reflect authenticity. As we face hard times as a country, it reminds us about the importance of togetherness, loyalty and traditional values. The color choices and shapes exemplify this idea with a blend of beauty and technology. Congratulations on being one of the first to view the newest trends! Take a look below at some of the newest colors and shapes.

NEW COLORS

Rose Peach
Much like last season’s Crystal Antique Pink, this fun and flirty Rose Peach presents a bold yet romantic hue. This delightful shade will conjure up the delicate image of a cherry blossom combined with the sweet smell of an English rose.

Crystal Luminous Green
Enticing jewelry with a playful display of shimmering green that flirts with the light in a violet reflection, this lovely color is reminiscent of a fantasy creation full of romance and serenity.

BLEND COLORS

Burgundy-Blue Zircon Blend
This new blend of two existing colors, Blue Zircon and Burgundy, embodies the brilliant shades inside a Mediterranean sunset.

Fern Green Topaz-Blend
This earthy green tone is meant to highlight the look of a woodland forest captured at dusk, reflecting a down-to-earth feel.

NEW SHAPES

Wave
This new shape is sure to make a splash in any nautical theme idea! The crystal family of Wave shapes creates a fashionable twist that moves like the ocean. Their funky shape can also work into a rock ‘ n ‘ roll idea, too.

2038 Hotfix
Spice up accessories and jewelry with this new XILION cut flatback! The 2038 XILION rose hotfix brings a fresh, eye-catching shimmer with asymmetric facets and a new mirrored back made from real silver for more intensity.

One-Hole Column Bead and Two-Hole Column Bead
At first glance, these column beads appear uncomplicated and simple, yet they each have a unisex elegance that complements a flashy centerpiece.

Shell Fancy Stone
Following the beachy, organic feel of the wave bead, the shell fancy stone awakens memories of seaside holidays and romantic walks on the shore. However, when inverted and combined with classic geometric shapes, this cute bead quickly turns into a piece of modern flair reflective of Art Deco style.

Pearl Gemcolors

The arrival of spring brings in a wave of natural shades for looks with an earthier feel. Capture the natural beauty of gemstones inside these crystal pearls, available in colors that accurately reflect gems like ivory, turquoise, coral and lapis. These soft shades hint back at the nostalgic romance from Fall/Winter 2012, while the brighter tones take us back to our untamed roots with a tribal feel.

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Often, the difference between fair looking jewelry and professional looking jewelry is how the piece is finished. The use of clam shell bead tips, also known as calottes, is especially important to the look of hand-knotted jewelry projects. Clam shell bead tips can increase the value of a jewelry piece because they hide the knot at the end of the strand beautifully and reflect the attention to detail that buyers look for. There are several different styles of clam shell bead tips. The style you want to use depends on your application. A single open-loop bead tip is great to use for a necklace design, but may not be strong enough to use in a bracelet design. A double closed-loop bead tip, however, is durable enough for both. Here we will show how to use a double closed-loop bead tip. To see instructions on how to use a single open loop bead tip, click here.

Step One:

To begin your design, you will want to tie a knot in your stringing material. Pull the string through the hole in the bead tip so that the knot rests in the tip. You want to make sure that the loops on the bead tip are pointing towards the ends of your design, where you will be attaching a toggle or clasp. Make sure the knot is big enough to ensure that you cannot pull it through. You may need to tie multiple knots to achieve this.

Step Two:

Trim the excess stringing material and dab the knot with a dot of GS-Hypo Cement to hold it in place.

Step Three:

Using chain nose pliers, gently press both sides of the bead tip together until they close.

Step Four:

Using chain nose pliers, gently pinch the hinge on the back of the bead tip. Do this on both sides to create a tight closure.

Step Five:

Create a knot just behind your bead tip. This will ensure that the metal does not fray your stringing material with repeated wear.

Step Six:

String your beads. We chose to use a strand of pearls separated by knots.

Step Seven:

Finish this end in the same manner as above only this time, create a knot at the end of your bead strand then pull the end of the stringing material up through the bead tip. Make sure the bead tip loops are pointing towards the end of your design.

Step Eight:

Create a big enough knot that it cannot slip through the bead tip hole and trim the excess stringing material. Add a dot of GS-Hypo cement to the knot and close the bead tip around the knot. Be sure to use a pair of chain nose pliers to pinch the back hinge on the bead tip for a tight closure.

Step Nine:

Add jump rings and a toggle or clasp of your choice.

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Photo Source: Wikimedia.org.

Chinese New Year officially begins January 23, 2012. This year will be the Year of the Dragon, a symbol of power and wealth. Dating back before the Gregorian calendar, which is what most modern cultures follow, the Chinese calendar follows the lunar cycle. This is why the Chinese New Year is also known as the Lunar New Year.

To celebrate the New Year, Chinese cultures decorate the streets in red and yellow. Red symbolizes fire, thought to drive away bad luck. This is also why firework displays rule the New Year celebration. Ancient custom depicted people in China lighting bamboo sticks, believing that the crackling flames would frighten the evil spirits.

Following in line with the Chinese New Year is the Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day of the first lunar month. The festivities include a parade and decorative lanterns, but the highlight of the celebration is the dragon dance. The dragon dance features a long, paper and bamboo dragon, sometimes up to 100 feet long, carried by men who dance the piece down the street.

The Chinese zodiac symbol of the dragon means a year of ambition, where we may face challenges but will overcome them to achieve success. You can celebrate with some of our dragon jewelry components to create fun elements in style. Make a Chinese lantern by following the free instructions for our Emperor’s Landing Learning Center idea, too!

We want to wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year!

Information Source: Infoplease.com.

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End caps and crimp ends can provide professional looking results to your jewelry pieces. As indicated by the name, they are most often used to finish the ends of jewelry. We have expanded our selection of end caps and crimp ends to accommodate your every need. We have a large assortment to choose from and here we will show you some tips on how to use the different styles in your jewelry.

Round End Cap with a Loop

STEP ONE:
When using a round end cap it’s important to add a small amount of adhesive to your stringing material before attaching to the end cap. We will be using E-6000 and rubber cord in this example. If you plan to attach your end cap to a different component that cannot be opened, such as a closed jump ring, you must do so before gluing.

STEP TWO:
Place the end cap on one end of the rubber strand. Be sure not to push the stringing material all the way through the end cap.

STEP THREE:
Place some type of a clamp on the end cap if needed. Allow glue to dry.

Crimp End Caps

STEP ONE:
You may want to finish each end with different types of end caps, depending on the design. In this example, when working with a 3mm braided leather cord, we finished one end with an end cap with a loop and the other end using an end cap with a hook. Both end caps are used in the same way.

STEP TWO:
Insert the stringing material into the end cap. We recommend using an adhesive to ensure a strong hold, although it is not required. If using an adhesive, be sure to use only a small amount to minimize seepage. Slowly and gently squeeze the center of the end cap with a pair of chain nose pliers until it crimps down onto the stringing material.

Tip: If you are having trouble with your glue, scratch the leather a bit on the end with a fingernail to remove the shiny exterior. When it is more porous, the glue holds better. Also remember to let the glue dry for at least 24 hours for a strong bond.

Crimp End with a Loop

STEP ONE:
Here we used a crimp end cap with a loop. Simply place your stringing material into the crimp end cap and gently squeeze with a pair of chain nose pliers or nylon jaw pliers until completely closed. Adhesive is recommended but not required.

U-Shaped Ribbon Ends

STEP ONE:
These style of end caps are generally used to finish ends of ribbons and fibers. Once you have placed your stringing material inside the end cap, gently squeeze with a pair of nylon jaw pliers. We recommend using the nylon jaw pliers for this style end cap to avoid marring up the finish. Again, adhesive is recommended but not required.

End Cap with a Loop

STEP ONE:
This type of end cap is simple to use. Place the end cap onto your stringing material and crimp it down with a pair of chain nose pliers or nylon jaw pliers. Try using this end cap with a jump ring before a jewelry clasp instead of a crimp end. Adhesive is recommended but not required.

You’ll be ready to explore all new stringing materials that you can work into your jewelry designs in no time! Just be sure to always use the right crimp end or end cap for your specific idea.

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You asked for more detail on how to attach an earwire to an endless beading hoop, so we’re here to help! This quick process will show you close-up detail for each step to help ensure your looks are perfect. These instructions are based on the Learning Center jewelry idea called Lotus Blossom, which uses the endless beading hoop to create cool earrings. Follow these basic steps to start out, and then incorporate your own personal twist to make unique ideas!

Step One:
String the desired beads or charms onto the Endless Beading Hoop.

Step Two:
Make a 90 degree bend approximately ¼ of an inch from the unfinished end of the beading hoop so that it is now facing upward.

Step Three:
Close the beading hoop by inserting the unfinished wire end through the hole on the other side.

Step Four:
Using a pair of round nose pliers, create a simple loop with the straight wire end.

Step Five:
Attach your earwire to the loop on the top of the beading hoop using chain nose pliers.

Repeat these steps for a second earring and get ready to show off your new design!

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Today we shine the spotlight on a lovely element: borosilicate glass. This special composite often found in lampwork designs is a type of glass which includes at least five percent boric oxide. This oxide allows the glass to resist extreme temperatures, ideal in lampworking. It is also resistant to chemical corrosion, although this glass is more likely to crack or snap, rather than shatter, if broken. Borosilicate glass can handle both very hot and very cold temperatures, which is important for chemical storage. This is why you will often find science labs with beakers and test tubes made from this component.

This strong glass contains silica and boron oxide, both important properties for molding glass to create beautiful lampwork glass beads. You can check out our entire collection of boro glass beads available in a wild variety of colors to design unique jewelry with a strong focal.

You can locate the lampwork necklace idea from the image above here.

Information Source: wisegeek.com

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