Blog for Beaders

Jewelry links are an excellent way to create a multi-stranded design or to make a dangling focal for an elaborate piece. There are so many ways to use links it often becomes overwhelming and beginning beaders shy away from exploring new options. The simplest way to use a link is to create two separate strands and then connect them to a link with jump rings. This will add length to your looks and create more dimension! Here are few more ways you can add links to your next idea:

• Set off a focal point in a necklace
• Create an asymmetric look with one side single strand and the other side multi-strand
• Embellish with flatbacks to create a unique pendant
• Add a dangling charm to an earring idea

Discover what fun new creations you come up with when you work links into your designs. Check out some free jewelry ideas below to incorporate links for some inspiration!

Urban Poppy Bracelet

Copper Couture Necklace

Nesting Necklace

Celtic Tale Earrings

-Marissa

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Looking for something to make for your father before it’s too late? Make a quick keychain that reflects his interests. Our Catch of the Day Keychain was made for Artbeads CEO and Co-Owner Devin to reflect his love of fishing and to display three of his handmade flies. You can learn how to create a Father’s Day keychain by reading the free instructions in our Learning Center and then personalize it with things that your dad likes!

-Marissa

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Create elegant, chic style when you make this lovely necklace idea. The organic feel of the brass and simple layout, paired with the colorful cabochon in the focal point, reflects an artistic idea of natural beauty. Its touch of steampunk influence allows you to wear this idea with both evening attire and daily outfits. You can learn how to make a simple steampunk necklace by reading the free instructions for this Monde Necklace in our Learning Center! Get a new look just in time for summer.

-Marissa

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Love to look at buttons but not sure what you can do with them? There are endless ways to incorporate buttons into any project, whether it’s jewelry or craft related. Of course buttons are great for use in clothing and accessories, but why not branch out with a new approach? Find your favorite button and use it as the focal point for a necklace! You could place it inside a picture frame pendant and fill it with resin, or embellish it with seed beads for a unique display. With so many sizes, shapes, colors and styles, your button adventures are limitless! Shop for buttons and stop by the Learning Center for amazing ideas that are free for you to view, including the Color Spectrum Necklace featured above.

-Marissa

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Congratulations to the winner of our Queen for a Day Giveaway, Olga T. from Nevada! Olga’s mom will be treated like the queen she is with a $100 Artbeads gift certificate and Olga will be awarded a $50 gift certificate for herself! You can read why Olga thinks her mom deserves to be a queen below. We hope everyone has a wonderful Mother’s Day, however you choose to celebrate it, and remember that every mother should be treated like a queen. Thanks to everyone who participated. If you’re still looking for easy inspiration for a homemade gift, check out our collection of FREE Mother’s Day ideas in our Learning Center.

My mom is my Queen! I would like the world to know that I’ve the best mommy in the whole world. The first word that I’ve said when I was a baby; it was your name mommy. You were near to me from the beginning of my life, loved me, protected me, cared about me and cherished me. You inspired me with your creativity of beauty and fashion. You’re the best mom that every child can wish for. With you I learned this wonderful world. I [am] proud to have a wonderful, loving, caring, the most generous and understanding mommy. You’re an amazing fashion designer and talented seamstress. My mommy is very beautiful and she’s my best girlfriend. Her advice is always full of wisdom and sincerity. I know that I always can come to my mom for the support that I need in difficult times. My mom gave me the best of everything that I needed to start my life. She wanted me to look back on a happy childhood and grow up to be happy adult. And that is what I am today! I am very grateful to my mommy for everything!

Stay tuned for our next contest coming soon!

-Marissa

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Have you seen one of your favorite Artbeads designs grace the pages of a magazine? Do you browse our Learning Center and see a familiar design? Check out all of our designs as seen in magazines, all with FREE instructions and a list of products used so you can re-create your favorites. Make a stylish retro piece like the Metamorphosis Necklace featured in the image above! Be sure to keep an eye on this page as we will continue to add ideas featured in magazines.

-Marissa

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Looking for a fun, last-minute gift you can give to Mom? Our jewelry making kits are an excellent way to let your mom discover her creative side and maybe learn a new technique. You could even make the idea yourself and then present the finished product to her for Mother’s Day! Browse our collection, including some recently added seed bead kit ideas, to find the perfect one to match her personality.

-Marissa

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In celebration of Cinco de Mayo this Saturday, here’s some fun information about the influences in Mexican jewelry. Of course there are a lot of Spanish influences from when explorers came over seeking gold, but the Native Mexican heritage lives on in a blend of jewelry with both Indian and European cultures. Before the Spanish influence, the pre-Columbian jewelry differed from tribe to tribe. The ancient Aztecs wore a lot of finely-carved jade as well as bright colors and feathers. Archeologists discovered that the Mixtec tribe decorated themselves with gold pendants, turquoise, and animal motifs. One of the most famous indigenous Mexican groups was the Mayans, who also wore pendants and bracelets made out of jade. Another popular look for the Mayan people was ear plugs, which resemble ear gauges today.

When Spanish explorers came over searching for the abundance of gold that once existed in Mexico, the Spanish artisans taught gold and silver work to the Native Mexicans. Silver became more and more popular in the cultures, and is still a popular choice in jewelry there today. This resulted in jewelry with combinations of bold, dramatic Spanish influence and colorful Native decorations. You can see a lot of silver and turquoise jewelry in Mexico, which has traveled north to be popular looks in the American Southwest. Heavy silver pieces with green and black stones decorated with silver domes or balls are great examples of this historic blend of cultures.

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, mostly celebrated in America. This date (which is an exact translation of “the 5th of May”) marks Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. A festivity can consist of parades, mariachi music and other celebrations of Mexican influence. Contrary to what some may think, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. This is celebrated in September.

Make sure you celebrate this year in style with personalized designs like jewelry and craft ideas. Gather your favorite green, white and red pieces to put together your own special project!

Information and Photo Source: travels.com.

-Marissa

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With spring on its way, the birds are starting to sing in the morning. Welcome their songs and the arrival of brighter days with this simple necklace idea. Learn how to make a simple bird-themed necklace by reading the free instructions in the Learning Center.

-Marissa

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This bracelet is sure to make you go bazinga! With flat SilverSilk knitted chain capturing a collection of multicolored beads, the bracelet is perfect for every style from geeky chic to Hollywood glam. We’ll give you all the steps to make Sheldon’s Big Bracelet in no time.

Step one:
Cut two strands of flat SilverSilk approximately 7 inches long and lay them parallel.

Step two:

Thread one big eye beading needle with approximately 3 feet Fireline thread. Longer needles work best due to their flexibility. Thread the needle through the inner most loop of one SilverSilk strand.

Step three:

Pull the Fireline through and secure it with two tied knots.

Step four:

String one TOHO 9mm bugle bead onto the needle, coming from the underside of the second SilverSilk strand and through the innermost loop.

Step five:

Thread the needle back down through the bead.

Step six:

Move to the next closest loop on the first SilverSilk strand and thread the needle up from the underside.

Step seven:

String a second bugle bead in a different color onto the needle and thread it up from the underside of the second SilverSilk strand.

Step eight:

Thread the needle back down through the bead as before in Step three. Continue this process until you reach your desired length. Keep in mind that your ends and clasp will add length, so take this into consideration when determining the overall length.

Step nine:

Place the small portion of one hidden end piece over the end of the bracelet.

Sew it to the SilverSilk strands by weaving the needle and thread though its stringing holes.

EXTRA TIP:

Make sure that the bead pattern continues all the way to the end of the bracelet so you can set the hidden end piece over the top of the beads. If not, you will end up exposing the thread when you place the cover over the end piece.

Step ten:

Use a thread burner to remove excess thread on the ends.

Step eleven:

Place the hidden end piece covers over your ends.

Add your desired clasp using jump rings and you’re finished!

Show off your cool new bracelet at the next beading party or quantum physics presentation!

-Marissa

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