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10 DIY Beaded Bracelets for Every Occasion

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I used to wear a watch every single day until it broke. I couldn’t really fix it, and after a few days of going to work with a bare wrist, I got the itch. Do you ever feel that itch? Do you ever feel that need to have something decorative on your arm? As a temporary fix, I put together a couple of quick DIY beaded bracelets. They were simple, colorful, and fun, and at the time, I considered these bracelets as only a replacement to ward off that bare-wrist itch until I found a new watch. Little did I know that this temporary fix would become a regular jewelry-crafting habit.

If you’ve ever spent hours searching the web for beautiful watches, you already know that the ones you will want to show off are super expensive. In this day and age, watches are more for decoration than for practical purposes, too. We can always just check the time on our phones, right? Bracelets, on the other hand, can be cute and bubbly or decadent and ornate for way less money. For the price of one gorgeous watch, you can make a crazy amount of bracelets.  In crafting DIY beaded bracelets, I soon found myself making them for every occasion. I had bracelets for formal parties, small gatherings, summer outings, holidays, trips to the beach, and everything else under the sun! What started off as a simple bandage for my broken watch problem became a fun craft to pair with my daily wardrobe. These crafts also made phenomenal DIY gift ideas for friends, loved ones, nieces, cousins, etc.

10 DIY Beaded Bracelets for Every Occasion

10 DIY Beaded Bracelets You’ll Absolutely Love

  1. Party Time DIY Bracelet
  2. Sunshine Yellow Beaded Bracelet Pattern
  3. Beaded Friendship Bracelet
  4. Byzantine Beaded Chain Maille Bracelet
  5. Elegant Black Bead Flower Set
  6. Shades of Pink Bracelet
  7. Bead Soup Cuff Bracelet
  8. Daisy Chain Beaded Bracelet Pattern
  9. Bugle Cluster Beaded Bracelet
  10. Briolette Beaded Bangle

Looking for even more DIY beaded bracelets? Check out 35 Free Beaded Bracelet Patterns.

I’ve listed 10 fantastic DIY beaded bracelets. Are there any amazing bracelets that you think should be featured in this list?

As If! 21 Jewelry Patterns Inspired by the 90s

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There is a theory in fashion that every 20 years, trends will start reappearing. In the late 90s, fashion from the 1970s, like flared jeans, daisy chains, and colors like olive green and burnt orange, was the rage. In the mid-2000s, the 80s were alive and well. I remember being in high school about 10 years ago and rocking bright eyeshadow, band tees, and fishnets (Yikes!). And it seems like this 20-year staple has come around again, because the fashion, colors, and styles of the 90s are absolutely trending everywhere right now. 90s fashion faves like crop tops, bright bold colors, and platform shoes are in demand from fashionistas everywhere. However, it doesn’t matter if you were a 90s kid or not, because you can still embrace these crazy fun vintage jewelry ideas that are all over the runway.

As If! 21 Jewelry Patterns Inspired by the 90s

From looks inspired by classic 90s movies like Clueless to the glamorous styles worn by famous 90s supermodels, there’s literally a look for everyone! If you spent most of your teen years at the mall, I’ve got you covered with fun DIY accessories inspired by your favorite stores. I’ve made sure to include the most popular jewelry trends from the 90s, from hemp bracelets to velvet accessories, so that you’ve got endless options for when you’re channeling your favorite nostalgic vibe.

If you’ve got your own 90s-inspired jewelry patterns, or just want to let us know why you love the 90s, make sure to leave a comment below! Sit down, relax, pop in your favorite 90s movie, and get to crafting your favorite easy jewelry pattern from the list below!

As If! 21 Jewelry Patterns Inspired by the 90s

Pop Culture Princesses: Jewelry Inspired by Your Favorite 90s Icons

Enya Bohemian Midi Ring

To wear: When you’re listening to your old Spin Doctors CD

Scene Stealing Jewelry: Patterns from 90s TV and Movies

Sabrina the Teenage Witch Choker

To wear: When you’re writing down notes with your gel pens

 Mall Makeover: Jewelry Inspired by 90s Fashion

Delia's Inspired Daisy Chain

To wear: When you’re rocking your favorite body glitter

What’s your favorite 90s movie? Leave a comment below!

52 Boho Crafts for Festival Season

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Summertime means festivals, and festivals mean a variety of unique sights and sounds. People often show off their personal style during Coachella and other music and arts festivals. This summer, many folks are choosing to go boho with their wardrobe.

52 Boho Crafts for Festival Season

52 Boho Crafts for Festival Season

What is boho, you ask? When I think of the word “boho,” I think of the way a stream moves: free-flowing and breezy. Bohemian clothing often includes loose-fitting tops and lightweight skirts made from organic fabrics to be mindful of the environment. It also tends to include a lot of jewelry and embellishments.

Not surprisingly, the Bohemian style originated in France. Pier 1 Imports describes it this way: “Popularized in Revolutionary France, the Bohemians expressed their creativity in the way they lived and looked. Discover a world of damask, paisley, and other patterns. Dive into a field of color and uncover global accents that express your one-of-a-kind style.”

In America, the Bohemian style went big during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Fashion icons like Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, and Cher popularized the hippie, free-spirited look with their flowing peasant tops and layers of beaded accessories.

Taking a cue from these icons, I’ve compiled a list of 52 Boho Crafts for Festival Season that would be perfect for you to make and wear this summer. Check it out below and get started crafting!

Wearable Crafts

Vintage is in! You’ll love these Bohemian clothes and accessories. From maxi dresses to scarves to peasant tops, everyone can find something that they’ll enjoy wearing this summer.

DIY Jewelry and Accessories

Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, midi rings – if it’s beaded, you can bet it’s Bohemian! Check out these amazing beaded accessories to go with any outfit.

More Boho Crafts

Boho isn’t just a way you dress – it’s how you live! Try some of these home decor ideas to make your house boho chic.

 

What events will you be attending this summer in boho chic?

DIY Jewelry Project: Learn to Make Rustic Wire Earrings

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Today, we are going to create a pair of messy wrap wire earrings. When jewelry enthusiasts begin learning how to make earrings, they often start by stringing before proceeding to work with wire or metal. The precise nature of wraps and coils used in wire jewelry can be intimidating to a beginner, so projects that involve messy wraps or loose twists are popular. Messy wraps are all about freeing oneself from restriction thereby allowing the creation of a natural organic form. The rustic wire earrings I am sharing with you today may look complicated, but they are extremely easy to make and can be customized by adding different types of beads and by varying the length/thickness. This is an intermediate level project and will take between 20-30 Minutes depending on the individual’s skill level. Let’s get started!

Rustic Wire earrings

rustic wire earrings (1)Materials

1. Artistic copper wire 24g – Red – 1m
2. Copper Cedarwood beads – 12
3.  1″ Yellow Lampwork discs – 2
4. Premade artistic wire/copper/sterling silver ear hooks – 1 pair
5. Tools – step pliers, Chain nose pliers and wire cutter


rustic wire earrings

The Steps

1. Cut the 1m wire into 2 halves. Fold one end of the wire at about 1.5″ into a loop and make another loop after 3″; Fold the wire, come back to the starting position and make a wrap. The first loop end should be tucked loose into the wrap as we will remove it later

2. Start to wrap loosely around the base wire, leaving the loops free and clear

3. Wrap loosely 2-3 times along the length until you achieve the required thickness.

Tip – This design can be made thicker by doubling the amount of wire used

4. Add copper beads as you wrap

5. Finish by tucking the wire end into the wrap. Pull out the loosely tucked end, add a disc bead and loop back into the wrap

6. Add Earhooks – Pre made artistic wire ear hooks are available. If you dont have them, here is how you can make them.


How to Make you own Earhook

You will need 20g wire, round nose pliers, chain nose pliers and wire cutters (Hammer & block optional)

1. Bend 4″ length of  20g wire in half.

2. Using rose nose pliers or step pliers, make a loop at the non bent end.

3. Shape the wire round the last step of the pliers on the other side to get a perfect “U”

4. Bend the tip at a 30-45 degree angle and cut to get a pair of evenly matched earhooks. Hammer with a nylon mallet to work harden them


how to make earhooks


VOILA! You’ve got your earrings.

rustic wire earrings (2)


What will you pair these pretty DIY earrings with?

16 DIY Jewelry Ideas in Tempting Turquoise

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Turquoise might just be the most beautiful shade of blue that there is. It is reminiscent of mermaids with pretty blue eyes and the entire sea for them to roam. The ocean’s greatest treasure is the lovely greens and blues that inspire us so much. These DIY jewelry ideas are all little mixtures of aquas and sea greens. In other words, we have turquoise jewelry for all tastes here. You can learn how to make pendants that capture the beauty of the ocean and you can find DIY beaded jewelry for nearly any occasion. Don’t be afraid to open this treasure chest of tempting turquoise jewelry. All the riches of the sea can be yours with these easy tutorials and jewelry inspirations. Dive in to the big blue world of turquoise accessories and discover why we love this cool shade of blue so much.

DIY-Jewelry-Ideas-in-Tempting-Turquoise

When I was younger, my favorite color was blue. Now that I’m getting older, I am beginning to love green more and more. Turquoise is the perfect way to reconcile my old and new color preferences. I hope you enjoy these lovely pieces of jewelry as much as I do.

 

How to Make Bracelets

Chunky Turquoise Bracelet

Learn how to make beautiful blue bracelets to slide upon your wrist with these two cute DIY bracelet ideas.

Turquoise Potato Bead Bracelet

Chunky Turquoise Bracelet

 

How to Make Earrings

Teal and Turquoise Earrings

Pull up your hair and adorn your ears with these beautiful earring ideas. Your friends will surely turn turquoise with envy once they see your new DIY accessories. My personal favorite? The Teal and Turquoise Earrings that look like adorable birds! If only I had my ears pierced, I would create them in a heartbeat.

Turquoise Breeze Earrings

Teal and Turquoise Earrings

Easy Turquoise Earrings

Contempo Turquoise Earrings

Southwest Spirit Turquoise Earrings

 

DIY Beaded Jewelry Sets

tickle me turqouise

If one turquoise accessory just isn’t enough, try creating an entire jewelry set for you to enjoy. These blue beaded beauties will ensure that you look like the belle of the ball. Dress up any outfit with some homemade turquoise jewelry, and all eyes will be on you. Don’t forget to show the world those pearly blues!

Tickle Me Turquoise Jewelry Set

Faux Turquoise Jewelry

Blue and Turquoise Spiral Rope

 

How to Make a Necklace

His eyes will be on you the whole night with these lovely DIY necklaces and pendants

Faux Turquoise Necklace

Oriental Turquoise Necklace

Turquoise Medallion Choker

Super Easy Turquoise Bead Necklace

Turquoise Triangle Necklace

Earthy Wood and Turquoise Necklace

With these extra 145 Jewelry Making Ideas, you will find everything from friendship bracelets patterns to DIY hair accessories to hemp bracelet patterns.

What is your very favorite shade of blue?

 

3 Free Bead Loom Patterns + How to Make a Bead Loom

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dont-worry-bead-happyOn-loom beadwork is some of the most beautiful beading of all, but loomwork can be a bit intimidating to those who have never tried it. Between the bulky looms themselves and all those threads, loom beading can seem a bit scary, and many of us might have shied away from it–but not anymore! We’ve rounded up three simple bead loom patterns so you can finally tackle your fears and learn how to loom bead. Plus, not only will you find free bead loom patterns here, but you’ll also find a tutorial for an easy and budget-friendly way to make your own bead loom. No more excuses! Here’s everything you need to start learning how to loom bead today.

Making Your Own Bead Loom

If you want to try loom beading but can’t afford to splurge for a fancy loom, learn how to make a bead loom yourself with this tutorial! Making Your Own Bead Loom is easier (and thriftier) than you might think. All you need is a cardboard box, a ruler, and a few other common household items, and before you know it you’ll have your very own handmade, budget-friendly beading loom.

Simple and Colorful Seed Bead Loom Bracelets

Once you have your loom ready to go, start off easy with these Simple and Colorful Seed Bead Loom Bracelets. These basic beaded bracelets don’t follow any kind of uniform or symmetrical pattern, so you can throw on any beads you like, no counting required! The organic shapes and assorted colors make these bracelets perfect for beginners, or just any beaders looking for a stash-buster project to clean out their seed bead stash. (Plus, this tutorial also includes instructions for how to make a bead loom, so if you’re having trouble with the first tutorial, try this one!)

Sizzling Zigzag Seed Bead Loom Ring

After you make some simple bracelets, you’ll be ready to take on this Sizzling Zigzag Beaded Ring pattern. This bold seed bead loom ring lets you get some practice with an actual design (as opposed to the free-form style of the bracelets above) but still keeps it simple with just two colors, so it’s a the perfect “next step” in your loomwork lessons. Plus, since it’s a ring, it’s a smaller loom beading project that won’t be too overwhelming for your first try.

African Bead Loom Bracelet pattern

Now that you’ve gotten some practice working with different colors and patterns, you’re ready to tackle this amazing African Bead Loom Bracelet! The bold colors and design of this bead loom bracelet pattern make it a real show-stopper, but don’t be intimidated. All it takes is careful counting and planning to weave this beautiful beaded bracelet for yourself. Everyone will be so impressed when you tell them you wove this bracelet yourself!

This giveaway is now over.

Enter to Win a Bead Loom!

Jewel Loom Giveaway

Don’t want to make your own bead loom and can’t afford to buy one? Enter our Jewel Loom Giveaway! We’re giving away a Beadalon Jewel Loom to one lucky winner, and it could be you!

The Jewel Loom, designed by Julianna Hudgins, is making loom beading easier, more accessible, and more affordable than ever before. Light, portable, and handheld, this basic beading loom eliminates all those complicated threading mechanisms, making loom beading totally stress-free.

The deadline to enter is October 7, 2013, at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time. You can enter up to once a day, so keep coming back to improve your chances of winning!

Tell us, do you like off-loom beading or on-loom beading better?

 

 

Win an Easy Knotter from AllFreeJewelryMaking

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Have you ever struggled to measure out the spaces between beads while making a simple knotted necklace, only to end up with all different lengths? Have you ever been making a knotted bead bracelet and had the knot slip out of place at the last second, leaving you with an unsightly gap? Then the Easy Knotter is the answer to your jewelry making prayers. This handy tablet tool is designed to make creating uniform knotted bead jewelry an absolute cinch, and AllFreeJewelryMaking is giving away an Easy Knotter to one lucky winner!

EasyKnotter

You won’t believe how easy it is to make beautiful knotted bead jewelry with this simple device. Made by Designs by Reenie, the Easy Knotter is an easy-to-use, affordable tool that every jewelry designer should have in their collection of supplies. The device itself is merely a small board with a peg placed in the center and measurements marked in half-inch increments on either side. The thin peg allows you to effortlessly tie tight, neat knots in your thread or cord, and the measurements allow you to evenly space your knots along your cord for a clean, uniform appearance. The final result is a professional-looking piece of knotted bead jewelry that you created yourself in a matter of minutes.

 

The Easy Knotter itself is merely 6 inches long by 4 inches wide and very light, so it can be easily manipulated and then tucked away for storage. The marks on either side of the peg mean that both right- and left-handed individuals can use the board comfortably. I saw the Easy Knotter in action at the To Bead True Blue show in Tucson this past February and marveled at the ease and simplicity of the design. It’s a no-brainer; you need this tool in your collection.

You can enter to win the AllFreeJewelryMaking Easy Knotter giveaway every day from now until April 22, 2013. Entries are limited to one a day, but you can earn extra entries by opting to share your entry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Google+. Learn more and enter to win here. Good luck!

Tell us, could you see yourself using the Easy Knotter in your jewelry designs?

 

To Bead True Blue Recap: Trends, What’s New, and More

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In Tucson, Ariz., the past week, the sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the beads were glinting as more than 500 artisans, manufacturers, and others gathered to show off their stuff at To Bead True Blue. I had the great privilege to attend the show this year (for the first time!) on behalf of AllFreeJewelryMaking and was blown away by the breadth and abundance of exhibitions the show had to offer. From artisans and designers displaying their hand-crafted creations to manufacturers and distributors demonstrating the latest products on the jewelry-making scene, there was much to take in at To Bead True Blue.

I had only two days to try to cover as much ground as possible at the show, but I could have easily spent an entire week surveying the shiny spectacle of all the beads and baubles on display at To Bead True Blue as well as The Tucson Bead Show and all the other various gem shows going on across the city. If you are a lover of beads, jewelry, gemstones, and all things sparkly, you truly must put To Bead True Blue on your bucket list.

First off, I had to make sure I checked out what was new at the Alacarte Clasps & WireLace booth where the talented Linda Hartung was demonstrating her latest brainchild, WireLuxe. A luxury, metallic knit wire product, WireLuxe is at once structured and soft, making it light and comfortable to wear, but also sturdy enough to hold its shape and allow embellishment. I was so impressed by the way it could bend to form elegant, undulating designs as well as provide a sturdy foundation for beadwork and other components.

Another of my favorite exhibits was Starman, where the very accommodating Jennifer Schroeder showed me their latest bead products. One of the biggest trends and hottest new items I noticed while at To Bead True Blue were two-hole beads. These seemed to be the “big new thing,” and when I visited the Starman booth, I could see why. Their cleverly named CzechMates are a two-hole bead system that allows for more dynamic, dimensional beadwork than is possible with your typical single-hole beads. Available in Tiles, Bricks, Lentils, and Daggers, these beads are all designed to be used together seamlessly, and I was in awe at some of the structural, layered beadwork pieces they had on display. (I was also a big fan of the new mini Rose Petal bead, a daintier version of an old favorite!

There were also some notable new tools I got to see in action (and even try for myself!) to help you put all those beads and goodies you accumulated at the show to good use. At The BeadSmith booth, the big new item on display was the exclusive Ricks Beading Loom. If you’ve ever seen loomwork done before, you’ll know that the number of loose strings you’re left with on the end can be a bit…confusing. Well the patented Ricks Beading Loom eliminates all that stringy mess and leaves you with just two simple strings to work with. I tried it out for myself, and it couldn’t have been easier to use. It definitely makes loom beading accessible to beginners.

Another favorite was the Easy Knotter which I got to see in action at the Designs by Reenie booth. I know from experience, making knotted bead necklaces as not as easy as it seems, which is why Reenie Oliveto came up with this nifty little tool to make knotting a piece of cake. The Easy Knotter helps you keep a tight knot while also allowing you to keep uniform spacing in your design.

I also got a quick demo of the Xuron Brand Micro-Shear Flush Cutters in The Beadin’ Path booth which make a nice clean, close cut and even retain the clipped wire end. And for all your bedazzling needs, the Crystal Katana by Kelly DeFries of Crystal Ninja is a hot new little tool that picks up rhinestones, and even beads, completely effortlessly, avoiding the trouble of having them stick to your fingers.

Other hot trends at this year’s To Bead True Blue? Spike beads were everywhere, and were one of my favorite new trends. These cone-shaped beads make for elegantly edgy bracelets, cuffs, and other accessories, and hopefully AllFreeJewelryMaking can find some patterns utilizing these new beads soon! Miyuki was debuting its new Long Drop Beads and “Luminous Color” seed beads; the elongated version of the seed bead seems to be a popular trend right now, and neon colors have finally hit the beading world!

I’ve hardly scratched the surface of this gem of a show with the products and trends I’ve highlighted here, but there was so much to do and see, I couldn’t possibly touch on it all! I ran into people from all over the country (and even from other parts of the world) at this show, so if this is any indication of the size and influence of To Bead True Blue, I expect next year to be even bigger and better, and I definitely won’t be missing it!

Were you at To Bead True Blue this year, or have you ever attended?

What are your favorite beading and jewelry trends, tools, and products right now?

Tutorial: How to Make a Beaded Bead

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Want to add some extra depth and dimension to your DIY jewelry designs? Learn how to make a beaded bead and bring your jewelry creations to life! Simple strands of beads will seem a snore once you learn how to make a beaded bead with these free jewelry patterns. We’ll show you five different ways you can make beaded beads to take your jewelry projects to the next level.

These beaded bead instructions will add so much detail to your jewelry designs, instantly taking them from “flat” to “dynamic.” If you’ve never tried learning how to make a beaded bead, don’t worry! The beaded bead patterns here are easy to follow; you’ll be a pro in no time.

How to Make a Beaded Bead: 5 Beaded Bead Patterns

  1. Quick and Easy Beaded Bead – Perfect for beginners! Turn a plain bead into an intricately stitched bead with this tutorial.
    Quick and Easy Beaded Beads
  2. Peyote Beaded Bead – Fans of peyote stitch patterns will find this tutorial more than a little enticing. These beaded bead instructions incorporate a mix of beads for a fun and eclectic look.
    Peyote Beaded Bead
  3. Peyote Tube Bead Tutorial –  Different from the two previous beaded bead patterns, this tutorial is for a more cylindrical look. A strand of these would make a great necklace or bracelet!
    Peyote Tube Bead Tutorial
  4. Two-Drop Peyote Beaded Beads – This pattern is similar to the previous one but uses two-drop peyote stitch. These beads look incredibly intricate but are actually super easy to make, so don’t be intimidated!
    Two-Drop Peyote Beaded Beads
  5. Jellyfish Beaded Bead – If you’re up for a bit of a challenge and like quirky jewelry designs, try these beaded bead instructions on for size. You’ll definitely never see someone else with the same piece!
    Jellyfish Beaded Bead

Simple strung jewelry patterns will never do for you again once you learn how to make a beaded bead! If you’ve still got the itch to stitch after you’ve tried these beaded bead patterns and you’re looking for more, check out our collection of the 20 Best Free Bead Weaving Patterns on the Web!

What are your favorite bead crafts to make?

AllFreeJewelryMaking Giveaway: The Complete Photo Guide to Beading

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I envy children’s picture books when I’m attempting to follow a wordy tutorial, and I’ve commiserated with many other adults. Creative International Publishing developed a medicine to cure our jealousy. The Complete Photo Guide to Beading is a miraculous, essential handbook for those who want to learn how to bead as well as those who consider themselves experts. Admire page after page of gorgeous, crystal-clear photography taking you on a journey to beading mastery. Are you ready for the beading adventure of a lifetime? Enter for the chance to be the one lucky winner in the The Complete Photo Guide to Beading Giveaway!

 The Complete Photo Guide to Beading Giveaway

 

Garner the top-secret tricks to making beading easy, yes easy, with The Complete Photo Guide to Beading. It begins with the very basics of beading, introducing each type of bead and any hardware you need to carry forth. Before you even pick out your beads, you will be fluent in the beaders’ language. Take a trip through bead stringing, weaving, and embroidery as you twist and turn through the spectacular world of beads progressing in skill level as each page passes.

The most unique aspect of this book, though, is that it goes further than creating jewelry. It features beautiful belts, ornaments, dolls, pins, framed pictures, and more to ensure that the book appeals to everyone. Once your eyes are set on the most dazzling composition of beads, you will have no choice but to learn how to make the masterpiece for yourself.

Enter now for your chance to win a copy of The Complete Photo Guide to Beading! The contest ends December 17, 2012, and you can enter once a day, so keep coming back to improve your chances!

Stringing, weaving, or embroidery: Which is your favorite beading technique?

Crochet

Jewelry

Knitting

Paper

Sewing

Thrifty