The Design Gallery
Follow along with step-by-step beading projects and share your designs with beaders around the world—it’s quick & easy!
Chatter
on “A whale of a necklace!”:“This is awesome! I love the whale pendant! The pieces look just perfect together. Greens are…” read »
- on “Tree Frog With Speckles”:
“Beautiful Beady- love those green beads- they really look great with the golden shade of your…” read »
- on “Autumn spice”:
“A beautiful necklace! I love the desert palm beads too. Where did you find that beautiful…” read »
on “SPARKILING STARS”:“This is a lovely set.…” read »
- on “Dragonfly Druzy”:
“This is a wonderful necklace! The subtle matte colors of the Druzy really lets the dragonfly…” read »
on “Autumn spice”:“Love this design also Isjemz. The silver spacers really pick up the silver in the pendant.…” read »
on “Autumn spice”:“Great design and the beads are a perfect color combination for the Tibetan pendant. Love…” read »
- on “Dragonfly Druzy”:
“Beautiful soft color perfect for the amazing pendant. I don't ever remember seeing a dragonfly…” read »
on “Dragonfly Druzy”:“Thank you all so much! I purchased the dragonfly pendant at the bead and button show…” read »
on “All About the Pink”:“I hope your return to work went well...I luv that u made it a special occasion…” read »
- on “Sleek Csilla”:
“You can access free pattern at LB: Czech Glass/ Shop by Shape/ Czechmates/ Free Patterns.......Spring in…” read »
on “SPARKILING STARS”:“about 28 inches. beading away!…” read »
on “SPARKILING STARS”:“I agree with Beady, a very versatile piece for a night out. Would look great…” read »
- on “Dragonfly Druzy”:
“Love matte beads...love dragonflies...this is a wonderful combination! Druzy beads add just the right amount…” read »
- on “Shamrock”:
“I've seen wire picture holders, but how special is this one with special meaning. I…” read »
- on “Fish bowl”:
“Well, I'm impressed with your wire work, even if your daughter isn't (right now). Like…” read »
- on “Dragonfly Druzy”:
“Isjemz - Don't think I've ever seen such a large dragonfly! Very pretty design and the…” read »
- on “Sleek Csilla”:
“Lovely bracelet! I really like how you used the GemDuos in this design. The…” read »
- on “SPARKILING STARS”:
“Lovely for a night on the town.…” read »
- on “What do you see?”:
“I first thought butterfly but like Pam the teeth made me look closer. It took me…” read »
- on “Fish bowl”:
“This is such a cute design. Your daughter will appreciate it one day I bet.…” read »
- on “Two Hole Beads”:
“Crystal - Thanks for your encouragement. I think you can see from the photos how I…” read »
- on “All About the Pink”:
“Oh, this is gorgeous! Pink is very hard for me too--but you absolutely hit a…” read »
- on “New Earrings”:
“Beautiful work! I love how you used the Czech leaves & Carnelian on the first…” read »
- on “Two Hole Beads”:
“Beady, I'm so glad you showed them who is boss! My 2-holes 'mock' me too...and…” read »
on “Seashell Satchel”:“Wow this is awesome, thank you for the wonderful comments! Tana, your satchel looks amazing, perfect…” read »
- on “Pumpkin Spice Necklace”:
“Thank you so much for the wonderful comments!…” read »
- on “SPARKILING STARS”:
“Twinkle, twinkle sparkling stars in a very versatile design. How long is the necklace?…” read »
- on “Shamrock”:
“A clever photograph holder and so appropriate for March.…” read »
- on “What do you see?”:
“Skulls and a butterfly. Hummmm? My first thought was a Mod butterfly with square…” read »
- on “Fish bowl”:
“Fun, fun, fun, adorable and cute! I love it! Did you use all…” read »
- on “Sleek Csilla”:
“RNC pattern is easy to follow, simple steps & clear directions...this is a simple design. The front…” read »
- on “Two Hole Beads”:
“Thanks Robin - Yes the vacuum is my friend also. My cat likes to sleep near…” read »
- on “Sleek Csilla”:
“The bracelet strap & detail is beadwoven with Toho Crystal Rose-Gold Lined 8/0 Seed Bead &…” read »
on “Dragonfly Druzy”:“This is beautiful! I love that dragonfly on with the druzy beads.…” read »
Garden Droplets
About this design:
“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”
-Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden
I am pretty sure my favorite story growing up was The Secret Garden. I used to daydream about finding one and what it would be like. So it comes as no surprise that when I decided to make a Spring inspired necklace, I gravitated towards creating a focal that reflects new life and blossoms dripping from a garden wall.
Buy the supplies:
The products in this design are listed below.
Additional Images:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: First I applied patina to the largest African brass ball we have :-) I brushed on layers of moss, verdigris, and jade from the weathered copper patina kit, adding in tiny touches of Amethyst from the Victorian Gable Patina Kit. I then took the relief block and lightly buffed until I had my desired look. See Tip: Using Vintaj Patinas |
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Step 2: I also applied patina to the pewter lily drop using agate in the petals, ochre where the pollen would be, and moss on the leaves and loop. Ochre and agate are from the retro highway patina kit and moss is from the weathered copper patina kit. See Tip: Using Vintaj Patinas |
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Step 3: Once the colored pieces are dry, I began making my droplets. See the following steps for each droplet below. |
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Step 4: Tanzanite charm connected to chain, with an etched chain link used as a jump ring to connect the droplet to the silk string See Tip: Wire Wrap a Charm |
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Step 5: Cut 4" length of silk string. Tie knot at one end and string on a ceramic bead. String silk through chain, add on another ceramic bead and knot at the end of the silk string. Etched chain link used as a jump ring to connect the droplet to the silk string. |
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Step 6: Using approximately 1.5" of etched chain, connect gold leaf and wire wrapped charms to form this droplet. See Tip: Wire Wrap a Charm |
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Step 7: Cut an 8" length of silk string. Begin at one end knotting on glass teardrops individually, spacing anywhere from 5-10mm apart. String the silk through the etched chain so that approximately half the string is on each side of the chain and knot in place to secure string to chain. Attach wire wrapped pendant to the silk string with a knot approximately 1" from end of string. Place patinated pewter lily drop at the end and knot to secure in place. Attach lucite leaf and Earthenwood egg to chain. |
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Step 8: Now that all of the droplets are created, take a 7" length of the silk string and string all of the droplets on. Double your silk string over and string through large African brass ball. Once strung through the bead, string through loop of wire wrapped Tanzanite link, and tie several knots to secure. Tuck tails of silk string back into the African brass bead. |
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Step 9: Create chain using 2' of flat oval cable chain and 20" of etched oval cable chain. I wanted to give the chain some subtle detail without distracting from the focal, so I broke up the flat oval into sections at the front of the necklace. I then doubled up the etched chain placing it those gaps. Once the chain is complete and attached to the focal, string on 2 glass rings down onto the African brass. See Tip: Closing A Jump Ring |
Buy Products from this Design
You are viewing all 8 items.
| Package of 12 | $1.35 |
| 15 yd. spool | $3.40 |
Measurements: 7.2x5.2mm links
| per foot: $3.70 |
| Piece | $4.70 |
| Piece | $1.20 | OUT OF STOCK |
You are viewing all 8 items.
On Apr 05, 2012 at 2:07 pm #
olive penguin says:Thanks for the tutorial Ali! This is a really adorable design. I love the playfulness of the design and the elements in it. It certainly does remind me of a garden.
On Apr 05, 2012 at 3:38 pm #
Miss Molly says:What a fun design – I just ordered a bunch of the Vintaj patinas, and can’t wait to play with them!
On Apr 05, 2012 at 6:43 pm #
black cat yawning says:Nice job, Ali! The Secret Garden was my favorite, too. In fact, we bought our current house because it had a neglected, sort-of-secret garden, and a “robin who showed the way!”
On Apr 06, 2012 at 12:12 pm #
Little Round Chick says:Great design and I love the way you have used the patinas especially on the large brass ball.
On Apr 06, 2012 at 4:27 pm #
KatsAllThat says:Nicely done…
On Apr 26, 2012 at 10:59 am #
Ali says:Thanks everyone. Something about this necklace is so fresh and happy, that when I wear it I feel optimistic about summer being around the corner.
On Mar 04, 2013 at 9:27 pm #
Mandy R says:LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!!!
On Mar 16, 2013 at 3:24 pm #
Caroline E says:Love it!!!!!
On Mar 16, 2013 at 3:26 pm #
Caroline E says:<3
On Mar 25, 2013 at 6:47 pm #
lummibeader2013 says:I really like that design and it looks easy to make. hugs to the designer!!
On Mar 26, 2013 at 10:44 pm #
princessdsp says:This is really beautiful and unique. love it!
On May 24, 2013 at 3:12 am #
jdbeast1 says:Love it….You always inspire me, Ali !
On Aug 27, 2013 at 12:50 pm #
agthomas says:Beautiful!
On Jan 06, 2014 at 10:22 pm #
Thea says:This is so adorable. I am sill finding my way around the site and find something that amazes me everyday. I have to say Lima Beads is as addictive as making the things I craft.
On Sep 23, 2014 at 1:20 am #
D McDuffie says:Super cute ‘organic’ design–very original! Definitely want to try this.
On Jan 06, 2016 at 6:56 am #
Jody L says:Yes I agree it is really cute and organic, very fresh and fun and with winter in the air now it is inspiration for the warm weather to come, and ways we might choose to enjoy it!
On Sep 05, 2016 at 12:07 pm #
Misty S says:I wanted to create the GARDEN DROPLET but I cannot find the ball that it was made of.
Can you please tell me where I can find this.
Thanks
On Mar 11, 2018 at 1:35 pm #
JillEllen B says:Thank you for introducing me to the Unicorne Beads; who knows how long, in my indiscriminate wanderings around Lima Beads, it would have taken for me to discover them –if ever! I love them and will be ordering some. Also, kudos on your lovely design!