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 “Polygon Drops”:“Thanks you all!! I got a bunch of vintage/retro beads from this seller. I just kinda…” read »
on “Rusted Duo”:“I really like this design! The duos really bring attention to the patina. Very cool and…” read »
on “Stackable Czech Glass Nugget Bracelets”:“Thank you!…” read »
on “Polygon Drops”:“Wow. I really love these earrings sweetjane. The shapes are very interesting. And the colors so…” read »
on “The Raven”:“Wow Crystal. Wish I could have seen that waving, slapping and shouting. How entertaining! Yeah ravens…” read »
on “Polygon Drops”:“These are gorgeous! I love the reversible drops. It basically doubles the number of…” read »
on “Polygon Drops”:“Very cool! Love the large shape, especially for longer hair styles. The fact that…” read »
on “The Raven”:“Beady, Haha. No, I was stand outside making a fool of myself waving my hands…” read »
- on “Rusted Duo”:
“So creative! You gave these a lot of thought & the end result is very…” read »
on “Amber River”:“This really feels like an amber river...I can almost see the motion. The pendant and the…” read »
on “Rusted Duo”:“Great earrings, Becca! Creative use of the miniduos...definitely unique!…” read »
on “The Raven”:“Robin - Darwin is doing quite well. He's a real menace. Strawberry Hill is $4.99 for…” read »
- on “Rusted Duo”:
“Unusual, pretty design. Love the miniduos and the color combination. Great earrings.…” read »
- on “Amber River”:
“Beautiful, happy necklace. The navy colored strap pulls it all together. Wonderful focal.…” read »
- on “The Raven”:
“Thank you all so much. Crystal - Duh, I forgot to add the raven to my…” read »
on “Getting in the Groove Again”:“Thanks you all...I really appreciate your comments! I got an order today....plus two custom orders!! It…” read »
- on “Rusted Duo”:
“These are quite beautiful !! Plus they are transitional....from season to season.…” read »
- on “Rusted Duo”:
“These are a different design, but in a beautiful way! I love the use…” read »
on “The Raven”:“Beady, long time no see. I love your necklace - and I love the bird.…” read »
- on “Polka Dot Crazy”:
“I wanted to also mention, that I like the fact that they help the African women--that's…” read »
- on “Polka Dot Crazy”:
“Thank you Brenda for the pitch to purchase these. I finally got some--got the violet…” read »
- on “Getting in the Groove Again”:
“Jane, I am very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. These things can be very…” read »
on “Getting in the Groove Again”:“Jane, this necklace is gorgeous. I wish I could see a photo of it on someone.…” read »
on “Amber River”:“The rich colors make this an instant go-to piece when heading out the door. I…” read »
- on “The Raven”:
“Don't you know, I was outside early this morning 'shoo-ing' several of these off our rooftop!…” read »
on “Some More Nuggets”:“My favorite part of the bracelet is the copper flower. Crazy I know but that's me...…” read »
on “Amber River”:“I hope my comment posts. This is a fantastic necklace. I also like the fact that…” read »
on “The Raven”:“Great necklace to honor a post we will head from nevermore. The Raven was my favorite…” read »
- on “Getting in the Groove Again”:
“Thanks you all...for your kind comments and support!!…” read »
- on “Some More Nuggets”:
“Thanks you all!! I'm looking forward to ordering more beads and getting back to making more…” read »
- on “The Raven”:
“Great tribute to a great poem. Another work of art. I really like the colors you…” read »
- on “Brush Strokes Earrings”:
“These are great earrings, they will mix and match with so many outfits. What a…” read »
- on “Loyalty Bracelet”:
“I love this pet inspired design!…” read »
- on “The Raven”:
“So glad to see a post from you--and a poetic bird! This piece has it…” read »
- on “Some More Nuggets”:
“Love the Apatite beads. You did a great job with the copper and African beads.…” read »
- on “Getting in the Groove Again”:
“So pretty. Love the rose gold pendant. It's a lovely necklace.…” read »
- on “Gemstone Station Necklace”:
“Wonderful. Unusual use of the beads. Very attractive.…” read »
- on “Netted Turquoise Bracelet”:
“A fun and beautiful bracelet.…” read »
- on “Stackable Czech Glass Nugget Bracelets”:
“Love your chunky bracelets - and the colors are fantastic.…” read »
- on “Truck necklace”:
“A truck with wings! So fun and a wonderful design. Your daughter will love it.…” read »
At The Water’s Edge
About this design:
Lima’s last two ‘Beach week’ sales & the lovely sea themed postings in the Gallery, had me looking in my ’Sea’ box full of fun charms, shells, & beads with an ocean theme. The sand dollar focal was purchased several years ago, and I had a sketch tucked in the bag of what I had in mind when I purchased it—yay! for that reminder. It turned out much like the original idea, but the mechanics of it where causing me a bit of trouble. I’m not sure if I’m happy with the coral silk--it was originally a hard connection, but that brought about its own problems. Do you think the silk detracts—should it stay or go?
I hope you all enjoy beach time this year & any cool treasures found lying in the sand. Enjoy the soothing sound of the waves rolling in & the sand between your toes!
Components:
Recycled Glass Sand Dollar focal (LB), Recycled glass chips 2 colors (LB), Czech coins (LB), coral, cupolini coral, pearls, peanut seeds, silk (LB), Nunn jumpring (LB), misc metal beads & findingsAdditional Images:
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On May 12, 2022 at 6:33 pm #
Crystal Canary says:Sorry about the dark pictures! I was so excited to take my pictures outside in full light rather than from a southern window as has been the case all winter–it was such a sunny, warm day. I was messing around with the camera settings, and as you can see, I didn’t do the photos any favors. Maybe next time…..
On May 12, 2022 at 9:05 pm #
Robin nursechick says:Wowza Crystal-this is gorgeous! I love the sand dollar focal- this bracelet is one of your best! All your work is beautiful, but I love this. I like the coral silk- you’ve balanced it nicely with the coral pearl. The blue in the chips is so cool and soothing. You added all the right touches with charms and the selection of beads- love the addition of the coins (I can never figure out what to do with czech coins-they look awesome in your piece). And the fish clasp is perfect!
On May 12, 2022 at 9:30 pm #
Jogi says:Crystal, I love this bracelet!!!! All of it! The coral silk and the coral pearl work together with the rest of the piece. The sand dollar focal is too sweet! What a beautiful creation. I am so ready for the adventure!
On May 12, 2022 at 10:06 pm #
dolllady aka Pam says:I love everything in your bracelet! The colors are gorgeous for the beach look.
On May 13, 2022 at 12:54 am #
K Ralston says:Wow Crystal. What a work of art this bracelet is. I like the silk. It adds just another layer of interest. There’s so much to look at here. All beach inspired. The fish clasp is so cute. I am in love with the Czech coins. I haven’t bought many supplies for a while but I am going to take a look at what LB has in the way of Czech coins. This is really one of your best pieces.
On May 13, 2022 at 8:40 am #
Deb Harding says:WOW!! I totally love love love this Crystal. You know how much I love beach themed jewelry so this is just perfect. I really love how the white strand reflects the focal and also picks up the color of the adjacent czech strand.
Okay let me ask you a question about the Czech coins. Did you find that the holes were so small that the only stringing you could use was beading wire?? Because that is my dilemma. And I’m not very good a crimping.
On May 13, 2022 at 9:32 am #
kye says:Another CC beauty. I agree with Deb-I really like the way the white strand ties everything together. There is so much to admire here. Outstanding work as always.
On May 13, 2022 at 10:32 am #
sweetjane says:This just fantastic! Everting works so well together, to create a very beachy bracelet. You know I love the little piece of Coral silk….it’s perfect!
On May 13, 2022 at 11:30 am #
Fresh Baked says:What beachy glamour! Love the touch of pink silk.
On May 13, 2022 at 3:17 pm #
Crystal Canary says:Such nice comments–Thank you very much! It was encouraging to read all your kind words. I appreciate the feedback on the silk too.
**Deb, I know what you mean about the small holes on the Czech beads! This has been a thorn for me for years. I always want to incorporate them into designs, but it’s a challenge just because of this reason. The holes run about .8mm, although the newer ones say 1mm. With that size, stringing material can be quite limited. I’ve used C-Lon .4mm to pass back thru two times, but worry when I do because it’s so thin. With waxed linen, you have to use 4ply–which also makes me nervous as just a few beads can add up in weight, and with a lot of wear can become a problem. Czech beads are awesome, but to do more other than stringing on wire, one must have to be real creative. I don’t particularly like using wire in bracelets, but I guess if it’s flexible enough & not strung too tight, it will work. But using a natural material is my first & favorite choice. **I’d love to hear other people’s ideas on how to get around the the small holes in more natural-based designs with other stringing materials.**
On May 13, 2022 at 7:54 pm #
Robin nursechick says:Have you tried the 5mm polyester Linhasita wax cord? Try it and see if that works for you. They sell it on Etsy.
On May 14, 2022 at 7:15 am #
Deb Harding says:Thanks for that info Robin. I’m going to have to search for that. Never even heard of it.
Crystal I don’t really have much of a problem with most czech glass. Just those coins and a few others (all coin shaped or flat). No issues with cruellers, rondells, etc. I’ve tried bead reaming. Takes far too long. I use primarily S-lon or C-lon. I’ve also gotten some other waxed cording at Hobby Lobby but it is usually bigger than S-lon.
On May 14, 2022 at 10:13 am #
Crystal Canary says:Thanks for the tip Robin. I’ll also check online for the Linhasita cording. Using the C-Lon at .4mm & feeding in back through, I figure at least I’ve upped it to .8mm–the size of the hole. When the hole is ‘filled’, I guess that’s the best you can do.
On May 14, 2022 at 11:25 am #
Robin nursechick says:Linhasita wax cord is the only I use. They have hundreds of colors and sizes. I do keep extra wax when working with it- that keeps it a little stiffer as you go through tiny holes
On May 14, 2022 at 12:39 pm #
Beady Little Eyes says:So much to see in your bracelet. Love the array of beads and findings. I really like your use of the peanut beads. I also like the coral silk – looks like something that washed ashore.
On May 16, 2022 at 9:49 pm #
Little Round Chick says:Ditto to all of the above comments. This is one gorgeous bracelet!
On Jun 06, 2022 at 10:10 pm #
Original Barbie says:Great design. Thanks for sharing!