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 “Interlocked Rings Earrings”:“Rings are in! Nice way to brush up on our skills or learn to do…” read »
- on “Fern Hoop Earrings”:
“Absolutely Awesome! The description says the links are plated, so I'm a bit confused. …” read »
- on “Shell Cove Earrings”:
“Love the combo of the Opal acetate (which looks like MOP), the shell links, and coconut--great…” read »
on “Heishi Hoops”:“My favorite style--the hoop ear wires are a blast to create with!…” read »
on “Tropical Monstera Earrings”:“Beautiful way to frame the Abalone acetate leaves! The fancy ear posts make this extra…” read »
on “Tropical Monstera Earrings”:“Thanks Pam!…” read »
on “Shell Cove Earrings”:“Another delightful pair of earrings! I must amend the fact that I love all 5…” read »
on “Heishi Hoops”:“Another fantastic earring! To be honest I love all 4 pairs.…” read »
- on “Tropical Monstera Earrings”:
“These are my favorite earrings!…” read »
on “Sunburst Chandelier Earrings”:“Thank you!…” read »
- on “More Vintage Czech Beads”:
“This is a beautiful eclectic necklace and earrings! I love it!…” read »
on “A Few More”:“That blue one has great appeal! Agree about the hula.…” read »
on “The hills are alive🎼”:“Well most of my comment didn’t post. …” read »
- on “The hills are alive🎼”:
“LRC, actually 3 hairs…” read »
on “A Few More”:“Interesting collection with great components. I especially like the blue pendant. It looks like…” read »
on “The hills are alive🎼”:“Wonderful color and an absolutely beautiful design! What size brush did you use... one with…” read »
on “New and Old Stuff”:“Love those vintage beads. They look right at home in this bright and cheerful design.…” read »
- on “Green dream”:
“Wow! I have to agree with all of the above. This is a fabulous…” read »
on “Second piece from Nancy”:“Wow! I love the design and the beads are lovely.very organic…” read »
on “Green dream”:“Thanks, everyone, for your kind words.…” read »
- on “Green dream”:
“I agree with what everyone else has said. I have tried chain maille on a…” read »
on “Green dream”:“Exquisite! The chainmaille is really wonderful and the green seed beads really add charm to it.…” read »
on “Green dream”:“Great piece!! I also admire anyone that can accomplish chainmaille work like you have. My hands…” read »
on “Green dream”:“This is beautiful chainmaille work. My arthritic fingers salute you! The chain pattern with the green…” read »
- on “Green dream”:
“Beautiful work! I love how the little seeds flair out on the sides creating the…” read »
- on “New and Old Stuff”:
“Thanks you all for your comments!! Yes, Crystal, those are the marigold wood beads. I like…” read »
on “Sunburst Chandelier Earrings”:“These earrings are stunning. The seaglass bicones light up next to the capiz shell.…” read »
- on “A Few More”:
“I like all of these designs, especially what you did with the gold focal piece.…” read »
- on “New and Old Stuff”:
“I do like those vintage end of day beads. This version really compliments them.…” read »
- on “The hills are alive🎼”:
“These earrings are beautifully done. The alcohol inks give your detailed mini masterpieces a luminous quality.…” read »
on “Beach Goddess Stacked Bracelets”:“Awesome degine..https://erijewelry.com/…” read »
- on “New and Old Stuff”:
“The vintage Czech beads have much more impact lined up--they are so colorful--hope you got bunches…” read »
on “African sunset”:“I'm diggin' the tribal vibe! Love the brass element.…” read »
- on “A Few More”:
“Nice pieces Jane. I like how you highlighted the woven focal with the drop extension.…” read »
- on “The hills are alive🎼”:
“Oh Robin, I am so sorry to hear about the tornadoes. I am glad your…” read »
- on “The hills are alive🎼”:
“CC, no, it’s not a view from my house. I live in east Texas, piney woods.…” read »
- on “The hills are alive🎼”:
“Robin, these are absolutely incredible! The mountains & trees are so very realistic & beautifully…” read »
- on “Black Beauty”:
“I really like this! Very cute!…” read »
- on “A Few More”:
“I really like your seed bead work on the blue one. All very nice!…” read »
on “New and Old Stuff”:“Both bracelets are great designs! The Orange one is my favorite! Fall is a…” read »
Inspired Necklace # 1
About this design:
I am trying (sometimes not very successfully) to break out of my "stringing" mode. This piece is a first attempt.
Components:
Assorted orphan and other beads in shades of green, bronze, amber, and others. Reclaimed bronze chain. Jute and knotting cord. Seed beads, bronze colored copper wire. Jump rings.Additional Images:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Wire up a few dozen charms using whatever suits your fancy. My technique is dumping big, medium, and small beads in 3 different containers and grab them. I wired the charms in the dark while watching t.v., so they are as random as possible. Mine are mostly small medium large small in sequence. Wire them with loops at both ends! |
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Step 2: I used single strands of knotting cord and garden jute, adding seed beads and knotting at 1 inch intervals |
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Step 3: Cut your chain into random lengths. Mine vary from 2 to 5 inches. Use jump rings to make 2 different strands of chain and bead units, Link the finished strands at the ends with jump rings. |
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Step 4: Knot the jute and cord piece to each end of the bead/chain unit, leaving the ends about 4 inches long. Add leftover bead units and knot the cord at a convenient length for the dangles. I used clear nail polish on the knots. I also used the polish to stiffen the ends of the jute and cord, twisting the ends together. Use size 5 beads, because of the bigger holes. |
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On Mar 23, 2023 at 12:20 am #
Little Round Chick says:Love your technique for randomizing the beads. Actually you have randomized everything with great success. The variety of components in the design is delightful.
On Mar 23, 2023 at 9:12 pm #
K Ralston says:You’ve got some great beads in here. You always do beautiful stringing pieces. This beaded chain project is also pretty.
On May 16, 2023 at 9:45 am #
emilyanne2188 says:I am trying to get out of my “stringing”- which for me is using c-Lon and macrame, etc, for everything, sometimes bringing in wire. You’re a true artist, true designer. My eye is drawn immediately to your work when I browse this page. I’m 35 and a bit “trendy,” but very much myself, still. But I am a fashionista, so, I’m picky. Big compliment. Talent!