Spotlight Saturday: Glass Dome Cabochons

'Tis the season for inspiration and one of my favorite things is all the beautiful holiday cards. I have boxes and boxes of them in my home but I never know what to do with them.  But I think I have finally found a solution.

Featured Video:  How to Make a Glass Dome Paperweight

In this video, our designer Julie walks you through the complete process to make these great paperweights.  This is a wonderful craft that comes together so quickly.  You can make several all at once.


Featured Project:  Butterfly Paperweight

This is a great way to recycle old Christmas cards. I don't know about you but I love getting Holiday cards and giving them. Some times I will find a card with a beautiful graphic or picture on it and I don't want them to end up in a box somewhere. The memory board is good but think outside the board and try using a cut out of Holiday cards under the glass domes.

Here is what you will need to make all of your holiday cards into paperweights:
-Velour backing paper that comes with four sheets (approx 4"x5" each)
-Nunn Design Glue
-Diamond Glaze water proof sealant
-paper or cards (which you may already have)
-Glass cabochons (choose from various sizes)

You will get enough materials to create a quite a few projects. It just depends on what size and how many cabochons you want to use.

As an added tip, try using a silver or gold leafing pen to write on the bottom of the velour backing.  Add the date, or where the card came from.  You can also give them as gifts, and add your signature to the bottom.


Featured Product:  Clear Glass Cabochon Round High Dome Crystal

The possibilities are endless with these glass cabochons.  They actually have a neat magnifying effect when placed over words or photos.  You could use wrapping paper, holiday paper, scrapbook, or holiday cards.  We have many different shapes and sizes of the glass cabochons. Some are so small that you can make rings, magnets or pendants with them. This is a wonderfully universal product with lots of choices when it comes to making your projects.  Throwing a Holiday dinner party?  How cute would these look around your table to hold down place cards.

So save your Holiday cards, or even break out the ones I know you have from last year in that box in the basement, and get crafting.

Happy Holidays and Happy Crafting!

-Kat

Spotlight Saturday: Faux Druzy Rings

Example of Natural Druzy

This week I want to focus on a trend for the Fall that I love! Druzy jewelry is popping up everywhere. Druzy, or druse, is a term used in geology to define a fine coating of crystals on a fractured rock surface. I love their natural, straight from the earth feel. They are elegant while being a little rocker chic. Druzy has a cool stardust quality that I find fascinating.  

Featured Video: How To Make a Faux Druzy Ring

In this video, we walk you all the way through making this project.  However, if you are unfamiliar with Crystal Clay be sure to watch the video here before you begin your faux Druzy ring.

Featured Project: Faux White Druzy Crystal Ring

Our version of a Druzy ring is so easy to do and it uses one of my favorite products, Crystal Clay.  The thing I love about this project is that you can choose any color of Crystal Clay, because the color of the clay is what will dictate the color of your ring.  It is a great way to use the last little bit of clay that you may have left over from another project.  Of course, I like the idea of buying a 4 color multi pack so I can make one for all my friends.

Featured Product: Beadelle Collection Crystal Splash Assorted Clear Crystal Mix

Crystal Splash is such a wonderfully versatile product.  Not only does it help to create the faux Druzy ring, but you can actually use it in other ways than just jewelry.  How about as a beautiful table decoration or in a bud vase to add some extra sparkle to your flowers? This is a product that really lets you get creative.  We used the clear crystal mix to make the faux Druzy ring projects, but we also have a multi colored version as well.  Trust me, you will find many fun uses for this crystal mix!

-Kat

Spotlight Saturday: Paracord

Give yourself a break this Labor Day and complete an easy project. I love these Parachute Cord, or Paracord, bracelets. They come in really fun vibrant colors and they are really easy to work with. This is a very quick project, so you can get out and enjoy all those parades and backyard BBQ's!

Featured Video: How to Make a Basic Cobra Paracord Bracelet

In this video you will learn how to make a complete paracord bracelet. This is such a fun project. It's also a great way to learn how to do the macrame knotting technique. You will see the technique on a larger scale so that you can get the hang of it. Once you have mastered the macrame square knot, you can try out other projects, like the Infinity Macrame bracelet.

Featured Project: Basic 2 Color Paracord Bracelet - Pink and Black

What's great about this project is that you don't need a lot of extra items to complete it. All you need is the paracord, buckles, flush cutters and a lighter. Simple as that. You will also get a lot of paracord to work with so you can make several bracelets from just a few bundles of the paracord.

Featured Product: Paracord

Paracord comes in several different sizes. When buying your supplies, make sure you get the right size of paracord and the cordinating size buckle for what you want to make. With any left over paracord, you can make another project, the Celtic Button Knot Bracelet!

Quick Tip Tool!

Here is an added bonus. Check out the new EZzzy-Jig Parachure Bracelet Maker. This tool is designed to hold your bracelet in place as you make your cobra knots. One of the great features of this tool is that it also helps you measure the length of your bracelet.

Spotlight Saturday: Modify your Resin

When it comes to using resin, you have more options than you realize. You can use beads inside of resin or put resin into a mold. But did you know that you can add pearlizing powder, dyes and even glitter? I know for some of you I just said the magic word: glitter! But it's true, and you can get some really great effects by adding different elements.

Featured Video: How to Use Pearlizing Powder in Resin

I love this video because it walks you all the way through your resin project. This is a wonderful technique to learn. We have so many bezel settings for you to fill with resin, and you will notice that in the video, there is a good amount of resin left over so you should be prepared with lots of bezels to fill. That way you can make several pieces all at once!

Featured Project: Pink Sugar Bracelet

I just love this bracelet because it really does remind me of sugary sweet candy. By watching the video above you will learn how to do this project. It's a great introduction to using different elements to modify your resin. For a nice perk, when you purchase this whole kit you will end up with extra resin and powder to use in future projects.

Featured Product: Resin Pearlizing Powder

While it may seem that you need a lot of items to complete your resin project, once you get the hang of it, you will want to do a lot of experimenting, so you will need all those supplies. You may even want to purchase more variations to use in resin. Try using the powder with different colors or even no dye at all for a simple pearl look. Think about using red or amber for any Fall projects you may want to complete. This jar of powder will last you through many resin projects, as will the dyes. So get all your resin supplies, watch our tutorial videos and get started!

Good luck and have fun!

Spotlight Saturday: Jump Rings

Jump rings are used in just about every project but finding the right one can be tough.  I think it helps to have all different sizes and colors on hand for comparison.  Why use the wrong size when you don't have to.  Sometimes it can feel like you are Goldilocks, trying ring after ring... but you'll know when it's right.  When a project calls for a lot of jump rings, like chain maille or the Carmela Necklace, the jump ring opener can be a valuable tool.  Worth it's weight in gold, you might say.

Featured Video: How to use Beadsmith's Jump Ring Opener

The Beadsmith's jump ring opener is such a convenient tool to help you open and close jump rings while keeping your hand free.  It can also replace the need for a second pair of pliers in some cases.  It will help to steady jump rings so they don't go flying across the room.  

Featured Project:  Carmela Necklace

Shown here is the center piece of the Carmela Necklace.  It is comprised of gold plated oval connectors and gold plated jump rings.  Jump rings are what brought this idea to life.  They were the perfect little connecting tools to use as building blocks in this piece.

Featured Product:  Jump Rings

There are many varieties of jump rings. Because many jump rings are so inexpensive you can always have extra in your jewelry storage. When choosing the right jump ring, pay attention to the gauge of the jump ring as well as the size. When looking at gauge the higher the gauge number, the thinner the jump ring. For example, a jump ring that is 18 gauge is much thicker than a jump ring that is 22 gauge. This also applies to wire and other findings. See our handy wire gauge guide in our Techniques & Guides section on our website. There are a lot of helpful tools there.

Spotlight Saturday: Beaded Fringe Earrings

Summer is not over yet and those outdoor music festivals are just heating up.  One of the best parts about going to a crowded music festival is that you have so many different people from so many walks of life that it truly makes for the best people watching.  

Featured Video:  How to Make Brick Stitch and Fringe Beaded Earrings

This video walks you through the step by step process of making these beautiful earrings.  They are inspired by traditional Native American styles.  You will learn about the brick stitch as well as the ladder stitch.

Featured Project: Fringe Festival Earrings

What I love about these earrings in particular is that I can picture these looking great for so many occasions.  All you have to do is change the colors.  Think of it this way: if you are going to a folk festival make them in a Bronze.  If you are attending a surf rock festival on the beach go with Turquoise.  Headed to a country music festival, go for Pepper Red.

Featured Product:  Toho Bugle Tube Beads Size #3 

Did you know that Toho in Japanese translates to "Eastern Treasure" in English?  These bugle beads truly are a treasure but I realize that most people shy away from them because they don't know how to use them.  I hope the project and video will inspire you to use this type of beads in your work.  The Toho Bugle Beads come in so many colors and finishes that you can really mix it up.  Pictured here is the Silver Lined Teal. One of my other favorites is the Gold Lustered African Sunset.  Talk about eye catching in the sea of people at the music festival.  So go rock out in your Fringe earrings, bob your head to the music and let the fringe fly!

Happy Beading!  

Spotlight Saturday: Beaded Beads

Beaded beads are so beautiful and there are so many ways to use them.  Both bicones and round beads work well with this technique.  This is not a particularly difficult technique but sometimes it can take a few tries to get it just right.  My recommendation is to watch the video once, all the way thru, without doing anything so that you can see the process.  Then, go back and work with the video to start your beading.  Experiment with this bead in different shapes, sizes and colors.

Featured Video:  How to make a Beaded Bead Using Right Angle Weave

This is a very elegant use of beads and once you learn this technique you will use it for all kinds of beaded bead projects.  If you have about 30 left over beads you can use this technique to tie them all together.

Featured Project:  Callista Necklace

There is just something about this necklace that speaks to me.  I love the mixing of the gold and silver as well as the understated but glamourous use of the beaded beads.  This is an eye catching piece that will have everyone saying, "You made that yourself?"  To which you simply reply, "Why yes, I did."  And while you are in the beaded bead making mode be sure to make yourself the matching Callista Earrings to complete your look.

Featured Product:  Cherry Quartz Glass Small Round Beads

Although the Callista Necklace uses 3mm metal beads, I love the idea of using these glass beads that look like gemstones.  They are the same size, so the technique will translate.  Imagine how beautiful these would look as a beaded bead.

Spotlight Saturday: Charming Bookmarks

How is that Summer reading coming along?  What's your favorite type of beach book?  A juicy thriller or a devious mystery?   I don't know about you but I love relaxing on the beach with a great book, but there is no way I am bringing my digital reading device into the sand.  So I always have a old fashioned book when I head out to get some sun.  You know, one where you actually have to turn the pages?  And for that, you will need a stylish bookmark!

Featured Video: How to Use Ribbon Crimps

This video shows you how easy it is to create a finished look to your ribbon projects.  No more frayed ends of ribbon to ruin your projects.

Featured Project:  Don't Bother Me, I'm Reading!  Bookmark

This is such a great project that you can make one for everyone in your Book Club.  This also makes a great gift for your favorite student going back to school this fall, which you can personalize with their school colors using our ribbon and charms.

Featured Product:  Pandora Beads 

My personal favorite is this Neon Pink SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal BeCharmed Pearl Bead. There is no way I am losing that one in the sand. Get creative! We have so many to choose from. Be sure to check out all of our Pandora Style Beads.  Share your favorite with us below.

Happy Beading and Happy Reading!

Spotlight Saturday: Gemstone Chain

Isn't it nice of them to take care of all the hard work of making all those simple wire loops for us?  The Gemstone Chain is so quick and easy to use but also carries a great elegance that can really add something special to your designs. 

Featured Video: How to Properly Cut Gemstone Chain

This video will show you how to properly cut your gemstone chain so that you can get the most from this beautiful product.

Featured Project:  Stranded Bracelet

Our designer Megan has combined a beautiful color palette of Steel Blue and Amethyst in this elegant bracelet.  By using a strand reducer you can really have the freedom to add all different kinds of metals, colors, and gemstone chain.

Featured Product:  Green Onyx Gemstone Gold Vermeil Wire Wrapped Chain 4mm Rondelles

There is just something so regal about the way the green pops with the gold chain.  The variants of the natural gemstone chain add a straight from the earth feel.  The wire wrapping gives it that extra touch of elegance that I just love.

Spotlight Saturday: Wire Sprigs

Have you ever been invited to an event where you are a little unsure of the dress code?  Is it going to be fancy-fancy, sort of fancy, sort of casual? I don't know about you, but that can turn me into a little stress ball faster than you can say Champagne! So I have come up with an easy solution that works every time. It never fails to keep your clothes simple and add a beautiful statement accessory.

Featured Video: How to create a wire wrapped beaded sprig

In this video you will learn how to create a branch effect using a wire wrapping technique.
This technique is very easy to follow. Just let the wire guide your design.

Featured Project: A Touch Of Romance Headband

I love this headband because it is so modern and dainty. It doesn't remind me of going to school when I was 10, and it's not so over the top so everyone won't think I am trying to channel the Queen of England. A simple sundress can be made more elegant with a great stunner like this headband. However, it is still dainty enough that it could be casual and breezy.

Featured Product: SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal Rounds pearls

We have so many colors to choose from. The SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Pearls stand up really well. They are not prone to peeling like some glass coated pearls. You can keep it simple in a Vintage Gold or Cream Rose. If you are looking for a more dramatic flair, try pairing Mystic Black and Pretrol teal.

This also works as a beautiful bridal look. Check out the different color of pearls to really make it your own.

Maybe something...blue?

-Kat

Spotlight Saturday: Briolettes

When I think of summer, I think of sunny days, picnics, flowers, friends, and crafts. Growing up, my mom always had a summer art project planned for me. Perhaps it is because of these childhood experiences that I still associate summer with crafting and making. If you too delight in creating during the summer, here are a few ideas to spark your imagination:

Featured Video: How to Wire Wrap a Briolette 

In this video learn how to wire wrap a briolette so that you can easily incorporate it into your jewelry designs.  

Featured Project: Olive Grove Necklace

This necklace is a show stopper! The vibrant green of the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS briolettes is accented beautifully by the copper accents and chain. 

Featured Product: Rainbow Moonstone Gemstone Teardrop Briolettes 

I am absolutely in LOVE with these Rainbow Moonstone teardrop briolettes. Their milky white, slightly iridescent and translucent appearance is mesmerizing. I also love that they are all not exactly the same, there is an organic feel to them. They would look fantastic wire wrapped onto a sterling silver form or several of them dangling from a chain.  

- Julie

Spotlight Saturday: Using StazOn Ink and Rubber Stamps, Flying Dragonflies Earrings, Flat Tag Pendant

Featured Video: How to Use StazOn Ink and Rubber Stamps in Jewelry

This super easy-to-do technique produces professional looking results and really opens up a lot of new design possibilities. Think of all the rubber stamps out there and fun stamping blanks!  

Featured Project: Flying Dragonflies Earrings 

Make this pair of earrings following what you learned in the featured video this week. The Nunn Design pendant link is very pretty even unadorned but once you start stamping it, it really pops! 

Featured Product: Nunn Design Pewter Circle Flat Tag Pendant 

These antique silver plated flat tags would be a perfect candidate for rubber stamping with StazOn ink. Once stamped, you can hang them directly from an ear hook or hang a pretty bead between the ear hook and the tag.

Spotlight Saturday: Beading Hoop Earrings, Lady By The Sea Earrings, & Swarovski Aqua AB 2X Bicones

Featured Video: How to Make a Pair of Earrings Using Beading Hoop Earrings 

This video was inspired by a customer's question about how to use beading hoop earrings. They look just like regular hoops but with a straight wire end instead of a bent tip. This makes it so you can VERY easily slide on your beads. Once you are happy with your assortment, all that is left is bending up the tip of the wire. Watch the video to see exactly how to do this.

Featured Project: Ladies By The Sea Earrings 

A pair of enchanting ladies lounge by the sea under magnifying glass tiles in these vintage style earrings accented with Indian Sapphire Swarovski Crystal beads. A perfect accessory for Summer. Click HERE for the free project instructions.  

Featured Product: Swarovski Crystal Bicone 3mm 'Aqua AB 2X' 

The color of these beads reminds me of the sun setting on the warm waters of Hawaii. They are so vibrant and fresh, perfect for adding that touch of sparkle to your beading projects.

- Julie 

Spotlight Saturday: Friendship Bracelet, Wrap Bracelet, and Pretty Czech Beads

How can it be Saturday already? It's time for another Spotlight Saturday; I hope you find some weekend inspiration in these ideas.

Featured Video: How to Make a Friendship Bracelet 

I sure remember making these growing up and now they are oh-so-popular again. This highly detailed video will teach you how to make your own friendship bracelets. They are lots of fun and surprisingly relaxing to make! 

Featured Project: Cathedral Bead Wrap Bracelet 

In addition to friendship bracelets being popular, so are wrap bracelets. Megan has incorporated Czech Glass Cathedral Beads into her design for a fun twist on this Spring trend. 

Featured Product: Czech Fire Polished Beads 10mm Round Jet AB 

For a variation on the wrap bracelet above, try using these striking Jet AB beads. Czech Fire Polish Beads have a wonderful luster and shine to them and the added AB adds just the right amount of color.  

- Julie

Spotlight Saturday: Coloring Lucite Flowers, The Secret Garden Bracelet, and Lucite Trumpet Flower

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone! If you are feeling crafty while wearing your green today, check out these spotlighted items:

Featured Video: How to Color Lucite Flowers and Leaves with Gilders Paste

Custom color lucite flowers and leaves to match your design projects. With just a little Gilders Paste you can create lots of unique shades which will blend beautifully with your existing ingredients. Very easy to do and no tools required!

Featured Project: The Secret Garden Bracelet

Being St. Patrick's Day I had to choose a very green project. This bracelet takes some time to make but when you are finished, you have a wearable piece of art that is sure to get raves. Click here for your FREE instructions!

Featured Product: Lucite Long Striped Trumpet Flower -Dark Emerald Green 31mm

These lucite flowers would make a fascinating bead cap and would work into a very easy earring. Try coloring them with Gilders Paste - maybe with a gold or silver color to match your findings. 

- Julie

Spotlight Saturday: BeadSmith's Thing-A-Ma Jig, Gemini Bracelet, and Miyuki Cube Bead Mix

Featured Video: How to Use the BeadSmith Thing-A-Ma Jig. 
  

Make unique jewelry findings, links, connectors, and perfect loops using this handy and affordable tool. Just $6.49! 

Featured Project: Gemini Bracelet 

Vibrant lilac pearl twin beads are accented with silver and black diamond seed beads in this stretch bracelet. Add a pop of color to your everyday look. 

Featured Product: Miyuki 4mm Glass Cube Bead Mix 'Blue Tones'  

 I love bead mixes and all the colors you get to play with. The blues in this particular mix are mesmerizing and the cube shape is very fun to work into your designs.

Spotlight Saturday: How to Use DeCoRe Clay, Crystal Radiance Ring, and Swarovski Flatback Rhinestones

Featured Video: How to Use DeCoRe Epoxy Clay and Make a Ring

 Epoxy clay is one of our very favorite products to work with. It is self-hardening, and because it adheres to all surfaces, the design possibilities are endless!  

Featured Project: Crystal Radiance Ring

 This ring is Hollywood glamour at its best! You get all the elegance and sparkle of a luxury crystal pave ring but without the big price tag. This project costs just around $20 and you end up with enough clay leftover for future projects.  

Featured Product: Swarovski Hotfix Flatback Rhinestones ss20 - Metallic Light Gold

Swarovski Crystals are known for the way the light catches the facets and shines brightly. These flatback rhinestones are an easy way to add instant drama to your designs. The muted metallic light gold tone is versatile and pleasing to the eye.

See how to use how apply hotfix rhinestones with the Bejeweler Pro: 

Happy Beading Everyone,
Julie

Spotlight Saturday: Tila Bead Bracelet, Winter's Chill Earrings, and an Art Deco Connector

Welcome to our first ever spotlight Saturday! Each Saturday we will pick a new video, free beading project, and product to feature. We hope this section inspires your designs and gives you lots of ideas to play with. Enjoy!

Featured Video: How To Bead Weave An Openwork Style Tila Bead Bracelet 

This video shows a great use for Tila Beads which are so popular right now! Simple to do yet the results will have your friends saying "how did you do that?"

Featured Project: Winter's Chill Earrings

Winter's Chill Earrings

Aquamarine Swarovski Crystal rondelles and baroque pendants combine to make these pretty chandelier drop earrings. Great for day or night! Click here for the free how-to instructions!


Featured Product: Antique Silver Plated Art Deco Connector Links

Art Deco Inspired Connector Link

These connector links are so pretty and versatile. Connect several together to make a bracelet or simply hang one from an earring hook with a little crystal dangle below. They measure 28mm long, a great size for a multitude of projects. I love their ornate surface and vintage detailing. 

Quick Tip: Turn these connector links into bails using bail making pliers. Check out the video below to see how. 

 - Julie