Summer is fleeting fast, but it’s not too late to create wonderful summer jewelry like this shell bracelet, and few things are easier than memory wire. Let’s get started!

Let’s round up the necessary items: chain nose pliers, wire cutters, round-nose pliers, shell pieces and memory wire.

The trick with this bracelet is you’ll be threading the memory wire through four eyelets in the longer shell pieces. As you can see, there are two eyelets here, and two more on the flip side. After threading the wire correctly, the shell side of the bracelet that shows will be flat.

Decide how you want your bracelet to look and arrange the shell pieces on your board accordingly.

Cut two pieces of memory wire with your pliers. Take both pieces through the eyelets of the longer pieces.

When it’s time to put the smaller shell pieces on, you’ll put one on one piece of memory wire, and the second shell piece on the second piece of memory wire. Keep pushing all the pieces downward in order to make room for more beads.

Soon you will have gathered more pieces and your bracelet is starting to shape up…nice!

When you have on all the pieces, you’ll need to clip the ends of the wire with your wire cutters. Hold the ends, so your beads won’t go flying off. Now use your round-nose pliers to make a loop in all four ends, where you’ve cut the metal. Easy and simple, and you’ve created an end of summer look you’re sure to enjoy!

This classy bracelet is an easy to wear, year round favorite. It won’t take you long to create, either. Let’s get started.

First, round up everything you’ll need: chain-nose pliers, wire cutters, crimping pliers, silver beading wire, 4 silver clam shells (crimp covers), silver crimp beads, two silver jump rings, a silver lobster clasp, a silver oval shaped link (I extracted mine from a  silver chain), and your beads;  I’ve combined the Hematine beads with multi-colored glass beads.

Since this is a double strand bracelet, arrange your beads on two rows on your beading board. It will make it easier when it’s time to string. One row will be slightly longer than the other.

Cut two strands of beading wire. Start working with one strand and string on your crimp cover. After you’ve done that, put your crimp bead on and crimp it (with crimping pliers) into place. Cut any excess wire and slide your crimp cover back over the crimp bead, close it, but let the arm remain open (not folded down).

String on all the beads from your first row. Once you’ve done that, you will end that strand the way you began it: slide on a crimp cover and then a crimp bead. Make sure your crimp bead goes all the way into the mouth of the crimp cover. Once you’ve crimped your crimp bead, close the cover, but leave the arm of the crimp cover open. String on your second row of beads and follow the same process as with the first row.

Once you’re done stringing both rows of beads, take a jump ring and slide it through the lobster clasp. Take the two open arms of the crimp covers and connect them to the same jump ring.

Follow this same process on the other end of the bracelet; only add the silver oval piece instead of the lobster clasp. Your lobster clasp will hook beautifully onto the shiny, oval center. Charming — enjoy!

Here’s a fun project that lets you combine two styles into one versatile and creative style. Let’s get started!

Round up your wire cutters and chain-nose pliers. You’ll also need a length of suede cord and a length of chain, a slip-on pendant, a clasp, jump rings and metal coils to connect to the suede cord.

Decide how long you’ll want your necklace to be, and cut your chain and suede cord accordingly. Take the tip of your suede cord and insert it into the metal coil (the loop end of the coil should be facing outward; a jump ring will connect to this part which will attach your chain and clasp). Don’t worry that only the very tip will squeeze into the coil; you don’t even need to get it in very far.

Now take your chain nose pliers and tightly press the very end ringlet of the metal coil. Once snugly pressed into place, it will secure your suede cord.

Holding your chain and suede cord together, slide your pendant over the two and center it.

Now using the loop end of your metal coil that’s now attached to your suede cord, add a jump ring, hereby connecting your chain, suede cord and clasp in one easy step.  Repeat this step at the other end of your necklace, which will complete it. Simple and stylish — enjoy!

Okay, so it sounds like a magician’s disappearing act, but it’s a fun way to sparkle without color. This bracelet has literally become my favorite; I wear it all the time and it goes with everything!

First, let’s round up a few tools and materials. You’ll need your crimping pliers, wire cutters (or nail clippers), monofilament illusion (clear) cord (you’ll need enough of it for a very short necklace, even though we’re making a bracelet; you’ll see why later), silver crimp beads (be sure to use silver and not gold) and a small handful of crystal and iridescent Swarovski crystals of various shapes and sizes. Ready? Good!

I’ve come to really love this monofilament illusion cord. It’s light, flexible and it doesn’t get kinks in it like regular beading wire. I’m sure you’ll enjoy working with it, too. You can bead with a single strand of it, or double it up for added strength (which I recommend). You’ll begin by adding one half of your clasp (I’ve used a magnetic clasp here, and since I use these often, I find it helpful to string outward while the magnetic clasps sticks to something metal) and your crimp bead. Once you’ve crimped your crimp bead, begin adding your crystals. Start with a smaller one, closer to your clasp. You’ll add a crimp bead, crimping it down into place, a crystal, then another crimp bead to secure the crystal. This part is just like a typical ‘floating’ necklace.

Continue adding your crystals and crimp beads, alternating between the plain crystal (I’ve used some faceted plain crystal here) and the iridescent ones. Space your beads close together, with enough distance for clear separation of the beads. Try to alternate between smaller crystals and larger ones for more dramatic effect.

Continue adding crystals to your cord and periodically check the length. I measured my bracelet around my neck. When the bracelet grew long enough to be a necklace that was tight around the circumference of my neck, I added the other half of my clasp and ended the bracelet.

The object is for your bracelet to loop around your wrist twice. Placing it on your wrist, one end will be shorter than the other. Wrap the excess bracelet around your wrist again and fasten your clasp.

This bracelet is so lightweight, you’ll forget you’re wearing it (or, like me, you’ll get it buried in the dishwater soap suds and think you don’t have it on!), and it catches the sunlight beautifully. If you love your bracelet as much as I love mine, why not try making a matching necklace? Enjoy!

This ring is just too pretty to be so fast and easy! It’s an irresistible project you’re sure to love. Let’s get started!

You’ll only need a few tools, so don’t worry about lengthy cleanup with this one (a nice bonus!). Grab a crystal clear or colored Swarovski crystal, a ring mandrel, wire cutters and some 24 gauge wire. The ring mandrel isn’t entirely necessary (you can use your own finger or some other tool), but I found it was pretty helpful in getting the wire formed for a good fit. I picked my mandrel up for just a few bucks.

I chose a Swarovski crystal that was drilled at the top for added dimension and height. You can choose one drilled through the center, too; that will work just as well.

Cut a good length of wire (perhaps 12 to 20 inches, depending on how big your finger is; you can always snip the excess) and string your crystal.

On the mandrel, center your bead. The wire going through your bead should go around toward the bottom of the mandrel. Then wrap the wire around the mandrel above your bead and then again below your bead. Pull the wire snugly.

Pull the formed wire off the mandrel and bring one end of the wire around the base of the bead (to secure it), then bring that piece of wire back around until it’s pointing outward.

Repeat this process with the other end of the wire on the other side of the bead. Now your bead should be well secured.

Begin wrapping the tail of the wire snugly around the area outside the bead. Wrap the wire several times around. Do this first for one side, and then for the other side. When you are done wrapping, be sure to snip the wire nice and close to the ring.

As a variation, you can use a colorful bead instead of a Swarovski crystal, or you can experiment with different wire-wrapping techniques, like making the ring thicker or coiling the wire inward to make a swirl pattern, instead of just simply snipping the wire. This is a basic design that you can have fun experimenting with. Enjoy!

I’m not exactly sure why I enjoy working with jump rings so much (rings of any sort, for that matter); perhaps it’s the harmony of the circles themselves. Maybe it’s the versatility of the jump rings that draws me. Whatever it is, here’s a project you’ll love creating. It’s simple work with beautiful results. Let’s get started.

First, round up what you’ll need: chain-nose pliers, wire cutters, and round-nose pliers. That’s it for your tools! You’ll also need to grab gold and silver 14mm jump rings, and some silver 8mm jump rings. Round up some light gauge gold colored wire (I used 24 gauge) for coiling. You’re all set to go!

To start, open a 14mm jump ring (I’m using thicker jump rings throughout this entire project; I’d suggest you do the same for more durable results).

Cut a long piece of your wire and make a small loop at one end that’s part way open.

Slide it onto the open jump ring as a starting point for coiling the wire around the jump ring.

Now start your coiling. Wind the wire loosely away from your body, “scooting” the wire to the left as you coil. I can’t emphasize enough to wind the wire loosely. If you coil it too tight, you won’t be able to scoot the wire around to the left like you need to. In addition to winding loosely, you’ll want to make sure your coils aren’t too close together. We want to keep the silver shining through to create a two tone effect. Got it? Good!

Once you are done winding, snip the wire as close to the jump ring (on both ends) as possible. Using your chain-nose pliers, press the snipped ends snugly against the jump ring. Now close your jump ring.

Place a gold jump ring next to the wire-wrapped one. Open a small, silver jump ring, and use it to connect the two larger jump rings. Now close the smaller jump ring.

Repeat the above process several times. Your bracelet should begin to look like the photo to the left. After coiling and connecting a few more times, your bracelet will be almost done. When your connected jump rings are as long as you want them to be, attach the bar part only of a toggle clasp to your last 14mm ring using a 8mm jump ring. Your bracelet is now adjustable, and becomes an easy toggle clasp when the bar is inserted through any of the 14mm jump rings. As a variation, you can also use silver wire to coil around the gold rings and/or intersperse gold 8mm jump rings as well as silver ones. Here’s a bracelet that always lands beautifully on its feet — enjoy!

Sleek and feminine, this vibrant necklace is as colorful as it is creative. I have a feeling you’re up to the challenge of creating it, too. So, let’s get started.

First off, gather what you’ll need — and you’ll need relatively few items for this project: round nose pliers, wire cutters, chain nose pliers, a handful or more of long headpins, a clasp and a bunch of colorful beads. Be sure to toss in some Swarovski crystals to really make it sparkle.

Put your first bead on a headpin. Lay it aside.

Now put your second bead on a headpin, and cut it around midway down.

Make a small loop in it.

String the wire of your first bead (pearl) through the eye of your second bead (red).

Repeat the process you did for the second (red) bead, but before closing your loop, make sure it’s going around the wire of the previous (red) bead.  Now this bead will go upward to form a zig zag.

Continue this process by alternating your various colored beads and crystals. The shape continues to be formed as you do more loops and connect to the previous bead — some going upward and some going downward to create a jagged effect.

Once you are done adding and connecting your beads, go back to the first bead (pearl) that had the uncut headpin.

Go ahead and snip it in half and make a loop at the end; add the one half of your clasp. After your final bead on the other end, you’ll make a double eye pin; the loop of one end of your double eye pin will connect to the wire of your last bead, and the loop at the other end will go through the other half of your clasp.

And as an added bonus, it even wraps around for a funky bracelet (you don’t know the time I had trying to take a picture of my right wrist with my left hand!).

Enjoy making and wearing this unique and versatile piece!

I think that the more crazy and cluttered our lives become, the more we have a desire to simplify. There seems to be something deep down inside that draws us to it, that even hungers for it.

In my last post, I talked about recycling beads — pulling out old jewelry items you no longer wear and creating something new and fresh out of those same beads. This is a great way to de-clutter some of the excessive jewelry items that are so easy to accumulate as a jewelry maker. It’s also a great way to simplify and save money at the same time. And in our struggling economy, that sounds pretty good.

Lori Greenburg, over at Bead Nerd, gives some pointers on how jewelry artists can simplify. Stop over and check it out, as it’s definitely worth a read.

The following are some of my own ideas on simplifying:

1. Pull out what won’t sell. If you’ve tried desperately to sell an item that just won’t sell, take it (and others like it) and disassemble it. Create something new with the beads. This is the same premise of last week’s post. Creating something new out of older, unsold items, gives them a fighting chance to find a new permanent home with some appreciating owner.

2. Create giveaways. Too many beads? Why not try creating some quick gifts (i.e. bracelets and earrings) for women in your family. They’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness and when they wear the jewelry, they’re advertising your talent. Ask them to pass along details about your business/work and help send traffic to your website.

3. Clear out unusables. If you’ve cleared out some excess beads by creating gifts and you still have too many beads that are cluttering up your collection, bag up lower cost beads, acrylic beads, odd beads you’re unlikely to use, etc. and take them to thrift stores that might use them. Or give them to the daughters of friends and family. Many girls are just learning to bead and love it; they’ll be more than happy to have a group of beads to work with!

4. Decide what’s important. What are you most drawn to, and what type of jewelry do you love to make the most? What are you especially good at? In a struggling economy when money is tighter, it’s cost effective to think of focusing on a couple of things you do well and centering your creative energy on them. It’s certainly simpler to do a couple of things really well than to do a lot of things that are more costly and keep you busy, busy, busy all the time.

5. Lower your prices. If you are selling jewelry, think about lowering your prices. In a tough economy, it might be the best way to move some of your best pieces. But you’ve got to decide whether or not it’s worth the tradeoff to you. The decision is yours alone.

6. Get in on rummage sales. Keep your eyes peeled for rummage sales still in the organization process. A church in my area recently had a rummage sale and charged $20 for a table. If you purchased a table at a rummage sale that is well advertised and well attended, you could do very well selling your jewelry. This is an especially attractive option in the summer. Be sure to feature warm weather items customers can wear now, and have some business cards or flyers handy. You might gain a wealth of potential customers.

7. Streamline. Reorganize your beads and supplies periodically. It’s a great way to clear out clutter, but it also gives you a chance to organize in ways that are simple and open. When beads and beading materials keep coming in and keep getting stacked atop the older beads and materials, it won’t be long till you have a mountainous mess! Tidy up, reorganize and clear out. As much as is possible, make sure your work area is open, streamlined and efficient.

Hope these tips help, dear beaders! Happy beading!

I happened upon a fun idea after I went through my jewelry box recently. I keep saying how much I value simplicity, but you couldn’t tell that by looking through my jewelry box — there were way too many earrings! I gathered up all the ones that seemed like a good idea back when I made them, but now just aren’t worn much. That cleaned out some significant space.

Then today it hit me — why not see how many new pieces I can create from old earrings I no longer wear? What a fun challenge, right? If you have made lots of jewelry pieces like I have, no doubt you have lots of pieces hanging out doing nothing and rarely being worn. Why not take this challenge and see what new jewelry pieces you can come up with?

Here’s what I started with. Okay, so the round gold pendant was a toss away piece from another chain. I threw it in for good measure. Hmmm. What can I create?

I looked at the group of beads for a while, and then I divided them into groups of beads I thought would look good together.

Already, I’m getting some ideas. How about you?

 Oh, and by the way, you are allowed to throw in chain, jump rings, beading wire, ear wires, etc, to connect all your beads and turn them into a previously uncreated, beautiful piece.

I knew I could easily come up with a few new pieces from my old beads, but the bracelet and earrings were easy favorites. I used the gold pendant as a focal bead and connected the other beads using jump rings, beading wire and a magnetic clasp. The beads for the earrings were such a natural combo, why didn’t I think of this before?? I connected the lampwork beads to the silver ovals using eyepins and jump rings. The cube Swarovski crystals were added using the same and connecting them to ear wires. I feel a party comin’ on with these puppies!

Have fun exercising your creativity with this beading challenge. Happy beading!

Like chain? Here’s an easy project that adds life to ordinary chain.

First, you’ll need to round up chain-nose pliers, wire cutters, jump rings, a lobster clasp, a pendant and two types of chain, preferably one more ornate chain and one simple chain.

Next, let’s cut some chain! Decide how long you’d like your necklace to be (I prefer shorter ones, and I think it works well with this design), and cut both styles of chain equal lengths.

Also, you’ll want to cut another small piece of the more ornate chain. Make this about 2.5 inches long. Set it aside.

Next, take a jump ring and bring it through both chains on one end. Put a lobster clasp (hook part) on that same jump ring.

At the other end of the chain, put a jump ring through both chains. Put your smaller piece of the more ornate chain through the same jump ring. This will extend your necklace, so that it will be adjustable. Some days you may like it short, and other days you may like it longer, so why not be prepared for both, right?

Slide your pendant onto your chain and wear it with confidence. Enjoy!