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The Bead Shop

29/09/2026
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How to make Memory Wire stack bracelets

Let’s talk about Memory Wire! Memory Wire is a fantastic gateway into jewellery making for anyone new to the hobby, or when you have a stack of mismatched beads you want to turn into something beautiful. It’s a hardened steel coil, much like a retro slinky toy. Use it to create the illusion of weaving multi-stack bracelets. It’s super tough and will retain its loops even when stretched. For this reason, you must only cut it with Memory Wire Cutters – one pair will last a lifetime. Create a loop... Read More

tutorial to make earring charms for huggie hoops 21/05/2025
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How to Make Huggie Hoop Earrings – Easy DIY Jewelry Tutorial Making Earrings with Huggie Hoops.

Huggie Hoop Earrings DIY – How to Make Trendy Earrings at Home! Say hello to effortless sophistication! Our Huggie Hoops are the ultimate blend of minimalist elegance and modern edge, designed to take your look from everyday chic to statement-worthy. Crafted with a sleek hinge closure and a secure ball-and-socket clasp, these versatile hoops are made for comfort and style. Wear them solo for a clean, understated vibe, or add a bold drop charm to create your signature look. These hypoallergenic hoops, perfect for sensitive ears, are available in premium 304... Read More

07/04/2025
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Beginners Guide: How to make Seed Bead Bracelets on a Loom

Discover how to make stunning seed bead jewellery using a loom. This beginner-friendly guide walks you through the basics of loom beading step by step. If you’re looking to dive into the world of beaded jewellery making, learning how to use a bead loom is the perfect place to start. Bead looming is a fun and rewarding craft that lets you easily create beautifully intricate designs—even if you’re a complete beginner. Whether aiming to make custom bracelets, necklaces, or decorative pieces, a bead loom provides the structure and precision you... Read More

08/06/2023

How To Start A Jewellery Business

So you’re enjoying making your own jewellery, and hey – you’ve gotten pretty good at it too! So chances are you’re thinking, can I make my hobby into a profitable side-gig, or maybe even a full time job? Well, starting a jewellery business can be an exciting and rewarding venture but as with any business, there’s a lot to consider, a lot that can go wrong, and a lot of hard work involved. But in this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key steps to successfully launch and grow your... Read More

10/05/2023

The Bead Shop Acquires Fluid-forms.com

We are proud to announce that Fluid-forms.com is now part of The Bead Shop as of April 2023. The website was originally built for Fluid Forms, an innovative Austrian jewellery making company. Fluid Forms were founded in 2009 and quickly gained a reputation for their unique designs and techniques. The company built a reputation for using data and technology to design and produce jewellery that is both highly original and very personalised, specialising in the creation of cutting-edge rings, earrings, necklaces and even clock face designs which utilised their customers’... Read More

10/05/2023

How To Make Your Own DIY Cufflinks

What Are Cufflinks? Cufflinks are small, decorative fasteners that are worn on the cuffs of dress shirts. They are often used to fasten French cuffs, which are a type of cuff that does not have a button closure. Cufflinks are typically made from a variety of materials, such as metal, wood, and stone, and they can come in a wide range of styles and designs. Making Your Own Cufflinks Making your own cufflinks can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. It allows you to create custom accessories that are... Read More

10/05/2023

Complete Guide To Creating Your Own DIY Rings

Rings are a timeless piece of jewellery that can add a touch of elegance, sophistication, or even quirkiness to any outfit. While there are plenty of beautiful rings available for purchase, making your own DIY rings can be a rewarding and fulfilling project. With a little bit of creativity and some basic crafting supplies, you can create unique and personalised rings that are truly one-of-a-kind. In this article, we’ll explore various methods for making DIY rings and provide step-by-step instructions for each one. Materials and Tools Before you begin making... Read More

10/05/2023

The Pros and Cons of Different Earring Findings

Earrings are an essential piece of jewellery that can be worn on any occasion. Whether you’re making jewellery for yourself or as a gift, selecting the appropriate earring findings is crucial in creating beautiful and comfortable earrings. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of earring findings available for DIY jewellery makers and provide the advantages and disadvantages of each type. But what is an earring finding exactly? Well, earring findings are simply the pieces that attach to the ear and hold the decorative part of the earring in... Read More

10/05/2023

Tips For Making Your Own Pendant Jewellery

Making your own DIY pendant jewellery is a wonderful way to express your creativity and make unique and personalised pieces that reflect your style and personality. However, it can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the craft. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about making your own DIY pendant jewellery, including the jewellery findings, tools, glues, and more. We’ll also explore the pros and cons of making your own jewellery, and offer tips and advice to help you get started. Findings... Read More

10/05/2023

Beads With Benefits?

When is a bead more than a bead? Can something pretty be good for you too? Semi-precious stones and beads have been used for centuries, both for their supposed healing properties and aesthetic appeal. Chakra stones, rose quartz, morganite, aventurine, aquamarine, howlite, amazonite, crackle quartz, turquoise, blue goldstone, Indian agate, and carnelian are supposed to be some of the most popular and powerful stones out there. Due to the healing properties many people believe the stones to possess, wearing them close to your skin is believed to be the best... Read More

27/04/2023

The Best Stringing Materials For Making Necklaces

Stringing materials are essential components for making necklaces – they are the materials that hold the beads or pendants in place, making sure that the necklace stays together. Therefore, choosing the right stringing material is crucial in creating a high-quality and durable necklace. Each material has its unique characteristics, benefits, and best uses, and understanding these factors can help you determine the best material for your project. Overview of popular stringing materials In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular stringing materials for making necklaces, their characteristics, benefits, and best... Read More

23/01/2023

KUMIHIMO INSTRUCTION PDF

Learn how to make Kumihimo braids and use them in jewellery projects! Kumihimo, which means the ‘coming together’ (kumi) of threads (himo), is the ancient art of Japanese board braiding, where cords are combined with beads to create beautiful jewelry. This is an easy-to-follow introduction to the craft and gives you all the hints and tips you need to get started with confidence. Click the link to download your instructions.  KUMIHIMO INSTRUCTION PDF  

29/07/2022
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How to: Tying Stretchy Bracelets

One question we get asked time and time again is – “how do I tie stretch elastic?”. It is a tricky skill to master but once you learn… an entire world of bracelet possibilities will be at your finger tips. Top Tip: Once the knot is secured – add a little blob of clear glue (or even clear nail varnish) to create additional hold. Allow to dry fully, then trim off any excess ends. DOWNLOAD THE PDF

06/07/2022

Starburst Earrings using Micro Spacers

by Leslie A Pope Free project download – create beautifully woven beaded earrings in all your favourite colours! Fire polished & faceted miniature glass rondelle beads made in Czech Republic. Micro Spacers are perfect for use in bead weaving projects & delicate bead stringing. Each bead measures 3x2mm with a 0.8mm centre hole. Use with Nylon coated wire, monofilament, Fireline or Nymo threads. Watch the YouTube demo here…

09/09/2021

Nymo Threads Explained

Nymo thread is a slightly waxed, lightly twisted flat nylon thread. It is available in 5 sizes: 00, 0, B, D, F. Choose your sizing depending on the hole size of your beads & needles, but also consider the weight of the items you are threading; the lighter the beads, the less over all tensile strength you will require.  Nymo is a popular choice for on & off loom work, bead weaving with seed beads and embroidery crafts. Use with flexible beading needles & big eye needles. Nymo thread is... Read More

03/11/2020
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Understanding Seed Beads

Seed beads are a wonderfully versitile product that once mastered, open up an entire universe of possibilities. There is a plethora of weaving techniques to practice and learn, but knowing where to start can be intimidating. Seed beads are the smallest of all the beads and require the correct needles and threads to complete even the smallest of tasks successfully. Traditionally, seed beads are meassured in something called ‘aughts’ or colloquially refered to as ‘oh’s’ as you would say ‘zero’. When written numerically, this meassurement is depicted as 11/0, 8/0,... Read More

19/10/2020
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5 ways to Thread Semi Precious Stones

Semi-Precious stones tend to be heavier than other beads, they also typically come with very small holes. This presents jewellery makers with a conundrum – ‘how do I choose a cord that will be both strong and thin?’ Choosing the correct thickness of cord is essential, but first you will need to identify the size of hole in your chosen beads. This will usually be written in the product description, but if you are unsure – a quick email to your bead supplier can always shine a light on anything... Read More

03/08/2020
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How To … Turn loop

The making of a turn loop can prove to be more difficult in reality than it is in theory. Using a pair of round nose pliers, follow the straightforward steps below to master the turn loop technique, which usually takes a little practice.  To control the length of your stem, position the wire on the thick area of the pliers; now bend the wire away from you to make a right angle. Step 1 Then trim the head pin, leaving approx 1 cm distance from the bend. Grip the pin... Read More