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The Bead Shop

14/10/2015

Handmade Jewellery Gift Ideas

With Christmas just a few months away, many people are already starting to think about what to buy their friends and loved ones. Finding the perfect gift can be a huge challenge, particularly when buying for those who are either fussy or already have everything. If you’re looking for a truly unique gift tailored to the original, look no further than The Bead Shop. By creating your own gifts by hand, you can be sure to impress the recipient and give them something they don’t already have. Here are just... Read More

23/09/2015

5 Ways to Use Glass Beads to Create Gorgeous Jewellery Designs

            Glass beads have to be one of our favourite ingredients when it comes to making the perfect piece of jewellery. Whether you plan on creating a necklace, bracelet or even a pair of earrings, glass beads are extremely versatile and adaptable. To give your jewellery a quirky vintage feel, hand painted glass beads can come in handy. There are so many unusual shapes, designs and colours to choose from, allowing you to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery. If you’re a fan of... Read More

Jewellery Making Kit | The Bead Shop 15/09/2015

How to Start Making Money from Your Jewellery Making Hobby!

                If you’ve mastered the art of making your own jewellery and your friends and family are constantly asking you to make them everything from Shamballa bracelets to ear cuffs, perhaps it’s time to take your talent to the next level and set up your own business. Turning your hobby into a money-making scheme can be a little daunting at first, but if you’re passionate about making your own jewellery and your creations are in demand, you may as well get paid for... Read More

Glass Beads | Wholesale Beads | The Bead Shop 10/09/2015

The Beginners Guide to Bead Shapes

If you’ve just started out in jewellery making, it can be tricky trying to get to grips with all of the lingo that goes along with it! To give you a little nudge in the right direction, we have documented all of the basic bead shapes that you may come across along the way. With everything from faceted to rondelle – we have you covered! All of the beads you can see below are available to buy from our website, whether you are looking for glass beads or wooden beads,... Read More

19/08/2015

Choosing The Perfect Necklace Chain

If you’re new to jewellery making, you may find a yourself a little lost amongst the choice of chains available on the market. Whether you’re looking for a chain to attach a Swarovski pendant, or one to add charms to, we have pulled together a guide to help you choose the perfect chain for your piece.           Cable chain Cable chains, otherwise known as link chains are highly versatile and can be used for almost any jewellery making project. They are made using circular or oval... Read More

14/08/2015

How to Make a Beaded Key Ring

Key chains don’t have to be a comedy animal or an old worn holiday keepsake. You can create a key ring that is both functional and beautiful by adding high quality adornments such as glass beads and silver charms. The best thing is, they are really easy to make. You can add a touch of class to your jean pocket or key bowl. Just follow these simple instructions and before you know it you will be making them for friends and family too. What you will need A key ring... Read More

Swarovski Pearl Beads | The Bead Shop 06/08/2015
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Creating the Perfect Wedding Day Accessory

When it comes to weddings, every bride wants the perfect day. This includes getting every last little detail of her outfit and accessories right, in order to look and feel her best. Many of you will be able to relate to that feeling of looking in the mirror before you walk down the aisle, feeling the best you have every felt.           If you want to create that feeling for someone else, we have created the perfect bridal bracelet using traditional Swarovski pearls, so that you... Read More

Kumihimo | Kumihimo Supplies | The Bead Shop 22/07/2015
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The Secret to Kumihimo Success

We are huge fans of Kumihimo braiding at The Bead Shop, but we know that it can look a little daunting to someone who is just starting out in jewellery making. Kumihimo braiding is a traditional Japanese technique that is continuing to grow in popularity, as more of us are creating or our custom pieces of jewellery.   You can make gorgeous Kumihimo jewellery with just a few simple supplies, that won’t cost you the earth. With this you can create beautiful necklaces, bracelets, anklets and more. If you’ve already... Read More

Seed Beads | Toho Seed Beads | The Bead Shop 16/07/2015
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Five Ways With Seed Beads

                    Seed beads are one of the most versatile beads when it comes to jewellery making and crafts. They are teeny, tiny little beads that can be used in endless ways. Unlike many other types of beads, their size means they can’t be sold by number, so they are sold on weight instead. Sizes generally range from half millimetre to around 2 millimetres in length. One of the reasons they are so versatile, is the huge range of colours and shapes... Read More

How to make a charm bracelet | jewellery making | The Bead Shop 08/07/2015
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Jewellery Making for Beginners: How to Make a Charm Bracelet

When it comes to buying a gift for a loved one, charm bracelets are always high on the agenda. But they are so much more meaningful when they are hand crafted and contain charms that have a personal meaning, or memory attached to them. There are no restrictions when it comes to choosing your charms, so you can be as inventive as you like. These bracelets are so easy to make, you will find yourself creating new ones for every occasion!                  ... Read More

Swarovski Pearl Beads | Jewellery Making | The Bead Shop 03/07/2015

How to Make a Stunning Swarovski Anklet

                    Whether you’re a beading beginner or expert, this how-to guide will give you all the tools you need to create a beautiful anklet – the perfect accessory now that the sun is shining. Swarovski beads are perfect for adding a little glitz, however they also work great with seed beads or glass beads. What are anklets? Anklets are exactly what they say on the tin, bracelets that are worn around the ankle. They are perfect for warm weather jaunts and... Read More

18/06/2015

Decorating Your Garden Space with Beaded Wind Chimes

Now that summer is just around the corner, there’s not doubt we will be spending more time in the garden trying to make the most of the great British sunshine. If like us you are one of those people who love spending time in the garden, we have some great ways for you to add boho chic accessories to your space. Wind chimes are a lovely addition to any garden, or window, making a colourful statement, whilst playing you soothing melodies as the wind blows. To give you inspiration, we... Read More

Jewellery Making Tips | Jewellery Making Tips | The Bead Shop 10/06/2015
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Get Festival Ready with a Handmade Flower Crown

Although we haven’t been lucky enough to see much sunny weather so far this year, festival season is still right around the corner. But if you haven’t managed to get your hands on any Glastonbury tickets, it doesn’t mean you can’t still rock that signature festival look. Daisy crowns fly off the shelves at this time of the year, but if you want to add a unique touch to yours, we can show you how to make something extra special. Making a flower crown couldn’t be any easier. You will... Read More

24/03/2015
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Weaving Different Kumihimo Braids Using Swarovski Crystals

W > There are so many ways to create a Kumihimo bracelet or necklace, depending on the beads, threads and the set up of the board you can achieve so many different looks, In this blog I wanted to show you how to get two different Kumihimo patterns using Swarovski Xilion bicones by simply changing the layout of threads and beads on the board. Choosing the colours of beads can sometimes take longer than making a piece of Jewellery!   So as a result of this and to help to... Read More

happy mothers day 13/03/2015
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Make Your Mother’s Day with a Unique Necklace

Are you struggling for original Mother’s Day ideas this year? Perhaps you’re in competition with yourself  to top what you bought last year, or maybe you’re a bit bored of buying the same old bouquet of flowers and box of chocolates. With Mother’s Day on the horizon, we are all hoping to show our mums just how much they mean to us, and what better way to do so than with a thoughtful necklace that you can customise in whatever way you choose? If you’re looking to add more of... Read More

Swarovski How To DIY 24/02/2015
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What Can I Make With Swarovski Beads?

    Swarovski beads are a popular material for jewellery makers and bead lovers. The consistent high quality of the beads makes them the ideal choice for durability and longevity, creating the trends so that you can be ahead of the stylish curve. Swarovski beads come in a whole range of different shapes, sizes and colours so it can be often rather difficult to know where to begin!  The easiest way to pick your Swarovski is think about the piece you would like to make and the right Swarovski beads will... Read More

11/07/2014

How To Make A Lace Necklace

  To me, lace has always oozed elegance and grace, it brings with it visions of fantasy, fairy tales and for some reason Beatrix Potter.   Whether it’s the trimming on an exquisite garment or the tiniest detail on handcrafted soft furnishing, it brings with it a touch of classical beauty not reserved exclusively for period dramas and grandma’s doilies.  With this in mind, I was inspired to create a lace necklace using traditional elements but with a slightly more modern overall finish. Making The Lace Necklace We stock a wide range... Read More

10/07/2014

Jewellery Plier Sets Help You Get Started In a New Craft

New Jewellery Plier Sets Sometimes it is hard to plan for all eventualities, especially when you are new to a any craft, so it is nice that someone has created a starter pack that takes away the thinking for you and helps you along the way with some helpful tools you may not have thought of. Thats why I love these new jewellery plier sets and am so happy to see them available at The Bead Shop. They are the perfect starter sets for beginners, with all different price ranges... Read More

20/06/2014

How to make Summer Solstice Jewellery

  It’s that time of year again where we start to shed our layers and enjoy the warmth from the sun.  As the Summer Solstice is once again in our midst we were feeling inspired to create’ sunny’  jewellery appropriate for the hot weather we’re all praying for. With this in mind three of our lovely and talented shop staff decided to each design a piece inspired by the Summer solstice. Sunburst Necklace Henna inspired Hand Jewellery   This hand piece is fit for a bohemian princess.  I have recently been... Read More

18/06/2014

Moss Green Charm bracelet by Di Keeble

Here at The Bead Shop, we love discovering amazing designers and makers. There is a wonderful sense of community in the beading world, and so many beautiful pieces being made, we can’t help but feel inspired.  We wanted to share our latest finds and favourites with you so you too can feel as creative as we do! Di Keeble, the designer behind Di Keeble Beads & Jewellery, is our latest bead crush. She has an excellent eye for colour, selecting some of the most beautiful combinations we have seen in... Read More