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Swarovski Crystal Bicones

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

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

21/08/2013
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How To Make Your Own Jewellery Findings with Craft Wire

Up until recently I didn’t have much knowledge of craft wire. It’s one of those products that, if not used regularly, you can shy away from altogether. In my day to day jewellery making I tend to only use craft wire for making connectors between beads or for wrapping stones, but to my pleasant surprise, there are no end to the possibilities of craft wire. When I’m struggling with ideas, I like to browse the internet for inspiration and get my creative juices flowing.  There is such a broad spectrum... Read More

14/08/2013

How Pom Pom’s & Tassels Inspired my Necklace Design

The world has gone tassel crazy! Fringing, Tassels and pom poms are a must for this summer; Gucci, Matthew Williamson and Dolce & Gabbana have all featured them on their catwalks and Jimmy Choo has even tasselled his shoes! With this in mind I wanted to create a piece of jewellery that celebrates this fantastic look. It is so fun and playful; I was excited to get to work. One of my earlier blogs featured an Aztec jewellery range and as I loved the design of the necklace and bracelet... Read More

22/07/2013

How to Make Aztec Tribal Jewellery

How to Make a Aztec Style Necklace     How to Make a Aztec Style Bracelet For the clasp on the bracelet; with round nose pliers, make a loop on the end of the 1mm craft wire, hold the loop against the Sharpie marker and bend the wire over the marker away from the loop. With round nose pliers, make a small bend outward at the end of the wire. Once you are happy, hammer the hook, and then wrap a small amount of 0.5mm wire around the bend, this will then attach... Read More

02/07/2013

Be Inspired – Vintage Sunflower Spiral Necklace

So this month yellow was the brief, the colour that represents ‘happiness’ and the colour of the sun. My problem with this was that yellow would usually be my least likely colour choice given the option, so my aim for this jewellery making project was to take this super sunny colour and tone it down a notch or two.  I feel that the antique copper craft wire works beautifully alongside the yellow fimo flower beads, because it and creates a slightly more delicate tone to it and that it sprinkles... Read More

28/06/2013

How to use Memory Wire – 3 Jewellery Design Ideas

In a nutshell  Memory Wire is an alloy that remembers its original shape when stretched, making it a beautifully forgiving material to work with. You can squeeze it, pull it or twist it and the flexible little loops will bounce back into shape with no questions asked.  Upon opening the packet Memory Wire will resemble a ‘Slinky’ Toy. Wine Glass Charm Macramé Wrapped Earrings Boho Fluted Bangle   assembling the structure. We have used 2 x 4mm Luminous Green Swarovski Bicones and 1 x 4mm Turquoise Swarovski Pearls on each pin.... Read More

17/06/2013

How To Make Romance Beaded Heart Pendant with Swarovski Bicones

To make this romantic heart pendant you will need to use this advanced bead weaving technique, that we have explained for you below.  To get its gorgeously sparkly finish we have used Swarovski Crystals and when you have completed your design, why not finish it off by adding it to a simple chain or ribbon. PLIERS NEEDED 2 Size 10 beading needles Scissors Step 5 Do this another 5 times, swapping the needles over while pulling each section tight. All the 3mm Bicones should be on the same side to create... Read More

07/06/2013

How To Use 7 Strand Beadalon Crinkle Wire

I decided to go for a mixture of Teal and Peacock because the beads are all different shapes and sizes, so the contrast would work well. With a beach theme in mind, I can definitely imagine wearing these on holiday with a lovely tan. I have combined 3mm sea bamboo semi-precious beads with 6mm Czech faceted beads in shades of Pink/Blue Green and the Purple Iris/Aqua. These are mixed with 6mm Round Polaris style beads in Matte Red colour. To represent the sea I decided to choose a new Swarovski ... Read More

05/06/2013

Be Inspired – Summer Floral Necklace

Recently, I’ve been overwhelmingly drawn to blue tones and as this month’s jewellery brief was summer floral and pastels I thought I’d use this opportunity to take a step out of my usual colour comfort zone. Initially, I thought  the air blue opal and the x2 coated light sapphire AB Swarovski bicones teamed with the antique silver Figaro chain looked a little ‘Ice Queen’, but after I incorporated yellow glass pearls and a sunflower cameo, the piece was brought right back into summer. I love combining the sparkle of Swarovski... Read More

03/06/2013

How To Make a Purple Tanzanite Beaded Bracelet

If you’re new to jewellery making, then do not worry, this bracelet is perfect for beginners as we will explain all the essential techniques and teach all the skills from scratch. Once you have mastered this bracelet, you will have the knowledge and skills to be able to start making and designing your own jewellery. Techniques Attaching a clasp, opening a jump ring, Attaching a callotte Tools Wire Cutters, Flat Nose, Round Nose Follow step-by-step instructions    Step 1 Cut a piece of Tigertail approximately 25cm long and attach a calotte to one end.  Now thread on your... Read More

21/05/2013

Be Inspired – Wedding Cake Topper

Cake Toppers are a lovely addition to your personalised wedding theme. Using Craft wire, pearls, crystals or whatever takes your fancy, cake toppers are quick and easy to make and can be coordinated to the colour scheme of your big day.  This particular design was inspired by Linda Jones project which can be found in ‘Wire & Beaded Wedding Jewellery’.  Products Used Swarovski Crystal Bicones Swarovski Pearls Craft Wire Glass Beads Metal Beads Fran Perry In House Designer

20/05/2013

How To Make a Purple Passion Wedding Bracelet with Swarovski Crystals

Description Create this simple but beautiful Wire bracelet, perfect for the bride or the bridesmaids, it is made up of Swarovski crystals and pearls, Diamante Rhondells, Silver rose colour  Beadalon wire, and silver plated findings. Techniques Crimping, opening and closing jump rings Tools Two flat nose pliers or chain nose pliers, crimping pliers (optional) and wire cutters. Level Beginners   Follow step-by-step instructions Step 1 Cut two pieces of beadalon, thread both ends into one of the EZ crimp ends and squeeze either side of the crimp with flat nose... Read More

07/05/2013

Beautiful Spring-time inspired tiara

  This beautiful Spring-time inspired tiara uses Swarovski Bicones and Pearls, along with our gorgeous filigree leaf charms to create a stunning wedding look. Perfect for a bride who wants to add a splash of colour to her big day! Start by spacing the leaves along one of our round shape tiara bands, then make pearl and crystal trees with twisted wire and attach these along the band. When you are happy with the design, attach a row of crystals along the band and tweak your design until perfect. Products... Read More

24/04/2013

Semi precious stones and Swarovski Jewellery Set By Jenny

What have you made and why do you like it? fluorite, swarovski, necklace, bracelet and ring set.  I love this because the semi precious stones and swarovski make it feel special What inspired you? swarovski purple mix and the mesh clasps and brooch kits Which type of beads you have used and why? 36mm sieve brooch, finger ring with mesh 1, 17mm box clasp with mesh, 8mm fluorite beads, silver head pins, swarovski purple mix 4mm x 2, swarovski glass pearl beads 4mm crystal dark and mauve, 6mm swarovski bicone... Read More

19/04/2013

Inspired by our Beaded Firework Burst Bracelet kit

Why not try a new kit. Teach yourself a new technique and experiment with it. Once you have completed your kit it doesn’t have to end there! The possibilities are endless! Fran completed our very own ‘Beaded Firework Burst Bracelet kit’ and got a little bit addicted. At first glance she thought the kit would be too hard for her to follow as she prefers to be shown harder techniques such as bead weaving, but as soon as she started reading the easy to follow step by step instructions there was no... Read More

25/03/2013

Evoke the glamour of 1940’s Hollywood with the gorgeous chandelier earrings

Janine is Office Manager at The Beadshop Manchester, and has been designing jewellery both at work and in her spare time for about 3 years. She loves to use Swarovski, mixed metals and loves experimenting with different techniques. Using Simple wire wrapping and bending techniques, without using specialist tools, Janine shows you how to achieve an elegant and professional glamorous look. The antique brass colours mixed with deep Swarovski Crystals add a slightly gothic edge to these gorgeous creations. STEP 1 Start by making the main filigree part of your... Read More

15/02/2013

Fantastic EZ Findings from Beadalon

Brand new to the Bead Shop are these fantastic EZ Findings from Beadalon.  They are so easy to use and give great professional results whether you are a beginner or a more advanced jewellery maker. This large range comes in silver and gold plated and the crimp ends are available with or without the clasp already attached, therefore you can use them in conjunction with your own clasps, for a more personalised look. To make the bracelet above, I cut a piece Beadalon wire (you can use upto size.026in/0.66mm Beadalon... Read More

31/01/2013

3 Strand Sterling Silver Bracelet by Simone Vadera

What have you made and why do you like it? I have made this 3 strand bracelet as part of a set. I like the richness and the contrast of the colours plus the big sterling silver ball as a focal point.  What inspired you? My friend bought a lovely sari for an indian wedding. The colours were similar and she asked me to make something for her to wear with it.  Which type of beads you have used and why? I’ve used Swarovski Crystals, Glass Beads, Seed Beads and Sterling... Read More

29/01/2013

Glass Pearl Beaded Bracelet by Sharon Kamil

What have you made and why do you like it? I have made a childs stretch bracelet, which I like as it is pretty, delicate, personal, and something special. What inspired you? I was inspired by my daughter’s 6th birthday on New Year’s Day! Which type of beads you have used and why? I have used your 6mm glass pearls in light amethyst, as they are so pretty; 6 of your 4mm Swarovski Xilion bicones, in garnet: to represent my daughters age and birthstone; sterling silver accent beads, and a... Read More