Sunday, July 14, 2013

Vintage Yellow Rose Bracelet


 
Vintage Yellow Rose Bracelet

Supplies:

*2 strands of vintage yellow rose brackets
*tube of pale yellow beads (or which ever color you prefer)
*bead wire (.18mm in silver)
*Slide-in clasp (silver)
*jump rings (4) (silver)
*clamp beads (6) #1 (silver)
*needle nose pliers
*clamp pliers
*wire cutters
*Measuring tape

*Tip 1- Plan It Out* As with all jewelry designs I laid out the design on my bead board before I started doing anything. Had to try out different style gem stones to see which one matched best, as I did not buy any of the beads at the same time. This also includes making sure the clasp and clamp beads match the color pallet.

*Tip 2- Measure* Always measure for each project to make sure the lengths that fit best are correct. This is important when making items for other people. Once you have done them enough times you will know the required lengths and can skip this step.

Steps:

- Measure out the length of bead wire you will need to fit around your wrist comfortably and then give yourself about 2 inches to loop back through at the ends. Use wire cutters to cut correct length. Do this again.

-Take a pair of need nose pliers and open a jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the ring of the clasp and close the jump ring. Do this again for the other ring.

-Repeat this last step for the other side of the clasp. Set aside once done.

*Tip 3- Tight Loops* Try and keep the loop as tight as possible to keep from having a big gap. This can be done by holding one end of the bead wire with a needle nose pliers and then taking the other end of the wire and pulling it tighter. Keeping it tight keeps the wire from rubbing. This is also why using a jump ring to attach to the clasp is important, as the wire attached to the jump ring is not going to move around much if its pulled tight.

 - Take a clamp and thread it on the bead wire; then slide the bead wire through the jump ring attached to the clasp. Loop the bead wire back through the clamp bead and then use the clamp pliers to clamp the bead in place. This should allow for a loop to hold the one end in place. (see *Tip 3*) Do this for both ends.

-Thread on the brackets and beads in the order of the design you picked ahead of time (see *Tip 1* ) Remember to do the same amount for each wire.

-Continue this until you have the length you determined earlier. (see *Tip 2* )

*Suggestion 1* Doing one clamp bead at the end to make sure everything stays tight and then another to create the loop is NOT required. You can choose to use only one clamp bead, just be sure to keep the beads together tightly enough to not end up with large gaps when you wear it. I do it for both ease and strength. Beginners can do this until they get better at re-threading the closure clamp.

*Tip 4 - Consider Material and Purpose* You must always be aware of the type of give and strength your supplies have or you could end up with breaks, scrapping, and no flexibility. The heavier the wire the less bend and flexibility it has. String the beads too tightly together and some will rub together and break. String them too tightly and the beads will bunch and not bend well around your wrist. Some times you need to allow for "give room" with bracelets in order to get the bracelet to wrap.

-Once you have finished your design for the length, slide on a clamp and use the clamp pliers to secure it in place. (see *Suggestion 1* and *Tip 4* ) (set aside for a second)

 - Grab your wire again. Take another clamp bead and thread it on first, then thread the wire through the jump ring on one side of the other end of the clasp. Then thread the wire back through the clamp. Now tighten the wire until you have a small loop. Be sure that the jump ring stays in the loop you create. Use the clamp pliers to close the clamp when you have the loop the size you want. (see *Tip 3* )

-Take a wire cutters and clip off the extra wire as close as possible to the last clamp bead. (If you didn't use two clamp beads you can do this next part.) If the wire is bend-able enough and the bead holes are big enough you can thread the extra wire back through the beads instead of cutting it.

-Repeat the last two steps for the other side of the clasp.

-That will finish off the bracelet.
 

Tear Drop Bracelet


 
Tear Drop Bracelet

Supplies:

*2 strands of tear drop brackets
*tube of translucent light blue beads (or which ever color you prefer)
*bead wire (.18mm in gold)
*Slide-in clasp (gold)
*jump rings (4) (gold)
*clamp beads (6) #1 (gold)
*needle nose pliers
*clamp pliers
*wire cutters
*Measuring tape

*Tip 1- Plan It Out* As with all jewelry designs I laid out the design on my bead board before I started doing anything. Had to try out different style gem stones to see which one matched best, as I did not buy any of the beads at the same time. This also includes making sure the clasp and clamp beads match the color pallet.

*Tip 2- Measure* Always measure for each project to make sure the lengths that fit best are correct. This is important when making items for other people. Once you have done them enough times you will know the required lengths and can skip this step.

Steps:

- Measure out the length of bead wire you will need to fit around your wrist comfortably and then give yourself about 2 inches to loop back through at the ends. Use wire cutters to cut correct length. Do this again.

-Take a pair of need nose pliers and open a jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the ring of the clasp and close the jump ring. Do this again for the other ring.

-Repeat this last step for the other side of the clasp. Set aside once done.

*Tip 3- Tight Loops* Try and keep the loop as tight as possible to keep from having a big gap. This can be done by holding one end of the bead wire with a needle nose pliers and then taking the other end of the wire and pulling it tighter. Keeping it tight keeps the wire from rubbing. This is also why using a jump ring to attach to the clasp is important, as the wire attached to the jump ring is not going to move around much if its pulled tight.

 - Take a clamp and thread it on the bead wire; then slide the bead wire through the jump ring attached to the clasp. Loop the bead wire back through the clamp bead and then use the clamp pliers to clamp the bead in place. This should allow for a loop to hold the one end in place. (see *Tip 3*) Do this for both ends.

-Thread on the tear drop brackets and beads in the order of the design you picked ahead of time (see *Tip 1* ) Remember to do the same amount for each wire.

-Continue this until you have the length you determined earlier. (see *Tip 2* )

*Suggestion 1* Doing one clamp bead at the end to make sure everything stays tight and then another to create the loop is NOT required. You can choose to use only one clamp bead, just be sure to keep the beads together tightly enough to not end up with large gaps when you wear it. I do it for both ease and strength. Beginners can do this until they get better at re-threading the closure clamp.

*Tip 4 - Consider Material and Purpose* You must always be aware of the type of give and strength your supplies have or you could end up with breaks, scrapping, and no flexibility. The heavier the wire the less bend and flexibility it has. String the beads too tightly together and some will rub together and break. String them too tightly and the beads will bunch and not bend well around your wrist. Some times you need to allow for "give room" with bracelets in order to get the bracelet to wrap.

-Once you have finished your design for the length, slide on a clamp and use the clamp pliers to secure it in place. (see *Suggestion 1* and *Tip 4* ) (set aside for a second)

 - Grab your wire again. Take another clamp bead and thread it on first, then thread the wire through the jump ring on one side of the other end of the clasp. Then thread the wire back through the clamp. Now tighten the wire until you have a small loop. Be sure that the jump ring stays in the loop you create. Use the clamp pliers to close the clamp when you have the loop the size you want. (see *Tip 3* )

-Take a wire cutters and clip off the extra wire as close as possible to the last clamp bead. (If you didn't use two clamp beads you can do this next part.) If the wire is bend-able enough and the bead holes are big enough you can thread the extra wire back through the beads instead of cutting it.

-Repeat the last two steps for the other side of the clasp.

-That will finish off the bracelet.



Metal Mirror Clover Bracelet



Metal Mirror Clover Bracelet

Supplies:

*2 strands of metal clover brackets
*tube of translucent turquoise beads (or which ever color you prefer)
*bead wire (.18mm in silver)
*Slide-in clasp
*jump rings (4)
*clamp beads (6) #1 (silver)
*needle nose pliers
*clamp pliers
*wire cutters
*Measuring tape

*Tip 1- Plan It Out* As with all jewelry designs I laid out the design on my bead board before I started doing anything. Had to try out different style gem stones to see which one matched best, as I did not buy any of the beads at the same time. This also includes making sure the clasp and clamp beads match the color pallet.

*Tip 2- Measure* Always measure for each project to make sure the lengths that fit best are correct. This is important when making items for other people. Once you have done them enough times you will know the required lengths and can skip this step.

Steps:

- Measure out the length of bead wire you will need to fit around your wrist comfortably and then give yourself about 2 inches to loop back through at the ends. Use wire cutters to cut correct length. Do this again.

-Take a pair of need nose pliers and open a jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the ring of the clasp and close the jump ring. Do this again for the other ring.

-Repeat this last step for the other side of the clasp. Set aside once done.

*Tip 3- Tight Loops* Try and keep the loop as tight as possible to keep from having a big gap. This can be done by holding one end of the bead wire with a needle nose pliers and then taking the other end of the wire and pulling it tighter. Keeping it tight keeps the wire from rubbing. This is also why using a jump ring to attach to the clasp is important, as the wire attached to the jump ring is not going to move around much if its pulled tight.

 - Take a clamp and thread it on the bead wire; then slide the bead wire through the jump ring attached to the clasp. Loop the bead wire back through the clamp bead and then use the clamp pliers to clamp the bead in place. This should allow for a loop to hold the one end in place. (see *Tip 3*) Do this for both ends.

-Thread on the clover brackets and beads in the order of the design you picked ahead of time (see *Tip 1* ) Remember to do the same amount for each wire.

-Continue this until you have the length you determined earlier. (see *Tip 2* )

*Suggestion 1* Doing one clamp bead at the end to make sure everything stays tight and then another to create the loop is NOT required. You can choose to use only one clamp bead, just be sure to keep the beads together tightly enough to not end up with large gaps when you wear it. I do it for both ease and strength. Beginners can do this until they get better at re-threading the closure clamp.

*Tip 4 - Consider Material and Purpose* You must always be aware of the type of give and strength your supplies have or you could end up with breaks, scrapping, and no flexibility. The heavier the wire the less bend and flexibility it has. String the beads too tightly together and some will rub together and break. String them too tightly and the beads will bunch and not bend well around your wrist. Some times you need to allow for "give room" with bracelets in order to get the bracelet to wrap.

-Once you have finished your design for the length, slide on a clamp and use the clamp pliers to secure it in place. (see *Suggestion 1* and *Tip 4* ) (set aside for a second)

 - Grab your wire again. Take another clamp bead and thread it on first, then thread the wire through the jump ring on one side of the other end of the clasp. Then thread the wire back through the clamp. Now tighten the wire until you have a small loop. Be sure that the jump ring stays in the loop you create. Use the clamp pliers to close the clamp when you have the loop the size you want. (see *Tip 3* )

-Take a wire cutters and clip off the extra wire as close as possible to the last clamp bead. (If you didn't use two clamp beads you can do this next part.) If the wire is bend-able enough and the bead holes are big enough you can thread the extra wire back through the beads instead of cutting it.

-Repeat the last two steps for the other side of the clasp. 

-That will finish off the bracelet.


Key Ring Gem Necklace



Key ring gem necklace

Supplies:
*diamond gems in deep blue
*diamond gems in light blue
*diamond gems in light purple
*clear, or white, seed beads
*Key ring pendant
*bead wire (.18mm in white silver)
*Lobster claw
*jump ring (1) (white silver)
*clamp beads (3) #1 (white silver)
*half inch of small link chain (white silver)
*needle nose pliers
*clamp pliers
*wire cutters
*Measuring tape

*Tip 1- Plan It Out* As with all jewelry designs I laid out the design on my bead board before I started doing anything. Had to try out different style gem stones to see which one matched best, as I did not buy any of the beads at the same time. This also includes making sure the clasp and clamp beads match the color pallet.

*Tip 2- Measure* Always measure for each project to make sure the lengths that fit best are correct. This is important when making items for other people. Once you have done them enough times you will know the required lengths and can skip this step.

Steps:

- Measure out the length of bead wire you will need to fit around your neck comfortably and then give yourself about 2 inches to loop back through at the ends. Use wire cutters to cut correct length.

-Take a pair of need nose pliers and open a jump ring. Slide the jump ring onto the end of the lobster clasp and close the jump ring.

*Tip 3- Tight Loops* Try and keep the loop as tight as possible to keep from having a big gap. This can be done by holding one end of the bead wire with a needle nose pliers and then taking the other end of the wire and pulling it tighter. Keeping it tight keeps the wire from rubbing. This is also why using a jump ring to attach to the clasp is important, as the wire attached to the jump ring is not going to move around much if its pulled tight.

 - Take a clamp and thread it on the bead wire; then slide the bead wire through the jump ring attached to the clasp. Loop the bead wire back through the clamp bead and then use the clamp pliers to clamp the bead in place. This should allow for a loop to hold the one end in place. (see *Tip 3*)

-Thread on the gems in the order of the design you picked ahead of time (see *Tip 1* ).

-Once you get to the middle of the length you determined (see *Tip 1*) slide the pendant on and continue with the pattern.

-Continue this until you have the length you determined earlier. (see *Tip 2* )

*Suggestion 1* Doing one clamp bead at the end to make sure everything stays tight and then another to create the loop is NOT required. You can choose to use only one clamp bead, just be sure to keep the beads together tightly enough to not end up with large gaps when you wear it. I do it for both ease and strength. Beginners can do this until they get better at re-threading the closure clamp.

*Tip 4 - Consider Material and Purpose* You must always be aware of the type of give and strength your supplies have or you could end up with breaks, scrapping, and no flexibility. The heavier the wire the less bend and flexibility it has. String the beads too tightly together and some will rub together and break. String them too tightly and the beads will bunch and not bend well around your wrist. Some times you need to allow for "give room" with bracelets in order to get the bracelet to wrap.

-Once you have finished your design for the length, slide on a clamp and use the clamp pliers to secure it in place. (see *Suggestion 1* and *Tip 4* ) (set aside for a second)

- Use your needle nose pliers to create a half inch length of chain.

 - Grab your wire again. Take another clamp bead and thread it on first, followed by the half inch long chain you just created. Then thread the wire back through the clamp. Now tighten the wire until you have a small loop. Be sure that the chain link stays in the loop you create. Use the clamp pliers to close the clamp when you have the loop the size you want. (see *Tip 3* )

-Take a wire cutters and clip off the extra wire as close as possible to the last clamp bead. (If you didn't use two clamp beads you can do this next part.) If the wire is bend-able enough and the bead holes are big enough you can thread the extra wire back through the beads instead of cutting it.

-That will finish off the necklace.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Black Gem Chandelier Hoop Earrings



I saw these earrings and thought I could do a variation of that no problem. Took a few tries to figure out what I wanted mine to look like, but they came out looking very nice.

Supplies:

*Black Hex gems (about 25)
*Round semi black gems (about 15)
*Black tear drop gems (I used 4)
*bead wire (.45mm in dark silver)
*Flexible black wire
*Earring 'type' (2) (best to use hook earrings)
*Silver jump rings- large (2)
*Black link chain (in two different lengths)
*needle nose pliers
*round nose pliers
*wire cutters
*Measuring tape

*Tip 1- Plan It Out* As with all jewelry designs I laid out the design on my bead board before I started doing anything. Had to try out different style gem stones to see which one matched best, as I did not buy any of the beads at the same time.

*Tip 2- Measure* Always measure for each project to make sure the lengths that fit best are correct. This is important when making items for other people.  Once you have done them enough times you will know the required lengths and can skip this step.

*Tip 3- Tight Loops* Try and keep the loop as tight as possible to keep from having a big gap. This can be done by holding one end of the bead wire with a needle nose pliers and then taking the other end of the wire and pulling it tighter.

*Tip 4 - Consider Material and Purpose* You must always be aware of the type of give and strength your supplies have or you could end up with breaks, scrapping, and no flexibility. The heavier the wire the less bend and flexibility it has. String the beads too tightly together and some will rub together and break. String them too tightly and the beads will bunch and not bend well around your wrist. Some times you need to allow for "give room" with bracelets in order to get the bracelet to wrap. (or in this case the earring loop)

Steps:

-Measure out the length of bead wire you will need to create the hoops. Will need to measure both out at the same time. Use wire cutters to cut correct length.

-Use the round nose pliers to create an eye loop on one end of the wire. Use the wire cutters to clip the extra bit of wire left. (if any)

-Thread on the gems in the order of the design you picked ahead of time (see *Tip 1*). (Mine was round gem and then hex gem the whole way)

-Continue this until you have the length you determined earlier. (see *Tip 2*)

-Repeat second step for other side of the wire. Be sure the wire can be formed into a circle with out the gems rubbing too tightly before you make the eye loop.  (see *Tip 4*) Use the wire cutters to clip the extra bit of wire left (be sure to note how much you have taken off so you can repeat this for the other earring)

-Set this length of wire aside for now.

-Repeat steps 2 through 5 for other earring.

-Take the flexible black wire and cut 8 sections, no determined length for any of them.

-Slide a tear drop gem of one section of wire. Use the round nose pliers to create an eye loop and then wrap the extra wire around the bottom of the eye loop. (not around the top of the tear drop)

-Repeat the last step 7 more times. Then set aside.

-Take one of the lengths of black chain and then use the needle nose pliers to open the last link of the chain. Slide one of the tear drop eye loops onto that link. Use the needle nose pliers to close that link.

-Repeat the last step for the remaining lengths of chain.

-Use the needle nose pliers to open one of the large jump rings.

-Take the length of wire that you made to create the loop and slide one eye loops onto the jump ring. Then attach one end of the shorter lengths of chain (the end that obviously doesn't have the tear drop), then slide on both lengths of the longer chains, then the end of the remaining shorter chain, and finally the other eye loop from the wire. Use the needle nose pliers to close the jump ring. (This might be difficult to get all items onto the jump ring easily.)

-Repeat the last two steps for the other earring.

-Use the needle nose pliers to open the loop on the hook earring. Slide on the jump ring that is holding all the pieces together. Try to slide the loop from the earring into the middle of everything on the jump ring. (i.e. in between the two longer lengths of chain) Use the needle nose pliers to close the loop on the hook earring.

-Repeat the last step for the other earring.

 That will finish off the earrings.


 

These ended up being a gift for a friend. They were fun to make and was one of the few things I really liked adapting.