Table of contents for April/May 2020 in Beadwork

Shaped beads captivate our imaginations in fresh, creative ways. We’ve packed this issue with beaded jewelry designs using beads shaped as leaves, diamonds, bars, and more. Bead-hole placement, dimensionality, and beautiful new finishes all contribute to the possibility of creating intriguing patterns. Many designers generously share alternate colorways so you can create the perfect beaded jewelry to suit your style. This year, we’re bringing you a Shaped Beads Guide update (page 15) that spotlights five of our favorite new shaped beads. In Bead Buzz (page 88), we learn how shaped beads go from concept to creation. A tremendous amount of innovation goes into manufacturing these tiny marvels! But if shaped beads aren’t your speed, you’ll find Patchwork Earrings & Necklace (page 10) and Oyster Bubbles (page 41) to to help…

SHAPED BEADS PROVIDE MYRIAD WAYS YO KICK YOUR CREATIVITY UP A NOTCH. In 2019, Beadwork published our 101 Shaped Beads – The Essential Guide. Since then, a few new beads have come onto the market, and we want to share them with you! Look for inspiration using a few of these new shapes in this issue of Beadwork. Play with different thread paths and keep flexing your creativity with these new shaped beads! ChevronDuos 10x4x3mm Similar to the EVA bead, but slightly larger. Two vertical holes. Ginko Beads 7.5mm Ginkgo leaf-shaped beads with two vertical holes. Spelled Ginko or Ginkgo, depending on the retailer. Paros par Puca 7x4mm Elongated hexagon beads with two diagonal holes. Oval cabochons 8x6mm Textured high dome with a smooth flat back. Two horizontal holes. Bridge…

USE SEED BEADS, CzechMates diamonds, and GemDuos to stitch up this astral-inspired design. This bracelet and earring set is delicate and bold at the same time, like the night sky. TECHNIQUES Circular peyote stitch variationRight-angle weave variationPicots PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 5 g starlight galvanized permanent-finish size 15° seed beads (A)2 g starlight galvanized permanent-finish size 11° seed beads (B)40 purple iris 6.5×4mm 2-hole CzechMates diamonds (C)40 matte metallic flax 8×5mm 2-hole GemDuos (D)1 gold 7×14mm ball-and-socket clasp1 pair of matte gold 20×22mm ear wires with Bali spacer and coilCrystal 6 lb FireLine braided beading thread TOOLS ScissorsSize 11 beading needle FINISHED SIZE Bracelet 7"Earrings 2" 1) COMPONENT 1. Use variations of circular peyote stitch and right-angle weave and picots to form the first component: Round 1: Note: Take care to…

beginner friendly! CYMBAL METAL FASHION elements make great companions to the ChevronDuos and baroque oval cabochons in this statement cuff. Enjoy the journey! TECHNIQUES Right-angle weave variationPicots PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 1 g blue-lined aqua AB size 15° seed beads (A)0.5 g dark sea foam galvanized Duracoat size 11° seed beads (B)13 b acklit utopia 8×6mm 2-hole baroque oval cabochons (C)54 polychrome blueberry 10×4mm 2-hole ChevronDuos (D)24 a ntiqued silver 4×7.6mm Mitakas Cymbal side beads (E)2 antiqued silver 7.6×10mm Fero Cymbal bead endings (F)2 silver 5mm jump rings1 antiqued silver 16mm toggle claspBlack satin 6 lb Fireline braided beading thread TOOLS ScissorsSize 11 beading needle2 pairs of chain-or flat-nose pliers FINISHED SIZE 7 ¼ " 1) BAND. Use a variation of right-angle weave with picots to form the band: Unit 1:…

beginner friemdly! USE A VARIATION OF right-angle weave to stitch this pretty band of seed beads, CzechMates diamonds, and Ginko beads. TECHNIQUE Right-angle weave variation PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 1 g gold size 15° seed beads (A)1 g bronze size 11° seed beads (B)1 g gold size 11° Demi Round seed beads (C)13 matte metallic goldenrod 6.5×4mm 2-hole CzechMates diamonds (D)24 chalk lazure 7.5mm 2-hole Ginko beads (E)26 matte cream 4mm glass pearl rounds (F)1 gold 12×17mm triangular box claspLight brown size D One-G nylon beading thread TOOLS ScissorsSize 12 beading needle FINISHED SIZE 7 ¼ " 1) BAND. Use a variation of right-angle weave to form the band: Unit 1: Note: Lay the E on your work surface with the points facing down. Take care to string them from bottom…

USE CIRCULAR NETTING AND a medley of shaped beads to create this architecturally layered whimsical flower pendant. TECHNIQUES Circular nettingPicots PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 0.5 g iris variegated blue size 15° seed beads (A)0.5 g matte soft lilac size 15° seed beads (B)0.5 g semi-glazed sleeping beauty rainbow size 15° seed beads (C)0.5 g semi-glazed sleeping beauty rainbow size 11° seed beads (D)36 brass gold 3.8×1mm O beads (E)18 matte peridot vitrail 3.8×1mm O beads (F)2 g chalk green luster 5×2.5mm 2-hole SuperDuos (G)9 light green luster 5mm 2-hole Mini Silky beads (H)9 light green suede 6mm 4-hole CzechMates QuadraTiles (J)9 purple iris 7×4mm 2-hole IrisDuos (K)18 matte metallic dark violet 8×5mm 2-hole Amos par Puca beads (L)9 indicolite 3mm Swarovski crystal bicones (M)1 crystal light vitrail 18mm Swarovski crystal rivoli1…

SEE P. 85 FOR HELPFUL TECHNIQUE INFORMATION TECHNIQUES Kumihimo (with fill the gap technique)Stringing MATERIALS 5 g Picasso mix size 8° seed beads (red Picasso, yellow Picasso, turquoise blue Picasso, hybrid frosted natural Picasso)18 champagne mix 6mm pressed-glass melons3 pressed-glass 21mm 5-petal flowers (one each of turquoise, dandelion, and ruby red Picasso)3 champagne Picasso 9×20mm pressed-glass drops1 gold 5mm jump ring 1 gold 30mm hammered ring1 gold 3mm crimp end capLight copper Superlon medium-weight Tex 135 beading cordBrushable superglueJewelry cement TOOLS ScissorsKumihimo weight (45 grams)6" round kumihimo disk7 kumihimo bobbinsCollapsible big-eye needleRound-nose pliers2 pairs of chain-or flat-nose pliersAwl (optional) FINISHED SIZE AdjustableNote: Refer to “Kumihimo 101” on page 43. 1. PREPARING THE DISK. Draw 4 diagonal lines on the back of the disk, making sure there are 3 empty slots…

SEE P. 85 FOR HELPFUL TECHNIQUE INFORMATION. TECHNIQUES KnottingStringing MATERIALS 6 jade 8×6mm large-hole faceted rondelles2 stainless steel 3mm cord end caps6 ½ ' of natural gray 1.5mm round leather cordTapeJewelry adhesive TOOLS Scissors FINISHED SIZE 20" 1. Cut 2 pieces of leather that are each 33" long. Place the 2 leather cords evenly side by side and fold in half. Tape the top loop of the cords to the work surface. 2. Take the right 2 strands and form a large loop, laying it on top of the left strands. This will create three openings: top, middle, and left. 3. Take the left 2 strands and cross the cord over the tail of the right side and under the base of the top opening. Feed the cord down through…

Melinda Barta pays attention to details. This trait made her a talented editor of Beadwork and is one of her secrets to success as a gifted author, instructor, and coordinator of the StarmanTrendSetters. She grew up in a creative household, earned a bachelor of fine arts degree, and has maintained a love for traditional techniques and the importance of craftmanship throughout her career. She says, “Regardless of which craft I’m dabbling in, I take the final result seriously.” Both of her parents are entrepreneurs, and Melinda credits them for raising her to take pride in her work. Her dad is an engineer and general contractor. Melinda explains, “My dad loves the business that he’s built so much that he works every day even when he could be retired. When he’s…

CREATE THIS GEOMETRIC-themed bracelet by using square stitch and a variety of beads to frame Swarovski crystal rivolis in circular components. TECHNIQUES Square stitchTubular peyote stitch PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 3 g matte metallic sapphire blue size 15° seed beads (A)1 g matte metallic silver size 11° seed beads (B)9 g matte oil slick opaque 3mm cubes (C)4 g blue luster opaque 4×2mm 2-hole MiniDuos (D)6 blue satin 4mm pressed-glass round druks (E)5 foil-back Montana 14mm Swarovski crystal rivolis1 antiqued silver 16mm toggle claspSmoke 6 lb FireLine braided beading thread TOOLS Scissors2.5" medium collapsible-eye flexible needle FINISHED SIZE 7 ½ " 1) LARGE COMPONENTS. Use square stitch and tubular peyote stitch to form the large components: Round 1: Use 4' of thread to string {1C and 1A} fourteen times, leaving a…

BRAID AN IRRESISTIBLE strand of seed beads, shimmery crystal pearls, and sparkly Swarovski crystals. TECHNIQUE Kumihimo PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 8 g spruce galvanized permanent-finish size 8° Japanese seed beads (A)8 g metallic purple size 8° Japanese seed beads (B)72 green tourmaline AB 4mm Swarovski crystal bicones (C)40 iridescent purple 4mm Swarovski crystal pearl rounds (D)32 iridescent purple 6mm Swarovski crystal pearl rounds (E)1 antiqued copper 7×34mm hook-and-eye clasp with round glue-in end capsPurple Superlon medium-weight Tex 210 beading cordInstaneedle cord stiffenerSuperglue gel TOOLS ScissorsKumihimo weight (25–50 grams)6" round kumihimo diskKumihimo Traveller stand (optional)8 kumihimo bobbinsThread burner1 pair of chain-or flat-nose pliers FINISHED SIZE 19" 1) PREPARING THE CORDS. Cut 4 lengths of cord, each 90" long. Fold the cords in half to make eight 45" cords. Tie the folded end…

STITCH LAYERS OF SEED BEADS and shaped beads to form a bezel around a Swarovski crystal rivoli and suspend it from eye-catching straps made with St. Petersburg chain. TECHNIQUES St. Petersburg chainCircular and tubular nettingPicots PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 8 g dark bronze size 11° seed beads (A)2 g turquoise Picasso opaque size 11° seed beads (B)2 g matte metallic copper size 11° seed beads (C)1 g dark bronze size 8° seed beads (D)32 matte copper 2.5×3mm Minos par Puca beads (E)62 rose gold ceramic opaque 7×4mm 2-hole Paros par Puca beads (F)8 turquoise Picasso 9×5mm 2-hole Kite beads (G)1 foil-back topaz 18mm Swarovski crystal rivoli2 antiqued copper 5×8mm oval jump rings1 antiqued copper 19mm forged toggle claspSmoke 6 lb FireLine braided beading thread TOOLS ScissorsSize 11 beading needle2 pairs of…

Don’t let the names of some of the following knots and braids intimidate you, like the Josephine knot or the six-strand braid. While they may sound complex, they’re actually quite doable and make for some very interesting and diverse necklace designs. TECHNIQUES StringingBraiding MATERIALS 2 bronze size 11° seed beads10 bronze 5×6mm faceted-glass bicones8 bronze 8mm faceted-glass rounds4 salmon 9×8mm faceted-glass rondelles6 coral 12mm faceted-glass rounds4 metallic-brown 13×11mm faceted-glass barrels2 brown 14×20mm wood ovals1 gold 5×10mm lobster clasp with tab4 gold 2mm crimp tubes2 gold 12×5mm cord end caps8" of dark brown 34mm round wood chain6" of dark brown waxed linen cord6" scrap of ribbon or yarn3 brown 12mm leather 8-petal flowers1 salmon 18mm leather 5-petal flower (small)1 salmon 25mm leather 5-petal flower (large)1 bronze 50mm leather 8-petal flower56" of…

SEE P. 85 FOR HELPFUL TECHNIQUE INFORMATION. TECHNIQUES StringingSimple wireworkingKumihimo MATERIALS 1 g metallic gold size 11° seed beads (A)1 g silver-lined yellow size 11° seed beads (B)1 g matte silver-lined orange size 11° seed beads (C)28 antique gold size 8° seed beads (D)19 purple jade 8mm faceted rounds38 gold 6×2mm bead caps1 copper 8mm spring-ring clasp4 copper 2mm crimp tubes36' of multicolored sari silk yarn8" of copper 20-gauge wire23" of copper .024 beading wireCrystal 6 lb FireLine braided beading thread TOOLS 6" round kumihimo diskScissorsRound-nose pliersFlat-nose pliersWire cuttersBig-eye needleCrimping pliers FINISHED SIZE 25"Note: Refer to “Kumihimo 101” on page 43. 1. PREPARING THE DISK. Cut 4 lengths of cord, each 150" long. Fold the cords in half to make eight 75" cords. Tie the folded end into an overhand…

SEE P. 85 FOR HELPFUL TECHNIQUE INFORMATION. TECHNIQUES Knotting MATERIALS 27 jasper-colored mix size 6° seed beads17 brown-and-cream 8mm picture jasper faceted rounds6 variegated red-and-white 10×28–33mm red jasper sticks1 brown-and-cream 10×30mm agate ellipse-shaped tube1 variegated red-and-white 37x45mm red jasper trapezoid6 antiqued copper-plated 3mm rounds6 antiqued copper-plated 16×5mm bird beadsAntiqued copper-plated round triangle 16×19mm toggle clasp with 25mm bar14 ½ " of antiqued copper-plated 6×8mm unsoldered textured cable chain7' of brown waxed-linen thread TOOLS 2 pairs of chain-or flat-nose pliersScissorsBead stopper FINISHED SIZE 28" (with 3" focal) 1. Cut the thread into two 3' pieces and one 12" piece. Divide the chain into 2 equal pieces. 2. String the agate tube to the center of two 3' pieces of thread. Fasten a bead stopper to the thread on one side of…

beginner friendly! TEACUP PRESSED-GLASS BEADS give the geometric, diamond-shaped GemDuos a softer look in this mosaic-inspired bracelet. TECHNIQUE Right-angle weave variation PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 0.5 g gold-lustered amethyst size 11° Demi Round seed beads (A)0.5 g gold-lustered hydrangea size 8° Demi Round seed beads (B)56 metallic suede light green 4×2mm Teacup beads (C)28 saturated metallic red pear 4×2mm Teacup beads (D)16 polychrome aqua teal 8×5mm 2-hole GemDuos (E)30 matte metallic silver 8×5mm 2-hole GemDuos (F)1 antiqued silver 12mm toggle claspSmoke 4 lb FireLine braided beading thread TOOLS ScissorsSize 11 beading needle FINISHED SIZE 7" 1) UNIT 1. Use a variation of right-angle weave to form the first unit, working from outside to inside: Note: Work the first pass with relaxed tension, then use tighter tension on the reinforcement rounds. Take…

STITCH THIS SPARKLING, sunny necklace using circular netting, seed beads, MiniDuos, IrisDuos, two-hole cabochons, crystal bicones, and a 27mm Swarovski crystal fancy stone. TECHNIQUES Circular nettingRight-angle weave variation PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 1 g starlight galvanized permanent-finish size 15° Japanese seed beads (A)5 g brick red galvanized permanent-finish size 11° seed beads (B)2 g starlight galvanized permanent-finish size 8° seed beads (C)6 g pastel light coral 4×2mm 2-hole MiniDuos (D)43 Aztec gold 7×4mm 2-hole IrisDuos (E)14 etched Aztec gold 6mm 2-hole cabochons (F)14 crystal argent flare 3mm crystal bicones (G)1 foil-back crystal chili pepper Swarovski crystal 27mm fancy stone2 gold-plated 5mm split rings1 gold-plated 8mm lobster claspCrystal 6 lb FireLine braided beading thread TOOLS ScissorsSize 11 beading needle FINISHED SIZE 21" with 2 ½ " focal 1) PENDANT FRONT. Use circular…

If your nylon cords are curly, lightly steam them to straighten. Doing so will make stringing your beads much easier. Cut a ½" slit in the back side of each bobbin to anchor your cord ends. Using a kumihimo stand allows you to use both hands for braiding instead of using one hand to hold your disk while stringing beads and braiding with the other hand. Your tension will be more uniform, and your project will look more professional. In addition, using a kumihimo stand gives you a tangle-free way to store your project if you are interrupted. If you get interrupted while braiding, move the bottom-left cord to the top position and leave it there. You’ll have three cords at the top position and you’ll always know exactly where…

THIS PLAYFUL RING-AND-bracelet set works up quickly using seed beads and shaped beads. TECHNIQUES Circular nettingPeyote stitch variation PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 0.5 g matte olive size 15° seed beads (A)1 g golden olive luster opaque size 11° seed beads (B)1 g gold luster olive AB size 11° cylinder beads (C)1 g purple vega luster 4×2mm 2-hole MiniDuos (D)25 purple vega luster 5×6mm 2-hole pressed-glass Nib-Bit beads (E)50 Pacifica avocado 10×3mm 2-hole CzechMates crescent beads (F)30 metallic suede purple 10×3mm 3-hole CzechMates beams (G)25 metallic suede purple 4mm fire-polished rounds (H)1 crystal lavender delite 8mm Swarovski crystal chaton1 antiqued copper 6mm magnetic claspSmoke 6 lb FireLine braided beading thread TOOLS ScissorsSize 10 beading needle FINISHED SIZE Ring: 1 ¼ " (ring size 7)Bracelet: 8" 1) RING MEDALLION. Use circular netting to…

SEE P. 85 FOR HELPFUL TECHNIQUE INFORMATION. TECHNIQUES Macramé with square knotsSimple wireworkingStringing MATERIALS 3 gold 7mm pearls4 garnet 4×2mm rondelles4 green 12mm jasper coins2 green 12mm jasper square tiles1 red 60×65mm mookaite irregular pentagon pendant1 olive green 38×40mm metal filigree pendant1 antiqued copper 13×22mm hook clasp with 7×13mm figure-eight3 brass 22mm 2" head pins6 antiqued brass 5mm jump rings4 gold 2mm crimp tubes2 brass 4mm cord end crimps10" of antiqued brass 5–10mm long-and-short chain12" of olive green 1mm leather cord40" of olive green silk cord8" of gold .012 beading wire TOOLS ScissorsRound-nose pliers2 pairs of chain-or flat-nose pliersWire cutters FINISHED SIZE 19 ½ " 1. Cut the leather cord in half. Cut the chain in half. 2. Use 1 head pin to string 1 pearl and form a wrapped…

SEE P. 85 FOR HELPFUL TECHNIQUE INFORMATION. TECHNIQUES KnottingSimple wireworking MATERIALS 1 cream-and-black 10×12mm plastic hexagon2 antiqued copper 8×2mm bead caps1 antiqued copper 8×15mm hook1 antiqued copper 20-gauge 2" head pin4 antiqued copper 6mm cord end caps 8 ½ " of antiqued copper 9×17mm pointed oval chain26" of cream-and-black 5mm cotton fabric–covered cord36" of bronze 1mm leather cord8" of vintage bronze 22-gauge wireJewelry cement TOOLS ScissorsRound-nose pliers2 pairs of chain-or flat-nose pliersWire cutters FINISHED SIZE Adjustable 1. Cut the leather cord into four 9" pieces. Cut the chain so you have one 2 ¼ " (4-link) piece and one 5 3⁄8" (9-link) piece. 2. Cut the cotton cord in half. Fold both cords in half and lay them so that the loops are facing each other. Pass both ends of…

CRIMP BEADS Crimp beads are serrated metal beads. Twisted crimp tubes and crimp beads can be secured by squeezing them flat with chain-or flat-nose pliers. CRIMP COVERS Crimp covers hide crimp tubes and give a professional finish. To attach, gently hold a crimp cover in the front notch of the crimping pliers. Insert the crimped tube and gently squeeze the pliers, encasing the tube inside the cover. CRIMP/CORD ENDS Crimp/cord ends consist of a loop attached to a tube. Dab the leather, plastic, ribbon, or other cord with jewelry glue, then place it in the crimp/cord end. If you’re using a crimp end, crimp it as you would a crimp tube. CRIMPING Crimp tubes are seamless metal tubes used to secure the end of a beading wire. To use, string…