The Beading Gem

Gorgeous Ceramic and Bead Mosaic Supplies and Tutorials by Sharra Frank

Thanks to reader Lynn, you and I might well have a new obsession! Making ceramic and bead mosaic art! She spotted Sharra Frank's work on Instagram, which led me to find her Youtube channel, AND her lovely shop, sharrafrankmosaics.

Sharra is a wonderful instructor and her mosaic work is so inspirational. Watch below for a couple of her shorts as well as her informative guide.

beadwork feature designer tutorial

Whimsical 3D Beadwork Tutorials by mindofjulia

There is one thing for sure about the brain behind mindofjulia, it's highly creative and imaginative. This French-Dutch creative digital nomad creates different kinds of downloadable artwork but what I love best is her adorable 3D beadwork pattern collection.

It's clear from her sushi designs she loves Japanese food. Perhaps she loves the sea too because there are her fish including cute puffer fish. And those puffed up frogs and octopuses are utterly adorable. You can use these as pendants, charms or earrings!

animal crochet feature designer keychain tutorial

Farm Animal Amigurumi Crochet Keychain Pattern Tutorials | Fun on The Useless Farm

Crochet amigurumi animals are incredibly popular. I spotted a lot of these in recent years when I've gone to various craft shows. Patterns for these are also trending in a huge way. So much so that I had great difficulty in selecting just these few! Soft and squishy little animals make for great keychain or bag charms. Please check out the links at the end if you prefer small animal beaded tutorials.

I particularly love the humourous ones like the funny chicken (and frog) pattern from kisiselamigurumi, shown above.

ethnic feature designer leather tutorial

Beautiful Beaded Patterns for Vamps, Boots, Mitts, Mukluks, Moccasins by AmbersLeather

I once missed a wonderful opportunity to make my own moccasins from a First Nations bead artist. I've never been able to find another chance again. But fortunately, there is AmbersLeather's patterns available! They are a team of Metis designers and makers from Manitoba, Canada.

They are currently not shipping physical items (finished work, supplies and DIY kits) to the US.

However, there are plenty of beautiful beaded patterns available to download no matter where you are! Use them to embroider the mitts, moccasins, mukluk boots that you can make from their leather patterns. These come in many different sizes. You will be spoiled for choice as to the beading embellishments you can make whether or not for cold weather wear!

high tech tutorial

How to Make Robot Charms by Deuxper Handicrafts | Amazing Robot Martial Arts Show

Steampunk style robot charm necklaces are so much fun. Many of you thought so too when you saw my feature on awesome robot jewelry designers . There are quite a few benefits to these robot charms. First, they are unisex. Secondly, you can use charms, wire, beads, bought or recycled hardware items.
The robots are usually wood based with the metallic elements screwed on. @Deuxperhandicrafts has a number of tutorials where he demonstrates how to make robot charms.

feature designer polymer clay tutorial video tutorial

3 Tutorials for Great Polymer Clay Jewelry Effects | JessamaDesign Tools

Polymer clay jewelry is such a creative medium as you can make really unique designs using a variety of additions and tools. Shown here are three wonderful tutorials from Australian polymer clay artist and instructor, Samantha @JessamaTutorials. The tutorials create different effects but a common design tool are wonderful stencils.

home decor tutorial video tutorial

Beaded Flower Plant Pots and Hanger Tutorials

My friend, Rocpoet, got me going on today's feature - how to make small beaded plants which don't die and beaded hangers! She absolutely adores making miniature botanicals.

You can make a basic pot of cascading foliage with this tutorial by @DIYJOY as shown below. You can use different colours, not just green. Consider also adding flower beads here and there.

feature designer macrame tutorials

Lovely Macrame Jewelry Tutorials and Supplies by NostalgieArt

NostalgieArt is a full package deal. Not only does she offer macrame jewelry tutorials but also kits and supplies. Precisely what you need - the kinds of waxed thread which allow for easier knotting as well as tools, findings,beads and even finished jewelry.

Shown here are my favourites from her tutorial section. Her bracelets are the most popular but as you can see below, she also has some striking earrings and necklace designs on offer too.