The Beading Gem

Macrame Sliding Knot Bracelet Hacks

See those macrame knots on either side of the focal bead in the bracelet above? There is an easy way to make them using a toothpick! This hack is by Monir, a Turkish instructor @braceletia who has tons of tutorials on Youtube. The tutorial also shows how to make the simplest of sliding knots. Note that satin cords are best for this.

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Pretty Beaded Earrings and Bracelet Tutorials by DBBeadingDesigns

I've never really liked parure - a set of matching jewelry. A bit much, I think. But bracelets and earrings together are attractive and makes me feel a bit more "put together", outfit wise. So behold, Denise of DBBeadingDesigns' wonderful sets.
She also designs unique earrings. Her forte is the use of other kinds of beads in conjunction with seeds beads. Superduos, Gemduos, ginko duos, faceted rounds, bicones etc. She has tons of designs worthy of a browse!

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Calming Jewelry to Destress Your Day | Handel's Passacaglia

Everyone can become anxious at any time. Others have a high anxiety level than most. But there are coping strategies such as mindfulness and meditation. Here are some jewelry designs which can help you destress at any given time as these are worn.

First up is the breathing tool which is the pendant portion of the stainless steel necklace above from PranaVidaBoutique.

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Beautiful Polymer Clay Jewelry by ForgetMeKnotShopCA

There are many polymer clay jewelry designers out there. But the sister duo, Jenny and Marija of ForgetMeKnotShopCA, shine in their innovative work. They are versatile too in their design approach.
Their modern designs check the visual appeal box with their gold elements and choice of colour. I also love their hoop designs. They also offer different mix and match sets for their hoops and stud packs. Clever choices!

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Beautiful Beaded Christmas Ornaments by HelenAtBeads

Have you started making beaded ornaments yet? One designer to consider is British bead artist, Helen of HelenAtBeads. I really like her peyote tear drop shaped baubles - such a change from round ones or stars! Having said that, she also has star and flower designs!

Her colour palettes are less ornate than many designs so that might appeal to those who prefer theirs that way.

She also has a fabulous sea urchin inspired beaded paper weight design, shown below!

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6 Beautiful Beaded Tassel Tutorials

You can make tassels from long strung seed beads, threads or even leather. Here are 6 beautiful tutorials to make beaded thread tassels to be used as Christmas ornaments, decor or simply as necklace pendants or ties.

First up is Diana's lovely beaded angel with tassel tutorial shown above. Her shop, DiasJewelryShop is worth a gander as she does have some unique designs. That's why I've featured her before.

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Gorgeous Metal Findings from SupplyDiva

I have always loved the "alternative" metals to gold and silver. They have colour and are relatively inexpensive. If you're like me, check out this Mexican workshop called SupplyDiva. They have many different metal findings in copper, brass, bronze as well as silver.
Such bounties from tiny charms to gallery wire, to various embossed blanks ready for patina. Metal stampers will also find some excellent shapes here.

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6 Beautiful Beaded Christmas Bauble Tutorials by SYLIANKY

It's never too early to bead a Christmas bauble! Why, if you were a die-hard reader, you could be beading baubles all year long for gifts.

Speaking of gifts, I love how the above peyote beaded ball peyote pattern shown above (3 designs) can be packed prettily into a gift box. The Ukrainian designer is Halyna of SYLIANKY.

Halyna is very creative. Here are just a few of my favourites so be sure to browse her shop for more. She also has a number of bead crochet baubles.