The Beading Gem

More Gorgeous Bead and Leather Bracelet Jewelry Tutorials and Kits by BarbSmithDesignsDIY

I've raved about BarbSmithDesigns before including her fabulous supply store, BarbSmithDesignsDIY, for tutorials and kits. This Arizona artisan creates stunning bead and leather bracelets.

This time, I am paying homage to her narrower designs. They are just as lovely as her wider ones. I love how she uses a lot of turquoise and silver combinations which is not surprising, considering where she lives.

feature supplier tutorial vintage

How to Repair a Vintage Brooch Using Starbond Thick Glue

I honestly cannot remember how I came to possess this lovely gold on sterling silver vintage brooch which featured carved gemstone flowers and leaves. I have the actual box and accompanying slip of paper which is why I know it was designed by Canadian artist, Richard Shorty of the Southern Tuchone tribe. He was active in the 1980's.

The brooch is still in great condition but two of the flowers had fallen out as well as a bit of old glue residue - look closely at the picture below.

feather designer leather

Nature Inspired Leather Bag Charms and Keychains by Hammerthreads

Canadian leather work artisans, Ashley and Josh, craft their beautiful work from their studio in a quiet Maritime town on the East Coast. What started as a hobby, Hammerthreads has now become a full fledged small business.

Hammerthreads makes many stunning leather products but my favourites from their extensive collection are the leather bag charms and keychains. Ashley confesses she is a "manic leather crafter with a serious attention to detail". She is a plant lover, especially leaves, so that is reflected in their designs.

beadwork feature designer tutorial

Whimsical Beaded Jewelry Patterns by ChuArtCorner

I first featured Czech designer, Anna of ChuArtCorner's beadwork tutorials before. Who could resist her beaded cat head pendant patterns? Well, she has more!

One of her most popular designs is the beaded cow pendant one as shown above. She also has a mushroom and pomegranate designs which will suit those who like small 3D pendants. Her flat rectangle beaded designs are also delightful.

Hers is a relatively new collection. Anna is working on more designs so stay tuned!

beadwork feature designer high tech science tutorial

Gorgeous Beaded Fireworks Inspired Tutorials | Amazing Drone Shows

Today, we enjoy fireworks as a celebratory treat. Fireworks were invented during the Song dynasty in China (960-1279 CE). Fireworks were made possible because gunpowder (one of 4 great Chinese inventions - the others were compass, paper making and printing) was also invented there, originally for medicinal purposes.

Here are some gorgeous beaded fireworks inspired tutorials and patterns. They cleverly capture the colourful patterns of real fireworks. First up are the 3D fireworks peyote star designs shown above by French beader, DiMarcaOnline.

feature designer tutorial video wire work

How to Make Weeping Willow Wire Trees with Gemstones or Beads | Lovely Lemon Tree Song Cover

Why wire trees? They make for really unique gifts. For example as wedding gifts, a housewarming and you get to gemstones or beads for a spot of colour.

The two featured tutorials here were inspired by weeping willows. Remember to use gloves because working with large bundles of wire is rather hard on the hands!

beadwork feature designer feature supplier tutorial

Beaded Bracelet Tutorials Using Precision Spacer Beads by ACLPatternsandMore

ACLPatternsandMore has a cool beaded zipper bracelet tutorial (shown above) which is a must see. The trick is the use of precision spacer beads in platinum colour to simulate the zipper teeth. These beads are uniformly flat with useful dual holes. You can get these beads from ACLPatternsandMore . They come in different colours!

They also have a couple of other cuff bracelet tutorials for that sleek look!

feature designer tutorial video tutorial wire work

5 Awesome Wire Wrapped Jewelry Tutorials Using Leftover Beads by Lan Ant Handmade

Got a lonely single or a couple of beads or crystals left over that you want to use it? Check out this wonderful collection of wire jewelry tutorials from the Vietnamese creator and instructor, @LanAnhHandmade. She shows you how to make eye-catching handmade jewelry with just a solitary focal for colour.