The Beading Gem

I really do not like using just thread to attach bead work to clasps. With slider tube clasps, the issue is compounded.  Just how does one attach jump rings to the work?  The solution is demonstrated by Gyongyike.

Byzantine chain maille looks like a complicated weave. But it is considered a beginner pattern!  See my tutorial linked below for the basic byzantine chain mail.  However, you might like to check out this beautiful variation - the diamond byzantine chain maille bracelet tutorial.

One reason why I love Sonysree Creations's designs so much is because of their simplicity and elegance.  You do not need complicated designs to be pretty!  Here is her easy peasy beaded heart bracelet tutorial - contemporary style!  Definitely fine for beginner beaders or those who are short on time!

This clever paracord macrame tutorial is by Bettina Schlezak.  A feminine design rather than the usual masculine or unisex look. The knotting part is easy and fast because the paracord is so thick.  The two base cords remain the same but the cord color of each flower are changed.

I love this easy way to get a watercolor effect for a polymer clay and metal cuff bracelet.  Actually the whole DIY is pretty easy. The tutorial is by Glora Uhler of Domestic Diva Online.  The key ingredient is the use of alcohol inks. She says it is a lot of fun and I can see why!

I had to look closely before I realized that this contemporary bracelet was not made from metal but from 11/0 seed beads and 3 and 30 mm bugle beads!  The easy to stitch tutorial is by Japanese beader, Sapphirus.  This is probably my favorite design in the tennis bracelet style. Simple, yet stunning.

I always believe it is worth learning a technique from different instructors. Each teacher might well have a different way of achieving the same results. And their tips and tricks can help.  So if beaded crochet is on your bucket list, check out this excellent claspless beaded crochet rope bracelet tutorial by Katie Wall at Fusion Beads.

It is not what you use, but how you use it that counts.  That holds so true for Mylene Hillam's spectacular memory wire bracelet tutorial. The technique is very easy as it is just stringing and using pliers to make loops at both ends of the memory wire.  But what this Australian designer did is to place a large focal collection of beads in the center.  The whole bracelet appears to be a cuff but isn't!

Polymer clay is one of the most versatile media to use for jewelry making. Designers can go from complicated canes to really minimalist designs. Kseniya of Solar Bird creates contemporary polymer clay jewelry with remarkably deft use of simple shapes teamed with metal findings. 

It is wedding season! June is actually one of the most popular months for people to tie the knot. No wonder, the weather is warm but not scorching or too humid.  Here are some lovely twisted wire and pearl floral bridal jewelry tutorials by Gilda Workshop.  They are in Russian. But the technique is easy and you should be able to follow the instructor.

Ava beads have such cool shapes.  They are A shaped. This tutorial by Gianna Zimmerman of BeadingforPerfectionists cleverly takes advantage of that shape.  What she dis was use them to help form a cross.

Sue Vandever, who is based in Idaho, is a ceramic artist who really rocks the boho style  Her range of fun and eclectic designs can be seen in her shop called 316clay.  Nature clearly inspires her as many of her designs feature birds, animals and flowers.

June is an exciting time in my garden as my purple clematis vines will start to bloom.  Donna Graves's beaded vine bracelet tutorial really reminds me of my garden vines!  Especially the purple flowers mixed in with the leaves!

Look carefully at this wire bracelet design by Lily-Tree.  Notice there seems to be another finer and coil of twisted wire in between the main coil.  This is easy to accomplish as what this British designer does is to coil two wires together.

Long time readers might well remember my tutorial for a flat kumihimo bracelet which featured a button closure.  I integrated the button hole in the design. But Christina of CSL Designs has a different approach she made a button loop separately.  Her tutorial is also essentially a flat design but accomplished on both a round disk (for the button loop and a square plate for the rest of the bracelet. The square kumihimo plate works well for making flat bracelets.

Druzy and Raw Geode Rings

Chicago based designer, Christina Rose specializes in raw crystal jewelry.  Bold and one of a kind. The unique Bohemian jewelry and contemporary designs are created with druzy, raw crystals and small geodes.  Also noteworthy is her uncommon use of Herkimer diamonds - which aren't really diamonds but double terminated quartz crystals.

Pru McRae is a kumihimo jewelry designer with some great tips! There is an easy solution if you are braiding with bigger beads like very round 6/0 and don't like the hollow area formed inside. The braided piece becomes "squishy"!  What Pru shows in her tutorial is how to braid around a cord cord. The result is a solid piece which still retains its flexibility.