Big Bead Blog from Julesgems.com

For some time I have been trying to think what to do with these lovely pendants that was a bit different, and well, that was just the problem; I was trying to use them as pendants and incorporate them into necklaces.

So I started to think outside the box, and came up with these really simple Icy looking earrings! The column pendants are Crystal and the bicones are Crystal AB - for a bit of extra sparkle.

I think the key to using the Column Pendant is to know how to form a simple bail, which you can then attach to anything.

To make the earrings in the picture use Sterling Silver or Silver Plated wire in 0.6mm. Cut 5cm of wire, find the centre and grip with the chain nose pliers. Bend both sides of the wire upwards, then with one piece twist around the other wire stem twice and snip the excess. With the other stem, thread on the 4mm Crystal AB bicone and turn a loop above it with the round nose pliers. Then open the loop on the fishhook and slip on the drop. Simple!

These earrings take minutes to make and are perfect for a last minute gift or a glamorous night out. The simple facets on the Column Pendant look elegant yet subtle. The pendant can also move about on the wire so this icy pair really catch the light.

Click here to add the components you will need to make the Icy Column Earrings to your Julesgems shopping basket.

Becky

I have been sorting through my stash of beads and came across these little charmers! I made them as part of a demonstration at a Craft show we attended earlier this year in Telford.

As I was making them I realised they are a great beginner’s project, using simple techniques such as opening a jump ring and turning a loop.

As well as being economical and fun to make, they look absolutely gorgeous! Julesgems has a super choice of Czech Fire polished glass mixes for you to choose from, so you can have one to match every outfit!

To make a beaded component just slip a couple of the beads in 4mm and 6mm onto the headpin, snip about 1cm above the last bead and bend the wire at a right angle to the bead with the round nose pliers. Then bring the end of the wire back around to form a loop. Open your jump ring, slide on the beaded component and thread through a link in the chain. Repeat until your bracelet is jam packed full of lovely beads! Finish with an easy to wear magnetic clasp.

For an extra sparkle, find a matching colour in Swarovski Crystal Bicones and incorporate them into the design.

I find making these bracelets very therapeutic! My next colour choice is Prairie; the warm tones are perfect to carry me through from summer to autumn.

Click here to add all the components you will need to make your own charm bracelet in Evergreen to your Julesgems shopping basket.

Good luck!

Becky

Hi, Becky here again.

I just wanted to let you all know about the latest issue of Beads and Beyond… it’s brilliant!

They have had a bit of a makeover and replaced a couple of sections with ‘Needles, threads and beads’ and ‘link it’ which includes lots of new and interesting techniques.

This issue has more projects than ever before including this Mackintosh inspired wirework ring that myself and Jules Cox designed using Twisted, Square and Half Round Sterling Silver Wire.

Challenge your wirework skills and give it a go!

Happy Beading!

Becky

Hi everybody! It’s Becky Hughes here, in-house designer at Julesgems. I’ll be regularly posting jewellery projects and tips on here for you all to try. My first project is this fabulous Bling Ring!

Light Grey Opal is my first choice if I want some contrast in my jewellery. While designing this little number I was concerned things were looking a little too pink so I toned it down with some bold 8mm Light Grey Opal Bicones.

I’m really pleased with the results! This bright and colourful bling ring will brighten up a cloudy summer’s day in an instant!

To make the beaded components, thread your bead onto a headpin, snip about 1cm above the bead and turn a loop using the round nose pliers. Attach the components in a random order to the loops on the ring. Use bead caps and a cute heart centerpiece to complete the look.

Tools you will need for the job are Cutters, Round Nose Pliers and Chain Nose Pliers.

Click here to add all the ingredients you will need to your Julesgems shopping basket and you will have more than enough crystals and findings to make 2 rings!

Watch this space for more jewellery ideas!

Becky