Projects

Hummingbird Necklace by Tatiana Van Iten
Advanced beaders will appreciate the detail of design and richness of color in this necklace inspired by nature. Focal gemstones and seed beads are combined to best imitate the vibrant colors of a hummingbird.

Herringbone Ruffled Cab Necklace by Barbara Falkowitz
You’ll get many compliments wearing this color- and texture-inspired necklace. Have fun playing around with colors and designs to make your necklace as individual as each ceramic piece.

Braided Cube Bracelet by Lou Musante
This easy bracelet showcases the bright colors in the cube bead mix and goes with everything!

Spring Haiku Lariat by Lisa Kan
The simple elegance, serenity, and peacefulness of the Haiku are portrayed in this glass creation.

Lovely Painted Lei by Patty Barnes
This lei and earring set lets you look fresh with flowers that will never wilt. Make extra blossoms for a bracelet, your favorite tote, a pair of sandals or a decorative barrette so you can wear them in your hair as Hawaiians do.

Near and Dear to My Heart by Christi Friesen
These sculpted, polymer clay hearts can accent your life as a focal piece for a necklace, a brooch for a jacket or scarf, an ornament for the holidays, or an extra flourish to enhance a gift.

Cultural Fusion create your style with Swarovksi®
Form meets style in Swarovksi's first annual Create Your Style design competition.

Breezy Aqua Basket by Mary Ayres
This symmetrical basket is the perfect piece for creating a balanced design, and the turquoise bead scallops and seashell beads give this basket a fresh, tranquil look for spring.

Jar Jewelry by Lori Pate-Greene
Does a jar or vase have a neckline? Dress it up! The advantage of this project is that a large variety of materials can be used to achieve any look.

Napkin Curtain Valance by Denise Giles
Dress up your kitchen window with table napkins! The crystal and translucent-beaded fringe catches the light coming through the window. Added bonus ... no sewing required!

Light your way—Beaded Night Lights by Denise Giles
Create a charming night-light accent for any room of the house. The bead-embroidered dragonfly adds charm and a soft light to a baby's room. For the hall or bathroom, try the twisted or wired flower beaded night lights.

Savannah Flower Brooch by Cynthy Anderson
Combine bead embroidery, French ribbon work, and dyed lace to make your own wearable art.


Cherish the Memories Bridesmaids’ Jewelry by Pamela Hawkins
Make your cherished day extra special with breathtaking beaded jewelry.

Bridal Crystal Bow Pendant Necklace by Bonnie Clewans
The slightest bit of color in a crystal can radiate a subtle, yet vibrant, feeling. The use of violet in this sparkling waterfall of beads makes a statement! An all-white wedding with delicate touches of color can be lovely.

Charming Hearts of Love Wedding Necklace by Gita Maria Sturm
This is an ideal spring or summer wedding necklace to complement a fancy bridal gown, yet versatile enough to wear with a casual white cotton shirt and jeans. It goes great with open neck summer tops, too.

Dichro Rainbow Rope Set by Paula Radke Dichroic Beads
These dichroic beads have a duo-color effect, depending on the angle from which you’re looking. Using the clear and colored beads create a spring-like, soft, romantic look.

Camelot Wedding Set by Ilene Baranowitz
A new type of bead, a “squaredelle,” or square rhinestone rondelle, has been incorporated into this unique piece. The magical iridescence of the Faux Dichro™ piece will complement and enhance that bride's special glow.

Crystal Wedding Invitations by Bonnie Clewans
Wedding cards are meant to reveal special sentiments. The outside of these cards as exquisite and touching as the inside. Both cards present a distinct look in the design and use of materials.

Regular Features

Artist Spotlight: Shannon Hill by Lisa Ruble
Inside-Out Beads and More

Generations of Creativity: Girls Pick Purple by Patti and Erin Kimle
One mom plus one daughter plus one box of beads equals a creative adventure! Bead Unique sends a family a box of beads and supplies and watches the creative spirit soar.

Simple Elegance: Bijou Earrings by Leah Fairbanks
There’s an element of drama in elegant jewelry, especially the pearls and black opals or diaphanous watermelon tourmaline Combined with delicate finishing touches of fine silver and gold in these earrings.

Beads in the World: All that Glitters....Was Probably Made by Manuel by Christine McGowan
Manuel is proof that the secret of greatness is simple: "Do better work than any other person in your field — and keep on doing it."

I Could Just Live Here!: The Bead Fetish—a bead obsession extraordinaire! by Pamela Hawkins
The Bead Fetish is a bead shop you can lose yourself in. Shoppers feel comfortable and welcome in an atmosphere that reflects the personalities and styles of owners Kim and Scott Fandry.

Departments

First Glass by Kim Ballor
A triangular bead is just the beginning for these fun party drink charms. Make the beads, add some wire and people will be asking you, “Where did you get those?”

Inspiration & Design by Lynda Musante
A mini collage is the inspiration of this project. Ivory-toned beads from a variety of lampwork glass bead artists are used. Repeating silver and raku beads tie the varying lampwork beads together.

Patti’s Polymer Clay Corner by Patti Kimle
Victorian Friendship Boxes. Texturing clay with a bit of lace and adding metallic ink makes a shimmering surface worthy of roses, pearls, and luscious sways of beads.

Pet Panache by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong
Learn how to make your own beaded treasures for your furry best friends no matter what their size or style. After all, there are only so many ways we can say thanks for all those wet kisses and furry snuggles.

The Beaded Home by Barbara Matthiessen
Adding beads to common household hardware elevates it to sumptuous — sounds almost decandent! Hmm ... cabinet doors... drawers... box lids... lamp finials... chains and wires... all festooned in beads!

Art of Embellishment: Layered Peasant Skirt by Lisa Ruble
The word is out — peasant skirts are in for Spring! Add beaded designs to a skirt and you'll be combining two of fashion's biggest spring looks: layered skirts and embellishment.

From Start to Finish by Patti J. Ryan
This new column focuses on the initial and vital step in the creative process—sketching ideas and thinking through construction pitfalls.