ABC's of Creativity - J is Jewelry

Whether you started with a pasta necklace for your mom as a child or with Swarovski crystal necklace as a bride-to-be, jewelry is likely what got you started working with beads.

Here is a look at some favourites and lesser known jewelry styles, with tips and ideas to make them your own.

Start at the top, hair jewelry or accessories have become very popular thanks to Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. Combining the needed comb or clip with wire and crystals you can make elegant fascinator or hair comb.

Feather Fascinator (free instructions)

Pinch and twist method (beaded by M. Rypan)

As worn by the bride with veil

Pink Plumeria Hair pin (beaded by S. Alfano)

For something more elaboret you might what to try a tiara. There are metal forms to serve as the base for a tiara. You can then use the pinch and twist technique to add crystals, pearls and beads to create your one of a kind headpiece.

Cream Pearl Swarovski Tiara from Making Jewellry Magazine (project instructions)

Here is a video from Beads Direct showing how to make your own tiara.

Now let's look at earrings. They range from simple, a bead on a head pin or wire hoop, to an elaborated beadwoven design.

Lampwork beads and Swarovski crystals, beaded by J. Woolverton

Lucite Calla lilies and Swarovski crystals, beaded by J. Woolverton

Crystal drops embellished with no, some or lots of tiny pearls and crystal.  (Collaboration by M. Rypan & J. Woolverton)

Swarovski Dangle Earrings, beaded by M. Rypan

Netted Diamond Earrings, beaded by M. Rypan

Obelisk Earrings, mini & maxi using Swarovski crystals, pearls or fire polished beads, beaded by M. Rypan

Mini-Radiant Sun Earring, beaded by M. Deeb

Class Act Chandleir style earring, beaded by S. Dixon

Now onto necklaces. A question often asked about making necklaces, other then techniques, is about the lengths for various styles. 

Guidelines for necklace lengths

These are of course a good starting point that may need to be adjusted for the wearer.

Gothic Cross pendant and choker, beaded by M. Rypan

Netted Diamond Collar, beaded by M. Rypan

Using an extender chain will allow the necklace to be worn at just the right length.

Looped Net Collar, beaded by J. Woolverton

Polka Dot Heart "Y" style necklace, beaded by J. Woolverton

Rope length pearl necklace, beaded by J. Woolverton

Rope length necklace doubled around to be choker, beaded by J. Woolverton

Electric Circus lariat, beaded by K. Harris

interesting idea found on pinterest

 Brooches and pins are another style of jewelry that can be fun to make as well.

Tussie Mussie pin, beaded by K. Naray

Blue Star pin, beaded by M. Rypan

Poppy Pin, beaded by K. Slade

Zinna Flower pin, beaded by J. Power

Bracelets range from simply strung beads to detailed bead embroidered or beadwoven cuff. Here are some great tips for ensure that it will fit the intended wrist.

Lizzie's Trio, child size bracelets, beaded by J. Woolverton

Rypan Designs' Crystal Elevation, beaded by J. Woolverton

MAD Designs' Queen Anne's Lace Cuff, beaded by J. Woolverton

Marilyn Gardiner Design's Elf Weave Chain Maille, made by J. Woolverton

Bollywod Chic Chicklet Bracelet, beaded by J. Woolverton

Interchangable cuff, beaded by J. Power

Rings can be quick and simple or detailed and statement pieces.

Daisy Stitch Ring, beaded by J. Woolverton

Quetzal Ring (From Beaded Opulence), beaded by J. Woolverton

Why not make a special piece of jewelry for someone special...you!!

Happy Beading!

ABC's of Creativity - H is Herringbone

Herringbone is defined a pattern consisting of adjoining vertical rows of slanting lines, any two contiguous lines forming either a V  or an inverted V  , used in masonry, textiles, embroidery, etc. (Dictionary.com)

Herringbone fabric

Herringbone stone path

Herringbone embrodiery (from Magpies Laundry)

In beading the most well known herringbone stitch is also called Ndebele, named for the Ndebele people of Africia.

Ndebele figure (from ROM 2010)

I was first introduced to herringbone in the Oct/Nov 2004 issue of Beadwork. Kathleen Kimball-Baker's ribbon bracelet used flat herringbone. It was hard to make just one.

Ribbon bracelets, beadwoven by J. Woolverton

Tubular herringbone allows for the creation of 3 dimensional items.

Herringbone Vase, beadwoven by J. Woolverton

Tea Candle holder, designed by Dorothy Wood, beadwoven by J. Woolverton

Foxglove flowers, designed by Kerrie Slade, beadwoven by J. Woolverton

Flowers on twisted herringbone rope, designed by Kerrie Slade, beadwoven by J. Woolverton

Basic herringbone rope can be structural parts of a design.

Solitaire Ring, designed by Maria Teresa Ferreira, beadwoven by J. Woolverton

Collar of glass & light, designed by Margie Deeb, beadwoven by J. Woolverton

Pansy necklace, herringbone rope covers beading wire, beadwoven by J. Woolverton

Here is a collection of Beading Daily posts about herringbone, with links to how to instructions and patterns.

Maria has created a beaded herringbone band, using bugles and seedbeads.

Herringbone necklace with ball and socket closure

Changing the seedbead sizes and styles add texture to the band.

Beaded Soutache Bracelet

Beaded Soutache Necklace with Fluorite pendant

Detail of Beaded Soutache

Maria will be teaching this herringbone design on May 4, 2013 at Beadfx.

Hope that you will try either of these herringbone stitches and create something beautiful!

Happy Beading!!