Shine Online August 2017

Shine Online Issue 40 | August 2017

BEAUTIFUL BRACELETS Discover 3 full bracelet projects using gorgeous pearls, crystals and more!

NEW KITS! Get creative with brand new beady accessory kits including cosmetics bags and headbands

FREE GIFT Make your own sparkling Kumihimo bracelets

PRETTY IN PINK

Page 22

Add a splash of colour with brilliant trending pink tones Make your bracelet on page 16

MAKE STATEMENT JEWELLERY AND BEADED ACCESSORIES Get your hands on the latest embellishment tool - flick to page 9

AUGUST 2017 Contents 4 PRECIOUS GEMS Explore brand new semi-precious arrivals including pendants and beads

NEW

6 OCEAN AGATE BRACELET Follow a new tutorial and learn how to make a pretty ocean bracelet with agate beads

8 MADE BY YOU Get your hands on brand new kits and make stunning pearl headbands and more

TREND

10 SWAROVSKI CUFF Make your own dazzling crystal cuff with a sparkling, soft seed bead netted base

14 PRETTY IN PINK Discover a beautiful range of feminine pink shades and brilliant beading materials

MAKE

16 PEARL MOTIF BRACELET Get creative with seed beads and make a gorgeous pearl and seed bead bracelet

SUMMER 20 LETS BE SOCIAL Join Vicki as we take a look at the latest posts from our busy Facebook group

22 AUGUST'S FREE GIFT Claim this month's free gift and make your own sparkling Kumihimo bracelets

Editor - Holly Baxter

Text by Laura Bajor

Get in touch! Drop me a message to holly@beadsdirect.co.uk

Summer is such an exciting time to experiment with the latest trends and personalise them to make them unique to you. With new looks appearing every week and brilliant new beads, charms and materials to choose from, there are so many directions to take with your handmade jewellery!

We've gathered together some of our favourite colourful materials and the latest beady arrivals for this month's issue. Try your hand at some unique bracelet projects and get to grips with crystal pearls, Swarovski bicones and Semi Precious Agate beads!

Make sure to pop over to your Let's Be Social page to see some of your fellow beaders latest makes and find out who's won this month's beading bundle!

Have a browse through your August issue and let us inspire you to make even more Summer jewellery designs!

The Beads Direct Team

Learn how to make this Blush Rose Bracelet with dazzling Swarovski crystal beads!

CLICK HERE

PRECIOUS GEMS Semi-Precious Agate is a really popular gemstone as it is perfect for adding a splash of bold colour into your jewellery making. It comes in many variations such as striped agate, blue lace agate, moss agate and block colours.

SEE ALL AGATE BEADS These nugget shaped beads are brilliant at adding a textured look to designs and as they are top drilled they are well suited to collar style necklaces. Why not try adding in other types of semi precious beads as spacers in between the nuggets in a contrasting colour.

MAKE ME >>

Agate is the stone of strength and creativity - so a must for all designers who want some spiritual help with their own designs. It is believed to increase energy and provides bursts of energy when needed. It is also a calming and protective stone as it can protect from harmful spirits and provide emotional strength.

One way to wear semi precious is to use it as a pendant as the feature point of a necklace. Take your chosen pendant and then build the rest of your design around it, adding in beads, chain and findings.

You could use two of the Agate pendants to create an eye catching pair of earrings, just attach the loop onto some ear wires and they will be ready to wear!

MAKE ME >>

SEE GEMSTONE PENDANTS These River Shell pendants look really unique due to the detailed engraved patterns on their surface.

These shaped pendants are made from natural shell and their ivory colour tone can add a look of purity.

The feather and heart shapes add a holistic look that you will want to wear everyday. Complete the look by adding in freshwater pearls and sterling silver beads and findings.

MAKE ME >>

TH TE I W A E K AG A D M PE RI T S

OCEAN AGATE MACRAME BRACELET

DESIGNED BY VICKI DOWNES

GET ALL YOUR MATERIALS IN ONE PLACE! CLICK HERE TO GET EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR BRACELET!

STEP 1 Cut x12 pieces of S-LON cord approx.

40cm long.

STEP 2 Take the first piece and tie to one of the small holes on the edge of the connector, knot a couple of times and trim.

STEP 3 Thread your beads randomly onto the thread or in your desired pattern and tie a knot.

STEP 4 Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all x12 threads have x20 beads on.

STEP 5 Cut a x2 pieces of thread approx. 40cm. you will use these as double thread to create a stronger sliding knot.

STEP 6 Cross one sides end threads with the other side and tie on the previously cut double thread, so you have equal lengths either side.

STEP 7 Create the sliding knot by doing x6 complete macramĂŠ knots. Watch a quick video HERE and learn how to knot!

STEP 8 Knot the ends on the underside of the bracelet and trim. You may want to add a dab of glue to secure.

STEP 9 Thread x1 bead on to each strand and knot, leaving a length long enough to get your bracelet on and off.

Repeat step 9 until all strands have beads for 6 stands on each side.

Wonderful seed bead mixes in lots of colour themes are really useful additions to your bead box. Take a look at our beautiful range using the link below and stock up your stash with the latest trending tones.

Grab your favourites so that you always have the coloured beads you need.

SEE ALL SEED BEAD MIXES

MADE BY YOU

You will really shine wearing one of these gorgeous headbands to a special occasion. They are perfect for events such as Proms, Weddings, Evening Do's and other parties (especially if you are the Birthday Girl!). You can create your head piece to match the colours of your chosen outfit, and really have that stand out accessory. This is also a fun project if you are looking to have a go at a new craft or try different ways of using beads!

SEE ALL HEADBANDS

You could also purchase just the headband base and your own selection of beads. You can use what ever beads you like! Small seed beads such as size 8 and size 11 are perfect for the sides of the band. A bead mix is best for the rest of the band as you get a range of shapes, sizes and colours. don't forget to get you will also need a needle and thread.

These headbands are made using a headband base and a pretty selection of beads. The beads are stitched into place close together and completely cover the black headband base.

Small seed beads are added to the sides of the band, then you gradually increase the bead size so that the larger beads sit on the top and form the focal point of the headband.

Keep all your make up in one of these super sparkly cosmetic bags! The small bags are ideal for keeping all those essentials in one place inside your handbag. The bags could also be used as a purse for holding your phone, money and lipstick when going out - they are perfect for that super glam look.

EXPLORE MORE KITS Making your own personalised little crystal bag or headband is so much fun! You can either get one of our ready to make kits or you can pick your own materials - all you need is a blank bag or headband and some shimmering Swarovski crystals.

Hotfix and Non-Hotfix crystals can be used, don't forget about your Hotfix Applicator or glue. Hotfix crystals have a glue pad on the back that melts when heated, using a heat tool or iron. For the Non-Hotfix crystals you will need to apply glue to their back, this can be a safer option as you do not need heat.

Using a glue such as Gem-Tac ensures a professional finish as it dries clear.

SEE ALL SWAROVSKI HOTFIX

TH I I E W VSK K MA ARO SW

RIGHT ANGLE WEAVE CRYSTAL CUFF DESIGNED BY SARAH MILLSOP

GET ALL YOUR MATERIALS IN ONE PLACE! CLICK HERE TO GET EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR BRACELET!

Step 1. Cut an armspan of thread and add a needle onto either end. String three bicone beads, position centrally on the thread. Take a new bicone and cross both strands through it to form a square. Pull both strands equally to tighten. Check that you still have an even amount of thread on either side of the beadwork.

Step 2. Onto each strand, string one bicone. Take a new bicone and cross both strands in opposite directions through it to form another square. Pull both strands equally to tighten.

Step 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you have the desired length less one square. To make a bracelet with a finish length of 18.5cm you’ll need to bead a band 15cm long.

To continue onto the next row you need to be exiting at the side of the band instead of the end. Onto one strand, string two bicones. Take a new bicone and cross both strands through it to form new square that is attached to the side of the band. Pull both strands equally to tighten.

Step 4. Take the strand that is now nearest to the side of the original band and sew through the next bicone on the side of the band.

Step 5. Onto the outer strand string one bicone. Cross both strands through a new bicone. Continue to the end of the row repeating steps 4 and 5.

Step 6. At the end of the row finish with the threads exit at the side of the band as you did in step 3. Continue adding rows as desired. In this instance you need a band that is four bicones wide at the end. Secure the thread ends.

Step 7. Seed bead lattice back. The seed bead back is formed using a modified version of right angle weave and only using a single needle. Initially only the sides of the seed bead lattice are attached to the bicones. The ends will be connected later in the project. Cut a new piece of thread and secure to the end of the bracelet. You only need a single needle. Sew out of the top bicone nearest the end. Pick up six seed beads and sew through the bicone you’ve just come out of so that the thread is going in the same direction.

Step 8. Sew through the first four seed beads added. Pull reasonably firmly to form a kind of square that has a bicone on one side and two seed beads on the other three sides.

Step 9. Pick up six seed beads sew through the last two seed beads you sewed through and so that the thread is going in the same direction. Pull through to form a square.

Step 10. Sew through the first four seed beads added in the previous step. Repeat steps 9 and 10 until you have four complete seed beads squares as shown in the next photograph.

Step 11. Pick up two seed beads and sew through the bottom bicone nearest the end.

Step 12. Pick up two seed beads and sew through the end pair of seed beads. To get to the right place for the next step, sew through the next two seed beads and the next bicone on the side. See the next photograph for guidance.

Step 13. Pick up four seed beads and sew through the last two seed beads you sewed through in the previous step. To get to the right place for the next step, sew through the bicone and the four seed beads just added and without adding any beads sew through the next pair of seed beads on the side of the seed bead band.

Step 14. Pick up four seed beads and sew through the end two seed beads.

Step 15. Without adding any beads sew through the next two pairs of seed beads on the side of the seed bead band. Repeat steps 14 and 15 until you have three new complete seed beads squares.

Step 16. Repeat step 14 once more then sew through the end two seed beads parallel with the side of the bicone band.

Step 17. Pick up two seed beads and sew through the second bicone on the edge so that you have a final square that consists of one bicone and six seed beads that make up the other three sides.

Step 18. To get to the right place to continue, sew through all the six seed beads that make up the last square and then through the next bicone along.

Repeat the method described from step 13 to add subsequent rows of seed beads. Secure the threads. If necessary add a new piece of thread 40cm long.

Step 19. The ends of the seed bead lattice are connected using pairs of seed beads in the same way the sides are connected. Attach all four bicones to the corresponding squares of the lattice with pairs of seed bead s then secure the thread. Repeat at the other end.

Secure all the thread ends. If you have around 30cm left at one end you can use this to form the toggle loop in step 23.

Step 20. Toggle. Cut a 25cm piece of thread and add a needle onto either end. Form a short bicone band consisting of three squares using the technique described in steps 1 & 2. To form the flat beadwork into a toggle add a bicone onto each strand then sew both strands through the first bicone so that they cross inside it as shown. Now carefully pull both strands evenly so that the beadwork curls up into a cube.

Step 21. Sew both threads around the beadwork to reinforce. You can weave the two strands through the beadwork so that they meet, then knot them together.

Finish with the threads exiting in opposite directions through the same bicone.

Step 22. Attaching your clasp. Onto each strand string two seed beads. Bring both strands together and pass them through two seed beads (you’ll need to do this a needle at a time). Cross both strands though a new seed bead. To attach to the bracelet sew both strands in opposite direction along the end of bracelet so that the seed bead you’ve added is drawn between the two middle seed beads. For clarity the beadwork has been left loose so you can see the threadpaths. See the photograph in step 24 to seed how this seed bead will sit. Pull tight and secure the thread ends.

Step 23. Creating a toggle loop. Take the thread that you’ve saved to add the toggle loop (or add a new piece) and exit through one of the bicones at the centre. Pick up the following beads: one seed bead, one bicone, thirty seed beads. Sew through the first of the thirty seed beads added. Sew through the bicone then sew through the first seed bead added in this step so that the thread is going in the opposite direction. This will cause the seed bead to sit at right angle to the others.

Sew through the other middle bicone. You may wish to sew through the bead loop again to reinforce.

PRETTY IN PINK

Pink is the ultimate colour of femininity.

There is array of different tones and shades on the pink spectrum that appeal to a wide audience. Whether you like soft blush or bold fuchsia there is so much choice. You can mix your pinks with other colours such as neutral grey and white for a subtle look or vibrant purples and oranges for a warm appearance.

You are sure to shine wearing this gorgeous ready made Swarovski Double wrap bracelet. The bracelet fastens with a crystal popper and the stunning pink and grey colour is so on trend.

Rose quartz perfectly showcases the pink colour as it is the Gemstone that represents love. It is the stone of the heart and can help with love in all its formats - self love, romance, family and friendship. Rose Quartz is a happy, healing stone.

SEE ALL QUARTZ BEADS Attach this sparkly pendant onto a simple chain for a necklace, or create a beaded chain with the rose quartz rounds for a unique look.

An accessory featuring a pink heart shaped charm or connector will always look so pretty!

Add some pink cord to either side of your connector and then try the macrame knotting technique to make a friendship bracelet.

Preciosa embrace the pink colour and offer a wide selection of pinks across all their glass shapes and bead selections. What better way to showcase pink than in their candy beads! They are so sweet and can be mixed with seed beads and other glass shapes.

The Preciosa Chilli beads are great for using as petals within designs to make flower shapes.

SEE ALL HEARTS Create the perfect pink accessory using pink coloured seed beads. Whether you choose to use one colour or a seed bead mix you can create a piece that is very pretty. Why not also use some pink braiding cord with your beads and try crocheting them all together for a tube like effect. The end result is a girly design suitable for all occasions.

SEE ALL PINK SEEDS

TH LS I W AR E K PE A L M TA YS R C

PEARL MOTIF SEED BEAD BRACELET

DESIGNED BY SARAH MILLSOP

GET ALL YOUR MATERIALS IN ONE PLACE! CLICK HERE TO GET EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR BRACELET!

Step 1 Thread a needle with 50cm of beading thread. Sew through a 6mm pearl. Knot the strands together around the pearl leaving a 15cm tail – allow a tiny bit of looseness in the thread around the pearl. Sew through the pearl and pull the knot into the pearl. This gives you one side of a thread ‘bridge’.

Step 2 Bring the thread around the pearl to where the tail is exiting, so that the thread is curving around the pearl on the opposite side to the first thread bridge. Sew under the first thread bridge next to the hole. To get to the right place to begin beading, sew through the pearl again. Don’t over-tighten the thread - you’ll need a bit of looseness in the bridge so that you can easily fit the seed beads into place. This completes the thread bridge that circles the pearl.

Step 3 Pick up two seed beads. Sew under the first thread bridge Step 4 Sew up through the second seed bead added. Pull the thread to tighten.

Step 5 Pick up a seed bead, sew under the thread bridge and back up through the same bead. Pull to tighten. In the same way, add three more beads to this first bridge and six to the second one. Get all 12 beads in, make sure each one you add is as close to its neighbour as possible.

Step 6 When you’ve added the twelfth bead make sure it is push down to the pearl and if necessary, ease the other seed beads around to eliminate any excessive buckling. Sew down through the first seed bead added at the beginning of the project.

Step 7 Sew up through the last seed bead added and pull tight.

This completes the base ring of beads around the pearl.

Step 8 Pick up a seed bead and sew down the next bead of the base ring. To get to the right place to add the next bead, sew up through the next base bead. Repeat around the pearl so that you have 6 new seed beads in place.

Step 9 Sew up through the next base bead and through the first bead you added in step 8. Pick up 3 seed beads and sew through the same seed bead going in the same direction.

Pull tight to form a picot.

Step 10 Pick up 2 seed beads and sew through the next bead that is standing up. Repeat steps 9 and 10 all the way around the pearl. Secure the thread you’re working with into the beadwork, knot and add a dab of glue if desired.

Trim. Keep the other strand if you wish so you can use it to connect to another motif. Make 15 more motifs – keep a spare thread on at least half of them.

Step 11 Connect two motifs into a pair by linking two points together as shown. You can see that the threadpath is worked in a circle around the beads.

Step 12 Connect an adjacent point in the same way.

Step 13 Work your way along adding motifs as shown so that you finish with a piece that consists of two rows of 8 motifs.

You may prefer to connect them into pairs first as described in steps 11 & 12 or, alternatively link them directly onto the part formed bracelet one at a time.

Step 14 Set the cuff aside and repeat steps 1 to 7 using an 8mm pearl. You’ll need to add seven seed beads to each bridge so that you have a total of 14 around the bead.

Make a total of 7 like this.

Step 15 Using the tails stitch the 8mm pearls into place by sewing through the two seed beads linking the top and bottom row motifs together. The 8mm pearls are just connected along the centre of the cuff.

Step 16 You’ll need to form a double clasp. With a new or existing thread sew out of the end picot. Pick up 4 seed beads, a 6mm pearl and another seed bead (if preferred you can use an 8mm pearl instead). Skip the last seed bead added and sew back through the pearl and the four seed beads. Pull tight and sew into the beadwork by going through the other side of the seed bead you exited at the beginning of this step. Weave the thread into the beadwork and secure. Repeat to form the other toggle.

Step 17 Form a loop at the other end with a new or existing thread and start by coming out of the end picot. Pick up 4 seed beads, then another 17 (if using 8mm pearls you’ll need a few more seed beads). Sew back through the first four seed beads to form a loop. Pull tight and sew into the beadwork by going through the other side of the seed bead you exited at the beginning of this step. Weave the thread into the beadwork and secure as before. Repeat to form the other loop.

Taking it further You can create a matching single band bracelet suitable for daytime wear using the same motifs (or experiment to make a necklace and earrings) Step 18 Repeat the project down to step 12 but just make 8 motifs this time. The photograph shows the first two motifs connected in just the same way as when you created the cuff. Add each additional motif to the bracelet at two points, checking each time that you’re connecting each new one directly opposite the previous connection. As you reach the end of the bracelet check the fit and if necessary add or reduce the number of motifs. Remember you’ve still got the loop and toggle to add, which is around 3.5cm long.

Step 19 To add the toggle, thread up the tail of one end motif and sew through the beadwork and out through the first bead of a pair added in step 10. You should be exiting in the middle of the pair. Pick up 4 seed beads, a 6mm pearl and another seed bead (if preferred you can use an 8mm pearl instead). Skip the last seed bead added and sew back through the pearl and the four seed beads. Pull tight and sew into the beadwork by going through the other bead of the pair on the end motif.

Step 20 To complete your bracelet form a loop at the other end, beginning as you began the previous step. Pick up 4 seed beads, then another 17 (if using 8mm pearls you’ll need a few more seed beads). Sew back through the first four seed beads to form a loop. Pull tight and sew into the beadwork by going through the other bead of the pair on the last motif. Weave the thread into the beadwork and secure as before.

Let's Be Social with Vicki!

Show us your designs! We love to see your jewellery designs and hear what you have been up to. Drop me an email to shine@beadsdirect.co.uk or post your images on our Facebook group and you could win a Beads Direct bead bundle!

If you see a star on your design, you've won an fabulous beady bundle! Drop us a message to the email above to claim your prize!

Hello everyone. xx Here is my latest creation.

A Butterfly Pendant with filigree details on a Butterfly Chain. xx - Wendy Wray This is so cute Wendy! I love your choice of bail and the pretty butterfly charms at the base of the pendant.

This is a pearl choker I made the other day :) Clarissa Byng This is beautiful and delicate Clarissa. It would be perfect for a wedding or for a special occasion in Spring!

Micromacrame earrings based on a tutorial by DeGroot. Just need earring backs now. - Angela Finch Your earrings look lovely Angela. I love the micromacrame detailing and how it frames the square stone at the top!

Join over 960 fellow beaders online now!

FIND US ON FACEBOOK 'FEATURE IN SHINE ONLINE'

A little bracelet I whipped up using Crescent beads and Superduo's, size 8 & 11 seed beads. Need to make a matching choker and earrings once I have restocked my stash!

- Amanda Higginbottom

A freeform beaded bracelet of whites, pearls and golds xx - Marianne Tan A lovely example of freeform beading! I hope you enjoy wearing it Marianne.

This is a beautiful bracelet Amanda, I love the colour choice. Perfect for Autumn and Winter!

This is my new make. I fancied a change in the colours I wear so I've gone green and really like the outcome. - Sharon Evely I love your colour choices here Sharon! It's beautiful and bright, perfect for Spring and Summer outfits.

Here's a design I've been working on recently, Inspired by a video I saw on YouTube using the herringbone weave, however I wanted the direction of the slant to change direction, giving the impression of the beads surrounding the central bead. I think I managed it :) Xx -Rebekah Coleman This is stunning Rebekah, and very professionally done. I love the flashes of gold inbetween the sections and the matching toggle clasp at the end.

Thank you for sharing!

FREE GIFT IN ORDERS £15+

YOUR KIT INCLUDES - 2 packs of seed beads BLUE/GREY or PINK/SILVER

- 2 cord ends with clasp & chain - Fevi Kwik glue - Matching s-lon bead cord - Kumihimo disk

This month, all VIB Gold members will receive this sparkling free gift automatically! If you're a member, look out for yours in the post soon!

JOIN THE VIB GOLD CLUB Not a VIB Gold member? Simply place your order online and enter the code below at the checkout, or give us a call on 01509 218028.

ENTER THE CODE AT THE CHECKOUT TO CLAIM YOUR FREE GIFT!

AUGUSTGIFT Free gift can be claimed on all orders over £15 excluding postage costs. One use per customer.

Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Available while stock lasts. Contents may vary. Offer expires midnight 31st August 2017. VIB GOLD members who joined before 08/08/2017 will automatically receive the free gift.

MAKING YOUR KUMIHIMO BRACELETS Step 1. Cut 8 strands of thread each measuring approx. 15". and knot them together at one end. Thread 35 beads onto each thread. You should have 4 threads holding your first colour and 4 threads holding your second colour seed beads.

You can wind your excess thread into bobbins if you want to keep them from tangling.

Step 2. Position two strands at the 4 points on your kumihimo board like in the image here. Place the same colour cords on the left and right, and the other colour at the top and bottom to make a spiral pattern in your finished bracelet.

Step 3. Braid approx. 1cm of the thread before starting to add the beads. To braid, first take the left hand thread at the bottom of the board and move it up to the left hand side of the top cords. Take the right hand cord at the top and move it down to the right hand side of the remaining single cord at the bottom. Turn your board clockwise and repeat starting with the two cords which are now at the bottom.

Step 4. Once you have made 1cm of braid, you can start adding beads. To do this, take the left hand lower cord and slide a bead upwards. Position this bead under the first horizontal strand and bring the cord over the top as before.

Take the top right hand cord and slide a bead up. Hook the bead under the first horizontal cord and continue to move the thread down to the bottom left.

Turn the board clockwise and continue adding beads as you braid.

Step 5. Once you've added all of your beads, braid another 1cm length of cord like you did at the beginning and end it with a knot. Remove the braid from your board and cut off any excess cord. Add a couple of drops of glue to your 1cm braid on each end and wait for it to dry. Trim it down to approx. 5mm. Try fitting this dry cord into your metal end cap.

If it is too small, you will need to make the braid thicker by sewing some spare cord around it, or knotting around it a few times. Once you are happy the cord will be a snug fit, add a couple of drops of glue into the end cap or directly onto the cord. Push it in fully and repeat on the other side. Test that your cord is dry and secure before wearing.

Beads Direct August 2017 calendar kit ‘Sand, Sea and Sky Necklace’- by Lisa Moon

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