Shine Online Issue 35 | March 2017
SHINE IN SPRING Make a statement with sparkling Swarovski crystal jewellery
Make your rose gold bracelets inspired by Pantone's Hazelnut PAGE 18
FREE GIFT Claim your delicate macramé bracelet kit with 2 stunning charms!
Page 22
DISCOVER STUNNING BEADED DESIGNS FOR SPRING Try your hand at seed bead roses, loomed bracelets and macramé knotting!
Shine Online Contents 4 PRETTY IN PETALS Get creative with delicate flower shapes and petals to make pretty Spring designs
NEW
8 PINK YARROW Explore the bright pink Spring colour from Pantone's latest colour trend report
10 KATHERINE PENDANT Make your own seed bead pendant with unique QuadraTile glass beads
STYLE
14 JEWELLERY TOOLS Discover some essential jewellery tools and accessories for professional jewellery making
16 PANTONE'S HAZELNUT
MAKE
Design light and bright jewellery with this neutral tone for Spring 2017
18 LOOM BRACELET Make a delicate seed bead and pearl bracelet using sparkling Swarovski crystal
TREND 20 BEADER FEATURES Join Vicki as we take a look at some of your brilliant jewellery designs
22 SPARKLING FREE GIFT Claim your delicate macrame free gift with pretty silver plated filigree charms
Editor - Holly Baxter Get in touch! Drop me a message to holly@beadsdirect.co.uk
This March at Beads Direct, we're learning all about the brilliant jewellery tools and essential materials that are making their way into everyone's crafty stash. Our favourites include some amazing looms, useful wire gadgets and the simple handheld knotters and pliers that make our craft so fun! We're loving playing with Pantone's brightest choices for spring 2017. Pink Yarrow is a bold tone that's sure to capture your imagination this month. We've gathered some brilliant matching materials and some stunning projects to start your creativity flowing. Check out the Let's Be Social pages and take a look at some of your fellow beaders designs. You can join in and post your own ideas, stories and photos in our dedicated facebook group and connect with over 940 fellow jewellery makers and designers! We hope you enjoy this month's issue!
The Beads Direct Team x
Make simple yet elegant jewellery with stunning Swarovski crystal pendants and charms. Simply attach a jumpring or a matching bail to the top of your pendant and thread onto a delicate chain or cord. Choose from over 90 beautiful charms and pendants, perfect for making into meaningful gifts for special occassions!
SEE ALL SWAROVSKI PENDANTS >>
Make your own floral accessories, with pretty petal and flower shape beads, charms and pendants. At Beads Direct, we love thinking up unique patterns and designs to spark your imagination! Look out for our little design ideas and technique recommendations to make your jewellery as long lasting, eye-catching and personalised to your style. These pretty flower buttons are perfect for sewing onto a leather cord bracelet for an extra bit of shine and a cute feminine touch.
Pretty in Petals Attach to Ăže centre of a bracelet This silver plated filigree flowers are super delicate. Each charm has tiny holes all over meaning they can be added into your design any way you like! You could even use the holes to wire wrap some pretty beads onto, attach findings and charms around the edge and use them on any piece of jewellery. Simply add an earwire for a quick, statement earring or attach a bail and thread onto a thin chain!
Create unique designs using our variety of glass shaped beads. Made in the Czech Republic, our range of Czech glass beads are fired for added shine. Add texture and make intricate woven designs with these lovely Preciosa Pressed Flower Beads in eight different tones. These flower shaped beads are super shiny and have a strong colour. Each bead has been pressed and has a central threading hole which allows for multiple design opportunities. Pair them with bright seed beads or other Preciosa shapes in matching tones for a shimmering beaded accessory!
This stunning Spring tiara features a pop of brilliant Blue Zircon crystal! Mary's design includes a mixture of Swarovski crystal, essential glass beads, freshwater pearls and strong beading wire. This beautiful tiara is so easy to personalise into a full beaded hairband or a smaller fascinator feature!
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SHINE IN SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL
Swarovski used the Edelweis symbol to celebrate their 120th Birthday! This floral symbol is super pretty and represents deep love and devotion. It is a snow flower that represents the alps and the strength of its climbers. Gift this charm as a token of love. We have this symbol available as a charm or a bead, giving you lots meaningful jewellery options.
SEE ALL EDELWEISS CHARMS
MAKE NOW >> Learn how to make a delicate seed bead rose with Holly's blog tutorial. This pretty flower design is great for embellishing with gradients of darker and lighter pink seed beads. Why not attach one of your finished roses to a hairband or comb? They're also great for wrapping together to make a cute bunch of handmade roses!
BLOG FEATURE
AD S E B RIE D E O SE ESS C AC
FLORAL FASCINATOR
DESIGN BY HELENA CHMELĂ?KOVĂ This stunning beaded, fabric hairband is the perfect floral accessory for a Spring wedding! Download and print Helena's brilliant tutorial using the link below and get all your materials at the same time. Please note - you will need organza or thin fabric in pastel tones to match your seed beads and create your fabric flowers. These can be made by cutting a circle of your fabric into a five petalled flower shape. Your tutorial will show you how to attach your beaded design onto your fabric petals.
START YOUR PROJECT HERE >>
Mix and Match colours
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SPARKLING SEED BEAD JEWELLERY
This delicate bracelet has a pretty diamond pattern repeating across the design! You will need a loom to make neat, uniform bracelets like this. Why not make your loomed piece longer and continue until you have a pretty beaded choker?
There are so many ring bases to choose from, personalise and embellish! This brilliant sieve ring base is perfect for sewing seed beads and crystals onto to make a shimmering statement accessory. If you're looking for a selection of seed beads that match, try one of our seed bead mixes. They've been hand selected and made from our favourite seed bead combinations. Each mix contains different sized seed beads and some also feature different shapes such as twin hole beads, bugle beads and magatama beads. MAKE SEE ALL SEED BEAD MIXES NOW >> If you're after a greater amount of seed beads for larger, detailed seed bead work, our range of 50g Preciosa Rocaille packs are perfect! There are plenty of packs to choose from including sizes 6, 8, 10 and a selection of useful Preciosa mixes.
SEE ALL PRECIOSA 50G PACKS There are lots of unique seed bead designs to try your hand at in our project gallery. Choose from shimmering loomed designs, delicate macrame bracelets, intricate pendants and hundreds more beady jewellery and techniques.
VISIT THE PROJECT GALLERY
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SHIMMER IN PINK This brilliant pink hue is perfect for adding a splash of colour to your Spring and Summer outfits. Try making a real statement piece and wearing it with neutral tone outfits to make them really eye-catching! We've selected some of our favourite pink tones and some matching designs to inspire you to get creative!
PANTONE'S
Pink Yarrow Explore an amazing range of Swarovski rivoli and chaton crystals. Each stone can be glued or secured into fitted charm settings, earring, ring and bracelet bases. This shimmering pink tone pendant features a stunning gradient that will catch the light beautifully. Note down the sizes of crystals you want to use and take a look through Swarovski's stunning range. Its so easy to make personalised pendants like this in lots of different colour variations. Why not try a classic combination of clear, grey and jet crystals?
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The perfect MoĂžers Day gift Our new range of scarf kits feature matching ceramic beads to thread on and shape your own stylish accessory. There are four pretty combinations to choose from! Twist your scarf tightly and thread the thin scarf through the bead so that it doesn't snag your fabric. Hold your smaller beads in place with one larger bead on both sides of the necklace! These simple scarf kits are the perfect give for lovers of unique accessories and splash of colour. Pink yarrow is one of Pantone's top choices for Spring 2017. Its bright style is great for adding a splash of colour to your everyday work style and will be the perfect accessory for your evening outfits this summer! This simple bangle features a stunning Swarovski BeCharmed Bead and features screwball ends so you can mix and match the charms and beads you want to wear!
SHOP ALL PINK >>
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SS S A GL EAD CH D B E CZ PE A SH
KATHERINE BEADED PENDANT DESIGN BY SARAH MILLSOP
Learn how to use your these brilliant QuadraTile glass beads from CzechMates. This pretty design is perfect for stringing onto a length of silver chain for a statement pendant with plenty of colour. Follow Sarah's tutorial and make this simple andtrending design inspired by one of Pantone's colours for Spring 2017 - Pink Yarrow!
GET ALL YOUR MATERIALS HERE >>
MATERIALS CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR MATERIALS
TOOLS • Thread cutters • Chain nose pliers • Round nose pliers • Flat nose pliers • Size 10/12 needle
Before you begin… Like many circular beaded designs using twin holed beads, the method used is a modified Peyote stitch. There are only 24 quadratile beads in the design, so the challenge is learning a way of holding them so that you can line up the correct holes to sew through each time. The further into the design you get, the easier it becomes. You don’t have to keep the quadratiles as a flat bead either; you can angle them to create detail and dimension. Completing the inner ring can be a bit fiddly as individual quadratiles will want to fan out in several directions. To get around this you can use gravity to help you.
Step 1 - Inner Ring Pick up 12 quadratiles. Sew through them a second time. If you hold the thread between your fingers so that the quadratiles hang down you’ll be able to sew through them all in one go. Step 2 Pull firmly into a ring and knot. Step 3 Sew through the next couple of quadratiles to move away from the knot. ‘Step across’ to complete the inner ring by sewing through an adjacent hole of the bead the thread is coming out of. The thread must stay on the same side of the quadratile its exiting but it doesn’t matter if you go to the left or the right of the hole. This ‘stepping across’ action will reverse the direction you are beading. Step 4 Sew though each quadratile in turn. N.B. if, when you stepped across, you sew to the left of the hole the thread was exiting you must sew to the left again (or vice versa). You can sew through a few beads at a time but ensure you’re always sewing though the correct hole in each bead. Step 5 Once you have completed the circle, sew through a couple more beads for reinforcement. ‘Step up’ to begin the outer ring by sewing through next hole of the same bead that the thread is coming out of. The thread must stay on the same side of the quadratile its exiting. This ‘stepping up’ action will reverse the direction you are beading and position you for the next layer. Step 6 – Outer Ring It’s a good idea to turn your beadwork over before you begin so that you are sewing though the lower holes. Pick up a new quadratile and sew through the corresponding hole of the next quadratile already in place. Repeat all the way around and sew through the first tile added in this step. Step 7 ‘Step across’ to complete the outer ring by sewing through the remaining hole of the bead the thread is coming out of.
The thread must stay on the same side of the quadratile its exiting. This 'stepping across’ action will reverse the direction you are beading, just like before. Step 8 If you allow the outer row of beads to sit on your finger, as described in our Top Tip, you’ll be able to see all the holes you need to sew through are uppermost. Continue by sewing through the next quadratile in the original ring then through the next one in the outer ring. Repeat all the way around. Sew through the next few beads to secure the round. Step 9 ‘Step up’ as before so you’re on an outer hole and sewing in the reverse direction again. Pick up a size 8, size 11 and size 8 seed bead and sew through the next quadratile. Repeat all the way around. Step 10 Sew through the next few beads added in the previous step so you exit one of the size 11 seed beads. Pick up three size 11 seeds and sew through the other side of the seed bead you’ve just come out of. Pull the thread all the way through and adjust the three new seed beads to form a picot edge. Continue on until you exit the next size 11 seed bead then add the next picot. Repeat all the way around. Step 11 If desired you can ‘step across’ to the remaining hole and repeat steps 9 and 10 for a more decorative finish. Whatever you decide, you need to finish with the thread exiting the top bead of one of the picot edges so we can create a hanging loop. Step 12 Pick up seven size 11 seed beads. Sew through the other side of the bead you are exiting so that the new beads form a ring. Sew through the ring again to reinforce. Weave the thread back into the beadwork, knotting in a couple of places for security. If you can, reverse the direction the thread is travelling to make a more secure finishing. Trim off the excess thread as tight to the beadwork as you can. To secure the starting tail you will need to ‘step up’ around the bead that the thread is exiting, knot once to the beadwork then go through a few more beads.
Gems
PRECIOUS
There are so many possibilities when you're using semi-precious charms and beads! These stunning pendants are perfect for unique jewellery with plenty of sparkle. They're gold plated and feature unique assortments of gems. Each pendant is slightly different in size and style meaning each design you use them in will be totally unique and personalised. Choose from over 30 pretty charms.
Make pretty keyrings out of your left over beads Use your bright gemstone beads in your Spring jewellery for some added glamour and shine. Choose from over 20 brilliant gemstone types including agate, fluorite, citrine, magnesite and lots more!
SHOP ALL GEMSTONES >>
SEE ALL GEMSTONE PENDANTS >>
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Sparkle in sterling silver Sterling silver snowflake beads slot into each other, creating the illusion that one big bead has been used! The finished effect looks like lots of champagne bubbles, which is why they are also known as champagne bubble beads. Pick other beads, such as pearls, semi precious and glass to use between each of your clusters.
Amethyst beads are great for complimenting pink, green and neutral outfits. Their subtle changes in tone throughout every bead means each of your designs is sure to capture the wearers imagination. Each piece made with your gemstone beads will be totally unique meaning they make great gifts for loved ones! Show someone how much they mean to you with a combination of their favourite colours on a shining elastic bracelet or knotted necklace. These brilliant rose gold beaded bracelet has an amazing shine with metallic beads and a Swarovski crystal flat back in a little charm setting.
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Make simple earrings using jewellery wire like these twisted fluorite ones. Copper craft wire is great for bending and moulding smoothly around beads to create wrapped effects. It can also be used to make findings as you can easily turn loops and create your own jump rings with your jewellery pliers. Take a look at our range of brilliant copper craft wire and choose from classic silver, gold and some colourful alternatives!
SEE ALL COPPER CRAFT WIRE >>
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JEWELLERY MAKERS TOOLS Learn about some of our favourite and essential tools used by the Beads Direct team every day! The Beadalon spool tamers are super handy, you will wonder what you ever did without them! They are simple to use. Place the band around your spool of wire and tighten. Place the end of your wire through the buckle hole and pull out as you need. The rest of the spool stays intact and doesn’t become tangled. Keep the tamer over your reel of wire when storing to prevent the reel unravelling. The Jump ring tool is ideal for using when doing chain maille work. The tool is worn on your finger and is used to open and close jump rings quickly and efficiently. You simply pop your ring into the slot and twist! Multiple jump rings are used when making chain maille pieces of jewellery, so using this tool can help you to achieve some fab results. This knotter tool is ideal for using with pearls and crystals strung onto silk or thread to create a tight and consistent knot every time! Make elegant pearl necklaces and bracelets with uniform knots between the beads. This tool may be used by left hand and right hand users.
A sliding bead gauge is an essential tool for designers who use lots of different sizes and styles of beads. Your bead gauge can help you decide which beads to pick before you order so you can choose the exact size you need in your chosen colours! Use your gauge to measure cords and other stringing materials measuring more than 1mm. A gauge can also be used to measure the size of threading holes on beads! This brilliant cutter tool is designed for cutting your thicker leather, as well as rubber cord, rope and other types of thick leather cord and chunky stringing materials. Measure your leather and trim it to size with your cutters. The Little Cut tool creates a perfect flush cut because of its heattreated, stainless steel blade and angled design.
Make super quick pieces of wire jewellery with the Thing Ma Jig Tool. The small tool comes with pegs that you place into the holes on the board. Take a piece of copper craft wire and begin to wrap it around the pegs. Remove the pegs and take your piece of the board, you can now turn it into something fab. You could create a loop pendant to hang on some chain or try and pretty connector with braiding cord on either side for a friendship style bracelet.
The Beadalon 3-D Bracelet Jig will help you to make bangles, bracelets and cuffs in no time at all, creating pieces that are ready to wear! The ideal wire for this tool is the 1.5mm copper wire but you can experiment with other gauges to make really unique pieces. There are pegs included, place these in the holes around the jigs and wire wrap around them.
SEE ALL JEWELLERY TOOLS This handy wireworkers tool allows you to design your own coiled beads and jewellery. The coiling gizmo makes it fast and easy! Just crank wire around the rod to make a coil spring. Use this to create interesting cylinder and sphere shaped beads. The coling gizmo can be drilled to your work table to keep your work secure. The deluxe coiling gizmo has a bracket that you can attach to a table and features 5 rod sizes for a wider array of coiled designs.
PANTONE'S
Hazelnut This delicate, neutral tone is one of Pantone's favourites for this Spring. Hazelnut is ideal for combining with your other favourite colours. Its warmth means its perfect for accompanying pink, orange and blue tones, complimenting and framing them.
These brilliant neutral seed beads are great for building on with larger colourful beads or simple sterling silver charms. Why not try threading them onto three threads and plait or weave them into a woven cord and using as a simple wrap around bracelet or beaded choker? Hex beads have 6 sides so they really catch the light and sparkle more than regular rounds. Choose from the larger Toho size 8 hex beads and smaller Miyuki size 11 hex beads, which you can use alongside Delica seed beads.
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Swarovski flat back crystals can be used in more than just jewellery. Use a strong glue to secure your favourite crystals to fabrics, paper and any other surface you want to add some shimmer and shine to! Our range of hotfix and non-hotfix crystals can be used to create home decor, wedding accessories and bridal wear, paper and card craft and so much more! Treat your home to a touch of crystal and embellish ornaments and other decor such as embellishments on lampshades, table centrepieces and picture frames! Your favourite flat back crystals can also be matched to dainty crystal beads, tiny pearls and sew on shapes to add extra texture and new patterns to your work.
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Mix and Match your crystals wiĂž charm settings This pretty princess charm is perfect for girls jewellery. The charms come ready attached to a jumpring, perfect for just threading onto a chain necklace or a choker cord. 'Princess Rose' is a sterling silver which has been rose gold plated to form the shining dress! Heart beads and charms are perfect for celebrating special occassions like birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine's Day. Make that special someone smile with your own handmade design made with the highest quality Swarovski crystal materials. There are so many ways to add the heart shape into your jewellery. We offer shimmering flat back crystals, BeCharmed beads, heart pendants and sew on button charms.
SEE ALL HEARTS >>
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T RY N A LLE G E E EL JEW RL A PE
CRYSTAL PEARL LOOM BRACELET DESIGN BY SARAH MILLSOP
Create these delicate pearl bracelets using your beading loom tool! This brilliant design is so easy to adapt to suit the beads you want to include. Try making similar striped patterns using your favourite seed beads or make a chunky statement bracelet with a few more beads on each row! Follow your step by step tutorial and make these pretty rose gold bracelets inspired by Pantone's Spring colour - Hazelnut.
GET ALL YOUR MATERIALS HERE >>
MATERIALS CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR MATERIALS
TOOLS • Beading Loom • Thread cutters • Size 10/12 needle
Before you begin… This project is adaptable depending on the loom you have or choose to work with. This project uses the Beadalon Beading Loom. If you are using a different loom, follow the instructions that arrive with it to correctly set up your warp and weft threads before you start. Other great looms to use to create similar designs are The Little Ricky Loom or The Beadalon Jewel Loom.
SEE ALL BEADING LOOMS >>
Step 1 Cut four 60cm strand of thread and knot them together at one end – it sounds a lot but it’s better to have extra as you’ll find finishing the bracelet much easier. Divide this group in half and place the knot under the metal pin on the wooden barrel and lay the strands over the loom. Step 2 Turn the barrel to wind on most of the thread and tighten the wing nut. Turn the loom around so that the empty barrel is nearest to you. Bring all the strands evenly together and tie in an overhand knot. Position this knot under the metal pin and wind the excess onto to the barrel. You can do this with the barrel unattached to the loom if you find it easier. Adjust both barrels so that you have an equal amount of thread on each one and reposition the strands so that they fit into every other coil. You’ve now got your warp threads all set up and ready for beading. Step 3 Knot an armspan of thread to the outside warp thread. Leave yourself a 20cm tail. Pick up six seed beads and with them still on the needle position under the warp threads so that two pop up between each strand. Keep the beads in place with your finger as you pull the needle and thread all the way through. Step 4 Pass the needle back through the beads.
To secure, form a small loop, pass the needle around the side warp thread then through the loop. Pull tight. Remove the beadwork from the loom by undoing the wing nuts and unrolling the wooden barrels. Step 9 Secure the inner warp threads by sewing up to and under a thread in the previous row. Step 10 Form a small loop, pass the needle through it and pull tight. Sew through the beads to the end of the row, add a dab of glue to the knot and trim off the excess. Repeat with the other inner warp thread and the two inner ones at the other end. Weave one of the outside warp threads through the end row of seed beads then into the next row. Knot once and add a dab of glue. Step 11 To add the loop and toggle, pass the remaining warp threads at either end along the end row to the centre of the beadwork. To form the loop, string 20 seed beads, sew back down the first three strung then continue along the top row of loomwork and weave the thread in. To form the toggle string three seed beads, a pearl and a seed bead. Skipping the last seed bead, sew back down the pearl and seed beads and continue along the top row of loomwork and weave the thread in. Add dabs of glue if desired.
Step 5 Add two more rows of seed beads.
Personalise your design with your choice of 4mm Swarovski pearls, matching seed beads and Swarovski crystal bicone beads.
Step 6 Now add three rows of pearls and two rows of seed beads. Repeat this step three times. Step 7 Add a row of pearls, a row of bicones, a row of pearls then two more rows of seed beads. Repeat this step once more. Step 8 Go back to adding three rows of pearls and two rows of seed beads and repeat four times in total. Finally finish with three rows of seed beads so that your bracelet is symmetrical.
SEE ALL PEARLS >>
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 voucher!
If you see a star on your design, send us a message to claim your £5, £10 or £15 voucher!
See this on your design and you've won a £5 voucher!
Wire wrapped butterfly necklace – Monika Przymuszala
See this on your design and you've won a £10 voucher!
Wow, your butterfly pendant is beautiful. The wire wrapping is really neat and we love the hint of red around the wing shapes :) xx
See this on your design and you've won a £15 voucher!
I used the Swarovski crystal 5540 pendant (AC742) as end cones for these three commissioned necklaces - what do you think? – Tracey Lorraine Your necklaces look amazing Tracey! We're big fans of the Swarovski Scarabaeus Green pearls, they're great for adding some colour to an outift xx
Wirework pendant with swarovski crystal on viking knit chain – Christine Hall Your pendant looks brilliant Christine! The hammered wire gives it the pendant's shape a lovely shine. xx
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Simple spiral rope beaded necklace made elaborate with gorgeous shades of reds. xx – Marianne Tan We love your spiral necklace! Your choice of shining bicones, pearls and seed beads match perfectly. A great necklace for Autumn! xx
My aztec inspired necklace - using 6mm shell pearls, hex cut crystals & silver plated chain :) – Rebekah Coleman Your aztec necklace is beautiful Rebekah, I like the mix of metallic beads and chain with the pretty purple pearls! xx
Hi there - we have been creating lots of beaded jewellery lately and I'd like to share a couple of designs, hope you like them! Would love to be featured - I design and make all the jewellery for the subscription box Boxcitement – Debi Hyland McCormack Your designs look beautiful and really unique! We especially love your bracelet! Thanks for sharing Debi! xx
This is a necklace set I've been working on for quite a while. I reckon it took me about 40 hours - I'm quite slow! It's 4 different colours of size 11 seed beads made into 75 peyote beaded beads sewn together (and two earrings). – Tony Cooley Your designs are stunning Tony, we love the gradient pattern around the necklace and the subtle rainbow tones! Thanks for sharing it with us! xx
FREE GIFT IN ORDERS £15+
This month, claim your macrame bracelet kit with delicate filigree charms in orders over £15! Simply place your order and enter the code below at the checkout or give us a call on 01509 218028.
YOU WILL RECEIVE
2 x Silver Plated Filigree Connectors 100 x Silver Plated Round Beads 5 metres 0.7mm Satin Cord in Pink or Grey
ENTER THE CODE AT THE CHECKOUT TO CLAIM YOUR FREE GIFT!
FREEMACRAME Free gift can be claimed on all orders over £15 excluding postage costs. One use per customer. Enter code FREEMACRAME at the checkout. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Available whilst stocks last. Colour of cord will vary. Offer expires midnight 31st March 2017.
MATERIALS GET YOUR MATERIALS IN YOUR FREE GIFT!
YOU WILL NEED • Scissors • Jewellery glue or clear nail polish • Bead mat or macrame board
Before you begin… This brilliant jewellery technique is perfect for friendship bracelets and with two pretty filigree charms in your free gift, you can make two matching connector designs or a super glam bracelet with both connectors and your shining silver beads! There are so many ways to make simple personalised jewellery with macrame knots. Why not try a chunkier bracelet with a thicker cord and some bright feature beads.
SEE MORE MACRAME CORDS >>
Step 1 To make your macrame knot bracelet with a filigree connector charm, start by cutting 2 x 30cm length strands and 2 x 1 metre length strands. Step 2 Thread the 30cm length of cord through a hole on your charm to its halfway point and thread the other 30cm length through the other side of the charm to the halfway point. Choose one side of your charm and secure those threads to a work surface so that the cords stay taught. Bring the two threads together as they will act as one thread running through the centre of the knots. Thread one of your 1 metre lengths of thread under both the cords to the halfway point. Tie a normal overhand knot at the base of the 30cm thread close to the charm. Step 3 Start your Macramé knotting by following the step by step diagrams to the right. – Take your right hand cord and pass it over the middle two cords. – Take your left hand cord and place it over the right cord. Move the left cord under the centre cord and up through the middle of the loop on the right side. – Pull the threads to finish one half of your knot. – Repeat this process on the opposite side by starting by crossing the left and cord over the middle cords. Repeating this process once on each side makes ONE full square knot. Step 4 Create approx. 2.5″ of knotted cord. Secure the two working cords with a drop of clear drying glue or clear nail polish and trim them off close to the knotting when they are dry. Repeat this on the other side of your charm. Step 5 Take the 4 ends of the centre cords, cross them so they point in the opposite directions and lay them side by side (see image) and then do a macramé braid (approx. 6/7 square knots) for your sliding knot.
Step 6 Secure the ends with a drop of clear drying glue or clear nail polish, being careful not to glue the sliding knot to the centre cords running through it (otherwise it will not be able to slide and adjust). Try gently pulling the centre cords through the sliding knot while the glue dries. Trim the ends so the sliding knot is neat. Finish your bracelet by threading a silver beads onto your 4 tail threads and knotting them in place. Step 7 To make a beaded macrame bracelet, cut a 30cm length of cord and use secure it onto your work surface. Instead of knotting over 2 cords (like in your first bracelet) you will be using one central cord for the whole bracelet. Cut a 1 metre length of thread and pass it under this cord to the halfway point. Tie a normal overhand knot approx 6" from the end of the 30cm cord. Start macrame knotting. After each full macrame knot thread a gold bead onto the centre cord. Bring the cords loosely around the edges of the bead and continue a new knot on the other side of the bead. It may look too loose, but the second knot will secure the cords around the bead, tightly in place. Adjust your threads if you want more or less tension.
Coming next month... • BRIDAL INSPIRATION • FANCY STONES
• JEWELLERY DISPLAY • FABULOUS FREE GIFT
• PRIMROSE YELLOW • ISLAND PARADISE
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