Prismatic Christmas: DIY Christmas Decoration at home

As Christmas draws closer, you may be thinking about how you want to decorate your home for the occasion. You can add some extra glitz to all of your holiday displays with handmade crystal ornaments constructed using our quality beading supplies. Keep reading to find out what you’ll need for this project and how to turn a small pile of beads into a glamorous icicle accent.

Materials

For this craft, you’ll need

• A spool of beading thread

• A beading needle

• Some scissors

• Some crystal beads (our Swarovski beads and crystals are perfect for this)

You can get these beading tools and supplies shipped right to your door from our online store. Be sure to order bicones, briolettes, polygons, and at least one pendant.

Making the Ornament

1. Start by cutting a four-foot piece of beading thread from the spool and threading it into your beading needle. This might seem like too much, but trust us – you’ll need it!

2. Use a bead stopper on the open end to keep your beads from falling off, then begin threading the first beads onto the line. Begin with one 8mm briolette bead, then add two 3mm bicones. Continue with an 8mm polygon, then two more bicones. Then add another 8mm briolette and two more bicones.

3. Once you’ve gotten this far, it’s time to start using some bigger beads. Add a 12mm briolette to the string followed by a bicone, a polygon, another bicone, and one more 12mm briolette.

4. At this point, you will have reached the very bottom of the ornament. String six bicones together, then add the centerpiece of the whole design: a shimmering crystal pendant. Drop pendants work well for creating a dripping icicle-like effect, but you can use any shape you like. Try one of our Swarovski crystal heart pendants to evoke the warmth and togetherness of the holidays.

5. After attaching the pendant, thread six more bicones onto the string to complete the small loop that will hold it in place. Then thread the needle back up through the entire line of beads.

6. The final step involves creating the loop that holds the finished ornament up. To do this, thread 18 bicones together, then pull the thread toward the base of the longer string. Tie several knots at the base of the loop to keep all of the beads in place, then trim away any thread that is still showing.

When you’re done, you will have created a stunning statement piece perfect for decorating your home for the holidays. Hang it on your tree, add it to a window display, or string a few over your mantle – however you choose to show off your glittering creation, it’s sure to make an impression on everyone who visits you during this year’s festivities.

Deck the Halls… with Beads!

This ornament is just one of the many gorgeous crafts you can make with the beads and supplies we stock here at Crystal Findings. Our massive selection of crystal and stone beads, wires, beading threads, and other custom jewelry making supplies includes everything you need to tackle projects both large and small. Browse our listings today and see what else you can find to make your home sparkle this holiday season.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/prismatic-christmas-diy-christmas-decoration-at-home/

August 21, 2022 0

How to Pick the Perfect Beads for Your Jewelry Designs

Beads are one of the most important parts of your jewelry design because they are the materials that give life to your project. They can add some serious bling to your jewelry designs, making them extra dazzling and attractive. But, with so many options out there, it can be hard to choose just the right ones. From alphabet letter beads to Swarovski beads and crystals, this guide will teach you how to pick the perfect beads for your jewelry designs based on everything from their style to their size and shape.

Start with Materials

Choosing the right beads will depend on a few material considerations. For example, if you are creating jewelry that you will wear every day and you are involved in more physical activity, then you might choose a sturdier material such as stone beads. Glass beads and Swarovski beads and crystals are both better suited to jewelry pieces that will not be worn daily.

Know Your Options

When it comes to jewelry making, there are all sorts of beads you can use to create unique and beautiful pieces. While choosing the beads, first decide what type of jewelry you’re going to make. If you’re making bracelets, earrings, or necklaces, it’s important that your beads will suit these types of jewelry. Next, consider your design style – what color schemes do you like? What materials appeal to you most? Do you have a preference between beaded or non-beaded jewelry pieces? These questions will guide the process as well as lead to inspiration for new projects.

Look at Color Palettes

When you’re first starting, it can be tempting to buy all types of beads in every color. But a little restraint will go a long way in helping your budget and your sanity. A great way to start is by looking at color palettes online or in magazines. This will help you get an idea of what colors go well together and which ones you’re drawn to. From there, you can start narrowing down your choices and building up your stash.

Decide How Big You Want Your Finished Piece to Be

The first step is to determine how big you want your final piece of jewelry to be. Will it be a dainty little bracelet or a bold statement necklace? Once you know the size, you can start picking out beads. If you’re not sure what size beads will work best, ask the experts at the jewelry making supplies store for help. They should be able to point you in the right direction.

Learn Basic Techniques

Before you start shopping for beads, it’s important to learn some basic jewelry-making techniques. This will help you determine what type and size of beads you need for your project. You can find plenty of instructional videos and articles online. Once you have a good understanding of the basics, you can start shopping for beads!

August 11, 2022 0

Stone Beaded Bracelets With Sterling Silver Wire

Stone beaded bracelets are simple yet elegant accessories that can add a touch of class to any outfit. There are plenty available at various retailers, but why settle for something premade? It’s easy to make your own custom sterling silver stone beaded bracelets with some basic materials and crafting supplies. Whether you want to make the bracelet you’ve always dreamed of, create a one-of-a-kind gift for a friend, or start your own jewelry-making business, you’ll have no trouble making an item that’s better than any you’ll find on store shelves.

Materials

Before you sit down to start assembling your bracelet, you’ll need to gather the following:

• Some sterling silver wire (around 20 gauge works best)

• Some stone beads that will fit on the wire

• A hook clasp

• A pair of roundnose pliers

• A pair of flat-nose pliers

• A wire cutter

You can get these supplies from most craft stores or online – and of course, our store has all the beads you could possibly want.

Spend some time browsing our selection before you make your final decision. Think about whether you want to go with a full row of just one kind of bead or incorporate a pattern into your design. Either approach can yield beautiful results, but patterns are typically more eye-catching and unique.

The Crafting Process

Once you’ve decided on a design and acquired the materials you need to make it, it’s time to start shaping the wire into a bracelet.

Start by attaching the hook clasp to the end of your wire. To do this, you’ll need to create a small loop with the end of round nose pliers. Take the wire in your hands and start bending it about one inch before the end. Keep bending it until your loop is almost complete, then slip the hook clasp into the loop. Finish attaching the clasp by twisting the remaining bit of wire around the base of the loop. There should be at least two twists here to keep the clasp firmly in place. Remember to tuck the sharp end away so the wearer won’t cut themselves on it.

Now that you have one end of the bracelet complete, you can begin beading. Simply string the beads onto the wire in whatever pattern you choose. Keep in mind that the center of a typical 7-inch bracelet will fall around the 3-inch mark and not the 3.5-inch mark you would expect. This is because the clasp and surrounding wire twists will take up some of the space. Plan your designs accordingly to make sure they have the impact you intended.

Finally, you’ll need to shape the end of the bracelet into a loop that can fit into the clasp. To do this, use the round nose pliers to carefully twist the wire just above the point where your beadwork ends. Check to see if your loop fits into your clasp and creates a bracelet of the intended size. If anything isn’t right, bend the wire back and rework the bracelet as needed.

When you’re happy with the size and fit, use the flat nose pliers to twist the wire around the base of the loop, leaving a little extra room for the beads to move around. Cut the wire, and just like that, you have a finished bracelet.

Get All the Bracelet Materials You Need at the Touch of a Button

With quality online bead retailers like Crystal Findings, it’s never been easier to get the materials you need to make your own showstopping custom pieces. Our store has dozens of different stone beads available in every shape and color you can think of, as well as other beads that they can be paired with like alphabet beads, shamballa beads, and everyone’s favorite, Swarovski beads. Browse our selection of beads to get inspiration for your next project – and when you’re ready to order, just enter your address to get your beads, wire, pliers, and other necessary items shipped right to your door.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/stone-beaded-bracelets-with-sterling-silver-wire/

August 7, 2022 0

These Exquisite Pendants from Swarovski will Make Any Necklace Shine! Part 2

Welcome to Part II of our two-part series looking at four of the very best pendants available at our Swarovski crystal beads online store. In the previous article, we talked about the frequently trending Tear Drop and Baroque pendants, and now we’ll discuss the final two of our four best-selling, ever-popular Swarovski pendants:

Four Exquisite Pendants From Swarvoski That Will Make Your Necklace & Neckline Shine

Part II

Moon Pendants

The moon is a significantly important celestial body that cultures of every age, from every corner of the globe, have created stories of as well as pieces of art in reflection of. For many of these ancient civilizations, the moon often was associated with some female deity. The half moon in particular was often seen as a sign of fertility and hence, even more associated with the feminine aspect.

When people thus refer to moon pendants, they are most often thinking of those crystal pendants that are designed in the shape of a crescent moon. These are certainly one of the top-selling Swarvoski crystal pendants we sell at our online store. We have them in three different sizes and several gorgeous colors, including jet black and a topaz color reminiscent of the harvest moon.

Heart Pendant

How could we create any list of the most popular pendants and not include the forever favorite heart shape? Hearts are another symbol used the world over, with examples reaching as far back as the Indus Valley civilization over 4000 years ago. Archeologists studying that culture have found pendants embossed with heart-shaped fig leaves and believe this is another symbol often used in connection with fidelity and fertility.

Today, we connect it likewise with fidelity as well as with love of all types. You might give a heart pendant to a friend, sibling, parent, child, or someone whom you care deeply about. Whatever the reason, we can’t help but showcase our beautiful Swarovski heart pendants. We have this one available in two unique sizes.

The first style is this Swarovski Crystal Heart Pendant that is larger, featuring greater depth. This style is a fantastic choice for longer chain lengths and for when you want a statement piece that will really reflect the light. The other style of heart-shaped pendants we have available with our beading supplies online is this flatter Swarovski Crystal Heart Pendant. You’ll find that this pendant works exceptionally well with shorter chains, such as if you are trying to find a piece for a choker-styled necklace, thanks to its lying a bit flatter.

Visit Our Online Store for Even More Fantastic Pieces

Of course, to use any of the four Swarovski pendants we showcase across these two articles, you will first need other beading supplies and tools, like chains and clasps. Visit our online store of Crystal Findings today to view these and other fantastic pieces!

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/these-exquisite-pendants-from-swarovski-will-make-any-necklace-shine-part-2/

July 21, 2022 0

Here’s Why You Should Start Making Your Own Jewelry

For many of us, the idea of making our own jewelry can seem like an intimidating prospect. But once you get started, you’ll find that it’s not as hard as you think! Whether you’re looking to save money or to start your own jewelry business, making your own jewelry with Swarovski beads and crystals can be a satisfying way to express yourself and make something beautiful. Here are four reasons why you should try it!

It’s Easy and Cheap to Get Started:

Making your own jewelry is fun and easy. You can start making jewelry today, with the right supplies you have on hand. Because it’s made by hand, each piece will be one-of-a-kind and unique to you or a loved one. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is, and how inexpensive it can be, too. In addition, there are plenty of resources online where you can learn more about getting started with basic jewelry-making supplies such as sterling silver beads and chains, so before you know it, you’ll be well on your way.

You Can Save Money:

Even if you’re not a crafty person, you can still save money by making your own jewelry. Shop around for supplies and keep an eye out for sales. You never know what gems you’ll find. Some reputable online stores offer beads in bulk as well. You can even repurpose old necklaces and bracelets by cutting them up and turning them into something new. The key is just to try it! You’ll be surprised at how much fun it is when you create something with your own hands while also saving money.

Turn Jewelry Making into Business!

Who knew that one could be able to make money through jewelry making. A lot of people think that it’s only for fun, but it can also be a good source of income. If you are good at what you do and always come up with new designs, then getting some cash shouldn’t be too hard. Plus, it is easy to obtain gold filled beads for jewelry making at wholesale prices from recognized suppliers. When done, you just need to post your work on sites like eBay and sell them there. The other option is selling your work at markets or craft fairs.

It is Therapeutic:

Making jewelry is a hobby that can provide both creative expression and stress relief. It’s also a welcome outlet when you feel frustrated or overwhelmed, allowing you to channel that energy into something positive. Plus, it’s empowering because you are the one in control of what goes into your pieces.

Making your own jewelry can be an extremely satisfying experience if you’re the creative type. The process can be incredibly fun and rewarding, not to mention economical. Once you get the right supplies like the Swarovski beads and crystals, you can put your own spin on designs or create something totally new that nobody else in the world has!

July 11, 2022 0

These Exquisite Pendants from Swarovski will Make Any Necklace Shine! Part 1

The neckline and nape of the neck are incredibly alluring parts of the body. It’s hard to pin down what makes this part of the body so special; some say it’s the vulnerability of being just above your heart and others due to the way it naturally draws the eye. But for whatever reason, one thing is clear, necklaces with large, beautiful pendants are a fantastic way of really accentuating this alluring part of the body.

Our team at Crystal Findings thus prefers not the question of whether or not you should wear a pendant (because that answer is always yes!), but rather which pendant is right for you. The following is a two-part series and look at four of our favorite, best-selling pendants to help you create that perfect necklace for your body and style.

Four Exquisite Pendants From Swarvoski That Will Make Your Necklace & Neckline Shine

Part I

Baroque Pendants

The term Baroque refers to a style of art and architecture that flourished in Europe from the early 1600s to the mid-1700s. The Baroque style utilizes a number of artistic tactics with the aim to inspire a great sense of awe and appreciation. The first of this style began with massive cathedrals built to be open with elaborate detail, deep colors, and an overall architecture that inspired a sense of grandeur. Later, other forms of art used similar colors, details, and forms that would accentuate movement to similarly attract the eye and inspire admiration.

Our Swarovski Baroque Pendants were designed and created with exactly this aim. As you’ll see, these are chunky pendants with many faces cut throughout. These faces nicely catch and reflect the light, resulting in quite a beautiful dazzle of shades. You can choose your Baroque pendant in a variety of colors; all of which will certainly draw attention as they add a touch of art to your neckline.

Tear Drop Pendant

Teardrop pendants are of a style that constantly comes back. The first known tear drop pendants were made in 1457 by famed Belgian jeweler Lodewyn van Bercken. Since then, they have been worn all over the world, growing especially popular in the United States during the 1920s. The shape is said to symbolize tears of joy and happiness, which has led to smaller renditions of it being quite popular for use in engagement rings.

Of course, why keep it small when you can opt for a larger pendant for your necklace? Teardrop pendants are a particularly great look on longer chains, ones that drop to or just below the bustline. These are also available at our online store in a variety of colors, including amethyst, emerald, and stunning jet black.

Subscribe for Part II!

That’s all we have space for in this article. Stay tuned to part two of premier pendant jewelry!

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/these-exquisite-pendants-from-swarovski-will-make-any-necklace-shine-part-1/

July 7, 2022 0

3 Essential Tools for Beginners in Jewelry Making

Jewelry making is a fantastic hobby, one that can easily be called its own art form due to the maker’s ability to create whatever special designs call to them. What unique designs and jewelry styles call you? Whichever they are and for whomever your future pieces are for, you will need to the right jewelry making supplies and tools before you get started. The following is a quick look at the most essential tools for beginner jewelers that you will want to get before you start buying beading supplies online.

3 Essential Tools for Beginners in Jewelry Making

•   Wire Cutters. Wire cutters should be the very first thing you purchase as it will be close to impossible to cleanly cut and create most necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more without them. Wire cutters cleanly cut the stringing wire and pieces like eye pins that you’ll thread your gold filled beads and findings on. Some people think that they can get by with scissors or with old wire cutters that are being repurposed. Don’t. Scissors and old cutters will cause fraying on wire, which will lead to imperfect ends that are hard and frustrating to work with.

•   Round nose pliers. Pliers are so important to jewelry making that the specific style of round nose pliers was designed specifically with jewelers in mind. Round nose pliers have a jaw that tapers to a point and enables the user to perfectly position the wire for a desired looping size. Round nose pliers also help with side tasks like holding clasps open when stringing on sterling silver beads.

•   Crimping tool. If you want to keep costs low when you’re first starting out, you can use a chain nose or flat nose plier for this task but it really isn’t recommended. That’s because flat nose pliers work more by smashing the wire down, a process that often creates sharp edges that are unsightly and can scratch the skin, causing discomfort or pain. Instead, consider investing in special crimping pliers or a specific crimping tool. Tools labeled as crimping tools feature special notches within their jaws that will round out and flatten the crimping bead as it secures onto the wire. This creates a clean finish that looks good (think professionally good) and doesn’t have uneven edging.

Got These Tools in Hand? Now it’s Time to Start Making Your Own Beautiful Pieces!

Truly, once you have the above three essential tools for jewelry making, you will be able to hit the ground running! These tools will really help streamline the jewelry-making process and help you finish with more beautiful, professionally-looking pieces. Of course, first, you will need to order in your jewelry supplies, like beads and fittings. Visit our online store at Crystal Findings today to do just that so you can get started with making your beautiful signature pieces in short order!

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/3-essential-tools-for-beginners-in-jewelry-making/

June 21, 2022 0

4 Tips for Choosing Beads for Your Jewelry

A big part of jewelry making lies in the moments before you actually start making jewelry. The creative, plan-making part of the process is when you decide what type of jewelry you want to make and which beads and other gems you want to use to make it. For some, this is the best part of the jewelry-making process, but for others, the incredible amount of choices in beading tools and supplies can feel overwhelming. Here’s a quick look at some factors that can help as you start considering which beads to choose for your upcoming jewelry pieces:

4 Things to Consider When Choosing Beads for Your Jewelry

• The type of jewelry itself and its purpose. The first important thing to consider is what type of jewelry you want to make, for whom, and what event. For example, if you want to build up a friendship bracelet or a commemorative gift for a friend, then alphabet letter beads are a good type of bead to choose. But if you’re wanting to create something like a necklace for a more formal event like a wedding, then you should consider adding in Swarovski crystal beads.

• Whether there are any concerns on materials. What type of beads you choose may depend upon certain material considerations. For example, if you are building a jewelry piece that you want to wear every day and in more active situations (such as jogging), you might choose a stronger type of material, such as stone beads. Unfortunately, not all beads are built for daily wear and tear. Glass beads and Swarovski crystal beads are better used in jewelry pieces that are not going to be worn daily.

• If you are in need of certain colors or matching schemes. Some types of beads and jewelry materials will go with anything. For example, sterling silver beads are very versatile and can go well with just about any outfit. However, colored crystal beads and gold-filled beads may not be quite so adaptable. That said, these pieces can be the perfect color for some looks!

• How big do you want your finished piece to be? Certain jewelry supplies like beads might be too small or too large for the desired look. For example, a small charm might be the perfect accent piece on a bracelet but could look cluttered if paired with others on a longer neckpiece. A lot of good jewelry making is about balancing your beads, charms, and other pieces.

Ready to Get Started? Visit Our Website Today

Now that you have a good idea of how to plan your next jewelry-making session, the next step is to order up your pieces and get started crafting! Check out our website at Crystal Findings for an easy and fast way to buy jewelry making supplies online.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/4-tips-for-choosing-beads-for-your-jewelry/

June 7, 2022 0

Beaded Alphabet Bracelets are A Great Idea for Gifting Anytime!

Alphabet letter beads are fun and quirky beads, each of which features a different letter of the alphabet. Often, alphabet letter beads come as part of any basic beading tools and supplies kit as they are one of the most popular types of beads to get started beading with. Why? Because they are typically a part of the friendship bracelets that are so often the very first type of beading jewelry a young person will make.

Beaded Alphabet Bracelet & Necklace Gifting Ideas

The traditional friendship bracelets that bear each person’s name remain among the most popular beaded jewelry made with alphabet beads, but they certainly are not alone in this category. These types of beads can be used in a variety of out of the box creative jewelry ideas that make for excellent gift ideas, including:

• Spiritual milestones. First communion, bar or bat mitzvahs, and more personal spiritual milestones are popular points of gift-giving, and what better gift than to fashion a bracelet that lists an important verse from a loved one’s preferred holy text?

• Encouragement for life changes. Maybe your best friend got a new car or a cousin is planning a road trip across the country? These big changes bring about new opportunities and a small gift like a beaded bracelet with words of encouragement and inspiration is a fantastic token of your support.

• Celebration of a new family addition. Beaded bracelets are often used to connect friends, but that isn’t the only type of relationship that has to be celebrated. Maybe a friend added a new pet to their life, or a sister is about to become a mother. A bracelet made with alphabet and stone beads listing the name of this new familial addition is a great celebratory gift.

Supplies to Make Beaded Alphabet Bracelets & Necklaces

Are you ready to get crafting? The first step is to make sure you have the right supplies. We recommend the following basics for your first alphabet beaded jewelry gift:

• Alphabet beads

• Decorative beads to place in combination with alphabet beads, such as stone beads or sterling silver beads

• Elastic string or other type of cord to thread your beads on

• Sharp jewelry scissors

• Glue that dries fast and clear

All of these items can be bought at your neighborhood crafts supply store, but for the best deals and the best selection, you will want to buy jewelry making supplies online.

Visit Crystal Findings to Learn More

Here at Crystal Findings, we are passionate about not just getting our customers the best supply of affordable jewelry-making supplies, but also helping them learn more about what they can create and do with those supplies. Browse our blog for more jewelry-making tips and be sure to visit our online store for the best in online jewelry-making supplies!

We also welcome customers to visit our showroom in Philadelphia by calling in advance.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.crystalfindings.com/beaded-alphabet-bracelets-are-a-great-idea-for-gifting-anytime/

May 21, 2022 0

Jewelry Making is Actually Good for Health! Here’s How

As an artistic and intellectual craft, jewelry making has been around since ancient times. But did you know that jewelry making is really good for your health? While some people believe that it is, there are others who think that the time and effort spent fiddling with tiny wires and shiny alphabet beads don’t do any good. To debunk such myths, this write-up describes the four compelling reasons why taking up jewelry making can be good for your health.

Improves Your Focus:

Handcrafted jewelry requires a lot of focus. You must first plan out how you want to make your piece, what jewelry making supplies you should buy, and then execute it exactly as planned. All of these processes require a level of concentration that can be quite beneficial to your psyche. These skills transfer over into other areas of life and help people become more efficient at work or home and better organized.

Reduces Stress:

Each time you create a new piece of jewelry, endorphins are released in your brain, giving you a natural high. This can be extremely beneficial when dealing with stress or anxiety. The act of creating will help you focus on what you’re doing, which can help calm your mind and ease tension. If you simply sit around all day and do nothing, chances are pretty good that an idle mind will start focusing on stress and negativity pretty quickly.

Better Cognitive Health:

Making jewelry requires great mental dexterity. Between learning new techniques and creating your own unique design, you’ll have to think through a number of problems from different angles. Additionally, making jewelry requires both fine motor skills such as working with small beads and gross motor skills for handling large alphabet beads. Engaging in these varied kinds of tasks will keep your mind sharp and cognitive abilities strong as you age. The challenge involved also helps you get more creative!

Helps You Get Over Your Social Anxiety:

There’s something about working with your hands and creating a tangible object that can help you engage more with people. Knitting has been shown to alleviate some social anxiety, so it stands to reason that other types of crafts can have similar effects. Plus, jewelry making gives you an opportunity to meet new people and make friends, which is something that can be beneficial if you struggle with making friends in real life. If nothing else, consider jewelry making as a way to get out of your comfort zone while still enjoying yourself!

Whether you’re making jewelry to sell or just to wear, you should know that jewelry making rewards you the aforementioned health benefits. If you want to get started in jewelry making, start by shopping for quality and stylish beading supplies that suit your tastes.

May 16, 2022 0