Beaded Ornaments & Jewelry

One of my favorite holiday carols is This Christmastide (music by Donald Fraser, lyrics by Jane McCulloch), also known as Jessye’s Carol, as it was written for soprano Jessye Norman. It’s not in the cannon of traditional carols, having been written in the 1980s, but for me, its solemn reverence is beautifully moving and perfectly conveys the magic and mystery of the winter season. The lyrics paint a picture as much as they tell a story, suggesting images and motifs iconic to this festive time of year. The final line of the song, invoking peace, love, and hope, speaks to the persistent goal of finding meaning in our daily lives and making lasting human connections. I find this sentiment particularly relevant this year. Music has an amazing power to move people…

The holidays are just around the corner, but you still have time to create a whole sleigh full of fabulous beaded gifts and décor items for the season. Not sure where to begin? Follow our suggested timeline, and you’ll be able to get all your favorites (and then some!) done on time. While we’ve given an approximate amount of time it will take to make each project, please bear in mind that everyone works at their own speed, and the given timeframe may not be accurate for you. FIRST STEPS • Identify the projects you want to make and how many. • Gather together all the beads and other supplies you’ll need; order or purchase anything you don’t already have on-hand. • Put tasks on your calendar, and then make sure you adhere to…

STOCKING STUFFERS (UP TO $15) a. Thread Zap Easily zaps your thread with a heat element for quick and precise thread trimming. Available online at JewelryandBeadingStore.com/jewelrytools and your local bead store. b. Thread Magic This thread conditioner comes in a super-handy container with notches to help guide your thread. Available at Michaels Craft Stores. c. Bead mugs Customize a mug to proclaim your favorite pastime — beading! It’s easy to do — simply upload a photo and add text. Try it at zazzle.com. d. Tulip needles The ultimate in beading needles — get them for your favorite beader! Available at your local bead store or online at JewelryandBeadingStore.com/jewelrytools. $16–$25 e. Beginner’s Guide to Beadweaving by Diana Rehfield For the beader in your life who needs a little extra help learning the fundmentals, this self-published guide to five basic beading stitches features…

tip Top a present with this yuletide pendant for that special someone on your gift list. This quick and easy project is perfect for your crafty-kids to join in on the fun. MATERIAL SOURCE & SAFETY NOTES Most of the materials needed for this project may be purchased at craft stores. Look for sheets of plexiglass in the polymer clay aisle. Keep in mind that tools should never be used with food after touching polymer clay. Ovens are the exception. Per the manufacturer, sculpey.com, “It is perfectly safe to bake your clay in the oven in which you prepare your food. When used as directed, polymer clays do not give off toxic chemicals in the curing process.” materials pendant ornament 1½ x 2 in. (3.8 mm x 5 cm) (makes 8) • 1 2 oz.…

materials tree ornament 21⁄4 in. (5.7 cm) • 1 21⁄4 in. (5.7 cm) 24-gauge copper tree blank • 15–20 2.6 mm Swarovski flat-back crystals (assorted colors, optional) • 1 5 mm 18-gauge copper jump ring • G-S Hypo Cement • 4 x 4 in. (10 x 10 cm) steel bench block • brass hammer • hole punch pliers, 1.5 mm • 2 pairs of chainnose, bentnose, and/or flatnose pliers • 5.5 mm Baby Swallow metal design stamp • 2 mm Lined Star metal design stamp • Industrial Sharpie marker • pencil • Pro Polish pads or super fine #0000 steel wool basics, p. 94 • opening and closing jump rings All supplies and tools are available at beaducation.com. Metal stamping tips • Hold the stamp steady and perfectly perpendicular to your bench block. Strike firmly once (ideally) or twice (if necessary) with your hammer. • If you get only half…

materials both projects • 2 oz. (60 ml) 2-part epoxy resin (IceResin), mixing cup, gloves, stir stick or plastic spoon • E6000 adhesive • Super Glue • waxed or parchment paper • Fireline, 10 lb. test, or heavyduty ribbon • ornament stand, optional tannenbaum terrarium 43 ⁄4 in. (12.1 cm) diameter • 1 43⁄4-in. (12.1 cm) glass sphere terrarium (hobbylobby.com) • 1 3-in. (7.6 cm) pine tree (Woodland Scenes) • 5 3 mm round pearls (Swarovski, cream) • 7 2 x 3 mm crystals rondelles (Czech, turquoise) • 6 2.5 mm bicone crystals (Swarovski, fuchsia) • . c. (59 mL) various-sized seed beads (green, white, and silver) • 1 g 100 seed beads (Preciosa 953, silky gold) • 1 g 11° seed beads (Miyuki 411, opaque green) • 150 seed beads - 2 g color A (Miyuki 4201, Duracoat galvanized silver) -- 2 g color B (Miyuki 408, opaque…