Using Swarovski Crystal Beads For Making Beaded Jewellery

Swarovski crystal beads add a new dimension of sparkle to any jewellery making project. Fun, simple to use and producing spectacular results for very little cost, these delicate glass crystals are specifically designed to shimmer and catch the light, transforming a simple design into something that dazzles with chic elegance. A simple multi-stranded necklace can be one of the easiest ways to transform an ordinary outfit into something spectacular, and you don't need any specialist equipment to do it - just a few, simple basic tools.

Swarovski crystal beads have been a staple in jewellery making for over 100 years and are still as popular today as they were in Edwardian times. They're ideal for brightening up a tired piece of jewellery by simply restringing an existing necklace and interspersing Swarovski crystals throughout the pattern. All you will need to do this is your original necklace, a new length of beading thread, a beading needle, a sharp pair of scissors and a new clasp and jump rings to complete the project. You will also need a pair of flat nosed jeweller's pliers to put the clasp and links onto the ends of the necklace and of course, a selection of Swarovski crystals. Using a little care (and a tray to catch any beads that fall from the original necklace, otherwise you could spend an inordinate amount of time on your hands and knees looking for that lost bead!), destring the original piece with care. Decide how you want to re-create the necklace, incorporating the Swarovski crystals into the design and choosing crystals that correspond in colour with your original beads. Swarovski crystal beads come in a rainbow of different colours, so there should be a colour to match any necklace.

Thread your beading needle with the new beading thread and tie a knot about four to six inches in and place an 'anchor bead' at the end of the new thread. This will prevent your beads slipping off the end as you place thread them onto the new necklace. At this point you can let your imagination take over. How you restring the necklace is entirely up to you, depending on the effect you wish to create. If you want to create a shorter, multi-stranded necklace out of a single strand of beads, remember to divide up your beads evenly before beginning. If you're not sure, try laying the design out first on a flat surface before committing the beads to your new thread. Once you have completed your first strand, remembering to intersperse your Swarovski crystals where appropriate, finish with a second anchor bead and tie off the thread.

Depending on how many beads you have available and what kind of effect you wish to create, repeat the process. Try making each strand a slightly different length from the first for a layered look to really capture the beauty of each individual bead. Once you have your re-threaded strands of beads, draw the ends of the thread through a crimp bead and make a multi-stranded loop, drawing the tail ends back through the crimp bead. Close the crimp bead to form a sealed end and trim any loose threads off with the scissors. Repeat the process with the other ends. This will give you a single, multi-stranded necklace. Attach your jump ring to one loop and the corresponding catch to the other and instantly you have a beautiful necklace recycled from an old piece of jewellery and transformed by the simple inclusion of sparkling, iridescent Swarovski crystals.

Making Crystal Bead Earrings, Ear Wire, and Eye Pins

Making crystal bead earrings, ear wire, and eye pins is easy and fun. Craft projects making earrings with beads, ear wire, and eye pins can unleash your creativity, while creating beautiful pieces of jewelry with your very own hands. Creating custom earrings to match your clothes or other jewelry pieces is as easy as choosing a matching color and material for your project.

Let's discuss a step by step earring guide to help you create your ear masterpieces.

1. First decide The What Type Of crystal bead earrings You Want To Make

You can make... Hoop earrings, ear studs, vintage earrings, dangling earrings, designer earrings, weaved earrings, or patterned earrings. When you have decided on the type and pattern of earring you would like to make, then it is time to gather your materials to start the project. You will need to buy, colored beads, earring hoops and ear wire.

2. Choosing Your Beads

There are tons of beads available in a multitude of colors and materials. There are so many beautiful options to consider it can be easy to get lost, don't worry and trust your instincts. Bead materials range as well. You can choose from a variety of glass beads, ceramic beads, bead shapes, bead sizes. Luckily beading is an inexpensive hobby and it is ok to make mistakes, buy a variety of beads that catch your eye, you might find use for them later.

3. Making Hoop Earrings

* Thread the earring wire from the hoop clasp and through the beads you choose to include in your design
* Create your desired beading pattern and then return the jewelry wire to the clasp
* Close the loop of the ear wire and complete the clasping mechanism to complete

4. Making Dangling Earrings

* For the making of a dangling earring set you will also need eye and head pins to create the dangling effect. Set aside the beads you choose before you start your earring making project
* Using the earring wire thread your beads onto your chosen eye or head pin, your selection will determine which bead will be the featured dangling bead
* To complete the loop you will need to bend the eye pin and then trim the end leaving roughly 8mm of wire for the remainder of the steps.
* Use pliers to roll the wire loop, by securing the end and then rolling the length of the remaining wire to create the loop
* Now you are ready to begin beading your chosen beads in sequence, attach as necessary
* Add and complete the loop of the ear wire for completion