Blog Posts

Nina Bagley

Some of the ‘get creative’ team had the pleasure of studying under the USA’s Nina Bagley when she came to Australia for Art Journey Retreat. Inspired by her spirit and ideas we’ve tackled a project based on her approach and pinned the busy artist down to answer a few questions. ...

How to - working with head pins

Step 1 Place bead onto head pin. Cut off excess wire leaving approximately 6mm above the bead. Step 2 Using round nose pliers bend wire above bead at a 90º angle. Step 3 Hold the end of wire with round nose pliers and curve into a hook by twisting your ...

Artist profile - Christine & Julie Ashford

English jewellery makers, Christine and Julie Ashford, whose book, ‘Spellbinding Bead Jewellery’, was released in the UK, Australian and NZ at the end of 2008. The sisters established their company, Spellbound Beads, in 1984, where they gather beads from all over the world. The shop is supported by a ...

Just can’t get enough!

The addictive world of beading The last five to seven years have seen a rise in popularity in beading that rivals many other craft forms. Today, most major shopping centres house at least one specialist bead store, most craft markets overflow with handmade creations and the amount of related books, ...

Artist Profile - Claire Aristides

Claire Aristides describes her new jewellery making book, ‘Bejewelled’, as the first of its kind because it takes a high fashion, magazine editorial style approach to the handcraft. “I think it’s fair to say it’s the first of its kind,” says Claire. “Everyone’s very excited.” Whether she’s on Channel 7’s ...

Projects

Bead & fabric necklace

If beading’s your thing & you feel like exploring with new materials, consider introducing fabrics into your work. The texture & colours you’re able to create produce truly unique & wearable items.

Crochet motif collar necklace

“Not your grandma’s crochet” is a term that gets thrown around a lot lately & this artistic, alluring creation shows you why. Dress up transeasonal garments, draw attention to the wearer’s face and, of course, expand your crochet skills with this wonderfully modern project.

Felt earrings

Perfect project for a teen

Needle felted brooch

Perfect project for a teen

Knitted beaded choker

Inspired by Claire Aristides... we’ve tried our own version of glamour beading with this distinctive choker.

Dare to dangle

Like all chokers, this unusual piece sits close to the throat, drawing all eyes to you.

Snug style choker

The origins of the choker may go back to the days where women wore a ribbon around their neck. Our version is a tad more glam!

Stitched & beaded pendant

Inspired by ‘indie’ streetwear, we combine embroidery stitch & beading to create this distinctive accessory.

Red effects bracelet

By concentrating on one particular colour palette in a charm like this you can create a strong look.

Lauren’s necklace

A 'get creative' intern has been full of bright ideas. Try this intermediate beading project that combines some of her favourite techniques.

Bottle top jewellery

Turn discarded bottle tops into jewellery that tells a very special story. By Helen Bradley.

Button bracelet

A perfect project for Teens and Tweens!

Beaded bracelet

Pressed for time and need something pretty to complement a new outfit? Then this little set of stretch thread bracelets is the perfect solution.

Pearl girl

Let the colours of ocean spill into your design ideas this season.

Race day refinement

The delicate beauty of faux pearls can be the perfect accessory for many outfits.

Bracelet & earrings ensemble

A cute everyday ensemble that is as much fun to make as it is to wear.

Scrunchy wire bracelet

Scrunchy wire beads are all the rage and here’s how to make your own in the colours of your choice.

Nereid necklace

“The Greek myths tell us of the fifty beautiful sea nymphs or nereid companions of Poseidon who come to the aid of sailors who find themselves in peril fighting dangerous storms. The necklace brings together the azure colours of the Mediterranean Sea and the pebbled textures of the shoreline. Although ...

Bugle bead beauty

Create this and more using different colour themes and just clip them on/off to suit your mood.

Christmas jewels - Red fire

The party season will soon be upon us. This is the perfect opportunity to have some fun with beads. We’ve created easy to make earrings. New decorated head pins add instant detail to any pair of earrings. Angel wings and angel charms lend themselves to the season’s festivities. Wear them ...

Christmas jewels - Crystal blocks

The party season will soon be upon us. This is the perfect opportunity to have some fun with beads. We’ve created easy to make earrings. New decorated head pins add instant detail to any pair of earrings. Angel wings and angel charms lend themselves to the season’s festivities. Wear them ...

Christmas jewels - crystal red & emerald drops

The party season will soon be upon us. This is the perfect opportunity to have some fun with beads. We’ve created easy to make earrings. New decorated head pins add instant detail to any pair of earrings. Angel wings and angel charms lend themselves to the season’s festivities. Wear them ...

Christmas jewels - crystal angels

The party season will soon be upon us. This is the perfect opportunity to have some fun with beads. We’ve created easy to make earrings. New decorated head pins add instant detail to any pair of earrings. Angel wings and angel charms lend themselves to the season’s festivities. Wear them ...

Christmas jewels - silver & emerald teardrops

The party season will soon be upon us. This is the perfect opportunity to have some fun with beads. We’ve created easy to make earrings. New decorated head pins add instant detail to any pair of earrings. Angel wings and angel charms lend themselves to the season’s festivities. Wear them ...

Christmas jewels - emerald diamante gold drops

The party season will soon be upon us. This is the perfect opportunity to have some fun with beads. We’ve created easy to make earrings. New decorated head pins add instant detail to any pair of earrings. Angel wings and angel charms lend themselves to the season’s festivities. Wear them ...

Christmas jewels - red teardrop & crystal dangles

The party season will soon be upon us. This is the perfect opportunity to have some fun with beads. We’ve created easy to make earrings. New decorated head pins add instant detail to any pair of earrings. Angel wings and angel charms lend themselves to the season’s festivities. Wear them ...

Christmas jewels - dancing angel drops

The party season will soon be upon us. This is the perfect opportunity to have some fun with beads. We’ve created easy to make earrings. New decorated head pins add instant detail to any pair of earrings. Angel wings and angel charms lend themselves to the season’s festivities. Wear them ...

Beaded bracelets for friends

This new kit makes it easy to get crafty over the holidays.

Silly season curlicue earrings

Earrings for both Christmas and New Years eve!

Velvet & pearl - choker

Create this elegant choker (bracelet project also available) using memory neck wire & velvet tubing. This choker provides an elegant edge to party dressing. Plus, it’s quick and easy to construct.

Velvet & pearl - bracelet

Create this elegant bracelet (choker project also available) using memory neck wire & velvet tubing. This bracelet provides an elegant edge to party dressing. Plus, it’s quick and easy to construct.

Charm necklace

A perfect project to keep your tweens to teens creative!

How to - Work with head pins

Step by step lesson - for teachers or learners.

How to - Work with eye pins

Step by step lesson - for teachers or learners.

Chained heart bracelet

Play around with cubes, hearts & striped beads to create this charming, chunky bracelet.

Love & art

Turn dome epoxy (acrylic) stickers into a fun word bracelet.

Earrings & gift box

Who knew an unused matchbox could hold such beauty? Grab beads & silver head pins to create this self contained gift.

Golden girl

Make this! A beautiful gift or a wonderful addition to your own jewellery collection.

Charm bracelet

Perfect for teenagers and tweens

Friendship bracelets

You can make one of these for each of your friends.

Blooming brooches

Make these gorgeous brooches which can be used on clothes, scarves, bags, you name it.

The memory keeper bracelet

Incorporate things like a loved one’s watch face & trinkets from travel to create one-of-a-kind jewellery items.

Earring screen

Never misplace earrings again with this decorative, practical creation.

4 drawer trinket box

Use your favourite papers to create this pretty keepsake protector.

Beaded bunny pin

Lead little hands through a practical project with this simple, useful idea. Projects for teachers and childcare professionals.

Crochet bangles

Perfect for teenagers and tweens

Ribbon wrapped bangles

So many ribbons, so little time!

Double-sided headbands

Yet another creative & economic idea for using up fabric scraps.

Jubilant jade

Part of Ribtex’s Precious Stone collection, this natural yellow Jade is perfect for creating striking suites of jewellery or stand-alone pieces.

Leather allure

This simple leather wrist wrap idea is easy to execute & lends a sharp, contemporary edge to your wardrobe.

Knotted necklace

Oooh, I LOVE making jewellery. This necklace is one of my favourites.

Jewellery roll

The simplest sewing skills can get you started on creating useful and pretty accessories for yourself or loved ones.

Knitted bead bracelet

These knitting bees are very handy tools.

Ocean girl bracelet

The pretty colours of these beads remind me of the beach!

The gift of... Jewellery

An eye for detail & nimble fingers will come in handy when creating this distinctively pretty suite of jewellery.

Embedded Image Bracelet

Learn how to create a one of a kind bracelet for yourself or to give as a gift. By Barbara McGuire.

Wearable Vessel

An unusual pendant that can be used to store little stones, charms or notes. By Nanetta Bananto.

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