Free Bead Projects

From LoveToKnow Crafts

If you're looking for free bead projects, you've come to the right place! LoveToKnow Crafts is here to help you get started turning your collection of pretty beads into one-of-kind creations.

Visit our jewelry making project gallery for free bead project ideas.

How to Make a Bead Bracelet

For novice beaders, bead bracelets made with stretch cord are a good first project. Since this cord is thin and flexible, it requires no clasp. String your beads, tie a knot, trim the cord, and add a dab of clear nail polish to the knot to keep it secure. For more information, please see the LoveToKnow Crafts slideshow How to Make a Bead Bracelet.

If you'd like to make a stretch cord necklace, simply string a strand of beads that measures 16 to 18 inches instead of the 7 to 8 inches that is recommended for a beaded bracelet. Here are a few more ideas for easy variations on the stretch cord bead project:

Use a beaded stretch cord bracelet to add pizzazz to your ponytail.
String beaded curtain tie backs to quickly perk up tired looking curtains.
Wrap a string of beads around a glass jar to make a customized flower vase.
Wrap beads around a frosted glass candle holder to make a centerpiece that sparkles.
Make beaded napkin rings by stringing stretch cord to measure between 1 and 1 ½ inches.

How to Make Button Charm Jewelry

Once you've mastered the basics of making beaded projects using stretch cord, you can practice your wire working skills by learning how to make button charm jewelry. Turning old buttons into charms for a bracelet or necklace is a fun way to create unique accessories that are sure to add interest to any outfit in your closet. See the LoveToKnow Crafts article How to Make Button Charm Jewelry for instructions and tips on finding the best buttons for your project.

Beaded Ribbon Bookmarks

Although making beaded jewelry is definitely fun, sometimes you want to branch out and try other types of crafting projects. Beaded bookmarks are a simple craft that allows you to make use of all the leftover beads you've saved from your other jewelry making projects. They also make great gifts for family, friends, teachers, coworkers, and other special people. You can learn how to make your own beaded bookmarks by following the instructions in the LoveToKnow Crafts slideshow How to Make Beaded Bookmarks.

Making Your Own Beads

If you're on a tight budget, you know how important it is to find creative ways to save money on your craft projects. To save money on beads, you can try looking for sales or coupons at your favorite stores and cutting apart thrift store costume jewelry to design your own creations. Another great idea is make your own beads.

It's actually quite easy to make your own beads from patterned scrapbooking paper, wrapping paper, or pages cut from old magazines. The LoveToKnow Crafts tutorial How to Make Paper Beads explains this process in detail.

Additional Resources for Free Beading Projects

For more ideas on free bead projects you can make, visit the following helpful Web sites:

You may also want to check out some of the designs featured in the LoveToKnow Crafts Jewelry Making Project Gallery. Although no instructions are provided for the featured projects, they can offer design and color combination ideas for you to use in your own beadwork.

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