Free Tip Friday: Handmade Wire Link & Czech Glass Bead Bracelet

Hey Gang!
Thanks for joining me on Free Tip Friday today. It was a fun project to share with you. A great mix of Wire and Czech Glass Rondelles creating an easy-to-make and wear design.

Here is what I used on the broadcast:

20 Gauge Silver Plated Wire and 5mm Ivory Mercury Czech Glass Rondelles

18 Gauge Silver Plated Wire and 8mm Glazed Peach Glass Rondelles

You'll need the following tools:
Chain Nose Pliers
Bent Chain Nose Pliers
Round Nose Pliers
Nylon Jaw Pliers
Flush Wire Cutters

All of the how-to is in the video below. Enjoy!

Free Tip Friday Kate's Take on the Goddess Bracelet

Free Tip Friday was a fun one today... So many of you have asked about The Goddess Bracelet design that has been kicking around the internet, so I thought it would be a fun one to tackle on FTF.

The materials are really simple and it works with a variety of beads and jump rings. Find all the ingredients on our website, or do a little stash diving in your collection.

The ingredients used: 

• 6mm Czech Glass Melons. I used Lavender Gold Luster and Sapphire and Bronze in the sample color palettes.
• Plain and Simple Toggle Clasp. I used Gold and Silver in the sample palettes.
• 6mm Jump Rings. I used Satin Gold and Antique Silver in the sample palettes.
• .014 Soft Flex
• Crimp Tubes
• Wire Guards
• Crimp Covers

Button? Who's Got the Button? Beadshop Does!

Czech Glass Buttons

Amazing Czech glass buttons are just some of the new additions you'll find recently added to the Just In area of the Beadshop site. The Czech Republic has a rich history when it comes to artisan glass jewelry components such as beads and buttons, and this new line of glass buttons illustrate why this is still the case today. 

Nature is the overall theme of this collection. Some buttons include pretty golden dragonflies, such as this 18mm aqua colored button with an Aurora Borealis finish. It would make a beautiful finishing touch to an In the Garden wrap bracelet. 

Dragonfly- Aqua AB 18mm Czech Glass Button

This 18mm pink and purple button with a daisy pattern on the front is another special piece. Like the other buttons, it has a metal shank, and of course, keep in mind that these buttons are glass, not resin or plastic, so extra care should be considering when handling them and incorporating them into jewelry designs. 

Daisy- Purple/Pink 18mm Czech Glass Button

Art Nouveau clearly is the influence for this pretty matte-finish glass button. This would look wonderful with vintage pearls.

Tiffany Flower- Matte Amethyst 18mm Czech Glass Button

You never know what you will find in the Just In Beadshop section because Janice and her staff are constantly on the hunt for unique beading supplies. Design inspiration for a jewelry piece can often emerge from one component, and these buttons are so special they might be a good place to start when you want to create a one-of-a-kind necklace or bracelet.