Free Tip Friday: Vintage Inspired Carrier Bead Cuff

Another Free Tip Friday in the books. This design was inspired by the vintage feeling of the carrier beads and my love of cuffs created in the vintage style using memory wire.

I used the following supples in my design:

• 4mm Persian Turquoise Picasso
• Carrier Bead- Olive Bronze
• Falling Brass Leaf Charm
• Memory Wire Copper 2 1/4'. If you have smaller wrists, you may want to size down to the 2" memory wire.
• Zap Glue
• Memory Wire Cutters

You can change up the design by alternating the colors of the Carrier Beads and 4mm Fire Polish.

Check out the video below for all the details on creating your own. Enjoy and I can't wait to see what you make!

Off the Cuff, A New Take on a Beadshop Classic

Bead and metal mixer Kate Richbourg recently took a look at an old favorite from the beadshop archives, the Music Notes Cuff bracelet, and re-imagined it into a design that speaks to her appreciation for steampunk and vintage nostalgia. Below is a comparison of the before and after. 

Music Notes Cuff ~ Brittany Ketcham-Roney

The original design is contemporary and bright. While Kate's design (below) has the same structure and uses the same techniques, it has a look of old-world charm to it. She calls this updated design Off the Cuff.

Off the Cuff ~ Sample by Kate Richbourg

A free download and list of ingredients, which are linked into the beadshop site for easy ordering, is available. Materials used to construct this cuff bracelet include a Bali button (for the toggle closure), Leather, Copper Eye Pins, and an assortment of glass, metal, and stone Rice Beads from our Vintage Finds collection. 

For additional information about this new project, go to beadshop's Facebook Live page, which includes the pdf downloadable instructions, lots of helpful links, and video. Or, if you prefer to see Kate and Janice in action as they introduce and explain how to create Off the Cuff, watch this video from YouTube:

Pathway Cuff Bracelet Kits!

With beadshop's huge selection Superduos that come in loads of color options, there seems to be no end to the design possibilities with the Pathways Cuff. But, sometimes you want to get right to the fun of beading, so that is when kits can make your life easier and the fun more immediate. 

These kits are so popular that they come in and out of stock, so we are happy to announce a few have recently returned. 

Green Gables is back in stock and combines beautiful hues of green along with a hint of teal and copper.

Then there is Covered Bridge available again. These colors are perfect for fall, and each kit comes with all the beads you need.

Cobblestone's neutral colors will go with everything. Even for those who have not done a lot of beadweaving, you will find that you pick this up in no time. Weaving with herringbone stitch is relaxing and a perfect project when the weather turns crisp outside.

You can download the free handout even before you pick out a kit, but make sure not too wait to long and miss out. Of course, you can also add it to your beadshop wishlist.