Friends, we hope you are staying home and feeling well. Today we are looking at affordable craft ideas to keep you blissfully busy beading during the COVID-19 outbreak. For those of us social-distancing and in quarantine it can be a lonely and sometimes boring time. We believe keeping busy with arts and crafts is the best boredom buster! If you are not familiar with our jewelry making company, now is a great time to see what we offer. Learning a new hobby or honing an old one is a good way to reduce stress and anxiety. Let's look at some fun ways to beautify our world and reflect on what is important. Let's have fun with crafts and hobbies!

We have some quarantine jewelry crafts to keep you busy. These project ideas are wonderful if you have never considered making jewelry or if you just need some new jewelry projects to keep you happy and in a good place. We will go through some of the beginner tools needed for our crafts and then look at some fun ways to use bead string or craft wire to make amazing jewelry and craft creations. Involve your children or grandchildren. Bead stringing is a great way to teach your child how to count or learn colors. Beading is great for teens and adults to understand color theory and how to create patterns. Let's learn symmetry and balance - and maybe even a little patience. Bead stringing is fun for the whole family!

A beading activity kit is a great way to share your passion and keep little ones busy during this time of social distancing and isolation. Children crave fun and educational opportunities to grow and blossom. Use our Kids Beading Activity Kit to show your youngest how to recognize colors and preschoolers how to count using beads. Show your grade school aged kids how to create and form beautiful patterns and your teens how to explore asymmetry and out of the box thinking.

Or, just keep a kit for yourself. We won't tell!

This jewelry making kit is a STEAM learning activity (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math). Beading teaches kids both engineering and art in one fun project. Math, too - if you are teaching your kiddos how to count! If your child is a Girl Scout, this kit is a great way to work on a Jeweler Badge. Skill Building Badges can be done at home and are great ways to keep occupied during quarantine.

Note: This kit contains Stretch Magic. There are directions for using this product on the back of the package. We also have video tutorials on our channel on YouTube. Stretch Magic is easy to use for kids and beginners to complete a piece of jewelry. For added security, we recommend adding glue to your stretch cord knot. Special T Glue is excellent for use with Stretch Magic. This kit will require adult supervision and assistance for most children under the age of 12.

Affordable Quarantine Crafts And Hobbies For Adults And Children

Making Jewelry Is An Affordable Quarantine Craft.

It isn't easy being a responsible adult when that means hiding away from the crowds and fun of public life. Staying at home all day can lead to a lot of boredom and stir crazy thoughts. But if we want to be part of the solution to the novel coronavirus, we need to do our part and limit our time away from the house. One good way to beat boredom is to learn a new hobby. We think jewelry making is a craft that everybody can enjoy. There are so many fun things you can accomplish with beads and beading string. You can make a new pair of earrings or a stunning new necklace. You can relive childhood memories by creating classics, like friendship bracelets or knitting patterns on a spool. You can learn new braiding techniques and macrame. You can even make accents for the home or decorate each holiday with your own unique designs.

Today, let's explore time tested techniques and new jewelry ideas. We will show you how to turn an old art into a new craft. You might remember having a knitting spool as a child. Your father or industrious grandpa may have made it for you. A wooden spool that fit in the hand. Nails driven into the top acted as pegs for your cotton cords. We have a knitting spool that is designed for a new generation of crafters. Our spools are high quality products that work perfectly with beading wire. You can make a knitted necklace or bracelet that will amaze your friends and family.

If you enjoyed macrame when it surged in the seventies or have family member that loved macrame, we also offer a contemporary macrame board that is perfect for creating mini designs with beading thread, wire or cord. This board is self-healing and can take a lot of abuse and then return to its original shape. It is great for holding your wire in place while you work. You can make some gorgeous designs with it and turn them into new bracelets and more.

If you love braiding, we have some exciting jewelry options for you. We have a selection of kumihimo disks that are fantastic for creating simple braids. Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese form of braiding that the whole family can participate in. Dad will love the rich history of these braiding tools. Samurai used this braiding tool to decorate their armor and their horses armor with it. The finished braid looks complicated and elegant, nobody will know how easy it was to make!

We will show you some exciting craft ideas. We will show you the tools. We will show you instructional jewelry making videos and more. If you would like to learn more difficult techniques, we will let you know how to get your toes wet. Would you like to explore jewelry making? Let's start with tools. We will cover them briefly and move on to some exciting jewelry ideas.

What Basic Tools Do I Need For Bead Stringing?

We offer tools and components for every beader. We have high end material for designers and stores. We have tools that are great for the budget minded hobbyists and crafters. And we have products that are a great fit for beginners and children. If you plan on getting tools for a basic venture into jewelry making, look for tools that do not hurt the wallet. Once you are really active in your new favorite hobby, it will be time for you to upgrade to higher quality supplies. A high end cutter, for example, costs four times more than an economy pair of bead nippers. But, if you are doing a lot of cutting, you are going to dull those nippers fast. You will end up replacing economy tools many times over if you do not upgrade. In the end, you will be spending more money than you would have if you purchased a high quality beading tool.

Soft Flex Bead Stringing Starter Kit

A perfect kit for anyone to get started in beading and jewelry-making. This kit is exactly what you need to make your own DIY necklaces and bracelets.

This Bead Stringing Starter Kit includes a Bead Mat, 2 red tip Bead Stoppers, Regular Crimping Pliers, Bead Nippers, 20 count package of 2x2mm Crimp Tubes, Ear Wires, Lobster Clasps, a 10ft spool of Soft Flex .019 Medium Beading Wire in your choice of color and a FREE package of Beads. (Bead colors vary and will be based on your wire color choice).

A starter kit is the perfect way to get all of the tools and wire you need in a single package. If you are just looking for the fundamentals of bead stringing, you will need to make sure you have a pair of  regular crimping pliers and a pair of bead nippers. Those two tools are going to tackle a wide variety of jewelry making projects and if you cannot afford to get anything else - those are the must haves. 

What Basic Tools Do I Need For Wire Wrapping?

If stringing beads is not something you think would be a fun time waster, there is also the option of wire working. Wire working or wire wrapping is the art of manipulating and sculpting a hard wire. Craft wire is a copper wire that is firm and holds its shape. It does not drape like beading thread or wire. Craft wire is malleable and easy to work with until it is work hardened. Work hardening is the process of striking the wire to lock it in place. Once a wire is work hardened, it will retain the shape it is in. If you overwork a work hardened wire, you can make it brittle. This hobby is slightly more difficult to master than stringing beads, but it is extremely rewarding.

Soft Flex Craft Wire Starter Kit

A perfect kit for anyone to get started in wire wrapping and making your own wire components. This kit is exactly what you need to make your own DIY wire work jewelry.

This Craft Wire Starter Kit includes a Bead Mat, Bead Nipper, Nylon Jaw Pliers, Round Nose Pliers, Bent Nose Pliers, Lobster Clasps, a 10 yard spool of 22 Gauge Soft Flex Craft Wire in your choice of metal color and a FREE package of Beads. (Bead colors vary and will be based on your wire color choice).

This kit is all you need to begin your favorite new hobby. Wire wrapping can be used to adorn silverware, wine glasses, sculpt, and more. This wire can be turned into linked chain or frame stones in decorative wrap. It is a fun craft but it will require patience and a willingness to learn. We will have links to follow as the blog progresses. You can master wire working or bead stringing. Our videos are informative and easy to follow.

What Are Some Fun Quarantine Crafts For Kids?

Let's kick things off with a craft that is perfect for the littles and younger ones. Stretchy bracelets are a fun and easy way to test the waters and see if you enjoy making jewelry. It is great for the kiddos, but don't be fooled, stretch cord is also great for adult projects too. Little ones will make rudimentary designs, older folks can make intricate and amazing multi-stranded jewelry with stretchy cord. This is a fun project. All you need is stretch cord and a pair of scissors. If you want extra security, you can glue your knots. You do not need any other tools. Just some beads and imagination.

Stringing beads can be turned into an educational experience for the youngest. You can teach them counting as they add beads to their string. If you are working on color recognition, you can have them sort and add certain colors in patterns. There are no rules. They can create jewelry as fun and flashy as they please. Stretchy jewelry is great for little boys and girls. Find muted or earth toned beads for the little boys - or let them make a flashier bracelet than their sisters.

Crafting is so important. It expands the imagination and lights the creative fires. Memories of making art will stick with your littles for decades. Many of us have wonderful memories of Nana showing us how to make a doll with pantyhose and cotton or braiding fibers and cords. Let's share our passion for hobbies and crafts with those we love!

We think Stretch Magic is one of the best stretchy cords out there for jewelry making.

Stretch Magic is a strong elastic-like beading and jewelry making cord. It is made of a unique proprietary polyurethane. It is constructed of a mixture of polyester and polyurethane. Stretch Magic is solid and will not fray over time. It does not contain any latex, rayon, or elastic. It is recommended that you pre-stretch Stretch Magic before beginning a project. This will ensure the cord does not stretch and lengthen after beads are placed on it.

This stretch cord is so easy to work with and finish. Simply string your beads, knot your cord and add a drop of glue to seal the knot. Here are some knots that work great: Surgeon's Knot, Figure-Eight knot and a Carrick Bend Knot.

Stretch cord is fantastic for designing feminine and masculine jewelry pieces. You can assemble jewelry quickly and easily using this elastic like cord. A bracelet takes minutes. You can design a single strand or even a complex multi-strand design with ease. Stretch cord is useful for some amazing rings as well. It is not ideal for a necklace, but you can make some stunning tattoo chokers or a daring chunky necklace with larger beads.

At Soft Flex Company, we carry three of the most common sizes of Stretch Magic elastic cord, .5mm, .7mm, and 1mm. We think these sizes are perfect for just about every jewelry design. The .5mm cord is great for smaller, lightweight beads that have a smaller bead hole. The .7mm is an all-round stretch cord because you can put almost any type of bead on this cord. The 1mm is best for heavier gemstones and bigger beads. 

Special T Glue is a gap filling glue. It is designed to fill any gaps inside a knot - this makes the knot secure and less likely to come undone. In the case of knotted jewelry, it is extra assurance that your design is not going to fall apart after prolonged wear. Special T Glue dries pliable rather than hard and crunchy. It takes around sixty seconds to dry and dries clear. Special T Glue is excellent for use with Illusion Cord, Stretch Magic, Soft Flex and Soft Touch Beading Wire.

If you would like to learn more about stretchy jewelry, follow this link:  Everything You Need To Know About Stretch Bracelets And Stretchy Cord

Little Ones Can earn A Junior Girl Scout Jewelry Badge

Quarantine is the perfect time to for your children to earn Skill Builder Scout badges. If you have a little one that needs to get her  Junior Girl Scout Jeweler Badge, we have jewelry kits and beading tools that make this task so easy. Your girls can earn this badge in a single sitting or you can take your time and show them a fun task they will retain for life. Let's look at the requirements and figure out how we can move forward to get the badge.

1. Get to know the tools of the trade

2. Make jewelry with metal

3. Turn everyday objects into jewelry

4. Create jewelry inspired by another culture

5. Make a sparkling gift

Let's get to know the tools of the trade. Jewelry beaders can use a lot of specialized tools to master their craft. But, there are two single tools that will allow anybody to become a proficient beader. These two tools will allow a beginner to create amazing jewelry that is on par with the professionals, as long as they learn their techniques. These tools are crimping pliers and cutters. Every other tool out there has a purpose, but these two are enough to kick off your new favorite craft or earn that badge!

Regular Crimping Pliers

Crimping pliers allow a designer to finish a secure their jewelry in a professional and uniform manner.

Cutters

Cutters (bead nippers) allow a designer to remove excess beading thread or wire. 

Making jewelry with metal is a snap. Simple string your jewelry with Soft Flex Beading Wire and add crimps. Soft Flex is a marine quality stainless steel and crimps are soft metal - like sterling silver.

Turning a household object into jewelry is really simple. A skeleton key makes a great focal bead. Buttons from an old sewing kit can be turned into jewelry elements. Shell and wood are easy to add to jewelry. Get creative! If you want to make a necklace for an avid bicyclist, consider using parts of a bicycle chain in your jewelry design. Beading started with simple, everyday objects. Let your jewelry tell a story with common items you cherish.

The internet is a great place to find beads from every culture imaginable. African trade beads are magnificent. They are colorful and come in all sizes. Czech Glass is easy to find. It is abundant and perfect for jewelry of every color and technical level. Italian lampwork beads are accessible from jewelry making stores. If you do not have regional beads, you can still use color to represent the culture you want to honor.

If you cannot make a piece of jewelry from beads found online, you can find sparkling stuff at home. Think out of the box. If you do not have any common items that can be strung on to a necklace, you can always restring an old piece of jewelry and change it up a little so it is your own creation.

What Are Some Quarantine Crafts For Teens?

Stringing beads with beading thread or wire is a great craft for teenagers. Teen minds are going to need some stimulation during this time of social distancing. Not having their peers around is going to be lonely and awful. If you do not want them camped out in front of the TV or playing video games 24/7, suggest some jewelry making ideas. Necklaces and bracelets are super easy to tackle. Use a single thread and string your beads. As they get better, you can step it up to multi-strand designs. But simplicity is a great way to introduce them to this hobby.

Stringing beads is great for boys and girls. The right beads will set the mood. Wood, bone and shell is a perfect beach necklace for him. Czech glass or bead mixes are great for her. Check out our design kits and bead mixes if you want to give your teens a theme to play with. We have themed beads for holidays, moods, and more. All of our themed design packages are limited supply and rotate monthly. There is always an exciting theme to check out.

Beyond bracelets and necklaces, earrings are also a fun jewelry design. They are incredibly simple to make and require very few materials. You daughter or granddaughter can make a bunch of unique pairs of earrings for every mood, just switch up the beads or wire color.

One fun thing about stringing with our beading wire is that it comes in a rainbow of colors. You do not need to hide the wire under a string of beads. Your teens can make simple designs with few beads or string the whole design and make it dense with beads. The color of the wire will make translucent beads sparkle, so use a wire color that enhances your beads. Stringing a necklace full of beads is a great way to show them how to create patterns or perfect an asymmetrical look.

The hardest part of stringing a beaded necklace is finishing it. Your teen can tackle this or you can do it for them. It is a great confidence builder if you show them how to do it and let them get it right. You can practice with cheap crimps and wire without wasting the good stuff or ruining a design. Let them get the hang of it before attempting to finish something they cherish. Even if they fail when making their jewelry, restringing is easy. We have lots of videos in our YouTube collection if you need help with your crimping.

Make sure you stock up on wire. Soft Flex Beading Wire is the designer's choice in bead stringing wire. Our wire drapes like thread, but is constructed of marine quality stainless steel. Jewelry made with our beading wire is meant to last! It will survive wear and tear from the toughest teenager.

Soft Flex Wire is a lead-free beading wire for designers that demand strength and durability. Soft Flex Wire is a superior beading wire, created by beaders for beaders. Soft Flex Wire is constructed of either 21 or 49 micro woven stainless steel wires. It is supple enough that it can be knotted and comes in a wide variety of colors. It is available in 3 diameters: .014, .019, and .024. We recommend Soft Flex Beading Wire for designers that want their pieces to last and eliminate the frustration of restringing.

If you would like to learn more about stringing beads, follow this link for a more in depth look at the tools and techniques: 10 Questions Beginners Ask About Jewelry Making

Simply Irresistible Headband Crafting Idea For All Ages

Beaded jewelry is fun, but you can also make beaded headbands too! Let your princess design something that will flatter her latest hairstyle. She can use different colors or beads to make her headband accent every outfit. This is a super cute way to create your own fashion style.

Designer Sara Oehler
Skill Level Easy

Gold Headband

Pink Headband

Black Headband

Materials
Soft Flex Beading Wire .019 diameter - 120"
3x3mm Sterling Silver Crimp Tubes - 2 pcs
Ribbon - 28" to 30"
Glass Flowers by Barb Svetlick

Tools
Mighty Crimping Pliers
Cutters or Bead Nippers

Instructions

Step 1: Cut three 40 inch lengths of wire. (You can use all the same color or mix and match several colors.)

Step 2: Fold all three strands in half, making six strands. Use all six strands to string 1 crimp tube. Place the tube near the middle of the wires, creating a small loop for attaching the ribbon later, and crimp. Click here for crimping instructions.

Step 3: Separate the 6 wires into three groups of 2 wires each and braid. If you want, you can add beads as you go.

Step 4: Use all six strands to string 1 crimp tube. Pass back through the tube, leaving a small loop, and crimp.

Step 5: String a 14-16 inch piece of ribbon through one of the loops and form a double overhand knot to secure. Repeat for the other loop. To wear, place the braided section of the headband on the head and tie the ribbons together at the neck.

Fun Household Crafts For Adults And Teens During Coronavirus Isolation

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lot of us unable to leave the house. Shelter-in-place laws mean that we cannot lead our normal lives. Everything is on standby while we wait out the storm. Staring at the same four walls, day after day, can be miserable. Let's take some time to give the house a make-over. We have some around the house ideas for you. You can plan for the holidays or just add some magic around the home.

Econoflex Beaded Zipper Pull

Designer Sara Oehler
Skill Level Beginner

Materials
Econoflex Wire, .014 Diameter - 8 inches
Single strand clasp
2x2mm Sterling Silver Crimp Tubes - 5 pcs
Gemstone Beads

Tools
Regular Crimping Pliers
Cutters

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the wire into two 4" pieces.

Step 2: Use both wires to string the clasp to the center of the wires. Use all four ends of wire to string 1 crimp tube. Slide the crimp up to the clasp, and crimp. Click here for crimping instructions.

Step 3: Trim the wires to 4 different lengths: 1/2", 1", 1 1/2", and 2".

Step 4: Use the 1/2" wire to string 1 to 3 beads and 1 crimp tube. Crimp the tube at the very end of the wire.

Step 5: Use the 1" wire to string 1 to 3 beads and 1 crimp tube. Crimp the tube at the very end of the wire.

Step 6: Use the 1 1/2" wire to string 1 to 3 beads and 1 crimp tube. Crimp the tube at the very end of the wire.

Step 7: Use the 2" wire to string 1 to 3 beads and 1 crimp tube. Crimp the tube at the very end of the wire.

Holiday Napkin Rings

DIY: Free Beaded Holiday Ornament Using Flexible Beading Wire Pattern

Designer Sara Oehler

Do you ever look at beaded ornaments and feel like they may be too difficult for you? I do. So, I created a pattern that looks far more complicated than it actually is. No bead weaving necessary! It is super easy, I promise!

Materials
Soft Touch Beading Wire, .019 Diameter - 54 inches
2x2mm Crimp Tube - 12 tubes
3mm Crimp Covers - 12 covers
Super Duo Beads - 12 beads
11/0 Seed Beads
(Beads were purchased from www.BeadWorldInc.com)Tools
Crimping pliers
Chain nose pliers
Bead stoppers
Cutters

Instructions

Step 1: Attach a bead stopper a few inches from the end of 30 inches of beading wire. String a crimp tube, seven beads, a crimp tube, ten beads, a Super Duo bead, thirteen beads, a Super Duo bead, thirteen beads, a Super Duo bead, ten beads. Pass the wire back through the second crimp tube to create a circle.

Step 2: String seven beads, a crimp tube, ten beads, a Super Duo bead, thirteen beads, a Super Duo bead, thirteen beads. Pass the wire through the second half of the first Super Duo bead in the previous ring. This will connect the two rings together. String ten beads. Pass the wire back through the crimp tube to create a circle.

Step 3: Repeat Step 2 three times.

Step 4: String seven beads. Pass the wire through the very first crimp to connect the two sides. String ten beads. Pass the wire through the second half of a Super Duo bead. String thirteen beads, a Super Duo bead and thirteen beads. Pass the wire through the second half of a Super Duo bead. String ten beads. Pass the wire back through the crimp tube, creating the final circle.

Step 5: Crimp all of the tubes. Click here for crimping instructions.

Step 6: Attach a bead stopper at the end of 4 inches of beading wire. String sixteen beads. Pass through the second half of a Super Duo bead at the bottom of a circle. String sixteen beads. Remove the bead stopper. Using both ends of the wire, string a 2x2mm crimp tube, creating a tear drop shape. Crimp the tube. Cover the crimp. Trim the excess wire.

Step 7: Repeat Step 7 five times to complete the ornament cover.

Learn How to Macrame And Make Knotted Jewelry Designs (Adults And Older Teens)

Macrame is likely derived from Arabic or Turkish words describing fringes and weaving techniques. It is a form of crafting textiles using knots - rather than knitting, crocheting or weaving. Early macrame was used as a decorative fringe. It later fell into favor with sailors and was used for hammocks, fringe work on railing and bells and decorative finishes to knife handles and bottles. Macrame exploded in popularity during the 1970s and was used for wall hangings, jewelry, and clothing.

You would not think stainless steel wire would be a good medium for knotting and braiding. But Soft Flex wire is outstanding for macrame projects. The small size is perfect for mini macrame. You can design lots of wonderfully textured jewelry with our wire. A  macrame board will help stabilize and grip the wire as you work, but it is not necessary.

You can use different colors of wire or different sizes and colors of beads to make unique designs. It is a simple craft to pick up as it is just a series of decorative knots on the wire to finish a design. A great way to practice your technique before using beading wire is to use cheap yarn. Yarn is forgiving and you get a sense of how the knots will work before you try something more complicated.

If you would like to learn how to make macrame jewelry, follow this link for some fun designs: Learn How To Make Macrame Bracelets

Learn How To Make Braided Jewelry With A Kumihimo Disk (Adults And Older Teens)

Kumihimo means 'gathered threads' in Japanese. It is a form of braiding. Kumihimo braids can be used to create decorative lace, cords, jewelry or clothing accessories. Historically, Kumihimo braids have been used in Samurai armor and weaponry. The braids were used as a functional knit for their armor pieces. Decoratively, it adorned their horses armor and the handles of their swords.

Kumihimo braiding is easy with a disk. The disks are portable and uncomplicated. All you need to do is follow a pattern and use the numbers (or letters) on the disk to braid your cord or wire. The braid looks amazing. The finished look is wonderful for masculine or feminine jewelry designs. You can start with a kumihimo bracelet to get your feet wet and then move on to kumihimo projects with beads. It is fun to experiment with color and cord variety. You are sure to create something beautiful. 

How to Kumihimo

Here are some simple steps to help you start off creating braids.

Start your braid with position #32 at the top. Always keep tension on your lanyard while creating it by attaching a binder clip to the end of the braid.

Pick a medium - silk, thread, wire, cloth, or ribbon. Choose a variety of textures and colors. Be creative.

The thickness and length of your pieces can vary. For bracelets, start with 8 cords cut at 48 inches long (this will ensure that your piece can be shortened as necessary and will accommodate different materials). Belts, 8 cords cut at five yards. Key rings, 8 cords cut at 36 inches long. Or get inventive and go longer or shorter. There are no hard and fast rules.

Step 1: Cut eight strands of beading wire. Wrap each strand onto a bobbin leaving a 6 inch length of wire.

Step 2: Gather all wires and attach a bead stopper on one end leaving a 2 inch tail.

Step 3: Place the bead stopper through the hole in the middle of the round kumihimo board and attach wire bobbins onto the left and right of each of the following numbers: 8, 16, 24 and 32.

Step 4: With 32 at the top, take the wire on the bottom left and secure it on the top left, to the left of 31. Then, take the wire on the top right and secure it on the bottom right, to the right of 15 (when 15 is upside down).

Step 5: Turn the kumihimo board counterclockwise.

Step 6: With 8 at the top, take the wire on the bottom left and secure it on the top left, to the left of 7. Then, take the wire on the top right and secure it on the bottom right, to the right of 23 (when 23 is upside down).

Step 7: Repeat Steps 4-6 until you reach your desired length.

Step 8: Trim the wire from the board and bobbins leaving at least a 2 inch tail.

If you would like to learn how to make kumihimo jewelry, follow this link for much more detail: Everything You Need To Know About Kumihimo

Learn How To Use A Knitting Spool (Children And Adults)

Like many of the other crafts and hobbies we have looked at, knitting spools are a contemporary look at an ancient art. We have had a fondness for the look of decorative knit since antiquity. Knitted craft has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. The centuries have not dulled our love for this hobby.

The knitting spools we sell at Soft Flex Company are updated versions of the spool you may have owned as a child. This is a powerful tool for children. It shows them an easy craft to tackle, but one that takes patience and skill to master. When a child figures out how to finish a design and do it well, it is a blast of confidence and self esteem. We often hear feedback at how wonderful it is to see a tool that people once loved as a child and can now enjoy as an adult. Create jewelry and go back in time with a knitting spool today!

Knitting spools are wonderful for jewelry designs that use Soft Flex Beading Wire or Soft Flex Craft Wire. You can change your design by choosing a different knitting pattern style or size of spool and you can also use different colors, beading wire diameters or gauges of Soft Flex Craft Wire as well as thread, cord, yarn and leather. You can add beads and weave multiple different materials together to create unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry. The possibilities are endless!

Knitting spools are great for beaded jewelry. You can add beads to the core of your design or even on the skin of the bracelet as you go. You can also skip the beads altogether and just show your colors! If you want an extravagant look, our 24k Extreme Flex Gold beading wire looks absolutely stunning when finished as a knitted necklace. If you want a theme, you can explore multiple colors or single colors. There are so many unique ways to knit and bead your jewelry. Every piece you design will be a one of a kind!

If you would like to learn how to use a knitting spool, follow this link for much more detail: Learn How To Make Jewelry On A Knitting Spool In 3 Different Knitting Pattern Styles

Learn How To Use A WigJig Jig Board (Adults And Older Teens)

Finally, let's take a look at Craft Wire projects. Craft Wire is wonderful. It holds a shape. It can be molded and shaped to make something magnificent. You can bend the wire with pliers or use a jig board to make consistent shapes. Jig boards are templates. The pegs on the board mean that every design will be the same if you follow a set pattern. This is a great project for patient and older adults. Working too fast with Craft Wire is a way to ensure you will make mistakes. It is so much easier to correct errors if you design slowly and methodically.

You are going to love the WigJig Olympus Lite!

The transparent Olympus Lite is the perfect jig for beginning wire designers. Just place the transparent jig on a pattern, trace with the pegs, and wrap the wire to form the design. It's simple to design with wire instantly to make jewelry, home decor, and paper arts projects. Includes jig with 238 holes, 10 metal pegs, and wire designing tips. Wire, jig, Super Pegs, Spiral Maker and nylon spacers are sold separately. WigJig Olympus Lite is 3" x 3".

We love WigJigs. There are lots of choices of jig boards, but all are not created equally. If you buy a cheap board, you will find that the plastic wears. This means, the holes on the board will widen over time. This makes the pegs move around and makes your work more difficult and less precise. WigJigs are constructed from the same material that is used to make aircraft windows. It is exceptionally strong and durable. You holes will not widen from use over time.

You can make a ton of fun jewelry and home crafts with a jig board. Ornaments are always fun and a great gift idea. You can also make interlocking pieces for a necklace or jewelry components. 

If you like the look of organic home crafts, you can skip the jig board and hand make some fun ornaments. We call hand shaped crafts like this, messy wrapped. Skipping the tools and designing with your hands is pure and wonderful and a great present to those you love.

Creating ear wires is super simple with a jig board and cost efficient if you design a lot of earrings. Using a jig to make ear wires also means that every single earring you make will have your own signature work - you do not have to rely on pre-constructed designs in your jewelry.

Check out our blog and YouTube library for more advanced designs with Soft Flex Craft Wire. Our Wire guru. James Browning is a talented artist and is full of excellent tips and jewelry ideas.

We hope you learned something new. We hope you are staying safe and strong. COVID-19 is a terrible disease. It incubates and hides and transmits even when symptoms are not present. But we can get through this. Let's stay safe and wash hands and practice social-distance. Let's shelter in place and avoid crowds. We will come back stronger! Keep your mind sharp and design some crafts and amazing jewelry. Teach your children a hobby or talent that will stick with them forever. Isolation does not have to be a jail sentence. We can stay productive and keep moving forward. Our thoughts are with you. If you ever have a question that we can answer about arts and crafts, please email us at  info@softflexcompany.com.

Join our Facebook group – VIB. Stay in the know. Stay up to date. From our bead shows to our video shows and sales, you can stay in touch with us. The community is full of artistic and helpful beaders and crafty people. Inspire and be inspired. Share your pictures and get the beading bug from others!

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Blog contributor Thomas Soles loves Jazz Age writers and crunchy french fries. His favorite gemstones are Lapis and Pietersite. His favorite hobby is day dreaming. And his favorite mustache is Freddie Mercury's. As you can see, he has a healthy (or possibly unhealthy) sense of humor. You can write to him at Thomas@SoftFlexCompany.com