Top 10 Kumihimo Projects From The Soft Flex Company YouTube Channel

Top 10 Kumihimo Projects From The Soft Flex Company YouTube Channel

Top 10 Kumihimo Projects From The Soft Flex Company YouTube Channel 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. Decorativ…
The Great Bead Extravaganza - The World's Biggest Virtual Bead Show Experience

The Great Bead Extravaganza - The World's Biggest Virtual Bead Show Experience

We love bead shows. Have you ever visited one? Bead shows are an amazing collection of jewelry designers and vendors. These trade shows are a place where you can find rare goodies, instructive beading demos, and deep discounts. For over twenty years, we crisscrossed the country visiting these exciting events. We loved seeing new products and learning new techniques. This year, everything just c…
Two Fall Beaded Necklace Tutorials using Rattan Wicker Shapes

Two Fall Beaded Necklace Tutorials using Rattan Wicker Shapes

Two Fall Beaded Necklace Tutorials using Rattan Wicker Shapes This week on Free Spirit Beading with Kristen Fagan, I paired two handmade rattan wicker woven shapes with beads from our Fall Masterpiece Design Kit (sold out) and Fall Masterpiece Bead Strand (limited available) and strung them on Soft Flex butterscotch imperial topaz for two unique and trendy Fall necklace…
Weekly Video Recap: Learn How To Make Earrings And The Great Bead Extravaganza Follow Up

Weekly Video Recap: Learn How To Make Earrings And The Great Bead Extravaganza Follow Up

Did you catch our  Great Bead Extravaganza last weekend? It was an amazing virtual bead show, full of inventive jewelry designers and exciting bead stores. The idea blossomed when we caught ourselves discussing how much we missed the fun and community that working a bead show brought us. We miss the days of seeing our friends, seeing our smiling customers, and watching jewelry making dem…
Free Beading Project Idea: Make Paper Beads For Handmade Holidays

Free Beading Project Idea: Make Paper Beads For Handmade Holidays

Make Paper Beads For Handmade Holidays Have you ever made your own paper beads? What a neat and simple project! When my kiddo was about 10 years old he was really intrigued with this process, so, I would say it's a great project to do with kids. I created two free printables for the beads shown that you may download and use (links below), but you may also repurpose magazines, book pages…
Live Beading Party! Meet Jewelry Designer Tory Vezina

Live Beading Party! Meet Jewelry Designer Tory Vezina

We love a fun beading party! Last week, we joined Tory Vezina from Goody Beads. We talked about the state of the beading industry. We talked about how Goody Beads was born. We talked about the Great Bead Extravaganza - the virtual bead show we were organizing. And most importantly, we made jewelry! Live beading parties are great for inspiration. We get to learn about our favorite d…