Make a Bracelet with 12mm Vintage Crystals & 2 Hole Carrier Beads
This week on Free Spirit Beading with Kristen Fagan, we simply strung 12mm vintage crystal beads with large 2-hole carrier beads on white Soft Flex beading wire for a bold, modern bracelet design. Then, we made some cute tassel earrings to match! This design uses larger beads however, the technique used helps keep the bracelet at a comfortable weight.
Supplies:
Soft Flex .019 Medium Beading Wire - White Quartz
Czech Glass 2-Hole Carrier Beads
12mm Vintage Czech Crystal Beads
Hammertone Ellipse Toggle Clasp
Carrier beads come in a gorgeous rainbow of colors. These 2-hole beads have long been used by peyote stitching beaders. Carrier beads are designed to 'carry' or hold a loop of peyote stitching. This simple bead allows a peyote stitcher to create an elaborate design with ease and skip some of the headaches caused when using long lengths of thread or beading wire. However, this bead can also be used in a simple bead stringing design like this one! We currently carry these beads in 6 assorted colors for your jewelry designs at SoftFlexCompany.com.
These 12mm crystals were hand cut on old machines, which gives them an amazing look. They were created using a man made raw material that Preciosa Ornela stopped using a decade ago. The glass used to make these lovely beads is a step up from the 00030 glass that is commonly used in glass bead production. These crystals are AB coated and have a wonderful rainbow shimmer and the cut is superbly clean. You are going to love the clarity and beauty of these elegant crystals.
Let's not forget the clasp! You are going to love this stunning TierraCast clasp set. Bold and beautiful, this large toggle set perfectly embraces a modern sensibility with a timeless handmade hammered surface. It's graceful shape is a perfect way to add elegance and style to your larger designs. Using a beautiful clasp is a finishing touch for your design that pulls it all together and elevate the overall design.
Join me live for a jewelry making tutorial on Soft Flex Company's YouTube channel on Mondays!
More Designs Using These Vintage Crystals!
Design by Sara Oehler
Click to see this quick tutorial on Instagram Reels
Design by Sara Oehler
Click to see this tutorial on YouTube
Design by Sara Oehler
Click to see this tutorial on YouTube
Design by Sara Oehler
Click to see this quick tutorial on Instagram Reels
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Kristen Fagan is a Website Graphic Designer and Jewelry Making Educator for Soft Flex® Company. She is the co-author of Seed Bead Revolution, an artist and creativity guide. She lives in Arizona with her husband, their two sons and two dogs. When she's not painting, drawing or beading, she enjoys reading, yoga, exploring the outdoors and traveling. Her favorite stones are Turquoise, and Quartz and she can't bead without Bead Stoppers. Contact her at Kristen@softflexcompany.com or visit her Website | Facebook | Instagram