Unique Beads Archives - Candie Cooper

Stone Fringe Necklace

October 23, 2014 By candiecooper 2 Comments

This post brought to you by Jesse James Beads.Purple Rain….sing it with me, people!

No doubt, I am hooked on these fringe focal bead pieces from Jesse James Beads. They come in a variety of colors and stone types, ready to string into statement necklaces and I’m going to show you an idea for how to use them in your jewelry making.But before we get going, I have to show you this leaf blizzard happening in our front yard. I’m not complaining because I love wading through leaves. Hopefully the mailman feels the same.

Really, the colors of fall are so inspiring, aren’t they? That’s where I found the inspiration for the color pallet in this necklace. Ambers, plum, sparkly orange and rust, it all works together. Take a peek.You can find all of these magical beads in a kit ready to make right here from JesseJamesBeads.com!You will also need: crimping pliers, wire cutters, Beadalon beading wire (19 strand, .018 diameter), perhaps some bead stoppers, #1 crimp beads, a piece of leather (8″) and that should do it. You can find these fine tools and supplies also on JJB.com.String your focal beads separated by hematite beads (I used 3).

String 2 crimp beads, 1 hematite bead, 2 small round beads, 3 hematite beads, round bead, 3 hematite beads, round bead, hematite beads, 2 round beads, hematite beads, round bead, hematite beads, round bead, hematite beads, and round bead onto the wire. Thread the wire through the first round bead, hematite bead and crimp beads. Cinch up the loop and crimp.Slide the beads to the finished end and repeat, making a second beaded loop.Secure a new wire to the middle of the beaded loop by crimping and string the sides in desired order.

Finish the ends with small loops, just big enough for the leather to fit through.This is a nifty closure that I’m also hooked on. I don’t know why I don’t get the leaves raked? Thread the leather through both loops and tie in a bow. How about that easy and unique clasp solution!

Don’t stop here–You can attach leather, chain or ribbon to the sides of this focal front piece too!

We’re watching The Voice tonight so if there are typos or errors in this post, please direct complaints to Pharell and Blake Shelton. Ok? Ok.

Filed Under: Bead Love, Beads, Tutorials

Back to Bead Fest with Jesse James Beads

July 16, 2014 By candiecooper Leave a Comment

It’s time for round two of Bead Fest near Philadelphia! I’ll be there teaching jewelry making classes, partnering with Jesse James Beads!Doesn’t this look appetizing?! We are also collaborating with Beadalon–makers of great findings and tools! I taught two classes there in the Spring and the ladies were delightful. The other thing I love about working with them is everyone’s jewelry project turns out differently because we bring lots of beads to choose from.Here is a handy link so you can take a peek at the class offerings and if you can’t make a class, come say howdy at the Jesse James Beads booth! <3 It’s always a good time being around my fellow jewelry makers, playing in the piles of beads and talkin’ shop. I really do love it!

Filed Under: Beads, Classes, Uncategorized

$100 Jesse James Bead Stash Giveaway!

April 30, 2014 By candiecooper 10 Comments

This post brought to you by Jesse James Beads–purveyors of the most unique beads ever!

Yesterday, I guest posted on the Jesse James Beads blog with this bungee cord necklace tutorial. Check out the full tutorial here. My challenge was to make a piece using bungee cord and their fun beads. This was my design solution. I wanted to make something that teens and adults would have fun making. What do you think? If you make it, know that the cord and beads come in a million colors. The hardest part is choosing a combo. Isn’t life tough?

Jesse James Beads is celebrating the launch of their Elite Collection at JoAnn Fabric and Crafts stores! The Elite Collection has beads that are uniquely designed for maximum design beauty. Each strand is different, full of luxurious texture and sparkle!

I absolutely adore the seed bead net over the big bead on the second strand. You know…in case you were wondering! JJB bead strands are like Yankee Candles kind of. Women absolutely cannot help but pick each one up, talk about them, smell them (ok they don’t smell the beads, but you know what I mean), and admire how each one is different and special. I work at the trade shows with JJB where there are hundreds and hundreds of strands and that’s what we do. We connect through the love of the beads.

Now because I love you and to celebrate the release of the Elite Collection bead strands at JoAnn Fabrics, Jesse James Beads gave me 20 strands of fabulous beads to giveaway! The above strands can be yours. All yours! You can make 20 bungee cord necklaces! Or just sit them on your table and smile because they are yours. All yours!