Create stunning gifts with beads and skill

By Bethany Waldrop Keiper

“Gifts must affect the receiver to the point of shock.” -- Walter Benjamin

‘Tis the season to be shopping, and stressing, about what to buy people for presents. But why should you be stressing? You have the power to create beautiful, wearable pieces of art right there in your hands.

It’s time to dive into your bead stash, make a plan, and maybe even do some bead shopping (which will break your heart, I know). It’s time to get busy making presents. So let’s think about some inspiration.

Breathtaking may be the best way to describe this bold beaded necklace and shimmering swirl of a focal bead. Not for the timid, this bead includes swirls gold, green, light and deep aqua, amethyst, silver and rich cobalt under glass in a dramatic glass drop. Large beads in matte black and amethyst, deep aqua and gold complement the focal and keep its size in balance. This stunning necklace is just made to be worn against the canvas of a solid-colored turtleneck sweater.

If you can give your gift early in the season, such as a gift to a co-worker or buddy, consider making something festive to wear during the season itself. Holidays are a time to shine, and this lovely two-tone and goldstone butterfly has shine to spare! A necklace of glittering AB 4mm red and green firepolished beads adds more merriment to this joyous design. If the recipient isn't interested in wearing jewelry, then a pretty bead like this makes a lovely ornament, and a loop of 4mm beads makes a beautiful hanging loop.

Remember, something elegant is always a welcome gift. Elegant things are often things we want but wouldn't buy for ourselves; they are beautifully graceful, detailed things that make us feel better when we wear them.

A charming bracelet or necklace of these black, cream, and rosebud beads is just such an elegant thing. These focal beads, so rich and fine in their details and colors, require little to bring out their charm. Black Czech firepolished beads, soft yellow Swarovski crystals, and a few golden accents bring this design together. 

Simple seed beads and a stray button become a swirling sparklefest of a bracelet with the right stitch and a little patience. This crystal AB and lavender luster design gets its rounded shape from the Russian swirl stitch. The closure is loop and button. The snowflake button is one I came across in a bag of buttons I bought a while back.

And as for buying gifts for guys, well, who knows? Try getting them a gift certificate, or their favorite old movies on DVD. Happy Holidays!

Czech firepolished beads, seed beads, and findings are available from the Bead Peddler.

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 Click here to visit The Bead Peddler®

Full line of    * Bali sterling beads       * Indian glass      beads    * Czech beads    * Stringing       materials    * Tools       * Findings.

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