Mixed-Media Beaded Jewelry Patterns We Love

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Beaded jewelry doesn’t have to always revolve around beads and beading thread alone. Mixed-media techniques and components can give a classic piece a bit of an edge and something to set it apart from other beaded jewelry. It’s also fun to experiment with combining materials or techniques that wouldn’t normally be put together.

If you’re looking to explore the art of mixed media in beading, we rounded up five of our favorite mixed-media beaded jewelry patterns, featuring interesting projects with unexpected combinations for you to enjoy. Each pattern is available on its own, or get them all in one collection for a deep dive into mixed-media beadwork.

A Touch of Metal

Luxe Lariat Necklace

Lariat necklaces always add a bit of extra flair to any outfit, making them an ideal piece to have in your jewelry stash. The Luxe Lariat Necklace by Kim Leahy is made using tubular herringbone stitch and tubular peyote stitch techniques. The necklace features a hollowed-out table knife handle that opens to a tassel of beads. Kim encourages makers to use nylon beading thread for the tassel, as it will allow the piece to have movement.

Coiled Kumihimo Bangle

Sonia Davis’s Coiled Kumihimo Bangle puts a twist on the classic kumihimo technique. This bangle project connects three separate pieces of braided seed beads together with glass cabochons that look as if they’re floating. Sonia says that you can use pearls if you prefer with minor modifications. Stainless steel nuts are placed at the end of each braid before being secured with beaded ends.

Oh Those Coins

When I was a child, my grandpop would gift me and my sister coins with squares cut out of the center of them. I always thought they were beautiful, but couldn’t think of what to do with foreign change. If you are a collector of coins, Hannah Kopelman’s Oh Those Coins necklace may be the project for you. This necklace is made with Israeli coins and beaded square-stitch strips that become longer as they near the necklace’s center. The beaded portions are rolled and stitched into tubes to sit atop the secured coins. Metallic beads complement the coins’ shine. If you don’t have coins and want to try out this project, use flat washers.

Sparkling Elements

Jeweled Button Bracelet

If you are like me and collect vintage and antique buttons, Daeng Weaver has a beaded bracelet project you may want to try. Instead of letting your favorite buttons collect dust, allow them to decorate your wrist with the Jeweled Button Bracelet. This project combines seed and cylinder beads, Ultrasuede, and buttons of your choosing. Peyote-stitched bezels complement the buttons, so pick colors that you think go best with your main components. You can even add semi-previous stones or beads to your buttons for added sparkle. Your buttons will thank you for putting their beauty to use!

Geometrix Necklace

The Geometrix Necklace, designed by Sherry Serafini, combines different materials such as leather and sequins with bead embroidery and various beading techniques. This project’s pattern can be adapted depending on your tastes and how the beads fit together. For example, Sherry explains that if your edge isn’t even to connect the components, you can add or subtract beads if necessary. Sherry also recommends that you experiment with different cabochon shapes and play around with the arrangement of the components, truly making it your own fun project!

There are a lot of ways to incorporate various unexpected elements in beaded jewelry. That’s why I find mixed media in beaded jewelry to be so compelling. No piece is the same as another, even when using the same pattern. Pieces are adapted to the maker’s tastes, and these types of projects can even be made using found objects. For those looking to dive into mixed-media beading, this collection of patterns is the perfect place to start. We hope you enjoy crafting them!