Cool Stuff: 10 New Beading Supplies from Beadwork

For each issue of Beadwork magazine, we comb through a host of new beading supplies and products to bring you the latest and greatest in the bead and jewelry-making world. Enjoy these April/May 2020 issue favorites.

1. Caravan Beads’ latest jewelry kit is the Bella Braid Necklace. Shown here in the Vanilla colorway, this kit has all of the Miyuki beads, C-Lon bead cord, findings and other beading supplies you need to make this trendy braided necklace. Fully illustrated instructions and needles are in the handy reusable tin. See more colorways and dozens of other jewelry-making kits at CaravanBeads.com.

2. These 19x36mm faceted quartz perfume-bottle pendants are just one example from a variety of styles from Cherry Tree Beads. Pleasing to the eye and the nose, you can easily fill these perfume bottles with a small amount of your favorite perfume or essential oil using the included dropper. Stainless steel or gold-plated chains adjust from 16″ to 18″. Available in earring styles, too. Visit CherryTreeBeads.com to see the whole collection.

3. These two new books from Beadwork Editor Tamara Honaman are the ultimate resources for creating one-of-a-kind adornments to keep or give. This curated collection of the 50 most popular techniques and styles in beaded bracelets and beaded earrings from Beadwork magazine are bite-sized projects that allow crafters to learn new bead-weaving techniques without huge time commitments. Fully illustrated, detailed step-by-step directions are given for multiple skill levels. Penguin Random House. ISBN 9781632506863 (50 Beaded Earrings) and 9781632506757 (50 Beaded Bracelets), from your favorite bookseller.

4. These new color-shift rivolis from the Potomac Bead Company are so pretty! The foiled-back crystal rivolis shimmer and shift colors depending on how the light is hitting them. Available in two sizes and many colors. Shown here are the 18mm in Sphinx and 14mm in Pandora. Get yours at PotomacBeads.com.

5. A new addition to The Beadsmith’s line of Centerline jewelry components is threaded bangles! Unscrew the bangle to add and replace Delica beadwork in 5- or 7- bead widths. Available in silver, gold, and rose-gold plate. Ask for them at your local bead shop and see more at Beadsmith.com (wholesale only).

6. Zola Elements’ show-stopping line of beaded chains makes jewelry making a breeze. There are dozens of styles to choose from, including gemstones and Czech glass in every color you can imagine. Multiple metals are also available. Ask for them at your local retailer and check out ZolaElements.com (wholesale only) to read the blog and learn about everything Zola Elements has to offer!

7. The Beadsmith presented these awesome new additions to their Cymbals line of fashion metal elements at the Tucson gem and mineral shows in February. The Cymbal line consists of metal beads and components designed to work with the multi-holed shaped beads. It includes bead substitutes, as well as side beads that nestle into nooks and crannies, and specialized endings and clasps designed to fit and complement the most popular multi-holed shaped beads. See all of the design examples at Beadsmith.com (wholesale only) or ask your favorite bead retailer.

8. This Snow Queen kit is an example of what you can expect from the Soft Flex Company’s fun new Mystery Design Kit program. Buy your kit when it goes on sale (limited quantity available so act fast) and join the Soft Flex Very Important Beading (VIB) Facebook group. On the last Wednesday of each month, watch the kit unboxing and design-inspiration videos. Then have fun designing your own jewelry with the kit’s beading supplies and share your finished work with the other group members. You could win the next month’s kit for free! Visit SoftFlexCompany.com to learn more and get your own Mystery Design Kit.

9. The arrival of spring and summer means taking more time to unplug and enjoy nature. These log cabin and tulip stamps from Beaducation are a perfect pairing for the season. With over 50 stamps in just the “nature” section of their shop, the design options are nearly endless. Get these stamps and all of the blanks, tools, beading supplies, and inspiration you need at Beaducation.com.

10. Check out this clever new kind of bead mat. The Beadsmith’s Treasure Mat has a nonslip natural rubber backing that keeps it in place on your desk and has a soft surface that prevents beads from rolling. It is laser printed with handy measurements, so you never have to rummage for your ruler again. Available in 14 x 11″ and 12.5 x 9.25″ sizes. Look for it at your favorite retailer or learn more at Beadsmith.com (wholesale only).

Do you have a new tools, components, or other jewelry and beading supplies to share? Please contact me for information on how to get your products in our next issue: msteele (at) goldenpeakmedia (d0t) com.

Meredith
Technical Editor, Beadwork