How do you start your design?  I like to start with a color scheme.   First try to decide what color or combination of color you want to see.   So I just look at all of the  beads I have and maybe find  some that go together well.  Maybe just one color, or maybe two or 3 colors that blend together well. Then I pick out some spacers and organize them around the colored beads. Putting spacers between the colors, I try to vary the shapes also,  mixing  it up, with groups of color spread evenly on the bracelet and dangles spaced apart evenly, giving the overall piece a balanced look. It is very easy, just work it until it looks good to you.  Having a good collection of beads gives you lots of room to create your designs. You could  have a different bracelet to match your outfit every day. You can also get necklace and earring base chains to make matching jewelry sets. You can find these in my store too. Please take a look, and start expanding your bead collection!   http://stores.ebay.com/Kimbalina-Charms?_rdc=1

To Dangle or Not to Dangle?

Some people like them, others do not. Dangles add a different dimension to the bracelet. Sometimes one dangle acts as a focal point, or you can add several spaced out evenly to create a theme. For example 3-5 dolphin dangle charms gives you a "dolphin" theme. So take a look a some dangle charms and some examples in my store at http://stores.ebay.com/Kimbalina-Charms/Dangle-Charms-/_i.html?_fsub=363053011&_sid=8249671&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

Enamel Charms

  Metal charm beads also come with enamel coating which makes the object "pop" and look like more realistic. Enamel beads are great for individulaizing your bracelet and making it symbolize who you are, what you enjoy, and what is important to you. For example, beads come in the shape of many objects, for example: Animal shapes for your favorite animal, sports objects like golf clubs, basketballs, ect to signify your favorite sport, music notes, instruments, food items, hobbies, .. your favorite things are out there. This is a good base to start creating your individual bracelet or a special gift for someone you know. The enamel comes in all colors so you can use them well in any color scheme. So think about it, and decide what defines your lifestyle. Then start your journey here, looking for some beads. http://stores.ebay.com/Kimbalina-Charms/Enamel-/_i.html?       _fsub=1687948011&_sid=8249671&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322  

Dont see what you are looking for?  Please email me and ask. My supplier has a wealth of bead items and chances are good that I can order for you. I will also help you custom design a bracelet  using your ideas, and I love to do this, so please just ask! 

Beads with Stones - go for the Bling!

Beads with stones can add some color and sparkle to your bracelet. You can find these in a wide range of colors and shapes. I like to choose one  color,  or 2 or 3 colors which look good together, and then choose several rhinestone beads with different shapes. You can match colors with your glass beads. You can also put some clear stone beads (like diamonds) on any bracelet as the clear stones will go with almost anything. Here are a few samples of beads with stone. There is glass rhinestone and you can have faux pearl or other gemstone.  So check out my selection of Rhinestone Beads at http://stores.ebay.com/Kimbalina-Charms/Rhinestone-/_i.html?_fsub=363052011&_sid=8249671&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

What is a Spacer?

       Last week I showed you some examples of the glass beads. This week I will show some metal beads. These are often used as "spacers".. What is a spacer?  OK,.. it can be any bead used to separate other beads, to give your bracelet a more attractive and less cluttered look. For example, you could use a plain (or fancy) metal spacer between beads which are more colorful or have a busier pattern. This will distract your eye and make your focal beads stand out more.
Here is an example of how to use spacers:

                                                                                 

The primary focus on these 2 bracelets are the turquoise beads. They are not all bunched up together, but separated by metal spacer beads. Some of the metal spacers are quite fancy, and come in different shapes, for example barrel beads, tube beads, round, square, rondell,  heart shape, and can all have any variey of ornate patterns ...bali,scroll,celtic,diamond,ect.... so spacers do NOT have to ever be boring! Check out my collection of metal beads in my store at http://stores.ebay.com/Kimbalina-Charms/Metal-/_i.html?_fsub=363051011&_sid=8249671&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

Bead Basics -glass

        So you have chosen your base chain and your correct size.. now the fun begins! There is such a huge variety of bead styles available, your choices are almost unlimited. There are several basic types. Lets talk about the lampglass beads first. These are made of glass in a wide array of colors and patterns. They have the large hole to fit the chains, and have  a metal core inside the hole. This core can be made of silver, plated silver or gold. The European style lampglass beads are a basic element to creating your jewelry, adding color, pattern  and form. I often choose a glass bead I like, and design the entire piece around it. Check out the glass beads category in my store for a great selection of glass beads! http://stores.ebay.com/Kimbalina-Charms/Glass-/_i.html?_fsub=363050011&_sid=8249671&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

Size Does Matter

When you buy a chain, it is important to get the right size..not too tight, not too loose..just right. Here is how to decide on your size: Take a string and place it snugly around your wrist, then measure the string for your wrist size. Add about an inch to that measure. Your beads will take up some of the inside diameter of the bracelet so it is important not to go too small. So now you have a measure in inches, but thats no help when they are sized in metric- centimeters.  Here is the basic conversion.

6.25 inch=16cm
6.50-6.75inch =17cm
7 -7.5inch =19cm
7.75-8.0 inch=20cm
8.25inch=21cm
8.5 -8.75inch=22cm
9-9.25=inch23cm

These are approximate. Just pick the closest to your size and it shoud fit fine. My store has a variety of sizes, so you might check out the chain section in my store at http://stores.ebay.com/Kimbalina-Charms?_rdc=1

 
     I have a funny story about these chains, which i keep in small bowls in my studio. Each morning my husband and i wake up to find several shiny silver chains in our pathway and on the floor right where we sit in the living room for morning coffee. It was a few weeks of this, when one night we spotted our cat Milo dragging a shiney silver chain out the door of my bead room and we finally figured out how these chains mysteriously kept finding their way out the door of my bead room and onto the living room floor. Our kitty was bringing us gifts!  She has great taste too.

How to choose your European Style Chain





   

     The standard European Style Chain is a 3mm thick snake chain. If you are not familiar with the European style clip it can be a big mystery as to how to open the clasp. The clasp is designed to look just like a bead with rounded edges, so the finished bracelet will appear seamless. You will see that the clip has a hinge with a groove which you simply pry apart with your thumbnail. Once open you will see a rounded groove on the inside edge. The other end of the chain is narrow, with a tip which sits in that groove, and then the chain will easily snap closed around it.  And that's it.. a very simple design. So what about those two little strategically placed raised "bumps" on the chain, what are they there for? Those are useful for dividing the bracelet into sections. You can use the hinged clips which are designed to stop the beads from sliding around on the chain. If you use 2 clips, one on each raised area, it creates 3 sections on the chain. You can place beads in all 3 sections, or just in the middle section, and the clips provide a stop which will keep all of the beads centered in the middle. However it is not necessary to use these stops at all. So how do you stop beads from sliding off the end when you go to open the bracelet? Simply place a clip on the chain right after your last bead, and this keeps the beads on. Or... if you like a really big lobster clasp that is super easy to get on and off, and requires no clips at all,  I also sell these in my store, just click on the pic for details. These have a double clasp so you can open the narrow end for getting the beads on and off. The big end is just for opening or closing the bracelet. You can also use a bangle specially designed to hold these beads. So now you will need to choose a size..You will find they are all in metric. That may be a complication for some folks but it is not that difficult to find your size. I will explain that next week, meanwhile you might check out my store and see the different style chains. If you get 15 beads from my store you will even get a chain for free! Check it out at http://stores.ebay.com/Kimbalina-Charms?_rdc=1