The Beading Gem

More Gorgeous Bead and Leather Bracelet Jewelry Tutorials and Kits by BarbSmithDesignsDIY

2026-05-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

I've raved about BarbSmithDesigns before including her fabulous supply store, BarbSmithDesignsDIY, for tutorials and kits. This Arizona artisan creates stunning bead and leather bracelets.

This time, I am paying homage to her narrower designs. They are just as lovely as her wider ones. I love how she uses a lot of turquoise and silver combinations which is not surprising, considering where she lives.

How to Repair a Vintage Brooch Using Starbond Thick Glue

2026-05-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

I honestly cannot remember how I came to possess this lovely gold on sterling silver vintage brooch which featured carved gemstone flowers and leaves. I have the actual box and accompanying slip of paper which is why I know it was designed by Canadian artist, Richard Shorty of the Southern Tuchone tribe. He was active in the 1980's.

The brooch is still in great condition but two of the flowers had fallen out as well as a bit of old glue residue - look closely at the picture below.

Nature Inspired Leather Bag Charms and Keychains by Hammerthreads

2026-05-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Canadian leather work artisans, Ashley and Josh, craft their beautiful work from their studio in a quiet Maritime town on the East Coast. What started as a hobby, Hammerthreads has now become a full fledged small business.

Hammerthreads makes many stunning leather products but my favourites from their extensive collection are the leather bag charms and keychains. Ashley confesses she is a "manic leather crafter with a serious attention to detail". She is a plant lover, especially leaves, so that is reflected in their designs.

Whimsical Beaded Jewelry Patterns by ChuArtCorner

2026-05-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

I first featured Czech designer, Anna of ChuArtCorner's beadwork tutorials before. Who could resist her beaded cat head pendant patterns? Well, she has more!

One of her most popular designs is the beaded cow pendant one as shown above. She also has a mushroom and pomegranate designs which will suit those who like small 3D pendants. Her flat rectangle beaded designs are also delightful.

Hers is a relatively new collection. Anna is working on more designs so stay tuned!

Gorgeous Beaded Fireworks Inspired Tutorials | Amazing Drone Shows

2026-05-12T08:00:00.240-04:00

Today, we enjoy fireworks as a celebratory treat. Fireworks were invented during the Song dynasty in China (960-1279 CE). Fireworks were made possible because gunpowder (one of 4 great Chinese inventions - the others were compass, paper making and printing) was also invented there, originally for medicinal purposes.

Here are some gorgeous beaded fireworks inspired tutorials and patterns. They cleverly capture the colourful patterns of real fireworks. First up are the 3D fireworks peyote star designs shown above by French beader, DiMarcaOnline.

How to Make Weeping Willow Wire Trees with Gemstones or Beads | Lovely Lemon Tree Song Cover

2026-05-12T08:00:00.167-04:00

Why wire trees? They make for really unique gifts. For example as wedding gifts, a housewarming and you get to gemstones or beads for a spot of colour.

The two featured tutorials here were inspired by weeping willows. Remember to use gloves because working with large bundles of wire is rather hard on the hands!

Beaded Bracelet Tutorials Using Precision Spacer Beads by ACLPatternsandMore

2026-05-11T08:00:00.066-04:00

ACLPatternsandMore has a cool beaded zipper bracelet tutorial (shown above) which is a must see. The trick is the use of precision spacer beads in platinum colour to simulate the zipper teeth. These beads are uniformly flat with useful dual holes. You can get these beads from ACLPatternsandMore . They come in different colours!

They also have a couple of other cuff bracelet tutorials for that sleek look!