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Beading Lesson

Hip Beading Ideas
By: Katie Hacker

Sponsored by:
Beadalon®

For tools and supplies
visit Beadalon.com


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Hip to Bead by Katie Hacker is now available from Interweave Press. Each of the 32 projects features fashion-savvy designs created with stylish beads, pendants, and findings that are widely available. Visit www.hiptobead.com for a sneak peek inside the book or to join the bead-along.

There are so many hip accessories that you can make with beads! Check out these fun ideas:

Beaded Ipod leash: Make a sturdy, stylish Ipod leash using beading wire and special high tech findings. This leash features mixed gemstones and crystals and a Wire Guardian/Scrimp combination. The Wire Guardian prevents abrasion on the wire and the Scrimp is completely removable if you ever want to change the design.

Funky cell phone fob: You can make a statement or just go for pizzazz with a personalized cell phone fob. Use alphabet beads and crystals to spell your name or add a bundle of beaded head pins to a cell phone strap.

Digital camera strap: Make a colorful digital camera wrist strap out of faux suede lace. Braid the strands together and use a foldover crimp to fasten the ends to a lobster clasp. Clip the clasp onto your camera and you’re ready to go!

Purse charms: Create your own boutique-style purse by adding a couple of beaded strands and a collection of funky charms. To make your own purse charm, just add some bold beads to head pins and attach them to varying lengths of chain. Connect them to the purse with a big lobster clasp.

Embellished tank top: Stack sequins and seed beads to easily customize a basic tank top. You can use the same technique to add embellishments to anything with an edge: headbands, purses, journals and more. You just need beading thread, a needle and scissors.

Knotted hemp belt: This isn’t your grandma’s macramé! Combine wooden beads and hemp cord to make an eye-catching fringy belt. Use the same technique on a smaller scale to make dramatic chokers and wrist cuffs.

Sparkly beaded barrettes: These simple accessories are a snap to make. Just use ColourCraft wire to attach crystals and metal sliders to a clip-style barrette. Use the same easy wire-wrapping technique to add beads to a bangle bracelet or hoop earrings.

You’ll find more trendy beading ideas in my new book, Hip to Bead. It includes a complete tool and resource section, plus, instructions for lots of jewelry ideas, beaded accessories and hip embellishments.

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