Search This Blog

February 28, 2025

Tubular Herringbone Bead Stitch Bracelet Tutorial

Herringbone bead stitch forms a pattern where the beads join in a V shape similar to the central spine of a fish. 

There are several different versions including flat herringbone bead stitch, tubular herringbone bead stitch (this tutorial), twisted tubular herringbone stitch and circular herringbone stitch. 

Herringbone bead stitch is also sometimes known as Ndebele stitch after the African tribe that specializes in the stitch.

February 24, 2025

4 Knots Every Jewelry Maker or Beader Needs

Knots are important in beadwork and other jewelry making such as bead stringing to secure thread and cord or can be used decoratively as in macrame jewelry or Chinese knotting.

In beadwork, knots are often used when adding or securing thread. The type of knots used vary depending on the bead stitch you are using, the type of thread and the bead sizes. Using the right knot and making it correctly can help prevent your thread from unraveling and make your beadwork last longer.

February 21, 2025

Antique Steel Cut Bead Fringe Brick Stitch Earrings

 The details of how I reclaimed, cleaned and readied these antique steel beads is a story for another post. This one provides the details of the brick stitch fringe earrings, mostly so I can make another pair in case I lose the information that I scratched out on a sticky note.

January 15, 2025

DIY Wire Bow Charm or Clasp


Who doesn't love to get a gift with a glittering bow on top? Making wire jewelry is a gift you give yourself (or others), so use this tutorial to "put a bow on it". The bow charm is perfect as the centerpiece to a bracelet or necklace, make a pair for earrings or I also used it with a handmade wire hook to make it into a clasp. I'm sure you'll find other options too.

Make every day an excuse to celebrate, just choose some jewelry wire and pick up a few basic wire jewelry tools. My projects use 20 gauge jeweler's brass (gold colored) or twisted sterling silver wire. Use thicker 18 gauge wire if you are rough on your jewelry or prefer a less dainty look.

July 06, 2023

Free American Flag Beaded Peyote Ring Pattern

American flag stars and stripes bead ring
American flag stars and stripes peyote ring by Lisa Yang Jewelry

This peyote ring was made to celebrate the 4th of July, but there are so many days and reasons to wear  American flag jewelry. It is a great way to honor the courageous service people and remind ourselves of the freedoms we are so lucky to have. And you can show your spirit during World Cup sports events or the Olympics.

The pattern was designed using BeadTool 4 beading design software. The word chart, including the delica bead numbers and detailed pattern is provided at the end of the step by step beaded ring tutorial. 

June 26, 2023

Stunning Brick Stitch Bracelet Project for Beginners

Bracelet made with Miyuki size 8 seed beads and flat brick stitch

This beadwork project tutorial shows you how to make a brick stitch chain of  beads that can be used for a necklace or bracelet.  The chain in this tutorial has rows that are two beads wide. 

This bracelet is super quick to make and great practice to learn basic flat brick stitch. Using larger beads, like the size 8 beads pictured above, is also helpful for if you're new to beadwork or brick stitch. I highly recommend this project for gift giving, especially if you are stressed for time.

June 09, 2023

How to Use Wire Guardians for Beaded Fringe Earrings

Bugle bead earring component next to wire guardian
Bugle bead earring component next to wire guardian

 

There are a variety of ways to attach findings to beadwork. One very secure and attractive way is to use wire guardians. Wire guardians are small, U-shaped metal findings that are used to protect the ends of beading wire or thread from wear and tear. Wire guardians may also be called wire guards, thread protectors, or wire protectors. They are convenient to use and they can help prevent the thread on your handmade bead jewelry from breaking or coming undone. One way to use them is as the hanging loop for brick stitch fringe earrings.

June 06, 2023

Double Bugle Bead Chain Necklace Beading Pattern

Double bugle bead chain necklace
Double bugle bead chain necklace 

 This easy beaded chain uses bugle beads and seed beads stitched together in a variation of right angle weave.  It's a sturdy beaded chain that makes a beautiful and delicate beaded necklace or bracelet, and also works well as a beaded amulet bag strap or eyeglass chain. An advantage to using bugle beads is how quick this chain is to stitch - with each bugle bead adding the length of 4-5 seed beads - so there are less beads to pick up.