Ask An Expert: DIY Gift Ideas
Known as the spot "where beads and inspiration meet," Beadazzled offers classes, a "how to" DIY series, inspiration for making jewelry and a store. Beadazzled founder Penelope Diamanti served on the Board of Directors of the Bead Society of Greater Washington and the Bead Museum DC. Penelope has made Beadazzled a place of learning that enriches the attraction to beads with knowledge about their history. Beadazzled not only sells beads, but offers classes, stocks a wide selection of books, and compiles and distributes extensive information about beads through the website. Beadazzled has been providing an ever-expanding array of beads, jewelry and crafts from all over the world to the Washington, Baltimore and Northern Virginia areas for more than 20 years.
Penelope Diamanti
Beadazzled
501 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 837-2323
www.beadazzled.net
Now bead enthusiasts worldwide can also shop Beadazzled online at www.beadazzled.com. Nationally and internationally recognized as a leader in the industry, Beadazzled has become a global destination carrying tens of thousands of items in inventory. Shoppers can find not only all the basic beads and beading materials, but also a huge selection of unique and antique beads from around the world. The knowledgeable and friendly staff is always willing to help with design, technical questions and product knowledge. By frequently buying directly from bead makers, Beadazzled provides the best possible prices to its customers while also paying the artists the highest possible price.
As a local small business, Beadazzled actively supports local businesses and small businesses and artists around the world with fair trade practices. It also believes in giving back to the community and has donated tens of thousands of dollars worth of beads, materials and training to local non-profits including shelters, clinics, schools, training programs and innumerable fundraisers for a wide variety of aid organizations. Like Beadazzled USA on Facebook.
At Beadazzled, you can purchase every conceivable item you will need to create the perfect DIY gift this holiday season. Beadazzled sells beads, crystals, cords, bracelet elastic and more. Bead selections include gemstone, metal, African, organic, seed, glass, ceramic, cinnabar, lucite, polymer clay, resin and collectible beads. Crystal selections feature a variety of Swarovski crystals. Thinking of making earrings? Beadazzled has sterling claps, sterling ear parts, copper findings and clasps, and 14K gold findings and clasps. Beadazzled also has two other locations: 1507 Connecticut Avenue in Washington, D.C. and 444 West Broad Street in Falls Church, Virginia.
Make A Gemstone Necklace
Gemstones and other materials from the earth are very popular right now. Whether purchased individually or on a strand, these organic materials aren't nearly as pricy as their reputation may lead you to believe -- and they offer a lasting, natural beauty. Gemstone beads come in a seemingly endless array of colors. Choose from deep red to bright orange to vibrant green to stunning purple gemstone beads. And don't forget organic beads. These organic beads are made of shell, wood, bone, horn, pearls, amber, coral and other organic, natural materials.
Make A Stretchy Bracelet
Stretchy bracelets are a quick, fun project for the whole family. Simply string your beads on some Stretch Magic elastic cord and tie a knot. You can secure the knot with materials you have around the house like superglue, krazy glue or even clear nail polish. Have the kids make a bracelet for grandma while you make special bracelets for the kids. Choose beads and crystals in their favorite colors for a lasting, treasured gift. Bracelet making is a family affair!
Make a Sparkly Bracelet
A Swarovski crystal necklace or bracelet is an eye-catching gift. Choose from 4-mm, 6-mm or 8-mm Bicone crystals in a variety of hues. Swarovski crystals come in aqua, black diamond, chrysolite, cobalt, crystal, erinite, fuchsia, garnet and jonquil, to name just a few of the sparkling Swarovski crystal choices. And the crystal choices are just part of your Swarovski crystal creation. Choose every part of your jewelry creation, especially the clasp. A sterling silver toggle clasp comes adorned with jet, peridot, rose, sapphire and Siam Swarovski crystals.
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Make a Bracelet For Guys, Too
Don't forget that men love their jewelry too. Big beads in earth tones create a more masculine look for a guy's bracelet or necklace. You can also keep it simple by attaching a charm or two to a short leather cord. What colors does your guy like? Basic black? Or how about dark green, bright orange or an iridescent turquoise? Whatever the color of finished leather cord, your best guy will love it! For a slightly more rustic and rugged bracelet or necklace, choose a suede lace, a finished suede lace cord or a Greek leather cord.
Take A Class on Jewelry Making
If you want guidance at any level from beginner to advanced, check out the fabulous array of classes offered at Beadazzled. You can register for a Beadazzled class at three locations: Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Falls Church, Virginia. Beginner classes feature classes on making a small triangle box, the fundamentals of jewelry, getting started with beads, holiday home decor ideas and a special class on making last-minute gifts. For the intermediate and advanced students, try the wire, chained rosary, leather lattice bracelet or shamballa bracelet classes.
Jill Berry @MusingsfromMe is a writer who stays at home or a SAHM who writesit depends on the day and her mood. While playing a writer on the internet, Jill has the gray hair AND blogposts from raising a kid, a preteen, and a teen. When not blogging at Musings from Me, Jill seizes family time whenever she candinner as a family, movie night, marathon family game sessions, travelingyou name it she wants to do it.
