DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns
This cuff is made using a recycled Plaid Shirt. In case you didn’t notice red plaid is very “fashionable” right now and if you want to add a little bit of plaid without looking like a cowgirl then this is a style for you to embrace. The tutorial is very simple as you just use the cuffs off the shirt. Which means you could roll up the sleeves (After cutting off cuffs) and still wear it. Check out the full tutorial here at Ilovetocreate.
This week’s Book Review Wednesday pick is 3D Beaded Animal Crafts for Kids, and I’ll admit this one is another of those books that makes me pause for a moment and ask, “Does this belong in Jewelry Making, Kids Crafts, or somewhere in between?”
Technically, it is not jewelry in the traditional necklace-and-earrings sense, but it is very much a beading book, and beading skills are such a useful doorway into jewelry making. For kids especially, learning how to thread beads, follow patterns, work with wire, and build little 3D shapes is a brilliant way to develop patience, fine motor skills, and confidence with craft materials.
The cover promises 3D beaded animal crafts for kids, with a focus on cute seed bead animals made with wire. The little fox on the cover is exactly the sort of project that catches attention — bright, cheerful, and very giftable. I can see this being a fun book for crafty kids, tweens, grandparents crafting with children, or even adults who secretly enjoy tiny beaded animals but pretend they are “helping the kids.”
What I like about this type of project is that it gives children a finished piece they can actually be proud of. These are not throwaway crafts. A beaded animal can become a bag charm, keychain, desk buddy, zipper pull, ornament, or little handmade gift. And if you have a child who loves collecting small things, well, prepare yourself — you may soon have an entire zoo made from seed beads.
There is also a nice connection here for beginner jewelry makers. Working with beads and wire in a simple 3D form helps build the same kind of careful hand skills used in beaded jewelry, wire wrapping, charms, and small accessories. So while I would be tempted to cross-post this over on our Kids Crafts section, I still think it earns its place here for anyone wanting beginner-friendly beading projects.
This book would suit kids who already enjoy detailed crafts, families looking for screen-free creative projects, or makers who want small bead projects that are playful rather than overly serious. I would suggest adult help for younger children, especially because seed beads and wire can be fiddly, and nobody needs a craft session ending with beads in the carpet forever. Although, let’s be honest, that may happen anyway.
My Shellie-style take? 3D Beaded Animal Crafts for Kids looks like a fun, colourful and practical beading book for young makers who like cute projects with a real finished result. It is crafty, giftable, a little bit nostalgic, and a lovely stepping stone into more detailed beadwork and jewelry making later on.
You can find the book here: 3D Beaded Animal Crafts for Kids.
I am in love with the Craft Gossip email I get every day and 99% of the time it gives me great ideas and usually a laugh or two, but this post offended me! What is wrong with looking like a cowgirl? I happen to be one and a happy ranch wife too! And I have never had any reason to think looking like me was a bad thing.
Aww please don’t be offended there was no offence intended we love our Cow Girls! But if you notice I did write “if you want to add some Plaid Without looking like a cowgirl”… So this is how to wear plaid without looking country. If you want to look like a cowgirl then great but you probably going to need more than a plaid cuff to achieve your look.