10 beginner bead projects worth making first

Ten projects, ordered so each teaches the next one's weakness. Make them in order and you arrive at intermediate without noticing.

1. Stretch bracelet — elastic, 8mm beads, surgeon's knot. Teaches layout and restraint.
2. Single-strand cable necklace — crimps and a clasp. Teaches termination.
3. Beaded earrings on headpins — simple loops. Teaches the loop.
4. Wrapped-loop bracelet — 25 links. Teaches consistency (yes, 25).
5. Flat peyote band — one colour, 11/0. Teaches tension.
6. Two-strand twist necklace — cones, multiple strands. Teaches multi-strand finishing.
7. Brick-stitch earrings — shaped motifs. Teaches decreases.
8. Knotted pearl bracelet — silk, awl method. Teaches patience.
9. Right-angle weave cuff — embellished. Teaches structure.
10. The hero necklace — your own design, everything above combined. The piece that gets photographed.

Projects 3-10 map directly onto the school's Fashion Jewellery certificate ladder — each certificate covers a band of these properly. Calendar: admissions dates.

What students say

“I hope to start and improve my own online shop.”

— Josephyn Y. (Singapore) · published student feedback

“I enjoyed fancy weaving because its something unusual and nice.”

— Nikoletta M. (Cyprus) · published student feedback

Free ways to explore

No sign-up, no payment — start with any of these.

DDownload the gem e-bookFREE
The school's free guide to gems — reading companion to the webinars.FFree gem webinar replaysFREE
Full recorded sessions on gems and the jewellery trade.PPlay Name That GemFREE
The school's free gem-identification game — addictive.TThe complete course guideFREE
Every course, family and diploma in one PDF.

Keep exploring

Seed bead sizes explained — 8/0, 11/0, 15/0 and what they meanWhat seed bead sizes actually mean — the aught system, millimetre equivalents, which size Colour theory for beadwork — a practical maker's guideHow to choose bead colours that work — value, saturation, temperature, complements and theBead Jewellery — stringing, weaving and wirework guidesPractical guides for bead jewellery — stringing, seed-bead weaving and wirework — with reaHandmade bead jewellery gift guide — what to make for whomGift-worthy bead jewellery projects matched to their recipients — mothers, partners, frien

Turn beading into a certified skill

JDMIS in Singapore runs hands-on fashion jewellery and beading courses, from one-day workshops to a full Fashion Jewellery Arts diploma.

Visit jdmis.edu.sg