If you want to start designing your own beaded jewelry, beaded pendants, like beaded earrings, are a great way to start. Beaded pendants don't have to be complicated, and they don't have to use up a lot of materials. Another great thing about beaded pendants is that you can hang them from a piece of leather, silk cord or ribbon and wear them right away!
Of course, you always have the option of stitching up a beautiful beaded rope to accent your pendant.
1. Bezel a Rivoli
You can't really go wrong when making beaded pendants if you start out with something like a beautiful crystal Rivoli. Stitch up a quick bezel, and then embellish it with either some simple fringe or with a round of crystal bicones. Stitch on a simple jump ring or a small loop of seed beads, and you're ready to wear your crsytal pendant masterpiece.
2. Beaded Cabochons
There are two ways to make pendants out of cabochons - you can either stitch a peyote stitch bezel with an open back, or you can glue the cabochon down to a piece of bead embroidery backing and then stitch a bezel. Add some fringe, if you'd like, and add a simple strand of beads for a strap.
Cabochons come in so many different shapes, sizes and materials that you'll probably never run out of inspiration when working with them.
3. Bead Embroidery
Learning bead embroidery doesn't seem so scary if you're starting out with a simple pendant. Either start with a cabochon that has been glued down to your bead embroidery or use a brass embroidery blank as a guide. You can also trace around a measuring cup or cookie cutter on your bead embroidery backing to create a shape around which you can stitch.
4. Beaded Beads
Making an easy beaded bead is a great way to make a simple beaded pendant. Start out with a small piece of peyote stitch, zip it up, and string it on a head pin with some accent beads. You can even go a step further by adding fringe or a beaded edging to your beaded bead.