Using some basic beads, I was able to create something that costs very little to look very expensive. The focal beads are 8mm blue lace agate; then accents are silver twisted spacers, 4mm 5301 swarovski lavender, and believe it or not the bulk of the construction is 11/0 silver foil seed beads.

The result look pricey, but cost me about $10 total. Looks like $100 retail.

Here's the How To Pattern & Materail List for this beauty.

Enjoy!

Everything you wanted to know about beading and jewelry making terms. I organized these alphabetically. More terms to come. Also check out a complete lest using the related link. Enjoy.

Acrylic Resin Transparent man-made resins used in making molded plastics.

Aurora Borealis Named for the Northern Lights. In costume jewelry, a term for crystal stones that have a highly iridescent surface. The effect is achieved by vapor blasting the facets of the lower part of the crystals with an invisible, micro thin metal sheet. This stone was created by Swarovski® in 1955 in collaboration with Christian Dior. Also known as AB, the term now refers to any iridescent finish.

Bail A metal loop that is used to attach a chain or cord to a pendant.

Bail Pendant Mount Bonds to any flat backed item to make a pendant.

Bakelite The trademarked name for synthetic resins and plastics developed by a US chemist. Jewelry pieces made of Bakelite, especially with animal and fruit motifs, were extremely popular in the US in the 1930s and are now considered collectors items. Though still a highly specialized category. Bakelite has had something of a renaissance in this country in recent years. Read More...

Minimum Camera Requirements:

To provide a high resolution photo that will best show your jewelry, we suggest that you use at least a 2 Megapixel (1800 pixels x 1200 pixels) digital camera or a 35mm film camera with 100 or 200 ISO speed film. If a small object is being photographed, you will also need a macro focus function on a digital camera or a macro lens on a film camera. Consult your camera’s manual to make sure you can meet these requirements.

Minimum Image Size, Minimum Print Size:

If you are using a digital camera, the photo file size should be at least 1800 pixels x 1200 pixels (2 Megapixels). If you are using 35mm film, the size of the color photo should be at least 8" x 10".

A Simple Method for Making Great Images:

You will need a white sheet, a contrasting background material or art board, a friend and your camera to make a simple "set" for your beaded creation.

1. Find an area in direct sun.
2. Set your background material or art board on a flat surface.
3. Arrange your entry on the background.
4. Have someone hold the sheet so that it blocks direct sunlight from your bead work.
5. Carefully focus your camera and take the photo.

Note: Your digital camera should be set on the highest quality image setting possible.

Note on close-ups: If you have trouble getting your camera to focus clearly on a small object, you may need to use the macro mode of your digital camera. (This mode is commonly designated by a flower symbol on your camera settings menu.) If your camera is a regular film camera, you may need to use a macro or "close-up" lens.