Laura Ells – Creative Beadcraft

Author: Laura Ells

Tila Bead Projects by Miyuki

December 20, 2024October 25, 2026
by Laura Ells

We have some Tila Bead Projects by Miyuki to show you some of the ways you can use the quarter, half and full tila beads. All the projects are straight-forward to follow and include ideas for bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

Tila Bead Projects by Miyuki

These Tila Bead Projects by Miyuki area use half and quarter tiles in a variety of ways to produce some lovely designs mainly using just these beads.

This half tila bracelet just uses the half tilas using a brickwork design and adding interest with the leather edging and a pretty button fastening.

The bracelet below combines quarter, half and full tila beads. It uses a simple monochrome colour scheme. However it varies the ways the different size tiles are combined to create a random effect.

The tila wreath pendant has a stacked design with full tila beads alternated with a square formed by small bicones. Tiny seed beads and pearl are used to fill in the gaps between the tila beads.

Here, half tila beads are used to create small circles which are alternated with pretty floral motifs. A stone in a setting is inserted into the tila bead circle and used to form a pretty drop and focal points.

This idea is extended further in this lovely design for the Miyuki quarter tila necklace. The delicate quarter tilas are used to create a pretty fan shape around the pearls which form the necklace strand. Larger seed beads edge the fan to create a very elegant and delicate design.

.This design can also be used to make a stunning pair of earrings. Delicate colour combinations have been used here but you could try using bright or contrasting colours to create some different effects.

Check out our selection of Miyuki tila beads

Miyuki Tila Bead Projects

December 13, 2024
by Laura Ells

We have some lovely Miyuki Tila Bead Projects for you with easy ideas for using full, half and quarter tilas to make pretty bracelets and earrings. They also include designs which combine the tilas with popular 2-hole beads such as gemduos. They’re suitable for confident beginners upwards to stitch.

Miyuki Tila Bead Projects

These Miyuki Tila Bead Projects have easy designs to show you how to combining full, half and quarter tilas to make some lovely jewellery. You’ll find asll these free downlolads on our website in the Projects section.

We have a range of the 2-hole full, half and quarter tila beads. You can see the tila beads here

The little quarter tilas are 5×1.2mm and work well on their own to create an interesting contrasting shape. They work very well with many 2-hole beads.

The Cleopatra bracelet by Erika Sandor combines them with 2-hole gemduos to create a simple but effective recurring motif.

Miyuki Tila Bead Projects — Cleopatra Bracelet

Their slim shape also act as effective spacers and a structural element. The Cosima Bracelet design combines them with the 2-hole ginkos and honeycomb beads. This lovely design is also by Erika Sandor. It can also be used to make a pendant or a pair of earrings. You could also hang three to create a V-shape for a necklace and add a drop to the bottom motif.

Half tila beads are 5×2.3mm. This Pendulum Earrings design from Leslie Pope is suitable for a confident beginner and combines the half tilas with full tilas to create a fun pair of swinging earrings.

Full tilas which measure 5x5mm are easy to use just on their own. The design by Leslie Rogalski is suitable for an advanced beginner and uses square stitch. It combines three colours of the full tila beads so you can choose to create a blended or contrasting effect.

The It Takes Two bracelet by Leslie Rogalski is a very easy way to combine a random selection of quarter, half and full tilas in a variety of colours to make a friendship style bracelet.

New Miyuki Tila Beads

December 6, 2024
by Laura Ells

The new Miyuki Tila Beads have now arrived and we have great selection of the full tila beads together with some lovely half tilas and quarter tilas. We also have lots of design ideas and projects with ideas for using these pretty 2-hole beads.

New Miyuki Tila Beads

all the new Miyuki Tila beads have 2-holes and come in three sizes – full, half and quarter. They come in a lovely range of colours including opaque and transparent shades with metallic, AB or lustre finishes. You can see the tila beads here

The original full tila beads measure 5x5mm.

Half tila beads are 5×2.3mm.

The little quarter tilas are 5×1.2mm.

You will have lots of design options as the full, half and quarter tila beads are designed to work on their own or with each other.

An attractive bracelet can easily be made with just half tiles in a brick pattern if you choose a good selection of colours and some attractive finishings.

They can simply be alternated as with the simple design on the right which uses full and half tila beads. The full, half and quarter tiles can also be combined in lots of creative ways. The design on the left, for example, uses the three sizes in several colours to create an interesting series of interlocking squares.

The tila beads are very versatile and can also be used with other shapes to make lots of lovely designs. Here quarter tiles are combined with 2-hole ginkos and honeycomb beads to make and also with the 2-hole gemduos in a bracelet.

Projects with New Miyuki Tila Beads

We also have some lovely projects from Miyuki and BeadSmith for you. You can download them from the Projects section of each of the Tila Bead categories.

The design on the left is a quick make bracelet that simply strings various shades and sizes to create a boho styles bracelet. The bracelet on the right uses a monochrome colour paletter in three sizes to create a sophisticated and elegant bracelet.

New Preciosa Festive Patterns 2024

November 29, 2024
by Laura Ells

We have some lovely new Preciosa festive patterns for you using the Terra Intensive seed beads, including the new lined seed beads. Their bright new colours are great for festive designs. We also have three new projects for you using a variety of techniques. These designs for jewellery and decorations would make lovely gifts.

New Preciosa Festive Patterns

Preciosa have come up with some lovely festive projects for 2024, from an easy Christmas tree design to a beautiful traditional pattern for Christmas decorations.

The Terra Intensive colours are very vibrant and therefore perfect for colourful festive decorations. The new Terra Intensive lined seed beads are described by Preciosa as “radiant intensive colours concealed in crystal”. They look lovely on their own or you can combine them with the original Terra Intensive glossy colours or matt shades. Each finish comes in 11 beautiful colours in sizes 6/0, 8/0 and 10/0 so you have plenty of colour options. You can see all the Terra Intensive seed bead colours here.

Preciosa Christmas Trinket Pattern

These pretty little Christmas trees are made with the new Terra Intensive colour lined seed beads in size 8/0 seed beads. As they use eye pins they are easy to make. They would make a lovely little gift. Here they’re used to make a Christmas decoration.

New Preciosa Festive Patterns — Christmas Trinket Decoration

You can also use the Christmas tree design can to make a very cute pair of earrings.

Preciosa Christmas Tree Decoration

These pretty decorations are also made with the Terra Intensive lined seed beads using 10/0 and 8/0 seed beads. The step-by-step instructions will show you how to make the individual layers. You can then string these together to create the tree. It can be hung or used as a free-standing decoration.

Preciosa-christmas-tree-decoration - ig

Rocket Decoration

Preciosa also have a lovely pattern to show you how to make these gorgeous traditional Czech rocket decorations for your Christmas tree. These are made using 10/0 and 6/0 seed beads in glossy terra intensive colours. A crocheting technique is used to create this elongated shape in bright colours. The instructions include step-by-step photographs and a pattern chart which therefore makes it easy .

Preciosa Terra Intensive Lined Seed Beads

November 22, 2024
by Laura Ells

The new Preciosa Terra Intensive lined seed beads join the original glossy and matt Terra Intensive colours. They’re described as “radiant, intensive colour concealed in crystal”. They’re available in the same colours and three sizes. We also have some lovely design ideas and easy projects for you from Preciosa.

New Preciosa Terra Intensive Lined Seed Beads

The latest additions to our ranges of seed beads are these Preciosa Terra Intensive Lined Seed Beads which come in 11 colours in sizes 10/0, 8/0 and 6/0. The colour range is the same as the popular glossy and matt Terra Intensive seed beads.

The new lined seed beads can be used to create some very delicate effects.

Preciosa Terra Intensive Lined Seed Beads

The new terra intensive lined colours also work well with the matching terra intensive shades in the glossy and matt finishes.

They also combine well with other colours in the Preciosa range. Here their delicate colours are contrasted with an opaque black background to create a dramatic effect.

Projects with Preciosa Terra Intensive Lined Seed Beads

We also have some lovely projects from Preciosa for you. You can download them from the Projects section of each of the Preciosa seed bead categories.

Mini Flowers Pattern

This pretty little flowers are quick to make and can can be used in lots of ways such as for a pair of earrings, a bag charm or a zip pull

Autumn Leaves Pattern

The colour range allows lots of interesting colour combinations including these seasonal autumnal colours in chocolate, yellow lime green and orange in size 8/0.

Man’s Bracelet

This chunky man’s bracelet is made using 10/0 seed beads and brick stitch.

You can see all terra intensive colours here

Les Perles Par Puca Festive Patterns 2024

November 15, 2024
by Laura Ells

We have some beautiful Les Perles par Puca Festive Patterns for 2024 created with the new Volos par Puca beads which are very versatile 8x4mm navette-shaped beads. Check out these new patterns which include a delicate star and a gorgeous Christmas tree bauble by Annick Puca.

Les Perles Par Puca Festive Patterns

We have three lovely new Les Perles par Par Puca festive patterns for you. Check out the step by step instructions and colour diagrams to create these new designs.

Star 2024 Pattern

Annick Puca always produces some gorgeous star designs for Christmas and this design features the new Volos par Puca beads. These little beads measure 4x8mm and their neat symmetrical shape means you can use them together to create a very delicate and pretty effect. This design uses the Volos beads with both the raised and the flat side to give added interest and texture. 3mm crystal bicones and bugles give plenty of festive sparkle. You can also glue 3mm flatbacks no hotfix to some of the Volos beads for an even more glittering effect.

Les Perles par Puca Festive Patterns — Star 2024 Red metallic Metallic

Check out the lovely colours available in these beads and you will find lots of options to create your desired colour scheme.

Mon Etoile Pattern

Annick Puca has also created a festive star which is a delicate combination of Arcos and Volos par Pucas beads framed within a 60mm metal circle.

Boule de Noel 2024 Pattern

Puca’s Christmas creations would not be complete without a festive bauble. This one combines the Arcos, Volos, Kalos and LIpsi par Puca beads. The shape is formed around a 40mm wooden ball and set within a 50mm metal circle.

There are lots of lovely colours to create an array of glittering baubles for your festive decorations.

You can see all Les Perles par Puca here

New Volos par Puca Beads

November 8, 2024
by Laura Ells

The new Volos par Puca Beads have just arrived. These versatile little beads are a great addition to Les Perles par Puca range and we have some lovely designs by Annick Puca to inspire you which are also perfect for party wear or to give as a gift.

New Volos par Puca Beads

The new Volos par Puca beads are 8x4mm with 3 holes. Their size and the neat navette shape make them very versatile and ideal for flower and star shapes. They are designed to work with other beads in Les Perles par Puca range which now has 21 interesting shapes.

They come in a range of colours including the very popular matt metallics and chalk colours. You can see all the Volos par Puca bead colours here

We also have three new patterns for jewellery and decorative gifts with the new Volos par Puca Beads. Check out the step by step instructions and colour diagrams to create these new designs by Annick Puca.

These designs are perfect for party wear or presents. We have more designs with a festive vibe coming shortly.

Stella Ring and Star Earrings Pattern

This lovely ring combines the Volos beads with Piros and Kalos par Pucas, together with a focal rivoli and sparkling crystal bicones.

New Volos par Puca Beads

The pattern also includes these easy to make and very cute star earrings.

The azuro blue ring and earrings are gorgeous but there are many other colours you can choose from.

Bellissima Earrings

These stunning earring feature the new Volos par Puca beads with Arcos and Lipsi par Puca beads while 3mm bicones add a sparkling effect. The colourway below is finished with the Cymbal element Sitia bead ending for a very elegant and professional look.

New Volos par Puca Beads

Try playing with different colour combinations to create a different effect as below.

New Volos par Puca Beads

Victor Pencil Topper

Volos, Lipsi and Piros par Pucas form the basis of this decorative pencil topper. A 6mm (SS30) no hotfix flatback is glued to the top of the pencil for added sparkle.

New Volos par Puca Beads

You can see all Les Perles par Puca here

Czech Mini Gemduos by Matubo

January 5, 2024
by Laura Ells

These little Czech Mini Gemduos by Matubo are a great size and shape. They combine beautifully with the original gemduos and other symmetrical multi-hole beads. They also work very well on their own as these bracelet, necklace and earrings patterns show.

Czech Mini Gemduos by Matubo

These Czech Mini Gemduos by Matubo measure 6x4mm. Their diamond shape means that they are very versatile and work well on their own or with other beads, particularly the original 8x5mm gemduos.

They come in a lovely range of the most popular colours so you can mix and match them with lots of other Czech glass beads https://creativebeadcraft.co.uk/glass-beads/czech-mini-gemduo-beads.asp

We have some lovely free projects for you which you can download from the Projects Download sections on our website or add them to your basket with your order.

Projects with

Projects with Mini Gemduos

Palace Walk Bracelet and Earrings

Lesley Pope’s pretty bracelet is suitable for a confident beginner upwards. It uses modified circular peyote and right hand weave. The mini gemduos are combined with facetted micro-spacers.

Czech Mini Gemduos by Matubo — Palace Walk Bracelet

You can also use the little motifs to make an elegant pair of earrings.

Hugs and Kisses Bracelet

Another project suitable for a confident beginner is this lovely Hugs and Kisses Bracelet by Carolyn Cave. Her step-by-step instructions will show you how to weave this using a circular netting technique. The diamond shaped gemduos are paired with 6mm angular honeycomb beads while the contrasting colours create a bolder effect.

Jolene Flower Bracelet

This stunning bracelet by Carolyn Cave is at intermediate level and involves circular bead netting and peyote techniques. The Cymbal Elements clasp complements the flower design beautifully but you can substitute this with a 2-hole slide clasp.

Irish Lace Necklace and Earrings

Another intermediate design by Carolyn Cave which uses circular bead netting to create delicate circular motifs reminiscent of Irish Lace.

This design again shows how well the symmetrical mini gemduos combine with other angular 2-hole beads.

New Preciosa Festive Patterns

December 1, 2023
by Laura Ells

We have some lovely new New Preciosa Festive Patterns for 2023 including fun earrings, a bracelet and a beaded card. The instructions will explain a variety of techniques. We also have some pretty festive design ideas. These projects and design ideas feature the beautiful PermaLux seed beads which come in a great range of colours.

Preciosa Festive Patterns 2023

We have some beautiful new projects for jewellery and festive cards this year. You can download them all on our website. They feature the very pretty shiny and matt Permalux colours

Christmas Tree Earrings

The first of the Preciosa Festive Patterns is this design for festive Christmas tree earrings. You’ll find these are a quick and fun make which makes a lovely little gift. They’re made with size 10/0 seed beads in the lovely PermaLux colours, supplemented with gold. Brick stitch is used to create these little Christmas tree motifs embellished with brightly coloured seed bead baubles.

The pattern is designed to create a bracelet but you could also make a pretty necklace with this technique.

Christmas Duo Bracelet

This design uses a different technique – classic crocheting with a slip stitch. It also features the PermaLux seed beads in sizes 10/0, 8/0 and 6/0 in traditional festive colours. Just follow the colour charts to create the designs for the two pretty beaded tubes. These are then joined together and embellished with large beads and dangles in festive colours.

Seasons Greetings

The final one of the Preciosa Festive Patterns is this pretty festive card designed by Kerrie Slade. Different techniques are used to create the Christmas motifs using 10/0 and 11/0 PermaLux seed beads. You will use 2 and 3 drop brick stitch, square stitch and surface embellishment. The instructions will explain how to create and then decorate your tree and then the little gifts to surround it.

Festive Inspiration from Preciosa

Here are a selection of festive ideas using seed beads.

New Par Puca Festive Patterns

November 24, 2023
by Laura Ells

The designer of the par Puca beads, Annick Puca, always produces beautiful festive decorations and this year is no exception. We have three lovely new Par Puca festive patterns for you – a snowflake, a star and a beaded bead ornament using the new Lipsi par Puca beads.

Par Puca Festive Patterns

We have three lovely new Par Puca Festive Patterns for you from Annick Puca, the Parisian designer of Les Perles par Puca range. You cn find all these free patterns on our website with step-by-step instructions and colour diagrams.

Polaris Star

The first of the new Par Puca Festive Patterns is this Polaris star. It features the very popular Arcos and Samos beads but you will also need some Kalos beads and a few of the Kheops par Pucas. You can just make a single version of the star or make two stars to join together to create a chunkier look. The Kolympos cymbal element is used to give a neat and professional finish with the attached chain or cord.

Flacon de Noel

We love the gorgeous Flacon de Noel or Christmas Snowflake. It uses the new Lipsi par Puca beads together with Amos, Arcos and Piros beads. All the most popular shapes are beautifully combined together. The traditional red and gold colours look stunning. Puca uses the Pilos cymbal element to create an elegant finish but you can just use a jump ring.

The snowflake looks very elegant in white but also works well in other colours such as gold and grey to create a wintry effect.

Perle de Noel

Last, but definitely not least, is Puca’s Perle de Noel. This is a gorgeous beaded bead made with the new Lipsi par Puca beads and Arcos and Kalos beads. 3mm crystal bicones add plenty of festive sparkle. You’ll also need two 50mm metal circles. The beaded bead is made in two halves which are then attached together. Cup chain or chain is then glued to the join to conceal it and give a pretty finish.

Again, we love this traditional colour combination but there is a great choice of beads available so just tailor it to work with your festive colour theme.

You can see all Les Perles par Puca here