what to do with orphan beads « creativity inspired

Orphan Beads/Leftover Supply Project 5: Beaded Rings

I have been making rings like mad lately.

I don’t know why I never thought of this before, but what a great way to use up leftover beads: make some funky little cocktail-style rings with them! There are many affordable add-a-bead type ring bases on the market that you can purchase. These are silver-plated with an adjustable base. I love that they work up quickly and the end result is very cool!

It is a lot of fun to see what patterns emerge when you mix and match different beads. Wrapping them tightly in wire to finish them off makes a nice solid design…the shape is somewhat of a mystery until you finish wrapping.

I especially enjoy using different shapes. The end result is even more intriguing than your usual round bead.

Using up the mishmash of chip beads is by far my favourite material. The beads lay together tightly once wrapped & the colours of the stones blend together very well.

In fact the chip bead rings inspired a new limited edition collection I will be unveiling really soon…:)

Check out my orphan bead project: zipper pulls.

Leilani Cleveland Deveau is a self-taught jewelry artist with over ten years of experience. Her main goal is to inspire others to find & follow their passion. Leilani welcomes jewelry requests for custom, wholesale or consignment orders, as well as questions or comments from other artists in the handmade realm. Originally from Nova Scotia, she currently resides in a suburb outside of Montreal. You can contact her by email: leilani@heavenlyflower.com.

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28Aug

Orphan Beads/Leftover Supply Project 4: Zipper Pulls

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This particular project is combining orphan beads with an excess of nickel lobster clasps. I upgraded to sterling silver lobster clasps sometime ago so I have a wholesale lot of nickel ones sitting around gathering dust.

So applying the same inspirational principle as the key chains and bookmarks, I came up with this zipper pull simply because the metal pull on my girls’ lunch box snapped off.

It gives a nice touch to the usually boring lunch box. I think these would make cute little gifts for jackets, purses & bags, children’s shoes or even as cell phone charms. Since they are on the lobster clasp, you can easily change the pull to another style as the mood desires. I can see my girls having a lot of fun with these when they get older.

beaded zipper pulls, cell phone charm, heavenly flower, inspirational gifts, leilani cleveland deveau, projects for leftover beads, what to do with orphan beads

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I apply creativity to everything I do: it keeps what could be a mundane life fulfilling & exciting. Everyday is an opportunity for expression, growth & healing, and I feel that my true calling on earth is to inspire others. You can never have too many interests! Most of my expression comes out in my jewelry which I have been designing and selling both off and online for well over a decade. I also enjoy the textile arts, particularly spinning! I hope to inspire you to find creative endeavors that enrich your life as much as they have mine.