News & Free Projects

Long Magatama Beads

support@caravanbeads.com — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Long Magatama beads (LMA) have a very distinctive petal shape

10/0 Triangle Beads (TR10)

support@caravanbeads.com — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0600

Miyuki size 10/0 Triangle beads (TR10) are three sided beads with softly rounded corners. The smallest of Miyuki's three sizes of triangle beads, the TR10 measures 2mm x 2.5mm with a hole size of .9mm. There are approximately 52 beads per gram and 12 per inch.

TR10 beads can be used in a variety of beadweaving techniques including: peyote, brick, spiral and herringbone stitch. When strung with other beads, the triangular shape of the TR10 adds texture and shimmer as light hits their three sides. Size 10/0 Triangle beads are ideal for edging embroidery projects, Kumihimo braiding, and even micro macrame.

The TR10 beads are available in over 130 vibrant colors. Color-lined, sparkling, matte silverlined, Aurora Borealis, and matte metallic are just a few of the beautiful finishes available. The slightly concave surfaces of the TR10 reflect light and accentuate color making any project eye-catching.

Free Projects with TR10:

Take Flight Necklace

Triangle Ascent Earrings

Looplicity Earrings

Triangle Herringbone Necklace

Triangle Waves Bracelet

Scalloped Brick Stitch Bracelet

Goddess Within Necklace

1.8mm Square Beads (SB18)

support@caravanbeads.com — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0600

Miyuki 1.8mm Square beads (SB18) measure 1.8mm x 1.8mm and have a hole size of 1mm. With their relatively large holes SB18 beads can be strung on a wide variety of materials. They are the smallest of Miyuki's three sizes of square beads. There are about 82 SB18 beads per gram and approximately 14 beads per inch. Their cube-like shape and uniform size make the SB18 beads ideal for bead weaving.

SB18 beads are available in over eighty colors. There are also a variety of finishes including transparent, matte metallic, silver lined, opaque and frosted. Square beads can be easily stacked and layered with other beads. Combined with larger beads the SB18 creates added color and texture. As with all sizes of Square beads, the SB18 is perfect for Peyote, Brick, and Square stitch.

Try these projects using 1.8mm Square beads:

Candy Dot Bracelet

Trapeze Earrings

Denali Summit Earrings

Diamondback Earrings

Original Jewelry Kits

support@caravanbeads.com — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0600

Caravan Beads has recently launched a line of original jewelry kits. We have taken some of our favorite in-house designs from the bead blog and transformed them into kits, making it easy to create your own bead woven jewelry project from home. In addition to all the materials needed to complete your project, these fun stitching kits include illustrated step-by-step directions to guide you through the creative process. For our most detailed set of illustrated instructions, simply type the project name into our search bar to see the full blog post. Our design team works to create new projects each month to help keep all of our customers inspired. There are techniques and projects for all skill levels, from easy stringing projects to complex bead-woven designs.

We are also launching our much anticipated line of special occasion kits. Perfect for a wedding, bridal party, or any formal event. This line features classic ivory, white, cream, silver or gold tones. Create a timeless, hand crafted piece of jewelry for yourself or a loved one.

Looking for that special gift for the crafter in your life? Often the hardest part of creating beaded jewelry is picking the perfect colors, even more so when choosing a present for someone else. We’ve hand-selected gorgeous color combinations for each kit taking the guess work out of your gift giving.

Each kit is packaged in a reusable metal tin for easy transport and bead storage. These small and self contained kits are ideal for packing in your purse or suitcase to bring on your next vacation.

Denali Summit Earrings - Trailblazer

Royal Rivoli Earrings - Legend

Looplicity Earrings - Grand Hotel

Triangle Waves Bracelet - Glittering Green

Bella Braid Necklace - Mint Chip

Wildflower Bracelet - Indigo

Orion's Belt Necklace - Coronado

Candy Dot Bracelet - Rock Candy

Berry Beads

support@caravanbeads.com — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0600

Miyuki Berry Beads (BB) measure 2.5mm x 4.5mm with a hole size of .8mm. Berry Beads are comprised of two rounded ends with a hole through their narrowed center. There are about 22 Berry Beads per gram and approximately 12 beads per inch. When strung these bone shaped beads will nest together and interlock. Berry Beads add texture and interest to both strung and woven projects.

Miyuki Berry Beads are ideal for a wide variety of projects including stringing, weaving, and embroidery. Clustered between seed beads their berry shape glows as it catches the light. For a structured look and fluid feel try weaving Berry beads into a bracelet using right angle weave, peyote or herringbone stitch.

Miyuki Berry Beads are available in over 50 colors. They are offered in a variety of finishes including matte, shiny, metallic, and ceylon. The color-lined BB have a subtle beauty, featuring color that seems to be floating inside a pinched droplet. Add texture and dimension to any project with these distinctive beads.

Free Projects with Berry beads:

Infinity Link Necklace

Berry Bead Bubble Bracelet

5/0 Triangle Beads (TR5)

support@caravanbeads.com — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Miyuki 5/0 Triangle beads (TR5) have three softly rounded corners and slightly concave surfaces. The largest of Miyuki's three sizes of Triangle beads, the TR5 measures 4mm x 3.5mm with a hole size of 1.5mm. There are approximately eleven TR5 beads per gram and eight beads per inch when strung.

TR5 beads are ideal for fiber arts such as knitting, crocheting, and weaving. They fit easily onto most worsted weight yarns and add a little extra sparkle and weight to every project. TR5 beads can be strung on C-Flex beading wire and can also accommodate thicker stringing materials, such as leather and C-Lon bead cord. Their triangular shape creates a unique texture when woven together. TR5 beads work well in Peyote, brick, and herringbone stitch.

The TR5 beads are available in over 120 striking colors. Color-lined, sparkling, matte silverlined, Aurora Borealis, and matte metallic are just a few of the beautiful finishes available. The large size and triagonal shape of the TR5 bead allows it to showcase each color like no other seed bead.

Free Projects with TR5:

Wildflower Bracelet

Triangle Caravan Necklace

Supernova Earrings

Magatama Beads

support@caravanbeads.com — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Miyuki 4mm Magatama beads (MA4) measure 4 x 4mm with a 1mm hole size. These plump teardrop beads are top-drilled with slightly flattened sides. There are approximately twelve beads per gram and twelve beads per inch. The name 'magatama' comes from the ancient comma-shaped beads used in Japanese ceremonies. These historically significant beads date back to 1,000 BC. Miyuki's modern take on this beloved and timeless shape is a great choice for any project.

When strung next to each other the 4mm Magatama beads (MA4) create a beautiful vine-like pattern. Whether you use them to embellish right-angle weave and wire crochet or the leaves for a Tree of Life pendant, the results will be beautiful. The paddle-like shape of the MA4 beads allow them to stack perfectly in a kumihimo braid, adding texture and dimension.

Miyuki Magatama Beads come in over 50 gorgeous colors. The finishes include: matte, metallic, transparent, and silverlined. The eye catching color-lined MA4 beads have a bold stripe of color around the center hole that is magnified by the transparent bulb of the outer bead. The matte opaque finishes are more earthy and organic while the matte transparent beads are reminiscent of sea glass.

Try these 4mm Magatama projects:

Meandering Magatama Bracelet

6mm Bugle Beads (BGL2)

support@caravanbeads.com — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Miyuki 6mm Bugle beads (BGL2) are narrow tubes of glass measuring 1.5mm x 6mm with a hole size of .8mm. BGL2 beads have a smooth cylindrical surface and precisely cut edges. They are the same width as Miyuki 3mm Bugle beads (BGL1) but twice the length. There are approximately 38 BGL2 beads per gram and four beads per inch.

Production of Bugle beads dates back to the 1860s when they were primarily used in the fashion industry for garments and accessories. The use of Bugle beads can be traced back to ancient Egypt. BGL2 beads are ideal for use in bead embroidery, ladder stitch, and bead weaving. The height and shape of the BGL2 provide structural support for beaded designs and lend themselves to netted beadwork and fringe.

Miyuki 6mm Bugles are available in over ninety elegant colors. The classic finishes include: silver-lined, opaque, matte-metallic, aurora borealis, and ceylon.

Free Projects with 6mm Bugle beads:

Royal Rivoli Earrings

Bamboo Bugle Bracelet

Goddess Within Necklace

Long Drop Beads

support@caravanbeads.com — Mon, 08 May 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Miyuki Long Drop beads (LDP) are a more elongated version of a traditional Drop bead. Resembling a top-drilled grain of rice, they can be used in place of larger daggers or smaller drops. They can look vine-like or floral, organic or geometric. Each LDP measures 3mm x 5.5mm with a hole size of .8mm. There are approximately thirteen beads per gram and fourteen beads per inch.

The slender and graceful silhouette of the LDP lends itself nicely to Kumihimo braiding, and Russian or Cellini spiral stitch. The beads extend outward from the spiral, catching the light and adding texture. LDP beads are ideal for use in fringe adding just the right weight and swing. When strung side by side the LDP beads will sit in opposite directions, creating an alternating pattern.

There are over 35 colors available in the LDP collection. Matte metallic, frosted aurora borealis, and shiny color-lined are just a few of the eye catching finishes. These versatile beads are another way to add a little something extra when creating your own designs, or adapting projects to best suit your style.

Free projects with LDP:

Kumihimo Lupine Necklace

Long Drop Ruffle Earrings

Speakeasy Bracelet

8/0 Triangle Beads (TR8)

support@caravanbeads.com — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Miyuki size 8/0 Triangle beads (TR8) are three sided beads with softly rounded corners. The middle size of Miyuki's three sizes of Triangle beads, the TR8 measures 2mm x 3mm with a hole size of 1.1mm. There are approximately 31 beads per gram and 11 beads per inch.

TR8 beads can be used in a variety of beadweaving techniques including peyote, brick, spiral and herringbone stitch. When strung with other beads, the triangular shape of the TR8 adds texture and shimmer as light hits their three sides. Size 8/0 Triangle beads are ideal for edging embroidery projects, Kumihimo braiding, and even micro macrame.

The TR8 beads are available in over 100 vibrant colors. Color-lined, sparkling, matte silverlined, Aurora Borealis, and matte metallic are just a few of the beautiful finishes available. The slightly concave surfaces of the TR8 reflect light and accentuate color making any project eye-catching.

Free projects with TR8s:

Bird of Paradise Earrings

Take Flight Necklace

Sweet Pea Bracelet

Triangle Ascent Earrings

Looplicity Earrings

Triangle Waves Bracelet

Miyuki 10/0 Cut Twisted Beads

support@caravanbeads.com — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0600

Miyuki 10 Cut Twisted beads (10C-TW) are hexagonally cut, twisted tube beads which measure 2.2mm x 2.2mm with a .9mm hole size. They are comparable in size to a 10/0 seed bead or 10/0 Delica (DBM). There are approximately seventy beads per gram and 11 beads per inch.

10C-TW beads are versatile enough to be used in almost any design from bead weaving projects to necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The .9mm hole size allows for multiple passes of thread, such as C-Lon size D (CLBD) and Micro cord (CLMC), or Miyuki thread (MNT). Ladder stitch and Herringbone stitch accentuate the delicate twist and fine edges of the 10C-TW beads as illustrated in our Seagrass Bracelet .

String some 10 Cut Twisted beads on C-Flex beading wire for a more linear affect that catches light. Add dimension by using multiple strands. With addition of accent beads like Swarovski or Czech crystal or precious metal spacer beads, the 10C-TW beads take on an added sophistication and elegance. 10C-TW are available in over 25 colors and a variety of finishes from rich matte metallics to vibrant transparents.

Free projects with 10C-TW:

Seagrass Bracelet

Crystal Beacon Earrings

Regal Caterpillar Bracelet

3.4mm Drop Beads (DP)

support@caravanbeads.com — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Miyuki Drop beads (DP) and fancy color-lined Drops (DPF) are teardrop shaped beads that hang from their narrowed tip. The rounded bottom end catches light and creates a glowing effect at any angle. Measuring 3mm x 3.4mm with a hole size of .65mm, they are the largest of Miyuki's Drop beads. There are approximately 18 Drop beads per gram and 15 per inch.

Miyuki Drop beads are perfect for adding texture to beadwoven projects including Spiral and Peyote stitch. When strung side by side Drop beads will sit in opposite directions, creating an alternating pattern. The rounded shape of the Drop adds volume when incorporated into a Kumihimo braid. Drop beads make an embroidered edge more dramatic and add a dash of whimsy to embellished fringe.

Miyuki DP and DPF beads come in over 170 beautiful colors. The dazzling finishes include metallic, luster, Picasso and opaque. Fancy drop beads (DPF) have a color-lined center hole that is beautifully magnified by the transparent bulb of the outer bead. With their voluminous shape, these shimmering droplets add depth and dimension to any piece.

Free projects with Drop beads:

Honeysuckle Necklace

Candy Dot Bracelet

Bird of Paradise Earrings

Tropical Wave Earrings

Regal Caterpillar Bracelet

Orion's Belt Necklace

Half Tila Snake Bracelet

Kumihimo Sundew Bracelet

Tila Beads

support@caravanbeads.com — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 09:00:00 -0600

Miyuki Tila Beads (TL) are flat, two-holed glass squares. One side of the Tila is slightly domed, while the opposite side is flat. They measure 5mm x 5mm x 1.9mm with .8mm parallel holes, making them the largest of the three sizes of Tila beads. Tila beads have a uniform shape which helps them stack up into layers or rows. Combine Tila beads with other seed beads to create an array of designs and patterns.

Using a variety of stitching techniques Tila beads can create intricate tile patterns and geometric designs. Their two-holed structure makes the Tila Bead ideal for connecting multiple strands in a stringing project. Tila beads are also wonderful additions to leather-wrap bracelet projects. The large size and surface area of the Tila bead makes it especially comfortable to wear, with a smooth and luxurious feel on the wrist.

Miyuki Tila Beads are available in over 150 striking colors. The finishes include: silk satin, picasso, matte opaque, transparent, matte metallic, metal plated, and aurora borealis. The uniquely large surface area of the Tila bead showcases the variety of colors and finishes like no other bead.

Free Projects with Tila beads

Tessellated Tila Bracelet

Kaleidoscope Tila Bracelet

Tila Fanfare Earrings

10/0 Delica Beads (DBM)

support@caravanbeads.com — Sat, 11 May 2019 09:00:00 -0500

Miyuki size 10/0 Delica beads, sometimes called "meduim" Delicas (DBM), measure 2.3 x 1.2mm. DBM beads are precisely cut tubes of glass with a rounded outer surface and flat ends. Slightly larger than 11/0 Delica beads, medium Delicas have the same uniform shape and consistent size, making them popular with bead artists. With a generous hole size of 1mm DBM beads are perfect for a variety stitching techniques including: peyote, brick, herringbone and square. There are approximately 108 beads per gram and 14 beads per inch.

Delica beads are traditionally used for loom weaving where their flat ends allow them to fit neatly together, creating a beautifully smooth surface and clear image. When used in Peyote stitch DBM beads stack together like bricks, building firm tension while remaing flexible. The hole diameter of 10/0 Delicas is large in proportion to their size, making them extremely versatile and easy to use with many beading techniques.

Miyuki size 10/0 Delica beads are available in over 250 brilliant colors. The dazzling finishes include: transparent, opaque, sparkling color lined, metaillic, Duracoat, silverlined alabaster, silk satin and luminous. Medium Delicas are also available in a seven sided cut bead (DBMC). These multi faceted beads add sparkle and texture to any design. DBMC beads come in over 40 colors and finishes giving you even more creative options!

4mm Square Beads (SB)

support@caravanbeads.com — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 09:00:00 -0500

Square beads are perfect for bead weaving!

C-lon Thread & Cord

support@caravanbeads.com — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 09:30:00 -0600

Which size of C-lon thread or cord to use?

Half Tila beads

support@caravanbeads.com — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 09:00:00 -0500

The Miyuki Half Tila (HTL) is a flat, two hole glass bead with a rectangular shape. These popular beads are half the width of Miyuki's original Tila. One side of the Half Tila is slightly domed, while the opposite side is flat. Half Tila beads measure 5mm x 2.3mm x 1.9mm with a .8mm hole. Combine Half Tila beads with other seed beads to create an array of shapes, patterns and colors.

The unique shape and parallel holes of the Half Tila provide creative flexibility in stringing projects. In more elaborate designs they enhance sculptural stitching and geometric patterns. Half Tila beads can be an unexpected element in creating a bezel, lattice work, or a loom woven piece. They are well-suited for creating layers in bead embroidery and giving beadwork structural depth.

Half Tila beads are available in a wide array of colors and textures. There are over one hundred colors to choose from in a variety of transparent, opaque, frosted, metallic, and pearlized Ceylon finishes. With so many color options there is sure to be a Half Tila for every project.

Half Tila beads can be used for increasing and decreasing when combined with Tila and Quarter Tila beads. The brick like shape makes them a perfect component for creating offset patterns. Half Tila beads are also a great choice for leather wrap bracelets or for connecting multiple strands.

Try these projects using half tila beads:

Right Track Bracelet

Half Tila Circle Earrings

Half Tila Snake Bracelet

Triangle Beads

support@caravanbeads.com — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 09:30:00 -0600

Triangle seed beads add wonderful texture and shine to any project.

Miyuki Spacer Beads

support@caravanbeads.com — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 09:00:00 -0600

Miyuki recently released their much anticipated Spacer beads in three different sizes and over thirty colors.

C-Flex Beading Wire

support@caravanbeads.com — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 09:00:00 -0500

C-flex Beading Wire is made in the USA exclusively for Caravan Beads.

8/0 Delica Beads (DBL)

support@caravanbeads.com — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 13:28:00 -0500

Miyuki 8/0 Delica beads (DBL) measure 2.5 x 2.5mm, making them the largest of the four sizes of Delicas. DBL beads are uniform tube-shaped beads with precisely cut flat ends. They are available as a smooth or hexagonal cut cylinder (DBLC). DBL beads have a generous hole size of 1.5mm, which easily accommodates thicker stringing materials like Greek leather and C-Lon cord. There are approximately 30 beads per gram and 9 beads per inch.

DBL beads are ideal for a variety of projects from stringing to beaded beads. Just like their smaller counterparts, DBL beads can be used in a multitude of weaving techniques. When woven in Peyote or Square Stitch, DBL beads will remain flexible and work up quickly into a bold cuff bracelet. With their flat ends DBL beads fit snugly together, creating smooth rows of vibrant color.

Miyuki 8/0 Delicas are available in over 120 dazzling colors. The finishes include: transparent, matte, metallic, opaque, aurora borealis and more! The metallic beads, both matte and shiny, are a great substitute for metal spacers in any stringing project. Their larger size truly shows off the beautiful Miyuki colors.

Free projects with 8/0 Delica Beads

Sweet Dreams Necklace

Peyote Petal Earrings

Delica Pennant Necklace

Crystal Channel Bracelet

Shining Squares Ring

Bamboo Bugle Bracelet

11/0 Delica Beads (DB)

support@caravanbeads.com — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 15:14:00 -0500

The production of Delica beads began in 1982 as a modern replacement for French steel cut beads. The 11/0 Delica (DB) is the most popular of the four Delica sizes. Delicas are precisely cut glass tube beads with a rounded surface and two flat ends. The rounded surfaces of Delica beads allow light to travel and reflect off them at any angle.

Delica beads measure 1.6mm x 1.5mm with a generous hole size of .8mm. The diameter of the hole is large in proportion to the bead size, making it easy to make multiple passes through with a needle and thread in stitching projects. There are over 1,200 colors and finishes of every shade of the rainbow and beyond. This broad and diverse color palette makes it easy to transition from one color to the next seamlessly. 11/0 Delica beads are also available in a hexagonal cut style (DBC). There are over 50 colors from sparkling color lined transparents to stunning precious metal-plated finishes. Combine DBs and DBCs in a project for additional texture in a piece.

Delicas are used in a wide variety of beading techniques, such as bead embroidery, Peyote, Brick, Square, and Herringbone stitches, as well as simple stringing projects. The flat ends of DBs fit flush in straight, flat rows when strung together, creating a block of color in a bead embroidered cuff or statement necklace. When strung on C-Flex beading wire, they can create stripes of radiant color and shine between other shape beads.

String DBs with freshwater pearls and semi-precious stone rounds to highlight their delicate beauty. Show off of the vast color palette in a multi-stranded gradient necklace on C-Flex beading wire. When bead weaving on the loom, rows and columns of Delicas uniformly line up for a more accurate and even pattern work. The array of colors are useful for transitioning and creating shadow in a beaded mosaic, beaded bag, or 3 dimensional sculptural.

Miyuki Twisted Bugle Beads

support@caravanbeads.com — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 09:30:00 -0500

These beads are gently twisted to give them their beautifully textured surface.

15/0 Cut Seed Beads

support@caravanbeads.com — Mon, 15 May 2017 09:00:00 -0500

15 cut seed beads (15C) add just the right amount of shine to your beading projects.

11/0 Seed Beads

support@caravanbeads.com — Tue, 09 May 2017 07:28:00 -0500

Glass beads have been produced, traded, and utilized for several centuries and for many uses. These beads have been included in projects from simple necklaces and bracelets to being woven into intricately detailed tapestries and ceremonial articles of clothing. Originally constructed from natural sources, indigenous cultures would use small tube beads in peyote stitch and quillwork for headdresses and breastplates, and even the detailing of tools used in rituals.

Miyuki size 11/0 seed beads are the most popular size of round rocaille produced. These beads are small, high quality, and uniform with a rounded outer surface and soft, seamless ends. 11/0s measure 2mm x 1mm with a generous hole diameter of 1mm. The hole size allows multiple passes with a needle and thread as well as a thicker C-Lon cord. There are approximately 110 beads per gram and 19 beads per inch. 11/0 seed beads are also available in a hexagonal cut style (11C).

The color quality and consistency makes 11/0 seed beads a favorite. They are used in bead embroidery, loom weaving, and bead weaving stitch techniques such as peyote, spiral and brick stitch. They are also a perfect choice for a picot lace design, edging, and netting. Try two opaque colors from the 11/0 color palette and string on C-Flex beading wire to create offset blocks of color in a multi-stranded necklace. Stitch 11/0 seed beads with 15/0s to create a dimensional element in a bead embroidered pendant or cuff.

There are over 600 colors and finishes ranging from opaque rainbow to metallic and deep earth tones. Combine finishes to create a elegant depth to a beaded tapestry. Add the brightness of silver lined beads to the softness of a pearlescent finish or make a bold statement with the popular Duracoat galvanized metallics. 11/0 seed beads are versatile and easy to incorporate into any beading project.

Free Projects with 11/0 Seed Beads:

Zen Flag Necklace

Tropical Wave Earrings

Bugle Boardwalk Bracelet

Half Tila Circle Earrings

Trinity Drop Earrings

Fire Coral Necklace

Chevron Flight Earrings

Treasure Hunt Necklace

Meandering Magatama Bracelet

Annelida Cuff

Looplicity Brick Stitch Earrings