Consumer Crafts has introduced the Twister Bead Necklace, made from Darice twister beads.  This is one of the simplest pieces of jewelry to make that you’ll ever find, and it offers an easy way to customize for your giftee!  There is a wide variety of bead colors, plus pendants to dress the necklaces up.  You can barely even call this “beading”, but if you’re in a hurry, it could be a lifesaver.

In under four minutes, you can see how to work with them on this Darice youtube video:

Whether you want to make something festive to wear to a party or are planning on making jewelry gifts for others this year, here are some great ideas to get you going.  I’ve tried to include patterns here that will be appropriate for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Solstice.  Please feel free to add more links (free patterns only, please) in the comments below.  When it comes to the holidays, you can never have too many options!
Five golden rings bracelet
Poinsettia necklace
Holiday earring bead patterns for every winter holiday
Sugar plum swirls necklace
Five golden rings bracelet
Evergreen star earrings
Berry bracelet bead pattern
Snowstorm earrings
Starry night …read more

OK, not exactly from around my own town: from the blogosphere.  There are so many talented people out there making gorgeous beaded gifts, both wearables and non-wearables.  Here are some of my favorites…I am simply not going to have time to make them all, so I wanted to share with you!

Beaded wine basket
Quick and easy beaded frame
Beaded wire photo holder
Beaded Christmas tree earrings
Pattern for a beaded crystal snowflake
Beaded wine basket
Stacked wire cuff bracelet
Beaded cards
Beaded tree
Vintage button bangle
Gradient button necklace
Paper bead necklaces:

Here are the books that I would most recommend for gift giving this year, whether they’re  for you or for a beading friend! For Beginners: Do you know someone who wants to get started with beading and jewelry making?  These are all good books which teach the basics of their various media.

Jewelry & Beading Designs for Dummies by Heather H Dismore & Tammy Powley
Designing Jewelry with Semiprecious Beads by Kim Gover
Create Jewelry – Glass by Marlene Blessing and Jamie Hogsett

Chain Style by Jane Dickerson
*****
For Earring Lovers: What more can I say?  You can never have too many earrings!

101 Wire Earrings, …read more

Paper Cone Angel
Make this pretty paper cone angel to decorate your table or tree. The angel is easy to customize and personalize using your favorite festive rubber stamps!
Goofy Reindeer Ornament
Need a little silly on your tree? This easy ornament from Tammy Powley will lighten the mood on your tree this year.
Curly Branch Paper Tree
These are a recycler’s dream and can be made from a used pencil or colored pencil and a sheet of any paper or curling ribbon in any color – try used gift wrap or ribbon to make a wonderfully stylized forest.
Little Tree Cross Stitch
Stitch a tiny, …read more

Here is our third installment. All year long, Jewelry & Beading brings you the best, most innovative, creative, and NICEST bead and jewelry makers for you to drool over! I put out a call to those who have shared their passion and creativity with you in the past, and here are the results: special offers and unique gifts for all!
Fabulous shell jewelry Get 20 percent off through the holidays on great tropical jewelry, including our popular chunky shell rings!
The Collection by Karen Leslie Distinctive Jewelry for Discriminating Women Beautiful one of a kind and limited edition necklaces, …read more

Question of the month: Are you making Christmas or holiday gifts this year?
I’m making some more of my fabric stuffed hearts, but this year, I’m going to add beads!  Here are the instructions for them, on my mixed media art blog.

So what are you making?
You can either post your answer here in the comments, or even better, send me an email with your a list of what you’re making, a link to your site or blog, and a picture of your work if you can…even if it’s in process! Send it to cyndi @ b5Media.com (remove the spaces), and put …read more

Here is our second installment.  All year long, Jewelry & Beading brings you the best, most innovative, creative, and NICEST bead and jewelry makers for you to drool over!  I put out a call to those who have shared their passion and creativity with you in the past, and here are the results: special offers and unique gifts for all!
There will be more on Monday!
Katherine Green Unique but wearable quality gemstone and pearl designs for all ages and budgets.
Beading Patterns Are you looking to make some gifts this year? I have several quick to make patterns that only …read more

All year long, Jewelry&Beading brings you the best, most innovative, creative, and NICEST bead and jewelry makers for you to drool over!  I put out a call to those who have shared their passion and creativity with you in the past, and here are the results: special offers and unique gifts for all!
Oh, and there will be more on Friday

Eureka Eureka Vintage bead supplies for jewelry and crafts needs. Luxury semiprecious stone beads, vintage glass, Japanese tensha, Pre Ban ivory, coral, unique metal beads and more.
Forever in Style Unique elegant finished jewelry made from all vintage …read more

Jennifer at Tree Hugging Family wanted to get everyone into the winter holiday spirit before kicking off December. However, she didn’t just want to post classic Tree Hugging posts. That said, with a little help from the rest of the channel, she rounded up a huge list of killer holiday (and eco-friendly) posts. Thanks so much, Jennifer!
Sit back, browse, read, and linger in the holiday bliss!

Remember, no matter the treat or recipe, you can always green it up by exchanging organic and natural ingredients for conventional.
50 Cute and Tasty Christmas Cookie Ideas
Cherry Dot Cookies
Organic Holiday Cookies!
Hey It’s Sugar Cookie …read more