Jewelry designers usually have an almost bewildering array of polished gemstone beads in different shapes and colors in their studios. One of the most frustrating things for jewelry makers is finding a lovely gemstone or faceted gem that doesn't have a hole in it. While it is more difficult to use these findings in jewelry, you can wrap these stones in wire to create your own pendant to dangle from a chain.

If you want a project to keep kids occupied and busy, allow them to make a heart out of pony beads. Once the heart is complete, you can hook it onto a keychain, necklace, for a gift, embellishment, or to hang on a Christmas tree. Pony beads come in a wide variety of colors, styles and shapes. Pony beads have a larger hole than seed beads. Some pony bead designs are held together with strips of leather, but because you have to go through the so many beads at once, it is better to use string, lacing cord, very thin ribbon or satin cord.

Key chain crafts have come a long way from the woven plastic Boy Scout projects of the past. With higher quality adornments like glass beads and silver charms, beaded key chains are both function and beautiful. Easy to make as a gift or to keep yourself, beaded key chains will add a touch of class to your jeans pocket or key-bowl. Here's how to get started.

Snap Clip Barrettes are a great way to pull back little girl's hair. I have designed these beaded snap clips with ribbon accents that your little one is sure to love.

Once used to designate status for military personnel or socialites, tassels are now used mostly for trimming and ornamentation. Tassels are frequently used for decoration on curtain tiebacks, pillows and clothing. Tassels can be made in any size to complement any article of clothing or furniture. They also can be made from beads top to bottom or cord that has beaded ends. When beginning to make a tassel, take into consideration where the tassel is in order to ensure it will last and is large enough.