New products: Star power

Summery, patriotic components

by Kelsey Lawler

Published: May 16, 2011

Memorial Day and July 4th are just around the corner (and our July issue hits newsstands May 31st!), so it's time to give three cheers for the red, white, and blue. Let's hear it for fireworks, watermelon, corn on the cob, and parades. These products will have you seeing stars and stringing up some summer delights!

Red Alert
These red star charms from Etsy are made from Fimo clay. The artist is willing and able to put the bead's hole wherever you specify, or leave the charm sans hole — you can even ask for a metal loop, if you like. Click here to check 'em out. And want more red? Here are some dyed turquoise stars and these are the Fire Mountain search results for red crystal stars.

Metal of honor
I love the vintage feel of metal star charms. These antique raw brass stars are from Etsy, but you can find metal stars all over the internet. Some other options? These stars are good for stamping. These are wire-wrapped for a different look. And some of my favorites? These filigree stars.

Three cheers!
Not into being overtly star-studded this July 4th? Go for more subtle patriotism — a lovely color combo, minus the stars and stripes. These red, white, and blue beads from Etsy are darling! Some other ideas: check out bead suppliers like The Beadin' Path where you can search for beads by color. Headed to a festive party and already know you'll be wearing that LRD (little red dress)? Then string something strictly white or blue.

Outside the box
These beads are for the abstract thinkers out there — it's time to show what says "summer" and "America" to you. I already listed some of my favorites: corn on the cob, dripping watermelon, parades, and fireworks. And this pink lemonade bead? Enough to transport me to a midsummer's day. Check out Cathy Jakicic's project "String dessert first" from our January 2011 issue for some ideas on using whimsical beads.

New products: Star power

User Comments