Sneak Peek: Liz Band & Mini DiamonDuo beads

LIZ BAND

• 11/0 seed beads Toho "Olympic Bronze" (224)
• 8/0 seed beads Toho "Olympic Bronze" (224)
• Mini DiamonDuo beads "Prismatic Fiesta"
• 3mm pearls "Fuchsia" (Chinese)

I am working on another free bracelet pattern that is a variation of "Lizbeth Band". Although the pattern isn't available yet, I wanted to show you this bracelet that I made with the new Mini DiamonDuo beads. They are very close to the same size as SuperDuos and they work great with this pattern because of the diamond shape of the beads and the diamond shape of the bracelet motifs.

The Mini DiamonDuo color that I used is one of the "prismatic" colors. They have an iridescent jewel-like appearance. They look like they would be transparent but they're not. They have a metallic backing which helps reflect the light and makes them sparkle. It also keeps the thread from showing through the beads. You can see the backs of the beads in one of my photos down below.

At this time, I only know of one place to get the Mini DiamonDuos and that's HERE at Queen City Bead on Etsy. Donna has them in about 20 colors. With the coupon code "Bead10", you'll get 10% off your order in Donna's shop.

TONI EARRINGS

• 11/0 seed beads Toho "Olympic Bronze" (224)
• 8/0 seed beads Toho "Olympic Bronze" (224)
• Mini DiamonDuo beads "Prismatic Fiesta"

I also made a couple of sample "Toni Earrings" using the Mini DiamonDuos. They're really cute in this smaller size. I only had to adjust the number of 11/0 seed beads that go around the outer edge of the earrings. The earring on the left has Toho seed beads and the one on the right has Miyuki beads. As you can see, both brands work beautifully. When I have a chance I will jot down exactly how many beads I used in each step of the pattern and will post the info here on my blog. In the meantime, it would be easy enough to just to try it for yourself and see what fits. I will mention that in the four steps where the pattern says to add three seed beads on each of the four sides of the earring, I picked up two instead. For the other steps I either reduced the number by one bead or made no change.

TONI EARRINGS

• 11/0 seed beads Miyuki "Duracoat Gold" (4202)
• 8/0 seed beads Miyuki "Duracoat Gold" (4202)
• Mini DiamonDuo beads "Prismatic Fiesta"

Download my free "Toni Earrings" pattern HERE. In the photo below you can see how an earring made with the Mini DiamonDuos compares in size to one made with regular size DiamonDuos.