Facebook PixelFacet Jewelry Box Bead Stringing Review + Coupon – April 2018 | MSA
My Subscription Addiction
My Subscription Addiction
Our reviewers research, test, and recommend the best subscriptions and products independently; click to learn more about our editorial guidelines. We may receive commissions on purchases made through links on our site.

Facet Jewelry Box Bead Stringing Review + Coupon – April 2018

Ragan Buckley
ByRagan BuckleyMay 3, 2018 | 4 comments

Facet Jewelry Stringing April 2018 Box

Facet Jewelry Box
4 overall rating
3 Ratings | 0 Reviews

Facet Jewelry Box is a new subscription box from the editors at Facet Jewelry and Bead & Button magazine. They offer two versions: the “Quick and Easy Stringing” box and the “Bead Stitching” box, so you can choose a subscription based on your skill level and interests, as well as the amount of time you want to invest in the projects.

open Facet Jewelry Stringing April 2018 Box

This is a review of the $24.95 a month “Quick and Easy Stringing” box (both versions cost the same).

This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

Facet Jewelry Stringing April 2018 Review

About Facet Jewelry Box

The Subscription Box: Facet Jewelry Box Quick & Easy Stringing

The Cost: $24.95 a month + free US shipping. Save with longer subscriptions.

The Products: Materials and instructions to complete two beading/jewelry making projects using stringing techniques.

Ships to: US (free) and international (shipping fee will be assessed during checkout and you will be responsible for customs charges, VAT, receiving charges, etc., as appropriate for your location)

Facet Jewelry Box Quick & Easy Stringing April 2018 Review

This is still a fairly new subscription so I really didn’t know what was in store:

The first thing you see when you open the box is this full-color booklet. I haven’t shown you all of the pages inside, because part of the subscription fee is for the projects that are included.

This is a really nice booklet, honestly, but I’d expect nothing less from the folks at Bead & Button (I’ve been a subscriber for awhile now). There are also links to online resources if you need a little help with a technique.

Framed Gemstone Bracelet

The first project this month was making a gemstone bracelet using chrysocolla beads, bead frames, and stretchy cord.

If you subscribe to this box and haven’t attempted this project yet, here is some advice:

  • The beads are not 100% uniform in size and shape, and some are tighter fits into the bead frames than others. Try to match beads up to frames beforehand. (There were about 5 beads that I could not get into frames no matter what.)
  • Don’t bother with the needle that is included. I tried, but I actually found this easier and less frustrating without the needle. There is nothing wrong with the needle, it just isn’t helpful here.
  • Say you are used to making a 5.5-inch bracelet (this is typically what I do). Well, because the beads are larger in all dimensions here, so they stick out farther from your wrist at the midline of the beads (i.e., where the elastic goes), so you actually will need a longer bracelet if you want it to fit. I could tell this early on, by trying it around my wrist after measuring the length on a bead design board. So actually try it on and don’t just assume it will fit.
  • Don’t pre-cut the elastic, but use it all. I snapped it off at one point when I was still using the needle, but close to the loose end, and there was still enough to finish the project.
  • The first large-hole bead you string will come off repeatedly. You might want to tape the end of the elastic down to something to prevent bead loss!

Framed Gemstone Bracelet

You have to use GS Hypo Cement or super glue (cyanoacrylate type) to secure your knot. I have both but opted for the superglue because it dries way faster. But other than that and some scissors, you don’t need much in the way of your own materials for this project.

Split Strung Necklace

This necklace uses some Czech and Japanese glass and is designed so that some of the stringing material may show.  Keep that in mind.

I don’t have nearly as much advice for this project. The necklace did end up pretty short, which will work fine for me, but if you need a longer necklace length, don’t push the beads so tightly together as I did in my example (see below) but rather leave a bit more stringing material showing as a way to add length (I did use pretty much every bead that it was possible to use, until I ran out of one type).

For this project, you need crimping pliers and wire cutters. (Crimping pliers are not usually part of starter pliers sets and will likely have to be purchased separately. The crimps provided are standard sized, not micro, so regular crimping pliers should do.)

Verdict: I did not calculate a value for Facet Jewelry Box. I feel like the projects definitely fit the “quick and easy” description. I thought the instructional booklet was excellent (and well-edited; I didn’t notice any errors). I like the overall finished look of both projects, as well.

I will say the bracelet was frustrating at times because of the issue with the beads fitting in the frames. I understand that tight frames were provided so that stringing material wouldn’t show between any individual bead and the frame surrounding it, but like even 1mm of extra space would’ve made this one a bit less frustrating.

I think that, in general, the people who will enjoy this version of the box the most are (1) people new to beading or (2) people who like to bead but don’t have a ton of time.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? You will receive the May box. Boxes go out after the 20th and people who sign up before the 15th will get that month’s box. If you sign up after the 15th, you may still be able to get that month’s box but this is not guaranteed.

Coupon - Use code FACET or CRYSTAL to save 10% off your first box!

Value Breakdown: at $24.95 per box, you are paying about $12.48 per project.

Check out all of our Facet Jewelry Box reviews the Craft + DIY Subscription Box List for more great beading, craft supply, and DIY project boxes.

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

What did you think of the April 2018 Quick & Easy Stringing Facet Jewelry Box? Do you subscribe to any beading or craft boxes?

Starting at $24.95
Subscribe Now
"We provide all the supplies, so your time is spent creating beautiful jewelry pieces. Choose between Quick & Easy Stringing or Bead Stitching and we’ll do the rest. Each monthly box comes with complete instructions & all the supplies you need to complete 2 jewelry projects, how-to photograp... read more.
Ragan Buckley
Ragan Buckley
Ragan stumbled across My Subscription Addiction in late 2013 and immediately subscribed to way too many beauty boxes. She's now focused on boxes for her cats and dog, vegan/vegetarian food boxes, and craft subscriptions (and she didn't give up beauty boxes entirely).

Join the Conversation

Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.

4 comments

Danielle

I would love to get this sub, but I’ve never made any jewelry. I don’t have any tools and don’t have any idea what I would need in order to be able to complete these projects. It’d be great if they offered a starter box as a one-off purchase that included all the tools and other materials one might need.

Reply ButtonReply

Abby N

You can also find basic tools, tool sets and other jewelry making supplies at Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, Joanne’, Beadaholique or other craft shops. I’ve gotten some great deals shopping online at these sites, as they usually have special sales and free shipping deals (a must when you can’t get out to shop : )

Reply ButtonReply

Ragan

For most of them, you will need a basic set of jewelry pliers (there are tons on Amazon for $25 or less that are actually pretty good; these should have at least maybe 3-4 kinds of pliers plus some wire cutters), some crimping pliers (again, Amazon is a good source), some scissors (probably can make do with some you already have around the house), maybe some superglue.

Just make sure you are in the “jewelry making tools and accessories” section after you search Amazon or you will end up with some stuff meant for an electrician.

Reply ButtonReply

Cas

This was my first box and I had the exact same issues. I tried all combinations of beads and collars and was left with 5 that didn’t fit. Unfortunately, this left me about two beads short of the length I needed. Then, the necklace, which was supposed to be 18” long was only 15” and I had used all of my materials. It was basically a tight choker or would fit a child. Customer service was responsive and sent a new box. I had the same issue with beads and collars, but between the two boxes I had ample materials. I haven’t tackled the necklace again yet. So, I was happy with the projects, but they have to send better materials or account for waste/variability better. They are new, so I am optimistic this will improve.

Reply ButtonReply