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.
This is a review of the $24.95 a month “Bead Stitching” 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.)
About Facet Jewelry Box
The Subscription Box: Facet Jewelry Box Bead Stitching
The Cost: $24.95 a month + free US shipping. Save with longer subscriptions.
LIMITED TIME DEAL: Use code SAVE50 for 50% off your first box!
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 Bead Stitching August 2018 Review
This is still a pretty new subscription and they are still working out a few kinks 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 a while now). There are also links to online resources if you need a little help with a technique.
Square Stitch Pendant
There were actually some orange seed beads as well, they just got cut off in the first photo. You see them in the pendant, itself.
Square stitch is something I know, and sometimes I use it if I don’t want to bother setting up a loom (like especially for small pieces like this). I made my own pattern because I can’t bear to read and follow written lists of bead colors. Anyway, I’ve actually been wanting to try using some of these frame elements so I’m happy to have had the opportunity to try it here. It’s made me think about how I would do this on my own.
I did cut the chain rather than using the whole length as it was far too long for my tastes, but since you do get a long chain, you have a lot of choice about what your necklace will look like, which is nice.
Herringbone Bracelet
Herringbone is not a stitch I had done before subscribing to this box, but it was pretty easy to learn. The nice trick I have learned from the Facet Jewelry Box is that if you do stitches with larger beads (in this case, Miyuki size 5/0 triangles and 4mm cubes), you get a beadwoven piece in a lot less time than it would take with, say, size 11/0 seed beads. I made this relatively short but my wrists are only 5.25 inches and it doesn’t make sense for me to have 7.5-inch bracelets. I had beads leftover and have moved them into storage containers in my stash for future projects.
The booklet suggests using a thread zapper to cut the Fireline and I do have one, but I’ve been a little afraid to use it. I will have to practice with it so I can see how it works. I used some Xuron shears to cut the Fireline instead, as Fireline can really do a number on regular scissors blades. Tools I used this month: wire cutters for the chain on the pendant project and some pliers to open and close jump rings. Needles were provided and were still in good shape at the end of the projects, so I’ve kept them for future use.
Verdict: I did not calculate a value for Facet Jewelry Box, but you get the materials and instructions for making two complete pieces of jewelry. These projects take longer than with the stringing version of the box, but I can see how they appeal to a different crowd. These projects were easy to complete, but I have a lot of experience and once I get going, I rarely need to refer to the instructions. I thought the color palette was nice for late summer/early fall, as well.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? You will receive the September 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.
LIMITED TIME DEAL: Use code SAVE50 for 50% off your first box! Or, use code FACET 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 and more beading boxes in the Craft + DIY Subscription Box List!
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What did you think of the August 2018 Bead Stitching Facet Jewelry Box? Do you subscribe to any beading or craft boxes?
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