Facet Jewelry Box is a new subscription box from the editors at Facet Jewelry and Bead & Buttonmagazine. 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 Version) October 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.
Tendril Earrings
Be forewarned when you are making these, they don’t look so great and they get all twisted around until you add the two crystals near the end. Then the shape really tightens up. These are embellished peyote stitch using size 11/0, 15/0, and 8/0 seed beads, and the base row is up the middle, which is unusual. I actually had to undo the second one about three times because I didn’t count right, or I would’ve finished sooner (these are pretty quick for a stitching project, though). Also, be forewarned they are pretty stingy with the crystals and the size 8/0 beads so try not to drop anything! (I will admit to spending a few minutes running my hands over the rug trying to find one of the crystals.)
Bead Woven Bracelet
This is probably my favorite Facet Jewelry project this month. Because, PIGGY BEADS. (Those are the ones with blue and two holes, one of which is off-center.) I am all about all of these shaped beads and always happy to see them in a project.
Adding the clasp. The jump rings are from my stash (see note below).
Some notes: I made only five piggy bead motifs because I have small wrists. You receive EXACTLY the number of silvertone beads to make 7 units, and no more, so if your wrists are larger, you may have to find a few extra jump rings or something to extend the length. Also, although I totally get why split rings are supplied (thread can’t slip through them), the split rings are too thick to use properly with the supplied clasp. As it turned out, I wanted about ¼ inch more in length so I took some jump rings from my stash and inserted them between the split rings at the ends of the beadwork and my clasp, and that worked pretty well.
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 usually take longer than with the stringing version of the box, but I can see how they appeal to a different crowd. This month, the time commitment was quite a bit shorter than usual and would’ve been even less but for me messing up on the second earring more than once (my fault entirely). I love the piggy bead bracelet and I have some ideas on how to incorporate this unusual peyote technique into larger pieces now.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? 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.
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 October 2018 Bead Stitching Facet Jewelry Box? Do you subscribe to any beading or craft boxes?
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