Making Beaded Spider Brooch

[@Eloraurora]

With all of the pretty shiny arthropods you've been putting together lately, have you considered trying a life-cycle trio (caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly)? It seems like something you could style in a very high-concept dramatic way, and also make a cute addition to your jewelry terrariums.

[@olliejones3302]

Bianca: "I'm going to try to take time off." Also Bianca: makes an extra video the very next week!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

😅 facts

[@olliejones3302]

@@TheClosetHistorian you could have just released this as a Thursday video and had the rest of the week free 😆

[@Knorrette]

In general, wire becomes stiffer as you work it. So stretched a few times before you shape it will make it less pliable. Copper and silver are soft (although silver comes also in hard and half hard) - brass wire is harder. For craft wire the core will determine the stiffness. Hard wire is more prone to breakage. 24 gauge might still work for small seed beads but not for 15's. Love the spider and the other beetles.

[@jennifers1149]

Absolutely obsessed with these - in the past month I “took off” my regularly scheduled crafty BS to entirely rehaul my wardrobe so that I would be able to wear effective canvas outfits to work to showcase all of the beautiful brooches you’ve inspired me to make 🤣 I’ve caught whatever ‘beadle’ bug you’ve infected KZbin with, and I’m not complaining! Thanks for the spider inspiration/infection, and long live Corporate Goth ❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jennifer! I love a corporate goth look!! 🕷

[@KatherineYoung]

The spider is so much fun! I can just imagine the perfect web purse for him to be on!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Katherine!

[@agnes1478]

I never would have thought of incorporating white AND ivory as a way of making it easier to match, that´s so clever! Truly every time I come here I learn something new.

[@dawnvickerstaff9148]

I could see myself crafting a spider such as this one for my arachnaphobic step-daughter. She would love it actually. Give her shivers!

[@stephaniedugg2021]

I make beaded jewelry and I never thought about doing bugs til I saw you make your first one and I have been making them I have a beetle and a moth I am currently working on a bee

[@byagnessimone]

As someone that is affraid of spiders this was weirdly entertaining while more and more terrifying as it took shape haha!

[@hannahcollins1816]

Captures how I feel perfectly 😅 I am watching it because, well, Bianca. But, man, spiders subconsciously give me the heebies. Even though, they are beautiful in their own way. Outside. At a distance. And maybe only while glancing and not staring directly at 😂

[@TheClosetHistorian]

It gets much creepier as soon as the legs are on it's true 😂

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

The two hole beads are pronounced "teela." They make beautiful beaded purses, I love them.

[@tephralynn]

Fire Mountain Gems (and probably other jewelry suppliers) sell 28ga half-hard wire for making wire wrapped jewelry. You could try using a rubber hammer to harden the wire you have a bit before stringing beads but you risk deforming the wire slightly and the smaller beads may no longer fit.

[@hannahgreen681]

I love spiders and this beaded one is just gorgeous. I had been saving this video until I could just sit and enjoy the making of it. I would like to take a beading class just so I could make one.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Hannah!

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

There is something so satisfying about the spiders legs, I can't write articulate why. Needless to say, this was another fabulous video!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! 🕷

[@mjgobet5601]

I am glad you made a video of making bugs. Not only am I a bug/animal fan, I am also a Bead Artist for over 25 years. I would like to give you a few hints on how to handle the legs and the backing of your pins, but you have found your own way to do it so I'm not sure if you want to add to that knowledge. Let me know if you do. Also for bead inspiration check out the international BeadSmith Battle of the Beads competition. They just finished 2021 and the winners will not only blow you away, it will also inspire.

[@anmarbhchrios]

It’s crazy, I feel like there’s no clothing or accessories project you can’t do! You have a great talent 🕷🕸

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Eve!!

[@Doxymeister]

I love, love love this beautiful spider! Very striking especially with those striped legs, and looks gorgeous against that black blouse. Well done!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@daisymoralesbella]

I love spider jewelry! She is a lovely spider! What an inspiration!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Daisy!

[@aliloucreations1817]

I’m a Patreon of Christine’s too she’s amazing ❤

[@draughtoflethe]

This turned out absolutely beautifully, but I confess my mind rebelled at hearing a spider described as "cookies 'n' cream."

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! And uh, happy to help 😂🍦

[@jennylawson1980]

I admire your patience for working with tiny beads and needles to create such beautiful treasures. I am in awe. You are a wonderful artist. I hope you will do a “death beetle” 🪲 someday for your beautiful collection or a preying mantis. They both have such unique characteristics.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jennifer!

[@cathyandersen2984]

This is so calming and therapeutic 😌

[@diannehoffman7726]

OMG !! I was just going to tell you how much your work reminds me of Christine McConnell ! I watch her channel as well! This spider turned out fabulous !

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Dianne!

[@vindictivetiger]

I've seen an orange and silver furry spider in my backyard about 20 years ago... it was huge--about the size of the spider you're making an was the most beautiful spider I'd ever seen. In fact, we had birdcatchers in our orange trees. I heard there were more species of spiders than any other animal on the planet.

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

Where do you live? not near me in London, England I hope lol!

[@temperhollow7716]

That's such a stunner. The legs add so much life to it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@whynothanks2047]

I always find myself so inspired by your creative work, and your videos are often on in the background while I’m sewing/crocheting/bookbinding/fiddling with my little projects. You are a joy to watch!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! 💜

[@hannelore03]

Stunning work, as always😍 If you need the wire to be stiffer, you can try to use thin steel wire. It has a lot of “spring” so a pair of players to bend the wire is advised. Bend them before you do the beading. You also have to glue the first bead at the end to act as a stopper. Steel wire is impossible to bend into a small loop, because it is to stiff😁👍🏻🙋🏻‍♀️

[@barakstribling7092]

I have used spring steel with seed beads and depending on the gauge you can do a loop with round pliers.. if not that, the wire could be bent into an “L” so the beads would stay in place at the ends of the legs.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@ruthkirkparick3535]

I think that spider is my favourite of all, so far. The legs in particular are so striking.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ruth!

[@belindacoba5158]

I think the wire that could be useful is called memory wire, is used to make bracelets and is very stiff and hard to bend but is thin enough to thread size 15o beads.

[@laurelgrasso2897]

Thanks so much for this information 🥰

[@laurelgrasso2897]

What size or gauge memory wire works for small seed beads? Like the 15's people are talking about. I looked up memory wire online and I was overwhelmed by the sizes. I would prefer to buy this on Etsy then going to the craft store 🕷️

[@belindacoba5158]

@@laurelgrasso2897 not sure but I would guess the smallest one, I think it would be trial and error.

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

I went through a phase of making sparkly spiders too and its just occurred to me that I can make myself a nice arachnid brooch to go with my vintage cardi and haircut. I cut mine into an appriximation of a middy after watching your video and the difference it makes to your pincurl set is unbelievable! Wow the spider looks amazing on your jumper!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Glad the middy is working for you!

[@msamios.321]

I’m imagining this worn on a black sheath dress, pinned between the waist and hip, looking like it is traveling upwards toward the crystal spiderweb necklace you made last year.

[@sinndymorr6358]

I just am fascinated with buttons, beads and little bits. So beautiful!!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sinndy!

[@elizabethunger9223]

Ooooh, I think the legs might be my favourite part.

[@bast713]

The spider is gorgeous! When you sewed the legs on it actually started to give me the heebie-jeebies, because it really started to look like a giant spider. I'm going to file this as a compliment about how well thought out and constructed it is :D

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Amy! Once it's sitting upside down with the legs it does get significantly creepier looking 😂

[@yomama8873]

Glad to see spiders join the collection 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩💖💖

[@maureencullen1008]

Beautiful.I love the colour and textures of the beads and wire you've chosen. I'm glad you've mentioned how long it takes to create a brooch as often people take into account the cost of materials but not the cost of the creative hours.If you do decide to sell these in your Etsy shop I hope people remember that.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Maureen! ❤

[@alegnalavieenrose8120]

First spider I actually loved looking at. It’s stunning!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alegna!

[@grammykcutter6374]

Looking forward to more beautiful bugs and spiders. They are just lovely

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@hannahcollins1816]

I thought of Christine's spider Christmas ornament when I saw this video go up today! Yay Spooky Mom inspiration!! Also - your eye makeup is ✨stunning✨

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Hannah!

[@tiffanypowell8495]

Beautiful ~ I love spiders and that’s a great one

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tiffany!

[@kalliamazing]

I love this spider so much! Since you've started your beaded beetle/spider videos, I've finished 3 of my own. My latest was also a spider, but I used some agate cabochons for the body and head, held in by a seed bead bezel.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kalli! I'm glad you've been beading too!

[@annahackman2539]

My favorite spiders are jumping spiders. They are so cute and curious creatures. You might like the peacock jumping spiders with their vibrant, patterned abdomens.

[@melindanaumovic8124]

Looks gorgeous. And yes Christine McConnel is amazing!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@cacaualbert]

Oh, I had a very similar real spider living here at home, black and white legs just like yours! Thanks god it was very little, like 1 cm long. It gave me lots of scares, cause it was the wonderer type hahaha, that little freak, a real beauty😘

[@sherrysenf-mcginn7693]

Very cool spider. The legs look amazing. I am not sure about a stiffer wire but when I taught bead work at Tandy Leather (a long, long, long time ago in a galaxy far away) for legs and antenna I would often run either two thin wires through the same bead/leg/antenna or have the wire loop around the last bead before threading back through the rest of the beads. It provided more strength and kept it's shape better. I hope that helps. Love what you create. So beautiful.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sherry! I did the two wire thing when I could, but some of my beads are too tiny 😅

[@jillhoffman4140]

Wow. I actually said that out loud while watching this! So stunning and gorgeous. You are such an amazing artist. I want to try this, you inspire me!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jill!

[@heatheryilmaz9767]

This looks like a really ornate masquerade ball mask. So cool!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Heather!

[@mblum1611]

It's always wonderful to have a hobby that's not a side-hustle. For me, that's music (helps that I'm not anywhere near practiced enough to make a living with my flute...), so I hope you can continue to just love your growing horde of insects without worrying about rehoming them! If I ever start making brooches like this, I'd frame them in shadowboxes like specimens around my home. That being said, the idea of getting a lovely metallic crochet thread or satiny yarn and crocheting an arm-band that looks like an Asian Vine Snake (aka the suspicious noodle meme) is quite strong. I do have armature wire I could run down the middle for flexibility and hold...

[@mblum1611]

Also, (and this is what I *meant to write first!*) I LOVE how the Klimt inspiration comes through on the design of this awesome spider! These creations are very inspiring :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤ I do definitely have several "specimen" jars full of these up around my bedroom 😂

[@glenmckenzie3243]

Work of art, would love to see it on a garment.

[@griffindiary6692]

You have absolutely infected me with the insect-jewellery-making-craze^^; I've already made a cute little moth, and I will absolutely attempt the spider as well!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

It's hard to stop once you get going!! ❤

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

So much fun!! I did a spiderweb necklace in silver beads and then had an entirely beaded spider hanging from a thread off the web :) Someday I'll try one with a felt back. Probably for a honeybee though :) EDIT: If you can find the correct gauge wire in stainless steel, try it... I find that to be much stiffer than non-stainless wires.

[@yobespierre]

look for half-hard or full-hard wire. the craft wire you buy at joanns or michael's is full soft, so it's pliable. harder wire will shear off easier, and you may need stronger cutters, but it'll be much stiffer than the regular craft wire. you can also get nylon jaw pliers and pull the wire through the jaws a few times and it will help work harden them a little. you can additionally use a hammer on a steel or nylon block to hammer it a liiiiiittle bit flat and that will also work harden it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I've ordered some half hard to try first!

[@pennydreadfull]

Absolutely adore the beaded bugs, moths and spiders! I need to make some!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Do itttt!

[@RobinT346]

i love that Klimt effect! it really adds to the vintage broach feel

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Robin!

[@tambriggs]

You sound so happy! I'm so pleased for you. These critters are very fun :) You rock.

[@tambriggs]

Also maybe Mugler could serve as inspiration for a larger bug project (she asked expectantly with starry eyes)?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! All Mugler all the time 😍

[@tanishahogan9396]

This broach is breathtaking! Amazing job!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tanisha!

[@laurelgrasso2897]

I just tried making a 🕷️ and it came out super cute! I needle felted the spider bod from wool first, then I added the beads. I covered up the threads on the belly, by gently needle felting wool over the threads. By doing this I was able to skip a whole step. If you have wool and needle felting needles, definitely experiment! It even looks cute when the wool is showing. If you want to make your spider fuzzy, or fuzzy in a particular area: use a reverse barbed needle after you needle felt. Thanks so much for creating this tutorial! This was a blast to create 🕷️🕷️🕷️

[@barakstribling7092]

Have you tried spring steel wire? It’s what they use for pianos, and it is available in various gauges. It is also called “music wire”. In the gauge you need for seed beads it is fairly easy to shape, and once it’s shaped, it will stay in that shape. It’s stiff, so you have to over-compensate a bit, but you’re clever… you’d figure it out!

[@sandiemable]

Only you can take something I dislike so much and turn it into a stunning piece of Art Deco jewelry. Sewing Goddess... beading Goddess...Goddess. Have an amazing week Bianca, xoxo's Sandie

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sandie!

[@dariatrukhina2142]

so pretty spider legs!

[@ingridlawrie496]

Amazing …. Love it … your patience and creativity is inspiring… love you and your videos 🥰❤️🤗😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ingrid!

[@raraavis7782]

Uh, that looks very 'extra', as the kids say today. Weirdly lifelike (and a little bit creepy), despite clearly being a piece of jewelry. Probably your most stunning piece so far 👏👏👏

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rara! It looks more real laying upside down almost which is disconcerting 😂

[@aksez2u]

Wow 🕷, Amazing! I feel like the geometric bead shapes give this spider a kind of art deco look ❤️.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sheryl!

[@catzkeet4860]

Pretty pretty….I love spiders, both in jewellery and in real life. I make silver jewellery and I’ve been thinking of making a silver spider and web design for a pin maybe……or if I could get it tiny enough, earrings. Thanks for the inspiration Bianca, I’ve been in something of a creative slump lately, so this was a nice boost.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! That sounds significantly more difficult but also worth it!! 🕷❤

[@kwanshanshui]

So pretty! Its like a R2-D2 Spider 😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@chaeburger]

I absolutely love your cookies and cream spider!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Chae! ❤🕷

[@randihardy6642]

love love love the spider!!! so cute!!!! fantasy spiders all the way!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! 🕷✨

[@kathrynmccarthy]

Such a beautiful spider brooch! Beading and embroidery is one of my passions (besides just regular sewing), so I really love watching projects like these.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kathryn!

[@luzUpcycles]

Stunning! I love it! Black and white spider who would have know it would be so beautiful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Luz!

[@wolfpondstables1]

Bead embroidery is my favorite and its my sanity.

[@thirza9508]

The effect of the tile-like beads on the legs is fantastic!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@steviebanana5856]

yessssssssssssssss so beautiful!! honestly i think the less stiff wire giving the legs a little wiggle gives it extra creep factor, like it's moving

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Stevie! They definitely have a tremble factor that works in the creepy favor 🕷😅

[@nix_cosplay]

Watching this as I prep to make a beaded golden eagle. Cosplay things! I love your bug videos, it's really pushed me to stop procrastinating on this

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Claudia! I hope the eagle is going swimmingly!

[@lukethomas658]

I'm really enjoying your channel. There was moment when you had only the first legs attached this reminded me of an O'Keefe skull, which could be a fantastic brooch. Beautiful, beautiful work.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@mohmeegaik6686]

Bianca, yo are really so incredibly, amazingly creative.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@roxiepoe9586]

I fully understand the population density to distance to demand ratios that govern public transportation, but I do wish that I had access to public transport in my area of Texas. Having lived in England for a while I found the convenience of the transport to be wonderful. I also liked that I was not in charge of keeping air in tires, oil in engines, gas in tanks, blades on wipers, washing of the exterior, cleaning the interior, and all the endless demands of keeping private transport. All of that is to say, I agree with you about public transportation.

[@rainicascadia5514]

I just love this! Your videos make me so happy! Thank you brilliant Bianca 🌹💗

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Raini!

[@rebeccasabourin6193]

I love these there so much fun. I also love cyber punk , but cant play video games it just something my hands can't do so I watch my husband play. Also love the good anatomy of the spider.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rebecca! My hands are also terrible with video games but I am determined to learn 😂

[@dlsgl407]

Gosh this project is stunning!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@tiamatmichellehart6821]

Wow that spider almost looks like a real and really exotic specimen! I quite like spiders and especially love spider webbing, so I'm happy to see we are of such similar tastes once again!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! 🕷

[@mandysa7581]

Excellent ! Votre broche araignée est magnifique... bisous de Normandie en France. Ysa

[@octavia088]

Such a beautiful brooch! If you ever want a more elegant backing, you could try Ultrasuede. It’s really easy to sew through. I find it at thrift shops. It was popular as a women’s suit fabric back in the 80’s. Doesn’t ravel.

[@StitchingUpChaos]

I love these so fricking much. I'm probably going to make a couple for myself, if you don't mind? Also glossy black glass beaded scorpions would look flipping amazing with pretty much any jewel-toned dress or blouse... And there actually is a thing called a beadle! It's used for beading in knitted things. Not sure if they're available in america though.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kat! Make them and tag me so I can seee! The more beaded bugs the better ✨

[@luczjanbhenggre7545]

the wire, you might try looking into silver solder wire or rosin core solder wire for legs. i often use silver bearing solder wire in jewelry. it's soft, poseable, sturdy. just be careful to find one that's lead free if using for jewelry. i like to use a hot poker and make holes to glue glitter and rhinestones into. when my father passed away he had a ton of it. he used to forbid me from playing in his work shop and making motorcycle and antique car parts into fashion accessories lol. when i ran out of it though i had a bit of difficulty finding the right kind. it turned out the unmarked spool that i liked best is in the plumbing section, often behind a counter because it can get pricey. i love plumbing supply and surplus recycled metal places to find jewelry ingredients.

[@kirstenpaff8946]

Thanks for linking the bullion wire shop.

[@BeingLight860]

I've worked with memory wire and it's very strong. I love your work. I'm going to try my hand at a scarab Beatle. You are an inspiration!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jody!

[@luczjanbhenggre7545]

these are fabulous btw, thank you for sharing! i hope one day you do a centipede!

[@deanalovessewn6117]

Hi Bianca!! Your spider brooch turned out amazingly beautiful.. Love watching you make all of your brooches so far.. The colors you choose in your spider was beautiful.. It’s so life like that it’s crazy…. 💜💜💜🧵🧵🧵

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Deana!

[@audreycanuteson5763]

😳😳😳 I need to make a bunch of these immediately! I don’t know if I have all the skills yet but this project seems worth the effort! I absolutely love your work! Wow

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Audrey!

[@TheMMFamily9]

Wow beautiful 😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Abby!

[@MarenBastian]

Bead embroidery is my favorite hobby so I am really enjoying these videos! They are great inspiration.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Maren!

[@juliabetts9801]

I hate and I’m so scared of spiders but you’ve made them look nice, I wish they all looked like that 😀

[@catzkeet4860]

Kinda hard to tell if they do or not if you don’t look at them, hunh. Plenty of spiders are tiny works of art.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Julia! I wouldn't want to meet a real spider either 😅

[@killamoosdraree730]

Terrific spider brooch, thanks for sharing!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@krisscamire4081]

I love all your work thank you for taking the Time to share ur great work

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Dishcreator84]

Wow the skill you have is amazing!! & the amount of patience unbelievable. Beautiful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Brenda!

[@quixxovel]

Love these so much. Keep making crafty videos.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jennifer!

[@alexandrawellington8028]

Stunning! Klimt would be impressed xxx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alexandra!

[@StuckinMO]

Love Klimt and you definitely nailed the look.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Caterina!

[@charlieharley616]

Loving that spider. It seems I am arachnophile!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Charlie!

[@emilythomas6776]

I absolutely LOVE all these beading videos! They're so pretty and sparkles and creative! Also, thank you for your videos on pattern drafting. I was able to make a pinafore without a pattern that fits me perfectly thanks to all your wonderful knowledge!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Emily! I'm glad the pinafore went well! ❤

[@iancrosa1154]

I’m going through a really rough time at the moment and your videos always make me feel better 🖤 you’re amazing. Also you are making me wanna do things and start projects again so thank you 🖤✨ love from Uruguay

[@LeOhio817]

Hope things start looking up soon. Take care.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ian ❤ I hope thinks improve soon!