There is a whole world of unique beading projects that go beyond jewelry and wearable art just waiting to be discovered. Expand your beading horizons with these great beading ideas. You may be surprised at all the possibilities, and come up with a few of your own as well. Whether you're creating your beading project for your home, yourself or as a gift for a friend, you can have a great accent piece that is truly one of a kind.

You don't need to worry about your level of expertise with these projects. All of these beading projects can be modified to accommodate your skill level. If you are a beginning beader, simply use as little amount of materials as you feel you can handle. If you're an expert, try using trickier clasps, unique color combinations or customize your project as you see fit for your skill level.

Create a wind chime- String together capiz shells, wooden beads and vintage coins to create a unique and inspiring hand crafted wind chime that will be as aesthetically appealing as it is acoustically. You can make this project using ìfound objectsî to really make it one-of-a-kind. Browse antique stores, flea markets and your local thrift store for an interesting iron bar, piece of copper, or metal ring to suspend your beaded strands from. Don't worry about it looking brand new- the more age-worn it is, the more bucolic your wind chime will look.

First make a knot near the top of your string, leaving enough room to tie it around the suspension bar or ring. String your beads, bells and trinkets onto a strand of heavy beading string, leaving some room to attach shells and coins. When you are finished, tie a knot at the end to secure. The length and number of each strand is entirely up to you. A few, one foot strands will make for a more subtle wind chime, while several strands in varying one to four foot lengths will make a more dramatic impact.

Laying your beaded strand on a flat surface, separate the beads into sections down the strand. Using a hot glue gun or super glue, glue capiz shells and coins to the strand in any pattern that you prefer. Attach one shell or coin to the end of the strand for a finished look.

After you have completed a few strands, tie them to the suspension bar. Depending on your preference, you may or may not want to create a few more strands. One great thing about this project is that it is entirely up to you!

Display your fun, new wind chime in an area that will receive light wind and sun to capture all the beautiful colored beads and shells you have chosen.

Personalize a table runner- Jazz up an existing table runner by adding beads. You can turn an ordinary table runner into a festive holiday centerpiece, or add an elegant touch to your next dinner party. If you have a light colored table runner, such as cream or winter white, consider attaching crystal beads for a shimmery, elegant effect. Or, for a seasonal summery look, attach various shades of turquoise, cerulean, pond water and mint beads to create a fresh, bright table your guests will love.

Lay your table runner on a flat, clean surface. You will first want to tape of the sections you will be applying beads to, for guidance and accuracy. Using a ruler, measure off a one to three inch strip near the edge of the cloth by marking dots down the length of the runner with a light pencil. Connect the dots with a long strip of light box tape, making sure the edges line up with your measuring. Now all you have to do is attach your beads in the designated sections using a fast, clear drying glue.

For a pulled together look, embellish napkins or napkin rings with any leftover beads.

Make wine charms- Wine charms are incredibly easy to make, add a splash of color to your party, and help guests keep track of their glass. Personalize your wine charms by using alphabet beads, or simply use one large gem stone a piece. Since they are so simple to make, you can also offer them as party favors for your guests.

To make a wine charm, simply cut a small section of thin wire to fit around the base the wine glasses you will be using. Using this as your prototype, cut several more sections the same length. Slide your beads onto the wire, and pull the ends together to create a circle. You can make a hook and loop closure for something simple, or upgrade to a magnetic or spin clasp for a more finished look.

Now that you're ready to begin an exciting, new beading project, all you have left to do is make sure that you're prepared with the right materials. Visit ConsumerCrafts.com to stock up on all the craft supplies, beads and beading supplies you need and ensure the success of your project. After all, there is nothing more frustrating than running out of supplies at last minute! Find the gem stones, beading wire and beading tools you need online today.