Hello Bead Buddies,

As many of you know the 4th of July is this Friday! I'll be spending my weekend with my boyfriend visiting my parents, seeing a baseball game and eating all I can of grilled foods and pie... mmmmm... patriotic pie.

However, I will not leave my bedazzled patroits without some nifty, thrifty and some free last minute projects and inspiration for your Fourth.

About.com has a few patriotic-themed projects for you to whip up in no time. Try the Stars & Stripes Lampworks Earrings for an elegant touch to you backyard BBQ.

An Etsy.com search for "patriotic jewelry" came up with no less than 59 pages! I didn't search through them all, but I did see these for more abstract patriotic flare.

OK, this one isn't jewelry, but it would be cool to have your own red, white and blue star soap for guests at your party. Plus, you could put some patriotic charms in it for guests to find as they freshen up. The combo would make snazzy party favors!

OK, this other one isn't jewelry either, but by making this super-simple skirt, then adding some free embroidery, then embellish the skirt and embroidery with beads! That is patriotism that sparkles, my friends. (Especially if you bead the "America" in this sweet design)

Have a sfae, happy, beadtasitc Fourth!

Julie