Facet Jewelry Box Bead Stitching Review + Coupon – February 2018

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.

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 February 2018 Review

This is a new subscription 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, but I did show one page to give you a feel for the level of detail.

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 awhile now). There are also links to online resources if you need a little help with a technique.

Every bead stitching box came with 2, 15-foot spools of 6-lb test Fireline in “smoke.” Although this could be used to complete the projects in this box, I used some 4-lb test Fireline that was clear that I already owned. I will save these spools for a future project.

Project #1: Rondelle Pendant Necklace

Here are the materials for the first project, the “rondelle pendant necklace.” The main technique here is right angle weave (RAW), which is a technique I use all the time.

Here are some in-progress photos:

This didn’t take me much time at all. Your mileage may vary. This is a good introductory project for RAW because it’s small and easy to finish in a reasonable period of time. (I honestly think it took more time to string the seed beads on the wire than to complete the pendant.)

You will need a pair of crimping pliers for this. I have a pair that’s 20 years old and I have no idea where I bought it, but any of the regular-sized ones (not the micro crimpers) you can find at Amazon or Fire Mountain will probably work.

You will also need a different needle than the one provided. I couldn’t even get my 4-lb test Fireline (thinner than the 6-lb test provided) through this one; actually, I bent the eye when I tried. I suggest a size 12 Tulip beading needle (or any size 12 needle, but the Tulip ones are particularly nice) if you are using 4-lb test Fireline. That will still fit through the size 15 seed beads for the second project with the number of passes through each bead recommended in the instructions.

And here’s the finished piece:

Project #2: Linked Bracelet

Here are the materials for the second project, the “linked bracelet.” The main technique here is tubular peyote, which I have done in the past but which I am not so great at starting. This whole project is basically starting tubular peyote (for each of the links in the bracelet) so I got a lot of practice.

Here are some in-progress photos:

The instructions said to make 21 links for an 8-inch bracelet. Starting at about number 10, I kept checking this around my wrist after I finished every link. I was able to stop after 14 links but I have tiny wrists. This one took a really long time. Although I admit to messing up and creating a T-shape at one point because I wasn’t paying attention (I was tired), and I had to cut a link off and re-do it…

You’ll also need a basic set of pliers for opening and closing the jump rings. This is a good one that I bought a few years ago and still use.

And here are a few views of the finished piece:

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, plus the bonus Fireline. I feel like this box would be best for people who have been doing bead stringing for awhile and want to get a little more advanced. It is a good way to learn and practice with some techniques that you will see in a lot of other stitching projects (for example, a lot of the projects in Bead and Button magazine assume you understand RAW or tubular peyote). You do not get a choice of colorways (though if you really like something and want it in a different color, you can remake the projects in your choice of colors using the same instruction sets).

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? You will receive the March 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.

Coupon - 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!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

What did you think of the February 2018 Bead Stitching Facet Jewelry Box?  Do you subscribe to any beading or craft boxes?