DIAMONDUO STAR

This pattern can be used to make a pendant or ornament.

DiamonDuo Star

NEW!
Although originally created for DiamonDuo beads (top photos), this design also works great with GemDuo beads (photo below). However, because the GemDuo beads are slightly different in size, I recommend that you use size 8/0 seed beads or 3mm round beads instead of Color2 size 11/0 seed beads at the tip of each star point:

DiamonDuo Star beaded up with "backlit" GemDuo beads

MATERIALS

• 4 feet of 6 lb. FireLine
• 72 Color1 size 11/0 seed beads*
• 6 Color2 size 11/0 seed beads* (Or more Color1 11/0 seed beads. If your size 11/0 seed beads are smaller than the norm or you want more pronounced pointy tips, use size 8/0 seed beads. If you are using GemDuo beads instead of DiamonDuo beads, size 8/0 seed beads or 3mm round beads work best.)
• 6 size 8/0 seed beads
• 6 Color1 DiamonDuo beads (or GemDuo beads)
• 12 Color2 DiamonDuo beads (or GemDuo beads)
• 6 Color3 DiamonDuo beads (or GemDuo beads)
• a 4-6mm closed jump ring
• a chain (for the pendant) or a hook (for the ornament)
*Toho brand size 11/0 seed beads work best for this pattern because they are fatter.

Step 1: Thread your needle with four feet of FireLine.

Leave about a 5-inch tail that you can weave in and make disappear at any time (the sooner you do this, the better) and string six Color1 DiamonDuo beads.

Tie the beads together in a circle with a tight double knot, forming a ring six of DiamonDuo beads:

Step 2: Go back around through this ring of six DiamonDuo beads, grab your tail thread and tie another tight knot:

Step 3: Go back through the DiamonDuo bead next to the knot (highlighted in RED):

Step 4: Go around and through the outside hole of the Color1 DiamonDuo bead that you exited at the end of the last step (highlighted in RED):

Step 5: String two Color2 DiamonDuo Beads and go through the outside hole of the Color1 DiamonDuo bead highlighted in RED:

Step 6: String two Color2 DiamonDuo Beads and go through the outside hole of the Color1 DiamonDuo bead highlighted in RED:

Step 7: Repeat the last step four times:

Step 8: Go back around through the inside holes of the Color2 DiamonDuo beads and the outside holes of the Color1 DiamonDuo beads:

Step 9: Go through the inside hole of the Color2 DiamonDuo bead highlighted in RED and then around and through the outside hole of this same Color2 DiamonDuo bead:

Step 10: String a Color3 DiamonDuo bead and go through the outside hole of the Color2 DiamonDuo bead highlighted in RED:

Step 11: String a Color1 11/0 seed bead, an 8/0 seed bead and a Color1 11/0 seed bead. Go through the outside hole of the Color2 DiamonDuo bead highlighted in RED:

Step 12: String a Color3 DiamonDuo bead and go through the outside hole of the Color2 DiamonDuo bead highlighted in RED:

Step 13: String a Color1 11/0 seed bead, an 8/0 seed bead and a Color1 11/0 seed bead. Go through the outside hole of the Color2 DiamonDuo bead highlighted in RED:

Step 14: String a Color3 DiamonDuo bead and go through the outside hole of the Color2 DiamonDuo bead highlighted in RED:

Step 15: String a Color1 11/0 seed bead, an 8/0 seed bead and a Color1 11/0 seed bead. Go through the outside hole of the Color2 DiamonDuo bead highlighted in RED:

Step 16: Repeat Step 14 and Step 15 three times:

Step 17: Go through the inside hole of the Color3 DiamonDuo bead, the outside hole of the Color2 DiamonDuo bead, the Color1 11/0 seed bead, the 8/0 seed bead and the Color1 11/0 seed bead highlighted in RED:

Step 18: String three Color1 11/0 seed beads. Go through the outside hole of the Color3 DiamonDuo bead highlighted in RED:

Step 19: String three Color1 11/0 seed bead. Go through the Color1 11/0 seed bead, the 8/0 seed bead and the Color1 11/0 seed bead highlighted in RED:

Step 20: String three Color1 11/0 seed beads. Go through the outside hole of the Color3 DiamonDuo bead highlighted in RED:

Step 21: String three Color1 11/0 seed beads. Go through the Color1 11/0 seed bead, the 8/0 seed bead and the Color1 11/0 seed bead highlighted in RED:

Step 22: String three Color1 11/0 seed beads. Go through the outside hole of the Color3 DiamonDuo bead highlighted in RED.

String three more Color1 11/0 seed beads. Go through the Color1 11/0 seed bead, the 8/0 seed bead and the Color1 11/0 seed bead highlighted in RED:

Step 23: String three Color1 11/0 seed beads. Go through the outside hole of the Color3 DiamonDuo bead highlighted in RED.

String three more Color1 11/0 seed beads. Go through the Color1 11/0 seed bead, the 8/0 seed bead and the Color1 11/0 seed bead highlighted in RED:

Step 24: String three Color1 11/0 seed beads. Go through the outside hole of the Color3 DiamonDuo bead highlighted in RED.

String three more Color1 11/0 seed beads. Go through the Color1 11/0 seed bead, the 8/0 seed bead and the Color1 11/0 seed bead highlighted in RED:

Step 25: String three Color1 11/0 seed beads. Go through the outside hole of the Color3 DiamonDuo bead highlighted in RED.

String three more Color1 11/0 seed beads. Go through the Color1 11/0 seed bead, the 8/0 seed bead and the Color1 11/0 seed bead highlighted in RED:

Step 26: Go through the three Color1 11/0 seed beads highlighted in RED:

Step 27: String two Color1 11/0 seed beads, a Color2 11/0 seed bead and two more Color1 11/0 seed beads.

Go around the Color3 DiamonDuo bead and through the four Color1 11/0 seed beads, the 8/0 seed bead and the next four Color1 11/0 seed beads highlighted in RED:

NOTE: As I mentioned in the Materials list, instead of Color2 11/0 seed beads, you can use more Color1 11/0 seed beads or if you want more pronounced pointy tips, use 8/0 seed beads instead of Color2 11/0 seed beads. If you are using GemDuo beads instead of DiamonDuo beads, size 8/0 seed beads or 3mm round beads work best.

Step 28: String two Color1 11/0 seed beads, a Color2 11/0 seed bead and two more Color1 11/0 seed beads.

Go around the Color3 DiamonDuo bead and through the four Color1 11/0 seed beads, the 8/0 seed bead and the next four Color1 11/0 seed beads highlighted in RED:

Step 29: String two Color1 11/0 seed beads and a Color2 11/0 seed bead.

Go through a jump ring and then back down through the Color2 11/0 seed bead that you just added:

Step 30: String two Color1 11/0 seed beads. Go through the four Color1 11/0 seed beads, the 8/0 seed bead and the next four Color1 11/0 seed beads highlighted in RED:

Step 31: String two Color1 11/0 seed beads, a Color2 11/0 seed bead and two more Color1 11/0 seed beads.

Go around the Color3 DiamonDuo bead and through the four Color1 11/0 seed beads, the 8/0 seed bead and the next four Color1 11/0 seed beads highlighted in RED:

Step 32: String two Color1 11/0 seed beads, a Color2 11/0 seed bead and two more Color1 11/0 seed beads.

Go around the Color3 DiamonDuo bead and through the four Color1 11/0 seed beads, the 8/0 seed bead and the next four Color1 11/0 seed beads highlighted in RED:

Step 33: String two Color1 11/0 seed beads, a Color2 11/0 seed bead and two more Color1 11/0 seed beads.

Go around the Color3 DiamonDuo bead and through the four Color1 11/0 seed beads, the 8/0 seed bead and the next four Color1 11/0 seed beads highlighted in RED:

Step 34: Skip the next Color2 11/0 seed bead and go up through six Color1 11/0 seed beads, the 8/0 seed bead and the six Color1 11/0 seed beads highlighted in RED.

Pull tight and as you do, the skipped Color2 11/0 seed bead should pop out and give you more of a pointy tip:

NOTE: If you prefer, you can just go through the Color2 11/0 seed bead instead of skipping it. Depending on the size of your 11/0 seed beads, this may be your only option.

Step 35: Skip the next Color2 11/0 seed bead and go up through six Color1 11/0 seed beads, the 8/0 seed bead and the six Color1 11/0 seed beads highlighted in RED, pulling tight so that the skipped Color2 11/0 seed bead pops out to create a pointy tip:

Step 36: Go through the Color2 11/0 seed bead, through your jump ring and then back down through this same Color2 11/0 seed bead. Continue on down through the six Color1 11/0 seed beads, the 8/0 seed bead and the next six Color1 11/0 seed beads highlighted in RED:

Step 37: Skip the next Color2 11/0 seed bead and go down through six Color1 11/0 seed beads, the 8/0 seed bead and the six Color1 11/0 seed beads highlighted in RED, pulling tight so that the skipped Color2 11/0 seed bead pops out to create a pointy tip:

Step 38: Skip the next Color2 11/0 seed bead and go down through six Color1 11/0 seed beads, the 8/0 seed bead and the six Color1 11/0 seed beads highlighted in RED, pulling tight so that the skipped Color2 11/0 seed bead pops out to create a pointy tip:

Step 39: Skip the next Color2 11/0 seed bead and go down through six Color1 11/0 seed beads, the 8/0 seed bead and the six Color1 11/0 seed beads highlighted in RED, pulling tight so that the skipped Color2 11/0 seed bead pops out to create a pointy tip:

Step 40: Go around through the beads highlighted in RED and your jump ring:

Weave your way back into the star, knot and cut your thread.

Attach the jump ring to a hook for an ornament or slip a chain through the jump ring for a pendant.

You can mix up the DiamonDuo colors and create different star patterns. Here are some examples and a blank star so you can create your own:

 

Finishing Tips

If you are using the motif to create a small holiday ornament or suncatcher and wish to stiffen the beadwork, these methods and products have all worked for me, even on crystal. Test any product on some beads before applying it to your beadwork to make sure there is no unwanted discoloration. You probably won't want to use any of these products on porous Czech coatings such as Bondeli.

Acrylic Floor Polish:
If you have beaded up any of Sandra Halpenny's gorgeous snowflake patterns, then you are familiar with using acrylic floor polish products to stiffen beadwork. Although it has changed names several times since I started beading, Sandy recommends Pledge Floor Gloss, Original by Johnson (formerly SC Johnson Pledge Future Shine and Future Floor Finish). Simply dip the finished motif in the liquid, shake off the excess and let it dry overnight on wax paper. You can find Sandy's directions at the bottom of one of her free snowflake patterns by clicking here: Beaded Snowflake #31 Ornament Pattern.

Clear Nail Polish:
A quick and easy way to stiffen beadwork is to paint the back of your beadwork with clear nail polish and let it dry overnight. Linda Genaw of Linda's Crafty Inspirations recommended that I try clear Sally Hansen Hard as Nails nail polish and it does work well.

Permalac NT:
Permalac NT Semi-Gloss is my favorite when it comes to stiffening beaded ornaments. PotomacBeads.com sells it in handy little bottles that look and work just like nail polish. Although they are marketing Permalac as a protective coating and sealant, I love the way it works to stiffen most any type of beadwork. I have used it on crystal, too, without any problems. Make sure that you brush it on in a well-ventilated locale since, like nail polish, it is a bit stinky, and let your beadwork dry overnight. You can find out more about Permalac NT by watching the video and the product is also available for purchase by clicking here: Permalac NT.

 

Beads used in the photo above and MORE:

DiamonDuo Star

White/Pink/Lavender:
• 72 Color1 size 11/0 seed beads: Czech/Miyuki #27000 Crystal Full Labrador (also referred to as Union Beads)
• 6 Color2 size 8/0 seed beads: Miyuki #4220 Duracoat Eggplant Rocailles
• 6 size 8/0 seed beads: Miyuki #4220 Duracoat Eggplant Rocailles
• 6 Color1 DiamonDuo beads: White Alabaster
• 12 Color2 DiamonDuo beads: Chalk Light Rose
• 6 Color3 DiamonDuo beads: Chalk Lumi Purple

DiamonDuo Star

Blue/Green/Purple:
• 72 Color1 size 11/0 seed beads: Miyuki #4204 Duracoat Champagne Rocailles
• 6 Color2 size 11/0 seed beads: Miyuki #4204 Duracoat Champagne Rocailles
• 6 size 8/0 seed beads: Miyuki #4220 Duracoat Eggplant Rocailles
• 6 Color1 DiamonDuo beads: Pastel Blue Zircon or Pastel Petrol
• 12 Color2 DiamonDuo beads: Pastel Olivine
• 6 Color3 DiamonDuo beads: Pastel Bordeaux

DiamonDuo Star

Purple Iris/Gold/Burgundy:
• 72 Color1 size 11/0 seed beadss: Toho #704 Matte Raku Plum/Blue Iris
• 6 Color2 size 11/0 seed beadss: Toho #704 Matte Raku Plum/Blue Iris
• 6 size 8/0 seed beads: Miyuki #4220 Duracoat Eggplant Rocailles
• 6 Color1 DiamonDuo beads: Purple Iris
• 12 Color2 DiamonDuo beads: Matte Gold
• 6 Color3 DiamonDuo beads: Pastel Burgundy

DiamonDuo Star

Turquoise/Silver/White:
• 72 Color1 size 11/0 seed beads: Czech/Miyuki #27000 Crystal Full Labrador (also referred to as Union Beads)
• 6 Color2 size 11/0 seed beads: Toho #PF569 Galvanized Teal
• 6 size 8/0 seed beads: Toho #PF569F PermaFinish Turquoise Metallic Matte
• 6 Color1 DiamonDuo beads: Turquoise AB
• 12 Color2 DiamonDuo beads: Labrador
• 6 Color3 DiamonDuo beads: White Airy Pearl

DiamonDuo Star

Gold/Red/Green:
• 72 Color1 size 11/0 seed beads: Miyuki #457 Bronze
• 6 Color2 size 11/0 seed beads: Miyuki #457 Bronze
• 6 size 8/0 seed beads: Miyuki #4212 Duracoat Dark Berry Rocailles
• 6 Color1 DiamonDuo beads: Matte Gold
• 12 Color2 DiamonDuo beads: Coral Bronze
• 6 Color3 DiamonDuo beads: Turquoise Bronze

DiamonDuo Star

Burgundy/Gold/Purple Iris:
• 72 Color1 size 11/0 seed beads: Miyuki #4204 Duracoat Champagne Rocailles
• 6 Color2 size 11/0 seed beads: Miyuki #4204 Duracoat Champagne Rocailles
• 6 size 8/0 seed beads: Miyuki #4220 Duracoat Eggplant Rocailles
• 6 Color1 DiamonDuo beads: Pastel Burgundy
• 12 Color2 DiamonDuo beads: Matte Gold
• 6 Color3 DiamonDuo beads: Purple Iris

DiamonDuo Star

Silver/Turquoise/White:
• 72 Color1 size 11/0 seed beads: Czech/Miyuki #27000 Crystal Full Labrador (also referred to as Union Beads)
• 6 Color2 size 8/0 seed beads: Czech/Miyuki #27000 Crystal Full Labrador (also referred to as Union Beads)
• 6 size 8/0 seed beads: Czech/Miyuki #27000 Crystal Full Labrador (also referred to as Union Beads)
• 6 Color1 DiamonDuo beads: Labrador
• 12 Color2 DiamonDuo beads: Turquoise AB
• 6 Color3 DiamonDuo beads: White Alabaster or you can use White Airy Pearl

DiamonDuo Star

"Backlit" GemDuo version 1:
• 72 Color1 size 11/0 seed beads: Czech/Miyuki #27000 Crystal Full Labrador (also referred to as Union Beads)
• 12 size 3mm round beads: Saturated Metallic Pink Yarrow
• 6 Color1 GemDuo beads: Silver
• 12 Color2 GemDuo beads: Backlit Pink Mist
• 6 Color3 GemDuo beads: Backlit Spectrum

DiamonDuo Star

"Backlit" GemDuo version 2:
• 72 Color1 size 11/0 seed beads: Czech/Miyuki #27000 Crystal Full Labrador (also referred to as Union Beads)
• 12 size 8/0 seed beads: Miyuki #4220 Duracoat Eggplant Rocailles
• 6 Color1 GemDuo beads: Silver
• 12 Color2 GemDuo beads: Backlit Pink Mist
• 6 Color3 GemDuo beads: Backlit Periwinkle

DiamonDuo Star using Bondeli GemDuo beads

Bondeli GemDuo version:
• 72 Color1 size 11/0 seed beads: Miyuki #4204 Duracoat Champagne Rocailles
• 12 size 8/0 seed beads: Toho #PF2108 Permanent Finish - Silver-Lined Milky Amethyst
• 6 Color1 GemDuo beads: Bondeli Matte Lime
• 12 Color2 GemDuo beads: Bondeli Matte Mint
• 6 Color3 GemDuo beads: Bondeli Matte Purple

 

For more color and bead combinations, click on the photo below to visit the RedPandaBeads.com Gallery of Color Suggestions!

DiamonDuo Star