Friday, July 29, 2005

Lingfield Park Beadworkers Fair July 2005: Seed beads


Lingfield Park Beadworkers Fair July 2005: Seed beads: "Two lots of seed beads bought from The Bead Merchant. I like the way they put colours together in their boxed sets of beads.
The green and blue beads are delicas. I'm not 100% sure what they'll be used for - I have several projects in mind for them!
The pastel tones are size 15s (the size of seed beads refers to how many in an inch - so the larger the number, the smaller the bead. 15 is the smallest size made today, although you can find older beads for sale that go down to size 24!). I'm planning on making a spiral rope lariat from them, inspired by a necklace on display at the Beadworkers Guild stand."

I couldn't resist this photo...
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Tiara tips


test �: "The 5 pieces of heart shape crystal was from Swarovsky Crystal, pretty expensive but worth the price, because it really gives a real sparkling effect. And this crystal will turn yellow tint when place on the black background, and turn blue when place it on white background, pretty cool shade.
The pearls is glass pearl from Czech, it look more real than the usual plastic pearl we got from the market, also the weight of the glass make it look more solid than the plastic. "

My daughter would LOVE this!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Something from nothing...

ljpinko: la de da: "i got out some beads and other things then the idea hit me when i was looking at a bunch of old purses i had saved- i should make a purse. basically my idea was to re-craft the outside of a purse to make it look totaly different and then add new straps to it too.

i basically did this all day.. from like 1 to 5 i was making this purse. i actually got pretty into it with sewing and beading and all you could tell i was quite bored but atleast i was doing something other then watching tv lol. the finished product turned out pretty... for someone who made a purse. i mean obivously it doesn't look like anything out of a magazine but hey wutcha you gonna do."


It's amazing what you can do when you start.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

The Ultimate Bead Lover's Guide

The Ultimate Bead Lover's Guide: "I've just released an amazing new ebook called 'The Ultimate Bead Lover's Guide'. It covers everything you need to know to start getting addicted to beading.
When I first started beading, I was completely confused. There were so many choices to make, and I had NO IDEA what I was doing.
Which needle, thread and clasp should I use for the beads I liked?
Which equipment did I really need?
How was I going to work out how many beads I needed to make the piece?
My list of questions seemed endless! Let alone worrying about how to make my piece come out right, finish it in a professional looking way, and make sure it didn't break the first time I wore it.
My head was spinning!
Imagine being able to shortcut all of these questions and decisions!"

I'm so excited that this is finally available!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Thursday, July 28, 2005

Rapidly growing trend

- toledoblade.com -: "Julia Robertson disagrees with her landlord�s assessment that her third expansion in four years was simply the result of poor planning.
Instead, she said, it�s the result of underestimating the beading and jewelry-making trend in the hobby world.

�I didn�t expect it to take off as quickly as it did,� said the owner of the Meant to Bead store, in 2,100 square feet of space at 6540 West Central Ave. in Sylvania Township. It has more than 8,000 items.
The draw of beads, in all shapes, sizes, and textures from countries all over the world, is increasingly felt in Toledo and beyond, with Bead & Button magazine estimating it is a $2 billion industry.

Craftrends magazine said participation in beading increased in all age groups from 2002 to 2004, and roughly 35 percent of all crafters participate in the hobby."

Interesting look at the business side of beading.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Random thoughts: On the beading front:


Random thoughts: On the beading front:: "Today I spent all day in a WONDERFUL class at Crystal Bead Bazaar.
The teacher was Sherry Serafini and she taught a bead embroidered broach.
Every one was different and here's mine.

I've finished the initial beading. Now I need to decide which way is up. :-)
I have decided it will be a pendant, not a broach. So I'll be making a strap to hang it on after I figure out which direction is up. I'm also likely to put more fringe on it as well as hanging off the bottom.

The big cab is a paua shell, the small ones are turquoise. There are also two silver pearls.

This was SO much fun to do and the class was a great experience!"

This is gorgeous, I've always loved paua shell.
Anyone want to suggest which way is up?!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

VioletBeadBlog: Unshelling the hermit in me

VioletBeadBlog: Unshelling the hermit in me: "It�s amazing how good I feel when I have been beading. I am energized for everything. It both enhances and interrupts my sleep! It�s just an all around good feeling to be creative again. "

It's amazing what being creative can do for you.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Beaderheads??

: "Bob and Gail Anderson are 'beaderheads.'
Beaderheads are die-hard bead addicts who like to seek out bead shops.
For bead addicts, it's not just looking or browsing. These people view trays or strings of blue lace agate, Dalmatian jasper, crazy lace quartz, blue tiger eye or African jade as priceless.
Bob and Gail Anderson are part of the local beader community. They would rather run their fingers through strands of beads than win the lottery.
Well maybe not, but it's close.
Beaderheads covet unique beads "

What a great story!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Fascinating artwork


Sonji Says...: Bundle Sunday in Front of the Fan: "So, I sat in front of a fan today and made bundles, read the paper, did some beading. It was too hot to even fuse some ideas together."

These are gorgeous!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Getting organised...

jamelah.net:blog: "I spent five hours on Saturday cleaning off my beading table and organizing things into labeled bins. Did I really need to spend five hours doing this? Well, no, but if I'm going to organize something, I'm going to do it right. While I am glad that everything is in its place and all is right with the world, I really wish that beading didn't involve so many tiny individual pieces. Is there such a thing as a hobby that doesn't need supplies?"

Any suggestions?
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Look out future spouse....

Gene�eolian: A Day in the Life.....: "And now I'm on this beading kick again - but just not any beads - Swaroski Crystal AB beads. Even better if they are VINTAGE. Man, I am expensive (warning to future spouse). I've even created a spreadsheet to track all the different ones I can find....the differenct cuts/shapes were referred to as Articles. Vintage will be 39, 3700, 346, 340, etc, while the newer ones are 5100, 5000, 5004, 5003, 5040, 5200, 5300, 5301 etc."

Now that's an expensive beading addiction!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Sunday, July 24, 2005

My Perdy Necklace


procrsti-knitter: My Perdy Necklace: "Roxana and I went to a local bead fair last week, and I spent too much, suprise suprise. BUT I DID finally make something out of them! Every time I have tried beading I have liked the outcome, but I just don't do it much. I feel like it is kind of a 'cop out' craft 'cause it's so easy. I know I shouldn't think this way, but I do.

I would like to do it more, and get into the crazy stuff like chain maille (sp?) and longer term stuff like that. Still, I am proud of this necklace. But I'm just a freak and I'm afraid it looks too cheap or too home made or too costume jewelryish. Oh well, we're our own worst critics.

Here's a close up!"


What a great effort, I love the colour.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Talking Woman Beads: Stuff and Nonsense


Talking Woman Beads: Stuff and Nonsense: " I also finished that ruby red net today. That thing just didn't want to get done. I started it on friday, and it took me 3 days to finish it. I'm not sure, but I think IT didn't want to be made. Never had so much trouble with them before....just this one. Ah well, all is good now, and I'll add it here too. "


Some really great pieces.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Saturday, July 23, 2005

henryherald.com

henryherald.com: "Locust Grove woman is big on beads
By Aisha I. Jefferson
Locust Grove resident Helene McDonald has a fascination with beads.
Even when she is not using the beads to make bracelet or necklace creations, the 61-year-old Norfolk Southern Railroad retiree said she buys beads sometimes just for the heck of it.
'They are all unique and different,' McDonald said. 'There's just millions and millions of beads - there's an unlimited amount of beads.'"


Another beading addict! Great story.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Summer shoes

Bradenton Herald | 07/21/2005 | Summer shoes: "Beaded BOHO
Why this shoe kicks it up a notch: It's pink, one of the year's hottest hues; decorated with sequins and beads, it has an ethnic look.
Wear with: Jeans, solid-color gypsy skirts, cropped pants.
What this shoe says about you: Your taste leans toward bohemian; you appreciate ethnic-looking clothes and accessories; you're laid-back and don't worry about arch supports.
Celebrity sole sisters: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, actresses and media moguls."


Can't say I've ever noticed any media moguls wearing beaded sandals, but anyway....
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Friday, July 22, 2005

Free Beading Lessons by E-Mail

Free Beading Lessons by E-Mail: "Free Beading Lessons by E-Mail
Learn that beading stitch you've always wanted to know. These Free Beading Lessons by E-Mail are delivered right to your in-box and are absolutely free, leaving you all that money to buy more beads! "

Could be worth checking out!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Matching bracelet & Anklet

Knitting Maniac: New Project! and totally complete WIP Collage ;-): "I dipped my fingies back into the world of beading yesterday. I made a ton of kewl stitch markes :) I love using them for the fair isle! and complicated lace is nice with them too. I also made a bracelet and matching anklet that I just LOVE! I used an old hematite bracelet that I haven't worn for ages ... 20 gauge wire (my first experience using it and bending and twirling it around itself). Anyways, I think it turned out just awesome! "

I love hematite, so this matching set really takes my fancy!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)
PS Of course I can never remember whether it's hematite or haematite...

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Beaded Impressions Sponsors Beadwork Tip Site at LifeTips.com

Beaded Impressions Sponsors Beadwork Tip Site at LifeTips.com: "Leading online bead and jewelry supply retailer Beaded Impressions� (http://www.abeadstore.com) has signed on to sponsor a Beadwork Tip Site published at LifeTips.com (http://www.lifetips.com), one of the largest online publishers of free tips and advice.
The new Beadwork Tip Site (http://Beadwork.lifetips.com) answers readers' questions about beading and jewelry supplies. The site provides in-depth advice on selecting different semi-precious beads, findings and supplies. Readers can also subscribe to receive a free weekly beadwork tips newsletter."

Cool!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beads...

M's Page: Beads...: "Ever since I was little I have loved beading. While on the hunt for Cavier Beads for my bridesmaids dresses I can across a great site called Bead Needs. It's got some lovely beads. I'm still looking for cavier bead though! if anyone can point me in the right direction I'd greatly appreciate it!"

A great resource!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beaded stitch holders

freddyknits - knitting, yarn, books, kids, and random musings: Non-verbal communication: "I've gone a bit crazy making these stitch holders. My friend Sue from my old yarn store job just opened a bead store with her daughter - Stony Creek Bead and Gallery in Ypsilanti (no website yet that I can find). If you are into beading and live in SE Michigan, you should go. Hell, even if you aren't into beading and live in Ohio or the UP or the midwest, for that matter, you should go, but beware - the allure of the small lovely bits of shimmery beauty will suck you in and you will never be the same."

Now that's the truth!
Hmmm.... stitch holders, now there's an idea!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Pretty beaded presents...

Loopy: A Hogwarts Honey with Ladder Yarn & Beads: "I did enjoy prowling around among the tables. I couldn't resist buying some cute beaded gifts for my girls.

Caitlyn got a tiny beaded butterfly (see below) but she's also coveting Ginny's present.

For Ginny, I picked up a similar tiny sparkly something. (Ginny, do *not* click on the green box below.) "


These are both gorgeous. Looks like a great place to visit if you're in Memphis when it's on!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Talking Woman Beads: Net Necklaces

Talking Woman Beads: Net Necklaces: "Net Necklaces

It came to me a bit ago, I haven't posted pics of 2 new necklaces, LOL!! So here they are. The teal and turq net, is very simple looking, but elegant in it's own right. The Brown and Jasper is, if I may say so myself, stunning. My scanner doen not do it justice at all. The gold flecks in the Jasper, match the gold in the lineing of the brown, which is a sparkly bead too. "


These are great designs.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Sunday, July 17, 2005

Beaded bookmarks

Knits For Sanity: Beading: "Bookmark #1: This is one of my favorites. It's the first one I made. It's getting easier to design bookmarks the bigger my bead stash gets. I have a lot more choices than I had before."

Beaded bookmarks? I never thought of that, but these look terrific.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Blood Orange bracelet

Shooting Star Beads: Blood Orange bracelet: "Today I was working on a large 'Blood Orange' bracelet for a customer. Blood Orange is a combination of ruby red and orange fruit."

this bracelet is stunning - it's a shame I can't copy the photo as well, I recommend you take a look.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Spiral beading begins...

carolsblog: PO'd...or maybe not.: "I have been beading. The weather cooled and greyed, so I felt able to hunch under my good light indoors and start a blue herringbone spiral, probably aimed at being a necklace for my mother. The 'probably' being because she has requested that she be able to take it on and off over her head without undoing a clasp, a reasonable request given her age and small amount of arthritis, clasps are very fiddly. And I am not as yet experienced enough to know how many beads I need for a project unless it is a 'recipe'. Silly picture - one session's progress marked: "

It will be interesting to watch this project progress.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Saturday, July 16, 2005

Style & Substance: How beadwork became latest charity chic

Style & Substance: How beadwork became latest charity chic: "The next hot trend in U.S. charity fashion may come out of this unlikely little workshop where a South African health organization called The Mothers' Programmes is helping to sustain unemployed HIV-infected mothers and their babies. The U.S.-bankrolled endeavor recently launched Mothers Creations, a beading program for the infected women of this miles-long slum, where officials say the unemployment rate hovers at around 90 percent.
Churning out a variety of accessories, including cellphone pouches, bracelets, lanyards and condom carrying cases, Mothers Creations has netted more than two million rand in profits ($300,000) since it was started in November 2003, charity officials say. The money has enabled some of the 100 or so female workers to purchase homes.
Thanks in part to a former Los Angeles television producer who now heads the group's umbrella organization, Mothers Creations beads are being catapulted into the international fashion scene."


Really interesting article about how beaded products are making a different in the lives of these mothers.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Bras for a cause

Bras for a cause: Exhibit, raffle benefit breast cancer
� � �
: "Glynn began sewing when she was 8 and later worked as a wardrobe designer, most notably on the film 'Canadian Bacon,' which she also produced. In the 1990s she took up quilting, crocheting, embroidery, beading and crazy quilting, a combination of the techniques.
She created her ArtBra, 'Double Happiness,' from Asian fabrics, silk fibers, silk ribbon, Mokuba ribbons, Chinese cloisonne cinnabar and jade beads.
Glynn also designed the ArtBra 'Torch Lake Blues' for a July 30 raffle in conjunction with the exhibit. On display at PK Interiors in Alden, it features hundreds of embroidery stitches, glass beads, sequins, hand-dyed lace, silk ribbon roses and leaves, and a clay cabochon by local jewelry designer Linda Blair."

What a fabulous way to raise money for cancer research.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Cool costume

World Domination Plans: Time After Time the Countdown - 4 days: "I've just been doing some beading on my costume for Calisthenics: I've been periodically doing the beading on it. It's for a dance that we're doing to the 'Cancan' and 'Diamond's Are a Girls' Best Friend' music from Moulin Rouge. It's supposed to look like a corset-y thing, but I havn't finished the beading. The white-ish beading at the top is what I've been doing and I have to repeat it 3 more times on the back and 4 on the back...and I guess I'll post more pics when I finish beading it "


My goodness, an Aussie girl! My niece was nuts about calisthenics, and my sister spent countless hours working on her costumes. They never looked so good up close, but they looked FABULOUS on stage. The makeup was a bit scary up close though. hehehe
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Friday, July 15, 2005

If money were growing on trees - what would I do?

seeker: if talent had no limit...: "
... I'd be making gorgeous jewelry with wire and beads and metals. My jewelry would become a must-have item with celebrities, and funky people would stop by just to help create their own unique pieces. "

What a great dream!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Great bracelet design...

the knitrider... erika's chicago knitting blog!: "I managed to get off my butt and do some more beading. I finished a bracelet for my mom that she has been wanting.

She really likes it! She has been wanting something with silver in it, so i got some spacer beads and made one up for her. I made another one for myself, with just the deep red beads and some smaller silver beads. Its not so different, so i didnt get any images up. "


I love this bracelet - and not just because it has lots of green, my favourite colour...! hehehe
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Sweater Update

Sweater Update; My Life's a Sitcom (www.rayne-of-tara.blog-city.com): "I just keep saying it ... I love this sweater! The yarn is great, it's a fun project, that doesn't feel indefinite and interminable. It will have beading coming up shortly. I ordered the beads from a fabulous website known as Earth Faire only a few days ago, and received them today. That's a great company, by the way - really cool products, good prices, and extraordinarily good service. No affiliation, just a happy customer.
So, beads in my knitting will be a new experience I'm looking forward to trying."


There seems to be a neverending variety of ways to use beads - I never thought of using them in knitting! I'm really looking forward to seeing further progress on this sweater, just to see how it works.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Enter the colorful world of beading

PoughkeepsieJournal.com - Enter the colorful world of beading: "'Since the beginning of time people have adorned themselves with beads,' says Joan Allard of The Bead Tree in West Falmouth, Mass. 'They are beautiful, make wonderful designs and are once again popular.'
Allard, one of the 25 vendors at the ExpoUSA International Innovative Beads Expo, says people who like to work with their hands enjoy beading. She says it not that hard to string beads together."

So where the heck is Poughkeepsie anyway? Sounds like a good Expo to visit!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Prada says it all...

Fashiontribes.com: THE PERFECT SANDALS TO GET YOU THROUGH THE MID-SUMMER HEAT WAVE-FROM GLADIATOR STYLES BY TARA SUBKOFF FOR EASY SPIRIT TO TWEETY HAVAIANAS, FASHIONTRIBES RUNS THE GAMUT, AND HAS YOUR BASES COVERED-PODCAST: "Prada MULTICOLOR BEADED SANDAL-$575.00 Proof that sandals are everywhere-this is PRE-FALL! Prada always has such lovely detailing- I love the beading. Because the style is so simple, they can work dressed down. The beaded accent gives them the ability to kick it late into the night as well."

Hey, if Prada says that beading is the coolest thing in sandals, why argue? And why pay $575 for theirs???
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

It's not easy being green....

Insight into me: Gratitude: "Song of the Day: It's not easy being green. Thank you, Kermit the Frog.

Today, I had a beaded bracelet and matching earrings, that coincidently matched my new name tag string at work that all matched my new Green T-shirt. Thank you, beading addiction."


Green is my favourite colour! And I still have a Kermit the Frog from when I was a kid....
And the great thing about beading - you can make whatever you want to match any clothes you own!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Waiting For Ships Finished!

Mindy Memories: Waiting For Ships Finished!: "Can't write much now, but wanted to post her. Stitching took me about 70 hours, beading about 11. I really love the look of her on this fabric -- so worth the money for the beads and treasures :)"


This is a beautiful design, combining different skills.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Bearden West - Bead Artists

KnoxNews: Bearden West: "Bead mania infected Knoxville several years ago, and there's no sign of it letting up anytime soon.
If you've stopped by one of those 'make-it-yourself' bead shops and tried to make some jewelry, you've probably discovered it's more difficult than it looks. Stringing beads on a cord is simple, of course. But with a rainbow of colors, not to mention textures, shapes and sizes, a jewelry project can quickly become overwhelming. Several of those who are inspired, rather than overwhelmed, have their beaded jewelry on display at The Southern Market. "

This sounds like a really cool place to go - now all I have to do is work out where Bearden West is! I'm assuming Tennessee somewhere....
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Wizardy Bracelets - Beadwork

Wizardy Bracelets - Beadwork: "More bracelet patterns, this time in square stitch!
For information on how to do square stitch, check out Out on a Whim Beads, she's got an excellent tutorial for square stitch in her classroom, as well as having wonderful service and colors.
I used Delica beads for my example, and like the last set of bracelet
patterns I really suggest starting in the middle so you can size it
properly to your wrist. "

Some interesting bracelet tips and designs, along with photos.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Monday, July 11, 2005

The Glass Slippers

The Glass Slippers: Sunday Evening Thoughts.: "But it was the beading that made them so special, so I am now working on putting the same beading on another kind of sandal that will be just as drop dead gorgeous. "


Beading on sandals - now there's a clever idea. Great story, too!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

What a great idea!

Thoughts from the Desert :: A Fun Weekend w/ Gracious Guests!: "So I forgot my camera during the 'Beading Breakfast' but I can describe it to you, in one word FUN. There were six of us, and we had a great time. Two new comers, Rachel and Barbara, they had fun, and I think they will both be back next time. They weren't beaders prior to the breakfast, but both left with items they made themselves and were pleased. "

What a fabulous idea, spending time with good friends and helping more people get addicted to beading! I'll have to try that out.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Shopaholic on Diet: Shopping...Beading...

Shopaholic on Diet: Shopping...Beading...Shopping...Beading: "Fyi, I string the pearls myself k. The pears were not cheap, fresh water pearls in nice shade of pink, and it's sold out when I went back to Mix N Match to replenish it. :(
Anyway, went crazy and made another 2 necklaces that are in the rage now!

The black one. My friend asked if I've turned to Buddhism. Bleh.

And the Green fruity one. This was a surprise, I didn't realise it'll look so cool. Totally brightens up the whole outfit."

Photos of some really cool bead & pearl necklaces.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Sunday, July 10, 2005

An alternative to blogging

<..: All About Me...A sweet&vain Lady :..>: "BEADING preoccupied my time while my PC got busted for quite sometime. If I had a blog corner, I've set up a 'bead corner' too, a workplace for my belly costumes. Here are a few on the process and some finished ones. "

Gorgeous work - very colourful.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Self doubt...

Cr�atif: Paranoid: "A while back, I mentioned BATCies (bead artist trading cards). I've actually started beading instead of just thinking about it.
Oh. My. Goodness!
My paranoia/self-doubt level has sky-rocketed. I am so absolutely positive that I'm doing it wrong, it is very tempting to write to the person who organized it and back out. But if I do that, I'll feel horribly, too. Plus, it won't get me out of my comfort zone and it won't get me to figure out/learn new things."

I think we've all gone through this one - and Jen is right, you just have to push through it.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Welcome back!

Well, it seems that Blogger decided to wipe all my blogs from my profile, so it looks like I need to start again.
So here we go again! Feel free to comment on any post, I'd love to hear from you.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)