beaded heron - Bead Journal - Freeform Peyote Bracelet...

beaded heron - Bead Journal - Freeform Peyote Bracelet...: "This off white and gold freeform peyote bracelet turned out very beautiful; it's a pity I can't seem to get one decent photo of it that shows the detail, so I ended up taking several more detailed shots.
Seed beads in many sizes of off white and gold are accented with pearls, seashells, and Swarovski Crystal cubes to make up this goregous piece of wearable art..."

I love the addition of seashells to this design - what a great idea!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Two Loose Teeth: Sarah: Beading, and oh yeah, Valentine's Day

Two Loose Teeth: Sarah: Beading, and oh yeah, Valentine's Day: "I made a long necklace with the idea that I could double it up for a relaxed 2-strand look. Then I had some leftover beads, so I went ahead and made a matching bracelet.

I used monochromatic beads (sort of avacado/lime-ish color) and six different shapes. The clasps are silver lobster clasps. I tried to keep the organization fairly random, and I'm quite pleased with the end result."

Isn't it great when you have leftover beads and can make more stuff? woohoo!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Mazel Tov! Jewelry Treasures: A freeform neckpiece on a sterling silver armature

Mazel Tov! Jewelry Treasures: A freeform neckpiece on a sterling silver armature: "After making numerous bead-embroidered neckpieces, I was looking for a change of technique. Freeform peyote, netting, and brick stitch appeal to me, but I still wanted some sort of support for the work. Heavy gauge sterling silver wire makes an excellent armature to work around. My inspiration for this piece came from Lynda Musante's lovely book, Exquisite Beaded Jewelry. Lynda shows how to make a bracelet using wire links as a base. My piece uses a single strand of wire instead, but the look is very similar, so I would be remiss in not acknowledging her inspiration! "

This is a magnificent neckpiece - take a look at Cyndi's full post, as she takes you step by step through the process of creating it.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beads, Movies & Valentine's Day - A Bead-aholic's Blog... - ...embracing the addiction! - by buttercuphi

Beads, Movies & Valentine's Day - A Bead-aholic's Blog... - ...embracing the addiction! - by buttercuphi: "I subject everyone around me to my favorite romantic movies, that coincidently display an incredible amount of beautiful beaded jewelry. I've mentioned in other forums that I watch my DVD's of West Wing in stop-action just to study the jewelry CJ and other cast members are wearing. I guess you could say those are 'everyday' styles. My main obsession in movie watching are those 'someday' projects of ornate crystal and gemstone laden accessories in period pictures and lavish musicals. Since this addiction to beading began, I've identified just a few films that fit this criteria: Moulin Rouge, Phantom of the Opera, Finding Neverland, Somewhere in Time (my all-time favorite) and Shakespeare in Love.

I hope you'll let me know what movies I've missed for this vicarious bead fix I crave!"


So - what suggestions do you have? Personally I find myself unable to take my eyes off the beautiful blood red ruby necklace worn by Ann in Jane Austen's Persuasion (played by Amanda Root). She wears it at a candlelit dinner - stunning!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beading Help Web Blog

Beading Help Web Blog: "If you are working on beading projects while you are traveling, remember a few handy tips.
- Keep supplies and projects in a case that closes quickly - I used a child's plastic pencil box. Whether you are in a plane, a train, or an automobile, you may run into circumstances where you've got to shut down shop quickly.
- Use beading mats, foam pads or other materials to keep beads from rolling around.
- Have a small bag you can use for trash, and NEVER cut wire, beading wire, or other materials in a manner that they will pose hazard to your fellow travelers!!
- Precut wire or have your beads organized by project to cut down on how much room you'll need to work. Remember, even First Class is cramped compared to most workshops!"

Some great ideas there! Maybe I need to go on holiday somewhere so I can put them into practice!! hehe
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Not My Usual Bead Color Palette for Beads - Beadwork Blog Freeform Beading Project with Shades of Yellow, Gray and Bronze Beads - Part 2

Not My Usual Bead Color Palette for Beads - Beadwork Blog Freeform Beading Project with Shades of Yellow, Gray and Bronze Beads - Part 2: "As you can see from the above, the tension in my Peoyte has been tight enough to give the long piece some curve, so I'm thinking I'll make it a centerpiece of a slight bib-type necklace, with the straps done some other way. I'm going to take up the inside of the curve by doing Peoyte stitch with smaller (size 15/0) beads to get a bit more curve to it."

This is an interesting combination of colours, some great "feature" beads too.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

New Beading Forum

Hello everyone!
I have a VERY exciting announcement today - I've started a beading forum! This is a great place for you to meet up with other beaders and share ideas.
Go to Beading is Fun and click on the "forum" link in the left hand column.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

I work to support my vacation habits: I've learned something new

I work to support my vacation habits: I've learned something new: "This is the first piece that I completed about 2 weeks ago. I really like the circular pattern that evolved around the Barb Davis heads. This piece is just one piece that will be placed in a 'Bead Quilt' to be auctioned off to raise money for a breast cancer charity.
I'm pleased with the way that my piece turned out - with the yellow on the left representing the sun. The blue in the top stripe is the sky, followed by brown mountains, purple flowers, green grass, blue water and dark earth. I don't even know if I was consciously making these deicisons with the color choices as I was beading, or just picking up the colors that pleased me."

Another great use of beading - and for a very worthwhile cause. Gorgeous colours.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Christmas Ornaments - Make Your Own with Beads and Pipe Cleaners

Hi everyone
I thought this was a good article - maybe a little late, but Christmas will return again before we know it! I can't believe it's February already, that's for sure.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)


Christmas Ornaments - Make Your Own with Beads and Pipe Cleaners
by Brigitte Smith

Christmas ornaments made from ordinary pipe cleaners and inexpensive acrylic beads are very pretty and easy to make. They look quite impressive yet are easy enough for small children to make. This is one Christmas craft idea to use again and again. Older people will enjoy making this Christmas craft, too, which can be varied to make a number of different sparkling ornaments for your Christmas tree.

To make the bead and pipe cleaner ornaments, you need common pipe cleaners in desired colors and acrylic beads. Two types of beads are particularly effective when strung on pipe cleaners. One type are called sunburst beads, but are also known as paddlewheel beads, snowflake beads, or starburst beads. These beads have six faceted paddles spaced equally around a center that contains the hole for stringing. When several of these sunburst beads are strung consecutively, they fit against each other in an interlocking pattern.

The other type of bead that is also effective for this Christmas craft is called the tri bead or propeller bead. It has three rounded bumps arranged around the stringing hole. Like the sunburst beads, the tri beads interlock when strung consecutively. For the most sparkly and attractive Christmas ornaments, get tri beads and/or sunburst beads in translucent colors of red, green, and clear. The tri beads can also be found in metallic gold and silver which can be used in this Christmas craft as well.

Pipe cleaners can be found in silver and gold tinsel as well as chenille of all colors. For the Christmas craft, the best colors to use are the metallics and Christmas colors. The beads cover the pipe cleaners, but the ends will need to be twisted together and made into hangers, so they show.

Anyone, even small children, can string these beads on pipe cleaners. Bend up the end of the pipe cleaner so the beads don't fall off. The pipe cleaner works like a needle, making a needle unnecessary. For best results, show the children how to alternate colors when stringing, or start a pattern of three colors. When the beads are strung on the pipe cleaners, they can be bent into different Christmas shapes. For instance, string red and clear beads alternately, then bend down one end of the pipe cleaner for a candy cane shape. Or alternate red and green beads and form a circle for a wreath. Use red pipe cleaner to form a small bow to decorate the wreath. Form a hanger for the Christmas craft or simply slip the circle over a branch of the tree.

If you experiment with clear beads and silver pipe cleaners, you can make some beautiful snowflake or star ornaments. Snowflake designs can be twisted of silver pipe cleaner only, without the beads for a simple but pretty decoration.

Bead and pipe cleaner ornaments are a Christmas craft you will find yourself using every year. Children and their parents will both appreciate this simple yet pretty Christmas craft.

About the author:
Find out more about Christmas ornaments, Christmas gift ideas and more at http://www.Your-Christmas-Gift-Idea.com

I'M A ONE GIRL REVOLUTION - The Latest and Greatest

I'M A ONE GIRL REVOLUTION - The Latest and Greatest: "Path of Flowers Bracelet: This bracelet is made using the peyote stitch and strong Nymo beading thread. Antiqued seed beads with a hint of violet are used as the base and Czech pressed violet flower glass beads in aurora borealis finish are placed randomly on the top. Length: 7 inches"

This is a really unusual and attractive bracelet. It's worth checking out this beader's blog - there's some great stuff on there.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

:: Hushila�s Heritage :: � Blog Archive � :: New Interest in Beads ::

:: Hushila's Heritage :: � Blog Archive � :: New Interest in Beads ::: "Heyyo! I want to share my new interest with beads. It started off when Mom bought beads for her plain baju kurung. Mom's intention is to renew her ol' baju kurung as she has quite a number of plain baju kurung. I guess it's a brilliant idea instead of tailoring new while we can actually recycle ol' baju kurung to be in line with current fashion wave. "

Another great way to use beads! The small bead detail really livens this up.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Proud mummy moment

Hi everyone
Okay, I couldn't resist posting this photo - it's my little girl, showing off the fruits of her 5th birthday present. Love that cheesy grin! I particularly liked the ear rings - the beading kit I bought her had little pairs of magnets, so you could use them to clip earrings on for little girls without pierced ears.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-))

Tales of the Rubber Baron

Tales of the Rubber Baron: "i want a group of friends locally that would like to do a monthly crafting night. i read about this recently on someone else's blog about how she and her friends do a monthly crafting night. they try to plan things...for example, one girl is really into beading and so she planned a beading project that could be completed in one night, or at least a technique they could learn in one night, and taught the others how to do it. the next month they learn to crochet, with the ones who already know how teaching the others. something like that. it seems fun!"

This sounds like a really good idea - has anyone tried doing this?
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

How to make a simple gemstone necklace by Janice Wee

I thought this was a good article, so I've posted it here. Hope you enjoy it!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

With gemstone beads, every bead is precious. Every bead is beautiful. A
little more effort is needed when stringing a gemstone necklace together.

First, decide on the design. Take a fishing line and string the gemstone
beads through it. Hold the string of beads around your neck in front of the
mirror to see how the necklace would look. When you are pleased with your
design, then start stringing the beads together properly.

For that, you need colored thread that matches the beads and some nylon
thread to strengthen the necklace and to needles that can go through the beads, 1 at a time.

Thread both needles with as much colored string and nylon thread as they can
take.

Twine an end of the strings from both needles together Thread the needles
through the hole on one side of the clasp and tie decorative knots to secure the
strings to the clasps.

Use both needles and tie a knot as close to the clasp as possible.

Slip both needles through the first bead, one needle at a time, then tie
another knot to secure the bead. Make sure the knot is large enough so the bead cannot slip over the knot. Slip the needles through the next bead and tie
another large knot to secure the bead. Repeat the process until you have secured all the beads for your necklace.

Now slip the needles through the hole at the other part of the clasp and tie
a decorative knot as close to the beads as possible. Slip the needle back
through the previous bead to hide the string and then snip off the excess
string.

That's it. Now you have a simple gemstone necklace. If you do want something
more modern, check out these gem beads necklace.

About the Author

The writer is the webmaster of buy gemstones, a site which features beautiful gemstone jewelry.

Mixed Media n' Jewelry: To Fringe or not To Fringe...

Mixed Media n' Jewelry: To Fringe or not To Fringe...: "Is it nobler to stop beading or continue....

This little doll has certainly progressed!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

How To Bead A Diamond Motif :: Free Bead Patterns - Beading Instructions

How To Bead A Diamond Motif :: Free Bead Patterns - Beading Instructions: "Bead weave a beautiful diamond motif that will add dazzle to any bead design. This step by step beading lesson will have you creating a complex looking diamond motif in less than an hour!

Weaving beads into shapes can open up the possibilities for your bead designs. This bead pattern will show you how to weave a diamond motif out of crystal bicones and rounds. You can use this motif as a focal point for a necklace or bracelet... as a dangle for earrings... or repeat the design for a diamond motif choker."

If you like the look of this beaded, diamond, check out this site! Detailed instructions are there.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Mixed media n' Jewelry: Hoarding Yarn and Shaking Off the Jinx...

Mixed media n' Jewelry: Hoarding Yarn and Shaking Off the Jinx...: "I decided to stuff her after the beading. I don't like the idea of beading and pulling the thread through both sides of the body when stuffed. What might work is beading the sides first with the edges turned under, stuff ,cross stitch the edges of front and back together. Lastly bead the edges."

This is a really interesting looking project, I hope to see it when it's finished. Definitely an artistic challenge!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

3 Penguins

3 Penguins: "I am becoming a beading freak. I love making earrings and now I am tackling charm bracelets. I have discovered that Walmart carries the findings and beads that I have been paying more for at Michael's, Jo Ann, and Beverly's. The selection isn't as great, but the price is right."

I thought this information might be helpful to some USA beaders!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beads—A Sign of the Times?

Hi everyone
thought this article was fun!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

When you hear the word “beads,” do you immediately think of jewelry? Or do you think of Rosary beads or some other non-jewelry use of beads—beaded dresses, headbands, belts? Perhaps you think of a country and western outfit, a studded, head-to-toe piece of jewelry.

The first thought that enters your mind when you hear the word “beads” may date you and give away your age faster than physical attributes. If you’re a product of the 50’s, your mind may wander to pop beads, those plastic pull apart, pop together baubles that have risen in value from pennies to $20, $30 or more. If you’re a product of the 60’s, you may think of “love beads,” which complemented the long-haired, unkempt look, or your mind may wander to the long strands of beads that once adorned inside doorways in Haight Ashbury with sounds of The Mamas and the Papas blaring in the background. Thanks to television, it’s difficult to forget the beaded belts of the 70s.

From Ancient Trade to Modern Computer Applications

Beads predate the mid-20th century by eons. Remember the abacus? Of course, you can’t actually remember back 2000 years unless you possess powers unknown to this author, but you can remember learning about the abacus in school. In Europe, Venetian glass beads and German metal beads served as currency in trade as early as the 16th century. Beads also played a central role in Native American jewelry.

Bohemia (aptly named) was the center of the European bead trade from as far back as the Middle Ages. Through the twists and turns of history, bead making moved to Bavaria and now, has once again found its home in the Chezk Republic, in the Bohemia area, home of Swarovski Austrian crystals.

In 1990, Native American traditional beadwork intersected with computer sciences. Several college campuses introduced a pilot program in which beadwork shaped the foundation for courses AutoCad and other design program courses for Native American students. The popularity and applicability of these courses continues today.

Modern Beads

Now that we’ve strolled down memory lane and taken a quick look at vintage beads, beads no longer in production, where do beads fit into today’s jewelry scene? They’re everywhere you look from casual chokers and necklaces to fine Swarovski Austrian crystal designs.

Think beyond a single strand of beads. Start by thinking of a single strand of beads from which a pendant dangles. From there, think pins—yes, pins adorned with beads, beaded bracelets, barrettes, earrings, etc. In fact, think beyond jewelry to purses and other accessories. If you look closely at your surroundings, you’ll find beads everywhere.

The Many Faces of Beads

Another thing that you might rethink is the composition and shape of beads. Today’s beads come in a myriad of shapes and materials, with Austrian crystal topping the list. Today’s look du jour of transparent, translucent and iridescent beads don the bodies of the rich and famous along with everyday mortals. Venetian glass beads often encapsulate swirls within the beads for a unique, timeless quality.

The latest in fashion trends includes little beaded silk purses. While you wouldn’t want to cover yourself in head-to-toe beads unless you’re auditioning for a singing gig in Nashville, a silk beaded purse with a complementary beaded necklace turns an ordinary evening outfit into a walking work of art.

Open your eyes and look for one-of-a-kind, handmade beaded jewelry. It’s everywhere, and it’s calling your name.

About the Author

M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for http://www.jewelry-4-u.net/beads.htm and http://www.jewelry-4-u.net/ in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

Written by: MJ Plaster

Anything Goes: Life Hurts Today

Anything Goes: Life Hurts Today: "I'm working on a new beading project which I'm calling, 'Russian Sunflower.' Its Russian leaves and then I'll either bead a cabochon, which is highly polished, convex cut, unfaceted gem (so sayeth Mr. Webster) or I'll figure out a centerpiece similar to the one I used in the photo below. The brooch below is made with Czech beads so the leaves are bigger. The one I'm making now, I'm making with Delicas so the leaves are considerably smaller. There will be 12 leaves and then the centerpiece. This brooch includes a beaded bead as the centerpiece.

I don't know if you can tell or not, but the dark beads are a deep cranberry and the green beads are lined with fuschia. Its really beautiful in person, if I do say so myself. "

The original piece is very pretty (okay, I'm always a sucker for green!) and the new one sounds very interesting too - I look forward to seeing a photo.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Collective Sigh of Relief...and angst.

Collective Sigh of Relief...and angst.: "I think I'll be beading some later this evening. YAY! While Baby napped today I actually did something more constructive than sitting at the computer or wandering around the abode spot cleaning. I cleaned, and organized, my bead area. Not just the desk, the whole area. WOOHOO! Although...I'm not 110% sure I'm going to keep doing this MBB deal. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE it...it's just that it isn't any different from what other people are doing. Here in my little corner of the world not many people bead outside of it being for themselves/family/friends. On the Internet, however, bead sites are a dime a dozen. It's a bit dejecting because, obviously, these people aren't afraid to spend big $ on materials w/o knowing if they will sell or not. Possibly they wear them themselves if they don't sell? I don't know. I wouldn't, personally. Then again, I don't wear much jewelry. (Go ahead and laugh...I know, it's funny) My designs and materials are just as good, if not better, than other sites I have seen. Yet, I keep my prices just above my cost while others are charging (at least) 3x as much as materials. I don't get it. Yeah, yeah, yeah...profit and all that. BAH Plus, have you SEEN some of the crap these people are selling?! A plastic name bracelet for $45?? They have GOT to be KIDDING me! I just want to have fun and bring smiles to faces of people I've never met. Yet I have to wonder if it is worth it to continue. Believe it or not, being a WAHM is a LOT of work. Not only do you (well, me) have to make what you are selling, you have to promote it, ship it, keep up with customer service (e-mails, questions, face-to-face deliveries), make contacts, keep up with the trend; all the while keeping an eye on how much "

I found this post really interesting. It certainly raised a few questions for me. I'd be interested in some feedback or answers to some of the questions raised here.
I can certainly relate to the WAHM (work at home mum) scenario!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

This and That � Winter W/1 Bead Soup Eye-glass Necklace

This and That - Winter W/1 Bead Soup Eye-glass Necklace: "I really needed this necklace as I have glasses all over the house now that I don't see close up like I used to. It is a pain in the butt to fine them and having them hang from my shirt neck is not always convenient or safe. I have dropped them several times. Since there was a discussion on bead soup I got some of mine out and added some long silver bugles and some shorter ones to add. I used beading see thru thread and clam shells to hook it together. No clasp just the clam shells hooked together."

This is very pretty. But I'm curious - what exactly is "bead soup"? Anyone care to enlighten me? It's not a term I've heard before.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Bee Knits: Belated Merry Christmas!

Bee Knits: Belated Merry Christmas!: "Besides knit, I also made some beaded earrings. Yup, beading is my next love after knitting. Maybe one day I will make more of this to sell on eBay. What do you think? Will you buy my beaded earrings?"

Well, what do you think - would you buy these earrings?
I wouldn't - because I don't have pierced ears!!! hehehe I'm more of a bracelet kinda girl. They'd make nice gifts though.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

xelona: What I've been up to, and stuff like that.

xelona: What I've been up to, and stuff like that.: "I've mostly been spending my time indoors, reading and beading. I've been creating some rather lovely pieces lately. I even sold three of my bracelets to my Aunt Marilyn, for her to give as gifts. I'm starting to get to the point in my beadwork that I could potentially support myself doing it."

It's great to see someone starting out and beginning to realise there's a potential home business in their passion for beading.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

The Crabs that Ate My Brains

The Crabs that Ate My Brains: "I went to the holiday party for the women patients at my doctor's office, and my doctor, a very cool lady, taught us how to make these:"

What a different idea for a bracelet. What a different doctor!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

:: Wonderful Memories ::

:: Wonderful Memories ::: "We went for beading classes together at Yishun. Woot.. I know how to make my own earrings now! *beams*"

Great effort for a first timer! Well done.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beading Is Fun!

Hello everyone!
Hope you all had a great festive season, I know we had a great time catching up with family. I'm very fortunate that my kids are still young enough to really get caught up in all the excitement, although I think I've seen enough Christmas lights to last me a lifetime!!
One project I've been working on for a while is a site about beading, and I've just started to release it on the internet. If you'd like to take a look, it's at http://www.beading-is-fun.info
I'd love to get your feedback on it, good and bad! I plan to progressively add a lot more stuff to it over time, but it takes time - something I suffer a severe lack of, particularly now my kids are on school holidays.
Anyway, happy new year to everyone!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Learn How to Bead

Learn How to Bead: "Learn How to Bead
A new listing of the many beading lessons available on this site. Learn Beading and Beadwork contains links to everything from an introduction to beadwork and bead stringing through the many variations of Peyote and other beading stitches. "

There's some good stuff at this website to help you learn different types of beading.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Existence: Beaded Creation - Sweet Embrace

Existence: Beaded Creation - Sweet Embrace
"Neckace info:

This was created of the basic african net design as you can see in the center and i just designed from there the rest. Hope u like it!
P.S. All my pieces are for sale just inquire if your interested!"


This is really pretty!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

The Sardonic Cauldron: Finally...a post

The Sardonic Cauldron: Finally...a post: "I have dove back into my beading and am making lots of Christmas presents this year. I forgot how relaxing and fun it is. Instead of sitting on the couch wondering which chore I should really do since they aren't all getting done, I just ignore them completely and bead."

Now that's the right attitude!!! hehehe
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Enjoying The Journey

Enjoying The Journey: "I got engrossed with some more beading today, and being the time of the year that it is, made some sparkly Christmas decorations using baubles and beads. These were quick and fun and added a home-made touch to our tree."

Sorry no pic, you'll have to click through to the blog to see this gorgeous beaded Christmas ornament. Great idea!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Buzz-A-Roni

Buzz-A-Roni: "One of the Mom's in the group is starting a home business of beading parties. I came on this event sort of late, but it was a Mom's night out where you'd make your own beaded bracelets. If you wanted to make a mother's bracelet, she would order these cute little sterling silver cube alphabet beads.
I picked out lots of purple beads... different shapes and sizes, two Swarovski amethyst (no not her birthstone, but I'm not a fan of rubies, which is my birthstone too!) crystals, and some sterling silver round beads. "

This sounds like a really interesting idea - can anyone tell me what exactly a mother's bracelet is??
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Magnets-Beads-Photography-Life � Blog Archive � Finally, a journey home

Magnets-Beads-Photography-Life-Blog Archive-Finally, a journey home: "My first big bead project is going to be my beaded Santa Claus faces, Christmas Trees, Wreaths, and Snowflakes. I loved doing these and they sold quite well for me in the past. My sister, Jan, has someone at Chrysler interested in seeing them as well. And as Jan wears her pairs, I asked her to be a walking advertisement for me. Also, there is a new web site just for the earrings. www.holiday-earrings.com There will be holiday earrings for all seasons as the year goes along, but right now, it's just Christmas stuff."

I really enjoyed reading the full story of this beader's journey.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

It's Holiday Time

Hi everyone!
Well, I know for most of you winter is fast approaching, but here in Australia summer has arrived, the end of school year bedlam has just ended, and it's time for my family and I to head to the beach.
So I hope now you have lots of cold nights to stay inside and keep warm, you all get lots of beading done!
I'll be too busy spreading sunscreen on my kids and playing in the sea! And even better, having a REST!!!!
I look forward to catching up with all of you again in a week or so.
Happy beading!
Felicity 8-)

Octopus Garden 10 (creativechick.blog-city.com)

Octopus Garden 10 (creativechick.blog-city.com): "I finally finished up the last in my Octopus Garden series this week."

"Octopus Garden 10" 2005

6" x 4"
Mixed media Collage on Fiber

Hand and machine sewn, hand dyed, painted and printed fabrics, beads, and embellished.

On sell at http://creativechick.etsy.com


This is a stunning piece of work!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Lauren's Blog - Another finish!

Lauren's Blog - Another finish!: "Well, it's done! It's a little crooked - the wreath's off-center, because I miscounted and didn't feel like ripping out most of the border. I love beading so much - the scan just can't capture how much the beads sparkle in the light. I really enjoyed working on this, even if the beading needle pricked me 5,000 times "


Another fabulous way of using beads. I think we've all experienced the old pricking of the fingers with the beading needle! Ouch...
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Heather's Little Haven: Some Finishes

Heather's Little Haven: Some Finishes: "I did this last night around 1am, I couldn't sleep

I had to keep taking the thread out the needle as I haven't any beading needles (well I do, they're just AWOL). I've done this one many times in the past, so it didn't take me long to do at all. "

Wow, another great use of beading techniques, I've definitely NEVER thought of something like this.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

yuliacrystal: it's all about beads now, apparently

yuliacrystal: it's all about beads now, apparently: "but, heck, beads! anywhere you'd look they were twinkling with all imaginable colours in places you wouldn't have seen before on a piece of clothing, even in a costume shop. I actually saw garments that were made completely out of beads and sequins, attached to a finest shadow of a material you won't really call fabric.
in a daze, I walked through three levels of clothing, touching things here and there. it will probably sound funny coming from me (and I hope that none of my beady buddies would read this), but it was all a bit too much for me. the sparkle, the colours, the sizes, the amount of beading on a square centimetre of a fabric... I tell you, they've gone mad! =) "


I have to say I've noticed the same thing!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Dolphinately Delightfully Designed Doodads: Welcome to My Beading Blog . . . .

Dolphinately Delightfully Designed Doodads: Welcome to My Beading Blog. . .: "Here is the first triple grouping of necklaces for layering I've designed. I call it Winter's Crystalline Nightfall."

This is a great effect. Pretty colours, too.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Pie-Bolar Served w/ 3 Flavors of Anksia Tea: "First Holiday Snowfall" Necklace

Pie-Bolar Served w/ 3 Flavors of Anksia Tea: "First Holiday Snowfall" Necklace: " I call this necklace, First Holiday Snowfall. The white Howlite beads scanned a bit bright, some have some pretty grey veining. And the silver beads were kind of reflecty. And some of the pinks ended up twice as saturated as they actually are. Being glass beads, it scanned them and picked up not only the surface color, but added in color all the way in to the core, being a translucent bead. I tweaked it some in Adobe, but I'm no expert. So it's not a bright or deep pink. Well it's kinda bright, definitely not pale, but not intense or shocking . . . a pretty translucent Christmas berry color. See the beads on the lower left side? It's more that pink berry color. And some are even paler than that. But somehow most of the rest kinda turned out way intense, tho they aren't. The glass beads are called Christmasberry anyway, and they are crackled."

Just in case you hadn't realised there's less than a month to Christmas... gulp....
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Red Instead BLOG : Adventures in Beading

Red Instead BLOG : Adventures in Beading: "I have been enjoying beading and find it's a great activity to do while watching TV. Nothing like a bit of multi-tasking to keep a busy crafter happy!"

How true is this! Some great photos of finished pieces at this blog - take a look. Of course my favourite is green... hehehe
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Victorian Beaded Lampshade

Victorian Beaded Lampshade: "Beaded Fringe Adds Life to a Plain Lampshade
Lynne Quinn posted some pictures of her Victorian Beaded Lampshade a while back that have brought a ton of e-mails asking her to share her beaded lampshade secrets. Not surprising seeing as how it's absolutely gorgeous! She has very kindly allowed me to help her share her knowledge of this beading technique with you. Here are the Complete Instructions for making your own Victorian Beaded Lampshade."


If this sort of beading takes your fancy, this is a great opportunity to grab the instructions on how to make a beaded lampshade.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Make Time to Bead

Make Time to Bead: "Some days it's bedtime and you feel like you've accomplished nothing. Housework need to be done, errands run, meals prepared, bosses appeased, etc. Of course there's no time to pull out your beads, let along spend time in bead contemplation and serious work.

Here are some creative ways to find just a little more time to enjoy your beads and beading. Who knows, maybe you'll create your own beaded masterpiece over a series of lunch breaks at work! "


This article contains some clever ideas to help you find time to bead. Of course, my personal favourite is just to forget the housework! hehehe
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Craftapalooza: Insert witty title here

Craftapalooza: Insert witty title here: "I came across some ring findings at a local bead store recently and even though they're not made of sterling silver or gold plated (I think they're nickel) they look quite nice. They are 'one size' ie the band is flexible. So I had a play last night and came up with these, probably the happiest I've been with any of my bead work for ages."

Yet another fascinating way to use beads. If you go to this website you'll see lots more photos.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

A Crafty Bookworm's Coffee Nook

A Crafty Bookworm's Coffee Nook: "Well, one of the things I'm working on is a metal and jet fringed necklace with matching earrings. This was inspired from a spring necklace done in blue, but I'm doing it in black so it can easily match up for a night on the town.
This is a fairly simple project (I'd say advanced beginner). Since I finished the earrings (I hope I can do pics soon) I'll write about those. I haven't started the necklace yet, but it is done very similarly."

This sounds like it could be a very dramatic necklace. If you click on the title and go to the blog, there are instructions on how to make this.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Pie-Bolar Served w/ 3 Flavors of Anksia Tea: Yet another Beading post!

Pie-Bolar Served w/ 3 Flavors of Anksia Tea: Yet another Beading post!: " These use some black and clear Czech firepolish beads on the one, and Smoke Czech firepolish beads on the other, with light grey Swarovski 4mm crystal pearls on both, and small button shape cultured freshwater pearls on the Smoke necklace.

The Smoke one is about 42' long. You can wear it that long (some do) or wrap it around twice to wear it at two different shorter lengths. Like 24' and 18'.

The Black/Clear one is about 24' or so long, and will have a rock crystal pendant hanging from it (although the bail will be hinged, so you can wear it with or without). "


These are very elegant, would look great with evening or formal dress.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

luvfairisle: Inviting vine

luvfairisle: Inviting vine: "Tami: this is because of you. Thanks for telling me to keep on beading. The bracelet is from Bead and Button, Dec. 2005 by Donna Graves. It was quick and fun to make and I love it because it's not bombastic (I'm only 5'2'). I think this particular issue was very good so I will probably make a few more. "

Another green bracelet! Very pretty design.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Sha-sha Handcrafted Jewelry: Time Flies!

Sha-sha Handcrafted Jewelry: Time Flies!: "This first one incorporates a technique I learned in my beading group (not sure if I can post the name here...). Anyway, I used to do a brick stitch ions ago with college names in them when I was a kid. I sewed little snaps onto the strips of beadweave for a clasp! I love this way of 'zipping up' the strip into a tube!"


These are really interesting bracelets. As I love green, naturally Froggy Friends is my favourite!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Watergirl Studio Four Seasons of Jewelry: Something New From Something Old

Watergirl Studio Four Seasons of Jewelry: Week 5 Something New From Something Old: "The theme for this week is 'Something New from Something Old'. Soon after I started beading seriously but still in my stringing phase I bought the three lampwork beads featured in the focal of this necklace and made a bracelet. I later bought more beads form the same artist, Dana Ivory McLean, and decided to make a necklace. I wire wrapped the necklace with red fun wire and hated the result. This last summer I reworked the neckalce with sterling connectors and was much happier with the results. But still I had some issues I didn't like one of the connectors I made with a bali bead so this week I replaced it with a mini-tornado bead. I'm liking this even better but now I'm thinking maybe the flat bali beads should be replaced too, maybe with a small cuchi bead."


This is a great idea - making something new from something old. Maybe it's time to pull out those old, unloved pieces of beaded jewelry and give them new life!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Creatif: $3 or $14?

Creatif - $3 or $14?: "I have spent the last couple hours or so working on some new things. I used some turquoise and coral in a necklace and a matching pair of earrings. I also used SoftFlex beading wire.

I used some aqua-colored glass pearls and metal spacers in another necklace. I used Beadalon beading wire.

What's the difference?

Beadalon is thinner, better for smaller holes, such as with the pearls. SoftFlex is thicker.

Beadalon is $3 at Hobby Lobby. SoftFlex is $14.

The last time I got wire, I got three of each. I'm honestly not going to use any more of the Beadalon. This spool has never held the crimp, breaks easily, and is generally not worth the money I paid for it. It's turning out to actually be more expensive in the long run.

I'll stick with the SoftFlex. And Acculon, when I can find it."


It's always great to get tips from people using various products and giving feedback.
I can't say I've seen either brand here in Australia, but hopefully this will be of value to some USA readers.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

I've gone crazy!

Hello everyone!
Okay, well not COMPLETELY crazy, but I was wandering around the internet looking for stuff on beading - and... well.... I've just added half a dozen articles to this blog!
So I hope you find something of interest there, I know I've had a great time finding it all.
Happy beading!
Felicity 8-)

Beading for Fun and Profit: Bracelet Beading Birthday Parties

By Rena Klingenberg

A birthday bracelet beading party for girls age 5 and up is guaranteed to be a big hit. Most girls are thrilled with the opportunity to make jewelry, and parents appreciate that you're providing both the party favors (the bracelets the girls make to take home) and the party activity (making the bracelets).

I discovered this profitable home beading party niche by accident a few years ago when I was asked if I could do a jewelry make-and-take craft at a 9-year-old girl's birthday party. The girl's mom and I decided on gemstone bead bracelets because necklaces would be too expensive, and not everyone has pierced ears for earrings.

So I came to the birthday party with my bead boxes, bead boards for everyone, a tape measure, accuflex beading wire, little sterling silver toggle clasps, velvet pouches for everyone, and a couple of example bracelets.

I couldn't believe what a huge hit it was! The girls absolutely devoured the project and were thrilled to have real pearls and gemstones on their bracelets.

Now I get calls regularly asking me to come do a bracelet birthday bead party for another girl, and every time I do one, more parties get scheduled from it because the girls enjoy it so much.

Bracelet birthday parties are very easy to do, and they can also earn you a nice profit. I charge $15 per girl for parties of 9 or fewer girls, and $14 per girl for parties of 10 or more. I include a small velvet pouch for each girl to store her bracelet in.

I bring bead boxes that are organized by bead color - and as you might guess, pink and purple are DEFINITELY the most popular beads every time! Fortunately, rose quartz is very inexpensive! :o) Blue beads are the next most popular color. My birthday party beads all cost me $6 or less per 16" strand, and my average profit is around $10 to $12 per girl.

It usually takes me about an hour to get things ready to go to the birthday beading party, drive there, and set up; about another hour to do the bracelet activity with the girls; and another hour to put everything away, chat, eat a piece of birthday cake, give out bracelet birthday party flyers and business cards, and then drive home. So for 3 hours total, I usually net anywhere from $70 to $200 and have a lot of fun with the girls.

Birthday party activities are a very hot market niche, I've discovered, and I recommend trying it out if it sounds at all interesting to you. For successful birthday bracelet beading parties, the keys are to:

• enjoy kids,
  
  
  

• have a sense of fun,
  
  
  

• bring a lot of pink and purple beads (along with other colors), and
  
  
  

• wear comfortable clothes because you'll be sitting on the floor.
  
  
  

While I'm helping the girls make their bracelets at the party, they always want to know how I got into making jewelry. So I tell them about how doing something I love turned me into an entrepreneur, that I build my own websites, and that I invent my own job for myself every day by following opportunities that come up and thinking creatively about things. I can tell they're inspired by that, and I'm glad to plant seeds for future entrepreneurs!

To reach the bracelet beading party niche, I recommend making a nice flyer with a few enticing bracelet photos, a photo of a selection of beads, a brief party description, and your contact info.

Include a flyer for each birthday party guest to take home (most of the girls who are guests at one of my birthday beading parties want to have their own parties). Also inquire at your local elementary schools about including one of your flyers in students' weekly take-home folders. Many schools are happy to do this if you provide the flyer copies.

Other likely places to distribute birthday bracelet beading party flyers (with permission) include ballet / dance / gymnastics studios where girls take lessons; soccer / softball games; craft stores; and pottery painting stores.

About The Author

Rena Klingenberg is a jewelry artist and the publisher of http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com, a collection of thousands of tips on marketing handcrafted jewelry. She also publishes http://www.trade-show-booth-display.com, tips for trade show success on a small budget.

rena@home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

I can see me holding one of these parties for my own little princess before too much longer. Santa is bringing her a magnetic beading set for Christmas, so I've already started getting her addicted!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Making Beaded Jewelry Is Easy to Do

By Sam Serio

Making beaded jewelry is an inexpensive and fun hobby that nearly anyone can do. The materials needed are readily accessible and cost very little money. Aside from the requisite thread, needle and the beads, there are also some other materials that the hobbyist can use in making beaded jewelry. Hobbyists can also experiment with various beading techniques to make interesting and unique creations.

There are several techniques involved in making beaded jewelry. Stringing is one, and wire-working with beads is another. Various types of string are available: cords, plastic, twine. Additionally, silk and nylon threads can also be utilized in making beaded jewelry. Using hemp fiber in beaded jewelry making is a nice touch – it makes for an unusual product and would also be a great topic for conversation. Wire of various thicknesses is another popular option. Additionally, wire is used to make beaded jewelry items such as necklaces, hairpins and earrings, and to attach clasps.

Beads for jewelry come in all shapes and forms as well. In spite of beaded jewelry’s reputation for being inexpensive, a person can also use precious gemstones like pearls and precious metals, such as gold and silver, to make beaded dress accessories. For beginners, however, less costly materials are widely available for making beaded jewelry: glass, crystal, coral, to name a few. Whatever materials the artist uses, he or she is easily able to customize the type of beaded jewelry to be worn personally, given as a gift, or sold to beaded jewelry enthusiasts.

To enhance the overall visual effect of the beads, a number of knotting and stitching techniques are recommended. There are simple knots and stitches for beginners, and with practice, they will be able to progress to the more complicated and fancier methods used in making beaded jewelry. It’s interesting to note that knots have mystical connotations in some cultures. For some East Indians, knots can be used to curse a person. In Gypsy lore, it is important to untie knots in the clothing of a woman in childbirth. And the expression ‘tying the knot’ derives from the ancient Romans, when the groom would untie the knots of his bride’s girdle before consummating the marriage. In which case, it should be ‘untying the knot.’

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Beaded Medical Alert Bracelets

By Richard Romando

If medical bracelet shoppers are looking for a stylish, fashionable medical alert bracelet, they may want to get away from traditional metals and go with beads. Owning a beaded medical alert bracelet is not only nice to wear, but can save your life in the event of a medical emergency. These bracelets, stylish as they are, are imperative for anyone with a medical condition to relay their personal medical information in the event that they cannot do so.

There are many websites on the Internet to help you find a beaded medical alert bracelet that suits you best. From nonprofit organizations that make beaded medical alert bracelets specifically for children to jewelers who make gemstone bracelets that look elegant, there are all sorts of beaded bracelets to suit personal needs and tastes. There are all sorts of beads to choose from in order to make a beaded medical alert bracelet look attractive.

From lamp-work beads and sapphire crystals to turquoise and coral, there are many materials and colors to choose from. Buying a beaded medical alert bracelet is ideal for anyone who wants to remain trendy and colorful, yet still keep authorities informed of their medical condition in the case of a medical emergency. Beaded medical alert bracelets bring a new style to the ever-growing number of designs. They bring an element of color to the medical alert bracelet industry, and offer a creative solution for those who want to discretely wear a bracelet, yet maintain style.

These bracelets are imperative for anyone with a medical condition from diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease to lymphedema and allergies. They not only give live-saving information on behalf of the person wearing it when they cannot speak for themselves; they act proactively to prevent any medical mishaps. Beads provide a classic look that never goes out of style, and can be worn by men, women and children.

Medical Alert Bracelets Info provides comprehensive information about gold, beaded, designer, lyphedema, diabetic, child, senior, and free medical alert bracelets. Medical Alert Bracelets Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

What a great idea!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beads – Size Matters

By Felicity Walker

Picking out beads is one of the most enjoyable parts of making your own jewelry. There are so many color combinations, complementary beads, beautiful handcrafted beads and unique beads; it’s easy to get lost in the process of looking at beads.

As easy as it to get lost playing with beads, there are a few facts that are helpful to know about beads. When you are armed with a little knowledge about beads, you’ll have an easier time reading instructions or have a conversation about beads with a sales person. So let’s look at one of the basics of beads – their size.

One of the best things about beads is that they are consistent in sizing. Not all the beads are the same size, but most use the same method of sizing. Most beads are measured using the metric system; they are sized in millimeters.

For Americans who have desperately been trying to avoid converting to the metric system, this may seem a little intimidating. But before you know it, you’ll be thinking in millimeters.

Most bead stores lay out their bead inventory in small individual compartments. Usually, the compartments are labeled with the size of the beads and the type of beads. For instance, you’ll see a compartment labeled “4 mm blue agate”.

· Small round beads are sized generally from 2mm to 10mm. These beads increase per millimeter size – 2, 3, 4mm, etc.

· Medium to large round beads begin in sizes 12mm to 32mm. Generally, at this size, the beads range in even sizes 12mm, 14mm, 16mm.
Another popular bead shape is oval beads. These beads are measured by their length and width. So, oval beads range from 8mm x 6mm, 10mm x 8mm, up to 40mm x 30mm.

Generally when beads are extremely large, they are referred to as cabochon. A cabochon is a large stone or glass bead. These beads can be a beautiful centerpiece to a necklace or bracelet. Many jewelry designers opt to use cabochons as a setting for wire wrapping, for beading around the cabochon with seed beads, or the cabochons are used in a bezel setting (a metal setting that holds the stone and has a bale attached – a fixture at the top of the setting that makes it easy to use in stringing).

Most of the time, the cabochon is an oval cut, but there are some beautiful glass and stone cabochons that are other shapes. In the case of an oval cabochon, the front of the cabochon is rounded, while the back is flat.

There are far more shapes of beads than merely round or oval, but these are certainly the most common. Now that you have an understanding of how a bead’s sizing is described, you can have more confidence mixing and matching different colours and styles of beads.

The author recently released “The Ultimate Bead Lover’s Guide”. To find out more, check out The Ultimate Bead Lover’s Guide for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Beaded Lanyards: Quasi Jewelry

By Seth Miller

The typical lanyard is a length of basic rope, wire, or cloth that is designed to secure a small object. They are often purchased in large quantities and are fairly inexpensive. Many employees wear lanyards around their neck to secure identification badges while on the job.

Beaded lanyards can be as basic as an inexpensive metallic, beaded chain. They can be ordered through most typical lanyard suppliers and feature a variety of hardware attachments to secure small objects. These lanyards are often in several different lengths and an array of colors.

Other beaded lanyards are quite unique and are referred to by some as jewelry. They are designed by skilled artisans and can be extremely expensive depending upon the type of materials used. The cost of a beaded lanyard depends on the type of beads and wire used in its design. Beaded lanyard patterns may consist of colorful patterns of seed beads, glass beads, crystals, or even gemstones.

The most popular beaded lanyards are used to secure eyeglasses or sunglasses around the neck. They attach to the temples of the glasses, allowing them to hang around the neck when not in use. These exquisite neck lanyards are often referred to as eyeglass necklaces or eyeglass holders. They are a fashionable way to keep track of an item that can be easily misplaced or damaged. Beaded lanyards allow the wearer the freedom to easily put on and remove glasses frequently throughout the day.

Many bead artisans also offer jewelry pieces to coordinate with beaded lanyards. The beaded lanyard patterns are often duplicated in a bracelet, anklet, or pair of earrings.

One drawback of the beaded lanyard is that they are often fragile. They may look elegant but also may not have the durability of a nylon or cotton lanyard when worn frequently.

Lanyards Info provides information on printed, custom, beaded, badge, neck, key lanyards, and cell phone accessories and jewelry. Lanyards Info is the sister site of Lapel Pins Web.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Wholesale Beads: How To Find The Best Wholesale Bead Deals For EBay

By Donny Lowy

Wholesale beads offers resellers high profit margins along with high volume sales, when done right.

Resellers, whether flea market vendors, eBay sellers, or dollar stores, will be faced with competition from online and offline retailers who can buy wholesale beads at a lower price.

To outmaneuver this competition in the wholesale beads business, resellers need to have a strategic plan in place.

Part one of their plan deals with finding the best sources for wholesale beads at the lowest possible prices.

For this reason I would recommend resellers to stay away from drop shippers when looking for wholesale beads.

Since the drop shipper is set up to offer his products to thousands of other resellers, you will not be able to compete based on price. All the resellers are paying the same price to the wholesale beads drop shipper, so how can your prices be lower?

When looking to buy wholesale beads you want to get as close to the source as possible.

Since you will not be able to buy brand name wholesale beads for a lower price than major retailers can, you will want to look for lesser known wholesale bead sellers.

For instance, ABC Beads might not have the name recognition that Party Shop enjoys, but you can show customers that the quality is the same, and as long as your prices are lower some customers should buy the wholesale beads manufactured by ABC Beads.

When you contact these companies looking for wholesale beads ask them for their overstock, overrun, and closeout deals. You would be surprised at the wholesale bead deals you can find from small manufacturers that are looking to move merchandise out.

You can find great wholesale bead deals but it will take some solid leg work.

Donny Lowy is the CEO of http://www.closeoutexplosion.com, an online wholesale and closeout business, and http://www.wholesalecloseoutforum.com, an educational site for the wholesale and closeout business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Thought this might be useful.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Christmas Ornaments - Make Your Own with Beads and Pipe Cleaners

Christmas Ornaments - Make Your Own with Beads and Pipe Cleaners
By Brigitte Smith

Christmas ornaments made from ordinary pipe cleaners and inexpensive acrylic beads are very pretty and easy to make. They look quite impressive yet are easy enough for small children to make. This is one Christmas craft idea to use again and again. Older people will enjoy making this Christmas craft, too, which can be varied to make a number of different sparkling ornaments for your Christmas tree.

To make the bead and pipe cleaner ornaments, you need common pipe cleaners in desired colors and acrylic beads. Two types of beads are particularly effective when strung on pipe cleaners. One type are called sunburst beads, but are also known as paddlewheel beads, snowflake beads, or starburst beads. These beads have six faceted paddles spaced equally around a center that contains the hole for stringing. When several of these sunburst beads are strung consecutively, they fit against each other in an interlocking pattern.

The other type of bead that is also effective for this Christmas craft is called the tri bead or propeller bead. It has three rounded bumps arranged around the stringing hole. Like the sunburst beads, the tri beads interlock when strung consecutively. For the most sparkly and attractive Christmas ornaments, get tri beads and/or sunburst beads in translucent colors of red, green, and clear. The tri beads can also be found in metallic gold and silver which can be used in this Christmas craft as well.

Pipe cleaners can be found in silver and gold tinsel as well as chenille of all colors. For the Christmas craft, the best colors to use are the metallics and Christmas colors. The beads cover the pipe cleaners, but the ends will need to be twisted together and made into hangers, so they show.

Anyone, even small children, can string these beads on pipe cleaners. Bend up the end of the pipe cleaner so the beads don't fall off. The pipe cleaner works like a needle, making a needle unnecessary. For best results, show the children how to alternate colors when stringing, or start a pattern of three colors. When the beads are strung on the pipe cleaners, they can be bent into different Christmas shapes. For instance, string red and clear beads alternately, then bend down one end of the pipe cleaner for a candy cane shape. Or alternate red and green beads and form a circle for a wreath. Use red pipe cleaner to form a small bow to decorate the wreath. Form a hanger for the Christmas craft or simply slip the circle over a branch of the tree.

If you experiment with clear beads and silver pipe cleaners, you can make some beautiful snowflake or star ornaments. Snowflake designs can be twisted of silver pipe cleaner only, without the beads for a simple but pretty decoration.

Bead and pipe cleaner ornaments are a Christmas craft you will find yourself using every year. Children and their parents will both appreciate this simple yet pretty Christmas craft.

Find out more about Christmas ornaments, Christmas gift ideas and more at Christmas Craft Ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Yet another creative use of beads!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Cat's Craftyncer Corner: Candles

Cat's Craftyncer Corner: Candles: "One of the things I made today were these candles.
It was really easy. The brown one is a Fleischmann's Yeast jar, I used glue and made the dots around the jar and let that dry. Then I put on etching cream and let that sit for about five minutes. I washed off the cream and glue, put beading wire around it and a decorative bead.

The other jar was Hormel dried beef (oh my SIL has the best dip recipe using that, cream cheese and other things YUM, maybe she'll make it when I'm up there). I cut out star shapes; big and small, glued them onto the jar and then put the etching cream on. When everything dried I spray painted the inside, used beading wire and decorated beads.

I have a honey jar that is in the shape of a beehive. If I can find yellow paint and etch the jar with little bees or a bear and then I have a little bee and hive in wood I could glue on. Hmmm that sounds like a plan."


These are a really different way of using beads - they'd make great gifts!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Lakien: Lakiens Creations

Lakien: Lakiens Creations: "Beading is a passion of mine and here is a few examples of what I have completed.

If there is anything here that you like and you wish to purchase just email me"


Take a look - whether for inspiration, or to buy something!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

It Goes in the Crack!: Bookthongs -- Just What are They Anyway?

It Goes in the Crack!: Bookthongs -- Just What are They Anyway?: "Bookthongs are nifty little bookmarks made with beads and waxed linen beading cord. I stumbled upon these quite by accident. A dear friend of mine, Silhouette author Linda Conrad, sent me one as a gift.

After careful perusal, I came to one conclusion: I could do this!"


This is a great story of someone discovering a talent for beading & how to make something from that talent, and has great photos too. These are SOOO cute!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Marg's Mumbles - Been Busy

Marg's Mumbles - Been Busy: "Have put up some new bits of jewellery in the site - just to prove that I have been busy in my spare time."

It's worth taking a look at the jewellery on Marg's site, it's gorgeous! I particularly like the blue-green memory wire bracelet.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

A Tale of Two Herringbones

A Tale of Two Herringbones: "The herringbone or Ndebele stitch has been my beadwork bete noire. Ever since taking a class from June Huber at CATS several years ago and walking out in frustration, I've struggled to master this stitch - flat and tubular. No more. As of last night, I have mastered herringbone in both variations!

Over the weekend, while at BeadFest, I took a Flat Herringbone Bracelet class from Alice Korach. With her expert tutelage and clear instructions I managed to get this stitch in less that 10 minutes and nearly finished it during the class period. (Actually finished at lunch on Monday - photo will be posted later.)

Allow me to digress for a moment and encourage anyone with an interest in beading to take a class from Alice if given the opportunity. She's one of the most delightful instructors I've encountered over the years, not just in the beading community, but in all crafts I've dabbled with. She told me she's looking to doing more teaching and should be back on the east coast a bit more in 2006. Yea! I will be looking to see what she's teaching and if it interests me, you know I'll be enrolling."


It's always great to see someone successfully moving on in their beading.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Right-Angle Weave Texture Bracelet by Jennifer Reinwald

This is a really attractive bracelet design, click through and take a look. Jennifer has included all the instructions on how to make it, too, which is extremely generous of her! http://home.ripway.com/2005-7/368514/Rightanglebrace.pdf
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

No Easy Beads: Asymmetrical

"My thistle is almost finished and I couldn't wait until I had the leaves done to scan it. I used a felted bead for the center and a felted stem. The pattern for the thistle is from Diane Fitzgerald's The Beaded Garden. The bead in the picture is felted with bead netting on it."


These are really interesting, I've never seen beads used this way before.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

feRn's GullY: Earrings: Rosy Surprise

feRn's GullY: Earrings: Rosy Surprise: "From running away whenever I take out my beading tools, my mum asked if I can make a pair of dangling earrings for my auntie! "

Hmm could be another beading addict in the making...
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Beads – A Brief History by Felicity Walker

What do you think the earliest recorded use of beads is – is your first thought perhaps beadwork created by the Egyptians? Yes, there certainly were a lot of beaded items in Egyptian times, but beadwork has been found dating back to the Stone Age (the Upper Paleolithic period). Beads were added to rudimentary clothing; these beads were made of shells and ivory. Of course, the beads weren’t as finely crafted as later beads, but still, they were beads. So even in caveman times, men and women were interested in improving their clothing and appearance with the use of beads.

The beads that we tend to think of as traditional beadwork are called seed beads – because of their small size they resemble seeds. These beads were used in early beadwork – the work of the Egyptians.

The Egyptians used a type of bead called faience beads. Our seed beads today are made of glass, but Egyptians were using beads long before the invention of glass. Their faience beads were made from quartz particles fused together. A glaze was applied over the quartz. The beads were then woven or strung into a variety of jewelry and clothing.

Beaded necklaces were found in the tomb of King Tut. Other beaded items in his tomb were a pair of slippers he perhaps wore as a child and a hassock. It’s unusual for ancient beadwork to survive since it was strung on cords made from leather and cloth, which tend to disintegrate with age. We are fortunate to have these few examples to give us a perspective on the history of Egyptian beading.

Some religious texts from India refer to beads being woven into hair and into horse’s tails. These references were recorded around the 9th century BC. And beads were also widely used throughout Asia in ancient times. There were beaded items found in temples in Japan that date back to 800 A.D.

Early beads were fashioned from shells, ivory and stone. Early Egyptians valued the beads according to the stone that was used to create the beads. Different stones were thought to have different properties.

Lapis Lazuli, a beautiful blue stone, was believed to protect the wearer’s health. This stone was often fashioned into beads, as were carnelian, feldspar, amethyst, turquoise and jasper – many of the same stones we use today.

Glass was introduced as a component of beads around 1480, when Venice began drawing glass tubes and turning them into beads. Once the technology for pulling glass tubes was invented, it was easy to suddenly produce thousands of beads, all uniform in size, color and shape.

Modern jewelry and beading certainly benefits from the advances made in the production of beads, but there’s no doubt that even today, an individually handcrafted bead can be the star attraction of any beading piece.

The author recently released “The Ultimate Bead Lover’s Guide”. To find out more, check out http://www.beading.learnheaps.com for more information.

CraftiBlog � crochet beaded leather scrunchie

CraftiBlog � crochet beaded leather scrunchie: "I raided my old beading stash and found some leather cord that screamed to be crocheted into something. I added some cheap silver beads and made it the first scrunchie I�ve actually made for myself and would wear! lol"


For those of you who are crocheters as well, this is a great idea - and there's a pattern there too!
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Felicity 8-)

Felted bead bracelet

"Ever since my trip to Morehouse Farm yarn store, I can’t stop thinking about little felted balls. I mentioned the idea of trying to make a felted bead bracelet for her friend. She was excited about it so we picked up some colorful wool at A Child’s Garden after school. An hour later Ella, Liam and I were circled around a tub of hot soapy water felting away. After felting, I put the beads in the dryer and then strung them on some stretchy beading cord. That’s it. It was a simple and fun project to do with kids and I’m sure we’ll be making more of these."


These are so cute - my daughter saw the pictures, and now she wants one too!
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Felicity 8-)

Sorry for the break...

Hi everyone!
Sorry there's been a bit of a gap in posts for this blog - I guess technology affects us all sometimes! But with a new hard drive and everything running smoothly, things should get back to normal now.
Fingers crossed....
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

Artist on display

:: The News-Courier :: Athens, AL: "Artist's beadwork to be displayed here
By Charlotte Fulton, charlotte@athensnews-courier.com

Though Julia Harper began beading just six years ago, she's so enamored of the intricate craft that her 'stash' has grown to include thousands of beads in every shade and hue imaginable.

The Huntsville woman says she never goes out without wearing one of her beaded necklaces - and usually a bracelet as well.
Harper will be at the Beasley Center in Athens from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Monday, at the invitation of the Southern Stitchers Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America. The public is invited to meet her and see the beaded items which Harper has spent hundreds of hours crafting."


Sounds interesting! I particularly liked the description of her bead "stash".
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Felicity 8-)

Wild Wire Product Review - Crafts for Kids

Wild Wire Product Review - Crafts for Kids: "Wire jewelry and wire creations are a great way to introduce
crafting to kids. They can make necklaces, rings, flowers, animals, insects, creatures and sculptures � whatever they can imagine!

To make wire crafts you need at least 4 things; colored wire, wire cutters, round-nosed pliers and a pair of flat/chain-nose pliers. The materials are available in most craft stores and can be purchased inexpensively. Beyond that, there are all sorts of fancy tools available to help make shaping the wire easier."

This article mentions some great resources for introducing wire crafts and beading to kids.
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Felicity 8-)

Atlanta�s Bead Extravaganza, Promoted by The Down The Street Bead Show, Coming to Duluth, Georgia, Gwinnett Center September 23, 24, 25

Atlanta�s Bead Extravaganza, Promoted by The Down The Street Bead Show, Coming to Duluth, Georgia, Gwinnett Center September 23, 24, 25: "Atlanta�s Bead Extravaganza, promoted by The Down the Street Bead Show, is coming to the Duluth, Georgia, Gwinnett Center September 23rd, 24th, and 25th.

Atlanta�s Bead Extravaganza will prove to be a fun and exciting event for all who love beads and jewelry.

All will be amazed at what some bead makers and designers are doing in glass, seed beads, metal, polymer clay, and many other mediums. The beading business is hot right now and is spawning a very large new interest in jewelry design. The bead business alone has grown to a $1 billion-plus industry nationally.

Many beaders, jewelry designers, and glass bead makers are moving towards adding metals including PMC, Precious Metal Clay, and other mediums to their bead and jewelry designs. At this time, the jewelry design business is in a major renaissance and is at the most exciting time that it has ever been. "

Great news for anyone near Atlanta!
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Felicity 8-)

Beading - so many possibilities

The Network of If: Beading - so many possibilities: "One of my favorite styles of necklaces to make is a really long strand of seed beads interspersed with a contrasting, larger bead. I saw Ashley Judd in an interview once and whatever the necklace she was wearing stuck with me. I don't know the materials, or even if it was made of a string of beads. But it looked like it was a long strand wrapped twice or thrice. And so I've been making my own variations ever since. This week I've made a few, and also these 'everything' necklaces. Actually had a couple of commissions when someone saw one I was wearing. There's absolutely no pattern and I love how you can wear these with lots of things.

The two on the right, that is. All of these are glass beads and since they include any kind of bead I like, you really can wear them for an occasion or just with jeans and a teeshirt. I've worn - and seen - them worn each way. Obviously the first two are more appropriate when matched with complementary colors. But the nicely versatile quality they possess is that you can wear them long or wrapped multiple times for a shorter outcome. "

I love the amazing mix of colours.
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Felicity 8-)

MVTimes Online - The Martha's Vineyard Times: Island News Now

MVTimes Online - The Martha's Vineyard Times: Island News Now: "�We should have a store like this in our town.�

Sally Roesler of Vineyard Haven, the owner and operator of Beadniks, has overheard this phase within the walls of her beading and craft business enough times to expand once again. This time to a franchise.

An investor may now bring the Vineyard Haven-based storefront into a town of his or her own � provided they receive the approval of Beadniks Group Inc. and pay a franchise fee of $35,000, included in the overall estimated start-up cost of $244,667 to $419,183.

Franchising was the next logical step to Ms. Roesler, whose business began as a one-room store and mail order catalog, The Bead Goes On, in 1989. Since then, Beadniks has expanded into a crafting compound with offices, warehouse, and expansive showroom that swallowed a neighboring building. "


Maybe we should all think bigger....
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Felicity 8-)

beading interrupted

beading interrupted: "My little Sajji man thought the perfect way to get my attention was to lay down on the beads. Now he is blissfully taking a nap and my work is apparently done for the day...or at least he says it is."

What a gorgeous photo! Guess who rules this household....
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Felicity 8-)

Unusual earrings....

a tale of two knitties: i wish i could crochet: "
i wish i'd made these
check out these crocheted, beaded earrings i got at anthropologie"

What an unusual use of beading!
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Felicity 8-)

Some different beads...

Lori Anderson Designs: Bead Mercantile: "But by far the best thing was a set of porcelain beads by Joan Miller -- for ME! I met her at the Bead and Button show in Milwaukee -- very nice lady who I actually met on the plane on the way over because I admired her necklace. At Bead and Button, I bought one of her beads for someone as a gift but ran out of money before I could buy something for myself. I'd already purchased some very cool, unusual (and expensive, yikes) 'jacks' silver beads from her, and these beads will go with the silver....

I love how eclectic they are! And these are so not my colors -- well, the purple is, but I was looking for a set that was a total mix of colors and patterns and textures. "

These are gorgeous - I've never seen beads like these before.
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Felicity 8-)

FluffyKnitterDeb: By special request, Beading Made Easy!

FluffyKnitterDeb: By special request, Beading Made Easy!: "As promised, here's the scoop on beaded knitting, crochet style. I much prefer this method because it saves me from having to string hundreds of beads onto my yarn, a pretty onerous task if ya ask me! Plus it saves wear and tear on the yarn since you don't have to slide all those beads along the length of the yarn as you do with the knitted on method. Lastly, I feel this method 'seats' the bead on the knitting better because you place the bead over BOTH legs of the stitch, unlike the knitted on method where sometimes the beads slip to the purl/private side and are difficult to see in the knitted fabric. So let's begin...."

If you are interested in learning how to add beads to your knitting, then I recommend you click on the link to read this lady's blog, it's a fabulous explanation. I've included a photo of some beaded knitting she's done as a sample.
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Felicity 8-)

More on beaded bookmarks....

EZ Crafts - BLOGestates.com - FREE BLOGs for the PLANET: "Beaded Bookmarks
Materials
17 inches of 3/8 inch wide double-faced satin ribbon for each bookmark
Scissors
Beads with large openings

To Make A Fringed Bookmark You Will Need:

Beading needle
2 silver beads
Silver seed beads
White beading thread
Silver-lined, large rocaille beads

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Tie a knot 1-inch from the end of the ribbon. Slide bead (or beads) from the opposite end of the ribbon up to the knot. Tie a knot on the other side of the bead(s) to hold in place.

2. For the other end of the bookmark, measure 10 inches from the inside knot and tie another knot. Put on the bead(s) and slide up to the knot. Tie another knot against the last bead.

3. Trim the ribbon ends.
Concept from Sierra Pacific Crafts

Hints
1. To personalize a bookmark, write a name on the ribbon using a permanent marker.
2. Make both beaded ends the same and use your ribbon as a gift tie to cinch up a surprise sack.
3. Use alphabet beads to spell a name or word. Wisdom, Love, Friends etc.
4. Make a fringe with seed beads and mirrored beads and sew to each end of the ribbon.
5. Use school colors for quick 'n easy fund raiser projects.
6. Make up a batch of these and award them to friends for Thank You gifts."


I thought these instructions might be useful!
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Felicity 8-)

tinkerhell gets buff: Chill day

tinkerhell gets buff: Chill day: "Kristin, MIL and I have been doing some beading (I have an embarrassingly disorganized collection of beads of various types and sizes) and that's actually been quite a bonding experience. MIL designs Nepali jewelry and she brought along some beautiful stones (plus some awesome jewelry for me -- emerald drop earings and a lovely matching necklace). Fingers x'd it continues to go well!"

Getting along with your mother-in-law is always a good thing. Hooray for beading!
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)

New Pearl Earrings - The Jewelry and Beading Blog

New Pearl Earrings - The Jewelry and Beading Blog: "I've made a few pair of threader earrings for her daughter who works at the court house, and now "mom" decided she needs a pair too. The pearls are round freshwater, very nice quality, about 8mm. I got them from the last wholesale show I went to. I strung them on 24-gauge soft gold-filled round wire, and included a gold-filled corrugated bead on top. I used the wrapped loop technique to attach the beads to the threader component."

I love these - so simple and yet so elegant.
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Felicity 8-)

Clean Sweep Jewelry Studio - The Jewelry and Beading Blog

Clean Sweep Jewelry Studio - The Jewelry and Beading Blog: "Here it is...the top of my jewelry making desk! This is where I make most of my jewelry in what I call my corner studio. After Rocky and Jasper went ballistic, I had to put everything away. Of course, now the challenge is to get back to work. It looks so nice and clean. I can't remember when I've seen the top of the desk like that before. "

This is just plain scary.... hehehehe!
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Felicity 8-)

Jewel Mine - Semi-precious Stone Pebble in Wire Wrap

Jewel Mine - Semi-precious Stone Pebble in Wire Wrap: "I have a batch of semi-precious stone pebbles, rose quartz and cintrine, all without a hole to string through, rough cut but smooth surface.
Bought it during a cryatal shop closing down sales, quite a good bargain, so without second thought I just bought a bag (about 20 pieces in one bag).
After brought it home I seriously have no idea what to do with it, it didn't come with a drilled hole, smooth surface, not a single cut on the surface for the wire to hold.
Since I don't do soldering, the only way I can think about to hold the beads is wire wrapping."

The original blog entry has a great photo too! Very pretty.
Keep smiling
Felicity 8-)