Inspirational Beading

Long Dangle and Duster Earring Tutorials

2012-02-24T08:11:00.003-08:00

Many Inspirational Beading readers know that I avoid making earrings because they require metal components, and I’m a strictly non-metal beader. Today I’m going to confess a little secret - even if I could make and wear earrings, I wouldn’t. For some reason, no matter what size or shape, they look completely ridiculous on me. And since I’ve never made a habit of wearing earrings, I wouldn’t trust myself to design them for others. I wouldn’t even know where to begin.

Even though I’m not fond of this classic jewelry niche as part of my own wardrobe, I do love the look of some earrings - especially the long, fringed, shoulder-duster type. The popularity of feather accessories and boho jewelry means that big, bold and dangly earrings are a trend favorite. Purely for the fun of it, I went on the hunt for some beautiful long earring tutorials, and found some fabulous projects! Many of these projects come in at around 3 inches, but could easily be adapted for even longer earrings by using longer chains, or adding more beads.

Circle Gets the Square Statement Earrings
By Artbeads.com

Billie Monster’s Tassel Earrings
From How Joyful

Sugar and Spice Earrings
By Fusionbeads.com

Leather Tassel Earring Tutorial
By Black & White and Loved All Over

Fabric Chandelier Earrings
By Holland Cox

Confetti Earrings Tutorial
By Fusionbeads.com

Multistrand Alberta Ferretti Inspired Earrings
By Fashion Thrill

Chocolate Rain Earrings
By Auntie’s Beads

Cascading Peacock Hoop Earrings
From ABeadStore.com

Midnight Orb Earrings
By Beadaholique

Recycled Chain Earrings Tutorial
From Artbeads.com

Peaceful Waters Earring Project
By Fusionbeads.com

Once again, there were just too many gorgeous projects to choose from at Fusionbeads.com. Check out the earring sections of their inspiration center for more fun ideas. If you know of a fantastic dangly earring tutorial, leave us a link in the comments!

Do you like to wear or make super long earrings? What’s your favorite material?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Stripes, Cubes and Cuffs

2012-02-23T08:42:00.002-08:00

As I move through the ‘old’ beads that I’ve selected for this year’s destash challenge, I find I’m a little embarrassed about the length of time some of these beads have spent hiding in my stash. They’ve just always been there, and it never occurred to me that they might be taking up space, until I actually considered how long ago it was that I purchased them.

One of the most troublesome examples is a handful of 1.5 mm cube bead packets. I purchased two or three each in white, turquoise and blue during one of my very first online shopping trips. It was a dollar sale, and I thought these tiny cubes looked so interesting that I snapped up a bunch at random. Apart from a few white cubes that ended up in a bead soup, I’ve never even used these cubes for a serious project. I experimented a little with square stitch, and then forgot all about them.

So far each project I’ve tackled with the my forgotten beads has been unexpectedly exciting, and this time was no different. I started with the turquoise cubes, and had so much fun with the first project, that I kept going and made two more similar pieces with white and blue.

Because very few of the little cubes have clean edges, I’ve always been wary of weaving with them - I’ve been terrified of broken threads ever since trying to weave with cheap bugles. So I considered what techniques would look good with the cubes and fit into my current style, as well as provide secure beadwork. Herringbone weave seemed like a good solution, because each pair of cube beads would get multiple thread passes naturally, and leaving extra long tail threads would allow for some extra reinforcement at the end.

I paired the turquoise cubes with black and dark beige, and worked out a simple repeating pattern of stripes. It turned out so well, that I did the same again with white, altering the pattern a little, and making a narrower band, since there were fewer white cubes to work with. At last, it was time to use the blue cubes, and I paired them with chartreuse and peridot green, plus a very dark shade of transparent rootbeer.

Even though the cuffs are essentially the same, the different color combinations make them very separate from each other. I can’t decide which one I like best!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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Poster Sketch: Zebra Stripes

2012-02-22T16:16:00.000-08:00

Last week’s giveaway had a great turnout, and some fantastic comments! With a little help from Random.org, we have a winner for a fun set of leopard print and lapis blue beads. Congratulations to Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs, and thank you so much to everyone who entered.

For this giveaway, I asked what your favorite animals prints are. There were some very fun and a few unique responses. Although big cats like leopard and tiger were the most popular, there were also a few mentions of Dalmatian spots, peacock feathers, giraffes and even the humble cow! Catherine picked zebra stripes - always a favorite.

The organic shapes and patterns of simple zebra stripes look gorgeous on their own, but also pair up well with other colors - especially neons. Here are a few fun zebra picks, including always lovely zebra shell beads.

Happy beading!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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Design Ethics for Beaders: Part Two

2012-02-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

We’re going to continue our examination of beading ethics today, with a look at online tutorials, projects and designs. But before we begin, we should address some of the excellent questions that came up in Part One.

First, it’s important to note that any discussion on ethics is purely theoretical, and there is a distinct difference between ethics and pattern copyright, or intellectual copyright. The rules of ethics vary between regions and groups, but the basic purpose is the same - to guide us. Ethics help us to know what we should do, not what we can or can’t do (legally or otherwise). If you are faced with a design or inspiration dilemma that has no definite answer, it comes down to what action you are comfortable with, in the present and in the future.

Next, what is the difference between technique and design? Peyote stitch, herringbone weave, wrapped loops, macramé knots - we know these are all examples of techniques. It is the combinations and applications of techniques in a finished piece that make a design unique. A technique can be used very simply, but in a variety of ways, or made complex and elaborate.

For instance, herringbone weave is a common way to make a cuff bracelet. There are hundreds of different ways to combine bead shapes, sizes, and colors with this simple technique. The more complex the application, the more unique the design.

Herringbone Highway Cuff by Aryd’ell Hotelling

Spur of the Moment Bracelet by Beth Stone

Sometimes, even the simplest techniques can produce a very original design. You’re probably familiar with the trendy floral necklace characterized by a strand big colorful beads connected by simple loops, and an asymmetrical focal. It’s an easy design to dissect and recreate, which is why there are hundreds of them all over the internet. But, this design (probably) came from a single person - a single designer with a great idea, who now has to compete with all of the inspired copies, many of which are nearly identical in execution and style.

Another example is the Scrabble tile pendant. Someone had to formulate, test and execute that simple but ingenious idea. It’s not clear whether or not he or she intended the technique to be free and fair game for jewelry sellers. Perhaps the creator is happy to have inspired so many crafters, but it is just as likely that they really regret not getting a patent for their idea. (Here again, we put a toe into the realm of copyrights and patents, but just for the sake of argument. There are hundreds of tutorials available for Scrabble tile pendants, which may or may not indicate that it was originally offered as a 'public domain' kind of technique.)

Part Two: Online Tutorials and Projects

Can I use techniques in my work that I’ve learned online*?

Of course! Just like in magazines and beading books, online tutorials for basic techniques are usually shared to help artists learn. Basic methods such as peyote stitch, decoupage, and crochet are available to everyone - to use and to share. There can be exceptions of course, if a designer has developed a never-before-seen technique that is very unique. One example is Keplar’s Star Weave by Gwen Fisher. In these cases, however, it is unlikely that the designer will share a free, public tutorial for the technique.

* In this discussion, we’re talking about publicly published tutorials, such as those found on blogs, craft websites, and forums.

What about complete projects?

There are many bloggers, bead shops, and webmasters that share complete tutorials for making finished projects online, for free. There are a variety of reasons for publishing these projects, including selling the materials, encouraging beaders to try new techniques, and even increasing one’s readership and SEO. Because they are free and public, anyone can follow the instructions and make the designs.

However, unless the designer or instructor indicates that the project is available for commercial use* it is meant only for learning and enjoyment. Some bloggers will indicate in the tutorial, or elsewhere on the site, that projects are for personal use only. Many don’t, for some of the same reasons that book and magazine publishers don’t include prominent disclaimers - it’s just common sense. These kinds of tutorials are intended for hobbyists, not professional crafters.

* Typically, commercial use means to sell finished pieces, offer the project for commission work, donate finished pieces, or display them for promotional purposes. Mass-producing the project is a different matter, and is almost never allowed by any designer.

What if my project is different from the original?

This is always the place where we can become unsure. If you presented two variations of the same project to a jury, each person would have a different opinion on how different they are. One of the best ways to examine how original a recreation or inspiration is, is to compare the projects side by side. Would a beading novice recognize a connection between the designs? Are any additional techniques, stitches, turns or components incorporated into the new piece? Would the original designer recognize their ideas upon seeing it?

This question is also covered in the last discussion of Design Ethics for Beaders. Many of the same questions and answers apply to books as well as online tutorials. They also cover beading patterns - like complex patterns for peyote stitch that create a distinct image.

How do you feel about online design ethics? Questions and comments about these topics are welcome!

Further Reading:

The Beadwork Ethics Quiz on Beading Daily
State of Consusion by Regretsy (Contains some profanity)

Give Credit Redux and,
Another Look at Giving Credit Where Credit is Due by Haute Ice Beadwork

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Bead Spotlight: Crystal Components

2012-02-20T12:02:00.000-08:00

Swarovski crystals are renowned for their unmatched sparkle, quality design, and amazing colors. They are a definite favorite among beaders, crafters, and even fashion designers. But when it comes to CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski components - the un-beads like rivolis and dentelles - there is an entirely different appeal.

What is it about these hole-less beads that we love so much? My theory is that they are grown up versions of those big, gaudy plastic jewels that little girls wear when playing dress up. They have the sophistication of Liz Taylor’s emeralds, and the playfulness of costume jewelry. And even though they aren’t quite as versatile as bicones or rondelles, there are many fun and beautiful ways to use them - from metallic settings and bails, to beadweaving and even crochet.

1. Montanta Sapphire Fancy Pear from SoniaZ Bijoux

2. Bermuda Blue Cosmic Square Ring from Artbeads.com

3. Crystal Antique Pink Organic Cosmic Triangle from Beadaholique.com

4. Tanzanite Crystal Baguette Stone from Fusionbeads.com

Whether it’s a big fancy oval in a bezel, or a cosmic triangle on a chain, the chunky sparkle of these fancy crystals give the impression of precious jewels, with an added flair. They have a fantastic quality to them - like dragon’s treasure or mermaid’s baubles.

Here are a few simple projects you can try using Swarovski fancy stones:

Swarovski Modular Necklace with Ribbon
How to Use DeCoRe Clay with Fancy Stones
I've Got Sunshine Necklace
Peyote Stitch Bezel Tutorial

Do you like to use crystal components in your work? What’s your favorite shape?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Bead Giveaway: Lapis Leopard

2012-02-17T08:35:00.000-08:00

I have some more fantastic beads to giveaway! After all of the time I’ve spent hoarding these baubles, it’s surprisingly liberating to send them off to new homes. This next set is actually a combination of two small collections.

First, we have some delightful round nuggets that have a spotted pattern in brown and gold, like a pretty leopard coat. They range in size from about 10 to 14 mm, and have a lovely, organic shape.

The blue beads are some of my all time favorites. Many of them ended up in my special stash because their speckled finish resembles lapis lazuli - an Egyptian favorite. There are a few acrylic cabochons in the set, as well as some cobalt and turquoise blue pieces.

How to Enter:

For a chance to win all of the beads shown, leave a comment on this post, and answer the following question:

What is your favorite animal print for beads, fashion, or décor?

One lucky winner will be drawn at random on Wednesday, February 22nd. If you don’t have a Blogger profile with email contact enabled, please be sure to leave a contact link in your comment, so I can get in touch with you if you win! This giveaway is open to readers from Canada and the US.

Good luck, and happy beading!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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Blog Spotlight: Randomcreative

2012-02-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

It’s been far too long since we’ve had any blog love for Inspirational Beading readers. I appreciate each and every comment - except for the spam - and I only wish I had more time to really explore all of the great blogs by writers and beaders that visit every month.

Today I want to share one of my favorite beading blogs - The Beadings and Buttons of Randomcreative. If you love crafts, this is one of the places you want to be every week. The author, Rose, has lots to say about jewelry, beading, buttons, sewing, paper crafts, and all kinds of handmade goodness. Her regular segments like I Heart Macro and Saturday Link List are full of inspiration from a wild and exciting variety of sources. Readers who love beading will enjoy plenty of sneak peaks of beautiful projects in progress!

Rose is a very talented designer and writer. She also creates amazing tutorial and inspiration articles like Czech Glass Dagger Beaeds: Patterns and Stunning Jewelry Inspiration. She even shares some helpful tips for taking fantastic jewelry photographs!

More fun blogs you might like:

Shadow Dog Designs

The Cheeky Kea

Wild Sally Road

My Bead World

A huge thank you to all of my fantastic readers. Happy beading!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Randomcreative
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How to Style a Geometric Necklace

2012-02-15T13:42:00.000-08:00

Whether you like to make patterned peyote cuffs, cabochon jewelry, or gemstone rings, shapes are an important part of the design process. Big, bold and chunky bead shapes can make for some stunning jewelry. Although the best way to wear these pieces is with simple garments, it can be fun to pile on the patterns.

Today’s collage started with a beautiful orange and gold statement necklace, with chunky orange resin rectangles and triangles. The simple palette makes it ideal for pairing with busy tops and dresses, and I chose two fun pieces with hints of aqua and green. Chunky three-stone rings easily add another layer of shapes to each outfit.

Geometry in Orange by mortira featuring brown jewelry

These ensembles might be a little much for street wear, but pared down to one or two bold pieces, they would certainly make a statement. The hammered triangle bracelet that ties in to both sets is a little more subtle than the hot orange shoes and geometric purses.

As always, there are lots of ways to build your own looks with handmade and vintage pieces.

Here are my favorite Polyvore sets featuring today’s picks:

DINNER by jhpond featuring pave earrings

Love in vein by ksenya featuring vintage looking dresses

Geometric Pucci by sarapires featuring clip earrings

So many colors, so little time... by salza featuring stone jewelry

What’s your favorite way to use geometry in beadwork?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
Polyvore.com and Etsy.com
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Design Ethics for Beaders: Part One

2012-02-14T13:22:00.000-08:00

We may not always realize it, but ethics are an important part of beading and jewelry design; and for every beader there comes a time to ask questions that don’t always have clear answers. These quandaries get even more complicated for those designers who use the internet to share their work, or to find inspiration. It’s not always easy to know where lines are drawn, and there are often shades of gray.

Whether you’re a brand new beader, or a seasoned designer, a little brush up on the do’s and don’ts of beading is never a bad idea. Today I’m going to cover some of the most common questions asked by beaders regarding published tutorials, and hopefully give some clear explanations for each. I can’t claim to be a definite expert in this sometimes treacherous area, and every country or region has different laws, and customs that will effect the unwritten rules. When in doubt, always do a little research, and let your conscience be your guide!

Part One: Magazines and Beading Books

Is it okay to make designs from magazine tutorials and beading books?

Absolutely! Each designer has their own motivation for sharing a design and tutorial in a publication, but the general purpose behind these beading how-to’s is to share new ideas and techniques, and encourage beaders to try new materials. They are there to help you learn, experiment, and develop your skills. They also help to sell more beads, which keeps the bead stores open and supplying us with our materials.

What can I do with designs I make from published projects?

Wear them, give them to friends, share a picture on your blog (with credit), or all of the above. Remember that the piece you make is yours, but the design is not. Unless you have permission from the designer, you can’t sell what you’ve made, donate it to a charity auction, enter it in a contest, or put its picture in your shop banner.

Many designers are open to the idea of beaders selling recreations of their designs, but you must get in touch with them and ask. Most magazines and books will include contact information for each designer, or you can contact the publisher for forwarding.

What if my project is different from the original?

This is where things get a little muddy. Even the most elaborate designs, when broken down, are made up of basic techniques and common materials. So it would seem that simply changing the bead colors or shapes, or adding an extra row of stitches would make a unique piece. In 99.9% of cases, a simple switch does not make a design unique from the tutorial. If you’re in doubt, it’s probably not different enough.

As disappointing as this can be, especially after you’ve put so much effort into making something, keep in mind that the tutorial you are using is intended to help you learn and experiment. The knowledge and experience you have gained by making the piece is more valuable than the selling price. You can take these ideas and make them your own, and the more experience you have, the easier it will be to tell the difference between inspiration and imitation.

But don’t the designers get paid for their tutorials?

Some magazines do pay a small fee to print original projects, but not always. When they do, they also have the designer sign a contract, which prohibits them from selling the tutorial or teaching it to others for a certain length of time. It’s almost impossible to get rich or even make a living selling tutorials to magazines and publishers.

As a community, beaders are very generous, and we’re lucky to have so many designers and teachers to guide and inspire us. While we are fortunate to have many free and inexpensive resources to draw from, our mentors deserve to be compensated for their time and experience, and to feel that their designs are in good hands.

What if I can figure out how to make a design without a tutorial?

Whether the artist has given instructions for a project or not, the design still belongs to them, and the same rules apply. When in doubt, consider how you would react if someone dissected one of your designs, and copied it for profit. They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but if it feels like stealing, it probably is.

What if I give credit to the designer?

We should always give credit where it is due, and when sharing a picture of your creation, or showing it off to your beading circle, dropping the designer’s and/or publication’s name is the way to go. The same goes for inspiration, if something you learned from a tutorial helped you to create a unique design of your own. However, giving the designer’s name doesn’t make it okay to sell copies of their work without permission.

How do you feel about beading ethics? I would love to hear your feedback on these topics, and your questions about these and other design dilemmas. Next time we’ll discuss online tutorials and the difference between technique and design.

Further reading:

Bead and Button Magazine Submission Guidelines
How to Write and Publish a Craft Book by Margot Potter
Ethics in Beadland by Mary J. Tafoya

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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Bead Wish List: Picasso

2012-02-13T12:44:00.000-08:00

Every beader has their favorite supplies, techniques, and colors. Often, the beads that we like the most are those that help to define our style, and what beading means to us. Although a girl who loves bicone crystals is in many ways a totally different beader than the one who loves Lucite flowers, we are all connected by our craft, and can appreciate these little quirks that separate us. Our tastes and palettes are as unique as we are.

One of my all time favorite bead finishes is Picasso, especially on faceted or cut beads. I love the earthy quality they have, the subtle elegance, and the way the colors seem more vibrant under the Picasso blush. They’re awfully rugged and rustic for something so pretty. Today I felt like doing a little window shopping, with nothing but Picasso on the list.

Hyacinth Picasso Table Cut Rectangles
From MK Supplies

Picasso Jasper Faceted Rounds
From AuntiesBeads.com

TOHO Hybrid Seed Beads in Jet Picasso
From Artbeads.com

Turquoise Picasso Fluted Firepolish
From FusionBeads.com

Aqua Picasso Chunky Ovals
From Mountain Shadow Design

Siam Ruby Firepolish Rondelles
From LimaBeads.com

Yellow Picasso Table Cut Squares
From Happy Mango Beads

Cobalt Blue Teardrop Window Beads
From Beadaholique

Old World Picasso Mix Seed Beads
From Beads-and-Babble

Dew Drop Blue Faceted Rondelles
From Bobbi’s This n That

Do you like Picasso finish beads? What’s your favorite shape and color?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Nutty Valentine Necklace

2012-02-11T08:33:00.000-08:00

Every time I start a new beading challenge, I am surprised by just how much inspiration having a goal can provide. Now that I’m looking at old beads in a new way, I have more ideas than I know what to do with. I can barely keep up or decide which project to tackle first!

For my second destash challenge design, I looked to some beads that have been very dear, even though I’ve only used them once. Way back in 2009, I purchased some heart-shaped nut pendants that were so pretty, I couldn’t wait to use them. When I finally had the time to work with them, I was eager to create, and the green lariat that I designed for them turned out fabulous. It’s still one of my all time favorite pieces.

I suppose that I was unsure how I could possibly make another design with the remaining nut beads that could top the lariat, so I’ve been ignoring them ever since. When I added them to my tray of destash beads, I was a little nervous. Would I end up making just another variation of a spiral lariat with them? Then it occurred to me that with Valentine’s Day coming up, I could use them now, and pair them with red. And there just happened to be some fantastic red beads in the to-use list.

I gathered up some Czech glass rings in frosted cherry, and the last of my red velvet Angelic crystal rondelles. To help balance the natural finish of the nut bead, I added a few parched desert wood beads, and some dark topaz seed beads. A dash of shiny jet black would bring everything together just right.

Rather than stitch my usual Y pendant all in one piece, I used one of the glass rings as an anchor for three separate chains. Because I had already selected so many accent beads, I couldn’t add any druks, so I used seed bead daisies to strengthen the beadwork instead.

I had no idea that these forgotten beads could inspire so many new approaches to a favorite design. I was happy to find that the palette looks just as good in the finished pieces as it did on the drawing board.

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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Beading Tutorial: Potawatomi Daisy Chain

2012-02-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

This week we talked a bit about beading origins, and the cultures that influence our beadwork. If you draw some of your beading roots from Native American artwork, or Bohemianism, then you’ll want to add Potawatomi weave to your repertoire. This simple yet sturdy stitch contains a pattern that can be adapted to look just like a neat little row of daisies, and once you get it started, the steps are simple to remember. To get a traditional looking daisy chain, use a basic palette of opaque seed beads, or better yet, love beads.

To get the hang of this stitch, it can help to split your perception of the pattern three ways: the daisies, with a row of ‘leaves’ between each; a repeating pattern of 2- and 3-bead rows; and the actual thread path, which is also worked in a repeating 2-3 pattern. It sounds more complicated than it actually is - all you have to do is remember the correct sequence of bead colors to make the daisy pattern come through.

You’ll need at least 3 seed bead colors - for the petals, leaves, and pollen.

To weave a Potawatomi daisy chain:

Pick up 4 petal beads, and 1 pollen bead. Leaving a tail of 6 inches or more, stitch back through the first bead again, moving towards the tail thread. Pull snug to form a cluster of beads.

Pick up 2 petal beads, and stitch down through the last petal bead picked up in the first step. Pull snug, and you should have a tiny daisy!

To continue, pick up 1 leaf, 1 petal, and 1 leaf colored bead. Stitch up through the second petal bead picked up in the previous step - the one just above the bead your thread is exiting.

Pick up 1 leaf and 1 petal bead, and stitch down through the petal bead picked up in the previous step. Pull snug after each stitch, but don’t worry if the flowers don’t look perfect right away. With each new stitch, the previous row will get stronger and more even.

Pick up 2 petal and 1 pollen bead. Stitch up through the top petal bead in the work.

Pick up 2 petal beads, and stitch down through the second petal bead from the previous step, just below the pollen bead.

You'll see that once the first flower you stitch is complete, all of the steps will repeat with 2 and 3 beads picked up in each stitch, in the following pattern:

1 leaf, 1 petal, 1 leaf
1 leaf, 1 petal
2 petal, 1 pollen
2 petals
Repeat

Although Potawatomi stitch is a little more complex than the daisy chain we learn at summer camp, the results are worth it. The chain is sturdier, and the flowers are easier to distinguish with their leafy borders. Of course, you can skip the flower pattern and make a solid or striped chain as well! And, if you have a little time before Valentine’s day, you can combine two patterned chains to make a row of tiny hearts.

Happy beading!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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Book Spotlight: The Art of Beadwork

2012-02-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

For many beaders, learning about the history of beads is just as exciting as learning to create with them. Thanks to Valerie Hector, we can do both at the same time. In The Art of Beadwork, readers are guided through a journey of beading around the world, and throughout history. Each chapter explores a different region, from Japan, to Kenya, to Peru, and everywhere in between.

An introduction to early beadwork and the progression of bead manufacturing provides a look at the scope of this great art form, including rarely seen photographs of Ancient Egyptian beadwork done in peyote and netting with tiny faience beads. Then, a primer on modern beadwork tools and techniques shows readers how to get started in the medium before taking a look at all of the historical and cultural influences in modern beadwork.

For each country and region, Valerie provides an in depth look at the styles of beadwork, the common materials and techniques, and their significance. Photographs of antique and modern beadwork designs give readers an idea of how each society’s style has been carried on to today’s designs. Every chapter finishes with a tutorial on how to create one of the example projects, such as Indonesian inspired hair sticks, and a scalloped netting scarf inspired by Nelson Mandela’s Mfengu collar.

The information and tutorials alone make The Art of Beadworka must read for the serious beader, but the gorgeous color photographs on every page are a delight in themselves. There are a wide variety of jewelry styles and works of beaded art from around the world, and renowned artists like: David K. Chatt, creator of right angle weave; Laura Shea, inventor of the Eureka Bead technique; Virginia Blakelock, creator of Cellini spiral; and Karen Paust, the sculptural peyote genius.

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
Valerie Hector and Watson-Guptill Publications
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Poster Sketch: African Metal

2012-02-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

I have consulted my crystal ball* and we have a winner! Congratulations to Pixiloo of A Work in Progress, who has won a fun selection of tribal beads. Thank you so much to everyone who entered!

This month, I asked what your favorite cultural influences are. With so many beading techniques from all around the world, it's not surprising that your answers were so varied and unique. Pixiloo says that one of her favorite inspirations is African metal beads.

Not only are these beauties the ultimate in upcycling, but they have a gorgeous rustic quality to them, with an underlying nobility. I had a look around for some examples of African metal beads, and found a these delightful designs:

Happy beading!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
* Random.org
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Bead Color Ideas: Spring

2012-02-07T10:05:00.000-08:00

Although we have weeks more of winter to look forward to, the fashion industry has long been planning the looks and colors for the coming spring. This year’s palette from Pantone is a delightful mixture of charming, youthful colors with a hint of attitude, and one of them is a perfect match for beaders. Hidden between an eye-popping pink and elegant neutrals is Sodalite Blue, which pairs up so well with the other colors, and translates easily into beadwork, even if you’re not using the real thing.

This month, instead of looking at variations on the same three colors, we’re going to examine some possibilities for three different combinations inspired by Pantone’s Spring 2012 picks, starting with Sodalite Blue.

As luck would have it, I just happened to have an untouched strand of beads that were perfect for this job. These table cut coins have a gem-like finish in a variety of blue shades, with hints of black and brown. I paired them with chocolate brown freshwater pearls to complement the earthiness of the Picasso finish, and shocking canary yellow seed beads in Mountain Meadow.

Sodalite Blue, Solar Power, Driftwood/Starfish

For a more urban palette, I started with bright orange mother of pearl coins. The shape and smooth finish is a perfect match for the zesty color, and pairs up well with transparent lemon AB and raspberry lined seed beads. Party Punch is a little bit tropical, and a little bit high society. It brings to mind floral prints and fresh bouquets, or cute shoes and perfect manicures.

Tangerine Tango, Solar Power, Cabaret

Finally, I couldn’t resist the smooth, cool tones. Peacock began with turquoise blue druks that have a last breath of winter in them. The unique green of white lined peridot adds a little zing, and wisteria lined crystal brings it all together. Even though it isn't as flowery as pink and orange, this palette looks the most like spring. These are three of my all time favorite bead colors, and they look fantastic together. I'll have to file this palette for later!

Margarita, Bellflower, Cockatoo

Which Pantone color is your favorite?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
Pantone and Nanette Lepore
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Artifact Necklace

2012-02-06T14:04:00.000-08:00

In order to get this year’s destash beading challenge started off right, I wanted to begin with some beads that I’ve been promising to use for a long time. I purchased this strand of transparent red rice beads back in 2010 when I was gathering up supplies for my Cornucopia lariat. Along with some of the ‘vegetable’ beads and a hank of yellow charlottes, I couldn’t resist the luscious red strand of beads. I liked them so much, in fact, that I’ve been putting off using them ever since.

Instead of waiting for the ‘right’ project to come along, I had to try and make these beads work for me, so that I could finally put them to good use. An Egyptian collar seemed like an appropriate way to show off their color and shape, so I paired them with my favorite faux-gold seed beads and got to work.

I started with a plain chevron collar, then tried adding additional rows of chevron chain to the front, with the rice beads in the middle sections. Instead of sticking to a strict structure, I let the beads and thread do their own thing, and I was very happy with the results. The necklace has this elegant disheveledness to it - like a necklace that has survived hundreds of years in a tomb.

It was such a relief to finally snip the string on these rice beads and turn them into something beautiful, and I’m looking forward to many more destash projects - hopefully some will be just as successful. You can join in the challenge too, by sending me some before and after pictures of your destash projects, or post them to your blog and drop by with a link. Good luck!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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World Beaders: Germany

2012-02-03T08:04:00.000-08:00

Today I want to extend a warm welcome to visitors from Germany! It’s always exciting to see a new country on the list of Inspirational Beading readers, and learn a little bit about where they come from.

Vintage bead lovers and collectors know that Germany has been a major contributor to the glass bead trade in the last century. After World War II, many bead makers relocated from the future Czech Republic to Germany, and continued to produce beautiful beads. The main settlement for these refugees was Neu Gablonz - named after the Bohemian city Gablonz, which would later become Jablonec nad Nisou. The first bead site was established in a bombed out munitions factory, and the trade flourished with thousands of artists at work. Today, there are fewer than 400 bead factories in the region, and many of them do not produce beads for resale, but for in-house jewelry designs.

Das Land der Dichter und Denker - the land of poets and thinkers - is home to more than 4000 museums, and an amazing 25000 libraries. Germany is also known for it’s musical influences, with hundreds of theatres and symphonies, as well as the legacies of composers like Beethoven and Bach.

The Neues Museum is one of particular interest for me - it is the current home of the infamous and beautiful bust of Nefertiti. The artifact was discovered in 1912 by Ludwig Borchardt, and has since traveled throughout Germany, to finally settle in the museum before World War II. There has been plenty of controversy surrounding Nefertiti, as the Supreme Council of Antiquities attempts to have their queen returned to her homeland. While in Germany, Nefertiti is visited by over half a million people every year.

Happy beading, Germany!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Bead Giveaway: Savannah Collection

2012-02-02T08:29:00.000-08:00

My beading challenge for 2012 - to destash some long hoarded beads - has two benefits. Not only will I finally have to find the inspiration to use beads that I’ve been overlooking for a long time, but I’ll also have a lot more space for those beads that I want to use again and again. Plus, I’m hoping to relocate my home and studio later this year, and fewer beads means fewer boxes to pack and carry.

To help get both of these goals underway, I have decided it’s finally time to share my favorite acrylic beads. I can’t explain what has made me hold on to them for so long, even though I have given up using plastics in my designs. Only a fellow bead hoarder could possibly understand. And now I hope to find these little treasures a new home with someone who can appreciate how fantastic they are!

To get things started with a bang, I’m going to be giving away one of my all time favorite sets of beads. These pieces have been collected from a variety of sources, but they all have one thing in common - they have a distinct tribal flair. There are a few animal print pieces, some imitation bone, some long tubes with a wood-like finish, and three gorgeous tribal design buttons in bone and amber colors. Together or separate, these beads have a lot of potential!

How to Enter

For a chance to win these beautiful acrylic beads, plus a handful of Czech seed beads in orange and yellow, simply leave a comment on this post, and answer the following question:

What is your favorite cultural influence for beading inspiration?

One lucky winner will be drawn at random on Wednesday, February 8th. If you don’t have a Blogger profile with email contact enabled, please be sure to leave a contact link in your comment, so I can get in touch with you if you win! This giveaway is open to readers from Canada and the US.

Good luck, and happy beading!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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2012 Destash Beading Challenge

2012-02-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

With two year-long beading challenges finally wrapped up, it’s time to start a new journey in jewelry making. This year, I want to invite everyone to join in and share their ideas, inspirations and creations. For 2012, my challenge will be to finally use beads that have been languishing in my stash for far too long.

With tax season rapidly approaching, I’ve been busy going through my shops, paperwork and bead trays, making spreadsheets, and counting away. While I was at it, I prepared some beads for this year’s challenge. First, I needed an empty compartment tray to help me stay organized and focused, so I packaged up a whole bunch of beads from my acrylic collection, and I’ll be finding new homes for them in a series of giveaways over the next few months.

With the storage space free, I continued doing inventory on the last three years of beads, and set aside everything that has been hanging around for more than a year. I was actually a little surprised by how few compartments I filled, but there are still enough beads to keep me busy. The challenge will be to find a way to use each of them before the end of 2012.

I’m really looking forward to using up a few of these little treasures, including my last pair of heart shaped nut beads, and some vitrail rivolis. I’ll be posting each design here on Inspirational Beading to mark my progress on this destash journey. To make this challenge fun and a little easier, I’m not going to set any deadlines or quotas. I want to let the beads lead the way, and hopefully they will all find the designs that they were meant for. This also means that I can invite you to play along!

To join in the 2012 Destash Challenge, all you have to do is make a design using beads that you’ve had for more than a year - anything goes! Then post some before pictures of your beads, and after pictures of the finished design on your blog. Don’t have a blog? You can also send your pictures directly to me at InspirationalBeading@gmail.com and I’ll make a feature for you!

My first design for the Destash Challenge is already under way, using beads that I’ve been hoarding forever. I can’t wait to show you the results, and see what you come up with, too!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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Book Spotlight: Beaded Allure

2012-01-31T11:26:00.000-08:00

Jewelry and craft books are a wonderful source of knowledge and inspiration, but how often is it that you come across one that actually makes you want to drop everything so you can sit down and create? Even the most popular beading books are at their best when used as a reference or guide, but once in awhile an author’s designs can really inspire.

What I love most about Beaded Allureby Kelly Wiese is that it’s not really a beading book at all. It’s a jewelry making book, with an emphasis on beadweaving. The tone suggests that the projects are intended for anyone and everyone, not just those of us who are already hopelessly obsessed with seed beads.

A brief but informative basics section describes some of the important beadwork terminology that a beginner should know, plus techniques such as weaving in threads. Kelly shows you how to do some of the basic stitches used in the projects, like ladder stitch, picots, and embroidering a cabochon.

Most of the 25 projects use variations of netting and peyote, but there are also appearances by daisy chain, ladder stitch and lots of fun fringes. A reversible lariat project includes a clever closed-back rivoli bezel that would also work well with other pendant projects. Step-by-step instructions and photographs guide you through each design from start to finish.

The necklaces, bracelets and earrings featured in Beaded Allure are made with a variety of easy to find materials, like seed beads, Czech glass, and crystals. They are also incredibly wearable, but live up to the title. Each piece is a mini work of art, but not too over the top for even beginners to attempt.

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
Kelly Wiese and North Light Books
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Inspired Beader: Elizaveta Yankelovich

2012-01-27T08:05:00.000-08:00

No introduction could possibly prepare you for the fabulously wild designs of Elizaveta Yankelovich. Her unique statement jewelry combines eye catching elements and abundance with a wide variety of found objects and unusual materials. Each design is a work of art, and a story, all wrapped into one piece of amazing jewelry.

Inspirational Beading: How did you first get into jewelry design?

Elizaveta: I've always loved fashion, I've always loved making things with my hands... For 6 years I immersed myself into wardrobe styling, for fashion creatives, independent magazines, websites, and commercials ...while doing that I realized I craved doing things in an original, resourceful and shocking make-your-jaw-drop kind of way.... I started creating props, clothing and looks that were just meant for the camera not for every-day functionality...that brought me to the necklaces... I realized that there was really no limits.... other than weight perhaps... that anything can look shockingly gorgeous and provoke different feelings from the wearer of the piece and the people that see them wearing it.

When I started selling my work on Etsy in 2006 I honestly didn't expect to sell any of my elaborate grander pieces... so to get the ball rolling I made little quirky pieces... but I quickly came to the conclusion that those pieces didn't excite me ... even if yes they were more mainstream and sold faster... they really didn't do anything for me...So I decided to stay true to myself and not worry about sales and focus on the process that I love of making necklaces that make me smile and jump up and down swearing it's my best one to date .... which happens after almost every piece.

Inspirational Beading: What’s the most unusual or unexpected material you’ve ever used?

Elizaveta: A lot of the materials I use are unusual and unexpected. One of my favorite activities is to go to thrift shops and garage sales to discover and unearth forgotten items.... Like I mentioned above there are no limits or boundaries... anything that calls to me ... like a doll with eyes that open and shut... or a mini tea set, or a bunny sculpture or a sail boat.

I also use things that were a part of my past ... like cassette tapes, 12" records or My Little Ponies, and bubble gum... I also love finding bulk items like 3 bags of amazing scrunchies... or 5 bags of hair rollers or a box of paint chips... I really can't get enough. I also love to combine odd objects with recycled fabrics, like tearing up bed sheets or t-shirts and dresses and braiding them together...and incorporating beads and gems or old buttons and scrap jewellery parts.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite kind of bead or jewelry component?

Elizaveta: To me it's more about my favorite process.... It's very important to me to work on a different/one of a kind piece each time.

Every single necklace is different. It's part of the magic. No one else will ever have the same one. Right now I have noticed that I am very much obsessed with necklaces that take me a long time to make. Before when I first started I would always work on a piece until I was done.... I wouldn't be happy if it wasn't completed in one session, however long (max two evenings).

But now I revel in the process that takes longer so every few days when I look at a work in progress new ideas come to me.... and seeing the different stages that a piece goes through inspires me to think about other designs and directions they can take. I like this new change. It's definitely slower but my necklaces are more elaborate and feel different.

My favorite processes to date [are] feathering, braiding, tying and hand painting.... for example. This Is What Love Is and the Long Tribal Rain Necklace are the most recent.

Inspirational Beading: Where do you find the most inspiration?

Elizaveta: I find inspiration everywhere.

Inspirational Beading: What was the inspiration behind your favorite design?

Elizaveta: Well.... I love Gaudiness in an understated kind of way....
For example with This Is What Love Is .... I was thinking of marriage, traditions, mermaids, nets, love, but to be honest all those thoughts and inspirations almost come as I'm making the piece.... It's almost like the piece is it's own inspiration.... it's hard to describe.

Inspirational Beading: Is there a material or subject that you would love to work with, but haven’t tried yet?

Elizaveta: I want to eventually try working with metals, gold and silver .... One day I want to be able to create large obnoxious and luxurious pieces from scratch too....

Inspirational Beading: Who do you hope to inspire with your work?

Elizaveta: Whoever wants to be inspired.

You can see more one of a kind statement jewelry, art, fashion and more at ElizavetaYankelovich.com, or in Elizaveta’s Etsy shop.

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Elizaveta Yankelovich
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Heart Shaped Beading Tutorials and Projects

2012-01-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

As the universal symbol of love, devotion and passion, nothing beats a heart when you want to add a little charm to a design. There are so many different ways to add this fun shape to beadwork, from heart beads, to metal stamps, to beadwork patterns.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you might be inspired to use some variations of the heart theme in your designs. Though shades of red are a traditional color scheme at this time are year, any combination of colors that speaks to you can be combined with hearts to make beautiful designs.

I searched from some fun and fantastic heart tutorials and patterns, especially those that would work with more adventurous palettes at any time of the year. I’ll try to come up with some unique ways to mix up these patterns, and I hope you’ll make your own suggestions, too! Here are my favorites:

FusionBeads.com’s True Love Bracelet is a fun variation on the leather wrap bracelet. A sprinkling of opaque red glass hearts among ruby fire polish brings to mind cinnamon candies. I like the use of red cord in the original project for a cohesive look, but I prefer a little contrast. I would combine black leather with white or ivory hearts, and fire polish beads in emerald green.

For a fun, textured focal, Anna Nimmity’s felt heart pendant tutorial is a sure hit. Her version is suspended from a simple chain, but could also be combined with beads, silk, or cord for even more texture. I like the pattered red in the original project, but I think it would look fabulous in friendly yellow or an earthy mixture of green and brown.

One of the best things to come around at this time of year is the conversation heart. These little candies look too good to eat! Delighted Momma’s easy tutorial for making candy heart beads from polymer clay is perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth. Instead of a traditional rainbow of pastels, how about minty blues, whites and greens?

A swirled glass heart and luscious crystals combine with chain in this romantic necklace tutorial from Artbeads.com, entitled Everything for Love. For a more tropical approach to romance, I would combine a fiery orange heart with round glass beads in yellow and fruity green. Perhaps it would be called "Jungle Love"!

This beginner friendly Wild Heart Earrings tutorial from Beadaholique is eye-catching in Siam ruby crystals. The simple design leaves lots of room for embellishment, like additional bead dangles or some chain fringe for shoulder dusting Valentine earrings. Instead of red and black, why not turquoise and chocolate brown?

One more fantastic design from Fusionbeads.com, this Wild At Heart peyote stitch pattern is perfect for year-round wear. I love the starburst pattern in the background, which would look equally wild in green, purple and black.

For added Valentine’s fun, I also discovered these great projects:

Lori Greenberg demonstrates how to create a perfect
puffy heart lampwork bead in her fantastic tutorial.

Maria Nerius creates a fun and textural
heart pendant with needle punch techniques.

This Key to My Heart Necklace tutorial
from Little Birdie Secrets is great for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.

What’s your favorite way to include hearts in your designs?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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New Beads: Indonesia

2012-01-23T08:42:00.000-08:00

When I first decided that my 2011 New Year’s resolution would be to try out new beads every month, I had my sights set on really unique materials, like one of a kind lampwork and vintage treasures. I have found some fantastic focals along the way, and learned a lot about my own beading preferences and abilities.

Towards the end of the year, I had to make some adjustments to my goal, since ever shrinking bead budgets left little room for expensive art beads and one-use components. Although I’m glad I had this challenge to give me the chance to try out other things, like long magatamas, I wanted to make sure that the final New Beads design was a big one. Luckily, December is always a little fatter than the rest of the year, and I was able to finally make a trip back to Happy Mango Beads for some irresistible goodies.

The selection on the website is large and varied, and since I didn’t have a specific focal style in mind for the last challenge piece, I started in the new arrivals section. Much to my delight, I came across some adorably charming face pendants from Indonesia. I was even more thrilled to discover that they are made from glass - no metals, gems, or plastic! I didn’t even hesitate to snap them up. I couldn’t walk away without a few strands of this and that, and I found some beautiful dyed buri nuts, also from Indonesia, and added them to my African Christmas beads and white hearts.

When I saw my new face pendant in person, I had a long debate about how I was going to use it. Such a beautiful bead deserves a great background, but did I want to make something so elaborate that it would take away from the fine details in the pendant? And with so many different accent colors to draw from, how could I choose a palette that would work with both the beadwork and the focal?

At the risk of boring even myself, I was drawn to use a simple beaded chain - my favorite treatment for unique focals. The advantage to such an uncomplicated necklace would be the extra room for color play. So, I gathered up an assortment of brown beads, plus orange, yellow, red and turquoise green to match the decorative glass face.

I love the natural element that the buri beads bring to the chain, and their size allows the smaller, more colorful beads to sit in the background a little, balancing the design. Although this wasn’t exactly the ‘big’ necklace I had envisioned for the twelfth and final piece, I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Trying out these Indonesian treasures was exactly the experience that I had hoped for last January.

Thank you so much for following along and supporting me during this challenge. The new mission for 2012 will be revealed soon, and I’ll be inviting beaders and bloggers to join in the fun!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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Inspired Beader: Strings for Hope

2012-01-22T15:15:00.000-08:00

Have you ever stopped before tossing something in the trash or recycling, and wished that you knew of a way to reuse it instead? We all know that recycling is the last option of the Three R’s, and if there’s a way to keep items from ending up in a bin, we should take it. Many artists, beaders and jewelry designers use this approach in their work by saving, salvaging and repurposing objects that others view as trash, and turning it into treasure.

Laura Wilson of Nashville Restrung keeps used guitar strings out of the landfill by using them to create beautiful upcycled jewelry. In addition to reducing a little bit of waste and making a great statement, she also uses her creativity to help support causes locally, and around the world, that aim to alleviate and eliminate poverty.

Inspirational Beading: How did you first get into combining guitar strings with beads?

Laura: I started working with guitar strings 2009; at that point I had been a beader for 10 years. My husband is a guitar builder and I kept watching him throw used strings in the trash. That perfectly beautiful wire was headed to the landfill! I learned that strings from musical instruments are made from mixed metals and therefore not recyclable. I thought the wire itself had far too much character to be wasted, and figured I should be able to do something with it. The first bracelet I made used an interesting triangle bead.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite material or color to work with?

Laura: Strings come in such a variety of textures and weights there is always something new to work with. I particularly enjoy when I get a set of violin or cello strings. They are so fluid and flexible they make very delicate, feminine pieces. When it comes to beads, I love stalking thrift shops and estate sales for pieces I can disassemble to reuse. I recently found a bracelet at a thrift shop that was commercially made from wonderfully carved Tibetan silver and accented with huge blue plastic pony beads. It could not have been more hideous! I redesigned the silver pieces and it’s one of my top favorites now.

Inspirational Beading: Where do you find inspiration for new pieces?

Laura: Each brand of guitar string has different characteristics. The ferrule ball end – the piece that holds the string to the bottom of the instrument, at the saddle -- can be round, bullet shaped, or even a loop. They can be stainless, brass or a variety of colors. I let the strings' unique character take me down a path to beauty.

Inspirational Beading: If you could master any new technique, what would it be?

Laura: I made some trial and error stabs at soldering and it hasn’t been pretty. I think soldering would allow me to add so much more dimension to the items I make.

Inspirational Beading: Do you remember your first jewelry project? Where is it today?

Laura: I was so blissfully unaware! I thought, How hard can it be to throw some beads together? I learned a lot of lessons from that piece. I still wear it often – a multistrand necklace of black glass and crystal beads.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite organization to donate to?

Laura: In the summer of 2011 I listened to a message based on Matthew 25 and the parable of the 10 talents. Before going away on a trip the master gave his servants his wealth to care for. To one he gave five talents, another two and the final one. When he returned they came back and presented his wealth and what they had done with it in his absence. At the end of the story the master states, “For whoever has, will be given more, and they will have an abundance.”

I looked around my life and was overwhelmed with how blessed I am with a great family and friends, a home, a job I love. It opened my heart to really see how many people in our own communities are struggling to feed their families. I had this great little hobby making jewelry, so why not use it to do something meaningful?

I’d had some success in selling my pieces but it wasn’t until we opened ourselves up to really giving back to our community that it took off. We’ve made a commitment to work equally with local and global agencies. In our community we support the Backpack Ministry that sends food home with students who otherwise would not have meals available on weekends, and we also support our local food bank. Globally, we’re currently working with two fabulous organizations – Jacaranda Kids in Kenya, and Mission Lazarus in Honduras.

You can see more of Laura’s creations, and learn about her commitments to creating change through jewelry at Strings for Hope, and browse designs in her shop Nashville Restrung.

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Laura Wilson
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How to Style a Valentine Necklace

2012-01-17T16:20:00.000-08:00

A time for great debate is approaching - the middle of February, when everyone will have the opportunity to show their allegiance or disdain for everything from greeting cards and chocolate, to singles bars and cinnamon cocktails. While the merits of Valentine’s Day are always up for argument, it also brings us to a major color battle as well. Is it okay to pair red with pink?

Many people do not approve of putting pinks and reds together, but still others agree that it can be done, if done right. With the right shades and proportions, pink and red can be gorgeous together. And with this in mind, I decided to take on the challenge of combining red with a really tough shade of pink - magenta - plus a little peach thrown in for extra fun.

Naturally, any Valentine collage should start with hearts, and I found an abundance of simple heart pendants that weren’t very inspiring. When I finally stumbled across a Betsey Johnson statement necklace with zebra print hearts and magenta colored rhinestones, I couldn’t resist. But how well would it work with my chosen palette?

Valentine Zebra by mortira featuring leather boots

I combined soft fabrics and pretty contours with black, red and peachy coral. Each outfit provides a romantic backdrop for our quirky necklace. A simple black bag and a luscious red crystal cluster bracelet easily cross over from casual to semi-formal. My favorite find is the chunky Murano glass statement ring!

As always, these looks - or something like them - can be found in handmade and vintage.

And here are my favorite Polyvore sets featuring today’s picks.

crimson nutmeg by rewolf71 featuring a long vest

Ka-Bling by wonderfullyweird featuring flower dresses

RED KISS by tanya777 featuring chiffon tops

It´s passion.... by petush featuring a pleated skirt

Do you like to combine red and pink in your designs?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
Polyvore.com and Etsy.com
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Time Capsule: January 2009

2012-01-14T08:15:00.000-08:00

Three years ago this month, something really fantastic happened on Inspirational Beading - the first ever Inspired Beader segment. I had originally imagined this showcase of awesome beading and jewelry talent as a stand-alone site, long before I had really sunk my teeth into blogging. When I realized how much fun it was to create posts for the blog, I realized that sharing and celebrating the work of other beaders was just the thing I needed to keep the ball rolling.

Our first inspired beader was Sheryl Westleigh of Noadi’s Art. Her incredible polymer clay sculptures and pendants caught my eye, and I was very pleased to share some of her inspirations and designs here. Since then, her selection of cephalopod and specimen jar jewelry has grown, but her imaginative designs still have her signature flair.

There have been almost forty inspired beaders featured here in the last three years, each one with their own exciting ideas and techniques, and amazing portfolios of beading and artwork to share. Here are just a few of my favorites:

Lionfish Mermaid
by Noadi

Amethyst Soap Rocks
by Soapsmith

Glass Pendants
by C.C. Valenzo

Barbie Smile Brooch
by Margaux Lange

Colorido Crochet Necklace
by Lavender Field

Spring Romance Necklace
by Zoya Gutina

I’m always on the lookout for unique designs to showcase on Inspirational Beading, and beaders who want to share their ideas and insights into our favorite materials. There are now three separate segments for guest designers, and everyone is invited to join in the fun. I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone that has participated in an interview with me over the years. Thanks for sharing with us!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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New Beads: Long Magatamas

2012-01-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about trying new beads, is that there is always an opportunity to learn something new. While this sometimes means trying a new technique, it can also help a beader learn more about the techniques they already love.

My bead budget for November was incredibly small, and once I had purchased some supplies I needed for a custom design, I had very little room left for new beads. I decided to make the most of it, and added a couple of magatama packets to the order, since I’ve been longing to try them all year. I grabbed some in blue, and I couldn’t resist the transparent lemon lime.

These leaf shaped seed beads have a lot of interesting qualities, particularly the angled holes, which make them ideal for organic inspired designs - they make excellent leaves and dragon scales. I wanted to put these beads to use in a design that would really show off their shape, instead of simply throwing them in with my usual work. Bangles have been done, and beautifully, so I had to come up with something else.

I decided it would be fun to replace the 8/o seed beads in a Dutch spiral with magatamas. They would look fantastic snuggled into the beadwork, and spiraling around the chain. After some debate, I settled on a palette of brown and gold to contrast the green and blue, and lend some more organic flair to the leafy shapes.

At first I was really excited about the idea, but after a few turns around the spiral, I started to get bored. The idea seemed to fizzle as I contemplated all the work ahead, even though the project was turning out as I had planned - perhaps better. It was then that I realized that I wasn’t interested in the project because I was forcing myself to do something that worked for the beads, instead of making the beads work for me. It was time to start over.

Instead of making a project that was ideal for the magatamas, I decided to take a chance and see how they would work in a design that was more my style. With the drop-like nature of the magatamas, I couldn’t resist trying a Chevron collar. I removed the topaz from the palette, and simply added some blue and green drops to the edge of dark brown netting.

Although taking the time to make sure that the long magatamas were facing the right direction with each stitch made the work go a little slower, it was much more fun that trying to please the beads, instead of the other way around. And now I have this fun little collar with blue and green leaves along the edge!

Have you worked with long magatamas? What’s your favorite technique to use them with?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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Craft Space and Bead Storage Ideas

2012-01-10T15:53:00.000-08:00

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to organize and de-clutter your craft space, you’re probably contemplating some new and improved storage solutions. Although we might fantasize about living in a bead store, since a never ending abundance of supplies in one big room would remove the need to constantly shuffle our stash around, it still wouldn’t help with the little things. Every opened package, cut strand, and salvaged treasure needs a home - preferably sorted by size, color, or shape! Add to that all the extra things that we need to keep on hand, like tools, packing materials and finished designs, the need for dependable and stress-free storage creates a never ending battle for beaders.

Today I want to share with you some of my favorite handmade and store bought storage ideas, plus a few more that I’ve discovered along the way. Many of these handy tools help to keep beading supplies together in a single limited space, and organized enough to know exactly where everything is. The less time you have to spend looking for things, or finding a home for new beads, the more time you can spend creating!

Tackle Trays

It’s interesting to note the little things that all hobbyists have in common, and one trip through a tackle shop or sporting goods store will give you a sense of connection with fishermen and fly-tyers. This is one of the best places to find affordable and reliable storage solutions for beads and jewelry components.

My personal favorite is the compartment tray, especially those with a variety of compartment sizes. These little trays can hold a lot of beads, don’t take up a lot of space, and are very stackable. Clear trays allow you to easily grab the beads that you need, but there’s always plenty of room for labels along the sides. One tiny spill can be a huge disaster though, so I like to store beads in their original packages, and use the compartments for organizing by size and color.

Traditional tackle boxes, like those with hinged, stacking trays inside, are also excellent for materials, tools and larger beads. The locking lids and handles also make them ideal for traveling and beading on the go. Smaller tackle containers like space saving jars are very handy for sorting and organizing small quantities of beads.

Cereal Boxes

Anyone who has ever visited an elementary school has probably seen magazines stored in cereal boxes, which help keep the flimsy booklets upright and easy to browse through. All you have to do is remove the top flaps and cut out a wedge from one side to make a handy book receptacle for beading magazines.

This easy upcycled solution is also great for storing and sorting supply invoices, tutorials and printouts, and packing materials like envelopes and tissue paper. The leftover box tops can also be cut and taped together, making handy bracers for storing beaded bangles.

Food Containers

Food containers of all shapes and sizes can make ideal homes for our materials and tools. Once they are thoroughly washed and dried, baby food and spice jars, dairy tubs, and even cookie trays can make a little space go a long way. To make containers absolutely spotless for bead and jewelry storage, I triple wash them with hot soapy water and a generous amount of baking soda. It works as a mild abrasive that also deodorizes and disinfects.

Totes

For a more professional feeling craft space, there are a wide variety of bead storage options available to choose from. Personally, I find a lot of them too fiddly for my taste, and each one has it’s limits for bead sizes and quantities. But for beaders who are on the move a lot, storage totes can provide both organization and security.

Bead Tube Tower by Beadsmith

Drawer Displays

I can’t say enough good things about these upcycled beauties. Even though we all know hanging isn’t good for beaded jewelry, it’s hard to resist these pretty little compartments. Something about them is just ideal for the magpie in all of us. In a studio, these refurbished printer drawers would make great displays or storage space for bead strands and hanks.

Jewelry Display by Blue Bird Heaven

Other fun vintage and upcycled options include commercial baking trays, science lab accessories, and sewing kits - thoroughly cleaned, of course.

Home Décor

If it has cubbies, hooks, shelves, or drawers, chances are it can be used for storing craft supplies. Any bed and bath or home improvement store will have a treasure trove of storage options for beading and craft spaces. Paper towel racks are great for spools of ribbon, cord and thread. Shoe caddies are just waiting to be filled with tools and other miscellany.

If you’re thinking about an overhaul of your craft space, the Crafty Storage blog might help give you some ideas for how to get organized. There are lots of great images of studios and storage ideas to get inspired with.

Do you have a fun or unusual way to store beads and jewelry?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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200 Beading Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets

2012-01-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

The only thing more exciting about a title like 200 Beading Tips, Techniques, and Trade Secrets, is the contents of Jean Power's little beading encyclopedia. Everything you ever wanted to know about beading is packed into this beautiful guide to creating unique jewelry from beads. There’s a little something for everyone, with full color instructions for wirework, stringing and knotting techniques, as well as easy bead weaving techniques for on and off the loom.

Beginners and expert beaders alike will enjoy the sections on materials, tools, and bead types. Design tips, like mixing colors and choosing size and texture will help you create stunning jewelry with confidence. There’s even a handy fold-out to help you measure beads and wire, so you always have the right materials for the job.

Jean Power’s book is an excellent guide for newbies who want to learn a variety of beading techniques, and can also help experienced beaders try something new. The book is packed full of unique designs, including some of the author’s most stunning beadwork, and there are plenty of example projects to help inspire you to use the techniques that you’ve learned.

200 Beading Tips(also published as Compendium of Beading Techniques) finishes with a beading glossary, and an alphabetical index, so you can jump right to the section that you need to complete your latest project, or master a new technique. A helpful resource guide also offers recommendations for bead shops, magazines, and beading societies, so you can make the most of your hobby.

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
Jean Power and St. Martin's Griffin
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Bead Wish List: New Arrivals

2012-01-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

With another 12 months of beading time and ideas ahead of us, it’s time to take a look at what’s new and fresh at our favorite bead shops. Whether it’s a totally new product, or a new addition to lines that we already love, it’s always exciting to have access to new supplies that might help shape our future ideas into fabulous designs. Maybe you can find some beads to add to your must-try lists for 2012!

Silver and Coral Pave Bead by Beadelle
From Artbeads.com

The popular jewelry design style is now available in beads for quick design boosts!

Glass Pearl Rondelles in Fuchsia
From Auntie's Beads

The shimmer of pearls and the consistency of glass in a versatile rondelle shape.

Opaque Matte Dark Red Rainbow Tilas
From Fusionbeads.com

Tilas aren’t exactly the most versatile of seed beads, but luscious new colors open up lots of possibilities!

Sono Wood Chain Strands
From Happy Mango Beads

These necklace chains are handmade in Indonesia - imagine the design possibilities!

Shell Pearl Strands
From Lima Beads

Imitation pearl beads made from genuine shell and mother of pearl. The beautiful Twilight coating is shown here.

Crystal Red Magma Emerald Cut Fancy Cabochon by Swarovski Elements
From Fire Mountain Gems

Nobody does focals quite like CRYSTALLIZED by Swarovski. These gorgeous cabs are perfect for bold and elegant designs.

White Wood Heishi Beads
From Rings & Things

These lightweight natural beads come in a variety of gorgeous dyed colors, like lime green.

Wildly Bohemian Seed Bead Kits
From Artbeads.com

Oodles of coordinated seed beads in one pack! Love Affair is perfect for Valenetine’s Day projects.

Do you have your eye on a new bead style, or beading tool this year?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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A Bracelet a Week: Happy New Year

2011-12-31T08:10:00.000-08:00

I can barely believe it, but week 52 of the Bracelet a Week challenge has arrived, and everything is wrapped up in a neat little bow. Bracelet number fifty-two is complete, and there are only hours left until the end of the year. Thank you so much for joining me and encouraging me during this challenge!

For the final bracelet, I wanted to do something colorful and celebratory. I’ve made a habit during these challenges to use rainbow themes for final designs, and I didn’t see any reason not to do it again this time.

Because this challenge is ending at the start of the New Year, I was inspired to create something that might resemble stars and fireworks. I started with a selection of Swarovski bicones in bright birthstone hues. The variety of colors and their characteristic sparkle would easily provide that flashy effect that I wanted.

Although I had a little more time for beading this week compared to Christmas, I still had a pretty tight deadline. I know from the Necklace a Day challenge that one of the easiest ways to make a design go faster is to use larger beads. So, I paired my crystals with 6/o silver lined crystal seed beads, and whipped up a simple but sparkly herringbone cuff.

I added one crystal every two rows in random places, trying not to repeat the same pattern of colors as I went. Once the bracelet started coming together, I realized that it looks a little like white fruit cake – even more appropriate for this time of year, and certainly a fun treat for celebrations.

The overall concept for this cuff – using almost entirely 6/o silver lined crystal seed beads – came about when I was contemplating my design challenge for 2012. I’ll be ready to reveal it in January, as soon as the New Beads challenge is wrapped up. November’s necklace is a little delayed, but coming along nicely, and December’s beads are in the mail. Within a few weeks, I’ll have one more goal to check off the list.

Farewell to 2011! What are your crafty resolutions for the New Year?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Inspired by Geodes

2011-12-29T09:55:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite inspiration blogs, Glitter Guide, recently suggested using geodes to add sparkle around your home. Although they have been known to make great paperweights and end table decorations - not to mention jewelry components - I wondered if there were even more ways to incorporate these gorgeous crystal formations into decor. Perhaps there would even be something for someone who has sworn off rocks and gems!

I wasn't surprised by the number of stunning photographs that I found on Pinterest with a quick search for geodes, but I was delighted with the variety. Here are just a few of my favorites...

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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A Bracelet a Week: Unexpected

2011-12-28T08:11:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wished that you could make time stop, so that you could get a little more work done? That’s a little how I felt over the week of Christmas, as so many different deadlines and obligations closed in. Not only is it the busiest work week of the year, but I was spending most of my free time rushing to finish a handmade Christmas gift. So I needed a bracelet project that I could finish in one sitting, and check one more task off the list.

One of the quickest stitches to work is St. Petersburg chain, so I decided to take this opportunity to use a few more of my new 8/0 seed beads, and whip up a quick wrist wrap. Instead of making a complicated pattern or palette, I chose simple black and turquoise. Even though the design and colors look fairly ordinary, they seem to make a big impact together.

As I was stitching the first row, and looking forward to the end of the project, a little light bulb came on. What if the button were completely different from the rest of the bracelet? It would certainly be new and interesting, but I also hoped that it might lend a bit of mod-podge flair. Plus adding a contrasting button would give the bracelet an unexpected and welcome focal.

It was a little tough choosing colors for the button. I definitely wanted red or green - but not both. I finally decided on white lined peridot with a brown horn druk base, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. I look forward to testing out more combinations of contrasting button colors in the New Year!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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A Bracelet a Week: Yellow

2011-12-19T07:57:00.000-08:00

Last week I couldn’t resist giving in to the temptation to make another herringbone cuff. Apart from how easy it is to create simple repeating patterns with this stitch, I love how quick it is to finish the ends and cover up the bridge threads, since the beadwork moves vertically instead of horizontally like peyote stitch, and the bare edges are small.

Perhaps I’m getting a little weary of gray winter weather, but I’ve been craving some yellow seed beads, so I built my palette around two shades of bright and lemony hues. I added transparent cobalt for a bold contrast, but something else was needed to fill things out. I considered green for awhile, before finally deciding on a pale shade of transparent orange.

There are only two more bracelets left in this challenge, and I can’t decide what to make! Let’s hope that inspiration strikes soon. In the meantime, happy holidays!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Bead Color Ideas: Winter Wonderland

2011-12-18T16:59:00.000-08:00

It’s only one week until Christmas - one of the most inspiring seasons for artists and crafters. As beaders, we’re pretty lucky to have such a wide variety of beads to choose from when creating our crafts, gifts and ornaments for the holidays. Thanks to the subtle changes that bead shape and finish can make, we can take familiar seasonal palettes and make them seem new again.

Of course, we also have the option of taking non-traditional colors, and making them seem more festive in the ways that we apply them. Instead of looking at bead palettes in red, white and green, I wanted to examine some of the possibilities of a less obvious color scheme, and make them seem frosty and nostalgic.

Jewel tones and metallics can easily be transformed into stunning holiday designs, so I started with a palette of indigo, seafoam and gold. The challenge will be to pair up the right shades and shapes to create trios with classic Christmas flair.

The brightest and boldest of the triads is Sugar Plum, made with 11/o seed beads in silver-lined topaz, purple lined Rosaline, and 8/o matte transparent teal. There’s a lot of color and shimmer here - it’s a magical palette perfect for ornaments and festive jewelry.

The look of the first palette inspired a second that pays tribute to Vintage Christmas Ornaments, with their unusual shapes and colors. I had strings of Mardi Gras style beads in bright metallic colors and giant flocked glass bulbs in mind when I paired 11/o seed beads in cobalt AB with aqua AB fire polish and antique gold Swarovski pearls.

Finally, the softest palette contains transparent light topaz seed beads, sea foam lined hex cuts, and matte blue raku bugles. This trio brings to mind Window Shopping, perhaps on a street in New York on a crisp December afternoon - elegant jewelry, holiday gowns, and cashmere sweaters.

Do you like to use metallics and jewel tones in your holiday designs? What’s your favorite combination?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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A Bracelet a Week: Stripes and Wine

2011-12-14T12:02:00.000-08:00

This week I was in the mood to work with primarily seed beads. I’m not sure why, but the accent bead sections of my bead stash just aren’t inspiring of late. I tried to steer clear of yet another herringbone cuff - though I’m starting to think of them as a signature design. Instead, I thought I’d use a different style of herringbone.

Graduated, or bridged herringbone bracelets were a favorite project when I first started beading. They’re simple to do, but look unique and complex. Plus it allows for the combination of many colors without creating an elaborate pattern for them.

I’ve been trying to stick to my Egyptian and tribal themes whenever I can, so I started with black and white, which would make up the striped center. I chose transparent rootbeer for the base, but the palette needed a little something extra.

I noticed that my stash of mauve lined topaz was getting low, but there would be more than enough to finish this bracelet. So I added it to the mix, and found that the brown and red look delicious together - like wine and chocolate. Or maybe I’m just looking forward to holiday treats?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Book Spotlight: Lovable Beaded Creatures

2011-12-13T12:55:00.000-08:00

Do you remember berry beads? Not to be confused with Miyuki’s answer to the peanut seed bead, these little plastic beads with bubbly surfaces were all the rage for crafting in the 70’s and 80’s. Most craft stores carried them in abundance, along with fun little booklets for making all kinds of 3-D animals and objects with them. I used to think berry beads were ultimate.

Then I discovered seed beads, and everything else got swept aside. But it was those first pipe cleaner and plastic projects that inspired my love of 3-D beading, though I’ve mostly admired the work of other artists in that area. So when I picked up a copy of Lovable Beaded Creatures, I was instantly transported to the 80’s. Although these creatures are made with totally different materials, they still have a very charming, very vintage look.

Loveable Beaded Creaturescontains nearly thirty different 3-D animal designs by artist Anja Freese. Each creature is constructed with 8/o seed beads and wire, using a simple cross weave approach. The structures look so lively and elaborate, it’s almost hard to image how they can come together with such straightforward techniques.

Anja begins with a detailed overview of the materials and tools needed to create your own beaded creatures, and provides instructions and tips for weaving the beads together, assembling the designs, and adding embellishments. The steps are very clear, and include easy to follow diagrams to help guide you through the process of building animals from beads.

Animal lovers will be absolutely delighted with the projects. There are a wide variety of creatures to choose from, including insects, fish, barnyard animals, and exotic beasts like anteaters and poison arrow frogs. Each one is so charming that it’s hard to choose a favorite, or decide which one to try first!

Each project includes a color and weaving chart to follow that will guide you through the construction of the animal, plus written instructions and tips for putting each creature together. There are plenty of close-up photographs of finished designs to help guide and inspire you as well.

At the end of the book, Anja Freese gives a brief overview of loom weaving, then shares some fantastic beaded animal patterns like birds and snakes, which can be used to make traditional-looking bracelets. She also includes instructions for creating brooches and hair barrettes with 3-D beaded animals.

If you ever get bored of the same old thing, and want to try using your beads in a whole new way, this book will provide you with hours of fun!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Anja Freese
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A Bracelet a Week: River Stripes

2011-12-09T07:19:00.000-08:00

When I sat down to write about last week’s bracelet, it suddenly occurred to me that this challenge is nearly at an end. It seems that out of nowhere, the end of the year is approaching - there are only a few weeks left to go. It hardly feels like an entire year has gone by, let alone nearly fifty two bracelets.

I had no idea how difficult this challenge would be at the end, with so many changes to my schedule. I would love to make something big and elaborate for the last leg of this journey, but I don’t know if I can find the time. It would be nice to finish off with the best design yet, but I’ll be happy with whatever inspiration, and opportunity, allows.

In any case, I was a little worried that the designs over the past few weeks have been a little dry. While I’m certainly not wanting for ideas, I have a lot less time to execute them within the tight deadlines of a weekly challenge. For the most recent piece, I set out to do something that fits my current style, but wasn’t previously attempted. In the end, I turned to a stitch that I haven’t used in a really long time - since I first started beading, in fact.

Using plain, ordinary flat brick stitch, and a combination of fun bead colors and shapes, I worked up a simple cuff that looks so much like a rag rug that it makes me think of early 1980’s kitchens, flying carpets, and macramé wall hangings all at once. The combination of greens and blues, with a hint of black and white, has a sort of watery effect, like jewels at the bottom of a lagoon.

I’m very tempted to use this stitch one more time this year, because it was so much fun to play with a simple pattern and an even simpler stitch.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Christmas Beading Projects and Craft Tutorials

2011-12-03T07:27:00.000-08:00

Although there are so many wonderful things to look forward to in December, there is one downside to this particular time of year. There isn’t a whole lot of daylight to go around. I’ve just put the finishing touches on this week’s bracelet project, but I won’t be home to capture some photographs for you until next week.

In the meantime, I thought I would share some of my favorite holiday inspired beading projects. Some you may recognize as instant classics, while others may help to inspire your next decoration or gift. Either way, there’s no better time to pull out your bead stash and get creating!

A classic decoration gets a modern makeover with this Felt Folly Beaded Christmas Wreath
by Artbeads.com

For a fun Christmas vacation project to do with the kids, try these Easy Beaded Ornament Hangers
by LimaBeads.com

Get the look of antique ornaments in miniature with these Old World Christmas Earrings

For a more complex project, try the Carol of the Bells Bracelet in square stitch, by Beadaholique.com

It just wouldn't be Christmas beading without a great pattern like this Holly Wreath Peyote Cuff Bracelet
by FusionBeads.com

Swarovski crystal shapes are great for holiday crafts, like these Elf Hat Earrings

It was too hard to pick just one project from the FusionBeads Inspiration Center. It is a fantastic resource for seasonal beading and basic jewelry techniques.

Happy beading, and happy holidays!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Bead Crochet Rope Tutorials

2011-12-01T08:47:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month, an Inspirational Beading reader requested a tutorial for bead crochet. I have been fascinated by the combination of classic crochet techniques with beading and jewelry design for many years, although I haven’t quite had the motivation to pick up a new kind of needle. I dabbled a bit with chain stitch last year, and found it to be very pleasant, but since then I’ve been content to admire the work of crochet experts in fiber, and even wire.

Like many beaders, I do love the look of an evenly stitched bead crochet rope. The appearance is similar to tubular peyote, but more supple, and with a little planning, the more marvelous patterns can be created. I’m not quite ready to invest in a bead spinner and take the crochet plunge, so I went on a hunt for some crochet experts.

One of my favorite bead crochet tutorials by far is by Julie A. Harper of Le Beadoir, on Beader's Showcase. It includes, big, colorful close-up photographs that are easy to see and follow - essential for learning this very hands on technique.

On Beads East, you can find a quick list of helpful, and even animated, bead crochet tutorials for both left and right handed work.

Naturally, beadcrochet.com features an excellent primer for beginning a bead crochet rope, with big color photographs and easy to follow instructions.

For the visual learner, nothing beats the instruction that comes from a live class. The next best thing is a well made video tutorial, and this one from CraftMastery.com is my favorite. The use of big pony beads in the example rope makes it easy for beaders to see the steps. The CraftMastery channel also has lots of excellent videos for learning crochet techniques that can provide helpful knowledge to absolute beginners.

Although the techniques that we use for beadwork are mostly universal, everyone has a favorite tutorial or teacher to turn to that really helps them click with the concepts. For one more taste of getting a bead crochet rope started, check out a quick tutorial from Beading Daily.

The Bead Wrangler provides a whole page of helpful tips and tricks for bead crochet, including which threads to use, which bead types, and how wide ropes should be when working with variations.

Have you tackled or mastered bead crochet? What’s your favorite way to use it?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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A Bracelet a Week: Quick Jade

2011-11-27T17:59:00.000-08:00

This week I needed a bracelet project that I could finish and photograph in the same day - something quick and simple. Ironically, the piece that I chose to make used a large assortment of beads, which made my work space look a lot more complicated than the actual bracelet-to-be.

I decided to go with an easy three strand bracelet, and what better place to start than with an Egyptian hieroglyph bead? I’ve already done one with orange, so I decided to create its mate in jade green. Although the opportunity to find another new palette for these hieroglyph beads was tempting, I couldn’t resist using some of the same beads from my jade necklace. I really loved the combination of olive greens with turquoise and topaz.

Unfortunately, I had used up all of my green Swarovski bicones for the necklace, so I had to make a few adjustments to the palette for the bracelet. Once I got going, I found all kinds of fun things to add, and ended up with a very different look. The bracelet has a much softer mood to it - a bit more playful.

Do you like to use the same palettes over many projects?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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New Beads: Baby Blue

2011-11-25T19:53:00.000-08:00

When I started my buy-some-neat-new-beads-every-month challenge at the beginning of this year, I didn’t anticipate any major changes in my bead budget, and I had hoped to discover lots of unique and interesting beads, particularly handmade lampwork. I have found some great glass artists along the way, but October’s budget was too small for anything quite so special.

I don’t like to give up on a good challenge, especially one that helps inspire new ideas and ways to use beads. In order to keep the New Beads challenge going, I had to break a few of my own rules. The upside is that it allowed me to make use of some beads that have been rattling around in my stash for a long time.

Years ago, I purchased a vial of mixed Czech glass beads, and sorted them out by shape and color. All of those beads have long since been used, except for a handful of rough cut Picasso tubes in black and red. When I first gathered them up, I was inspired to pair them with pale blue or turquoise, possibly in a multi-strand necklace. I saw them nestled randomly along strands of Czech seed beads - the slightly irregular shapes would pair up well with these speckled little oddities. I’ve been carrying around the image of this necklace ever since, and whenever I pass by the bead section at my neighborhood dollar store, I think of it. The big packets of delightfully wonky* Chinese seed beads call out to me, saying “Wouldn’t we look great in a multi-strand necklace?”.

Since my budget was so small, I decided to grab some of these quirky seed beads in baby blue, and finally create the necklace that my little Picasso beads were meant for. I was excited about finally tackling the project, but because I wasn’t going to be selling a piece made with something from my taboo list, I have to admit that I wasn’t eager to spend a lot of time making beaded caps and metal-free ends to hold a lot of strands woven in and out. I had to come up with something new - an easy way to put lots of beads together in one place.

I decided to put my one spool of neglected Nymo to good use, and strung almost the entire packet of seed beads with the Picasso chips and a few black 8/o’s for texture. I wanted to use up as much of the beads as I could, so I left the thread on the spool and watched the strand get longer and longer. When I was running out of ‘good’ beads, I tied the ends together and wove the tails in to get an enormous connected loop of pretty beads.

After that, all I had to do was wrap the strands together into a suitable length, and lashed them with short spiral ropes stitched to a beaded clasp. The necklace has the look and feel of a traditional eye pin multi-strand project, and even twists up nicely. Although I appreciate the softness and drape that the Nymo provides, I think I’ll switch to my Fireline if I ever decide to recreate this piece with better beads. It turned out so nice, I think it’s very likely that I will do it again!

*Wonky is a widely excepted technical term for beads that aren’t quite right.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Collections: Beautiful Bicones

2011-11-23T17:45:00.000-08:00

The results are in, and the winner of the faux gems bead giveaway is Pine Ridge Treasures! Congratulations to our winner, and thank you so much to everyone who entered. As always, your answers to the bead question were varied and exciting. This month, we talked about our favorite bead shapes. The winning comment also happened to be the most popular - bicones.

These bead shapes are quite common, thanks to their versatility and good looks. Although we often think of crystals as the ultimate bicones, there are lots of other variations as well. Here are just a few examples of beautiful bicone beads, and how to use them.

Happy beading!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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A Bracelet a Week: Time Piece

2011-11-23T15:13:00.000-08:00

I find myself in a bit of a pickle this week - I’m four days behind with last week’s bracelet post, and the weekend is fast approaching. I’m going to count this as a slight hiccup in the challenge, only because I was able to finish the bracelet in the usual time. Photographs and posts are another matter.

I have discovered a new appreciation for beaders, bloggers and handmade sellers who carry on full time day jobs in addition to everything else! I used to think that there weren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done, and now I’m just happy to get the important things out of the way while everything else piles up.

I have been away from the bookstore business for a few years now, and I’m delighted to be back, despite the drastic changes in my daily schedule. I have a lot of reading to catch up on, and loving that as well. I forgot how much I missed having my nose in a book at every opportunity, and I finally have a reason to make use of Goodreads.

I have also discovered that the less time there is for beading, the more reluctant I am to do it. It seems that beading only feels worthwhile if I can devote myself to it totally. I’ve never enjoyed doing something in fits and starts. Things are going to be a little quieter here on Inspirational Beading as the holidays approach, but I’m still determined to keep this challenge going. There are only a handful of weeks left, after all. I hope to see you at the finish line!

In any case, I had an extra day to get some work done last week, and I decided I would take the opportunity to make something different, something that wasn’t a guaranteed success. I went through my list of bracelet ideas from the beginning of the challenge, but of the designs that have yet to be crossed off, I found nothing that appealed to me at the moment. I went through my accent beads, waiting for inspiration, and came away with nothing. What to do?

I decided to let color be my guide instead, and turned to one of the western inspired palettes I had created earlier this month. I really loved the look of jonquil and aqua cube beads with transparent ruby, and created a palette very similar to the original. The cube beads inspired a new bracelet shape, with a square stitch base and bands of right angle weave. I love the watch-like shape of the beadwork, and the simplicity of the three bold colors. It was a risky project, but turned out great!

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Bead Giveaway: Faux Gems

2011-11-18T10:46:00.000-08:00

It’s been far too long since we’ve had a bead giveaway. This month, I want to share one of my favorite bead collections - lots of lovely little round beads in imitation gemstone colors. I carefully collected these 6 mm rounds and treasured them for the way they resemble semiprecious stones and quartz. Though they have typical acrylic characteristics - particularly their light weight - they always remind me of some of my favorite beads - druks.

There are over 300 beads in all, with assorted shades of white, brown, blue, green, and even a little pink. To enter for your chance to win these pretty beads, simply leave a comment on this post, and answer the following question:

What is your all time favorite bead shape?

If you do not have a Blogger profile with email contact enabled, be sure to leave a link to your shop or website, or an email address, so that I can contact you if you win!

One lucky winner will be drawn at random on Wednesday, November 23rd.

Good luck, and happy beading!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Wish List: Luscious Lampwork

2011-11-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

Lampwork beads are the ultimate material for beading and jewelry designs. The uniqueness of each piece can turn an ordinary necklace or bracelet into a work of art. Although inexpensive factory made lampwork beads are available in large quantities, high quality artisan lampwork designs are the most desired by beaders and crafters.

Even our favorite bead retailers are catching on to the allure of art glass, and many are offering up lampwork beads made with care in the USA. But when it comes to one of a kind beads, individual torch artists provide us with amazing treasures.

Here are just a few examples of the delightful focals, spacers and components available from flamework artists around the world!

Sun Conure Parrot Lampwork Focal
By LandS Arts

Purple and Ivory Pillow Bead by Grace
From Artbeads.com

Spots and Bumps Bead Set
By A & R Beads

Hibiscus Heart Lampwork Focal
By Crazy Lady Glass

Stripes and Frit Lampwork Focal by T-Beads
From FusionBeads

Funky Lampwork Bead Set
By Fluid Glass Art Beads

Cosmo Lampwork Focal by The BeadsNest
From Lima Beads

Reactive Ivory Garden Lampwork Buttons
By Firedance Beads

Burnt Orange Lampwork Rondelles
From Happy Mango Beads

Burned Flowers Pebble Beads
From Venetian Bead Shop

Tok Lampwork Bead Set
By Helen Chalmers

What's your favorite way to use lampwork beads?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Wear It Twice: Tribal Twist

2011-11-15T07:57:00.000-08:00

I’m always very excited when the time comes to put together a little collage of jewelry and garments with a fun theme and color palette. Exploring different ways to style jewelry with fabrics, textures, cuts and colors is like a creative stretching session. I look forward to it every month, and it’s exciting to find new statement necklaces for each focus.

Animal Prints by mortira featuring leather high heels

This month, I spotted a gorgeous multi-strand necklace with hints of orange and yellow, and a big turquoise drop pendant. I thought it would be fun to pair it with different animal prints, and other elements that would highlight the bold colors. The challenge with animal prints is to avoid too much visual noise, and bring everything together for a polished look.

Both the zebra print dress and asymmetrical leopard top work well with the necklace, and a set of wood bangles with a bit of snakeskin for good measure. Extra splashes of color like turquoise accessories, teal shoes and orange leather boots tie everything together.

Putting together a chic tribal outfit is easy with handmade and vintage options.

And here are my favorite Polyvore collages featuring this month’s picks:

I go for tribal prints by beesticksay featuring a turquoise necklace

Outfit by cinta99 featuring a leather clutch

autumn time by an14kata13 featuring leather leggings

Everyone Smiles in the same Language :) by browneyez featuring a tan belt

On The Go by lby54229 featuring a black tee

Do you like to use animal prints in fashion or jewelry?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
Polyvore.com and Etsy.com
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Time Capsule: November 2008

2011-11-14T12:18:00.000-08:00

Compared with previous months, November 2008 was a fairly steady month here on Inspirational Beading. Although there were only three posts in all, I was beading steadily and chronicling each piece with a new found momentum. I was really starting to like the concept of beading and blogging side by side, though it hadn’t yet occurred to me to write about any other topics just yet.

November was special because it was the first time that I created something for the purpose of awareness. That month, I made a pink multi-strand necklace as a way to merge my support for international bullying awareness week, and Canada’s Pink Shirt Day, which actually occurs in February. Creating a design and sharing it with an audience - even the small one Inspirational Beading had at the time - was a big step for the blog, and one I have been eager to continue with in various ways throughout the last three years.

Making this pink necklace wasn’t just an important moment for the blog, but for me as a beader as well. Today it is an interesting example of the things that motivate us to create. When we begin our journey into the world of beading, our desire to learn something new is often what drives us to keep going. Of course, trying out new techniques and materials is a constant motivation once we realize how agreeable this art form is - but without those extra inspirations, our creativity can go around in circles.

Whether we want to make gifts that our friends and family will love, tell a story, or capture a particular theme, finding a motivation for our beadwork is what helps us move on from simply combining materials and stitches, to truly designing works of beaded art.

This pink necklace isn’t exactly a work of art, but it was a momentary spark of determination. Suddenly, beading wasn’t just a fun thing to do, but a tool and a channel for other, sometimes greater, things.

What’s your greatest creative motivation?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Daily Treasury: Perfect Pastels

2011-11-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

As the holidays approach, many of us are on the look out for some of our favorite seasonal treats. One thing I always look forward to every winter is a little box of butter mints - smooth, tasty and delightfully colorful.

This pretty pastel treasury by Sharky's Waters captures that same smoothness with a hint of holiday elegance.

What's your favorite holiday treat for inspiration?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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A Bracelet a Week: Stone Spiral

2011-11-12T08:46:00.000-08:00

This week I was in the mood to test out some of my newer 8/o seed bead colors. One of the prettiest stitches for larger seed beads is Russian spiral netting; the simplicity of the stitch allows the beads themselves to stand out, and makes it a great technique for mixing up colors and basic patterns.

I combined turquoise green and dark beige 8/o seed beads, and gave them a background of jet black. Alternating the bigger beads in each row gives a speckled, almost striped look to the bracelet. Although none of the beads have a Picasso finish, the texture of the beadwork and its colors almost has the same effect overall. Even with the flashes of bright green standing out starkly against the black, I find that it has an earthy quality - like a pebble on the beach.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Eleven

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
Lampwork Poppy Image Hosted by Flickr
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Red and Turquoise, Softly

2011-11-10T13:16:00.000-08:00

How interesting that just after exploring the color possibilities of red and turquoise, I should stumble across this very pretty treasury in soft shades of red and minty blue. The abundance of white backgrounds in these picks by WiseApple gives the entire set a very festive, wintry look.

World Beaders: India

2011-11-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

Today I want to extend a warm welcome to Inspirational Beading readers from India! I was very excited to see India near the top of our monthly visitor’s list. I knew before I even started looking for photographs to share with you, that it would be difficult to choose only a handful. I found so many beautiful and stunning pictures, and many that were also sad - it seems to be a world of striking contrasts.

Like many cultures around the world, jewelry and adornment make up a large part of India’s traditions and heritage. India is one of the world’s largest consumers of gold, and has been a home to different kinds of bead manufacturing for thousands of years.

The Republic of India is the second most populated country in the world, second only to China. The richly diverse culture of its citizens is due in part to the local origins of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, which have been accompanied by Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Islam in recent history. Between the early 17th and 18th centuries, The East India Company slowly gained access and control over the region, and eventually annexed most of India. The country won it’s independence from British rule in 1947.

One of the most famous Indian landmarks is the Taj Mahal, an immense and beautiful monument and mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal, third wife of emperor Shah Jahan. Construction began in 1632, after Mumtaz Mahal died giving birth to her 14th child. The tomb is set within a 980 square foot garden, and is one of the most easily recognized structures in the world.

Another widely know Indian treasure is Bollywood, the home of Hindi-language films. The nickname describes films from the area of Maharashtra, formerly Bombay, which is the largest film producer in India. Known for colorful, musical romances and action films, Bollywood movies have been growing and evolving since the early nineteenth century, and eventually surpassed the US as the world’s largest film producer. The term Bollywood, which is not appreciated by all cinema lovers, was coined sometime in the 1970’s.

Happy beading, India!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Favorite Beads: The Lot

2011-11-09T14:46:00.000-08:00

Today my guest, Ellen of yellowee, shares her love of a fun assortment of beads and buttons for decoration and embellishment.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite bead?

Ellen: I love glass beads of all types, and also lots of semiprecious stones, especially labradorite, moonstone, amethyst, and garnet. Basically anything glittery or iridescent. I also have a deep love for buttons, which can be used in many of the same ways as beads, and I view them as the same type of supply for my creations. Jars of vintage buttons can be a lot of fun, because you never know what you'll find inside.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique or method to use them?

Ellen: Since I'm primarily a fiber artist, I mostly use beads as an embellishment for my knitted, crocheted, and needlefelted creations. My favorite use of beads in combination with fiber is to make fiber jewelry.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you’ve made with these beads, which one is your favorite?

Ellen: This brooch I made with strips of fabric and brighly-colored glass seed beads: Crochet Flower Brooch

It turned out really big and bold and I love the little pool of beads in the middle. It was also one of my first international orders, and it was really exciting to me that someone in Australia liked it as much as I did!

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any tips for making the most of these beads?

Ellen: I think a lot about the combination of colors when I'm making something. I take my time choosing yarn based on its colors, and it's important to me to select beads that harmonize and enhance the overall effect. I guess my tip to other artists would be not to be afraid of unusual color combinations. Something that "clashes" can also be unique and exciting.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite bead or material to pair these with?

Ellen: I like the way wool has a little bit of fuzz to it. For instance, in this brooch, I enjoy the combination of the furry background with the smoothness of the beads: Sparkle Flower Brooch. And this bowl also has a fun combination of textures: Bounce Bowl.

Inspirational Beading: If you were stranded on the moon, and you could have only one kind of bead with you, would you choose these?

Ellen: If I were stranded on the moon, I would probably be totally happy with a big bowl full of shiny glass beads, especially if there were lots of colors to choose from. I'd be really sad if I didn't have any yarn, though! I need both!

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best source for these beads?

Ellen: I love to get supplies on Etsy. There are always other crafters de-stashing something that they don't need anymore, so you can get some good deals. And I like to know that I am supporting another crafter when I buy something.

You can see more delightful bead and fiber creations in Ellen’s shop yellowee, and on her blog, ebebee crafts.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and yellowee
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Bead Color Palettes: Wild West

2011-11-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

Over the past few months, I’ve been adding to a collection of necklace inspired collages with simple themes and striking color palettes. Each collage has a basic template of an editorial photo, coordinating garments and accessories, and a few background elements to tie everything together.

So far, my favorite collage features a Western theme, with a classic palette of coral red, turquoise blue, and sandy, leathery browns. The combination of coral and turquoise is one that we see so often, it’s almost as ordinary as red, yellow and blue. But with the addition of a neutral - like warm desert brown - it really comes to life.

I wanted to see how well these three colors would work with beads alone. The challenge would be to pair up shades and finishes that compliment each other as well as the natural colors of coral, turquoise and leather.

I was drawn to use a simple combination of seed beads and druks, which would allow for a wide variety of designs, while remaining uncomplicated with just a hint of texture. Though the beads are drastically different in size, the smoothness of the druks makes them easy to blend.

The first palette began with pepper red - bold and spicy enough for a Western theme. I included creamy dark beige seed beads that seem to recede against the red. The addition of the turquoise druks balances and brings them together. Their bright, orbital appearance inspired the name Chameleon for this trio.

Next I combined slightly smoother shades of lustered cherry and turquoise. Together they look like mint and cinnamon - Hot and Cold. I topped this palette off with some brown horn druks, which have a rustic look all their own, and add personality with their varied finish.

For the third palette, I couldn’t resist switching to some different shapes, so that I could include my strand of bright red rice beads. I suppose I will have to get around to using them eventually, and this might just be that palette to do it with. To complement the transparency of the rice beads, I added dark topaz seed beads, and turquoise blue 4mm cubes. The amount of light and color in Red Leather Belt is stunning!

Do you like to combine turquoise with coral red?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
Polyvore.com and COLOURLovers.com
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Daylight Savings

2011-11-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

The days may be getting shorter and colder, but at least today we get an extra hour of sleep. Did you remember to set your clocks back? Today's Treasury was inspired by bleary mornings and sunny winter days, with picks from the April's Army team.

A Bracelet a Week: Winter Mint

2011-11-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun weaving last week’s striped herringbone cuff, that I decided to keep going and make another with a new palette. I wanted to do something that was a little more Egyptian-looking, so I started my palette with navy blue, turquoise and white. It needed a little something extra, so I tossed in avocado green for a dash of personality.

Unlike the first bracelet, this palette didn’t have a smooth graduation, so I switched up the pattern and did double columns in staggered rows. Instead of a toggle clasp, this time I used a cobalt AB druk to make a button, which goes really well with the navy blue seed beads.

Though this cuff is a little bit wider than the first, I didn’t expect it to take much longer than the autumn colored version. The beadwork seemed to drag on for awhile, and I suppose I was more excited about the idea of another herringbone project than the actual making of it. Next week’s bracelet might have to be something light!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Rum, Cream and Spice

2011-11-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

Treats that only come around once a year are incredibly special, nostalgic, and often irresistible. Most stores are now fully stocked with the first supplies of holiday fare like egg nog - that rich and sweet drink that goes with everything from morning coffee to turkey dinner.

Today's Collection by zoomgraphik offers a preview of holiday treats, with lots of golden, creamy colors.

Bead Spotlight: Trade Beads

2011-11-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

The term trade beads can refer to a wide variety of unique, interesting and totally delightful baubles. Some are handmade, some are manufactured. Some are new and some are very, very old. There are glass trade beads, and natural ones. The defining characteristic of them all is their rich cultural origins, and their ability to create the look of fantastic tribal jewelry.

1. African Trade Beads, 2. Recycled Glass Trade Beads, 3. Yellow Glass Krobo Beads, 4. Cirrus Green Kazuri Bead

5. Watermelon Chevron Beads, 6. African Style Lampwork Glass, 7. Round Kiffa Beads, 8. Sand Cast Trade Beads

While trade beads are technically those that have been used as currency - traded and bartered for everything from food to people - new handmade beads from Africa are also traveling under the umbrella of trade beads, and are just as alluring as their vintage and antique counterparts. Many are made from recycled glass or vinyl, and allow artisans in underdeveloped communities to earn a living to support their families.

1. Trade Bead and Turquoise Necklace, 2. Red and Blue Ceramic Pendant, 3. I Think I'm in Love Bracelet, 4. African Peace Sign Pendant

5. Orange Coral Necklace, 6. African Kazuri Lariat, 7. Trade Bead Earrings, 8. Tribal Blue Krobo Earrings

The look of trade beads is often imitated in new, mass produced beads, in a variety of materials from lucite and acrylic to glass and bone. Some are created with traditional colors and patterns, while others have their own tribal vibe or earthy colors.

Do you have a favorite bead style for tribal jewelry designs?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Turquoise Blue Persuasion

2011-11-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

Although aqua blue and blue-green are usually associated with aquatic, ocean inspirations, genuine turquoise has a distinctly earthy quality that pairs up well with warm colors like red, orange and brown. This color also shows it's versatility when paired with delicate shades like white and silver, or bold colors like lime green and yellow.

Today's collection offers a hint of some of these beautiful turquoise palettes, and a look at the variety of hues in the turquoise family.

Book Spotlight: Stitching Beaded Jewelry

2011-11-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

Every beginner has to start somewhere, and if you want to get into beading, a no-nonsense guide is a great resource. Although many of us have picked up some of our favorite skills by learning from the more elaborate and complex projects in our favorite books and magazines, if you’ve never before put thread to beads, those can be a little vexing.

Learning how to master a basic bead weaving stitch by making a simple project is a logical and fun way to jump into beadwork. With Lesley Weiss’ book, new beaders can do just that. She covers most of the popular and essential techniques, each with it’s own easy project to complete.

The instructions are easy to follow, with lots of big, color photographs to guide beaders through the process of making necklace, bracelets and other fun designs. You can start with the basics, like ladder stitch rings and daisy chains. If you’re ready to move on to the heavy stuff, there are herringbone cuffs, and even rivoli bezels. There’s even a rare appearance by the flat spiral technique, which is always gorgeous, but often overlooked.

Over 15 pages of basics, tips and a look at materials, plus a handy glossary of beading terms, makes Stitching Beaded Jewelryone of the best all-in-one books for getting started with beadwork jewelry making. My favorite design is the Graduated Collar, which uses different sizes of beautiful pearls to give right angle weave a delightful curve. It’s a great example of how anyone can make a stunning piece of beadwork jewelry, using only the simplest of materials and techniques.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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April’s Army Favorites

2011-10-31T08:20:00.000-07:00

For the past few months, I’ve been having a blast creating items and donating tutorials for the fundraising efforts of the April’s Army Etsy team. Every month when the shop opens, I look forward to browsing through the amazing donations from other members, and sharing my favorites with you. The variety of items is always delightful and creative!

The April’s Army shop is on a sort of vacation for this month, and will hopefully be returning soon. So, instead of showing you my favorite designs from the shop, I wanted to share with you some of the fantastic items that I’ve been able to purchase from talented April’s Army members during previous fundraisers.

I’ve started to build quite a collection of unique Pithitude magnets from tamarakraft.
Last month a fantastic set of Halloween balloon magnets was up for grabs, and I was really exited to scoop it up!

I know my fellow beaders will appreciate my all time favorite find - a quirky and adorable pincushion from Gloomstopper.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry whenever I poke this little guy with a beading needle. What a face!

As a book lover, I was really delighted to get my hands on an upcyled vintage storybook journal from paperdiva.
Made from a Golden Book, it still has the entire story intact, with blank pages added for notes, sketches and whatnot.

I’m also really fond of these handmade cotton face scrubbers by selkiecrochet.
They are amazingly gentle, but clean really well - my face has never been happier!

Do you have a favorite handmade or vintage indulgence?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Inspired Beader: RAWRmonster

2011-10-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

For many beaders, our love of tiny materials began at a very young age. From some of us, it started with grandma’s button jar, a strand of love beads, or a vending machine trinket. Many beaders also got their first taste by creating 2 dimensional bead art with Perler and Hama beads.

These fun little craft beads allow kids of all ages to create interesting pixilated images by arranging an assortment of colors on a peg board and melting them with an ordinary household iron. Boards of different shapes provide the base for lots of unique creations, and coming up with new patterns and playing with piles of tiny little plastic tubes can really ignite the beading spark in new crafters.

Today, I want to show you some truly incredible Perler bead creations by RAWRmonster. The artist, Shelby, turns these simple little beads into some of our favorite characters from the world of 16 bits. Her magnets, coasters and jewelry can really bring out the kid in you!

Inspirational Beading: How did you first get into bead crafts?

Shelby: Last year, I switched my major to Mathematics and in the process made a lot of new friends. Being a typical broke college student, I had NO idea what I was going to get everyone for Christmas gifts. I had an Etsy account, and was poking around looking for ideas and potential gifts, when I first saw coasters by iamadecoy, and I fell in love! I bought my first set of Perler beads off of eBay, and got to work.

I had no idea what I was doing - I never played with Perlers as a kid. I searched the internet, and found an incredlible forum of wonderful, talented people who made really awesome things out of Perler and Hama beads - Pixelgasm-forum.com. I read everything I could, and learned from some of the best.

Inspirational Beading: Do you remember your first project?

Shelby: Oh boy... yes, I remember my first project.

Like I said, I was making Christmas gifts for maybe 15-18 people, so I needed a game plan. The first thing I did was to make a sheet with 8 different 'sets' on it, featuring Space Invaders, Pacman, Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, The Legend of Zelda, and Tetris. I told people to pick a set, and tell me if they wanted coasters or magnets. Each set had about 4-8 sprites on it; 'ambitious' is definitely an overstatement!

Before I could make everyone's gifts, though, I needed to make a few practice runs. I beaded two little aliens from Space Invaders in glow-in-the-dark beads with green backgrounds. I didn't have any ironing paper, but I had just bought a pack of stickers, and they come on non-stick paper, so that should work...right? No. Not by a long shot.

I felt a little discouraged, but more determined than ever to master these beads. So, I made the three magnets you see at the top of the picture (from left to right: Boo with a glow-in-the-dark outline, Blooper, and Bob-bomb). I only had maybe 4 pegboards, so I would work in batches; I'd lay down a sprite, iron it, let it cool while I laid down another sprite, iron the back of the first sprite, iron the front of the second sprite, and so forth. It was a very long month. However, I managed to get presents done for everyone at school before the semester let out for winter break, and finished presents for everyone else in the following week.

I hadn't really thought of selling anything I made until one of my friends asked if they could buy some magnets from me, and it took off from there.

Inspirational Beading: Where do you like to look for new inspiration?

Shelby: Honestly, most of my inspiration comes from my customers. The Minecraft coasters and Creeper keychain, and the Mega Man coasters are all the result of someone asking "Hey...think you can do this?". Jewelry was never on the game plan until Jeni from grimmlynn saw my early mustache magnets and messaged me excitedly about making a rainbow necklace. I love doing custom work, and I love hearing back from people who share their fond video game memories with me.

Besides that, my inspiration comes from my own childhood. I once left my NES on for 8 months as a kid so I could beat Super Mario Bros. 3 from start to finish. I have more items from that game in my shop because it had the biggest impact on my life growing up.

I think people have had a very negative stereotypical view of video games and gamers for a long time, but it's slowly starting to change. I think it has a lot to do with the how quickly smart phones are becoming a part of our culture, since playing [games like] Brick Breaker is now a totally acceptable usage of time. People are embracing their inner geek, and it's awesome.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite color to work with?

Shelby: It's difficult to say. I try to make my items as true to the game as possible, which restricts my color usage, and I try to make my background colors compliment the sprites. I love bright, funky colors though. I always enjoy making things with Lime, Turquoise, Purple, Hot Pink, and anything that glows in the dark!

Inspirational Beading: What’s your favorite thing about working with Perler beads?

Shelby: I've only been working with Perler beads for about a year now, so it's been really cool to watch my technique improve with time. If you were to go back and look at some of my very first pieces, they weren't so great. It takes a lot of trial and error to figure out the little things that make all the difference: finding what's the best temperature to set the iron, how long to iron for, how to keep the different colors melting at the same rate, and how to lay down the sprite as quickly as possible.

Besides that, my favorite thing is always hearing back from people. Seeing people's reactions as they look at my stuff - there is this gleeful excitement, almost like they're eight years old again and unwrapping a new game. I also secretly love the idea that there are people out there in the world, people I don't know, who have my coasters on their table, or my magnets on their refrigerator, or my necklace around their neck. It's like there are these little pieces of me floating around out there. In a metaphysical way, not in a creepy gross zombie way, of course.

Inspirational Beading: Who do you hope to inspire with your work?

Shelby: I don't know if I'd say my work is inspirational. I'm just a college kid trying to share her love of video games with the world. But maybe that's the inspirational part? It doesn't matter who you are, it doesn't matter what talents you think you have or don't have. Just do what you love, and love what you do, and be awesome.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and RAWRmonster
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Red in the Spooky Woods

2011-10-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

Halloween is so close that we can start counting down the hours! I am so excited for this year's dress up - the weather might even stay nice enough for some traditional trick or treating. I've always thought that the image of little Red with her pale face in a dark wood was delightfully spooky and perfect for this time of year. In anticipation of Halloween, I gathered up some dark and moody picks with lots of dark reds.

Do you have a favorite Halloween story?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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A Bracelet a Week: Blazing Colors

2011-10-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

Inspiration can come from a lot of different places, and sometimes it sneaks up on us suddenly and inexplicably. I can’t quite explain why, but this week’s bracelet was inspired by coloring books.

At some point, I was musing about something or other, and had a flash of a coloring page done in gradually changing shades of green, yellow, orange and beige. It was a tree line of sorts, and reminded me of the AMAV art coloring books that I used to love during summer road trips. The images started out simple, and got more complex and interesting with each page. I’ve searched high and low for them in recent years, but it seems that they are either no longer in print, or not available as single books like in the good old days.

I had a hard time shaking the image of the billowing colors, so I decided to build the palette, even though the time for fall inspirations is quickly passing by. I wouldn’t be able to completely mimic the shapes that I had imagined, but I came up with a pattern that would work well with the blend as well as the structure of herringbone weave.

Using an all transparent palette of emerald, lime, lemon, tangerine, sherbet, light topaz and dark topaz, I was able to capture the look of an autumn tree in the sun.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Book Review: Make Wire Beads

2011-10-28T16:06:00.000-07:00

Although the variety of beads available to us, and the ways that we can combine them is nearly limitless, there comes a time for every beader when inspiration expands beyond ready made beads. The desire to create our own unique materials and components is a large part of the creative process, and allows us to explore possibilities that make our designs completely unique.

The materials and products available to bead makers are nearly as abundant as those used by large bead manufacturers. We can melt glass, forge metals, pour resin and sculpt clays. Though every bead maker’s materials and techniques make their creations unique, some of the most interesting and exciting beads are created with objects that we already have in our studios.

It was this desire to do what the big bead factories weren’t that inspired Lisa Van Herik on a journey to create lightweight metal beads using wire and simple tools. In Beadifferent: Make Wire Beads, Lisa has shared recipes for a wide variety of beautiful wound and coiled wire beads that can make any jewelry design stand out.

Make Wire Beads gives readers an in depth look into crafting and creating with different types of wire, and provides plenty of information and encouragement to beginners. After a thorough explanation of the materials and tools used to make wire beads, the basic techniques are described in easy to follow steps. Diagrams can help beaders follow along and get started on their own beads right away.

There are over 40 bead designs to try, each worked on the basic principles of wrapping and coiling wire to create the desired shapes and textures. By changing the types of wire and tools used, and manipulating the finished piece, a wide variety of beads can be created. Lisa provides lots of inspiration and tips for shaping, texturing and hammering wire and wire beads to create unique freeform and structural designs.

If you already enjoy working with wire and want to try something new and creative, or you want to get started with gratifying wire projects, Make Wire Beadsis an excellent guide!

Beadifferent: Make Wire Beads is an independently published book. I would like to thank Lisa Van Herik for giving me the opportunity to enjoy it! Inspirational Beading has not received compensation for this feature. I have shared my sincere thoughts about this book.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Lisa Van Herik
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Favorite Beads: Turquoise

2011-10-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

Today my guest is Tanisha of Kasuallery Design Inc. who shares her passion for one of history’s most classic gemstones: turquoise. This sometimes blue and sometimes green stone has been valued and prized by many cultures, and can easily transform the beads around it into a classic or nostalgic design.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all-time favorite bead?

Tanisha: Turquoise.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique or method to use them?

Tanisha: I have none, I do everything.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you’ve made with these beads, which one is your favorite?

Tanisha: Vibrance turquoise (shown at right).

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any tips for making the most of these beads?

Tanisha: The best thing to do is use that in small amount in all of the creations you make. turquoise is beautiful with everything.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite bead or material to pair these with?

Tanisha: Red coral, Green Jade, Any brown beads or crystals they give the turquoise life.

Inspirational Beading: If you were stranded on the moon, and you could have only one kind of bead with you, would you choose these?

Tanisha: Yes I would. Why, because I could find new moon beads and create all day and night.

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what is the best source for these beads?

Tanisha: The best source for these beads is Fire Mountain Gems or Bead FX. Fire Mountain Gems, Bead Style magazine and Lima Beads have great tutorials to help any beader.

You can see lots of beautiful jewelry designs with turquoise and more at Kasuallery Design.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Bead Color Trios: Swamp Water

2011-10-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

One of my all time favorite trendy color palettes is a quartet of vibrant hues: black, orange, aqua and lime green. Ever since I saw these colors used together about ten years ago, they’ve been a source of inspiration when intriguing colors are needed. I’ve used them in everything from spiral ropes and treasuries, all together or in variation.

As a set, these colors are very unique and charming, and grab a lot of attention. Take away the aqua blue, and suddenly you have a fantastic palette for Halloween and quirky fall designs. As a trio, these colors could be made to look rather sophisticated. Add a dash of purple, and you’ve got the makings of a youthful Halloween palette. With dress up day just around the corner, I wanted to experiment with black, orange and lime green, and see what kinds of moods could be created with them. Would they be silly, cute or even spooky?

The first palette has a lot of punch, and is the one with the most whimsy. I started with pumpkin orange 8/o seed beads and transparent lemon lime 11/o’s. Although pairing up opaque and transparent beads doesn’t always work, these shades go together really well, and the lemon lime picks up enough light for both of them. For black, I added some Czech glass skulls to make a Witch’s Brew.

Darkening the green a little bit creates a whole new look. In Storm Drain, I paired Christmas green vitrail leaf beads with transparent tangerine 11/o seed beads. As a pair, these colors look just like a bowl of fresh oranges, or some fancy party punch. The addition of shiny jet black 8/o seed beads creates a spooky vibe that’s just right.

Frog Spawn is very similar to the first palette, but the changes in shape add new dimensions. The lustered coral 11/o seed beads aren’t quite as bold as the pumpkin orange, but they do have a kick. I paired these with lemon lime magatamas, and a sprinkling of jet black druks, which blend together nicely with their smooth rounded shapes.

What colors get you in the Halloween mood?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and COLOURLovers.com
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Daily Treasury: Fall Colors

2011-10-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

I had honestly hoped that this new inspiration segment might truly be a daily feature, but things don't always go as planned. The good news is that I am loving the new job! But, since things are a little hectic around here, we'll have to pretend that "daily" means a few times a week.

Today's treasury is a lovely selection of fall colors and leafy shapes by Jane Priser Arts.

A Bracelet a Week: Leopard Print

2011-10-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

This week I was in the mood for some more medallions. After experimenting with brick stitch and stick pearls, I wanted to take things a step further and combine lots of medallions into a single piece. To create a theme that would go with lots of circles, I chose a palette of black and topaz, with tortoiseshell druks for the medallion base.

This bracelet was a lot of fun to make. I added a loop of seed beads to either side of each medallion while adding the picot finish, and connected them together as I stitched. The best part was being able to incorporate a button clasp seamlessly into the design - it exactly matches the smaller circles in the chain, and completes the pattern as well!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Crayon Color Experiment

2011-10-21T15:08:00.000-07:00

We’ve covered the inspiring qualities of crayon colors before, as well as the beauty of the primary colors that are so important to basic arts and crafts. Recently, I had an inspiring experience with crayons that I wanted to try to recreate with beads.

One of my favorite crafts to do in the fall is making window art with leaves and crayon shavings. After spending some time collecting various leaves and ferns, the little guy and I sharpened several wax crayons to collect the shavings. We used two shades each in a palette of four fall colors: green, yellow, orange and red.

I was struck by how pretty the shavings looked all mixed together in their containers, and the way the pairs of colors looked together, and against the other hues. I wanted to try and capture this look with beads, just to satisfy my curiosity. Would it be possible to get this vibrant, cheerful look with just seed beads?

I combined pairs of similar colors - one transparent and one opaque for each set. Although the palette is interesting, and would make for some beautiful beadwork, it doesn’t have quite the same appeal as those colorful bits of crayon.

How to Make Crayon Window Art

To make your own fall pictures you need some dried leaves, ferns and other thin, flat nature finds. Arrange them face down on a sheet of waxed paper, with the sticky side facing up. Sprinkle generously with wax crayon shavings.

Place a second sheet of waxed paper over your picture, then carefully press it with an iron on the lowest setting. Move the iron quickly outwards from the center until all of the crayon is melted and the waxed paper is fused together. Tape your creation to a sunny window and enjoy the colors!

The Healing Power of Beads

2011-10-20T22:01:00.000-07:00

Today is giveaway day! Congratulations to Carla and Sally, who were both drawn for a copy of my new beaded buttons and toggles tutorial. Thank you so much to everyone who entered!

For this giveaway, I asked what aspect of beading you are most grateful for. The responses were overwhelming and often moving. Many of you agree that beading has a special power to heal, whether it’s relaxation at the end of a stressful day, or providing hope and joy during a difficult time or illness.

The conversation reminded me of all the wonderful organizations and movements that use beading and jewelry to change the world, one person at a time. Today I want to give a little tribute to some of these special people and causes. Many of them will be familiar, but they deserve recognition as often as we can give it!

Soul of Somanya

The Global Genes Project 7000 Bracelet for Hope Campaign

Beads of Courage

Beading to Bead Autism

Bead for Life

The Andean Collection

How have beads influenced your view of your community, and your planet? If you know of another great cause, organization or movement that is making a difference with beads or jewelry, leave us a link or story in the comments!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Wear It Twice: Jewel Tones

2011-10-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

This month’s fashion inspiration is jewel tones - intense shades of ruby and emerald. The challenge is to pair up these greens and reds without looking like Christmas. By including soft shades of teal and adding dramatic black, the saturated palette looks right at home for fall.

Jewels in the Rain by mortira featuring velvet tops

The multi-strand cord necklace is very warm, not only in color but in texture as well. For both outfits, I paired it with classy trench coats and bold statement rings. The chunky black and red resin bangle adds a bit of fun.

What’s your favorite jewel tone?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
Polyvore.com and Etsy.com
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Daily Treasury: Show Offs

2011-10-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

Today's selection was inspired by the never ending task of finding ways to organize one's hobbies and life. Just when you think you've got your beads, books and jewelry stored in just the right way, something always comes along that makes you want to rework it all over again.

What's your favorite thing to reorganize?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Bead Wish List: Lovely Leaves

2011-10-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

Pressed leaf beads are an accent bead staple. They work well with both beadwork and stringing projects, can be used as accents, focals, and even in large, lush quantities. Most function as drops, with top drilled holes, and some are center drilled. In short, leaf beads are a delight to work with.

Like flowers and other natural elements, leaves also provide inspiration for other bead styles, including lampwork and polymer clay designs. This month’s wish list is full of lovely leaves for fall!

Brown and Turquoise Lampwork Leaf Headpins
by Star Girl Jewelry

Red Tiger Eye Czech Glass Maple Leaf
from Artbeads.com

Multicolor Turquoise Leaf Pendants
from Auntie's Beads

Brown Polymer Clay Leaf Beads
by Tina Holden Designs

Carved Red Horn Leaf Beads
from Fusionbeads

Ezel Orange Filigree Leaf Pendant
from Beadaholique

Peach Czech Glass Leaves
from Garden of Glass

Fire Leaves Lampwork Pendants
by Silvia Art Glass

Pink River Shell Leaf Pendants
from Beads Direct

Spearmint Ruby Czech Glass Leaf Drops
from Lima Beads

What's your favorite kind of leaf or leaf bead?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Daily Treasury: Sanguine Delights

2011-10-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

Today's deliciously red treasury was inspired by The Nightingale and the Rose by Oscar Wilde. Thanks to Wrens Nest Creations for this lovely set!

World Beaders: Romania

2011-10-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

This month I’d like to give a big welcome to readers from Romania!

Romania is the ninth largest country in Europe, and is nestled between Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and Ukraine. Once a part of the Roman and Ottoman Empires, and occupied by the Soviet Union, Romania is also thought to be the home of one of the earliest human settlements in Europe. Some of the oldest human remains known were located in Pestera cu Oase, or The Cave with Bones.

Romania is also home to the region of Transylvania. Long associated with vampires and the occult thanks to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Transylvania in fact has a rich and vibrant culture. Formerly ruled by Hungary and Austria, the literal meaning of Transylvania is “The land on the far side of the forest”. It is home to one of the largest gothic churches in Europe - The Black Church.

1. Sighisoara, 2. #014 - A Locally Owned Store (non-chain), 3. The bust of Queen Mary of Romania in Alba Iulia, 4. Romania,
5. Traditional Romanian Dress, 6. Lenutsa (L) and Petrutsa (r) Estr flwr sales, 7. Romania, Bihar area, 8. Hand-made beads from the souvenir lane

Happy beading, Romania!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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A Bracelet a Week: Papyrus

2011-10-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

This week I picked up on my mission to remake old designs in new colors. I was craving something ‘easy’ - a design that I could just make and meditate to without having to map out a complex plan or count stitches. I’ve been meaning to use up the last of my bugles, so I mixed together black and ivory in a striped cuff.

I love the look of bright colors against black and white patterns. For this bracelet, I went with peridot and apple green. The bugles had me thinking of papyrus reeds, and the color combination turned out just right. It’s sort of electric and fresh, and I much prefer the subtle shade of ivory to a stark white - it seems to complement the greens very well.

This cuff, and the original blue version both turned out so nicely that I’m really looking forward to making more. I suppose I’ll be keeping an eye out for more bugles in the future!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Daily Collection: Green and Blue

2011-10-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

It would be terrible to skip a beat on the second day of a new daily challenge, so I present this gorgeous green and blue collection by TBeads, before relishing the exhaustion of my first full day at a totally awesome new day job. Stay tuned for tomorrow's belated Bracelet a Week!

Daily Treasury: Comfort Zone

2011-10-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

As a little extra inspiration, and just for the fun of it, I want to try something new! A daily snapshot of a great treasury or collection. Today's treasury includes lots of warm fall neutrals and woodland themes, all from member's of the April's Army team.

Bead Embroidery Pendants

2011-10-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

Trying out a new material or medium can sometimes be a little intimidating, but excitement usually overshadows those doubts. And if we keep at it, we are often rewarded with a new skill. Last month, I decided it was time to finally stop procrastinating, and I used my New Beads budget to try out some wool felt as a material for bead embroidery. It was money well spent!

I shared a little peek at what I’ve been up to with the felt last week, but it was just the first in a parade of new designs. The felt is a fantastic base for embroidery, and a delightfully soft backing as well. It holds up well to lots of stitching, even with Fireline, and the colors are awesome. I chose a set of three shades from Material Evidence - a versatile palette of black, blue and brown.

I was having so much fun that I just keep stitching, and made a series of pendants without stopping to make necklaces for them. I like to think of it as a little primer for designs to come. I won’t be switching over to embroidery full time, but it’s wonderful to have an extra technique ready when inspiration strikes.

Inspiring Links: October 2011

2011-10-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

Flatback rhinestones go on an adventure
on zombies wearing helmets

October is the start of a steady stream of inspiration throughout the end of the year. There are so many fun and festive holidays coming up, beautiful colors outside, and tasty seasonal treats. Here are some of my favorite inspirations of late.

If you love Halloween and vintage ephemera, A Nostalgic Halloween is sure to delight! This simple but stunning blog highlights gorgeous mixed media collage, vintage Halloween advertisements and lots of Halloween goodness.

Remember the 7000 Bracelets for Hope blog hop? The campaign is still going strong, and now you can view some of the amazing jewelry donations on the Global Genes Project Facebook page.

Do you keep a certain palette in mind when designing jewelry throughout the seasons? What about your wardrobe? At Elegant Musings, Casey shares her fall palette must haves and vintage fashion inspirations.

Margie Deeb wants you! In preparation for a new book titled The Beader’s Guide to Jewelry Design, Margie wants your input on the topics and features. To add your thoughts, respond to the question of the day on Facebook, or sign up for the beader’s color newsletter at MargieDeeb.com

Whether you like to dress it up all the time, or just need a little extra something to make your Halloween costume complete, this bow tie brooch tutorial from Honestly…WTF is as easy as it is cute!

My favorite fashion house, Rodarte, took a surprisingly girly twist with their upcoming Spring 2012 collection. The combination of bright yellow and aqua is stunning!

Does your sewing machine have a special story to tell? SINGER Story has been gathering up amazing tales of the origin of sewing machines, and how they have helped to shape hobbies and lifestyles. You can add your story, track the history of your machine, and read about other passionate sewers.

Incredibly bold jewelry
by FLorian

One of them most wonderful things about beading, is that it’s an international passion. Through our beads and techniques, we can connect with people all over the world, without ever saying a word. Beadweavers will love the browsing gorgeous designs of Polish beader Jolinka. For more eye candy without borders, check out Les Perles de Pencio.

Staying up to date with fashion, jewelry and color trends is the key to making wearable designs. Whether you use a blueprint or just a pinch of inspiration, having a good source for current fads and favorites can help. New Found Lust on Facebook has lots of inspirations and insights for designers of all mediums.

A fun tutorial from Artbeads.com combines cute bead caps and Swarovski pearls in fall colors, to create a collection of adorable acorn charms for pendants, earrings or ornaments!

Metal stampers will love a fun, fall inspired variation on the book locket from FusionBeads.com.

Glitter Guide has a quick and easy chunky necklace tutorial using big chain and chandelier sized crystal briolettes. A topaz or citrine colored variation would make a gorgeous statement necklace for fall.

Skeletal Bracelet
by Delfina Delettrez

Is your favorite celebrity modern or vintage? If you love photography and unique art concepts, you’ll love George Chamoun’s Iconatomy series, which carefully blends color and black and white portraits of different celebrities into one unique image.

Are you an Etsy seller? There have been many changes this year to the way Etsy listings are seen. Market My Shop has a list of 23 tips for getting the most out of your listings and in house search algorithms.

Learn the truth about free patterns from La Bella Joya, with insights into the value of both sharing and selling designs and tutorials.

Melinda Barta shares five tips for submitting your beadwork and jewelry designs for magazine publication, specifically for Interweave’s Beadwork Magazine.

What’s your favorite inspiration of the moment?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Beaded Clasp Tutorial Giveaway

2011-10-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

Over the last few years of metal-free beading, I’ve had a lot of time to test out, perfect and improve upon custom beaded clasps and components. I’ve been making matching bracelet and necklace clasps for so long, that I can’t imagine doing it any other way.

There are many varieties of custom beaded clasps and closures, but I tend to stick with two basic forms of buttons and toggles. Each of the variations that I use the most have all been included in tutorial projects, and now they are available as a single lesson in beaded clasps.

This new compilation tutorial features instructions from four different beading tutorials, highlighting the beaded clasps, with new tips and insights for making your own custom closures. The tutorial includes instructions for making brick stitch buttons with two different finishes, odd count peyote toggles and even count peyote toggles.

In honor of Canadian Thanksgiving today, I’m giving away a copy of the Beaded Clasps tutorial to a pair of lucky readers! I’m so grateful to be able to create and share jewelry designs and ideas both here on Inspirational Beading, and through my shop. I hope that we can all continue to share and learn together for years to come!

How to Enter

For a chance to win a copy of the Beaded Clasps tutorial, simply leave a comment on this post, answering the following question:

What aspect of beading are you most grateful for?

If you do not have a Blogger profile with email contact enabled, be sure to leave a contact method such as a website or email address, so I can contact you if you win! Two winners will be drawn at random on Thursday, October 20th.

Good luck, and happy beading!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Halloween Craft and Beading Tutorials

2011-10-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

When it comes to creativity, Halloween is one holiday that can really bring out the best in us. From unique handmade costumes, to elaborate yard displays and spooky party snacks, Halloween arts and crafts can be a lot of fun. But it’s not all kids stuff. Halloween is an inspiring time of year for crafters of all ages. Here are just a few of my favorite projects for a creepy, fun and creative Halloween.

Spooky Sparkly Spiders with Felt Beads by Artbeads.com
Visit the Artbeads learning center for more easy Halloween jewelry ideas!

Paper Plate Owl by Crafts by Amanda
This blog is a treasure trove of family friendly craft ideas. You might also like the Tin Can Mummy tutorial!

Paint a Creepy Eyeball Pumpkin by Kaboose

Spooky Bat Peyote Cuff by FusionBeads.com
Check out their entire selection of Halloween themed jewelry projects!

Witchiepoo Black and Orange Cuff by Beadaholique
Also check out their fun Ossuary skull variation of the classic leather wrap bracelet.

Learn to make polymer clay candy corn for a cute cluster necklace on No Big Dill

And if faux candy corn makes you hungry, try out these totally edible candy corn popcorn balls from Family Fun Magazine
They also have a spooky version of frozen banana treats!

It wouldn’t be a holiday without ambitious crafts from Martha Stewart. These enameled treat jars could also be made with decoupage and tissue paper.

Spooky Chandelier Earrings by JewelrySupply.com
Also check out the matching Spooky Sparkle Necklace.

What's your favorite Halloween craft?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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