Monday 18 June 2012

You Know Your Behind When ... (Post 74)

You forget how to blog!!  Well, what can I say.  Its been so long since I last updated my blog that I couldn't even remember my password to access it and had to reset it! Now that is bad!  Not only that - but the layout of blogger seems to have changed in such a short space of time. This in itself has thrown me off track.  My own fault for not reporting in more often.  


It would seem that my last blog was bridging that gap in posts - now, I've fallen behind again.  


What have I been doing?  Jewellery-wise, not a lot!!


I've discovered Crochet and have encountered some lovely people who have helped me on that journey. It all started when I created an Etsy Treasury If Only ... I could crochet, little realising the force of attraction that it would have.  This one treasury brought back quite a response. 


People that have influenced me and who I am equally grateful to are:


Diane of Adesso Jewellery who introduced me to the basics of crocheting with beads, with some great advice and support.  Thank you! Her Etsy store is well worth a visit.  At the same time, Diane was about to set up her blog on Jewellery Making Techniques and has now achieved this - look forward to seeing this progress.  


Becs Dean of Beads By Becs, and also a friend from OTTBS.  Becs heard of my desire to bead crochet and in particular my confusion of 'how to start'.  She has a great tutorial on her Etsy store, which I was fortunate to be a 'tester' for.  I owe my actual 'starting' bead crochet to Becs.  Thank you!


Linda Lehman of Wearable Art Emporium who has been so helpful, and patient.  Thank you!  Linda writes tutorials for Bead and Button, and has featured in various other publications.  Her vast experience of teaching is evident in her work.


Gemma of Damselfly Gemma who seems to have a wealth of information when it comes to all forms of jewellery making and always willing to answer 'silly' questions that I sometimes ask.  Thank you! Her Crochet beaded pieces are inspiring.  


Unfortunately, I have become sidetracked by crocheting with yarn and have yet to complete a crochet beaded bracelet.  Partly because of my stubbornness in working with small beads .... even though Gemma suggested otherwise!  Partly, because of the fascination with yarn!  So, that is what I've been doing.


Many thanks to you all ... on what is just the beginning of my Crochet Journey!


WIP
It has grown a bit since this pic, but due to my being side-tracked its not yet finished!


Completed!!
I have made a Summer Hat, a few granny squares and bits and bobs.  


Lean pickings for June, I'm afraid but thought I'd just remind you I AM still blogging ...  Until next time:

'Keep Watching, and I'll Keep Blogging'

Charters

Monday 30 April 2012

Playing Catch Up ... (Post 73)

As the week goes, its been a good one!  Not much beading, but I do have some recent makes to show you.  The Earring Challenge .... 52 pairs in 52 weeks ... is tripping me up, and I don't think I hold the record for being the 'last' person to catch up, but it wouldn't surprise me if I'm close to it.


Today, I have four pairs of earrings to 'show and tell'.  I'm not sure now what order I've beaded them?  That doesn't matter though.


Please be aware that any tutorials I use, I always give credit to the original designer, where known, and I would ask that you respect their work and do the same whenever you use others' tutorials.  Also, many designers will publish guidelines as to whether you can make products to sell or teach - again, honour their views or don't use!


Blue & White Feather Earrings
A Carolyn  S. Degroff Design
These sweet earrings have a North American type look to them.  I love these and wear them a lot.  The designer has an ArtFire shop where she promotes her jewellery and tutorials and also blogs.  CSD Designs






I believe I first came across her in a Yahoo group, where she very generously shares advice and tutorials from time to time. 


This design is based on brick stitch and cascades of loops, to form this pretty earring.


Tinkerbell
A Mariposa Design (Martina Nagele)
What do these earrings remind you of?  I think they look like fuchsias on a sunny day.  A really cute earring, made with a flower looking stem and frilly top. They would look lovely made with a gorgeous pearl ... 


This pair have been given a new home and were welcomed by the recipient, so I am told.  I was actually quite reluctant to release them; but as we all know, sometimes it is better to give than to receive. Also, of course I can make myself some more - so mustn't be selfish!


The stitch is herringbone peyote and works up very well; and quite quickly.  It will probably take you longer to decide on your colour scheme!  


Mariposa's blog is luxuriously laden with tutorials - such a talented designer and so generous.  


Berry Delight
Based on Tinkerbell Mariposa Design


I enjoyed making the Tinkerbell earrings and adapted the frilly top to be these earrings, using 'peanut' beads; which have a dumbbell look to them and interlink quite well.






On reflection, I don't really like my 'Berry Delight' ... they suggest 'frog spawn' to me, which is not really a nice image to hold!!!  So, they will be de-assembled, and parts used for something prettier! Perhaps I have to vivid an imagination.


Flower Earrings
A Deborah Roberti Design


The Flower Earrings I made using some of my 'old' stash - which do not show off the design to its best potential. Deborah Roberti is yet another talented artist and has an amazing array of jewellery. 




Take a look at her blog and soak up the inspiration.  Some of her tutorials are free and she gives specific guidelines for using them. 


Due to the irregularity of the beads, I decided to use these as Stitch Markers, which work perfectly with the neat flip back earring fastening. In fact, I'm sorely tempted to make more Stitch Markers.  That's another story for another day!


Handmade Monday No. 63
I really must put a permalink on my website for Wendy's Handmade Monday, as I don't always post on a Monday and its not fair that you should miss out on the weekly wares of these lovely friends.  


Take a visit and see what your inspired to do; because there you will find a wide selection of crafts and maybe there's one that you've always wanted to do?  


Take Me Out of My Time Warp
I've decided I do NOT like this 'blogging in the past'. Sorry, have I lost you - I mean that my Posts are a little behind and I don't feel that I can tell you what is happening 'here and now' and its my fault.  
If I Posted more often, then you would get my thoughts hot off the press; instead of which I'm having to trawl my grey cells to tell you what you've missed! 


I reckon two more Posts and then I'll be up-to-date with blogging and out of my 'time warp'. Well enough, waffle - I'm off to check out some of my friends on Handmade Monday ... maybe I'll see you there?


Lastly, keep the comments coming, its great to share views and if I know I'm not just talking to myself ... maybe, just maybe I WILL blog more often?


'Keep Watching, and I'll Keep Blogging'


Charters

Sunday 22 April 2012

As Time Goes By (Post 72)

This year has roller skates ... no kidding, its moving along so fast yet I'm enjoying every minute.  Not all my time is spent making jewellery and I continually get side-tracked by new ideas, new techniques and the freedom that my recent retirement affords.  However, I am conscious that I do need to blog MORE ... not just to please my wonderful virtual friends who read my blog but to capture the excitement and enthusiasm I go through when creating my various forms of craft.


St Petersburg Chain
(c) Beading Daily Tutorial

St Petersburg Chain stitch is something you tend to link with Russian beading.  I see it as delicate but very eye-catching.  Here is a tutorial to introduce you to this stitch; a stitch that once you've learnt you too will fall in love with it!
 
'Floral Inspiration'
Designed by Callie Mitchell
My latest bracelet is a beautiful dainty design by Callie Mitchell, aka 'The Peregrine Beader'What I particularly liked about this bracelet is the sweet flower-like clasp, it really does look like petals; the toggle is a peyote band with crystals added on each end.


St Petersburg stitch is very quick to work, and easy to grasp.
Callie's tutorial finishes her bracelet with a clever pendant/flower clasp - I didn't have the swarovski pendant which is why I settled on doing the peyote toggle.  Sometimes its a case of adapting according to what's already in your stash!


Guess what ... to keep my Post to a 'readable' one, I'm going to finish off here but I do still have a lot to say.  Whilst reluctant to make empty blogging promises - I will be blogging again very shortly ... (honestly).


New Friends
I'd like to introduce you to three new friends who have recently joined us:


Mich
A multi-talented crafter who loves producing a variety of projects and sells her work on her own website.  Including ... jewellery, hats, scarves, hair accessories and household items.  Well worth a peek, I'd say.


Leslie Sirag
A creative lady, exhibits art crafts throughout New York to California.  Leslie's work is eye-catching unusual ... belonging to many creative teams also. Love steampunk, reformed work, alternate jewellery? You will 'lurve' her Etsy Store.


Kristen
A lover of cross stitch and quilting Kristen started her passion with Beads in 2009. A fact which is hard to believe, given the amazing work she produces.  Kristen jokes if you follow her 'you may be in for a bumpy ride', I'd have to say its quite the opposite; its a path you'd love to follow!


You will have noticed by now, that a majority of my Friends, whilst sharing a strong link to jewellery making all enjoy all manner of crafts - its just the creativity shining through.  I hope that you take the time to visit them and are inspired to learn a new craft.  I know I find myself drawn to many new ideas and hope to do so for a long, long time.


Catch up again soon ...
'Keep Watching and I'll Keep Blogging ... more often'


Charters

Tuesday 27 March 2012

Spring Cheers ... (Post 71)

I love this time of the year, although it may be a little unpredictable, weatherwise. Funny since I started this the weather has taken a turn for the better - full on sunshine, not that I'm complaining.

I've got a lot to show you, its been a busy few weeks.  Where to start?

Mother's Day Necklace
A Norma Jean Dell Design
Last week I showed you the cute russian leaf earrings I made, what I didn't say they were part of a set that I made for my mother-in-law for Mother's Day.  I held back showing it until now, but it is now with its new owner and was greatly appreciated.

A Norma Jean Dell design, incorporating a few new techniques for me.  A magnetic clasp makes it easier to wear.

The pendant is a beautiful Swarovski crystal rivoli.  This has no holes so has to be captured in a net of beads' it is then embellished with jet dagger beads and beautiful little jet crystals.

The neck chain is a lovely zig zag type pattern, and actually looks like a 'chain' but is made with very small seed beads.  The whole necklace is made with size 15/0 seeds.

I'd never beaded around a Rivoli before and found that you had to really give a tight tension to it or it just wouldn't hold; once it was captured it was further captured with the dagger beads.

A Bit of a Regular Occurrence
I was really excited to be given the opportunity, once again, to be a 'Tester' - this time for the very talented Liz Reed of Crimson Moon.  Liz had created a tutorial for a Beaded Bead called 'Corona'.  I have never done this type of bead weaving before but found it so easy - in the main because Liz produces wonderful detailed and well photographed tutorials.

'Corona Bead' as a Pendant on faux suede necklace
A Liz Reed Design

The Corona Bead is very versatile and is sweet enough to be on its own as a pendant, or perhaps as a pair of earrings.

If you want to make this visit The Crimson Moon for the tutorial; or if you prefer, purchase the finished article - take a look at the wonderful colours that Liz has used.

'Corona Bead' as a Pendant on a silver Snake Chain
A Liz Reed Design








Appeal to the child within .... and read all about the arrival of the 'Corona Bead'











Week 10 Earrings
'Corona Bead' - A Liz Reed Design



Week 10 Earrings
I just had to make the 'Corona Bead' into a pair of earrings, which contributes towards my Earring Challenge.  But ... I'm STILL behind!

This week is Week 14 .... I keep getting side-tracked with so many other beaded wonders!

I'm going to close here but still have updates for you.  I'm NOT going to make wild promises ... as I don't want to disappoint you BUT I will try to make it very soon!


'Keep Watching, and I'll Keep Blogging'


Charters

Monday 19 March 2012

Meandering through March (Post 70)

I was gently 'prodded' today with the fact that there seems to be a shortage of updates from me lately.  (I knew this was the case).  So, time to rectify the shortfalls!


Did you guess what it was?


Some offerings were, Lipstick Holder, Pill Pot ... no - its actually a Needle Case. I currently tend to dot my needles around my beading mat, quite a work of art mind with their twists and turns.  Then I came across a cute little Needle Case holder on R B Beads and decided I just had to make one. Rachel, owner of R B Beads, runs regular workshops and has a great tutorial for this.  Not sure whether its available to buy on her site yet, but I'm sure she'll let you know when it is.


The needle case is wooden with a separate lid.


It was created using circular peyote, and a strip connects the lid so you don't lose it - how neat is that!  A great tutorial.


As always, its the technique which is good to know as you can then adapt it to your own designs.  Maybe do a plain one or embellish it with crystals - possibilities are endless!


You will see some amazing beaded vessels by visiting Eva Maria Keiser. Eva is an amazing artist who I admire greatly.


Ahem ... I have a long way to go to achieve such beautiful works of art; but that said, I am still proud of my 1st Beaded vessel - my wooden needle case.


Earring Beadalong
Have I got away with it, or did you realise I'm behind on my earring self-imposed challenge?  OK, I confess we are now into Week 12 and my last viewing was Week 7 - I know, I know ... but its not something I wanted to focus on.  Good news though ....


Bead Hoop Earring Tutorial
Crystal Star Gems and Jewellery
Week 8 Earrings
These earrings are made using circular peyote stitch using grey Size 11/0 and 15/0 beads and purple crystal bicones.


The tutorial is free until the end of March,  and is designed by Tracey Crystal Gwilliams.  I believe you may need to 'Like' her Facebook to access or possibly join ... not sure, take a peek.


I'll also be entering these into the OTTBS March Challenge, whose theme is something Grey/Purple with a Crystal twist.  These meet those requirements.  Great prize this month, Rachel is sponsoring this event and I know its going to be such a popular event.  Have a wander around at all the other entries ... there are so many outstanding projects.


I will be entering another item but I want to 'get into it' before letting on what it is.


Week 9 Earrings
Russian Leaves - peyote stitch Size 15/0 beads - silver/black.


Picture not as bright as it should be ... still banned from using 'The' camera!


So, I'm not as far behind as I was but STILL 3 pairs to do to bring me up to date.




Hello and Welcome ...
I'd like to say hello to two new Friends:


Ironwind - aka Lena
Lena creates a variety of craftwork some of which are: Needlework, Knitting and Crochet - including crochet jewellery.  


Lena is blogs in Russian but there is a translator on the page so you can also view in English or whatever your preferred language is.  


Haptree - aka Hillary
Hillary runs a Craft Blog Site supporting crafters, sharing hints and tips, reviewing books and a multitude of other helpful tasks.  


Before I go, I almost forgot - have a browse over at Wendy's Handmade Monday to see what all my other friends have been up to.  I've actually made it in time today ... I do lapse from time to time but like to pop across anyway to see what's new.  You can be sure to see some great talent!


As you know, I don't like long blogs, so this is where I close for now but not for long.  I'm reluctant to say when, but aim to post again this week. Very last thing ... I have added a Email for update, for those of you who would like to be kept updated on when I DO update my blog.  I have to admit I'm not sure how this works, so be patient with me - or, if you use it maybe you could let me know your views.


'Keep Watching, and I'll Keep Blogging'


Charters

Too Many Moons' Make a Forgetful Memory (Post 69)

Well, as promised - albeit a little late!  I'd like to give a quick run through on my creativity throughout February.

Admittedly, its many moons ago now but I'll see if I can make it brief.

I forecast for February that I would develop my skills with the Peyote stitch which I did very nicely with Celia's necklace and Donna's cuff bracelet.  

February Pursuits were ...

Mistinguette Earrings by Sereine
Bling-ee earrings.  Instructions are in French, but the pics make it easy to follow.

Celia's Deco Necklace at Jencel's UK
A lovely little necklace like a flower bud.  Using the peyote and brick stitch pattern.

Donna's Poppy Cuff
A odd-count peyote bracelet.

Netted Amulet Purse
An Enid Taylor Design.

A Taste of March
Moving swiftly on to March .... next Post will follow very, very shortly!

Can you guess what this is?

'Keep Watching and I'll Keep Blogging'


Charters

Friday 2 March 2012

Triangle + Triangle = ? (Post 68)

Since my last Post I have been getting to know Peyote stitch a bit more and feel I'm making good progress. Its one of the most popular bead weaving stitches as its so versatile and strong.  (Not so good if you need to rip it back at any stage though!).


Components
Components is a word I come across regularly on OTTBS and until now it hasn't really meant much to me.  When I hear 'component's, I think about car parts ... but the other morning I woke up literally with a clearer understanding of this 'jargon' in relation to Jewellery Making.  It really was one of those 'eureka' moments.


It was so obvious, I actually felt I must be quite 'dull' not to have understood it before.  Basically, when people say they are 'just working on some components' it means that they are perhaps making up a beaded part which will link in, in whatever way, to a bracelet or necklace etc.  It can take longer to work on a 'part item' than it can the rest of the piece of jewellery ... which is one of the reasons why people 'set it aside' to work on in-between other projects.


This 'new' understanding came about because of the latest pair of earrings I made.


Triangular Treat
Triangular Treat
'Based on a  Diane Fitzgerald Design'
The technique used for these earrings are flat peyote and herringbone stitch. These are a 2d (two-dimensional) design which are joined together by what is know as the 'zip' method.  Its really a very satisfying technique. A bit like doing up a zip ... ha ha - hence the name perhaps!


I began to think what else I could use these for, linked together for a bracelet/necklace, a pendant.  Once you learn the technique you can adapt it to so many other projects.


Tumbling Blocks
'A Sue Maguire Design'
That evening set the course of a different way of thinking, which probably related to my sudden understanding of 'components.


Tumbling Blocks
The peyote project I've been working on is a beautiful beaded cuff which Sue Maguire designed based on her daughter's quilt and adapting the triangle shape that she had learnt from Julia Pretl's book, 'Little Beading Boxes'.  


Tumbling Blocks
'A Sue Maguire Design'
This is the biggest peyote project I've tackled, and when I started it I had no clue as to whether I had the 'know-how', (which is different than the instructions), to produce it.  I like to step outside of comfort zones though and dived straight in.


No wonder I woke up designing components from triangles!  Quite a few involved in this design.


Here we have it friends, Triangles + Triangles = Earrings and a Bracelet.


Welcome
A huge welcome to 'Cat' and 'Anna'


Cat from the United States, (Cat correct me if I'm wrong ... couldn't quite work out where), creates beaded handwoven jewellery and other artworks.  Quite a beadaholique, beading whenever she can.  Cat also runs an online store on Facebook, DCI JewelryDesigns, so why not take a look.


Anna from Belguim, also creates jewellery, mainly bead woven and has a good eye for colour with some beautiful combinations.  Take a look at her blog.  Anna's recently set up a Facebook Page and Etsy shop - so keep an eye out I'm sure you'll soon see some beautiful items for sale.


The OTTBS Challenge for March has started - some great goodies for the lucky winner!  I like the colours for this month Purple/Grey with a crystal twist to it.  I do have a few ideas in mind - but not the beads, (yet LOL).


I think you'll agree I've 'got the hang of peyote' now so I'm now going to be looking at different type of 'tubular' stitches for this month.  My next Post will review my thoughts on February.  


'Keep Watching, and I'll Keep Blogging'
Charters



Doors of Technology (Post 67)


The last three months have been a whirlwind of learning.  Just when I think I've caught up with technology, whoosh .... there it goes again, whizzing past me!!  Then my competitive streak races to catch up again! I've gone from a blog to having a Facebook Page, to Twitter and now I have been introduced to the concept of Etsy Treasuries - My 1st Entry.


Etsy Treasuries are another way of showcasing interesting and inspiring art forms; art being in the eye of the beholder.  Yet, they are more than that, they are also a form of socialising of glimpsing the world through others' insights.  They inspire me, set my own thoughts into a fresh way of thinking, nudging new neural pathways to form ... oh, how I simply love technology!


Additional Note: 
Due to media concern over copyright issues on Pinterest I no longer use it.  I hope Pinterest will resolve these issues shortly, as in my opinion it has good potential.  It is just not worth 'unwittingly' infringing copyright laws.


February Challenge
Three Toned Netted Purse
An Enid Taylor Design
This months theme for OTTBS Challenge is something blue and green with an option of adding circles.  I chose to make a beaded purse ... not sure if it meets the 'added twist' - you could say very loosely the pattern has circles? 






The stitch for this is a 5-bead netted weave and has quite a delicate look to it.  Initially I had intended making a peyote stitch purse but didn't have the right beads - that's getting to be a regular story!  



The design is by Enid Taylor, author of 'Decorative Beaded Purses'.  A book that I was 'gifted' by Maureen, a lovely OTTBS friend.  Thank you Maureen x.
I particularly love this book because it covers all the basic beading stitches enabling you to achieve a good 'grounding' of both stitches and techniques.  


I will definitely be making more of these little purses; although it will mean an update of my beading stash!


The top band is created with 'ladder stitch' and bugle beads; the netting woven beneath.  A clever 3-way colour scheme.  It is stitched flat then joined naturally 'in pattern' and the Chain added at the grand finale stage.




Week 7 Earrings and Week 8 to follow.  This week I'll also be getting familiar with flat peyote. triangular really ... that's the plan!  I won't elaborate, hopefully I will be able to surprise you - what am I talking about, surprise myself more like!


'Keep Watching, and I'll Keep Blogging'
Charters

Wednesday 15 February 2012

Got to Pick a Poppy or Two (Post 66)

I was very fortunate in receiving a great Beading Software Application for Christmas, Bead Tool4  it looks pretty impressive.  It is a tool used by Jewellery Designers to assist in the designing of bead weaving graphs; covering a variety of popular stitches including variations of: peyote, tubular peyote, brick stitch, loom, RAW (right angle weave). It has the colour charts for all Delica, Rocailles, Pony, Tokyo Aika and Treasures; you can make up your own palettes of your stock and then ... then ... it works out exactly how many beads you need!  How remarkable is that!!! Amazing, I'd say.  Updated on a regular basis and you have direct contact with the developer if you want to. It was recommended to me originally by Donna Saunders, owner of Delicate Sparkles.  I now know a few designers who just couldn't be without it.  You can treat yourself to a free trial as well - you won't be able to save or print it out but it will certainly give you a flavour of what it CAN do.  One for your 'wish list'.


As a recent convert to Peyote I knew this would be great for any future designs - and, of course ... as you know I do love my gadgets!


POPPY CUFF
Donna knew how keen I was to create my own Cuff Bracelets and pointed me to her tutorial which takes gives you the bracelet pattern and shows you how to add the bracelet to a Cuff blank.  


Poppy Cuff
A 'Donna Sanders' Design
Having only done 'Even Peyote' to date I now had to do 'Odd Count Peyote', very similar except for the 'odd' rows.  With Donna's help, that of friends on OTTBS and various tutorials, (gosh don't I sound particularly thick!!) ... ahem.  I soon conquered the awkward turn.




This Cuff is a 3/4 inch cuff ... recommended would be 1/2 inch.  So as you can see there is a border either side.  To my mind, this is still a WIP (work in progress) and I have it in my mind to bead a decorative edge ... eventually!  Although some people do actually like it like this.  What do you prefer?


WELCOME TO ... Rebecca Dean



Rebecca has a variety of Jewellery and other Craft articles that she showcases on Etsy, along with some great tutorials ... I seem to be getting obsessed with tutorials, but honestly its such a great way to enhance your knowledge.  Rebecca has recently found Bead Embroidery, so follow her journey on her blog - interesting reading!


DAINTY DECO
Deco
A 'Jencel UK' Design
Remember my weekend jaunt a few weeks back ... well, I bought a sweet little kit, which I sort of got persuaded into buying, (not that it took much - Carole and Dee!). Thanks to Celia of Jencel UK who was very helpful as I opted for a 2nd colour choice. NO not awkward - I prefer different thank you.


Stitch for flower buds was Peyote ... yay, first time I've done peyote that is not just in rows!  The necklace itself is a Brick Stitch.  A nice tutorial which makes up quite quickly.  Everything is included in the kit so you can just pick it up and Bead!


What's that I hear you say ... no I haven't done Week 7 Earrings yet!  That's next on the agenda - well, if I didn't keep getting side-tracked, then there's the February Challenge and of course another lovely tutorial from a beady friend ... 


So, I'll close here and remember:


'Keep Watching and I'll Keep Blogging'


Charters

Tuesday 14 February 2012

Thrills and Spills - Part Two (Post 65)

OK, its been a few days - life takes over sometimes!  Update on 'the camera' ... as thought, its going to cost one heck of a lot of beads (grrrrr ....).  It'll certainly make me very wary of using it.  Currently I have quite an old Canon 'point and shoot', which used to be quite good but is not as sharp or as colour bright as it used to be.  Maybe I will be able to use the OHs if I don't touch the card reader??  We'll see  ...


An Award
The other week I was so pleased to receive an award from the very lovely Jay who I met 'online' a few years ago - awarded to me as one of her favourite bloggers.  Even though you visit people from time to time when you actually get mentioned its quite a thrill.  Jay introduced me to the art of making ATCs - that's Artist Trading Cards and I'll always be thankful for her kindness towards me, as I was such a 'newbie' to online forums, and crafts in general. I'm quite the proud owner of a number of traded ATCs ... although I admit to none of late.  They are literally little pieces of work of arts; fun to make and passed to other Artists whose work you admire as a way of socialising and being recognised I suppose - some people sell them as 'art'.


Week 6 Earrings
Think bling think Week 6 result, a nice little tutorial which can be done in one one evening - if time is an issue for you. 
Made with tiny seed beads and crystal bacons.  The pattern is a type of netting stitch.  Although in French the diagrams are self-explanatory.


As is quite often the case I used alternative beads than those in the pattern.  My centre bead was a little larger than the tutorial which affected the outside causing me to use more crystals to cover the larger bead - this also meant that the final earring 'ruffled' gently.  Not unpleasant - one I'm sure I'll recreate.  


Still on target - not sure what I'll do for this weeks?  Yet ...


Welcome To ...


Jet a friend from OTTBS, who blogs about her adventures with beads - along with Neo her cat.  Her bead weaving is brilliant, very vibrant, very inspiring and a very honest approach to some frustrating times that bead weave creates at times!


Time clocks on - but I've yet to tell you about my latest project Poppy Cuff.  Not to worry that can wait until another day.  Catch up again soon!


'Keep Watching and I'll Keep Blogging'


Charters

Friday 10 February 2012

Thrills and Spills - Part One (Post 64)

February got off to a great start when this arrived in the post!


I occasionally take part in Blog comps, never expecting to win but enjoying the interaction with the authors.  This time though ... I was one of the lucky winners, but didn't want to believe it until I could see for myself!


The blog I refer to belongs to Gemma who is like so many of my friends 'multi-talented' and showcases her work whilst also giving an insight to her many crafts.




Are you intrigued yet ... do you want me to 'open the box'?


Here we have it ... a beautiful sea blue/green, pearlised pair of earrings.  The picture can not do it justice (actually that's another story ... keep reading).


The earrings are resin with iridescent hearts inside and sterling silver ear wires .... ooh, so cute!! The winner had the choice of one of three pairs, but these were the one's that just called out to me.  


The added pleasure was the sweet little presentation box and personalised card, all handmade by Gemma.  Its these finishing touches that added to the experiences. Thank you so much Gemma x


Canon - Can Not!
Without prejudice ... is that the phrase I'm looking for?  The camera in question: Canon 50D, my husband's not mine - has been known to be used in probably what you will have noticed as the 'better' pictures on my site.  It is always with fear and intrepidation that I 'borrow' it.  Always afraid that I may damage it.  Well .....


That fateful day has arisen, and, since my last blog post my OHs camera has taken a turn for the worse.  Was it me ... I'm reliably informed by the very nice man in the Camera shop that the 'actual' cause will never be known for sure!   Whew, so maybe, just maybe it wasn't me?  I admit no responsibility, whilst strongly suspecting it 'might' have been me.  The camera has a Flashcard which connects inside the body of the camera.  The camera no longer 'reads' the card and closer inspection - we're talking gigantic lenses WITH lights, (the works!!) has detected that the pins inside the camera have been severely damaged.  By that I mean 'expensively' damaged. Resulting in a new Card Reader having to be fitted. Given my OHs undevoted attention to it, in all honesty it is extremely UNLIKELY to be caused by him.   Needless to say, I will probably receive a life's ban on using it on its return!


Moving on .... 


Welcome to my latest Blog Friend .... sunb1
A follower who shares an interest in Crafts of various types.  Always nice to meet new people - welcome to my blog!


Here I will close and hope to post Part 2 later tonight.


'Keep Watching and I'll Keep Blogging'


Charters

Friday 3 February 2012

The Missing Macrame Earrings (Post 63)

Whilst updating my Charters Creations FB I realised that Week 4 Earring Beadalong had not been shared on my blog.  Not that its anything 'outstanding' but it does still deserve a mention!


Week 4 Earring Beadalong
Based on a Sherri Haab Design
I think I recall telling you that many years ago I used to make macramed Wall Plaques. These were made from mariners' jute, which is quite a thick rope and were quite striking as wall hangings.  Very popular in Germany in the mid 80s. Macrame's popularity slipped away ... only now it would appear, (like a lot of fashion), to be on the increase.  No longer were pot holders, lampshades and other larger items being macramed but Jewellery, (no not the hippy friendship bracelets); something that is being termed as 'micro macramé jewellery'.  This  seems to be the current buzz word. 




I was intrigued to learn more and added it to my 'must do' list ... which by the way I can't possibly do unless I live to be 100!


Week 5 Earring Beadalong
Based on a Sherri Haab Design
I looked on it as being similar to my last blog ... you need to know the basics to get past the goal posts.  And ... Week 4 and Week 5 Earrings are the result.


Only a few knotting techniques were used, which are very simplistic.  Hopefully, over the next .... weeks/months you will see some more detailed work.  That's the plan anyway.


'Keep Watching and I'll Keep Blogging'


Charters