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

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