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

It Takes Two (Post 47)

Hello and Welcome

A very big welcome to Jenn, of Leftsox who has recently joined us.  Jen is a fellow beader and has sculptured some lovely pieces, whilst also raising 4 sons, a daughter and 2 dogs .... amazing!  Where do you find the time?

Its Handmade Monday No. 23; hosted by Wendy, its a place were you will find a lot of talented like-minded folk.  You too can be part of it if you would like to.  Pop over and take blog hop, guarantee you'll enjoy it.

OK, what have I been up to ... aside from a short break, which I must admit was just perfect!

Dalmation Nugget Twist

I can finally reveal my 'nuggety' necklace that I've been working on.  Which is based on just TWO STITCHES; spiral chain and russian spiral.  The stitches that I very recently came acquainted with.

I used Dalmation Jasper nuggets, metallic grey twisted bugle beads and red and black glass seed beads.

I created little bugle spiral cages and between each a cluster of nuggets; and to keep the theme I finished with the necklace piece in red/black glass beads.  Its interesting to note that the neck piece is the same stitch that I used on the the nugget twist.  Surprising how a different texture can change the look - well it surprised me!

(c) Charters: Dalmation Nugget Twist

I'm really getting used to doing ball cluster and loop clasps, which finished this necklace just nicely.  

Of course, I couldn't stop there - and created matching earrings.

(c) Charters: Dalmation Nugget Twist

In The Pink

Remember my very first spiral chain?  

It was a very delicate pink/green one that I made into a bracelet and very ambitiously I was making a peyote clasp for.  Well, perhaps a little too adventurous for me just yet.  

So, that too ended up with, you've guessed it - a ball cluster and loop clasp.

I thought perhaps a pair of earrings, but not too sure on whether that was a right decision?  They have been labelled as 'sea horses' ... 'the cheek of it'!!!

As you can see I'm keen to add my own stamp to my jewellery and I was very lucky to receive some beautiful bead weaving books for my birthday which I'm hoping will give me a greater insight to working in 2D and 3D.

I'm still picking up basic stitches at the minute and have had a frustrating couple of days getting to grips with one in particular!

Brick Stitch - aka Comanche Stitch
Its a stitch that was used for centuries by Native Americans for amulet bags etc.

This is a very strong stitch which is used in particular as a base stitch for 2D and 3D work, so I've been really knuckling down trying my utmost to learn it. 

Now this is where being left-handed has caused me to get a little mixed up.  But ... never one to give up easily, after 2 days it finally all came together.  This was, to me, amazing! To those of you more experienced, it is probably a simplistic stitch.  I was beginning to think I must be 'really thick', and I can't tell you how many times I've started the technique, only to rip it apart.

I used various books and online tutorials to work it out, each one being 'not quite' legible (to me anyway).  Then ... I don't know why, but I GOT IT ... that's a great feeling.  More so because without Brick Stitch, the chance of doing multi-dimensional work was looking slim.  

And here you have it ... a pair of tear drop, (sort of - I had thought they were going to be diamonds ... or do I mean they should have been?).  Made with a red seed bead with a hint of gold/purple, (I know you can't see it in the piccy but its a very shiny pretty colour).  These were just a 3-row foundation which decrease by one stitch each row.  Turned upside down to complete the 2nd half.

Just the beginning, and more practice definitely needed!  But, hey ... I can do brickstitch!!!  Yippee ....

'Keep Watching, and I'll Keep Blogging'

Charters