Bead by Bead (Post 45)

A busy week, getting to grips with new beading techniques.  Still doing the nuggetty necklace and an interesting beaded brooch.  But, I digress ...

Finally gathered together everything needed for another tutorial by the Designer Liz Reed of The Crimson Moon.  In fact, I'm proud to say that this is actually my first bead embroidery -as it involves stitching to fabric.

Thanks Liz ... love your tutorials!

Liz's tutorials are in her Etsy Store, I bought this some time ago, with an idea of what I wanted to do. 

The great thing about Liz's tutorials are that they are excellent for giving a 'grounding' in techniques, which you can then build on to create your own designs.  From this tutorial alone I now know how to use brick stitch to create petals, how to work beading onto fabric, do embroidery backstitch and so much more. 

This tutorial is based on you using your own cabachon - or bead or button: the choice is yours.  I love the goddess that's pictured here.  As yet, my polymer skills do not lend themselves to produce such beauties.  I had other ideas ...

Have You Guessed Yet?

This glass bead and the little beads with it reminds me of the sun.  So I thought that as I didn't have a 'goddess' to use that I would create a lovely bright sun with rays dancing out of the edges.  (OK, that was the idea, anyway).

Oops, did the tutorials really say use an 18 mm cabachone?  Well ... its a little larger at 35+ mm.  Did I ever tell you my sense of measurement is poor.  Me, I still think in feet and inches!!

Not to be put off, I thought - the technique is the same, just means I 'll use a few more beads etc.

Not to be deterred, now I'd got this far I ploughed on.  The only setback being 'my being left-handed'.  It wasn't really a problem, and I soon settled in.  It was quite therapeutic.

Sunshine or Sunflower?

I haven't decided yet, whether this will be a brooch or maybe a 'quite mad' necklace.  I'm really pleased with the results though.

I've started another project incorporating some of these techniques, but have another stitch which I think will look fab - a sort of loopy type stitch.  Maybe next time?

Hello and Welcome to: Karen of Kazies Magical Designs

Kazie has some beautiful encaustic art and other 'one of a kind' items; and joins my other virtual friends in producing some amazing work.  Take a peek for yourselves.

And finally, its  Handmade Monday No. 20 today.  Pop over and see what everybody has been up to.

Got 'beading' to catch up with, so until next time ...

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

Charters

Lazy Days, lots of Fun .... (Post 39)

'Tambourine Treat'

Light evenings, longer warm days ... you've guessed it, less 'me' time - or is that more 'me' time but less 'you' time?

This week I've been looking through old Bead and Button magazines and revived my interest in beadweaving.  

It was only after I'd made up the crystal pendant that it struck me how much it looked like a tambourine!  Albeit a very small one ...

The piece is worked in two halfs, woven in segments which gently allow a 6 mm crystal to snuggle into place.

'Tambourine Treat'

A jump ring was attached and I handstitched a woven thread with matching glass seed beads to give a little weight to it; finishing off with a coiled cord ending and trigger clasp.

Aside from 'Tambourine Treat' I revisited Liz Reed's Fairground Attraction tutorial with some very pleasing results.

Fairground Attraction
Designed by Liz Reed of Crimson Moon
 

Take 2 ...

Following my initial interpretation of Liz's design I felt that I needed to review my steps ....

Not once, mind but twice.  As suddenly, the pattern fell into place.

Voila ... here it is: My 'Fairground Attraction'

I became aware of where the beads should be placed - the right way round for a start!

I consciously separated the beads into their individual sizes, realising on my original interpretation that I had started with a centre bead that was just much too big.

Diligently stitching into each of the little bridges, transformed by the gentle repetitive steps, mesmerised by the glints of light twinkling so 'knowingly' until - finally ... I felt I could acknowledge the true interpretation of 'Fairground Attraction' and no longer hide behind a 'frilly' pendant ....

 'Fairground Attraction

It is of course, due to the excellent tutorial that I was able to analyse where changes were needed and have the confidence to try and try again!

My interpretation of  'Fairground Attraction'

I will be joining you again in the next day or so with an opportunity for you to take part in sharing your lovely work.  I had hoped to mention it earlier but once I get going ... time goes nowhere.

Ooh ... I missed Handmade Monday ... but you don't need to - go and take a peek now.

'Keep Watching, and I'll Keep Blogging'

Charters