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

She Sells Sea Shells by The Sea Shore (Post 46)

Going forward from my Beaded Flower last week, I've continued this week with another beaded project.  A short while ago I was fortunate to be holidaying in France ... beautiful country, rich in history.  I particularly love the many medieval 'walled' towns that they have.   One such place being, Concarneau.

I happened across a little gift shop, (tucked away in one of the alleyways), which had some cute seaside-type models.  I snapped them up, without a clue what I wanted them for; I just knew they would look 'different' whatever I chose to do with them.

Then last week, it was one of those 'eureka' moments ... and I knew exactly what I would do.  Choosing a pretty blue shell to experiment with.  

All will be revealed ... in a minute.  First though:

Today is Handmade Monday No. 21, don't forget to take a peek and see what everybody has been up to.  Wendy has some delightful plaques, which are just great!

Shell Shores

(c) Charters  Jewellery - Shell Shores

Voila!  Here it is: Shell Shores Brooch.

I attached the shell to a double layer of interfacing and embellished the shell with a few rows of back stitched beads; randomly selecting one of 3 shades of blue glass seed beads.  I then created loads of loops around and finished it off with bead 'stacks' to stand above the brooch.  Then added a suedette back and brooch pin.

I thought the ruggedness of the beads made it look like a shell lying on a beach with the 'foam of the waves' washing over it.  

Yes, I have quite a vivid imagination!

I'm excited to say I have a few more different shaped models left ... starfish, turtle, shell ... so, you may well see some more sea-side type brooches, (called Pins, I believe in The States?).

I'm still working on my nuggety necklace, the bulk of it has been created, now its the finishing touches. 

In the meantime, 'Keep Watching and I'll Keep Blogging'

Charters