A new little beading class will be offered over at Maureens Vintage Acquisitions today...a beaded bookmark. Just click on the Take-it-Anytime button tomorrow and you will find it.
However, it is so much MORE than just that. This technique makes lovely beaded trim...that can be made to an an exact length. I like to use it to cover the rim of band boxes and tins after the top has been done in crazy quilt fashion or embroidery and lace. Or, use it in garment construction too!...as a lovely trim to cufs or pockets!But, it doesn't just stop at trim...it can be a piece of jewelry! Add a clasp to the ends and you have a bracelet...a little longer and you have a necklace.Attaching a charm to one end and grosgrain ribbon to the other makes a bookmark. These are super gifts for teachers...and it only takes about two hours (or less) to complete the project...so several can be made!Hope you will consider taking the class...it is VERY reasonably priced...and available any time.I'm always here to answer any questions...but have also spend hours drawing the charts and creating the narrative to explain just how to make the bookmark...so you would be fine just on your own as well I'm sure!
A dear friend contacted me yesterday, to see if I could make a beaded ring for her...from a book that we both have. I just love this book...and had wanted to try a project from it...so, sure I thought...why not. Well, some supplies have been ordered...but I had enough to try a small version of the ring...in plain crystal (but really, there just is no PLAIN crystal)...
This one will go to Aidan...as a present for her completing the second grade with such good grades...and only two trips to the principals office all year! Ha!I'm sure it will mostly get to live in her jewelry box...but, that's okay.
The band is beaded as well as the front.Oh, the book is Creating Crystal Jewelry with Swarovski by Laura McCabe if you want to check it out!
My muse is happy...and I'm going back to stitching something tomorrow...not sure what yet, my list is long...but something will have to get done.....before I start stressing over deadlines. Hugs!
because she is attracted to Shiny Things. Even though I have a ton of writing and sewing to do these next few weeks...she would not let me really get going on anything...because she wanted to handle some gorgeous beads. So, I pulled out some Czech Glass Buttons and started to work.
These are cobalt blue...and just simply take my breath away they are so pretty close up. The sheen reminds me of rich velvet it is so opulent!
These set the bar extra high for the Bling factor...and the heavily beaded gold one will be a great addition to a gold work project I'm thinking...and the seed beads on it are 24K gold. That's why it shines so!
These are just pure fun...and will make great motifs on crazy quilt blocks.Some of these are headed off to CrazyQuiltingSupplies for Thearica to add to her inventory of beaded cabochons. But, you can always go there and get the Czech Glass Buttons before any beading...and do your own. Just hop on over and take the Beaded Cabochon Class now offered at Maureen's as a take-it-anytime class...just check out her class page at MaureensVintageAcquisitions.It is easy to understand because I've included tons of color charts and her kit offered is the exact same cabochons in the photos for the class...no guess work!
I love Spring...I hate Spring...I love Spring...I hate Spring...my head is so full of crud that I can't keep a straight thought in it for long it seams. It has taken me days to finish up a Round Robin Block...that should have only taken me a few hours.
And, when I can't think straight...I really let my mind wander...and THAT gets me into trouble! Like procrastinating!So, I've been playing around with beads lately...in my medicated state of mind!
This is a bookmark I finished up.The beaded part could also be a stand-a-lone item...a bit longer...and it could be a bracelet...just needs a clasp.And, I did a tassel with a beaded ball on the top (photos below/above)!
Then, my muse says...why can't the ball surround the top of the tassel...instead of sitting up there like that? Well, I'm back to the drawing board...and will show you what I come up with...perhaps by this weekend. When I get it all worked out...I'll do a tute or a mini-class...if I can remember to take photos of the "how" part that is! Geez!
What if I show you a smaller one too?
Yep, bead looms! I can't wait to get some time to work with the larger one..but for now, I'm helping Aidan learn..so the baby loom is busy!
She's starting to get it...and about 1/3 of this work is hers! It takes a lot of patience for her! BTW, these particular looms are made in the USA by BeadandBeadLooms. I found their prices to be reasonable and their workmanship is just great!
A few days ago...I shared the organizer that I had made and sent to Colleen. Just this week, I received my wonderful gift from her! This gorgeous purse!
I love everything about it. The size is perfect, the colors are just right, and I adore the beading!
Thanks again Colleen!
Oh goodness! I have found a great site for beading information. Beading Arts has a free E-book chapter on surface beading available!And she has follow-on Chapters 2 through 5 available for sale (only $3 each...for 60-90 pages each chapter!). I just had to have all of them! And, each one is just great! Beautiful photos and simple how-to instructions...and lovely charts and diagrams! Wow!So run over there and check this great deal out! I am flabbergasted at the amount of information in each of these chapters...for only $3!...and now, can't wait to see what else she creates.I'm also her newest blog follower!
Labels:
beading,
button,
cabochon,
Czech Glass Buttons
