"Improved" scrapblog slideshow...

More Spirals

This is getting pretty addicting. The first rope took a bit, but now I'm starting to have a little more fun with variations in bead sizes, patterns, etc. You'll probably recognize these- I'm still playing with different clasp/closure configurations.

Here's one I think is simple and darling. Just looks like a bit of the ocean around your wrist. I toyed with some charms and other beads, but it just got distracting. This one is pretty, but part of the fun of these spirals is making a one of a kind pattern, so it's on to the next one!

And here's a cute little one I'm working on. It's got little Czech fire polished beads in there...

Spiraling

This month's sale at the local bead store is on seed beads and stringing supplies, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity to learn how to do ropes. Spiral ropes can be really versatile, depending on the size and shape of the beads. I put together a few spirals using the same sized beads.


This one is another take on the inspirational bracelet. On each side of the pewter plate, we have 10mm Swarovski crystals on stretchy elastic so you can actually slide the bracelet on/off. The rope is flexible, but not stretchy so it was either add the stretchy part or use a clasp. The engraved plate seems to be more than enough metal, so I don't like to use clasps with them. But anyway, it's an interesting look, that's for sure.


Here's one I'm working on now... the seed beads are smaller and I haven't decided which of the matching lampwork hibiscus to incorporate or how to do it yet. (My original idea was to use one of the beads as a clasp and make a beaded loop at the other end.) Well, time to get some sleep.

Chunky Monkey

Well, I may have gotten a bit carried away, but while organizing my current stash of supplies, I found some memory wire and lots of chunky glass beads. My son loves stringing beads with me, and we put these together a couple nights ago. (I had to do the finishing work since memory wire can be tricky.)

They're easy and fun, and because the beads are bigger, I can sit and do these longer than I can work with smaller beads. These are great for active folks because they stay put and there's no clasp (which is usually the part of the bracelet which fails.)

Back in business

Unfortunately, my carpal tunnel got the better of me after cramming to prep for the Christmas craft fair. Although I started out with a relatively minor case, it turns out that we're expecting a little girl this summer. The good news is that we have a healthy little one on the way. The bad news is that I ended up with sciatica, back pain, acid reflux, and of course, carpal tunnel. Such is life!

Fortunately, my last day in the office is this coming Friday. In the coming months, I hope to have enough quiet time to finish a couple of projects a week and also an opportunity to take some classes at the local beading store. Hopefully, I'll have enough inventory to peddle my wares, because I promised my fiancee that I wouldn't buy more beads until I sold some stuff. :)

I am, however, considering purchasing a couple of beading books with great reviews from a lady in California. If I do end up purchasing these books and trying these patterns, I'll be sure to identify which ones come from the book.

Happy Holidays!

The Holiday season is officially upon us. Please pardon my temporary absence. I have an overuse injury to my right hand which makes crafting and typing a bit of a pain if I do to much of it. I can tell I'm far more stressed out without beading, so rest assured, I am looking for projects... I'm just getting through them a lot slower than usual.

By the way, if you click on that little "Subscribe to post" link on the bottom, you'll get a note whenever I update the blog.


On a personal note, I'm really looking forward to watching the Army-Navy game on Saturday morning!



GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY!!

More earrings...

I started having fun making chandeliers out of bead caps. Hee hee. Me thinks I might be getting a bit carried away...

This one has tiny little butterflies peeking out at the bottom.


And of course, what would Christmas be without more Christmas-y earrings?!?

Can you tell I like flowers?

(I ended up giving this one to a girlfriend.)

Some bracelets...

I like bracelets. Since they're smaller than necklaces, you can get a little more elaborate and chunkier than you would with a necklace. You also have to use materials which are a little more durable, which is a great excuse to splurge on a little somethin' somethin' at the bead store...

This one has a cute little shamrock, inspired by my son's favorite color- green. The spacers are Bali silver, as is the clasp. The Swarovski crystals are 5mm, so this is a dainty little bracelet.


Here's one I've got on eBay, called Hydrangea, since the bicone clusters remind me of hydrangeas. I can never remember whether you need acid or alkaline for the pink or blue blossoms... was it pink if the soil is acidic and blue if alkaline???

Self-Critique

Hmmm... well, I think I have the craft fair bug. :) One thing I probably should've done was pack up early and walk around to check out what other folks were making and what they were charging. Maybe next time...


I love these doves, particularly the little olive branch. Incidentally, there's a flash flood going on here. Started around midnight and the road in front of my house is literally a river.


These are my son's favorites- he kept trying to sneak and grab them off the table as I was working on them.