Read more »
Selling a Piece of My Childhood
Read more »
Scarab and Lotus Wesekh
Over the years, I’ve had a lot of different methods for keeping track of beading ideas, including notebooks and recipe cards, bulletin boards, and just letting them roll around in my head. Usually the ideas that I most want to do stay with me until I’m ready to start taking out beads, but when the inspiration for Khepri’s necklace struck, I sketched it out immediately for fear of losing it.
I was waiting to fall asleep one evening, and trying to decide what to do with a few packets of opaque red 6/o seed beads. I had failed to incorporate them into two separate projects, and I want desperately to find the right home for them. As often happens, my thoughts started wandering, and I was soon thinking of bugle beads. I have more in my stash now than I ever have, thanks to the wonder of hanks and crazy spontaneity of online shopping. I was considering some patterns for ladder stitch bracelets with my remaining crystal clear bugles, and wishing that I could trust them enough for herringbone weave.
Suddenly, I remembered a necklace I had made years ago, which did incorporate bugles into herringbone panels in small, secure rows. I didn’t want to make a strappy necklace; then I thought about small sections of herringbone, and before I knew it, I could see a collar that was perfect for the scarab god Khepri.
I chose a palette of black with beetle greens - lemon lime, teal, and a hint smoky blue. To these I added some clear bugles, teal magatamas, and a dash of bright orange for contrast. The first stage involved creating several panels of herringbone weave, with an increase at the ends. I created a lotus-like pattern, and finished the edges with the magatamas. Once all of the panels were complete, I connected them with druks and teal coconut heishi beads. Finally, I added some netting and a clasp.
Although when I look at the piece I see the shapes of Tutankhamun’s Khepri amulet, and the shiny shells of a scarab beetle, the overall look of the collar came out a bit more Aztec than Egyptian, thanks to the feathery shapes. And even though the idea sprang from bugles, if I had to do it over again, I wouldn't use them at all.
Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+
reade more...
I was waiting to fall asleep one evening, and trying to decide what to do with a few packets of opaque red 6/o seed beads. I had failed to incorporate them into two separate projects, and I want desperately to find the right home for them. As often happens, my thoughts started wandering, and I was soon thinking of bugle beads. I have more in my stash now than I ever have, thanks to the wonder of hanks and crazy spontaneity of online shopping. I was considering some patterns for ladder stitch bracelets with my remaining crystal clear bugles, and wishing that I could trust them enough for herringbone weave.
Suddenly, I remembered a necklace I had made years ago, which did incorporate bugles into herringbone panels in small, secure rows. I didn’t want to make a strappy necklace; then I thought about small sections of herringbone, and before I knew it, I could see a collar that was perfect for the scarab god Khepri.
I chose a palette of black with beetle greens - lemon lime, teal, and a hint smoky blue. To these I added some clear bugles, teal magatamas, and a dash of bright orange for contrast. The first stage involved creating several panels of herringbone weave, with an increase at the ends. I created a lotus-like pattern, and finished the edges with the magatamas. Once all of the panels were complete, I connected them with druks and teal coconut heishi beads. Finally, I added some netting and a clasp.
Although when I look at the piece I see the shapes of Tutankhamun’s Khepri amulet, and the shiny shells of a scarab beetle, the overall look of the collar came out a bit more Aztec than Egyptian, thanks to the feathery shapes. And even though the idea sprang from bugles, if I had to do it over again, I wouldn't use them at all.
Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+
February Pinspiration
Beaders, today I am blogging on location from a kids' hamster village - you know the kind with impossible to supervise (unless you're an acrobat) tunnels and trackways? - and have just learned that my son is pretty much big enough to handle it without me. I sort of hate it here, but he loves it and begged all day yesterday to visit. So, in order to distract myself from the notion that he could have some sort of crisis at any moment, but will probably just have a good time, I'm searching for fantastic pins while Dad has a turn keeping an eye on things.
I'm always amazed at just how easy it is to find beautiful and inspiring images on Pinterest - and you don't even have to do a search first. Here are some of my favorites of late...
I seem to be in a pink/red/navy/turquoise kind of mood. Or perhaps everyone else is!
What's inspiring you this week?
Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading and Friends
Images Hosted by Pinterest
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+
reade more...
I'm always amazed at just how easy it is to find beautiful and inspiring images on Pinterest - and you don't even have to do a search first. Here are some of my favorites of late...
I seem to be in a pink/red/navy/turquoise kind of mood. Or perhaps everyone else is!
What's inspiring you this week?
Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading and Friends
Images Hosted by Pinterest
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+
More gifts from Jennifer
One of the kindest and most generous online friends, most of you are aready acquainted with her, those who are not, go and follow Jennifer. You will love Jennifer's blog and the lovely plush characters she creates. Also you will find two fantastic St. Valentine giveaways going on.
I am really blessed to have Jennifer as a friend. Besides receiving the most fantastic gifts, for no reason at all, I know I can rely on Jennifer for good advice every time I need it.
Look what arrived this time
Fresh muffins. 8 glass jars filled with glittery colored stuff. Lovely paper roses. St. Valentine stickers.
A dollhouse kit box. The muffins will go into my candy shop. The glass jars will be filled with Xmas candies and be displayed in a special market stand ned Christmas. The paper roses will decorat hats Jennifer sent me in the past. The dollhouse kit box will be good when, in one of my far future projects, I'll make a working room box.
Can you see the muffins on the left side beside the cash register?
I am really blessed to have Jennifer as a friend. Besides receiving the most fantastic gifts, for no reason at all, I know I can rely on Jennifer for good advice every time I need it.
Look what arrived this time
Fresh muffins. 8 glass jars filled with glittery colored stuff. Lovely paper roses. St. Valentine stickers.
A dollhouse kit box. The muffins will go into my candy shop. The glass jars will be filled with Xmas candies and be displayed in a special market stand ned Christmas. The paper roses will decorat hats Jennifer sent me in the past. The dollhouse kit box will be good when, in one of my far future projects, I'll make a working room box.
Can you see the muffins on the left side beside the cash register?
Book Spotlight: Rubber Stamped Jewelry
Of all the different styles of beading and jewelry designs that have become popular in the last century, nothing is quite as unique and remarkable as mixed media jewelry. By combining fluid and organic elements like fibers, clays, and ink, designers can create pieces that are completely one of a kind. Even when you reproduce the same steps more than once, the nature of the techniques makes them slightly different every time.
In Rubber Stamped Jewelry,
jewelry artist Sharilyn Miller provides a wealth of information to beaders who are just getting started with mixed media, plus a new and exciting avenue for designers who are already adept at combining materials for eclectic jewelry.The first half of the book is an encyclopedia of mixed media and rubber stamping techniques. The number of techniques covered is almost too many to list. Sharilyn begins with some jewelry making basics like choosing materials and tools, and wrapping headpins. She has even included several tutorials for making your own components like jump rings, headpins and clasps. Readers will also learn how to use stamps, create molds, heat embossing powder, make and decorate polymer clay components, braid and knot jewelry fibers and cord, create unique beads and focals with shrink plastic, and many more fabulous ideas for mixed media jewelry.
There are 20 jewelry project examples to try, each using a variety of the techniques covered in the basics. Though there are no diagrams to guide you through the list of steps, each project includes an index so you can easily find the correct basics section to study before you begin. The designs themselves are so intriguing, it’s hard to believe that they were inspired by rubber stamps!
Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading
Sharilyn Miller and North Light Books
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook and Google+
Actions you take from this page can result in a commission for Inspirational Beading.
The Rusty Leopard
Partying at:
Stuff to make miniatures from
I promised I'll show you some stuff that I found to make miniatures from.
A set of black and white plastic chess figures which was very cheap. Here is an idea of what can be made.
A cake stand, vases and planter. I have no idea what to do with the horse. It is too large for a toy hobby horse. Maybe good as a garden statue. It can be painted stone color. I believe some of these pieces will be good as hat stands as well. I am open for any suggestions you have.
Sculls neckless (Who is going to wear one?!!) But with a bit of gesso won't the sculls be good for
Halloween? And chains are always good for miniature items. It cost less than one
dollar. How can they sell it so cheap?
A dragon egg ready to hutch at 30 cents of a dollar. Couldn't leave it there. Will be great for a toy shop.
A warm welcome to my new followers. I am happy you found my blog and hope you will stay interested.
Petite Pursuits
Beverly
Elianne Herranz
twood 1973
Zunilda Rodriguez
Figurettes
Vity Lopez
Maria Dolorez
Madame Lepolan
Maria Luisa
Melinda
Jewel Snake
Tania Sanz
I couldn't trace some of the blogs. I try to follow my followers blogs when I can. I you have a blog, please let me know. You are wellcome to participate in my giveaway, but please leave your email address so I can contact you.
Blessing to all