Snippets from a bead artist.

4.09.2012

Long Magatama Beads and a Giveaway



A Happy Holiday to those who partook of Easter, and a happy Sunday to everyone who didn't...

I mentioned in my last post that I would have a new challenge coming up, using Miyuki long magatama beads from The Beadsmith... and have completed a third of the challenge! Lisa Peters Art provided focal components for the designers chosen to participate, and The Beadsmith sent each of us several colors of the long magatamas to work with; Lisa did an amazing job matching colors with her beautiful handmade focals.

I have to admit this has been a hard one for me, so far. Long magatama beads seem very bold and in your face looking to me, and the focal pieces are also large... and I am used to small little beads. I find the way that the bead itself is configured to be puzzling to work with, because the hole is drilled at a slant, and there is a definite front and back to each bead. I fiddled and futzed, I ripped apart, I tried three or four bead weaving stitches... and came back to embroidery. I immediately had fallen head over heels in love with Lisa's flower button component, and had to start with that. But I had no ideas on how to combine the magatamas with the focal! In the end, I decided that they looked like flower petals, and so went with that for my cuff. Although I made sure to use the magatamas on their flattest side for the embroidery, I did find that I had to add a little dab of glue to the tips to keep them flat against the surface of the embroidery.


The cuff itself was a challenge, as well, in that I didn't measure correctly when laying out the outlines, and so it wasn't going to fit over a cuff blank... and figuring out how to get the clasp to stay where I wanted it, and look good, and be secure all at once... this was a learning project for sure!! I also used crosshatching in the background, which is a first for me. The details on the cuff are mostly layers - the bottom layer of embroidery, and then crystals and beaded 'leaves' are made and attached over that. Make sure to stop by the gallery of work that Steven has provided on the Beadsmith Page here!! The clasp was gifted to me by my wonderful friend Linda Jones - and of course the focal and the magatamas came with the challenge. So, I want to pass the goodness on, and I will be giving this cuff away.


In order to enter for the giveaway, I am going to ask you to do a little something... please share my blog link for this giveaway, AND a link to my Etsy shop of your favorite tutorial or piece of jewelry that I have listed there, in two separate posts. It doesn't matter to me where you post, whether it is on your own blog, or Facebook, or Google+ or Twitter... any social media out there would be lovely. Come back and leave me a comment and a link to your post and you're entered! For those of you who follow me on Facebook at all, you will already know that our Chow Chow Sydney had to have some oral surgery this past month, and I won't even tell you how much the bill came to... yikes!! So if I garner any sales, tutorial or otherwise, from the giveaway, it will be awesomely helpful - but you don't have to buy anything to enter. :)


Details on the cuff; it took me around five days to make. It had Swarovski flower crystals, fire polish crystals, seed beads, and freshwater pearls in it, and the clasp is 925 silver, with a hook and loop. It's backed with ultra suede and entirely sewn and embroidered with fire line, so it WON'T come apart. It measures 1.75" wide and exactly 8" long - it will fit snugly on those with a wider wrist size, and more like a bangle on those with a more slender wrist, as it stays rounded when worn. The clasp is amazing - and it won't come undone on you on accident, that hook is quite long.


Thanks so much for following along with me, for sharing my links, and for taking the time to keep me company! Now, on to the next Lisa Peters focal and the next shade of long magatamas - shiny gunmetal/silver... :) Happy beading!

UPDATE! I forgot to add it in earlier - the giveaway will be open to entries until 5PM EST on Friday. :) :) :)


70 comments:

  1. Oooooh....off to link you EVERYWHERE!!! I LOVE this piece! xxx

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  2. I love this piece but more than anything I hope all the post help with the puppies!! <3

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1404221932

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  3. I'm still in complete awe of how you worked with the long magatamas on this, Nancy. Brava! :D

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  4. Nancy, your cuff is stunning. I've posted about this and your Etsy shop on my Facebook profile... https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=544450581

    I hope Sydney is feeling better. :-)

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  5. Oh you are soooo sweet and generous! I shared in Creative Bead Chat on FB too!

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  6. Nancy - GORGEOUS!!

    I never would have thought to use the LMA's in a bead embroidery surface. Great design!

    Shared on my blog
    http://fastfuriousbeader.blogspot.com/2012/04/nedbeads-giveaway.html

    And on my Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1285971285

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  7. this is so, so gorgeous, I love all your work i have seen :)

    hope Sydney doing ok x

    Shirls

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  8. Holy Moly Nancy! So blown away at your generosity! I'll go share this one everywhere I can!

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  9. Ok, shared on Google Public, my timeline, and Bead Soup Cafe on FB.

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  10. This is just gorgeous, as usual, and I LOVE the clasp.

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  11. I've linkied on my Facebook, and will probably do a blogpost later on as well. xxxx You are so sweeeeeeet to offer such a beauty! Hope it goes to a loving and appreciative home (preferably mine!)

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  12. oh I dolovethis an I love your beautiful doglet x will be linkaging on the FB straight away x

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  13. Absolutely amazing that you are giving away this gorgeous cuff! I sould so love to win this. I'm sharing on twitter and facebook. Praying for lots of sales to come your way!

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  14. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=615393620

    really hope this helps you xxxxxxxx

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  15. Oh my that cuff is stunning....I really hope I win...I have posted on my blog. http://dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com/2012/04/nedbeads-long-magatama-giveaway.html
    Sonya

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  16. I posted on FB.... https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1489980734
    Sonya

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  17. I posted on all my various FB places....bead soup cafe, Creative bead chat, my personal business page...SAS Jewelry Designs.https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/SAS-Jewelry-Designs/291318200921323
    Hope you get some sales
    Sonya

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  18. Oh, Nancy, you've done it again. This is so gorgeous. And it doesn't look like something you had to tear out and start over with. It looks designed and completed by real pro -- as you are. It's just beautiful.

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  19. P.S. I think it was just about a year ago when one of your pooches was sick & had horrible vet bills. That's when I met you! I have some advice: Don't make this an annual event. It's not good for the stress level! HA!

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  20. Love this! My birthday is Saturday the 14th if that will get me extra brownie points lol. I shared this on facebook and on the Creative Bead Chat Group Pinterest Board @

    http://pinterest.com/spicebox/creative-bead-chat-group/

    Please pick me! <3

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  21. I love that bracelet. I posted both the blog and the tutorial on my facebook page.

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  22. i love it! this bracelet is perfect--great beads, fantastic color and prefect styling!!

    http://www.facebook.com/paula.hisel i posted both on my facebook page

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  23. What a beautiful cuff! i haven't tried the lng Magatamas, but I have seen some interesting patterns using them. They look like a challenge!

    Shared a link to this post AND a link to my favorite item from your Etsy shop on FB:
    www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Freedom-Designs/111164605593162

    Sending you some Fairy Dust!

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  24. The bracelet is just to die for. I posted here: http://pixiloo.blogspot.com/2012/04/spotlight-on-nancy-dale-and-link-to-her.html

    My best wishes to Sydney. :)

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  25. Okay, I didn't do that on purpose, but I love the added effect of the spacing of those words. :)

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  26. I'm not a seed-beader, I'm just in awe of those who are. What a magnificent piece! I was going to ask your permission to share it on my blog, then read further and found you were inviting that!

    Oh, I see Pixiloo above me here, she'll get to see it twice! I can tell already she won't mind a bit! :-)

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  27. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the post this morning. This is such a generous giveaway Nancy. Your bracelet is really to die for and you are giving it away! Hopefully to me :)

    I posted your giveaway and your shop on my FB page.

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  28. its so beautiful dear..well done.. i wish i can make one for myself

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  29. Posting links everywhere I can! Keeping my fingers, toes, and eyes crossed that I win!

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  30. I've just finished my blog entry that includes links to your blog, website, Etsy shop, tutorials, and of course the give-away! Thank you for this opportunity. Tanya Goodwin was a guest host on my blog awhile back and I've been planning a followup. Showing your lovely work makes an excellent segue back to the topic of designing jewelry with seed beads! If you want to take a look, the link is: http://www.sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com/2012/04/getting-back-to-seed-beadsand-take-look.html

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  31. Hi Nancy,

    Your cuff is amazing and I never would have thought of using long magatamas in BE they just seem too bulky lol!!

    I have pinned your tutorials, shared your blog and "liked" you tutorials too!! :)

    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003157682619

    Jo :)

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  32. Ohhh what a gorgeous cuff and what a pleasure it would be to win it!

    I have just posted your giveaway on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Releases-by-Rufydoof/108883798542

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  33. I have also just linked your gorgeous Labyrinth bracelet as well as your giveaway on my blog here

    http://releasesbyrufydoof.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/i-want-to-win-nedbeads-awesome-giveaway.html

    Thanks so much for this amazing giveaway!

    Karyn

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  34. oh, very beautiful... I love it!
    I post in my page FB here :
    https://www.facebook.com/Alexargai

    Thank you for this marvelous giveaway!

    Alex

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  35. Such a beautiful cuff! I have posted your giveaway on my facebook page
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/silverniknats/111047662270076
    and am now off to have a look at your shop!
    Have a great day
    (hope Sydney is doing well) x

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  37. I love it! i have a box, on my blog:)

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  38. That is such a stunning cuff, I just love the color and the texture really gives a lot of life to it :)

    Thank you also for hosting this giveaway.

    Shared on Twitter :)

    https://twitter.com/#!/AIF_Jewelry/status/189669794969157632

    https://twitter.com/#!/AIF_Jewelry/status/189670281097392128

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  39. I hope I did this correctly Nancy!! http://www.etsy.com/listing/86801274/slaying-dragons-a-beadwoven-necklace

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  40. Nancy, this is a georgous cuff. I will fit my wrist and I'll sing your praises everywhere oh and link you up....

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  41. Such a totally gorgeous and springy colorway. Love the combination, and the use of the magatamas is delightful as well! Bravo as usual Nancy!

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  42. Gorgeous cuff Nancy!! I'd love to win it!! Both links are posted on my facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Kelkearn?ref=tn_tnmn

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  43. This is sooooo gorgeous. I'm just speechless.
    I've posted on my facebookpage www.facebook.com/esferajewelry and twittered it (esferajewelry).

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  44. Nancy this is just a breathtaking piece of work! I love the flow and feel of the piece and the colors; everything comes together so beautifully! (Sending get well wishes to Sydney, too!)

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  45. http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.jp/2012/04/nedbeads-bracelet-giveaway-wow.html
    Check out my blog post about your giveaway if you'd like. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to win this beautiful cuff.

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  46. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?sk=wall

    Shared on my fb page as well.

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  47. Nancy - It's gorgeous!!! I pinned it on my "Beady Goodness" board on Pinterest.

    http://pinterest.com/pin/112027109451030572/

    :-)
    MaryLou

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  48. I also pinned one of your tutorials. I love having beady goodies on my Pinterest boards! :-)

    http://pinterest.com/pin/112027109451030588/

    MaryLou

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  49. You generosity is absolutely awesome Nancy ~ as is this drop dead gorgeous cuff!! I've shared on my FB personal page and will share on my business one as soon as I have another coffee :^) Hope Sydney is doing heaps better too. XX

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  50. Hello there some mega work you have here. I have shared on my personal facebook page, my facebook bizniz page @PureDeadBrilliant,on diverse (5x other arts pages i am a memeber of ie women in art, international womens art etc, on Foksy, on Twitter, on Pinterest and thru email to quite a few friend worldwide ;{} hope this finds you many new likers... as they say because 'you're worth it' and thanks to Lyn Owen from Oz for sharing your incredible handiwork with me <3

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    1. jacqueline van hooft (UK)April 11, 2012 at 6:14 PM

      https://www.facebook.com/psychdelicia

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  51. I've shared on my biz page too Nancy ~ for some silly reason though FB wouldn't let me tag you....

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  52. http://pinterest.com/pin/199073245998801803/
    Gorgeous cuff! Love it!

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  53. Just beautiful Nancy! I LOVE it so much!

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  54. Just beautiful Nancy! I LOVE it so much!

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  55. I'm in love! Your cuff is gorgeous and in an amazing colorway. I blogged (http://loismoon.blogspot.com/2012/04/win-awesome-cuff-from-nedbeads.html), but managed to get tutorial and giveaway in one post.

    One of my dogs is recovering from a brain infection - had him to a neurologist and he had every test known to man...so I feel you financial pain! I could have gone on a great vacation with the $ spent, but it was totally worth it to have my sweet pup back from the dead!

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  56. Your cuff is amazingly beautiful & I'd love a chance to win it! I linked to this blog as well as your Etsy shop on my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/MyMicroMacrame

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  57. Hi Nancy,
    It is so nice of you to offer this giveaway! I am in! I posted the links on my FB artist page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pippi-Jewelry/47131944632
    Good luck to everyone!
    ~Pippi

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  58. This is a beautiful cuff! I make jewelry myself, and I aspire to do a piece like this for myself one day. Just wanted to stop by and say HI. I'm just passing by to admire :)

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  59. Hi Nancy -

    Absolutely beautiful cuff. Fantastic job using the long magatamas. Inspired!

    Thank you for the chance to win this lovely.

    I made two posts on my FB wall:
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000380303231

    I hope your fur-baby is doing much better....(((hug)))

    :}
    Candys in Oklahoma
    www.BeadofMyHeart.etsy.com
    www.beadpatternsboutique.com/catalogue.php?shop=37
    www.thebeadcoop.com
    www.PictureTrail.com/weewanona

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  60. Love how to used that unique clasp. I've been playing with magatamas this past year & love how they give dimension to pieces.
    dot

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  61. This is sooo beautiful. What talent :) I have shared this on fb and google. Thank you. Your Etsy page is awesome ....<3. The bracelet is breathtaking :)

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  62. Let me try to repost.... The only way it went through was anonymous ... Your work is stunning! Shared on google and fb. The bracelet is breathtaking ! Thank you for this chance . Maria

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  63. This is AHHHMAYzin! I Facebooked this and your etsy below, Google +1 you publically and tweeted your giveaway and etsy.

    So beautiful, .. such beauty needs to be rewarded by the means to get your lovely pup healthy.

    https://www.facebook.com/roya.spirit
    https://twitter.com/#!/roya_spirit/status/190882283849388032

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/29614902/beadwoven-necklace-vineyard

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    1. Oh, and did I mention Pin'd, as well? :D

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    2. http://pinterest.com/redheadfae/art-life-beauty/
      http://pinterest.com/pin/232428030738983947/

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  64. Thanks once more for the lovely, lovely bracelet! I have it on my blog "showing it off" and you are getting great reviews (of course)! Here is the link if you want to take a look: http://sharylsjewelry.blogspot.com/2012/04/winning-streak.html

    What joy your gift brings! --Sharyl

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Thanks so much for leaving me a comment, it means a lot to me! Please don't be upset if I don't have time to respond personally to each comment - but be sure that I read each and every one of them! :)