Creating a Labyrinth

Those of you who follow my blog know that I have a hard time with the tutorial side of the beading world... creating them, I mean- it's definitely easy for me to buy them from others! But I have been trying hard lately to move myself in that direction, in order to share what I have learned through my beading play times.

While making the Sugar Plum Purse, I had a heck of a time coming up with a strap for it, and just couldn't settle for any of the straps I had seen or learned, so I started playing around with right angle weave. I wanted to match the rectangular focals, and so the chain needed some rectangular bits in it. It was pretty, but not too strong, so I went through and reinforced every single stitch, until it acted like a chain, folding on the 'links', rather than curving. After posting the purse on The Beadsmith page and here on my blog, I had a few requests to write up the chain as a tutorial.

Pretty as it was, I felt like it was too small of a project for a whole tutorial on its own, so I sat down to see what I could make with the chain that would be a bit more substantial, while still showing the original pattern. I thought that stacking the chains atop one another would look nice, but when I tried it, the symmetry made it look much too rigid for me, so sat and stared at it for an hour or so before wondering what would happen if I staggered the units. I really liked how that looked and decided to go with it. I wanted to show how versatile the pattern was, and so made three of them in different widths and colorways. (I HATE making more than one of anything, so that is one of the really hard parts for me as a designer; by the time I've made three I never want to look at it again. Earrings are worse. Unless they're embroidered.)

Sherwood is the photographer, not I, and so I was so proud to take the tutorial photos on my own and get the whole thing done by myself. HUGE feeling of accomplishment, even though wild dromedaries could not drag out of me just how many photos it took of each step to get a clear one that I was happy with (around 12). I knew I wouldn't get any that I was happy with of the finished work, so Sherwood did take those shots, and he did his usual outstanding work.

If you would like to make one of these Labyrinths, you can find my tutorial for sale here.

I've also been wanting to put a new page on my website, featuring the work that others have done with my tutorials. It's delicious to see what colors others choose, and how style can change a design. There are a few wonderful beaders out there that have taken a tutorial and changed the design around to come out with a whole new project, and I really treasure those, it makes me so happy to have given them a starting point from which they were able to leap off on their own. So if you've made on of my projects, I would love it if you would email me with a clear, crisp photo of your piece, the title if you've given it one, and your full name. If you'd like to include a link to your own shop, or your blog, feel free to drop that in too and I will include it if I have room. My email is nedale67@gmail.com.

Last but not least, I am trying to figure out which tutorial to write up next and would welcome any comments on the photos below; which one would you like to see as a tutorial?? Once I get the votes in and choose the one to do, I'll draw a name from the votes for that project, and then I'll send that person a free tutorial once it's done. :) In descending order, they are: Gypsy bead embroidered earrings, Climbing Rose, and Triple Twist.

Happy Happy Happy Nancy!!!

Yes, I am dancing around and thrilled down to my shoe soles! I had the incredibly wonderful news yesterday that one of my necklaces has been juried into Lark's newest 500 series book, 500 Jewelry!! If you haven't checked this out already (how could you not, with beaders linking to it every which way on Facebook and blog alike??), make sure to go to Amazon or your nearest book store and earmark this book for your future purchase and enjoyment. I am humbled and honored and amazed to be included in this compendium of wonderfully talented ladies and gentlemen of the beading world. Congratulations to everyone who juried in!!!!!

When I received my notification, my jaw hit the floor and then I had a huge burst of adrenaline, and spun around the kitchen laughing so loud my dogs came running to find out what was up. Later on, once my joy had settled into a nice warm spot in my chest suspiciously close to where a heart should be, I found myself thinking back on all of the people, beaders and not, who have encouraged me to keep beading, especially when I felt like it wasn't worth it, or that my pieces were never going to be 'good enough.'

My gratitude for this help and support then brought to mind how rampant thievery is affecting our beading communities. At nearly the same second I got my notification of acceptance, it was posted online that one of Sue Horine's amazing pieces of art had been stolen right out of her shop. All month long, there have been people finding more and more of their patterns, tutorials or designs being flagrantly copied or sold without their permission, design credits not given... on and on.

Let me explain how the one leads to the other in my (decidedly odd) head: Without the support and generosity of my friends, and my fellow beaders, especially those who were quite well known, I could not have learned enough about beading to make a go of anything I made. Several of these beaders were kind enough to teach me things free of cost, so that I could advance myself through stitches or projects that would show me tension or needle control, or how to get those beads to line up the right way. Some of the teaching included tutorials and/or patterns that they normally had for sale, and would have sold me; they certainly didn't have to give them to me. These same people could most certainly at least hesitate in our current environment of thievery, to share the same things they shared without a qualm years ago, and I wouldn't blame them in the least. Giving something freely, or having it forcibly wrested from you... I worry that with all of the stealing and underhanded dealing going on, that we may, as a community, start to withhold the knowledge we have in our attempts to stem the tide. I have attempted to pay it forward always; to teach anything I know (within reason) freely, to share techniques and stitches and tips and tricks... and I will keep on doing so, and most of the beaders I know will, as well. But there is only so much that the designers as a whole will take, and it frustrates me to know that the thieves will eventually make it very hard for the beginning bead artist to get where they need to go.

If you see Sue's beautiful necklace out there anywhere, whether being worn or offered for sale, please identify the person and report the theft. Here it is:

And I leave you with a photograph (taken by my wonderful husband, of course) of Regency, the necklace soon to be published:

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!

Diamonds are Forever...

I'm a huge James Bond fan (Sean Connery will never be replaced), but that isn't actually why I used that for a post title... I've made a new bracelet - the first beadwork from NEDbeads for 2012! I'm quite excited about it because I had a horrible week or so after Christmas where the muse Went Missing.

This is my second piece for Beadsmith, using one of their wonderful Elegant Elements clasps. Once my muse returned from her little vacation (why couldn't I go too?) I had a few ideas. Finally. I also used silver plated size 11 Metal seed beads, also generously provided by Beadsmith, which are brandy new to me - and I really love how they sparkle. The 15s are sterling plated, and I used freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals.

I made little diamond components that consist of four units of RAW, two beads per side, and then filled each unit with a tiny seed pearl. I added a cross over on top of the work with a 3mm crystal, and edged each component. Then I connected them all together with larger pearls and more crystals. I really like the jagged edges on this, I think it looks like white mountains.

Getting everything to STAY in the shape of diamonds and not sag all over the place was a bit of a challenge - but this is why I adore Fireline. If you use enough passes, it will keep anything from moving around, lol!

Currently I am working on making another of these (or a variation) in a different color way, because although this looks quite bridal, I think it would work in other ways as well. And I still want to fiddle with it, so the design can't be quite finished yet.

I would like to really really thank Steven and Charlotte for giving me the opportunity to work with these fantastic clasps, it has been fabulous and I am very honored to have been included in the group. Hope you liked the results!!

From Our Home to Yours

SEASON'S GREETINGS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

MERRY CHRISTMAS

and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

with love from Nancy,

Sherwood,

Teddy, Nikki, and Sydney

May your days be filled with light.

(photo credit unknown)

My Sugarplum Purse

A while back, my Facebook friend Steven of The Beadsmith, contacted me and asked if I would like to use two of The Beadsmith's new Elegant Elements clasps in my designs. Of COURSE I said yes, these clasps are astoundingly gorgeous - and ever more so in person, with a heft and feel that only a fine clasp can give you. They are 23kt gold and rhodium plated, with Swarovski crystals and pearls, YUM. The designers who were chosen were able to choose the two clasps they would like, and then have free reign over what to create with them.

The Swarovski motif on the antiqued gold clasp inspired the design for the focal bits, and then from there, it seemed that a plainer background would make the focal panels stand out more. I bezeled around the clasp itself, and around a large Swarovski jet nut rectangle on the reverse, using right angle weave with tiny little 2mm round crystals and 15s as embellishments. Then came the sorting of the panel sections and the framing. The panels are entirely beaded in 4-6 backstitch in 15s, and the frames are bronze 11s and 4mm crystals for the reverse focal, and 3mm crystals for the clasp focal.

The background is a combination of size 11s, size 15s and size 8s, all in metallic plum iris and bronze accenting throughout. I've only used two bead colors/finishes for the entire thing, but the direction of the rows of beading and the variation of the bead sizes can make the illusion of color differences. One of my goals in this project was to see how well I could imitate a fabric's feel/look using beads. In person, the background beading reminds you of corduroy, due to the changing bead sizes, while the flat panels of 15s seem more like velvet. In order to get such a different texture, the thread had to be different as well as the bead sizes - the focal panels were beaded with Fireline, which leaves a perfectly smooth, even finish, tight to the backing. The background was beaded using purple One G thread, so the beads have more movement and do not sit as tightly to the backing, despite identical stitches.

So, the corduroy-like bits are softer and more flexible in the end, while the focal panels are quite stiff and unyielding. I felt that this also helped to protect the focals themselves from coming loose or moving around while the purse is manipulated, moved, opened or closed. (Side note; I always always always use Fireline in my embroidering and HATED using the thread instead. But I did like the resulting 'fabric' so it was worth it. If you embroider only with thread yourself, I recommend trying out the Fireline yourself on something to see if you like it. It is extraordinarily useful for making straight or curved lines that will not move around on you while you bead!)

The sides are closed using a variation of right angle weave/netting, but are so densely beaded that nothing short of bobby pins will escape (and those might not). Weaving it closed results in a small gap between the two edges, so that more items will fit inside the purse - if I had beaded side panels, it would be too wide, and if I had sewn it shut with no beading, it would be too thin. The clasp design dictated all of it, especially width and depth, so that it would flow. At the tops of the sides, there are two loops, which are used to attach the strap. The loops fold into the inside of the purse invisibly, so that it may be used as a clutch rather than a shoulder bag if desired.

I struggled a lot over the strap, as I could NOT decide if it should have one, or exist just as a clutch. I finally resolved that having a removable strap would make me the happiest - so then the challenge was to come up with one that matched the overall design, and wouldn't be too noticeable - it needed to flow with the rest of it. The 32" strap is modified right angle weave/ladder stitch, made with Fireline, reinforced over and over, so that despite its delicate look, it's very strong and sturdy. It acts like chain links when moved about because I stitched it so tightly; I had considered edging along the length, to give the strap a more solid appearance, but I liked the drape of the 'chain' so well that I had to leave it alone. At the ends of the chain, it switches to peyote stitch for the last two and a half inches, to provide a stable setting for two sets of snaps per side; these are used to close the strap around the loops on either side, so that it can be used as a shoulder bag.

I really really really loved working with this clasp. I can't wait to start on the next project - but I have to, as I have two Christmas gifts that I have to make this week. :) If you'd like to drool a bit, head over HERE to check out all the gorgeous varieties of Elegant Elements clasps. Also, make sure to stop by The Beadsmith on Facebook and like their page and look through the new photo album that holds the glorious work of international bead artists designing with more of these fantastic clasps.

I'll leave you with some of my newer creations (as I haven't blogged in quite awhile!) and wishes for a wonderful holiday season, and a fruitful and fulfilling new year.

Maze

Triple Twist

Garnet Garden (sold)

Slaying Dragons (design by Cynthia Newcomer Daniel) and Pink Filigree Necklace

A Reminder - Thank you to Patty L for reminding ME

Be Thankful For...
by Author Unknown

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary
Because it means you've made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.

* * *

(Original Post at LoveMyArtJewelry Blog.)

Silver

Mishka

Sunny

My best friends. I miss them. I'm hugely grateful that I had them for awhile, they taught me love and patience and all the good things.

ColorPlay Ropes - Cubic Right Angle Weave

I've had a few people ask me about my ColorPlay necklaces, and I thought I would just write up a quick how-to for those who might be interested in trying it.

First off, if you aren't familiar with cubic right angle weave, or haven't tried it before, I HIGHLY recommend watching the free tutorial by fellow Bead Maven Heather Collin. Click HERE for the link, you won't regret it at all, I think this is the best tutorial I've seen on this stitch. Practice a bit to get comfortable with the stitch, so you're familiar with how the beads sit. The 'top' and 'bottom' of your cube consist of horizontal beads (holes side to side), and all of the 'side' beads are vertical beads (holes up and down).

One of the reasons I call these ColorPlay is because I just sit down and play with a bunch of bead soup. Mix up a pile of your favorite colored beads in all shapes and sizes. You will need to have, at minimum, size 11s (doesn't matter if they're cylinders or rounds), size 15s, size 8s, and some accent beads. I have included in mine; large (16mm+) gemstone beads, freshwater pearls, crystals, cube beads, triangle beads (from size 11 all the way up to 6s), bugle beads, hex beads, just about anything in my stash. (It's harder to work with crystals because of the sharp edges, but you can include them as well, just reinforce your stitch.)

Once you have the colors and beads you're happy with, begin a cubic right angle weave rope; start with a few cubes of 11s. I use 11s for almost all of my horizontal beads, as I feel they make a nice sturdy base for the accent beads. Once I have a few units of 11s down, I start mixing up the vertical beads.

Units: For my ropes, I use 2 size 15 beads as one for my vertical beads; so I will pick up two 15s, an 11 and two more 15s to start my unit. Then I add two 15s and an 11, two 15s and an 11, and finally one 11 in the last stitch. You will end up with a unit that has size 11 beads across the 'top' and 'bottom' and two size 11 beads as each 'side' bead. Do several units this way, and then switch to another kind of bead for the vertical beads. Use 1 size 8, one 11, one size 8 and make a unit that way, or a bugle bead, an 11, and a bugle bead. I use ANY of the beads for the vertical beads and just play with it. (You may want to reinforce your stitches with the bugle beads, and I wouldn't use really long ones as they tend to twist inside the units and are more likely to break your thread; stick with the shorter, little ones, they match the 15s units better.)

You can also start a unit on your base of 11s, and gradually increase the size of your beads to make your rope wider; use an 8, a 6 (or a 4mm bead), and an 8 and complete your unit using those beads. Make the next unit with all 6s. To taper it back down, make one unit with a 6, an 8 and a 6 as your beads, the next unit with an 8, an 11 and an 8, and finally back to just 11s.

Here and there, I add single larger beads as accents. To do this, I will pick up my large bead, and one 11. Go back through the larger bead, skipping the 11 and leaving that on top of your large bead. Bring your needle back through opposite side of the base bead as though you have made a stitch, and through into the next base bead. Go back up through the large bead and add a size 11, and back down through the large bead. Bring your needle through the base bead you exited from, and through the next base bead. Repeat this two more times, so that you have four 11s on the top of your large bead. Finally, come back through the large bead and exit one of the 11s (it doesn't matter which one). Go through each of your 11s to turn them into a circle - and now you have the base to begin a new unit of cubic RAW and continue your rope.

To make your ends look neater by the larger beads, you can add some 15s or 11s around the connection points, if you'd like. Coming out of one of the 11s that you used to connect the larger stone, string one 15, and pass through the next 11 - repeat around the circle and then go up through the large bead and do the same to the beads you used to connect there. In the photo of my Sand and Sea bracelet below, I actually connected the lamp work bead with 8s; I added 3mm crystals in between each of the 8s at the connection points.

Some freshwater pearls will not have holes large enough to make this number of passes. To connect them firmly, I exit a base bead, string the pearl and two 11s, and come back down through the pearl, and then through the base bead again. Go through two more base beads, until you are at the bead opposite the one you strung the pearl from, then go back up through the pearl and add two more 11s. Back down through the pearl and the base bead you started from. Go through the pearl and circle the 11s. Line up the 11s on the top of the pearl with the ones on the rope; pick one of the beads you DIDN'T use to string the pearl, and string enough 15s on your thread to reach the size 11 bead that corresponds to your top 11; go through the bottom 11, back up through the 15s, and weave through the top 11 you started from. Weave through to the opposite bead on top of the pearl, and repeat this by adding another strand of 15s down this side of the pearl. This way, each of the 11s is connected top and bottom, and your pearl won't wobble on your rope.

To add strands of beads, like I did with my olive and gold necklace, string the number of beads you would like, and end it with an 11; skip the 11, and go back down through the strand of beads, and through the 11 you started from from the opposite side, as if you had completed one stitch. (Don't pull these stitches super tight, or it will kink up on you as an end result; just snug it up.) Go through the next base bead and repeat; do this a total of four times, so that you have four strands of beads, each ending in an 11. Go back up through the last strand you've made, so that you are exiting the end 11. Gather your strands in your non dominant hand, and needle through the 11s on the ends of the strands to turn the 11s into a circle; that is now your base to begin the next cubic RAW unit and continue your rope.

All of my ropes have been 24" or longer, so I haven't added any clasps to them. To connect your ends together, use one end of your rope as the 'bottom' of your unit, and the other end as the 'top' of your unit. All you do with this is add the side beads; add a bead, go through the corresponding bead on the bottom, and add a bead before going through the top again. You will only need to add one bead for the second stitch, and one for the third. You don't have to add any at all in the fourth stitch, just circle stitch through the four beads that are already there and knot and end your thread.

That's it! Just play with it and have fun, no rules. :)

(I hope this was clear, or at least vaguely clear... if you have questions, feel free to leave them in the comments and I will do my best to answer them.)