Beadwork - Turquoise Star Box

Of course, I could not go a week lately without making another box. This is the star box. It has a narrowed opening and a lid with sides. I have used colours similar to the ones Julia suggested in her book Little Beaded Box. I have gone more meticallic and shiny.

I did not have as many problems with broken needles or beads with this box. I hope that will be a growing trend for future boxes.

Beadwork - Crystal Rhapsody

This is the set that I made in the second class that I attended at the Creativ Festival last week. Rypan Designs' Crystal Rhapsody is made completely with Swarovski crystals. I ended up wearing this all weekend as I worked at the Rypan Designs booth. I received many compliments on it.

The smallest crystals in this piece are the new 2mm round crystals. They are beautiful, but a challenge to work with as they don't want to go on the needle as easily as seedbeads.

Beadwork - Filigree Set

Today's class with Maria Rypan was Filigree Links and Dangle Earrings. This is beautiful necklace made with Swarovski filigree components and crystals. Hanging them from the linked necklace chain with beading wire makes the a unique necklace.

We then made dangle earring with wire and Swarovski crystals. These are easy to make. The challenge in to make them sore of match. Maria and I will be doing Make and Take sessions on Friday and Saturday to make these beautiful earrings at the Creativ Feastival.

Once I had sized the necklace to fit me. I had two short pieces of the linked chain leftover. I was able to get another of the smaller filigree components from Maria. With the component and the links I was able to make a simple bracelet.

Beadwork - Kaleidoscope Box

I finished the lid for this beautiful quilt like patterned box. I had a 4mm cube Jet Swarovski crystal that I used for a finial on the lid. It is neat change of shape from the triangle of the box.

I started another box, but will be posting necklaces over the next few days as I take classes at Creativ Festival.

Beadwork - Boxes

I have finally been able to photograph some of these wonderful beaded boxes that I have been making. My photo area was over run with books during working being done in my apartment. But the books are back in their place and I was able to take some photos. Here is a Flower box from Julia Pretl's book Little Bead Boxes. I have changed to pinks suggested to deep rich reds. I used some little cube lampwork beads from Unicorne Beads.

I started another box from Julia's book. This is the Kaleidoscope box. I am adding a repeat of the pattern to increase the height of the box. I still have to finish the lid. It should be finish tonight.

I am not putting any feet on this box, but will see if I have an interesting bead to use on the lid.

I am looking forward to the beading classes that I am taking later in the week at the Creativ Festival at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. I am taking two of Maria Rypan's classes for her projects designed exclusively for Swarovski (I love Maria's classes... it is where I started beading). I will then be helping Maria at her booth (#271) during the show.

Beadwork - Stormy Fuchsia Earrings

Here is the second set of earrings that I made using these beautiful glass drop beads. These are a swirling grey with a twist of fuchsia. I have put them on head pins which I have attached to eye pins with 6mm fuchsia Swarovski crystals.

They were quick to make now that I am getting better at making loops on head and eye pins.

I am still here

Wow, it has been over two weeks since my last posting. Since then I have purchased a stack of TBS calendars to give out this holiday season.

I also have two books that I need to review and blog. I have also finished another of those wonderful boxes. They are very addictive. I am in the middle of another one and have purchased the beads for 3 or 4 more. Hope to blog my reviews and my new box or boxes by the end of the week.

On the weekend I went downtown and wander thru the Indigo at the Toronto Eaton Centre. They had a copy of Creating Crystal Jewelry with Swarovski by Laura Mccabe. I love the look of Laura's Crown Jewels. They are wonderful 3-D balls made with seed beads and Swarovski crystals. I have often thought about ordering one of her kits everytime I see the ad in a beading magazine. I am sure the book was less that the kit and I have so many other this I can make as well.