Beadwork - Running out of Beads

Once again I have run out of beads for a project. I have been working to finish my Saphira Dragon Box. I had to undo and replace two beads near the top of the box. I was able to complete the body of the box without breaking anymore needles or beads. I have the lid about 2/3 completed and have run out of one colour again!
I have to decide if I should put it aside until the next bead show (in March) or make the trek out to Beadfx in Scarborough this weekend. It may depend on the weather on Saturday.

Beadwork - Crystal Cube Pendants

Having finished a number of projects I decided to start something new. In the Beading Basic: Right Angel Weave publication from Bead and Button there were these cube charms made with Swarovski crystals. The pattern was to make charms for a bracelet with 3mm crystals, but there was the suggestion to use 4mm crystals to make necklace pendants. Here are the ones that I have made so far.

This one is Siam and Fire Opal.

This one is Amthyst and Montana 2XAB

And this one is all Crystal Copper.

I have a few others that I have not yet photographed. I am getting better at my wire wrapped loops with making so many of these.

Beadwork - Finishing Unfinished Projects

This past weekend I decided that it was time to try and finish some UFO (Unfinished objects). From the recent Bead and Button special Right Angle Weave magazine I had started the Edwardian Lace necklace. I had finished the necklace and had started the matching bracelet. I got to the point where I had to decide what type of finding to use. In the magazine they used an extentor chain and lobster claw. I prefer to use toggles on bracelets so that I can put them on myself. Here is my finished set.

Back in October I had started a box but I ran out of one of the colours. I was able to get the colour I needed at the bead fair a few weeks ago. I finished beading the lid and created a finial with lampwork bead and a Swarovski crystal.

At Bead Fair I took a class with Marilyn Gardiner to make a Captive Round Necklace in Copper with captive silver beads. In the class I purchased an extra kit so that I could make two bracelets as well as the necklace. I finished one of the bracelets in class. I finished the necklace later in the week. I will make up the second bracelet at a later date to give as a gift. Here are pictures of the finished necklace and bracelet.

Beadwork - Cascading Swag Refined Samples

I love this design. It is a versatile necklace. The first time I did this necklace was in a class with Maria Rypan using all size 10 seed beads. I did a variation of the design with longer swags that overlapped. Maria then did a variation using sizes 8 and 6 seed beads. Now she has a new variation with size 10 and 8 seed beads.

I did this first sample a while back but Maria did not have it kitted up for sale yet. It is now available (We have it at the Toronto Bead Society Bead Fair this weekend). She then wanted a colour combination to tie into the upcoming Mysteries of Ancient Ukraine: The Remarkable Trypillian Culture (5400-2700 B.C.) exhibit at the ROM. Maria has a series of necklaces entitled the Trypillian Spirit Collection which will be sold at the ROM gift shop. The Trypillian variation use black and bronze beads.

Beadwork - A Sample and a Tuffle

Maria Rypan of Rypan Designs was my first beadwork teacher. I took a class with her at the, then named, Creative Sewing and Needlework Festival. Each year I took another class or two. One year she told me about the Toronto Bead Society. Another she said she was going to be doing a series of classes about loomwork. I joined the Bead Society, I took the loomwork series and I have since been helping Maria at shows and making samples for her kit covers.

Maria designed a new piece call Triple V Jewel. Which is a beautiful netted necklace embellished with jewel-toned cathedral-cut beads. It is going to be featured in the Canadian magazine A Needle Pulling Thread, Winter/Holiday 2008 issue. She is also going to have kits available for sale at the upcoming Toronto Bead Society Bead Fair (Nov 8 & 9). She needed a new sample as the original was still with the magazine publisher, so here is the sample I stitched (I only did the centre section for display purposes).

Before the embellishment.

After the embellishment.

I also finished another box or tuffet as this one is called. The bottom again concaves in, so there is not much room to put things in this one. I have a little display of boxes started. At this rate I will need to get a display cabinet soon.

Beadwork - Snowflakes and a Box

Yes, I have started another box. This time I have gone with a different shape. This square box has a different sequence for increasing on the bottom. The bottom of the box actually concaves in.

I will have to wait until after the Toronto Bead Society Bead Fair to finish as I have run out of one of the colours of beads. I will look for them at the show.

I had two new snowflakes kits from Rypan Designs to make up for display at the upcoming Bead Fair.

These snowflakes are made with beautiful twist bugles, seed beads and Swarovski crystals. They are stitched using Soft Touch beading wire which is fine enough to thread on a needle and tie knots. The larger one uses 30mm bugles and the small uses 20mm bugles.

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.