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.

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.

Calendar Girl

I heard over the weekend that one of my pieces was chosen for the Toronto Bead Society's 2009 Calendar. This year the calendar is supporting Pegasus Community Project.
I am going to be Miss June with my loomworked Floral Garden Necklace.

This is a piece I made a few years ago. I want to do a loomwork piece with no pattern. I used a seed bead mix for the woven parts. I then embellished with pressed glass flowers. To add texture to the fringe there are branches with more of the flowers and clear leaves at the bottom.

The Toronto Bead Society will be selling calendars for $10 at the Canadian Bead Oasis show next weekend in Toronto.

I will be at the show working at the Rypan Designs booth #2231. I will be presenting some of the Rypan Designs seminars at the show.

Beadwork - Drop Earrings

I was given some beautiful glass beads last Friday. There were two sets of these long drop beads. I decided that they would make great earrings. I dug through my Swarovski crystals and found 2 6mm purple bi-cones that matched the slash of colour in one of the sets of drops. Here is my first set.

The other set of drops are grey with a slash of fushia. I am going to get fushia crystals and make another set.

Beadwork - Dragon Box

I finished my dragon box. I have decided not to put feet on this box. I have added a small square lampwork bead on the lid as a finial. I am pleased with the way it turned out.

I did some other beadwork this weekend. One is a piece for a kit cover for Rypan Designs, the other two were colour samples for display in the booth at shows.

Beadwork - Dragon Box update

I have worked on my dragon box over the week. I took a break on Thursday to take my nephew and a friend's son to the Ex for the day.

When I worked on it again I ran into trouble with zipping together the hem and sides. It seemed as if they did not fit together. I put it aside and started a new box. This morning I decided that I needed to resolve the problem of the dragon box. I undid the last row and a half of the hem. I reread the instructions from the class and realized that I had missed a row. Once I stitched the hem correctly it zipped together with the sides quickly.

Here is a picture of the box. I now only have to stitch the lid. Will start it today.

Beadwork - Broad Collar segment

In addition to the box class on Saturday, on Sunday I took the broad collar class with Julia Pretl at Bead Junction.

I have done broad collars before but I used vertical netting. Julia's are done with horizontal bands of ladder stitch.

Instead of attempting to make a full collar we made just a segment of a collar. I have finished the collar section. I am going to finish it off with a combination of chain and larger blue beads.

Beadwork - Dragon Box in progress

It's official I am hooked on making these amazing boxes. I have started the dragon box from Julia Pretl's Little Bead Boxes. I have chosen a few different colours based on what I had in my delica drawer.

Here is the bottom.

I spent a good part of Tuesday finishing the bottom and getting half way up the sides.

I am planning to make another dragon box in blues in honour of my favourite dragon character, Saphira in Eragon. I have some beautiful dichronic blue Aikos that will look amazing.

Beadwork - My first box

Here is the box that I made at the bead class with Julia Pretl at Bead Junction.

Stitched in peyote stitch is followed nicely from the puffy stars I did last week. The start and increasing was done the same way. It was so much fun to make that I start another Saturday evening.

I finished the second one this afternoon.

On Sunday I took Julia's broad collar class. I have got it about 3/4 finished. I hope to get it done by the end of the week.

Beadwork - Little Red Puffy Star

On The Beaders Showcase I have seen some beautiful work by bead artists around the world. One artist - Lidia had pictures of these very cool little puffy stars. I asked if they were her design and if so did she have instructions. She willing shared with me her draft instructions for creating the cool little stars.

This is made with a combination of herringbone and peyote stitch. It was fun to make. I look forward to making more in a variety of other colour combinations. I think that they will make great Christmas ornaments.

Beadwork - Blue Acrylic Necklace

Last Friday I went downtown to Queen St W. There are about 7 bead store within 1 block. At Arton's I found these cool blue ombre acrylic beads. They had a sample piece showing them strung on a chain held in place with crimp beads. I was inspired by the piece so I purchase the large acrylic beads and the small blue glass beads.

I have strung them on the chain with 4mm round silver beads. I really like how it turned out.

The challenge of this piece was finishing the ends. I did not have any finding specifically for finishing the ends of chains. I checked my favourite online source beadfx but the only one that had was sterling silver. I was able to come up another solution. I used a beadtip on each end, with a crimp bead on the end of the chain. It looks good, I just hope that it will hold.

Beadwork - Coral & Lampwork

I started this piece with the purchase of the set of 3 lampwork beads from AirWynn Glass Designs at the Toronto Bead Society Garage Sale. I loved the red embellishment of a clear orangey red glass. I have combined them with the deep red of the sponge coral rectangles, the orange of the hyacinth cubic zirconia rectangles & hyacinth Swarovski rounds.

The challenge of the this piece was the layout of the beads. I played with the placement of the lampwork, originally I had them spaced equally around the piece. That layout did not look great when tried on. Grouping the lampwork beads together in the center gave them the staring role of the necklace.

Beadwork - Black and White Bracelet

At the Friendship Beading retreat last weekend in Montreal I took a class with Diane Reda to make this bead crocheted bracelet.

It was a good project for a class as I was able to almost finish the piece during the class. I finished it at home with a different closure.

This is my second attempt to do bead crochet. This was much easier that my last attempt. I guess working with larger beads helped.

I look forward to trying this project again.

Bead Challenge - Blue Foxglove trio

I have finally been able to finish this stunning necklace. I started back in April and I spent this morning putting everything together. This piece is designed by Kerrie Slade and was published in the April 2008 issue of Bead and Button magazine. It is stitched using one of my favourite beadweaving stitches, ndebele or herringbone. I have used three shades of blue for the flowers.

Here are some detail images.

End of Bead Crazy Week

My bead crazy week is over. I taught three classes this weekend and I also learned how to do an easy bead crochet bracelet. Last night's bead bingo was a hit. 24 bead crazy ladies enjoy an hour and a half of bingo with wonderful prizes for all.

I am going to spend tommorrow just beading. I hope to finish a project that I have with me.

Bead Challenge - Bead it Green Bracelet and Pendant

Bead crazy week continues. Last night those that had arrived in Montreal early were invited to dinner and a chance to shop at one of the local bead stores, Bead It. I purchased some interested green stone beads and was able to sit down this afternoon and make this bracelet and pendant set. I was inspired by the pieces in the store that had the stone pendant on a short piece of chain and then attached to an eye pin.

Pendant stone is Rhyolite (Rainforest Jasper)

Bead Crazy Week - Beading Teens

This is going to be a bead crazy week. It started last night with a beading program for teens at the library where I work. It continues later in the week with the Friendship Beading Retreat in Montreal where I will be teaching and running the bead bingo.

Last night I had 10 young ladies and 1 gentleman spend an hour making basic strung bracelets. Almost all of them make two bracelets. I had one speedy beader who made three.

Bead Challenge - Blue Southwest Charm

I have done many of Marilyn Gardiner's chain mail kits. This is the first of her beadwork kits that I have finished. I have others that I hope to finish over this year.

This piece is peyote stitched with delica beads.

Beadwork Challenge - Sage Fan "Wheel of Fortune"

I am going to be teaching some Rypan Designs pieces at the upcoming Friendship Beading Retreat in Montreal in a few weeks. One of the pieces I am teaching is a one I have not done before. It is a variation of the Fan bracelet which I have done a number of times. It was easy to do. I am looking forward to teaching it.