Button, Button - Where's the Button?

Who among us does not have some sort of button collection? Whether they are our mom's or grandmother's old button collection or something we've started on our own, there is some attraction to buttons like there are with beads.

But, why just keep them stored away to be looked at once in while? Why not create something with some of those buttons and wear those memories on our wrist?

Well, Anna Nardulli shows us how to do just that.

Button Bracelet and Photo by
Anna Nardulli

Cute - yes. Trendy - yes. Easy to make - absolutely yes! All you need are some buttons (the amount depends on what size you plan on using), some twine (go the kitchen drawer and pull it out now because you know you will never use it to truss a chicken or a turkey or whatever you're supposed to truss) and some white craft glue.

Click HERE to get the how tos.

Now go bead something.

Bayou City Bead Works - Class Schedule

Bayou City Bead Works - Houston Bead Society's annual bead show is this week! And, along with world class shopping for beads, crystals, tools, components, metal arts, findings and more, there will also be classes. Best of all - they are very reasonable priced - just $25.00 (Bead Crochet demo is only $5.00) per class plus the cost of the kit.

Here is the schedule:

Saturday, October 26, 2013
10:00 to 11:30 - Bead Crochet Demo with Lillian Skogsberg
11:45 to 1:45 - Wonder Wheels Bracelet with Kathy Jolly/Bowerbirds
2:00 to 4:00 - Beady Spider with Kathie Yzaguirre/Kathie's Beads

Sunday, October 27, 2013
11:00 to 1:00 - Sterling Silver Viking Knit Bracelet with Laury Henry
1:15 to 3:15 - Russian Leaves with Carolyn Slater
3:30 to 4:30 - Tree of Life Pendant with Audra Gladney

Beaded Spiders with Kathie Yzaguirre

Russian Leaves with Carolyn Slater

Sterling Silver Viking Knit Bracelet
with Laury Henry

Wonder Wheels Bracelet with Kathy Jolly

Bead Crochet Demo with Lillian Skogsberg

Tree of Life Pendant picture coming soon!

Go to www.houstonbeadsociety.org for more information and to download a copy of the registration form.

See ya this week!

Faux Agate by Fall for DIY

Is it faux or is it real... agate? You decide.

If you guessed... faux, you would be right (photo and project by Fran, blogger at Fall for DIY). But, you have to admit you had a difficult time telling it apart from the real thing.

Would you believe it's made from polymer clay and crystal glass?? It is and you can learn to make one yourself by clicking HERE. It's super easy and Fran at the Fall for DIY blog has made it even easier by giving written instructions and a graphic how to. How cool is that?

Now go bead something.

BAYOU CITY BEAD WORKS

No doubt - Bayou City Bead Works is the bead show to go to if you are looking for quality made jewelry components, finished jewelry or classes.

Sponsored by Houston Bead Society and presented in a brand new facility - The Norris Conference Center at City Centre (816 Town and Country Lane) - this year marks our 15th anniversary for our show!

Featuring many Bead and Jewelry Artisans, shop for beads, crystals, metal arts, components, cords, findings, fibers, tools and lots, lots more. You can also learn some new jewelry making techniques or hone some of your own skills with classes.

Admission is only $7.00 or $6.00 with a printed copy of the flyer above.

Check out our website or the Bayou City Bead Works page on this blog for more information on becoming a vendor or to download a copy of the driving directions and a map. And, contact Shirley Nowlin to become a show volunteer - we need you!

So learn a new skill, buy some components, beads or tools to make some handmade Christmas projects for your family and friends or take a class and see what all the fun is about.

See you there.

Fairy Lights Necklace by Jewels of Sayuri

How can you not like a necklace named "Fairy Lights?" And, especially one that looks like this

Fairy Lights Necklace and photo by
Jewels of Sayuri

Not only is it light and oh so fairy looking, but it so on trend with the multiple layers of beads, chain, pearls and, of course, a lovely crystal drop. Use your favorite color crystals and beads and maybe even some of that vintage chain from your stash along with jump rings and some headpins and you'll be the belle of any ball!

Although, it is about 20 inches long not including the drop, you could obviously shorten it to your desired length.

So take out some of your findings, rhinestones, Swarovski Crystals and chain (vintage or new) and have lots of fun making one of these for yourself. Just so you know, I happen to love purple (wink, wink).

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Easy Three Step Earrings

There is easy and then there's easy! And, these cute earrings by Natalie at North Shore Days are super-easy.

3 Step Nail Polish Earrings by Natalie
at North Shore Days

So cute and so trendy, this project takes only 3 steps and a surprising material - nail polish! That and a couple of ear wires and some glass dome pendants (resources are on her site) are all you need to create a pair or two or three in your favorite colors.

Click HERE to get the how tos.

Now go bead something.

DIY Cloth Watch Bands

Okay, so this project doesn't have beads - but you could easily add them on. And, just as importantly, it doesn't take away from the awesomeness of the project.

Kathy Cano Murillo also known as the Crafty Chica has designed this project using a piece of canvas (but, you could easily use scraps of fabrics) paint and/or paint pens and some hook and loop tape.

What a great way to get creative and make your own custom watchband for that tired, old, everyday watch.

Click HERE to get the instructions from the Crafty Chica herself.

Now go bead something.

Simple Pearl Studs

So, you're going to a special event tonight and you can't find a pair of earrings to go with what you are wearing. And, you have 15 minutes before your special someone waiting on you to finish decides to leave without you.

Though - in my case, I'm the one waiting on my husband! But, I digress.

What to do?

You pull out some glass pearls, some earring posts, bead caps, your trusty tube of E-6000 Glue and in just two (2) steps or about 10 minutes (the time it takes the glue to dry), you'll have your own pair of lovely pearl studs, like these that Vanessa at Cafe Craftea made:

Simple Pearl Studs - project and photo
by Cafe Craftea

These pearl studs are an elegant and classy addition to whatever you're wearing - be it a black dress and pumps or a white shirt and jeans.

Click HERE and go make you a pair or two or three.

Now go bead something.

Summer is over and Fall is officially here, vacations have been taken and the kids are back in school. Did you visit a beach this Summer and bring back a few shells as souvenirs? And, do those souvenirs usually just end up in a box?

Now you can take those lovely shells from a favorite beach and wear them to remind you of the wonderful memories you made there. Katrinshine has created this lovely and easy to make pair of seashell earrings that you will pull out to wear over and over this Fall and Winter.

Seashell Earrings and Photo by
katrinshine

Shells, a tiny bit of chain, some earwires and a few tools (that you should already have in your beady toolbox) are all you need to create your own pair.

Simply lovely - don't you think?

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Chunky Color Chain Bracelets

It's no secret I really like minimal designs, but sometimes nothing but blingy or chunky will do and I love these simple to make funky, chunky, colorful chain bracelets by Nest of Posies.

DIY Color Chain Bracelets and Photo by
Nest of Posies

All you need is some chain and some Krylon Spray Paint.

The best thing is you can recycle an old chain bracelet (or necklace for that matter) or find one on your next trip to the thrift store.

To go add some color to your wardrobe in a flash, click HERE.

Now go bead something.

DIY Hardware Store Bracelets

How many times have you been in your local hardware store, found an item and thought it would make some pretty cool jewelry?

Well, I know that Erin, the blogger at Thanks, I Made It! has. Check out this cool bracelet she made using some jewelry components, 1/4" compression sleeves and rope from the hardware store.

DIY Hardware Store Bracelet and photo
by Thanks, I  Made It!

These are so hip and industrial - I love them! If you love them too, then click HERE to find out how to make some of your own.

Now go bead something.

Swing Dance Earrings by Marcia DeCoster

If you're a Marcia DeCoster fan, then you're going to love this free project posted by Lark Crafts from her newest book, Marcia DeCoster's Beads in Motion, called "Swing Dance Earrings."

Swing Dance Earrings by Marcia DeCoster
Photo by Lark Crafts

I love long jewelry that moves and this is the focus of Marcia's new book. This pair of sparkly earrings has a cascade of chains that slide freely within the band connecting them to the ring above, so you can make them asymmetrical if you want. And, although Marcia's color combinations are always lovely, you can, of course, switch it up with another color.

Want to know how? Click HERE to get the instructions.

By the way, Marcia's book is now available from the Houston Bead Society library. 

Now go bead something.

DIY Necklace Holder

Check out this lovely DIY Necklace Holder by Visibly Moved.

DIY Necklace Holder and Photo
by Visibly Moved

Doesn't it look a like piece of art?

If you live or have a place by the sea or a lake or know someone who does, have them pick up a piece of driftwood for you to create this necklace holder. Add some mismatched knobs and Voila! a piece of functional art of your very own.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

4 in 1 Diamond Chain Maille Pendant

I've heard that diamonds are a girl's best friend; but, not everyone can afford diamonds.

No matter, you can now create your own "diamond" in a mere evening using a few tools and some jump rings.

Photo and project by
beadalon.com

I think the the two tone silver/black color gives it an edgy look, though you can change it up since there is a myriad of colors of jump rings now available.

And, although it's classified as an "intermediate" project, I think anyone can create it as long as you know how to properly open and close a jump ring and can use pliers. There are lots of videos on opening/closing jump rings that you can watch if you don't know how, but click HERE to get a quick tutorial on how to do so.

Christmas will be here before we know it and I think this pendant would make a great gift. So, click HERE to get all the how tos.

No go bead something.

Fool's Gold Necklace by Kathryn Designs

I dare you to guess what the focal beads in this necklace are made of! Glass? Nope. Copper? Brass? Wrong again.

(No Time for) Fool's Gold Necklace
by Kathryn Designs

In fact, if you guessed any type of metal or glass you are wrong.

Can you  believe these faceted beads are made of... polymer clay? Fooled me too.

A small brick of polymer clay can be found on sale almost every week at any of your local craft stores for around $1.00 and think of all the beads you could create for less than the price of a cup of coffee.

Anyway, Kathryn at Kathryn Designs has a graphic tutorial on how to create these beads. You probably should have a beginner's knowledge of working with polymer clay. But, no worries if you don't - there is plenty of information on the web and YouTube videos to help you out.

Click HERE to find out how to create your own Fool's Gold Beads.

Now go bead something.

Swirly Bracelet

You are not going to believe this! But, check out this bracelet.

Swirly Paperclip Bracelet by Strange Ducks
for instructables.com

I was going to make you guess what it was made of, but the picture gives it away. Yep - it's made out of the common paperclip!

I really like the somewhat irregular, organic look of the spirals and the use of 3 jump rings to connect them all just gives it a little more oomph.

You do have to straighten out the paperclips (as best you can), so a little hand strength is needed. I would recommend using these nylon jaw pliers. I use them in some of my wirework and they work great. They can even straighten out a thin gauge coil of wire!

So, go rummage around in your desk drawer for some paperclips to create swirls and then put them together in a bracelet.

Click HERE to the the instructions.

Now go bead something.

StencilGirl Marrakech Express - Bead Embroidery

Marrakech Express Bead Embroider
photo and project by Janet Joehlin for
StencilGirl Talk

I am a stencil fiend, I admit it. I use them a lot - lately, a lot in my glass work. But, who knew to use stencils to create patterns for bead embroidery - Janet Joehlin - that's who! Janet is part of the Design Team for StencilGirl Talk. StencilGirl makes a huge variety of stencil in a huge number of motifs and I love them! 

Anyway, Janet used the Marrakech Mixed Stencil L 177 to create these lovely motifs that she later bead embroidered.

Janet has a detailed step by step at the StencilGirl Talk blog with close up photos. If you have never bead embroidered before, this is a really great tutorial to learn how - all the while creating some really lovely motifs you can use for jewelry, fiber arts or even mixed media.

Click HERE to get her easy, detailed instructions and look for Marrakech Express. 

Now go bead something.

Leather Wrap Bracelets

So, this project has no beads - but, still cute - no? And, of course, you can always add beads to it by simply sewingthem  through the fabric.

All you need is some fabric scraps, a strip of leather (suede would work too), a sewing machine and Voila! a hip and cute bracelet.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Photo and Project by gen X quilters

Pricing Your Jewelry

Some of us make art for fun, some to sell and still others for fun and to sell. Having said that, and with show season about to come in to full swing, one of the most asked questions out there is "How do I price my art?"

I've struggled with that question too sometimes and recently, I found this post by Jewelry Making Journal that explains the pricing process in a fairly simple, easy to understand way.

Click HERE to find out how they do it.

Now go bead something.

DIY Jewelry Organizer

I love organizing and nothing makes me happier than to find a project that helps you organize (in this case your jewelry) for next to nothing.

The Pinning Mama created this cute jewelry organizer using a frame (and how many times do we find those on sale?), some chicken wire (screen would do too) and a few other materials you can find at your local hardware store.

Jewelry Organizer
Project and Picture by The Pinning Mama

And, of course, you can choose any size frame depending on the area where you are going to hang it. Personally, I installed a white pegboard in my closet to hang all of my stuff, but this sure would look pretty just hanging around in a room.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

August 2013 Meeting

When:   Saturday, August 17, 2013
Where:  Bayou Manor - 4141 S. Braeswood (in first floor auditorium)
Time:    10:00 am to 12:30 pm

Program: Bead Dangles for the Charity Auction Bracelet with Tish Reed
Program follows immediately after the general meeting and ends at 12:30.

Dangles are not only quick to make, but fun! And, if you can make a simple loop, you can make a dangle. So, for the August program, Tish Reed is bringing her now, somewhat smaller bead soup, some sterling silver head pins along with a couple of round nose pliers to create dangles for a bracelet to be auctioned off at this year's show. She will even bring her brand, spanking new One Step Looper and Wubbers Loop Making Pliers to demonstrate how well and how quickly these tools work. 

You need to bring:

• Bead soup or beads (if you have them)
• Sterling silver eye/head pins (if you have them)
• Round nose or Rosary pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Beading surface

Tish’s personal goal is 100 dangles for the time it takes to do the program - let's help her achieve that goal and help support Houston Bead Society's chosen charities (to be announced at the meeting).

If you can't stay for the program, Tish will also accept dangle donations - just bring them to the meeting.

Now go bead something ... like a dangle.

Triple Strand Necklace with Embroidered Brooch/Pendant

Triple Strand Necklace with Embroidered
Brooch/Pendant and Gold Chain
Designed by Sheri Serafini for
Fire Mountain Gems & Beads

Check out this awesome bead embroidered necklace by one of my favorite bead artists, Sheri Serafini.

It's called the Triple Strand Necklace with Embroidered Brooch/Pendant and Gold Chain and she designed it for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads.

It's a lovely mixture of gold chain and a lovely bead embroidered pendant that also doubles as a brooch.

You don't need a lot of materials - just your favorite cabochon, a few seed beads and chain to create this beauty. Best of all, the instructions include lots of step by step close up photos and a video! It's the perfect project to try if you've never done bead embroidery and just sophisticated enough for the more experienced beader.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Pink Stone Necklace

Talk about timely, I had just started putting away all the haul from the last jewelry show that I attended and noticed that I had bought a goodly amount of some gorgeous, slab-like stones. Don't know why I bought them, other than I saw them, loved them and had to have them. Never happens to any of you, right?

Right!

Anyway, I decided to put them away until I found just the right project and Voila! - here it is.

Pink Stone Necklace
Photo and Design by Henry happened

A gorgeously simple, but very sophisticated Pink Stone Necklace by Henry happened that you can wear when you are dressed up in a little black dress or dressed down in a white shirt and jeans. Okay, so  my stones aren't pink, but I will have no problem substituting them with my black or green slab stones. And, although her version is almost choker length, I can make it any length that I want and I would really love to see it in a lariat style.

Click HERE for the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Tip of the Month - Make Consistent Loops on Eye and Head Pins

I am loving my new One Step Loopers by Beadsmith, but if you don't have a pair here is any easy and cheap way to ensure you make consistently size loops on eye and head pins.

If you add an extra 8mm bead to the top of a stack of beads (or any other size bead depending on the size of the dangle or charm you are making), trim the headpin/eyepin to the top of that bead, then remove the bead and make your loop - your loops will always be the same size!

Thanks for the tip Fire Mountain Gems!

Now go bead something.

Bead Soutache Workshop with Amee K. Sweet-McNamara

Have you registered for the Amee K. Sweet-McNamara Bead Soutache workshop sponsored by Houston Bead Society? September 7 and 8 will be here before you know it and this will be Amee's only visit to Texas, so you will not want to miss it.

Have a weekend of fun while learning to create these lovely pieces that Amee designed especially for Houston Bead Society.
 



Anu's Arabesque Earrings
Saturday, September 07, 2013

Anu's Blossom Pendant
Sunday, September 08, 2013

Workshops are $140.00 each day if you are a member or $190 if you are not and includes lunch, drinks and snacks. There is also a mandatory kit fee to be paid to Amee.

For more information and to register, click HERE to go to the workshop link on the Houston Bead Society website.
 

Now go bead something.

Personalized Bracelets with Polymer Clay

I love to enamel, work with metal and fuse glass - basically anything having to do with fire. But, I also have another love that I don't get too much time to work with - polymer clay. Why do I love it? Because it is such an inexpensive, user friendly material with endless possibilities. Polymer clay can be deceptively simple or highly complex - all with relatively ease of use.

Photo and Personalized Bracelets with Polymer Clay
by Adrianne Surian for CraftsUnleashed

Which leads me to this awesomely cute Personalized Bracelet with Polymer Clay created by Adrianne Surian for CraftsUnleashed.

Is it me, or does this look like real kiln fired clay? And, this is not the only version Adrianne demonstrates - nope, you can even personalize it with a name.

Can you guess what she used to make the impressions on this version? The color should be a hint, but you'll have to go to her website to find the answer.

Most, if not, all of the major brands of polymer clay are also inexpensive and non-toxic which makes it a perfect media to work with kids. As a  matter of fact, when I taught 2nd grade, my kids created the four stages of a butterfly (eggs, larva, pupa, adult) using polymer clay and they loved it. The projects were pretty spectacular too. A little more trouble than, say, drawing the stages (I had to take their pieces home and fire them there), but the results and their happy little faces were all so worth it.

So get your hands on some polymer clay and click HERE to get all the how tos

Houston also has a polymer clay guild - the Houston Polymer Clay Guild - that makes some pretty spectacular work. Check them out by clicking HERE.

Now go bead something.

Bead It Forward Bead Quilt Squares

Wowza! Bead and Button states that a total of 1,313 squares were received for the 2013 Bead It Forward project. And, that number includes the over 60 squares that HBS members and friends created. So, if you participated - give yourself a hand - and thanks to all who did.

Numerous volunteers made these squares into a variety of auction-able items that included quilts and new this year - ornaments that were sold at the show. All proceeds went to benefit the Medical College of Wisconsin for breast cancer research.

Side 1 of a Bead Square available for
purchase from Bead & Button

Side 2 of a Bead Square available for
purchase from Bead & Button

The good news is that Bead & Button held back a few ornaments to sell to people who didn't have the opportunity to attend the show. So, this is your lucky opportunity to purchase a two-sided beaded square and benefit breast cancer research for only - $5.00! That's right - for the mere price of a cup of brand name coffee, you can help in the battle against this deadly disease.

To purchase a square, visit Bead & Button's Etsy shop by clicking HERE.

NOW go buy a square.

Studded Leather Bracelets

It is no secret - leather is so hot you can see it everywhere - from the runways to Hollywood stars it appears that everyone is loving this trend right now.

So, check out these Studded Leather bracelets created by the blogger at Lotts and Lots.

Studded Leather Bracelets
Design and Photo by Lotts and Lots

Luscious colored leather studded with chains, beads and fabric - so what's not to love? An easy closure using flat cord ends and clasp completes the look. Make them wild, mild, boho, chic or biker - but, go make some.

Click HERE to make yourself an armload.

Now go bead something.

Epoxy Clay Flower Earrings

Check out this cute pair of Epoxy Clay Flower Earrings created by sewwoodsy.com.

Photo and Project by sewwoodsy.com

These earrings are the perfect introduction to working with epoxy clay with very little investment of either time or money. Although, the actual project takes about 48 hours to create because the epoxy clay has to cure, they really aren't all that complicated to make. And most, if not all, of the supplies can be found at your local crafts store.

The designer used the Martha Stewart brand of epoxy clay, but it is made by several different manufacturers, so use what you can find.

Of course, if you already work in polymer clay, these should be a piece of cake for you; but, just in case you don't, lots of clear, step by step photos accompany the directions. So, click HERE to learn how to create them yourself.

Now go bead something.

One Step Looper Pliers Review

I love gadgets - be they for the kitchen, my glass, metal or enamel work - I love gadgets; but, they have to be actually useful. And, like cooking guru Alton Brown, I'm not too fond of unitaskers (perform only one task). That is until I found and fell in love with Beadsmith's One Step Looper pliers. Finally, a tool whose only job is to help me make consistently sized, rounded eyepins and fast!

One Step Looper Pliers by Beadsmith

These wonder pliers help you create your own eyepins by creating the loop and trimming it all in one motion. I think we've all seen how and probably already know how to create an eyepin and, over the years, it has been simplified to make it easier on your hands. But, I remember when I first learned how to create a simple loop, it involved a pair of round nose or rosary pliers, a headpin and some very weird hand/wrist manipulations. If you have to create a lot eyepins or loops, this becomes a real pain in the hand.

Well no more! With Beadsmith's One Step Looper Pliers there is no more weird hand movements. I tried the loopers with a few beads on a head pin, inserted the wire, closed the pliers, gave the loop a tee-tiny little twist and VOILA - a beautiful loop was created. I even tried it using plain wire - creating one loop, adding beads and created the second loop and it worked like a charm. I also found that it is perfect for making that first loop when making spirals.

If you have to make a lot of dangles, having consistent loops is critical, especially if they are all for one project. They also make your work will look professional. With the One Step Looper Pliers by Beadsmith, you can now do that effortlessly and consistently.

The One Step Looper by Beadsmith works with dead soft and half-hard wire in sizes from 18 to 26 gauge and are available locally and online (I bought mine at Spring Beads). They retail for $29.95.

Now go bead something.

Beaded Bead Caps

What's not to love about these earrings? The colors are smashing, they have a little (not too much) bling, pearls and seed beads all in a project that shouldn't take but an hour. 

Some lush fringe, herringbone and ladder stitch all combine to dress up any large or focal bead in your stash. Mix and match the colors to create a pair of earrings for any and every occasion.

Beaded Bead Caps
Project by Amy Johnson
Photo by Bead & Button Magazine

Click HERE to get the directions.

Now go bead something.

Drilling Through Sea Glass

Here's a handy tutorial that shows you how to drill through those lovely pieces of sea glass that some people seem to find when walking on the beach. I never find anything like that. I just usually find pieces of dead jellyfish or dried up pieces of seaweed... you get the picture.

But, I digress.

Learning to drill through sea glass or any type of glass or rock for that matter is not for the faint of heart. It involves power tools (a drill - preferably a drill press), but so what! Drills are now available in all sizes, types, brands, power, prices and, yeah, even colors. 

Picture and Project by summerlane for
Instructables.com

The creator of this tutorial even used the most easiest of drill to use - a Dremel - for this project. 

The only thing to the tutorial that I would add is to place a thin piece of wood (like a piece of 1"x 4") or, even better, a piece of dense rubber (I've even seen old flip flop bottoms used) between the sea glass and the plate to not only help cushion the impact of the drill bit, but to also protect the plate. And, although a "dentist's drill bit" is okay, I would invest a little bit of money in a diamond coated bit if I was going to be drilling a lot of  pieces. But, no matter, this tutorial is a good place to start. And, remember practice, practice, practice before starting your masterpiece.

I really like the idea of creating a wearable piece out of a memento you picked up on a special trip. And, they make lovely gifts too.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Word Bracelets

Sometimes, we are all crunched for time, so here is a super easy 10 minute bracelet project using a one word bead and some hemp or embroidery floss (or anything else you have handy) from Happy Hour Projects.

Project and Photo by
www.happyhourprojects.com

She used hemp (don't you just love the colors) and word beads she found at a craft store and voila - a bracelet in probably less than 10 minutes. No special skills needed - all you have to know is how to tie a knot. No word bead, no problem, I think any type of large bead or focal will work and it makes a great anklet too.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Woven Yarn Bracelet

I'm not a big bracelet person, but I do love bangles and the more the better or the larger the better. So, check out this tutorial for a yarn woven bracelet using a couple of basic metal bangles, a bit of yarn and wire, glue and a pair of scissors. 

Woven Yarn Bracelets by Emily for
instructables.com

The technique involves some easy weaving that she demonstrates on the site so with a little practice, you should be able to make these in no time.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Polymer Clay "Stone" Necklace

Polymer Clay Stones Necklace by Maria at
mashiacrafts.com

What a fun necklace this is and so simple to make! So, if you haven't sunk your hands into polymer clay, at least once, this is the project to help you get started.

All you need are a couple of colors of polymer clay, some jump rings and a chain or neck wire and you are set. There is no complicated color mixing - really, so easy you can teach your kids to create them too. And, although you can use any color clay you want, I really love Maria's color choices because they are so cool and beachy.

Click HERE to get the instructions from Maria at Mashia Crafts.

By the way, did you know Houston has a fabulous polymer clay guild that meets right after Houston Bead Society? Well, it does - click HERE to go to the Houston Polymer Clay Guild site to learn more about what they do and all the wonderful projects they create.

Now go bead something.

Rhinestone Friendship Bracelet

I never went to summer camp as a child, but some of my friends did. Regardless, I don't need summer camp memories to help me like this sweet little Rhinestone Friendship Bracelet by the blogger at Love & Rosen. And, my love of fibers is no secret to anyone so for me, this bracelet is a winning combination of fibers and bling.

Photo and Project by Love & Rosen

The thing about this project is that it can be very sophisticated or hippy chic depending on the fibers that you use. I would love to see this bracelet using black floss or even with tans and turquoises with a string of turquoise color beads to wear with my favorite white shirt.

Regardless of what colors you decide to use, it's bound to be a hit. Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Super Easy Bead Soup Bangle

Who among us does not have our own bead soup? In case you don't know what bead soup is - it's usually just a mixture of leftover beads from various projects. Actually, some beaders have several soups going in various colorways; but - me - nope, it's all in one big container.

So, what to do with this bead soup? Make a bracelet of course. Like... this one, for example.

Super Stylish Bead Soup Bangle
By: Eva for Crafts Unleashed
As seen in favecrafts.com

Eva for Crafts Unleashed created this beauty from bead soup beads, a pre-made wire cuff and 24 gauge wire. 

Don't have your own bead soup (really???), no problem, get thee to a bead store and create your own.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Aimee Ray's "Sweet and Simple Jewelry" - Book Review

Do you want to create enchanting and very pretty, fresh, chic styles of jewelry while expanding your knowledge to include techniques like needlework, resin and the use of filigree? Then Aimee Ray’s book, Sweet & Simple Jewelry is just the inspiration and direction you need.

Image by Lark Books

While probably not for an advanced jewelry maker, Sweet & Simple Jewelry is a nice option for an artist moving into making jewelry from another craft or even for a beginning jewelry maker. The book features 32 projects by 17 designers and utilizes different products like felt, fabric, embroidery floss, buttons, filigree shapes, wool roving, polymer clay, air drying clay, epoxy clay and shrink plastic. It even shows you how to create your own molds using two part molding putty. Whether it’s rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings or even hair accessories you are sure to find a pretty and easy to make project in this book.

Sweet & Simple Jewelry includes templates and some basic techniques on wire wrapping, the use of resin and even a nice short tutorial on embroidery techniques just to mention a few.

Regardless, all of the designs are very sweet and sure to give you the inspiration you need to try some of the different techniques. My favorite – the Dandelion Wish Necklace on page 118 – is something I am definitely going to try.

The book is published by Lark Books and will be available in the HBS library starting next month.

Now go bead something.

Hey! What's a Bugle Bead?

Bugle beads are long, thin, cut glass beads. They come in sizes 2mm to 12 mm and Miyuki even makes one that is 30mm. They can be round, smooth, twisted and hex cut. The problem with most bugle beads is that their edges are sharp and they can cut right through your thread. I don't use them very often because, frankly, they can be difficult to design with, but I have used them in my bead embroidery and some fringe - but, they are hardly ever the focus of my design.

So, take a look at this Bugle Bead Fringe Torque Necklace created by Miss P.

Photo and Project by
Miss P

A not too over the top fringe necklace using the "dreaded" Bugle Bead. She even shows you how to create the wire collar to hang the easy to make bead fringes and you don't need an expensive necklace mandrel either.

One of the good things about this project is that you don't need to invest a huge amount of money in bugle beads (especially good if you've never worked with them) and, of course, you can always use what color (or size) bugle beads you just happen to have.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

Circle of Hope Campaign Against Breast Cancer

Circle of Hope
Sponsored by Fire Mountain Gems & Beads

Just a reminder - Fire Mountain Gems & Beads is sponsoring a campaign against breast cancer and you can help by donating handmade beads or purchasing a handmade bead like the ones pictured above.

Click HERE for more information.

Now go buy a bead from the Circle of Hope campaign and bead something.

Creative Blocks and Monkeys?

Photo and Drawing by Danny Gregory

It happens to all of us at one time or another - we are sucked dry of ideas. Or, if we do create something that inner critic comes out and says "That looks horrible" - "You're not good enough" and so on and so on.

Danny Gregory is an author and artist extraordinaire known primarily for his whimsically delightful drawings. I have followed his blog for a very long time and I am a huge fan. My best friend, Sharon Hendry (check out her blog HERE), introduced me to his blog many years ago because she knows how much I long to draw. Oh, I can draw things - certain things - but it takes me a long time and it is very frustrating for me. Sharon, on the other hand can probably draw with one hand tied behind her back. Did I mention she works for Houston Community College? She teaches classes in the Digital Department and one of them is drawing fundamentals. Yes, I've taken her class and it was awesome. But, my inner monkey (as Danny Gregory refers to that inner critic) came out and I gave up drawing once again.

But, I digress - this blog is about beading after all and what does Danny Gregory and drawing have to do with beading? Well, Danny Gregory wrote this most excellent post about creative blocks and that inner critic/monkey today and it is probably one of the best things I've ever read that deals with that subject.

So just what does he have to say about that inner critic?

"Just start. Do one small drawing on one small piece of paper. A Post-It. Or draw a loose grid on your sketchbook page and fill in one single square with a line drawing of your foot. Whistle while you do it. If the monkey starts to grumble, hum louder. Push off that inner criticism for 120 seconds until you can get something down on the page.

Creating something, anything, can break the logjam. And it can give you something to look back at hours later, to get excited about. Initially, the monkey may sneer about your tiny attempt but go back at it and look at it again. Find something to love in it. It’s in there.

Don’t talk about it. If you are having block, don’t endlessly discuss it and seek solace from others. The more you do, naming it and broadcasting it, The more you solidify the block, the more of a living entity it becomes. Give it a name and you give it power. Stress over it and you become twisted and jailed.

My words here are a double-edged sword. I want you to be able to see that your problem is a common one, that you don’t suck any more than the rest of us. But the more we dwell on this discussion, the more attention the monkey gets, and the less time we are spending making something."

"The more we dwell on this discussion, the more attention the monkey gets, and the less time we are spending making something." 

"You don't suck more than the rest of us."

WOWIE! The entire post is so awesomely written, but it was these these paragraphs and, in particular, these two sentences that stuck out and resonated with me more than anything else - probably, because one of my biggest problems is that monkey. Sure, he aimed his post at people who draw; in fact, you should check out the drool worthy Facebook page for Everyday Matters, but how can his advice not apply to painting, sculpting, woodworking - any artistic effort - even beading!?

I would highly recommend you click HERE  right now to go read his entire post - you won't regret it! Actually, he has dedicated several posts to this subject and you will find them all well worth your time.

So, thank you Danny Gregory for once again inspiring me and probably a host of others to take up the pen, pencil, beads, paints or whatever their chosen media is and start - right now.

Now go bead something - right now!

Ready for Spring Bracelet

Well, this project might be a wee bit late for Spring, but it also works for Summer. From Bead and Button is this Ready for Spring bracelet.

Ready for Spring Bracelet and photo by
Bead & Button

I have tried bead crochet and knitting with beads - and I found knitting with beads much easier (though, I'm not giving up on bead crochet just yet), so I just may give this project a try.

Click HERE to get the instructions. By the way, the one pictured on the instructions is a a gorgeous "chartreusy" green! Even more of an incentive for me to try this one out.

Now go bead something.