Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Wire Heart Bracelet

Normally, I love really lush, fringe laden beaded jewelry; but, lately I seem to have made the switch over to the minimalist side!

So, no surprise that when I saw this cute, wire heart bracelet created by I Spy DIY I knew that I just had to share it with you.

My DIY Heart Bracelet by
I Spy DIY
I also love that it uses minimal supplies and tools - wire, round nose pliers and, oh yeah - a cup (in place of a bracelet mandrel).

However, I also know we all love beads, so let's change it up and add some beads - bead charms, bead dangles or just string some seed beads onto the wire before shaping it into a heart or the clasp - yep, Jenni even shows you how to create the clasp.

Not only does Jenni have some awesome written instructions, she also has some pretty awesome, close-up photos of all the steps.

Click HERE to get the how to.

Now go bead something.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Sliding Knot Friendship Bracelet

If you're like me, you probably have a small (or not so small) assortment of lampworked or other one of a kind beads hanging around. Well, what to do when you have just one large bead - make it a focal, of course!
Sliding Knot Friendship Bracelet and picture by
Skrinhandmade

Here is an easy, neat idea for a Sliding Knot Friendship Bracelet using just one bead. And, best of all, the sliding knot makes it one size fit all. You can also change the look of it to go from elegant to casual based on the cord and bead or beads that you use.

It, obviously, doesn't take a lot of materials or tools (actually no tools at all - other than your fingers) to make. 

So, if you're looking for a quick project to use up some of those single one-off beads, click HERE to get the how to.

Now go bead something!


Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Member Profile of the Month - Patti Berg

Patti Berg is this month's Member Profile of the month.

Patti gave a humorous and insightful talk about her inspiration and method for beading. When asked what was her favorite piece, she couldn't pick just one and exclaimed it would be like trying to pick a favorite child. Patti displayed an array of pieces made with a variety of stitches - though she did express her preference for peyote - and claimed she excelled at creating unfinished pieces, many from workshops she had taken with HBS.

So, here are just a few pictures of some of her outstanding work. Just know that pictures don't do these pieces justice. Enjoy and thanks for sharing, Patti!

Beaded pieces created by Patti Berg
Metal pendants created by Patti Berg
(Workshop with Mary Hettsmansperger)

Gorgeous bead embroidered collar and earrings by
Patti Berg

Monday, April 22, 2013

April Meeting Highlights

So, what do we do at our monthly meetings?

Meet-ups with friends and like-minded, bead loving people:

Left - HBS Membership Chair, Kim Butler speaking with members
Right - HBS Member June Huber. June also teaches at Bead & Button
(Welcome back June!)
 
Kathy Musselwhite and HBS VP - Lillian Skogsberg

Top - Longtime members and friends, Pat Powell and HBS President, Shirley Nowlin
Bottom - HBS Members, Patricia Barnard and Patti Berg

Top - Founding HBS Member, Kathy Yzaguirre and Pat Powell
Bottom - HBS Librarian, Vicki Backer and Past President, Diane Mayes

HBS Members Lynn Lytle and her lovely
daughter, Meredith (check out their entries in the Bead Challenge!)

Shopping...

Jim Powell of Pat Powell Designs
 Show and Tell...

Foil Cuffs (inspired by Pat Powell's Faux Repousse Program)
by Priscilla Luzuriaga

Monthly Program...

Lynn Lytle showed members how to bead embroider on a 3D form (doll)

Member Profile - Patti Berg
Check out tomorrow's blog entry for more information about what inspires Patti to bead as well as pictures of some of her work.

Bead Challenge 
We also showcased the results of the bead challenge issued by HBS President, Shirley Nowlin at the March 2013 meeting. Check back later for pictures of these amazing entries!

Our next meeting is May 18, 2013. Hope to see you then.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Bird's Nest Pendant

Bird's Nest Pendant by Fusion Beads
This Bird's Nest Pendant appears to be everywhere!

And, now, you can make your own with this technique by Fusion Beads! The wire wrapped bird's nest is a very organic wire working technique so just know that every charm may look a little different.

All you  need is some 24-26 ga wire, a few beads or pearls, a jump ring, some pliers and voila - you have a bird's nest pendant to wear all on its own or as component in a bigger project.

Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

One LIttle Word Pendant

One Little Word Pendant by
Mandy Ford
At New Year's, instead of resolutions, many people chose single words to live by during the new year.

So what a better way to remind yourself of this new "resolution" than by wearing it as a cute "One Little Word Pendant" by Mandy Ford of This Girl's Life. Although, she chose the word Joy you could, of course, substitute any word that will fit inside the bezel you are using - including your child's name or even the one of your beloved. And, while I adore the minimalist look of this pendant, I might add a few charms to hang from it as well.

Also, no fears - this pendant only has the look of it being soldered, so there is no fire or heat involved.

To get the instructions, click HERE.

Now, go bead something.

Monday, April 15, 2013

MARCH 2013 MEETING

Time for another interesting meeting of our Bead Society! We’ll have a full program what with a dangle swap (details below), our bead challenge results, and 3D beading with a doll form it will be fun.

April 2013 Program
Our creative juices will be out in full form as Lynn Lytle leads our program in 3D Beading. She’s going to show us how to bead on a doll form. Click on the MONTHLY PROGRAMS tab above for more information.

Bead Dangle Swap:
Don't forget to bring in your 6 dangles for the Swap this month. Bring in 6 and get 5 back - one is donated to Houston Bead Society for the auction bracelet to be auctioned at this year's Bayou City Bead Works show in October.

What is a dangle? Beads, charms, etc. that are attached to a metal eye or head pin that can then be attached to a necklace or a bracelet. Remember for this swap, dangles can be made of any material except plastic, so no plastic or acrylic beads or findings unless they are vintage. Polymer clay is acceptable and, if possible, we prefer sterling silver findings for the auction bracelet (though not required). The maximum size for the dangles is 1.5".

This is a fun way to collect a variety of dangles for a bracelet or even a necklace. Tish Reed is coordinating this fun event so make sure to give her your charms at the beginning of the meeting on Saturday. Tish will also announce the next swap.

Bead Challenge Show and Tell:
For all of you who bought the bead challenge package a couple of months ago, it’s time to show what you made with the challenge stash. We’ll have an expanded Show and Tell segment for Challenge participants.

Gathering of the Guilds on Museum Day (April 27):
Don’t forget our participation for the Museum district’s Gathering of the Guild. Pat Powell is coordinating our participation in this event. Remember that examples of your work are needed (everything loaned, will be returned). If you signed up to help with the demonstrations, etc, don’t forget to show up or alert Pat Powell that you can’t make it.

Summer Bead Fling:
It’s coming up the weekend of June 22. Click HERE for more information or click on the Summer Bead Fling tab above.

Parking:
Please remember to park in the uncovered spaces in the rear of the gated parking lot. Covered spaces are for residents of Bayou Manor only. After parking, walk back through either the pedestrian or vehicle gate and access the building through the main entrance. Please check in with the receptionist for an ID badge before proceeding to the auditorium.

Vendors:
Any current member can be a vendor at the monthly meetings. The cost is $10 for one 6' table, payable when the Treasurer, Tish Reed, comes by to collect, not once sales are generated. Vendors must provide their own table coverings and may arrive at 9:00 a.m. and sell until the President, Shirley Nowlin, announces that the meeting will begin. Vendors are expected to cover their tables at that time and may resume sales once the meeting is over. Everyone must vacate the auditorium no later than 12:30 p.m. If you would like to vend this month, please contact Lillian (click on her name for an e-mail address) or by phone at 713-557-7329 by April 18.

Library:
The library will be open for checking out materials and the monthly raffle will be underway until Shirley announces that meeting will start. Tickets are only $0.50 each.

Membership:
For those beading friends who keep their membership current, we are very appreciative of your efforts. It allows you to attend monthly meetings and have the opportunity to participate in the monthly programs. Dues are $30 per year for an individual and $40 per year for a family membership (two persons living in the same household). Our Membership Coordinator, Kim Butler, can handle your renewal.

See you on Saturday.

Lillian Skogsberg
HBS - Vice President

Friday, April 12, 2013

Wire Wrapped Bead Dangles by Sharilyn Miller

Wire Wrapped Bead Dangles by
Sharilyn Miller
As promised on Thursday, here is the link to Sharilyn Miller's tutorial on how to create this gorgeous, spiral and double wrapped loop dangle.

Best of all, Sharilyn has written clear, easy to understand instructions accompanied by close-up pictures of all the steps.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.




Thursday, April 11, 2013

Bead Dangle Swap

Hope you guys are busy working on creating 6 dangles for our swap at the next meeting (Saturday, April 20th).

Dangles are super easy and super quick to create. All you need is an eye or head pin, some beads and/or charms, a jump ring or two and round nose pliers. How elaborate you want to make it is up to you. I've seen dangles made from anything and everything including beads, found objects, beaded beads, charms, dichroic glass, feathers and even rocks.

Click HERE to view a tutorial on a super-simple, one-bead dangle by Blue Moon Beads using one bead and an eyepin. It also shows you how to create a really secure wire wrapped loop. And, check back here this weekend, because I will be posting a link to a tutorial on how to create this awesome spiral wrapped and looped dangle by Sharilyn Miller.

Dangles by Sharilyn  Miller
Remember, you make six dangles and get back five because one is donated to Houston Bead Society for a mixed media bracelet that will be auctioned at this year's show - Bayou City Bead Works to be held in October at City Centre (click HERE for more information about the show).

Dangles must be made of glass, polymer clay or vintage findings and beads only - no acrylic or plastic. Also, we prefer sterling silver findings for the auction bracelet - but, it is not required.

Now go bead something.


Seed Bead Contest Sponsored by Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads is sponsoring a seed beads jewelry making contest and you can win some pretty hefty gift certificates!

Enter your original jewelry-design for the chance to become an internationally published designer-artist and win gift certificates from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. The grand prize/Gold Medal winner gets a $1,000 gift certificate and there are also pretty spectacular prizes for those coming in 2nd ($750 gift certificate) and 3rd ($500 gift certificate) as well. Winners from individual categories will get a $200 gift certificate for first place, $150 gift certificate for second and a $100 gift certificate for third.

The categories include:
  • Necklace 
  • Bracelet 
  • Earrings 
  • Home Décor and Doll 
  • Wedding and Holiday 
  • Fashion Accessories
You can submit as many entries as you want, provided at least 50% of the your entry is comprised of products carried by Fire Mountain Gems and Beads (they suggest: seed beads, bugle beads, fringe beads, Dyna-Mites™ seed beads and/or Ming Tree™ seed beads) in any combination of the suggested materials. All designs must be original and winning designs from another jewelry-making contest may not be submitted.

To get the complete contest details including submission forms, photography information, contact information and more, click HERE.

The contest closes May 31, 2013, so go bead something... Now!

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Downton Abbey Style - Draped Pearl Necklace

I haven't been able to get into seeing Downton Abbey, but judging from all the blog entries, conversations, etc. it's a big hit with many of you.

However, even if you're not a fan, I think you'll find this Draped Pearl Necklace, inspired by the series, and created by BeadStyle Magazine a big hit!

Draped Pearl Necklace and picture by
BeadStyle Magazine
Some sweet pearls (you pick the color), wire, a clasp, 3 connectors and a simple wire wrap technique are all you need to create this lovely piece. And, if it were me creating this piece, I would add a long Swarovoski crystal drop to the middle connector. You could also switch out the pearls for crystals (or have a mixture of both) and maybe use some rhinestone connectors (especially if you have a vintage set laying around). The variations are endless.

Don't forget prom time will be here before you know it - making this a perfect accessory for that perfect dress.

Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

Monday, April 8, 2013

2013 Bead It Forward Bead Quilt Squares

Bead and Button magazine has started posting the bead quilt squares they have received, thus far. And, although, I didn't see the almost 100 squares we sent in, I'm sure they will be posted soon as they are posting them almost on a daily basis.

Click HERE to go see the squares. It really is quite amazing what beaders can do with  a teeny 1.5" by 1.5" area to bead with.

Also, here's a picture of one of the bead quilts they have created. I love quilts and I absolutely love how they incorporated these bead squares into fabric quilts.

Hope for a Cure Quilt
Picture courtesy of Bead and Button Magazine
This "Hope for a Cure" quilt was assembled around a trio of squares from Karen Lynch of Arizona. The word "hope" appears twice more in the quilt, and the word "love" is just visible in the lower left-hand corner.

Click HERE to go to the link with the bead quilts.

Now go bead something.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Did You Miss Last Month's Program?

Picture by the Beadsmith
In case you missed last month's demonstration of the Rick's Beading Loom given by Nancy Jones of Tiny Dog Seed Beads, click HERE to view a video.

It shows the inventor demonstrating all the advantages of this new loom - the major advantage is that unlike traditional looms where you are left with multiple warp threads to weave in, Rick's Loom leaves you with only 2 warp threads.

If you are an experienced loomer or someone wanting to get more information, check it out.

Now go bead something.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Call for Bowls


Last year, almost 2,000 bowls in clay, wood, fiber, glass, metal and other media were donated by working artists at colleges, K-12 schools, and from group and individual studios! The Empty Bowls Project is again asking for your time, talent and generosity to help surpass that incredible number this year!

You can help try to end hunger in our community by creating a bowl - it doesn't have to be functional - and donating it to the Empty Bowls Project.

Here are a couple of tutorials to get you started.

Crochet and Bead Bowl
Perler Bead Bowl (especially good for the little ones who want to participate)
Paper Mache Confetti Bowl (you could also use fabric for this one)

Bowls may be dropped off at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main Street (Tuesday through Sunday) or the Ceramic Store, 1002 W. 11th Street (Monday through Saturday). beginning April 29 and continuing through May 17.

If you can't donate a bowl, then drop by the event On May 18th. For $25 you get a delicious soup meal and a handmade bowl donated by an artist.

For more information, click HERE.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Mixed Media Techniques Class at Alvin Community College

To all of you who have wanted to expand your skills or get a little more than a mere taste of metalsmithing - Diane Falkenhagen is teaching a class called Mixed Media Techniques for Jewelers and Metalsmiths at Alvin Community College beginning this Saturday, April 6 and going through May 11. They are all day Saturday classes.

Basic jewelry making skills are helpful, but jewelry and metalsmithing students at all levels should easily understand and be able to participate in these classes. Small-object makers and non-metalsmiths practicing other craft media may also be interested in the content of these classes.

But, you have to register and do it fast - classes start this Saturday!

Alvin Community College has a fabulous metal arts studio and Diane Falkenhagen is a fabulous artist. I've been a great admirer of her work since I was at the U of H program and if Alvin was not an almost 2 hour ride for me - I would definitely be there.

Brooch by Diane Falkenhagen
For questions about course content e-mail: diane@dianefalkenhagen.com;
For questions about registration, contact Cherie Richey at 281-756-3605 or CRichey@alvincollege.edu

Now go bead something.

New Library Books for HBS

HBS Librarian, Vicki Backer recently announced that three new books have been added to the library. They are:

Japanese Braiding, The Art of Kumihimo
by Jacqui Carey

Getting Started with Seed Beads
by Dustin Wedekind

The Beader's Guide to Color
by Margie Deeb
Houston Bead Society has an extensive library of beading and jewelry making books as well as some DVDs. Remember, you have to be a Houston Bead Society member in order to check out books. Checked out books are due the following month.



Wednesday, April 3, 2013

March 2013 Meeting Highlights

So, what do we do at the monthly HBS meetings?

Meet up with friends...
Left - HBS Vice President, Lillian Skogsberg,
Kathy Musselwhite (who was the March Member Spotlight) and Laurence Dusaulx
Right - HBS Secretary, Carolyn Slater and Royelle Giddings

March Member Spotlight - Kathy Musselwhite talked about her beginnings in beadwork, her pieces and her inspiration...
Some of the fabulous items that Kathy Musselwhite bought to show including
some fabulous lush necklaces (Left) and intricately beaded containers (Right).
(Pictures do not do any justice to the beauty of her pieces)
Show and Tell by Members...

Show and Tell Pieces
Left - Carolyn Slater, Middle - Audra Gladney, Right - Pattie Berg

More Show and Tell
L - Jamie Janick, R - Lynn Lytle

Here is a close-up of Jamie's faux repousse bird.
She learned this technique from Pat Powell during last month's program.
Monthly Program...
Nancy and Peanut Butter Jones of Tiny Dog Seed Beads
demonstrating the Rick's Beading Loom
Join us next month when bead embroiderer extraordinaire and HBS Member Lynn Lytle shows us how to  do some bead embroidery. Check out the Program tab for more information.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Lazy Day Lily Earrings

Lazy Day Lily Earrings by Fusion Beads
The weatherman says we may be in for a couple of dreary, gray days this week. So, what better way to bring some color into our lives than with a cute pair of flower earrings.

These are the Lazy Day Lily Earrings designed by one of my favorite companies,  Fusion Beads.

Not only are they so easy and so fast to create but, they don't use a lot of materials. In fact, you probably have some leftover flower beads from another project. And, I love projects where you can use some of those leftover beads.

I also really like that they fancied them up some by using leverback earring findings.

Click HERE and go make you some now.

Now go bead something.