FEBRUARY MEETING

WHEN: February 21, 2015
TIME: 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: 750 Bering Dr. - 1st Floor Conference Room

PARKING AND DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
Driving South on 610 (towards Galleria), take the Woodway/Memorial Dr. exit and make a right on Woodway (away from Memorial Park). Take Woodway for about about 1 to 1.5 miles to Bering Dr. and make a left (Bering is the next light after Chimney Rock). Then drive about one half mile to 750/800 Bering Dr. which is on your right. If you pass up Kelsey Seybold Clinic on Sugar Hill Road you just barely missed it.

Parking is in front of the building. The conference room is on the first floor of the Independent Bank Building. Entrance is through the front by the curved driveway.

PROGRAM: Circular Netting with Patti Berg

February Program
Circular Netting with Patti Berg

Bring:

• seed beads
• bead mats
• stringing material of your choice
• needles.

Don't forget to turn in your Bead It Forward Squares!

The Psychology In Color

Here's a very interesting and thought provoking article about the psychology of color and its use in the design and creation of jewelry written by Anne Marie Hunter, Marketing Content Development Group, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®.

Design and Photo by
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®

Among other things, it explains that colors can cause both physical and emotional reactions and that "scientists have found that actual physiological changes take place in human beings when they are exposed to certain colors." Those reactions, however, are individual to each person but, include sensations of warmth or coolness.

It really is a pretty interesting read and you should read it now.

Click HERE to read more about the psychology of color and how it may help you in your jewelry designs.

Now go bead something.

Wire Wrapped Cocktail Ring

Do you have a fancy soiree coming up? Are you looking for that perfect statement ring to wear? Well, look no more. Check out this Wire Wrapped Cocktail Ring that Wyatt White created for Beadaholique.

Wire Wrapped Cocktail Ring
Photo and Project by Wyatt White for Beadaholique

This is a great project to show off one of the unique stones you picked up and don't know what to do with it. And, you get to learn how to make prongs too.

Even if you don't have a fancy party coming up and you're more a jeans and white t-shirt gal (or guy), you should make one. Click HERE to find out how.

Now go bead something.

Happy Valentines Day - Bonus Project

Shrink Heart Earrings
Photo and Project by PopShopAmerica

Because it's Valentines Day and because it's my 28th wedding anniversary and because I happen to love, love, love hearts and because I especially love Shrinky Dinks - I'm giving you a special bonus Valentines Day Project!

Check out these cute Shrink Art Earrings (or make 'em pendants if you want) created by PopShopAmerica.

I love working with Shrink Art sheets - they are easy to cut (before they are shrunk), easy to color and very easy to get every style of design from whimsical (like these shown) to very sophisticated. I also think they are the perfect fun medium for kids to work with.

Click HERE to see how easy these shrink art components are to make.

Now go bead something.

14 Days of Valentines - Day 14

Happy Valentines Day!

This day is very special to me because not only is it one of my very favorite holidays (how could it not - hearts, chocolate, romance) but, it's also my wedding anniversary! This year marks 28 years married to the same goofball, I mean husband. Where does the time go?

Any who, that brings us to the last 14 Days of Valentines Day project - a pair of Beaded Heart Earrings designed by Sharon Bateman.

Photo by Wigjig and Project by Sharon Bateman

Although this one calls for the use of the Wigjig Olympus (a wire jig designed to make wirework easier), I think that with a little manipulation, you could do without it. I know I've seen several of these type of wired designs where the beads are wrapped around the main component using wire, but this one's a little different: you actually use thread and beadweave your way around the heart shape.

Cool - huh?

Click HERE to find out how it's all done.

Now go bead something.

14 Days of Valentines - Day 13

Hi Valentine Bracelet
Photo and Project by Fusion Beads

At first glance, you would think this little cutie was created using a bead loom - but, it's not. Nope, this "Hi Valentine" bracelet from the designers at Fusion Beads is a Two Drop Peyote project; and, if you already know the Peyote stitch, this one is a no brainer. Bonus - it works up pretty fast too because it uses two beads instead of one. So fast, you could probably start this afternoon and wear it tonight.

Click HERE for the pattern.

Now go bead something.

14 Days of Valentines - Day 12

My heart was stolen by these "Steal My Heart" earrings by Lezli Goodwin for Beadworld.

Steal My Heart Earrings
Photo and Project by Lezli Goodwin for Beadworld

There's so many things I love about these earrings - the dangles, the silver wire and findings and, probably, most of all, the non-traditional use of blue crystals. All of which make them perfect for any occasion, but I could so see these being worn by bridesmaids at a beach themed wedding.

Click HERE to find out what you need to make some.

Now go bead something.

14 Days of Valentines - Day 11

My oh my - check out this lovely and sparkly Crystal Bracelet with a bonus - a sweet heart-shaped toggle clasp from the designers at Beading Daily!

Crystal Bracelet with Heart Toggle
Photo and Project by Beading Daily

There is so much to love about this bracelet (and I love bracelets) - crystals, pearls, seed beads, that adorable clasp and, it's so elegant too! If you want to make a statement piece to wear any time, any where, I think this would be it.

Click HERE to get all the how tos.

Now go bead something.

14 Days of Valentines - Day 10

My heart went a little pitter patter for this one. Why? Because I just happen to have a few Super Duos hanging out in my stash and I didn't have a clue as to what to do with them or even how.

Photo and Project by The Potomac Bead Company

Super Duos are two holed beads that can create dimensional shapes and projects. They are about 2.5mm by 5mm in size with two .08 mm holes. Most are pretty uniformed shape and their petal shaped edges also work great with bead embroidery.

Best of all, this is another video tutorial so you can try to create the project while watching the video because you can pause it or go back as needed.

Click HERE to view the video.

Now go bead something.

14 Days of Valentines - Day 9

Photo and Project by Honeybeads

Be still my beady heart! Check out this classic black and silver beaded heart by Honeybeads! This is such a classy look but, of course, you can always change up the colors and go wild!

The only thing I like better than photographs in a tutorial is a video and this one has a video that walks you step by step through all the how tos.

Click HERE to make your own beaded heart.

Now go bead something.

14 Days of Valentines - Day 8

I couldn't - just couldn't - do a Valentines Day post without throwing in a polymer clay project.

Like this:

Heart of Many Dimensions
Photo and Project by Marie Segal for Favecrafts

And, of course, you don't have to make two (as in for earrings) - you can always make a larger one to use as a pendant. Not your colors? No problem - switch up the colors of the clay and you can get a entirely different look.

Click HERE to find out how to make these cuties.

Now go bead something.

14 Days of Valentines - Day 7

So, we're halfway through the 14 Days of Valentines and submitted for your approval (cue in the Twilight Zone tune) is this absolutely adorable and trendy Golden Wire Wrapped Owl Pendant by Panda Hall. Unless you been living under a rock, you already know that owls are the 'thing" right now.

Golden Wire Wrapped Owl Pendant with Beads
Photo and Project by Panda Hall

Yes, I cheated a little because since this is supposed to be a 14 Days of Valentines project and what's so "Valentine" about this design? Guess what - it is!! The little owl's body is so clearly heart shaped and I love, love, love those goofy eyes - simply irresistable!

Probably not for the absolute beginner, but if you are pretty comfortable making wire shapes, etc., then you can tackle this little gem.

Click HERE to get all the how tos and wherefores.

Now go bead something.

14 Days of Valentines - Day 6

Rustic Romance Pendant - don't you just love that title? How about the project?

Rustic Romance Project
Photo, Project and Tutorial by Unknown Creator

I always credit the project author and link to the blog when I post a project, but this one was a pin from a pin from a pin; so, I don't know who created the project or the tutorial. If you know, please let me know so I can do that.

This post is a little different in that there is no link to go to to find out how to make the project because the picture is the tutorial!

So get all the supplies you need, check out the picture and make a Rustic Romance Pendant you can wear on Valentines Day.

Now go bead something.

14 Days of Valentines - Day 5

Check out these Crystal and Seed Bead Earrings by Panda Hall.

Crystal and Seed Bead Earrings
Photo and Project by Panda Hall

Although these are made with clear beads and red crystals, I would brighten them up by either using complimentary colors or - ooh -- all fire engine red beads!

I love tutorials with lots of close-up photographs and this one doesn't disappoint. if you're a beginner, don't let these cute little guys scare you, they really are quite simple to make.

Click HERE to find out to make them.

Now go bead something.

14 Days of Valentines - Day 4

So, maybe you thought making an ear wire and the focal was a little too much for you. Well, guess what? If you can make a simple loop (as for a bead dangle), you can make these Heart on a Wire Earrings I found at Favecrafts!

Heart on a Wire Earrings
Photo and Project by Favecrafts

All you need are a couple of pieces of 6 inch wire, some ready made earring findings, your trusty round nose pliers and you are ready to go.

Of course, I would go a little bit further and add a bead dangle to the hearts - but, that's just the way I roll.

Click HERE to find out how to make your own.

Now go bead something.

14 Days of Valentines

In honor of the month of February and one of its very special holidays - Valentines Day - I will be posting 14 days of Valentines beady projects.

Yes, yes, I know I'm already three days behind, so here are three projects to get you started.

Starting with this Wire Wrapped Heart Necklace by one of my very favorite bloggers - Happy Hour Projects:

Wire Wrapped Necklace
Photo & Project by Happy Hour Projects

Such a sweet, simple and fast to make heart pendant for yourself or your sweetie or both! Click HERE to go all the how tos.

Project Number 2 is this neat little heart shaped dreamcatcher by Unfortunately Oh! Fortunately, there's no "unfortunately" in this project!

"Heartcatcher"
Photo and Project by Unfortunately No!

Fortunately, you probably already have everything you need for this project. Click HERE to  make some for yourself.

Finally, Project Number 3 (to catch me up - if you're trying to follow this thread), is this pair of awesomely cool Heart Ear Wires by Rena Klingenberg. How many times do you get to make the findings and the focal all at one time - well, this is just one of those times.

Heart Shaped Ear Wires
Photo and Project by Rena Klingenberg

I know what  some of you are saying - "A little too plain for me" - right? No problem, spice them up by simply adding a bead dangle to the end - like this!

Heart Shaped Ear Wires
Photo and Project by Rena Klingenberg

So adorable - yes? And, Rena has lots of close-up photographs to help you create these too. Click HERE and make two or three or more of your own.

So, there's your three projects for the first three days of 14 Days of Valentines projects. Day 4 will be posted tomorrow.

Now go bead something.