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.