Necklace Length Chart

Did you know that a collar length necklace is 14 to 17 inches long? Or, that a rope is 37 inches or longer? Well, now you do and you can also learn what the lengths of other necklaces are with this handy little chart from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads.

Necklace Length Chart
by Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

Click HERE to get an easy to print version that you can print (and laminate) to put in your studio for easy reference.

Now go bead something.

Carnelian

Carnelian (not cornelian as is so often spelled) is a semi-precious gemstone ranging in color from pale orange to an intense almost-black coloration. It is most commonly mined in Brazil, India, Siberia, and Germany. Considered a variety of chalcedony, most favored pieces are a deep red to red-orange hue.

Carnelian has a long and storied past and was once considered strictly the property of the noble class. In fact, people holding a high social status were often buried with this treasured gemstone. 

Photo by the Crystal Vault

It is a pretty sturdy stone - in Roman times, it was often used to make signet rings - and rates a 7 on the Moh's scale, so you can use Carnelian to create pieces that will get some wear.

Metaphysically, Carnelian is an energy booster. It also helps the insecure person to find strength within them so they can come into their own. Carnelian also -

• protects from bad vibrations
• guards against poverty
• helps give a sense of humor
• calms the temper
• increases your appetite

So if you need some pep in your step - consider carrying a piece of carnelian with you - or even better, make a cool little bracelet and wear that.

For more information about Carnelian and other gems, click HERE.

Now go bead something.

May 2014 Meeting Happenings

So what goes on at the monthly HBS meetings?

Speakers like artist Selven O'Keef Jarmon, an artist who lived in South Africa for seven years and is responsible for starting a huge art installation named 360 Degrees Vanishing at the Art League of Houston. According to Art League's website, 360 Degrees Vanishing "addresses the gradual disappearance of the beading culture within South Africa in particular, as well as the vanishing parts of various cultures that are taken for granted but have been disappearing from our everyday lives. 360 Degrees Vansihing re-imagines the possibilities of how a traditional medium, such as beading, can be re-visioned and re-activated by placing it in a new context and landscape. This project is an international cultural exchange with South Africa and ALH is working with the South African Government as well as the Craft and Cultural Hub of the Eastern Cape and the South African Cultural Minister's Office." For more information about this installation, click HERE to visit the Art League's website.

HBS President Lillian Skogsberg and
Artist Selven O'Keef Jarmon discussing plans
for his huge public bead art installation at the Art League of Houston

HBS Vice President Patti Berg
Teaching Right Angle Weave  (RAW) to members

HBS Members learning Right Angle Weave (RAW).
Most members got a great start on a really
lovely RAW bracelet.

HBS Librarian Diane Mayes and
HBS Newsletter Editor Katy Edwards are
up to some beady something or other.

And, of course, there's always shopping for beads, tools and other bead necessities from our monthly member vendors.

Want to join in on the fun? Our next meeting is on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Check out our website or this blog for information on location and the program.

Now go bead something.

Loft Inspired Rings and Pink Beads Necklace

Not too long ago, I post a project where someone had created a bracelet using this same technique. Now, one of my favorite creative bloggers - Bev at Flamingo Toes has come up with the necklace.

Check it out!

Loft Rings and Pink Beads Necklace
Project and Photo by Flamingo Toes

Like the bracelet, I love that this necklace has a biker chic, yet feminine look about it. And, you can change up the look simply by changing the beads - round beads, square beads, glass beads, gemstones, pearls - the world is your oyster when it comes to making choices.

Click HERE to get all the instructions and make it your own.

Now go  bead something.

Crocheted Beaded Bracelet

Before you go off saying you can't do bead crochet - and, believe me, I hear you because I have tried and tried and have been able to crochet only two ropes, you have to check out this project.

Bead Crochet Bracelet and Photo by
by Alice at Futuregirl

You only need to know how to single crochet and Alice has some good close-up pictures of the technique. If you don't know how to crochet, there are plenty of videos and tutorials out there for you to check out.

This bracelet is way easier to do - provided you already know a little crochet - than the intricate bead crochet ropes you've seen. If you're not particularly fond of this color combination (me neither); you can try creating this project in your own favorite color combination.

Click HERE to see how to do it.

Now go bead something.

Leather and Lace Bracelet

Love and marriage, chocolate and cake, boots and pants all go together. And, now you can add leather and lace to the list - like in this cool biker chic bracelet by Flamingo Toes.

Leather and Lace Bracelet
Project and Photo by Flamingo Toes

Sweet and innocent, yet kinda wild is what this project is all about. And, although, Bev of Flamingo Toes uses glue to put together her ready made leather bracelet with lace and a word blank, I would bring out my hammer and rivets and rivet it on. But, you do what you do best and just make one. If you are handy with a jeweler's saw you could also customize it with your beloved's or one of your children/grandchildren's names or your favorite inspiration word.

Click HERE to get the instructions.

Now go bead something.

MAY MEETING - NEW LOCATION

May Meeting - New Location:
Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 10:00 am
Independent Bank Building
750 Bering Drive

First Floor Conference Room

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. The conference room is located on the 1st floor, 750 Bering Dr. When you enter the building, go left and you will see the conference room on your left hand side.

Parking:
You can park in front of the 800 Bering building which is immediately next door to 750 Bering Dr. If it is full, you can park on the 2nd floor of the parking garage located in the back of the 800 Bering building (use driveway on the left side of the building), then walk over to 750 Bering Dr. which is the Independent Bank building next door. The numbered spaces are fine, but please do not park in a space marked "Reserved."

Program: Right Angle Weave (RAW) with Patti Berg:
Supplies to bring:

• Size 11 seed beads
• Small beads: 3-4mm crystals
• Button for the clasp
• Size 10 or 12 needle
• Beading thread of your choice, i.e., Nymo D or Fireline 
• Beading mat