2013 Bead It Forward Bead Quilt Squares

I am so happy to announce that we had a total of 84 bead squares go to Bead and Button for the 2013 Bead It Forward Bead Quilt project and auction that benefits breast cancer research. This year, the theme was "Blooming to Find a Cure." The rules were to bead a tiny, 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" area onto a 2" x 2" square of stabilizer and, although you could use any bead technique, it had to include a flower or flowers. To find out more about this project click HERE.

This is just a small sampling of the squares that were created. To see the entire set, go to the HBS website by clicking HERE.



The list of HBS members, friends and Tiny Dog Seed Bead gang who participated include:

• Audra Gladney
• Boots Tyner
• Carole Wiley
• Connie Eicher
• Dixie Nichols
• Jannie Davis
• Jo Ann Schmitt
• Kathleen Stauber
• Katy Edwards
• Kim Butler
• Lillian Skogsberg
• Linda Magee
• Margaret Jordan
• Nancy Jones 
• Pat McAdams
• Pat Powell
• Pat Rogers
• Pattie Berg
• P. Credeur
• Tish Reed
• Vicki Backer

and last, but not least - Peanut Butter Jones ("el Cacahuate"), Nancy's much loved fur baby and everyone's favorite bead store manager

From the bottom of my heart - thank you to everyone who participated in this worthwhile project. It was a pleasure organizing and coordinating it on behalf of Houston Bead Society.

You guys rock!!!

Chain, Chain, Chain...Bracelet

I'm glad to know that although I work with enamels, kiln formed-glass, saws, hammers, metals, solder and a torch almost every day, I'm not the only one a little intimidated by chainmaille.

So, like a "Knight in Shining Armor," to the rescue is Crap at Crafts with this really simple and cute chainmaille-like bracelet.

Emily uses ready made chain cut to bracelet length, braids them together, attaches a jump ring and clasp and Voila! - you have a pretty neat looking chain bracelet in practically minutes.

Picture and design by Crap at Crafts

I always have some leftover chain laying around; but, wouldn't this look great with the vintage chain you bought at the last estate sale?

Check out the instructions by clicking HERE.

Now, go bead something.

February Meeting Highlights

So, what do we do at our monthly meetings?

Meet-ups with friends:


Immediate Past President, Diana Mayes, with long time HBS members, Ziggie Vansickle and Laura Joyal.

Fun, new learning opportunities:


Pat Powell was kept busy with over 20 members who participated in the program.
Left - Pat Powell with Michael Mayes. Right - Janine Calmes, Linda MaGee, Jo Ann Schmitt and other members
working on their projects.

 

Top - Janie Fitzgerald, HBS VP - Lillian Skogsberg, Michael Mayes, Pattie Berg and Dixie Nichols.
Bottom - various HBS members.

HBS VP - Lillian Skogsberg, Dixie Nichols, Pattie Berg and other HBS members
busy working on their projects.



And, did I mention shopping? Every month, we have several members who sell beads, beading components, finished jewelry and other assorted beady goodies.

Don't miss out on all the fun - join us for our next meeting on March 16, 2013. Check out our website at www.houstonbeadsociety.org or click on the Programs tab for more information.

Wearing of the Green Earrings

Is it me, or is the month of February just zooming by?

Before you know it, it'll be time for the Wearing of the Green! Right in time for St. Patty's day is this cute pair of green earrings by Fusion Beads.

The Emerald Coast earrings use 4 mm green Swarovski crystals, some wire, a flat circle element and a pair of ear wires - simple - huh?

Emerald Coast Earrings by
Fusion Beads

Not much for celebrating St. Patty's day? All you have to do is change up the color of crystals (or try silver or brass wire) and you have a cute pair of earrings for any occasion.

To download a pdf file of the instructions, click HERE.

Now go bead something!

Basic Beading Tools

Round nose pliers, rosary pliers, flat nose, flush cutter - even if you're a seasoned beader, sometimes the tool terminology can be confusing - even downright intimidating for the beginners.

Picture of Round Nose Pliers
(aka Rosary Pliers)
by Annie's Crafts

I found this really nice explanation of the basic beading tools that you should have in your tool box on the Annie's Crafts website. Not only is there a pretty good explanation of the tool and what it's used for, but a really good picture accompanies the explanation.

To check out the list of tools and what they are used for, click HERE.

Now go bead something!

When Design Plans Go Awry

What happens when you find beads or another jewelry component that you absolutely love, know exactly what you are going make with them; but, as you are creating your piece, the entire plan goes awry?

There is the old adage - when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

By Pat Powell of Pat Powell Designs

And, that is exactly what HBS member, Pat Powell of Pat Powell Designs did!

Pat fell in love with some matte olive green and purple beads that she thought would be perfect for a brick stitch bangle - at least that was the plan. Midway into the project, however, Pat realized that it wasn't going to work after all and came up with an "Evolutionary" plan.

To learn about Pat's thinking process as she had to alter her plan, check out her blog by clicking HERE.

It really is a lesson in listening to what your work (or materials) is telling you and maybe, just maybe, coming up with something even better.

Now, go bead something!

Call for Artists Deadline Coming Up

The Call for Resident Artists application deadline for residency at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is coming up soon - March 1, 2013

Media Accepted:
Wood • Glass • Metal • Fiber • Clay • Mixed Media

Acceptance includes access to a wide variety of professional opportunities and resources!

Five to ten residencies awarded
Three, six, nine or twelve month residencies
Stipend and housing allowance
Free studio space with 24 hour access
On going professional development

To learn more and to apply, visit http://www.crafthouston.org/artists/residents/