I just learned a new off-loom beadweaving stitch:  Ndebele (Herringbone).  After a few simple bracelets I decided to tackle this gorgeous piece from Lisa Kan's book Bead Romantique.  The main band is split in the middle, twisted, then rejoined for the ends.  The ends of the band were a bit difficult, but cleverly designed.  I'd never made a blossom ( Read more... )

This is a little ditty I stitched up quickly.  It's a rather short necklace (18"-20") done in St. Petersburg chain.  I used drop beads for the center rib and seed and drop beads for the rest.  Those are ivory pearl beads; you just can't tell 'cause of my crappy photography.  The pendant is an inexpensive faceted glass bead from my LBS.   I love the ( Read more... )

Bah!  I messed up BIG TIME.  I had decided to use two snaps for the overlap closure on this cuff.  Got the female piece stitched down and inserted the male piece to check for placement on the overlap.  Immediately broke two beads.  ARGH!!  Apparently I neglected to examine the snap before stitching it down, and the male part extends far through the ( Read more... )

This is adapted from a pattern in the current issue of Bead &Button.  I got really frustrated with having to make so many little bits and zip them together that I developed a way to make the band in one continuous piece.  It was much easier that way.  It was also easier once I figured out the missing instructions which were left out of the ( Read more... )

It's always an adventure around here.  DH had minor outpatient surgery Wednesday morning and is doing splendidly.  The nurses were impressed at how quickly he recovered from the anesthesia and how little pain medication he's needed since.  I've enjoyed taking care of him, both at the hospital and here at home.  The best part is that he's letting me ( Read more... )

This is a twisted seed bead necklace I made a few years ago, which I'm rather proud of (considering my lack of experience at the time).  The first time I wore it all the silver wore off  the silver seed beads.  I was furious and spoke with the shop owner who sold me the beads.  She pretty much blew me off.  Last fall I picked up a better quality ( Read more... )

Not too long ago I got frustrated at my inability to find metallic seed beads which would retain their coating.  It would always flake off showing the clear glass bead underneath.  Ruined many nice pieces that way.

Last fall I shopped at T&T Trading in Grand Ledge and they were so helpful with this issue.  They know a lot out there and are happy ( Read more... )

Behind the cut is a necklace made for a relative who works at a computer keyboard all day.  Because of that, she can't wear bracelets or wrist watches.  When she saw me wearing a watchband I had made for myself, she fell in love with the design and asked for one on a necklace.  I grilled her about her preferences for color, metal, length, etc. and ( Read more... )

I spent most of 2006 making jewelry for Christmas gifts for family.  Before I shipped them out I took photos.  This is one of my favorites, made for one of my sisters.  I saw the MOP leaves in the store and grabbed them, then walked around choosing accents to go with them.  Everything seemed to fall right into place and I just love the finished ( Read more... )