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Showing posts from October, 2015

heART beats from other blogs!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean reviews a lovely book on beaded embroidery. What a marvelous holiday gift for the crafty person on your list! Comment on the review to enter the giveaway of this super book! SAL Diamond Seven Connie's added the next section of her free stitchalong. Diamond Seven is ready to stitch! There's definitely still time to join in so get the charts today. Circuit Marker Kit Have fun & help children learn how electricity works by creating a light-up birthday card with the Dazzly Circuit Marker Kit. It's an electricity lesson plan! My Etsy Shop Is Open! Finally after talking about it for over a year, Terry finally opened her Etsy shop--TappingflamingoBling. She shows some of the things that are in her store like, guitar string ornaments and Christmas earrings. There will be more added to her shop soon, so stay tuned! Super Small Crochet Projects A little yarn can go a long way when you make items for a Bly

Recent publications: October 2015

Ancient Worlds Modern Beads: 30 Stunning Beadwork Designs Inspired by Treasures from Ancient Civilizations by Mortira Natasha van Pelt Polymer Clay Jewelry Workshop: Handcrafted Designs &Techniques by Sian Hamilton Two Stitches: Jewelry Projects in Peyote & Right Angle Weave (Bead Inspirations) by Rachel Nelson-Smith Peytote Stitched Jewerly Done in a Day: 15+ Quick & Easy Projects by Diane Wheeler Knotted Jewelry: Make It! Wear It! Love It! by Diane Wheeler Weekend Wirework: 15+ Quick and Easy Projects to Make by Diane Wheeler Metal Clay Jewelry Workshop: Handcrafted Designs & Techniques by Sian Hamilton Beadweaving Beyond the Basics: 24 Beading Designs Using Seed Beads, Crystals, Two-hole Beads and More by Kassie Shaw Technorati Tags: bead embroidery , handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Taking my own advice!

Yup, I can be taught!  I decided to take my own advice when I wrote the article Why Take a Class? , and I signed up for Kathy Shaw's basic crazy quilting online class.  And it's great!  Yes, I've done crazy quilting before, so why would I want to take a beginner's class?  Well...maybe it's time I learned how to do it "right"! I know that there are many different styles and methods, but I like Kathy's.  And since I like her style, why wouldn't I want to learn from her?  And I like the way she structures her online classes, which are free, by the way.  Everyone takes the beginner class so that everyone in the future is on the same page, so to speak.  The first class consists of putting together a CQ block during which you learn about design challenges, template seaming, silk ribbon work, and adding beads.  You'll notice that my block doesn't have any beads on it yet.  There's a reason for that... Although I like to add the

heART beats from other blogs!

Christmas Is Close At Hand Here are a few gift ideas Terry has put together for an individual on her Christmas list. These gift ideas should get your creative juices flowing for some on your list...whether it is for Christmas, Birthdays, Graduations, etc... Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean reviews Fast & Easy Earrings,100+ Projects, by Erica Swanson. This book is loaded with earring designs from tons of your favorite artists. You will love the inspiration you'll get to begin creating your own beautiful earrings! Art Bead Scene Read Claire's great interview with Sarah of Slate Studio Supplies, and get a peek behind the scenes at her work! Jade Knotted Bracelet This free bracelet tutorial is a good beginning level project or just a good quick one for anyone who loves colorful beads. Ice Cream Yarn Review! Who doesn't like ice cream? What about ice cream yarn? Halloween Skirt for a Little Girl Sometimes improvising does not go

Book review: Bead Play Every Day

Techniques galore culminate in some wonderful beadwoven projects in Beth Stone's new book Bead Play Every Day , published by Kalmbach.  The proper subject of this book is beadwoven components that can be mixed and matched into an endless number of fabulous ropes. You will gain the most if you are an intermediate stitcher, but a very determined beginner can also play along.  It was really written for people who are ready to move beyond the basics of peyote, herringbone, and diamond stitch, and who like to think in great glorious clusters of playtime!  For those who want to learn variations to use in their own designs.  It's definitely best if you already have a working knowledge of the stitches, plus how to make basic ropes using them. The step-by-step photos use primary and secondary bright colors to make it easy to follow the thread path.  The book does not have the usual expanded basics section that beginner Kalmbach books have, but that's no trouble as long

Turquoise bead embroidered soft cuff bracelet

It seems that I never get tired of the color turquoise.  No matter what material the beads are made from, I always end up buying the turquoise colored ones! Since I have a large collection of vintage beads, I decided to indulge myself with a mix of glass, plastic, wood, and fabric in this turquoise and kiwi colored bracelet.  I even had the perfect turquoise colored satin button to complete it! I have moved the tutorial and updated it .  If you need more detailed step-by-steps, please visit my page of bead embroidery e-books .  The first chapter of the first book is free.

heART beats from other blogs!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean reviews Beadweaving Beyond the Basics, 24 Beading Designs Using Seed Beads, Crystals, Two-Hole Beads and More by Kassie Shaw. Also,comment to win a GIVEAWAY of this lovely book! Postcard Art Inspiration Eileen shares a collection of postcard art by various artists and explains the methods used. Do you know the benefits of postcard art as a learning tool? Want to Learn to Knit? Maybe this new book is for you. Check out this quick video book review! SAL Diamond Six Connie's posted the sixth section of her free stitch along (SAL). The cross stitch design would also be suitable for beading. Art Bead Scene Ever wondered about how lampwork glass beads turn from glossy little pieces of beauty into smooth, silky velvet? Read all about it here with Julie's post on etching!

Book review: 'Tis the Season to be Felt-y

You know how the holiday gift-giving and decorating season always seems to sneak up on you?  It's time to plan NOW, especially if you want to give handmade presents this year!  Many of the same designers are featured in 'Tis the Season to be Felt-y as are in the first book, Fa la la la Felt , but all of the projects are new!  You don't have to buy both books (unless you want maximum variety) because the basics are repeated in the new one...what you'll need and how to work with felt.  It really couldn't be much easier since felt doesn't unravel when cut!  Still, it pays to use good quality materials and you'll learn all about that in either book. There are more types of felt than I ever imagined, being most familiar with the cheap acrylic felt found in craft stores.  But there is also wool, wool blends, eco, bamboo, and other specialty felts.  The authors even show you how to felt wool clothing to use in these projects to that you can add upcycling to

All Buttoned Up

Trends in accessories come and go, and it's always sad to see them go when you've collected quite a few!  That is how this project came to be: my large collection of button-covers inspired me to create a bead-embroidered pin that would allow me to wear my button-covers as an interchangeable part of the design. Materials & Tools 4x4 piece of buckram or other foundation material 4x4 piece of ultra-suede E6000 Button covers Shank-style button Selection of seed beads to coordinate with button, Delicas, size 15/0, 11/0, and 8/0 Cabochons, pearls, other beads, and charms to coordinate Nymo O Pin back Fabric glue Sharpie pen Beading needles Scissors 1.  Choose a shank-style button that your button covers will fit on. 2.  Choose beads, cabochons, and charms to coordinate with both the button and the button covers that you'll want to use. 3.  Cut out a piece of foundation fabric, approx 4 x 4, and draw the shape of your completed pin's border wi

heART beats from other blogs!

Snap out if it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean reviews a stunner of a jewelry design book which you will love: Handcraft Wire Jewelry: Chains Clasps Pendants, by Kimberly Sciaraffa Berlin. Check this one out--it is unique and fantastic! No Knitting Book! Want to play with yarn but don't want to learn to knit or crochet? Then this book review is for you. How to Crackle Finish Furniture and Other Large Projects Do you enjoy adding crackle finishes to crafts? Before you try to crackle finish furniture & large items, there are some important things you should know. Floating Diamond Pattern Connie's added a new free pattern that will be suitable for any season just by changing up the colors. Make a Halloween or Christmas ornament, or use the design for a special card. Since it is whole cross-stitch only, it will be a quick stitch. Etsy Shop Updates Charlene shares a new feature under prototype at Etsy. Art Bead Scene Julie shares a beautiful and c

Book review: Tropical World

Last year, I reviewed an adult coloring book by Millie Marotta called Animal Kingdom   (my review at the link) and I was somewhat surprised that no one said, "Hey, what's that got to do with beading?"  My guess is that everyone is now smart enough to know that interest in one art form doesn't preclude interest in another, and all creative activities are helpful in stoking the fires we already have burning! Inspired by, but not limited to her travels, Millie has put together another coloring book called Tropical World and published by Lark .  Her illustrations stay fairly true to the overall shape or form of the subject, but then are filled in with a myriad of fanciful patterns and details.  Like the first book, a few pages are left with some spaces and unembellished forms for you to letter or draw on as you choose.  A few (very few) color suggestions are included when it seems appropriate; for example, suggestions are made for the plumage of a bird you may not

Amulet bags

Berry Juice Do you remember amulet bags??  Whatever happened to those?  It seemed for years you couldn't open a magazine without seeing examples, reading how-tos, and lusting over what everyone was making. And then, all of a sudden...poof!  They seem to have disappeared from popular culture.  Is that because we had gone as far as we could go with them?  Did the large bead embroidered collars take their place?  Did we just get over-saturated by them?  It seems kind of sad that they have vanished, and I wonder if there are any artists who are still working on them and improving on our old techniques. The bag shown at the top is a little teeny tiny itty bitty thing that I made back in 2005 from size 15/0 seed beads and even smaller antique beads.  I'm not an amulet user, myself, but I still love the bag form.  I'm contemplating whether or not it's time for a personal revival of amulet bags :-) Technorati Tags: bead embroidery , handmade beaded jewelry , wea

heART beats from other blogs!

Artificial Plants Made from Craft Foam or Paper How to make artificial plants from craft foam or construction paper. Both materials make lovely succulent plants. Use what you have. Template included. Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean presents some thoughts on the great beadist Kim Miles and what she is up to these days.Come see the gorgeous necklace displaying one of Kim's amazing focals! Make a Burlap Bow for a Fall Wreath It's easy to make a simple, big burlap bow to put on a grapevine wreath as a decoration for fall. Pom-Poms! Make cute pom-pom pets with this new kit. Diamond Five has Arrived Connie's posted the fifth installment of her free SAL (stitch-along). Be sure to join the Connie Gee's Designs group on Facebook to follow along with other stitcher's progress and to show off your own. Art Bead Scene Check out part 2 of Heather 'Humblebeads' Powers' new series - How to Sell More Jewelry! Lots of fab ti