Beading Arts

Courage and Heart Cherie's art this week reflects Bible verses talking about courage. Mixed Media Artist Cyndi is taking her resolution to use up previously made samples veeeeeery seriously! Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Marcia DeCoster's new book, Marcia DeCoster Presents, is a great inspiration! See Jean's review of this unique collection of interviews of 30 of the most remarkable beading stars in the world on jean's blog, and comment if you are a US resident for the GIVEAWAY, ENDING FEB. 6th! Valentine Craft Project Ideas Are you looking for some Valentine's Day inspiration? The Artful Crafter has everything from card designs, to decorated candles, recipes and more. Do you know what a bagalope is or how to make a multicolored heart shaped crayon? Carmi's Art/Life World I have never made a baby mobile. It was so much fun to create one with Peter Rabbit imagery from Crafter's Companion. Resin Crafts Blog You'l...

Lucky lucky girl!!   Wendy Kovin has won a class from  Mastered  on Tambour Beading !  I should remind all of you that if you visit their site, you can get a free trial period for any class that you're thinking about taking, so that you can see for yourself the great value offered.  Good think to think about to fulfill your New Year's resolution to learn something new!   Technorati Tags: bead embroidery , handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

  Most of these reviews that I've written are of books that show how to make lampwork beads, but I've included a few that cover what to do with those beads once you've accumulated a whole pile of them.  Let me just warn you right now that making glass beads is addictive.  No fair blaming me later...you've been warned! Lampwork Books The Complete Book of Glass Beadmaking by Kimberley Adams My current favorite book to recommend to beginners and intermediates. Glass Bead Workshop by Jeri L Warhaftig For intermediates and advanced artists. Creating Glass Beads by Jeri L Warhaftig More intermediate and advanced techniques, tested out by artists of various levels Creating Lampwork Beads for Jewelry by Karen Leonardo Using Glass Beads in Jewelry Books Create Jewelry - Glass by Marlene Blessing and Jamie Hogsett What to do with 'em once you've got 'em. The Venetian Glass Bead by Kathy Fox More simple projects to showcase beautiful bea...

How to Make 100 Bead Embroidery Motifs by Geneviève Crabe Bead Embroidery (Essential Stitch Guides) by Shelley Cox Beautiful Leather Jewelry: Timeless Techniques for Today's Trends by Melissa Cable Birds: 20 Jewelry and Accessory Designs (Magpie) by Sophie Robertson The Jewelry Maker's Design Book: An Alchemy of Objects by Deryn Mentock A Complete Guide To Kumihimo On A Braiding Loom: Round, Flat, Square, Hollow, And Beaded Braids And Necklaces  by Kathy King James Foolproof Crazy Quilting: Visual Guide - 25 Stitch Maps 100+ Embroidery & Embellishment Stitches by Jennifer Clouston Technorati Tags: bead embroidery , handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Working with hot glass or warm glass gets me excited! I hope that you enjoy lampworked and fused beads too, either making them or collecting and using them in your work. Here are my tutorials from over the years that will help you get started! Getting started with Lampwork: Lampwork Basics and FAQs My favorite glass beads to make Tutorials which use the beads you've made or collected: Stringing ideas for using lampwork beads Basic earrings Beaded Lily necklace Perth the Turtle necklace  Antique key and lampwork glass necklace    Lampwork jewelry designs A woven seed bead bezel for a lampwork bead My Heart's Chatelaine necklace Rock Candy necklace Simple stringing for a glass pendant Love is a Rose necklace A Leftover Toggle necklace Technorati Tags: bead embroidery , handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

The Bead Journal Project has moved to Facebook this year!  The "rules" have also loosened slightly, since some people were feeling that they wouldn't be able to make the monthly commitment this year.  That is still the goal, but personally, my aim is to make a few larger pieces that more fully explore the bead weaving stitches that I worked on last year, adapting them for bead embroidery and leading up to my e-book Bored By Back Stitch .  Above is my first piece for the year, which I haven't named yet!  A tutorial will follow when I've managed to write it up :-) Copyright 2014 Cyndi Lavin. All rights reserved. Not to be reprinted, resold, or redistributed for profit. May be printed out for personal use or distributed electronically provided that entire file, including this notice, remains intact. Technorati Tags: bead embroidery , handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Mixed Media Anniversary Quilt  Cherie starts a quilt with embroidery, applique, and mixed media items. Document Craft Project Steps so You Can Replicate Them Even Years Later  Some crafters and artists keep notebook journals of their ideas and projects. Eileen has fine-tuned a digital system which works really well for her. With digital cameras, it's easy to take step-by-step photos as you go. Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean makes a Winter Tree of Life Pendant, inspired by a friend on Facebook who is creating Trees of Life as he swelters in the heat of summer in Australia! Mixed Media Artist Cyndi has started a new collage quilt, featuring one of her favorite birds...the chickadee! Charlene Sevier Charlene mixes elements from different worlds and cultures. Can it work and can you do it too? ACreativeDream June's been making a few folk art dolls... Resin Crafts Blog A wonderful series has begun on Resin Crafts blog. I am sharing o...

Gretchen Hind Generous wire artists who have shared their talents and inspiration with us over the years: Elaine Harrison Gretchen Hind Melisa Baker Bonnie Riconda Peggy Li Jean Campbell  Tina Murphy  Andrea Trank  Gem Designs by Lee  Gayle Tillem Benator  Gia Scarano  Jessica Russell  Jelena Louie  Patricia Chauvin  Sandra Merwe  Ruth Borsky  Ann Skydell Harmon  Vanessa Walilko  ( update ) Sunflower  Meg's Crochet Jewels  Nomi Joyrich Wendy Van Camp Kelly Alvarez Mace Penny Purdie Leah Hitchcock-Ybarra Deborah Kwitney Bernadine Stoopman Olivia Competente Puakea Soares-Mercado Paul Bishop Kathy Pine Bonnie Riconda Arriel Goodwin Terry Pugh  ( update ) Technorati Tags: bead embroidery , handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

We've only spoken about tambour beading a few times here on Beading Arts, mostly because I know nothing about the technique other than how it looks.  Recently, I was contacted by Mastered , a British company offering online fashion and jewelry master classes, and guess what they have added to their line-up?  A class called "Couture embellishment: Tambour beading" !   Mastered offers a free trial of every course, so I visited the this one and found that the whole set up is very user friendly and thorough. This course is being taught by artists at Hand & Lock , a 246-year-old embroidery company which has worked with the finest couture houses in the world, as well as created work for the Queen and Royal family, and the British military. Within each module you'll find a mix of HD video content, written tutorials and exercises. They take you from learning the chain stitch, to working with the beads and sequins to advanced tambour techniques and working ...

Here are my book reviews on the topic of wirework for you: Kumihimo Wirework Made Easy by Christina Larsen Woven in Wire by Sarah Thompson Colorful Wirework Jewelry by Kim St. Jean New Connections in Chain Mail Jewelry by Kat Wisniewski Play with Chain Mail by Theresa Abelew Wonderful Wire Jewelry by Erica Swanson Chain Mail + Color by Vanessa Walilko Jewelry Designs with Knitted Wire by Nealay Patel Handcraft Wire Jewelry by Kimberly Sciaraffa Berlin Handcrafted Metal Findings by Denise Peck and Jane Dickerson Freeform Wire Art Jewelry by Gayle Bird Modern Chain Mail Jewelry by Marilyn Gardiner Soldered Alchemy by Laura Beth Love Decorative Wire Findings by Melody MacDuffee Advanced Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop by Karen Karon Wire + Metal by Denise Peck and Jane Dickerson Organic Wire and Metal Jewelry by Beth Martin and Eva Sherman The Missing Link by Cindy Wimmer Making Chain Mail Jewelry by Lauren Andersen Build Your O...

It's official...I'm crazy about these little pendants and I can't seem to stop making them!  It's great though, because they've allowed me to play with combining various stitches and I've been thinking a lot about making my next large piece, probably by assembling components rather than using one large necklace template .  So just as soon as I settle on a color palette and/or some focal points, I'll be getting started on that. But in the meantime... 1.  Add two rows of back stitched size 11/0 seed beads around the button.  This button has a shank, and so I've sunk it below the surface of the foundation fabric in order not to have to damage it. 2. Using the bead embroidered form of African helix , I added a first row to the inner ring of back stitched beads.  Using the outer row of back stitching as a base, I added the full African helix motif, and stitched 4mm and 6mm rounds into the "holes". 3. Cut out the pendant an...

Teal and Brown Afghan  Cherie makes a new afghan to keep the family warm. Amigurumi? Do you amigurumi? Why or why not? Mixed Media Artist Mobius strip scarves, part two! Cyndi shows you how to work with thicker chunky yarn this week. Snap out if it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean reviews an excellent book on jewelry design from the great Cathy Jakicic: Jewelry Projects from a Beading Insider--it is wonderful! Mirrored Wall Cabinet Jewelry Holder This jewelry organizer is not only very decorative hanging on the wall, but also allows you to keep your most-worn pieces organized right at eye level. Put them on and check yourself out in the mirrored front. What could be more convenient? The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Andrew reveals where his porcelain pendants will be at during this year's Tucson Gem Show! Technorati Tags: bead embroidery , handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Twisted wire copper bracelet Wire has never been my primary material, although I love the look of it...especially when someone who really knows what they're doing uses it!  However, even a fumble-fingers like me can put together some fun projects that incorporate wire in different ways! Making a wrapped loop Basic wirework information and supplies Garnet Skies chain necklace Bluebird Singing in the Dead of Night Golden harvest necklace Night Sky necklace Pearl and crystal cuff bracelet A simple wire wrapped pendant Free-form wire wrapped stone with beads Blue Rainbow New life for a boring bangle bracelet Another reclaimed bangle A wire bracelet featuring beaded beads A wire bracelet featuring Murano beads Super simple, fast and easy earrings Faerie Bells, revisited Blue heart wire earrings Twisted ribbon necklace Double-wrapped ribbon bracelet Leftover bead earrings Royal Pearls necklace Chain and pearl earrings Chain maille earr...

Do you find the idea of soldering metal intimidating?  Then perhaps this book will help you change your mind:  Hot and Cold Jewelry Connections by Kieu Pham Gray gives you choices with each project.  You can chose to do the "safe" cold connection, or you can branch out and try the "dangerous" one!  Either way, you'll end up with a beautiful project. This is a good beginner's book on working with metal.  About a third of the book is devoted to the basics of metal tools, materials, and working techniques, including wire, sheet metal, riveting, patinas, annealing, soldering, and polishing. Next, you'll be challenged to work your way through ten pairs of projects designed to show you both hot and cold options for construction.  As you advance through them, you'll have the opportunity to compare, for example, soldered hinges with rivets and jump rings, soldered jump rings with wire binding, and soldered prongs with filigree tabs. Whether it...

For your inspiration and encouragement, here are artist profiles from some of the best polymer clay artists out there! Shulamit Raanan Leslie Kill Ally Burguieres Hazel Ward Pat Krauchune Jackie Ryan Tiffany Long Cindy Lietz Ann Kruglak  ( update ) Kristin Hipple Hunter Reynolds Rebecca George Lisa Mackin Tina Farthing Dayle Doroshow  ( update ) Helen Breil CA Therien Heather Powers Amy E Fraser Technorati Tags: bead embroidery , handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Well, it was bound to happen.  I am now officially on a "kick" of creating these small pendants in every color combo that I can manage.  I didn't take any process shots of this one because it all happened too fast!  But I can tell you how I made it: 1. Stitch down a round(ish) flat bead for a central cabochon.  Stitch a peyote bezel around it with size 11/0 seed beads and size 15/0s at the top. 2. Add the bead embroidery form of chevron chain stitch around three-quarters or more of the cabochon. 3. Stitch size 8/0 seed beads into the "holes" formed by the chevron stitches. 4. Add some pressed glass flowers, leaves, or other shapes to the remaining empty space.  Stitch small stacks with size 6/0 and 11/0 seed beads around the outside of the chevrons. 5. Cut out the pendant and a matching piece of backing fabric .  Stitch them together using edging brick stitch, and add stacks of size 11/0 seed beads topped with size 15/0s around the edge. ...

ACreativeDream  It's a mail art call!!! Come on over and join in! The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Participants of the Inspired by Reading Book Club share their creations inspired by "Bridge of Birds" by Barry Hughart and "The Journey to the East" by Hermann Hesse. Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi utilizes a "saved" crazy quilt block and turns it into wearable art in this special blog post. Resin Crafts Blog Wondering what is better to mold with? We have a post showing you how great Jewelry Clay and Jewelry resin can be! Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Making tiny jewelry takes just as much thought and planning as designing full sized regular pieces. See Jean's blog for the details! http://prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/2014/01/when-you-are-making-doll-jewelry-you.html Mixed Media Artist Cyndi has come up with a fun variation on the ever-popular infinity scarf! Fishers of Men Cherie uses t...

So many great books on how to work with polymer clay...so little time!  To help you make the most of your time and money, I've compiled a list of all my book reviews: Exploring Canework in Polymer Clay by Patricia Kimle The Absolute Beginners Guide: Working with Polymer Clay   by Lori Wilkes Enlightened Polymer Clay   by Rie Nagumo Jewelry Designs from Nature   by Heather Powers Patterns in Polymer  by Julie Picarello Ancient Modern Polymer Clay and Wire by Ronna Sarvas Weltman Polymer Clay Beads by Grant Diffendaffer Making Polymer Clay Beads   by Carol Blackburn Technorati Tags: bead embroidery , handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Quite a few years ago, I took my first journey into kumihimo territory, and bought a few books by Jacqui Carey , whom I still consider to be an amazing kumihimo artist and author.  So I was excited to see the newest book on this topic,  Kumihimo Basics & Beyond by Rebecca Ann Combs .  For organization and clarity of instructions, I have to recommend this new book, even though it never moves beyond the most basic style of round braid.  There is something to be said for exploring all the possibilities in one form before moving on to others, many of which you will find in Jacqui's books. Kumihimo is simply the term for traditional Japanese braiding, either the act of braiding or the braid itself.  These braids are great for hanging your special focal beads or pendants, but they can also be beaded in their own right.  Rebecca has arranged her book so that if you work through it in order, you'll pick up all the tips and tricks that you'll need to go of...