Inspiring Links: September 2012

Although fall can sometimes mean penciling in creative time between so many other tasks, like making school lunches, planning Halloween costumes and parties, harvesting the last of our gardens, and cooking heartier autumn meals, there is still plenty of inspiration to go around! Here are some of my favorite beading and craft links of late.

First, I want to extend a very warm welcome to Inspirational Beading’s newest sponsor, The Best Beads - bead distributors direct from the Czech Republic. I hope you’ll stop by to browse through their beautiful selection of glass beads and buttons!

If you’re looking for a little project inspiration, the Global Genes Project has put out another call for denim inspired pieces for the 7000 Bracelets for Hope campaign. Anyone can create and submit a blue bracelet to help give hope and support to families living with rare genetic diseases.

Polymer Clay Bracelet - Falling Leaves Mobile

Good posture is an important part of crafting - for beaders and knitters especially. This quick Crafting Calamities video from Interweave explains how to avoid repetitive stress injuries and back pain while doing your daily creative work.

It’s always fun to make a project that turns single beads into a new object, like the adorable lucite pumpkin earrings in a video tutorial from Beadholique. You could make all kinds of variations with melon beads or rondelles!

Beaders who sell their jewelry are always comforted to know that even the most famous and fashionable people of the world like to buy unique and one of a kind pieces. Someday it could be yours! Although My Flash Trash isn’t exactly in our circle, it is nice to know that someone as posh as the Duchess of Cambridge likes indie designs.

Are you thinking ahead to next year’s jewelry designs? Pantone has already released their picks for 2013’s spring fashion colors. This line up has fantastic harmony, with lots of pretty hues that work together or in pairs. Which is your favorite?

Afternoon Stroll by mortira featuring black jewelry

Avoiding metal in beadwork is never as hard as when I just want to string. I’ve been meaning to take the time to really learn how to make a great sliding knot for metal-free necklaces and pendants. This sliding knot bracelet tutorial from Honestly…WTF might help!

If fall has you feeling leaf inspired, a super cute Swarovski earring tutorial from Fusionbeads.com may do the trick. The No Leaf Unturned project uses emerald and fern green sew on leaves, which makes them perfect for year-round wear.

Do you like to wear holiday themed jewelry? For a little Halloween inspiration, check out this very wearable witchy necklace by Margot Potter.

Have you ever gone forward with a project, even if you had a lot of doubts about it? I’m very pleased - though still a bit sheepish - to announce that Inspirational Beading’s companion vlog series, Bead Show and Tell will continue, whenever there are new beads to share. The first two videos were not my best work, but everything improves with practice, and I hope that I can continue to get better! Here is part three, featuring lots of seed bead hanks:

What is your favorite inspiration this month?

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