July Bead Stash Favorites

Summer and the beach go together like carnivals and cotton candy - especially when you live in a cold climate. The few months of the year when it’s warm enough to swim outdoors are precious, so it’s no wonder that July and August are favorite months of aquatic themed designs.

Although I’m feeling pretty swamped with the approaching deadline for my Egyptian Gods challenge less than six months from now, I can’t help but be inspired by sunny weather and days at the beach. Right now, all of my bead favorites are fit for mermaids.

Shell and pearl beads are one of my biggest bead weaknesses. They are natural and sustainable, but they’re a little on the anonymous side, so I try to keep my consumption to a minimum. This is tough, because I adore the natural, organic patterns and colors in shell beads. Right now I’m craving a project for this gorgeous strand of hammer shell heishi from Happy Mango Beads. The chip shapes and soft browns are so perfectly beachy.

Ladder-stitching Egyptian inspired cuffs has really helped me get over my fear of thread-fraying bugle beads, and they’ve really grown on me. I’m starting to build up a stash of bugles again, and right now my favorites are these lovely satin aqua tubes from Shipwreck Beads. Not only do they have a great tropical hue, but the finish is perfect for breezy summer designs.

The newest addition to my stash are these pretty turquoise Rizo seed beads from Fusion Beads. I haven’t had a chance to try them out yet, but I’m eager to see how they play in my designs. I love the uniform shape, which should provide the same effect as drops, but with a little more sharpness.

What kinds of beads are you working with right now?

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