Favorite Posts 2013

Happy New Year, beaders! The past 12 months have brought a lot of changes and challenges here on Inspirational Beading, with new series and segments added, and many left behind. December of 2013 was more bizarre and busy than any other before, so I have a lot of catching up to do in the new year. For now, here’s a look back at some of the best things that happened this year.

This year's best tutorial by far would have to be the Embellished Ombre Herringbone Cuff.
Not only is it the first full-length project I've featured here, but it also captures several of 2013's best jewelry trends.
Hopefully, ombre is here to stay - it's way too much fun to work with in beads.





There weren't quite as many fashion collages this year as I would have liked - I can't quite describe how much fun they are to make.
Of those that made it, my favorites are certainly those inspired by Pantone colors.
2013 also saw the addition of recommended tutorials to the Wear It Twice segment!





Although it didn't exactly fit in with the new Egyptian theme, the Tropical Toucan necklace was my favorite project this year.
From the first glimmer of an idea, to the palette, to the finished design,
the entire process was an absolute delight - one of my best beading experiences of 2013.





This year's most scientific and thorough post would have to be the Seed Bead Brand Comparison.
A lot of thread, time, and beads went into the study of different seed bead types,
but it was all worth it in the end, and I got a really fun necklace out of it as well!





One segment that has continued over the years is the monthly Bead Color Ideas, although it has evolved quite a bit.
This year we looked at trios that included unique focal beads and coordinating seed beads, and I think it's the most inspiring format yet.
My favorite palettes this year featured some gorgeous striped glass in primary colors.





Similar to color trios, a new segment this year was Bead Stash Favorites.
Although it's a lot easier to come up with three items to share each month, it can sometimes be a challenge just choosing which pieces to show,
and I'm always surprised by how much inspiration comes just from setting out the beads and taking a good look at them.
My favorite group would have to be the June Favorites, which included Egyptian pearl colors, teardrops, and lovely bone beads.

Here’s to another year of beading ideas and projects! Thank you so much to everyone who has read along so far, and to everyone who will join us in 2014. Happy beading!

Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading
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