March Bead Stash Favorites

Scouring my bead stash last week for spring inspired bead colors gave me a chance to really examine the materials that I have on hand right now. I’ve been floundering for new project inspirations quite a bit lately, so it was nice to really view my options and get reacquainted with some of my go-to beads. I’m looking forward to working with this month’s picks – hopefully in the very near future.

First up is one of my all-time favorite bead colors: gold-lined black diamond. There’s something about the earthiness and sparkle of this particular finish that I really love. I haven’t purchased Japanese seed beads in so long, and never anything with a metallic finish, so this color hasn’t made an appearance in my designs for years. Luckily, I’ve still got about 15 grams of black diamond in size 15/o seed beads. Now that I’m finding new ways to use them in bead embroidery, I’m hoping that I’ll be able to play with this color a little bit more.

More bead embroidery projects also means more opportunities to use cabs, and I’m really looking forward to using some of my favorite Egyptian beads and cabochons. I have a tendency to hoard these beads, not least because quite a few of them are vintage or limited edition. But no one will ever get to see them but me if I don’t use them in designs, so I’ll be keeping them in mind for upcoming projects.

Last but not least, I still haven’t had a chance to use the new mother of pearl chips I received from Blueberry Cove Beads. I love the buttery yellow color of these chips, and they have a very chunky, almost square shape that I’ve never really worked with before. I’ve been having a craving for some fringed lariats lately, and I think I’ll have to work a palette around these chips first and foremost.

What beads are inspiring you right now?

Mortira

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