Bead Embroidered Ocean Scene

I have a whole list of new inspirations, projects, and tutorials to work on, but for the moment they’re all on hold while I complete a bead embroidered Christmas present. I’m having a really great time working on this project, which is going to be a pouch for art supplies when it’s complete.

When I sat down to work on this piece, I had absolutely no idea what it was going to look like, or what kind of design I was going to stitch. Then I spotted some Czech glass fish that I happened to have in my workspace, and an idea started to take shape. I stitched on the fish and added a border of blue and green seed beads. From there, I picked out a few additional accents and then just let my beads decide where to go.

So far I’ve added a wave of O-beads and an assortment of accents like glass nautilus shells. I’ve been working in little patches, going back and forth to different areas and adding whatever looks best. The finished design should be covered with evenly spaced yet totally random embellishments and look like a sparkling underwater scene. I can’t wait to see how it turns out!

Do you use your beading skills for gift giving? What’s your favorite thing to make for others?

Mortira

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Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading

Bead Wish List: Winter Wonders

Although fall is going to last for several more weeks, it certainly feels like winter with the combination of dropping temperatures and an abundance of red and green in every store window. As soon as the heat goes on, thoughts of egg nog and holly berries are sure to follow. This puts me in the mood for woodland themed designs, warm scents like pine and amber, and of course a nice blanket of white snow.

This month I did a little window shopping with natural winter themes in mind. I was picturing a pine bough on snow with a few little winter birds flitting about. These are some of my favorite finds:

1. Winter Birds Lampwork Focal by Laila Strazdina
2. Forest Green Glass Pearls from Smiley Boy
3. Vintaj Copper Pinecone Charm from FusionBeads.com

4. Forest Mix Glass Druks from Artbeads.com
5. Miiyuki Ceylon Pearl Bugles from FireMountainGems.com
6. Swirled Wood Rondelles from HappyMangoBeads.com

7. Bird Decoupage Beads from Artbeads.com
8. Betel Nut Beads from Beadaholique.com
9. Chartreuse Glass Bird Coins from LimaBeads.com

10. Banyan Bay Tucscon Wood Pendant from LimaBeads.com
11. Winter Holly Lampwork Beads by Serena Smith
12. Silvered Ivory Lampwork Beads by Spawn Of Flame

I can practically smell the pine trees and fresh snow! What are you favorite elements in a woodland theme?

Mortira

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Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading and Friends

Bead Color Ideas: Tortoiseshell

Lovely imitation tortoiseshell has long been one of my favorite Czech glass finishes. The combination of transparent topaz glass and dramatic black flecks is gorgeous in any shape or size. And if you believe that animal prints are neutrals – which I do! – then they go with just about anything.

Awhile back I used up my entire stash of tortoiseshell druks, and I’d been missing them dearly when I came across a strand of tortoiseshell coins on sale. Naturally I snapped them up and added them to my growing stash of glass coins and tabs. I’d really like to put them to good use, but first I need a fantastic palette.

My first approach was to go with something earthy, to match the lovely brownish hue of the tortoiseshell. Emerald green and black do the job perfectly, giving the beads a forest-like feel, or perhaps something serpentine. This palette would look lovely in a simple woven necklace or a collar.

Next I wanted something a little more regal, so I paired rainbow ruby with medium transparent topaz. The topaz beads are just a little lighter than the tortoiseshell, helping to highlight the black accents, and the red definitely adds an elegant tone. For this palette, I would almost certainly go with an elaborate cuff bracelet.

Finally, I turned to the remaining primary color and created a palette of lovely aquatic blues. Mysterious dark blue lined aqua and pretty Ceylon light green really bring out the amber hues of the coins. This palette is by far my favorite – possibly because I’m rather fond of the blue lined aqua – and would look gorgeous with something fringe-y.

What’s your favorite Czech glass finish?

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
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Mood Board: Tropical Reef

It’s good to take a break from life for awhile, especially if you ever start to feel like beading is like work. Even if beading is always the best part of your free time, sometimes it’s just nice to kick back. Lately I’ve been stealing a little veg time with virtual scuba diving via Wii Endless Ocean. I'm having a blast discovering lots of different tropical fish and mammals from the comfort of the couch.

Of course, it’s impossible not to be inspired by the amazing colors, patterns, and shapes of a tropical reef, even if it’s only a digital one. So for this month’s mood board, I went on the search for jewelry and garments that would appeal to a South Pacific mermaid.

Mood Board: Tropical Reef by mortira featuring paper wall art

Aquatic themes are among the easiest to create with beads. There’s an enormous variety of blues, greens, pinks, and oranges to choose from in every material imaginable. There are pearl, shell, and coral beads, beads shaped like fish and sea life, and plenty of techniques that evoke the feeling of an underwater realm. Combine any beads at all with coralling and the right colors, and you’ve got an instant tropical reef!

1. Green Stick Recycled Sea Glass Beads from Happy Mango Beads

2. Fuchsia Fish Leather from Fusion Beads

3. Porcelain Fish Bone Beads from Artbeads.com


4. Shell Fossil Nugget Beads from Lima Beads

5. Kelp Forest Bead Mix by Rhaad5

6. Pacific Blue Recycled Glass Beads from FireSpirit Beads

Do you like to use ocean themes in your designs? What are you favorite materials to use?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
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Bead Shops: Spirit Bear Beads

Nothing beats an indie bead shop when you’re looking for unique supplies. One of my favorite shops to browse is Spirit Bear Beads, which specializes in custom seed bead mixes and gorgeous Zuni bear gemstone fetishes. Shop owner and bead soup chef Mia offers a wonderful selection of supplies that you can’t find anywhere else.

Inspirational Beading: How did you get into the business of jewelry supplies?

Mia: My Mom..... We went to a bead store one day to restring a necklace of hers. I wandered around fascinated by the beads, picked some out and made a bracelet. We were both hooked! Soon we were traveling to bead shows, shopping catalogs and online. Suddenly I had more beads than I knew what to do with. Selling the extra online was a logical step.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite material, color, or bead style to keep in stock?

Mia: My favorite and mainstay are the size 6/0 Czech seed beads, I create my own mixes and keep the best in stock.

Inspirational Beading: What kind of criteria do you use when selecting new products to carry?

Mia: First and foremost it has to appeal to the Artist in ME! 2nd I want to be able to use that product in a new and exciting way that no one else has thought of, and finally, will it sell? What customer am I appealing to with the item?

Inspirational Beading: What makes your bead selection stand out from other craft supplies shops?

Mia: Well, I have been told, many times, that my unique and original bead mixes are what customers love, and keep coming back for. I also stock, what I believe to be, the largest selection of Zuni Bear Beads on the internet.

Inspirational Beading: Many beaders are familiar with the emotion that comes from selling a finished design. How does it feel when you sell something that will become a beautiful work of art?

Mia: All too seldom do I see the finished product. I have several customers whose work I am familiar with and it does make me very proud to see one of my unique bead mixes in a finished product.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite thing to make (or see others make) with your beads?

Mia: I love to make earrings! I literally have hundreds of pairs of earrings!

Inspirational Beading: Baggies, tubes or strands? Which is your favorite?

Mia: Baggies for the seed beads I sell, I weigh my seed beads so that works the best for me. My personal stash is stored in Tic Tac boxes!

Inspirational Beading: In your opinion, what’s the best thing about small supplies shops vs. the big bead retailers?

Mia: Personal service and attention to detail. Customers like to be considered special, I often have requests for quantities, colors or a certain type of bead. I enjoy filling those custom requests, you don't get that kind of service from the 'big box store" type of retailer.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any plans for new products this year?

Mia: I always have plans! I have this muse that wakes me up out of a dead sleep with ideas! I never know when her inspiration will strike!

You can find current bead mixes and other unique bead selections at Spirit Bear Beads on Etsy and ArtFire. Mia also sells gemstone jewelry and Southwestern accessories at Spirit Bear West. For updates and inspiration, follow along with Spirit Bear Beads on Facebook.

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading and Spirit Bear Beads
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Borrowed Baboon Necklace

When designing jewelry, or any type of artwork, we are often faced with tough decisions. When we use specific themes, sometimes we have to decide whether or not to stay true to an idea or concept, or bend it to what is more mainstream or widely accepted. For instance, way back when I first started making beaded starfish, I was confronted about the misnomer (they’re actually called sea stars) but ultimately decided to stick with the common name.

This week I had a little battle over staying accurate and making something really eye catching. When I sat down to sketch out ideas for the Egyptian baboon god, I had no idea where to begin. The hamadryas baboon sacred to the Egyptians isn’t the colorful and showy primate that we know from cartoons and caricatures. They’re pretty much just brownish and fuzzy. Babi himself wasn’t offering much inspiration either. His most memorable attributes are impressive nether regions, and a taste for entrails - in other words, a little more of a challenge than I’m willing to take on at this point.

Before I had really started my research on Babi and Egyptian baboons, I had been thinking of dark Montana blue and a nice shade of brown. Whenever I’m working on a less common deity, there’s always temptation to fall back on shades of lapis or turquoise blue. I decided to trust my instincts and stick with these colors. I just needed something to indicate the baboon, like a pop of color. Unfortunately, the brightly colored mandrill has nothing to do with Egyptian mythology, and I was rather annoyed about it. Then I realized: I can make what I want! Not only would a combination of turquoise and red give my palette a hint of baboon-ness, but it’s a perfectly Egyptian.

I added some black to my main palette, and used red and aqua white-hearts for the accents. There’s just enough color to liven up the darker shades of the collar, and the baboons will never know that I cheated.

Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading
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The Creator’s Necklace

A beader’s repertoire is constantly growing, changing, and evolving. We try new techniques and materials, new combinations of color and pattern, always learning something new about ourselves as we go. But when we do find a groove, or a set of methods that works for us, it’s bliss. That’s why it was incredibly satisfying to sit down to create a necklace for the Egyptian creator god, and know exactly where it would lead.

My latest subject was Atum, the first deity in the Egyptian pantheon. He created the sibling couple Shu and Tefnut, the gods of air and moisture, and was sometimes represented as a snake. He also had a menagerie of sacred animals, including the bull, lion, mongoose, lizard, and ape. I wanted to incorporate all of these traits into a single design, so I started by choosing the beads to see what my options were for construction. Then everything fell into place.

For the bull, I chose some simple natural bone rounds. For the mongoose, Rudraksha prayer beads. Green buri nuts would be perfect for the lizard, and large black druks for the ape. Finally, I selected the very few amber tortoiseshell druks in my stash to represent the lion. To back up these accents, I gathered up two shades of green 8/o seed beads for the waters of Nun (as well as the Nile) from which Atum emerged. Two misty shades of blue would go perfectly with the rest of the palette, and represent Shu and Tefnut.

I used the seed beads to create a snake-inspired twisted herringbone rope, then added a handful of each animal accent in a spray of fringe. At first I wasn’t sure exactly how to pattern the fringe, until I remembered how well Apep’s necklace turned out with stacks of beads at the ends. I used the bone beads in each strand, and finished them with a different accent, saving the smaller beads for the shorter strands. It was a pleasure to use a favorite design without hesitation, and it came out perfectly.

Do you have a favorite style or technique that you return to often?

Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading
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How to Make Butterfly Jewelry and Beading Tutorials

We all know that nature is one of the best places to look for jewelry inspiration, and within that broad range of ideas, there are worlds of possibilities. Insects are always a favorite, particularly butterflies. They are beautiful, delicate, brightly colored, and intricately patterned. Nothing beats butterflies when you’re looking for spring and summer jewelry ideas.

These tutorials and projects draw from the many aspects of butterflies that we love - the shape of the wings and the wonderful color palettes among them.

Butterfly Specimen Pendants
by Crafts Unleased

This project offers lots of options for embellishing store-bought butterflies,

or making your own.





Crochet Butterfly Pattern
by Todolwen

I can easily see this pretty butterfly as a pendant or brooch. 

Imagine it in teal blue!






Butterfly Bangle and Earrings Tutorial
by Wire Workers Guild

These wire wrapped butterflies are curly and cute, 

with lots of room for embellishment.






Turquoise Butterfly Necklace Project
by Handmade Fashion Jewellery

I love the way the natural patterns of turquoise work in this piece.






Zipper Butterfly Tutorial 

 by Ronda Palazzari

This is a great project for funky pendants or brooches, 

or even a bold cuff.





First Butterflies of Spring Earrings
from Beadaholique.com

Swarovski Elements butterfly crystals are great for a quick fix 

when you want something pretty and delicate.





Butterfly Wing Polymer Clay Cane Tutorial
by Deb Hart

Nothing captures natural patterns quite like polymer clay canes.





Double Strand Butterfly Crystal Bracelet Project
from FireMountainGems.com

This bracelet uses jewelry components in a unique way to capture the beautiful shape 

of butterflies, with sparkly crystal wings.





Butterfly Dream Charm Bracelet Tutorial
by BeadsOnline

This bracelet is a full of cheerful color, but could also be done in muted colors 

for a very vintage look.





Butterfly Bead Earrings Tutorial
by Art Platter

This wire wrapped earring project calls for acrylic butterflies, 

but your favorite crystals or stones would fill in nicely!





Papillion Necklace Project
from Artbeads.com

This design celebrates butterfly wings with bold colors contrasts,

and accents with lots of movement.





Upcycled Pop Can Butterfly Earrings Project
by Natasha Hoover

All you need is a colorful can and a butterfly craft punch to make these

one of a kind earrings.





Butterfly Bottle Cap Necklace Project
from Beadaholique.com

Bezel and bottle cap pendants are perfect for beaders who like to 

add their own flair to everything they make. This project shows you the basics!





Flight of Fancy Charm Bracelet Project
from AuntiesBeads.com

This bracelet spices up plain metal butterflies and bugs with 

gorgeous, colorful beads.

Do you have a favorite butterfly or insect for jewelry inspiration?

Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Serpent Fringe Necklace

One of my favorite things about choosing a niche for jewelry design, is being able to use my favorite techniques as often as I want. So when I’m faced with a new inspiration, I can turn to a style that I know will work, and focus on getting the essence of my inspiration, rather than on the major design details. To represent the Egyptian serpent god Apep, I needed a necklace style that could represent both snakes and chaos. A herringbone rope would be perfect for the base, and the right fringe would add the perfect element of fierceness.

I knew right away that I wanted to include some vintage red white-hearts in this piece, so all I needed was the right palette to complement them. I decided on a combination of gold substitutes - transparent topaz, brown lined amber, and cream. Together, and with the right pattern, I thought these three colors would make for excellent snake skin, as well as provide a neutral background for the fiery red beads.

I added an increase in a twisted herringbone rope to include some of the white hearts, but that wasn’t nearly enough color. So when it came time to add the fringe - with Czech glass ovals and freshwater pearls - I also added a handful of white-hearts to each strand. I love the way the uneven shapes look together in a stack above the accent beads, as well as the overall look of three bead sizes in the strands. They add a little extra something to the fringe that fits the lord of chaos perfectly. I’ll definitely be keeping these elements in mind for future designs.

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How to Make Bird’s Nest Jewelry Tutorials

Perfect for spring, and ideal for Mother’s Day, there’s nothing quite like a beaded bird’s nest pendant. They are quite possibly the cutest things you can make with wire, and offer so many fun possibilities for personalizing jewelry. You can make them sentimental with Swarovski birthstones, pretty with pearls, and make realistic looking eggs with turquoise or Picasso finish glass.

Although a pendant is the most obvious place to put a little nest of bead eggs, they’re also great for earrings or bracelet charms. Larger versions of the wire wrapped bird’s nest can be made into brooches, and tiny nests make for sweet rings. Here are some fantastic tutorials for making your own bird’s nest jewelry.

A classic three-egg nest with a neat wrap,
by Sarah Ortega.





A more organic look with wire twists,
by Cathe Holden at Just Something I Made.





Even more fun, add a leaf for cute earrings in this tutorial from Artbeads.com.





If you prefer hooks to pliers, these bird's nest earrings
by Mrs. Micawber are made with crochet.






This neat and tidy bird's nest project from
This Lil Piglet lets the beads shine.





A perfect imitation of robin's eggs,
by Beadaholique.





The shape of the beads and number of wraps create a very realistic nest
in this tutorial from A Single Sunbeam.





Wider wraps and loose tension provide a more airy nest
in this pendant project from The Wired Tree.





This tutorial on Lisa's Craft Blog includes tips
for embellishing a pendant with charms, chain, or ribbon.

If you’re not into the simple pendant-and-chain look, or you want a little more challenge, these jewelry projects would make the perfect backdrop for a beaded bird’s nest or two.

Precious Petals Vintaj Earrings by FusionBeads.com.





Decoupage Bird Bracelet Tutorial by Retro Cafe Art Gallery.





Birds Fly Necklace Project
by AuntiesBeads.com.





Birds Nest Bracelet Tutorial
by HandmadeFashionJewellery.com.





And I couldn't resist including this adorable
upcycled bird's nest ring tutorial by SaltTree.

Have you tried the wire-wrapped bird's nest technique before? What’s your favorite type of bead to use in your nests?

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