The Rainbow Loom Gateway

Beaders, something really exciting is happening, and has been for several months now. A whole new generation of beaders and jewelry makers is being formed, and the best part is, a lot of them are boys.

If you don’t know any kids or people with kids between the ages of 6 and 12, it’s possible that you’ve never heard of the Rainbow Loom. This past holiday season, it was the toy to have, and stores were selling out everywhere. What makes this crafting set different from other toy trends is that it is a favorite of boys and girls of varying ages, rather than just a specific little childhood niche. Everyone loves Rainbow Loom.

Although I’m not a big fan of plasticy things, and we have no need of one in our house, I’m an admirer of the Rainbow Loom, too. I love it because, like macramé friendship bracelets and boondoggle key chains, this craft trend is going to usher in a new batch of future beaders - and this one might be bigger than any before. If even a small fraction of kids weaving tiny rubber bands into bracelets develops a love of beadwork, that’s still a lot of new designers to share inspirations with in the years to come!

We sell Rainbow Looms and accessories at my day job, and whenever a small gang of preteen boys drops by to casually pick up some new bands without the slightest hint of self-consciousness, I smile - a lot. At no point was there ever an announcement or decree stating that it was “okay” for boys to do this colorful, wearable craft. It just happened, proving in a small way that gender roles are a lot of rubbish.

So, to all of the boys and girls out there who are learning to love jewelry design, welcome! Pull up some beads and lets make beautiful things.

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
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Jewelry Design Intern Opportunity with iSanctuary

We all know about the healing properties of beads, and the amazing way that jewelry design can change the world. Organizations like Soul of Somanya and The Andean Collection are just two examples of the way that beads and jewelry can help women and young people around the globe. Purchasing their products and talking to others about the cause is a great way to help, but for great change to occur, more hands are always needed.

If you’ve ever wanted to join in a great cause full tilt and feet first, but weren’t sure how to begin, this may be the perfect opportunity for you! iSanctuary - a non-profit that teaches jewelry making skills to survivors of human trafficking - is looking for talented designers with big hearts to help their outreach efforts in India.

iSanctuary Purchase with Purpose

iSanctuary is looking for: “candidates that are not only talented designers but can create within our branding and for our target market, and are culturally and emotionally sensitive. And last but certainly not least, candidates should be multi-talented because as in most non-profits everyone wears many different hats.”

Bravery, generosity, and determination are just a few key ingredients for the perfect volunteer. Flying across the world to begin such a quest can be a huge leap, and interns must provide for themselves during their 12 month stay - the internship is a volunteer position. I asked the iSanctuary founder, Stephanie Pollaro, to tell us a bit more about the organization, and the work that they do.

Inspirational Beading: How did you first get involved with the issue of human trafficking?

Stephanie: About 9 years ago I picked up a magazine (something I rarely do) and in it was a story of Anuradha Koirala (who later became a CNN Hero in 2010). I was blown away by several things: the amazing work Anuradha was doing and even more overwhelmingly was the eye-opening realization of learning about the existence of human trafficking for the first time. I immediately went to my computer and started doing research to validate the unbelievable facts I had just learned. As the truth began to grow more evident and more dark I knew in an instance I couldn’t go back to living life the same way… Life as I had known it had been flipped upside down and now I had to respond.

It took several years of planning and talking with professionals in the field to develop an NGO that would best meet the needs of the anti-trafficking community and the survivors themselves. In 2007, with the help of my co-founder Wendy Dailey we started International Sanctuary (iSanctuary). Fun fact: Also in 2007 I got to personally meet Anuradha and thank her for opening my eyes.

In our search to see where we were needed in the anti-trafficking community we heard from many social workers and victims’ rights advocates in India and the US. They all shared the same understanding—trafficking survivors need job skills and economic opportunities. In the USA, Health and Human Services (HHS) often run out of funds to assist survivors waiting for their cases to come to trial (TIP 2012). Internationally, the lack of economic opportunities can be detrimental to a survivors reintegration. According to a study conducted by USAID (2007) the lack of economic opportunities and the skills to earn an adequate income places survivors in vulnerable situations that can lead to retrafficking. It was this realization of the great need for economic opportunities both here in the US and abroad that served as the impetus for the formation of iSanctuary and the iSanctuary POST program.

Inspirational Beading: When did jewelry design and beading become a part of your mission?

Stephanie: It was there from the beginning, as it was the only thing that I had in common with many of the girls in the aftercare homes. To fill the days, the girls are given classes in many different handicrafts: candle making, silk flower making, painting, and jewelry making. However, the jewelry they were making was very Indian and mostly just beads strung on thread. When I introduced the girls to western fashion jewelry and wire wrapping they instantly loved it.

Inspirational Beading: For you, what’s the most difficult part of working with these young women and girls?

Stephanie: The most difficult thing is getting these girls to see themselves the way I see them: talented, smart, beautiful and worthy of great things. Many time the damage from the years of trauma wins- they give into the lies they had been forced to believe, and they settle for much less than they deserve.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite, or most rewarding part of the cause?

Seeing change!

Once in our workshop in India, I overheard one of the young ladies complaining about how difficult something was and how she didn’t think she could do it. Then all of a sudden I heard one of our other young ladies tell that girl, “ We aren’t weak, we are iSanctuary girls. You can do it!” It still gives me chills.

Inspirational Beading: You’re currently looking for designer/interns to help out. Tell us a little about the position.

Stephanie: iSanctuary is currently seeking an adventurous woman looking to have her life shook up. She must be flexible yet structured, patient yet persistent, and a go-getter. The one year volunteer position IN INDIA is for a multi-talented Jewelry Designer/ Maker that can help us create pieces that fit our brands' strategic and financial objectives.

Inspirational Beading: In addition to using their jewelry making skills, what should hopefuls be ready to face?

Stephanie: India is a land of contradictions. Poverty is everywhere but so is wealth. It is a filthy place but they are trying to fix that. The people are lovely especially the iSanctuary people.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have any advice for women working in relief services in unfamiliar countries?

Stephanie: Take care of yourself…. Make time for exercise and rest. You are no good to anyone else if you are burnt out!

The International Sanctuary Story

If you’d like to learn more about the opportunity of a lifetime, please visit the iSanctuary field interns page. You can also find additional information about the organization, and all of their efforts in India, the Philippines, and the US, as well as human trafficking issues and what you can do to help. iSanctuary also supports local chapters for promoting awareness, and accepts applications for new advocates. If you’re moved by these issues, but aren’t able to work in the field, starting or joining an iSanctuary chapter is a great opportunity to support an important cause.

Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading and iSanctuary
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The Best of Beading 2012

It’s been a great year for beaders and jewelry designers, with so many fantastic new goodies to enjoy, great tutorials and inspirations, and of course, no apocalypse to get in the way of creative time! Here are some of my favorite beading highlights of 2012.

Several wonderful new beads arrived on the scene this year, including Swarovski Elements crystal pearl colors in red and pink coral, lapis, and turquoise. Swarovski Mini crystal beads fill in the gap between manmade beads and cut gemstones perfectly, providing their characteristic crystal shimmer in tiny shapes with a fantasy feel.

Despite these innovations, Miyuki two-hole Tila beads stole the show again this year, with the arrival of several new colors and finishes. Tilas and Tila projects seem to be featured in nearly every beading publication of 2012.

Soutache bead embroidery made a big splash in the technique department, with a gorgeous feature on the cover of Bead and Button magazine. The inclusion of fiber braids into beadwork was a natural step for many beaders, especially those with a flair for embroidery techniques. It was an absolute pleasure to chat with soutache artist Amee K. Sweet-McNamara about getting started with this emerging jewelry style.

There were some fun tutorials featured on Inspirational Beading this year, including a few from guest instructors, such as How to Make a Resin Clay Ring. Some of my favorite tutorials of 2012 are: bead covered beads, Russian spiral, and Potawatomi daisy chain.

While 2012 had a fantastic lineup of color trends from Pantone, it is also the year that we learned of the upcoming jewel-tone color of the year. Looking forward to lots of emerald in 2013 doesn’t quite leave the 2012 palettes behind, which included a fantastic lime green, sodalite blue, and of course, Tangerine Tango.

Last year, many beaders, crafters, and designers alike were eagerly anticipating new reality shows that would appeal to magpies everywhere. First came Project Accessory late last fall, which hoped to take off on the success of the creatively tantalizing show Project Runway. Then there was Craft Wars, which even included Margot Potter as a contestant! The show has received plenty of criticism from crafters and non-crafters alike, but it does provide an easy bar to stay above! Perhaps, hopefully, it will pave the way for even more beadwork exposure in mainstream media.

Thank you so much for joining me for beading ideas and inspiration in 2012! What new waves do you plan to make with beading in the New Year?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Book Spotlight: Read My Pins

For jewelry lovers, studying the origins and history of ancient, traditional and famous trinkets can be endlessly fascinating. Sometimes, just getting a look into the jewelry box of someone iconic or influential can be a treat for the serious magpie.

In Read My Pins,the former US ambassador to the United Nations, Madeleine Albright, shares a glimpse of her amazing collection of pins and brooches. What started as a traditional way to accessorize eventually became an important part of her identity as a diplomat, as well as a rewarding hobby.

During her career as ambassador, Madeleine became known for her charming and unusual pin collection, and for her habit of using brooches to signify her mood or attitude toward the events or tasks of the day. Throughout this memoir, we catch glimpses of important meetings throughout the decades, with jewelry to highlight their significance. Some of the most interesting photos include Madeleine Albright wearing an Interceptor missile pin with Igor Ivanov, zebra pins with Nelson Mandela, and an enormous American flag pin while posing with Kim Jong-il.

Read My Pins is beautifully written, and fascinating from the first page to the last. Along with anecdotes about special pins, and how they played a part in some of the most important events of the last few decades, Madeleine shares some of her personal stories as a jewelry lover. The book is filled with hundreds of beautiful photographs, including plenty of close-ups of amazing pins - from quirky dollar store finds to stunning Swarovski creations. A handy Pindex at the back of the book highlights each pin, its origin and designer (if known), materials, dimensions and page number from the book.

If you love jewelry, current events or American history, Read My Pins is definitely worth a look!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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A Flicker of Inspiration: Mardi Gras Beads

The Mardi Gras festival that most of us are familiar with started as celebration of the settlement of the French territory Louisiane, mingled with religious traditions leading up to Easter. On the final day before the Christian season of Lent, it is tradition to consume great quantities of things that must be given up during the time of fasting.

Over the years, this feast before the fast tradition has come to include pretty much anything that people wouldn’t do on any other day of the year. It can be quite the wild party, with revelers doing whatever they can to collect strands of Mardi Gras beads or throws.

If the idea of a holiday that centers around beads seems too good to be true, it probably is. Mardi Gras throws have seen some controversy in recent years, due in part to the documentary Mardi Gras: Made in China. Inspired by questions about globalization, David Redmon's film follows the path of plastic beads from a factory in China, to the streets of New Orleans. The LA Times said it "cleverly juxtaposes the apex of American bacchanalian excess with the sweatshop-like conditions that facilitate the fun."

1. Mardi Gras Beads, 2. Mardi Gras Mask, 3. More Mardi Gras Beads,
4. Mardi Gras Beads, 5. Mardi Gras | Carnival Masks, 6. rainbow mardi gras beads,
7. Mardi Gras Beads, 8. 55/365 Mardi Gras beads, 9. Mardi Gras Beads

Whatever you think of imported party favors, be sure to celebrate safely!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and BigHugeLabs
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The Best of Beading in 2010

Let’s take a look back at some of the fantastic things that happened in the beading world, and here on Inspirational Beading, during the last year of the decade!

Blogging Fun

I started quite a few new segments for this blog, including a new set of interviews based on our favorite beads. My favorite by far is the Wear It Twice series, which allows me to play around with clothes. It’s like dressing up Barbie, but with way more selection, and it all starts with one great necklace!

This is my favorite collage of 2010, and I hope to top it many times next year!

Fringe Benefits by Mortira featuring a drop waist tunic

New Bead Styles

In February, Miyuki launched the prototypes for their new Tila shaped seed beads. These two-hole 5mm glass squares are a delightful addition to the seed bead family. I’m ashamed to admit that trying out Tila seed beads is on my list of 2011 resolutions. If you’ve already got some in your stash, try out this awesome Square Stitch Tila Bead Bracelet by Caravan Beads.

Marathon Beading

Beading challenges kept me pretty busy this year. At first I thought that making a ring a day was tough, then I lost my mind completely and thought it would be fun to blog a necklace a day. I’ve had to completely rework my storage system to make room for all of the new designs that appeared in so little time. But it was fun!

Jewelry Wars

Etsy accidentally rocked the jewelry boat with an ill-advised look at the environmental impact of red coral, hosted by an artist who isn’t exactly a friend to handmade. The beads were flying as many different shock waves of debate and disaster followed. One of the better side effects? Lots of artists in business are now enjoying discounted pro-seller rates at ArtFire.

Fantastic Blogs

I adore every comment and compliment that readers share on Inspirational Beading. Without fantastic readers and bead lovers, who would I write for? Starting in May of 2010, I picked some of the best blogs from each month’s comments. Here’s the short list of blogs in the spotlight. It's interesting to see how much a blog can change over the course of one year!

KSK Designs, bstudio, Artful Living on the Bluff,
My Everything Corner, Little Bear’s Mom, My Bead Journey

Therapy with Bite

Assuming you don’t mind the occasional dose of snark, one sure way to get your creativity back on track is to visit Regretsy. It’s been a great year of horrible, odd, and outrageous art! The jewelry category is full of eye-popping designs.

No matter what the disaster of the day is, chances are it will make you appreciate your skills, or take yourself a little less seriously. Either way, it’s great place to unwind when you’ve had a bad day at the beading bench. (Warning! Regretsy posts often feature nudity and profanity.)

Tutorials

I started sharing basic bead weaving tutorials last year, but I’ve done the best ones in 2010. Here are the top five most popular stitches this year:

1. Double Spiral Rope
2. Double St. Petersburg Chain
3. Peyote Bezelled Rivoli
4. Spiral Peyote and Cellini Spiral
5. Flat Right Angle Weave

So that’s a quick recap of some of my most memorable moments in beading. I hope to have many more in 2011, and I can always use a little help with planning. So I’m taking requests!

What kinds of beading techniques would you most like to see for next year’s tutorials?

Happy beading, and happy new year!

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Bullying Awareness and Necklace Nineteen

Tomorrow is International Stand Up To Bullying Day, and the last day of Bullying Awareness Week. These two events help educators, administrators and families to understand the appearance, effects and outcomes of bullying, and how to prevent it from happening to others.

From the Bullying Awareness Week mission statement:

Research has shown us that approximately 15% of a given population in a school or workplace are directly involved with bullying, that leaves 85% as potential bystanders or silent majority. This group is the primary focus and target audience for Bullying Awareness Week.

The Week also has youth as a primary focus, as they are the ones who can "Be the change", and grow up thinking differently about bullying unlike many in previous generations who have attitudes about bullying as a "Rite of passage" or even that "Being bullied is good for you, it toughens you up."

Bullying isn’t just a problem in high schools and primary schools. It can happen anywhere from the playground, to the office, and even online. Cyber-bullying, though it doesn’t involve direct physical harm, can be the most traumatic type of bullying for children and adults. Because cyber-bullying is ongoing, and involves technology like computers and cell phones, it is harder for victims to find a safe place to go.

In Canada, we mark bullying awareness in February with Pink Shirt Day. Like other awareness events, Pink Shirt Day helps to create a dialogue about an issue that is often overlooked, ignored and even avoided. The theme was created quite by accident, by two Nova Scotia high school students that stood up to bullying and inspired others to do the same.

Their story, and the message it contains, even made international news:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

It seems like a million years ago now, but back in 2008, I shared a pink necklace that I created to wear in lieu of a pink shirt. It worked better than I had hoped, and I was able to bring up the subject of bullying awareness throughout the whole day.

Since I’ve been thinking pink all this week, I decided to use it for the palette of today’s necklace. I paired up some pretty rosaline fire polish with pink pinch bicones to start, and added some all pink beaded flowers. I wanted a nice color to contrast with the pink, and found some beautiful golden Swarovski pearls in my stash. So I finished off the palette with champagne colored beads in gold and topaz, with a hint of pearl white.

Why not make your own pink jewelry design, and try to spark up conversations about bullying awareness and prevention this weekend?

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading

Poster Sketch: The Other Red Corals

Many of my fellow handmade entrepreneurs know that “coral” became a dirty word over this past weekend - and not necessarily for the reasons you might think. It’s right up there with other words like “reseller” and “mature”. There are a lot of sellers who also worry that coral has suddenly become as controversial as fur, and they are waiting for the buckets of paint to drop.

There are thousands of different species of coral in our oceans, and only a handful of them are desirable for jewelry and decoration. The one that is causing the most trouble is red coral, or oxblood coral, which is in serious danger in some parts of the world.

Some of you may already know that corals of all types are among the long list of materials that I won’t use in my work. Even if I could legally obtain red coral, I wouldn’t, because in most cases it is a threatened species, and most methods of harvesting it harm the environment. There are some exceptions, and plenty of natural alternatives to true red coral, but I avoid those as well. I prefer to make a statement with pure abstinence. It’s a little like being vegan instead of vegetarian.

Be Good to Fish!

Still, there are plenty of jewelry artists out there that use bamboo and sponge coral, and some of it is dyed to imitate the fancy stuff. Who can blame them? Red coral and it’s imitators make for some of the most gorgeous natural beads in the world.

Although it’s hard to know what goes on during the coral harvest, most suppliers will tell you that bamboo and sponge coral are sustainable, and no more harmful to the environment than freshwater pearls. I’ve never met a beader who didn’t love those!

All of the controversy provides a great opportunity to educate people about how precious our oceans are, and how important it is to choose products thoughtfully. So today, I decided to make a little tribute to jewelry artists who are not afraid to show off their coral creations. You can see all of these creations up close by visiting the All That is Red treasury collection.

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and Etsy.com

Green Starfish for the Gulf

Photo Credit:
Greenpeace USA

Even though we live in a time when news spreads quickly and never really disappears, it often seems like a story is here today, then gone tomorrow. This is a bit of a chicken-and-egg scenario, because although websites, radio stations and news programs might push a topic to the back burner, we can still continue to discuss the matter and do investigations of our own.

Unfortunately, in the case of the Gulf Coast oil disaster, the news just keeps on coming. Tuesday will mark the 3rd month ‘anniversary’ of the Deepwater Horizon explosion that lead to the continuous oil gusher. Although billions of dollars have been spent to stop the flow of toxic petroleum into the ocean, the situation continues to get worse instead of better.

Last month, I shared an image from If It Was My Home, showing what the oil slick would look like if it were on my doorstep. Here is what it would look like today:

Despite the hard work of many organizations to clean up the sludge, the pollution is making it’s way inland. Tarballs have been discovered in the waterways of Southeastern Texas and the greater New Orleans area. Sea birds and other marine animals continue to attempt feeding and nesting in the oil damaged areas, having no instinct to pack up and leave a lost cause.

And, as we continue to watch in horror and wonder what the results of the catastrophe will be in five, or ten, or twenty years, we continue to do what we can to help. The Help the Gulf Coast Etsy collective is still going strong, and has raised nearly $8000 for Oxfam America and the National Wildlife Federation.

Deep Green Sea Ring

If you haven’t stopped by the shop recently, head on over to Help the Gulf Coast and see some of the new handmade donations. All net proceeds are donated equally between charities helping animals and families affected by the BP oil spill. This week, I sent along my latest ring, Deep Green Sea.

Just in case you need a little extra motivation, stop by Deep Sea News for the latest updates and informative links.

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and The Sage's Cupboard

The Power of Handmade and Ring Seventeen

One of my favorite things about being in Etsy seller is knowing that I’m part of a community that is making changes to the world. Just by providing local goods that are not mass-produced, handmade artists are changing the way that we consume. Many artists are also making a difference by up-cycling and reusing materials that might otherwise be thrown out. Still others are setting an example by using sustainable materials, or reducing the amount of waste that their business produces.

Some very dedicated Etsy sellers take this challenge to the next level, by offering their time to raise funds for important causes. When I learned about the shops fundraising for the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster, I decided it was about time I got involved, too.

So, today’s ring was created especially for Help the Gulf Coast - a collective Etsy shop run by a handful of dedicated Etsians. 100% of the net profits from this shop go to charities that support communities affected by the disaster, including Oxfam.

This organization is already well known for it’s humanitarian efforts. They have been assisting low income families in the Gulf area since the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Now their focus has had to shift, as the continuing oil damages change the lives of everyone in the area. Oxfam is now working with communities to assess the environmental and economic damages, while still working towards safety measures for the arrival of the next hurricane season.

Ring # 17 - Baby Fish Blues

With my Ring a Day project well under way, I had every reason to create a brand new design to donate to the cause. I thought an aquatic theme would be appropriate for this piece, so naturally I went with a starfish ring. The first beads I chose where abalone blue lined crystal. I did the starfish in coral pink, and added some frosted magatamas for accents.

The color combination is pretty, but also meaningful. This ring is my own tribute to the innocent creatures affected by all that we humans do. Red and pink coral, abalone, whales, salmon and sea birds are just a few of the animals that are being threatened by our activities. They are constantly bombarded by pollution, habitat destruction, and of course, human consumption. It’s a cruel irony that only we can help them from our own wrongdoings.

If you’re any Etsy seller, you too can donate a listing to the cause. Visit the Help the Gulf Coast blog to learn more about how to donate, or to see the latest fundraiser stats. If you can’t donate, many beautiful new items are added to the shop everyday. Even the tiniest purchase can help!

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and The Sage's Cupboard

Poster Sketch: Beautiful Earth

For every person that makes caring for the Earth a part of their daily routine, there is another person who just doesn’t see the point. Most of us know one of each - the fanatic and the apathetic. I’m proud to be of the fanatic variety, and I’m constantly alienating myself with my no-tolerance attitudes toward pollution and wasteful living. I can’t watch television without yelling, because I can’t understand how the censors can allow green-washing in so many advertisements.

On days like today - Earth Day - there are plenty of people shrugging and saying “What’s the point?”. I’ve often heard people say that having a holiday for the planet isn’t going to change anything. I disagree, or course. Earth Day, Earth Hour and every opportunity that we take to talk about the environment helps to keep the issues current, topical and on our minds. For today, I invite everyone - especially the skeptics - to think about these questions:

How much plastic am I throwing out every week?
Do I really need to eat imported produce?
Am I recycling everything that I can?
Am I pouring anything down the drain that I wouldn’t want to soak my fish dinner in?
If I had a choice, is this the kind of environment I’d want to give to my children?

In honor of Earth Day, I have collected some Etsy favorites that can remind even the most cynical person what a beautiful world we’re messing up. This week, I’m trying out the new Treasury East tool. To see the entire collection and the artists, visit the Beautiful Earth Treasury List.

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and Etsy.com

Fantasy Olympic Medal

Every two years, people all over the world become equals as they gather together to cheer on their county’s athletes during the Olympic Games. No matter what our different backgrounds are, when we embrace the spirit of friendly competition, we are one and the same.

The Inspiration:

I recently joined the Etsy BeadWeavers Team, and as soon as I had sent my application, I got to work planning my entry for the December team challenge. This month’s focus was chosen by two team members, who came up with a dual theme of “Peace and the Winter Olympics”.

At first I was at a loss for what to create. An Olympic rings bib necklace? Too obvious. A flag charm bracelet? Too garish. Then inspiration struck.

The very next day, I was jolted out of bed at 6 am by a commotion just outside my window. It was the Olympic Torch relay, on it’s way to Vancouver. Seeing this historic icon in person was just the inspiration I needed to create my “Peace Piece”. Thanks to the incredibly loud Coca-cola trucks that had announced the arrival of the torch, I had several extra hours that day to work on a design.

The Beads:

To symbolize peace, I chose a cool, calm palette of blue, green and purple 11/0 seed beads. From my stash I was able to collect different shades with lustered finishes, which flowed from one to the other quite nicely. I started with transparent aqua blue, then added transparent lustered blue, transparent lavender iris, and gilt-lined violet. In the other direction, I chose Ceylon light aqua, shamrock lined crystal AB, and transparent peridot AB.

For accent beads, I selected an assortment of green, blue and purple 8/0 seed beads and hex-cuts. Some of the shades, like chartreuse and raspberry, stretch the palette a little closer to the red and yellow areas of the color wheel. I also selected fuchsia lined blue, root beer lined topaz, emerald green and many other fun shades.

The Beadwork:

My original idea was to create a large cabochon in salt dough, with a 3-D olive branch at the center. Everything was going well until I tried to add antique effects on the background, and it turned out awful. I could have started over and repainted the entire cab, but I felt a little defeated by the mishap, and started looking at other options. I remembered having a 16mm vitrail rivoli in my stash, and decided it would make a perfect focal. The prismatic effect of the crystal is a great way to symbolize the diversity of the global village.

It hadn’t been my intention to do anything as literal as a medallion, but I was stuck with the image of a large round focal for my necklace, and decided to just go with it. I added a purple and blue bezel to the rivoli, then continued adding rounds of circular peyote stitch in blue, green and purple. The medal is suspended from a V-shaped St. Petersburg chain, with the aqua blue at the centre. Each side of the necklace gradually changes to green or purple. In the middle of the double chain is the 8/0 mixture.

Voting for the December 2009 EBW Challenge runs from the 9th to the 15th on the Etsy BeadWeavers Team Blog. You can also search for EBWC on Etsy.com to see all of the wonderful “Peace Piece” creations.

Copyright 2009 Inspirational Beading

Poster Sketch: Almost Twilight

If you go to Etsy.com and type “Twilight” into the Handmade search bar right now, you will find yourself with over 800 pages of results. Somewhere around 40 of those pages will include Scrabble tile pendants and the materials to make them. On Artfire.com, the results are well over 100 pages of Cullen Family Crests and some pretty exceptional fan art. (The secret lesson here may be that if your handmade products don’t appeal to teenagers, perhaps they should!)

This week’s Poster Sketch showcase features items that could be treasured by Twilight fans, and everyone else, too. There are no Edward Cullen Domino pendants, or Team Jacob bottle cap charms. Of these 16 items, only one is directly inspired by Stephenie Meyer’s vampire saga. Can you tell at first glance which one it is?

The fourth item, “Rutilated Amethyst and Sapphire Necklace”, is from Tasi Designs - the team that created much of the jewelry seen in the first Twilight film. These talented ladies are still creating the simple and beautiful style of jewelry that made it to the silver screen, including a collection of wardrobe replicas.

Row 1:
The Vampire’s Story - from sandrandan
Instinct Pendant - by TrinketJewellery
The Rogue Chalcedony Pendant - by gypsymoonart
Rutilated Amethyst and Sapphire Necklace - by tasidesigns

Row 2:
Cherry Moon Pendant - by faerieglass
Bloody Vampire Fang Pendant - by GothicDreamsDesigns
Amber Moon Raven Pendant - by Collettestreasures
Apple Cider Brass Bracelet - by nansglam

Row 3:
Tears of a Vampyre Earrings - from CreativityJewellery
E Initial Necklace - by ERiaDesigns
Lillitth’s Ghost Choker - by ghostlovejewelry
Howl at the Moon Domino Pendant - by Hogwild1972

Row 4:
Bohemian Rhapsody Initial Charm - by TheCuttingEdge
Wolverine Fang Necklace - by prairieoats
Tree of Life Moon Pendant - by Nixcreations
Dream Happy Dreams Necklace - by Venbead

Copyright 2009 Inspirational Beading and Etsy.com

Quick Inspiration: Change

The recent inauguration of the United States' first non-white president was a cause for much celebration. Even more important than the social impact of this historic event is the hope that our lives will soon return to what we considered 'normal' more than eight long years ago.

Although I am not a resident of the US, I am still eager to see what changes this new presidency will bring about. And so is renowned beader, Margie Deeb. She is offering free beadweaving patterns in honor of recent events for sentimental and patriotic beaders alike. Check out her gorgeous Statue of Liberty design, available in Peyote/Brick stitch or Loom/Square stitch.