Inspired by Cthulhu

One of the most famous literary characters in fantasy and sci-fi is Cthulhu, a chimeric creature with features of an octopus, dragon and humanoid demon. Created by H. P. Lovecraft, Cthulhu has appeared on some level in many of the author’s works, and inspired many artists in every medium imaginable.



Cthulhu is a classic character of terror - huge, mysterious and omnipotent. Still, fans and followers are often putting a lighthearted spin on this character, with everything from plush toys to quirky kitchen ware. You’ve probably seen at least one Cthulhu inspired design somewhere, because they are just about everywhere.

Untitled by blini on Polyvore.com

Bride of Cthulhu by apokalipstick on Polyvore.com

An unpronounceable name is almost a prerequisite for any legendary sci-fi and fantasy character. The most common pronunciation for Cthulhu is kuh-THOOL-hoo.



1. Diablo Tentacle, 2. RUBY CTHULHU, 3. Day 83: Pensive Cthulhu,
4. Cthulhu, 5. Cthulhu, 6. Cthulhu

Are you a fan of Lovecraft’s creature? Who’s your favorite scary but fascinating character?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Friends
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook

Book Review: Tales of Adornment

One of the most wonderful things about creating jewelry, is having the ability to compose designs that are truly unique. Mixed media designers are especially lucky, for their palettes don’t just include bead shapes and colors, but the whole world and its history.

If you enjoy making one of a kind jewelry, crafting your own beads and components, and mixing unique elements into your work, Tales of Adornment will help you discover new ways to build your own distinct pieces. By combining a variety of materials and techniques with versatile resin, Kristen Robinson creates antique inspired designs that are intriguing and elegant. Creative beaders can use her lessons and projects to make their own memory jewelry, vintage inspired baubles, contemporary designs, and even steampunk pieces.

Tales of Adornmentbegins with a very detailed introduction on the techniques used in the book’s 18 jewelry projects. Kristen covers the basics, like crimping and wrapped loops, and even two methods for making your own jump rings. She also gives step by step directions for mixing resin, making molds, etching metal, and hand dying ribbon to match your designs.

The projects are divided into three chapters: Using and Making Bezels, Using and Making Molds, and Being Creative with Resin and Resin Clay. Each chapter offers a variety of different approaches to designing with resin and found objects, and will give even new jewelry makers plenty of instruction and inspiration to get started. Kristen combines jewelry essentials like beads and chain with a wide variety of materials such as vintage paper, tulle and ribbon, Faux Bone, and even spices! My favorite project combines vintage fashion plates with handmade roses, ribbon, and pearls for a very feminine and delicate bracelet.

Readers will learn how to make attractive bezel pendants, cast favorite objects in resin replicas, and make faux sea glass, as well as design classy jewelry with a hint of mystery. Some projects are beginner friendly, using products that you can buy at any bead or craft store, while others require investing in some heavier duty jewelry tools. Each project is introduced by delightful prose that sets the mood for the featured design, and can inspire future projects with an antique flair.

Tales of Adornment concludes with a detailed list of key materials and tools with tips on how to use them, plus a handy resource guide and alphabetical index. The only thing that’s missing is an inspiration gallery, but the projects will have you wanting to make your own!

I would like to thank North Light Books and F+W Media for giving me the opportunity to preview Tales of Adornment. Inspirational Beading has not received compensation or merchandise in exchange for this review. I have shared my sincere impressions of this book.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
Kristen Robinson and F+W Media
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading
Get inspired on Facebook

Book Spotlight: Rejuvenated Jewels

Some trends come and go, but it would seem that upcycled and repurposed jewelry is here to stay. This is good news, and not only because of the way this craft keeps things out of the landfill. Preserving objects from the past, and making something new out of something old, is a rewarding practice with beautiful results.

Although I stay away from wire and chain work, I long to take apart old jewelry and make it my own. It’s probably lucky for me and my wallet that there are no flea markets within shopping distance. I could spend a lot of hours looking through cigar boxes and trays of forgotten jewels.

When I picked up a copy of Rejuvenated Jewelsby Amy Hanna, I expected typical craft book projects that would provide a little inspiration. I did not expect to be glued to the pages, and practically drooling over the designs within. This book ought to come with a warning label: Caution, May Incite Uncontrollable Bargain Shopping and Attic Rummaging.

After an in depth look at some of vintage jewelry’s most precious components and qualities, basic materials and found objects, Amy gives readers an introduction to preparing both new and old jewelry components for designing. Step by step tutorials with clear diagrams also explain some jewelry basics like wrapped loops and crimping.

The following five chapters are filled with gorgeous and intriguing jewelry designs, made with everything from vintage photographs to military ribbons. There are 36 necklace, bracelet and earring projects in total, each with a complete materials list and instructions for making your own variations.

Most of the designs are simple and straightforward, and provide an excellent guide to designing jewelry from found objects. There are no step-by-step photographs for the individual projects. Absolute beginners to the world of jewelry making may want to practice on newer, more replaceable materials and objects before attempting to drill, file and rejuvenate rare finds.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Quarry Books
Subscribe to Inspirational Beading

Poster Sketch: Space Invaders

One of the best things about the science fiction genre is the diversity of it’s characters. Robots and alien creatures are pure fantasy, and they can become whatever a writer, director or artist wants them to be. They can be terrifying, or hilarious. They can be hideous, or beautiful. They often have many human qualities, but they can also be soulless villains.

This week’s Poster Sketch is a tribute to the many faces of the sci-fi world. These robot and alien inspired beads and accessories are wonderful examples of the endless possibilities of imagination and creativity. To see the live collection, or see more work from these artists, visit the Space Invaders treasury. You can also search for these shops by typing the artist’s name into the Seller Search on Etsy.com.

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and Etsy.com

Poster Sketch: Beads, Potions and Trinkets

Any beader will tell you that a vial of beads is like a magic potion - open it, and wondrous things will occur. From the moment we spill those beads out onto our work surface, our imaginations soar. When we finally complete our creation, the magic continues to dazzle.

Beads themselves can be used to make all manner of coffers for treasures and trinkets. This week’s Poster Sketch is dedicated to marvelous bead containers - from beaded bowls to potion necklaces. These beautiful vessels are just as beautiful and magical as the items they carry.

Row 1:

Live Moss Terrarium Pendant by shesthatgirl
Glass Stash Bottle Focal Pendant by InfiniteCosmosGirl
Dichroic Glass Vessel Pendant by ZenArtGlass
Specimen Vial Necklace by sheathandpulp

Row 2:

Serenity Vessel by NEDbeads
Captured Monarch Butterfly Wing Necklace by heartworksbylori
Transitions Beaded Vessel by SalamanderHouse
Upcycled Confetti Bear Needle Case by thefrogbag

Row 3:

Red, Brown and Blue Knick Knack Bowl by homebycamille
Romantic Keepsakes Jewelry Box by enchantedbeads
Purple Mix Fairy Dust Necklace by FairyPrincessShoppe
Island Rhythm Beaded Textile Bowl by thekeepershouse

Row 4:

Energy Vampires Vessel by gothB4play
Mini Ruby Red Vessel Pendant by chickadeebeads
Power Goblet by njema
Glass Vial Necklace with Chalcedony by DreamsandJewelry

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading and Etsy.com

Quick Inspiration: Costume Chic

Sometimes the best way to learn a new technique, or try a new style of beading, is to recreate something that’s already been done. Many beaders start out by making the designs featured in magazines, and then move on to designing their own unique creations. Some weavers take existing images and transform them into intricate patterns for flat bead weaving like peyote stitch and Ndebele weave.

When it comes to mimicking the unique style of vintage costume jewelry, it would be difficult to copy most designs without the use of some serious metal working tools. Although the exact style is a little advanced, it’s easy to use the concepts found in costume jewelry to create stunning modern works of wearable art.

I recently picked up a copy of Julia C. Carroll’s Collecting Costume Jewelry 101. I was amazed by not only the wealth of information for collectors, but by the stunning array of vintage and collectible jewelry. The gorgeous pieces in the photographs could provide a wealth of inspiration to the creative eye. Although the designs don’t suite many modern tastes, the jewelry itself could easily be transformed into something new. Anyone lucky enough to have some costume jewelry that isn’t too valuable or sentimental has probably had the idea to update or upcycle some of their more interesting pieces.

Probably the most valuable inspirations are the patterns and shapes used in many designs, which would make for excellent bead embroidery. With a little creativity, almost any costume piece could be recaptured with a modern twist.

If you’d like to make some fun mixed media designs with your own vintage components, try these easy tutorials for ideas:

Bunches of Buttons by Stacy Hillmer and Bead & Button Magazine
Fleur de Niece by Denise Yezbak Moore and Stringing Magazine
Filigree Earrings by Monica Lueder and BeadStyle Magazine
Eclectic Copper Charm Bracelet from Auntie’s Beads

Copyright 2009 Inspirational Beading

Inspired Beaders: LondonsGate

As the leaves begin to turn, and the weather brings a shiver or two, many of us begin thinking about things that are dark, spooky and spine tingling. Even when ghosts are not on our minds black, and deep shades like red and auburn, are usually at the top of our fashion must have lists.

The creative team at LondonsGate - Seiko and Eric - have been hard at work creating gorgeous accessories that would fit any fall wardrobe. Whether you're into classic and chic, or wild and alternative, their Victorian and Steampunk inspired designs are pleasing not only as delightful baubles, but as works of art, too.

Inspirational Beading: How did you first discover the art of jewelry making?

Seiko: It actually started when I was a kid. I would take my cheap junkie jewelry and my mom's old broken stuff and piece things together to make something I could actually wear. Or if I lost an earring I'd turn the one side I did have left into a pendant or something.

Inspirational Beading: Where do you find the most inspiration?

Seiko: I'm inspired by all sorts of things and all sorts of people- just random stuff I'll see during my day to day activities. Someone may be out on the street and will have something on that will catch my eye. Or I could be watching a show on haunted history and see something on one of the re-enactors, or maybe even a piece of furniture, and I'll think "hmmm, that looks pretty cool", and then modify it to suit my own taste.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite material to work with?

Seiko: I like working with silver plated items; chains, settings, stampings, charms. The variety is endless. I like it way it looks and it fits my budget, very affordable.

Inspirational Beading: If you could master any new technique, what would it be?

Seiko: Ooo, I'd love love love to be able to do glass work. Dale Chihuly's work is so unbelievably amazing but I'm even envious of local glass artists. There's just something so magical about watching artists work with glass.

Inspirational Beading: Who do you hope to inspire with your work?

Seiko: I hope to inspire anyone who may think that there are "rules" to creating. I'd like for them to see that when it comes to jewelry making or art/creating in any from, there are no rules or boundaries. They should do what they feel and what they like. It's okay to mix it up and take influences from completely different areas, or combine things in a way that are totally nontraditional, or use things in an unconventional way. I'd like people to see that when it comes to art they should never limit themselves and never hold back.

When not indulging in a passion for jewelry design, Seiko spends her time caring for animals, and working in a doggie daycare facility. Eric is a website designer by day, and is currently working on his Oracle Database certification. You can find out more about this design team, and view their work on their website LondonsGate, or check in with their blog LondonsGate Steampunk Jewelry.

Copyright 2009 Inspirational Beading, LondonsGate