Sailing Away Earring Tutorial

For many beaders, there are few things more fun and satisfying than whipping up a pair of fringed brick stitch earrings. The classic design is easy to make and offers lots of fun possibilities for pattern and color play. You can create all kinds of variation within the fringe by tapering, adding drop beads, or incorporating a pattern. This week I discovered that brick stitch earrings are also a great backdrop for silhouettes.

In the nautical-themed March bead box from Blueberry Cove Beads, subscribers got so many wonderful treasures, including a lovely packet of wooden cut-out charms with a sailboat motif. I was totally taken with these pretties instantly because they would go so well with my favorite tagua-slice-and-St.Petersburg necklace design. Front-drilled charms and pendants are great for layering as a unique focal. However, since the charms came in pairs – two each in white, pale blue, and navy – I decided to experiment with earring designs instead, and the Sailing Away earrings were born.

Lightweight wooden beads and charms are ideal for earrings, and are a great way to add oomph without making earrings too heavy. You could also use tagua nut slices, shell charms, or mini pendants.

To create these earrings you’ll need a few grams of 11/o seed beads in three colors, and one matching 8/o seed bead color. You’ll also need some lightweight front-drilled charms or pendants, like the sailboat cut-outs, jumprings, and earring findings. For the example project I used an ocean sunset palette of orange, purple, and navy blue, but any color trio would look great!

Sailing Away Silhouette Fringe Earrings

1. Attach a stop bead to 2 yards (1.8 m) of beading thread, leaving a 6 inch (15cm) tail. Pick up 6 seed beads and slide them down to the end.

2. Working in square stitch, add 6 rows of beadwork for a total of seven vertical columns of beads.

3. Anchor the thread by stitching down through the 6th column, and back up through the 7th column again.

4. Pick up 2 seed beads. Skipping the nearest bridge of thread between the top beads, needle under the following bridge, moving towards you. Gently pull the thread snug to bring the new beads into place along the top of the beadwork.

5. Stitch up through the 2nd bead just added and pull snug, being careful not to cross or splice the threads.

6. Pick up 1 seed bead. Pass the needle under the next thread bridge at the top of the beadwork and pull snug. Stitch up through the new bead.

7. Repeat step 6 until you reach the end of the beadwork and all of the bridge threads are covered. Stitch up through the last bead added. Flip the beadwork to start the new row.

8. Repeat steps 4-7 until you have a row with just 2 beads. Pick up 1 size 8/o seed bead, and 13 size 11/o seed beads.

9. Stitch back down through the 8/o and into the opposite brick-stitch bead in the final row to secure the loop.

10. Pass down through the beads at the edge of the brick stitch section and all of the beads in the outer square stitch column.

11. Anchor the thread by stitch up through a few beads in the next column, then back down through the same number of beads in the outer column to exit from the bottom. Leave the working thread for now.

12. Remove the stop bead from the tail thread and weave it into the beadwork, passing through the loop section at least once to add strength. Trim.

13. Pick up the working thread again. String about 3cm of size 11/o seed beads, 1 size 8/o seed bead, and a size 11/o.

14. Skipping the last bead picked up, stitch up through the 8/o seed bead and the rest of the strand. Stitch up through a few beads in the square stitch section, then down through the same number of beads in the next column. Check the tension on the fringe.

15. Continue adding strands of fringe, tapering as desired, until you have 7 strands.

16. Weave up into the center of the brick stitch section. Pick up a silhouette charm and 2 size 11/o seed beads. Skipping the 2nd bead added, pass back through the 1st seed bead and the charm, and needle through to the back of the beadwork. Pull snug.

17. Working from the back of the beadwork, stitch through the nearest seed bead. Weave around to retrace the thread path through the charm, then secure any remaining thread and trim.

18. Attach a jump ring and ear wire to the loop. Repeat to make a second matching earring.

Happy beading!

Mortira

I would like to thank Blueberry Cove Beads for giving me the chance to try out the Nautical Bead Box. Inspiration Beading has not received compensation for including products in this post.

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Copyright 2016 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

Inspired Beader: Little Sweet Candy Shop

When choosing from the millions of combinations of materials, we don’t often think of the many interesting ways in which jewelry can be used. Not just for looking pretty, jewelry can be so much more. Today’s guest is crochet artist Olesya of Little Sweet Candy Shop, who combines fiber and beads to make lovely necklaces and accessories for moms - and everyone else!

Inspirational Beading: When did you first get started with crochet?

Olesya: For me, crochet has always been a hobby, I learned this as a child from my mom, she was mistress of all trades.

Inspirational Beading: Have you always been interested in jewelry design? How did you get started?

Olesya: Seriously started doing it 6 years ago when a friend offered me a job as a designer and creator of children's toys and beads for moms. This work completely intrigued me, all the time I spent creating new designs, products. Then come up with a whole series of jewelry for women and girls.

My best friend Tanya helped me to create a site with which I have accomplished warriors first sale not only in Ukraine, but also in America, Germany, Denmark. Now my card sales is very extensive, I have made many friends around the world and I'm happy. Half a year ago I discovered Etsy. My shop is rather new, but there are already a lot of fans, friends and associates.

Inspirational Beading: Do you remember your first piece? Where is it today?

Olesya: Like everyone else, probably my first items I gave generously to friends and family. This is my first fans and support group. The first were crocheted earrings - grapefruits. Many years have passed and they are still stored at my sister.

Inspirational Beading: Where do you look for your favorite inspiration?

Olesya: Inspiration for me has always been music (classical, rock, Celtic, ethnic, pop), nature, the work of talented artists - regardless of the type of art. . And the last 4 years the inspiration - this is my family and my daughter.

Inspirational Beading: What’s the most interesting or unique thing about your design process?

Olesya: I like the whole process of all its components from the beginning to the end. But most interesting to me is sketching, selection of materials, tools (this can be engaged around the clock). Wherever I went - always with me a notebook for sketches because ideas can visit me anytime and anywhere.

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

Olesya: Basically I create jewelry accessories, toys for kids that creativity I choose bright different colors, I try to embrace the whole palette, be varied. Children need to be surrounded by happiness, light and love. For the women's collection I choose pastel colors and contrast - turquoise, yellow, green, gray. It depends on my mood, sometimes the wishes of customers.

Inspirational Beading: What are some of your favorite tools or materials?

Olesya: By virtue of my hobbies, I like a lot of things. This wood, especially juniper (it is so fragrant), natural fabrics, yarn (soft cotton comfort for the body), as well as natural stones, which are also used for jewelry.

Inspirational Beading: What is the most exciting design in your shop right now?

Olesya: I think that is a collection of "funny fruit" - they are all crocheted soft toys with funny faces, which are very popular with children and adults. This collection I thought of 5 years ago.

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

Olesya: In general, I am very happy if I can inspire someone to do creative work. I want to add a little beauty to the world, to create small toys and jewelry that will delight people, toys that help kids develop, surround them with care, will be safe and useful for them.

You can see more unique jewelry and crochet designs at Little Sweet Candy Shop on Etsy. For the latest designs and inspirations, follow along on Facebook, or on Olesya’s blog.

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading and Little Sweet Candy Shop
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Bead Color Ideas: Coconut Trios

Often beads that look irresistible on the strand can be a bit vexing once they’re in the studio. One way to find the right way to use them is to play with color combinations until inspiration strikes. For this month’s color trios, I decided to search for ideas that would help me put some gorgeous coconut daggers to good use.

The organic appeal of natural beads always keeps me coming back for more, and when I spotted some lovely coconut wood chips at Happy Mango Beads, I just had to have them. Because they’re center-drilled, the perfect method for using them isn’t immediately apparent - apart from some lovely fringe, of course.

I started my color experiment with some earthy colors to compliment the natural beige of the coconut shell. Opaque lime green 8/os add a dash of freshness that could represent spiny cacti or rustling Grass Skirts. The organic swirls and warm tones of brown mix druks perfectly compliment the daggers.

Continuing with a tropical theme, I returned to one of my favorite palettes for cheerful beadwork: Pina Colada. Opaque dark yellow and light blue make a great pair, and the addition of the coconut beads gives them a more authentic look. I can see this trio making a wonderful embellished spiral rope.

The final palette creates a bold background for these unusual beads. Black Forest Flake started with some cherry red white-hearts, which looked fabulous with the coconut at first. The trouble was finding a third color that didn’t clash with either. Playing it safe, I went with shiny jet black, but some green white-hearts would make a great festive palette.

What’s your favorite natural bead? How do you like to use them?

Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading
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October Bead Stash Favorites

Although the biggest crafting season is now upon us, I find that inspiration for fall and holiday designs have yet to cross my workspace. I’m skipping way ahead and looking forward to next year’s beading challenge, and just making lots of old favorites with new colors and textures. This month my favorite beads are all about shape and color.

One of my favorite things about making netted collars is adding just the right accents to the outer edge for a fun trim, and the beads I look back on most fondly for this job are wood heishi. I recently treated myself to several strands in jet black and turquoise from Happy Mango Beads. They’re perfect for Egyptian collars, and they‘ve really been calling to me of late.

While shopping around for accents that I needed for a custom piece, I came across a great little shop with lots of lovely Czech glass called The Dutch Tulip. I couldn’t resist grabbing several strands of these gorgeous multicolored lustered 3/o seed beads. They’re not that much bigger than Japanese 6/o’s, and I hope to find lots of fun ways to use them - the colors are so cheerful.

I’m not sure how just yet, but I’m determined to incorporate a few of these Czech glass tubes into some Egyptian designs. The blue hues and bold shape are just what I’ve been looking for. I picked these up on sale at Fire Mountain Gems - one of my new favorite bead sites for general beading supplies.

What kinds of beads are you working with right now?

Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading
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August Bead Stash Favorites

Summer is just about at an end, and it’s time to look ahead to fall projects and even holiday designs. With only a few months left in the year, it’s also a good time to check up on goals and to-do lists. This think-ahead mindset is apparent in my favorite beads this month.

First up are these gorgeous red Rulla seed beads from Fusion Beads. I’ve been looking forward to trying new things, and perhaps coming up with some new project tutorials for Inspirational Beading, and these two-hole beads are the perfect thing to get ideas rolling. I love the rounded shape, which seems much more ‘beady’ than Tilas. I wasn't sure what I wanted to make when I decided to try them out, so I went with a color that I could easily work into my designs. I think they're calling out for some cobalt white hearts!

These simple wooden macramé beads don’t exactly make me swoon with magpie delight, but I’m still really excited about them. I’ve got all kinds of new designs planned for fall that include bead covered beads, and perhaps even some hand painted goodies. I've already got a few pieces underway, including the trio of beaded beads that were glimpsed on a recent bead tray update. The technique is such a fun quick-fix that I've grown quite attached to it.

Finally, we have some amazing, stunning, delicious Czech daggers from Aunties Beads. I love the intense blue color, and they feel amazing on the strand. I hope these will come in handy either during this year’s Egyptian Gods challenge, or in the 2014 challenge, which is just around the corner. I still have to cut into some of my other drops and daggers, yes, but you can never have too many options for accent beads.

What beads are you focused on this month?

Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading
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Tropical Daisy Pendant

Sometimes the simplest things are best when you’re looking for something new to make. Simple palettes, simple stitches, and simple shapes. I’ve been in the mood to make a new multi-strand necklace in the same style as the chameleon pendant, with overlapped bead strands and beaded anchors. It wasn’t until I thought of making the multi-strand section with daisy chain that a real idea started to form.

I’ve also been looking for an opportunity to use up some nearly finished bead colors, and I thought a combination of blue and orange would also make the perfect base for some new natural beads I had. I combined my seed bead selections with a large and uncomplicated sono wood pendant, and lovely, rich brown Rudraksha seed prayer beads from Happy Mango Beads.

Although there are several different components that make up this necklace, they all stitched together quickly for a great instant gratification kind of piece. I’m especially thrilled with how well the Rudraksha beads look against the matte aqua druks - the contrast of colors and textures is gorgeous, and balanced by the round shapes.

It was definitely fun to go back to classic daisy chain, and I wouldn’t hesitate to use it as part of a larger design again. This is one of those pieces that turned out exactly the way I pictured it - a little boho with a hint of cottage. It's the kind of necklace you wear when you're reading Jane Austen outdoors.

Do you have a favorite quick project or stitch?

Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading
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Wish List: Natural Beads

Since finally making use of some coconut daggers, and using up the last of my coconut heishi on Khepri’s necklace, I find I’m craving organic and lightweight accent beads more and more. They have such wonderful textures that simply aren’t found in other beads, even those with a natural looking finish, like Czech glass Picasso. The earthiness is irresistible.

Today I went on a fantasy shopping trip, looking for unique and inspiring beads made from nuts, seeds, shell, wood, and bone. Here are my favorites:

Tagua Nut Sticks from Wanan Beads





Lime Wood Rings from Happy Mango Beads





Carved Bone Beads from World's Edge Beads





Pink Coconut Rondelles from yukidesigns





Red Tagua Claws from EcoBeads Tagua





Aquamarine Keshi Pearls from Artbeads.com





Sandstone Buri Nuts from Happy Mango Beads





Betel Nut Bicones from Beadaholique

What’s your favorite natural bead?

Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Nut and Geb Necklace

For my most recent destash project, I wanted to combine several elements from pieces that I’ve enjoyed in the past. The more recent piece of inspiration was a chunky asymmetrical necklace with beaded macramé beads. I had a lot of fun making the beads and putting them all together, and the results were very satisfying.

I also wanted to use up some more of my silver-lined crystal seed beads, since I decided not to complete my quadruple St. Petersburg chain necklace. I started thinking about possible color palettes to use them in, and thought it would be fun to use them like stars, similar to my space lariat from long ago.

These ideas kept rolling forward, picking up other seed bead colors that have been needing a home, until I finally came up with plan to capture the essence of Nut and Geb - the Egyptian deities of earth and sky. In addition to most of the macramé beads left in the destash tray, I also grabbed some blue lined 4/o beads, and a few patterned wood beads to help blend all of the colors together.

This time around, I used two sizes of macramé beads, and a symmetrical pattern with earth in the front, and sky over top. Although I still like the look of the bare wood beneath the seed beads, I almost wish that it was a little darker for the sky beads.

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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