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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Copyright 2016 Inspirational Beading

December Bead Stash Favorites

December is always a very hectic month, and I can usually tell when things are getting to that tipping point when I start to prefer easy and familiar things. I usually re-read favorite books, as they’re a much better escape than something new. In my workspace, I crave familiar materials and techniques. This month, I’m looking at some old favorites and a few standbys.

Lately I’ve really been in the mood for bezels, and I’ve been thinking of my stash of glass nuggets a lot. It’s been many years since I’ve used these in a project, and I haven’t even considered them for some time. I can’t say why, but I’m really looking forward to coming up with a project for using some of these little baubles – perhaps for a geek inspiration piece.

Drops and daggers are always a staple in my bead stash, and right now I’ve got my eye on some chunky cobalt blue briolette shapes that I have yet to cut into. They’re a little bit too big for most of the projects that I like, so I haven’t been able to come up with an appropriate design for them just yet. I’m thinking that they might be perfect for my next fringe experiment.

Also from my stash of drops, these SuperUnos have been calling to me lately. I’ve been working on a few different design ideas featuring two-hole beads, but these single-holed variations are always so appealing. I love the pinched shape of the SuperUnos, and the Picasso finish on both of these colors is very inspiring. I’m hoping to use them for an extra bit of texture in some upcoming projects.

What kinds of materials are you favoring right now?

Mortira

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Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading

Book Spotlight: Dimensional Bead Embroidery

Cabochons, fringe, and oodles of lovely seed beads - is there anything more exciting than a perfectly stitched piece of bead embroidery? Experienced designers create and construct designs that are as stunning as they are intimidating to beginners, but the good news is the techniques are deceptively simple - no matter what the size of the project may be.

In Dimensional Bead Embroidery,Jamie Cloud Eakin lays out all of the basics for bead embroidery, guiding readers through the process with ease. Unlike many beading instruction books, this reference guide focuses mainly on the techniques and how to execute them, rather than on how-to’s for finished designs. Although there are 9 projects complete with instructions, it’s the chapters on materials, stitches, and design methods that make this book an invaluable tool for beaders.

Jamie begins with an overview of all the beads, materials, and tools needed to create the pieces shown in the book, as well as new experiments in bead embroidery. Then it’s on to the teaching chapters. Starting with the simplest steps - such as knotting and adding thread, and selecting a backing and design - every aspect of the craft is explored in detail with helpful diagrams and gorgeous example photos. An abundance of stitches, bezels, and fringes are explored, providing readers with a wonderful palette of techniques to add to their designs.

Dimensional Bead Embroiderycloses with a stunning gallery of jewelry by some of bead embroidery’s best designers. My personal favorite is the whimsical Under the Sea bib necklace by Diane Mahan. If you long to try the amazing free style techniques of bead embroidery, or want to add new stitches to your repertoire, this book is a must read!

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
Jamie Cloud Eakin and Lark Crafts
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Inspired Beader: Natural Pretty Things

One of the best things about being a beader today is the variety of mediums available on nearly any budget. We don’t have to stick with just one set of materials or techniques if our creative hearts want to wander. Some of the jewelry design styles being used by artists right now are inspiring, beautiful, and totally irresistible.

Resin is one popular material that never fails to impress, and it is put to amazing use in the designs at Natural Pretty Things where today’s guest, June, captures some of nature’s prettiest treasures in timeless handmade pendants and cabochons.

Inspirational Beading: How did you first get into jewelry design?

June: It was pure coincidence. About two years ago my husband and I took our daughter to a National Trust garden. I saw these jewellery I’d never seen before. They have REAL flowers inside a glass-like medium. It was like the absolute freshness from the nature being preserved in the purest form and I was instantly hooked. I have an obsessive nature so I started researching that night. It turned out to be something handmade!! So I decided I must try my hands on it. I made my first piece of jewellery soon after that.

Inspirational Beading: Do you remember your first design?

June: I made a few things with my first batch of resin, unfortunately I lacked the precision to mix the two parts correctly. They turned out to be rubbery and I couldn’t get them out of the mould. That was my unforgettable first.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite thing about working with resin?

June: I like transparent medium of all sorts. Ice, glass, water, air or thin mist. I like leaves trapped on spider webs and look like they just float there from afar. The purity of transparent medium and the way it captures and reflects the light and the shadow fascinates me endlessly. You can put almost anything in resin and observe it in great details. You can shape your piece however you want. And the best thing is, it doesn’t break easily like glass. It’s almost perfect for capturing beauty.

Inspirational Beading: Tell us about your design process. How does a new piece begin?

June: I have no set rules. I am very disorganized and I like being random. A new piece could begin with a pencil sketch, or an inspiring photo, or nothing. Sometimes I go into the woods and find a nice feather or a flower stalk, I bring them back and put them in whichever mould that fits. Then I start to think about colours etc. It’s better for me this way.

Inspirational Beading: What was the inspiration behind your favorite design?

June: My favourite design is my mermaid necklace, featuring tiny starfish, seashell and pearls. It was born after a trip to the seaside. My daughter picked lots of shells from the beach and I thought: ‘Maybe I should make a piece of jewellery with them for her, and hopefully she will appreciate how mummy has kept the memory of that trip when she grows up.’ I decided to colour it in turquoise because that’s the colour of the ocean. I was so in love with the result that I decided to include it in my shop.

Inspirational Beading: Is there a material or subject that you would love to use, but haven’t tried yet?

June: Yes I would like to try silversmithing and clay. I would love to make my own silver findings to compliment my resin pieces. I also would love to make rustic things out of clay. But I’m afraid I don’t have time for them yet.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite color to work with?
June: Turquoise. There are so many names you can call this colour: aqua, mint, minty green etc. Although they represent different shades of it, they are all the colour of ocean water. I feel calm just looking at it.

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

June: I never thought to inspire any one. I think my work is creating little keepsakes from nature for people who love nature. I love getting custom orders and having people to send me little things which means a lot to them to cast in resin. When I make them I know they are going to be worn very close to someone’s heart, and that makes me very proud of my work.

You can see more beautiful resin jewelry in June's Etsy shop, or see that latest designs on Facebook and Twitter. Check out some of June's other inspirations on Pinterest and Wanelo.

Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading and Natural Pretty Things
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May Bead Stash Favorites

Most beaders have a go-to bead – a material that they can’t live without, and which usually defines their work. While these may be considered a "favorite", the beads that tickle our creative sides most can change with every new addition to the bead stash. The favorite du jour is a bead that makes us eager to sit down at the workbench, yearn to try new techniques, or sometimes we just want to horde them forever.

I want to share with you my top three favorite beads of the month. Every time I go into the cupboard to grab my bead tray, I think of them and look forward to finding just the right project to use them in.

Although I would say that 11/o seed beads are my standard fare, I still find that some new beads are always in my thoughts - at least until the next thing comes along. The rich colors and pretty finishes of seed beads are even more inspiring than the stitch possibilities. Right now my favorite seed beads are opaque olive green Czechs from Shipwreck Beads. Never mind that they’re on a hank, which makes all beads seem tastier; this color is both earthy and vibrant, and I can’t wait to see how it plays with other colors.

If I didn’t have to save most of my bead budget to support my seed bead habit, I would probably spend an awful lot on unique glass accents. I picked up these amazing little vintage Egyptian cabochons on Artfire as a treat. Although the cobalt blue and cherry red are perfect for my favorite palettes, it was the bright green patina that really sealed the deal. Being so tiny at just 16mm, these cabs are ideal for bead embroidered pendants - I can add a lot more rounds of seed beads without the piece getting outrageously large.

Last but certainly not least, I’ve been hording two strands of striped glass trade beads from Happy Mango Beads for a couple of weeks. They are just so beady, I don’t even know where to begin. There’s always something irresistible about a striped seed bead, but the charming irregularity of these (along with the color and history) makes them almost too precious. I’ve been dying to make a new chevron collar with stripy bead accents – I’m just waiting for the magpie feeling to wear off so that I can bear to part with a few of these beads.

What kinds of beads have been calling to you lately?

Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading
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Bead Spotlight: Crystal Components

Swarovski crystals are renowned for their unmatched sparkle, quality design, and amazing colors. They are a definite favorite among beaders, crafters, and even fashion designers. But when it comes to CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski components - the un-beads like rivolis and dentelles - there is an entirely different appeal.

What is it about these hole-less beads that we love so much? My theory is that they are grown up versions of those big, gaudy plastic jewels that little girls wear when playing dress up. They have the sophistication of Liz Taylor’s emeralds, and the playfulness of costume jewelry. And even though they aren’t quite as versatile as bicones or rondelles, there are many fun and beautiful ways to use them - from metallic settings and bails, to beadweaving and even crochet.

1. Montanta Sapphire Fancy Pear from SoniaZ Bijoux

2. Bermuda Blue Cosmic Square Ring from Artbeads.com

3. Crystal Antique Pink Organic Cosmic Triangle from Beadaholique.com

4. Tanzanite Crystal Baguette Stone from Fusionbeads.com

Whether it’s a big fancy oval in a bezel, or a cosmic triangle on a chain, the chunky sparkle of these fancy crystals give the impression of precious jewels, with an added flair. They have a fantastic quality to them - like dragon’s treasure or mermaid’s baubles.

Here are a few simple projects you can try using Swarovski fancy stones:

Swarovski Modular Necklace with Ribbon
How to Use DeCoRe Clay with Fancy Stones
I've Got Sunshine Necklace
Peyote Stitch Bezel Tutorial

Do you like to use crystal components in your work? What’s your favorite shape?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Bead Spotlight: Resin

Although I try to avoid synthetic, or petroleum based, beading and jewelry materials, I can certainly appreciate the beauty of some of the best plastic, acrylic and resin creations. Vintage Lucite and Bakelite are hugely collectible and can be expensive. Luckily, resin provides the same look at a fraction of the price, and thanks to mix and pour products, beaders can even create their own unique beads using resin. Highly affordable resin beads in every color and shape are everywhere, and handmade resin bead imports are an inexpensive way to add color and history to a design. You’re probably already familiar with the chrysanthemum cabochon, which became an instant favorite for designers and bead shops.

1. Dark Teal and Purple Resin Coins, 2. Colorful Triangle Resin Beads, 3. Resin Filled Shell Beads, 4. Resin Rose Flatback Cabochons

5. Resin Christmas Light Charm, 6. Chrysanthemum Flower Cabochons, 7. Indonesian Matte Purple Resin Beads, 8. Transparent Flower Cabochons

I have to admit I’m often a little jealous of mixed media designers that get to use stunning resin beads and their own encased collages. These designs offer just a few examples of the beauty and versatility of resin.

1. Vintage Resin Slice Earrings, 2. Resin Evil Eye Bracelet, 3. Orange Operculum Shell Necklace, 4. Coral Rose Mixed Media Cuff

5. Teal Green Resin Flower Ring, 6. Honey Bee Resin Pendant, 7. Floral Coral Pendant, 8. Zombie Princess Necklace

Here are a few fun projects to try using resin beads:

Faux Turquoise Necklace
Resin Macramé Necklace
Unchained Melody Necklace

And for the DIY designers, some excellent tutorials on making and embellishing resin beads:

How to Stamp Resin Beads
Layered Resin Pendant Tutorial
Unlock My Heart Pendant

Do you like to use resin in your work? What’s your favorite style?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Bead Wishlist: Swarovski Rhinestones

The word rhinestone technically refers to rock crystals from the river Rhine, though over the years it has become the term for imitation gemstones made from glass, paste or crystal, particularly those with metallic foil backings or metal settings.

Most beaders are familiar with the family of crystal rhinestones by CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements, which come in an amazing variety of shapes and colors. Made from lead crystal and usually backed with foil, Swarovski flatbacks and pointed back rhinestones or rivolis make beautiful additions to beadwork, embroidery and mixed media projects.

Crystal Sahara Cosmic Flatback
from Artbeads.com



Vintage Emerald Swarovski Rhinestones in Brass
from MKSupplies



Light Colorado Topaz Round Flatback
from Auntie's Beads



Aquamarine Classic Baguette
from FusionBeads



Vintage Rose Pointedback Baguettes
from Driving Miss Moppet



Orchid 18mm Rivoli
from Whimbeads



Sterling Silver Plate Flowers
from Too Cute Beads



Vintage Blue Zircon Fancy Stones
from Beading in the Rain



Crystal AB Flatback Rivoli Triangle
from Beadaholique



Vintage Rose Round Rhinstones in Brass
from Katofmanycolors

Which rhinestone shape is your favorite?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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New Beads Mash Up

My 2011 resolution to try out new and unique beads every month took a bit of a detour in June. Because Canada’s postal service was delayed and cut off for most of the month, I wasn’t able to purchase any exciting beads in time to make designs for this post. Instead, I thought I would show you some of the other new beads that I’ve been working with.

My favorite new stash addition is a set of gorgeous vintage glass scarab cabochons from Emmy’s Earrings, which I purchased back in May. These tiny little beetles were made in Germany, and have a gorgeous translucent finish in dark and pale minty green. I’ve used one of each so far for Egyptian rings, including a huge ivory and blue cocktail ring, and a smaller one for myself. I’m hoping to incorporate some into a Bracelet a Week design eventually.

Before the postal lock-out, I was able to purchase some basic supplies like thread and seed beads, and I also picked up a whole bunch of bright gold Swarovski pearls, and a tiny LillyPilly Egyptian eye pendant. The shell charm is still waiting to be paired up with some tagua, but I finally managed to create the necklace that the pearls were meant for.

Earlier this year, while sketching out new collar designs, I saw a glimpse of an all black, freeform collar with gold accents. At some point, I decided to add chevron chain to the mix, and came up with this combination collar and bib. The gold pearls look exactly right against the black seed beads.

Since I couldn’t buy any new beads in June, I did a little experimenting with beaded beads. Using the simple seed bead-covered bead technique, I created a trio of beaded beads in exotic colors, and paired them with one of my favorite tribal palettes - black, red and green.

These beads are so much fun to make, and open up lots of fun beading possibilities. You can learn how to make them with a simple beading around a bead tutorial from FusionBeads.com.

What new beading discoveries have you been making of late?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Bead Wish List: Cabochons

Last week we revisited the technique behind a simple peyote stitch bezel. Today, we’re going to browse through some of the wonderful non-drilled beads that you can pair it with.

Cabochons are typically dome shaped, but can come in all manner of shapes and sizes. The basic criteria is that it’s a bead-like object that has no holes for stringing. They’re great in embroidery and mixed media projects. Some cabs are ideal for glue-in designs, like rings and post earrings.

Sea Urchin Polymer Clay Cabochons
By BeadComber



Black Silver Pinwheel Glass Cabochon
From Artbeads.com



Yellow Acrylic Faceted Rectangle Cabochon
From Aunties Beads



Afghani Tribal Brass Amulet
From Happy Mango Beads



Rose on Stem Carnelian Resin Cameo
From Rings & Things



Vintage Glass Sapphire Jewel Cabochon
From A Grain of Sand



Vintage Rutilated Quartz Gold Cabochon
From Eureka Eureka



Vintage Style Pink Daisy Cabochon
From Bello Modo



Fused Glass Cabochon Assortment
From Spleodar



Vintage German Glass Alexandrite Oval Cabochon
From Beadaholique



Aqua Cobalt Silver Foil Rectangular Glass Cabochon
From Venetian Bead Shop



Fossil Coral Freeform Triangular Cabochon
From Lima Beads

Do you have a favorite cabochon to use in your work?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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A Necklace for Autumn

Have you ever walked through a department store at the beginning of a season, and noticed that the same color trends appear in many different sections? One summer, everything from patioware to handbags came in a selection of tangerine, chartreuse and cobalt.

It might seem strange that all these different companies and designers would somehow select the same color schemes at the exact same time, but there’s a secret behind it. Every year, experts in the realm of color come together and decide on the season’s top color choices for the Pantone color report.

The idea that everyone should sleep on, eat from and wear the same colors, then switch them up again in four months is really the opposite of what the handmade movement is all about. Still, when Artbeads.com sent out a challenge to create a new design using Pantone’s 2010 fall palette, how could I resist?

The Inspiration:

This year’s fall color lineup includes some great classics like Living Coral, Lipstick Red, and Endive. Many of the color selections are wonderfully bright and vibrant, perfect for adding some personality to fall essentials in neutral colors.

Although it was tempting to mix up fun shades like Purple Orchid and Lagoon, I wanted to test myself and decided to combine all of the earthy tones and see if I could do them justice. With a palette of Endive, Golden Glow, Chocolate Truffle and Rose Dust in mind, I went hunting for some perfect fall beads.

The Beads:

The very first thing that caught my attention was a gorgeous Colorado topaz fancy oval by CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements. The color is fantastic, and full of warm, glowing sparkle. I picked up a big, bold 39x28mm version and moved on to the accents.

I was really exited to come across some limited edition Czech glass druks in fun finishes, and chose tortoise for Golden Glow and brown horn for Chocolate Truffle. The 11/o lustered dark beige beads look so much like coffee caramels that they had me craving candy for days. I topped it all off with some 15/o seed beads in frosted topaz and terracotta.

The Beadwork:

I was so smitten with the druk beads that I wanted to do something with lots of beady texture, but once I had all the pieces in front of me, the colors started to take on a personality of their own. In my mind’s eye, I kept seeing circles, so I started out with circular brick stitch, using the druks for a base. After stitching one round disk, I could see that something wasn’t quite right, so I switched to one of my favorite techniques - circular peyote.

Great Spirit Necklace

I made a few peyote rings using each shade of 15/o’s at the center, and added a matching peyote bezel to the fancy oval. Once I had all the components ready to assemble, decided to place the different colored rings and druks on opposite sides, rather than use a symmetrical pattern. The overall effect of the colors and shapes was very tribal - like ceremonial leather.

I still felt that the design needed something else. Instead of stringing everything together using the caramel 11/o’s, I used black and white seed beads, adding an extra layer of tribal appeal, which also allowed the opposing colors to stand out more clearly. This necklace is definitely ready for fall.

What are your favorite colors from Pantone’s fall 2010 lineup?

Copyright 2010 Inspirational Beading,
Pantone Inc. and Elie Tahari

I would like to thank Artbeads.com for providing the beads and crystals used in this piece. Inspirational Beading has not received paid compensation for including Artbeads.com products or reviews in this blog post. I have shared my honest opinions about the products used in this design.