The Great Jewelry Purge

As artists, sometimes we can be our own worst critics - everything from doubt to perfectionism can get in the way of the pieces we want to design or share. On the other hand, sometimes we are a little too forgiving of our mistakes and mishaps, or a little too eager to share designs that might only be fridge-worthy. At least, I know I am.

I once read a help article for Etsy sellers that said something like “Get rid of your amateur items - you know which ones I mean…”. I knew alright, and I got rid of those not-so-great pieces right away. I thought I was done, but later learned that cultivating one’s work is an ongoing job.

This weekend, I did something that was long overdue. Encouraged by the refreshing and liberating experiences I’ve had during the destash beading challenge, I decided it was time to go through my jewelry inventory and weed out the duds. There were a lot more than I thought there would be! I pulled out all of the pieces that didn’t quite fit my current standards and style, and a few things that made me say “What was I thinking?”.

I’ve never been much for frogging - that is, dismantling - jewelry or even unfinished designs, so I have a whole pile of jewelry to deal with now. The good news is that I get to wear some of my favorite pieces, like my Raspberries and Cream lariat.

How do you feel about frogging, purging, and deactivating your jewelry designs?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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Raven Fringe Collar

I’ve been focusing a lot on destashing accents and seed beads recently, rather than some of the tougher to use focals and single beads that are still remaining. Last week, I decided it was time to tackle the last of my black vitrail Czech daggers. I absolutely adore these beads, but they’re not the kind of accents you add to just any project. Both the shape and the finish are a little on the intense side, so they’ve been waiting around for just the right design.

When using up beads like these, the trick is not to fit them into a piece, but to design around them. I started by choosing the seed beads that would back them up, and went with a single, equally bold color. The hank of deep blue 12/o Czech seeds that I purchased recently seemed just right. The color is similar to Montana sapphire, and makes the perfect complement to mysterious black vitrail.

To make sure that every dagger got used, I added them to the edge of a chevron collar. I wasn’t quite sure how the change in seed bead size would affect the shape of the beadwork, so I didn’t attempt any fancy patterns. After a few base rows, I added a dagger to every outside loop until they were gone. As I suspected, the 12/o seeds created a slightly different drape, so I finished the necklace off with right angle weave extenders.

Do you like to use dagger beads in your work? What’s your favorite stitch to pair them with?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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Tutorials: How to Make Pin Cushions

Of all the tools and materials shared by both bead rooms and sewing rooms, none are more charming than the humble pincushion. Though they’re small (usually), and serve only one purpose - to keep our needles and pins safe and secure - even the tiniest of pincushions can transform a workspace. There are so many different styles and designs, from the classic tomato to stuffed chickens, that a pincushion can be just as important to our inspiration and beading zen as the beads themselves.

Although I love my Don’t Poke Me pincushion by Gloomstopper, I do love to see what other fun designs are out there. One of my favorite pincushion artists is Jen Segrest, who makes everything from lifelike flowers to spooky eyeballs for you to stick your pins in. Just like posting your favorite clippings on the wall, or having a pot of flowers nearby, I think having a pincushion that you love can really make a difference when you sit down at your workspace.

Here are a few fantastic tutorials for making and customizing your own perfect pincushions!

Pin Cushion Jars Tutorial by Make It and Love It

I love this project - you can fill the jars with absolutely anything.
It would look fabulous filled
with broom beads or vintage buttons.






Floral Donut Pincushion Tutorial by Truly Myrtle

This one is very decorative,
and would be perfect for a permanent setting,
like a work bench or desk.






Mini Decorative Pincushion Tutorial by Jen Segrest on CraftStylish

Everything is better in miniature form!
These teeny tiny pincushions start with a repurposed soda bottle cap,
and then the sky’s the limit.






Ring Pincushion Tutorial by My Little Nook

Pretty and practical, this project
combines jewelry and tools for
one handy pincushion.






Turtle Combo Pincushion by Craft Passion

This project includes both a tiny turtle pincushion,
and a turtle sewing caddy for scissors and such.






Cathedral Window Pincushion Tutorial by Moda Bakeshop

This project is a little more sewing-heavy,
but the results are beautiful.






Felt Cupcake Pincushion Tutorial by The Starter Home

This project is so clever - the sewing pins
become part of the decoration in these tasty pincushions.
A few 8/o beads on stick pins could do the same!






Sweetheart Pin Cushion Tutorial by Happy Together

This project uses scrap fabrics and a simple pattern,
so you can make one that suits you and your workspace perfectly.

What kind of pincushion do you like to use?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Book Spotlight: 1000 Jewelry Inspirations

Sometimes the best resources aren’t those that teach you things, but those that show you what’s out there. After all, nothing is more inspiring than plenty of eye candy all in one place. When stuck for color ideas, some beaders like to open a page of The Beader’s Color Palette at random and try a new combination. But what about when you’re stuck for ideas on materials and techniques?

1,000 Jewelry Inspirationsis not like your average beading book. After a quick introduction by editor Sandra Salamony, this book is stuffed full of page after page of jewelry photos. Apart from each picture’s index code and photo credits, there is no text whatsoever. Just oodles of gorgeous jewelry designs by hundreds of artists.

The photographs are organized into five chapters: beads and baubles; paper and mixed media; polymer and precious metal clay; vintage and repurposed; fibers and fabric; wire and metal. Each chapter and its pages are color coded for easy reference. To coordinate with the handy artist index at the back of the book, the table of contents also lists the photo numbers so you can easily find pieces by your favorite designers.

Each pair of pages features jewelry grouped by theme, material, or style, which can help you to compare ideas and inspirations, and come up with your own unique variations. There are plenty of necklaces and bracelets, as well as rings, earrings, and brooches. The polymer clay chapter is particularly stunning, and features designs created with handmade beads of amazing shapes, colors, and patterns.

After perusing these 1000 Jewelry Inspirations, it’s hard to resist sitting down to create a new piece of jewelry. For beginners, the book finishes with an appendix of basic beading techniques like wrapped loops and jump rings, and a resource guide with plenty of bead shop listings to help you find some of the materials seen in the book.

If you happen to pick up a copy of 1000 Jewelry Inspirations, I highly recommend sitting down with a pen and stack of sticky notes the first time you look through it. You’ll want to bookmark your favorite designs, and make notes about how you can adapt the ideas to your own unique taste and style. This book is an excellent tool for anyone with beader’s block!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
Sandra Salamony and Quarry Books
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Collections: Totally Turquoise

Isn't it interesting how the same beads can be used to create different looks and even moods? The colors, textures, and patterns of natural beads are ideal for recreating our favorite themes. Turquoise, for example, with its pretty blue hue, is perfect for anything from Western themes to cool tropical designs.

Before we take a look at some summery turquoise blues, I want to congratulate Deb from Beetique, who's comment was drawn at random for the turquoise and horn bead giveaway. Thank you so much to everyone who joined in!

As always, it was great to get everyone's feedback, this time on the best natural beads. Deb's choice is turquoise - a definite favorite for many beaders. Whether natural or imitated, cool turquoise blues and greens are easy to contrast and complement, and always add a sophisticated splash of color.

Happy beading!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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