A Bracelet a Week: Winter Mint

I had so much fun weaving last week’s striped herringbone cuff, that I decided to keep going and make another with a new palette. I wanted to do something that was a little more Egyptian-looking, so I started my palette with navy blue, turquoise and white. It needed a little something extra, so I tossed in avocado green for a dash of personality.

Unlike the first bracelet, this palette didn’t have a smooth graduation, so I switched up the pattern and did double columns in staggered rows. Instead of a toggle clasp, this time I used a cobalt AB druk to make a button, which goes really well with the navy blue seed beads.

Though this cuff is a little bit wider than the first, I didn’t expect it to take much longer than the autumn colored version. The beadwork seemed to drag on for awhile, and I suppose I was more excited about the idea of another herringbone project than the actual making of it. Next week’s bracelet might have to be something light!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Rum, Cream and Spice

Treats that only come around once a year are incredibly special, nostalgic, and often irresistible. Most stores are now fully stocked with the first supplies of holiday fare like egg nog - that rich and sweet drink that goes with everything from morning coffee to turkey dinner.

Today's Collection by zoomgraphik offers a preview of holiday treats, with lots of golden, creamy colors.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Bead Spotlight: Trade Beads

The term trade beads can refer to a wide variety of unique, interesting and totally delightful baubles. Some are handmade, some are manufactured. Some are new and some are very, very old. There are glass trade beads, and natural ones. The defining characteristic of them all is their rich cultural origins, and their ability to create the look of fantastic tribal jewelry.

1. African Trade Beads, 2. Recycled Glass Trade Beads, 3. Yellow Glass Krobo Beads, 4. Cirrus Green Kazuri Bead

5. Watermelon Chevron Beads, 6. African Style Lampwork Glass, 7. Round Kiffa Beads, 8. Sand Cast Trade Beads

While trade beads are technically those that have been used as currency - traded and bartered for everything from food to people - new handmade beads from Africa are also traveling under the umbrella of trade beads, and are just as alluring as their vintage and antique counterparts. Many are made from recycled glass or vinyl, and allow artisans in underdeveloped communities to earn a living to support their families.

1. Trade Bead and Turquoise Necklace, 2. Red and Blue Ceramic Pendant, 3. I Think I'm in Love Bracelet, 4. African Peace Sign Pendant

5. Orange Coral Necklace, 6. African Kazuri Lariat, 7. Trade Bead Earrings, 8. Tribal Blue Krobo Earrings

The look of trade beads is often imitated in new, mass produced beads, in a variety of materials from lucite and acrylic to glass and bone. Some are created with traditional colors and patterns, while others have their own tribal vibe or earthy colors.

Do you have a favorite bead style for tribal jewelry designs?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Turquoise Blue Persuasion

Although aqua blue and blue-green are usually associated with aquatic, ocean inspirations, genuine turquoise has a distinctly earthy quality that pairs up well with warm colors like red, orange and brown. This color also shows it's versatility when paired with delicate shades like white and silver, or bold colors like lime green and yellow.

Today's collection offers a hint of some of these beautiful turquoise palettes, and a look at the variety of hues in the turquoise family.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Book Spotlight: Stitching Beaded Jewelry

Every beginner has to start somewhere, and if you want to get into beading, a no-nonsense guide is a great resource. Although many of us have picked up some of our favorite skills by learning from the more elaborate and complex projects in our favorite books and magazines, if you’ve never before put thread to beads, those can be a little vexing.

Learning how to master a basic bead weaving stitch by making a simple project is a logical and fun way to jump into beadwork. With Lesley Weiss’ book, new beaders can do just that. She covers most of the popular and essential techniques, each with it’s own easy project to complete.

The instructions are easy to follow, with lots of big, color photographs to guide beaders through the process of making necklace, bracelets and other fun designs. You can start with the basics, like ladder stitch rings and daisy chains. If you’re ready to move on to the heavy stuff, there are herringbone cuffs, and even rivoli bezels. There’s even a rare appearance by the flat spiral technique, which is always gorgeous, but often overlooked.

Over 15 pages of basics, tips and a look at materials, plus a handy glossary of beading terms, makes Stitching Beaded Jewelryone of the best all-in-one books for getting started with beadwork jewelry making. My favorite design is the Graduated Collar, which uses different sizes of beautiful pearls to give right angle weave a delightful curve. It’s a great example of how anyone can make a stunning piece of beadwork jewelry, using only the simplest of materials and techniques.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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