'Montana Ice'

It was a commission from my Aunt, who saw the one that I made for my Mum. Mum loves hers but I forgot to take a photo of it (doh). It was the same as this one though, so I am finally posting a picture!

St. Petersburg Stitch

The latest issue of Bead & Button magazine has this great stitch in it, which I think is amazingly effective for how simple it is.

First I tried the single row, to keep things easy. After several changes of beads, I came up with this bracelet, which is very simple but also classy I think. I made the toggle and loop closure in the same colour beads, but smaller, so as not to draw attention away from the main part of the bracelet.

Then, I decided to try the double stitch version. It is still mid-production, but the general idea can be seen. You work a chain in single stich and then go back to the beginning and add the second half. I have made this version in 11° seed beads, but would make another in larger beads as this is taking ages!

Tea-Light Holder

I saw a tea-light holder in The Beader's Bible, by Dorothy Wood. I liked the look of it, but the instructions seemed a little difficult at first glance (mainly because of the way they were set out). I thought that it wouldn't be too difficult to try one for myself, and that at least it would be my own design that way. I got started, initially with a herringbone stitch pattern, but then discovered that I couldn't work out a way to make a flat bottom in it.

Next, I came up with this design (above), using tubular peyote which transforms into herringbone to form the ruffle on the top. I was fairly pleased with it, but realised that I had a split where I had started a new thread. I wasn't as happy with the colour mix as I could have been, so I cut it up to re-use the beads for something else.

I decided that peyote was the way to go for the body of the piece as it was easier to work a bottom from that stitch. I thought that a softer ruffle might be nicer, so I incorporated ogalala lace stitch into the top. I haven't worked the bottom in yet but you can see the general idea from this picture.

Pretty Bracelet

My friend had bought a kit from The Bead Merchant about a year ago and needed some help. So, she brought it round the other day and I sat and made it up at the same time as her, so I could see how to work it up. It is a very simple pattern and quite sweet, but a bit too 'pretty pretty' for my taste. My friend really liked the mix of beads that I used but they were just a 'grab something quick' selection and not what I would normally wear.

Brick Stitch 'Feather' Pendant

This pendant was inspired by some earrings in a book, but only loosely. The actual design and make-up was my own. I love the mix of turquoise and brown/bronze - it is so lovely. I am going to put this in my Folksy shop without a chain, so someone can decide for themself how to wear it. I could not decide on a ribbon, chain or thong, as all would look lovely in my opinion.

Week 3 - C & G Course

Again, not a good photo! I can't wait for the summer and some decent light. Anyway, this is 'brick stitch around a large bead' - rather effective if you ignore that it looks like something out of 'Alien'! The colours really work although that doesn't show in the photo. I am planning a necklace out of it - not sure how yet though...

Bracelet For Teacher

This is the bracelet I made for Max's Teacher for Christmas. I have wrapped it in the box it is resting on (also hand-made). It is made using tubular peyote stitch in size 9 beads. I absolutely love the colour scheme and hope she does too. I have been looking at her jewellery for weeks now and she does seem to like beaded things. I am just doing that 'what if she hates it' thing at the moment!

Finished Commission Pieces

If I say so myself, these do look lovely on. They work up quite quickly once you get into a rhythm but are a really nice stitch.

The Thursday Night Project (13 November) - Crafter..oo Forum

Nothing seemed to go right last night. I started several things and ended up cutting them up to salvage the beads! In the end, I decided to go with a simple tubular herringbone choker/double-wrap bracelet. It is still not finished but I am working hard on it. I went for golds and bronzes as I normally steer clear of gold beads and I wanted to do something different.

I need to start making loads more as I am doing a school Christmas fair on 5th December! Aaaarrrgh!

Friend's Christmas Present

A Herringbone/Ndebele Stitch Bracelet in her favourite colour.

C & G Coursework

I had my second class today. We did Ladder and Brick Stitch. I haven't got any photos yet because I am still doing all the beadwork, but watch this space. I was practising increasing and decreasing the rows and ended up with a sample that looked like a little fish, and this gave me an idea for the finished piece. It is going well so far and I am kind of shocked at having had an original idea!!! Next thing you know, I'll be publishing books - one design down, about 19 to go...

EDIT: 24/09/08

And here is the finished article! Not something I would necessarily wear every day, but I love it for my coursework. I think it shows a bit more imagination than the basic requirement...

This is Max's teacher's end of year present...

...but it looks a bit mean. It has already taken about 4 hours and I am not even one third of the way through yet! For information, it is going to be a book-mark!



EDIT - 21st July

And here is the finished article! I spent most of today making the rest of it and it took HOURS! I love the final look of it but will be taking a break before making another as it is a bit repetitive!



This is the box I made, using a tutorial from KWerner's blog (see the link on my favourites). It was really easy, but looks so effective. If she doesn't like the present, she can use the box for ear-rings!!!