Bead and Button Magazine Pattern

Beautiful pattern to do but I am not totally happy with my colour choices.

Groovy Earrings!

I saw these in Bead and Button and have been intending to make them for ages. I finally got around to it yesterday and finished them this morning. They were really easy to get to grips with, but they look complicated - I think that they are an amazing design. They are going in my Folksy shop (see link on right).

I lost another half a pound this week - which is REALLY strange. The only thing I can attribute it to is being unwell, because I did NOT deserve it.

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!

Hibiscus Flower

From a pattern by Kerrie Slade, printed in Bead & Button magazine recently. It was a really simple pattern to follow, although it did take a few hours to make. I am now making a tubular peyote choker to hang it from, in the same colour as the three larger beads on the stamens of the bloom.

Three Pretty Bracelets

These were done from a pattern in 'Bead and Button' magazine. They were so simple to make and really fun to do after all the time I have spent with 11° beads lately. I found the toggles on Ebay and love them - they don't suit small pieces though as they are quite large.

I loved the pattern so much that I made three! They are all going in my Folksy shop.

Talking of Folksy, I have been thinking lately about the way I need to concentrate on one style in the future. It dawned on me that I don't have a niche - I just do whatever takes my fancy. I am leaning towards just making bracelets in the future...advice from all you great bloggers out there would be much appreciated. I am going through a huge crisis of confidence.

Peyote Bead Necklace

Made with the same beads as the peyote bracelet a couple of months ago. In fact, it is for the lady who bought the bracelet. I have to make a pair of earrings too, which is testing my imagination at the moment. I have a few, half-formed ideas, which I will give more attention when I have finished the project I am about to blog...

Peyote Bead Bracelet

Cube Bracelet

This bracelet is based on previous ones I have made form the Bead and Button Books. However, I changed it slightly and am really pleased with the way it came out. I think that the colours are lovely together, with the black really benefitting from the petrol sheen.

Rings From Bead and Button

Not a great picture, but these rings are so easy to make and look really sweet on the hand.

Coin Purse

This is a coin purse that I designed myself. The inner bit, where the money goes, has velcro to stop it falling out but there is also a button flap for effect. Although it is obviously a prototype and not saleable (I need to work on my buttonholes for a start!) I am pleased with the way I managed to think about the process of making the article up. It is fully lined and the velcro stitching is inside the lining - so not on view at all. I will probably make a larger one for cosmetics, using a ribbon to tie the flap.

What I Got For Christmas

So, now I have all three! I have already made one of the bracelets in two colour schemes but, for some reason, my blogger won't load them at the moment. They are really pretty though and will be in my shop soon.

It is my birthday and I got...

... THIS!!! So many yummy patterns to try out - I can't wait!