Metal Beads, Super Duos and Rizos

The challenge was to use three of my favorite bead shapes in one design, Super Duos, Rizos, and Metal Seed Beads.

I've been using metal seed beads for some time and love them for their consistent shape and size.  They work so well with right angle weave and I've used them in several different bracelet styles.  Here's my Trinity Bracelet using size 11 metal seed beads.

The super duo beads have two holes and have an unusual shape.  Here's a bracelet I made using super duo's.  I called this one Cinnabar because of the unique picasso finish on the beads.

 

 

The third bead is called Rizo and it is pretty new on the market.  It is shaped like a tiny grain of rice and has one hole in one end of the bead.  Here is a pair of earrings combining super duos with rizos.  The rizo's are used at the tips of the bottom triangles.

 

 

The design using all three types of beads with their own unique shapes and sizes was an exciting challenge.  My Luxury Squared bracelet is the result of the challenge.  Of course, I also had to add a bit of Swarovski crystal bling to the mix!

 

 

The moral of the story?  Don't be afraid of challenges.  They can inspire and bring out your creative muse in some very interesting ways.

 

 

At Long Last!

Finally, the day has arrived!  Almost all of the gorgeous 2012 Battle of the Beadsmith entries have been posted and I must say - they are breathtaking!

You can see all of the entries in the group page on facebook.  Click on this url:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/edit/a.2468982920008.2109259.1115392815/#!/groups/274053372682035/photos/

My entry was held up being posted until almost the end because my competitor's entry was not received and they are unsure if the e-mail was lost or not.  I have no misgivings about being a finalist, but I did have a lot of fun making my piece.  It features cabochons created by Vladislov Ivanov and Kremena Ivanova, married owners of Golem Design Studio.

I had so much fun creating this necklace.  I love the zentangle nature of the cabs and knew I needed to keep the beadwork simple because of all the design and motion going on in the cabs.  I'm also excited that the artists who create these amazing cabs are making smaller sized cabs - providing jewelry designers with even more creative possibilities.

Golem Design Studio also has an Etsy shop.

Bead Journal Project - June Gloom - NOT!

June is the month often known for it's gloomy weather and therefore has gotten the name "June Gloom."  But that was not the case for us here this year.  We did get rain, but we also got glorious sunshine.  The combination of rain and sunshine gave us an early growing season.  The plants really did thrive.

So to reflect the month of June for my Bead Journal Project I chose one of my dichroic glass cabs that I had called River Scene.  The rippling surface of the cabochon reminded me of a painter's rendition of the scene at a river - rushing waters and lush vegetation.  I surrounded the cab with beads and fringe in an effort to keep the rippling effect going.   If it weren't for mosquitoes, I think it would be a great place to have a picnic.

You can view more Bead Journal Projects on these two sites:
http://beadjournalproject4.blogspot.com/
http://blog2beadjournalproject4-2011.blogspot.com/

Bead Journal Project for March 2011

I had high hopes when I chose my dichroic glass cab to use for the March Bead Journal Project.  It was green and it was quirky.  I was sure I was going to make a Pathway to Spring and show it coming in like a lion and leaving like a lamb.  Now that I've finished it, it looks more like some wild cosmic galaxy swirling in outer space.  Therefore I have named it "I Have No Clue How This Relates to March!"  Whatever --- it is finished on time this month! 

It was a bear to photograph.  The dazzle of the size 15 gold plated rocailles in the green pathway have no "dazzle."  But at least I got a different comment from my husband this month, "That's pretty wild!"  Not sure if that is an improvement over "that's different" or not. :}  Hmmmmm - maybe I could call it 'March Madness.'

If you are interested in seeing more Bead Journal Projects by other artists, check out these blogs:

http://blog2beadjournalproject4-2011.blogspot.com/

http://beadjournalproject4.blogspot.com/

February Bead Journal Project

My new motto:  Better Late Than Never!  For my 2011 Bead Journal Project, I am creating 3"x3" bead embroidered art pieces around my dichroic glass cabochons for each month of the year.  I just finished my February BJP piece (only 10 days late).

For February, I wanted to make a dichroic glass heart to bead around and I was quite pleased with how it turned out.  For some reason, abstract swirls came to my mind, so using the pinks, reds, golds and purples in the glass, I came up with this design.

It will be interesting to see how all these different "bead paintings" look together at the end of the year.  I'm sure I will hear my husband's most used comment when he views my bead work, "That's different."  But that's OK because I'm having such fun with these!

 

Winter Enchantment Beading Fun from Artbeads

I'm not a winter loving gal!  Give me the same old sunny dry days every day and I'm a happy camper.  But I must admit it was so much fun to design this Winter Enchantment necklace using these awesome beads and findings from Artbeads.com.

Artbeads offers Swarovski Crystal Pearls in many different sizes, shapes and delicious colors.  But for the winter theme, I chose cream colored Swarovski crystal round and asymmetrical pearls and some sterling silver Mirage S cut beads along with a sterling silver toggle clasp.

I decided to create a freeform necklace using silver and cream colored seed beads and Czech firepolished glass beads to combine all of the pearl and sterling silver beads.  I also ordered an awesome Swarovski crystal pearl baroque drop from Artbeads to use as the focal of the necklace.  I am officially in love with Swarovski pearls!

I think all the components knew just what part they were supposed to play in this Winter Enchantment necklace.  They played so nicely together and the necklace was a joy to create.

I think the necklace would be perfect for a bride on her lovely, enchanted wedding day.

I will be selling my Enchantment Wedding Necklace in my BeadsForever Etsy shop.  Stop by and check out all the details and to see more pictures.

Much appreciation to Artbeads.com for supplying many of the beautiful components used in this necklace.  I am a part of the Artbeads blogging group, and I receive no compensation from them for writing about their products.

Beaded Impressions 2011 Beading Contest Winners Announced

Beaded Impressions announced the winners of their 2011 Winter Beading Contest. There were two categories:  Beaded Jewelry and Beadwork.  Two winners were chosen from each category.  The judges selected the winning entries from those that received the most votes from the public. 

Thanks to all who voted, my "Rhythm and Blues Bracelet" won first place in the Jewelry Category.

The first place winner in the Beadwork Category was "In the Autumn of my Life Hat" by Leslie Ann Campbell

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 Second place winner in the Jewelry category was "Woodsy Florals" by Nancy Celeste.

Second place winner in the Beadwork Category was this "Beaded Victorian Lampshade" by Adrienne Herrick.

You can find out more about the winners and view all the entries here.   Beaded Impressions can also be found on facebook.


I am very thankful to Beaded Impressions and abeadstore.com for providing this opportunity to beaders.  I cannot lie - I had so much fun on my shopping spree in their online store.   I'll share pictures of what I chose after I receive them later this week.






 

Beaded Impressions Contest - Voting is Open

I entered my Rhythm and Blues freeform bracelet in the Beaded Impressions 2011 Beading Contest, sponsored by abeadstore.com.  Winners win money to buy more beads, and who doesn't need more beads?  Voting is now open and winners will be announced Feb 18, 2011.

My entry is #46 in the Jewelry Category and I need your votes in order to win.  Everyone who votes (even if you don't vote for me) will receive a 10% discount coupon for 10% off any purchase at abeadstore.com through March 15, 2011.

Thanks very much for your support, time and vote!

If You are Afraid of Clowns, Don't Look

I was exposed to a new bead artist by a facebook friend this past week and immediately fell in love with her work.  The artist is Uliana Aleksandrovna and her website is way too hard for me to pronounce but you can click here.  Google will translate the site from Russian into English and it worked wonderfully!

Uliana is located in Ukraine, but I didn't let that stop me.  I spent a lot of time looking at her beaded works of art and I kept going back to the Clowns.  I couldn't resist - so I sent an e-mail to her via her website to ask about purchasing them.

She is not on Etsy and doesn't use Paypal, but it was explained to me that I could send payment via Western Union.  Having never done that before, I ventured into a Vons store in San Diego where they have offer Western Union to their customers.  It was so easy - just a form to fill out and cash in hand to pay.  I was given a "Money Transfer Control Number" which I e-mailed to Uliana.  After she confirmed that she had received the money, she mailed the package to me and amazingly to me, it arrived in less than 1 week!

Here is the most joyful beaded work of art I have ever seen.  It makes me smile just looking at it.  If you are afraid of Clowns - don't look!

And part of the joy of the piece is that you can turn it over.

And to top it all off, the clowns came in a beautiful gift bag closed with a hand beaded "closure."

I definitely know how to buy presents for myself!  And I'm so pleased with my gift!  Thank you Uliana.

Beautiful Artists and Their Works of Art - Part 1

This post has been on my list of "to do's" far too long.  I confess I have been procrastinating and I'm not sure why - especially confusing because the subject matter is so dear to me.

It is so rewarding for me when someone uses something I've created to create something even more creative and beautiful.  This series of posts will feature those artists who have purchased one (or more) of my dichroic glass cabochons and turned them into works of art.  My deepest gratitude to each of you.

The first artist I want to thank is Anita Martinez whose Etsy shop name is Turiana07.  She purchased one of my dichroic glass cabochons and turned it into this masterpiece she called "Celestial Wings."

It all started with one of my dichroic glass cabs I called "Scuba Diving Twin B."

There are many other beautiful works of art in her Etsy shop like this necklace she calls "Aztec Princess."

Be sure to stop by and let her know how beautiful her work is.  Thank you Anita!

Etsy Beadweavers May Challenge

The theme for the EBW May challenge is Embedded Colors in the World of Insects.  The entries have been posted on the EBW blog.  You can view them and vote for your favorite from May 9 and May 15.

Making Gifts for My Family

One of the things I love best about being an artist is making gifts for members of my family.  I never did like shopping for gifts for people.  But I do like planning and creating handcrafted gifts as they are truly from my heart.

I recently made two necklaces - one for my Mother for Mother's Day with beading around a petrified palm root cabochon ...

(even though brown is not her favorite color, I chose it so she would have an excuse to go out and buy a new outfit to match)

... and another for my sister, Sherry, who loves turquoise - a belated birthday gift.

The necklace for my sister was made by beading around one of my dichroic glass cabochons.  The beaded chain on both necklaces was made using the herringbone stitch.  I love using that stitch.

I often daydream that my gifts will one day be heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation.   Well, one can dream, can't they?

Etsy Beadweavers April Challenge - Light as a Breeze

The Etsy Beadweavers (EBW) April Challenge is now open for voting.  The theme is Light as a Breeze.
 Vote for your favorite from April 9 - 15 on the EBW blog.

Artbeads Valentines Day Creation

A few weeks ago, I gave a little preview of my Artbeads Blogging Partner creation which was supposed to be in honor of Valentines Day.  I had ordered these beautiful ceramic hearts as well as several types of beads that I thought would look good with the ceramic hearts - some cute mother of pearl hearts,  sterling silver roundels, 1.8mm square cut beads, and 4mm Druk cherry red beads.  Artbeads has a great selection  of Valentine's Day components which you can find HERE.  (Good to know for next year!!)

 

I had originally intended to make a bead embroidered cuff but when I started beading around the large heart I discovered some problems.  The larger ceramic heart bead is about 5mm thick and I was having a hard time figuring out what size beads looked good next to it.  I was also perplexed about what to do with the inner cutout part.  After several attempts I decided my idea wasn't going to work and I had to come up with plan B which came together much easier.

First I created two different pendants with the ceramic hearts.

Both pendants can be hung from the same beaded necklace "chain."

I plan on listing this necklace in my Etsy shop and will donate all proceeds to the relief efforts in Haiti.

I am delighted to be a part of Artbeads blogging group and I receive no compensation from them for blogging about their products.

TrinityDJ Creates Another Beauty!

Trinitydj, who has a shop on Etsy, created another beautiful necklace she calls "Grape Vine." using one of my dichroic glass cabochons. I love the colors she chose and the unique beaded chain.


The original cab was called Mysterious and was sold out of my Etsy shop called "BeadsForever."

Lorraine, who owns "Trinitydj" on Etsy, is from Cape Town, South Africa. She is not only a beautiful bead weaver, but an beautiful person. I hope you will check out her shop. Here is another beautiful necklace she created - not using one of my cabs, but gorgeous nonetheless! She calls it "Royal Princess."

A Beautiful Work of Beadweaving

Recently Lorraine Hickman of Trinity Designer Jewellery on Etsy purchased some of my dichroic glass cabochons. This one is the first one she used in a beautiful necklace she calls "High Tide."

She used my "Ocean Depths" dichroic glass cabochon to create her beautiful entry into the Etsy Beadweavers Jan/Feb Challenge with an "Ocean" theme.

Here is her beautiful High Tide necklace which is available for purchase in her Etsy shop.


If you are interested in my dichroic glass cabochons, you can find them in my BeadsForever shop on Etsy.

Sabine Lippert - Bead Magician Extraordinaire

Today a friend posted a link of her work on my facebook page and I was so honored. She used one of my dichroic glass cabochons and created a fantastic necklace using her magical beading powers! I'm talking about Sabine Lippert from Germany.

Here's the original dichroic glass cab.


And here is Sabine's necklace after she did some serious beading magic. Isn't it beautiful?!


Check out her blog to see more of Sabine's beautiful work http://try-to-be-better.blogspot.com/. If you are interested in seeing more of my dichroic glass cabochons, you can see them in my Etsy shop.

Etsy Beadweaver's November Challenge Winner

This month's EBW challenge entitled "Beauty of the Flower" had 17 entries and received 685 votes. With 174 of the votes, the winner is number 13 - Hibiscus Necklace - grakowsky.


You can read more about the winning entry as well as the top ten winners on the EBW blog. Congratulations to all the beautiful entries.

Some Beauties Created in Germany

Where have I been and what have I been doing? Amazingly, I haven't been anywhere outside my four walls, but I have been busy.

To start with, I've been caught up with making dichroic glass cabochons. I just can't get enough of them. And while I'd like to do beadwork around each and every one of them, I only have 2 arms and there are just not enough hours in the day. So I started selling them in my Etsy shop.

Here are the first two cabochons that were purchased by Sabine Lippert from Germany.



I just love what she did with them. Her beadwork is always unique and I think she really shows off the cabs wonderfully!



You can see more of her work on her blog, Try-To-Be-Better or on her website, Try-To-Be. She also just opened an Etsy shop, Try-To-Be-Unique, where she sells her patterns. I am going to be one of her customers for sure!

Stay tuned for more dichroic cab updates and some information on the process of making them.