Taming the Long Magatamas

I love long magatama beads, but their wonky hole and odd shape can make them a bit difficult to use with the common beadweaving stitches.

  

The holes go through the beads at a slant so they don't sit all nice and neat like cylinder or seed beads.

But still, I wanted to use them and like a design challenge.  I found they play pretty nicely using the spiral stitch so I created a pair of earrings.

The long magatama beads are the white beads that spiral gently down around a center core of size 8 seed beads.

Somewhere along my beading journey, I learned a trick to tighten up a spiral stitch so that the beads don't hang all willy nilly.  I experimented with my earrings and discovered that with a small change, I could tighten up the magatamas and really show the spiral effect.

I've created a tutorial for the earrings as well as a matching bracelet and have now listed it in my Etsy shop.

I hope you'll give the long magatamas a try!  Happy Beading!

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.

 

 

Metal Bead Blessings

Yesterday I received the exciting news that The Beadsmith will be placing a full page ad in the award winning German beading magazine Perlen Poesie.  The advertisement (shown below) will be promoting their heavy metal seed beads and they are using my Metal Bead Sampler Bracelet as the picture.

I absolutely love my bracelet.  I wear it all the time.  It seems to go with almost every outfit I have.  I also enjoy making this bracelet.  It works up very quickly and I can easily complete one in a day.  The beads are very uniform in size and shape.  It's almost like they were made for the Right Angle Weave stitch.

Metal seed beads come in size 15 (tiniest), size 11, size 8 and size 6 (largest) and are more expensive than glass seed beads, but the size 6 metal beads are the least expensive of all the available sizes. 

The beads are solid metal.  They start out with a brass base, and then are heavily plated in the various finishes. They all have a seam.  On the smaller beads the seam is barely noticeable.  On the larger beads the seam can be seen and on a very few beads (1 out of approx. 50) the seam may not be closed properly.  These beads should be discarded, but as will all glass beads, this culling process is normal and to be expected.

Almost all metals will tarnish and most plated metals will wear with time.  Oil on our skin, humidity and exposure to the elements, or excessive rubbing will speed up this process.  To slow down or prevent the plated finish from changing color or rubbing off, some suggest using a sealant such as Permalac Sealer, Renaissance Wax, Future Floor Was or another protectant/sealer.  I have not tried any of these sealants yet, so I cannot speak to their effectiveness.

I sell a pattern for this bracelet in both my ArtFire and my Etsy shops.  For the pattern only you need to purchase the size 6 metal beads and Elegant Elements clasp from your local bead store.  Both the metal beads and the clasps are distributed by The Beadsmith.

I also sell a kit in both my Artfire and Etsy shops which includes the pattern and all supplies needed to make the bracelet.

Life is good, and metal beads make it even better.  Have fun with beading and be adventurous with your beads.  You never know what blessings await you.

 

Around the Next Corner

You just never know what lies around the next corner. 

One day you send in some pictures to a Beadsmith Kumihimo challenge on Facebook and the next day you are speaking on the phone to Steven who is a sales rep for Beadsmith.  Never in a million years would I have expected to find that around a "Kumihimo corner."  What a pleasant surprise it was!

Not only did I meet an interesting person in the beading industry, but I was given the opportunity to receive two gorgeous Elegant Elements clasps!  My first introduction to these clasps was from one of my German beading friends a few years ago who said they were Helby clasps. I have lusted after them ever since.  

Steven sent me a link to a pdf file containing their beautiful clasps.  The first clasp I chose is a slender 5 strand gold clasp that I planned to use on a freeform bracelet.

Before the clasp arrived, I had almost completed the freeform bracelet.  Since the clasp was 30mm long, I created a bracelet to fit that size and I think the simple but elegant clasp suits it perfectly.

I used 24k gold and silver plated Delicas, seed beads and fire polished beads, bronze colored beads, and miscellaneous accent beads in those same colors.



I call my bracelet "Enticement" and it will soon be for sale in my Etsy shop.

The 2nd clasp I chose is a dazzling 2 strand silver and crystal clasp which I plan to use on a necklace.  It's a beautiful clasp and I hope I will do it justice with my beadwork.

I am very thankful to Beadsmith for this opportunity to work with their beautiful clasps.  Click this link to visit their website and find out more about the products they offer.  Their products can be found in a local beadstore near you.

ArtFire Beadweavers Guild Summer Fun Challenge

Each month the ArtFire Beadweaver's Guild has a beading challenge.  This month it was called "Summer Fun." For my entry I created a bracelet called Summer Memories.  The colors of the dichroic glass square reminded me of the beach - a relaxing vacation, wading through the waves, sand in my toes, a cool breeze on my face, and finding treasures.

It was a bit tricky figuring out how to constuct the bracelet so that the open space in the square focal was covered and didn't show bare skin.  (Don't want any sunburns!)  For fun, I added a small starfish under the antique glass button closure.



 

To vote for your favorite entry, please visit the ArtFire Beadweaver's Guild Blog.  Hope you all had a Fun Summer!

 

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!

What Inspires You?

Artbeads.com provided a beading contest entitled "What Inspires You?"  Voting opened today, November 23 and ends Wednesday, December 8. Winners will be announced Thursday, December 16, 2010.

There are two categories - a Necklace Category and a General Category and you can vote for your favorite in each one.  Click on the first name in the group and it will show you the original inspiration and the creation it inspired.  From there you can click on the "next" tab and see all of the beautiful entries in each category.

Congratulations to everyone who entered and good luck!  The prizes are fabulous!

Beads, Beads, Beads Treasury on Etsy

When I see the word "Beads," it gets my attention. Just imagine all the beads it took to create all the lovely bead woven items in this Etsy Treasury.


SF Beads created this treasury and included my "Royal Affair" necklace with all the other lovely work. I checked out her shop and found many other items that could have been included, like this pretty "Summer Necklace."

This bracelet is called "Copper Age" would be perfect for fall.

If you've never stopped to consider the beauty of beads before, now is the time. You can find many beautiful bead woven items on Etsy, all handmade and created with love.

Indian Summer Dream Beadweaving Challenge

The Etsy Beadweavers "Indian Summer Dream" Beadweaving Challenge has 33 beautiful entries this month. Voting is now open on the Etsy Beadweaver's Blog. You can click on the names below the mosaic to go to the shop of each artist to read about the piece they created.


Voting is only from the 9th thru the 15th so put on your thinking cap after checking out the entries and vote to choose which is your favorite.

BEM September "Fall" Challenge

As the winner of the BEM "New Horizons" challenge, Dini of Beadazzled of Oregon chose "Fall" as the September Challenge theme. She states "I love fall! I love the smells and sounds, the dryness of the leaves, the really cold mornings and the beautiful still warm afternoons. Above all, I love the fall colors."

There are 5 entries for the new "Fall" challenge. The first picture is by Bedazzled of Oregon and is entitled Shades of Fall.

This 2nd entry is by Nans Glam and is entitled Autumn Flora Brooch.


The 3rd entry is by Rachele's Originals and is entitled Inspire' d'Automne.


The 4th entry is by GG's Designs and is called Fall Bargello Bracelet.


The 5th entry is by Silver Dragon Creations and is called Autumn Goddess.


All of these entries can be seen on the BEM blog. Voting will take place from September 5th through September 9th. Stop on by and vote for your favorite.

Colorful Treasury on Etsy

Smadar's Treasure on Etsy created a Colorful Treasury and she included my Summer Garden Bracelet.

This bold ethnic necklace by Smadar fits this colorful treasury perfectly. She has so many beautiful items in her Etsy shop.


There is lots of eye candy and color in her shop. Stop by and give her some well deserved love.

I Love This Stuff Treasury

My Silky Copper Bracelet was included in this treasury created by Little Stone Design.

Her June Garden Beadwoven Bracelet is one of my favorites on Etsy. But there are many many more beautiful items in her shop. Check it out!



If you aren't familiar with Etsy, you are missing out on some wonderful hand made creations. It's a great place to shop for gifts for everyone in your family.

Totally Turquoise Treasury

My Fantasy Three Blues bracelet was included in this Totally Turquoise treasury created by Beads and Blooms on Etsy.

If you want to see more gorgeous turquoise pieces, check out her shop on Etsy. For example, here's her Open Squares Turquoise bracelet - one of my favorites.

There are many more lovely items in her shop. Be sure to check it out!

First Ladies of Style - EBW Challenge

Thirty Etsy Beadweavers Team members entered the EBW August challenge entitled "First Ladies of Style." Using tiny beads with a needle and thread and incredible patience, each EBW member used their talents and creative spirits to design wearable art. You can click on the item in the text list below the mosaic which links to the Etsy Shop listing of each entrant where you will see more detail of each piece!

Be sure to visit the EBW Team Blog June 9th thru the 15th when you will be able to cast your vote for your favorite piece.




1. Nefertiti's Treasure Beadwoven Choker Necklace - RachelesOriginals

2. All That Glitters ... Is Not Gold - beadsforever

3. Gaia Goddess Beadwoven Bracelet - cigarboxbeads

4. Punk Rocker Bracelet in Blue and Black - roseworksjewelry

5. Peyote bracelet for Queen Maud of Norway - PFordCustomJewelry

6. Shades of the Southwest - beadsandblooms

7. Black and Gold - ArtfulAr

8. The FIRST Lady of Style - BettyStephanBeadwork

9. Bright Young Thing - copperwaycrafts

10. Luthien - MadeByOlga

11. Black Beauty jewelry set - BeadCatcher

12. Mademoiselle Coco Couture Wrist Cuff - gypsyeyesjewelry

13. The Elizabethan - daynamiles

14. For Sofia - Choker - triz

15. Brigid Flower Necklace - SpringColors

16. S.W.A.L.K -'Sealed With A Loving Kiss' - Astersadler

17. Just Our Style - 1BeadAtATime

18. Coco Chanel Inspired Cuff Bracelet - GinjaGirlDesigns

19. Lagoon Lustre - sutkibeads

20. A Necklace for Michelle - BeadazzledofOregon

21. Royal Blue - Marie-Antoinette - StudioAnnieVeillette

22. 2 in 1 Multi Strand Silver and Blue Iris Necklace - SmadarsTreasure

23. Princess Jezebel's Jewels - Fivefootfury13

24. Memories IN Style - trinitydj

25. Victorian Cameo Brooch - enchantedbeads

26. Aphrodite - GreenEnvyDesigns

27. Classic Celtic Braided Bracelet - AmethystRavenstar

28. Alexandra's necklace - CieloDesign

29. Turtle Dream Weaver Necklace - kraftymax

30. Montana Sapphire - beadwoman3

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

We've all heard the old saying, "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained." Today, I'm repeating it to myself because I have scary butterflies in my stomach about a new line of jewelry I'm determined to pursue.

While I'm scared, I'm also excited. Why? My mother taught me to sew at a young age. First, I learned to sew hems with a needle and thread. Then Mom was actually brave enough to set me in front of a sewing machine. I fell in love with needles and thread, fabrics and scissors way back then and while I put this love on the back burner for several years, it's been poking my conscious mind for quite a while now and finally I am listening.

My sister from South Dakota makes beautiful quilts. While visiting my family there recently I went with her to her quilt group and a fellow quilter had some beautiful batik fabrics for sale. Well, how could I resist? She also gave away some awesome quilting magazines where I saw true art created from fabric, beads and buttons. My imagination took over and the next thing I knew I was designing jewelry made from fabric, beads and buttons!

Here is the first fabric cuff I've created. I call it Nostalgia. Not only has it brought back so many fond memories, it's inspired me to get out the sewing machine once again. I hope it's the first of many new fabric creations. My sister gave me the beautiful vintage button.




So I've come full circle (funny how that happens in life)! To be able to create with fabric, beads and buttons - it doesn't get much better than that. I'm so thankful for the gifts God has given me and for the ability and opportunity to use them!

Obsessed with Cuffs

If you are a bracelet lover, you'll enjoy checking out the fashion blog by Terry Mulligan, an owner of two shops on Etsy, who did a series of posts on cuffs on her fashion blog. My Striped Rose Cuff was featured in Part IV of her series.

Terry has two shops on Etsy. Her Raw Leather Gallery Shop features handcrafted items cut from raw leather from Italy. Here are two items from her shop. The first is a genuine python leather cuff she made and the second is a pair of striking geometric shaped leather earrings.



Her other shop on Etsy is called Original Treasures and features art and handmade treasures in many different mediums.

Thanks, Terry, for your kind gesture in featuring my cuff in with so many other unique and beautiful cuffs.

Give a Little, Give a Little

Lorelei's Blog is giving away this beautiful bracelet. Here's what she said about the givaway and the bracelet on her blog:

This is my new motto. Sometimes you've got to give a little to get a little. And so far, it's been quite true for me. And that's why I'm having ANOTHER GIVEAWAY! Yippeeeee! WAHOOOO!!!

The lovely and Talented Mellisa of Chinook Jewelry was kind enough to donate a Daisy Connector for one of my beloved blog giveaways. I have created this earthy delight, using the Connector. It's a lovely sage green color, perfect for the upcoming St. Patty's Day holiday! Wood bar nuggets, and small copper seed beads make up the bracelet, with a large carved Unakite focal bead. And of course, this design would not be complete without one of Erin's sweet little ceramic leaves. I added a little Czech glass flower for good measure. oh yea, and I made the brass hook clasp myself!



Isn't that a great motto! I sure hope I win the bracelet as it is awesome!!!

Fantastic! Treasury

Enchanted Beads featured my latest bracelet in her Fantastic! treasury on Etsy.

My "Red Maze Cuff" (3rd row, middle) was included in this treasury. You can see it in my Etsy shop here.

Enchanted Beads is a member of the Etsy Beadweavers Team and she has some amazing beadwork in her shop. Here's one of my favorites:

Please be sure to visit her shop on Etsy.

All My Time is Spent on the Computer!!

It seems like my designing and creating time has taken a backseat to working on the computer these past few weeks. But I did accomplish a lot!

I opened a second Etsy Shop for all my non-beaded creations called "Dangles By Linda." You can look at it by clicking here. I have lots of work to do yet taking pictures and uploading all the info to the site.

I also opened a website on eCRATER (it's free!) and you can look at my pages by clicking here. Again, lots of work yet to be done, but it's a start.

I also signed up for Google Checkout. I've always (and still do) use PayPal, but didn't think adding another option would be a bad thing.

I spent time yesterday in one of the Virtual Labs on Etsy. Chatted with lots of fellow Etsians, got questions answered by an Esty person, and learned how to fling hearts and paper airplanes across the virtual room. I also learned how to do "show and tell" in the virtual lab.

I learned how to do an Etsy-mini and posted it here on my blog. I also learned more about widgets and how to add them to my sites. I also learned how to add a picture of one of my products to Google Base (don't ask).

I did get one more bracelet finished (I know, I said I needed to stop making bracelets and work on my challenge piece). You can find a picture of it here.

I have made a promise to myself that tomorrow is going to be spent on creating - no more computer work! My husband is off on a fishing trip to Mexico, so I can really make a mess!

I wish everyone a Happy New Year! Stay Safe.