Pattern from BeadPatternCentral.com

This pattern intrigued me from the pattern website hosted by Ann Benson. The technique involves a peyote ring done such that the whole ring circumfrence is done first, then embellished. These are supposed to be parts of a bracelet, but I will probably use them in someting smaller. Interesting technique, and has possibilities for other embellishments and sizes. This website has very interesting patterns, a little pricier that bead-patterns.com, but one to watch. The round green middle is a coin pearl. The smaller motif is an 8mm fire polish. The middle beads are sewn in through their hole at the end, and the medallions can be attached to each other via small peyote strips. The pattern is by Carolyn Reese.

More Bead Fantasies

Another medallion from Bead Fantasies II p. 27 by Takako Samejima. It is hard to find the small semiprecious stones, but they are really precious when you do. This one has goldstone 2mm goldstone on the outside, with 4mm firepolish. A 6mm chaton montee is the centre. The patterns uses the 2 needle technique, however I did it with one needle and it worked with a little problemsolving to figure out how. I put a small jumpring on the back to attach this to a ring or chain.

Beaded Bead

Here is a beaded bead that I did from a Bead and Button Pattern - (By Gwen Fisher and Florence Turnour, page 72, Aug.06, Issue 72).

The authors have a great website called Bead Infinitum, with their specialty being beaded beads. They have a couple of free patterns on the site, and lots of inspiration.

This one is made over a 1 cm wooden bead. I painted the wooden bead with nail polish - 2 coats. Hint - I ended up placing the wooden bead on a q-tip minus the cotton to handle it more easily.

I like the pattern, however I don't think the colours I used show it off enough. Because multiple colours are used, you have to make it once to understand where the colours end up. I think I will make a template that I can colour for the next one before I start.

Pendant a la Takako Samejima

I love the books by Takako Samejima from Japan, although they are challenging technically. In particular, most use 2 needle technique, which I have found fairly challenging. I did find a tutorial at bead-patterns.com in which some tips are explained for manipulating the 2 needles. (Pattern 10383 by Chris Prussing). Bead-patterns.com is a great site if you haven't seen it, and all patterns are downloadable immediately after payment.

This pendant was adapted from an earring pattern on page 34 of bead fantasies. I used glass perals and swarovskis, and number 10 seed beads. I have made a few of these for little gifts to give my daughter Tegan and my son's girlfriend Liana. They are quick to work up and look great on any small link chain.
There are 4 Bead Fantasy books, all available on Amazon or Chapter's.

The bail is just ladder stitch with 2 bead rows, then go back with number 15's and add a small picot of three beads.

Sharing Projects

I love beading and have read several interesting blogs, so I decided to start one. I hope to show what I have been working on and pictures to go with them.

I am a self taught hobby beader. I love to make things and just wear them or give them away. I finally took a workshop recently from Melanie Potter through Bead Junction, and really learned a number of techniques that will improve my beading. I highly recommend Melanie's workshops, and also thank Bead Junction for having her to Toronto. Heather and Patricia are also great beaders and create a very friendly and helpful atmosphere in their store.

Retarding patterns, I will try to give you the information on where to get the pattern or the book reference.

So, I will be posting a few pictures of things I have made on this blog.