garden bead necklace

Took a class today and made a really cute necklace.  For some reason can't upload pictures, but will load tomorrow if blogger lets me.   Class has given me lots of ideas for other necklaces though

spiral stitch learned

Well, after 2 weeks, and multiple attempts, have finished 3 bracelets and one necklace using spiral stitch.  I used 2 different patterns from 2 sources, and the best thing from that is I picked up a couple of different tips which helped a lot.  I enjoyed learning this, wasn't nearly as hard as it looked in the magazine.  My moaning earlier about sources disappearing on the internet was the result of wanting to make the necklace I have posted here.  Will post one of the bracelets later, is currently involved in a swap and don't want to publish pix before my swap partner gets the bracelet.  It's funny how intimidating those little charts in magazines are, but after a couple of false starts, which I just cut apart, these went together quickly.   Think I spent less than 20 total hours on 18" necklace and 3 bracelets.

Pretty things has a give away

Check out Pretty things blog http://www.prettythingsblog.com/ for a really nice give away from Bead and Button Show

Belated birthday

So of course, being slightly befuddled, I thought my niece's birthday was the 6th of June, instead of the 4th.  So again will be late with her present, but here is a sneak peak, I hope she likes it.  The focal bead is from Green Girl Studios, which I bought a long time ago.

 

first pair of seed bead earrings

Just finished these today, my first pair of seed bead earrings that involve more than stringing.  For a first try they're not half bad, will need more practice before I make them for gifts though.

a couple of items

My friend Jane gave me the lacquered chopsticks,
and this is the hair sticks I came up with

Pet peeve

I hate getting new magazines for crafts, fashion, etc, and when I try to copy a look, pattern or recipe, one of the key ingredients is impossible to find.  My latest example is the new issue of Bead Unique has a gorgeous necklace on page 20 requiring a citrus mix of size 11-0 seed beads which the author bought at Bead weasel.  Well guess what, that store is out of business, including any online transactions.  GRRRR.  What to do?  Look for other sources, but nobody sells them.  Ok, one good thing is I have an EXCELLENT eye for color, so I decided to do it myself.  I think I did a great job, but will know better once the necklace is finished.  Maybe I should go into business making custom bead blends?  LMAO