tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79998403614287051032024-02-20T15:09:44.228-08:00Peapod PonderingsBeading thoughts and works in progressPeapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-88883699454796493602017-02-04T04:28:00.001-08:002017-02-04T04:28:46.753-08:00Revived BlogI've been inspired by some of my other favorite Bloggers to get back to writing a little about my adventures in beading. I guess it helps that I am beading again after a bit of a hiatus!<br />
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When I need to bead but inspiration is lacking I often turn to kits/tutorials and the one I chose for multiple Christmas presents was this cute acorn pattern 'Squirreled Away' from <a href="http://www.oaktreecrafts.com/home/" target="_blank">Oaktree Crafts</a><br />
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Choosing different size 15 beads from my stash took nearly as long as the beadwork. I also had to factor in painting time for the wooden blanks (available through the same site) I used my son's old stash of metallic model paints (luckily acrylic and not too solventy). The acorn gifts were strung on gold ribbon and can be used as decorations or even bag charms.<br />
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After this successful kick in my beading pants I found some leftover bead soup from a custom cuff I made this year, and used it for a pin/brooch. The same stone (chrysocolla) features in both projects. I changed the edging bead colour (both Toho triangles though) to reflect the change in the stone itself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chrysocolla Brooch 'Rainforest'</td></tr>
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I've now begun a floral project nudged by the wonderful bead guru Nancy Dale in her blog <a href="http://nedbeads.blogspot.co.uk/2017_01_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Here</a>, and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1847623928787230/" target="_blank">facebook group</a> she has started to unite beaders who follow her 'prompts' <div>
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Another inspiring blog, recently started, spreads the <a href="http://lovebeadlove.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/bead-love-by-marcia-decoster.html" target="_blank">bead love</a> under the aegis of Marcia DeCoster among others. The beaded letters are so pretty and have been the best sort of viral project, showing up on my Facebook feed regularly. I hope to make my own soon, but as ever the colour selection is the hardest part!</div>
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So, thanks to some other beaders, my blogging and beading have been rekindled. Long may it last!</div>
Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-17277887839138847432015-12-18T08:30:00.000-08:002015-12-18T08:30:00.163-08:00Peapod in PurpleThe last commission before Christmas (I hope) was one of my signature peapod pendants. I know a lot of people have come up with similar designs over the years but I have been making them to my own design for at least the last decade. The reason I have made so many of these is that for the last 13 years I've been working in pea genetics and all but one of the pods have gone to ex-colleagues as leaving presents. The only problem has been making sure that the pods are fairly correct botanically, and fit the research... thus this one, for a student working on gene expression in pod tissue, had to be purple, for the mutation she was investigating. The peas and the calyx had to be green however<br />
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Luckily I had just the right colours of freshwater pearls and cylinder beads on hand to make 'Becky's Purple Pod'<br />
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I've just sent it off to my old project leader so she can pass it on.<br />
I wonder if I'll still be making these now I've left the group...somehow I think I will as they are very satisfying to do!Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-65166910659686561462015-12-10T12:18:00.001-08:002015-12-10T12:18:26.336-08:00Back from the beady beyondWow it has been a LONG time since my last blog post! I hit a bump in life's road where it all became too much but in the background the beads were waiting.<br />
Since taking redundancy this year I have been able to rediscover the joy of beading and so I have a few pieces to share.<br />
The Battle of the Beadsmith went ahead as usual with many more participants and a more complicated structure. This time I decided I wanted to make components in bead embroidery, and knowing that I would be short of time decided to make a necklace on a smaller scale than my embroidered bags (I was finishing up many strands of research at work prior to my finishing in July)<br />
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I called the piece 'Peach Parfait' and based the palette around the shades in the focal piece of plume agate (one of my favourite minerals) The curved components were inspired by swags in baroque architectural embellishments.<br />
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A favourite glass artist of mine is Lyn Owen of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Silvermoonlyn-242195112108/?fref=ts">Silvermoonlyn</a> and if I am really lucky I can score one of her amazing dichroic glass cabochons when they get listed at midnight UK time (Lyn is based in Australia so the time difference is not my friend). Anyway this was one of my treasured purchases, and is an amazing purple/blue shimmering glass with a lot of silver foil. Quite challenging to match in seed beads but I was happy with the result and found a great summer dress to wear with it. so it was one of my 'most worn' pieces of 2015<br />
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Finally, I have become very partial to the ceramic buttons frequently found in museum shops here in the UK. After a lot of hunting around on google images I discovered they are made by a small company based in Cornwall: <a href="http://www.stockwellceramics.co.uk/1506/home">Stockwell Ceramics</a>. As these buttons are available in various sizes they make great additions to bead embroidery. This 'Arts and Crafts' style daffodil button inspired me to make a scenic barrette (I am still addicted to making these!) I used a 'painting' method with different blends of size 15 beads for the background, and made the daffodils in peyote/embroidery using size 11s<br />
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I am really happy with this and can see me experimenting further in this Impressionist brushstroke style.<br />
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I hope to get back on the blog wagon a bit more in the coming months, now my beading has revived and the muse is visiting again.Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-70940590933354646872014-02-21T23:16:00.000-08:002014-02-21T23:16:21.640-08:00Back to the bead challenges (part 2)Following on from the 'Famous Painting' challenge, I thought I'd make an effort and complete a piece for the 'Read and Bead' challenge that the OTTBS spin off Facebook group had going. The deadline was 6th February, but the books were set way back in November to allow time for the reading as well as the beading!<br />
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I like to choose an unfamiliar book rather than one I have already read for these challenges, so I went for 'A Discovery of Witches' by Deborah Harkness. This is a paranormal romance with historical aspects, and was fun to read. The beading aspect was a little harder, partly because there were many different themes and settings.<br />
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In the end, I settled on making a pendant based on the hero Matthew's pilgrim's ampulla. Looking these up on the internet showed them to be variable in shape, but in general having 2 'handles' which could be used as hanging loops. In the book, Matthew's pendant is shaped like a coffin and has an embossed scene of Lazarus rising from the dead, but that level of detail was not going to be achievable without scaling the piece up too much to be wearable. Instead I used the coffin shape, and then embellished it with different aspects of the story. It is surprising how much you can fit into a small space!<br />
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Here is the finished piece:<br />
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The lampwork heart is for the love between the witch Diana and the vampire Matthew. The brown bugles represent Matthews distinctive spicy scent which I interpreted as cinnamon sticks, and the leaves are the contrasting herbal fragrance of Diana. A goblet (or possibly grail) holds a cross for Matthew's Crusader past. The contrast of matte and shiny metallic beads is to symbolise past and present. The pendant is embroidered on grey Nicole's Bead Backing, and backed with ultrasuede then strung on silver cord and ribbon for the scene in the book where Diana flies up from the oubliette.<br />
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Using non-pictorial inspiration has been a good exercise for me, as usually I'm very visually inspired. I recommend the process for a different take on beading...Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-47162904940254546412014-02-10T12:40:00.000-08:002014-02-10T12:40:21.161-08:00Back to the bead challenges (part I)Well it has been a while, again mostly because I have been beading more, I have been blogging less!<br />
I decided to just go with the flow and not beat myself up about it!<br />
I wanted to keep trying challenges and have made a few pieces already in 2014. The opening Monthly Challenge on Operation Tackle That Bead Stash was to make a piece inspired by a famous painting. I decided to use a button I had bought (not from a bead store or from an online specialist, but from the good old department store haberdashery selection.) It looked like a Poppy central part to me (with my botanist side coming through) so I chose the painting <a href="http://artanddesigninspiration.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/oriental-poppies-okeeffe.jpg">Oriental Poppies</a> by the American artist Georgia O'Keeffe, which she produced in 1928, but which, like much of her work, looks remarkably undated.<br />
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I decided that rather than bead 'a' poppy inspired by the work I would use one of 'the' poppies in the picture, and (without photo-reproducing it) see if I could paint with beads to achieve something similar to the original.<br />
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Disclaimer: I am not trained in art past the age of 13 at school, and do not count actual painting amongst my skills! I drew a shape somewhat like the one in the painting on a piece of Nicole's Bead Backing in red.<br />
Then I realised that I would need to somehow accommodate the integral glass shank of the button in the centre, but that in order to have it flush, it would end up protruding through the back. Hmmmm....OK I cut a donut shape in bead backing to backfill the button, and glued it in, this time I used black. I also cut a wiggly black shape and glued that to the centre of the red, being sparing with the glue as I wanted to be able to sew through it to secure it. Then I cut a small hole in the centre and glued down the button, With the double layer of bead backing I accommodated the shank pretty much completely. Then I let everything set overnight.<br />
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Because I wanted to 'paint' with beads I realised that most of the project would need to be executed in size 15s, and fortunately I had a good number of shades on hand due to an unfinished project involving poppy jasper. I spread out a little pile of each and began:<br />
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First I fringed round the button with matte black, just straight fringe, nothing too fancy. Then I began the petals and as I did I began blending the bead piles into mini soups, trying for a tone similar to the painting. Sometimes I beaded in a radial pattern, sometimes I let them flow in a circular manner, taking the cues from the painting which I had on my screen. Somewhat surprisingly I discovered I needed a lot more orange than I thought, for the highlights on petal edges, I did use some size 11s as I didn't have quite the right colour in 15s. you can see them below in the bottom petal. I used a mix of silverlined, transparent (since the foundation was coloured) semi-frosted silverlined, and matte finishes.<br />
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I trimmed off the foundation at the end, and waited a few days before finishing it as a brooch using black ultrasuede and a brickstitch edging in 11s to tidy it up. Although it is large, it is quite wearable, and I am very fond of it, and I'm glad I didn't let negative school art reports hold me back!<br />
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If you'd like to see what other participants in the challenge made, here is a link to the <a href="http://tacklethatbeadstash.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/the-january-challenge-and-winner-is.html">OTTBS January 2014</a> challenge reveal. A truly challenging challenge, but great inspiration, I shall be browsing galleries for more works to 'paint in beads'<br />
<br />Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-15692587413240519652013-12-06T12:18:00.000-08:002013-12-29T00:07:52.649-08:00Bead, Book, Bounce: I Can Herringbone by Melissa GrakowskyI Can Herringbone by Melissa Grakowsky was November's choice of book for review and make, over on Operation Tackle That Bead Stash, my fave group on Facebook.<br />
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I had just purchased this book, while I was pre-ordering another title... you know the 'People who bought this....' who am I to argue with 'People'? I've always rather liked Herringbone or Ndebele stitch, and had admired Melissa's work for a while, especially her gorgeous masks... I was easily persuaded!<br />
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The shorter than usual deadline for this challenge caught me napping however, and I was shocked to find I had only a couple of days to make something and review the book...this is by way of an apology if you find the following rather thin.<br />
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I chose to make the Fern earrings, the final project in the 'Flat Herringbone' section, because it appealed to my botanist side and also looked satisfyingly complex. The detailed instructions made it much quicker to make than I thought possible, I began over my breakfast, and had made the first side of a fern by the time it came to leave for work. I finished it off in an hour this evening since I had other commitments yesterday. Initially I misunderstood the written instructions and joined the pinnae too far up, losing the flexibility, but looking at the photo clarified things. The diagrams are very clear too, as might be expected since Melissa is a go-to graphics expert for other bead designers.<br />
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Here is the one earring I have completed and I shall be making its pair shortly. The beads used are matte champagne duracoat 11s and 15s and bronze 11s and 8s. I didn't have rondelles in the right colour but the 4mm matte gold firepolished were a good substitute, and I mixed it up with some matte gold 6s too<br />
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I have a few more projects lined up to make from this book. Although the title suggests it is aimed at beginners, and it is indeed a stitch primer for many variations of the stitch, there is plenty to interest more advanced beaders too. If you haven't tackled herringbone stitch in your beadwork, or if you wish to expand your capabilities, this is a great book for the shelf.</div>
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Edited as we were given a month's grace:</div>
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Here is the next piece I decided to make, the Transcription Bracelet. Just the title appealed to my Molecular Biologist alter ego. I had to buy some 10mm pearls, fortunately my LBS owner had been on a buying trip and had an inexpensive selection of Chinese glass pearls to choose from. I picked Purple for the pearls and stuck with gold and metallic raspberry for the seed beads. I found the tension harder to keep consistent for this, as it twists as you work. Keeping a good grip was a little difficult and every now and then I'd lose my needle! I substituted slightly smaller drop beads by accident, so the size 6s stand a little prouder than in the illustrations. There was a small error in the instructions for adding the pearls so I followed the diagram instead. I did find the 15s which were supposed to secure the pearls in the curves could slip through the tube of herringbone unless I was careful to cross a thread. I didn't quite finish, as the bezeled Rivoli for the clasp is a little slack: I may substitute a button instead. There is the other fern earring so you can see I did complete a pair too!</div>
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Please visit the <a href="http://tacklethatbeadstash.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/i-can-herringbone-reveal-bead-book.html">OTTBS</a> blog for links and pictures from other group members.</div>
<br />Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-54608345386600841092013-11-18T13:15:00.006-08:002013-11-18T13:15:57.442-08:00Barrette BedlamI had a sudden burst of creativity over the last fortnight, which manifested itself as a plethora of barrettes (or hairslides if you prefer). It has got so bad that a fellow member of the OTTBS group has nicknamed me the 'Baroness of Barrettes' which makes me feel rather refined! I think the scale of the pieces is rather appealing, and as happened last year, it has whetted my appetite for a larger endeavour (whispers..maybe a purse). Anyway, I was really encouraged by the sale of one of them within a week from my Etsy, although it was one of my favourites so I would have taken pity on it and worn it myself if it had stayed there...<br />
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Another aspect of barrettes which makes them fun to do is that they are good for using up 'odd' or singleton focals, and a few accent beads (not enough on their own to make a full project). And then, the back of one's head is a great place to display one's work too (I do have fairly long hair)<br />
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Anyway here are the completed ones:<br />
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All but the green one have button focals. I think the next one will use one of the luna cabochons I bought at the last bead fair I visited: I got there a bit late, and had a limited choice and only odd ones. Perfect for this kind of thing!</div>
<br />Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-43799911939459199462013-11-15T22:30:00.000-08:002013-11-15T22:30:08.481-08:00Freeform Peyote Beading: Captured Treasures Blog HopFor years I've been saying I want to unleash my inner freeformer, and I have made a few pieces with which I am reasonably happy. I do feel, however, that I am holding back from true exploration, so a bit of a push is sometimes welcome. I decided to take part in a blog hop organised by Mandi Ainsworth via the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/freeformpeyote/?fref=ts" target="_blank"> Freeform Peyote Beading</a> group on Facebook. The brief was to use a 'found' object and capture it in Peyote. I thought this would be a big inspiration, but in fact I ended up 'dithering' for the longest time as to which of my 'found objects I could use: a rock, a shell, an acorn and a twig were all attempted with messy and unaesthetic results. Then a few days ago I was passing the 'free to a good home' table at work, and saw some discarded glass vials, still in the original box and unused.<br />
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They are of a type of precision glassware for laboratories known as Quickfit, which has joints which can be connected to different apparatus according to the codes. These have the numbers 10/19 on them which indicates which other pieces may be joined to make up a full apparatus... I decided to turn a vial into a pendant. The stopper may well be embellished as well. Because I took so long to decide, I'm only at the beginning stage, and have decided to call my piece 'Fool's Gold' as it has Alchemical and frivolous aspects, and my colour scheme is gold. Here is my work so far:<br />
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As you can see I can keep my working soup in the vial until needed, I expect I will leave some inside to add interest. I can see a few more of these in my future, I love combining the scientific with beading!</div>
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Please take time to visit the other blogs listed below (names should be clickable). I can't wait to see what other people began with, and the results of their inspiration:</div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://beadcircle.com/"><span style="color: #000099;">Mandi Ainsworth</span></a>
- host</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://baublicious.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #000099;">Karen
Williams</span></a> - host</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.anabel27.com/"><span style="color: #000099;">Anna Belous</span></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://sarabethsbellydancingbeadblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #000099;">SaraBeth Cullinan</span></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.nedbeads.blogspot.com/" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #000099;">Nancy Dale</span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://baublicious.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #000099;">Regina
Roper</span></a></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://baublicious.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #000099;">Lisa Jones</span></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://romana-handmadewithlove.blogspot.cz/"><span style="color: #000099;">Romana
Tschunko</span></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://peapodbeads.blogspot.co.uk/" style="color: #000099;">Catherine
Chinoy</a><span style="color: #000099;"> -</span><span style="color: purple;">You are Here!</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.theresestreasures59.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #000099;">Therese
Frank</span></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://stellulastyles.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #000099;">Naan
Pocen</span></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://awjewelryandbeadwork.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #000099;">Annita
Wilson</span></a></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="http://huisvlijtigliesje.blogspot.com/" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #000099;">Lies
Koster</span></a></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.mybeadworld.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #000099;">Halinka
Trolle</span></a></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://thestudiosublime.com/blog-2/"><span style="color: #000099;">Sally
Russick</span></a></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="http://emboideringmydreams.blogspot.com/" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #000099;">Judy
Pennington</span></a></div>
Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-48050983684397716382013-10-27T02:58:00.000-07:002013-10-27T02:58:51.818-07:00Bead MADAfter a series of connectivity issues (holidays in remote locations, laptop malfunction and repair, wi-fi hub replacement) blogging has lapsed in a shameful manner, however I have still been able to bead!<br />
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I've had tremendous fun in the last week, including two classes in Dorset at Stitchncraft with one of my beading idols Marcia DeCoster. Marcia is also one of my blogging idols as she manages to post regularly and interestingly (see her blog <a href="http://maddesignsbeads.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>). I travelled down and stayed in a cottage local to the venue, with two of my best beady friends (and others were in neighbouring cottages). It was a dream weekend in many ways although the weather was not the greatest. We beaded and ate and drank and were generally merry...tomorrow we may diet, as the saying goes!<br />
The classes were 'Vienna' with it's Art Deco feel, and Aelia. of the two, Vienna was the most challenging, as I hadn't even attempted shaping CRAW before. Aelia was a lovely instant gratification project in that the bezeled button was complete by the end of the day for most people, although there was still the bail, connections and rope to make. The pendant is reversible and I have made mine using mostly astral pink and copper crystal Swarovski. Here are my projects in the beginning stages, I'm determined to finish them both:<br />
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And here we are with Marcia in the bead shop:<br />
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It was one of the most enjoyable classes I've done. Marcia is an excellent and patient teacher, the venue was very nice with daylight lamps and bead-on-it boards provided, staff in the shop were lovely and helpful, and being away with beady friends was so much fun. The only thing to suffer was my bank balance, although I had been collecting £2 coins in a jar for extra bead spending money... perhaps I should have turned it into notes at the bank before I went though!Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-62254902959713257952013-09-06T04:18:00.000-07:002013-09-06T04:18:02.232-07:00OTTBS Bead, book & bounce: Beaded Colorways by Beverley Ash GilbertThe July/August 2013 book for the OTTBS challenge was Beaded Colorways by Beverley Ash Gilbert. This book has been on my shelf for a while, and was something I referred to for my first experiments in freeform beadweaving and using bead 'soups'. If you are contemplating this style of beading the book is an excellent introduction.<br />
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Colour theory forms the basis of the introductory chapters and, as actual beads are used for illustration, it is much easier to understand than some 'paint based' works. Colour wheels are supplied in a handy wallet at the back of the book, for ease of reference.<br />
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The projects in the book are based on netting and peyote stitches, both of which are clearly explained. There is also a little metal/wirework covered, so something for everyone.<br />
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Despite my best intentions, I left myself only a few days to play with the book for this challenge. I began with a soup of seedbeads left over from another project, in lavenders and salmon pinks, which was, perhaps, a little bland, and added an accent bead soup of a similar palette with darker beads also included. I used the Pastel colour wheel to identify the beads in the soup as below<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqB0dVtNotYy51b9SZB1Dy5AL4BVje4wBJwz-Ra22oWVcAMFoFMaLTfjytGouIhyphenhyphenZdaVhMDrBntuH4jXygf8lSH6Bag90BAuUvBtFZSukAf7mjHYSVLqrVTDh4H9Fp8WoT5q8oofyQKC8/s1600/Beaded+colorways.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqB0dVtNotYy51b9SZB1Dy5AL4BVje4wBJwz-Ra22oWVcAMFoFMaLTfjytGouIhyphenhyphenZdaVhMDrBntuH4jXygf8lSH6Bag90BAuUvBtFZSukAf7mjHYSVLqrVTDh4H9Fp8WoT5q8oofyQKC8/s400/Beaded+colorways.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I added the lime to give the expanded split complementary scheme some zing and swiftly started the Wanderlust earrings. I was a little sceptical as to the wisdom of freeform earrings as I didn't have much confidence in my ability to make them match but as time was running out I carried on . To keep the weight similar I used all 11s for the first row, then an 8 per loop for the second, and an 8/larger bead on every other loop, for the last row. 3 rows curved as required so I stopped there to keep the weight down.<br />
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The folding and stitching of accents (lampwork spacers from <a href="http://www.shirleygiles.com/" target="_blank">Shirley Giles</a>, a local lampwork artist, and a few pressed glass shapes) was also limited for weight considerations. I decided the hanging loop would be in the lime 15s to pick up the lime in the freeform. Although the earrings are non identical they are similar in weight and comfortable to wear (provided your earwires are of good quality, these are goldfilled)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79I8bv_W2pIZAJSzFcNfjGr3iwnZCFTvIV362yQFpjPXyrhufKoCTKA8WBDlIgpQm-zt7CtONysTFUHVlo_mF4yfRdwLKGC9oDDeqBppp_hunipYrlIcWGqVYLMskJF_DigL_E1xvZcs/s1600/P9030529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79I8bv_W2pIZAJSzFcNfjGr3iwnZCFTvIV362yQFpjPXyrhufKoCTKA8WBDlIgpQm-zt7CtONysTFUHVlo_mF4yfRdwLKGC9oDDeqBppp_hunipYrlIcWGqVYLMskJF_DigL_E1xvZcs/s320/P9030529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have plenty of soup left, and plan to make a cuff/wrap bracelet with some of it, or maybe you have some suggestions?<br />
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Overall I'd recommend the book as suitable for adventurous beginners and intermediate beaders, or for the more experienced who lack colour confidence.<br />
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Beverley also has a <a href="http://www.beverlyashgilbert.com/home.html" target="_blank">website</a> and has limited edition soups available to buy at times, though they tend to be snapped up quickly!<br />
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Please visit the <a href="http://tacklethatbeadstash.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/beaded-colorways-reveal-bead-book-bounce.html" target="_blank">OTTBS blog</a> and follow the links to other members' posts on this bookPeapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-81468027115276364952013-07-06T08:17:00.000-07:002013-07-06T08:17:41.078-07:00BOTB '13 round 2Well I was amazed to make it through the first round against Patrick's gorgeous necklace, but people seemed to like the Oceanides purse for its swirling patterns and restful blue colours. My second round battle is against Anneta Valious who recently published a book on her speciality '<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Soutache-Bead-Inspirations-Anneta-Valious/dp/1454707577/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373121587&sr=8-1&keywords=soutache" target="_blank">Soutache</a>'. Her piece is titled 'Skyfall' and is a great example of this style of beading. I haven't tried it myself, but as a 'round 2 treat', bought myself the book to have a go, and it does seem very comprehensive.<br />
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The theme of sky also chimes sympathetically with my 'ocean' based piece, so this time I think the votes will be based more on preference of the overall style<br />
I was allowed to add more pictures to my album, and chose the base of my bag to show how I kept it level so that it would stand stably:<br />
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The corners have mother-of-pearl leaf beads representing some kind of planktonic form, and were carefully chosen from a strand to be of similar thickness. In addition each is surrounded by a row of size 8 beads so that the 'feet' are a slightly larger area. The accent beads on this side of the work were restricted to 4mm or smaller to keep the work smooth.</div>
<br />Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-84532751596301020602013-07-06T03:40:00.003-07:002013-07-06T03:40:31.312-07:00Bead, Book & Bounce: Creating Crystal Jewelry with Swarovski, by Laura McCabeThe Operation: Tackle that Bead Stash occasional series of book reviews chose as its Spring book, Laura McCabe's <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Creating-Crystal-Jewelry-Swarovski-Sparkling/dp/158923345X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1373092292&sr=8-2&keywords=Laura+McCabe" target="_blank">'Creating Crystal Jewelry with Swarovski'</a>.<br />
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This has been on my bookshelf for a couple of years now, I bought it after attending my first class with Laura, which was the first time I'd attempted bezelling crystal stones. Once your appetite has been whetted, those sparkly little rivolis and dentelles are a BAD addiction!<br />
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Laura has wonderfully useful tables of peyote bead counts for different sizes of stone, even the odder shapes like triangles are covered, although as time has moved on, more variants are now available. The book remains a great reference book for this reason alone.<br />
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There are also many lovely projects in the book ranging from single embellished rivolis to multiple stone, geometric constructions which can be quite taxing for even experienced beaders. I came to this book from a background of mostly flat beadweaving so the dimensional stuff was really interesting to me. A head for maths (or at least division and multiplication) helps with some of the more advanced projects, but if you choose to make the project as described, then all the counts work out just fine.<br />
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If there is a drawback to this book it is that Laura frequently uses vintage stones and the photographs show these so beautifully, you will spend HOURS of your life trying to track them down!<br />
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These are some pieces I've made using the book, with additional embellishments depending on what I had in my stash (the one made specifically for the challenge is the green Crown Jewel):<br />
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Crystal burst:<br />
Olivia<br />
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Ring with a flower<br />
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Crown Jewel:<br />
Falling Leaf Pendant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoVAqaz49EjrmWOXTh0ADXIV4yEjZaowjPqKzrif_jCKyGuyyy6Ajj4IMbTVSVia3Rx0M2pN7pt-UxXO85uI2G6s8ZM6U8EbK1-1dtShhTSx0ZmOHcDleFPeCLmMitg9HXvdbQcacClg/s1600/P6300420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoVAqaz49EjrmWOXTh0ADXIV4yEjZaowjPqKzrif_jCKyGuyyy6Ajj4IMbTVSVia3Rx0M2pN7pt-UxXO85uI2G6s8ZM6U8EbK1-1dtShhTSx0ZmOHcDleFPeCLmMitg9HXvdbQcacClg/s320/P6300420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks to Clair for organising this Bead Book Bounce, and please head across to <a href="http://tacklethatbeadstash.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/creating-crystal-jewellery-reveal-bead.html" target="_blank">OTTBS</a> for more linksPeapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-67067124997789444002013-06-09T03:32:00.000-07:002013-06-09T03:33:13.441-07:00Battle RevealsThe Battle of the Beadsmith pairs are finally going up and I am so GLAD I was placed in group C as those have been the first to be revealed. My partnered beader was Patrick Duggan from the other side of the world. Patrick's piece is named Katerina referencing Catherine the Great of Russia, and is a very stylish necklace with medallions with military vibe:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfo1RGW4VxRbrSX9hkcZTkfx3BcwDzH3I7SzoynByuizrk74iEjuC1jCEOKGEVITRZZiT0Pgxr-QDNKFuQWup5KsjujV40YGFgBvA500rHRgfut92qLpmVrDmwzAHCQ1AANaLJBEveLo/s1600/PDuggan_Katerina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfo1RGW4VxRbrSX9hkcZTkfx3BcwDzH3I7SzoynByuizrk74iEjuC1jCEOKGEVITRZZiT0Pgxr-QDNKFuQWup5KsjujV40YGFgBvA500rHRgfut92qLpmVrDmwzAHCQ1AANaLJBEveLo/s320/PDuggan_Katerina.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love the colour of the central red stones in particular, and it does seem as if it would be lovely to wear!<br />
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Another outstanding piece within group C is the Phoenix Collar of Helena Tang-Lim, based on Peranakan wedding costume:<br />
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I adore the way that the design elements have been used in a modern, fresh way. I'd like to include more ethnographic aspects in my own beadwork some day.<br />
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So you can see the incredibly high standard of beadwork in this contest! I shook in my shoes! For more examples pop over to the Facebook group page and go straight to '<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/419636224777912/photos/" target="_blank">Photos</a>'<br />
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Anyway, without further ado I'd like to present my own piece. 'Oceanides Purse'<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdh5QovPF6w7s1eh1IGwPUrm8BTjZMiHQbWuOkiWlXyrWVEfHgT1VjEV-u2oHygurJznlqDYRqfxdyBF_XceMAdYOfE1p_g_kBEeOVlBR5izUO_a3L-V9rfqpyeUT5Suj-BTNoMAc8c8/s1600/CNCHand1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdh5QovPF6w7s1eh1IGwPUrm8BTjZMiHQbWuOkiWlXyrWVEfHgT1VjEV-u2oHygurJznlqDYRqfxdyBF_XceMAdYOfE1p_g_kBEeOVlBR5izUO_a3L-V9rfqpyeUT5Suj-BTNoMAc8c8/s640/CNCHand1_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Andrew Davis, Model: Melissa Dokarry</td></tr>
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<br />
The Blurb I wrote for the entry was as follows:<br />
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<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am a
48 yr old beader from the UK, originally from London but now residing in
Norwich. I have a full time job in plant science research, and my piece is
loosely inspired by microscopic life forms of the sea (diatoms, phyto- and
zooplankton, their geometry and diversity). I like to combine the scientific with the
artistic in my beading. I love organic, freeform and beadsoup. Beading is my
therapy and relaxation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1) Name
of your piece: Oceanides Purse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2) Name
of stitch, stitches used: Bead embroidery, Peyote, Right Angle Weave,
Herringbone, Appliqué, Couching<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3) Name
of products used, size and material: Seed beads, Swarovski rivolis, dentelles,
chatons, fancy stones and bicones, Swarovski and Preciosa cupchain, freshwater
pearls, glass pearls, moonstone and labradorite, pressed glass and firepolished
beads, Ultrasuede. vintage flatback glass cabochons and nailheads, heavyweight
interfacing, upcycled satin purse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4) overall
size of piece: Worked area is 31.5cm x 19.5 cm. Finished purse dimensions: 20cm
x 11cm x 5cm approx<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5)
time to complete 90+ hours</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a close up of one of the motifs, I bezelled a 27mm Swarovski stone using RAW and peyote and then applied it to the embroidery foundation, then embellished with the matte gold firepolished, and then couched down the 'rays' while making the first round of embroidery</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSoHIXQDyAoZ3OyS7d9Ve2CHUqOFhMEzA7uzVE59Arr2V-HN8JCS7_KTfUASPeNl6Z2Y2CdGI20OViGm0bZU_ept2aB8jjU0O5X7TYJLNnqtF0qwSrX2AVkDUcr27GqZPQufcs5iLWLU/s1600/CNCDetail1_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSoHIXQDyAoZ3OyS7d9Ve2CHUqOFhMEzA7uzVE59Arr2V-HN8JCS7_KTfUASPeNl6Z2Y2CdGI20OViGm0bZU_ept2aB8jjU0O5X7TYJLNnqtF0qwSrX2AVkDUcr27GqZPQufcs5iLWLU/s320/CNCDetail1_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Andrew Davis</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think Helena and I had the same colour muse working with us, and possibly the Geometry muse was with both Patrick and myself.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 18px;">Public may vote on the Group C battles within a limited time frame, and using a spreadsheet format downloadable under files on the BOTB '13 group page (click the logo at top right of this blog)</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-26906485922951587832013-05-31T00:52:00.000-07:002013-05-31T00:53:17.050-07:00Long time, no see...I am finally finished with the Battle of the Beadsmith piece, and the photos are submitted, so I am going to kick back and relax for today. I still have a load of beads and components which didn't fit the project so before relegating them back to the beadbox I thought I'd play a bit and treat myself to a bit of freeform.<br />
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The labradorite cabochon was just a bit too big for the competition piece but makes a lovely focal pendant. I'm adding more green to the bead soup to echo the bottom area on the stone, and I think it will be fringed as well! So far I'm thinking this will be a keeper, a souvenir of the travails I put myself through...</div>
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I'm going to take the BOTB piece itself to visit my local beadshop today to show them where some of the cabs I bought ended up, and then celebrate with a cup of coffee and a pastry. </div>
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Look out for all the creations which will shortly be appearing on the BOTB'13 Facebook group, clicking the logo at the right should take you there. I'll post a picture of my piece here once it has gone live on the Battle page for those of you not on Facebook.</div>
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Thanks for all the messages of support (and beads) which I've been receiving throughout the last 8 weeks, all were much appreciated, and helped me through my first foray into International competition waters!</div>
Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-74392778756461500892013-04-21T00:25:00.002-07:002013-04-21T00:25:53.173-07:00Battle SkirmishingI have been steadily working on my Battle piece since the first of April, but for the last couple of days have laid it aside. I made about 18 woven motifs and applied them in a 'pleasing arrangement', and am now up to 23 motifs, with extra ones worked directly in place. So far, so good. BUT one of the motifs is not quite right...it is OK, it looks pretty, but somehow it is too 'unlike' the rest of the work to fit.<br />
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I am not sure enough to unpick it straight away, but I need to think about it, and whether I can recycle the idea in a more coherent (to the overall design) manner. Could be I decide that it is just because I am seeing it in isolation without the surrounding area and it would actually be fine as is...<br />
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The positive side (i.e. the 22 elements which I like) are definitely staying though. I have used a variety of stones ranging in size from 27mm diameter to 8mm, and several different shapes consistent with my original theme, and for something scientific, it is looking rather artistic.<br />
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Yes I did say scientific! I have another life in scientific research, and many times have seen images and structures crying out to be rendered in beads, so that is my inspiration in this piece. I can't be more specific, but I am sure the motifs I have made from this theme will be great additions to my beading repertoire, I hope to make a range of necklaces based on them later on.<br />
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Anyway, I'm very busy at work this week so I think the battle piece will be left until the weekend for the cut/don't cut decision, when I'm feeling more relaxed...<br />
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....And now it is the weekend, I've taken up the work again, and have managed, by removing the outer ring of beads, to make the problem part 'work' again! I also managed to add in a few of the little navettes I bought, along with the cupchain, from <a href="http://www.crystal-pool.co.uk/">The Crystal Pool</a><br />
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Here is a tiny teaser for you, to show the navette (motif is about 2cm long):<br />
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<br />Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-84447730044051752442013-04-07T03:49:00.000-07:002013-04-07T03:50:16.828-07:00Battling on...So I expect your curiosity as to my BOTB'13 project knows no bounds? No? Well I admit <i>I</i> am curious as to where this challenge is taking me that's for sure. There are teaser shots going up from many of the contestants, and it seems fair to say that the standard is likely to be as high as last year's. Does it intimidate me? Maybe a little. It is easy to look at the small pile of pieces on the beadmat and think that my progress is painfully slow, but on the other hand I have tackled 3 shapes which are new to me and have begun the process of laying out the full design. I have 4 days left (including today) before I return to the full time job, so after that the the beading will be limited to weekends and evenings. I am beginning to dream the finished project though, so I think it has 'gelled' in my brain- all I have to do is execute the design (hollow laugh).<br />
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You would like a teaser shot? Really? OK then, this is the Battle stash as seen in the Battle Biscuit Tin! What's that? Who ate the biscuits? I have no idea what you mean!<br />
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I have also indulged in a mini shopping spree for cupchain which is new to me (apart from a one inch section which someone gave me from a Swarovski sample box). Haven't decided quite how I shall incorporate it into the Battle piece but the initial trial looks OK.<br />
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Well I can't say much more other than the piece has both woven and embroidered elements, and will be shimmery and sparkly enough to satisfy my inner magpie!Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-32390453810116056232013-04-06T03:26:00.000-07:002013-04-06T05:08:10.205-07:00Bead Book and Bounce Blog Hop: Sabine Lippert's Beaded FantasiesThis is one of the series of Bead Book Bounce blogspots Visit the <a href="http://tacklethatbeadstash.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/beaded-fantasies-reveal-bead-book-bounce.html" target="_blank">OTTBS blog</a> to see other group members' reviews, links and work<br />
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At last a bead book to review that I have actually used quite a lot! Lark Books published 'Beaded Fantasies' last year to instant acclaim. One of the 'Masters' series it has 30 projects within its covers, and what projects they are! Among my favourites are the Granada brooch (and I know others love it too: I can't tell you how many different versions I have seen. it seems to work in just about any colours!) and the Scheherezade pendant. Whilst the projects are, in general, exceedingly sparkly, Sabine's fondness for using firepolished Czech beads means they are not quite as financially crippling as they look (except that it is difficult to resist making several different colourways for each project). Swarovski crystals are also much used, but in ways to maximise their impact. The unique bezeling technique developed by Sabine means that the majority of a rivoli or chaton is showing rather than hidden by peyote.<br />
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This book is a great jumping off point for explorations in beadwork, particularly using Right Angle Weave. The final chapter is called 'Sabination Nation' and describes the processes involved in Sabine's designing. I was encouraged by this to try some variations on the themes in the book and am particularly pleased with the spiky Scheherezades. Here is my latest version:<br />
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Overall, this is a book which will appeal to experienced beaders, as well as those with an intermediate understanding of basic techniques. Although some projects can be demanding and require careful tension they are clearly explained. There are a few errors in my edition so it is worth contacting the author if you find something is not working. My one reservation is that several steps are usually combined in one figure, so that if you are more guided by illustrations you may need to spend time working out the order of steps. Reading the written instructions as well is probably the way to go!</div>
<br />Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-9713314072574802032013-03-31T11:33:00.000-07:002013-03-31T11:33:56.623-07:00Prepared for Battle...Well we are nearly there, the Battle of the Beadsmith begins tomorrow and the next 8 weeks will be Beading Madness! I am not sure what the beading equivalent of girding one's loins is but I have cleared my table, assembled a good selection of seedbeads, stones, accent beads, pearls and crystals to help me on my way. Many of the other contestants seem to have been limbering up with some big projects, but I am worried that I'll burn out if I try and do too much... Here is my workstation, and I can tell you now it will not look like this for long. If you hear a distant rumble it will be me, being buried under an avalanche of beads etc!<br />
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The OTTBS group have formed a cheerleading team to encourage those members who are participating ( 9 at the moment) so thanks to them in advance for their efforts in keeping us motivated! I'd also like to thank my anonymous donors who have been sending me treasures to add to the battle stash, it means a lot to have so much generous support!<br />
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All the best to everyone taking part, I hope we all enjoy the reveals as much as last years and look forward to some superlative pieces. I am hoping to pull a rabbit from the hat and use the materials I have to make something really special, but only time will tell!<br />
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The only thing left to do is get a good night's sleep (although I might be too excited) ready for the starter's pistol!Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-27046785784466833682013-02-26T23:25:00.001-08:002013-02-26T23:29:08.305-08:00ExcitementsA quick post to let you all know that I have been accepted as a participant in the second Battle of the Beadsmith. This is a Facebook based contest for 192 combatants from around the World. There is some stellar talent in that group and I am shaking in my shoes!!<br />
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I sent in photos of my 'Juno Moneta' as my 'audition piece' and made the cut. As it is a knockout contest I fully expect to make it no further than the first round, but I am so pleased and excited to have been selected that I can hardly speak (and those of you who know me will realise what <i>that </i>means!)<br />
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Anyway, my project for the contest will remain a closely guarded secret until the reveal in the Summer, and work cannot even be started until the 1st of April, but I am beginning to deliberate over possible designs and doing a lot of browsing for beads and other materials. If the posts become less frequent over the next months you will, I hope, bear with me.<br />
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In the meantime please have a look at the Battle page (clicking the logo at the right should take you to the page). You should be able to see a gallery album of last year's pieces. Sadly there is no webpage for the Battle so you need to be on Facebook to see the lovelies.<br />
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A final excitement for this post: my friend Janine made a lovely montage of the bead-it-forward squares the OTTBS group made for Bead&Button magazine's appeal, and it was featured on their FB page<br />
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<br />Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-91682336083204112342013-02-17T02:28:00.000-08:002013-02-17T02:31:10.919-08:00Singin' the BluesLast year I challenged myself to use more pink in my work as I had got a little stuck in my (green) rut. I managed to find a palette of pinks with which I was happy, generally mixing in some brown or cream to prevent things getting too saccharine. This year (you guessed it) it is the turn of the blues. I actually have a reasonable stash of blue beads, but rarely use them, so it shouldn't mean buying more beads...except, well when you start looking there are some VERY pretty blue things out there!<br />
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I also decided to move into 3D with the bead embroidery, now I feel I have served my apprenticeship with flat pieces, and am moderately competent! I asked Renetha Williams Stanziano to make me a fish shaped form and she made this for me:<br />
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And look, he is BLUE! He isn't that big but when I started I realised that working on a form is quite different to working 2D.</div>
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I raided the local fabric store for buttons for eyes, and looked through my books and the internet for some inspiration. At around the same time I ordered some spike beads from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BeadsOfBohemia?ref=ss_profile" target="_blank">Beads of Bohemia</a>, and when they arrived I had the idea of making a longhorn cowfish, so the first beads were added...</div>
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The placement of the mouth went a bit wrong so I had to reposition, but soon I was off with the actual embroidery. I also made some beadwoven fins in (of course) herringbone stitch, using some of the new Rizo beads between the ribs. The pectoral fins worked well, but in the dorsal fin the Rizos flopped sideways so had to be reinforced, the fireline I used is exposed a little but I think it is better than hiding the Rizos under a lot of other beads. Here is the current status of my fish whom I have named 'Finnegan' after all the 'begin agin' I have had to do!</div>
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The main colour of beads will be blue but with the orange and lime accents he will be quite exotic! I still don't know if I will completely cover the surface in beads</div>
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And finally, the OTTBS blog colour challenge for February 2013 happened to be 'Blue and Brown' so I decided to use some more spikes, this time in milky turquoise, and made a modified version of Sabine Lippert's Scheherezade, which I'm calling 'Dunyazade' (the name of Scheherezade's little sister, to whom she told the 1001 nights' tales)</div>
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So the 'Blue' year is well under way!</div>
<br />Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-85996077821827927352013-01-12T13:03:00.001-08:002013-01-12T13:03:38.245-08:00Proud as a PeacockI am pleased to announce that this week I finally finished my embroidered purse. I have named the piece 'Juno Moneta'. Juno, consort of Jupiter in the Roman Pantheon, is famously associated with peacocks and since I have made stylized 'feather' motifs using the oval and round cabochons I thought at once of naming the purse for her. Also it transpired that she was responsible for finances (holding the heavenly housekeeping money perhaps?) and that her temple was the location of the Mint where coins were struck. All in all an auspicious connection!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTOdghBbVnhlfKCSvRcPlIXDcwLsaCGNGXK0zoRvuWxknmkpDCGcelgBK4FAh8snKZofbZzha6XpJiix7vSwgr7ShuTAiDkNu1vKzWunBxmBoEtrTYRuPv48XlyVnNlW6CuyygM1klYg/s1600/_DSC9682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTOdghBbVnhlfKCSvRcPlIXDcwLsaCGNGXK0zoRvuWxknmkpDCGcelgBK4FAh8snKZofbZzha6XpJiix7vSwgr7ShuTAiDkNu1vKzWunBxmBoEtrTYRuPv48XlyVnNlW6CuyygM1klYg/s640/_DSC9682.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The completed embroidery just before attaching to the bag. The unembroidered edge was trimmed once I was sure it fitted</td></tr>
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I have learnt a great deal from making this purse, and finally used some of my 'good stash' of crystals and beads. The main supplies are a mixture of Swarovski (Navette in Sahara, Comet d'Or flat backs, and various bicones, mini beads and cupchain); Dichroic glass cabochons by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bluepoolcrafts?ref=ss_profile" target="_blank">Helen Welch</a>; Semi precious stones (Green Goldstone, African Green Opal, freshwater pearls); Czech firepolished beads (mostly 3mm and 4mm) and pressed glass leaves; and Japanese seed beads in sizes 6 to 15.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuaeZRuMialcy2zh8JtAYtQLqbhd4dR-iIRdJrl7I43M2v4jR0Pbk09eV6Nl-iz5KIPb8XziRaCdrwkZnFhWOsFVnWd4iOh8z3SrxY-NZvlTFXkO0c2Vb_I9kkqCZfqBH-lwBKyYsJCg/s1600/P1100256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuaeZRuMialcy2zh8JtAYtQLqbhd4dR-iIRdJrl7I43M2v4jR0Pbk09eV6Nl-iz5KIPb8XziRaCdrwkZnFhWOsFVnWd4iOh8z3SrxY-NZvlTFXkO0c2Vb_I9kkqCZfqBH-lwBKyYsJCg/s400/P1100256.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of bag</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8MXstzOmNxZ1lBVZKTg1Q9qhoNU7Zje6jcgRJgcBSqgZ_dhRXoZiZ6cy7_BWmeZ44J9PmszN7MX031yIY4UQgxIVshgA7YU8JL5v6yG45eXDi1q2pDlxbv6iZTXsYZeg_a3f-GPNdV8/s1600/P1100257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8MXstzOmNxZ1lBVZKTg1Q9qhoNU7Zje6jcgRJgcBSqgZ_dhRXoZiZ6cy7_BWmeZ44J9PmszN7MX031yIY4UQgxIVshgA7YU8JL5v6yG45eXDi1q2pDlxbv6iZTXsYZeg_a3f-GPNdV8/s320/P1100257.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reverse of bag<br /></td></tr>
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Initially I intended to use Miyuki 468 mid-green iris as the background colour for the filling in around the motifs, but finally decided on Miyuki 335, cranberry lined peridot AB. This looks less exciting in the tube, but picked up all the blues and purples as well as the greens of the other beads. Also, because of the outer colour being transparent, the textural patterns of the rows seemed accentuated. I am using more and more colour lined beads in my work, as they definitely add interest. I used the 468 in the feathers instead where it looks lovely alongside metallic bronze. A late arrival in my palette was Miyuki 1017, a silver lined emerald AB, which now replaces the Matsuno version which I loved for its colour, but which was a little larger than the Miyuki 11s. I was sparing with this as the silver lining tends to dominate.<br />
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Many of the beads used in this project have been the gift of other beaders from around the world and the whole project has a lot of emotional connection for me. I am truly grateful for the gifts even if they were only words of encouragement, which gave me confidence to persevere with my own creative urge! I am proud as one of Juno's peacocks that I managed to do it!<br />
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Thanks to all who made this possible, and in the spirit of beady co-operation, I would be happy to answer any questions from anyone thinking of embarking on a similar project...Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-50214255506800005242012-12-29T23:56:00.000-08:002012-12-30T07:24:37.671-08:00Sugar Rush!Well this is nearly the end of the year, so time for just one more blog post...<br />
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Just before Christmas, I thought I was pretty much beaded out, from making gifts and items for fairs...Then <a href="http://nedbeads.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/atlantis-cuff.html" target="_blank">Nancy Dale</a> produced a Christmas Cracker of a tutorial for an embroidered/freeform cuff, and I couldn't resist! Immediately the pdf landed in my inbox, I was mixing soup and selecting focals, I chose a lovely piece of etched dichroic glass which looked like opal, by <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/silvermoonlyn" target="_blank">Silvermoonlyn </a>as the central item and this is the soup mix:<br />
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I also had a couple of vintage glass square cabs with an opal effect so they became the secondary focals, and I began by fixing them to some of<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Beadwright?ref=search_shop_redirect" target="_blank"> Nicole's bead backing</a> in pink. The bead embroidery extends a little way, to allow the anchoring of freeform.<br />
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Bezelling the squares was a bit tricky and I fudged the first one, but the second worked better and I got everything connected. I then raced away with the freeforming, and by Christmas Eve I was finished (although I might add more dimension later).<br />
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I named the piece 'Kingdom of Sweets' after the fantasy land in the Nutcracker ballet, the colours were sugary pinks and lilacs for the most part with the odd accent in copper and orange. I was pleased with the overall shape which is reminiscent of a wrapped candy or a cracker, all consistent with the confectionery theme.<br />
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I recommend the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/118702190/atlantis-cuff-tutorial-combining?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=atlantis+cuff&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=GB&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=atlantis+cuff" target="_blank">'Atlantis Cuff' tutorial</a> to anyone who would like to try freeform peyote/RAW. It was a lot of fun to make, and although every piece will be different, there is plenty of guidance and support to help you achieve a satisfying end result!<br />
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Thank you for reading and commenting over the last year! Hoping you all have a happy and healthy new year 2013!<br />
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Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-26680025178303578022012-12-09T00:20:00.000-08:002012-12-09T00:20:18.560-08:00Beading-it-forwardSo sorry for neglecting you all this month (and last) I thought I'd just update you on some beady happenings, so you won't worry that I have given up...<br />
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I have been making squares for the Bead&Button magazine <a href="http://bnb.jewelrymakingmagazines.com/en/Community/Bead%20Quilt%20Project/2011/10/Bead-It-Forward%20bead-quilt%20project.aspx" target="_blank">Bead-it-Forward</a> appeal in aid of breast cancer research. Having had a scare earlier in the year, and knowing several families affected by the disease I was keen to join in and in a fit of enthusiasm cut about 25 squares of beading foundation to the prescribed size. Of course I didn't manage to complete 25 squares, but through the OTTBS facebook group effort I passed on the spare cut squares to other beaders who didn't have the foundation.<br />
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We had made contact with the associate-editor in charge of the project and she had said that provided all squares were submitted together they could be combined into a single quilt so that the group's efforts could be auctioned as one! At the present time we have over 80 squares between us. I have just sent off the 12 I have managed (not all perfect in my eyes, but all good experiments) to our coordinator in the US Janine, and we hope to collect all our groups' together by January, although the deadline is not until March.<br />
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I have been so impressed by the effort put in by inexperienced novice beaders and experts alike, and would like to encourage every beader to have a go! In order to help with inspiration, there are a number of free charts on the magazine page.<br />
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Anyway here is my 'set' all together<br />
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Otherwise, most of my bead efforts need to stay 'under wraps' until the recipients see them, being either gifts or 'Round Robin' embroidery projects, which will be revealed only when every square in the group has completed the circuit. Our group has participants in the US, UK and Australia, so it is likely to take a while... I'm on my 3rd square now, but will need to work on two others in the future, as they appear in the post!Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-13602641867380821392012-11-06T01:00:00.000-08:002012-11-06T13:16:58.084-08:00OTTBS Bead Book Bounce: Little Bead Boxes by Julia S. PretlThe third OTTBS Bead Book Bounce (and the second in which I've participated) features Julia S. Pretl's Little Bead Boxes. I bought this book after seeing the dedication in Diane Fitzgerald's Shaped Beadwork, but other than looking at the pictures had barely touched it. I decided to attempt at least one of the projects in the book, and possibly more if I could for Christmas presents for close family this year.<br />
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Although the book patterns begin with a triangular box, the one I really liked was 'Star' which is pentagonal.<br />
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I had no real problems with the base of the box, working in 4 colours of delicas, and following the word chart and the graphed design. It may seem odd to some that the word chart always starts at a corner, when due to stepping up, the point at which you actually begin a row varies, but once you are used to it it seems straightforward enough. The increase cycle section for pentagonal bases helps to clarify so is worth sticking a marker in.<br />
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My shaping at the top of the box was also trouble free, but I hit a snag at the hem round one (and I really needed the bookmark in the hem instruction page) I managed to break a bead in the corner of the row from which the hem begins so had to unravel right back to the beginning of the inner column. The 6lb fireline ended up like frayed Nymo!<br />
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My top tip here is to cut the thread if you are going to unpick more than a side, fasten it off and begin a fresh thread length from the problem point. Switching to a thinner needle and 4lb test for the 4 hem rows and the last two body rows and the zipping up, was also beneficial, although by the time I did the lid hem, I was comfortable with 6lb and a size 10 needle.<br />
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The box took me about a week to make so the prospect of making a few as presents is not too onerous. This is the finished piece and I have completed the lid with a little ceramic star which was just the right blend of lime and turquoise:<br />
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Have a look at the <a href="http://tacklethatbeadstash.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/little-bead-boxes-reveal-bead-book.html" target="_blank">OTTBS</a> page for a few more boxes made by group menbers, and links to other blogsPeapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999840361428705103.post-84366162991171617642012-10-28T03:09:00.000-07:002012-10-28T03:09:55.195-07:00Festina lente...Or as it is sometimes translated 'Make haste slowly'!<br />
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I feel this year is running away with me a bit, with the clocks changing last night Winter seems to be here (ferocious hail yesterday to add to the feeling).<br />
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I have been steadily working on the bag but it is not growing very fast. I ordered a bulk of the green iris seed beads I need for the background, but the darn things havn't arrived so I need to tackle the company and or the postal service.<br />
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This is it in its entirety and considering how much I've done, there is still a way to go on it. BUT I still like it which is a plus! I have also got a couple of little things I can do for a rest when I need to, and these are needed by Christmas so I do have to get on with them... <br />
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If my BlogPosts die down a bit you know I'm busy beading instead though, I haven't given up on you all!<br />
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Peapod Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11000014790166856678noreply@blogger.com3