Beaded Rings

I've been experimenting with RAW (right angle weave) a lot lately. The possibilities are just endless - and it's good beading fun. In addition to that, I've been doing all my beading with two needles now, using cross needle weaving techniques. I find it to be more effiecient time-wise than using just one needle - PLUS the strings can be twice as long as your comfortable working with, which means not having to weave in thread as often. Yay!

These rings were super fun to make. After they were done my head was spinning with all sorts of ideas - colors/shapes. But these babies are my prototypes.

This next ring was woven in size 15 toho's - the smallest size toho seed beads come in! In retrospect, I suppose I should have taken a photo with a penny or something for a size reference. I'll have to do that before I list it for sale, but, alas, here it is. Woven in cubular raw with some beads added on the inner circle for stiffness. It's light and extremely comfortable.

Neon Fun Bracelet

Most of my bead weaving is done with tiny beads. Really tiny beads. This makes for a very detailed design, but it is an incredibly time consuming labor of love. Any bead weaver out there knows what I'm talking about. Every once in a while though, I feel the need for (almost) instant gratification. Anything that can be finished in an afternoon is "instant gratification" for a bead weaver.

This bracelet was my "instant gratification" this past weekend. Its woven with size 8 seed beads, in orange, green, and pink neon colors. It's finished with a silver-plated swivel lobster clasp. I don't think I'll ever go back to non-swivel lobster clasps after using a swivel. Not having to worry about your bracelet and clasp getting all twisted on you is a wonderful thing!

Hearts A Plenty

I'll admit, I'm usually behind the power curve when it comes to "seasonal" jewelry. Actually finishing two heart themed necklaces 8 days before Valentine's Day is pretty good for me.
I think the key may be thinking two holidays ahead. If I could forget about St. Patricks Day and concentrate on Easter, then I might get something accomplished. But I'm Irish, how can I forget about St. Patty's!? I guess we'll see what happens...a lot of times I don't choose the project, they choose me.
In any event, here are my two latest creations, Hearts-a-Plenty. Both were beaded with sz. 11 Toho seed beads in a netted weave. They are very light, and have an incredible drape to them. Holding one in your hand, it almost feels like sand wanting to sift through your fingers. The texture just makes you want to touch it!
The first is a very subtle blue-on-blue. I used a transparent blue for the background, and an opaque light blue for the hearts.

For the second, I used the same transparent blue background, but used a lilac-lined blue for the hearts to give the necklace more contrast. Both necklaces were finished with a silver-plated swivel lobster clasp. I love the swivel clasps, because you don't have to worry about your clasp twisting on you.


Look for these choker style necklaces in my Artfire shop, they'll be available later this evening.
All of my items come shipped in a box suitable for gift giving (with your reciept outside the box of course) so you don't have to worry about buying wrapping paper, or a special box...it's all taken care of for you. Order by Feb. 10th for guaranteed delivery by Feb. 14th. I will ship overnight at the cost of the buyer if last minute shopping is your thing.
Valentine's Day is only a week away fellas!