The Return Of My Jewellery Making Mojo?

I've really been struggling to find my mojo for beading (it's been missing for almost nine months!) but I decided to sit down in this afternoon's sunshine and make something. Anything. 

And, well, these may be the simplest earrings I've ever made, but I *made* them. Yay. It's snowing outside, but I'm cozy inside with a warm feeling of accomplishment! 

Butterfly Necklace {Rinea Foiled Paper}

So, today, I have a tutorial to show you how to use some of those beautiful Rinea Foiled Papers to do something a little different - let's make some jewellery!

Head on over to Rinea for this tutorial on how to 'Make A Butterfly Necklace With Rinea Foiled Paper' and be sure to come back next month, when I'll be sharing more ideas on how to use these lovely foils to make some jewellery!

Introduction To Beadwork: Ministry of Craft, Manchester

In 2016, I started teaching at the Ministry of Craft in Manchester. It's such a fun studio, full of some covetable items made by the tutors - including some of the cutest handmade undies! Oh, and there was biscuits! 

The best aspect of teaching though, was that several of the attendees were really very nervous about their ability to actual make something - especially when they saw the size of the Miyuki Seed Beads that we were using - but all they needed was some encouragement. Everyone left with a completed earring (or two) and the skills and confidence to finish their work by themselves. And happy customers make me happy! 

There's a few spots left for the next Introduction To Beadwork Class on Saturday 8th April and this includes everything that you need - tutorial, beading needle, thread, seed beads, findings and, most importantly, some bling in the form of Swarovski pearls or crystals. 

You'll learn how to bead 'weave' - using a specialist needle and thread to stitch lots of teeny, tiny seed beads to each other to form a new shape! You'll learn about the beads used in beadwork (including the sparkly ones) and, by the end of the class, will have conquered some of the basic beadwork stitches to create your own pendant and matching earrings. (Please note there will not be time to complete all of the items during the workshop but you will go away with the skills and materials to finish at home.)

Let me know if you decide to book, so that I can increase the biscuit order! x

Inca Pendant

Planning really is paying off! After Transferring Designs into my lovely, 'new to me' business binder, I found complete notes for many, many tutorials that I had worked on, but hadn't released.

Writing a list of them all (there's at least fifteen of them!) has made me focus on each element of a finished tutorial - photography; written instructions; testing; tweaking; listing and marketing. 

Over the last two weeks I've released two new tutorials (one a week is an all time record) and there's was a lot of satisfaction involved as I checked each new tutorial off that master list!

This is the latest of those tutorials - The Inca Reversible Pendant. It's a lovely, fully reversible, pendant made using easily available materials including rivolis, bicones, superduos and seed beads. I can't understand why I left it languishing for so long! I'm now excited to make one with contrasting colours, so that it's more versatile!

The Stashbuster Series: Putting On The Glitz

I am well known for stretching out my stash and love nothing more than creating a little something from (almost) nothing. I know that I am not the only beader with a stash full of little 'leftovers' from more substantial projects - small selections of seed beads, rounds or crystals that are languishing in our stashes because there's not quite enough of them to make another project!

In an attempt to make the most of my materials and an effort to create some space in my little craft area, I've been working on some beadwork designs that will use up my own stash of lovely, little leftovers - and I've started turning them into tutorials in the hope that they will encourage other beaders to use up the beads left out on their mats, or to rummage through their stash for those teeny, tiny bags of beads that need using!

In the first of the series, Putting On The Glitz Earrings, I've combined some simple materials (which can be easily substituted) to create a little bit of understated sparkle.

Transferring Designs {What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday #350}

So, before I start 'showing off' what's on my workdesk this week, I wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone that visited for What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday #348 and apologise, profusely, for not returning the favour! I went to work that morning 'full of the joys of spring' and by mid-afternoon was 'full of cold' instead. I've spent the last couple of weeks in bed, with a temperature - and boxes and boxes of tissues! I swear that I'll make it up to you all somehow! :)

Now, onwards. Thanks to the 'treasure' that is scheduling, I shared the details of my lovely 'new to me' binder with everyone over the weekend and, now that I'm feeling a little better, I have actually been able to start using it. Oh, the simple pleasure of using something once it's been made!

I'm intending to use it to house all of the paperwork associated with running my own little etsy store - including receipts, tax returns, etc - and I'm slowly, slowly transferring over some of the stacks of loose paperwork that have been cluttering up the craft room. 

Last night, I sat down to start transferring in some of my sketches, 'how to' notes and completed tutorials - a lot more fun than transferring in receipts - and came across at least three or four designs that I had completely forgotten about! Along with the sketches/notes for some that I keep meaning to attempt, like that necklace design in the photograph above. I'm not sure if it's easy to see, but it will eventually include a beaded bow! 

Visit Stamping Ground for more information on What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday.

Superduo & Rivoli Flower Pendant {Tried & Tested}

I’m still working on a more consistent blogging schedule (it seemed ridiculously difficult in 2015, when there was so much *new stuff* to deal with in my personal life!) So, over the next few weeks, I’m re-introducing a few old favourites including Tried & Tested. 

The idea behind Tried & Tested is really very simple – I’ll find an idea or a cute tutorial that I want to try; I’ll test it out; then I’ll let you know the results of my efforts. I’ll try to be honest, sometimes it will work, sometimes it won’t. 

Susan Sassoon’s ‘Rivoli and Superduo Flower Pendant’ looked like a lovely, little project that I could complete in the evening or over the course of weekend. However, I must admit to a little surprise at its complexity. It caught me out and I’m thrilled. It was really, really interesting to see the mind of another tutorial writer at work. Each new round had me wondering how the next bead placement would affect the overall structure and shape, which meant that I was more ‘involved’ than usual. It was wonderful to switch off, concentrate on the instructions and enjoy the journey!

Susan includes well written instructions, diagrams and clear photographs in the tutorial (so there’s something for every kind of beader to follow) and, while the tutorial is a little more involved than I had first imagined, I think a confident beginner could take this on to stretch themselves a little. 

The end result is super sparkly from the front and the back has some beautiful netting that *could* make it reversible. This will depend on whether the foiled side of a standard rivoli is appealing to you, or if you can find a suitable double-sided alternative. I’m intending to try with an alternative soon! The ‘bail’ included in the tutorial (something that I don’t see with many necklace tutorials) is also an interesting make and, I believe, it would look fantastic as components in bracelet or necklace. I love a tutorial with options – so much more worthy of that initial investment!

I’ve bookmarked Susan’s store – SoSassySusanSassoon – and will definitely be heading there for inspiration when I need a nice weekend project.

Beading Blocks {What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday #348}

This week I've been working on the development of some new beading tutorials and beadwork kits - creating some new designs; working on colour combinations for the kits and, trying, with some mixed success to write the etsy listings. Listing is my least favourite part of the tutorial writing process!

Once I'm busy with the beads, time and the possibilities seem almost endless. The architectural nature of dimensional beadwork is what appeals to me most. I love watching structures and shapes develop with the addition of each new bead.

It reminds me a little of my childhood favourite, Lego, when I would sit for hours working out how to create new shapes and structures with the same basic building blocks. Some things never change, eh?

Does anyone else have a childhood favourite that has morphed into something else? Or even something that has become a lifelong obsession? I would love to know about it!

Visit Stamping Ground for more information on What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday.

The 52 Week Challenge: Pendants

At the start of 2012, I felt as though I had been neglecting my beading and wirework a little and, with a challenge in mind - creating a pair of earrings each week throughout 2012 - I headed on over to Facebook to encourage some of my jewellery making friends into joining me in the challenge. During the course of the earring challenge, I learnt a lot (and not just about beading.) I tried new beading stitches, improved my wire-work and worked on my photography.

At the beginning of 2016, I once again felt as though I had been neglecting my jewellery making in favour of paper-crafting (and, um, Netflix) and decided to instigate a new challenge. This time around, I'm focusing on creating a new pendant each week, though some of the other jewellery makers joining me have decided on earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more! (You can see our work in the 52 Week Challenge Album.)

January might be nearly over (what?) but there's still time for anyone who's interested in joining us to stat taking part - and there's no need to 'catch up'. Leave me a comment if you're interested and I'll send you some details! 

The OTTBS July Challenge

The Operation Tackle That Bead Stash July Challenge has been revealed - and I think that I'm going to have some difficulty choosing from the million and one ideas currently floating around my head! 

This month's challenge is being sponsored by Chantal Hanna from Snoochy who has offered up a beautiful inspiration kit full of Czech Glass, Pearls and Findings for the (very lucky) July Winner! 

All beaders, jewellers and bead makers are welcome to enter the challenge. Check out the Operation Tackle That Bead Stash Blog for more information about entering the challenge - including the all important theme for this month. It's truly inspiring!

It's Back! {Tried & Tested}

I'm battling an addiction and, I admit, I'm in serious need of a Pin-tervention! Just recently, I've been 'busy' sifting and sorting through my 'lazy old likes' and have either re-pinned them or deleted them - whittling down over seven thousand (ahem!) likes and leaving myself with twenty-six boards and well over nine hundred lovely looking projects to attempt - eventually.

In my defence, it wasn't a complete waste of time - and that some-day has already arrived. That's right, I've actually started to work on some projects inspired by all of that pinning. So, I'm bringing back Tried & Tested, and will be regularly reviewing and revealing the results of my crafting efforts that have been inspired by all of the beautiful projects and tempting tutorials that can be found on the internet!

To prove that I mean business this time around, I started with a project that has been languishing in my 'likes' for a very, very long time. The tutorial, 'Random Snow', is in Russian, but beaders familiar with basic square stitch should find the diagram fairly easy to follow. The basic pattern is repeated - over and over and over - but the end result is more than worth a little tedium! 

Materials: Blue Moon Beads - 4mm Champagne Glass Pearls & 6mm Champagne Glass Pearls; Miyuki - Size 11 Galvanised Gold Seed Beads.

I went for a 'classic' look, using some of my favourite Champagne Glass Pearls from Blue Moon Beads and some Galvanised Gold Seed Beads. I'm absolutely loving this combination at the moment - there's just something timeless about it! Given the time it took to stitch (oh so long!) I'm unlikely to be making another one anytime soon, but I am ever so pleased that I finally made something from my Pinterest boards.

I'd love to hear from other 'addicts'. If there's enough of us, we could encourage each other to move away from the computer and into the craft room!

Owl Be Seeing You

How cute is this little fella? He's from the new Blue Moon Beads Amulet Collection. Originally, I was hoping to add him to a necklace, but I couldn't find quite enough bronze chain in my stash and had to have a little re-think!  

Instead, I found Bronze Jump Rings and a Lobster Clasp, both from the Blue Sky 2013 Collection; a couple of leftover Rope Rings - which came in a set of mixed sizes; and a little heart drop leftover from a project using chain from the Urban Warrior Collection. Including the time it took me to rummage around in my stash, it still took me less than ten minutes to make a cute, little handbag charm.

By the way, I'm so sorry for the seriously awful title. It's so difficult to keep thinking of new ones!

Fit For Royalty {Bead Table Wednesday}

Hello! Hello! After almost a month of building work, and no internet connection, you cannot imagine how wonderful it is to have a little time to just sit down, with a cup of tea, and catch up on everything. And without the persistant sound of drilling!

Time without the internet made me feel amazingly productive - and I'm seriously considering scheduling myself time away from the computer each week - so there's quite a lot for me to share. As it's Bead Table Wednesday, I'm starting with one of my recent makes for The Blue Moon Beads' Design Team. 

Materials: Blue Moon Beads Glass Round Pearls, 4mm, Champagne. (BM25233) Blue Moon Beads Oxidised Silver Crown Toggle Clasps (ZF-001-00172) and Miyuki Galvanised Steel Seed Beads.

The 4mm Glass Pearls in Champagne are such a classic colour and combined with an Oxidised Silver Crown Toggle Clasp and some co-ordinating Galvanised Steel Seed Beads, the end result is a little more 'modern' than the classic combination with Gold or Silver. 

I've been blessed with some ideas for embellishing and adapting this little cutie, so expect to see a few variations on a theme. Is it just me that, busy working on one thing, has ideas for another twenty? 

Beautiful Bronzes

I'm just stopping by quickly to share a little loveliness that I popped together this morning. In the middle of re-organising my stash from Blue Moon Beads, I had an idea. And let's face it, everyone wants an excuse to stop tidying, don't they?

The Blue & Bronze Teardrops were part of a pretty earring component set (I've still got some lovely filigree pieces to work with!) but I wanted to combine them with the pre-made Blue & Bronze Pendant from the Blue Sky Collection. Don't they work so well together?

So, to create the focal, I've attached the Blue & Bronze Pendant to a Bronze Twisted Jumpring. I then added the two Blue & Bronze Teardrops and a length of Blue Moon Beads' Bronze Chain to one side. I've added two lengths of Blue Moon Beads' Bronze Chain to the other side, to ensure that the necklace is balanced well. I hate it when my necklaces start to twist around!

Now, to carry on creating or to carry on cleaning?

A Little Eye Candy

So, we had a visit from an internet engineer this morning and normal service will resume shortly. Hurrah! In the meantime, let me say a quick thank you for all of the sweet comments that were left for me on my last post - and for the e-mails that I received from a few of you as well. It means so much to me that there are still people out there reading. Now, onto the eye candy.

During October, I was thrilled to find out that I was selected for the Blue Moon Beads Design Team. I was even more thrilled when a box filled to the brim - and I really do mean to the brim - arrived at my house. There were tins and tins of beautiful bead mixes, chain, charms and cords! Lucky old me!

This weekend, I finally had a little bit of time to sit down and start making. I've started sweet and simple, by taking some of the 'oh-so-cute' earring charms and using them as charms for a couple of necklaces. Because that's how I roll!

This first necklace uses a slightly chunky feather charm, along with some luscious beads from the Red Velvet Bead Mix.

The second uses another 're-purposed' earring charm, which I separated into two parts and re-strung on to matching antiqued bronze chain. And, because I used some of Blue Moon Beads oval shaped jump rings to attach the charms, the chain looks seamless and much more professional. Result!

As I am still steadily working on the Operation Tackle That Bead Stash Earring Challenge, where we're making a pair of earrings each week for 2012, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to make myself another pair of earrings using some of my new stash. I combined some lovely, clear faceted beads from the PB&J Bead Mix, with Blue Moon Beads Glass Pearls, silver spacer beads and some ear-wires to create some earrings a little reminiscent of snowdrops. I love these so much, that I've worn them every day since I made them!

Autumnal Greens & Golds

It's been a little while since I've managed to join in with the monthly challenge over at Operation Tackle That Beadstash, but this month's beautiful combination of autumnal greens and golds made me determined to make something; anything. So I had a little rummage through my stash. I came up with lots and lots of greens and almost no gold.

What I did find though was a few bobby pins, some gold wire and a little package of mixed green beads leftover from other projects. I then spent a happy half hour weaving and winding. I love making a little something out of (almost) nothing.

Kasaviragas Karkoto {Tried & Tested}

Just popping in today with a Tried & Tested review of another tutorial that's perfect for using up some of your beading leftovers - Kisaviragas Karkoto by Panita. That's right, it's in another language - but please don't let that put you off! The diagram truly is exceptionally easy to follow if you have a little bit of beading experience and, of course, anyone who needs a little bit of help can just ask me!

The pattern calls for seed beads in Size 11 and Size 6, though I have successfully used Size 11 and Size 8 in my own version of the bracelet. To stitch up the full bracelet, with three rows, you'll need approximately three grams of each bead size. So, have a little rummage for all of those 'nearly empty' tubes of seed beads! 

If you're not sure whether you have quite enough beads for the full bracelet, I've found that a one row version looks just as cute and, of course, if you want to play around with the basic pattern to make some earrings, you'll need a much smaller amount!

You can vary the pattern a little by working with other sizes of beads, as long as you pair together two different sizes. Size 15 and Size 11, still work perfectly well, but you'll need a smaller needle and possibly a thinner thread. 

Can't wait to see the variations that you all come up with x

A Little Leftover Loveliness {Bead Table Wednesday}

Operation Tackle That Beadstash have declared the month of June to be 'Leftovers Month' and so, we are encouraging everyone to rummage around in their beadstash, and make something pretty with the random bits and pieces that they find. 

So, hoping to lead by example, I had a little dig around in stash over the weekend - and came up with several bags of wooden beads which were leftover from when I started beading. Nestled in there, amongst those cheap wooden beads, was a beautiful, little focal that I'd completely forgotten about - who said poking around in your past was a bad thing? 

It took a little while to sort the beads into usable piles - and there were a few truly ugly beads that had to be discarded along the way. There was then a little bit of trial and error as I worked through a couple of patterns until I came up with a design (and length) that I was happy with as a necklace.

In the end, I opted to string the beads onto a some copper wire, as it held the shape of the necklace far better than any of my beading threads - and it allowed me to shape a button clasp that wouldn't stretch with time. Happily, I think it compliments the wooden beads well!

I can't quite believe that, after all this time, the wooden beads that I had banished to the bottom of my beading box have finally made a re-appearance and I've turned them into a piece of jewellery that I actually like. Just the incentive I need to have another rummage!

Striped Peyote Bracelet {Tried & Tested}

One of the things that I hope will be highlighted by my new feature - Tried & Tested - is the people within the crafting community with experience and expertise who happily share their knowledge and enthusiasm with others. There is some amazing talent out there - and the lovely Tracey of Crystal Star Gems & Jewellery is no different. Every month, Tracey is posting a free tutorial on the Crystal Star Gems & Jewellery Facebook Page, each of them covering a new beading stitch at a level suitable for absolute beginners. 

And let me tell you, Tracey's Striped Peyote Bracelet Tutorial was amazing to work on! The photographs are fantastic, showing each of the steps in clear detail - and the instructions are well written without being too wordy. So, even though I only knew the basics of weaving in peyote stitch, I was soon beading away and, more importantly, enjoying myself!

Although it's an extremely easy piece to bead, I felt that I learnt so much from this one tutorial - including how to keep track of stitch counts, zip up flat bead work and decrease or increase in peyote using different sized beads. So to finish up with such a beautiful bracelet at the end, seems like a bonus! 

Tracey has now 'retired' the free version of this tutorial, but you can still purchase the Striped Peyote Bracelet Tutorial from Crystal Star Gems & Jewellery. At £2.99 it's a steal - and I promise you won't be disappointed. 

I've Been Beading {Ten Things On The Tenth}

If you love Shimelle as much as I do - and I'm sure that you do - you'll be aware of her blog series Ten Things On The Tenth. It's a simple idea, we share ten things - any ten things - on the tenth of the month. Simple, but I've never managed to organise myself enough to actually join in.

At the beginning of the year, I realised that by concentrating so much on my papercrafting, I hadn't really progressed much with my wireworking and beadweaving. I was feeling guilty about my ever growing stash and headed on over to the Facebook Group for Operation Tackle That Bead Stash with a bit of a challenge in mind - creating a pair of earrings each week during 2012.

The ladies, thankfully, took up the challenge with relish and we've all been busy beading, bending and, um, bragging about our makes. It's been just the motivation I've needed to start working with my beads again and the photographs you're seeing here are the earring sets that I made during our first ten weeks of the challenge.

If you're interested it's never to late to join the challenge. There are plenty of new members to the OTTBS Facebook Group, who are catching up - and a few of us who need to catch up because we slacked off over the Easter Weekend. And, yes by 'we', I really mean me. *Blush. Blush*

You can also post your own Tenth On The Tenth. Your ten things can be absolutely anything you feel like sharing. Just head over to see Shimelle and link up your own blog post or projects!