MY CREATIVE SPACE...

This week I've been on leave spending some much needed time with my little man whilst he is on school holidays.

I've also been enjoying some much needed time sitting drinking cups of tea and beading whilst gazing out the door at the little birds trying to eat my passionfruits on our vine.

I've been working on several projects.

I have completed two Aruba Blue bracelets as previously posted and I have made a start on the
Camelot Cross bracelet for my little group,
Beading Babes.

I was torn between the beautiful cool shades of blue I had in my stash and the earthy tones of brown that I seem to gravitate towards nearly every time.

You can guess who won!

I guess I am still an earth girl at heart...but I am a sea girl too.

So in choosing the earthy tones I know that the sea side of me is still calling so I will definitely be making this piece in a mixture of blues and teal greens.

This patterns is very easy to follow and these squares are very quick to stitch.

I think if you have the time to put an entire day aside to bead this piece you could easily get it done.

The squares naturally dome, which is why mine look a little wonky in the pictures above, and to make a nice change tension is really not an issue...did you hear that Kristen... tension is not an issue!!!

As you can probably guess my bracelet will be finished 

well before the very relaxed deadline of 16 October 

but that's ok because now I can get started on a new pair of earrings.

Don't forget Beading Babes to post your progress on your blogs or Facebook pages...I'd love to see how you are going and what colours you  have chosen!

What's brewing in your creative space this week?

♥

ARUBA BLUE BRACELET...

Well my bracelets aren't blue but they are Aruba!

The design, Aruba Blue Bracelet, is by Ellad2. 
A simple but gorgeous bracelet stitched in RAW (right angle weave).

The silver and black bracelet was my first attempt.
This bracelet is such a joy to stitch and so quick and easy that I couldn't resist making another one in  pink... all for myself!

Of course the black and silver is all mine too!
I do love to spoil myself!

I reckon you can whip up one of these bracelets in around 2 hours or less...
 I haven't actually timed myself yet but they are super duper quick which makes them all the more desirable!

The tutorial is well written, easy to follow with fantastic step-by-step photos.

I have to admit I'm a fan of photos over diagrams when it comes to tutorials... it certainly makes following the instructions a  lot easier and I feel it adds that extra personal touch.

If you haven't checked out Ellad2's Etsy store then drop in and have a looksee.

I've purchased around 10 of her patterns and if the others are as easy as this one then I reckon I just might have struck gold!

♥ 

BEADING BABES - PROJECT 1 ~ SEPT/OCT 2011

Thanks everyone for commenting on the designs I chose as options for our first project.
From reading everyone's comments it seems the favoured choice is:

Camelot Cross Bracelet by Carole Ohl

(Beadwork - February/March 2011 - page 58)

I  can't decide what colours I want to do yet but have the Swarovski bicones narrowed down to either Erinite, Fern Green AB, Indian Sapphire or Dark Indigo....

As discussed in my last post, we will have 4 weeks to complete the piece,
therefore the reveal date will be
Sunday 16 October.

Once again please don't stress if you don't get your piece finished by this date...this is purely a guideline.

I'd love to see your progress along the way so please feel free to post pictures on your blog or add links to your blog via my Facebook page.

I will also set up a photo album on my FB page which will be dedicated to Beading Babes where, with your permission, I will post pictures of everyone's work.

Also please let me know if you would like other two projects, Cairo Collar and Around the Block, as options for future projects.

Let's get started!!!

♥

-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Copyright Disclaimer
All patterns used within this group will be purchased by the beader and will not be copied.

All credit will be given to the designer.

BEADING BABES...

Firstly, a big thank you to everyone who has shown interest in my little beading group so far. I have already made some new friends which is one of the wonderful benefits of creating such a group.

Secondly, what do you think of my name for our beading group... is it too corny...I am up for suggestions!

Here are a few questions answered regarding how the group will be structured.

Timeline of projects

Projects will now run over a two month period, this way we can create more than one project at a time which I think is a pretty good effort!

From the date the project is decided we will have approximately 8 weeks to complete the piece, but again don't panic if you don't get your piece done in that time. The aim is to share your achievements on your blog/Facebook page not to meet strict deadlines...so please don't stress!

How we will choose the patterns?

Since chatting to a few of you via email and Facebook the consensus of opinion was that choosing patterns from Beadwork and Bead & Button magazine might be the easiest option as we all seem to either subscribe to these magazines or buy it each month.

Both magazines also offer a great range of free patterns on their websites so this might be another opotion for us.

I am also very excited to announce that two published designers have offered one of their patterns to us for free... how cool is that not to mention super generous! Of course we will thank them by mentioning them when we post pictures of our pieces!

Keep in touch!

Feel free to post any work in progress pictures along the way on your blog and/or discuss any issues you may be having with the project.  The more discussion the merrier!

I have been contacting a few of you by email in addition to my blog and Facebook page so, if it is ok by everyone, I will post the projects here and on FB but I will also send you an email with the details of the monthly project just in case you aren't checking my blog/FB page.

Please feel free to contact me by email at any time if you have any questions or just want to gasbag!

Don't stress!

Please do not feel any pressure to take part each month and if you can't get your piece finished in the time suggested... who cares!

The aim of this group is to broaden our beading skills, try out patterns we might normally be too afraid to attempt but most of all to have fun and make some new friends!

~~~~~~~

So I have been going through Beadwork and Bead & Button and I have come up with 3 patterns for us to choose from for our first project, this time all from Beadwork (all images sourced from my subscriber copies of Beadwork magazine).

1. Camelot Cross Bracelet by Carole Ohl

(Beadwork - February/March 2011 - page 58)

Materials

5g size 11 cylinder beads (A)

3g size 11 cylinder beads (B)

3g size 11 seed beads (C)

2g size 11 seed beads (D)

28 bicones 6mm

~~~

2. Cairo Collar by Lynn Davy

(Beadwork - February/March 2011 - page 62)

Materials

1g size 15 charlottes (A)

5g size 11 cylinder beads (B)

1g size 11 cylinder beads (C)

2 bicones 4mm

5 bicones 6mm (D)

6 teardrop beads 12x16mm (E)

~~~

3. Around the Block Bracelet by Barbara Falkowitz

(Beadwork - October/November 2011 - page 69)

Materials

4g size 11 seed beads (A)

2g size 11 seed beads (B)

7g 3mm cubes (C)

36 firepolished round 3mm beads (D)

9 glass pearls 4mm

1 shank button (for clasp)

~~~~

For our first project I have tried to pick 3 patterns which have beads that are easy to find and most of us might already have in our stash, such as size 11 seed beads, therefore only needing to buy one or two of the items in the material list if any.

In fact, for each challenge I will always try to choose pieces that won't cost too much to make, i.e. pieces loaded with Swarovski crystals!

Let's choose!

Check out the projects above, the material lists for each and let me know which one you would prefer and the most popular out of the three listed above is what we will kick off the beading group with!

If you have any suggestions of projects you have seen that you would like to try or just general suggestions for the group, like a better name, please feel free to post them here or drop me an email!

Let the creative fun begin!

♥ 

-----------------------------------------

Copyright Disclaimer

All patterns used within this group will be purchased by the beader and will not be copied. 

All credit will be given to the designer.

FIRELINE...HOOKED, LINED AND SINKERED...

Image source

I hate to admit it but I have become a fan of Fireline.

I never thought this day would come as I have been very anti Fireline for many years now.

I had only ever tried 1lb which I now know was a ridiculous strength to buy.

I have now used 6lb and love it.

I don't however like that Smoke leaves little black lines on my fingers but thanks to super smart Juls I now know that a quick wipe with some paper towels before stitching fixes that problem.

You know why I love it now?

When I was stitching my Persian Lullaby bracelet I was being a little too pedantic about the neatness and had to unpick it several times. If I had been stitching the piece using my regular Nymo 00 or KO Thread I probably would have had to start all over again as these two threads are not too forgiving when it comes to unpicking a piece a few times...it ends up splitting and fraying and becoming one big fur ball.

Not with the Fireline.

I am impressed!

I am off to buy myself some kick butt 300 yard rolls of 4lb and 6lb... at a ridiculously stupid can't go past it price!

I will always have a place in my heart for my beloved Nymo and KO thread but they will only be making an appearance in my bead embroidery.

♥ 

PERSIAN LULLABY...

Here is my finished Persian Lullaby bracelet by Nancy Peterson.

I have to say I adore this bracelet.
I not only love Nancy's beautiful design but I am so happy with the bead combination I chose.

Although it is difficult to see from the pictures there is so much sparkle to this piece it's just gorgeous!

I love, love, love the  Aquamarine Celsian Czech firepolished beads I have used and nothing like some AB beads for extra bling!

This pattern is great with very easy to follow instructions, great diagrams and really is a quick piece to stitch.

This piece includes charlottes and this is the first time I have used them and I have to say I am l♥ve with them now so I am on the hunt for a supplier with a decent colour range as my current supplier is very limited.

And... it's my first piece stitched using Fireline!

Yay for me!

I cannot wait to stitch this one in classic black and a pair of earrings to match each bracelet.

♥ 

GIVEAWAY AT CENTPERLES...

Check out this absolutely stunning piece up for grabs at Centperles.

All you have to do is pop on over to her blog (link above), leave a comment and you are in for a chance to win this gorgeous piece.

Whilst you are there be sure to check out all of the other exquisite eye candy!

I'd love to wish you luck but I am secretly hoping I win this one!

♥ 

NOTHING BEATS THE SEASIDE...

This weekend we visited Kirra Beach on the Gold Coast. Alan's parents stay here once or twice a year and they are always kind enough to invite us down for a few days.

We drove down on Saturday morning and came back late Sunday evening so it was only a quick getaway but sometimes a day or two by the seaside is all that is needed to feel alive again!

Spencer had a wonderful time frolicking in the sea, looking for sea creatures and buried pirate treasure.

The ocean itself was quite icy but Spencer found a lovely little rockpool to paddle in which was like a warm bath!

click on the photo above to see the stunning sparkle I mention later

 

I took some time out to enjoy the finer things in life...the warmth of the sand on my feet, my beautiful little man's smile whilst he waded in the rockpool and the magical and mesmerising sparkle of the crystal clear sea.
I also took time to watch the Newcastle Knights play in the Qualifying Finals of the NRL (National Rugby League), of which they sadly lost, and also managed to do a spot of beading finishing one bracelet and starting another!


Alan enjoyed a game or two of the Rugby Union World Cup cheering on England, even though he has officially been an Aussie for over ten years!

The weather was glorious with blue sky stretching as far as the eye could see but unfortunately the blue skies were paired with strong winds which had quite a bite to them.

But that's ok because along with the winds came some spectacular kites.

I overindulged when it came to food enjoying BBQ octopus and calamari for lunch, gourmet woodfired pizza for dinner and a scrumptious breakfast of poached eggs, mushrooms, tomato, spinach, avocado and turkish bread all washed down with a delicious juice of orange, pineapple, lime and apple....mmm YUM!

During our walks on the beach everyone was keen to help me search for pebbles and shells that I could use in my beading and I managed to come up with this lovely little collection.

Although you can't tell from the picture above, some of the stones when wet have a lovely finish on them so Alan is now keen to buy a tumbler so we can polish up some of these gorgeous pebbles we found...of course I am not going to discourage him!

♥ 

Encouraging others to learn

Over the past few weeks I have made a lot of new friends through the magical world of Facebook and blog land.

Due to this blog and my Releases by Rufydoof Facebook page being predominently bead related the majority of these new friends are fellow beaders.

What I've noticed about these new friends is that they are also new beaders...fresh to the beading world.

I remember entering the beading world way back in 2003 when I started out making very simple strung pieces. I was overwhelmed at how many different beads were available, slowly learning what tiger wire and crimps were and along the way asking lots of questions of my sister-in-law who introduced me to my new obsession.

Taking on anything new can be extremely overwhelming and at times intimidating. Sometimes if you aren't given guidance, assistance not to mention encouragement along the way some things in life are very easy to give up on.

What am I leading to?

I would like to create a beading group to

assist and encourage new beaders and established beaders alike.

No matter how experienced we are I think each and every one of us always has something new to learn.

What will the group involve?

A group that encourages beaders to step out of their comfort zone by learning new stitches and techniques and tackling patterns and projects that they would normally admire but not dare attempt.

Each month a project will be chosen and those in the group will make the piece and then share their creations.

We can discuss stitches and/or patterns we would like to try.

I can choose the project or we can take it in turns...it's up to you!

We can choose patterns from magazines such as Bead & Button and Beadwork or patterns from books that we all might own (no purchased patterns).

You don't have to have a blog to take part but a Facebook page would be handy so that you can share photos of what you have made.

With the permission of those taking part I will then share the photos of everyone's creations each month on my blog and Facebook page.

The group will be a great way to make some new friends, meet other beaders and increase your beading skills with the support and encouragment of other beaders.

The group will be all about fun so please don't feel there is any pressure to take part each month or to meet any strict deadlines.

What inspired me to think of such a group?

I would like to, I guess in a sense, repay all of the wonderful people that have helped me along the path of my beading journey so far.

In addition, last week I met a lovely beader, Christine. She commented on my Dragon Bangle I was working on and said she too wanted to make it. I told her I had had a few dramas with the piece and that if she had any problems I'd be happy to help her out. We have been chatting ever since.

Since that first conversation she too has made a Dragon Bangle. Christine told me that she is "still learning" and how much she appreciated my offer of help and it took me back to how many people helped me when I was first starting out.

I think this group will be a great motivator for everyone...including myself!

So.... if you are interested please express your interest here or contact me via my Facebook page!

I look forward to sharing this journey of creativity with you!

♥ 

MY CREATIVE SPACE

Here is a piece I have been working on for a week or two now.

The design is called Persian Lullaby and it is by Nancy Peterson.

I originally started this piece in all black but unfortunately I did not have any 6mm firepolished beads so I used some faceted 6mm beads I had on hand but as they were rounded rather than the oval shape of the firepolished beads they weren't sitting quite the way they should.

The bracelet was still coming together beautifully but knowing I was using the wrong shaped beads meant my OCD would get in the way of me proceeding any further so I unpicked the work I had already done.

I ordered some more black 6mm firepolished beads but frustratingly when the order arrived they were out of stock and sent me 6mm druks instead. They were kind enough to let me keep these for free as they had just sent them to me without letting me know they were a replacement for what I had ordered however in case you don't know... druks are also round...so they weren't going to work.

So...I placed another order but this time in addition to the black I also ordered these gorgeous 6mm Aquamarine Celsian firepolished beads. I have complimented them with 3mm firepolished beads in Crystal AB and Silver Lined Crystal for extra sparkle! I am also using my all time favourite coloured seed bead, Colour Lined Sea Foam/Light Topaz Rainbow, silver charlottes and delicas in Metallic Green Iris.

This is such a pretty design and works up very quickly without too much fuss.

I do intend to do another in black but have to admit I have fallen in love with the softness of this piece and the Aquamaine Celsian beads are just too delish!

This is also the first project I have used my new Fireline in and so far so good! No tangles, no knots and no frustration... so far!

Since taking the above photo I have unpicked this piece twice after noticing one or two mistakes. Not major ones but I knew they were there so after a good half hour of unpicking and restitching it's now looking close to perfect!

What's new in your creative space this week?

♥ 

Dragon Bangle

After about a week of frustrating beading I can finally show you my finished 

Dragon Bangle designed by Nancy Jones.

This bangle was a huge test of my patience and as I mentioned previously I nearly did give up on it!

I went against the advice of Nancy's pattern, and closed the seed bead section of the brick stitch and then joined the two ends together. Not sure if this was a great idea but I was having so much trouble joining the ends first that I thought I'd try something else.

Overall I am pretty pleased with how it turned out. I adore the combination of colours I have used and think they look rather special together.

The bangle still has a tendency to twist - it will sit very flat on a table but once it's on my wrist it twists about. You can actually shape it which just adds to the character of the bangle itself but in terms of sitting stiff and round like a regular bangle then this is a huge fail! I am not sure if I have done something wrong or if this is the way it comes together as it is hard to tell by the picture with the tutorial as the bangles are sitting flat!

I've already had a friend ask me to make another of these in the exact same colours but have told her I need a bit of a break from this design. I took it to work today and another lady has asked me to make her one...aahhhhh!

 As much as I adore the long magatama drops I am a bit sick of looking at them but I can hear them calling my name ever so softly so they will just have to be patient for a few weeks!

If you have made this bangle I'd love to hear your comments!

♥