Dimensional Bead Embroidery - A book review...

I was so excited to see Jamie Cloud Eakin was releasing another book that I  pre-ordered a copy way back in May and it finally arrived this week!

I have to admit that her first book, Beading with Cabochons, is one of my all time favourite beading books and one that I have spent many hours drooling over not to mention using as a reference.

But back to Dimensional Bead Embroidery...

You might be wondering if this is a re-hash of her first book.

Well, simply said by Jamie herself...

"Let me just say NO!! The edges, bezels, attachments, etc are new ones! These are new techniques and tools for your beading enjoyment and design possibilities"

Well put!

Jamie says "Even if you can barely sew on a button, you can do this"!

You can read more of what Jamie has to say about her new book on the Lark Crafts site.

Jamie addresses three areas in this book:

1. Expanding on surface stitches

2. How to incorporate other items instead of just using cabochons

3. Expanding on other areas which made Beading with Cabochons so popular.

~~~

At the beginning of the book we are provided with an introduction into Materials and Tools which covers things such as beads, needles, thread, backing materials, stabilisers, glue... the list is endless.

She then covers basic techniques. 

If you have her first book and have been a bead embroiderer for a while then you may think that none of this will be new to you but again Jamie doesn't fail to please and includes some great instructions and photos on preparing a cuff as well as ways to ensure the components of your piece are centred. 

The section on Surface Stitches is quite detailed and covers pretty much every stitch including one-bead stitch, stacks stitch, backstitch, picot stitch, loop stitch and lazy stitch just to name a few.

The book also contains a project section where she spoils us with 9 projects complete with photos, diagrams and fantastic step by step instructions.

The  projects include:

Classic Chic Earrings

Cosmic Party Bracelet (cuff style)

Celebrate Spring Necklace

Woodlands Secret Purse

Traditions in Lavender Brooch

Autumn Elegance Post Earrings

Midnight Waterfall Necklace

Sunset on the Beach Bracelet

Ceremonial Dance Necklace

The last project mentioned, Ceremonial Dance Necklace is the piece that appears on the cover.

O    M    G    ! 

These projects are more than just gluing down one cab and beading around it... they are amazingly beautiful pieces that at first glance might appear a little intimidating but when you read through the instructions you realise that they are definitely works of art that you can create.

As a teaser Celebrate Spring Necklace, Classic Chic Earrings and Sunset on the Beach Bracelet also appear on the cover.

But I think my favourite section of the book is Edge Treatment Stitches.

I really feel how you edge a piece can really take it from wow to incredibly amazing so I always love discovering new techniques when it comes to edging.

I especially love her Lace Ruffle Edge and actually had to take a second look because at first it looks like the edge has been crocheted with fine cotton rather than size 15/0 seed beads.
Amazing!

At the end of the book we are rewarded with a 12 page Gallery section jam packed full of bead embroidered eye candy by other amazing designers.

 Spoilt!

Thank you Jamie for another beautiful book.

I strongly recommend you get your hands on a copy.
Like any of the books produced by Lark Crafts it will be another treasured addition to your collection and definitely one book of mine that will be drooled over may times.

Perhaps they should start printing the books with plastic pages rather than paper!!

♥

My first bead embroidered cuff

This is my very first bead embroidered cuff, which you may have already seen in a few of my recent My Creative Space posts...
...but this time...finally finished!

Please click on images for more detailed view of the beadwork

I have used an Eagle Eye Agate cabochon as the centre piece and then some gorgeous 

Desert Picture Jasper tear drop and oval cabs adorned with a mixture of seed beads, cube beads, delicas, Czech glass beads and wooden beads.

I wore it on the weekend and it was so comfy to wear... the deer leather I backed it with is super soft.

I can't wait to make another cuff and as mentioned in a previous post, I've already purchased the cabs!

If you love bead embroidery haven't already treated yourself to a copy of Sherry Serafini's new book "Sensational Bead Embroidery" then I suggest you do so.
This book is full of bead embroidered eye candy and definitely an inspiration.
Thanks Sherry!
I hope I have done your book justice...

♥ 

My secret fetish...besides shoes and handbags!

What can I say ...I l♥♥ve cabochons. 

I don't think I have ever seen a cab that I haven't loved...

...ok that probably isn't entirely true as I am not super duper keen on the plastic variety but....there are so many gorgeous cabs on the market in many shapes and forms, colours and sizes and textures.

I thought I'd share my latest Etsy adventure with you.
I can't wait to receive these beauties.

I have another cuff in mind for these gorgeous blue opal cabochons.

These Picasso jasper cabs are going to be perfect for earrings.

Not to mention these gorgeous picture jasper drilled cabs.

And these stunning labradorite cabs are going to be showcased in an extravagant collar piece!

Let me know if you're' interested in the seller's store. 

I am not associated with them in any way...just happy to share some beady cabochon goodness with you all!

Now please excuse me while I go wipe the drool off my chin!

♥ 

Slight heart failure and the dilemma of a clasp!

As you might already know I've been working on this cuff for a few weeks now. 

I am so happy with the way it's come together. 

The earthy tones are definitely me and as this is my first cuff I will definitely be keeping this one for myself!

BUT before I finish it I need some design help from all of my wonderfully talented friends.

I want to keep the cuff flexible and soft so I won't be adding it to a metal cuff base but I am not sure what kind of clasp to add.

I have this toggle clasp which I thought I could attach with some beads.

But then I thought I could do a peyote toggle but thought that might be ''too much".

I also have some antique brass and copper lever clasps which I just ordered but they are a lot smaller than I had anticipated so I don't think they are going to work.

For the first time EVER I actually cut through my thread when trimming the edges...you can see the section where the beads are missing in the photo above...just near the clasp...
I can't believe I did it...
I think I was just rushing to trim it so I could photograph it in the last of today's daylight and get it posted here to ask for your help.
Thankfully it is easily fixed but the sound of the beads falling onto the table still gave me slight heart failure!

Ok. Now that my heart is back to beating normally.

Any suggestions on what kind of clasp to use?

♥