I have official status.

Two New Things for Me!

I made these two for myself, but will definitely be making more. The first is an eyeglass holder and can be converted into an ID card holder. I will need this to hold my sunglasses while I'm in Grenada! The second is a peyote cuff with the closure toggle done in peyote too. It's a simple design, but that's what I seem to go for. I was going to embellish the sides, but decided not to.

Photos by Christina. Click on image to enlarge.

Russian Sand Bracelet

I had a fairly stress-free holiday for the first time in years. Last year, I was still doing Christmas cards in February. This year, I even found time to bead!

I bought a kit from You've Got to be Beading to learn the russian spiral stitch. The instructions were not very helpful. I had found some intructions elsewhere in the meantime and ended up using those. I emailed them to complain and they were very apologetic and accomodating. They sent me more detailed instructions and added a free bracelet pattern. I really liked how they were open to my feedback. You don't get that very often these days.

Anyway, the kit was called Pearl Sands and in my hands, after several attempts, it became Russian Sand. I want to make another one, but with a magnetic clasp. You wouldn't believe how strong these little magnets are.

 Happy New Year to all.

Gaining Popularity

This seems to be a favourite among my customers... so far. I haven't even made one for myself yet! It's made with easy-to-handle size 6/0 beads and stretchy thread. Len's Mill Store has turned out to be a good source for czech beads.

Peyote Cuff Bracelet

(Christina Cuff)

This was the second peyote cuff that I made. Peyote stitched beads feel really nice against the skin. I made a couple rings too, because they don't take as long and I wanted to practice. Did I mention that you stitch through every single bead, one at a time?!

I have discovered that there was a reason some of the first beads that I bought were cheap. Not round, not uniform, some with no holes, some whose colour ended up on my fingers... I like "Delicas", small beads from Japan, the best for weaving projects due to their uniform, cylindrical shape. They fit together like bricks. They are however, very small. Not good for someone with tremors!

(zipper pull done in peyote)

I have some beads lined up for a third cuff - this one will be for me! It will be similar to the one I made for Christina (see "Christina Cuff" above), but a dark brown colour, different closure and maybe some embellishments. OK, it will probably be nothing like Christina's! I will keep you posted.

Christmas Presents

See? I really have been busy. So has my photographer, Christina (Studio Kuefner), as you can see by the photos. Hopefully I won't spoil the surprise for the recipients.

These first three are of a necklace and bracelet set made with dalmation jasper cubes and black round beads.

 

I made a dragonfly necklace for my Aunt Dot and had enough materials left over to make a second, more modern design.

This long lariat style necklace can be worn at least 3 different ways. Casual and fun. The large bead is a piece of coral that has been dyed a nice bright red.

Here's a zipper pull or cell phone charm for the coffee lover:

I had fun making this choker. My only worry is the round aventurine beads: they are dyed and due to time constraints, they are from Michaels. Hopefully, the colour won't transfer. Next time I will give them a protective coating. Something else to buy!

(photos by me - I'm learning...)