Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Better News Still......Soutache

Just received a post from Crystal Creations in WPB....they are now carrying Soutache.   YIPPEEE!

The Adventures of Fred..... Beaded Art Dolls Bird Exchange

Fred in his glory

Fred

Fred  ( the other side )
Just returned from my vacation in North Carolina ( Whittier and Qualla ) and I completed Fred for our Beaded Art Doll ( Bird Round Robin ).  This is the completion of number four out of five.  One more to go then it is on to the Teapot Challenge.  I am leaning more to the Alice through the Looking Glass Teapot for sure.  I was so lucky that I had numerous Orange Beads and the color scheme matched within reason.

While in North Carolina I was able to stop by Birdsong Beads in Andrews, NC and I found a wonderful
new store Cherokee Art and Craft Supply,1655 Acquoni Rd., Suite #3 in Cherokee, NC.  They had the most wonderful little acrylic trays for multiple beadwork projects.  I had a great time meeting the owner and spending time just enjoying all the different craft items they carried.  

I did spend time finishing out my Cellini Spirals ( the right way ).  I think I've taken them apart at least twice,
I just did not like the way the end caps held at each end of the spirals.  Now I am happy and the Turquoise
Cellini is just wonderful.  Now on to the Ocean Blue and Gold.  I came to the conclusion that with the Beading Babes, Project Six I am going to finish existing projects before tackling new ones.  I still have a Spiral Exchange to Complete for Beadreamz by the end of August too.  Busy, busy, busy......

I did complete the Lorraine of Trinity DJ " Butterflies " while I was gone.  I'll post photo's later.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Beaddreamz Spiral Exchange....August 31st, 2012

The moderators finally posted who our Swap Partners will be in the Beaddreamz 2012 Spiral Exchange:



My exchange partner is Rose Mary Jameson  78660 Carnes Circle, La Quinta, CA 92253
Sewfastdesign@aol.com 
760-835-2416



Great to see we are paired for the Sprial swap.
 
I have created all forms of spiral, altho' find the triple a bit thick. I feel it makes a good focal point.
 
Also, you might like the spiral I have made with 3.4mm drops and an unusual pattern of increases and decreases. I will send you a photo soon.
 
What are your favorite colors? What top or dress do you need something made to wear with it? What is your favorite length of necklace?
 
For an idea of some of my work se my site at sewfastbeader.blogspot.com
 
Sewing 4 you soon! Rose Mary
 
It was so funny after the Yahoo Alert, checked it out and we were emailing at the same time.  Very cute. 
I'll keep you posted of the progress.

Bead Honest......


Bead Honest…. A critiquing group on Facebook with members like Mikki Ferrugiaro, Ella Dees, Suzie
Campbell, Cynthia Newcomer Daniels, Kinga Nicols, Laura Mears….. a place where the bead artist can
Post a design or piece and ask for a critique…….they accepted me.  Suzie Campbell posted her draft
For review.  She draws her designs like I do. 
My first critique of her beautifully drafted Bead Embroidery piece:  Night and Day in the Blue Lagoon.....

 Pardon....novice in critiquing.  But if I may, the fringe took my eye away from the center cab ( the heart of the piece ).  With the diamond shapes throughout the piece in both the bead embroidery and the setting cabs maybe consider Bicone drops in the light blue color theme.  This would keep the edge finished and maintain that diamond shape with a hint of fringing drawing the eye down while maintaining focus on the piece itself.  To clarify I am a fan of fringing but the heart of the piece is spectacular and needs to keep the eye there.  Mildly drooling with this design :)

I am amazed at the friendship that is shown by so many Beader's throughout the world.....  

YES! Project 6 for Beading Babes is Revealed....I'm So Exicted

The wait is over .......Project 6 with three selections has been revealed by Karyn of Beading Babes.....

Welcome to Project 6 
of
Beading Babes!

This month I have decided to challenge you...which is what this group was aimed at doing!
This Project we have 3 spectacular projects on offer - all to challenge you in techniques you may not have already tackled.

You will note this project I have also included the techniques used in the designs and the project level (i.e. beginner, intermediate etc) to help you when deciding which project/s you might like to tackle.

Just a reminder that you don't have to complete all of the projects listed below. You can do as many or as few as you like... you can even do more than one of the same project...it's up to you!

Also please discuss the projects on our Facebook page or on your blog and feel free to post your progress shots too... the more bead chat the better!

So without further ado here are the projects!

~*~

1. Retro Daisies by Janice Chatham
(Bead and Button -  April 2012 - page 88)

Techniques: Crossweave/Fringe

Project Level: Beginner


Materials

4 x 4mm round crystals in 2 colours (total of 8 beads)
40 x 3mm round firepolished beads in 2 colours (total of 80 beads)
7-8g size 15/0 seed beads (colour A)
2-3g size 15/0 seed beads (colour B)
Clasp
2 x jump rings

~*~


2. Ripple Effect Cuff by Sherry Serafini
(Beadwork - June/July 2011 - page 31)

Techniques: Backstitch embroidery, peyote, brick-stitch edging

Project Level: Intermediate



Materials

5g size 15/0 seed beads (A)
5g size 15/0 seed beads (B)
5g size 15/0 seed beads (C)
5g size 15/0 seed beads (D)
5g size 11/0 seed beads (E)
10g size 11/0 seed beads (F)
3g size 11/0 cylinder beads (G)
144 x 4mm fringe drop beads (H)
46 x 3mm glass rounds 
68 x 400 pearl rounds 
1 x 25-30mm cabochon
1 x bar clasp
2 x 7 beading foundation
2 x 7 Ultrasuede

~*~

3. Soutastic Soutache Earrings by Amee McNamara
(Bead and Button - June 2012 - page 22)

Techniques: Soutache bead embroidery

Project Level: Beginner



Materials 

1ft (30cm) soutache in 3 colours (total of 3ft/60cm)
2 x 6mm hex cut beads
4 x 4mm fire polished beads
2 x size 8/0 seed beads
4 x size 11/0 seed beads (colour A)
1g size 11/0 seed beads (colour B)
4 x size 15/0 seed beads
2 x 6mm jump rings
1 x pair earring findings 

~*~

I hope you like what I have chosen for this project.
Many of you had mentioned that you would like to try soutache and bead embroidery so this is your chance!

I was considering including a necklace as a 4th project option so if you are keen for an additional design then please let me know as soon as possible as I already have one in mind!

~*~

The reveal date for Project 6 will be
Sunday 2 September 

Happy Beading!

 


I had wanted to do the Soutash pattern and had pulled it from Bead and Button.....now I will give it a go.  As a quilter....I should not have a problem with cording.  :)