I've gone loopy !

Today I have carried on with the Loopy Loops & made a loopy bracelet in dark purple & silver lined clear seed beads. It took me quite a while (& a few curses!) but I am pleased with the finished effect. As with all seed bead stuff I do, I am always paranoid that the thread will snap, sending beads exploding all over the place !

On a completely different crafty topic, I bought myself some shaggy wool to try and make a scarf...hmmm - watch this space (although it may take a while !)

Inspiration - At Last !!

Today I finally got my act together & started to make a few different things. First, some very basic stitch markers that will be tried and tested before I make any more. I would like to make some using gemstones and maybe some lovely Swarovski crystals but I will see how these work out first!

Then I had bought some keyring chains and thought I would use some big chunky foil hearts on them.

Again, only basic stuff really but at least it got me to get my beads out, sit down and actually come up with something, without taking it apart again at the end!

Finally, I got a copy of BEAD magazine yesterday and have been inspired to try out some new techniques. There is a pattern for a 'Loop-di-Loop' seed bead bracelet which is very yummy but I thought I would start simple and have a bit of a trial attempt on something smaller, before I try the bracelet - so I went for some earrings. I have used a mixure of copper, orangey and pale brown seed beads which I think look quite nice together. The pattern is suprisingly simple, once you get going - just starting with a single string of beads and then making a little loop of beads come from each one. I will be brave and try a bracelet next I think !

Today is the first time I have got my beady stuff out since Christmas

...and I have been quite productive ! Hubby bought my some rainbow fluorite beads for Christmas and I decided to stick to a really simple design with tiny silver seed beads between each pebble, basically because the individual pebble beads are so beautiful, they don't really need much else.

The necklace is quite short and looks lovely on and then I made two variations of matching bracelet. One with a Thai silver Rose toggle clasp and another that is a simple memory wire bangle. I'm more of a 'bangle girl' so I think I prefer the bangle, although I may actually add a fasten as the stones make it quite heavy & I am not sure if it will catch & possibly come off ?? So I have decided to 'test drive' it and see how it behaves !

The second thing I made today is another gemstone bracelet, although I have to admit I can't actually remember what the stones are (oops) - possibly jasper or perhaps an agate ? Anyway whatever it is, I think the colours are very pretty ! This time I used small copper coloured seed beads in between each bead.

I also have some handmade lampwork beads which are so beautiful. So today I also toyed with them, although I am still pondering how to best use them. Each one is so unique that I can't decide what sort of bead will go with them to best compliment the colours & style....it may be time to purchase some sterling silver and maybe some crystal !