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 !

Today I was in Beady Heaven !

I visited Chester Bead Fair today - truely bead heaven! I bought far too much stuff (my excuse being that I need a 'few bits & bobs' to make some new things for the school fayre!). I had to drag myself away from each stall but I was quite good and didn't buy any really expensive stuff. I bought some bookmarks to bead, some more shell beads, some metal beads, some cute tiny little heart shaped beads and had a good rummage through as many Sale baskets as I could.

My main spend though was an absolutely gorgeous gemstone lariat necklace (yes, I know I can make them myself - but this was so scrummy I just couldn't leave it lying there - and it was half price !!). It was made by Gem Fusion from freshwater pearls and agate nuggets & will be an early Christmas pressie for me !!

http://www.gemfusionjewellery.co.uk/Taste1.htm

As well as beads, there were quite a few jewellery stalls and I'm glad to say I have got some enthusiasm back to start making a few more things. Whatch this space !

Finally - something proper !!

After weeks of looking and stroking these beads, I finally got round to making something with them. Three bracelets - one for me, one for a friend's birthday and one for the school fayre.

They are Ocean Jasper - a gemstone that is believed to be very soothing. It is known as the supreme nurturer, it sustains and supports during times of stress and brings peace of mind. Being a type of jasper, ocean jasper is a very protective stone and is supposed to ward off evil.

Personally, I just think that they are so pretty - like pebbles on the beach, each bead is so different and the swirling colours are amazing, the photo just does not do them justice. I always find gemstones are very tactile and these in particular just need to be stroked !

I don't really count it as crafting...

But I have made a load of memory wire beaded bangles for the school fayre. I feel it's a bit of a cop out but I know that if I don't make some simple, cheaper things I won't sell as much.

I've put a little charm or bead on the end of each one, just to make them more interesting.

(sorry for the uninspiring photo - it's so hard taking photos without the sun!)

The difficulty now is pricing, I really am useless at that!

And I thought I would include another cute pic of Bella the cat (the real one!), reclining in a box by the fire (why do cats like sitting in boxes so much??)

I've been getting a bit Christmassy!

I actually managed to make something today (I think because the sun was shining a bit!). I did 2 of these beaded Christmas Baubles which took about one hour each to complete. I am hoping to do a few different designs for the school Christmas Fayre.

They look fairly complicated but actually are easy but rather time consuming.