Book Review "Shaped Beadwork"

I am working my way through Diane Fitzgerald's 'Shaped Beadwork: dimensional jewelry with peyote stitch'. I've been admiring various artists' use of three dimensional beadwork for some time. I've never attempted it because I've never been too comfortable with peyote stitch. It's never come out neatly for me, always a bit ragged and rough looking.

Not anymore!

I'm starting at the front and practicing the basics. By following her examples I'm setting the stage to get more dimensional. I'm already adding layers!

I'm finding the directions clear and the illustrations fairly good. This is a labeled as a 'beadweaving master class', and you need to have a good understanding of the basic peyote technique.

I haven't tackled any of the detailed pieces, like the Pouff Bead, yet but I'll follow up with another review when I do.

I turn in my final pieces for my 2D Design class on Thursday. Then my Tuesdays and Thursdays will be free to bead again! Woot!

I've added Twitter Updates to my sidebar. Keeps me from writing everything out multiple times plus serves as a 'tickler file' for subjects I'd like to expand on here. So many times I've thought of something I want to blog about but then forget when I finally have the time. This way I can Twitter via cellphone when the idea strikes. Ahh technology!

I finished up the necklace using the Norse Goddess beads bought previously on Ebay. I have got to get pics tomorrow. I've really fallen in love with this particular necklace. It might just be mine :)

In prep for FridayFest I finished up three necklaces. Mostly stringing beaded focals on ribbon, adding clasps, etc. Plus two of my stretchy chain bracelets had cured enough for me to snip off the excess elastic. I've found that liberally coating the knots with Jeweler's Cement and letting cure/dry for several days really seals the knot.

I'm trying to decide what to work on next. I'm pretty happy with the new stuff for Friday so not feeling under the gun but I do want much more stock on hand. Goodness knows I've got enough beads in the house.

I have got to re-organize the studio room. Ok, confession time - I have got to CLEAN the studio room. I know I have a box of ribbons and cording somewhere. Somewhere. Can't find it to save my life. I've tucked them away somewhere 'safe'. Or a pile of papers/beads/books/fabric/tools/clothing/misc has slid over on top of them. I need my workspace for some of the upcoming art class homework plus I just need to reclaim my studio. I'm going to try to work in small spurts of separating and organization with everything else going, with an eye toward final finish during my Spring Break. I can get help then to move the furniture and lay the floor tile, then shift everything back.

Quinlan Glass Bead Pics

Pictures, used with permission, of the gorgeous lampwork beads I bought from Quinlan Glass.

Moroccan Spice:


Norse Goddess:

Quinlan Glass Love!

Today's mail brought in two sets of absolutely drop-dead gorgeous lampwork beads from Jennifer Powers of Quinlan Glass. I bought sets called Moroccan Spice and Norse Goddess. I am so excited and looking forward to working with both sets!

Check out her Ebay store, Quinlan Glass and her website, Quinlan Glass Art.

Friday The 13th - My Lucky Day!

Friday the 13th usually go pretty well for me and this past one was no exception.

The most fantabulous to happen was my tax refund was deposited - yea for money!!!

Some of the money was earmarked for booth display improvements. Last night I bought a couple of new black&white display pieces of Ebay. I need more necklace displays since my stuff looks better hanging as if worn rather than just dangling from a rod. I've also made quite a few rings and they just don't get displayed properly on the hands I currently have, so ring displays are also on their way. I had thought about investing in a new folding table, one a bit higher. However last night we were next to some gals with a great idea - they put their regular folding table up on bed risers! I use bed risers on my bed here at home but never ever thought about using them on my table! Doh! So today I'm pricing wooden block bed risers. I also need to stop by local beadstore for some 6lb Fireline.

Last night I vending at the monthly street fair, FridayFest. Beautiful weather! We hardly broke a sweat setting up but was comfortable in my 3/4 sleeve t-shirt and capris through out the night. Only sold two things but made my vending fee plus so I'm ok with it.

I really need to get on the ball and finish the new pieces that are in works. Plus I need to plan more for upcoming seasons and holidays. I should have had some heart jewelry out for Valentines. I need to get my Halloween and Christmas stuff done sooner, etc.

I'll be vending at an upcoming bellydance show in April so really need some new pieces for then. My plan is start working on the various focal beads and pendants I've been accumulating. I have enough to supply me for the upcoming year LOL

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

Ok, I think I'm going insane. Just last week or so I used a tutorial in a recent bead magazine to learn how to use the right-angle-weave (aka RAW) like building blocks. Basically it is create a double layer of beads. The little 'bead blocks' can be manipulated and used to create all sorts of 3 dimensional shape.

There is a term for this particular technique.

But since I can't find the damn magazine I don't know what it is! AAARRRGGGG!

I wanted to document the magazine tutorial but nooooo. Hmmphhh.

Anyways I'm playing with the technique, working on an angular celtic knot design. A couple of things I've learned:

• Use 4lb Fireline since you'll be going through each bead many times.
  
• Stitch each RAW element at least twice, it needs the stability.
  
• When starting on the second layer, begin on an interior row. For some reason the pattern comes out neater when I begin in the middle and work outwards.

That's it for now :)

Good News in regards to lead issue!

http://consumerist.com/5126354/hooray-cpsc-agrees-to-exempt-some-natural-items-from-product-safety-act
CPSC Agrees To Exempt Some Natural Items From Product Safety Act!