Learning Curve

So I am a bit behind on Blogging.  Not being able to create anything because of a fractured bone has put a bit of a damper on my blogging spirit.  Well NO more!  I am healed :)  So today to get back into the groove of things I decided to break out a tutorial by Viki of FDEkszer on Etsy.  I have had a small stash of Tila Beads for a while so it was time to get some play in with them.

Totally Tila Bangle

Now I have to admit this was a very frustrating piece.  I had to remake it three times!  I was using 10lb Fireline and the bicones kept snapping the fireline.  The tutorial itself is very easy to follow I just wish Viki would have put in what type of thread she recommends using for this piece.  My tension is a bit wonky on this piece because I was afraid the fireline would break again so the tension is not as tight as it could be,  It will be a piece that I will wear because it seems so clean and summery to me.  However that being said I am not sure if I will ever make another one.  Way to much frustration with the fireline snapping.  Here is another shot using different lighting.

Totally Tila Bangle

I have purchased another tutorial from Viki @ FDEkszer, to see if I have better luck with it.  I really like her tutorial so I am hoping that the next one turns out a bit better.  I will be sure to post my results here.

Now for the piece that I am really happy with is "Clinging Vine" by Cristie Prince from the April/May 2012 Beadwork Magazine.  Cristie actually offered kits for sell on her website Glassy Jewels.   The kit had everything needed to make the piece but for the smoke fireline and a needle.  In fact I have some of the mats left that I may try to turn into earrings to match at some point.  For the price of the kit I was really happy with the quality of materials.

Clinging Vine

Now I made the netting a bit long for this piece or the memory wire a bit short so the ends of it are a bit wobbly lol.  I don't care I WILL be making this piece again and I hope to purchase the other colors that Cristie offers for this piece.  It is sooooo pretty and was a breeze to make for someone of my limited experience.  I actually received the June/July issue of Beadwork today and found myself rather disappointed that there was not another piece in there by Cristie. 

So that is what I have been up to on my beading table.  I am actually thinking of turning this blog into a beading tutorial review type site but I am not completly sure yet.  Is there a niche for beading tutorial reviews?  What do you think?  I get tired of purchasing tutorials only to find that the materials are impossible to find or that the tutorial itself is hard to follow.  Maybe rank the tutorials as well to make it easy to find one just for your skill level.  I don't know yet though.  It is just a thought.  Till next time:

Peace and <3

A Mini Cup of Bead Soup Reveal!

If you follow my blog you probably know by now that I was one of the 3 lucky ladies that was randomly chosen to participate in Lori Anderson's New Mini Cup of Bead Soup.  I am super excited to be able to join in this and I hope you enjoy what I made.  These are the amazing polymer clay beads that we got to play with that are made by Barbara Bechtel of Floridity.

Photo by Lori Anderson

So without further ado....

Bead Embroidery Sari Silk Wrapped Headband Modeled by my Daughter Trinity

Another View

Close Up

I am really happy with the way that it turned out.  I was really stumped on what to do with the beads as it was the first time I had ever seen, much less held a polymer clay bead.  I wrapped a cloth headband that I purchased at a dollar store with some beautiful Sari Silk remnants.  I used size 8/0 and 11/0 seed beads as well as 4mm Fire Polished Preciosa Beads.

I did want to use the other beads as well so I wove a focal to use for a necklace.  However before I was able to add the chain component I had a fall and fractured my right wrist (I am right handed).  So sadly I was not able to finish the piece completely.  I do want to share with you the focal and tender an apology that I was not able to finish it to the other ladies in the group.

Bead Woven Focal

Thanks so much for visiting with me and please make sure you hop on over to the other blogs @

Star Hitched Wagon

Pretty Shiny Things

and

Lori Anderson's Pretty Things

And don't forget that Barbara has 16 limited edition bead kits you see above for sale on Saturday on a first come first serve basis by clicking here!  And don't forget.........

Bead Soup Print

Peace and <3

Mini Cup of Bead Soup Blog Hop on Saturday!

Just a reminder to come by and visit on Saturday to see what the four of us made with Barbara Bechtel's amazing polymer clay beads! 

Photo by Lori Anderson

I can't wait to share with you what I made!  Hope to see you then!

Peace and <3