Unique You

Getting ready for the holiday season?

2011-10-13T22:44:00.005-04:00

I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I've been getting prepared for Christmas early this year! Not only have I been beading up jewelry to give away as gifts, but I've also been embellishing LOTS of shatterproof bulb ornaments with a netting technique. It works up fairly quickly, and makes the ornament so pretty!

If you are interesting in making these pretty ornaments for yourself, or to give away as gifts for the holiday season, you can download my easy to follow step by step tutorial with full color photos for each step, available here: Netted Ornament Tutorial

Try using an out of the box color combination for added fun!

Happy beading,
Joanna

Army Men Bracelet

2011-08-08T11:48:00.008-04:00

Remember when you were young, and the long summer day seemed to last an eternity? Ya know, when kids used to bring their toys outside to play instead of sitting in front of the tv for hours? I've brought the nostalgia to your wrist with wearable art that will bring you back to the simper days!

I wove this bracelet bead by tiny bead using peyote stitch and the incredibly uniform Delica beads. A sterling silver slide clasp adds value and a touch of class to the piece. Woven on a 6lb test quality beading thread, this bracelet should outlive you when treated properly!

The bracelet is available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

For the crafty folks out there who prefer to bead up their own bracelets, I also have a pattern available for purchase HERE. Purchase of my original patterns entitles you to make AND sell your wares. Please give credit to the designer though! Happy beading!

Speaking of animal print...

2011-07-08T12:18:00.010-04:00

...how about some zebra print fun?! I recently finished weaving up this super wide peyote stitched cuff using Delica beads and my favorite beading thread. It measures 7-1/2" long and a whopping 2" wide.

Want to make one for yourself? You can! I have detailed zebra print patterns available in 3 different widths AND different color combinations. Check em out in my Etsy Shop.

All of my patterns come with a full color image, delica bead number and bead count needed, a large easy to print black and white symbol graph, and a word chart. I also email you a hi res photo that you can zoom WAY in on.

Get WILD!

Leopard Peyote Stitch Bracelet

2011-06-17T17:12:00.005-04:00

Animal print, when you over do it, can be just awful. Gaudy, I guess is the right word. When done right, though, it's downright classy. The RIGHT way to wear animal print (and I know this because I have seen at least 20 episodes of "What Not to Wear" lol) is to accessorize with it. You know, animal print shoes, animal print purse...
Animal print jewelry!

This bracelet was woven using Delica beads using peyote stitch. If you'd like to add a little touch of "wild" to your wardrobe, it is available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

If you are a bead weaver yourself and would like to make this bracelet, I have patterns available in three different widths: 2" wide, 1-1/2" wide, and 1" wide.
All of my patterns available for purchase are my own designs, and come as a PDF with an easy to print symbol graph, full color picture, and word chart. You may also sell bracelets that are made with the pattern!

Hello again!

2011-04-25T12:36:00.004-04:00

Hello beady friends! My sincere apologies for not delighting you with more consistent posts. I have been spending a lot of time designing patterns and creating tutorials so that other can learn how to make pretty things too!
Whether you are a beginning beader or more advanced, you should be able to find a tutorial or pattern to tickle your creative bone in my etsy shop. There are a bunch of funky peyote stitch bracelet patterns too, if you're into that sort of thing.

One tutorial that is not available in my etsy shop but in my jewelrylessons.com teacher page is "Peyote Stitch - Finishing Touches".
That is a free tutorial (you just have to sign up for an account on the website, it's free), that will help you with many of the things beginner beaders struggle with. It shows (with words AND clear, close up pictures) how to weave in new thread, knot, decrease rows, increase rows, add a clasp, and add a loop. Really all the things you need to know to finish a peyote stitch project. Check it out!

Tutorials now available!

2011-01-06T20:58:00.005-05:00

I've delved into the world of tutorials and am happy to announce that I will be offering instructions on making some of my creations.
Tutorials will be available via www.jewelrylessons.com.
Right now I have a free tutorial for peyote stitch, as well as tutorials for my beaded ornament cover, and beaded bangle bracelet, with more on the way. Have a look!

Unique You Tutorials

Holiday Ornaments and Snowflake Earrings

2010-11-25T21:46:00.018-05:00

I can't tell you how excited I was to find a variety of shatterproof ornaments at k-mart this year. When I saw so many colors I went a little crazy and bought lots of them. Shatterproof is the way to go IMO, why bother with glass ornaments if you'll be worried about your child or pet hurting themselves with glass.
I'm not sure how many more ornaments I'll be doing, as it's time to be working on holiday gifts!
Here are the ornaments I have so far, all listed in my etsy and artfire shops.

The snowflakes I used for the last 2 ornaments, and for the snowflake earrings below are an original pattern from Sandra D. Halpenny, and is used with her permission. Thanks Sandra!
The snowflake earrings would be great for holiday parties or even everyday wear. They're cute and they weigh next to nothing.

Holy beading Batman!

2010-11-09T11:18:00.007-05:00

For a good portion of the summer I didn't do ANY beading - I was too busy being outside and working on my hoopdancing to be stuck inside.

Now that the leaves are all on the ground and a little bit of snow has fallen, I'm back to hibernating and beading like a madman. Recently I finished this Batman cuff bracelet. It's woven with delica beads in matte black, yellow, and steel. The steel makes it super shimmery when it moves, yet it's not exactly feminine either. It measures 7-1/2" long, and 2" wide at the widest part of the cuff and is finished with a sterling silver slide clasp. Elegant indeed!

Hello again!

2010-11-01T10:42:00.003-04:00

Hi there readers, fellow bloggers, fellow jewelry designers, and everyone who stumbles onto my humble blog. It seems that I've taken a bit of a hiatus. See, I spent so much time taking pictures and blogging and doing the social networking thing - and I just got a little burnt out. I'd much rather be beading but I suppose it comes along with the territory. SO, I'll be back here every so often with some beady goodness. I can't promise it will be every day or even every other day, but it will happen. Once a week sounds like a reasonable goal right?!
I just got started on some Christmas presents, so I'll have those for you to oogle shortly.

Hope everyone had a happy halloween last night! My husband and I had a good number of little ghouls and goblins come to the door, but not quite enough...we still have way to much candy left over!

Paisley Peacock Necklace

2010-02-15T13:16:00.008-05:00

I've been itching to show this one off, but I had to wait! It was a custom order for a friend, and he gave it to his fiancee for Valentine's day. He says she absolutely loved it - which I absolutely loved to hear!

When he first came to me for a custom order, he said she loves mettalic colors, swirls, and anything peacock. I came up with a quick sketch design and sent it off to him. He approved the design and off I went!

I started with a glass swarovski pearl, teardrop shaped. Around that I beaded with delica beads, in brick stitch. After finishing the four petals I assembled them the way I thought they would sit best, and added a swarovski crystal drop. The chain is gold filled, and the ovals are large enough to clasp on to, so that the necklace can be worn either long or choker style. I can't wait to see the necklace on her, she is very beautiful already...so I'm sure this necklace compliments her well!

Well hello again!

2010-02-08T10:10:00.007-05:00

It's been awhile. I hope everyone had a pleasant holiday season, one filled with lots of love, family, egg nog, all that good stuff!
Unfortunately for me, things got a bit hectic at my office job. Without delving too deeply into everything, I've had less time to do more. Suffice to say, my internet presence and social networking have taken a back burner.
I still have made time to bead, but I haven't been as aggressive as I usually am about it. Last year, I put a lot of time into photographing, descriptions, listings on online auction sites, and marketing. While I can't say that it did nothing for me, perhaps I had a few sales from it all, it's not how I want to continue to spend my time. So, I decided that this year is going to be for me. Sure, I'll put a few items on etsy from time to time, but I have one main goal - to have fun! There's a bunch of patterns out there I want to try, ones in magazines that I enjoyed looking at and "mentally beaded" along with, that I never actually physically did. There's some cross needle 3-d patterns I want to try - because they look fun, and a bit challenging. If I get around to listing them for sale, that's fine, if not, that's fine too. As long as I am having fun, it's all good.

Not to leave you completely without beady goodness - here is a little something I made for myself for New Years Eve. The necklace was inspired by Russian beading, and the earrings are a classic Russian Leaf. I wore a lovely black and gold sequin dress and gold sequin boots, so this set really completed the outfit for me.

Bracelet winner!

2009-12-16T07:34:00.002-05:00

Congratulations Jen (aka Kashmir6), you've won the pretty red bracelet! I'll be in touch shortly for shipping details.

"Peace Piece"

2009-12-14T07:38:00.004-05:00

The December 2009 Etsy Bead Weavers Challenge has such a great theme, I think. The winners of the last challenge, SmadarsTreasure and AngelqueCreations, chose "Peace Piece" - to represent peace and the winter olympics.

I started an entry but unfortunately due to my more work at my office job I wasn't able to finish in time. I did finish it this weekend though, so there shall be some pictures for you later this week - after the giveaway.

There are some great designs to choose from - so please take a minute to take a closer look at the entries by clicking on the links below. When you have decided on your favorite, head on over to the EBW Blog and vote. Thanks so much!

1. Serenity Cuff Bracelet - BettyStephanBeadwork
2. Tara (Goddess of Peace and Protection) - noritadesign
3. Dream Medallion - sagescupboard
4. Snow and Ice Necklace - AngelqueCreations
5. Peace Piece peyote cuff - randomcreative
6. Tide Pool EBWC December - JoniLynn
7. Golden Creamy Bouquet Necklace - bead4me
8. When Red meets Black - BeadsAndI
9. In Heavenly Peace - HauteIceBeadwork
10. La Donha - SilverDragon
11. Black and White Twist Necklace - MoreThanSomewhat1
12. Dove of Peace - ArtBeadwork
13. Peace on Earth - SmadarsTreasure
14. Go For The Gold - carosell
15. Peace, Love, and Beautiful Hair (Clip) - adinahalperndesigns
16. Winter Necklace - AsteropeBC
17. Snowball Necklace - BeadedExtravagance
18. Purple Frost Necklace - SpringColors
19. SIOBHAN - Beaded cabochon necklace - Stellaltinaan
20. Ray of Light - Lauralia

Bracelet Giveaway

2009-12-02T08:44:00.005-05:00

With Christmas just around the corner, I thought it would be a great time to give away a bracelet. I made this following Sandra Hallpenny's pattern, she offers the pattern for free. If any beaders out there want to make one for themselves, here is the link: Round Lace.

It is woven with size 11 toho seed beads in a pretty matte red color, and finished with a gold plated swivel lobster clasp. I just love these clasps because they keep the bracelet from getting twisted up on your wrist.

Rules/How to enter:
Entering to win this bracelet is simple. The giveaway is open to all residents of the USA and Canada.

1. Visit my ArtFire shop and find your favorite item.

2. Post a comment on THIS blog post telling me what your favorite item is. If you are not a blogger member please leave a way for me to get in touch with you for your address in case you win.

3. Extra entry: To up your odds of winning, tweet about the giveaway on twitter. Your tweet should include a comment and link to my blog. Let me know that you have twittered by leaving an additional comment with your twitter ID so I can see your tweet - this will be your extra entry.

That's it! Easy peasy.
The winner will be chosen December 16th via a random number generator.

I will contact the winner immediately. If you get back to me with your address before the 20th, you'll be recieving the bracelet just in time for Christmas. The bracelet will be shipped in a pretty box, suitable for gift giving - just in case you plan on gifting the bracelet to someone else.

Men, don't be afraid to enter - I'm sure there's a woman in your life that would be delighted to own this lovely bracelet!

Some more beaded rings

2009-11-24T08:21:00.007-05:00

I liked the first batch of rings I created so much that I needed to make some more. Rings usually take an hour to three hours, depending on the complexity of them. That's "instant" gratification to a bead weaver - many of my projects take 10-20 hours or more to complete. Sometimes I just need something I can finish in an afternoon...and these rings are just perfect for that.

These first two are in the same style as the ones I posted about a month ago - a bit of right angle weave with embelishments. They were woven with bugle beads, and size 11 and 15 toho seed beads.

These last 2 rings were woven in good ol' right angle weave, with size 11 toho seed beads. I added and "edging" to it to give it a nice even band look. It was a bit of extra work, but really worth it. Makes for a more distinct looking piece, in my opinion. What do you think?

2009-11-19T08:12:00.006-05:00

I am admittingly bad at finding time to photograph my jewelry. I work a 40 hour regular office job in addition to my beadwork. Every day I wake up at 5am, my dear husband even earlier. By the time I awake, my coffee cup is waiting for me on the living room table. After a few minutes of yawning and snuggling with my hubby I reluctantly find something to wear and get ready for work.

I commute 45 minutes to my office. The work day goes by - sometimes fast, sometimes slow. I drive another 45 minutes to an hour home. We make dinner, we eat dinner. Now it's 6pm. Do I bead? Do I exersize? Do I take hundreds of pictures and sift through them all to find the good ones?

More often than not, I bead. I'll take breaks and do some wii fit, or some stretching and hoop dancing. Before I know it I'm yawning again...and it's time to get ready for bed.

This is my day. Not super exciting, I know...

The weekends, however, is my "me" time. I bead lots, I clean a little. If the mood strikes, my husband and I will get out and hear some local live music. But THIS weekend I promise I'll take some pictures and get some good stuff to you next week.

I even have a bracelet all made for a giveaway (that I still need to photograph, of course), that will most likely start on Monday. Stay tuned! In the mean time, here are some simple yet lovely netted bracelets I made recently.

"Beauty of the Flower" Winner Announced

2009-11-17T09:44:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to this months winner of the Etsy Bead Weaver's challenge - Melissa Grakowski. Melissa created a beautiful hibiscus flower necklace with a variety of seed beads, swarovski bicone crystals, and freshwater pearls. Isn't it fabulous?!
Take a minute to check out Melissa's Etsy shop for some more of her lovely beaded creations.

Next month's challenge is an interesting one - "Peace Piece". It's been awhile since I've had the time and ambition to participate in a challenge, but I have an idea swirling around in my head...hopefully I can bring it to fruition by Dec. 5th!

Beauty of the Flower

2009-11-10T07:17:00.005-05:00

My jaw dropped to the ground when I saw the challenge entries for this months Etsy Bead Weavers challenge Beauty of the Flower...every single piece is just WOW! I can easily say, it is going to be really hard choosing just one. They are all amazing! Please take some time to look at each entry, you can get a closer look by clicking on the links below. After you have found your favorite, please head on over to the EBW Blog and vote.

1. Mother of Pearl Brooch - enchantedbeads

2. Crape Jasmine Beadwoven Necklace - MaryTDesigns

3. Cape Primrose - glimmerstone

4. Bird of Paradise - ArtfulAr

5. Lady Slipper - savoystudio

6. Azalea Flower Necklace - Charmingthings

7. Floating Lotus Trinket Box - Medic5415

8. Crystal Flower Necklace - roseworksjewelry

9. The Beauty of the Columbine - dreambeadweaver

10. Mystical Orchid Necklace - CieloDesign

11. Pink Flower Sun Necklace - demetgun3

12. Midnight hibiscus - Lauralia

13. Hibiscus Necklace - grakowsky

14. Water Lily - oraninbar

15. Lotus Bracelet - SpringColors

16. Blue Lotus Necklace - windyriver

17. Warm Winter Bloom Necklace - SmadarsTreasure

Lacy Rings

2009-10-29T07:24:00.008-04:00

I'm continuing to experiment with 2 needles, or cross needle weaving as it is sometimes called. It can be challenging at times - at first picking up beads with the needle in my left hand was a little difficult. I have more confidence in it now though, and find myself choosing to use 2 needles instead of one more and more. I still use only 1 needle for some stitches...peyote stitch, spirals. However for that lacy look 2 needles work just lovely. These rings were the result of some 2-needle experimenting - I think they turned out very pretty!

By the way, you may have noticed I changed up my background in my photos. I originally was using white because I wanted the attention to be on the item itself - but my pictures were looking a little washed out. Does the new background take attention away from the rings (or the bangles below)? Great photos are a constant struggle of mine...always striving for better.

New Bangle Bracelets

2009-10-26T07:06:00.009-04:00

I wish I had a more steady stream of stuff to "oooh" and "ahhhh" you with, but, here's the thing - I can't work on just one project at a time. That doesn't mean I'm juggling 6 needles with thread at one time though. Bead weaving is a time consuming endeavor - especially if you are working on a large project. I don't want to be looking at the same colors and doing the same stitch for endless hours, so I tend to change it up. It keeps my hands busy - but I don't necessarily finish one thing in an entire week. Wait a few weeks though, and I'll have 5 or 6 things finished. It comes in waves, folks...it comes in waves.
Maybe I should do a "work in progress Wednesday", or something like that. Would anyone like that - to see works in progress?

Ok on to the bracelets. Still enamored with right angle weave here. I have been playing with some other techniques, but was on a kick this weekend to finish these two bangles off.
This first one was the more time consuming of the two. It was the first of this style that I started off in size 11 toho seed beads. I think I'll be sticking to size 8's or 6's for the base of these from now on...11's just take so long to work in cubic right angle weave. It does look pretty neat though.

This second bracelet actually started out as a ring. But it just wanted to be a bangle. Perhaps now that the bangle is made I can go on to make a matching ring.

I have had some amazing strands of turquoise just begging to be made into something pretty. In addition to the gold fire polished Czech beads and the turquoise rounds, I used robins egg blue turquoise chips from the sleeping beauty mine in Arizona. Sleeping beauty turquoise is one of, if not the most desired turquoise, because of it's naturally blue color. Pretty, right?

Congratulations to the winner!

2009-10-19T07:21:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to the winners of this month's Etsy Bead Weaver's Challenge - Super Power Jewelry. Yes I said "winners" we have a tie for first place!

Tied for first is AngelqueCreations with her beautiful bracelet - Cuff of Power

and SmadarsTreasure with her Black Spider Woman Necklace

Be sure to check out both of their etsy shops for some fantastic bead woven goodness! Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who participated in the challenge. Stay tuned for the next EBW's challenge, "Beauty of the Flower", which will be available for voting Nov. 9th.

Super Power Jewelry

2009-10-12T07:23:00.003-04:00

The creations beaded up by the Etsy Bead Weavers for October are truly fit for a super hero! Get a closer look at each one individually by clicking on the links below. When you have decided on your favorite, please head on over to the EBW's blog to vote. Thanks!

Voting ends October 15th.

1. Cuff of Power - AngelqueCreations

2. Triforce Necklace - MaryTDesigns

3. Emerald Enigma Necklace and Earring Set - HauteIceBeadwork

4. K - MadeByOlga

5. Black Spider Woman Necklace - SmadarsTreasure

6. Power of Resistance Bracelet/Glove - dreambeadweaver

7. A Wonderous Woman - sedonaskye

8.Wonder Woman Rivoli Beaded Bridal Bracelet - SpringColors

9. EBWC Care Bears - Stellaltinaan

10. I've got the Power - RachelesOriginals

11. Galaxy Stars Super-Powered Collar - FrancescasFancy

12. Super Woman in Style - kraftymax

13. Xena - Suede Necklace with Beadwoven Beads - alatvian

14. The Power of Three - enchantedbeads

15. Power Goblet - njema

Jack-o-lantern Earrings

2009-10-04T18:46:00.003-04:00

I'm still in the Halloween spirit, and I felt like making a little something for myself this weekend. I found a tutorial for a jack-o-lantern charm online, so I thought I'd make 2 and turn them into earrings. Cute, right?
Here is the tutorial for anyone interested in beading up one or two of their very own: Jack-o-lantern charm tutorial
You could even substitute cream colored beads for the orange and make a Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Candy Corn Bangle Bracelet

2009-09-28T07:43:00.009-04:00

Try as I may to work on other things (I have a peyote stitch box and bracelet in the works), I keep coming back to cubic right angle weave. This bangle was a labor of love - it took over 15 hours to create. In the planning stages, I had only intended to make the a bangle from 3 strips of cubic right angle weave and leave it at that. When I got to the "end" though, I kept on going. Since I had the perfectly matched colors of fire polished beads, I layered them right in, and everything turned out even better than I imagined in my head. The fire polished beads give the bangle just enough sparkle to catch the eye.

Usually I am a bit behind the power curve when it comes to holiday themed jewelry, so I'm fairly impressed with myself this time around - having actually finished this an entire month before Halloween. Go me!

The winner is...

2009-09-18T07:30:00.004-04:00

The winner of this months Etsy Bead Weaver's challenge is Lorraine of TrinityDJ with her beautiful necklace Indian Summer Sunset. Congratulationa Lorraine!

Congratulations also to our runners up:

Second: Parvati's Grace necklace - CieloDesign

Third: Indian Summer Nights - triz

Fourth: I Dream of an Indian Summer - sedonaskye

Fifth: Tropical Indian Summer-Cabochon Necklace - RachelesOriginals

Sixth: Indian summer sunset OOAK necklace - Lauralia

Seventh: Night Guard Owl necklace - BeadCatcher

Eighth: Indian Summer Dreams - ThePreciousBeads

Ninth: Mexican Indian Summer Peyote Bracelet - AngelqueCreations

Tenth: Indian Summer Beaded Necklace - SpringColors

Bravo all who entered. Such a talented group of beaders!

More bangles

2009-09-13T17:41:00.007-04:00

I was so happy with how the last bangle came out that I HAD to make more. I am love, love, loving cubic right angle weave, there are just so many possibilities! The latest bracelet is made from baby pink toho seed beads, and purple swarovski crystal pearls. It's lightweight, rigid but flexible, elegant and dainty!

This next one has a bit more "industrial" feel to it. I wove it completely from hematite, so it's just a tad heavier than the other bangles. Very punk or goth, don't you think? I could see myself wearing it on a dark snowy day.

Indian Summer Dream

2009-09-09T08:19:00.004-04:00

Once again the Etsy Bead Weavers have designed some fabulous creations for the monthly challenge. The theme this month is Indian Summer Dream.

Quite appropriate, I'd say. I'm dreaming of an Indian Summer myself...I can't believe it's September already! Where did the summer go?!

Anyways, please head on over to the Etsy Bead Weavers Blog and vote for your favorite. Thanks so much!

Pietersite Bangle Bracelet

2009-08-06T20:36:00.006-04:00

Still playing with cubular right angle weave here, and I'm still using two needles to do it! This "almost chunky" bracelet was woven with size 3/o toho seed beads, and finished off with small pietersite nuggets. Pietersite is such a pretty stone - one of my favorites. It's almost like tiger eye but with tons more color.
I'm not a bangle bracelet wearing gal, but if this one were a bit smaller I'd probably keep it!

Beaded Rings

2009-08-05T07:36:00.013-04:00

I've been experimenting with RAW (right angle weave) a lot lately. The possibilities are just endless - and it's good beading fun. In addition to that, I've been doing all my beading with two needles now, using cross needle weaving techniques. I find it to be more effiecient time-wise than using just one needle - PLUS the strings can be twice as long as your comfortable working with, which means not having to weave in thread as often. Yay!

These rings were super fun to make. After they were done my head was spinning with all sorts of ideas - colors/shapes. But these babies are my prototypes.

This next ring was woven in size 15 toho's - the smallest size toho seed beads come in! In retrospect, I suppose I should have taken a photo with a penny or something for a size reference. I'll have to do that before I list it for sale, but, alas, here it is. Woven in cubular raw with some beads added on the inner circle for stiffness. It's light and extremely comfortable.

Please vote for my friend's band!

2009-07-17T12:05:00.004-04:00

I promise we'll get back to beady-ness soon, but in the meantime, would you please take a minute to help my friend's band out?
The Ryan Montbleau Band has been nominated to rock out aboard JamCruise 8. This is well overdue for them and would be wonderful exposure (not to mention a damn good time). Your vote would be greatly appreciated by me AND them.
Here's the link to VOTE.

Tresuries!

2009-07-13T07:04:00.005-04:00

Yes, plural...found myself in TWO treasuries over the weekend, and the curators were lovely enough to contact me to let me know!

Click on the pictures below to go to the treasuries, feel free to click and comment!

Summer Peach Harvest

Levitate

Here are my favorite items from the curators of the treasuries (the people that picked the items for their treasuries). Click on the pictures for description and pricing info.

From AngiesJewelryDesign:

From BeadSire:

Here come's the bride!

2009-07-09T07:41:00.003-04:00

Voting has begun for the latest Etsy Bead Weaver's challenge - "Here Comes the Bride". Once again I am floored by the massive amount of talent here...and I know I'm going to have a hard time choosing my favorite. To get a closer look at each item, click on the links below. Then head on over to the Etsy Bead Weaver's Blog to vote.

1. Pearl Romance Collar - nemeton

2. Intertwined in Love for Wedding Bliss - kraftymax

3. Pearls and Crystals and Silver OH MY - cigarboxbeads

4. Neptunes Bride - triz

5. Pearls And Gold - Bridal Jewelry - Rainy Lane

6. Something Blue - randomcreativ

7. Love Goes Round and Round - 1BeadAtATime

8. Forever Yours - beadsandblooms

9. Bridal Cameo Necklace - Medic5415

10. Geometric Decadence - vanishingpearl

11. Floral Lace - ArtfulAr

12. Champagne Dreams - HauteIceBeadwork

13. A Touch of India - BeadazzledofOregon

14. Seaside Wedding - caraway

15. Two Hearts Become One - BeadworksbyKerri

16. Bridal Tradition - glimmerstone

17. White Bridal Wave - HannahRachel

18. Dare to Dream of Crystals and Pearls - dreambeadweaver

19. Gothic Wedding Fetish Beaded Fishnet Gloves - crownrosegems

20. Two Shall Become One - beadsforever

21. Something New Something Blue - jodihorgan

22. Halloween Bride - alatvian

23. The Blushing Bride - Fivefootfury13

24. Something Borrowed, Something Blue - AmethystRavenstar

25. The Mermaid Bride - ThesePreciousThings

26. Something Blue - copperwaycrafts

27. Beadwoven Bridal Necklace and Earrings - SmadarsTreasure

28. Jewels of Dawn Bridal necklace - CieloDesign

29. Walking on Air - RedCatArtBeads

30. Wrist Corsage - MoreThanSomewhat

31. Stars in my Eyes Bridal Necklace - SpringColors

32. Sparkling Bride - Amykohndesigns

33. Champagne Sparkle necklace - FleurDeIrk

34. Crystal Ice - fashionsfrome

35. Fairy Tale Princess Bride Choker - FrancescasFancy

36. Rebel Bride Freeform Cuff - playnwithbeads

37. Here Comes the Bride - enchantedbeads

38. Indian Bride - BeadCatcher

39. And Together - LiciaBeads

Voting ends midnight July 15th, so go vote for your favorite now!

Lacy Beaded Rings

2009-07-06T07:01:00.008-04:00

I've been experimenting with cross-needle weaving, or, two-needle weaving a lot lately. For a while I was quite content working with one needle. As I look to expand my experience, though, I thought it was worth a shot. There are some things you just can't do with one needle alone, and some things are just a whole lot easier using two needles. At first it was difficult, I felt like I was learning to bead all over again. My left hand is used to holding the beadwork, not a needle, so it took a little getting used to. After I was comforable with it I just couldn't stop! I'll share more with you throughout the week, but here's a glimpse at my first cross-weaving endeavors...some lacy beaded rings!

Treasure!

2009-06-29T07:35:00.009-04:00

Found my items featured in a whopping three treasuries over the weekend! That's a lot for me. I feel honored to be amoung such talent...check out the other featured artisans as well:

Tetris Necklaces

2009-06-24T20:21:00.006-04:00

8-bit has never looked so good!

These little guys have been in the making for a while now - on and off for the past 6 months or so. I really wanted to show each one off as soon as I was done with it, but I felt it would be best to "release" them as a set.
This idea has been in the making (in my head) for YEARS now...I just didn't know how I was going to pull it off until I started working with right-angle-weave, the perfect stitch for this geometric endeavor. It wasn't until I started weaving (in size 11 toho beads) that I fully understood what an endeavor it would be. This truly was a labor of love...the entire set together took me approximately 40 hours - that's almost an entire "work" week! Worth the time, though. They are all structurally sound - these babies are not hollow. They are built up layer by layer - you can't really SEE the beads woven in the center, but they are there...and that what makes the piece strong and able to hold its shape.

Because I really wanted the shapes to be the total eye catcher, I finished these necklaces off by stringing them on illusion cord - so that the shape appears to be "floating" on your neck.
After spending a good part of the weekend finishing up the last one, I'm ready to work on something a little less rigid!

Now available in my Etsy shop:

Bead Artists Against Breast Cancer update

2009-06-19T12:06:00.006-04:00

Starting in 2005, Jeanette Shanigan, with the participation of hundreds of beaders, has put together beaded quilts to be auctioned at the annual Bead and Button show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - and the proceeds go directly to breast cancer research. The 2009 Bead and Button show finished up last week. This year just about $2150.00 was raised!

I feel proud to have been a part of this, and I will definitely be beading more squares for Jeanette's future quilt auctions.

Below is a picture of the finished quilt I was included in (I put little red boxes around my squares).

Please visit Jeanette's website to see pictures of the finished quilts in all their beaded glory!

Please vote for my photo!

2009-06-18T12:52:00.004-04:00

I just entered one of my favorite beaded rings in Timothy Adam's "Etsy Worthy Photo Contest". The winner recieves a month of ad space on Timothy's website - who doesn't need a little exposure?!
If you're not entering the contest yourself, I'd be forever grateful if you wandered on over to Timothy's blog and put in a vote for me!
I'm on page 2 right now...and I'll keep you informed as that changes.
Here's the link!
VOTE HERE

Congratulations LiciaBeads

2009-06-17T12:58:00.005-04:00

Congratulations to the winner of the June EBW Challenge, LiciaBeads with her necklace -Curiosity killed the Toilet Paper. What a great job she did interpreting the theme, "Humor"!Runners up worthy of mention:

Second: Where's Waldo - Oops... I Mean Where's Lizard - fashionsfrome

Third and Fourth are a tie between WEED Necklace - HauteIceBeadwork and

Pond Frog Bracelet - savoystudio

Fifth: Adios Pollo - BeadazzledofOregon

Sixth: HOUSE for RENT with Garden View - enchantedbeads

Seventh: Harlequin - Free Form Beaded Cuff - ThreeFatesDesign

Eighth: Money doesn't grow on trees Necklace - CieloDesign

Ninth: Where Is My UFO - binkaminka

Tenth: Curly Black Rock Bacelet - SpringColors

Etsy BeadWeavers are already at work on the July Challenge - "Here comes the bride..." . You can read all about it here.

Wrapped Crystal Donut

2009-06-16T07:35:00.009-04:00

Ever since learning how to use the netting technique to wrap a donut, it's been one of my favorite things to do. They work up *fairly* quickly, and are relatively easy to do. I say *fairly* quickly, because counting is very important in this type of project. Count your beads wrong, and you'll have to start again. Luckily I got this one right the first time, but when I was learning years ago I don't think I got anything right the first time! I actually taught myself - and then about a month later got an issue of Bead and Button with what else on the cover but seed-bead wrapped donuts. Funny how that works.
Anyways, the donut I encased is a genuine swarovski crystal. The cut is stunning, with enough precisely cut facets to make it sparkle to the max. At first I was concerned about covering it up too much, but I kept the weave open enough to see plenty of the shimmer - while still holding it securely inside. I'm quite happy with the result.

Etsy Bead Weaver's Challenge - Humor

2009-06-12T07:54:00.005-04:00

The entries for this month's Etsy Bead Weaver's challenge "Humor" are in and they are so FUN! All the colors, and the imagination of the team makes me grin ear to ear.
Take a closer look at each entry by clicking on the individual links below, then head on over the the EBW's Blog to vote for your favorite! Voting is open until June 15th at midnight. The Etsy Bead Weaver's appreciate your taking the time to choose!

1. Adios Pollo - BeadazzledofOregon

2. HOUSE for RENT with Garden View - enchantedbeads

3. Jolly Jester - ArtfulAr

4. WEED Necklace - HauteIceBeadwork

5. Riot of Color Sparkly Rope Necklace - roseworksjewelry

6. Curly Black Rock Bacelet - SpringColors

7. inside jokes - thebeadedlily

8. Clown Fish Join the Carnival - beadsandblooms

9. Where's Waldo - Oops... I Mean Where's Lizard - fashionsfrome

10. Tartan Scottie Dog beaded cuff - Crownrosegems

11. Gone Fishing---Cat and fish bracelet - vanishingpearl

12. HERE'S LOOKIN' AT YOU Blown Glass Eye Pendant Set - caraway

13. Curiosity killed the Toilet Paper - LiciaBeads

14. Where Is My UFO - binkaminka

15. NOT My Mother - PfordCustomJewelry

16. Money doesn't grow on trees Necklace - CieloDesign

17. Harlequin - Free Form Beaded Cuff - ThreeFatesDesign

18. Punch-Line Bracelet - FrancescasFancy

19. Pond Frog Bracelet - savoystudio

20. Harlequin - jmackgems

Purple Argyle Bracelet

2009-06-09T19:12:00.008-04:00

Ah, peyote stitch, my first love. I can't say that it was love at first sight though, as my first few attempts at the seemingly easy stitch resulted in me throwing my beadwork across the room. A lot has changed in seven years though, and peyote stitch for me is a constant, a standard - a feeling of "home", if you will. It will always be a favorite stitch of mine. Granted, it takes a while to work up anything substantial, but the feeling of accomplishment when you are finished is priceless.
I did a spring colored argyle cuff bracelet not too long ago, and immediately started on another one. They are just so fun looking! I am FAR from "preppy", but I think this bracelet could accomidate a variety of personal tastes - from punk to hippie.
I can definately see doing this up in some other colors sometime in the future!

Etsy Treasury

2009-06-08T12:15:00.003-04:00

I found one of my items in a treasury of beautiful rings. It's always makes me smile to be included among such talented artists.

Have a look for yourself, and don't forget to comment, and have a closer look at all the beauties!

Cinco de Mayo Challenge Winner

2009-06-02T06:55:00.002-04:00

Congratulations 2goodclaymates, winner of this month's ArtFire Artisan Jeweler Guild Challenge!

Be sure to visit 2goodclaymates ArtFire shop for more wonderful handmade goodies. Some of my favorite items from their shop are featured below, have a look!

How adorable are these flip flop earrings?! A perfect compliment to your summer outfits.

This is a great and unique idea - a candle collar. Stop that wax from spilling all over your table in style!

Last but not least, here is a great way to dress up your standard drab switches with a fancy switchplate cover.

Congratulations to the winner!

2009-05-31T14:50:00.005-04:00

Congratulations to the winner of the blue lace bracelet giveaway, Carmen Rose!
I used a random number generator to choose a number between 1 and 19 per the number of entries - the random number was #3, and Carmen was the lucky number. I'll be contacting you shortly for your mailing address!

Thank you all for your participation! Make sure to visit my blog every so often for more chances to win lovely creations from Unique You!

ArtFire Artisan Jeweler Guild Challenge - Cinco de Mayo

2009-05-29T08:28:00.003-04:00

The ArtFire Artisan Jeweler Guild challenge entries for May are in, and they are beauties!
Please join us in celebrating by visiting the guild blog page and voting for your favorite!

Fortuna Ring

Lemon Quartz and Multi gemstone Chandelier Earrings

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Necklace

Red Carpet Winner

2009-05-19T15:17:00.004-04:00

The May EBW Challenge had 21 entries, with a total of 467 vote and 104 of them went to our winner - Suprastellar Red Carpet necklace by CieloDesign. She says about her entry:
This OOAK necklace is a special creation made for the April Etsy Beadweaver challenge themed "Red Carpet" and is both festive, unique and gorgeous!

These are the next nine runners-up:

2. #20. Gladiator - jmackgems

3. #8. Bollywood Glamour - SmadarsTreasure

4. #18. Night of Stars - jodihorgan

5. #19. Vera Similitude Walks the Red Carpet - HauteIceBeadwork

6. #6. Queen Of Sheba Necklace - HannahRachel

7. #15 To Liz.. - beadsbyvezsuzsi

8. #14. Angelina Jolie Bracelet - triz

9. #12. Josephine Baker Burlesque Wrist Cuff - gypsyeyesjewelry

10. #17. The Red Carpet Bracelet for a Mom - alatvian

Etsy BeadWeavers are already at work on the June Challenge - Humour. You can read all about it.

Congratulations to CieloDesign and everyone who entered!

Bracelet Giveaway

2009-05-16T05:23:00.006-04:00

I wove this fun little blue lace bracelet following Sandra D. Halpenny's free pattern, available from her website HERE. Thank you Sandra for sharing it with us! If you are a bead weaver or aspire to be, have a look at her homepage for some fresh patterns. Using size 8 beads instead of size 11 will make the bracelet a little chunkier, but it will work up faster - I would actually recomend it for beginners.

In the spirit of giving, I'd like to offer this bracelet as a giveaway!
It's a smaller size, measuring in at 7". If this bracelet is too small for you, feel free to enter the giveaway anyways. The bracelet will be shipped in a box suitable for gifting, so you can pass this on to a family member or a friend - they don't have to know you didn't spend a dime on it!

The rules of the giveaway are simple:

1. Go to my etsy shop HERE. Shuffle through my shop and find your favorite item - there's only three pages so please have a look at every page!

2. Come back to this post and comment with your selected favorite. If you do not have a blogger account, please leave a way I can get in touch with you if you win - email address, website, twitter, whatever! This giveaway IS open to international contestants, however anyone winning that resides outside of the USA or Canada must assume shipping charges. Package will be marked gift, so you do not have to worry about customs charges.

3. Sit back and wait! The winner will be selected 2 weeks from today at just about noon-ish using a random number generator based on the number of comments. I'll post the screenshot of the number picked with an appropriate time stamp and whatnot.

If the response to this giveaway is good, look forward to other sizes being offered!

You're it!

2009-05-11T20:28:00.006-04:00

I was just tagged by Hot Rocks Glass, but I'm bending the rules a little bit.
I just don't have the time today to flutter through and tag other people, so instead I'm going to feature my favorite items from the Hot Rocks Glass shop. Be sure to click on the pictures to get more details about each gorgeous piece.

From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea

Gypsy- Red Bangle Bracelet

Rocky Mountain Way - Chunky Opal Crystal Bracelet

Red Carpet Creations

2009-05-08T10:50:00.006-04:00

The talented members of the Etsy Bead Weavers have done it again! This month's theme "Hollywood Red Carpet Creations" has produced some jaw dropping results. I never cease to be wowed.

Get a closer look at each entry individually by clicking on the links below. Be sure to visit the Etsy Bead Weaver's Blog to vote for your favorite!

1. Diamonds and Gold II - beaglebeads

2. Buried Treasure OOAK - GoodQuillHunting

3. how to be a rock star beadwoven cuff - thebeadedlily

4. Amethyst Netted Necklace - glimmerstone

5. Black Tie - beadsandblooms

6. Queen Of Sheba Necklace - HannahRachel

7. Golden Brooch with Pearls - enchantedbeads

8. Bollywood Glamour - SmadarsTreasure

9. Sophia Loren's Green Garnet encrusted choker - crownrosegems

10. Ms. Monroe - Evandra

11. The Prince and the Showgirl - ThesePreciousThings

12. Josephine Baker Burlesque Wrist Cuff - gypsyeyesjewelry

13. Suprastellar Red Carpet necklace - CieloDesign

14. Angelina Jolie Bracelet - triz

15. To Liz.. - beadsbyvezsuzsi

16.Scarlett's bracelet - carmenesque

17. The Red Carpet Bracelet for a Mom - alatvian

18. Night of Stars - jodihorgan

19. Vera Similitude Walks the Red Carpet - HauteIceBeadwork

20. Gladiator - jmackgems

21. Cascade - njema

Good luck to all the participants!

Spring Bracelets

2009-05-03T19:44:00.006-04:00

This weekend was glorious. I did very little housework and cleaning (thanks to my wonderful husband, who told me I had this weekend "off"), and I did LOTS of playing. As a celebration for passing my LEED exam, I bought myself a wii, and a wii fit to go along with it. What a fabulous little contraption that is! Even my husband, who never really go into video games, is a fan. He loves the fact that it's so interactive. I feel a little sore today - those balance games really get your controller muscles working! Watch out world, I'm gonna be a hot mama this summer!
In between hooping and playing on the wii, I managed to finish 2 bracelets I've been working on.

The first is a fairly simple design, but pretty nonetheless. I wove in peyote stitch with various sizes of toho beads to achieve a bumpy look - in fresh spring colors.

This second bracelet I'm really proud of - it's also woven in peyote stitch, bead by tiny bead. I've always liked the look of argyle and have been wanting to do an argyle cuff for a while. The colors scream spring, I think.

Back to life!

2009-05-02T07:48:00.003-04:00

I apologize for the slow down of content here...I've been slacking in a lot of areas for the past few months. Social networking sites, my team guilds, and even beading have all taken a backseat to other priorities in my life. Specifically, I have been studying for the LEED exam, to become a LEED Accredited Profesional, or a LEED AP. LEED stands for Leadership In Energy and Environmental Design. It is a rating system designed to award a level of certification (certified, silver, gold, and platinum) to "green" buildings who show a commitment to sustainable design, and a reduced environmental impact on the earth.
The exam was very memory intensive, and not easy to pass. Yesterday was my second time taking it actually. My husband told me to think of the first try as a "recon mission", lol.
The certification is awarded by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). If you're interested in learning more about LEED, you can visit the USGBC's website.
Soon, I promise that we'll be getting back to our semi-regular programming, as I get back to my life respectively. There's even a giveaway in store for you - so check back in a few days for your chance to win.
Finally, time for beading and hooping and whatever else I want to spend my weekend doing. Yay!!

I am weak

2009-04-27T19:02:00.004-04:00

I did it, I placed an order with artbeads.com. I *really* tried not to not visit their site during the dollar days sale. Several times, I had a shopping cart full of seed beads, but just didn't checkout - window shopping, if you will. But last night I realized I needed some closed gold jumprings to finish something I'm working on. And so I end up at artbeads.com, find my jumprings and add them to my cart. Like many other online stores, when you are viewing one item, they like to show you "other items you may enjoy". And wouldn't you know it, there are those beady lil' suckers staring me in the face. I won't delve into details...but I ended up buying matte opaque seed beads (size 11) in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, and some "almost" white color. At least I kept it under $100 this time. Quitting beads is harder than quitting smoking!

Starving Artists Mother's Day Sale

2009-04-23T18:50:00.015-04:00

Bone Pendant

2009-04-21T17:34:00.004-04:00

I bought two of these lovely bone cabochons, one in ivory and the other in an earthy brown color. I was hoping to be showcasing them both together, but the brown fella has been giving me some trouble.
When you wrap a cabochon with tubular peyote, you have to get the count of beads just right, otherwise your wrap will be too tight, or too loose and the cab will just fall right out.
Now, both bone cabochons are the same size (supposedly anyways) so I thought the count of beads for the brown one would be the same exact count as the first one I did but noooooooo, it's not as easy as that. After 3 failed attempts and several hours down the drain, I put it aside and decided I'll do it later...
I do have one lovely pendant to show off though.
This bone cabochon is wrapped with matte black delica beads in peyote stitch, and smaller toho seed beads to hold it in securely. Then I beaded a bail large enough so that the pendant can be strung on a cord or chain.

On a side note - www.artbeads.com continues to torment me! They are having a dollar days sale and LOTS of seed beads are on sale for $1 per pack...that's up to 50% off for some finishes and sizes. You would think that I could just buy a couple packs but I racked up a "window" shopping cart of over $80. But I'm not buying any....nope. Must...use...existing....stock. It's harder than it sounds!
My name is Joanna, and I am a beadaholic.

Psychedelic Spiral Bracelet

2009-04-19T18:58:00.008-04:00

If I had finished this bracelet in time, I would have entered it in the Etsy Bead Weavers challenge "Time Machine". If I had a time machine, I would go back to the psychedelic 60's, and that's what this bracelet reminds me of.

I have a jar of "leftover" delica beads...beads that never made it back into their original containers, my "delica bead soup" jar. This bracelet was woven in peyote stitch, all beads coming from my bead soup container. For the clasp I used a sterling silver slide/lock clasp. I'm quite pleased with how it came out, but not as pleased as my husband. He says it's by far his favorite bracelet I've created to date. How sweet of him!

It's a tad smaller than traditional bracelets - measuring in at only 7". I'm debating whether or not I should sell or list it...I DO have tiny wrists and it fits me perfect. Hmmmm.....

"Time Machine" challenge winner

2009-04-16T19:42:00.006-04:00

The April EBW Challenge had 31 entries, with 629 votes in total, and 119 of them went to our winner - 12. Time machine - beadsbyvezsuzs. About this gorgeous necklace, she says:

This necklace was made for the request of Team EBW. I just loved the topic at the first sight. My time machine is working very-very easily. You can turn time forwald or backward with the gears and this is the way to travel to future or past. Silver symbolize the future and tufa is past. I set the tufa by tubular RAW.

Other runners-up in this challenge are:

Second: 9. For the Women of the Future - SmadarsTreasure

Third: 21. Sticks and Stones Choker Necklace - HauteIceBeadwork

Fourth: 24. Nefertiti necklace - FleurDeIrk

Fifth: 22. Tudors Inspired Crystal Cabochon Necklace - SpringColors

Sixth: 2. time machine cuff - thebeadedlily

Seventh: 1. Atlantis - AnnetteMackrel

Eighth: 6. As Time Collides - crownrosegems

Ninth: 7. Drops Of Time Necklace - binkaminka

Tenth: 30. A Magical Journey - enchantedbeads

Etsy BeadWeavers are already working on the next Challenge for May - Hollywood Red Carpet Creations. You can read more about it here.

Neon Fun Bracelet

2009-04-14T21:31:00.007-04:00

Most of my bead weaving is done with tiny beads. Really tiny beads. This makes for a very detailed design, but it is an incredibly time consuming labor of love. Any bead weaver out there knows what I'm talking about. Every once in a while though, I feel the need for (almost) instant gratification. Anything that can be finished in an afternoon is "instant gratification" for a bead weaver.

This bracelet was my "instant gratification" this past weekend. Its woven with size 8 seed beads, in orange, green, and pink neon colors. It's finished with a silver-plated swivel lobster clasp. I don't think I'll ever go back to non-swivel lobster clasps after using a swivel. Not having to worry about your bracelet and clasp getting all twisted on you is a wonderful thing!

Waves

2009-04-13T20:47:00.011-04:00

Lately I've been trying to use beads I have on hand rather than buying on a whim. So far, so good. My biggest temptation has got to be artbeads.com. Every once in a while they'll send me an email with a great deal on the latest colors, sizes, shapes of seed beads and it's rare that I don't pick up a few bags of little beady goodness. Luckily for my wallet, it's been over a month since I've perused thier website.
These wavy bracelets were woven from Toho seed bead mixes I have had on hand for awhile. Yay me for using existing stock!

Purple Waves

Weaving in peyote stitch with different sizes of beads will give you a great texture. Both bracelets were woven with Toho beads in sizes 11 to 6.

Dragon Scales

This is my first bracelet attempt with a button clasp and it came out purrrrfect. The loop is secure and tight, the button will not go through the loop unless it is tilted sideways and pushed through the slot. I used a metal button with an intricate dragon design on it - makes for a great focal point.

Matching Pendants

I didn't feel like picking up my bead colors...so I just kept on beading. I'll be throwing in the pendant for free when you buy the matching bracelet. Fun!

Time Machine

2009-04-09T06:52:00.003-04:00

The entries for this months challenge of the Etsy Bead Weavers are in, and once again, they do not disappoint! Hours of time, and endless amounts of patience and love went into each and every one of these creations. Please, take a closer look at each one by clicking on the individual links below, then head over the the Etsy Bead Weaver's web site and vote for your favorite!

1. Atlantis - AnnetteMackrel

2. time machine cuff - thebeadedlily

3. Magical Mystery Cuff - beadsforever

4. Time Standing Still - ThesePreciousThings

5. Fantastical Journey - beadsandblooms

6. As Time Collides - crownrosegems

7. Drops Of Time Necklace - binkaminka

8. Sweet Innocence - Medic5415

9. For the Women of the Future - SmadarsTreasure

10. Time of Innocence - AmethystRavenstar

11. Baroque - Firepolished beaded ball - carmenesque

12. Time machine - beadsbyvezsuzs

13. Her Airship Sailed Through Time - ErtheFae

14. London Blue Police Box Pendant - FrancescasFancy

15. Endless Time - Necklace - clairecreations

16. Myth, Magic and Reality Converge - dreambeadweaver

17. Timeless Neckpiece - SilverDragon

18. Atlantis bracelet - CieloDesign

19. Atlantis Queen Wedding Necklace - RedCatArtBeads

20. Timeless colors - pjlacasse

21. Sticks and Stones Choker Necklace - HauteIceBeadwork

22. Tudors Inspired Crystal Cabochon Necklace - SpringColors

23. Time Machine Lands on Bronze Age - fashionsfrome

24. Nefertiti necklace - FleurDeIrk

25. The Edwardian Necklace - daynamiles

26. iNecklace - beadwoman3

27. Somewhere Over The Rainbow - BeadazzledofOregon

28. Night Waters No. 1 - playnwithbeads

29. Make Love Not War Necklace - HannahRachel

30. A Magical Journey - enchantedbeads

31. Window Into Time - njema

Good luck to all who entered!!

Rings!

2009-03-30T19:16:00.006-04:00

I've been playing around with right angle weave a lot lately. Cubular right angle weave to be specific. It is SO time consuming but SO worth it. The end result is a solid, structural piece, and the sky is the limit. I have a plethora of projects planned with this stitch in mind. Right now, in fact, I'm working on something very exciting! I can't spill the beans just yet though...I have 2 more in the "set" to finish before I can exhibit them to the world!
In the meantime, please enjoy some lovely cubular rings, inspired by my new favorite stitch!

I'm SURE I'll be making more of these style rings in the future...fun and unique, right up my alley!

Dreadlock Beads

2009-03-23T20:43:00.009-04:00

Spring is here. It's almost time for concerts, festivals, and dancing in the sun. Phish just got back together and played a fantastic run of shows at Hampton Coliseum, and they are doing a summer tour. The Grateful Dead is getting back together (Jerry will be there in spirit) to play some summer shows. Of course, you don't have to be a jam band loving "hippie" to have dreadlocks...that just happens to be the category I fall into.

There's no better way to show off your locks than with beaded accessories. Wear them just for fun, or use them to cover up and tighten "rough spots".
Even if you don't have dreadlocks, you can wear dreadlock beads in braids. To wear with braided hair: Separate hair and begin to braid as normal. When you reach the location of where you would like the bead to be visible, slide bead on to one of the three sections of hair, twisting as you go (you may want to clip the other 2 sections together while you are doing this so they don't come undone). Continue to braid hair, securing the end. The bead will be securely in place until you undo your hair. Neat huh?

The following beads were woven in tubular peyote stitch. Beading in tubular peyote allows for a rigid (but still slightly flexible) bead. Weaving in regular peyote or brick stitch will cause the bead to sink in, with no rigidity at all. You could still wear dreadlock beads woven this way, but they may be a little more difficult to put (and stay) in your hair. Personally, I prefer the structure of tubular peyote, so I weave all my dreadlock beads with this method.
These latest beads were stitched with toho seed beads, except for the Om and Radioactive beads, which were stitched with delica beads. Hope you like!

Please visit my online shop for more dreadlock beads in a variety of colors and styles.

A friend in need

2009-03-17T12:04:00.003-04:00

I rarely post personal off-topic material, but a friend is in need and I'd like to do anything I can to help. This past Friday (the 13th) my friend and talented musician Zach Deputy had his tour van stolen, with all of his instruments and recording gear inside. This is a HUGE blow to Zach, who is on the road 300+ days of the year and had many of his personal belongings inside the van.
Zach is also a new daddy, so this really couldn't have happened at a worse time.
Please check out the full story HERE, and please help if you can. If you've never heard of Zach before, do yourself (and him) a favor and buy the cd. You won't be dissapointed.

March Challenge Winner

2009-03-16T08:04:00.006-04:00

The winner of the monthly Etsy Bead Weavers challenge for the month of March, "Temptation", is RachelesOriginals with her stunning necklace "The Seductress". The amount of time and patience that must have went into this masterpiece is mind boggling. Congratulations Rachele! Can't wait to see what you choose for the next theme.

The runners up are also exquisite. Coming in second is this eye-catching, unique necklace, "Temptation" by Olgo:

Third place goes to Smadar of Smadars Treasure for her necklace, "Temptation Dance". Isn't it pretty? It's the one I voted for actually. (shhh....dont' tell anyone).

Irish Flag Cuff Bracelet

2009-03-09T21:07:00.009-04:00

Trying to keep up with the holidays, I was determined to create something with St. Patrick's Day specifically in mind. I found myself leaning towards the colors of the actual flag of Ireland more so than a shamrock or a little elf - perhaps that's my own Irish pride shining through.
After finding the perfectly matching delica colors, I wove in 2-drop peyote stitch.
It's finished with a beaded toggle clasp that will hold the bracelet securely on your wrist.

As a special promotion, I'm offering free shipping for this bracelet to anywhere in Ireland!

Etsy Beadweavers Challenge - Temptation

2009-03-09T10:10:00.004-04:00

The entries for the challenge are in! They are amazing as always. The amount of talent, patience, and time that went into creating these beauties is astounding!

You can click on the item in the text list below the mosaic which links to the Etsy Shop listing of each entrant where you will see more detail of each piece!

Please go to the Etsy Bead Weaver's website to vote for your favorite!

l. Sunset Necklace - HannahRachel

2. Black Desire necklace - FleurDeIrk

3. Carmen's temptation pendant - 6Carmen6

4. Dulce de Leche - nemeton

5. Green with Envy - BeadazzledofOregon

6. Temptation in Turquoise - beadsandblooms

7. Temptation - MadeByOlga

8. Temptation in the Garden - glimmerstone

9. The Seductress - RachelesOriginals

10. Forbidden Fruit - EPOriginals

11. Temptation Burlesque Collar - gypsyeyesjewelry

12. Tempted by Temptation - dreambeadweaver

13. Sweet Beaded Temptaton - BeadFabulous

14. Green Gold Temptation - binkaminka

15. Mist on the Moors - beaglebeads

16. Serpent's Temptation necklace - CieloDesign

17. i want to believe cuff - thebeadedlily

18. Chocolate Temptation cuff - randomcreative

19. Mirage in the Desert Necklace - Charmingthings

20. The Spider and the Fly - daynamiles

21. Chocolate Cherry Cordials - ThesePreciousThings

22. Caught in The Web of Temptation - cigarboxbeads

23. Aztec Summer - beadworkbyamanda

24. Temptation By the Sea - myfairladyvt4

25. Hamadryad's Heart Fringed Choker - SalamanderHouse

26. TEMPTATION Necklace - enchantedbeads

27. Eye candy temptation - PFordCustomJewelry

28. A case for Temptation - LiciaBeads

29. PUSHING LUCK - caraway

30. Temptation Cuff - SpringColors

31. Luscious Cherry Chocolate Necklace - FrancescasFancy

32. Bead Store Temptation - beadwoman3

33. Temptation Dance - SmadarsTreasure

34. Sunrise Temptation - njema

35. Moonlit Seductress - ErtheFae

Voting begins on Monday, March 9th and ends midnight March 15th. Show your appreciation for the efforts of these amazing artists and take on the difficult task of voting for your favorite.

Many thanks to Ann of Francesca's Fancy who prepared the mosaic!

2009-03-04T20:16:00.007-05:00

Thank you HotRocks for bestowing to me this lovely "Let's Be Friends" award.

Honestly, if I had been given this award by someone else, I would have passed it on to you.

This award states that...

These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

Choosing just 8 blogs that fit the description isn't going to be an easy task, but here goes:

Steam Powered Rings - Amazing steampunk jewelry

Living Botanical - Yummy bath and body products made with all natural ingredients

John Wright Art - Beautiful, original artwork

Holy Cuteness - The most adorable pictures and videos of cute animals you'll ever see

PaperKraft - Print color cut-outs and create 3d video game character, comic book characters, animae and more

Cinnamon Spice & Everything Nice - Every time I go to this blog I get hungry...find some great recipes here

Solsisters Studio - Beautiful handmade bags & pouches

Women's Self Esteem - Gaining confidence

Extra life anyone?

2009-03-02T20:38:00.014-05:00

I managed to get a picture of this 1UP Mario mushroom before giving to my lil' sister. She said she wanted a key chain. The clasp is a swivel, so she can clip it on her shoe, phone, or wear it on a chain, too. I'd love to bead up a fireball flower sometime. So much to do...

I have a handful of small goodies I was hoping to get photographed last night but my attention was quickly diverted when the UPS man dropped off a package on my door.

My new toy...in all its glory. Wanna know what it was? Head on over to HoopFlow to get the rest of the story.

Top Droppers for February

2009-03-02T04:57:00.012-05:00

Please check out my top entrecard droppers for February:

Thank you all for your continued support!

Congratulations to the winner!

2009-03-01T16:36:00.004-05:00

The winner of our ArtFire Artisan Jewelers Guild challenge "First Sign of Spring" is

From Popnicute:

Isn't it beautiful??!!

Thanks to all who voted.

ArtFire Artisan Jewelers Guild Challenge

2009-02-25T10:52:00.013-05:00

Some of the talented designers on ArtFire have joined forces to form the ArtFire Artisan Jewelers Guild. Our Febuary challenge, First Sign of Spring is now open for voting. Have a look at all the wonderful entries below, then go HERE to vote for your favorite. Voting ends Feb, 28th.

From Twigs and Heather: Last Days of Winter- Twig with Buds

From TeresaBoland: . Happy Spring

From simplyuniquejewelry: Bursting Spring

From SilverRiverJewelry: Spring is coming

From RenzianniDesigns: First Sign of Spring Earrings

From Popnicute: First Sign of Spring

From FlybirdDesigns:. Leaves and Beads Pendant

From Cyndiesmithdesgins: Mother Nature-Spring

From JewelrybySandy: Spring Hat

Good luck to all who participated!

Peaches & Cream

2009-02-17T20:16:00.013-05:00

Not long after figuring out some of the basic bead weaving stitches, I started netting and weaving around cabochons. The idea that you can take a lonely stone and suspend it securely within woven beads, without backing, still tickles me.
I had yet to try this technique out with round crystals, until this past weekend. It took a couple tries to get the number of beads just right, but the end result was very satisfying. I'm looking forward to wrapping more of these crystals, perhaps for a lovely set of earrings next time.
The crystal is a 12mm peach swarovski rivoli, captured in size 11 delica beads. I used a spiral weave for the necklace itself, which measures 18" from end to end.

The clasp is a very important part of a design...it can make an otherwise beautiful creation cheap and flimsy. Very seldom do I know at the start of something what I will be using for a clasp. Several pieces sit in my "to finish" pile for this very reason...they are waiting for the perfect clasp. One of my favorite ways to finish a necklace (and bracelets too, sometimes) is with a beaded clasp. It takes no extra components, and flows seamlessly into the design.

"Tropical Holiday" challenge winner

2009-02-16T10:32:00.006-05:00

The winner of the EBW challenge "Tropical Holiday" has been chosen by popular demand...with a total of 104 votes, Mariya of BeadCatcher has won 1st place with her gorgeous necklace, Tropical Treasures. Congratualations Mariya! Have a look at this stunning necklace, it really is a work of art!
Tied for second place are Hadass of Spring Colors with the necklace "Tropical Garden" and Verod of Veroque with a beadwoven "Tropical Holiday" necklace.

Third place goes to Miriam of CieloDesign with her beautiful "Tropical Paradise" necklace.

Congratulations to the winners and everyone who participated, you should all be very proud!

Tropical Holiday

2009-02-08T17:30:00.006-05:00

All the entries for the Etsy Bead Weaver's challenge "Tropical Holiday" are in, and they are simply jaw dropping. It's safe to say that collectively this month's participants spent over a thousand hours weaving and creating. Amazing! It's never an easy vote, but this month is going to be an especially difficult pic. Be sure to look closer at each entry with the links below and visit the EBW Blog between Feb. 9th and Feb. 15th to vote!

1. Caribbean Surf Collar by: nemeton

2. Scorpion Fish by: njema

3. Dreaming of Hawaii by: randomcreative

4. A Walk on the Beach by: beadsandblooms

5. Peace on the beach by: PFordCustomJewelry

6. Orchid Beauty by: ArtfulAr

7. Rainforest Necklace by: charmingthings

8. Blue lagoon necklace N961 by: FleurDeIrk

9. Paradise by: beadsforever

10.Pink Flamingo Fantasy Necklace by: gypsyeyesjewelry

11. Sultry Salty Sand and Surf by: janetkemp88

12. hawaii '09 necklace by: thebeadedlily

13. Tropical Sunset Garden Necklace (1384) by: clairecreations

14. The Lively Sea by: farfrumplainjane

15. Tropical Holiday bracelet by: 6Carmen6

16. Beachcombing the Sea of Cortez - A Tropical Holiday by: dreambeadweaver

17. What if I'm a Mermaid by: ThesePreciousThings

18. Tropical Breezes by: RegalBeads

19. Tropical Chic - Choker by: Triz

20. Spinny Girl on the Beach by: BeadArtbyShari

21. Tropical Garden by: SpringColors

22. Tropical Paradise Necklace by: CieloDesign

23. Coral Reef Cuff Bracelet by: FrancescasFancy

24. TORTUGA by: caraway

25. CRYSTAL LEI by: fashionsfrome

26. Tropical Nights by: SmadarsTreasure

27. Tropical Flower Brooch by: enchantedbeads

28. Tropical Dream Cuff by: arosebyname

29. Calypso Necklace by: DeepSeaBeads

30. Tropical Whale Tails Bracelet by: SalamanderHouse

31. Tropical Holiday by: veroque

32. Caribbean Sunset by: totallytwisted

33. Bougainvillea Bouquet by: KerrieSlade

34. Tropical greenwood by: beadshead

35. Beachcomber by: vanishingpearl

36. Island Treasure Chest by: BeadazzledofOregon

37. Mayan Sun by: ThreeFatesDesign

38. Girlie Drinks and Sunsets by: HannahRachel

39. MAUI WEDDING by: Chrisbeads

40. Strelitzia by: MadeByOlga

41. ti leaf and orchid lei by: beadwoman3

42. Sunset in the Islands by: 1965angelika

43. Tropical Treasures by: BeadCatcher

44. On The Beach by: SilverDragon

45. Loopy Lei Necklace by: beadworkbyamanda

46. Tropical Rainforest Getaway by: Bead4you

47. Sea and Sand Necklace by: Beadmatrix

Hearts A Plenty

2009-02-05T21:56:00.013-05:00

I'll admit, I'm usually behind the power curve when it comes to "seasonal" jewelry. Actually finishing two heart themed necklaces 8 days before Valentine's Day is pretty good for me.
I think the key may be thinking two holidays ahead. If I could forget about St. Patricks Day and concentrate on Easter, then I might get something accomplished. But I'm Irish, how can I forget about St. Patty's!? I guess we'll see what happens...a lot of times I don't choose the project, they choose me.
In any event, here are my two latest creations, Hearts-a-Plenty. Both were beaded with sz. 11 Toho seed beads in a netted weave. They are very light, and have an incredible drape to them. Holding one in your hand, it almost feels like sand wanting to sift through your fingers. The texture just makes you want to touch it!
The first is a very subtle blue-on-blue. I used a transparent blue for the background, and an opaque light blue for the hearts.

For the second, I used the same transparent blue background, but used a lilac-lined blue for the hearts to give the necklace more contrast. Both necklaces were finished with a silver-plated swivel lobster clasp. I love the swivel clasps, because you don't have to worry about your clasp twisting on you.

Look for these choker style necklaces in my Artfire shop, they'll be available later this evening.
All of my items come shipped in a box suitable for gift giving (with your reciept outside the box of course) so you don't have to worry about buying wrapping paper, or a special box...it's all taken care of for you. Order by Feb. 10th for guaranteed delivery by Feb. 14th. I will ship overnight at the cost of the buyer if last minute shopping is your thing.
Valentine's Day is only a week away fellas!

Rings n things

2009-02-03T20:36:00.009-05:00

Lately I've been all over the place - beadily speaking. I have a plethora of almost finished pieces. Some are waiting for that special component or clasp to come in, and others I have no excuse for, except that I have a severe case of B.A.D.D. - beaders attention deficit disorder. If I am working on a labor intensive piece, I feel the need to take time off from it to do smaller "tweener" projects.

I wanted to do something similar to the Blue Crystal Fantasy ring I did awhile back, but in different colors, and with a slightly smaller band. It came out just as I was hoping, and is extremely comfortable for what could be considered a "chunky" ring. It's definitely bold, and the silver lined purple beads are eye-catching.
This one is a bit simpler than the rings I usually make. The band is a single string of beads, as opposed to a woven band, like the ring above. Have no fear, however...this ring was woven with PowerPro, a super strong braided cord. I wove the thread through the band several times before weaving it back into the ring for knotting. After it was finished I gave it a real good tug, too, just to be certain. Solid as a rock.
This dainty ring includes swarovski pearls, galvanized toho seed beads, transparent opal toho beads, and opal pink swarovski crystals.

Both rings will be available for purchase through my Artfire shop, with a full description and sizing information shortly.

Is spring here yet?

2009-02-02T20:30:00.009-05:00

It may be the middle of winter, but my head is in the tropics. Every once in a while the mood strikes me to bead up a snowflake but, frankly, I don't like snow. I can appreciate the beauty of freshly fallen snow, and I try to take in each breath, each moment as I live it. However inevitably each winter I find myself longing for spring, anticipating the first signs of new life, and the return of the green buds of my garden. Perhaps in the summer I'll be able to bead a snowman without grimacing, but for this month, I needed a little taste of summer. I used a pattern from the July/August issue of Bead-Patterns the magazine to weave up this hibiscus bracelet in peyote stitch. The page didn't have a designer name on it so I'm assuming the designer is Rita Sova herself. If you're interested in beading one up for yourself, you can purchase the pattern HERE.

In case anyone is wondering, I will NOT be selling this bracelet in any of my shops. A bracelet that is woven using another person's pattern should not be sold, unless you have permission from the designer themselves. A little beading ethics 101 for you.

Just back from my honeymoon

2009-01-28T14:51:00.019-05:00

My husband and I spent a slightly delayed honeymoon (we were married in May last year) in St. Croix, in the US Virgin Islands. For seven days and nights we enjoyed warm weather in the low 80's, and could see the beach from our room.

If you have been thinking about a getaway vacation to a tropical island, I would recomend St. Croix. It was my first time there, but I met some friendly and wonderful people, and saw some breathtaking sights. The first full day we were there, we hiked to the tide pools from a trail by our resort. Actually, we ended up taking the long hike, putting a mile and a half on our trip to the pools. We also took the steep trail down to the road, which leads to the rocks. I'm not trying to brag here, mind you. I'm not usually a hiker but I'm active and do enjoy nature. This was intense. Either you're sliding down this thing on your behind, or you're walking slowly down backwards, grabbing clumps of tall grass. We made it down, and it was all worth it. After a careful walk along sharp rocks, with waves crashing over our feet, we made it to the tide pools. It was something like a scene out of The Princess Bride.

We were so enamored with this little piece of paradise that we had to go back. On the last full day of our stay, we hiked out again. This time taking the short trail and a path with a less steep slope. We stayed hours, enjoying the warm water and chasing around the fishes. I even got a couple decent pictures with my lil camera, which I put in an underwater aquapac bag.

On the way back we saw the most breathtaking full rainbow, it was coming right up out of the water...I felt like I was in a care bears movie!

When we weren't lounging on the beach, we were exploring the island. We had a very pleasant walk through the St. George Botanical Gardens. They had some interesting plants and trees, some looking like something right out of a Dr. Seuss book.

Sugar mill ruins were scattered throughout the islands, we got to check out some overlooking the north shore. Quite a view indeed.
By night we got to check out some great live music, because the Ryan Montbleau Band was in town. They rocked the island for a full week, and I saw many of the same faces night after night. I met some very friendly people, and had lots of space to hula hoop most nights. One show was on the beach at sunset, and that was just incredible.

Overall, my husband and I had the time of our lives. I'd love to share some tips based on things we experienced on this trip.

1. Rent a car. Taxi's are expensive on the island and unless you're going to spend the entire week on the beach, you'll spend what you would have spend on a rented car anyway.
That brings me to
2. Do not use Centerline car rentals. We had a very bad experience with them. Because they do not accept visa cards with the word "debit" written on them, they left us high and dry at the airport. But they still managed to charge $500 to my husbands debit card (go figure) forcing us back to reality during our honeymoon, as we had to call the bank and deal with all THAT while on vacation. Fabulous.
We were able to get a last minute car through AVIS and dealt with a very nice lady, Ingrid.
3. Breakfast is a hot commodity on the island. The Colupmbus Cove Restaurant on the north shore is awful. If you like cold breakfast with a scowl, this is the place for you. Another restaurant on the north shore, Spratnet, was fantastic, but out of the 3 times we drove there, they were only open once (even though their sign says "7 days a week, open 7am").
4. If you are physically able, check out the tide pools by the carambola beach resort. Wear keens or other waterproof shoes with a solid sole, and pack water and some snacks.
5. The tide by the Carambola gets rough. Be careful, especially if you plan on bringing children.
6. In Christiansted, visit Lolita Restaurant. It is a health food bar with a raw/microbiotic selection of food. I have to admit I was a little skeptical but it was fantastic! All fresh ingredients. The soup was so tasty, and the raw "lasagna" was out of this world, prepared right in front of you by a lovely english gentlemen, Jonathon. The ambiance incredible as well, lit just enough, with a dolphin fountain in the center surrounded by exotic plants.
6. Take lots of pictures!

Now that I'm back to reality I'll be getting back to my regular droppers on entrecard, and should have some beady goodness to share with you soon!

Retro Swirls

2009-01-15T07:36:00.007-05:00

I've been wanting to do a swirly bracelet for quite some time now. Before the holiday rush I sketched up a pattern in my bead pattern software - kind of like a "paint" program with a built in stitch graph. At first I was planning on listing the bracelet in my etsy shop, but sometimes the universe has other plans for us. I spent WAY much more time on this cuff than I wanted to. I made the mistake of starting with a thread that was a little thicker than I should have used. It worked, oh yes, but at a price. I broke a good 3 or 4 beads, which means having to weave back through again to add your bead and hide the thread. Because I took a while to make it, AND because I broke some beads, I'll be keeping this one (oh *darn*) and filing it under "learning experience".

I may use the pattern again to make another, in different colors no doubt, but this red, gold, and black "Retro Swirls" bracelet sits comfortably on my wrist...right now, as I type actually!

Something for ME!

2009-01-11T11:21:00.006-05:00

As I delve deeper and deeper into my art, I find myself making less and less items for myself. Custom orders, gifts for friends and family, and keeping inventory up to date all takes a good amount of time and effort. Occasionally though, a special event will prompt me to make a set to match an outfit. New years eve was such an event. My theme for the night was pink and brown, my entire outfit revolved around that. Having no pink and brown jewelry in my wardrobe, I just had to make something to match, didn't I?
I wove this choker with silver lined brown delicas and pink opaque toho seed beads. Delicas aren't usually the greatest for netting, but I find when I mix them in with tohos the drape comes out just lovely. I finished it with antiqued brass wire guardians, and an antique brass lobster clasp. It feels great on, I'm really happy with how it turned out.

The earrings I struggled with to be honest...I took them apart several times before getting it just right. I originally was going to do a fringe type dangle earrings, but things just didn't turn out that way. I ended up with a fan dangle (not a fandango). They match the necklace superbly, and have a wonderful swing to them. I used opaque brown, matte pink, and metalic pink toho beads, along with metalic brown bugle beads. They were finished with antiqued brass earwires. I'm looking forward to wearing them for years to come!

I'm still here!

2009-01-07T08:41:00.004-05:00

I'm aware it's been TOO long since my last post, so I wanted to check in and say HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my readers. I could give you a bunch of excuses as to why I haven't been posting, but instead I'll just tell you that I've been spending some much needed time with friends and family. 2009 was brought in with a bang, surrounded by smiling friends and great music. It was quite magical.

Soon enough I'll have a plethura of beaded goodies to show off, as I've been a busy beader this past month (the spirit just hasn't moved me to do a photographing session). I've made a chakra pendant for a dear friend, a woven bracelet for another...both of which I gave to them before photographing (oops). I also made a netted necklace for my new years eve outfit, with earrings to match, 2 netted heart necklaces, several pendants, and some rings. When I can pry the beads and needle out of my hand I'll take some pics, I promise!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-24T07:18:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe, warm, and happy holiday. I hope you get to spend quality time with friends and loved ones...because that's really what it's all about folks.
The new year is just about upon us and it is time once again to look inward at ourselves, and at the goals we have made. Did you reach your goals? I reached some of mine. The others need attention. Why didn't I achieve what I set out to do? Was my bar set too high? Are there smaller steps I can take to achieve my large scale goals? These are all questions I will be pondering over, and I'm sure many others can apply them to their life goals.
Looking forward to 2009, I can tell you there are some exciting things coming down the pike. As an artist, I've been expanding my knowledge of techniques. I have several projects sitting in my head, anxious to get out. There's just no time right now though, so, next year!

"Snow Queen" winner announced

2008-12-17T10:36:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to Karin of Gypsy Eyes Jewelry who won with her Queen of the Frozen Tundra necklace. Isn't it devine?!!

Karin says about this piece:
The Queen is an exquisite hand sculpted and painted porcelain pendant by the fabulous artist Pat Swyler. The patina of her complexion is a lovely icy blue. The crown jewels of her woven head-dress are a shimmering raw silver-gray diamond and magical boulder opals, their brilliant flashes of color reminiscent of the Northern Lights.The necklace represents her kingdom: frost covered branches, snowflakes and icicles - all lovingly hand-beaded/ woven with tiny glass delica beads, opal, aquamarine, rainbow moonstone, pink kunzite, blue topaz and freshwater pearls.

Second: 27. Queen of the Snow - savoystudio

Third: 18. Yuki Onna - Japanese Snow Woman - SmadarsTreasure

Fourth: 11. Frozen Waters - Cuff - triz

Fifth: 7. Snow Queen necklace - CieloDesign

Sixth: 4. A Royal Affair - beadsforever

Seventh: 19. Anastasia choker - MCDdesigns

Eighth: 1. mirka collar - thebeadedlily

Ninth: 23. Snow princess necklace - FleurDeIrk

Tenth: 21. Snowflake Fairy - BeadazzledofOregon

Congrats to all the winners and everyone who participated. Voters, the Etsy Bead Weavers really appreciate you taking the time to vote, so thank you!

Bumps in the road...

2008-12-16T08:21:00.005-05:00

For the past couple years, I have been using Photoshop CS on my husband's desktop computer to create graphics, and also for cropping and color-balancing photos. Sunday his computer died. Ironically he had ordered a new laptop which he just recieved Monday. Maybe the desktop got jealous and decided to pout.
Because there's no need to fix/replace the old computer (other than my need for PS), I'm outta luck when it comes to photo editing. We have ransacked the house looking for the Photoshop disc but cannot find it anywhere...ugh!
So, until I can find the PS disc, or find a suitable replacement for it (suggestions welcome), photos may be a bit scarce.

I do have a couple earrings to share however, I got these done right before the computer died.

This first one reminds me of feathers. I wove them with cylon blue seed beads, black bugle beads, and matte purple/blue hex cut beads.

This second pair I call "Cabernet & Rust". Deep maroon red bugle beads really compliment the metallic gold delica beads. I finished these off with antiqued brass wire guardians, and antique brass foldover earwires.

Both are available in my Artfire shop HERE.

Etsy Beadweavers December Challenge

2008-12-10T07:08:00.005-05:00

The entries for this month's challenge - Snow Queen - are in, and they are beauties baby!! I personally didn't have sufficient time to participate, however there are LOTS of amazing pieces to choose from. Vote for your favorite HERE. I still don't know who has my vote yet, it's so hard to pick just one!

The Spreader of Love Award

2008-12-09T07:18:00.004-05:00

I was perusing through my comments and was delighted to find that Nicole of Beadwright has bestowed to me the Spreader of Love Award. Nicole is a super talented bead weaver, I've loved her creations for quite some time now. Head on over to her shop to see some of her lovely items.

Here are the rules to spread the love!(1) Post a copy of the award on your blog post. (2) Mention who gave you the award. (3) Pass the award on to 6 others. (4) Leave a message on their blog letting them know the honor has been bestowed upon them
Here are my choices:

1: Three Fates Design
2: Holy Cuteness
3: Modus Vivendi

4: Jael's Art Jewels
5: Womens Self Esteem

6: Time2Cre8

Holiday Delights

2008-12-04T07:08:00.007-05:00

I wove these little lovelies over the weekend, realizing that December is here already!

This bracelet is a simple weave, finished off with a gold wire guardian and a gold-plated swivel clasp. I LOVE the swivel clasps, because your bracelet never gets twisted.

This little "Christmas Bell" was woven around a wooden bell shape with toho seed beads, sizes 11 and 15. I included a woven loop bail, and for the "bell" I used a swarovski glass pearl.

I entered this pendant in the Christmas competition on craftjuice.com. Vote for me HERE.

Doesn't red, green, and gold simply look great together?

Off the beadin' path - Ghost Hunters, TAPS

2008-12-02T20:36:00.006-05:00

I've always been curious about the paranormal, but up until Ghost Hunters premiered on the Sci Fi channel, there were only books and haunted house stories to peak my interest.
At first, Jason and Grant, the main investigators on Ghost Hunters, worked out of a small trailer and still worked their day jobs at Rotor Rooter, a plumbing contractor. It was admitting easy to trust these 2 family men, to take their word at face value. After all, when they investigate a so-called "haunted house" they try to de-bunk, or disprove, the haunting. They try and find all the reasons why people could be hearing sounds or seeing things, other than "oh its a ghost". At least this is what I believed for a while.
I really thought they caught some unbelievable stuff on video, on the thermal camera, EVP's (electronic voice phenomenon), and as it turns out, there's a reason it's unbelievable.
My husband and I have been fans of the show for years. While my husband took the show with a bigger grain of salt than I did, I really trusted that the evidence Jason, Grant, and the team presented to the general public was what they caught, not what they made up. The more digging I do into things though, make me think that Ghost Hunters is the biggest fraud since Madame Cleo.
While looking around for random ghostly videos on youtube, I came across a video "de-bunking the de-bunkers" as it were. As you may or not know, Ghost Hunters performed a live investigation on Halloween, at Fort Delaware. During the live show, Grant really wants us to believe that his hood was tugged several times by a ghost. It is made clear as crystal in the youtube video that he has something in his sleeve connected to his hood. It's insulting that he would even try to pass off a simple parlor trick as paranormal, but perhaps the pressure of performing live makes you do things you normally wouldn't do. Even if this was a one time deal, for me Ghost Hunters has lost all credibility. I can't believe any of their past findings anymore, and certainly not their future findings. Jason, Grant...you lost 2 fans this week.

If you are a Ghost hunters fan and want to continue to be a fan of the show, I suggest you do NOT watch this video clip. It will more likely than not change your perspective and enjoyment of it. Ignorance is bliss they say.
5 minutes 8 seconds into it is what really gets my goat...if you watch nothing else, start at 5:08.

See for yourself

After watching this video I headed on over to the Taps18+ boards, where I proceed to introduce myself and ask if anyone knew anything about Grant tugging his own coat. Big mistake. These people were on me like white on rice. They got really upset that I even *suggested* the wool might be getting pulled over their eyes. They backed the Ghost Hunters to no end. I told them to go ahead and drink some more of the cult kool aid.
First time I've ever gotten banned from a forum, ever! They deleted my whole thread too. The less evidence, the better it is for them, I guess.
As for me, I feel the need to spread it around. And what better place for me to do that than my blog. Knowledge is power!
Kudos to anyone who actually read my post this far, and apologies to anyone who came looking for beady content. I assure you we will continue with our regularly scheduled programming shortly. =)

Etsy, Artfire, and some great deals

2008-12-02T08:30:00.005-05:00

It seems like there's been an explosion of things for me to keep up with nowadays. There's a TON of different shops to sell your wares on - enough to make your head spin!
I've only dabbled with ecrater. Ruby Lane is expensive, and I've heard enough bad customer service stories to keep me away from them. Etsy is just THE popular one right now - but for the seller with only a few sales, it's hard to keep up with the favorites we keep seeing featured.

I signed up for Artfire. It was a deal I couldn't refuse...$7 a month for life to host a shop with all my items, including relisting whenever I feel like it. Maybe you've seen some people blogging about artfire, or maybe (like me) you saw a full page ad in a magazine. If you have been thinking about signing up, now is the time. After the first 5000 people sign up, the monthly rate goes up (to $20 I do believe).

They have a deal for referrals, too. Refer 10 people and your shop is free for life! That's just a jaw dropping deal, so I'm offering some incentive to sign up with uniqueyou as your referrer.
If I manage to refer 10 people, then I will give each of the ten people a 10% off for life discount. That’s right, for life. Anytime you want anything in my shop, you get 10% off. Not bad, eh?
This is open to those who sign up for the $7/month deal, free accounts do not count towards the referal.
Just comment here to let me know you have signed up, and make sure you put uniqueyou in the referal box!
This deal is only good until December 31st, so 10 people will need to sign up before then to get the discount.

Exposure of course is a good thing, but it comes at a price. I am seriously debating letting most of my items on etsy expire, I just can't pour money into relisting everyday.
I'd love to hear from any shops out there that have been pondering the pros and cons of etsy and artfire.

It's a hot topic right now - to Artfire or to Etsy?

I am in love...

2008-12-01T07:44:00.011-05:00

...with my freshly built lightbox, and the man that built it.

My husband (and knight in faded patchies as I like to call him) was quick to the rescue when I got frustrated with my lack of quality pictures. When I mentioned the lightbox he was excited to make it, he loves a good project. And I love a good picture...it's a win/win! Lol.

He says there's lots of things he could have done better but I think it came out great. He used diffuser panels on 4 sides, and some concoction of wood framing/velcro allowing it to be broken down. He even dug out an old 3 headed adjustable lamp from the shed for me to use. I have to find some cooler white light bulbs to use, but I took some test shots last night with some bulbs from around the house and I'm quite pleased with the preliminary results.

I have lots of work ahead of me. As any creative person knows, taking photos of your work is NOT the most fun part, and can take lots of time. However, I am determined to get fresh, crisp photos of my entire stock of goodies.

Speaking of fresh, I stitched up four pairs of earrings yesterday...it was addicting. I have done a couple pairs over the course of my beading days, but for some reason yesterday I just couldn't stop! I don't know why I haven't made more of them, they're so fun and there's lots of room for versatility. Here are 3 of the 4 that I got photographed so far:

Yes I KNOW it's winter, but I can't seem to stop playing with bright colors. Purple and green especially, they're one of my favorite color combos. This pendant is a funky half-beaded bead, with a full beaded back. The center is a pretty swarovski glass pearl, and woven around it is delica and toho glass seed beads.

Copyright Infringement Update

2008-11-24T13:25:00.002-05:00

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for their kind words and encouragement...it really helped lessen the blow.
Things have been worked out between the other person and myself. They aquired the pattern from someone at a gathering and had no idea mine even existed. One look for herself though, and she was pretty sure that her gathering friend copied the pattern from me.
She has since removed offending items, and was very kind and accomidating about the whole situation. I'm glad that it worked out.
I don't know exactly what I can do to protect myself in the future...you want a photo to represent detail, and I can't zoom in too close and detailed without giving away the pattern, essentially.
Oui.

Thanks Tote-N-Tots!

2008-11-22T08:53:00.002-05:00

Dropping my entrecards this morning, I noticed that my "Circle Gets the Square" necklace was featured on Tote-N-Tots blog. Thanks so much! Be sure to visit her blog to see fashionable items for mommy and baby. I just love her bags. Have a look at her etsy shop HERE.

It's happened!

2008-11-20T21:55:00.005-05:00

I've officially had a design ripped off, beaded poorly, with prices undercut.
Highest form of flattery?
Still sucks.
I've asked them to take the offending items out of their shop and informed them that they need to actually ASK permission before taking someone elses design and making a profit with it. Lets see if they at least credit the designer. Right now they are claiming that each one of their designs is "unique and original".
Yeah. Ok.
Unfortunately I relisted my item recently, so at first glance it looks like I copied them. However I'm fairly sure etsy has records of when I first put the item on there, early this year. If it really comes down to it, I've had my design loaded on various networking/beady sites for quite some time now.
I had a feeling I would have to deal with this one day...all the beaders talk about it. I feel sick to my stomach about it.

edited to add: Ok the beadwork they did actually isn't bad...and on closer inspection they changed a couple beads but..still

My Sister, the Beauty Queen

2008-11-18T06:55:00.004-05:00

Any of you who have been regular visitors to my blog know that I rarely talk about personal beliefs and views, I tend to keep this site fairly proffesional. However, once in a while a topic/event moves me enough to break out of "business blog" mode.

This past Saturday my younger (but much taller) sister Jessie was crowned Miss Taunton. Taunton, MA is where we grew up together.

Music runs in the family (mom: piano, flute, clarinet; dad: drums; brother: guitar; me: bass) and Jessie is no exception. She had been practicing her really hard classical piano piece at home for a long time. She was understandably distraught when she found out she would be performing on a KEY-board and they would not have a piano on hand. Two nights of dress rehearsal mishaps on the keyboard had Jessie a little dissapointed, but she NAILED it when it counted.

Congratulations Jessie, I'm so proud of you! Future Miss Massachusetts? Miss America?
Keep a look out for my beautiful sister.

You can read the story from the newspaper HERE if you're interested.

"Ancestral Expressions" Challenge winner

2008-11-17T07:04:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Triz, who won the Etsy Bead Weavers November challenge "Ancestral Expressions" with her beautiful collar "Let My People Go".
Way to go Triz!

The "honorable mentions" include:

Second: The Hoshen - a Breastplate - beadshead

Third: hands against time cuff - thebeadedlily

Fourth: The Greek Key - BeadsAndI

Fifth: was a tie between ONE WORLD Bead Woven Embroidered Cuff Bracelet - caraway and Plaid Pride Bracelet - FrancescasFancy

Sixth: Proud to be an American - dreambeadweaver

Seventh: Another tie: Patchwork Cuff - playnwithbeads and Catching A Dream Bracelet - myfairladyvt4

Eighth: Celtic North American Native - SilkenLariat

Ninth: The third tie! Beaded Ancestral Expressions Petroglyph Totem Cane - SalamanderHouse and DNA in Violet and Blue - Wide Beadwoven Peyote Cuff - time2cre8

Tenth: Hungarian meets French - beaddiddy

Congratulations everyone!

I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with for "Snow Queen". I just may participate in this one!

Catching up on things...

2008-11-11T07:43:00.010-05:00

It's been over a week since I posted anything that I've been working on. In part, this is due to not being able to get the quality of pictures I desire.

Hopefully soon I'll have some fresh shots of all my etsy shop items though. I've contacted a friend, Brody, over at Polarity Photo. Brody takes some amazing shots. His passion is..um...legally being escorted into abandoned buildings and capturing the decay of the untouched.
Here are a few prime examples of what he sees through his lens:

That's just a taste. Definately check out his site for more amazing photography.

Now...onto the jewelry.

This ring and earring set was the absolute biggest pain in the butt to photograph. After many attemps, I settled a little bit on the picture. I'm excited to show them and I just couldn't wait any longer.

I've done rings and earrings of this style before, but I do have to say these are my favorite. Red and black together are just such powerful colors. This was woven with matte black delicas and checkerboard swarovski crystals. Again, I was going for a vintage/flapper style, and I think I captured that quite nicely.

This next bracelet is something I made as a gift for a friend who shall remain nameless. I don't think she's a blog reader, but better safe than sorry!

It was woven with toho seed beads, and overlayed with purple swarovski pearls.

These next bracelets are purely fun. I have had this stash of plastic pony beads for the longest time. Pony beads, meet stretchy cord. =)

Ooh, a blog award!

2008-11-10T16:11:00.008-05:00

Both A Rose By Name and rkdsign88 has passed the Butterfly Award award on me! It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside...thanks gals!I am to then pass it along to 10 of my favorite blogs, which will not be easy!! Here are the rules!

1. Put the logo on your blog.

2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.

3. Nominate 10 other blogs.

4. Add links to those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

Here are 10 of my favorite blogs, that haven't been tagged with this award yet...not an easy decision I tell ya:

1. AlteredEvents
2. Three Fates Design
3. Aerten Art
4. Jael's Jewels
5. Designing Hilary
6. Waterrose Handcrafted Obsessions
7.Unique Charms
8. Tizzalicious Crafts and Cuteness
9. Maggies Crafting Adventures
10.Beadalicious

Voting now open for Ancestral Expressions

2008-11-09T22:12:00.007-05:00

Voting has officially begun for the Etsy Bead Weavers monthly challenge. This month's theme is "Ancestral Expressions". I was thinking of doing an Irish flag bracelet, but didn't get around to it. I've started making holiday gifts early this year (yes November is early for me, lol) so I've been a bit choosy with my beading time.

You should definately take the time to look at these beauties closer, and don't forget to vote!

1. Catching A Dream Bracelet - myfairladyvt4

2. Florida Gators Orange and Blue Herringbone Bangle - njema

3. Beaded Ancestral Expressions Petroglyph Totem Cane - SalamanderHouse

4. hands against time cuff - thebeadedlily

5. Celtic North American Native - SilkenLariat

6. The Greek Key - BeadsAndI

7. Hungarian meets French - beaddiddy

8. DNA in Violet and Blue - Wide Beadwoven Peyote Cuff - time2cre8

9. ONE WORLD Bead Woven Embroidered Cuff Bracelet - caraway

10. Trail Mix - ThesePreciousThings

11. Roses and Pearls Necklace - SpringColors

12. Proud to be an American - dreambeadweaver

13. Let My People Go Collar - triz

14. The Hoshen - a Breastplate - beadshead

15. Plaid Pride Bracelet - FrancescasFancy

16. Patchwork Cuff - playnwithbeads

Vanilla & Chocolate, Chocolate & Vanilla

2008-11-02T20:22:00.007-05:00

This set of bracelets was quite fun to make. When I was weaving them and counting out the beads it was fun to say "2 chocolate, 1 vanilla". Much better than 2A, 1B don't ya think? The beads almost look like wood but they are really size 6 toho glass seed beads. I usually work with much smaller beads, because I love the incredible detail that is possible. However there is something to be said for big beads. They not only give beadwork a great texture, but they work up a lot quicker than than their tiny counterparts.

New necklace - "Touch of Gray"

2008-11-01T22:28:00.007-04:00

This necklace may be lacking color, but it's sure got personality!
When I first picked up the round lava focal bead I had every intention of turning it into a pendant, but it quickly took on a life of its own. The result is a "space-aged" necklace.
Surrounding the lava rock bead in brick stitch are layers of hematite discs, toho seed beads, and delica seed beads. Then for the neckband I wove more delicas, tohos, and hematite cubes & discs in herringbone. To secure the necklace is a beaded loop and toggle clasp, with different sized beads for a textured look.
Hope you like!

Top Droppers for October

2008-11-01T10:20:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to send out a bit of linky love to my top entrecard droppers for this month. Thanks for stopping by!

Computer Aid
Multiply Themes
Scraps of Mind
24 Patrol
Journal of Journey
14-Year-Old Kid Tech Guru
Marriage and Beyond
Picture to People
Melissas Jewelry and Gem Blog
Time2Create