MORE Seed Bead Stitching

by teribaskett on November 23, 2009

Creating Variations on Traditional Techniques        by Beth Stone

Creative Variations

Creative Variations

Kalmbach Books   ISBN: 978-0-87116-290-8

Well, here is Beth’s “follow up” to her Seed Bead Stitching book I reviewed previously.  I have to tell you there are no “duds” from Kalmbach when it comes to beading books. 

I really like Beth’s very informal writing style; it’s like she’s sitting right here with me talking about beads and designs.  Her personality and sense of humor really come through.  Somehow, it makes the designs and her instructions less intimidating.  Which, for this book, that’s good.  The designs are more difficult, incorporating triangles, several examples of toggles (I definitely have ideas for using these, maybe as a bracelet focal point), medallions with layers of beads, drops and more.  I had another pattern for creating branches and dangles and could never figure it out, but Beth made it sound very simple in this book.

One thing about working with seed bead patterns is the list of exact beads you need to make the item.  Beth commented on a reader wanting to know exact bead names and colors used in the projects.  Beth quickly set that concern to rest, telling us she doesn’t know. “…years ago I transferred most of my beads to those really cute little flip-top containers and did not transfer any names or numbers.”  She encourages us to simply go thru and pick what we like.  So, if you are an exacting seed beader, and work from precise plans and measurements, you may not appreciate Beth’s approach in this book.  BUT, for me, I’m less intimidated. 

The colors and designs range from bead soup projects to optically precise bead combinations.  She has a set of triangles, some closed and some open in the center, that form a toggle bracelet.  There are black and white triangles, separated by red and black, yellow/black and blue/black.  Very eye-catching, and I loved the contrast of different size and shape of triangles in the design.

I do have to admit that I am not someone who know peyote from herringbone from brick stitch, so I have to really read through a design to understand what it needs.  One thing Beth explains is how to ring 1 bead with a circle of smaller ones and how to do that regardless of the size of the center bead.  Finally, don’t miss page 86, where Beth shows examples of circles formed from coils of beads.  She links a few of these.  With the right colors, these would be dramatic, one of a kind pendants, or even a cool bracelet!  They are on my “to do” list.  If I don’t like them linked, I’ll have plenty of unique toggle clasp rounds for something else.

Now, I guess I need to find my really strong magnifying glasses so I can see these tiny buggers!  As I recall my years crocheting, maintaining a steady, consistent tension is not always my strength, so I suspect that will be a struggle with this too.  Don’t miss this book, I like it far more than her first one and I liked that one too!

{ 3 comments }

teribaskett

teribaskett

teribaskett

Latest posts by teribaskett (see all)

One of My Fav “Wire Wrappers” !

by teribaskett on October 18, 2009

Tutorial Available!

Tutorial Available!

Yes, I know, some of you are wondering how many are my favs, and I admit, there are many.  I simply love wire wrapping and wish I were good at it…BUT I want to do it right NOW, with no patience to practice and do the same thing over and over again.  Plus, following exact instructions, measuring, filing, yeah, no patience (did I say that already….hmmm, not a very good memory either!)!

Anyway, I wanted to introduce everyone to Mei Tan, better known by her website/store:  wireblissmei 

You can check out her blog at http://www.wirelissmei.com and read a great deal more about her creations.  I am not only amazed at what wire wrappers can do, including Mei, but at how wonderfully giving almost everyone is, sharing of their expertise, their time, and, in Mei’s case, providing tutorials for others! Yes I have purchased these before, and they are great.  Her pictures are clear and precise, and her directions are truly step by step.  Her range of tutorials go from beginner to advanced, so check it out.  On her website, she has several tutorials, and you can select bundles or packages, putting together a list of what you want and getting an even better deal!

If you are fairly new to wire, check out her newest tutorial for Heart to Heart Earrings.  I think these are great, and just in time for the holiday shopping season coming up.  I admit, I do like to work thru a tutorial and then add just a flip to make it different. Sometimes it’s trying it in different guages of wire, or using 2 guages in 1 piece, but there are always little things to do to add “me” to someone else’s design!

Do check out her blog and her etsy store…..you can’t go wrong!

{ 2 comments }

teribaskett

teribaskett

teribaskett

Latest posts by teribaskett (see all)

Jewelry In a Flash

September 15, 2009

Jewelry In a Flash I am currently working on jewelry “make and take” parties.  Part of that involves collecting designs that hostesses can select from to choose their own party project.  It’s a bit tough at time because there is a large range of psosible design to have avaialble.  I can work with ages 8 […]

Read the full article →

Meet Two Designers

May 28, 2009

I want to take a moment to tell you about 2 new designers I’ve discovered. The first is Liv’nGood Jewelry. Liv’nGood and I seem to have some things in common, so I thought I’d introduce her first! The title of her post is “I’m so behind”….it definitely fits me too.  Liv’nGood has some great chainmaille pieces (check out […]

Read the full article →

Hip Handmade Memory Jewelry

April 20, 2009

Hip Handmade Memory Jewelry     ISN: 978-0-87116-274-8 Projects from the editor of BeadStyle magazine  Cathy Jakicic Hip Handmade Memory Jewelry is one of the newest publications from Kalmbach Books.  Cathy says the idea for Memory Jewelry came after she attended a scrapbook event with a friend of hers.  While there, working on a beading […]

Read the full article →

Please Meet Gahooletree Designs

April 3, 2009

  “Ga’Hoole Tree” comes from a children’s fictional book series.  The Great Ga’Hoole Tree is a mythical place where an order of owls rises each night to perform noble deeds.  The great tree is a mythological sanctuary.   In a similar manner, the exquisite jewelry by Gahooletree Designs are mythical in their extravagance and luxuriousness. […]

Read the full article →

Review: Jewelry Elegance By Jill

March 30, 2009

I want to introduce everyone to another jewelry artist who I also call a friend.  Jill has been with our eSMArts Etsy team for a long time and is one of the nicest people I know.  I’ve never known her to say negative things or be cross in any of her posts and she is […]

Read the full article →

Vintage Redux: Book Review

March 30, 2009

Remake Classic and Collectible Jewelry           Heirloom, Kitsch, Traditional Brenda Schweder ISBN:  987-0-87116-266-3  Published by Kalmbach Books This is a new book in my collection; I gave the first copy to my business partner and best friend for Christmas.  She LOVES vintage jewelry and has a large collection already.  For pieces […]

Read the full article →

Spring Summer Colors for 2009

March 25, 2009

Pantone has the spring colors all ready for everyone.  You can use the link to get a 29 page pdf report.  But if you think that is a bit of overkill, I’ll give you a quick (at least shorter) overview.  Now, no guarantees that your monitor will show fuchsia pink like mine, or that either […]

Read the full article →

Mix and Match Jewelry Pieces

March 24, 2009

I’ve also started to see an increase in layering and wearing complementary but non-matching pieces.  Bangle bracelets are back, and these are a prime example.  I suppose you could mix and match bangles until you can fit any more on your wrist or can’t raise your arm over your head!  These are another way of […]

Read the full article →

WordPress Admin