Ring Around the Rosie

I've been making rings by request for a new class.

It is really quite fun to experiment.

Of course, I have no idea what size rings I'm making.

I just stitch what I like.

And I like this Turquoise ring. It's made with 11/o seed beads

and some 13/o Charlottes

given me by my friend Diane. Thanks!

This ring is kind of gothic, with the burgundy and black seed beads

and a round Swarovski Crystal.

And here is my version of refined/ sophisticated.

A very simple and strong design with an amethyst colored Swarovski in the center.

The dark green- blue seed beads play nicely with the plummy purples.

I have also been playing with iPhoto, as seen in the cute little borders and frames.

It's quite simple, which works for me.

On a side note, my 4 year old is continually going into my room/ tiny bead studio and wreaking mad havoc EVERYWHERE.

She has learned to break seed beads with a chain nose plier, which is a helpful technique to remove a bad bead or mistake from the middle of a piece.

She has broken seed beads from the middle of my two newest finished pieces, which did not NEED beads to be removed.

So, I had two new necklaces to show you, but now...

not so much.

Lattice Variations

This bracelet has the most amazing feel and drape, literally a beaded fabric.



The stitch is called Lattice Weave, I think. I know it is a variation of right angle weave, and it is done with one needle, making it simple to do, but the progress is slow. It feels heavenly... ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.




I stitched 10/o triangles (toho's I think) with 15/0 seeds that seemed smaller then a 15/o, tiny tiny bead holes... shudder. I used a size 12 needle and black c-lon thread, which always works up better then most of the other colors, though I do not know why that is true.




I added a pewter button closure, which is my current favorite way to end bracelets if I don't have any art glass beads that match. Must get more from Zen Art.




I went back to my old routine and used the scanner for the pics, and experimented with positioning and backgrounds. The backgrounds are scrapbooking papers that I had laying around. I am happy that the different background colors show how versatile the bead colors are, I would wear this bracelet with, hmmmmm... EVERYTHING!




This aqua version is my surprise favorite... I thought it would be too much. Nope, just right :)

Hard at work on Photography

I have been trying to photograph some pieces to start selling online, trying trying trying. But... life keeps making other priorities for me. Had to run to the property assessors office to file for tax stuff, picked up forms from the pediatrician so the big girl can go to school, had a power outage, and the two year old wouldn't sleep last night until 2 a.m. Whew, how do I find time for my jewelry? Here are some of my efforts. I am not sure I like the results, but I am learning!



I really like the earthy jasper with the pine cone from my front yard. I am having a hard time with lighting... not sure where to put the lights!
















The pine cone wearing a bracelet and then some pearl and sterling earrings.





I think this calcite pendant has an old fashioned feel to it, but I'm not sure how to make the picture feel more old fashioned. Maybe I should shoot it with a piece of my grandmother's crocheted lace.

I'll keep trying, and post my next batch of results. I'm beginning to think I need a new camera, and new camera skills. I have a digital photography book around here somewhere.