(*update 6/19/10...for those of you coming to me from Google, Yahoo, or some other search engine...I do not know why the engines give most of you this particular post even though it has nothing to do with what you were searching for. On the lower part of the side bar you will see a topic list. That might help find something on my blog. Also, if you have ANY questions about bead embroidery, bracelets, etc., i will be MORE than happy to answer your questions. My email link is on the right side toolbar too. Just drop me a line. Happy reading!!!)
Well, I've FINALLY finished the beading on a hard (for me) loom project that I've been working on for months, I've finished March's BJP already, I'm waiting on TWO orders from Artbeads.com (one for the blogging community and one because they were having an awesome March Madness sale), and I'm feeling Lost and Lonely without any projects to do. I'm wandering around aimlessly, continuously coming back to stare longingly at my stash.
I'd like to try some new things, like a bead embroidery cuff bracelet, but I've no idea really how to back it or add a clasp (or what kind of clasp to add for that matter); I want to try a beaded box, but am looking at the pattern with a blank stare and don't know how to start. grrrr!
Anyways, so I had to touch and play with my beads somehow, some way. So what do I do? I sort! I've got all my colors sorted in separate freezer bags (because I have no other system) and then I've got another bag for doodads. That's what I call the interesting little focal pieces and add-ons that are not regular seed beads...doodads. It's a very technical term, I know. But given that I don't have THAT many beads, I finished pretty quickly. Now I'm left feeling lost and lonely without my beads again. I think I'm an addict...I'm going through withdrawals. Now I'm again wandering aimlessly, staring longingly at my stash; waiting to feel the tiny, smooth beads in my fingers again, stitching away on a new project. Either I need a "fix" or I need a cure. I would prefer a fix.
10 comments:
Do a cuff!! They are so much fun. You can put it on a brass blank or simply close with snaps or a button. You can work on it in between other projects. Do a cuff!
If you're not sure what kind you'd like to do, I've downloaded a couple of patterns from bead pattern central
http://www.beadpatterncentral.com/
when I needed to start something right away and my idea locker was empty and the muse was on vacation, lol!
Or this free tutorial on beads east...
http://www.beadseast.com/surfaceprimer.html
ok, carol, i'm going to attempt a cuff. but like i said, i'm not really sure what i'm doing. i wasn't sure what to use as the foundation. i just went shopping at joann's and the pellon i've heard people use was either way too thick and sticky or too thin and flimsy. don't know what weight people use, so i backed off that. i decided to try some stiff felt. it's a little hard, i think, so i'll work it and try to soften it up a bit. then i got some microsuede to back it with. and for the closure...buttons. seems basic and easy enough, huh? we'll see!!!
bobbi, thanks for the links!!! i'll go check those out.
Margret Ball had instructions for a great beaded cuff. I've made several useing ultra suede for front and backing. Works great!! You can see mine in progress on my blog post here: http://robbiespawprints.blogspot.com/2009/06/embeadery-bracelet.html
Lisa
Peltz is good.
My friend uses Lacy's or that stiff felt you can get at Joanns
Do you know Grace Daniel?
She just posted a finished cuff. Go see here:
http://gracebeading.blogspot.com/
Start a cuff. You won't be sorry. Lots of us will answer your questions as you go. Do you have Sherry Serifini's book? It helped me to do my first one.
Do a cuff.
thanks so much for all the links, ladies! you all are being so helpful, and i really appreciate it! i have started my cuff, but what i'm finding is not enough variety of beads. i bought a little kit that has a handful of chunky beads, which i put on, but what i'm finding is not enough variety in seed beads and other stuff. hmmmm. how to make this work with what i've got.
Yes, Lisa, I agree, do a cuff. You won't regret it, you will learn so much and they are easy to attach to a brass form. I can't wait to see it! Leinaala
Try Sherry Serafini's great book The Art of Bead Embroidery, which I consider the bible on making embroidered cuffs. Stiff Stuff is the foundation she recommends. I've tried ultrasuede and find it stretches too much.
Post a Comment