What I have been up to

I realize that it has been a while since I updated this blog. I have finished my creative activities class, so I haven't necessarily had to keep track of all the beading I have been doing. This is kind of sad because I have no new pictures to share, yet I have made a ton of new projects.

My most recent endeavor has been to make beaded name tag holders. I have sold quite a few and have orders for at least 3 more. I just need to go buy the beads for them (darn). I have been selling them for $15 each. I would love to continue making and selling these and other jewelry. It definitely helps pay for my new addiction.

I will try to post more pictures as I get the next ones finished.

Some New Projects

Over spring break I made a few new things. I used a chain and some round blue glass beads to make a necklace. I also made a bracelet using small blue stone beads and silver filigree beads. I used green stone beads to make another necklace. My favorite thing I made was my clear glass bead necklace with matching earrings. I really like it because it can be worn with just about anything. So, here are some pictures of my new projects.

Photo 1: blue bead and chain necklace

Photo 2: blue and silver bead bracelet


Photo 3: green bead necklace


Photo 4: clear bead necklace and earrings

More pictures and projects

I taught myself how to make wrapped loops today. These are useful when making earrings or pendents for necklaces, both of which I made today. I used diamond shaped blue glass beads to make the earrings and the pendent for the necklace. I then strung the necklace with blue faceted beads, clear faceted beads, and small clear beads. Here is the finished project.Close up of the earrings.
I have some more blue beads. I am trying to figure out what I want to make with them. I have some blue potato pearl beads and some blue stone beads. We'll see what happens with them.

Pictures, Pictures, Oh my!

Well, after procrastinating for so long, I finally put the pictures of all of my work on my computer. I was worried that if I tried to do this I would inadvertently delete every picture and then I would have to start all over. Luckily, this was not the case, so I have a wealth of pictures to post. I may go back and post pictures with earlier posts, but for right now I will just get all of them on here.

Photo 1: My supplies. Photo 2: My first finished project. Purple glass beads on memory wire. (I have since given this one to my sister-in-law)

Photo 3: My second memory wire bracelet made with matte purple glass beads.

Photo 4: Clear and purple glass beads. This was my first time using crimping tubes. I had originally intended to make a bracelet like one in my book, but I couldn't find the beads I wanted.

Photo 5: My first necklace. I made this for my sister-in-law for her birthday. It is two different kinds of brown shell beads.

Photo 6: My birthday gift to myself. These are garnet and opal beads. I made two necklaces with opposite patterns. I have worn them together and separately.
I got some new beads for Valentines day, so I think I will work on a matching set of a necklace and earrings. I will post more pictures soon.

A New Pretty

I finished two necklaces this morning. They are kind of opposites of each other. I used garnet beads and clearish white beads. I tried to make them so that one was longer than the other one so I could wear them together. I had a little trouble with the clasp on one of them, so I may need to restring it. I made them in a pattern of one five one three. I think they look good.

I also made a keychain for Jason. He was feeling a little left out of my bead work. I found a really neat stone bead and used leather to attach it to a key ring. He really likes it. I will take pictures.

I really need to post all of my pictures.

My First Necklace

On Friday, my brothers-in-law came over. My oldest brother-in-law left on Saturday to meet up with his wife in Arizona. While at our house, he realized that he didn't have a birthday gift for his wife. I suggested that we go to Michaels (apparently this store will feature prominently in my endeavor). While there we picked up beads to make a necklace for Monica. I got some flat oval brown shell beads and some round shell beads. I also picked up gold toned fasteners and crimp tubes. I ended up making a very pretty necklace that is pretty different from any of my previous projects. I took a picture and I will post it soon. I think it turned out pretty good.

Off to Michaels

Yesterday I went to Barnes and Noble and found a whole bunch of books on beading and jewelry making. I bought one book. It is a getting started book, so it just has the basics. It will help me when I go to Michaels today. I have a couple coupons, so I am going to get some pretty crystal beads that I saw. I think I am going to make a different kind of bracelet today. I may get the materials to make a necklace and earrings as well. I will just have to see when I get to the store.

Michaels also has a wonderful beading website. I'm sure I will be using in the future.

Bracelet Number Two!

This morning I made another bracelet. This time I used the matte amethyst glass beads, amethyst seed beads, and some silver beads. At the ends of the bracelet I put two dangly beads that I attached using some silver wire that I bent into somewhat of a spiral. I will post pictures of both of my creations later today (hopefully).

I think I am going to try making a pendant next. I have found some neat ideas online. I think I will also buy a beading magazine with at the store. Now I just need to find another store with beads. :)

websites

This will probably be the first of many posts with websites about jewelry making. I have to keep up with them somewhere.

About.com: Jewelry Making

Art Bead Scene Blog

Art Jewelry Magazine

Creative Endeavors

So, for my creative activities class at Berry, I have do pursue my own creative endeavor. This can be anything, just nothing that I have done before. This blog will be my way of keeping track of what I am doing and where I started.

After much thought, discussion, and wondering around Michael's for about an hour, I decided that my creative endeavor would be bead work. Specifically, jewelry. I am kind of excited about this because it is something that I have never done (a requirement of the assignment) and it is something I have wanted to try before. I typically have a hard time with intricate, time consuming projects, so this endeavor might be a stretch for me.

After talking with a very helpful lady at my Michael's store, I am starting with a very basic bracelet. I will be using memory wire and amethyst color glass beads and silver beads. One of my favorite parts was that I got to buy tools (pliers) with purple handles. I have five different kinds, but I will probably just be using the round nose ones on my first project.

I plan to post pictures of my work before, during, and after my projects.