tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76357228587031769842024-03-14T06:48:11.920+00:00Hollybird BeadsMy jewellery making blog - see what I've been making recently as I continue to improve my beading skills.HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-31147978175811404652013-10-31T21:05:00.001+00:002013-10-31T21:05:18.554+00:00British Bead Awards 2013*Insert obligatory apology for not blogging for ages here*<br />
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On Saturday 19th October I got up at a time rather earlier than I might like to on a Saturday and navigated two mainline trains and wee zip round on the London Underground to arrive at Sandown Racecourse for the Big Bead Show. The reason for my early start? My entry into the British Bead Awards 2013, run by Bead Magazine, had been selected as a finalist in the seed bead jewellery category and I was off to the awards ceremony to find out the results of the competition.<br />
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As always, the standard of the finalist pieces was amazing, covering a wide range of jewellery making techniques including beading, embroidery, polymer clay, wirework and much more. When the results of my category were announced, although I did not place in top 3, my entry - entitled 'Fallen,' was awarded a commendation by the judges. I was very pleased to receive this, especially since I had a) entered the category which received the most entries and made the final selection, and b) I only decided to make the piece I entered 12 days before the deadline!<br />
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I had made a necklace with some CRAW teardrop shapes linked to form a pendant, and suddenly had the idea to make a necklace which featured this motif in multiples.<br />
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The necklace which sparked the idea for my competition piece.</div>
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Whilst I completed my entry in 12 days, it still took a considerable amount of time to bead and I had to snatch every available minute of free time (including my London commute on the train) to keep beading teardrops. I would estimate that each teardrop in the necklace took on average around 25 minutes to bead and embellish - and there are 27 teardrops of varying sizes in the whole piece, plus 5 bezelled Swarovski rivolis and the beaded toggle clasp. I'd put an estimate of roughly 20 hours beading time on the entire necklace, although it is probably more as obviously when I got to doing the second half I had the first one to refer to for all my sizings. </div>
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I am very happy with what I achieved in that short timescale, although naturally I can also think of things I might have done differently had I had more time to experiment. I am proud that Fallen made it to the finals and it was a pleasure to be in the same category as all the other finalists and prize winners. If you want to have a look at the all of the winning entries for this years awards, there is a brand new website at http://www.britishbeadawards.co.uk/index.html. </div>
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I had a fabulous day at the bead show (as always), catching up with beady friends and of course doing some bead shopping! </div>
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My purchases from the day being surveyed by Beadrick Featherington.</div>
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All in all, a wonderfully enjoyable day....although it did mean I was falling asleep by 8pm after such an early start! Roll on the Big Bead Show in April 2014 :)</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Nicole </div>
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xoxo </div>
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<br />HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-66681595719711974772013-06-03T14:01:00.000+01:002013-06-03T14:13:08.576+01:00An Austrian, Sparkletastic, Adventure!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello beady folks. I wanted to write a blog post about my recent holiday to the beautiful country of Austria (my first trip abroad in 3 years due to my PhD!) and in particular, my visit to the homeland of Swarovski crystal.</div>
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The Swarovski Crystal World is in a place called Wattens, a short shuttle bus ride away from the city of Innsbruck. It is situated just behind the Swarovski factory, protected by the giant at the entrance to what can only be described as crystal heaven!</div>
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Part cave of wonders, part art exhibition...the Crystal World leads you through different rooms with themes, stories and more crystal than you've ever seen in your entire bead stash; including the amazing 'Wall' of crystal stuffed with every Swarovski element bead shape and colour you can think of and the stunning 'Crystal Dome.' </div>
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The full height of the Crystal Wall...not to mention a rather sizeable chandelier!</div>
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Close up of the wall bursting at the seams with sparkle</div>
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The cool effect of being in a dome completely surrounded by crystal facets!</div>
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One of my favourite parts of the exhibition was the Crystal Stage, filled with fantastical creatures and animatronic sculptures, it left me feeling very inspired and eager to create a beadwork fantasy piece. I'm going to watch some of my favourite fantasy films to continue to keep my creative juices flowing on these ideas...Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal & The Never Ending Story. Spookily enough, when we got back to our hotel after visiting the crystal world and were sat having a hot chocolate in the dinning area, whilst I was mulling over all my fantasy based ideas and inspirations, what song should come on in the bar area...but the theme tune to The Never Ending Story film!! (A bit of a coincidence considering that that movie was released the same year I was born, some 28 years ago!)</div>
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This was my favourite piece in the crystal theatre - the 'dress' was covered in crystals in every shape and size you could possibly imagine.</div>
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Another very clever and inspiring room was the one entitled 'Reflections,' where large 3D polygons featured projected on their surface an ever changing representation of everything in the entire universe...maths, science, history, art, nature and everything in between; with beautiful colour changes and moving images, this room left me feeling both amazed and reinvigorated...I can't explain it, but I came out of that room smiling and the feeling of my spirit, which has taken a fair battering in recent months, being soothed and healed somewhat.</div>
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The final room before you exit into the remarkably mahuuusive Swarovski shop, is the Crystal Forest, featuring an amazing jellyfish complete with colour changing tendrils that draped the entire length of the room. I love the photos I got of this piece - there is only one jellyfish, but the mirrored walls created the effet of there being two, and I just kept snapping away as it went through all its colourways. I managed to put together a short sequence of these photos as an animated GIF so I hope you can get an idea of the beautiful effect created by this piece.</div>
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I could show you soooo many more photos, but this blog post would go on forever! I will tell you that I did treat myself in the Swarovski shop - I bought a pair of beautiful tanzanite earrings that I hope to wear to my PhD graduation this summer, and a simple silver ring featuring a medium vitrail crystal star stone. </div>
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As well as those souveniers, I have come away with lots of ideas and a renewed sense of focus for the next 6 months, which after a tough previous 6 months, was just what I needed. I cannot wait to share some of these ideas with you in the weeks to come. </div>
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I hope you have enjoyed hearing about my trip - I can wholeheartedly recommend a visit to the Crystal World for any beader or crystal addict, so if you ever get the chance to go, don't miss it!</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Nicole xoxo </div>
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HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-22889075819391490952013-05-07T22:39:00.001+01:002013-05-07T22:40:51.272+01:00A Beady Bird In The Hand<div style="text-align: center;">
Ooopsy, another long gap in between blog posts. One day I will get the hang of posting regularly, one day!</div>
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I'd like to share a recent project with you in this post. I wanted to invest in some new props and display stands for my craft fair set up, and decided, given that my business name is Hollybird Beads, that I wanted to buy one of those ornamental wire bird cages to hang jewellery from to add interest and draw peoples' attention. I found one for a reasonable price and bought some wired paper flowers to wrap around the bars to pretty it up a little. The one thing my birdcage was lacking though, was a bird.</div>
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Having hunted around for a small ready made bird and not been able to find one, I decided to go ahead and try and make my own. Thus the challenge to create a beaded bird began. </div>
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A search of the internet found this tutorial and pattern for a fabric bird http://www.spoolsewing.com/blog/2008/05/16/bird-mobile/ and so I embarked on first creating a fabric base out of ultrasuede on which to embroider. </div>
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Pinning the pieces together ready for sewing...</div>
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The finished form - note, I had rather a bit of trouble with the ultrasuede being relatively thick...and had to resort to getting my pliers out to pull the head out through the small hole at the bottom of his tail to turn the form inside out to hide the stitching!</div>
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Then the embroidery started - I definitely 'winged' it quite a bit with this piece. If I make another I would definitely draw out my patterns on the form first before starting embroidering.</div>
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The finished bird in the hand...several days work in short bursts, I couldn't tell you an exact time it took to make. I sewed 2 large beads onto the underbelly in order to allow me to thread some wire through to attach to the perch on the birdcage.</div>
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I love my beady bird, who has been named Beadrick Featherington. I hope to make another (I've plenty of ideas for modifications after my first attempt) at some point...well it would be rude if he didn't have a friend!</div>
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Beadrick has been getting up to quite a bit of mischief...here he is inspecting my purchases from the Big Bead Show at Sandown last month.</div>
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He's also been out exploring in the garden...</div>
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I suspect Beadrick might have many more adventures in between adorning my craft fair displays. I hope you have enjoyed seeing how he was created.</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Nicole</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<br />HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-68241452123982855142013-03-25T10:02:00.000+00:002013-03-25T10:02:33.109+00:00First Beadweaving Tutorial Released!<div style="text-align: center;">
Things have been a bit hectic of late, but I'm back at the blog to make an exciting announcement. I've finally managed to find the time to write, illustrate and release my very first self-published beadweaving tutorial!</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/127277852/gazania-flower-necklace-beadweaving?"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vSAFBQiqACw/UVAcYAwxg-I/AAAAAAAAAkM/OkOdorKg7KI/s400/gazania+flower+necklace+handmade+beaded.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
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My first tutorial, available in my Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/127277852/gazania-flower-necklace-beadweaving?">here</a>, is for my crystal 'Gazania' flower necklace. I love this design; it came together so easily upon having the original idea and I have since enjoyed making lots of them in different colourways, and have sold a fair few online and at fairs too. This sparkling pendants don't require too much in terms of supplies - a small amount of size 15 and size 11 seed beads, plus some firepolished crystals, and are suitable for intermediate beaders who have had experience of doing circular brick stitch and right angle weave.</div>
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I am hopeful that this tutorial is just the start. I've several other designs that I would love to turn into tutorials - all I need is the weather to stop being so crazy and awful so I will be able to get good quality step by step photos! </div>
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I really hope that people will enjoy my Gazania tutorial - and if you do have a go at one, I'd love to see photos of your versions, it's so exciting to see my designs on other peoples' bead mats and see what colour combinations they have chosen. If you aren't a beader, then I have several ready made Gazanias in my Folksy shop, including the femine rose pink version below. Alternatively, I am always happy to create a customised one to reflect your own colour choices.</div>
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<a href="http://folksy.com/items/3704542-Gazania-Flower-Necklace-Pink"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JARZ5me5ef0/UVAeoN3QLDI/AAAAAAAAAkg/KStyENQtPMY/s400/pink+flower+crystal+silver+pendant.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That's all for this post. I've got my first craft fair of 2013 on the 20th April, so I really need to get cracking on new stock. I'm off to make a list of what items I am low on and decide what other new pieces I want to make for this event; I've got a new necklace design featuring pressed glass leaves on my bead mat too.</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Nicole</div>
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xoxo</div>
<br />HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-15517697360106315542013-01-21T16:41:00.000+00:002013-01-21T16:41:28.971+00:00OTTBS Pendant a Week Challenge - Week 3<div style="text-align: center;">
Another slightly late OTTBS pendant a week challenge blog post this week. The weather here in the UK has been decidedly wintery this last week and although I finished this week's pendant on Saturday, I couldn't actually get outside to photograph it until this morning as itsnowed all day on Sunday. </div>
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Another version of my new Tudor Rose necklace design is this week's pendant. This one is the 'House of York' white rose, featuring frosted silver-lined crystal petals, metallic moss green leaves and a stunning crystal ab Swarovski rivoli centre - check out the blue/gold colour flash!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KMalgJoKK4/UP1rEKOBnpI/AAAAAAAAAjg/csfihJn6TpQ/s1600/P1210091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KMalgJoKK4/UP1rEKOBnpI/AAAAAAAAAjg/csfihJn6TpQ/s400/P1210091.JPG" width="176" /> </a></div>
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The photos of this one aren't the best as the light outside wasn't too good, plus anything with white beads in is a pain in the bum to photograph well. I think I will experiment with it on a black background and see if that works out better. Once I get some slightly better quality photos then this version of the design will go into my Folksy shop. </div>
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I think I really need to to a red version of this design as well, but I also want to try some other new ideas as part of this weekly challenge too, so I might not get round to a red one for a few weeks (I do have the perfect rivoli for the centre of it though!) I am thinking that since Valentine's day is not too far away, I might try and create something 'hearty' for week 4.</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Nicole</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<br />HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-85849056842612251942013-01-14T12:07:00.002+00:002013-01-14T16:15:17.666+00:00OTTBS Pendant a Week Challenge - Week 2<div style="text-align: center;">
A little bit late posting this one. I did finish this piece during week 2 of the Operation Tackle That Bead Stash weekly challenge...but I hadn't managed to put in on a necklace chain or take decent photos. </div>
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This is a brand new, original design from me. I ordered, as part of my prize winnings from the British Bead Awards, some teeny little crystal rondelles in a couple of colours, and as I had a few other types of rondelle lurking in my stash, decided to try and design something to include them.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WyoVoaTPWi4/UPP0LC7ZqTI/AAAAAAAAAjE/ThotHDTJX5s/s1600/P1140085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WyoVoaTPWi4/UPP0LC7ZqTI/AAAAAAAAAjE/ThotHDTJX5s/s400/P1140085.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The resulting pendant is actually one of those rare occassions where a sketch on paper actually turns out remarkably similar when translated into beads! Apart from a few size changes on some of the seed beads, the main part of this pendant was as I had drawn it, but it was only when it came to adding the final edging touches that it suddenly evolved into its flower form and gained a name - Tudor Rose.</div>
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With a central Swarovski rivoli in medium vitrail (one of my favorite Swarovski colours), this little pendant is beaded in galvanised silver grey and metallic purple seed beads, with half silver coated crystal rondelles. For the chain, I just used some simple trace chain, which has a slightly textured finish, and added in a few wire wrapped crystals in the same medium vitrail colour for a little bit extra in the glitter department.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1LKe13j5Ic/UPPz3dOalBI/AAAAAAAAAi8/zZkydciuSJc/s1600/P1140071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1LKe13j5Ic/UPPz3dOalBI/AAAAAAAAAi8/zZkydciuSJc/s400/P1140071.JPG" width="191" /></a></div>
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This one is going to be mine to keep, but I've already ordered some more rivolis (I only had the one in the right size) to create some more. With the name Tudor Rose, I am itching to make a white one and a red one, but I will have to see what colours speak to me once the rivolis arrive next week, as they are colours I have not bought before. I'd like to do a tutorial for this design too, but I suspect that that will have to go and join the other 'tutorials to do' list for once I've finished doing the corrections to my PhD thesis.</div>
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Hope you like this week's pendant...I've got to think about this week's new creation now!</div>
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Nicole</div>
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xoxo </div>
HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-78972219185553404262013-01-07T10:34:00.001+00:002013-01-07T10:34:57.533+00:00OTTBS Pendant a Week Challenge - Week 1<div style="text-align: center;">
As part of the online beading group Operation Tackle That Bead Stash (where members share their beading and "attempt" to use up their sizeable bead stashes, rather than be tempted to add to them!), I am joining in their weekly year-long challenge for 2013. There were 3 options; create either a ring, earrings or pendant each week for a year. </div>
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Since I find necklaces are one of the most popular items in my online shops, I've decided to go for the pendant challenge. I'm hoping I can play with the designs of other beaders as well as coming up with some new necklace designs of my own. </div>
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So, without further ado, I present my pendant for week 1 of the challenge. This is one of my own designs, which I came up with towards the end of last year, featuring the new Czech glass spike beads. I sold the original black and silver version I made just before Christmas and had been wanting to make one for myself to keep. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMGTiIBe4Bk/UOqiPXHrDFI/AAAAAAAAAiU/a62LsaQH1OY/s1600/gunmetal+athena+blossom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMGTiIBe4Bk/UOqiPXHrDFI/AAAAAAAAAiU/a62LsaQH1OY/s400/gunmetal+athena+blossom+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My 'Athena Blossom' necklace is beaded in haematite and amethyst gunmetal seed beads and features silver Swarovski crystal bicones, purple iris Czech firepolish crystals, and of course a central matte silver glass spike. I am hoping that in the near future I'll be able to have a tutorial available for this design. I've also just finished beading another one for the shop in copper, gold and sapphire blue, but it needs to go on a gold chain, and typically that is the one metal colour that I only have the teeniest bit of chain left in (nowhere near enough to make a necklace chain with), so it'll have to wait until I can order some more before it goes on sale.</div>
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I really like this design - it also has a 'pretty bottom' so to speak, which I am wondering if I could work into another design.</div>
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Now I have to get think of what I want to do as my pendant for week 2!</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Nicole</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<br />HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-25170038322126585392013-01-05T16:04:00.001+00:002013-01-05T16:07:33.363+00:00Year of the Dragon<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, hopefully it won't take me the whole of 2013...but over the Xmas holidays I started off a big beading project, a sculptural piece in the form of a beaded dragon.</div>
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Through a Facebook beading group a fantastic bead artist and her wonderful (and free) tutorials was drawn to my attention, and the thing that captured my imagination most was her tutorial for a large beaded dragon. I'm a lover of all things fantasy (just started book 5 of Game of Thrones the other day) and so I decided to take the plunge, buy some beads and get started. </div>
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The tutorial allows plenty of room for you to customise your dragon to your own tastes - mine is going to have plenty of sparkle. I have been working on the head to start with and have been pleasantly surprised at how quickly it has beaded up given that it's way bigger than anything I've ever worked on before. </div>
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This picture shows the head after I'd beaded the top and bottom jaws, joined them together and added in a beaded tongue. I'm using Toho gold-lustered 'moonshadow' seed beads as my main colour - these beads are one of my faves, a light purple with pink and green colour flashes, very dragony I think. I made his top lip a bit pointier than in the tutorial and I think I am going to add on some more detailed nostrils at some point too. </div>
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This is what he looks like as of now. The tutorial used faceted round beads for the eyes, but I bezelled two light vitrail rivolis for my dragon. I'm not 100% certain they're positioned right so I've left the threads loose so I can unpick. I want my dragon to have a 'brow' of some sort which is going to take me a little while to figure out. </div>
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Obviously, this dragon is a long term project and one I can pick up in between beading other things, but I will keep you up to date on the blog with his evolution. I'm really enjoying working on him, never having done 3D beading to this extent...hopefully I will be able to come up with my own scuptural work after he is finished, I have a few ideas, just not the skill yet to realise them, but I think this piece will provide me with that.</div>
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Here's a link to the tutorial I am using if you'd like to make your own dragon http://rrkra.deviantart.com/art/Big-Bead-Dragon-Tutorial-207390628 - I recommend looking at the gallery too to see more of Rrkra's fabulous work.</div>
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Happy New Year to you all</div>
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Nicole</div>
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xoxo</div>
HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-86775156158268383272012-11-20T11:52:00.000+00:002012-11-20T11:52:40.378+00:00More New Designs and a Christmas Craft Fair<div style="text-align: center;">
Apologies once again for a long gap in between blogs - I've recently started a jewellery making diploma course at an academy in Hatton Garden and that, beading and working on my thesis corrections are swallowing up so much time right now, I so do not know where the last month has gone!</div>
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I promised another blog post about new designs after showing my Athena glass spike jewellery, so here are a few of the most recent additions to my online shops.</div>
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As another part of my 'Tiny Sparkler' range, I have added a few of these crystal flower necklaces. Made using an 8mm Swarovski crystal chaton stone, each features a bezelled and embellished crystal petalled flower and its own tiny beaded leaf. A few draped chain tassels and some more crystals add movement to the pendants. </div>
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These little flowers really are tiny - the flower head measures just 2.5cm across; the entire pendant from top to bottom measures in at around 6.5cm, perfect if you want a necklace with some glitter but that you can wear both day-to-day and of an evening. I think I will have to make myself one of these - I have some purple chatons left so I think my flower will have one of those as a centre...although I do now need more tiny silver seed beads as I've used them up really quickly of late!</div>
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Inspired by the tiny leaves in these necklaces, I decided to try something using the same motif in cubic right angle weave, but bigger. I also wanted a design which would use up some of the many gorgeous Czech pressed glass flower beads that I seem to have built up in my bead stash! This leaf and flower cluster necklace was what I came up with; two beadwoven leaves and a central chain packed with glass flowers, pearls and crystals.</div>
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<a href="http://folksy.com/items/3747994-Flower-Blossom-Cluster-Necklace"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C9jAjY8WwcE/UKtsz_k5M5I/AAAAAAAAAgk/LboFeSgzGIY/s400/Swarovski+leaf+flower+beaded+necklace.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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I've so far beaded this teal version, with emerald green leaves on a silver chain and also just finished a purple version with antique gold findings. There are plenty more flowers in my bead box so I am sure there are a few more of these necklaces to come!</div>
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All the beading I have been doing of late has been in preparation for the craft fair I am doing this Saturday (24th November). I did the same market last year and it was brilliantly organised, in a wonderful venue and I had a great day of talking to people about my work and sent a fair amount of sparkles off to new homes. I am hoping that this year will be just as good, if not better. </div>
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The fair is the Made-It Market, being held at the Cambridge Guildhall. You can find all the details on their website <a href="http://www.madeitmarket.co.uk/November_2012.html">here</a>. A perfect place to start your Xmas shopping (or treat yourself!) - there are a whole host of stalls filled to the brim with fantastic handmade work. Perhaps I will see you there on Saturday!</div>
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Nicole</div>
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xoxo</div>
HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-81710676616300119182012-10-29T16:08:00.000+00:002012-10-29T16:08:01.248+00:00The Jewels of Viridia @ the British Bead Awards<div style="text-align: center;">
So in my last blog post I was able to announce that my entry had been selected as a finalist for the British Bead Awards 2012, run by Bead magazine. Well, last weekend was the Big Bead Show at Sandown racecourse...I spent my pennies (sticking to my list pretty much, I might add) on new beads for Christmas craft fair stock and came home with some gorgeous crystals and findings in different metallic shades.</div>
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My piece, entitled 'The Jewels of Viridia' was a finalist in the 'Crystals' category of the Bead Awards. There was some amazing work on display across all of the categories, and sadly my necklace did not win a prize in its category. Myself and my mum who had come along to the fair with me (and who bought some beads with which she would like me to make some jewellery for her!) had to leave before the end of the show since we had several hours travel on the train to get home and our feet were very tired. So it happened that we missed my name being announced at the show - my necklace had been voted 'Best in Show' by people who visited the bead fair! What a surprise, especially given the amazing talent and range of jewellery making styles on display on the finalists table. So thank you to whoever voted for me, your admiration of my work is greatly appreciated!</div>
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The show over I can now finally show you some pictures of my necklace. It was inspired by some amazing 'fine jewellery' - a diamond and emerald necklace which was part of the auction of Elizabeth Taylor's jewellery collection. I decided I wanted to create a piece that emulated 'fine jewellery' but in beadwork, with silver and emerald green as my colour theme. 'The Jewels of Viridia' is the result. </div>
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The full necklace - there are over 300 Swarovski crystals in this piece, including bicones, chatons, octagons and that fabulous central teardop stone.</div>
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A close up of the pendant section</div>
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The beaded toggle clasp and beaded-bead </div>
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I learnt a lot whilst beading this competition piece, and I've definitely got ideas about how to take some of the design ideas from it to make some smaller pieces too. This necklace is going to have pride of place on my craft fair stand this Christmas - hopefully it will draw people's attention with its sparkle. </div>
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TTFN</div>
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Nicole </div>
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xoxo</div>
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<br />HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-16078153206345380392012-10-19T11:00:00.000+01:002012-10-19T11:00:05.732+01:00We're going to a bead show!<div style="text-align: center;">
It's that time of year once again. The end of October draws closer, and that means only one thing if you're a beader - the Big Bead Show at Sandown Racecourse! </div>
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Like a lot of beaders, I do most of my supplies shopping online as although there is a bead shop fairly near me, it's only small and doesn't sell a lot of the beads I like to use in my work. The Big Bead Show is liking having at least 50 bead shops under the same roof, selling everything one could possibly want for creating all kinds and styles of jewellery. I've written myself a shopping list, since I'm building up stock for Christmas craft fairs, so I need a list to keep me focused on what I really need...but I'm sure I'll spot something not on the list that I just 'have' to have (fortunately it was my birthday earlier in the month so I have a reasonable kitty to help fund my purchases!)</div>
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I am also thrilled to announce that my entry into the British Bead Awards was selected as one of the finalists, so I will be hot-footing it to the show right from the start to attend the prize giving. The judges have already picked the winners, but they will be announced at the show - I am proud of my piece but I am going with no expectations, just with pride at having my work on display for all the visitors to the show to see. I am also looking forward to getting to meet some of the members of the online bead group OTTBS in person - including Dee of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WingSmith2010">Wingsmith's Bead Creation</a>s, who has also made as a finalist for the awards. I'll let you know how I get on - and post pictures of my piece if you aren't going to be at Sandown on Saturday to see it in the flesh, when I return. I'll also probably have photos of my beady purchases to show you too!</div>
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For more info on the Big Bead Show, here's a link to their <a href="http://www.thebigbeadshow.co.uk/index.asp">website</a>.</div>
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I'll leave you with a picture of my latest new piece up for grabs in my shop - a gorgeous 'Starflower' bracelet in silver and violet, featuring glass pearls and one of my favourite seed bead shades, gold-lustered 'moonshadow' purple.</div>
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<a href="http://folksy.com/items/3727142-Purple-Silver-Pearl-Starflower-Bracelet"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8G-mYd2Pmgo/UH71p9CccHI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/Ag51KIwA01w/s400/handmade+silver+pearl+bracelet+purple.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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TTFN - and happy shopping if you are off to the fair on Saturday!</div>
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Nicole </div>
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xoxo</div>
HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-35513727855403659372012-10-15T17:14:00.002+01:002012-10-15T17:14:54.125+01:00New designs - Czech glass spikes!<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been really rather productive beading-wise the past few weeks. It has suddenly hit me just how not very far away the big craft fair I am doing in Cambridge is and how I really have to get a wriggle on with beading up enough stock to fill my table. This is especially important given that I also realised I booked a slightly bigger table than I had at the same event last year, so I definitely need to have more piece than I had then!</div>
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In an attempt to tackle this in an organised fashion, I spent a little bit of time trying out some new design ideas, before I put together a list of all the things I want to have made by the end of next month - a mix of old favourites and some of the new things I've come up with recently. I'll probably end up with several posts to show you these new designs (I've got 2 necklaces sitting on my display stand that need photographing). I already introduced the first pieces of my 'Tiny Sparkler' range and there are more variations and developments on that theme to come.</div>
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The first new designs I have to share use some new beads which have been exciting beaders worldwide - Czech pressed glass spikes! Very Mawi-esque, these beads come several sizes and a whole host of colours and finishes. I wanted to design at least one new bracelet/necklace which incorporated these beads. Starting with the idea of having a long chain necklace with a spiked pendant, my beading took a turn for something completely different, with one unexpected 'twist' of my beadwork. </div>
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'Athena' is my first bracelet with glass spike beads, featuring 3 spike motifs joined together with beaded oval/diamond shaped links. The silver version below is my prototype - it is staying with me I think, although I have to make the links a little smaller than they are in this photo as I only have small wrists.</div>
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I have since created a second bracelet in jet black with silver embellishment, including some amazing fire polished crystals that have a 'marea' effect coating, meaning they have a fantastic firey gold flash. This one will go on sale in my online shops very soon - I'll come back to this post and link it to the listings once they are up. I think this one has a more rock chick feel to it with the colour palette used.</div>
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I also wanted a variation of this spike motif to use as a necklace pendant, and so added a little extra beadwork in order to turn it into a floral motif (albeit with a glass spike thorn as its centre!). My first 'Athena's Blossom' necklace - in the same jet black colourway as the above bracelet - is already available online. I am hoping to get my hands on some more spike colours soon so I can create a few more in different shades for you to choose from. I think I can turn this floral motif into a brooch too, so I might be able to bead a few of those too.</div>
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<a href="http://folksy.com/items/3722834-Black-Silver-Spike-Necklace-Athena-s-Blossom-"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jlw2hqLv9fk/UHw1cM56guI/AAAAAAAAAe8/2lRY3Gl9RnE/s400/beaded+spike+flower+necklace+black.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To view the online shop listing for this necklace, click on the image. </div>
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Hopefully there will be a nice day this week so I can get photographing some of the other new designs I have been working on. Hope you enjoy these new spiky creations!</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Nicole </div>
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xoxo</div>
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<br />HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-72588055789864295072012-10-11T10:37:00.001+01:002012-10-11T10:37:32.861+01:00A Beady DIY Fashion Project - Embroidered Peter Pan Collar<div style="text-align: center;">
The other week I went out clothes shopping - having been working from home on my PhD thesis since the beginning of this year, I have hardly bought any new clothes (you can get away with having few 'nice going out things' if you are at home most of the day and therefore don't mind if your jeans are looking a bit threadbare!) </div>
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I'm not a huge fashion follower, I tend to buy things because I like them, not because they are this week's hot trend - however, I couldn't fail to notice that beading was everywhere on the high street, especially on collars. There were also plenty of necklaces to be worn as 'detachable collars' covered in beads, pearls and crystals (well, I don't think they were real crystals, but they were going for that effect). I thought some of them looked great from afar across the shop floor, until I actually got up close and was actually quite horrified at the poor quality; one collar had thread ends sticking up all over it (shop shall remain nameless) and looked like it might disintegrate at any moment - it was priced at £15! It makes me sad seeing things like this, especially being a part of the beading community and seeing all the beautiful beadwork and embroidery that is done 'properly' with so much effort put into it. </div>
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So I decided to have a go at making my own, having wanted to do some proper bead embroidery, but not having had a project to get going. Fortunately, I had some interfacing as well as a big bag of silvery seed beads that aren't regularly shaped enough for beadwork, but had definite potential for embroidery. First off, I drew a peter pan collar shape (one side) on to my interfacing and cut it out. I then used this as a template to draw around so the other side of the collar would be the same shape. Fancying a little bit of bling, I hunted in my bead stash and found some pretty bright blue Swarovski flatback crystals, which I stuck to the interfacing and left to dry (and de-stink from the glue). </div>
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Now for some embroidery! I started off by bezelling the crystals and then surrounding them with a ring of clear fire-polished crystals, and then moved on to adding the seed beads following the circular shapes of the crystals. </div>
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I decided I wanted a few more different beads on the collar, rather than just doing all the rest of it with the seed beads, so I added some larger white pearl fire-polished crystals and embroidered round them to create something of a leafy/diamond shape around them. This is how the first half of the collar is currently looking.</div>
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There's not actually that much left to bead embroider - the seed beads I'm using are size 8s so they are fairly large and so cover the interfacing quite quickly. The challenge is going to be getting the other half of the collar to match! </div>
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I'll be sure to update you on the blog once I've finished this DIY fashion project.</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Nicole </div>
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xoxo</div>
<br />HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-83207759201681510412012-09-28T20:12:00.001+01:002012-09-28T20:12:04.147+01:00Introducing...the 'Tiny Sparkler' range<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been a while since my last blog post - but now that I've finally submitted my PhD thesis, I have time to both bead and blog about it!</div>
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I love big, intricate, crystal-dripping beadwork. But it's not exactly practical, however gorgeous it looks, and you might get a few odd glances if you turned up at the office looking like you've bathed in Swarovski crystals. Hence why I always try and offer beadwork jewellery in my shops that captures the essence of this style of jewellery making, but is wearable day-to-day, as opposed to being 'saved' for a special occassion. With this in mind, I've started making a range of gemstone and crystal necklaces which I have christened 'tiny sparklers.' </div>
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Each tiny sparkler features a bezelled and embellished semi-precious gemstone or Swarovski crystal, just enough glitter to keep your inner magpie happy, but not so dazzling that those around you need to don sunglasses. These pendants are only between 2 to 3cm across, so definitely deserving of the name 'tiny.' I think they would also make a wonderful bridesmaid necklace - they're completely customisable to match the colour scheme of your wedding and they would be a lovely gift to give them for being an important part of your special day. </div>
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Expect to see plenty more, in an array of colours, but here's a look at the first few that have landed online in my Folksy shop in the past few weeks.</div>
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<a href="http://folksy.com/items/3646986-Rose-Quartz-Necklace"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09mBH05NmXo/UGXw6d1x5rI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/BuDPKiUYC4o/s400/silver+beadwork+necklace+pink+quartz.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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Rose Quartz with opalescent Swarovski crystals</div>
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<a href="http://folksy.com/items/3649522-Turquoise-Necklace"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQaraJ8PP8M/UGXyBI4Br4I/AAAAAAAAAdY/0PTMKfHwom4/s400/beaded+turquoise+silver+necklace+handmade.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Turquoise Cabochon with Swarovski crystals</div>
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Blue Goldstone</div>
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<a href="http://folksy.com/items/3665218-Aquamarine-Necklace"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIrhCKWvKug/UGX1QGe3lHI/AAAAAAAAAd0/exFHuBfNJRY/s400/Silver+blue+beaded+crystal+necklace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Aquamarine & Pacific Opal Swarovski crystals</div>
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I've got lots to blog about in the upcoming weeks - I've been beading like crazy now I've got the time and got several new designs to talk about, plus a few other things I can't say too much about just yet. Hope you've enjoyed a peek at the 'tiny sparkler' range.</div>
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TTFN</div>
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Nicole</div>
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xoxo</div>
HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-1845040401407263912012-07-12T11:00:00.000+01:002012-07-12T11:00:02.978+01:00OTTBS Colour Challenge WIP<div style="text-align: center;">
I finally got started on my Operation Tackle That Bead Stash monthly colour challenge piece last night. The theme this month is ice cream, so my entry has to be made in shades of cream, pink and brown. For an extra entry in the prize draw, it also has to incorporate flowers in it somewhere as well.</div>
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When I first saw the theme for this month, my initial reaction was - "I don't think I have <b>any</b> brown beads!" Well, I took a little time to rummage through all my bead boxes and lo and behold, I did have some brown beads (not a lot, but more than I thought!) as well as some cream and pink too. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mYVrzERUYZs/T_2iEkmHfFI/AAAAAAAAAcw/__GDpqXytEk/s1600/IMAG0242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mYVrzERUYZs/T_2iEkmHfFI/AAAAAAAAAcw/__GDpqXytEk/s400/IMAG0242.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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With the selection of beads and my disposal all collected together I decided I wanted to make something multi-stranded, and that I fancied using copper findings as opposed to my usual silver. Whether this piece will end up as a bracelet or necklace I'm not 100% sure, but here is what I had as of last night.</div>
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As you can see, I've got the required colours, plus some shell and polymer clay flower beads to cover the extra element of the challenge. I think I will get some more time on this piece this evening so I will see how it evolves - I am thinking of adding a beadwoven rope strand but I'm not sure which stitch I want to use.</div>
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I'll be sure to post a picture of the finished jewellery when I'm done. </div>
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Nicole</div>
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xoxo</div>HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-21401090894699372432012-07-05T11:00:00.000+01:002012-07-05T11:00:10.917+01:00The Evolution of the 'Halo'<div style="text-align: center;">
In the relatively short time that I've been selling my beadwork jewellery, there is one design that has sold many times over; my 'Halo' necklaces. They've been through several evolutions and their basic design has been adapted, embellished and combined with other motifs to create a collection of work that shows the versatility of a peyote stitch beaded ring.</div>
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I learnt how to bead a peyote ring at a workshop using size 15 seed beads and size 11 cylinder beads, however, I wasn't overly keen on the 'flat' effect of the seed beads, so was tempted to try using normal size 11 round beads instead. I like the effect that using round seed beads has on the texture and shape of the ring, so I've carried on that way ever since.</div>
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The very first 'Halo' necklaces I created were a simple beaded ring, embellished around the outer edge with crystals, firepolished beads and even some small semi-precious stones, hung on a lightweight chain like the turquoise version below.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-Lmkv_PxTs/T_H858t4mAI/AAAAAAAAAbU/9jZzx3RZnF0/s1600/100_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-Lmkv_PxTs/T_H858t4mAI/AAAAAAAAAbU/9jZzx3RZnF0/s320/100_2010.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
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I still have the first 'Halo' like this that I made - mine is silver-grey with glass pearls and bicone crystals around the outside. I like the simplicity of the design in this way - whilst I love big, intricate beadwork designs, I think many people would feel they were 'difficult to wear on a day-to-day basis' and part of my aim for the jewellery I sell online is to make beadwork that is 'wearable' and could be worn to the office or out to the shops, rather than being 'saved for best.'</div>
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The next evolutionary step for the 'Halo' necklaces was that they gained a wire-wrapped chain tassel. I was given some fine chain that had come from a big lot of chain that the jewellery school I teach for freelance had been sent and was just too tiny to be used for the beginner's classes we teach. Searching for a way of using the chain, I decided to try adding a little to the bottom of a 'Halo' to add some extra movement and sparkle. The original chain I was given was silver-plated, but I liked the effect so ended up buying antique gold and gunmetal coloured chain and findings in order to provide a range of metal colours - not everyone is a 'silver-only' person like me!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mo7pdkHXZk/T_H-7l9MayI/AAAAAAAAAbc/GTK3eIebJlU/s1600/100_2231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mo7pdkHXZk/T_H-7l9MayI/AAAAAAAAAbc/GTK3eIebJlU/s320/100_2231.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've tried numerous other things with the 'Halos' - I've joined them together in triplicate....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lCLMaeibVDU/T_H_fO2S6YI/AAAAAAAAAbk/hybhGRUjdAc/s1600/Crystal+blue+tribal+necklace+chain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lCLMaeibVDU/T_H_fO2S6YI/AAAAAAAAAbk/hybhGRUjdAc/s320/Crystal+blue+tribal+necklace+chain.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
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...used them with other motifs, as in my 'Aquila' necklaces....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1pOBxXWnYe4/T_SpQpz3cUI/AAAAAAAAAb0/Tu9u1sAWYMM/s1600/Grey+Purple+Pearl+Necklace+crystal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1pOBxXWnYe4/T_SpQpz3cUI/AAAAAAAAAb0/Tu9u1sAWYMM/s400/Grey+Purple+Pearl+Necklace+crystal.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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...and even linked several together to create a bracelet...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TIdjhI3t0WY/T_SqZKqxEKI/AAAAAAAAAcE/nWmmeZf00F0/s1600/Beadweaving+bracelet+silver+crystal+handmade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TIdjhI3t0WY/T_SqZKqxEKI/AAAAAAAAAcE/nWmmeZf00F0/s320/Beadweaving+bracelet+silver+crystal+handmade.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_1183467911">I am sure I'll not stop using the 'Halo' motif in my beadwork for a while yet! I've listed several new variations recently, which incorporate new colours and a little bit of wirewok too. I am really proud of the latest few 'evolutions' of the Halo. If you click on the link you'll be taken to the shop listing for each necklace - as always, I am happy to take on custom orders and bead something in the style of what you see here (or indeed anywhere in my online shops) in your favourite colour palette. Each of these new necklaces has something special about them - I'll be sad to see them go when they find a new home.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/101529657/purple-gold-beadwork-necklace"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3M18-r7zxc0/T_SrUeiRi6I/AAAAAAAAAcM/EwOIG3ubmtA/s400/Amethyst+gold+Swarovski+crystal+necklace.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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'Amethystine' - this necklace features matching seed beads and Czech firepolished crystals which are amethyst with a delicious golden lustre and is hung on an antique bronze tone chain to compliment the gold-dust effect of the beads and the dark 'dorado' metallic gold Swarovski crystals.</div>
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<a href="http://hollybirdbeads.co.uk/onlineshop/prod_2078064-Moondust-Necklace-Silver-Grey.html"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBkPlQ-BaP0/T_SshxHDEeI/AAAAAAAAAcU/YOro3I2yrpY/s400/grey+peyote+beadwork+necklace+Swarovski.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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'Moondust' - is another 'triple Halo' necklace which uses some unusual seed beads in the main ring - they are light sapphire blue lined with bronze, but they appear grey-ish with a blue 'flash' which is very reminiscent of the semi-precious stone labradorite. Embellished with grey lustered Czech crystals and 'white opal' Swarovski bicones.</div>
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<a href="http://hollybirdbeads.co.uk/onlineshop/prod_2078015-Woodland-Necklace-Olive-Green-Bronze.html"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-So2cl5nLKfc/T_SuUa9hKeI/AAAAAAAAAcc/pyLbgx1wDHA/s400/Leaf+green+olive+Halo+necklace+Swarovski.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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'Woodland' - I think this one is my favourite of the new pieces (I'm allowed a favourite, right?). This necklace features a 'Halo' pendant embellished with two layers of tiny beaded leaves, as well as a row of 'olivine' and 'dorado' gold Swarovski crystals. It is hung on an antique gold chain which has had wire-wrapped crystals added to it, with a chain tassle at the bottom for extra sparkle and movement. I am sure I will be re-visiting this style of 'Halo' in a few more colours.</div>
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I hope you've enjoyed reading about how my 'Halo' pieces have changed and continue to grow - I pulled together a bunch of photos of the different varieties and colours I've created and formed them into this collage. I hope all those who have a 'Halo' love to wear it as much as I enjoy wearing mine, and making new ones!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1qmWmSjJAM/T_SvkAudlBI/AAAAAAAAAck/-zLwZLvtagM/s1600/Aquila+Silver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1qmWmSjJAM/T_SvkAudlBI/AAAAAAAAAck/-zLwZLvtagM/s400/Aquila+Silver.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nicole</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<br /></div>HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-10322160417674543382012-06-27T11:30:00.000+01:002012-06-27T11:33:01.512+01:00New Swarovski 'Neon' Crystal Pearls<div style="text-align: center;">
I love using Swarovski elements in my beadwork. Their crystal sparkle is second to none and their bicone beads come in a veritable rainbow of colours so you can always find the perfect match for your latest project. They are always launching new shapes, colours and styles and one of the most recent is their new range of crystal pearls in 'neon' colours.</div>
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Now, I can't say neon has ever particularly appealed to me - I think the only time I've worn anything neon probably involved fancy dress of some description! Nor am I usually a particular 'pink' person either - I'd go for purple over pink any day. However, on seeing photos of these new pearls online, the pink ones, for whatever reason, spoke to me. I decided to buy a small pack of 20 4mm pearls to try out to see if a) I liked them as much in real life as I did in the photos, and b) if I could think of a way to use them in my beading! </div>
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When they arrived, I noticed that rather than being 'shimmery' pearls, they have a more 'matte' finish, which is actually rather nice - but yes, they are definitely as bright and vibrant as they look in photos! I decided to try a few out in one of my flower brooches, since I had some bright fuchsia pink seed beads I though might just give them a little run for their money in terms of the vibrancy of their colour. A little sprinkling of metallic silver, plus a crystal bicone in fuchsia ab2x at the centre, and this is the resulting brooch - seriously pink flower power indeed!</div>
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<a href="http://folksy.com/items/3434258-Flower-Brooch"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6PIImJnpms/T-nJSC8PMlI/AAAAAAAAAbI/3xF8onsNt00/s400/Crystal+pearl+fuchsia+pink+flower.JPG" width="398" /> </a></div>
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I definitely like these pink pearls - I'm not sure I'd be able to cope with the other two shades (they also do orange and yellow - and both those colours are rather out of my comfort zone) but the pink I like. I've still got 16 pearls left to play with - I think you might be able to expect a similarly funky bright Halo necklace to pop up in my shop soon!</div>
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This brooch is available online to buy - if you click on the photo it will take you to the listing for this brooch. If neons aren't your thing, there are several others available in slightly, erm, calmer colours?</div>
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Hope you like - perhaps the beaders out there might be inspired to give this new colours a try. Be brave and go neon!</div>
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Nicole </div>
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xoxoHollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-28969844074046990432012-05-23T11:49:00.003+01:002012-05-23T11:49:43.140+01:00Beading Book Love - Sabine Lippert's Beaded Fantasies<div style="text-align: center;">
Having been beadweaving for about 5 years now, I have managed to accumulate my fair share of beading books. But if I asked myself of these books, how many of the projects within them I've actually sat down and beaded, well, the answer would be a number rather smaller than the number of books on my shelf! Not that I don't love these books - they've provided me with heaps of inspiration over the years, but often when there was the choice between following a project and trying to create something new myself, I have tended to go for the latter.</div>
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My recent book purchase of Sabine Lippert's hotly anticipated 'Beaded Fantasies' book has made me think about using some of my book collection to further my beady education. There are so many wonderful projects in Sabine's book it's hard to know where to start. Eventually, thought, I couldn't help but kick things off with the very popular 'Granada' brooch. I had to order a few supplies - for some reason I owned virtually no 6mm round beads (something which I have now ammended!), but then I was ready to get started. </div>
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The thing about my own beading is that I often like to start flat - I find thinking in 3D in terms of beading difficult to get my head around. If my beadwork designs end up 3D, it is 9 times out of 10, a pure accident of the combination of beads I have used. Sabine's book has really helped me to start thinking more 3D and about layers too. When I was beading the Granada brooch I found a gap on one part that made me question if I was following the instructions right, only to realise that in the very next step, the beads added would come in to fill the gap. If I'd been trying to do that sort of thing by myself, I'd have seen the gap and though 'no, I'm on the wrong track here.' This is the good thing about working from the tutorials/instructions of someone else, it pushes your ideas and opens you up to new approaches. </div>
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So here's my version of the Granada brooch, beaded in my favourite 'Metallica' colourway as I have come to think of it. </div>
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I am in love with this piece and Sabine's design - I can definitely see me making more of these (I'm sure if my Mum sees it she'll be wanting one!). </div>
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The other project from the book that I've completed is the Scherezade pendant - a fab combination of RAW and netting. Again, this piece tested my ideas about construction and layers in 3D beading, and I love the result. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6LhK3QR4loc/T7y_29YZb3I/AAAAAAAAAa8/9r-MMG3AUEE/s1600/100_3095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="373" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6LhK3QR4loc/T7y_29YZb3I/AAAAAAAAAa8/9r-MMG3AUEE/s400/100_3095.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've worn this piece a few times - I've had it on a long chain with the chain just looped through the pendant with a larks head knot. It is very sparkly thanks to the silver and half coat vitrail firepolished crystals I used. I could see me making this design again, but perhaps a little smaller - you can see from my hand in this photo that this pendant is fairly big, and it definitely has some weight to it too.</div>
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I'm sure I'll be making many more things from this book and I'll of course share finished pictures here when I do. Next on my list are some of the designs which use 8mm Swarovski chatons!</div>
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Nicole</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<br />HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-57405336072013523432012-05-05T12:07:00.000+01:002012-05-05T12:07:06.370+01:00Beading for Me<div style="text-align: center;">
So it's been a whole month since I wrote a post for the blog. The reason for this is that I'm currently in the midst of writing up my PhD thesis i.e. 4 years worth of work. I am my desk 6 out of 7 days a week, most of those working all day on it, and even when I do take a bit of time out of an evening or on a Sunday, it's still there on my mind pretty much 24/7. </div>
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This means that beading has really taken a back seat in the last few months. Even when I have taken time to be creative, the stress of the thesis means that it's hard to focus and feeling like I *need* to create new pieces for my online shops is adding to the stress. Beading is something I love, and it is supposed to be fun and something to do to take my mind off things, as well as earning its keep through sales. </div>
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So here's what I'm thinking - I need to do a little 'beading for me.' I still feel like I have plenty to learn about this art from those artists I admire. I have new techniques I want to try out without feeling the pressure of 'this needs to be good enough to be sold online.' Earlier in the year I wrote a post about how I wanted to make a piece from tutorials written by other beadwork artists, one a month, to expand my knowledge and inspire me. This didn't happen...well, I made 2/3 of one earring, because I have so little beading time that I felt that time spent beading other peoples' designs was my own beading time 'wasted.' </div>
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The webshops will all remain open - I have pieces in stock that are already made, plus a few half-finished things currently on my bead mats and I'd also be happy to still take on custom orders. But, I'm not going to put myself under pressure to churn out beadwork purely for the shops. If I happen to have an idea and that ends up as a finished piece of my own design, then sure, it can go online, but that isn't going to be my main aim for the next few months at least whilst I get my thesis finished. I've just received a copy of Sabine Lippert's new book 'Beaded Fantasies' which is full of stunning projects that I really want to try. I really like her style and I want to take a little 'walk in her shoes' beading wise. I've got some supplies on order to do a few of the projects - including some gorgeous Swarovski crystal stones, and I can't wait to get started.</div>
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I'll endeavour to update the blog with what I'm beading - plus if any new work goes up for sale, I'll let you know. I've included a few pieces I've listed in the last week or so at the bottom of this post. </div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/99004322/black-crystal-halo-beadwork-necklace"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nlkhpIurqBU/T6UJMl7BATI/AAAAAAAAAaY/tDuQKyCzgS4/s400/Black+Swarovski+necklace+beadwork+silver.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jet Black Swarovski Crystal 'Halo' Necklace</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/98754628/aquamarine-blue-flower-brooch"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--RSUJAFsFR4/T6UIpTXUCCI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/_6SC4SVU52I/s400/Mother%27s+day+button+hole+floral+brooch.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Blue Flower Brooch</div>
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<a href="http://folksy.com/items/3202526-Teal-Halo-Crystal-Necklace"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MudEC-jLp8/T6UJkJ_tvsI/AAAAAAAAAao/bJpufi6wiWQ/s400/teal+halo+necklace+Swarovski+crystal.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Teal Swarovski Crystal 'Halo' Necklace</div>
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But this beader is taking a little bit of me time for now.</div>
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That's all for this post.</div>
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Nicole </div>
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xoxo</div>HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-33007564060856164092012-04-04T12:15:00.000+01:002012-04-04T12:15:54.303+01:00BTW - What's On My Bead Mat, 4th April 2012<div style="text-align: center;">I've missed a few weeks worth of bead table Wednesday's recently. This has been because I was working on a couple of custom orders for people to give as gifts and when I am working bespoke I don't like to show photos of what I am doing until the jewellery has reached its intended recipient - I would hate to spoil someone's surprise gift by posting a photo of it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But now those custom pieces are done, this week there are lots of bits and pieces in the making crowded onto on one of my smaller beading mats.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZL6Uf81EGY/T3wrOf7MSTI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/Csi9Sx6FbZs/s1600/100_2949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZL6Uf81EGY/T3wrOf7MSTI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/Csi9Sx6FbZs/s400/100_2949.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Some very different things going on on this mat! There's some purple and silver seed beads, flowers and crystals which are leftovers from a custom bracelet I recently finished that are yet to find their way back into their storage bags. There's also in the top-middle area, a very teeny little crystal tester that didn't really go anywhere...that'll probably find itself getting unpicked.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJS9RFCwOpk/T3wr9X2bQDI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/9mANB5ZWCdI/s1600/100_2951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VJS9RFCwOpk/T3wr9X2bQDI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/9mANB5ZWCdI/s400/100_2951.JPG" width="343" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the top left corner of the mat is one of my new designs, the 'Gazania' flower motif, beaded using silver seed beads and a mixture of turquoise coloured Czech fire-polished crystals. This just needs to go onto a necklace chain now, so expect to see it popping up in my online shop very soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaRZQIwRM_4/T3wsrTlj9YI/AAAAAAAAAaE/3qq6N-__1kU/s1600/100_2950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaRZQIwRM_4/T3wsrTlj9YI/AAAAAAAAAaE/3qq6N-__1kU/s400/100_2950.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">On the right hand side of the mat is another design I am playing around with. I love the colour combo of these beautiful cobalt blue crystal rondelles with these seed beads. They might look gold in this photo, but they are actually crystal coloured with a copper lining. I absolutely LOVE them - they have an amazing twinkle to them which is not captured in this photograph. If I end up with a finished piece from this tester I hope I will be able to show just how lovely those seed beads are.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So that's what is sitting on my bead mat at the moment...here's hoping some of the ideas actually make it into finished jewellery designs!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nicole</div><div style="text-align: center;">xoxo</div>HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-76989923902360681972012-02-27T13:17:00.000+00:002012-02-27T13:17:05.132+00:00New Range - Beadwoven Crystal Bracelet Charms<div style="text-align: center;">Yes, after a little wait for the Sterling Silver findings to arrive, I listed the first of my new range of beadwoven charms for charm bracelets over the weekend. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The challenge with these little sparklies is trying to keep them to 2cm or less in size (otherwise they'd be larger than most other charms available for this style of bracelet - I did my research of well known brands and 2cm is the biggest they seem to get). The first couple that I made use Swarovski crystals that are 8mm in diameter, which is pretty small - the beadwoven setting is surprisingly time consuming to stitch in contrast to its size, because great care is needed to ensure the stone is securely captured in such a small bezel.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I created a 'stunt' charm bracelet to use when photographing these charms as I don't own one of these bracelets myself; I suspect this may change soon since I would love to have my own packed full of these charms. They've also proved a challenge to photograph due to the crystal sparkle and the metallic silver seed beads used. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-blaySqCyDag/T0uA3TtRcDI/AAAAAAAAAZg/9Qf_WkP7RK8/s1600/Swarovski+Crystal+Silver+Charm+Bracelet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-blaySqCyDag/T0uA3TtRcDI/AAAAAAAAAZg/9Qf_WkP7RK8/s400/Swarovski+Crystal+Silver+Charm+Bracelet.JPG" width="398" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The first one is now up on Folksy - featuring a gorgeous 'montana' blue Swarovski stone in its centre. You can click on the photo of it below to be taken to its listing in my Folksy shop.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://folksy.com/items/3034166-Montana-Crystal-Bracelet-Charm"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JeNOQhYPkzo/T0uBHSCkFVI/AAAAAAAAAZo/9uk4th-uXkc/s400/100_2863.JPG" width="398" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll be listing the other crystal centre charm (the 'flower' one in the first picture) shortly. This weekend I remembered I had some tiny semi-precious gemstone cabochons in my bead stash and I've now completed two more charms; one using turquoise & Swarovski, the other rose quartz. They'll be going online too once they've been photographed. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am always happy to take on custom orders - if there is a particular colour of crystal or semi-precious stone you would like a charm created with, please get in touch.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nicole</div><div style="text-align: center;">xoxo</div>HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-45032906512181825072012-02-22T14:52:00.000+00:002012-02-22T14:52:56.517+00:00BTW - What's on my Bead Mat....22nd Feb 2012<div style="text-align: center;">Why is it that lately whenever Bead Table Wednesday comes around, it is always a grey, rainy day i.e. rubbish for trying to take photos of beadwork! Today is no exception, however, I took the opportunity to play about with some of the fun effects my image software has to offer and so what initially looked like really rather bad pictures are now looking quite fun and colourful. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mckPLe3ZBCU/T0T-jD0Z8YI/AAAAAAAAAY4/cy2SksOOfNg/s1600/100_2819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mckPLe3ZBCU/T0T-jD0Z8YI/AAAAAAAAAY4/cy2SksOOfNg/s400/100_2819.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A wide shot of the bead mat I've been working off of this week - lots of gunmetal grey & metallic purple seed beads, plus purple glass pearls.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-904RPqaUZwI/T0T-cIaN9kI/AAAAAAAAAYw/ujQl2-9xVNU/s1600/100_2818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-904RPqaUZwI/T0T-cIaN9kI/AAAAAAAAAYw/ujQl2-9xVNU/s400/100_2818.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So in this corner of the bead mat is another of my teeny tiny beadwoven charms awaiting the last thread end to be woven in. This one has been beaded around a tiny Swarovski rivoli stone in (colour = crystal) and embellished with galvanised silver delicas and seed beads. I've had the email to say my Sterling Silver findings are on their way, so the charms should be making an appearance online very soon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3lgDVJt0AU/T0T-r-gSEqI/AAAAAAAAAZA/ktCXs3MFw2w/s1600/100_2820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3lgDVJt0AU/T0T-r-gSEqI/AAAAAAAAAZA/ktCXs3MFw2w/s400/100_2820.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the other corner, I started working on another necklace like the one in my <a href="http://www.hollybirdbeads.blogspot.com/2012/02/operation-tackle-that-bead-stash.html">last blog post</a> which I created for the OTTBS February colour challenge. I decided I wanted to keep the original for myself, but I really like the design so I'm now making this gunmetal and metallic purple version for the shop. I'm thinking of doing one in bright metallic silver too. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've also added several new pairs of very glamourous, sparkly 'Halo' earrings to my Folksy shop in the last few days; one pair in classic jet black, the other, bright summery turquoise. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://folksy.com/items/3011294-Black-Halo-Crystal-Earrings"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9oJfC6yoxpo/T0UAheQmutI/AAAAAAAAAZI/nIwQeH_ffNs/s400/100_2777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://folksy.com/items/3017394-Turquoise-Halo-crystal-earrings"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ2BQUBr2oM/T0UA60UNcEI/AAAAAAAAAZY/EBqhwHKYIPM/s400/100_2785.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you've enjoyed this week's bead table Wednesday - fingers crossed for better photograph taking weather next week though, eh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nicole</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">xoxo</div>HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-40230567716045436572012-02-20T10:00:00.000+00:002012-02-20T10:00:11.114+00:00Operation Tackle That Bead Stash - February Challenge Piece<div style="text-align: center;">I recently joined the Operation Tackle That Bead Stash (or OTTBS for short) group over on Facebook; a very active group of like minded jewellery makers sharing their creations, beady purchases & general chitter chatter. Each month there is a colour challenge run on their blog, with the aim of getting people to use up some of their 'stash' - because all beaders have a LOT of beads! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This month's challenge is to create something in blue and green - with a bonus entry into the challenge prize draw if you also incorporate 'rounds' into your design. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For my piece I decided I wanted to combine two of my favourite motifs - my peyote ring 'Halo' and my newer 'Starflower.' I picked out seed beads in teal and metallic blue (normally I'd have picked crystal beads to go with the teal, but as I was sticking to the challenge colours I opted for the blue and I love how this changes the whole feel of the piece). I added in glass pearls in bright teal green and deep petrol blue as my accent beads.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My 'Starflower' motif ended up looking quite different because I had decided I wanted it to link to a halo on either side and have a chain tassle - from the thread tension it is now a distinctly triangular shape...one of those 'happy accidents' that gives you new ideas you hadn't even thought about. When I finished it I thought it looked like a little embellished shield. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a few pictures of the finished necklace - ordinarily I'd have used bright silver findings, but the darker feel of the beadwork had me reaching for my gunmetal coloured findings instead. This piece is going to be mine to keep - I very rarely keep anything for myself these days so I thought it was about time I had a new piece for my own. I definitely think I'll be making a few to go in my online shops though.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Avn2Af-gfDQ/T0EF1BvQNmI/AAAAAAAAAYo/DQy5OfLney0/s1600/100_2772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Avn2Af-gfDQ/T0EF1BvQNmI/AAAAAAAAAYo/DQy5OfLney0/s400/100_2772.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPN-7Bf0kOk/T0EFsc_D21I/AAAAAAAAAYg/Dr72ZbCZ-Q4/s1600/100_2771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPN-7Bf0kOk/T0EFsc_D21I/AAAAAAAAAYg/Dr72ZbCZ-Q4/s400/100_2771.JPG" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">One thing this necklace design doesn't have though is a name. At first I thought it might need a 'warrior queen' esqe name, since the central motif reminded me of a shield. Having photographed the piece however, it also reminds me of a bird spreading its wings in flight. Any suggestions?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you'd like to know more about the OTTBS group and this month's challenge, their blog can be found <a href="http://tacklethatbeadstash.blogspot.com/2012/01/february-challenge.html">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nicole</div><div style="text-align: center;">xoxo</div>HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-26298846861784682552012-02-15T13:05:00.000+00:002012-02-15T13:05:09.835+00:00BTW - What's On My Bead Mat, 15th Feb 2012<div style="text-align: center;">I really must make the effort to blog more than just bead table Wednesdays! I always say I will plan ahead and schedule posts, but this rarely happens...too much on my plate at the moment, beady and otherwise. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Apologies for the rubbish photos today - it's horribly grey and dreary here in Cambridge today so the natural light was pretty much non-existent...not the best thing when you want to take pictures of something sparkly!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I came about the idea of making beadwoven charms for charm bracelets (which seem to be very popular at the moment) after a friend suggested a charm bracelet as a leaving present for another friend who is off on an exciting new job adventure for 6 months, and that everyone could get a charm to put on it to remind her of us. Well, I thought I would best remind her of me if I made a charm myself, so I rooted around in the sparkly section of my bead boxes and found a gorgeous tanzanite purple Swarovski rivoli. Size was a key factor as I'd looked online at some of the other charms my friends were planning on buying and realised my finished piece couldn't be any bigger than 2cm! Fortunately the tiny rivoli I had proved to be just the right size and I was really pleased with the finished result - and, since have several more rivolis in this size that I bought for a different idea that didn't work out, I have decided to make some to try selling in my online shops. Today's bead table Wednesday photo shows last night's first attempt at making another - this time with a rivoli in a beautiful 'montana' blue.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h1JrG_dzCvc/TzusE6sLO3I/AAAAAAAAAYE/PA2_PFK4A28/s1600/100_2667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h1JrG_dzCvc/TzusE6sLO3I/AAAAAAAAAYE/PA2_PFK4A28/s400/100_2667.JPG" width="398" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've added a little more embellishment around the crystal itself on this latest version and I'm trying to decide which I prefer. Here's a quick snapshot I took of the first one before it went off to join the other charms on the bracelet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrnQ6mnyFlQ/TzusMp_rc5I/AAAAAAAAAYU/QirgW01CbLk/s1600/IMAG0161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrnQ6mnyFlQ/TzusMp_rc5I/AAAAAAAAAYU/QirgW01CbLk/s400/IMAG0161.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once I've thought about which style I like best, all I need to wait for is the Sterling Silver clasps and jump rings I've got on order so they can be attached to a charm bracelet, and they will be available online. The rivolis used come in all sorts of colours, so they could be completely customisable if you wanted to give one as a gift - perhaps a birthstone colour for a birthday present? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope you enjoyed this week's bead table Wednesday - I am still working on the necklace I showed last week but I haven't got much further with it so I decided to show you these new charms this week instead!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nicole </div><div style="text-align: center;">xoxo</div>HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635722858703176984.post-52487466651080211742012-02-08T15:56:00.000+00:002012-02-08T15:56:51.498+00:00BTW - What's On My Bead Mat, 8th Feb 2012<div style="text-align: center;">It's bead table Wednesday again, and I am so glad that I took some time over the weekend to clear all the random beads, thread clippings, headpin ends and other stuff that was on my big bead mat before I started work on the new necklace design in today's photo.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After years of never really using it as a stitch, I've suddenly become addited to right angle weave - I've made several crystal embellished bracelets using this stitch in the last couple of weeks, not to mention the flowers I showed you last week. I decided I wanted to bead a bib/collar style necklace using right angle weave, and this week's btw photo shows you what I've got so far.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xsMNXJ4F7s/TzKZvYMPElI/AAAAAAAAAX8/XE5wZ69JczE/s1600/100_2662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xsMNXJ4F7s/TzKZvYMPElI/AAAAAAAAAX8/XE5wZ69JczE/s400/100_2662.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> At the bottom right is what I've just finished and what I intend to be the front of the necklace - that's about 200 glass pearls in RAW, a bottom layer of rounds in a mid-grey colour and embellished with some lovely dusky lavender blue hearts that I've had for ages. I love the feel of this piece of beadwork, it's so supple and slinky in your hands. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You might be able to spy a couple of my 'Halo' motifs nearby - these are hopefully going to be what links the front piece to the neck rope/chain...I made one using my favourite metallic pewter grey seed beads but I decided that the ring needed to be a bit darker to match the pearls, hence you see several bags of different shades of grey seedies on my board. Last night I decided the silver-lined black diamond ones looked to be the best match so started another 'Halo' using them. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now I just need to bead a second one and then decide on what form the back part of the necklace is going to take, I have a few ideas but I might have to try a few and see what works best. Hopefully it'll be finished by next week's btw!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nicole</div><div style="text-align: center;">xoxo</div>HollybirdBeadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092196907637371048noreply@blogger.com0