Work in Progress: Chevron Daisy Chain

I’ve been soaking up some summer sun these past few weeks, and although I’ve been doing a lot of relaxing, I have managed to get some beading done, too. Right now I’m working on a new variation of the Potawatomi chains I was playing with awhile back, with some new chevron patterns that are rapidly becoming a personal favorite. One thing I really like about this stitch is how quickly it all comes together, even with a bit of pattern thrown in.

I find that work and summer vacation have scrambled my creative side a little bit, so I’m not sure exactly what I’ll be working on when this piece is complete. I do know that I’ve been missing just getting out the beads to play, so hopefully new inspirations will strike soon.

What are you making right now?

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
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Work in Progress: Collar Adventure

My bead tray looks a little chaotic this week as I tackle my new collar project. I’ve included a lot of accents in this design, including African Christmas beads, wood spacers, and two kinds of drops. In addition to my usual votive of culled beads, I’m also collecting up any 11/o Czech seed beads that aren’t wonky, but just a bit too small. They’re not quite right for the beadwork I’m doing now, but they’ll be just fine in other projects. Picking them out and setting them aside saves me from having to encounter them again and again as I work. Between these and the many bead types I have laid out, there were already a lot of saucers to begin with, and then I ended up having to pick out a lot of stitches, adding another dump bin of deleted beads to be reworked.

I was on such a roll that I completely forgot to incorporate the second part of my pattern, and didn’t notice until I was almost two thread lengths past where it should have been added. This would have been a tragedy, except that I’ve been taking precautions against just this sort of situation. I’ve gotten into the habit of leaving my tail threads unfinished - just weaving them in a little ways and then leaving them in place until the end of the project. This way, if I catch a mistake, I don’t have to cut any threads - just undo a bit of work and carry on as usual.

Have you had any beading mishaps lately?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
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Wear It Twice: Totally Random

Themes and palettes are all well and good, but sometimes it’s fun to just throw out all the rules. As I’m preparing all of the details for my submission to this year’s Ugly Necklace Contest, I’ve been craving some more eclectic and freeform designs. And now that heavy coat weather is over, it’s also a good time to experiment with layered outfits and wild styles. With this idea in mind, I went in search for some interesting, exciting, and eye catching pieces to pair with a great statement necklace.

Mix Not Match by mortira featuring chamak by priya kakkar bangles

I started with a chunky multi-strand bead and chain necklace. With a great mix of neutrals, it would be that much more fun to play with patterns and textures. For each outfit I combined pieces that had prints or patterns, with a few complementary colors to bring out the personality in the necklace. I also added lots of chunky bracelets, a few with some great examples of trade beads at work.

If you’re in the mood to let your beads run wild, here are a few tutorials for similar designs in necklaces and bracelets:

This Trail of Turquoise necklace project from FusionBeads.com is the perfect combination of chain and chunky beads. The soft colors work harmoniously with the metals - for extra fun, try adding some striped beads!

For a more traditional approach, combine floating beads and chain in a cascade necklace from HowDidYouMakeThis.com

Daggers and spikes add even more texture in the Gulf Stream Necklace project from Artbeads.com

Like the idea, but want it a little more demure? Pair a handful of bold beads for a smaller statement with a Multistrand Statement Necklace tutorial from HappyHourProjects.com

If you're not comfortable with freeform but want the look, start with a simple technique and add lots of bead varieties. The Vegan Wrap Bracelet from Beadaholique.com provides a great place to start.

Layering bracelets is a great way to add personality to any outfit. The simple seed bead Stratum Bracelet tutorial from AuntiesBeads.com projects lots of color in a totally stackable size.

Natural elements in jewelry look great when they're big and bold. The combination of links, leather, and big beads in Live In Art's Chunky Bracelet Tutorial really delivers.

And here are my favorite Polyvore collages features some of this month’s picks:

Sin título #939 by loveisforgirls featuring a multiple chain necklace

Untitled #1794 by julinka111 featuring a floral messenger bag

Casual Walk *No Backgrounds by synderella featuring Lynn Ban

What’s your favorite freeform technique?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
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Work in Progress: Spicy Summer Collar

At last things are starting to move along on my bead tray. I feel like I’ve been working on this collar for ages, but it should be finished and ready to photograph by tomorrow. I can’t wait to start something new!

I made several small adjustments to the pattern that I shared on last week's bead tray. All of the colors and the pattern are the same, but I found that I didn’t like the color proportions. The first thing I did was shrink the yellow by changing the edging of the nets, and I was much happier with how it looked overall. Although I was hoping for a sort of African tribal look with this collar, I’m still really pleased with the more fiesta-like feel it has.

I’m also wrapping up a new medallion pendant. I promise I’ll reveal the big secret behind them soon! As soon as I remember to pick up some more knot sealer - aka clear nail polish - I’ll be able to photograph the finished pieces that I have for the big reveal.

What are you making this week?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
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Work in Progress: Colorblocked Collar

I’m feeling rather sad and annoyed with how my bead tray is looking this week. I had been hoping to share a look at a nearly finished collar, or perhaps an entirely new project altogether. Unfortunately, right after sitting down to work out a pattern for this piece, I came down with a wicked cold, and haven’t been able to add a stitch.

I’m not quite happy with the pattern that I started with, and I’ll be starting over at least once more. The idea for the palette came all of a sudden - one of those flashes of inspiration that must be jotted down immediately. Luckily, I had all the colors that I needed, so there was no delay in starting. Now I just have to get well enough to finish.

What are you working on this week?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
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Bead Color Ideas: Polka Dots

Many shapes and patterns are always appealing wherever they go. Some are comfortable and familiar, while others inspire energy and vim. Spirals, rainbows, and concentric circles are just a few examples of the motifs that draw us in time and again.

Polka dots are also a favorite pattern - they’re cheerful and carefree in any palette. Sometimes they can remind us of a favorite fabric, or of natural pleasures like lady bug wings. This month, I did a little color experiment with spotted glass eye rondelles from Happy Mango Beads. With a soft lavender gray as a base color, the overlapping yellow, green and red dots really stand out. These Java glass beads are both youthful and organic, with a little tribal flair.

The first trio has all the elements of an early spring day - a bright blue sky and new eggs in a Birds Nest. I started with a little contrast by adding some turquoise blue Czech white hearts. The light-filled color works perfectly with the bright polka dots. Then I added a little more light in a neutral color with transparent dark topaz seed beads, adding to the earthy effect of the accents.

Moving down to the ground for a Ladybug Picnic, I started with some spring green seed beads in opaque cactus. This lively shade looks fantastic with the dark yellow spots, as well as complimenting the pale green ones. The palette is finished with a double dose of color in gorgeous red lined sapphire.

The final trio brings to mind new baby chicks with a focus on sunny yellow. Opaque dark yellow 8/o seed beads provide a vibrant backdrop for the polka dots, while lustered orange adds a little warmth. Despite the intense colors, Cheep Cheep is comforting, while also bringing to mind lots of tasty Easter treats.

Do you have a favorite bead finish or pattern? What do you like most about it?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
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Tropical Toucan Necklace

Many beaders and artists keep a notebook on hand at all times, because you never know when an Idea is going to suddenly drop out of the sky. Not just a solution for those new beads you bought on a whim, or a fun color palette, but a fully formed image of a complete design that is so great, you have to drop everything to make it.

I recently had such an idea. It was completely random, appearing behind my eyelids in the middle of the night. I saw a necklace with a tribal style beaded rope in the colors of a toucan, and floral beadwork like an artistic doodle. It was a little art nouveau, with large leafy components and bright flowers. I couldn’t wait to get started.

I began with some very rough sketches of the necklace that I had imagined, but when I sat down to actually create it, I realized that some of the components would be impossible to make the way I wanted them. I modified things a bit to fit into my favorite techniques, and to work with the colors and bead quantities that I had, starting with the flowers. Yellow and blue druks would make excellent tropical flower bases, with petals in more blue, orange, and some fruity magenta.

I made several different types of beaded flowers, and some green discs that would fill in for the lime-shaped leaves that I wasn’t able to recreate. For the rope, I chose 8/o seed beads in turquoise blue, pumpkin orange, black, and white. Instead of an asymmetrical pattern, I took my inspiration straight from the colors of a toucan. Once everything was ready to assemble, I also added some lime and emerald green 15/o seed beads for extra leafy fringe.

Technically, this necklace didn’t turn out anything like the one I had originally pictured, but I like it much better. My favorite moment of triumph is the tiny flower bud, which I made to match the magenta flowers. Instead of using circular brick stitch, I started with a ladder base, and stitched the yellow druk in last.

I decided at the very last minute not to include the green Swarovski minis, because they seemed to clash a little with the other shapes, colors, and textures. So far, I haven’t been able to come up with any ideas for how to use them, so they’ve gone back to the stash until something appears in the night.

Copyright 2013 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Book Spotlight: Zulu Inspired Beadwork

Because so many of the beadweaving techniques that we have come to love have ancient origins, it’s only natural when we want to use them to make traditional looking jewelry and beaded art. The beading methods, colors, and patterns that we choose can result in designs that make us look back to our roots, and appreciate the innovations of the beaders before us.

All over the world, the art of beadwork is still being used for traditional adornment, and being passed down through generations not only for social and ceremonial purposes, but to give families a source of income by supplying unique jewelry for international trade. Some of the most beautiful and intriguing beadwork comes from Africa - a continent where beads and jewelry are an important, though not always pleasant, part of history.

In Zulu Inspired Beadwork,renowned beader Diane Fitzgerald shares some of these histories, along with beautiful descriptions of traditional beadwork from South Africa. Diane goes into great detail about the origins of the beads and techniques used by Zulu women to create their work, the importance and meaning of the colors they prefer, and how the beadwork is used both personally, and as wares for the tourist trade.

After visiting villages, studying the beadwork, and even deconstructing finished pieces, Diane has completed full tutorials for some of the most popular and stunning Zulu beading techniques. Some of them will be familiar to readers, like the Ladder Chain (African Helix) and Zig-Zag (Chevron) chain. Others are departures from basic techniques like ladder stitch and netting, and some are completely unique.

There are 22 Zulu beadweaving techniques covered in the book, each with step-by-step instructions and clear diagrams. Diane has provided many examples of color and pattern variations, and many of the projects include photographs of genuine Zulu designs to help inspire you.

If you enjoy making unique pieces, or want to explore new and exciting techniques, Zulu Inspired Beadworkwill provide many new ideas and test your skills!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
Diane Fitzgerald and Interweave Press
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World Beaders: Australia

Grab your guide books, beaders! Today we’re going on a trip to Australia. Home of the Bead Society of Victoria, and the world’s number one source for opals, Australia is filled with unique inspirations of all kinds. From the diverse and exclusive wildlife, to gorgeous traditional artwork, it is a feast for the eyes!

The continent of Australia was settled by European colonists in the late 18th century, before which indigenous peoples flourished, with as many as 300 separate nations with their own unique languages. Aboriginal art is among the most long-lived forms of art in the world, with Papunya Tula dot painting being one of the most recognizable styles.

Happy beading, Australia!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Inspired Beaders: Soul of Somanya

Here on Inspirational Beading, we often get to see some amazing handmade beads, or jewelry designs that have a great story. Today, we get both! You may already be familiar with the gorgeous handmade products from Soul of Somanya - a fair-trade style bead and jewelry project based in Ghana, West Africa. Co-founder and director, Mel MacDuffee, joins us today to share a little insight into this wonderful organization, and how it all began.

Mel: Most people here call me Mel...my African name is Manye Dede Adanki Banahene III. “Manye” means “Queen Mother,” (I was made an honorary Queen Mother on my first visit to Ghana) and “Dede” means “first-born.” Someone there told me that “Adanki” means “Brave, Wise & Stubborn,” but that remains unconfirmed. “Banahene” is the surname of the Krobo family of which I am now a member. I am (by their customs and beliefs) the third in a line of Adanki’s in their family—hence the “III.” But the most mind- boggling part is that I instantaneously became the mother of I’m-not-yet-sure- how-many Banahene children and/or adults. Still trying to figure that one out.

Inspirational Beading: When did you first get started with beads and jewelry design?

Mel: Actually, I started out as a crocheter. I had developed a technique called “Overlay Crochet,” which I started applying to making crocheted jewelry. That’s what my first book, Crochet Overlay Jewelry (Leisure Arts, 2006), was about. But the real push came when my travel-writing business crashed after 9/11 and, after years of working for myself, I reluctantly applied for a job at a local bead store. Much to my surprise, I found that I loved working there. I started learning all different kinds of beading techniques, although I found myself increasingly drawn towards delicate wirework. Eventually, I started publishing some of my designs. It was one of those designs that ultimately led to the founding of Soul of Somanya.

Inspirational Beading: How did this passion lead to the creation of Soul of Somanya?

Mel: Somehow, a group of beadmakers in the Krobo region of Ghana, West Africa, got hold of an issue of Bead & Button magazine, in which I happened to have an earring design, along with my email address. Traditionally, the Krobo artisans have strung their beads on pieces of cotton string or twisted raffia, tying them off with bulky knots. Now, seeing what the rest of the world was doing with beads, they wanted to learn some of our fancier techniques. So I woke up one morning to an email inviting me to come to Ghana and teach them.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite bead design or style?

Mel: Well, of course I’m pretty partial to the Krobo powdered glass beads, especially the hand-painted ones. I got to watch the whole process of how they’re made the first time I went to Ghana, and I was awed by the amount of time, skill and creativity that goes into them.

Inspirational Beading: What’s the most interesting or unique thing about the bead making process?

Mel: I think the fact that they’re made out of recycled glass is important in a world that is finally becoming more conscious of the need to re-use and recycle. But I also love the fact that the homemade kilns in which the beads are fired are made of termite clay. It turns out that termite saliva is a binding agent that allows the artisans to fire at higher temperatures without their kilns cracking. I’ve always wondered who figured that out.

Inspirational Beading: How have your experiences in Ghana influenced your own designs?

Mel: My previous wirework tended to be extremely light and lacy. These chunkier beads have led me into experimenting with making heavier kinds of wire beads and lace. I also do a lot more stringing than I used to in order to find harmonious ways of combining the colors and the various styles of beads made by the Krobo people.

Inspirational Beading: What’s your favorite thing about working with beadmakers in Ghana?

Mel: I don’t really work directly with the beadmakers these days, except by trying to buy the beads we use and resell directly from individual artisans when we can, so that they can keep the full retail price of their beads rather than having to share it with their bead sellers. The young people who actually earn a living wage working for Soul of Somanya don’t make the beads—they make the jewelry. But my favorite thing about working with both groups has been their absolutely fearless approach to learning. They don’t seem to worry about messing up as so many of us here do, so they are free to just plunge in with joy and verve and give it their best shot. Consequently, they learn with astonishing speed.

Inspirational Beading: What is the most exciting bead or jewelry design in stock right now?

Mel: I really love the Adinkra earrings our artisans produce. They feature a range of traditional Ghanaian symbols meaning everything from “Strength & Humility” to “Friendship & Interdependence” to “Grace Under Hardship”.

Inspirational Beading: Are there any new projects or products on the horizon for Soul of Somanya?

Mel: I’m so glad you asked me that! Yes, we’re currently running a campaign on an online “crowdfunding” site called Indiegogo, where we’re raising money to launch a whole new line of products featuring the incredibly beautiful textiles produced in Ghana. It’s a very user-friendly site, and we are offering “perks” that are worth more in Soul of Somanya goods than the actual value of the contribution made. For example, for a contribution of $20.00 we give back a gift certificate for $20.00 plus a 15% discount that can be applied to the same purchase. So people actually come out ahead by supporting the campaign.

If we can raise enough money, we’ll eventually be offering handbags, tote bags, laptop and iPad sleeves, cell phone cases, men’s ties, etc. This will allow us to offer living-wage jobs to more of the at-risk young people in the Somanya area, ensuring that they will not have to become street prostitutes or thieves in order to feed their children and support older members of their families.

Inspirational Beading: Who do you hope to inspire with your work?

Mel: We try hard to help people understand the importance of supporting 3rd world artisans and agricultural producers by purchasing their products. My own interest, and that of most of our regular customers, is a humanitarian one. But if that isn’t a strong enough motivator, we try to encourage enlightened self-interest. Because, whether we are willing to acknowledge it or not, we are no longer a world comprised of dozens of unrelated economies. If the recent crashes in various Europe economies hasn’t amply demonstrated that, I don’t know what ever will. We are a world economy now. Our economic health depends upon that of every other nation in the world. So when we behave generously towards others, we are being generous to ourselves as well. And in the process, we are extending a compassionate hand to the half of the world’s population that struggles to survive on a couple of dollars a day.

You can learn more about Soul of Somanya, their products, artisans, and mission of hope on their website. To support their upcoming line of handmade textiles, visit their funding page on Indiegogo. Beautiful artisan beads and finished jewelry are also available for immediate purchase on Etsy. To see more photos from Ghana, beautiful jewelry, and lots of other bead goodness, check out Mel’s Soul of Somanya Blog.

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
Melody MacDuffee and Soul of Somanya
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One Zebra Necklace

It’s only been a week, but it feels like I‘ve been away from Inspirational Beading forever. It’s good to be back! The first thing I have to show you this week is something you may have already seen a peek of on Facebook. This necklace has many inspirations: an asymmetrical necklace I spotted on Pinterest, tribal colors and patterns, and some very ordinary wooden macramé beads.

I wanted to make something with a very simple, asymmetrical construction, so when I looked again at the beads in my destash selection and spotted some plain macramé beads, a little light went on. I also grabbed some gunmetal E beads, and got to work on a palette that would suit me.

I have quite a few seed bead colors that are dwindling, and I paired up several opaque and transparent colors that would make good coverings for the macramé beads. I started with two brown palettes, hoping for a leopard print look, and added green for a nice contrast. To add the final element, I made one beaded bead with solid black and white stripes.

Because I would be stringing with Fireline, I wanted to add strength and stability to the necklace, so I also included some tortoiseshell druks to weave loops around. I split the beaded beads into three sections, and made a separate chain for each, leaving plenty of room to weave in lots of thread.

I had so much fun making this piece that I’m thrilled to have lots of macramé beads left over. Hopefully I can come up with another interesting palette soon!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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Wild Feather Necklace

For my last destash mission, I tackled some pretty little seed bead cubes. After making three cuff bracelets, and carefully choosing the best beads for the job, I was left with a small handful of cubes with very sharp edges. Though I was determined to use them all up, I didn’t want to stitch with these remainders. Whatever project they ended up in, it would have to involve single strands with seed beads between each cube to act as bumpers.

As soon as I had that image in mind, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with these cubes, right down to the colors. All I could see was an alternating pattern of turquoise cubes with red seed beads, and I couldn’t wait to get started. I played around with palettes/pattern combinations for awhile, and finally decided to just let the beads decide what colors would go where. All I had to do was pick a method.

I wanted a multi-strand necklace, and I wanted it to be easy to make. My last attempt at metal-free multi-strand without a complicated beadwork base was fairly successful, but I didn’t relish the idea of stringing thousands of seed beads onto a single thread. I decided to try a different approach that would work up much faster, with stronger results, and allow for a variety of different strand patterns.

Instead of working with a single continuous strand, I made several small ones until the beads ran out. Then all I had to do was gather them up with seed bead loops, anchored to some matching beadwork. Instead of spiral rope anchors, this time I used reverse daisy chain with the last of my black-and-white druks. I was able to mimic all of the opaque colors in the strands except for blue, and I actually prefer the omission.

My destash challenge is going to start getting a lot tougher from here on, since I’ve used up some of my favorite beads, and I’m left with a lot of miscellaneous focals and odd beads. I’m not sure that I’ll be able to top this necklace, which turned out to be so much more than the beads that it started with.

I can't help thinking that the combination of opaque colors and stripes resembles feathers from some kind of exotic game bird. I was so very tempted to call this necklace "Wild Turkey". What do you see?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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Poster Sketch: African Metal

I have consulted my crystal ball* and we have a winner! Congratulations to Pixiloo of A Work in Progress, who has won a fun selection of tribal beads. Thank you so much to everyone who entered!

This month, I asked what your favorite cultural influences are. With so many beading techniques from all around the world, it's not surprising that your answers were so varied and unique. Pixiloo says that one of her favorite inspirations is African metal beads.

Not only are these beauties the ultimate in upcycling, but they have a gorgeous rustic quality to them, with an underlying nobility. I had a look around for some examples of African metal beads, and found a these delightful designs:

Happy beading!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
* Random.org
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Bead Giveaway: Savannah Collection

My beading challenge for 2012 - to destash some long hoarded beads - has two benefits. Not only will I finally have to find the inspiration to use beads that I’ve been overlooking for a long time, but I’ll also have a lot more space for those beads that I want to use again and again. Plus, I’m hoping to relocate my home and studio later this year, and fewer beads means fewer boxes to pack and carry.

To help get both of these goals underway, I have decided it’s finally time to share my favorite acrylic beads. I can’t explain what has made me hold on to them for so long, even though I have given up using plastics in my designs. Only a fellow bead hoarder could possibly understand. And now I hope to find these little treasures a new home with someone who can appreciate how fantastic they are!

To get things started with a bang, I’m going to be giving away one of my all time favorite sets of beads. These pieces have been collected from a variety of sources, but they all have one thing in common - they have a distinct tribal flair. There are a few animal print pieces, some imitation bone, some long tubes with a wood-like finish, and three gorgeous tribal design buttons in bone and amber colors. Together or separate, these beads have a lot of potential!

How to Enter

For a chance to win these beautiful acrylic beads, plus a handful of Czech seed beads in orange and yellow, simply leave a comment on this post, and answer the following question:

What is your favorite cultural influence for beading inspiration?

One lucky winner will be drawn at random on Wednesday, February 8th. If you don’t have a Blogger profile with email contact enabled, please be sure to leave a contact link in your comment, so I can get in touch with you if you win! This giveaway is open to readers from Canada and the US.

Good luck, and happy beading!



Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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New Beads: Indonesia

When I first decided that my 2011 New Year’s resolution would be to try out new beads every month, I had my sights set on really unique materials, like one of a kind lampwork and vintage treasures. I have found some fantastic focals along the way, and learned a lot about my own beading preferences and abilities.

Towards the end of the year, I had to make some adjustments to my goal, since ever shrinking bead budgets left little room for expensive art beads and one-use components. Although I’m glad I had this challenge to give me the chance to try out other things, like long magatamas, I wanted to make sure that the final New Beads design was a big one. Luckily, December is always a little fatter than the rest of the year, and I was able to finally make a trip back to Happy Mango Beads for some irresistible goodies.

The selection on the website is large and varied, and since I didn’t have a specific focal style in mind for the last challenge piece, I started in the new arrivals section. Much to my delight, I came across some adorably charming face pendants from Indonesia. I was even more thrilled to discover that they are made from glass - no metals, gems, or plastic! I didn’t even hesitate to snap them up. I couldn’t walk away without a few strands of this and that, and I found some beautiful dyed buri nuts, also from Indonesia, and added them to my African Christmas beads and white hearts.

When I saw my new face pendant in person, I had a long debate about how I was going to use it. Such a beautiful bead deserves a great background, but did I want to make something so elaborate that it would take away from the fine details in the pendant? And with so many different accent colors to draw from, how could I choose a palette that would work with both the beadwork and the focal?

At the risk of boring even myself, I was drawn to use a simple beaded chain - my favorite treatment for unique focals. The advantage to such an uncomplicated necklace would be the extra room for color play. So, I gathered up an assortment of brown beads, plus orange, yellow, red and turquoise green to match the decorative glass face.

I love the natural element that the buri beads bring to the chain, and their size allows the smaller, more colorful beads to sit in the background a little, balancing the design. Although this wasn’t exactly the ‘big’ necklace I had envisioned for the twelfth and final piece, I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Trying out these Indonesian treasures was exactly the experience that I had hoped for last January.

Thank you so much for following along and supporting me during this challenge. The new mission for 2012 will be revealed soon, and I’ll be inviting beaders and bloggers to join in the fun!


Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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