Work in Progress: Interim RAW

It’s been a long week of not much beading here in my workspace. The two tutorial projects that I’ve been working on are stalled while I wait for time and sunlight to get the next round of photos in. So I’ve mostly been adding new rows to the culled bead RAW monstrosity.

The RAW is coming along really nicely, although I’ve barely made a dent in my collection of culled beads. Hopefully this means that I’ll be able to go forward with the design that I have planned. I’m hoping I’ll be able to add at least another 15 inches or so of beadwork before the next stage.

I’ve been adding larger beads like 8/o’s and TOHO triangles to the edges here and there, but they’re starting to pile up nonetheless. I’ll probably end up having a bead cup to capture the larger beads as they start to take up too much space. I’ll be able to incorporate them into stage two when it’s time to add embellishments and such.

One thing that I’ve noticed during this project that hasn’t come up before is how much more obvious nylon tail threads are compared to Fireline. Because the thread is so much softer, it always seems to be in the way. As this swatch of right angle weave has grown, I’ve been stopping every few additions to weave in old tails. Normally I would just leave them all in place and weave everything in at the end, but that just isn’t an option here.

What are you working on this week?

Mortira

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Copyright 2016 Inspirational Beading

Work in Progress: Charm Experiment

This week I’m wrapping up my first attempt at recreating a charm necklace with just beads. I wanted a light and slinky beaded chain, so I went with a single strand of right angle weave, then added some accent bead dangles. Although I often add accents as a separate piece, for this design I’d really like the ‘charms’ to be attached, so I tried weaving them in with additional RAW clusters. This first experiment hasn’t really turned out as planned, so it’s back to the drawing board.

For my next attempt, I’m thinking of adding accents directly onto the chain, so that I can use separate bails for the charms but block them from sliding off of the chain. Unless another idea comes along in the meantime. I might not get this idea working until the new year, as I’m now using most of my beading time to work on handmade presents. I’m very excited about the project that I’m making this year, which is going to include some bead embroidery - maybe a little, or maybe a lot! I’ll post some pictures as soon as I can.

What are you making right now?

Mortira

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Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading

Work in Progress: Messy, Messy RAW

This week I got started on my new abstract/ugly necklace design, using nothing but culled seed beads. I’ve always got an old tealight cup on my bead tray to collect beads that are a little wonky, and after so many years of beading, I’ve collected a lot of them. They’re the perfect material for an ugly necklace, and my plan is to stitch a great big swatch of them with right angle weave. This will be the base for my piece, which will probably include some embellishments of assorted bead leftovers and some Unfinished Objects.

I’ve still got a tray of lime green 8/os waiting to be put away after shooting some photos for an upcoming tutorial. I’ve got 3 different projects lined up for you in the coming weeks. The one I’ve just completed is so much fun – I think you’re going to really love it. Keep watching for that one!

What are you making right now?

Mortira

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Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading

Work in Progress: A Hint of Cobalt

This week I’m wrapping up a couple of pendant projects, including a new multistrand piece featuring a ceramic focal from the Blueberry Cove Beads Autumn collection. I love the earthy finish on the beads, and I wanted to dress it up with some similar hues and a splash of color. I couldn’t resist pairing up Autumn Tucson gold with cobalt blue. I think a little brown iris for the third strand will work nicely, and then I’m in the mood for a new herringbone fringe piece.

The shell pendant project turned out pretty well, though the glass daggers don't have quite the same impact as the baroque pearls I used in previous variations.

We haven’t yet finished our new embroidery pendant. Most of my beading gets done late at night, and I’m sorry to say that I keep forgetting to ask for the final two color choices on this one. I’m looking forward to an actual two-day weekend coming up, so hopefully I’ll be able to get some daytime beading in a finally finish this one.

What are you making right now?

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
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Work in Progress: Reboot Cuff

This week I’m working on refurbishing a bracelet design from many years ago. I recently pulled some old jewelry out of my stash and starting wearing it, and I was happy to discover that although I had decided to take most of them out of my shop for one reason or another, they’re actually right at home in my own wardrobe. One of my favorite pieces right now is a right angle weave cuff with a fall ombré palette. I like it so much that I really want to see if I can rework it to fit my shop right now.

It took a while to decide how I was going to work the pattern, since there’s very few ways to create any kind of order in openwork raw like this. Most rows are shared with other sections, so stripes aren’t easily rendered. As I was imagining different possibilities, I thought of doing black and white stripes between sold cells of color and a little lightbulb went on.

I decided to keep the 3-bead cells intact for now, so I had to go with alternating rows of black and white instead of stripes within them, but so far I’m loving how it looks. I’m planning to add a little ombré to this new cuff as well, but all in blue.

The new broad collar that I was working on turned out perfectly, even though the hammer shell heishi are a little bulky. The pattern of 8/o and 6/o beads along the center nets came out especially nice, and I plan to incorporate it into a similar design sometime in the future. I also found time to whip up a strung necklace with turquoise glass and gold pearls.

What are you making this week?

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
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Work in Progress: Tagua and RAW

There are some pretty exciting colors on my bead tray right now, as I finish up the first of my planned projects for using up some of my tagua slices. I had picked up a few shell charms to go with them last year, and now I’m very glad for the extra inspiration.

The charm I chose for this necklace has a floral design, so I paired the purple up with creamsicle orange and turquoise for a bright spring look. I had planned to use cobalt blue for the third right angle weave chain, but discovered that I had plenty of cobalt iris, which almost perfectly matches that tagua and has a lustered finish that goes with the other seed beads.

I’m also determined to finish up the emerald medallion with Toho triangles that my helper and I started months ago. Once that’s complete, my bead tray will be nice and tidy for more new projects. While counting all of my seed beads for inventory, I put aside all single packets of leftover Japanese rounds that I’m not likely to purchase again, and sorted them into palettes for color block cuffs. Can’t wait to get started!

What are you making right now?

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
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Work in Progress: Tubular RAW

I’ve been away from my workspace quite a bit more than usual this week, with a new work schedule keeping me busy, but the new fringe necklace is coming along nicely. This is how my workspace looked yesterday, and since then I’ve added a button and finished off all the threads on the Montana blue right angle weave rope. Tonight, I’ll be adding the fringe, and I’m really looking forward to trying out the new style that I have in mind.

I uncovered some new but forgotten shell charms in my stash while taking inventory, so I’m hoping to get at least one new tagua pendant on the go this weekend, if all goes well. Then I might follow a craving for some more bugles.

What are you making right now?

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
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Work in Progress: Druks and Fringe

At last I’ve completed the blue bugle cuff and moved on to a new project. This week I’m getting started on using up some druk colors that I’ve had in my stash for far too long. Some of them have been around for years, never really getting used. Although a steady stream of jet black and turquoise have paraded through my stash, the purples, pinks and bright reds are starting to wear out their welcome.

As I was finishing up the cuff, I pondered a few different ways that I could use these amethyst AB druks. In order to work around a color that doesn’t usually fit with my designs, I’d have to make them blend in with seed beads in just the right way. There aren’t enough for netting, and too many for lariat fringe, so I decided to go with a new rope fringe necklace. The design I imagined had longer, thicker fringe than my usual pieces, so I’m changing things up a bit. The Montana sapphire rope will be done in tubular right angle weave, which will produce a slightly daintier base than herringbone. I’m also going to add some layered fringe, though I haven’t quite worked out the perfect pattern yet.

What are you making right now?

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
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Work in Progress: Secret Right Angle Weave

My top secret projects and beading experiments are moving along, and this week I’m working with a little right angle weave. It’s tough to explain how excited I am about the soft neutral palette for this project without letting the secret out, but perhaps its enough to say that I’m incorporating a new bead color that’s simply gorgeous. Pearl cream Czech seed beads are among some of my new gold replacements, and it’s amazing how well they work with different colors. I can’t wait to use more of them in the future.

The medallions that I was working on are mostly complete. Some didn’t work out at all and have been added to my scrap pile, while the special embroidery pendants are turning out great. I’m not quite ready for the big reveal just yet, but it should be coming soon!

What are you making this week?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
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More Beaded Body Parts

Warning: This post features (im)mature content.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to say this, but…The April’s Army shop is now open! This month, Regretsy readers and fans are raising funds to purchase the very best in service dog equipment, to help a young woman live life to the fullest. You can learn more about the fundraiser on Regretsy. But first, let’s have a look at some of the amazing handmade items that are up for grabs! (Don't linger too long though, as items tend to move fast!)

Before I show you the piece that I created, I want to say that it’s designed after something that I normally wouldn’t consider for jewelry inspiration. It’s actually kind of awful. In fact, if you don’t recognize it, I don’t recommend trying to figure out what it is. Seriously, do not Google it. My consolation is that when you laugh at something, you take it’s power away. And this particular topic has been turned into a huge source of laughter on Regretsy, and in turn helped to raise a lot of money for very worthy causes.

To create my donation, I used matte black seed beads, and a beautiful mixture of blue Miyuki seed beads that I purchased with some rewards points at Auntie’s Beads. As soon as I saw them, I knew they were destined for something great! It took some time to decide on a method for the necklace chain. I ended up modifying the round right angle weave a little to get a nice, sturdy chain.

You can see this “Blue Moon” necklace, and other amazing creations in the April’s Army WePay shop. This is a new selling platform who’s main appeal is complete freedom from PayPal. Anyone can shop in the store, but seller accounts are currently limited to US residents. If that’s you, I highly recommend checking them out!

Without any further ado, here are some of my favorite jewelry designs from this month’s fundraiser:

Caged Pearl Bracelet
by Slipstream Blue





Hellephant Pendant
by Quiddity Designs





Circuit Board Bracelet
by The Blue Kraken





Winds of the Orient Collar
by MBush Digital Art





Red Beads Bracelet
by Sew Goth

Here’s to crafting for a cause!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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A Bracelet a Week: Time Piece

I find myself in a bit of a pickle this week - I’m four days behind with last week’s bracelet post, and the weekend is fast approaching. I’m going to count this as a slight hiccup in the challenge, only because I was able to finish the bracelet in the usual time. Photographs and posts are another matter.

I have discovered a new appreciation for beaders, bloggers and handmade sellers who carry on full time day jobs in addition to everything else! I used to think that there weren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done, and now I’m just happy to get the important things out of the way while everything else piles up.

I have been away from the bookstore business for a few years now, and I’m delighted to be back, despite the drastic changes in my daily schedule. I have a lot of reading to catch up on, and loving that as well. I forgot how much I missed having my nose in a book at every opportunity, and I finally have a reason to make use of Goodreads.

I have also discovered that the less time there is for beading, the more reluctant I am to do it. It seems that beading only feels worthwhile if I can devote myself to it totally. I’ve never enjoyed doing something in fits and starts. Things are going to be a little quieter here on Inspirational Beading as the holidays approach, but I’m still determined to keep this challenge going. There are only a handful of weeks left, after all. I hope to see you at the finish line!

In any case, I had an extra day to get some work done last week, and I decided I would take the opportunity to make something different, something that wasn’t a guaranteed success. I went through my list of bracelet ideas from the beginning of the challenge, but of the designs that have yet to be crossed off, I found nothing that appealed to me at the moment. I went through my accent beads, waiting for inspiration, and came away with nothing. What to do?

I decided to let color be my guide instead, and turned to one of the western inspired palettes I had created earlier this month. I really loved the look of jonquil and aqua cube beads with transparent ruby, and created a palette very similar to the original. The cube beads inspired a new bracelet shape, with a square stitch base and bands of right angle weave. I love the watch-like shape of the beadwork, and the simplicity of the three bold colors. It was a risky project, but turned out great!




Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Beading Tutorial: Square Openwork RAW

Although right angle weave is considered a beading stitch, it is really more of a method, because the are no limits to the ways that we can use it to connect and weave beads of all shapes and sizes. The basic right angle weave stitch developed by David Chatt is built from a unit of four seed beads in a cluster, using a single needle technique. The figure-eight motion of the thread can also be applied to other bead sizes and shapes, or multiple bead units, and is a more complex version of a double needle stitch called cross weave.

A recent Bracelet a Week design using openwork RAW with square units sparked a discussion on the shape of this right angle weave variation. A finished panel will have edges that are rounded, instead of straight like the inner units. The inside walls of each row form straight vertical and horizontal lines because they are being pulled in two different directions by the path of the thread. The sections along the sides of the beadwork are less structured, because they are not anchored by neighboring units. Fortunately, there is a way to tighten up these edges without drastically changing the look of the beadwork.

How to Stitch Square Openwork Right Angle Weave:

First, determine how large you want each window or cluster to be, and how many beads will be needed for each wall of the RAW units. Pick up four sets of these beads to make the base RAW unit. For this example panel, each unit will have 3 beads per side, so 12 seed beads are needed to start.

Weave through all of the beads again and pull snug to form a circle, then pass through the first three sets of beads. You don’t need a stop bead to work this stitch, but it does help to keep the tail thread secure at the desired length, and provides good tension for the base unit.

Pick up three sets of seed beads (9 for the example stitch), and pass through the previous set of beads in the ring, moving in the same direction as the working thread. Pull snug to form a ring with the new beads, which now shares one ‘wall’ with the previous unit.

Pass through the first two sets of beads just picked up and pull snug. The beadwork should now begin taking on the square shape, which will even out as new rows are added. As you work, try to remember the basic figure-eight motion of right angle weave.

Pick up three new sets of beads, and chase the thread through the previous unit, passing through the shared wall of beads. Pull snug to form the new square. Continue adding units this way until the panel reaches the desired width or number of squares.

To begin the next row, weave through the final unit added to step up, exiting from the top wall. Pick up three sets of beads and add a new cluster as before. Pull snug, and pass through the first set of beads just added.

Pick up two sets of beads, and pass through the top wall of the unit below, in the previous row. This will form a new unit with two walls being shared instead of just one. Pass through the entire square, and through the next set of beads from the previous row to begin the next unit.

Hint: If your base row has an odd number of units, your thread path will move in the opposite direction. Just follow the figure eight pattern, making sure that each new stitch is shared with the last unit added, and the row below. Continue building rows until the panel reaches the desired length.

You can see how the beadwork has a grid-like shape in the center, but rounded edges. To help add structure to the outer walls, simply add seed beads between each set. This will give the outer walls a stronger foundation.

Once a bead has been stitched into each set on one side, you can see the difference in shape. If you are working a long panel of square RAW, the beadwork may begin to pucker as you add the foundation beads. To prevent this, weave all the way around every third or fourth unit as you add seed beads. This will anchor the thread so that it doesn’t pull on previous stitches and allow the beadwork to remain flat.

This openwork stitch is great for bracelets, but can also be used to make beaded beads, necklace straps and chokers, and pendants for bib necklaces. It is also really fun to embellish with accent beads or seed beads in a contrasting color.

Happy beading!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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DIY Beaded Zipper Pulls

Nearly every beading tutorial book has at least one project for a non-wearable beaded object or accessory, and one of the most common is tassels and fobs that can be used as fan pulls and zipper pulls. Although they can be gorgeous, and a fun way to showcase beads, I’ve never felt the desire to make one myself just for fun.

Then necessity became my inspiration. On a recent thrifting trip, I picked up a really cute leather purse that was in great shape. But, after only a few weeks, I managed to wear out the zipper pull, leaving only a little ring to grasp while opening and closing the pouch.

So I went on a hunt for some beaded zipper pull or key chain tutorials and project ideas, looking for a fun design to use on my purse. Here are some of my favorites:

Spirals Micro Macrame Keychain Tutorial by KnotGypsy - This one is so pretty, and would be a great project for leftover beads.
Frog Prince 3D Keychain by Cassandra Elizabeth - So cute! A great idea for using kits and 3D beading patterns.

Two-Dimensional Star Dangle by Lynn of 3DBeading.com - Simple and beautiful. This one might not stand up to lots of wear, so it might be nice paired with a length of chain.
Beaded Wire Wrap Keychain Tutorial from Tatertots and Jello - Classic and simple, another great leftover bead option.

And two more simple beaded designs:

Easy Beaded Zipper Pull Tutorial from Childmade
Knotted Zipper Pull Tutorial from Five Little Ladies

I also thought it might be fun to adapt those funky animal shapes woven with plastic pony beads, and use 6/o seed beads instead. And sure enough, I found a seed beads animals project that uses the classic technique.

Although I found a lot of projects that I liked, none of them quite fit my style. Instead, I turned to my collection of Un-Finished Objects for a solution. I found a pair of RAW beaded rings that I had made for a chain link bracelet and never used. I added an old key ring and some peyote strips and made my own custom zipper pull.

I like the look of the bag a lot more than before! I think it’s excellent proof that beads can do so much more than make great jewelry. Perhaps I’ll have to look for more ways to dress up my universe with beads.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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A Bracelet a Week: Pink Fire Polish

One of my favorite things about extended beading challenges is the opportunity to try out new things, and rotate some of the materials in my bead stash. What better time is there to finally get around to using beads that have just been hanging around?

This week I decided to tackle a packet of pink fire polish beads that I had purchased earlier this year. I picked them up because they so closely resembled the 2011 It color, Honeysuckle. Then I put them away and basically forgot all about them.

To make sure that I could use as many of the beads as possible - hopefully all of them at once - I wanted a bracelet design that could hold a lot of accent beads. I started by choosing a base color, and the first thing that caught my eye was colonial gray lined crystal. They have a shimmer that matches the finish on the fire polish perfectly. Plus gray and pink always look fabulous together.

Next I had to decide on a technique that would allow both beads lots of room to play. I finally decided on openwork right angle weave, with the fire polish stitched in at the end. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to get the width that I wanted, and be able to cover the entire cuff with pink accents, but I went ahead anyway, hoping that the right pattern would come to mind as I worked.

When it came time to add the fire polish, I had no idea what I was going to do. I thought about doing a random network of columns, but I didn’t like the uncertainty. Instead, I decided to make some pyramids.

The pattern turned out great, and there were only a few fire polish left over. I love the look of the raised pink triangles, and recessed gray ones. I wonder what other inspirations are now lurking in the bead cupboard?

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Tila Right Angle Weave Tutorial

Last week I promised to share the openwork right angle weave technique behind my new Tila bead cuffs. The RAW variation uses Miyuki’s unique two-hole beads and seed beads, and can easily be adapted with different patterns and accents.

In order to incorporate the Tilas into the beadwork, you must make a turn by adding accents to either side of the squares. Both 8/o and 11/o beads work well, or you could also use small magatamas. If you don’t mind a little thread showing, skip the accents and do the turn stitch naked. There are lots of possibilities!

This tutorial will also show an example of a striped pattern within the beadwork. The rows of seed bead loops are connected horizontally, and separated by the Tilas, so you can create different looks by switching your bead colors.

In order to make the stitches a little more intuitive, it helps think of how each circle is being built. The RAW units are actually rectangles, with 3 beads in the short sides, and 7 in the long sides. A Tila represents 3 seed beads, so those walls will have 2 seed beads on either side of the Tila to make 7 (2 + 3 +2).

In these directions, I’ll give the actual bead counts for each stitch, as well as a breakdown that separates them by ‘sides’.

Right Angle Weave with Tilas:

1. Use a stop bead to mark a tail on a comfortable length of beading thread. The length of the tail will vary depending on how you want to finish your project. Ten inches is a good length to start with.

2. Pick up 2 seed beads, 1 Tila, and 15 seed beads (2 + 3 + 7 +3). Pass through the first two seed beads, and the Tila bead again.

This first unit makes a rectangle with sides of 3 beads, 7 beads, 3 beads, and a side with 2 seed beads, a Tila, and 2 seed beads. Like any variation of right angle weave, each new cluster will build off this first unit, and will have the same basic structure, with sides being shared.

3. To reach the other set of Tila holes, we need to do a turn by adding the accents. Pick up one 11/o or 8/o sized bead, and pass through the next hole in the Tila bead, on the same side that your thread is exiting. Pull snug.



4. Pick up one accent, and pass through the opposite Tila hole on this side. To step up, pass through the first accent bead added again, and through the Tila.

5. Pick up 7 seed beads, 1 Tila, and 7 seed beads (2 + 3 + 2 + Tila + 2 + 3 + 2). Pass through the previous Tila from the opposite side, chasing your working thread. Note how the first and last 2 seed beads will complete the Tila’s side of the new rectangular unit.

6. Pass through the first 7 beads picked up, and through the Tila. Pull snug to form the next unit.

7. Add two accent beads and step up. This step will always be the same throughout the beadwork, but you can change up the accent beads to create different patterns.



8. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to add more RAW units, with a step up between each, until your beadwork us just short of the desired width.

9. Pick up 17 seed beads (2 + 3 + 7 + 3 + 2). Pass through the previous Tila again, and pull snug to form the final unit. Pass through the first 15 beads again. Note how the thread exits between a 3 bead side, and a Tila side.

10. To start the next row, pick up 2 seed beads, 1 Tila, and 12 seed beads (2 + Tila + 2 + 3 + 7). Pass through the short side of the previous unit - 3 beads back from where the thread is exiting. Pull snug to form the new unit.

11. Pass through the first 2 seed beads and the Tila. Add 2 accent beads and step up.



12. Pick up 2 seed beads, and pass through the middle 3 beads of the next unit in the previous row.

13. Pick up 2 seed beads, 1 Tila, and 7 seed beads (2 + 3 + 2). Pass through the previous Tila, and continue through the following 7 seed beads (2 + 3 +2), and the Tila just added.

14. Add two accent beads and step up.



15. Repeat steps 12 and 13 for each new unit, with a step up between each. At the end of the row, pick up 2 seed beads, and pass through the 3 side beads of the lower unit.

16. Pick up 12 seed beads, and pass through the previous Tila. Pull snug to form the final unit of the row.

17. Pass through the first 15 seed beads of the unit, and exit from the short side to begin the next row.



That’s it! Simply repeat these steps to add more rows as desired. If you’re already familiar with openwork right angle weave, it’s just a matter or remembering to add accents to the Tilas, and count your additions as separate ‘walls’ or sides. The more you do it, the easier it gets.

For a variation, you can make the first row the long side of your beadwork, and build only a few more rows onto it, so the Tilas and seed bead rows are vertical instead of horizontal.

Happy beading!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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