Work in Progress: Ocean Cuff

This week I’m just about ready to finish the first project in the peyote stitch Master Class series. I don’t want to reveal too much right now, but the first installment will include some stitch basics and a practice project. The cuff has a very simple beach-inspired pattern that accentuates the stitch but doesn’t over complicate things. I’m very excited to get the series started!

I haven’t had a chance to add any work to the herringbone necklace, so it’s still sitting in the wings. It’s always a challenge to coordinate the projects I want or need to work on with photography time, especially in winter when there’s so much less light to work with. Hopefully I’ll be able to get some serious work in over the weekend. If there’s time to spare, I might even add a few rows to the messy RAW project.

What are you making right now?

Mortira

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Copyright 2016 Inspirational Beading

Bead Embroidered Ocean Scene

I have a whole list of new inspirations, projects, and tutorials to work on, but for the moment they’re all on hold while I complete a bead embroidered Christmas present. I’m having a really great time working on this project, which is going to be a pouch for art supplies when it’s complete.

When I sat down to work on this piece, I had absolutely no idea what it was going to look like, or what kind of design I was going to stitch. Then I spotted some Czech glass fish that I happened to have in my workspace, and an idea started to take shape. I stitched on the fish and added a border of blue and green seed beads. From there, I picked out a few additional accents and then just let my beads decide where to go.

So far I’ve added a wave of O-beads and an assortment of accents like glass nautilus shells. I’ve been working in little patches, going back and forth to different areas and adding whatever looks best. The finished design should be covered with evenly spaced yet totally random embellishments and look like a sparkling underwater scene. I can’t wait to see how it turns out!

Do you use your beading skills for gift giving? What’s your favorite thing to make for others?

Mortira

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Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading

Work in Progress: Ocean Pendant

Greetings to my fellow beaders after a much too long absence! My work schedule has been scrambled around quite a bit these past few weeks, and it’s has totally derailed all of my other schedules like sleeping, beading, and writing. I’m going to have to work out a new way of planning out my free time, but for now I’ll just have to play a little catch-up.

Although I didn’t have time to write anything special to celebrate the official release of Ancient Worlds Modern Beads today, I have been able to do a smidge of beading here and there. I’m almost finished a new spiral rope pendant featuring one of the carved bone shells that I added to my stash a while back. Originally, I was just going to go with a plain rope, but I found that the combination of colors made the rope look too naked, so I added some fringe beads and magatamas to bulk it up a bit. All that’s left is to construct the various components and then I can move on to something new!

What are you making right now?

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
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Work in Progress: Ocean Collar

Progress is being made on projects this week - the new baroque pearl medallion is complete, and the collar I had planned is underway. I am happy to report that this time around it only took me two tries to get a pattern that I liked, although the first one turned out so wrong that I almost gave up. A slight reworking of the palette and some compromises in the pattern that I wanted brought out the best in the beads that I had picked, and it looks like everything is going to turn out great.

I still have to string the new medallion, but I’ve made a habit of saving up a handful to string all at once so that I can save time cutting cord and lacquering knots. I ended up asking my little helper for some color advice on this one, which prompted a request to make some new medallions with his unique input. I definitely think they’re be some knew embroidery designs on the horizon.

What are you making this week?

Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading
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Mood Board: Tropical Reef

It’s good to take a break from life for awhile, especially if you ever start to feel like beading is like work. Even if beading is always the best part of your free time, sometimes it’s just nice to kick back. Lately I’ve been stealing a little veg time with virtual scuba diving via Wii Endless Ocean. I'm having a blast discovering lots of different tropical fish and mammals from the comfort of the couch.

Of course, it’s impossible not to be inspired by the amazing colors, patterns, and shapes of a tropical reef, even if it’s only a digital one. So for this month’s mood board, I went on the search for jewelry and garments that would appeal to a South Pacific mermaid.

Mood Board: Tropical Reef by mortira featuring paper wall art

Aquatic themes are among the easiest to create with beads. There’s an enormous variety of blues, greens, pinks, and oranges to choose from in every material imaginable. There are pearl, shell, and coral beads, beads shaped like fish and sea life, and plenty of techniques that evoke the feeling of an underwater realm. Combine any beads at all with coralling and the right colors, and you’ve got an instant tropical reef!

1. Green Stick Recycled Sea Glass Beads from Happy Mango Beads

2. Fuchsia Fish Leather from Fusion Beads

3. Porcelain Fish Bone Beads from Artbeads.com


4. Shell Fossil Nugget Beads from Lima Beads

5. Kelp Forest Bead Mix by Rhaad5

6. Pacific Blue Recycled Glass Beads from FireSpirit Beads

Do you like to use ocean themes in your designs? What are you favorite materials to use?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
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Favorite Techniques: Soutache Embroidery

The beautiful organic patterns and shapes created with soutache and bead embroidery are always a wonder to behold. The combination of unique focals and exciting color palettes used by Suzanne of French Mermaid Collection perfectly showcase the potential of this lovely technique.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite technique?

Suzanne: I specialize in Hand-Embroidered Soutache Jewelry. I first became enchanted by soutache jewelry when I first saw "Helen of Troy" by Anneta Valious. It reminded me of the beautiful fine hand stitching that I learned from my grandmother in France when I was very young. She was a true artist with needle and thread.

I start with an idea in my minds eye and apply fine hand stitching. The creative process takes over as beads are lovingly cradled within more layers of soutache braids. I never know what the finished product will look like, but I'm always pleased with the results.

Inspirational Beading: How did you first learn to do soutache embroidery?

Suzanne: Actually my love of embroidery and beadwork were a natural. I had been doing both for so many years that when I saw the possibility of melding the two, it all came together.

Inspirational Beading: Of all the creations you've made with this technique, which one is your favorite?

Suzanne: “Sunset” is one of my favorites. The sea shells are a beautiful natural orange coral in color of Florida sea scallops that I've only seen on the near-by beaches of Marco Island, Florida. They work so well as focals enhanced with Swarovski pearls and crystals, complimentary soutache braid and copper-tone metallic braid and beads.

Inspirational Beading: Can you share any tips for getting started with soutache embroidery?

Suzanne: Find someone who is skilled in fine needlework and take lessons until you are comfortable with the results. Start with small things like hankies, pillow cases, tea towels, etc. Or, if you’re a do-it-yourselfer check out embroidery books and YouTube tutorials.

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite material or color to use it with?

Suzanne: Since I specialize in Hand-Embroidered Soutache Jewelry, soutache braid is an integral and essential part of my materials list. Though I use a wide pallet of colors, metallic gold is dear to my heart.

Inspirational Beading: If someone had to choose to learn only one technique, would you recommend this one?

Suzanne: Only if they have a strong background in fine stitching such as embroidery and lots of patience. I personally love this technique. It has a very calming effect for me.

Inspirational Beading: What is your least favorite thing about soutache embroidery?

Suzanne: Only one thing: holding several of the narrow soutache braids in alignment while trying to keep them smoothly together as I begin stitching can be extremely challenging.

Inspirational Beading: Do you use any variations? Which one is your favorite?

Suzanne: I use a variety of focals or center cabochons: Imported hand-carved cameo’s, semi-precious stones, glass covered ephemera cabochons (that I make myself), found sea shells and sand dollars, any lovely and unique item that catches my attention that well incorporates with my design.

To see more gorgeous soutache jewelry designs, check out Suzanne’s blog French Mermaid Collection.

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading and Suzanne C. Suber
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Work in Progress: Ocean Ombre

Is there anything more lovely than a bunch of seed bead hanks all in a row? This week I’m starting a new blue-green ombre project, this time with all transparent colors. It was a little tricky putting the palette together, because I wanted seed beads of the same make, and I was under a bit of a timeline for sourcing the supplies. I’ve had to make up the palette with only 8 colors, although I would have preferred at least ten. In any case, I’ll be able to create a pattern that flows seamlessly back and forth from blue to green, and that will do just fine.

The new pharaoh pendant way in the background is a few rounds in. After all the fussing we had over making sure to save enough hot pink seed beads, they might not have ended up in the design at all if I hadn’t given a little nudge. Sometimes it’s difficult not to give any input on my helper’s choices, because I have to take the overall design into consideration - how well the beads will fit in smaller curves, or how many more rounds a design can take before getting too large. We’re both pretty happy with this design so far, even if it’s a lot different from what we imagined in the beginning.

What are you working on this week?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
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Work in Progress: Starfish and Treasure

I am so excited about the project that I’m starting this week, which will be a reboot of a very old favorite. I’ve rediscovered the fact that it’s important to make things that you really love, instead of just focusing on what’s trendy, or easy to sell. Although I had already decided to stick with designs that I really enjoy - collars, lariats, and fringe necklaces to name a few - it didn’t occur to me that it would be perfectly alright to remake pieces from the past that I was really proud of, even if they weren’t big sellers.

In addition to the new embroidery pendant, which is coming along nicely, I’m prepping the new project with lots of relish. I’ve got my custom bead mix already made, and my starfish bead colors on deck. All I need to do is finish culling some millefiori chips and it’s ready to go!

What are you working on this week?

Copyright 2014 Inspirational Beading
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Time Capsule: September 2009

Three years ago this month, Inspirational Beading was all about necklaces and the ocean. When I look back on some of those designs, I see the beginnings of some of my current favorites. Things were really starting to roll, and I was finding my beading groove.

There was a lot of stringing going on that month. After completing a freeform necklace inspired by Caren Schwartz’s Organized Chaos project, I started to see new possibilities for seed beads and Fireline. This led to an adaptation of my first peyote rings project, with a nautical inspired palette, and shell beads in an SOS pattern.

One of my all time favorite necklaces also debuted in September ‘09. It all started with a carved bone seahorse, and a whole lot of blue and green beads. The ombre strands of beads with shell and pearl accents are still a beading success that I look back on fondly, and one that I have yet to recreate.

Last but not least, I also completed my first square stitch Wavy Wedges bracelet, adapted from one of my earliest beading experiments. After a few more variations, I eventually created a tutorial for this very fun technique.

Although these projects are very different in many ways from what I’m doing now, I see so many important discoveries there that would eventually lead me to what I’m making today. These little beading epiphanies were the first steps towards really creating, instead of just playing with beads.

Do you have a favorite a-ha! moment in beading?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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Lost City Tagua Pendant

Now that I’ve got my beading groove back, the destash challenge is rolling along smoothly again. I’m seeing all kinds of new ways to use up beads that have had me stumped all year. Last week, I took a break from the tough stuff, and did something a little more fun.

When I went shopping for some new tagua slices this summer, and could only find packages of 10, I didn’t hesitate to snap up the colors that I needed, and some extras in a lovely rich blue. Hidden at the bottom of the destash tray are a variety of small front-drilled pendants that need a little boost, and tagua is my favorite way to back up a weak pendant. I would have more than enough tagua to put an end to most of these pendants, so I paired them off and set them aside for later.

Among these tricky pieces are a pair of carved bone fish - possibly salmon - that are just as plain as can be. When I paired one up with the intense blue tagua, I had visions of a mysterious underwater city - Atlantis! This week, I started adding beads from all over the place, including a packet of blue and white porphyry bicones from the destash tray, and my new Czech Picasso ovals. The coppery brown with hints of turquoise and lime look just like treasures at the bottom of the sea.

To add a little extra personality to the piece, I made two beaded starfish in teal green. When I added them to the necklace, I stitched back around and included a few sprigs of coral fringe in bright green. The entire necklace has so many mysterious aquatic elements, though I have to admit that the ovals are still my favorite.

There are three more pendants like this one to come, but each one will (hopefully) have it’s own theme!

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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Wear It Twice: Sand and Shell

With summer heat in full swing, all I can think about is ocean breezes, ice cream, and cool clothing. 'Cool' here meaning garments that help to beat the heat, like lightweight fabrics and pale neutrals. So I went on the hunt for some summery outfits that would go perfectly with a beachy necklace.

I started with a great statement necklace in white mother of pearl, with chunky cabochons that are perfect for a day at the beach. Hints of sandy taupe and tropical turquoise make for a refreshing palette, without out-shining the paleness of the shell.

White Sand Splash by mortira featuring tote handbags

I chose garments in linen and chiffon - perfect for catching a wisp of breeze. Strappy sandals and simple accessories keep with the theme of light and breezy. All that’s left to add is an icy pina colada!

It was a little tougher than usual to find handmade and vintage pieces to match this month’s collage, so I also sprinkled in a few beach inspired art prints.

If you like these looks, here are few beach inspired jewelry tutorials to try!

Tidal Treasures Necklace
Don’t Mesh with Me Necklace

Fill Me In Earrings
Fairy Wings Earrings

America Sparkles Mutlistrand Bracelet
Beachy Keen Bracelet
Growing Tall Multistrand Bracelet
Strands of Sparkle Bracelet

And here are my favorite Polyvore sets featuring this month’s picks.

A day at sea.. by mariapia65 featuring current elliott boyfriend jeans

Summer Fun by roseyrose27 featuring a raffia handbag

Untitled #97 by anne-symanski-goranson featuring shell jewelry

The Avatar State by sunshineowlnew featuring roman gladiator sandals

Seaside Romance by hatsgaloore featuring a metallic dress

What are your favorite colors to wear in summer? Do they carry over to your summer jewelry designs as well?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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Wish List: Fish Beads

As the end of the school year is fast approaching, many of us are turning to thoughts of summer vacation, and summer jewelry. Fish beads are fantastic for warm weather designs, beachy themes, and souvenir jewelry. The symbol of the fish can represent many different things, such as the salmon’s ability to find its way home, or the simple beauty of the ocean. Here are just a few of my favorites.

Multicolor Howlite Fish Beads
From Hemp Hutt





Lampwork Novelty Fish Beads
From Beadaholique





Orange Carved Bone Fish Beads
From Happy Mango Beads





Golem Design Studio Stoneware Fish Etched Pendant
From Artbeads.com





Opaque Green AB Czech Glass Fish
From FusionBeads.com





Blue and White Lampwork Angelfish
From Fire Mountain Gems





Ceramic Blue Koi Beads
From The Crafty Bead





Astral Pink Swarovski Fish Bead
From Artbeads.com





Recycled Glass Fish Beads
From Happy Mango Beads

Do you have a favorite fish to inspire jewelry designs?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Friends
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How to Style a Peter Pan Collar

The Peter Pan collar necklace is a popular style for classic and cute looks, and although the shape is distinct, it can be recreated with a variety of materials and techniques. There are fabric collars, beadwork, chain, rhinestone and more. Today, I thought we’d take a look at two ways to wear a Peter Pan collar.

I chose a beautiful cream colored wood collar to start, and paired it with a navy blue dress that’s just the right amount of frilly. From there, I started collecting unique items with a fun nautical theme, and things just took off.

Sailing Neverland by mortira featuring a leather shoulder bag

The perfect color to top off a navy and cream palette is bold lipstick red. Just a few hints here and there really pop and add a little Mad Men style punch. Alternatively, I chose red to be the main color for a more casual top-and-jeans outfit, with slouchy sleeves to give it a frilly twist. So much red leaves less room for bold accessories, so I kept it simple with some nautical anchor post earrings and a solid navy leather bag.

Sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect handmade or vintage pieces to highlight a collage, but today I had more than enough choices. With summer finally underway, beachy and nautical themed designs are everywhere. These are just 16 of the fun looks I found.

Before I show you my favorite Polyvore collages with today’s featured items, here are a few tutorials for creating Peter Pan collar necklaces to try!

Chainmaille Peter Pan Collar by How Did You Make This?
Felt Peter Pan Collar by Honestly…WTF
Faux Fur Peter Pan Collar by The Coletterie
Sequined Peter Pan Collar by A Matter of Style
Scallop Edge Pearl Collar by Megan Nielsen

Brut. by lusvardi featuring a black lipstick

day to night by regnlee featuring sun dresses

Untitled #94 by onedirectionstyle featuring cross body handbags

Navy by nataly212 featuring tote handbags

minimalist by ree-zee featuring a collar necklace

Do you like the Peter Pan collar? What’s your favorite necklace trend of late?

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading
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Inspired Artist: Donna The Dead

Every beader knows that creating our own jewelry, working with beautiful materials, and combining unique colors is the best hobby there is. Those artists that work with more than just the usual beads and chain have one more advantage. Creating jewelry components with versatile materials like polymer clay takes things to a whole new level, and often results in the most charming and eye catching pieces imaginable.

One artists who’s design really delight is Donna the Dead. Her sculptural polymer clay pendants are wonderfully wild, weird, and colorful. With themes like zombies and octopi, these pieces are truly one of a kind.

Inspirational Beading: How did you first get into polymer clay sculpture and jewelry design?

Donna: About two years ago, I found myself frustrated with a painting I was working on. I needed something new to do. I thought about how much I loved sculpting in high school. Then I thought about how expensive a kiln would be. That's when I did some research and found oven bake clay. I went to town busting out dozens of charms for my friends back home in Florida. They loved them so much, they encouraged me to sell them. But in order to sell cute food charms on the internet, you have to come up with something no one else has.

And that's where my falling peas came to life.

If you look at my sales history, you're basically looking at how much my skills have advanced since March of last year. Sometimes I look back at it and cringe a little, mostly with embarrassment. But you have to start somewhere.

Inspirational Beading: Where do you find the most inspiration for your designs?

Donna: Nature, dead things, dead things in nature, video games, horror movies, and dessert. MMMmmmm cupcakes.

I've been looking for a steady paycheck for the last two years. With all this time on my hands, I get to pretend I'm a kid on summer vacation. I can play outside, play video games, watch Netflix, and eat cake whenever I want! And with the crazy dreams I always have, I'm pretty much inspired 24/7.

Inspirational Beading: Do you remember your first piece? Where is it today?

Donna: I don't remember what my first piece was. But the first octopus necklace I ever made, and sold on Etsy, is with an acquaintance of mine in Florida.

Inspirational Beading: What was the inspiration behind your all time favorite piece?

Donna: I can't say I have an all time favorite piece, it's more like an all time favorite design. That would be my Intertwined Octopi. I love how symmetrical they are. Oddly enough, I got some of the inspiration from the symmetry behind most "tramp stamps". But mostly I wanted to create a piece with more than one octopus.

My new slogan for them will be "A tramp stamp for your chest!" Does that turn anyone off?

Inspirational Beading: Do you have a favorite clay brand to work with? What’s your favorite color?

Donna: I love the Sculpey brand. They have soooo many colors to choose from, but I love working with their magenta pearl the most.

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

Donna: It's not really about inspiring someone for me. It's more about making the person wearing my art feel unique. It's hard for teens and adults to feel unique when there's so much mass produced fashion readily available. If someone out there is making a statement with one of my pieces and it makes them feel they're one of a kind in an ocean of clones, my job is done.

You can see more of Donna’s polymer clay designs, as well as her fabulous shrink plastic art jewelry and fun coffee cozies, at Donna the Dead on Etsy, and The Craft Star. To stay up to date with what’s new, check out Donna the Dead on Facebook.

Copyright 2012 Inspirational Beading and Donna the Dead
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New Beads: Cowry Shells

Ever since I started looking for new Egyptian jewelry inspirations, I’ve been on the hunt for cowry shells. Like many ancient cultures, the Egyptians loved the look and feel of cowries, and considered them to be a feminine symbol and a way to promote fertility. Cowry shapes appear often in Egyptian jewelry designs, so I wanted to get my hands on some and see what they could do.

Unfortunately, I had a hard time finding anything but sawed cowry shells, which are often used in hemp jewelry and other pieces as charms and dangles. I wanted the full effect, especially the smooth shell backs with their pretty, organic designs.

I had almost given up my search for whole, preferably drilled, cowries, when I got lucky. I was out doing some thrifting, and spotted a long, luxurious shell necklace made almost entirely from whole cowries. I didn’t even hesitate to scoop up this treasure, and took it home to disassemble it and see just how lucky I was.

Sure enough, the necklace design relied on the cowries being drilled once, allowing the strings to be fed through the inside of the shell, and out through the spout on the opposite side. Pairs of cowries were then anchored together by a single shell, hiding all of the strings and making a nice, neat necklace.

All I had to do was come up with a beadweaving design that would make the best use of the cowry shape. Dangles and fringe would likely be askew and not very pretty. I finally decided on spiral rope, which would allow the shells to hug the beadwork, and show off their pretty backs.

Weaving with cowries isn’t the most fun I’ve ever had. Most of the time, I was able to feed Fireline through the tiny, curved spaces by hand. Occasionally, I needed a little help from a twisted wire needle, which is now hopelessly kinked and mangled from the job.

Although I was happy to be able to use up the blue and white bead mixture I accidentally created this summer, and I like the ocean theme, I sort of wish I had gone with an earthier palette. I don’t have quite enough shells left to make another necklace like this, but there are enough for a few bracelets. I’d like to give them another try in a more tribal design.

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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Collections: Beautiful Beads

This week my ArtFire tutorial shop will be closing. In an effort to save a little money - for more beads, of course! - I have decided to let it go. Although I didn’t have much of a chance to establish a regular blog there, I did put together some all-bead collections that I think are worth saving. They also make a wonderful farewell to summer!

If Mermaids Had Torches...




Beautiful Blossom Beads

All of my tutorials are now available on Etsy, and for a limited time, personal use PDFs are on sale for just 5 dollars each.

Happy beading!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading
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