Tabla de contenidos para April-May 2018 en Beadwork

Pantone chose Ultra Violet for its 2018 Color of the Year. Ultra Violet is a rich purple—not so dark that it looks black, but not so light that you think of lavender. Along with its announcement of the Color of the Year, Pantone shares a range of justifications for the color choice, including the reasons we “need” the color and explanations of how it will affect us not only from head to toe but also at home. As we’ve seen examples of Ultra Violet and how it’s being applied in fashion, home décor, and accessories, it’s clear to me that people have welcomed the color with open arms—which isn’t always the case with the “Color of the Year.” I wonder if this year’s positive reception is due to the “meaning”…

There are several variations to daisy chain. Here are two that make lovely chains for necklaces or bracelets: CONTINUOUS DAISIES. Instead of adding strands of beads between the daisies, make a chain with connecting daisies: String 6 blue beads and pass through them again to form a circle, exiting the first bead strung. String 1 yellow bead and pass back through the opposite bead from the last one exited (Fig. 1, purple thread). *String 5 blue beads and pass through the last blue bead exited. String 1 yellow bead and pass back through the blue bead opposite the one that connects the last 2 daisies (Fig. 1, blue thread). Repeat from * to the desired length (Fig. 1, red thread). SQUARE-STITCHED DAISIES. In this version, separate the daisies with blocks…

TECHNIQUES Two-needle right-angle weave Netting PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 15 g metallic gold iris size 8° seed beads (A)8 g metallic gold iris size 6° seed beads (B)27 bordeaux pastel 6mm 2-hole Honeycomb beads (C)38 petrol pastel 6mm 2-hole Honeycomb beads (D)38 olivine pastel 6mm 2-hole Honeycomb beads (E)27 matte metallic antique brass 6mm2-hole Honeycomb beads (F)1 antiqued gold 17mm toggle claspBlack 6 lb WildFire thermally bonded beading thread TOOLS Scissors 2 size 12 beading needles FINISHED SIZE 7" 1) FOUR-UNIT LINKS. Use two-needle right-angle weave to create two-layer links: Link, Front: Note: Orient each honeycomb bead on your work surface with the holes oriented vertically. Place a needle at each end of 2' of thread. Use one needle to string 1B to the center of the thread (Fig. 1, purple thread).…

TECHNIQUE Pondo stitch variation PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 8 g Montana blue gold luster size 8° Demi Round seed beads (A)79 Pacifica strawberry 3mm melon rounds (B)79 Pacifica tangerine 3mm melon rounds (C)77 Pacifica macadamia 3mm melon rounds (D)2 gold 5×12mm lobster clasps2 gold 6mm split ringsSmoke 6 lb FireLine braided beading thread TOOLS Scissors Size 11 beading needle 2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers FINISHED SIZE 6¾ " 1) BRACELET BODY. Work a Pondo stitch variation to form the bracelet body: Row 1, Stitch 1: Use 6' of thread to string 4A, leaving a 12" tail; pass through the beads again to form a tight circle. Exit through the first 2A strung (Fig. 1, blue thread). Row 1, Stitch 2: String 1B, 1A, 1B, and 3A; pass through the…

TECHNIQUE Circular netting PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 2 g inside-color jonquil hyacinth-lined size 15° Japanese seed beads (A)2 g transparent cranberry gold luster size 11° Japanese seed beads (B)2 g marbled avocado/pink opaque size 8° Japanese seed beads (C)6 g higher metallic iris violet size 8° Demi Round seed beads (D)90 Pacifica elderberry 3mm pressed-glass melon rounds (E)30 ultra green luster opaque 6mm pressedglass rounds (F) 1 gunmetal 25×10mm 4-strand tube claspSmoke 4 lb FireLine braided beading thread TOOLS Scissors Size 12 beading needle FINISHED SIZE 7¼ " 1) COMPONENTS. Use circular netting to form the components: Round 1: Working clockwise, use 4' of thread to string {1C, 1A, 1D, and 1A} six times, leaving a 6" tail. Pass through the beads again to form a tight circle; use the working…

TECHNIQUE Circular netting PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 3 g matte transparent amber AB size 11° Japanese seed beads (A)3 g matte transparent smoky topaz AB size 11° Japanese seed beads (B)42 Pacifica avocado 3mm melon rounds (C)42 ultra luster green opaque 3×6mm CzechMates prongs (D)42 matte metallic bronze copper 10×3mm2-hole crescent beads (E)1 silver 8mm round magnetic claspOlive size D C-Lon beading thread TOOLS Scissors Size 11 beading needle FINISHED SIZE 7" 1) COMPONENT 1. Work circular netting to form the first component of the bracelet: Round 1: Use 3' of thread to string {1E (inner hole) and 1D} six times, leaving a 4" tail; tie a knot to form a fairly loose circle. Pass through the first 1E (inner hole) and exit through the same 1E (outer hole) (Fig. 1,…

TECHNIQUE Simple wireworking MATERIALS 2 Siam AB 4mm crystal bicones2 amethyst 6mm crystal bicones2 emerald matte 8×12mm pressed-glass leaves1 blue Picasso 20×9mm pressed-glass drop1 brass 27×30mm engraved hoop1 brass 28×33mm delicate crest filigree link1 arte metal 19mm woodland bird charm1 blue-and-brass 30×35.5mm viola scrollwork pendant1 brass 7mm flower-petal bead cap1 brass 8mm foliage bead cap1 brass 6×8mm lobster clasp3 brass 21-gauge 1.5" eye pins2 brass 21-gauge 2" head pins1 brass 21-gauge 3" head pin4 brass 21-gauge 3mm jump rings (small)6 brass 16-gauge 7.25mm jump rings (medium)1 brass 16-gauge 10.25mm jump ring (large)17½ " brass 3.6×4.8mm extra fine oval chain TOOLS 2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers Round-nose pliers Wire cutters FINISHED SIZE 18" (with 4" focal) 1. Use one 1.5" eye pin to center the bird charm. Form a…

TECHNIQUE Simple wireworking MATERIALS 6 g light blue–lined transparent matte dark blue size 8° Japanese seed beads140 matte metallic purple iris size 11° Japanese triangles140 metallic denim blue size 11° Japanese triangles6 g nickel-plated 2×4mm Japanese peanut beads140 purple iris gold 4mm tri-beads42 matte metallic copper 3mm fire-polished rounds35 saturated fuchsia 4mm fire-polished rounds21 alabaster pastel Bordeaux 6mm fire-polished rounds12 rounds of silver 2.25" diameter round bracelet memory wire TOOLS Memory-wire cutters Round-nose pliers FINISHED SIZE 2¼ " (inner diameter) Tip: Always use memory-wire cutters (or strong hardware-store cutters) to cut memory wire; the hard steel will ruin your nice jewelry-making wire cutters. 1. Use the round-nose pliers to form a loop at one end of the wire. 2. String {20 purple triangles, 30 seed beads, 5 fuchsia fire-polished rounds,…

TECHNIQUES Tubular netting Right-angle weave Picot Peyote stitch PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 3 g dark seafoam galvanized Duracoat size 15° Japanese seed beads (A)1 g seafoam luster size 11° Japanese seed beads (B)2 g dark seafoam galvanized Duracoat size 11° Japanese seed beads (C)16 g matte metallic blue 2.5 ×3mm Minos par Puca beads (D)19 matte metallic blue 10×5mm 3-hole Arcos par Puca beads (E)46 Chrysolite 3mm crystal bicones (F)2 foil-back mint green 12mm crystal rivolis1 foil-back mint green 14mm crystal rivoli78 Montana blue pastel 2mm firepolished rounds (G)1 silver 15×42mm hook claspCrystal 6 lb FireLine braided beading thread TOOLS Scissors Size 11 beading needle FINISHED SIZE 20" 1) SMALL FLOWERS. Use tubular netting, right-angle weave, and picots to form the small flowers: Round 1: Use 6' of thread to string…

TECHNIQUES Kumihimo Crimping PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS Bib-Style Necklace, Upper Section: 12 g pewter galvanized permanent-finish size 8° Japanese seed beads (A)12 g seafoam lustre AB size 8° Japanese seed beads (B)1 silver-plated 18mm daisy shank button34' of gray S-Lon medium weight cordSuper Glue gel Bib-Style Necklace, Lower Section/Bracelet: 3 g pewter galvanized permanent-finish size 8° Japanese seed beads (A)3 g seafoam lustre AB size 8° Japanese seed beads (B)148 larimar 4–14×1–9mm stone chips (approximately 14–15" of strung chips)1 silver-plated 18mm daisy shank button19' of gray S-Lon medium weight cordSuper Glue gel Flapper-Style Necklace: 18 g pewter galvanized permanent-finish size 8° Japanese seed beads (A)18 g seafoam lustre AB size 8° Japanese seed beads (B)160 larimar 4–14×1–9mm stone chips (approximately 16-17" of strung chips)1 silver-plated 18mm daisy shank button67' of gray…

TECHNIQUE Prismatic right-angle weave PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 1 g metallic nebula size 11° Japanese seed beads (A) 1 g blue-lined crystal luster size 11° Japanese seed beads (B)1 g mint julep–lined topaz size 11° Japanese seed beads (C)1 g matte starlight galvanized permanentfinish size 11° Japanese seed beads (D)20 matte metallic flax 6mm flat 2-hole front-drilled triangles (E)75 metallic dark blue suede 3mm English-cut rounds (F)60 metallic blue suede 3mm English-cut rounds (G)60 metallic light green suede 3mm English-cut rounds (H)30 matte metallic flax 3mm English-cut rounds (J)1 gold 8×14mm lobster clasp2 gold 5mm jump rings2 satin Hamilton gold 7 ½ " pieces of 2×3mm/2×4mm infinity chainGray One-G nylon beading thread TOOLS Scissors Size 11 beading needle 2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers FINISHED SIZE 18¾ " necklace (with…

TECHNIQUES Right-angle weave variation Tubular and circular netting Fringe PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 4 g bronze antique gold size 15° seed beads (A) 1 g semi-glazed burnt orange size 15° seed beads (B) 1 g bronze size 15° seed beads (C) 2 g bronze size 11° seed beads (D) 1 g semi-glazed blue turquoise size 11° seed beads (E) 1 g semi-glazed olive rainbow size 8° seed beads (F) 32 blue turquoise bronze Picasso 4×2mm 2-hole MiniDuos (G) 8 matte metallic flax 6mm 4-hole QuadraTiles (H) 16 matte metallic flax 10×3mm 2-hole crescent beads (J) 10 halo sandalwood 3mm fire-polished rounds (K) 8 oxidized bronze clay 4mm fire-polished rounds (L) 32 smoky topaz gold luster transparent 3mm pressed-glass rounds (M) 16 antique beige iris luster 4mm pressed-glass rounds (N) 1 oxidized…

Jewel tones are universally flattering! These seven gorgeous designs feature regal shades of ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue, royal purple, and citrine yellow. TECHNIQUES Knotting Stringing MATERIALS 10 matte red 18–24×18–22mm sea glass freeform pebbles2 chrysocolla 8×14mm rondelles2 turquoise agate 10mm faceted rounds2 coral red 12–13×10–12mm paper bicones4 antiqued brass 3.3mm cornerless cubes1 coral 25mm cotton tassel1 gold 7mm jump ring1 antiqued brass 8mm jump ring1 antiqued brass 10mm lobster clasp24" of red .65mm waxed linen cord TOOLS 2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliersScissors FINISHED SIZE 8½ " 1. Attach the 7mm jump ring to the tassel. Fold the cord in half and use a lark's head knot on the 8mm jump ring. 2. Use both strands to string 1 cube, the tassel, 1 cube, 1 round, 1…

TECHNIQUES Knotting Simple wireworking MATERIALS 2 opaque red Picasso 12×17mm pressed-glass leaves1 red 40mm lampwork 5-petal flower1 red/orange/beige 15×10mm ceramic flowered rondelle1 brass 25×60mm vintage skeleton key 1 red/green/brown 23×43mm ceramic rose girl pendant3 gold-filled 5mm daisy spacers1 gold-filled 7×20mm hook-and-eye clasp2 gold-plated 30mm hoop ear wires17" of 8mm brass unsoldered coin/2mm ruby crystal dangle chain12" of dark rust Irish 4-ply waxed linen cord TOOLS 2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers Round-nose pliers Scissors FINISHED SIZE 18½ " (with 6½ " focal) 1. Separate the chain into 2 pieces, opening and closing the links around the crystal dangles as you would jump rings. Attach the hook half of the clasp to 1 piece of chain. Attach the ring half to the second piece of chain. 2. Use 1 ear…

TECHNIQUES Stringing Crimping Hole punching Simple wireworking Gluing Knotting MATERIALS 45 cobalt size 11° seed beads273 cobalt 3mm fire-polished rounds114 cobalt 4mm fire-polished rounds1 cobalt 6mm pressed-glass rondelle1 cobalt 8mm melon round1 old silver pewter 7×33mm ribbed filigree connector link1 old silver pewter 22×25mm filigree flower connector link1 silver-plated 5mm daisy spacer1 aluminum 25mm 18-gauge circle blank1 silver-plated 2" head pin4 silver-plated 4×5mm oval jump rings 10 silver-plated 5mm round jump rings1 silver-plated 10×5mm barrel clasp12 silver-filled 2×3mm twisted crimp tubes60" of .014 flexible beading wireBlack 10 lb WildFire beading threadJewelry adhesive TOOLS Scissors Wire cutters 2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers Round-nose pliers Metal hole punch FINISHED SIZE 20" (with 2" focal) 1. Glue the rondelle to the indented center of the flower link. Let dry. 2. Tie…

When you ask a fellow beader which stitch they learned first, the answer is often that they learned daisy chain— sometimes from their grandmother or at summer camp. There’s no doubt why it’s one of the first stitches people try since it’s certainly one of the easiest, fastest, and prettiest stitches out there. That doesn’t mean daisy chain isn’t sophisticated, however. The stitch has many variations; it can be done in a chain or stitched in rows, and the opportunities for embellishment are vast. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this stitch, I’ll get you started with this basic version that truly shows off the individual “daisies.” MATERIALS & TOOLS Seed beads in 3 contrasting colors (blue, green, and yellow size 11° seed beads shown here) Beading thread…

Q: How did you get started beading? A: I started beading in late 2007 after I was diagnosed with lupus. I was out of work and depressed, and I was looking for an inexpensive way to make Christmas gifts to fill some of my empty hours. I stopped in a bead store, and I was immediately hooked. (How little I knew … inexpensive—ha!) Q: What inspires your creativity? A: I’m mostly inspired by all the new beads. The shapes and multiple holes get my mind thinking of new ways to create. I’m also inspired by architecture and geometric patterns. Q: Do you plan your designs in advance, or do you just let the creativity flow? A: Very little planning goes into my designs. Often, one project will spawn another. The…

1) SECTION 1. Use a variation of circular netting to form the first section: Round 1: Working clockwise, use 6' of thread to string {1E, 1A, 1C, and 1A} three times, leaving a 6" tail. Pass through the beads (same holes of the E) again to form a tight circle; use the working and tail threads to tie a square knot and pass through the first E (first/inside then second/outside holes) strung (Fig. 1, turquoise thread). Note: You’ll now begin working counterclockwise. Round 2: String 1B, 1D, and 1B and pass through the next E (outside hole); repeat twice. Pass through the first B of this round (Fig. 1, red thread). Left Join: Note: Take care to add the F faceup. String 1A, 1B, 1A, 1F (left hole/top to bottom), 1A,…

TECHNIQUES Circular netting Picot Fringe PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 0.5 g olive semi-glazed size 15° Japanese seed beads (A)1 g matte lilac galvanized permanent-finish size 11° Japanese seed beads (B)8 olive semi-glazed size 8° Japanese seed beads (C)8 matte chalk white vitrail 3.8×1mm O beads (D)12 white shimmer 10×5mm 3-hole Arcos par Puca beads (E)16 topaz luster rose gold opaque 4mm pressed-glass rounds (F)2 powder almond 8×11mm pear-shaped crystal pearl drops1 pair of silver 18mm ear wiresPurple size D S-Lon beading thread TOOLS Scissors Size 12 beading needle 2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers FINISHED SIZE 1 × 3" 1) EARRING. Use circular netting, picots, and fringe to stitch the earring: Round 1: Working counterclockwise, use 3' of thread to string {1C and 1F} four times, leaving a 4" tail.…

TECHNIQUE Circular peyote stitch variation PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 1.5 g metallic bronze size 11° Japanese seed beads (A)1 g metallic bronze size 8° Japanese seed beads (B)28 matte metallic flax 6mm 4-hole QuadraTiles (C)28 metalust yellow gold 6×2.5–5.5mm 2-hole Nib-bit beads (D)28 metallic suede gold 6×2.5–5.5mm 2-hole Nib-bit beads (E)1 antiqued brass 11×16mm round magnetic clasp18 antiqued brass 20-gauge 6mm jump ringsSmoke 6 lb FireLine braided beading thread TOOLS Scissors Size 10 beading needle 2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers FINISHED SIZE 9" 1) COMPONENTS. Use a variation of circular peyote stitch to form the components: Round 1: Use 3' of thread to string 1C and 1D (short hole); repeat three times, leaving a 4" tail. Pass through the beads (same holes) again to form a tight circle; use…

TECHNIQUES Right-angle weave variation Circular netting variation PROJECT LEVEL MATERIALS 1 g white lila vega luster size 15° Japanese seed beads (A)2 g gray opaque size 11° Japanese seed beads (B)2 g chalk white lilac vega luster3.8×1mm O beads (C)16 matte silver 8×5mm 2-hole DiamonDuos (D)18 white shimmer 10×5mm 3-hole Arcos par Puca beads (E)18 rose water opal 4mm crystal bicones (F)8 chalk lila luster 3mm fire-polished rounds (G)26 chalk lila luster 4mm fire-polished rounds (H)10 white lila vega luster 6mm fire-polished rounds (J)1 gold 16mm toggle clasp4 gold 4mm jump ringsPurple size D S-Lon beading thread TOOLS Scissors Size 12 beading needle 2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers FINISHED SIZE 71⁄8" 1) BAND. Use a variation of right-angle weave and circular netting to form the band: Note: Lay…

TECHNIQUES Stringing Simple wireworking Crimping MATERIALS 18 matte gold charlotte size 11° seed beads20 emerald green copper luster 6×3mm fire-polished rondelles20 light emerald 6mm fire-polished rounds9 light emerald AB 8mm fire-polished rounds6 olive 13×33mm cultured sea glass marquise spindle pendants9 gold 8mm disc charms1 gold/green/red/blue/black 25×77mm mosaic feather pendant36 gold-plated 5×1mm square spacers9 gold-plated 2" eye pins 8 gold-plated 7mm jump rings2 copper 2×3mm crimp tubes18" of gold-plated 6×10mm elongated oval chain14" of .015 beading wire TOOLS 2 pairs of chain- or flat-nose pliers Round-nose pliers Wire cutters Crimping pliers FINISHED SIZE 30" (with 4" focal) 1. Attach 1 disc charm to 1 eye pin. String 1 green 8mm round; form a wrapped loop. Repeat entire step eight times to create a total of 9 dangles. 2. Attach 1 jump…

TECHNIQUES Simple wireworking Crimping Stringing MATERIALS 1 g metallic mix 3.8×1mm O beads2 blue 7–8×44–48mm vintage-glass curved tubes8 gold 5×15mm pearl tubes2 kyanite 10×20mm rectangles8 brass 3mm rounds1 blue/turquoise/brass 18×22mm Tibetan flat oval20 gold 6.5×2mm brass heishi1 blue 85mm tassel with gold cap, with attached 6mm jump ring1 gold 2" head pin2 gold 2mm crimp tubes2 gold 5mm crimp covers18" of gold .75mm cable chain with 2 attached 2×4mm oval jump rings18" gold .75mm cable chain necklace with attached 6mm spring-ring clasp16" of gold .015" beading wire TOOLS Round-nose pliers Wire cutters Crimping pliers FINISHED SIZE 18" (short necklace); 30½ " (with 3¾ " focal) (long necklace) SHORT NECKLACE: 1. Use the head pin to string 1 O bead, 2 heishi, and the flat oval; form a wrapped loop that…

PASS THROUGH VS PASS BACK THROUGH Pass through means to move the needle in the same direction that the beads have been strung. Pass back through means to move the needle in the opposite direction. FINISHING AND STARTING NEW THREADS Tie off the old thread when it’s about 4" long by making an overhand knot around previous threads between beads. Weave through a few beads to hide the knot, and trim the thread close to the work. Start the new thread by tying an overhand knot around previous threads between beads. Weave through several beads to hide the knot and to reach the place to resume beading. STOP BEAD A stop bead (or tension bead) holds your work in place. To make one, string a bead larger than those you…