Saturday, July 31, 2010

Freeform Peyote Bracelet #2


This version of freeform peyote was done with Tammy's tutelage and is more open and less solid than my first version. It was incredible fun to make it. I started out with three colors of see beads and added a few other beads, and the focal is a very cute green dragon fly. I added a few leaves and flowers of purple iris which just make the piece pop.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Aquamarine and Silver Necklace



I've had a picture of a gorgeous sea necklace in my idea folder for several years and finally found the perfect beads and silver sea creatures for it. The aquamarine rough cut beads are the basis for it, and I added an assortment of glass beads to spice things up. Of course, the fish is a fabulous focal and he is swimming up the side of the necklace off-center. It clanks when I wear it and have had many compliments on it already. All supplies were found at Tada Artisan's Boutique in Gloucester Point, VA.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Heavy Metals Necklace




This was a beadsoup mix put together with a modified netting stitch. It was very easy and fairly fast to make. I can't do the colors of these iris beads justice though with my photographs.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Beachcomber Bracelet


I have just learned how to drill holes in shells and beach glass and made this gorgeous summertime bracelet, at Tada's Artisan Boutique at the York River Yacht Haven marina grounds. It jingles merrily when worn!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Freeform Peyote Bracelet



Inspired by some freeform peyote bracelets at Tada, near our boat, I tried my hand at my first one. It was quite a lot of fun, actually, and I am really happy with the results. I was trying not to buy any more beads and to make do with what I have. I wasn't sure at all about the strong contrast of whites and teals, but I think it works. My technique will be a whole lot better the next time.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Baycation Crocheted Necklace



We are in Gloucester Point VA, just across the York River from Yorktown, and there is THE NICEST LITTLE BEAD SHOP you could imagine, right on the marina grounds. I have been there multiple times already! It's called Tada Artisan's Boutique, and Tammy is the owner. Lovely.


So I made the necklace from 26 gauge copper wire and stringing the beads and simply chaining the individual strands.

The oyster shell is from an island off the Little Choptank River and makes a great prop.

Saturday, July 03, 2010

Magic Carpet Socks



My friend Perri gave me a kit for these socks from Sanguine Gryphon. (Thanks, Perri.) I just finished them up and they are very fancy and imaginative. The beads and leaf beads add a lot of bling to them.

I started out with size 1 needles over 80 stitches but was not getting gauge, so I switched to 0's. They are quite tight on my feet but still wearable, so maybe I should have used the 1's, at least on the leg sections.

They really are reminiscent of an oriental rug, aren't they?