Keep Beading Into the New Year!
I've had an amazing couple of years writing for About.com Beadwork, and the time has come for me to move on to other projects. I'm so glad to have met so many awesome, inspiring beaders along the way, and I look forward to keeping in touch with everyone -- and continuing to explore the art of beadwork -- long into the future. In 2013 I encourage you to keep on beading, getting better at what you do and discovering more of your hidden talents! Always feel free to keep in touch; just search for "Chris Franchetti Michaels" online to find out what I'm up to.
Did Bead & Button Mail You a DVD?
Earlier this week I got a surprise in the mail from the publisher of Bead & Button magazine, which I've subscribed to for years. It's a DVD in the Design with Style DVD video series. Photos show screen shots of bead stringing, chain mail, beadweaving, and wire work being performed on the cover.
The little flier that came with the DVD explains that this is a "preview" being sent out to magazine subscribers. You can also subscribe to have a different DVD in the series delivered by mail every two to three months.
Also included in the package was a slip of paper with instructions for returning the preview DVD if I didn't want it. My first thought was, if I didn't order this, why do I need to go through the hassle of returning it? So I looked for the fine print and, sure enough, I found it: the DVD does not need to be returned.
If you also received a copy, don't worry -- according to Bead & Button, they are not automatically subscribing people to the series with a requirement to opt out.
By the same token, if you'd like to receive more DVDs, you do in fact need to take action to subscribe. Look for the little order form included with preview.
I haven't found time to watch my preview DVD just yet. If you've watched it, please share your impression of it in a comment. Do you plan to subscribe to the series? Why or why not?
Photo by Chris Franchetti Michaels
New Beading Book Reviews
This week I reviewed two beading books published in 2012, both of which would make fantastic gifts for beaders (and items for beaders to add to their wish lists). The first is part of a series called I Can. This one is all about right-angle weave beadweaving, and the diagrams are fantastic. Check it out.
The next book is Jill Wiseman's Beautiful Beaded Ropes. It's part of the more advanced level series called Beadweaving Master Class. If you already know the most popular beadweaving stitches but would like to take their tubular versions to the next level, this may be the book for you. Learn why.
Are there any other beading books you've had your eye on this year and would like to know more about?
Photo by Chris Franchetti Michaels
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New Gallery Submission -- Colors of Autumn
This precious cuff bracelet by Judy Pennington is the newest addition to our Beaded Bracelet Design Gallery. This design is a good example of how you can use bead embroidery to enhance pretty background fabric, rather than filling every empty space with beads.
To learn more about bead embroidery with cabochons and other focal pieces, I recommend the book Dimensional Bead Embroidery by Jamie Cloud Eakin. To read the submission guidelines and submit your own design to one of our galleries, click here.
Photo courtesy of Judy Pennington
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Cover an Ornament With Beaded Netting
Beaded netting is a traditional stitch for making drapey Christmas ornament covers. Learn how to use the horizontal version of netting to make a cover for a large tree ornament in this tutorial. It uses a glass ball ornament that is about 3 inches in diameter, along with round seed beads and drop beads. Once you get the hang of the basics (no pun intended!), you can experiment with adding longer beaded fringe along the bottoms.
Enter to Win a Free Mirrix Loom
The 5-inch Mirrix loom
Over the past week I've been talking about looms a lot -- which makes this an absolutely perfect time (coincidentally) for Mirrix to announce a big giveaway. It's "big" because they're giving away a free 5-inch loom (perfect for bracelets) to one lucky winner. The 5-inch loom is currently a $145 dollar value. (Optionally, the winner can apply the value toward a larger loom.)
Update: I've corrected this post to confirm that one winner will receive the loom (there will not be multiple loom winners - my apologies!).
Additionally, one runner up will receive $50 towards the purchase of a loom, and another will receive their choice of three Mirrix bead patterns.
To enter, all you need to do is write one paragraph explaining why you'd like to have a loom, and sign up for Mirrix's email newsletter. In your paragraph, tell Mirrix whether you already own a loom, whether you're experienced or a beginner, what you'd like to do with your loom, and anything else important that you can think of. Keep in mind that your paragraph will be published online and made available for public vote!
- Click here to read the official contest rules and submit your entry. Winners will be announced on January 1, 2013.
- Read the current entries and vote for your favorite here.
If you're wondering about the Mirrix newsletters, I can honestly report that they're not spammy at all. I've been on their list for quite a while. You'll be notified about sales, new products, classes, free weave-alongs, and other Mirrix goings on.
If you win a loom, please come back to About.com and let us know!
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Photo courtesy of Mirrix
New Loom Bracelet and Beaded Toggle Clasp
This week I have a new cuff bracelet pattern, inspired by Mirrix's No Warp Ends Bracelet. You can stitch it up on any bead loom, including an economical wire frame loom from a hobby store.
It's possible to try this pattern using square stitch instead, but I personally haven't tried it. It may be more difficult to stitch the long magatamas (the amber colored beads) with square stitch, and -- as always -- square stitch beadwork has a differerent look and feel than loomwork.
Also new this week is the tutorial for the big, chunky beaded toggle clasp I designed to finish my bracelet. It uses a wooden toothpick to support a peyote stitch toggle bar made with size 8/0 round seed beads. Magatamas adorn the bar ends, and the toggle latches with a simple beaded loop.
Subscribe to the Beadwork Newsletter to receive more free patterns and tutorials in your inbox!
Election Day
It's finally election day here in the United States. I think we're all relieved...it's been quite the campaign. I just read that Starbucks is offering red, white and blue bracelets today with sliders that read "Indivisible." They're cute, but not as nice as beadwork! If you're in the U.S., be sure to get out and be seen with your patriotic beaded jewelry today -- and don't forget to vote.
Make the red, white and blue netted necklace.
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"No Warps" Beading on an Upright Loom
I finally found the time to test out the No Warp Ends Kit I purchased from Mirrix, and so far I'm really liking the results. The purpose of the kit is to drastically reduce the number of loose warp thread tails that you need to deal with when you finish beading.
The Mirrix method does not require "pull and pray," setting up any special starter strips, or making your own loom with knitting needles (and non-adjustable tension).
If you're new to loom beading and would like to learn more about it, see my article directory for beginners or (if you'd rather cut to the chase) jump straight into my loom beading tutorial. Then give the free Moroccan Coral Bracelet Pattern a try.
Later this week, we'll make the blue bracelet previewed in the photo above, and add a cute, chunky beading toggle.
Any questions about loom beading or the Mirrix no-warps technique?
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Two-Drop Peyote Stitch
Two-drop peyote stitch's long name makes it sound much more complicated than it really is. In fact, this stitch is great for beginners, especially in its even-count form.
In this even-count cuff pattern, weave beads to your desired length. Then add beaded loops for attaching a ready-made clasp, or stitch your own peyote double toggle.
- Make the bracelet step-by-step
- Two-drop peyote diagram tutorial
- How to read a two-drop peyote pattern chart
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