You can check for yourself :
Cellini spiral, here I come !
Update :
I finished it and I posted a picture in my DEVIANART gallery...
Three times "Hooray!..." !
Monday, March 30, 2009
Cellini spiral ? Piece of cake !
After a few unsuccessful attempts to try this new (for me) beadwork technique, I have - at least !!! - some results...
You can check for yourself :
Cellini spiral, here I come !
Update :
I finished it and I posted a picture in my DEVIANART gallery...
Three times "Hooray!..." !
You can check for yourself :
Cellini spiral, here I come !
Update :
I finished it and I posted a picture in my DEVIANART gallery...
Three times "Hooray!..." !
Sunday, March 29, 2009
What about the square stitch ?
Another page of my beady journal...
This weekend, I managed to put some pictures of my work on DEVIANTART.
Also, after trying the Cellini spiral for three times, I just gave up... My thread was always getting tangled !
I was about to stop beading, when I descovered this tutorial about the square stitch :
And this is my sample, yay !...
This weekend, I managed to put some pictures of my work on DEVIANTART.
Also, after trying the Cellini spiral for three times, I just gave up... My thread was always getting tangled !
I was about to stop beading, when I descovered this tutorial about the square stitch :
And this is my sample, yay !...
Friday, March 27, 2009
A priceless collection...
As I decided to share all the information that I find regarding beading and beadwork, I will continue to do so today...
Here you will find a priceless information and tutorial collection, that you will surely appreciate !
Thank you for this collection, dear Candy, even we don't know each other !
Have a nice weekend, everybody !
Here you will find a priceless information and tutorial collection, that you will surely appreciate !
Thank you for this collection, dear Candy, even we don't know each other !
Have a nice weekend, everybody !
Bead-therapy
A few words for my beady journal…
I bought some new beads and now I’m waiting for the inspiration’s strike.
Here’s a sample :
The lack of time means lack of inspiration. After work, I did a little bead-therapy, but that's it - no serious evolution... The weekend will be busy, I hope !
I bought some new beads and now I’m waiting for the inspiration’s strike.
Here’s a sample :
The lack of time means lack of inspiration. After work, I did a little bead-therapy, but that's it - no serious evolution... The weekend will be busy, I hope !
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Bead Instructor Tips
Swimming among the lots of information about this new hobby of mine, I bumped into an older, but very interesting post (again, I know…) : Bead Instructor Tips
I decided to seize this opportunity as much as I can – not everyday you get the chance to receive tips and advices from professionals !
And, as I said, I would like to learn from the best !
I decided to seize this opportunity as much as I can – not everyday you get the chance to receive tips and advices from professionals !
And, as I said, I would like to learn from the best !
Beading and beadwork books
I think that the Internet is the best information source, no matter what you want to learn, including beadwork.
However, if you really want to have some palpable learning materials about the art of beading, I have a suggestion : beadwork books.
Here is a list of the best books to learn beading and beadwork, according to the site About.com (more details HERE) :
1. Creative Bead Weaving: A Contemporary Guide to Classic Off Loom Stitches
2. Beadwork Basics by Ann Benson
3. Beading on a Loom by Don Pierce
4. The Art of Beadwork by Valerie Hector
5. French Inspired Jewelry - Creating with Vintage Beads, Buttons & Baubles
6. The Beader's Guide to Color by Margie Deeb7. Beaded Embellishment by Amy C. Clarke and Robin Atkins8. Beading for the Soul - Inspired Designs from 23 Contemporary Artists
9. Jill Oxton's Beautiful Beading for Beginners and Beyond
10. The New! Beader's Companion - Expanded and Updated from Interweave Press
However, if you really want to have some palpable learning materials about the art of beading, I have a suggestion : beadwork books.
Here is a list of the best books to learn beading and beadwork, according to the site About.com (more details HERE) :
1. Creative Bead Weaving: A Contemporary Guide to Classic Off Loom Stitches
2. Beadwork Basics by Ann Benson
3. Beading on a Loom by Don Pierce
4. The Art of Beadwork by Valerie Hector
5. French Inspired Jewelry - Creating with Vintage Beads, Buttons & Baubles
6. The Beader's Guide to Color by Margie Deeb7. Beaded Embellishment by Amy C. Clarke and Robin Atkins8. Beading for the Soul - Inspired Designs from 23 Contemporary Artists
9. Jill Oxton's Beautiful Beading for Beginners and Beyond
10. The New! Beader's Companion - Expanded and Updated from Interweave Press
Pattern maker
If you don’t know it already, here is something really useful for you, dear friends : The Patternmaker.
Here is how it works :
1. You upload an image (I suggest you to choose a simple image, in case you are a beginner like me)
2. You can change your settings (optional) : “view/hide advanced settings”. You have the possibility to modify the width, the type of cell, the colors…
3. You choose the stitch : Loom, Bricks, Peyote or Right Angle Weave.
4. Press the button “Create pattern” and…
You have your pattern ! Original and unique !
I usually modify a little the final pattern, by adding or deleting some elements.
If you are searching some ready-made, free, cute and simple patterns, you can find them in the same place.
Here is how it works :
1. You upload an image (I suggest you to choose a simple image, in case you are a beginner like me)
2. You can change your settings (optional) : “view/hide advanced settings”. You have the possibility to modify the width, the type of cell, the colors…
3. You choose the stitch : Loom, Bricks, Peyote or Right Angle Weave.
4. Press the button “Create pattern” and…
You have your pattern ! Original and unique !
I usually modify a little the final pattern, by adding or deleting some elements.
If you are searching some ready-made, free, cute and simple patterns, you can find them in the same place.
I need more time, more time...!
Dear all, let me present you the first ever-ever Peyote bracelet made by Leo.I finished it ! From the beginning until the end ! Victory !
I’m not sure about the clasp – I mean about the way I attached it to the bracelet… I am still learning from the best of you, I am experiencing new techniques and new ideas… You, the guest in “Leo’s beads” world, are the witness to my evolution !
I have the encouragement from your side (I feel the positive energy that comes from you…), all the beads, ideas and inspiration that I need, but something is missing : THE TIME !
If someone has lots of time and is willing to give me some, I accept the offer ! :D
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Cardboard Box Loom
Innovative, inventive…I like these words !
But mostly I like this kind of ideas !
A very inventive idea that I found and I would like to share with you is this one : How To Make A Beaded Bracelet On A Cardboard Box Loom.
How To Make A Beaded Bracelet On A Cardboard Box Loom - Celebrity bloopers here
I should definitively try this !
But mostly I like this kind of ideas !
A very inventive idea that I found and I would like to share with you is this one : How To Make A Beaded Bracelet On A Cardboard Box Loom.
How To Make A Beaded Bracelet On A Cardboard Box Loom - Celebrity bloopers here
I should definitively try this !
Friday, March 20, 2009
Peyote - again !
For those who are just starting to find out more about beadwork&co - including myself, of course ! - I will post here one of my findings. Here is a very simple and practical tutorial about the even-count Peyote stitch. I would call it the ABC of Peyote technique.
You will learn, step-by-step, bead-by-bead, how to create a bead "fabric", a bead cylinder, and, the most important, how to create many variations and different designs using this technique. You just have to let your imagination ramble...
You will learn, step-by-step, bead-by-bead, how to create a bead "fabric", a bead cylinder, and, the most important, how to create many variations and different designs using this technique. You just have to let your imagination ramble...
50 Great Beading Tips
This is a great article from the Beadwork Magazine, called "50 Great Beading Tips".
As many of you could need and appreciate it, I will share it here.
50GreatBeadingTips
As many of you could need and appreciate it, I will share it here.
50GreatBeadingTips
Publish at Scribd or explore others:
Step by step
I have so little time and so many ideas !
When trying to reconcile work and free time, I never succeed… It’s always one war that I never win. The result ? Less sleep and very much tiredness… My husband always sais : we will sleep as much as we will like in the next life ! I hope he’s right !
I progressed a little bit in my work – remember the chessboard bracelet ?
Just a few more moves and it’s done !
The pattern is very simple, but the color effect is absolutely wonderful. I love to work on it, even if it’s not such an easy thing to do. I showed it to my parents and my father said : I would never have the patience to finish this ! It takes a lot of punctiliousness…
I have the right patience and punctiliousness for this kind of work and I feel ready to try new Peyote patterns, bur also explore other interesting beadwork techniques !
The weekend is coming and I am impatient to invest some of my free time in beads-beads-beads…
When trying to reconcile work and free time, I never succeed… It’s always one war that I never win. The result ? Less sleep and very much tiredness… My husband always sais : we will sleep as much as we will like in the next life ! I hope he’s right !
I progressed a little bit in my work – remember the chessboard bracelet ?
Just a few more moves and it’s done !
The pattern is very simple, but the color effect is absolutely wonderful. I love to work on it, even if it’s not such an easy thing to do. I showed it to my parents and my father said : I would never have the patience to finish this ! It takes a lot of punctiliousness…
I have the right patience and punctiliousness for this kind of work and I feel ready to try new Peyote patterns, bur also explore other interesting beadwork techniques !
The weekend is coming and I am impatient to invest some of my free time in beads-beads-beads…
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Very useful links
The site About.com is an unlimited source of information about beadwork and jewelry making.
Here are some priceless links for you, that will help you in your beading process.
http://beadwork.about.com/
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/
http://familycrafts.about.com/
Enjoy !
Here are some priceless links for you, that will help you in your beading process.
http://beadwork.about.com/
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/
http://familycrafts.about.com/
Enjoy !
Clasps
Besides beads and their variety, I am amazed about the variety of accessories...
Let’s take, for example, the clasps.
There are several types of clasps used in beading or jewelry making :
Spring Ring - These are very commonly used and are quite inexpensive compared to other types. They are secure and easy to attach to a design. A jump ring or chain tag may be used for the other side. The ring attached to the circle part of the clasp is either opened (not soldered) or closed (soldered). Many people find these difficult to close without some assistance. Some also use these to attach charms to bracelets.
Lobster or Trigger - These are also secure and easy to attach. A jump ring or split ring may be used for the other side. To open this type of clasp, a lever is pushed and a spring inside the clasp opens the bar so that the clasp may be attached to the other end of the item. Easier to use than a spring ring as the user can usually close it without assistance. These are more expensive than a spring ring as well.
Toggle - These are more decorative and heavier weight clasps. These come in 2 pieces a bar (usually straight), and another piece, usually round, that the bar goes through to kind of make a 't'. These are used usually in heavier necklaces. These come in a variety of attractive designs and usually make up part of the look of the piece.
Tube - These are used with multi-strand designs. They are held together with suction. To open, hold each side and pull. To close hold each side and push closed.
Information source : eBay Guides.
Want some more clasps ?
Here they are !
Let’s not forget about earrings !
...And beaded clasps :
My favorites are this kind of clasps :
Let’s take, for example, the clasps.
There are several types of clasps used in beading or jewelry making :
Spring Ring - These are very commonly used and are quite inexpensive compared to other types. They are secure and easy to attach to a design. A jump ring or chain tag may be used for the other side. The ring attached to the circle part of the clasp is either opened (not soldered) or closed (soldered). Many people find these difficult to close without some assistance. Some also use these to attach charms to bracelets.
Lobster or Trigger - These are also secure and easy to attach. A jump ring or split ring may be used for the other side. To open this type of clasp, a lever is pushed and a spring inside the clasp opens the bar so that the clasp may be attached to the other end of the item. Easier to use than a spring ring as the user can usually close it without assistance. These are more expensive than a spring ring as well.
Toggle - These are more decorative and heavier weight clasps. These come in 2 pieces a bar (usually straight), and another piece, usually round, that the bar goes through to kind of make a 't'. These are used usually in heavier necklaces. These come in a variety of attractive designs and usually make up part of the look of the piece.
Tube - These are used with multi-strand designs. They are held together with suction. To open, hold each side and pull. To close hold each side and push closed.
Information source : eBay Guides.
Want some more clasps ?
Here they are !
Let’s not forget about earrings !
...And beaded clasps :
My favorites are this kind of clasps :
Work in progress
I would really like to post, from times to times, pictures with the work I have in progress.
It’s exciting to notice the evolution of your work in time, from the first bead to the final result.
So, here it goes : again a Peyote bracelet with a chessboard pattern, part one – very nice color combination !
It’s exciting to notice the evolution of your work in time, from the first bead to the final result.
So, here it goes : again a Peyote bracelet with a chessboard pattern, part one – very nice color combination !
My first Peyote bracelet
Ladies and gentlemen !...
Let me present you the very first Peyote bracelet (the pink one) and the second one that I made in my life :
I think they are pretty good, don’t you ?
They are not completely finished, I still have to add them the clasps, which will arrive by post today or tomorrow.
The rest is history…
Let me present you the very first Peyote bracelet (the pink one) and the second one that I made in my life :
I think they are pretty good, don’t you ?
They are not completely finished, I still have to add them the clasps, which will arrive by post today or tomorrow.
The rest is history…
My new beadwork
And I bead...And I bead...
Look what I made (I am very proud of my bracelets...) :
Aren't they pretty ?
I must add that the patterns are my creation, as I encourage and practice originality !
Look what I made (I am very proud of my bracelets...) :
Aren't they pretty ?
I must add that the patterns are my creation, as I encourage and practice originality !
Bead and beadwork
The homeland of beads
There is a time for everything…
Beading is one of my hobbies since childhood. As a little girl, I was fascinated by the diversity of colors and forms. But, until this moment, I didn’t have the time and necessary supplies to practice this charming hobby of mine.
Finally, the opportunity is here !
Life led me to the mom of beads : Czech Republic !
I simply had no idea that most contemporary high-quality seed beads are made in Japan or the Czech Republic…
So, I thought : I live here, in Czech Republic, so I think that I should seize this great opportunity to materialize my creativity and imagination !
1,2,3...Bead !
These are some of my old creations, made mostly of plastic beads...
Beading is one of my hobbies since childhood. As a little girl, I was fascinated by the diversity of colors and forms. But, until this moment, I didn’t have the time and necessary supplies to practice this charming hobby of mine.
Finally, the opportunity is here !
Life led me to the mom of beads : Czech Republic !
I simply had no idea that most contemporary high-quality seed beads are made in Japan or the Czech Republic…
So, I thought : I live here, in Czech Republic, so I think that I should seize this great opportunity to materialize my creativity and imagination !
1,2,3...Bead !
These are some of my old creations, made mostly of plastic beads...
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Etsy and Flickr
Take my advice : if you open an online Etsy shop - bead addicts know what I'm talking about... - you better be also on Flickr !
Here is an article where Flickr users talk about their Etsy shops.
I will very soon talk about mine !
P.S. I would also create a Deviantart account, if I were you.
Share with the whole world your original work !
Here is an article where Flickr users talk about their Etsy shops.
I will very soon talk about mine !
P.S. I would also create a Deviantart account, if I were you.
Share with the whole world your original work !
The cheapest beads
Where can I find the cheapest beads ?
Here is a article about cheap beading supplies.
Here is a article about cheap beading supplies.
Welcome to “Leo’s beads”
Hello, everybody !
Welcome to “Leo’s beads” !
Because “every bead has a story”, I decided to begin simultaneously my journey as a bead-story teller and as a bead addict.
I find beading more that fascinating but, in order to better illustrate my love for this art (as I consider it is !), I will post here a bead addict’s confession. This is my story too.
Welcome to “Leo’s beads” !
Because “every bead has a story”, I decided to begin simultaneously my journey as a bead-story teller and as a bead addict.
I find beading more that fascinating but, in order to better illustrate my love for this art (as I consider it is !), I will post here a bead addict’s confession. This is my story too.
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