Beading Babes Reveal

Hi all! Today is reveal day for our current Beading Babes projects.  We were extremely blessed to be offered a pattern from Helena Tang-Lim's shop, Manek-Manek Beads at a special price. We also chose Helena's pattern, Nefertiti, from the June 2012 issue of Bead and Button.  I was able to make both projects, which was a close thing, due to my obsession commitment to some other challenges.
When I first started out, I couldn't understand why people would make someone else's design, if they were trying to sell their own stuff. It didn't apply to me, since I wasn't selling, but I just kept wondering. Well, now I know. Helena takes some simple ideas, and turns them into beautiful designs. Her instructions are well written, and easy to understand. And if you don't understand...she's so very available to answer any questions.  I also appreciate how adaptable her patterns are to your personal taste. The bracelet pattern could be worked up in one, two, or three rows. I chose to work mine in 2 rows, using some wonderful bronze iris Czech beads and white pearls. I love the contrast, and the organic feel the Czech beads gave to it. I followed that organic theme by using freshwater pearls for the clasps.

The Nefertiti necklace is a serious statement, designed to get noticed. I adapted the pattern a bit, since I didn't have any luck finding the coin beads needed for the project quickly enough. I chose an open MOP circle, and inserted a FP bead in the middle. I also decided to make the necklace with the 3 small pendants, since my personal style is a bit more casual than the full version.

I only used the small pendants for my version.

Close up of the clasp. I did not add the fringe beads to it, again going for that more casual look.

 I added more of the fire polished every 2 inches to the herringbone rope.

I fell in love with the clasp on this necklace.  And I know, without a doubt, that I would not have been able to make it if I hadn't made Nancy Dale's Trellis necklace for our last project.  That is what I discovered about other people's patterns. They make you better, and help you with your creative process. They also make you extremely grateful to the talented folks who spend their time and effort to make their designs available to everyone.
This has, as usual, been a blast, and I'm already excited about our next project reveal! To find out more, please head over to Karyn's blog, ReleasesbyRufydoof.blogspot.com.
Blessings,
Shirley

Beading Babes Reveal #4

Hi all! Today is reveal day for our Beading Babes Challenge #4. Hard to believe we've already had 4 challenges! They have been so much fun, and I've learned tons! And if you've not heard of Beading Babes, head on over to Karyn's blog and get signed up!
Our patterns for this challenge were Ruffled Chain Bracelet....

Paisley Drop Earrings

and Nancy Dale's Trellis necklace

Now, if you've ever been fortunate enough to use one of Nancy's designs, you'll know how thrilled we all were that she offered it to the group.

I knew immediately that I wanted to make Nancy's necklace, and I wanted to use some Julsbeads that I've been hoarding.

So, first I'll show you the Paisley Drop earrings, then we can talk about my Trellis.

Aren't they cute? I chose these lovely springy colors, because I knew I was going to make these as a gift for a friend. They were very quick and easy, and I like the addition of the bicones for sparkle factor.

Ok, now to my Trellis. What I adore about Nancy's patterns is how I grow each time I use one. I am not at all comfortable with RAW, so I knew this was going to stretch me. The inner core is right angle weave that is then zipped up. It is made in sections, which are joined by crystal rondelles, per her materials list. But I wanted to use my Julsbeads. No big, right? Well, yes, it was.

See how the hole of the bead indents? Makes it a bit hard to bead around that first unit, let me tell you!

I did complete the base section of the necklace, and one section has the trellis embellishment. I'll post a finished pic later, promise!  I ended up making 6 sections, with a total length of 28 inches.

Now, about that embellishment.....I made a few errors, but learned lots! :) The beads I chose for the flower are a rainbow grey. My base is an eggplant color, and my netting is a lavender with amber inside. Soooo, they flowers? Yeah, you can't really even see them.

See the purple crystals? Well, that bit of light bouncing off of a bead just above it on the right would be the flower. And those hot pink beads??!! Where the heck did they come from? Um, I thought it would be a good idea....

Actually, they were the only metallic beads I had. They are supposed to be the flower embellishment. I agree, kinda jumps out, doesn't it? Good thing this is a necklace for me, with all my errors! :)  But, I'm so glad I've made them, weird as that sounds. Cause how else do you learn?

So here is my one section of trellis, completed.  I wasn't sure about the trellis beads at first. I thought they would dull the metallic purple too much, but in person, you can really see the amber inside color glinting in the light. I'm so very pleased with my progress on this necklace, and totally in awe of Nancy's ability to come up with this design.

I have heard through the grapevine that we may have another designer tutorial in the works.

Please head over to Karyn' blog to see the other designer's from this challenge!

Blessings, Shirley