Big Changes Are Coming!

So it looks like my beading and crafting is put on hold for awhile.

For reasons I can't say just yet, as much as I would like to say, but it's all good I assure you.
Many things will be changing, and all for the better.  It's a big surprise for some.
All I can say right now is that I will be on vacation for the next month or two.  So don't give up on me just yet.  Things will be better in the near future, and I'm sure you will be pleased.

Even though my post is brief, I did want to keep you all updated.  :)

I will see you all again soon!

Spiraling Out Of Control

One of many uprooted trees on and around our property from the past recent storm.

Wow!  It's been a crazy past couple of months!
Dealing with health issues (Vertigo) and (like many others) crazy weather, it's been difficult to get any beading done.
My discussion of spirals just may suit this years weather. ;)

All pieces and photos shown by me (Lynda Theriault - KraftyKatLady)

The one thing about spirals, is that they are so adaptable.  Not to mention so many different varieties.  You have russian spiral, flat spiral, herringbone spiral, peyote spiral, cellini spiral and dutch spiral (which I have yet to try).  They can be made to be loose and flowing, or tight, depending on the look you're after.

Spirals aren't just for necklaces & bracelets, they can also be made into earrings and pendants. :)

I love making spirals and there are some fabulous free beading tutorials out there for you to experiment with.  My advice?  Follow Jill Wiseman's tutorials.  Not only are they easy to follow, she makes them fun and interesting!  The Potomac Bead Company and Kelly Dale of Off The Beaded Path also has some great video tutorials as well.

So when you feel like your world is "spiraling out of control", pick up your needle and grab some beads and stitch your spiraling world way into something cool and unique.

Special thanks to all the designers out there who have provided free beading tutorials and videos!

Jill Wiseman's Youtube channel - 

Potomac Bead Company Youtube Channel -

OffTheBeadedPath - Kelly Dale Youtube Channel -

See you again soon with hopefully some new work!  :)  Stay safe in this crazy weather and always stay prepared.

Watermarking Your Photos

I wanted to take some time and talk about beading or crafting and what happens if you post photos of your work with your watermark.
This once again has recently happened to me where I've been "indirectly" but yet "directly" accused of taking credit for someone else's design, even though I stated who's design it was.  It was all because of my Watermark.
Never once have I intentionally stolen someone else's design or pattern, no matter what craft it may be.  I don't appreciate the accusation to be honest, and if anything, I find it a bit discouraging.
I know there are many out there who don't realize that watermarking photos that YOU take of YOUR work is actually a safe way to ensure no one else steals your work.

Jill Wiseman's Daydreamer Rope
Photo by KraftyKatLady

As you can see, on completed projects, I place all information on the photo so that it can not be missed.  I make sure I state the name of the design/pattern (if there is one), who the designer is, and/or where I got the pattern from.  This information is also posted with my photos on my Facebook page.

I now recently began doing a lighter watermark (barely visible) across the entire photo as much as possible, so that should someone attempt to steal or post my photo, they will have a difficult time editing the photo to make it their own.  This does NOT mean I am claiming the design as my own.
This just means that I took the photo, and I made the item that is in the photo.
Here's a little story about what recently happen to a fellow group member.

Another "supposedly" beader came across a pattern that she really liked.  It was the Bargello Stitch necklace designed by Rebecca Peapples.  Below I have a photo of one I made myself.

Bargello Necklace by Rebecca Peapples
Made by KraftyKatLady

This woman claimed she couldn't follow the pattern but yet really wanted a necklace and asked another beader in the group if she would make one for her and send it to her.  This lady went out of her way, using her time and supplies to do something nice for someone else.  Nothing wrong with that, right?
When this woman received her necklace, not only did she steal the other woman's photo and attempted to claim it as hers, but she also was taking credit for the necklace herself!
Now of course the woman who made it attempted numerous times to contact this person, but found that she was now blocked from posting or seeing anything by this woman. (Talk about gratitude!)

She then went to (at least) one of our groups and told us all what had happened, and she was clearly upset.  I can't say that I blame her.

Numerous other group members began spreading the word throughout the groups what this woman had done.  It is now out there that this woman will steal other designers' work, AND take credit for the work being done when in fact she didn't even so much as pick up a needle.

This is so wrong in my books.  If you want to bead, knit, crochet, or do anything that requires the use of someone else's design, you give that person the credit THEY deserve.  YOU get the credit for making it.  Nothing more.

"But there's so many ""FREE"" patterns and tutorials!  Can I claim those?"

The answer is NO.  Granted the internet is FULL of free patterns, tutorials and images but that does not give us the right to "copy" the work and claim it as our own.  Someone created that design, and they should get the credit.  You just simply state where you got the pattern from.
Many designers offer free patterns or tutorials to help increase your skills, promote sales, businesses, etc.  This should be taken into account that just because it's "free" doesn't mean it's free for the taking.

"So what do I do if I find a pattern I like but have no way of knowing who the designer is?" 

There are a few options, but here's what I found is best.  First, do a Google search on the image to see if you can locate the "original source".   Sometimes that can be tedious work, but it's better to take the time to do that rather than later become accused of theft or plagiarism.
Another thing to try if that fails is to ask around.  If you're in special groups or have friends who do the same type of crafting as you, don't be afraid to ask.  No question is ever a stupid question, and if anything you may be more respected because you choose to do things the right way.  Chances are, someone out there knows the answer you're looking for.
Finally, if all else fails and you still want to do the project and post a photo, state clearly where you found the project along with a link to where you got it from.  Also mention that the designer's name is unclear and that as soon as you know who it is, you will give them the proper credit.

"Do I have to buy a special program to watermark my photos?"

No.  The internet provides many free programs for computers and smartphones where you can edit your images and add a watermark.  Windows Paint Program will also do the job sufficiently.  I personally use Pixlr and have had no problems with it as of yet.

I hope this information has helped many of you, especially if you are new to the crafting world.  Enjoy what you make and be proud of your accomplishments.  :)

~Lynda (aka KraftyKatLady)

Let The Good Times Roll!

I start off the month of June with such excitement and wanted to share my happiness with you all. :)

As you may recall awhile back I mentioned that I was entering a Spring/Summer Competition in a Facebook beading group I belong to.  At first I was excited because I so desperately wanted to make something colorful but more along the "fun" side, and yet still can be worn in an elegant setting.  But I also wanted to make something floral, as that was my original thought.  So, to start things off, I began to make this.

Garden Lariat Designed by KraftyKatLady (Lynda Theriault)

I wanted to do a lariat style necklace.  And with so many different variations out there, I really didn't want to go by anyone's design (which to me is still difficult).  Of course we can't use other people's designs or patterns when entering one of these competitions.  There (for me) lies the challenge!
Being on a tight budget, I had to work with what I had available.  In this lariat, I used over 550 4mm Czech Fire-Polished Glass beads in a transparent green AB color, approximately 30 - 40 grams of Miyuki 11/0 seed beads in Transparent Emerald AB (GORGEOUS beads btw!), a glass focal bead and Czech Flower cups.  And just because I wake up most mornings looking out and seeing dew on the flowers & grass, I added a few Czech glass drops to the fringe as random dew (or rain) drops.  It measures a little over 34".
Now why didn't I enter this?  I got as far as completing the rope, and put the project off for about a month, trying to decide how I wanted the focal.  Then I also got to thinking that there will most likely be a lot of floral entries and as I don't have a lot of experience with beading flowers (yet), I figured with this one, I didn't have much of a chance at winning.  Beautiful, but not really original enough.
So then I thought about how many entries there might be in the category of Let The Good Times Roll (sorry, I can't remember the french phrase of the category).  With a little over a month to go, I really wanted to give this category a shot and see what I could come up with.

I already had a bezelled Swarovski Rivoli...

Bezelled 14mm Swarovski Rivoli
in Light Vitrail

I then played around with different rope styles that I knew to see what I thought would look best, not to mention also look different.  So what about CRAW (Cubic Right Angle Weave)?  I had been thinking RAW (Right Angle Weave) and a pattern similar to a hugs & kisses style embellishment, but I didn't want that exact look.  I figured that a basic RAW necklace might not be suitable enough and then chose to go with the CRAW.  At a length of approximately 26", I began playing with different ways of embellishing the rope.  I didn't want to hide the purple completely, but yet I also didn't want it to overpower and take away from the Rivoli.  I was satisfied with the look of V's instead of X's when it came to embellishing the rope.
Ok, embellishment is done.  Now what do I do?  Again I was stumped as to how I could add the Rivoli.  Another project set aside for the time being.

I find that if I dwell on a piece I'm working on, no matter how simple or basic it may be, I become frustrated and then don't want to finish the work.  I put things aside and evenually ideas will come to me.
Again I didn't want to give a look that may already be out there, even though this one probably is too, but I didn't see any.
After awhile, I took the Rivoli and the necklace and took my time looking at the structure of both and could I add the Rivoli to the necklace without adding more beads?  Of course I could!!  The size 8/0's I used on the focal are the same ones I made the rope with, which made them a perfect fit to join onto the necklace.
Carefully figuring out the placement, as I didn't want to hide any of the embellishing, I began stitching it into place.

The end result...

MardiGras Fun Necklace
Designed by KraftyKatLady(Lynda Theriault)

After completing this piece, I went back to the lariat and added the glass focal bead & fringe.  It's time to get this finished and then decide which to enter.  I had a few days left to make the decision.

At the last minute I chose my MardiGras Fun Necklace.  The colors may not be original, but I think the design & layout are.

The Results are in!!!

I found out last night that I won 2nd place in the competition!  Needless to say I was thrilled, not to mention shocked!  There really were some amazing and original pieces entered.  I was worried that mine might still be too "plain" & basic.  I guess it wasn't. :)
I'm not sure what I won, but who cares?  Winning just gave me even more encouragement to broaden my horizons and start working outside of my comfort zone.  It gave me confidence knowing that I too, can make some beautiful jewelry that I will have for the rest of my life to enjoy.

I hope you all enjoy these necklaces as much as I do.  Now to expand my wardrobe so that I have something to go with them. ;)

To see these, and my other work, visit my Facebook Page and feel free to like & share. :)

Special thanks to the Facebook beading group, Beadwork Mentoring, my good friends & family for all the support and encouragement you have given me.  Without you all, I would have given up a long time ago.  <3 br="">

So You Want To Learn To Bead Too

After struggling these past few weeks with sudden health issues, I now seem to have a temporary (but yet hope more permanent) recovery.  The double vision and dizziness I was experiencing really put me off, and not to mention severely behind in household chores and all my crafts in the works, more-so my beading.

The last I was working on was an attempt at a lanyard for a friend using the Chenille Stitch.  Chenille is a stitch that is basically herringbone and peyote combined.  I became stumped, (bead block I guess you could say) and just couldn't figure out how I wanted to finish it off with a place for the badge holder or clip.  Plenty of ideas came to mind, but just didn't seem right.

Chenille Stitch Lanyard in progress

Chenille Stitch Lanyard in progress
Another view.

While resting and recuperating, I had an epiphany.  Why not a loomed piece instead?  Well, my worries of having my warp threads not long enough got the better of me and encouraged me to try Square Stitch.  (Photo coming soon!)  Granted this takes much longer than a loom would, I am thoroughly enjoying the stitch.

More on all this in an upcoming post. :)

Ok, so you want to learn how to bead.  I've had a few people ask me where did I learn?  So let me tell you a little story.

A friend of mine in Edmonton, Alberta began making paper beads and creating beautiful pieces of jewelry.  As I don't do a lot of knitting or crocheting during the summer months, and always having an interest in learning to bead, I began searching for tutorials on paper beads, and asking her advice.
I did enjoy this, but to me it was sometimes a little messy.  They're a great pass-time while watching TV.  It's also very affordable and a good way to recycle all types of paper.
Ok, so paper beads is going a little off topic, lol.

During the winter months, I began looking into beading with seed beads, something I've always wanted to learn.  I live in a rural area and the nearby towns/cities don't have a single Local Bead Store (LBS).  So, my only learning resource was the internet.  Wasn't I surprised at the amount of tutorials and patterns that were available.  But I knew nothing really.
I wanted to make fringe earrings.  Who doesn't love those, right?  And of course I'm thinking that the seed beads sold at WalMart were good enough.  Honestly, I think every person when first starting out makes that common mistake.
Long story short (so I can get to the good stuff!), I was rapidly learning simple, basic stitches but of course the work just wasn't looking near as nice as everything I was seeing.
Let me start by saying I am by far no instructor, teacher or highly experienced beader.  I am still learning and will most likely continue to do so.  Here I am simply sharing a few links to help you get started with some simple steps and video tutorials from some amazing artists.  Be warned, it is HIGHLY addicting, not to mention therapeutic and relaxing. 

"What do I need to get started?"   

Basic supplies will consist of beading needles in sizes 10 and/or 12, nylon beading thread, Fireline or WildFire, scissors and of course beads.  Other supplies would be jump rings, clasps, chain, wire cutters, chain-nosed pliers, crimping tool, nylon pliers, flat-nosed pliers, various findings for earrings.
I do not recommend beginning with cheap seed beads that are made in China.  I do recommend buying ToHo to begin, although other Japanese beads are fine too.
ToHo seed beads are affordable and come in a variety of colors, finishes, shapes & sizes.
You also need to have some instructions, don't you? ;)

Here is a list of a few sites that can help you get started.

• Beadaholique - Online bead store as well as instructional videos.
• Fusion Beads - Online bead store as well as instructional videos.
• Artbeads.com - Online bead store as well as a learning center.
• Jill Wiseman Designs - Bead Designer Jill Wiseman's online shop.  Free & purchased patterns, beads & more.  She is one of many talented designers out there who has amazing and easy-to-follow video tutorials and patterns.

YouTube offers a whole variety of beading tutorials if you prefer a more visual method.  In a way it's kind of like having a one on one class (that's how I look at it).  But be careful, as there are many videos that really aren't that great or can confuse you quickly, irregardless of your experience.

The following links are who I find helpful, easy-to-follow, and offer a variety of techniques besides beading.  Who knows?  Maybe you may enjoy metal work, wirework or other jewelry techniques offered.  ;)

• OffTheBeadedPath - Designer Kelly Dale
• Potomac Bead Company 
• Jill Wiseman - Her videos are easy to follow and fun!  I learned a LOT just from watching some of her videos.
• BeadingForPerfectionists and B4Pbakup - Both links, same instructor, tutorials for all levels.

There are plenty more, but these should help you get started.  :)

"What is the cost to start?" 

Don't go all out and buy "top-of-the-line" products right off the bat.  If you decide beading isn't your thing, you don't want to have all that money and supplies go to waste.  Start off with what you can afford.  If buying chinese made beads is all you can afford, that's fine (it's how I started too), just be prepared for work that may not be well proportioned, depending on what you are learning.  Beading can get costly though, so be sure to always keep it to what your budget allows.  Walmart sells a variety of beading supplies to help you get started in your first project.  

There's so much more that I can go on about, but let's save that for another topic.
Here's what will be upcoming on my next post.

• Recent projects
• Square Stitched Lanyard progress and photos
• Spirals, so many to choose from!

I hear a thunderstorm approaching so time for me to get back to work. I'll leave you with a couple more photos of work I have done using the Chenille Stitch.

Chenille bracelet in size 11/0 ToHo seed beads

Chenille bracelet with 11/0 ToHo seed beads

Chenille collar necklace with 11/0 seed beads and 3mm acrylic pearls.
Finished off with a silver plated toggle with attached embellished heart charm.

Enjoy! :)

Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend (US).  <3 div="">

~Lynda - KraftyKatLady

*Note* ~ If any of these links should not be posted, please contact me via my Facebook page and I will remove them immediately.

Exploring & Mastering

Recently I've been working on stitches that I already know, but have wanted to improve and also attempt my own creativity.
I was recently asked to make a lanyard for a friend who is also a nurse.  Now I'm almost certain she mentioned daisies, so since the request, I was racking my brain as to what would be suitable in a hospital that would also be sturdy enough.  Of course my first thought was the Daisy Stitch and using one of it's varieties.
However, because I work mostly with 11/0 seed beads, I thought this to be too delicate and worried that something like this could break if caught or grabbed & pulled (hard, mind you).
So what could I do that would work?  Sure I've been beading for 3 years, but to me, I still consider myself a novice; still following patterns, still learning.
Then it was suggested to me to try a chenille stitch.  I was like, "DUHHHHHHHH! Why didn't I think of that?"
Chenille stitch is a form of Herringbone stitched in a tubular fashion.
Instead of using just a couple of colors, I wanted to have more of a "spring" look plus also give it the look of little flowers.  7 colors later and this is what we get. :)

I think she will be pleased with the final result.  With about 14" completed, I still have a long way to go.  I am loving the results!

Keep up with my progress and latest projects by liking my Facebook page.  I look forward to seeing you there. :)
Have a wonderful week!!

What's New In My Beading World

It hasn't been the greatest past couple of weeks for me.  First pulling a muscle in my neck, then burning 2 of my much needed fingers, and finally dealing with migraines and other minor health issues.
It's not fun getting older! lol
When I've been able, I've managed bezelling a Swarovski rivoli, completing 15 peyote bead tubes for a Bead-A-Long project in a Facebook group I'm in, and learning how to do bead embroidery. (photo's posted as soon as I'm able). :)
Of course I've always wanted to do bead embroidery, and thought there was much more to it.  Now on the beginning steps, I'm finding that isn't the case.
I didn't go all out and buy a bunch of specific supplies just in case I either didn't get the hang of it, or simply didn't like doing it, so I used less expensive items to learn on that are also just as efficient.  Simple things like felt, various beads (which do not necessarily need to be precise in shape & size), and glass decorative stones, like what you would place in flower vases or bowls.
I found that learning something new, especially when it may require many supplies that you don't normally use, is always best to attempt it first with items that are of a lesser quality.  You may not get the exact look you want, but it will give you the ability to learn how the process is done.
The pendant I've started is far from done, but for now I'd say I'm off to a good start. :)

Peyote beaded tubes are adorable and can be used in so many different ways.
Although I didn't need to make all 15 different beads, I chose to do so just so I could see the patterns taking shape as I was stitching them.  Special thanks to Carolyn Cross DeGroff for providing the Bead-A-Long patterns & tips.  She is an amazing bead artist, designer and instructor (at least in the group).  Very helpful and encouraging, which us less experienced beaders crave.
I know the stitch well, and is one of my favorites to do.  I just never could come up with my own patterns that would enable me to have them join together seamlessly.  I'm kind of lousy at that still, lol. 
So, now I must go and continue on my quest of learning and producing.
Have a great week!  :)

To Bead Or Not To Bead...That Is The Question.

It has been a couple of weeks full of ups & downs.  Last week I had burned 2 of my fingers, which had me in (believe it or not) a near panic.  "How am I going to bead, knit or crochet?" was all I could think about.  Believe me, the next day I was determined to find a way; and I did!
Although awkward and uncomfortable, I at least managed beading, and miraculously I didn't mess up my tension.  My index finger is the worst, and now dealing with possible nerve damage.  However I think that will heal over time (I hope!) once it has healed. 
I have been desperately attempting to re-sort, re-organize and inventory my current stock. One thing I will admit; I am a lousy organizer! lol  So much to do, so little time. ;)
I want to share with you what I have planned for the near future, most likely starting in May.
Once a month I will be posting "On The Beading Mat" and/or "On The Needles".  It will be a discussion of my trials, failures, new attempts, patterns, stitches, etc. and my opinions or thoughts.
So here's what you will have to look forward to upon completion.  My first double spiral necklace made with Czech Fire-polished glass beads (providing the pendant I'm designing turns out, lol), a filled netted lariat rope also made with Czech Fire-polished glass beads and a couple of peyote stitched projects, also both firsts for me.  The stitches themselves aren't being done for the first time, just the actual projects.  I look forward to posting some photo's on my Facebook page soon. :)

Where I Began To Where I Am Now

Yesterday's post was just a small test to get things up and running.  I hope you will all bear with me for the next little while in getting everything completely set up and functional.

As I mentioned briefly, I began my beading passion with making my own paper beads.  Little did I know at the time just how much work was to be involved in making them.  It's not that I didn't enjoy doing so, but it just wasn't satisfying enough to me in regards to beading.

3 years ago, I decided to purchase some seed beads, not even realizing what I was getting myself into.  Of course, like any beginner, I bought cheap, acrylic & store bought seed beads.  Oh sure, they look ok in the packaging, but dump them out and you get all sorts of different sizes & shapes.  It really made learning bead weaving nearly impossible. Everything was coming out warped and misshapen.

I didn't want to invest a lot of money into patterns & books that I wasn't sure I'd end up using.  I didn't attend any classes or courses to learn all that I've learned to date.
I began by following a few free tutorials I found on the internet.  The rest is history.

Now I am a member of a fabulous beading group on Facebook called "Beadwork Mentoring".  In just a matter of a few short months, I was able to improve my stitching techniques and tension, not to mention excellent information regarding anything pertaining to beading. (what beads are better, what's affordable, what is the best thread, etc.)
Every week/two weeks we have little challenges that help us learn or improve certain stitches/techniques.  Last month we had Geometric Shaping.  As a result, I succeeded in a Cellini Spiral Triangle pendant.

I also completed these square earrings. :)

Then we had a little challenge on bezelling.  I need a bit more practice with this one.  That will come when I have something more to bezel. ;)
We just completed a bi-weekly challenge in the Herringbone Stitch.  So far, here's what I have completed in this stitch.

Currently the challenge is Netting.  I'm still experimenting with this and will show my progress soon.

We also have a Spring Competition that began on March 15th.  We are to design & create our own beadwork, not using any purchased or free patterns, but rely solely on our knowledge.  We have 5 categories to choose from:

•  April Showers Bring May Flowers
• T-Shirts, Shorts & Flipflops
• Play Ball!
• Summer Picnic
• Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll)

I have many ideas flowing over this right now.  This competition will definitely be my greatest challenge yet.  

Visit me on Facebook to see more of my work and other updates. :)
Have a great week!
~Lynda (KraftyKatLady)

Welcome to my little corner of beading.
Here you will find my current works in progress (WIP's), helpful information regarding beading & crafting.
I began beading 3 years ago after a sudden fascination with making paper beads.  Even though I've always had an interest in beadwork, I never thought I'd finally give it a try.  My first purchase of beads led to my passion.  Who'd have thought? ;)
I will always do my best to mention designers, authors, websites, etc. as to where I learned or made my projects.
Please if you see something that isn't properly credited, let me know so that I can correct the problem.  The last thing I want to do is to infringe any copyrights.
My jewelry is also available for purchase.  Visit me on Facebook and I will do what I can to assist you.
In the meantime, I will have a bunch of photo's of my work within a few days (providing I can stop beading) ;).