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