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. :)