How wrong I was
Remember my recent blog about beading? How I wasn’t sure about it? How I couldn’t thread the needle? How you can’t cuddle with beads like you do with yarn? Can’t watch tv while you bead? Can’t relax into the rhythm?
I was so wrong. The problem, of course, as so many of you readers said in comments, was that I had to stick with it. Well, I did, and I’m now totally addicted. One of the neat things is that I love the people at the bead shop. That shop, BTW, is Bella Beads in Center Harbor, New Hampshire, and the owner, Sue, has taught me everything I know. But she also is responsible for the inviting atmosphere in the store, from the huge assortment of artfully-arranged beads, to every manner of clasps, threads, and needles, to the large table smack in the middle of the floor where, at any time, half a dozen beaders might be at work. I’m inspired every time I walk into the place.
I’m still a rank beginner. But take a look at these pictures, and you’ll see what I’ve done. I’ll start with the latest (clearly I’m trying to impress you.) BTW, click on a picture to enlarge.
This black cuff, which I wear constantly, combines matte cubes and shiny cubes. Little magnets at each end serve as clasps. The six silver beads you see shining in the cuff are strategically placed to represent my grandchildren. No one knows that but me. And now you.
In this bracelet, I alternated rows of square bronze beads with rows of round silver and gold ones. That single little red bead you see, vaguely in the middle of the second-to-top row, is my mojo bead. It’s for good luck.
This silver bracelet has a tiny turquoise mojo bead. See it? The clasps on this and the bronze bracelet snap together with a click.
This wraps around the wrist three times. It was a cinch to make — actually turned out to be the prototype for the bracelet below, which I made over and over again, in different combinations of cords and beads, for my grandkids.
Each of the kids’ bracelets has a mojo bead as well. They call it the “special bead” that Grammi put there just for them. Is that incentive to make more, or what?
I have to say, I’m pretty pleased. I’m currently making a bracelet like the bronze one (second from top above), only this one in brown for a friend’s birthday. She can afford to buy any bracelet she wants, but I know she will be totally touched that I made one for her. And the mojo bead for luck? She’ll love that!
Next up? Combining now two craft passions. I’ve just started a pair of fingerless gloves (aka mitts, in knit-speak) with beads worked into the pattern. I’ll post pix once there’s enough to see.
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What don’t / can’t you do?! I love these. Use my colorful folders every day, of course!
Rebecca
Hey, Rebecca! So good to hear from you. I’m glad you use the folders. I’m still into organizing (now yarn and beads). As for what I don’t/can’t do, trust me, there’s plenty. Take writing children’s books, for starters …
Hi I am a big fan have read almost all of your books, just had to comment on your beading blog..Welcome to the club of addicted beaders, there is nothing like a room full of beads. You have to check out something called Beadfest, it is held in Philadelphia twice a year, I think Texas and somewhere else. Just imagine an entire conference room full of beads. Also if you ever get to Flordia nearFt Myers, there is a place called Anderson Bead Room. On the door it says, “An Adult Candy Store”. And if tyhat wasnt enough NYC in there are tons of bead stores. Enjoy your beading! Lori Tonti
I love the black bracelet! I love beading too especially doing the Christmas ornament covers. I made several last year and plan to do more. Want to do jewelry but right now my time doesn’t seem to be my own
& what I have I read. Keep the project photos coming. Talented!!!!
Those are gorgeous! Nicely done. I’ve done a couple of knit projects with beads. On one project I pre-strung the beads and on the other I placed them with a crochet hook. I’m not sure which method I like best as they both have pros and cons. I’m looking forward to seeing your project!
Dianne, the fingerless mitts I’ve started use pre-strung beads. I’m not sure how it’s done with a crochet hook. That’ll have to be my next lesson.
All I can say is WOW. Makes me want to run right out and start learning a whole new craft. Beautiful, beautiful work.
i’m very encouraged after seeing your blog on beading to go and try to find someone to teach me this new craft! also i will be near fortmyers in feruary so will look up the bead house mentioned in one of the comments.
Barbara,
I love your beading. You have inspired me to learn. I have been thinking about it for a while now. I would like you to fit a little more writing in to your life. I LOVE your books.
Jen
What size beads are used in the black matte bracelet! I love it with the grandchildren beads and would like to try it with colors that match my grandchildren’s birthstones!
I used 4 mm cubes. The silver g-kid beads were 3 mm, just because that’s what I had on hand. What a good idea to use birthstones! You could probably add Swarovski crystals, too. I think Michael’s carries them for beading. Send pix when you’re done!
Good Morning, Barbara. I am just finishing ‘The Vineyard’ and am enjoying it so much, I just hopped on-line to google a list of your other books. And up popped your blog! Congratulations on your new found crafting love. I’m a quilter and only use beads to embellish some of the stitcheries I use in my work. Your bracelets are just beautiful. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to reading more of your stories. ~karen