Break From Tradition :: Blog Hop with Spikes

Last Fall I kept seeing spike beads everywhere, and was wondering how exactly I might design around some of those thingies. But I did notice that so many of the ones I saw were large, metal and rather sharp looking. Which just didn't really look all that 'safe' for the kind of beader I am.

Now ... most of you know that I consider beading to be a contact sport, and typically walk away stabbed and bleeding from an afternoon of bead weaving. Perhaps a broken needle or two, and maybe a large amount of swear words have been uttered. 

So when I saw these 'less sharp' looking howlite spikes, I figured it was probably a better option for me. I grabbed a white and a black set and headed off to the cashier. But once home I realized that it was a crazy amount of beads to work with, so I asked a couple of my beady friends if they wanted to give these things a try. Surprisingly, all four said yes. Well alrighty then, game on.

Months later ... we're getting around to posting our creations. Now some of us have already created a thing or two, some of us tried and ripped out (multiple times - with probably a few swear words), and a few more left those beads on the table to stare down for a few months just to see if that would help tame them. So let's get to it, shall we ...

I did try my hand at these spikes a while back, and posted it here. As a quick recap, I tried several times to work these beads into a bracelet, but my early attempts were complete and total #FAIL. I'm telling you, these spikes take some taming!. I did finally settle on a nice, freeform ladder stitch around the beads. The cuff has nice warm, earthy colors that are great for winter wear (I have it pictured in the lower left below). I was completely surprised by how comfortable it is to wear! I was careful to use only 5 of the spike beads so that there weren't any on the under side of the bracelet. That way it isn't uncomfortable to wear for everyday tasks .... for say typing out this blog post. 

For this more recent, and second attempt, I wanted to change it up a bit to make it lighter (in color at least). This looks more like summer on the wrist and would be a fun piece to wear with a flow-y blouse ... in a bohemian style (of course). Again, I used only 5 spikes so the under side of the bracelet is flat. It too is comfy to wear!

A little call out to the blog hop button. I found this adorable Etsy shop, Sofia's Couture Designs, that creates costumes, and this twist on the Batman (ehem, girl) Superhero outfit was perfect for our Break From Tradition Hop. So now it's time to check out the other brave beaders who tried out these ginormous howlite spikes: Therese, Janet, Christine and Bobbie.