Bead Lessons :: Zig Zag Stitch

This necklace came together in pieces, and it all began with a beading lesson from my friend Christine. Each time we get together we try to share a technique with the other so that we're both learning something new. I do so love these little lessons.

I had seen a stitch over on her blog that I just had to try where she'd used a new variation on zig zag stitch using peanut beads. It creates amazing depth to this beaded chain (click on the link to see the beautiful piece she created). I picked out some metallic colors and got to work. I really just wanted to bead this new stitch to feel the rhythm of the pattern in my hands. I had no idea what I was going to do with it, and tucked it away. 

Once I was back home it sat on the bead table for some time, like so many other stalled projects. But then I pulled out a focal bead that Christine had gifted me from that last trip to Fishkill in the shape of a scarab. I added a semicircle of braided leather to complete the necklace and it all came together. I love the symbolism of the scarab as amulet in Egyptian history. It is said to bring protection to the wearer. I turned the bead into a simple cab to attach to the leather, connected the beaded back strap, and voila. Another Christine-inspired design! 

Beadweaving :: Simple Peyote

I picked up quite a few sets of seed beads at Beadfest this year (you can see the loot to the right here); including a few strings of wonderful earthy beige and a hank of Picasso seed beads. The Picasso beads have been all the rage lately, as I hear everyone talking about them. But they are quite a bit more expensive for some reason. Frankly they look like all those beads I spill on my bead table and don't get around to sorting. I do really love the mixture of color, and I might just need to do my own mix!

This simple peyote pattern actually started with the beautiful center carnelian piece. I have a few of them sitting on my bead table that I've definitely been hoarding for some time. My friend Christine gifted them to me, and I love them. I think Carnelian ranks right up there as one of my absolutely favorite stones. I absolutely love it's rich, honey tone. I could not resist showcasing the photos of the bracelet draped over a rock. Anyone who knows Christine knows that she'd approve of this maneuver.

I wanted to do something different. Unique. But wasn't exactly sure what, and it took me quite a while to come up with the pattern. Sometimes the simple patterns take the longest to figure out as the understated can be quite dramatic. It makes me think of my hairdresser. I know .. I'm down a rabbit hole. But stay with me for a minute, and I'll explain. So I always thought ... how hard can it be? I have stick straight hair ... all you need to do is cut it in a straight line. But I've heard people cut my hair over the years and mumble under their breathe because every snip shows up. And in fact I have seen people struggle to cut my hair as it is harder to have it look like a clean cut, or not have a few pieces hang down if I part my hair slightly off from center (as I typically do).  I guess simple patterns are the same. Any small stitch out of place, or slightly different color of a bead, or even slightly irregular shape or size ... shows up. Can anyone see the spirit beads in this piece?

I ended up with a 2 row chevron pattern of Picasso beads alternating with the earthy beige. I did a drop stitch at the ends creating a triangle so it would roll around the center piece. I kinda love the softness of that look. I'm going to have to do that again, for sure. I also grabbed a set of Melinda Orr's leather snap ends (man I love these) and punched a couple of holes to bead right into. I had to laugh as I explained to my bead buddy Linda Younkman that I had left the string exposed when I attached the beading to the leather. I think she asked me twice, maybe it was 3 times if I really left it exposed. LOL, yes. I like the rustic, boho (aka 'didn't tuck in my shirt) look.

The piece fits like an old worn in baseball mitt. Truly. I was afraid the carnelian hoop would feel uncomfortable, but the beading around it gives it some swing in the pattern. I still have 2 more of these carnelian pieces to play with. But this one; it must return to Christine. I channeled her through the entire pattern. In the end is was earthy, had a touch of native flare, and just a bit of Colorado. 

And another one of my beady friends, Linda, was off doing her thing with peyote. Check out these stunning variations where she simply played with the size of the bead. She also included a tutorial for those of you that would like to try your hand at a simple, and classic peyote beadweaving stitch. Sometimes the simple can create the dramatic. You definitely rock Linda! You can see this article (include my simple peyote bracelet) in this month's issue of Bead Chat Magazine.

Beadweaving :: Herringbone Tutorial

A few weeks back my beady friend Linda Younkman and I were playing around with herringbone. I had pulled out these large square wood beads (size 8) to practice this weave. But I really like how the angled squares turned out in this pattern.

I was pretty technology challenged at the time as I was up in the Adirondacks for a break from work. I was trying to snap a picture to send to Linda, of which it took something like 20 minutes to upload to Facebook (insert swear word ... then multiply). Anyway, once I did upload Linda was game to give it a try. And as usual I got the BRB message as she high tailed it to her LBS .... that would mean she would 'be right back' after heading to her 'local bead shop.'  She pinged me later with her own stash of square beads and off she went to try out the pattern. 

And man, I love how she added a leather closure to her version. Check out her post called Needle, Thread and Beads, but don't forget to come right back because we then decided to write up a quick tutorial on this simple weave and show you a few closures and variations. I whipped up a second cuff, this time in reds, to show you a slide closure. You can check it all out in this month's Bead Chat Magazine, or read the full article on the BCM site. Either way, give this one a try for a quick cuff that feels really nice around your arm.

Oh, and btw (I'm just full of acronyms today) Linda's post (featuring several different beaded cuffs) caught the eye of one of the editors over at Beading Daily and they gave one of her pieces top billing on their recent post! Go Linda! bead on my friend.

Folk Art Inspired :: Zig Zag Tutorial

I've been trying to figure out a little history on turn of the century folk art toys, some call them "Prim Dolls." 

I just had this picture in my head of homemade, sewn rag dolls. But, there really is very little information on them. Plenty of pictures, but next to no background or history.

This necklace just seemed to have that same touch of handmade, folk art, rag doll flare. A bit of whimsy and a lot of swing when you wear it. The large grey rounds are matte hematite (LOVE this bead) and have a good weight to them, so it adds to the swing of the fringe. Oh yes, there is fringe. Fringe seems to be on my mind lately. And I used the zig zag stitch for the necklace as I wanted a chain with a more rustic feel to add to the folk art look. I am really enjoying playing around with this look lately.

Several of you asked about how to do the zig zag stitch. It really is very simple; using 3 beads to shape a triangle. I like using metal colored beads as it does create a chain look and feel to the stitch. Below is a step-by-step to explain:

Cuff Tutorial :: Biker Chic

I have had a lot of people ask me about this cuff. Truth is, it is a very easy project, as long as you don't mind doing a little stitching. I've made several in the last 6 months; honestly there are endless ways you might add your own twist to this pattern. 

For those looking for the tutorial, you'll find it on a new site that all us beaders have been enjoying called Artisan Whimsy. The tutorial is on the front page today. If you bead, and haven't yet signed up, give it a look. There are lots of great ideas and patterns on the site.

If you don't bead, but would love to own this one ... try my Etsy. Hope everyone is enjoying family and holidays, and holding your loved ones close. 

How to Link Your Social Media: Anjuli's Silk

Anjuli's Silk by Antiquity Travelers

I get asked “how do you link your item through to multiple social media sites?” It is actually pretty easy and it is a great way to increase how many people you reach when promoting your work. The Pinterest team over at a site called Artisan Whimsy a creative bead chat thought we’d give you a quick and easy walk through on how to make sure all your posts on a single item can link through to all your social media. If you make jewelry, and you haven't yet checked out this site, go and take a look around this quickly growing community site.

Step 1: create a listing on your commerce site (Etsy, Artfire, your own domain, etc). Start with listing your item as you always do, but make sure to include a descriptive title (are they earrings or a necklace? what style: boho, steampunk, vintage? type of materials used?)

Step 2: ‘pin’ your listing to a designated Pinterest board full of items from your store. On Etsy you have a couple of options once you publish on the right side (tweet, pin, like on facebook). Be sure to include details on your pin just as you would have on your commerce site so people can easily find your other work and where to buy it.

Step 3: go to your Pinterest and find the pin you just added. ‘Clip’ your Pinterest pin to your Polyvore items.

Step 4: go to your Polyvore profile and click on your new item and click the button on the right that says ‘create a set with this item.’ So now you create a ‘set’ using your item. Pull in colors or a style that really showcases your item to give people excited about how to match your item within their wardrobe. Publish your Polyvore set to your profile on the site (I usually uncheck the box that asks if you want to ‘share.’ I don’t like to have it show up on my blogger postings to all other bloggers.)

Step 5: Once your Polyvore is set is published, click on the button above your set that says ‘blogger.’ It will ask you if you want to publish on your blog, or send as a draft. I usually send as a draft so that I can edit it and add a little write up about the set I’ve created. Publish your Polyvore set as you would any other post.

Step 6: now that your Polyvore board is published on blogger, when someone clicks on it the link will take them to your set on Polyvore. Once at Polyvore they can click on your item and it will click through to your Pinterest board. At Pinterest when they click on your item it will take them to your commerce site. Everything will automatically link from the origin of where you ‘clipped’ and ‘pinned’ your item. Try it. Click on the Polyvore set at the beginning of this blog and you'll see that it links through all my various sites. it's pretty cool - huh?!

Freedom Fridays: Tutorial Double Wire Wrap Examples

Yesterday I posted a tutorial for how to do a double wire wrap loop. I hope that it was helpful to those who find a double wrap challenging. It really isn't that much different from a single wrap as long as you kept track of your wire. I had an excellent instructor that showed me the simplicity of wire wrap, and being methodical about how you hold your wire. The few tips can really help and can make all the difference in the world if you are trying to achieve a tight wrapping technique.

As a little bit of inspiration, I thought I'd post a few variations of this style. Same double wrap technique, same stone (African Opal - isn't it a gorgeous stone?), just slightly different styles. The first pair of earrings uses a 'long wrap,' or one that comes down all the way over the wire threading through the top drill hole in the stone. Personally, this is my favorite and most used technique. I also added a top bead -- a Swarovski pearl (a tough bead that can stand up to my wrapping!). I included a wrap around the bead to bring the wire back up to the top where I started to create a final loop. 

The second pair is an even shorter wrap than the one I demonstrated in the tutorial. This one shows off the wire triangle that frames the top of the bead. The style accentuates the long drop wire wrapping from bead to earwire. I also included a marcasite bead connector to give the pattern a little extra character. I love marcasite and use it pretty much every chance I get.

Thursday Favorites: Wire Wrapping Tutorial

I had a request for a tutorial on wire wrapping. I've never done a tutorial before, so I hope this is clear! This is a quick demonstration for how to do a double wire wrap.  I used a large stone (African Opal) and 22 gauge wire so hopefully the steps are easy to see. And just for ease, I also used a larger type size.


Step 1: Thread the wire through the top drill hole and leave an equal amount of wire on either side - about an inch to an inch & a half on either side. 


Pinch the wire together at the top of the stone to create a little triangle with the wire. I like to hold the pliers flat so I can make sure I make the loop tightly across the top (shown in Step 2).

Step 2: To create the loop, wrap both wires side-by-side around the round-nose pliers. 

Step 3: I use my flat pliers to pull the wire around. Start with one of the wires so that they are opposite each other. Watch the wire wrap to make sure that they wrap tightly -- one on top of each other. This will create a smooth wrap vs. clumping on top of one another.

Step 4: Pull the opposite wire around and tuck it right up next to the other. Again watching to make sure that it stacks right beneath the other wire and creates a smooth wrap. Continue this process for 3-4 more wraps (to the desired size and shape you want with your wrap).

Note: Some people prefer to continue wrapping all the way down the stone to cover up the threading, so if that is the case then add a little extra length to the wire. 

Step 5: Once you've finished wrapping, again keep the wires opposite each other and cut the ends. This way you can tuck each end up against the bottom of the wrap for a more level base.

Step 6: Tuck the last of the wire up to the base of the wrap and smooth/ adjust the wrap for any places where it might look a little out of line.

BTW: Boho Leather Hoops

I am continuing to find inspiration in Lorelei and Erin's new book Bohemian Inspired Jewelry.  And, as with any recipe, I never follow it exactly. I typically take elements and mix things up a bit. 

One of the projects in the book uses 'leather fringe' on a pair of hoops, and I just had to try that! It really wasn't very hard. The hardest part was keeping the leather gathered together on the hoop, and so I needed to ensure I had a tight wrap on either side. 

I started with a scrap piece of leather I had left over from an upholstery project. I cut it about a quarter inch wide, and roughly 3-4 inches long. I then used a hole punch and spaced holes roughly a half inch apart. 

Once the leather was threaded I twisted it just a little to give the 'fringe' effect shown in the book. Lastly I added a flat silver bead and did a quick wire wrap (about 5 full wraps) which gives it a very secure hold. Also, to hold the wire in place I had wrapped it at the end of the fringe and threaded it through the bead along with the hoop. I originally thought about including pearls to the hoops to match the leather and pearl bracelet I made a few weeks ago. But it was just too much. I think I prefer the simplicity of the leather and silver.

I did also make my own hoops. I used a thick gauge (15 g) solid silver wire. I grabbed a spice jar, created a loop at one end and bent the wire. Then just added the hook to the other end of the hoop. A quick couple of whacks with a chasing hammer did the trick. 

These were really easy and fun to make. I'll bet I could use other thick ribbon or velvet? hmmm ... already thinking of variations.