- May 3, 2014
- 1 min
Have you tried Moo?
No, this isn’t one of those “Got Milk?” questions. Moo is a printing company that I have been using for several years and I think they...
- May 1, 2014
- 1 min
Why am I not surprised?
One thing that usually happens when I start designing is that the color palette I start with always expands. I’m simply compelled to add...
- Apr 29, 2014
- 1 min
What’s next?
I’ve selected a delicious color palette for my upcoming project! You can tell from this collection of Delica beads that I’m definitely...
- Apr 26, 2014
- 1 min
My first foray into geometrically beaded cone exploration is…
Finished! Kate McKinnon ‘s recent posts challenging beaders to attempt working with Cone shapes from CGB Volume 1 lit the...
- Apr 22, 2014
- 1 min
The kiln gods have favored me…
Every time I unload the kiln, I am amazed with the shrinkage factor. For these sea-themed metal clay bead/buttons, I’ve used BronzClay,...
- Apr 19, 2014
- 1 min
Wouldn’t you know…
Just as I finished the tutorial and assembled kits for the “ Floral Brooch ”design, I find that a new task awaits me. I thought I’d have...
- Apr 17, 2014
- 1 min
What a whimsical, wild, riot of color these are!
The beading kits are assembled and waiting for anyone who wants to make a bold and colorful “fashion statement” accessory. Measuring...
- Apr 16, 2014
- 1 min
Closer than close!
Hurray…the tutorial for the “Floral Brooch” is finished! I’m always so relieved when all the proofreading is done. Now comes what I...
- Apr 14, 2014
- 1 min
The third time’s the charm…
I’ve just finished my third Floral Brooch, which I’ve titled “Tiger Lily”. You’ll notice that the petals are more curved than those in my...
- Apr 6, 2014
- 2 min
How do you write a beading pattern?
I’ve been asked that question by other beading enthusiasts who aspire to design beading patterns. There are several ways one can go about...
- Apr 4, 2014
- 1 min
H.R.H. Princess Peek-a-Boo
While sorting through files recently, I came across a photo that I had taken shortly after receiving the long-awaited CGB Volume One . I...
- Apr 1, 2014
- 1 min
The Learning Curve…
There are stitches I’ve worked so often that I feel as if I could do them while half asleep, but there is something to be said in favor...
- Mar 27, 2014
- 1 min
Beautiful Opalescent Spike Beads!
I’ve just received a shipment of gorgeous handmade 7mm x 17mm Czech glass Spike beads and couldn’t resist using them in another pair of...
- Mar 24, 2014
- 1 min
There is still snow on the ground, but….
It’s beginning to look like spring in my studio. The bright lime of these Delica and Drop beads remind me so much of the vivid...
- Mar 19, 2014
- 1 min
Playing off of MRAW…
MRAW, which stands for Modified Right Angle Weave (inspired by CGB) plays a role in this piece. I’m working on the backside of my floral...
- Mar 17, 2014
- 1 min
A new beading adventure…
Spring is coming very slowly to northern Illinois. In anticipation of its arrival, I’m creating a beaded flower. I have a vague idea of...
- Mar 15, 2014
- 1 min
Here’s the “Pentagonal Drop Earrings” kit!
A nifty beading travel tin fitted with a velour beading mat holds a selection of Delica, seed, and Charlotte beads in seven colors, two...
- Mar 13, 2014
- 2 min
Do you make or buy ear wires?
I personally don’t care for the majority of commercially mass-produced ear wires. Many look flimsy and/or the finish is too bright for my...
- Mar 11, 2014
- 1 min
The tutorial is finished!
If you’d like to make these “Pentagonal Drop Earrings” , you’re in luck because I have just finished the tutorial and it’s listed in my...
- Mar 9, 2014
- 1 min
What a great surprise!
The wonderful CGB souvenir calendar from Kate McKinnon arrived in my mailbox a few days ago! What a thrill to leaf through its pages...