Monday, December 14, 2015

Work in Progress: Charm Experiment

This week I’m wrapping up my first attempt at recreating a charm necklace with just beads. I wanted a light and slinky beaded chain, so I went with a single strand of right angle weave, then added some accent bead dangles. Although I often add accents as a separate piece, for this design I’d really like the ‘charms’ to be attached, so I tried weaving them in with additional RAW clusters. This first experiment hasn’t really turned out as planned, so it’s back to the drawing board.

RAW Charm Necklace in Progress


For my next attempt, I’m thinking of adding accents directly onto the chain, so that I can use separate bails for the charms but block them from sliding off of the chain. Unless another idea comes along in the meantime. I might not get this idea working until the new year, as I’m now using most of my beading time to work on handmade presents. I’m very excited about the project that I’m making this year, which is going to include some bead embroidery - maybe a little, or maybe a lot! I’ll post some pictures as soon as I can.

What are you making right now?

Mortira

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6 comments:

  1. Hello! I just made the laurel leaf bracelet and the Helen of Troy necklace from your gorgeous book. They were my very first beading projects--thank you for the clear directions and diagrams, so helpful for a beginner. I spotted the book on sale at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC (part of a range of merchandise associated with a current exhibition of Hellenistic bronzes) and am so glad I picked it up. My daughter will be wearing both pieces to her Latin program's Saturnalia celebration on Thursday night!

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    Replies
    1. Welcome to the beading family! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the projects. It's exciting to know that the book is helping new beaders! I hope it brings you much inspiration - please don't hesitate to get in touch if you ever have questions. Happy beading!

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  2. Thanks so much, Mortira! Right now I'm just wondering what to make next! I'm trying to limit myself to what I can find at the craft store for now--for whatever reason they have a big selection of size 10 seed beads but not 11, so I've had to go with that. Eyeing the reed cuff....

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    Replies
    1. Most of us start small and then build our bead stashes as we try new things. It's a great way to get to know your materials a little at a time! You should be able to get great results with the 10/o beads. So long as your projects don't rely on size differences between beads - like in Cellini spiral - you won't see much difference. Best of luck with your future projects!

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  3. just basically learning how to bead.. scared to try anything.. looking forward to seeing your work :) Thanks

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    Replies
    1. Start with a project that you really, really like. Even if it's comes out a mess, you'll start to figure out what kinds of techniques you like as you go. Happy beading!

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