February Challenge Entry

I finally finished & listed my Etsy-Beadweavers Challenge entry for February!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20223811

This freeform bracelet was created for the Etsy-Beadweavers February Challenge - Tropical Holiday. In thinking about the challenge, I went back in my memory to Waikiki - the crystal blue water that you could see through, that changed color under the magnificent sunsets. The entire island of Oahu seemed to stop every night to watch the sunset.

This cuff is made from 11/0 Japanese cylinder beads utilizing peyote, herringbone, brick and right angle weave stitches. Galvanized denim blue, sea foam green and iridescent purple undulate around the wrist, topped off with dyed freshwater pearls, etched glass reminiscent of sea glass, agate and a tiny glass fish. A large mother of pearl focal houses a peyote toggle clasp.

The bracelet measures 8" long and 2" wide at the widest point.

Visit the EBW blog to see other artists beautiful beadwork; or search EBWC to see more tropical holiday challenge pieces. Please visit the team blog between February 9th and 15th, when you'll be able to vote for your favorite entry.

A not-so-laborious Labor Day

I'd planned on spending much of my Labor Day weekend beading and catching up on some painting that I've neglected, but that didn't happen. Well, I got some beading done, but not as much as I wanted and no painting. On the other hand, my daughter had her first soccer practice and I giggled hysterically as 4-6 year-olds ran around the field.

I'd meant to post this piece earlier and kept forgetting. I'd started the herringbone chain months, if not a year, ago, originally working on a graduated chain. I ripped out all of the increases, taking the chain back down to its original size and finishing it out with a button & loop clasp, using a brass button I had. I raided my bead stash and found a large orange glass donut that I got in a mix a few years ago. I'm not usually much on orange, so the donut had sat there... with a nice layer of dust :)

I originally worked a 2 Delica-wide ladder around the donut and decided that it needed a bit more "oomph" and added beads on the front using brick stitch and fringe. I was pretty happy with the results, as was my mom, who took the piece within the week!

In other news, I've joined the Etsy Beadweavers in creating squares for Jeanette Shanigan’s 2009 Beaded Quilt. With a grandmother who conquered breast cancer, I'm very excited to be participating in the Quilt Project this year. I've started working on my squares and will post more as I finish them up.