"Shoreline Surprises" ~ Mixed Gemstone Free-form Beaded Embroidered Pendant Necklace.

"Shoreline Surprises"

*Click photo once or twice for larger image.

Mixed Gemstone Free-form Beaded Embroidered Pendant Necklace.

That's a long name for this project, but it goes a long way in explaining what it is exactly.

It is made up of an assortment of  glass beads, and the stones are turquoise, jasper, agate, sea shells, pearls, crystals, and two Ammonites.  (Click on the photo for a closer view.)

As in most of my bead embroidery projects, the beads are sewn on one at a time, or at the most, two at a time.  Then they are sewn through again (and sometimes more than twice) for added strength and to align the beads properly. 

There is one addition in this pendant that I'll call a " fiery crystal," although I don't know the exact name for it and I can't find them on-line.  (A very sweet friend sold me this one.)  It's very strongly AB-coated (Aurora Borealis) and prismatic with a flashing fiery look.  In the pendant, it is seen in the lower right corner and looks a bit yellow.  I'd be interested in finding more of these if anyone knows a source.  It's almost impossible to get a good photo of it, as it reflects light so strongly, but above I've posted two views. 

This project was very enjoyable and I learned a lot from it.  This is why I love beaded embroidery - it is challenging and meditative all at the same time. 

"Santa Fe Secrets" ~ Turquoise and Carnelian Bead-Embroidered Cuff Bracelet.

"Santa Fe Secrets"

Turquoise and Carnelian Bead-Embroidered Cuff Bracelet.

Above:  Photo 1 on the left, and Photo 2 on the right.

*Click photos once or twice for larger image.

Photo 3

In Photo 1 at the very top, where the bracelet appears "flat," is the almost-finished bracelet after the majority of the beading was done.  This step shown here is right before the beaded top is glued to the brass bracelet form (which is then encased so it doesn't show).  Photo 2 above shows the completed bracelet. Inside the cuff and against the brass is UltraSuede fabric - and the brass form is actually "sandwiched" between the beaded embroidered top and the UltraSuede fabric on the inside.  This keeps the bracelet from collapsing, and gives it a bit of added heft. It also makes a clasp or attachment unnecessary.

Then Photo 3 shows the bracelet finished as a cuff.  Because it fits around the wrist, it's much harder to see all the beaded embroidery handwork.  As soon as I finished this one, I was eager to start another.  That's the way it is with almost all of my projects.

"Wandering Path" ~ Turquoise and Gold Bead Embroidered Bracelet

 "Wandering Path"

*Click photo once or twice for larger image.

"ARTiCREATE"  is a focus on my artwork that is created in originality - which is everything I do: original.  Originality is key with me ~ it's something that artists of all media should strive for and make their ultimate goal.  This is where the JOY is to be found, as well.  If you are an artist or a crafter, I encourage you to seek your own original style for the greatest satisfaction.  Learn what you need to from others who have shared their work (either in books, classes, or on-line tutorials) then spread your wings and fly solo!

Here are some photos of my recent beaded embroidered pieces, which is a current direction (and obsession) for me - as working with colorful glass beads, gemstones, and other small jewels is very much like painting, only on a very small scale.  The sewing part is not only meditative, but challenging as well.  There are no pre-set patterns or diagrams that inform my bead embroidery;  instead, my designs are chosen and evolve organically, and my favorite colors direct the whole process.  With bead embroidery, the beads are adhered to the foundation base one at a time, or at the most, two at a time.  Then a specialty thread is sent back through the beads once or twice for added strength, and to align the beads so that they are arranged in an attractive and unique construction.

The above photograph shows a beaded embroidered bracelet with glass toggle that includes turquoise gemstones, crystals glass beads, buttons, and cabochons all hand-sewn onto a foundation.  The process is addictive and very enjoyable, despite the fact that it takes days to create something this intricate. 

I hope you'll be inspired by my posts to try some of these bead embroidered projects yourself!