"Stepping Stones" ~ Necklace Featuring Red Creek Jasper

The gemstone Jasper is playing a starring role again in my beaded creations.  This particular Jasper stone is called Red Creek Jasper, and the colorations of the stones range from a light creamy yellow, to a soft orange, on to a deep red, a gray-green, an olive green, and finally a brown.  Often the stones have most of these colors embedded in them in swirly patterns. 

click on photo for larger image

This necklace incorporates large Red Creek Jasper free-form beads (the long, narrow shapes), as well as a triangular piece in the middle, and several oval-shaped beads besides the round 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm beads.  I've added Yellow Jasper in places to play off the yellow coloration.  In addition, there are a few Agates, and lots of Japanese Toho glass seed beads in olive green, dark taupe, and a creamy yellow - these are in sizes 6, 8, 11, and 15. 

The entire piece was hand sewn and embroidered bead by bead on Nicole Campanella's NBB foundation in the color Hawk Wing.  The backing is a soft tan-colored UltraSuede.  Around the edges of the piece I have added very delicate picot edging with tiny size 15 beads. 

The toggle bar and loop closure is made with seed beads, and I got a little ambitious and made a beaded bead as well.  I'm still working on improving that technique . . .

Here is a closer look at the various colorations in Red Creek Jasper beads. 

"Forest Floor" featuring a yellow-green Jasper focal cabochon on a bead embroidered cuff bracelet.

"Forest Floor" 

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My attraction for the stone Jasper continues ~ my hand automatically reaches for them whenever I visit my local bead store.  Jasper comes in so many different colors, and combinations of colors, I can't imagine every tiring of it.  This particular Jasper stone with it's bright yellow-greens, dark emerald green "spider webbings", and gray-green organic patches won me over, and I knew I had to make a bracelet with these colors.  It reminded me of the colors one might find on a forest floor.  While I don't have access to an actual forest, I do walk in the woods quite often . . . 

Around the time that I was working on this bracelet, I walked outside on a cold, winter afternoon and noticed on the ground bright green patches of new grass peeking up and growing alongside gray-green pieces of lichen.  It made me think of spring trying to push winter aside.  I was struck by the beauty of the two greens together, and wanted to incorporate them in this piece.

As I have done in the past, the first photo of the bracelet (above) shows the bead embroidered foundation flat for photographing ~ once it's placed on the brass blank cuff to become a bracelet, it's harder to see the entire design together.  

Besides the oval focal Jasper cabochon in the middle, I have added smaller Jasper beads in various greens and gray-greens, glass pearls in both green and gray, cut crystals in several colors including a very bright yellow-green, and Japanese seed beads in a number of colors, sizes, and finishes. Some of the smaller Jasper beads are called "Landscape Jasper."  Also included is a small, round, gray-green Agate that is faceted on the top of the stone. 

This bead embroidered cuff bracelet is sewn onto Nicole's BeadBacking in the Chartreuse Shine color ~ a yummy yellow-green color that allows the transparent and translucent beads as well as the cut crystals to show their best.

Above is the finished bead embroidered cuff bracelet.

Around the entire bracelet edge I have sewn a double row of picot edging using Japanese glass drops called Magatamas.  This is the first time I've tried a double row edging, and I really like the way it turned out.

Inside the bracelet is a soft, olive green UltraSuede lining.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

"Promise Of Spring"

Because I love this bright, apple-green Jasper stone so much, I made a second bead embroidered cuff bracelet with it as a focal center stone when I discovered another one at my local bead shop, "Beads and More."  I just couldn't resist! (The first one I made to give as a gift.)

The Jasper stone is actually a bead meant to be worn as a pendant - there is a hole on each end lengthwise.  Both sides were equally beautiful - it was difficult to decide which one to show.  

I am calling this bracelet "Promise Of Spring" because I incorporated bright, yellow-green glass beads, as I was out of the "lichen-colored" gray-green stones.  In addition to the Jasper stone beads, I have also included faceted green Jade beads and faceted multi-toned Agate beads.  With spring always on my mind, and in anticipation of it after a long, cold winter, I think of this beautiful yellow-green color as a *harbinger of spring.*  

This image (above) shows the bead embroidered piece on the foundation after it has been cut away from the Nicole's NBB in the Chartreuse Shine color.  These bracelets photograph better flat, as the whole design can be seen at once.  After the beaded foundation is wrapped around a brass blank cuff, [which is sandwiched between the beading and the UltraSuede backing], it's more difficult to see the design - as only parts of it can be photographed at one time.

Here is the finished cuff (below) :

I have embellished the outer edges of the cuff with Japanese TOHO #11 glass seed beads, 

and added a picot edging with green crystal bi-cones. 

The next photo shows the ends of the cuff in an angle that features 

the inner UltraSuede material in a peacock pattern.

For information on the fantastic bead embroidery foundation that I use and highly recommend, please visit:

http://www.Beadwright.com

and discover Nicole's BeadBacking, which comes in 14 colors.  Treat yourself to the best!

"Buried Treasure"

"Buried Treasure"

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For many years I've held a fascination for ammonites.  These fossilized shells with a spiral core are individually unique in size, shape, and overall appearance.  I chose 12 from my growing collection with the intention of making a bracelet, but clearly there were too many for wrapping around my wrist - and I was determined to use this particular group.  A necklace became the next best idea.

Photos are by my dear friend Sharlet Sizemore, 

of "Beads and More" in Kerrville, Texas. 

Many thanks to her for taking an accurate color photo.

A closer look below ...

Each of the individual ammonites were first bezeled on Midnight Black foundation (Nicole's BeadBacking) and completely finished (without the UltraSuede backing).  Once I had all 12 ammonites bezeled, I then sewed them onto Rich Brown  foundation (Nicole's BeadBacking).  After they were all positioned and held firmly on the foundation with stitches, I then beaded around the ammonites with various beads and gemstones.

Included in the mix were jasper and agate gemstone beads in sizes 10, 8, and 6 mm., some of which were faceted.  Also glass pearls, Swarovski cut crystals, Miyuki Picasso magatamas (delicate drop beads) and a variety of Japanese seed beads in several sizes including 6, 8, 11, and 15.

This was easily the most involved piece of bead embroidery I've ever attempted, but it was also the most enjoyable.  The bead embroidered section (minus the necklace) measures about 9" high by 7" wide.  The backing is a dark brown UltraSuede, and the necklace part is made with brown glass pearls separated by glass seed beads.  

For more information and to order the fabulous bead backing foundation (NBB) by Nicole Campanella, please visit her Web site:

http://www.beadwright.com/

Because her NBB so outshines the competition in the arena of foundation material, I was able to easily manipulate around these very high bezeled ammonites to work the intricate beading between them.  NBB will bend easily, and then magically return to the same perfect stiffness required throughout the entire beading project.  If you are a bead embroiderer and haven't tried it, please treat yourself to the best!

Now to continue my search for beautiful ammonites to make that bracelet . . . 

Photo above shows brown glass pearls necklace and gold findings.

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"Beyond The Blue" ~ Two Bead Embroidered Pendants

Here are my latest bead embroidered projects ~

Two blue pendants:

As with all of my bead embroidered jewelry, all of the beads are hand-sewn one at a time (if the beads are very tiny size 15, then two at a time), then they are sewn back through again for stability and security.  Not only does this help the beads to line up well, but it keeps them safely secured to the foundation.  

After the question I get almost every time: "How long did it take you to make this?" 
the question I hear lately is:
"Are the beads glued on?"  
No, the beads are all sewn on by hand, with a needle and thread, and no, they are not placed on the foundation already strung.  The art of bead embroidery will appeal to those who (1) love beads, and (2) enjoy sewing.  If that's you, I encourage you to try bead embroidery!   And if jewelry is not your thing, there are examples on the Internet (try: www.Pinterest.com) of bead embroidery done on quilts, purses, clothes, and other household goods.  You are limited only by your imagination.

The round 8 mm. lapis lazuli beads team up with blue glass pearls and 3 mm. sodalite beads, as well as cut glass crystals in sapphire blue, multi-faceted light blue beads (which appear cream-colored in this photo, but are a very light blue color), and various glass seed beads in shades of blue.

 Below is a closer view of the pendant itself.  Click for a larger image.

The toggle closure is made entirely of seed beads for continuity, and to keep the pendant and necklace from being limited to either silver or gold metal findings.

The top cabochon is an agate with blues and creams in a gently swirling pattern, and the bottom cabochon is a deep blue color (although the light is reflecting off of it in this photo).

This bead embroidery was sewn onto Nicole's BeadBacking (NBB) in the Royal Blue color, which was a perfect backdrop for the two focal cabochons.

For more information about this outstanding backing by Nicole Campanella, please visit: 

http://www.beadwright.com

The back of the pendant (not shown) is finished off in a dark blue UltraSuede.

I'm enjoying the process of making these bead embroidered pendants.  They work up quickly, and while the bead selection must be limited, they make nice little gifts.  The one pictured below features a Blue Crazy Lace Agate which is oval, and a smaller round glass stone above it.  These two stones are surrounded by two cut crystals on the side, Japanese glass seed beads bezeling the stones, and in the edging, and crystal bicones.  The back is finished off in a soft blue UltraSuede.

"Jungle Fever" Bead Embroidered Pendant with Bead Necklace.

Leopardskin Jasper, (also called Jaguar Stone), is one of the many different appearances in the stone called Jasper.  My current attraction to Jasper stones stems from its beautiful earthy and natural look ~ all the warm colors found in nature can be seen in the various Jasper stones.  Each one is a work of art all by itself, even before it is embellished with bead embroidery.

This bead embroidered pendant (with necklace) features Leopardskin Jasper 9 mm. round beads, as well as cut black crystals, glass seed beads in black as well as burnt orange, with a seed bead toggle and clasp for continuity.

 The central rectangular cabochon is an agate.  The colors in the focal agate marry well with the colors found in the Leopardskin Jasper beads, each having rusty browns, blacks, burnt oranges, and cream colors.  At the bottom of the focal cabochon agate is a triangular Leopardskin Jasper chip bead.

This pendant was bead embroidered onto Nicole's NBB in the Rich Brown Color.  See the below link to purchase this amazing beading foundation by Nicole Campanella.

http://www.beadwright.com/

Above the agate cabochon, is a black glass square cabochon surrounded by twelve  4 mm. Leopardskin Jasper beads.

The edges of the pendant are enhanced with a picot beading stitch, and the back of the pendant (not shown) is finished off with a soft cheetah print UltraSuede.  Given the pairing of the Leopardskin Jasper and the cheetah print UltraSuede, I named this one "Jungle Fever."

Below is a closer view of the pendant by itself.  Click on any photo to enlarge image.

"Singing The Blues" ~ Blue Agate Bead Embroidered Pendant and Necklace

"Singing The Blues"

Blue Agate Bead Embroidered Pendant and Necklace

The pendant began with a blue agate cabochon around which I have added bead embroidery using size 11 Capri blue glass seed beads, size 11 silver seed beads, and size 15 Capri blue glass seed beads.  One blue agate round bead is diagonally attached to the rectangular pendant along with seed beads on each side.  The bail is made with the Capri blue seed beads and the silver seed beads, and was purposefully made large enough to slip off the necklace for when the wearer wishes to enjoy only the necklace and not the pendant.  A Capri blue seed bead rests between each bead on the necklace for graceful movement, and the finding is a silver toggle that complements the silver beads.  The back of the pendant is covered with a soft, light tan UltraSuede fabric.

"Remember Me" ~ Lavender and Pearl Bead Embroidered Cuff Bracelet

"Remember Me" 

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Lavender and Pearl Bead Embroidered Cuff  Bracelet

This bead embroidered cuff bracelet was a learning experience in how to bezel a thick cabochon, in this case, a purple agate gemstone placed in the center.  I learned a lot from this project, and I also discovered that using bugle beads adds a nice touch of texture.  This cuff includes pearls, glass stones and beads, bugle beads, crystals, and highly-reflective AB oval beads, as well as an assortment of "leftover" beads from earlier projects. Inside, a brass cuff keeps the shape, and it is lined with a light tan UltraSuede fabric for softness.

"Cultured Grace" ~ Olivine, Midnight, and Silver Bead Embroidered Cuff Bracelet

"Cultured Grace"

Olivine, Midnight, and Silver Bead Embroidered Cuff Bracelet

 (Two views of the same bracelet with different lighting effects.)

* click photos for larger image

 This bead embroidered cuff bracelet includes a central jasper cabochon, pearls, dichroic glass (containing ultra-thin layers of silver), crystals, agate gemstones, and glass seed and bugle beads with a black UltraSuede lining.

 Above is what the bracelet looked like after the beads were embroidered onto the foundation, and before it was attached to the inner brass cuff, which gives it a form-fit around the wrist.

All of the beads and stones are sewn onto the foundation one at a time (or two at a time if very small), and then back-stitched twice to secure the beads to the foundation and to align them correctly.

"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.