"Meadow Stream" ~ Shibori Silk Ribbon Bead Embroidered Cuff Bracelet

Here is a look at my latest project, and a few step-by-step photos in the creation of

"Meadow Stream"  ~  Shibori Silk Ribbon Bead Embroidered Cuff Bracelet.

This started as a beautiful piece of Shibori Silk Ribbon dyed by Deborah Weaver of ArtisticWeavers on Etsy.com.  You can see this piece in the bottom left hand corner of the photo below.  In my opinion, Deborah Weaver sells the most attractive Shibori Silk Ribbon on Etsy.  If you are in the market for it, please look for her offerings.  You'll have a difficult time choosing from her wide array of stunning ribbons.  In this particular piece of ribbon, the lovely forest greens blended into rich olive greens and then into gorgeous aquas.  I had lots of beads from which to choose for this particular project.

Below is a photo of my possible choices laid out before the creative juices begin to flow. 

My favorite beading foundation, NBB by Nicole Campanella, in the Chartreuse Shine color was the perfect background for the ribbon and the beads.

Above, I have tacked down the Shibori Silk Ribbon with clothespins.  The edges are all tucked under, and I've imagined the pleats as water flowing in a slow-moving stream.  Perhaps one in a quiet meadow.

I must say that Shibori Silk Ribbon is so very lovely, it's hard to cover up any part of it with beads.  But, the show must go on ...

I've used silver beads to highlight the various green beads.  The central focal cabochon is a Jasper stone that I have bezeled separately on NBB, then attached to the ribbon.  Also included are:   round Jasper beads, glass pearls, AB glass round beads, faceted crystal beads, square glass dichroic beads, turquoise Picasa beads, and faceted Czech beads.  The arrangement of the beads was somewhat random, but also in keeping with the "flow" of the imagined stream.

The finished beaded top is wrapped around a brass cuff, glued down, left to dry, and then the inside of the brass cuff is covered by an olive green UltraSuede.  The two edges are sewn together with beads, sandwiching the brass cuff inside.

Another view of the finished bracelet.

This view of the bracelet shows the picot edging with silver beads, 

and the interior olive UltraSuede that is finished off with a line of olive and silver beads, which effectively covers the stitching.

NOTE:   The owner of "Meadow Stream" took this photo for me.  The colors appear slightly different in this photograph compared to the photos that I took of the bracelet ~ but so much depends on the lighting when it comes to photography.  I've included this photo because it looks closer to the actual bracelet itself, whereas my photos of the bracelet are a bit on the bright side.  

* STARLIGHT *

"Starlight" is the name I've given to this latest bead embroidered cuff bracelet that I've created.

The three asymmetrical gemstones in the middle are Aqua Terra Jasper ~ a beautiful stone with gorgeous colorations of aqua swirled with a honey-colored topaz and a warm brown.  These three stones have been bezeled with Toho Japanese glass seed beads, then surrounded with other Aqua Terra Jasper beads in several different sizes and shapes.  Toward the edges are more Toho Japanese seed beads, aqua "sea glass" round beads, Czech crystals, bicone crystals, and decorative varigated glass oval beads.

Below is a closer look at the central gemstones.

Click on any photo for a larger image

Sky Blue NBB foundation by Nicole Campanella is the base for all of my bead embroidery.

For the best beading foundation to be found on the market today, 

please check out:

www.Beadwright.com 

Below are three photos showing the finished bead embroidered cuff bracelet.

A delicate picot edge surrounds the whole bracelet.

Inside the cuff, I've used a light blue UltraSuede lining. 

The lovely organic swirls in Aqua Terra Jasper led to the

choice of light aqua blue, brown, and honey-colored beads.  

"Fallen Leaves"

click on image to enlarge

"Fallen Leaves"

When the Shibori Silk Ribbon called "Ombre" arrived from the talented hands of Deborah Weaver ~ ArtisticWeavers on Etsy.com ~ 

here is a link to her shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtisticWeavers, 

I loved the colors so much I couldn't bear to cover up her lovely dyed hues with too many beads.  

Therefore, the bead embroidery on this pendant piece is rather minimal compared to my usual projects.  The colors reminded me of the beginning of Autumn when the leaf colors start to change, and the green leaves fall away.

I gathered together several strands of dyed silk ribbons for a necklace for this piece ~ all the colors of which are present in the dyed Shibori Silk Ribbon.  

The beads are all Japanese TOHO glass, plus crystal cut/faceted rounds, seed beads, with topaz-colored glass drops around the outer edges.  The backing is tan UltraSuede.  Although it does not show, I used Corn Yellow NBB (Nicole's Bead Backing) for my foundation, which is the only beading foundation I will use for my projects. Choose from 16 wonderful colors by clicking on the below link: 

www.http://www.beadwright.com/

Fast forward a few weeks . . . 

Although I was pleased with "Fallen Leaves," each time I tried it on as a necklace I wasn't 100% convinced that I would wear it. It appeared to me as something more suited for decorating a purse.  So ... I visited www.Etsy.com and found Jackie Darling, of DarlingsDesigns ~ Jackie custom-makes fabric purses, and she designed a purse just for "Fallen Leaves."  

Here is the link (below) to her shop. Check out her special hand-made fabric purses, and let her know if you have any ideas that might incorporate a bead embroidered piece of your own. 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/darlingsdesigns

Here is a photo of the purse Jackie Darling made for me.  I attached the bead embroidered "Fallen Leaves" pendant to the front of the purse.  I am MUCH happier now with my pendant as part of a practical purse, and I have Jackie Darling to thank for the excellent workmanship of the hand-sewn and custom-designed purse, and Deborah Weaver for the gorgeous Shibori Silk Ribbon that is the basis for my bead embroidered pendant.  

click any photos to enlarge image

~ ~ ~ 

"Dress Rehearsal"

"Dress Rehearsal"

Bead Embroidered Bracelet 

I've named this bracelet "Dress Rehearsal" in honor of my maternal grandmother whose love of sewing was passed down to me.  She lovingly made many costumes for my mother over the years.  I imagined her working on a similar project for a special costume in time for a dress rehearsal for a play, pageant, or parade.

For a number of months now I've been noticing on www.Pinterest.com these really striking bead embroidered bracelets that feature a swirling, pleated fabric.  It took me a number of clicks and following a few links, but finally I discovered that this "fabric" is called SHIBORI SILK RIBBON. 

Next, I just HAD to get some and try my hand at beading with it.  OH, is it wonderful stuff!

I firmly believe in keeping my business local and supporting my local bead shop.  But every once in a while, I need something different that isn't carried by my hometown bead shop.  Thank goodness for www.Etsy.com ~ this is where I find out-of-the-ordinary unique beads and beading supplies, and it makes me very happy to give my business to Etsy sellers.

If you are interested in incorporating Shibori Silk Ribbon into your beading designs, I encourage you to give it a whirl.  The silk ribbon is dyed the most delightful colors and arrives pleated.  It's up to you if you want to retain the pleats, or spread them out.   Yes, it takes a bit of patience.   The silk ribbon, I found, has a mind of its own ... it seemed easier to work "with" it than "against" it.

The silk ribbon is first gently tacked down onto Nicole Campanella's beading foundation (NBB), with thread in a color close to the ribbon color. I took tiny little (almost invisible) stitches every 1/2" to 1".  This kept the ribbon from moving around too much, and set the stage for the beading process to follow.

click on any photos for larger image

My bracelet includes a number of "Peacock Iris" iridescent beads, and most have an AB (Aurora Borealis) finish.  The bezeled cabochons are Jasper and glass.  The pearls are freshwater (dyed) and glass.  The crystals are faceted.  The round beads are Jasper, and the seed beads are Japanese Toho glass.  The gold clasp is made in Germany and embellished with iris Hematite cube beads.  Around the outer edge of the bracelet, I have sewn AB drop beads in various shades of turquoise, green, purple, and gold ~ interspersed with a picot edging.

On the underside of the bracelet, a turquoise UltraSuede lends softness against the skin.  This was such a delightful project that I could hardly wait to start another Shibori Silk Ribbon bracelet. Next up: in time for Autumn, the glorious colors of a fall sunset... 

I am always happy to share my sources:

Beads:

BEADS & MORE

215 Water St, Kerrville, TX 78028

(830) 896-9107  Ask for Lizz.

~~~

Beading foundation:

NBB by Nicole Campanella

www.Beadwright.com

~~~

Shibori Silk Ribbon:

ArtisticWeavers on www.Etsy.com

Deborah Weaver ~ Email:  DeborahWeaver56@gmail.com

"Cleopatra's Prize"

Inpiration:  "The Colors of Egyptian Art"

Leafing through a catalogue recently, I came across an example of Egyptian art.  I cut this part out because I love the combination of colors and wanted to use them in a bead embroidered cuff bracelet project.

I've covered up a part of the writing in the lower left corner to make it less distracting - but the colors are black, terra cotta, turquoise/verdigris and a subtle, light gold color.

The above photo shows the beaded bracelet on the foundation before it was attached to the inner brass cuff.

It's always easier to see the whole design flat like this, instead of wrapped around the circular cuff.   

click on any image to enlarge

The turquoise that I chose for my bracelet is a much stronger color with a deeper intensity than what is shown in the example of Egyptian art above.  I was happy with the colors I chose, and the ones in the example were merely a jumping-off point.  Perhaps at a later date I'll use the same inspiration but choose a true light verdigris and incorporate the light gold, as well.

For now, I liked the stronger palette - and I always go with my first instincts.

The turquoise stones in this bracelet are dyed Jasper. These small disks were arranged flat with a size 15 terra cotta glass seed bead as a "stop" bead to hold them down.  They showed more of the Jasper placed this way, instead of lined up flat, side to flat side.

 I've decided there just isn't a "look" that Jasper can't fill in for - it's been my go-to gemstone for most of my projects.  The central oval cabochon is also Jasper, and this one has a rich terra cotta color that works so well with the turquoise.

The round stones with an orange glow are Carnelian.  This stone marries well with turquoise, as it is a very close complementary color (green-turquoise + red-orange).  In addition, I added in some faceted crystals with a turquoise and gold, and a number of turquoise-colored glass pearls in two sizes.  The rest are seed beads - all glass beads, in sizes ranging from 8 to 15.  The blacks are both the shiny opaque black (Czech size 12) and the matte black (Japanese size 8) for added interest.  Tiny light turquoise seed beads are intersperced in any areas where the round stones left a bit of a gap.

The edges of the cuff are finished off with a picot edging,
and the underside is a very soft teal-colored UltraSuede. 

As usual, my work is hand-sewn and embroidered on Nicole Campanella's NBB, the foundation that is perfect for this work.  There is a brass bracelet blank inside sandwiched between the top beaded part and the underside UltraSuede, which is in a rich teal color.

For more information on my preferred bead embroidery foundation called NBB, please click here:
http://beadwright.com/

Contact me if you are interested in sources for brass bracelet blanks or UltraSuede.

"The Golden Bee"

~ Bead Embroidered Pendant with Necklace ~

"The Golden Bee" was created to showcase a beautiful rectangular pendant gemstone of pink dyed Jasper and an assortment of similar Jasper organic-shaped stones drilled for stringing into a necklace.

The Jasper stone was attached to a white foundation by Nicole Campanella called NBB.  This was before I knew she carried a hot pink NBB in the Tropical Berry color that might have been just perfect.  But with the white foundation, I merely used some liquid fabric dye to get the white NBB the color pink that I wanted.  Now I have the Tropical Berry color in my stash, ready for the next hot pink project.

Above is a closer view of the pendant.  I've included smaller pink-dyed Jasper stones in two different variations, plus a pink-dyed pearl, marbled glass beads, a hot pink cut crystal, bugle beads, Japanese  glass seed beads in a chocolate brown, gold, hot pink, pearl, topaz, and luster. 

The triangular gold piece in the 4 o'clock position is a gold button from my grandmother's collection - it truly resembles a gold nugget. Buttons from the `30's and `40's were so well made and very unique. 

Dangling at the bottom of the pendant I have added hot pink crystal bicones, bubblegum pink cracked glass round beads, and cut crystal AB drops in hot pink.  The little gold bee charm, after which the necklace is named, hangs from the bottom as well - it is anatomically correct on both the front and back.

The necklace part consists of strung pink-dyed and drilled Jasper stones with one glass seed bead in hot pink between each stone so they will drape well.  A gold chain with an AB pink crystal finishes off the necklace so that it can be worn at various lengths.

I seem to be drawn to Jasper ~ the different colors and looks always intrigue me. 

click on any photo to enlarge image





"Queen's Ransom"

"Queen's Ransom"

Bead Embroidered Pendant and Necklace

click on photo to enlarge

Lately I've seen some really spectacular pieces called DRUZY or druse.  

In geological usage, druse or druzy is a coating of fine crystals on a rock fracture surface, or within a geode.

Most of the ones I've seen are set with a silver-toned bezel ~ and when I saw this one in my favorite turquoise-green shade set in a gold-color bezel ... I wasted no time in acquiring it.  I just knew it would make a very special focal point in a bead embroidered pendant.

Detail below:

To set apart the druzy, I have surrounded it with gold faceted rondelles in a dark gold color.  

The row next to it is made up of turquoise colored glass faceted rondelles with a slight dappling of brownish-gold ~ almost unseen, but adding to the overall look that I wanted to achieve.

This Druzy bezel had two gold "attachments" on either side - probably to make it into a necklace or bracelet very easily.  

I covered and hid both attachments with an additional turquoise rondelle with three size 11 gold seed beads on top.

The bead embroidery is done on Leaf Green NBB by Nicole Campanella.  As always, her beading foundation made the project a total joy.  For more information on this fabulous foundation, please check out:

www.Beadwright.com

Several rows of size 11 seed beads encircled the bezel, and the final picot edge features tiny size 15 light turquoise glass beads that are transparent with a gold interior finish.  

The bale is made from a number of gold size 11 seed beads in the "square stitch" pattern, and also has picot edges with the size 15 transparent glass beads in the light turquoise color with gold inside. 

Jazzing up the necklace, I've made three pairs of peyote-stitched toggle bars with an assortment of the beads already featured in the pendant.  These are interspersed with gold spacer beads, finished off with a decorative gold floral cap, and finally adding a gold toggle and ring closure.

While many think of turquoise as best paired with silver, I think the combination of 

Turquoise and Gold is fit for a Queen's Ransom.

"A Moment In Time"

Pompeii, the Roman town buried under the fiery ashes from a volcano eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD is a story that will forever shock and fascinate us.  The terrified residents ran for their lives, but couldn't out-race the sudden and fatal combination of heat, smoke, ash, and burning debris raining down on them.  A few grabbed their most precious jewelry at the last moment.  It would be years later before some of these ancient pieces were unearthed and miraculously preserved.  The amazing fact is that due to certain atmospheric conditions occuring that day, much of Pompeii was captured for us to later recreate and see for ourselves . .   "A Moment In Time."

In my books on Pompeii, the colors from the ruins are my personal favorites : gold, amber, turquoise, red-orange, and copper.  These colors decorated the walls and homes of many citizens of Pompeii, mostly in painted frescoes or in colorful tiles.

Above: Photo from Pompeii wall that survived the volcano's eruption.

Click on any photo for a larger view

"A Moment In Time" is an off-loom beaded bracelet that I made using copper-colored glass Luster cube beads for the majority of the bracelet. These are sewn together using only thread - it is the peyote or gourd stitch that holds them together.  These beads have a very slight pink-orange tone to them and are highly reflective.  Working with them under any source of light was a bit of a challenge - as they almost blinded me, they were so shiny.  It was my first time to work with cube beads, as I generally use round beads. The cube beads lock together in a very satisfying way. 

The central focal part of the bracelet consists of a rectangular Red Creek Jasper pendant, a turquoise Magnesite oval cabochon, and a red-orange Carnelian faceted cabochon.  These three stones were embroidered by hand onto Nicole's BeadBacking in the Hawk Wing color.  After sewing down these cabs and bezeling them with cut-crystal bicones and tiny seed beads, I added amber-colored matte size 15 Delica seed beads around each stone to highlight them.

Although it's difficult to see clearly, I've attached a tiny copper bumble bee that was a gift from my daughter-in-law in the lower right corner of the Jasper gemstone - it is attached with a loop of seed beads so that it can move, as it is anatomically correct both on the front and back of the bee.

The very edge of the bracelet is finished off in a picot edge that features turquoise Hematite cube beads given to me by my dear friend, Linda.  The central picot beads are a Luster magatama or tear- drop bead.  Underneath the middle part of the bracelet, I have sewn a soft, burnt sienna-colored square of UltraSuede.

Although you cannot see it in the photo, the Luster beads that make up the majority of the bracelet are very flexible and drape almost the way fabric does - the movement of this bracelet is fluid as it encircles the wrist.  The closure is comprised of three decorated beaded toggles with three loops on the opposite side which blend in with the rest of the bracelet.

"Coming Attraction"

Going to see a special movie, 

I remember sitting in the darkened theater 

waiting for my eyes to adjust.   

Slowly, my eyes grew accostomed to the dim light, 

and then all the colors sang out.  

The movie screen showed the "Coming Attraction"  . . . 

The beginning of "Coming Attraction" started with the idea of using black beads sewn on a black foundation.  Black is wonderful for showcasing my favorite turquoise color.  But could my eyes adjust to sewing black beads with black thread onto a black foundation?    (Yes!)

I chose two oval magnesite cabochons with black and brown matrix (veining), 

and then added several shiny jet black cabochons, 

all of which I bezeled with seed beads.   

From there, I began a beading journey with texture in mind.  

Above photo shows the finished bead embroidered piece before 

it is attached to the brass blank cuff and made into a bracelet.  

Click on any photo for larger view.

Here are some of the various components in "Coming Attraction."

• magnesite
• dyed jade
• faceted crystal beads
• glass seed beads
• bugle beads
• vintage buttons (3)
• wool-covered button
• AB glass 8 mm beads
• black Lucite flowers
• turquoise and brown dyed Jasper
• crystal bi-cone beads in black and turquoise
• iridescent seed beads
• black sequins (3)

Around the edges of the cuff bracelet, I've sewn on 

size 11 shiny, opaque, black seed beads 

with an apex of three turquoise AB seed beads in the picot design.

I was delighted with the Midnight Black foundation 

by Nicole Campanella (NBB) ~ 

It was not difficult at all sewing black beads onto the black NBB.  

Discover NBB for yourself by visiting:

www.Beadwright.com

"Journey's End"

My latest bead embroidered cuff bracelet, "Journey's End," is a pairing of the gemstone Tiger's Eye with Amazonite in a turquoise-green color.  I think the two colors are charming together, exhibiting a very attractive warmth.  As it is still very cold this winter, I am drawn to these warm colors.

This is my first time to use gemstone chips in my bracelets.  This overall design is somewhat symmetrical, and the chips add a random look that is unexpected while offering relief from too much pattern.

Above is the bead embroidered top before it is attached to the inner brass cuff and finished off with edging and an inside addition of UltraSuede.

Along with the Tiger's Eye cabochons and beads, and four large Amazonite beads, I have added round gold-colored cut crystals, gold-colored crystal bicones, natural pearls dyed green, and a variety of glass beads for interest.  The beads surrounding the focal Tiger's Eye cabochon are glass Hybrid Picasso beads, which mimic the look of a green shade of turquoise. I have sewn and embroidered the beads one or two at a time onto Nicole's BeadBacking (NBB) in the Leaf Green color.  Each bead is then sewn through again for security and to align the rows of beads.  All beads that protrude from the tops of other beads are sewn three or four times for added strength.

The inside of the cuff is lined with soft green UltraSuede. 

The edges of the bracelet have a 'picot edge' with more 

turquoise-green seed beads, plus several topaz-gold seed beads.

"Journey's End"

Photo below - click on any photos for larger image.

For information on my favorite bead backing, and to order NBB, 

please check out Nicole Campanella's Web site:

 http://www.beadwright.com/ 

"Journey's End" is in a private collection.

"Blue Harmony" ~ Bead Embroidered Cuff Bracelet

"Blue Harmony"

*click on photos for larger image

The above photo shows the beaded bracelet after all the top embroidery is completed, but before it is attached to the inner brass cuff blank.  It's easier to see the bracelet design when it is photographed flat like this first. Once the top beaded foundation is attached to the cuff, the rounded form is more difficult to photograph well, or to see in its entirety. 

Many of my bead embroidered bracelets start with an interesting gemstone cabochon - this one, "Blue Harmony," is no different.  The central jasper gemstone cabochon is a beautiful swirl of blue and earth-toned colors.  I chose to feature the blue and the brown colors, choosing to use a sapphire blue that is neither warm nor cool - a true blue - and a soft brown to play up the blue.  I did not want this blue bracelet to veer to the cool side (aqua blue), or the warm side (violet blue). 

Two swirly glass cabochons flank the focal gemstone and carry out the blue/brown colorway.  Light blue, half-domed pearls encircle the jasper stone in the middle and add a subtle elegance.  In addition to these, I've added glass seed beads, Czech crystals, AB glass cut crystals, earth-toned matte Picasso beads, and four light blue, Lucite, "hibiscus-shaped" flowers. Springing from the middle of the Lucite flowers are blue beaded stamens.  Lucite is a type of acrylic glass - these flowers have a charming frosted look to them.

The inside of the cuff bracelet is finished off with an UltraSuede fabric in a floral and lace pattern in soft blues and creams. 

Below are three photos of the finished bracelet.







 "Blue Harmony" showing side view.

"Blue Harmony" showing bottom of cuff, and inner designed UltraSuede, as well as the picot edging around the bracelet that finishes off the design in a delicate manner.

Top view of "Blue Harmony" bead embroidered cuff bracelet.



"Buried Treasure"

"Buried Treasure"

click on photos for larger image

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.

click on photos for larger image

"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.

"Emerald Green Beauty"

"Emerald Green Beauty" is a bead embroidered pendant with attached necklace created with an emerald green oval glass cabochon and a rectangular black glass cabochon situated above it.  Surrounding the two main cabochons are black and green glass beads in various sizes and shapes, including two black faceted crystals on each side.  

Emerald Green just happens to be the Pantone Color of the Year for 2013.

Is green one of your favorite colors?  It's certainly eye-catching.

Black is the perfect foil to set off this rich color.  I've included a few green beads that have a bit of a chartreuse (warm) color to them, as well as some green beads that lean to a blue (cool) shade to give the central cabochon some added interest.  Although both are in the green family ... the slight variation adds an element of depth to the pendant.  Hanging from the bottom of the pendant is a black faceted glass drop with a very long and narrow shape.  The bail is made from seed beads, as is the toggle closure at the end of the black crystal necklace.  When I can, I prefer to make the toggle and loop closure with beads instead of a silver or gold metal closure.  That way, whomever wears the piece is not limited by my color choice.   

As it happens, black is a very hard color to photograph well - at least it is for me.  

Although it cannot be seen in this photo, this bead embroidered pendant was sewn on 

Nicole's BeadBacking in the Leaf Green color - a perfect match, and since the green glass cabochon was translucent, the Leaf Green NBB was an excellent choice that maintained the rich green color.  Each time I work on Nicole's BeadBacking in her various lovely colors, I send up a grateful thanks that I don't have to dye my foundation after I've sewn on all the beads.  Thank you, Nicole!  If you want further information about her great beading foundation, please see the link at the end of this post.

The back of the pendant is finished off with green UltraSuede, sewn to the front of the pendant with black glass seed beads in a picot edging.

Click on photo for larger image.

http://www.beadwright.com/

"Night and Day" ~ Bead Embroidered Cuff Bracelet

My latest bead embroidered cuff bracelet presented a challenge.  Could I make something interesting out of only black and white beads without any color to sing out?  Color is the driving force behind all of my jewelry creations, so this limitation was new for me.   I'm calling this bracelet:

"Night and Day" 

click on any photo to enlarge view 

Although I like the combination of black and white, I prefer the more "vintage" appearance of ivory/cream/ecru shade of white instead of a stark, bright white. This project's goal was a more modern look.  I think the bracelet turned out very contemporary.

Below is the finished bead embroidered top piece - photographed flat so that it shows up better:

After the bead embroidered top piece is cut away from the bead backing (Black NBB by Nicole Campanella ~ the BEST backing on the market!), then this top is attached with glue to the brass cuff bracelet blank.

This is the top view of the cuff.  The beads are many varieties, sizes, shapes, and finishes of glass beads.  Although it may be difficult to see in the above photo (black is difficult for me to photograph), there are a total of four black Lucite flowers - each has a white beaded "stamen" in the middle.

This side view shows one of the two large, oval, striped beads.  The design of these two beads contributes to the modern look of the bracelet.

Finally, an end view of the cuff showing the inside black UltraSuede that finishes off the cuff with a soft fabric against the skin, as well as encases the inner brass cuff bracelet.  Around the edges I have sewn a picot edging, which is subtle so as not to take anything away from the focal beads.

* For more information on the BEST bead backing on the market, please visit:

www.Beadwright.com