To Seed Bead Or Not To Seed Bead

Well hats off and a massive applause to those that constantly work with seed beads.

I received my packets of seed beads weeks ago from Aunties Beads and what a time I had trying to fathom out what to do with them. The only time I had worked with seed beads is as an addition to my stringing designs. Never had a tried any of the stitches that you can do with them.

I have to admit completing a bracelet was a challenge for me. Although I actually found it relaxing. Once I got the hang of it and watched a video about half a dozen times it was - away I went. Alas I do have a problem with keeping the tension all the same.



Carla was a great help with this video on peyote stitch. Maybe Aunties Beads should put some more on.

So what is the secret to keeping the tension correct? How about some tips.

Newcomers To The Jewelry On Etsy Team

Myself and all the team wish a warm welcome to the new members of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JETS).

We have a great gathering of designers both old and new, young and old. You can find a list of the JETs store details by clicking here.

Anyway, I would like to introduce to you one of our JETlings - "Butterfly" not even a week old and she is joining in all the fun.
Look at this list of yummy beads in one of her creations here -
Unique black lampwork glass pendant Grade A, 4mm Black Diamond Swarovski Crystals, 425cttw Russian Jasper fancy designer limited rare beads Grade A, 243cttw Russian Fine black onyx gemstones Grade A, 50cttw Italian Onyx gemstones.

Next is Room3Designs who loves making beaded pretties and seems to be a naughty JETling already!
This cuff is awesome, a great addition for that night out on the town.

Then there is Delia's Delights who also popped in to join our Friday night chat on Etsy.

A beautiful creation with freshwater coin pearls.

To all JETlings - have fun and enjoy being a JET.

I've Got The Blues!

Have you ever purchased something and want more but haven't got a clue who you got from. Well that's me.

I just fell in with the large swirly blue beads in these creations. I remember getting them from Sydney Bead Show 2007 last year but who the supplier was I cannot for the life of me remember. i just attended the show and spent and spent and spent, coming home with a bag full of goodies.

I suppose it's good in a way then I cannot repeat my designs. Also the fact that no one else will like them LOL.

Lesson learned - I MUST DO A SUPPLIER LIST!

Wedding Challenge

The 2008 Wedding Challenge sponsored by Etsy street teams: JET (Jewelry on Etsy team), EtsyFAST (Fiber Arts Street Team) and Etsy Greetings.
The challenge - to create a piece that would be a perfect fit for Autumn and John's wedding event. Design for the wedding, reception or the honeymoon - the choice is yours. **Please see challenge rules below.

**Wedding Challenge Rules**:

1. One entry per participant

2. Participant must be a member of one of the following street teams: Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET), EtsyGreetings, or EtsyFAST.

3. Each participant must post ONE picture of their entry in the Wedding Challenge flickr group by midnight (EST) on April 19. http://www.flickr.com/groups/711212@N21/

4. The following information MUST appear in the TITLE and TAGS for each entry posted to the Wedding Challenge Flickr group (using the exact words listed in single quotes).a) The street team the participant belongs to: 'JetTeam', 'EtsyGreetingsTeam', OR 'EtsyFASTTeam'b) The category of the entry: 'Jewelry', 'Paper', OR 'Fiber'




And here is my entry. Made from glass pearls, silver grey glass beads and beautiful flower designed clasps which act as part of the creation.

Marvellous Mouse Designs

MMD designs handcrafted totes and apparel. She describes her designs as "Retro-inspired creations with a modern twist". Pretty nice stuff I must say. Her inspiration and craft history can be found on her facebook. I love the fact that she was taught to sew by her grandmother on a hand-cranked Singer machine.

E-books are also for sale in MMD's Etsy shop and more items, not just totes, can be found at her blog shop. Check out the Wave Tee with Swarovski Crystals hand sewn on it which is part of her Spring/Summer collection due to be launched in March 2008. I can't wait for the rest!!! Good Luck MMD.