May 25, 2011

Spiky Branch Bracelet



This is my new bracelet named Spiky Branch. I couldn't decide if its pattern reminds me of a pineapple with its leaves or a palm tree with wide branches... Anyway, everyone in my family said it definitely reminds them of some kind of a branch...so branch it is! :) It's a relatively narrow bracelet, which is made with Miyuki long magatama beads, seeds, crystals and fire polished beads.






I love the long magatama beads, as they are offering more possibilities for a play with different textures and shapes in a piece. But their large, diagonal hole makes them quite challenging to work with. I was challenged by their unique shape in the past and have created Sparkling Wreath pendant / beaded bead, but this time I wanted to design something with a bit more of them in the piece and that's what I came up with. 
I learned a few things about this special beads while I designed this bracelet and I still have more of them in other colors and finishes, so playing with them isn't over yet... ;)





A tutorial for the bracelet is already available. I am also happy to let you know that all my tutorials are now available for both personal only and personal & commercial uses. 



May 10, 2011

Wheels of Fortune Bracelet




Wheels of Fortune Bracelets

When I designed my Wheels of Fortune bracelet, I tried to find a way to avoid the less enjoyable part of sewing the round components together. I often give up on an idea for a design if it would involve many separate parts that needs to be connected and too many threads that needs to be hidden. I played with the basic design and then came up with a rather easy way to do it. It's actually a way that can be easily implemented in other symmetric designs. 
But I can't tell you exactly how to do it, because the project of this bracelet is published in the latest (June/July 2011) issue of Beadwork magazine. So you would might be interested in getting a copy of the Beadwork magazine, which includes more than a few other wonderful projects; Quick and Easy bonus section and the fun, inspiring Pattern Play section!




The EBW May challenge voting is up! Check out the EBW blog to see what our members came up with for the Lord of the Rings challenge. Voting lasts until the 16th, so don't miss out, there are gorgeous works to see!

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And...
***Happy 63 Birthday to Israel!***

  
!חג עצמאות שמח