The first one was Paisley Drops, designed by Jane Lock. The pattern for these earrings was published in the August/September 2010 issue of Beadwork Magazine.
These earrings were so simple that I decided to do two colorways. I'm usually all about crystals, but I went against the grain. I chose the new Red Coral Swarovski pearls for this pair
and dark green pearls for this pair
These worked up very quickly and were fun to do. Making a pair of these earrings would be a great way to use up left over delica beads. One of these would also make a great pendant. I will be making more of these.
Our second project was the Ruffled Chain Bracelet by Laina Goodman. It was published in the February/March 2011 issue of Beadwork.
This was a project I might have passed up. The colors of the examples in Beadwork didn't thrill me. I also shy away from projects with multiple components. I'd rather bead continuously than bead several small components and stitch them together.
As it usually turns out, however, I am really glad I did the bracelet. I just love it. The small components were easy to bead and the end result is striking.
I extended the motif on the bracelet with a beaded toggle.
As in our first project, these motifs can be used on other ways. I think a single motif would make a great earring.
This is a color combination I wouldn't usually try, but I'm so glad I did. Another score for Beading Babes moving me out of my comfort zone. :)
Our final project was a special one. Nancy Dale was kind enough to provide us with one of her patterns. We all made a version of her Trellis Necklace.
I found some wonderful African metal beads and wanted to showcase them with Nancy's necklace.
I drew inspiration from this bead in the African Slave Beads section of ezakwantu.com.
The colors are similar to those I used in the second project above, but the African metal makes a big difference.
I love the trellis pattern of the necklace. The red base is visible though the black overlay, but the color is really subtle.
I love the little flower embellishments and the way the rope just naturally graduates into the larger accent beads.
Originally, I wanted to bead a clasp. Actually, I did bead one, but it didn't look quite right. After some thought, I opted for a simple clasp that I made myself.
I can see that the soldering isn't perfect, but I'm happy with it for a first try.
This was a wonderful necklace to bead. I can see so many possibilities for this pattern.
I am so in love with this necklace. It is one my favorite things I've beaded. I owe a big "thank you" to Nancy Dale for her generosity in allowing the use of her pattern. Check out Nancy's etsy store for more wonderful patterns.
If you would like to see other versions of these projects, visit Karyn's blog, Releases by Rufydoof. You can also find more information on our Beading Babes group on her blog.
