Beaded Beads

I've got more than a few projects that I should be working on.  In addition to finishing up my projects from Bead and Button, I've entered a few challenges here and there.

This week, though, I've been fixated on none of the above.  Instead, I've been happily making beaded beads.

I've mentioned Beadwork Magazine's Beaded Bead Contest a few times.  Over the past few months, I completed a few of the beads, but had been stumped on how to incorporate five different beaded beads into a cohesive design.

A few weeks ago, an idea popped into my head.  Actually, the idea drifted into my head as I was falling asleep.  Luckily for me, it managed to lodge itself in there and I remembered it upon waking.  I'm really hoping this idea works and I've been busy working on the beads I think I'll need.

The first pattern is Seeing Stars, designed by Melinda Barta.  It was published in the February/March issue of Beadwork.

While I wasn't keen on trying this design, it is easy to bead and the little stars are fun to make.  You could even use bigger beads and change the look.

The second beaded bead was designed by Gwen Fisher and published in the April/May issue of Beadwork.

The Cube Cluster Beaded Bead seemed complicated at first, but once you get going, it's a fun project.  I love the symmetry of the bead.

Florence Turnour designed the third beaded bead for the June/July issue.  Her Stargazer Beaded Bead starts out a bit squishy, but really shapes up as you add the overlay.  I was amazed at this design and made two versions.

If you haven't tired of beaded beads (and, really, how could you?) Gwen and Florence have a ton more designs for sale on their website, Bead Infinitum.  I highly suggest you check out their store.  Gwen and Florence are mathematicians and their beaded cubes, rings, prisms and spheres are well thought out, fun to bead and amazing when completed.

Cynthia Newcomer Daniel,  from Jewelry Tales, designed the Treasure Trove Beaded Bead, which was published in the August/September issue of Beadwork.  This is the fourth bead in the series.  Cynthia's bead features a right angle and peyote weave overlay that really changed the look of the bead.  Again, I am amazed at how this bead worked up.

This bead reminds me of a lampworked glass bead with dots on the surface.  It's not quite smooth, but is so much fun to touch and interesting to just stare at.

If you would like to see more of Cynthia's designs, check out her website or her etsy shop.

Cindy Holsclaw has designed the remaining beaded bead, to be published in the October/November issue.  I'm really excited for this one.  Cindy's designs are marvelous and you can check them out at her store, Bead Origami.

As it stands, I have three more beads to make and then I can start on my design.  I'm crossing my fingers that it works like I've imagined it.

The Beaded Bead Contest doesn't start until the middle of October, so you have plenty of time to start working with these fabulous beaded beads.  Honestly, any one of these would make a spectacular pendant if you wanted to try just one to get your feet wet.  :)

Beaded Beads

I posted a few weeks ago about Beadwork Magazine's Beaded Bead contest.

I've been trying to come up with a design to showcase all five beaded beads, but haven't thought of anything yet.  It is probably just as well since only two of the beaded bead patterns have been published.

The first pattern is Seeing Stars by Melinda Barta and was published in the February/March issue of Beadwork.

I didn't think I would like this pattern at first.  You bead four tiny stars and then start to link them together.  I don't usually like beading the same motif several times, but I made an exception for this project.  The little starts are adorable.

I loved them so much, I made a second bead.

These took almost no time at all and are a great way to use those left over seed beads.

I kept the same multi-color scheme in the Cube Cluster Beaded Bead, designed by Gwen Fisher and published in the April/May issue of Beadwork.  Gwen is a mathematician and incorporates a great amount of  geometry and symmetry in her designs.  I am constantly blown away by what she can imagine and then put into beaded form.

Gwen's beaded bead was no exception.  I loved this bead.  As complicated as it seems, it is a very simple, symmetrical (and organized) beaded bead.

I'm very excited to see the next few beaded bead patterns.  I am hoping an idea will begin to form.

Florence Turnour designed the beaded bead for the June/July issue.  You can see a sneak peak here.  Are you as excited as I am?

Beadwork Beaded Beads Contest

Can you believe that Beadwork Magazine is 15 years old?  Seriously?  I actually had to go back and look at the date of my oldest Beadwork - Fall 1996.

This alone should tell you two things about me:  1) I keep all my old magazines and 2) I must be pretty old myself.

I did a google search and could only come up with one picture of the Fall 1996 Beadwork, which is available here, in Urban Bear Books's artfire shop.

Why am I suddenly nostalgic?  Well, I stumbled upon this contest Beadwork is hosting in honor of its 15th birthday.  Beadwork Magazine will feature one beaded bead in each of its upcoming 5 issues.  You mission, should you choose to accept it, is to create a piece of jewelry using at least one of each beaded bead.  The rest of the contest details are here.

I'm a bit excited about this and am now even more on edge to receive the April/May issue.  Doesn't it look lucious:

I'm curious to know if anyone will be up for the challenge.  As the last issue won't hit the news stands until October, the contest can't officially begin until late October.  The entries will be displayed on the Beading Daily site at  that time, but it still might be fun to have a blog hop of our own.  Maybe even mini blog hops to see the beaded beads as the magazines come out.

What do you guys think?  Is there any interest in beaded beads?