Rivolis, Chatons & Fancy Stones-What Are They and How to Use Them? Friday Findings

May 042018
 

I’ve been using Swarovski crystal bicone beads for years, but just recently took a closer look at another shape: rivolis.

They’re often used in bead weaving and bead embroidery projects, and wow, do they bring on the glitz!

ff rivolis

As I mention in the video, I’ve recently taken a few bead weaving and bead embroidery classes at Interweave.

My favorites so far are:

Btw, I didn’t pay the stated price for any of the classes. Interweave sent out an offer in April for a month of their courses for $1. I’ve definitely gotten way more than my money’s worth… although I probably spent the equivalent difference on beads & supplies, lol.

Since several of the projects used rivolis, I decided to buy some and learn more about them.

rivoli bead embroidery

I haven’t been disappointed in all their shimmery goodness!rivoli bead embroidery 2

Here are links to the products I show in the video:

You can also purchase Swarovski crystal rivolis and findings at Amazon. I found for the most part, the prices and selection are better at ArtBeads.com.

Watch the Rivolis, Chatons & Fancy Stones-What Are They and How to Use Them? Friday Findings video at YouTube.

Beadweaving Inspiration-Where to Find Patterns & Tutorials-Friday Findings

Jan 202017
 

The more art I make the more I understand why artists often work in series. Although I’m a “dabbler” at heart, I love to try All. The. Things, there are some times when I just want to stay put on an idea and really explore it.

Bead weaving is not my main thing and I don’t expect that it will ever be, but it’s one of those crafts that I like to return to every so often. As I explain in the video, buying the wrong beads to create a necklace chain set me off this time. I don’t know what it was, but I found myself driven to try many different patterns, especially using the super duos that I’ve been talking about so much lately.

ff beadweaving inspiration

And then suddenly one day, as I knew would happen, I suddenly was over it. Done for now. But I thought you would like to see some of the jewelry that I completed as I shared some of the process on my Instagram feed.

elinor bracelet

Here is another one I made, it was a gift for a friend so I didn’t have it when I made the video, but took the opportunity to snap a photo when she gave it back to me to add the safety chain. The pattern is the Elinor bracelet from Linda’s Crafty Inspirations, this link will bring you to where you can see other color combinations and download the free pattern.

Below are links to patterns, designs or tutorials for each of the projects shown in the video. Some of the designs are free online and some of the designers are charging a few dollars for their patterns. I can assure you the paid patterns are well worth it, as these designers put a lot of time, expertise and trial and error into working out these projects for you.

If you plan to make these projects to sell be sure to check each designer’s policies regarding that (most don’t allow you to teach them, btw.) Also, give them credit for their designs when sharing them online.

Enjoy the video and happy creating!

Watch the Beadweaving Inspiration-Where to Find Patterns & Tutorials-Friday Findings video at YouTube.

Jewelry Supplies Unpackaging and Project Ideas-Friday Findings

Jan 062017
 

ff art beads dec order

Today I have for you the opening of yet another jewelry supplies order from ArtBeads.com. You all seem to enjoy these videos so I’ll keep making them, but if you’re getting tired of them let me know and I’ll stop. 🙂

daisy duo

This order has several items that I got for very specific projects. The 8/0 and 11/0 seed beads are for the Daisy Duo bracelet which I first found on Linda’s Crafty Inspirations, she has loads of designs on her blog. This one happens to have a PDF tutorial for sale. I managed to figure out how to make this bracelet without the paid tutorial by basing the design on this free tutorial for a similar bracelet, the Superduo Flower Chain Bracelet. But I am certain based on the reviews that the paid tutorial is worth every bit of $7!

donut

I also got some bails to finish a second superduo donut pendant, which if you follow me on Instagram you may have seen me working on. For this one I made the two sides completely different color schemes, which made it a little tricky to choose a bail that went with both sides. (See the video for a look at the second beaded donut.) 

wiggle bracelet

The tila beads are to make this wiggle bracelet, I love the movement!  I haven’t seen any patterns, but it seems fairly straightforward if you study the photo. If you don’t feel like making your own, click on the link to buy Cindy’s, her prices are quite reasonable. She has lots of other lovely designs in her shop.

The rest of the supplies are either things that I have in mind for specific future projects and videos, or just random things that I really don’t remember why I got them, but you can be certain one day I’ll find a great use for them!

Here are links to several of these products and ones like them:

Also, in case you missed them, I reference these two videos:

Enjoy the video and happy creating!

Watch the Jewelry Supplies Unpackaging and Project Ideas-Friday Findings video at YouTube.

XOXO Bracelet-Bead Weaving Video Tutorial

Jul 252016
 

xoxo bracelet

Some folks love to create complex bead weaving designs, often using only little tiny seed beads. They build amazingly intricate patterns and scenes that leave me in awe of their skill and in fear for their eyesight.

bead weaving

from Ibolya’s Etsy shop Ibics

Like the stunning example above from this Pinterest board on Free Form Bead Weaving. (Click on the link to see more jaw dropping designs.)

This is NOT the type of bead weaving I do.

I got over making bigger things out of many, many tiny things back in my counted cross stitch days. 🙂

The bracelet I show you today is made with 6mm pearl beads. If you want to use larger beads, you can, but you may have to adjust the number of seed beads in between in order to get the spacing to look right.

I really wanted to do this using 6mm Swarovski bicones, as they nest together nicely in the clusters of four, but I didn’t have the colors I felt like using. Guess it’s time for some Swarovski shopping!

Tools & Materials:

Enjoy the video and happy creating

Watch the XOXO Bracelet-Bead Weaving Video Tutorial at YouTube.