Tuesday, March 5, 2013

NCMC Day 5 - Use up left over beads - Mirage Beads

A couple of years ago I did a blog partnership with Rings and Things. One of the fun beads I chose was the Mirage Beads.They have even more to choose from now!

Remember mood rings? These are mood beads. They change color with the heat of your body. How fun!
Simply knotted on cord, easy peasy, takes 2 minutes to make. It actually took longer to find the beads than it did to make the bracelet!
They changed colors to purple just from me handling them. I put this bead in the middle to show you what they look like when they are at room temp.

What did you create today?

Monday, March 4, 2013

NCMC - Bead Weaving - PASS!!

I was completely overwhelmed today when looking at bead weaving and bead weaving patterns.
AMAZING!
I am in awe at some of the pieces that I saw -  Here are some of my favorites.

Found this on Pinterest


Also found this one on Pinterest


While looking for tutorials online I kept finding these beautiful creations and just went deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole. Much to my dismay, I do not have the right needle or beading thread to try this new technique today. I will have to save it for another day this month.

This day did not go without creating tho. I made a couple fun little necklaces. This one is a carved tree agate, shaped like a dragon. So cute! Added a jasper briolet dangle for accent and strung random beads with copper accents. This one is a daring unisex necklace. What do you think?

 This one is a bit more feminine with crazy lace agate, yellow agate, faceted roundels and sterling accents.
 What did you create today?

Sunday, March 3, 2013

NCMC - Day 3 - Make something for a friend - Give Away!!!

Today challenge is to make something to give to a friend.

It is a simple and fun design, wrapped at the top of the curve to keep it closed, hammered for texture and strength, and an orchid stoneware bead added for flare.

So cute don't you think!

In the spirit of craft month, and the challenge of the day, I will be giving this away from my Facebook fan page on Tues, March 5th, 2013.

Stop by and comment on the picture of these earrings to be entered!



Saturday, March 2, 2013

NCMC - Day 1 and 2 - Earrings and Simple Stringing

I used day 1 of NCMC, to show the amazing transformation of my work room from horrific to terrific.

On Day 2, I have combined two challenges, so tomorrow I can get back on track.

The first days challenge was to make a pair of earrings. It is the first of March, and I am ready for spring to arrive. These earrings are made from carved shells, copper and swarovski crystals. The little flowers carved from the shell remind me that spring is on its way, and I could use a day at the beach to relax. The little swarovski crystal, blue like the sea....ah....take me there please!

Day 2 is a Simple stringing challenge. This piece is a nod to Dave Matthews, and the song Pig. This one is for you Leigh :)

A little pig carved from dyed quartz is the focal of the bracelet accented with glass beads, faceted crystals, sterling, silver plate, and of course - pearls. Pearls and swine - I just had to!!!!

The song that inspired the piece

Poor Comet - he has outgrown his little bed, but he still insists on hanging out with me when I work :)

What crafts have you challenged yourself to make this month!!!!

Friday, March 1, 2013

National Craft Month Kick Off or How I was motivated to clean my studio

It's National Craft Month! I had committed to cleaning and organizing my craft room this month. I figured it would take me a month, but when I was reminded that March was National Craft Month I wanted to see how much I could get done by March 1.
It all started like this- and I had 3 days to get it in order.
I started to organize by color and type of bead in pee-tree dishes I had bought
I am making some head way
I emptied out over 20 different containers
Almost there...
And this is where I am after 3 days. I still have a lot left to do, but I am pretty pleased with my progress

This is so embarrassing, and at the same time, such a good lesson.
Does your work area get out of control? Are you willing to share your work area?
Have fun with National Craft Month and post links so we can see what you are doing!