ABC's of Creativity - R is Right Angle Weave

Right angle weave (RAW) is an off-loom beadweaving technique that can be done with either two-needles or one-needle.  The beads form a square by sitting at 90 degrees to each other. RAW is very good as a structural stitch.

Here is a good tutorial for right angle weave.

Here are some wonderful Youtube video tutorials.







Here is a wonderful project from Marcia DeCoster's Beaded Opulence. The use of different sizes beads creates a undulation that gives shape to the design. The ends are zipped together, it is then embellished with Swarovski crystals.

Base strip using various size beads

Zipped together

Finished Sea Urchin Beaded Bead (beaded by J. Woolverton)

Here tubular RAW is the base for a variety of surface embellishments to form a beaded bead.

Base tube

Finished Beaded Bead (bead by J. Woolverton)

Layers of RAW form the structure for this Quetzal ring, from Marcia DeCoster's Bead Opulence.

 This is a variation of the Cascading Swags, the pillars of RAW hold the swags.

Reversable Swags (beaded by J. Woolverton)

This design, String Quartet, by Melanie Potter combines netting and RAW.

beaded by J. Woolverton

Hope that you give this different off-loom stitch a try.

Happy Beading!

ABC's of Creativity - K is Kits

In recent conversations with some of my beady friends we have talked about how we got started beading. Many of us can pin point a teacher, class or kit. In many cases all three.

Found in the bottom of my kits drawer Rypan Designs Airy Crystal Choker Kit from 2000 (still waiting to be made)

Kits whether purchased for use in a class with a teacher or from a booth, website or bead store to work on at home on your own are a great way to get a head start with a project.

With a kit all of the challenging prep work has been done. Supplies have been chosen and gather. Instructions are ready to use. In some cases findings, needle and thread are also included. Your first challenge may be deciding which color kit to pick.

Rypan Designs' Chicklet Bracelet - work in progress

Often once you have used a kit by one designer you will likely want to do more. Progress your way from simple to more elaborate projects. Or you will want to make your own versions of the design.

My variations on the chicklet bracelet, beaded by J. Woolverton

If you have never done a specific technique kits can just the thing. You will learn something new and have finished project in the end.

From back in 2006, my very first attempt at chain maille. Kit by Marilyn Gardiner, made by J. Woolverton

Here are some of my favorites -

Maria's Rypan Design kits were among the first that I ever did. The Chicklet bracelet is a favorite, in fact I recent purchased more chicklets to make more variations. I also like the Cascading Swag series.

Refined variation in copper & copper lined amethyst, kit by Maria Rypan, beaded by J. Woolverton

Marilyn Gardiner's chain maille kits are wonderful. After my first kit in 2006 I have done a number of others. Here is a classic design, Byzantine Bracelet.

Byzantine Bracelet in progress, kit by Marilyn Gardiner, maker J. Woolverton

Marcia DeCoster in another fav. She taught in Toronto a few summers ago. I purchased some additional kits to make after the classes. Her elegantly packaged kits include a CD with pattern for printing. 

Under the Mast, kit by Marcia DeCoster, beaded by J. Woolverton.

I like to think of future projects as kits. I try to pull together everything I need into one zip bag or basket.

Future box project, pattern by Julia Pretl. I have decided to change two color and noted them on my hand written supplies list.

I hope that you will give a kit of a new technique, new designer or and long time favortie designer a try in the near future. But also remember to ask yourself what if and make your own version of project the next time around. Check out the gallery of Maria's students & customers' beadwork made beyond the kit.

Happy Beading!

ABC's of Creativity - J is Jewelry

Whether you started with a pasta necklace for your mom as a child or with Swarovski crystal necklace as a bride-to-be, jewelry is likely what got you started working with beads.

Here is a look at some favourites and lesser known jewelry styles, with tips and ideas to make them your own.

Start at the top, hair jewelry or accessories have become very popular thanks to Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. Combining the needed comb or clip with wire and crystals you can make elegant fascinator or hair comb.

Feather Fascinator (free instructions)

Pinch and twist method (beaded by M. Rypan)

As worn by the bride with veil

Pink Plumeria Hair pin (beaded by S. Alfano)

For something more elaboret you might what to try a tiara. There are metal forms to serve as the base for a tiara. You can then use the pinch and twist technique to add crystals, pearls and beads to create your one of a kind headpiece.

Cream Pearl Swarovski Tiara from Making Jewellry Magazine (project instructions)

Here is a video from Beads Direct showing how to make your own tiara.

Now let's look at earrings. They range from simple, a bead on a head pin or wire hoop, to an elaborated beadwoven design.

Lampwork beads and Swarovski crystals, beaded by J. Woolverton

Lucite Calla lilies and Swarovski crystals, beaded by J. Woolverton

Crystal drops embellished with no, some or lots of tiny pearls and crystal.  (Collaboration by M. Rypan & J. Woolverton)

Swarovski Dangle Earrings, beaded by M. Rypan

Netted Diamond Earrings, beaded by M. Rypan

Obelisk Earrings, mini & maxi using Swarovski crystals, pearls or fire polished beads, beaded by M. Rypan

Mini-Radiant Sun Earring, beaded by M. Deeb

Class Act Chandleir style earring, beaded by S. Dixon

Now onto necklaces. A question often asked about making necklaces, other then techniques, is about the lengths for various styles. 

Guidelines for necklace lengths

These are of course a good starting point that may need to be adjusted for the wearer.

Gothic Cross pendant and choker, beaded by M. Rypan

Netted Diamond Collar, beaded by M. Rypan

Using an extender chain will allow the necklace to be worn at just the right length.

Looped Net Collar, beaded by J. Woolverton

Polka Dot Heart "Y" style necklace, beaded by J. Woolverton

Rope length pearl necklace, beaded by J. Woolverton

Rope length necklace doubled around to be choker, beaded by J. Woolverton

Electric Circus lariat, beaded by K. Harris

interesting idea found on pinterest

 Brooches and pins are another style of jewelry that can be fun to make as well.

Tussie Mussie pin, beaded by K. Naray

Blue Star pin, beaded by M. Rypan

Poppy Pin, beaded by K. Slade

Zinna Flower pin, beaded by J. Power

Bracelets range from simply strung beads to detailed bead embroidered or beadwoven cuff. Here are some great tips for ensure that it will fit the intended wrist.

Lizzie's Trio, child size bracelets, beaded by J. Woolverton

Rypan Designs' Crystal Elevation, beaded by J. Woolverton

MAD Designs' Queen Anne's Lace Cuff, beaded by J. Woolverton

Marilyn Gardiner Design's Elf Weave Chain Maille, made by J. Woolverton

Bollywod Chic Chicklet Bracelet, beaded by J. Woolverton

Interchangable cuff, beaded by J. Power

Rings can be quick and simple or detailed and statement pieces.

Daisy Stitch Ring, beaded by J. Woolverton

Quetzal Ring (From Beaded Opulence), beaded by J. Woolverton

Why not make a special piece of jewelry for someone special...you!!

Happy Beading!