ABC's of Creativity - P is Peyote Stitch

Peyote stitch, also know as mosiac or gourd stitch, is a very structural stitch. The beads are generally worked one bead at a time in a very tight formation. They line up like bricks or tiles.

Here is a great tutorial video by Leslie Rogalski. Leslie shows you in step by step with detailed drawings and beads how to do even-count flat peyote.

Here is geometric patterned flat peyote stitched bracelet designed by Marilyn Gardiner.

Southwest Charm Bracelet, beaded by J. Woolverton

Also on Marilyn site a wonderful free tutorial for a beginner's flat peyote stitch bracelet.

Once you have master basic flat peyote you can take a small strip of flat peyote and zip the ends together to make a tube. For instructions check out Pamela Kearn's pattern in the Jun/July 2013 issue of Beadwork for this wonderful use of peyote tube, Boho Bangle.

Circular peyote let you create shape beyond just a strip of beadwork. Triangles, squares, pentagons, hexagons and more can be created based on the number and placement of increases. Two great resources for learning how to do these shapes are Diane Fitzgerald's Shaped Beadwork and Jean Power's Geometric Beadwork.

If you take some of the shapes and stitch them together you can make 3D objects. Diane's Moorish Tile Beads combines squares and triangles.

Moorish Tile beads, beaded by Toronto beading students during class (2011)

Jean's Geometric stars uses squares that are distorted by increasing on every round.

Geometric stars, beaded by J. Woolverton

So we have looked at basic flat peyote, peyote tubes, circular peyote and peyote shapes stitched together. Next is tubular peyote stitch. This is different than our peyote tube as it is worked in rounds. Here is tutorial video by Melissa Shippee.

Melissa is showing a very thin tube. You can also use tubular peyote to bezel a crystal or cabochon. The tube would need to be large enough to go around the crystal or stone. Using smaller beads will pull the tube tighter and hold the crystal in the tube.

delicas and size 15 seed beads are used to bezel this crystal, beaded by J. Woolverton

This project was finished with some peyote stitched petals.

Zinniz Flower, designed by Jean Power, beaded by J. Woolverton

If you work tubular peyote off of a peyote stitched shape you can make a vessel or box. Julia Pretl's Little bead boxes is the resource for learning how to do this kind of project.

Here is my very first little box. I have since made at least one of every box in book.

beaded by J. Woolverton

Another resource is Melinda Barta's Mastering Peyote Stitch.

Here are the leaves that I stitched and used to work with this beautiful owl for a blog hop.

beaded by J. Woolverton

I hope that you will try peyote stitch in one of its many forms.

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!