Miss December - 3-D Snowflakes

TBS Calendar, December 2011 - Snowflakes by Maria Rypan

The new 2011 Toronto Bead Society Calendar is out and I'm Miss December! Really, my 3-D Snowflakes grace that month's spread.

There are many ways you can make your very own snowflakes like those pictured. You could take a workshop Fri, Oct 22nd at the Creativ Festival in Toronto and get tips and tricks from the master, that's me.

You could get a Rypan Designs kit and choose your favorite from a multitude of bugle sizes and two Swarovski crystal finishes. If you have a bead stash, just get the pattern. The insert clearly illustrates how to space out shorter v.s. longer bugles. Check the Student's Gallery to be inspired by my samplemaker Jo-Ann's multi-colored snowflakes. Each one is different to match her colleagues personalities. They make great gifts!

You could also find the instructions in Beaded Ornaments for the Holidays and Beyond from Bead & Button and BeadStyle Magazines. Waukesha: Kalmbach Publishing, 2009: 90-91.

The proceeds from the sales of this calendar are going to The Native Women's Resource Centre to support youth programs and craft classes for women of all ages. Would you like a calendar full of eye candy and inspiration for 2011?

Two BEADWORK Favorites Stitches

“Fan Wheel Necklace” & “Scythian Gold” by Maria Rypan

These two projects were reprinted in BEADWORK Presents: Favorite Bead Stitches. Interweave Press LLC, 2010: 100-105.

The Fan Wheel Necklace was inspired by contemporary beadwork seen at the Vernisage, an art piazza in Lviv, Ukraine. The wheel is a circular fan whose points are topped with crystals and whose shape echoes through the wavy crystal-studded band. It was originally published in Aug 2007.

The Scythian Gold is a twist on contemporary Ukrainian beadwork. The V-shaped netted collar features an embellished diamond-shaped opening. The project’s name relates to one of the original habitants of Ukraine, the Scythians. It was published in Aug 2009 following my interview "A Conversation on Ukrainian-Style Beadwork with Maria Rypan" on pgs. 60-62.

Crystal encrusted open diamond in the Table of Contents

Pearl Drop Crystal 'V's

V08-3a - Pearl Drop Crystal 'V' - Interlocking Band

Here's the latest creation ready with full instructions in beadwork kit or pattern form in time for teaching this weekend at the Ottawa Bead Society.

It began with a "What IF?" and the 'gerdan' morphed into these two necklace. This is a springtime variation of the Opulent Crystal 'V'. The interlocking band was tightened by alternating four seed beads instead of five. Swarovski pearls added drama. Then I thought of just suspending the netted 'V' from a string of luxurious pearls? I like it! Would you believe there are five different sizes of pearls between the two variations?

V08-3b - Pearl Drop Crystal 'V' - Strung Pearls

This is so new, you'll just have to ask for it. I'll get it and other new goodies into the Catalogue in May. Better yet, come to see them in person to the Toronto Bead Society's Bead Fair May 1st & 2nd or Bead & Button Show in Milwaukee.

Silver Shadow Snowflake Collection

A very unique and $$ Vitrial Czech 6/ seed bead inspired this Limited Edition. As seen above, they work beautifully as the inner circle and base for Swarovski Silver Shadow 6mm crystal tips on the 20mm or 30mm twisted bugle V's. I love how this Vitrial combo has transformed the pictured elegant 3-D Snowflake into chic ornaments.

These Silver Shadow Snowflakes, as well as the entire collection of pearl and Swarovski Crystal AB bicones on bugles ranging from 15mm to 30mm, straight or twisted, will be available at The Hobby Show. Write or call for your choice of one or 3-pack Snowflake beadwork kits.

Crystal Elevation Bracelet

Seems I'm on a Vitrial kick this season! Here's my "Crystal Elevation" solid Swarovski Bracelet developed specially for the Creativ Festival last month. There are a few left. Then there's a "Margarita" bracelet with round Vitrial crystals on the base...

The chic Vitrial Snowflakes and a few bracelets will be available at The Hobby Show or by simply contacting me directly.