Double Cross Ring

A few weeks ago I started out trying to devise a design for an oval ring. It never happened. What did happen was a single pattern that can be executed in various ways with just a minor adjustment here and there.

I call it Double Cross because, depending on how you look at it there is a cross running both horizontally and vertically.

After completing three different rings I was still not happy with the band that looked like it had been added as an afterthought (which it was) instead of being part of the design.

On the fourth ring, I did some experimenting in two different areas. I'd worked the first three with Toho seed beads, but knowing relatively few of my customers use them, I thought I'd better see if Czech seed beads would work just as well. I also wanted to rework the band to be a little more aesthetically pleasing. Black ring with purple and green super duos is the result. As you can see it is a slight bit smaller, but the Czechs work up beautifully with the super duos.

I also combined super duos and carefully selected twins in one of the rings. Can you tell which? If I didn't know I wouldn't be able to tell. I just wanted to be sure they could be used together. My finding. . .as long as you cull the twins well, they can be used in the same piece as the super duos.  Ahhh, now if I only had some pretty hands to model them on.

The pattern for Double Cross can be found on BeadPatternsBoutique, The Bead Coop and in my Zibbet Shop.

Time for Reflection

Over the past years as a designer, I've explored many stitches and stitch variations, creating my own unique patterns. I find that my "crowning glory", if I may brag a bit, is still my very first pattern.

I was exploring one of the many ways Right Angle Weave could be executed and/or embellished. I finally figured out a thread path that would allow me to make this necklace in one pass with the addition of 3mm crystals around the neck and the clasp added in another pass. After making about three repeats and having to loosen the thread and retrace the thread to see how I'd woven the previous step, I finally sat down to the computer determined to draw it and explain it.

Once I finished the pattern, I returned to making the necklace. When both were finished I was so excited I took it to work to show what I'd done. My boss promptly ordered one in black and white to wear to the next formal event she was attending. She also wanted earrings.

From that moment my beaded jewelry design career was launched. Although I've created patterns in many different stitches, and in varying intricacy, In my opinion, I've never topped the first hurdle I jumped.

The pattern is available at:
BeadPatternsBoutique
The Bead Coop
The Bead Doodler/ Artfire Studio

Artfire Beadweaver's Guild: Silver & Gold Challenge

Come by and see all the new entries.Artfire Beadweaver's Guild: Silver & Gold Challenge: "Angelque Creations Beads and Blooms Artisan Originals Krafty Max (SOLD) Eclectic Jewelry Designs 3 Peeps Designs"
We've got some great designers entering this challenge.

New Pearls and Crystals Necklace in the works

 I think my beading, pattern making muse has reappeared.  Bad news for my house cleaning plans, but I can clean house another day.  I'm working on a pattern I'm calling Daisy Eyelet.  It's made with several sizes of pearls and bicones all put together with size 15 rocailles.  It's not a "new" design.  It's an adaptation of one my oldest daughter, Wendy, AKA Bohemian Heart, made for my youngest daughter's wedding. You can see the original on my Accessorizing with Beads Squidoo lens. Just scroll down to the Right Angle Weave section. I hope to have it finished and pictures up this week.

My beady friends seem to be doing much more than I am this summer.  Beth Rudy of Bouncing Wolf Creations has several new earrings on her blog. She does beautiful Native American items as well as other more contemporary designs.

Juanita Carlos of Jaycee Patterns has a new pearl filagree design on her web site and is working on a pattern for it.  I think her designs are all just so elegant.

Miss Val at Miss Val's Creations is showing off a white elephant lanyard.

And Nancy at Rabbit Muse is having a huge "everything's on sale" sale.

Speaking of sales, don't forget ArtBeads is having their 10th anniversary sale all year long.  Each week they have different items on special sale. This week check out their base metal sale, Swarovski single stone settings, and Czech pressed glass specials plus much more.

I hope you all have a blessed Sunday and take time to count your many blessings.  It's back to the beading table for me until it's cool enough this evening to work in the yard a little.