the beady mess
beading.
It was, and remains to be, my first crafting love. My first true
addiction.
Check this page regularly for lists of my favourite suppliers, magazines and blogs, as well as tales and photos of my own beading exploits.
If you see a technique I'm using that you'd like a tutorial written for - just ask! I'll try to write one up for you.
addiction.
Check this page regularly for lists of my favourite suppliers, magazines and blogs, as well as tales and photos of my own beading exploits.
If you see a technique I'm using that you'd like a tutorial written for - just ask! I'll try to write one up for you.
What I'm working on......
Macramé!
It's my latest in a long line of beading obsessions. Macramé is a technique that uses knotting, rather than stitching or weaving, to create cords and fabric. Remember those friendship bracelets you made and exchanged as a child? The technique used for those is a form of macramé.
The technique is both wonderfully nostalgic (yes, I was one of those children who made hundreds of friendship bracelets - I know you're really surprised!), and wonderfully repetitive. I'm one of those people who just loves to sink into the monotony of a task that's tedious yet productive. It's a bit like knitting...you get lost in the rhythm, and once you're in, there's really very little need to think. The perfect way to relax....
It's my latest in a long line of beading obsessions. Macramé is a technique that uses knotting, rather than stitching or weaving, to create cords and fabric. Remember those friendship bracelets you made and exchanged as a child? The technique used for those is a form of macramé.
The technique is both wonderfully nostalgic (yes, I was one of those children who made hundreds of friendship bracelets - I know you're really surprised!), and wonderfully repetitive. I'm one of those people who just loves to sink into the monotony of a task that's tedious yet productive. It's a bit like knitting...you get lost in the rhythm, and once you're in, there's really very little need to think. The perfect way to relax....
More recently, of course, the appearance of Shamballa bracelets on the market has created a fashion explosion to skyrocket macramé into popularity. I've been having a go at some simple designs myself....and I must say that, so far, I'm quite pleased with the results!
The bracelets on the popular market seem to be almost exclusively comprised of big, blingy, sparkly diamante beads. Great if you like your bling...but I must say, it's not to my taste. I prefer to make mine with other types of beads for a quirkier, more individual look. But, that's just me - and the sparkly beads are available on the market in droves - so the world of Shamballa is your oyster, really...
I'm aiming to get a tutorial posted this weekend, with instructions for how to make one of these giants of fashion. Don't say I never spoil you!!
The bracelets on the popular market seem to be almost exclusively comprised of big, blingy, sparkly diamante beads. Great if you like your bling...but I must say, it's not to my taste. I prefer to make mine with other types of beads for a quirkier, more individual look. But, that's just me - and the sparkly beads are available on the market in droves - so the world of Shamballa is your oyster, really...
I'm aiming to get a tutorial posted this weekend, with instructions for how to make one of these giants of fashion. Don't say I never spoil you!!
my favourite bead stockistsWhere to start, where to start?? OK. I think it's only fair to give a special mention to the very first website I bought beads from, back in the days before I knew my rocailles from my rondelles! Beads Direct is still my go-to place for semiprecious stones and seed beads. They do a mean bargain too, and their customer services are unfailingly friendly and helpful.
Next up...Beads Unlimited is a Brighton-based haven of goodies. I love their actual store just as much as their website, and they are especially good for findings, glass beads, stringing materials and Fimo. Love Swarovski Crystals? Try Blue Streak Beads - their variety of Swarovski (among many other things) is what I love most about their immense product range. I want one of everything on this website. Everything!! At these prices, I could probably afford it! Check out The Crafty Beggar for some really beautiful stock items. GJ Beads is the only place I'll go to for specialist seed beads, magatamas, tila beads and cubes. Tiny works of art, manufactured to the highest standard by the most reputable Czech and Japanese suppliers. One of my favourite websites to browse is Spoilt Rotten Beads - I could spend hours on their site, scrolling through their pages of beauties!! Fancy something a bit special, with a less mass-produced feel? Check out Peruzi - an Australian site selling unique hand-sculpted beads, pendants and cabochons. Words can't do justice to the stunning, miniature works of art produced by the incredibly talented artisan Natalie Fletcher. Finally, I'm a little bit in love with The Southampton Bead Shop. They have the biggest and best range of Chinese Crystal I've ever seen, as well as lots of unique findings and semiprecious beads. And their owners are just about the warmest, friendliest people I've ever met! |
my favourite beady blogsI love having a good old nose around other beady blogs, to get a feel for what other designers are up to.
The lovely Jennifer Hawkins of Marcato Designs makes beautiful jewellery, alongside a fab collection of sewn bags. I love musings - a firm favourite for my Sunday mornings, cup of tea in hand, while I browse my favourite blogs. You should also check out her shop for its fab range of hand-made goodies. The awesomeness of Dee Elgie is not to be trifled with! This woman even makes her own stunning glass beads. Check out Cherry Obsidia, a heartfelt blog page stuffed with pictures of her uniquely styled artwork. You won't find anything like this, anywhere else. I'm in awe! Check out the simply incredible talent of Dee Wingrove-Smith at Wingsmith. What this woman can't do with beads... She also showcases the work of other artists and writes the occasional book review, so she's well worth a read. |