Beads In Motion {Bead, Book & Bounce}

As regular readers will know, every two months we choose one of the most popular beading and jewellery making books and challenge our readers to make something inspired by the techniques or projects covered within it's pages. And I'm a little bit excited to announce that the next book we'll be working from is Marcia De Coster's 'Beads In Motion'. 

Published in September 2013, Beads In Motion made it's way onto many beaders Christmas Wishlists! So if like me, you received a copy in your stocking but have yet to start (or finish) a project, please join us over the next two months while we work on projects inspired by Marcia's innovative designs! 

"My favorite pieces in the book? The whole book!" - Shala Kerrigan,  Bella Online. 

Free Projects -

Lark Craft's have released a free project from the book - Swing Dance Earrings - so, if the book isn't already on your bookshelf, you can still join in with this round Bead, Book & Bounce!

More From Marcia -

Visit Marcia's website Mad Designs, to see more images of her amazing work, oogle her beading kits, look up classes in your area and more!

When Will Projects From Beads In Motion Be Due? 

Projects will be due on the 5th April! But don't worry, I'll remind you! 

And, if you haven't had chance already, please stop by and take a look at the lovely projects that were inspired by our last Bead, Book & Bounce choice, Twelve Modern Vintage Projects: The Reveal - a little bit of love is always appreciated!

Clair x

Twelve Modern Vintage Projects: The Reveal {Bead, Book & Bounce}

In our regular feature Bead, Book & Bounce, we choose one of the most popular beading and jewellery making books and challenge our readers to make something inspired by the techniques or projects covered within it's pages. Over the last two months, we've been working from The Best Of Beadwork: Twelve Modern Vintage Projects. 

I knew immediately that I wanted to make some of the components from Amy Haftkowycz's 'Floral Wreaths Bracelet' and Barbara Falkowitz's 'Hearts & Rosettes Necklace', which are pictured on the front cover of the book. Deciding to work in one colour scheme - because it makes the components a little more versatile - I rummaged around in my much neglected stash of Czech Firepolished Beads. 

I started with the Large Beaded Bead from 'The Hearts & Rosettes Necklace'. Each of the components worked up quickly and easily, with the crystal embellishment adding a beautiful finish that reminds me a little of a catherine-wheel! Instead of turning my components into a necklace - which I would never wear - I simply added a little loop of seed beads to make some earrings!

Made using Circular Right Angle Weave but with clear instructions and diagrams, this is the perfect little project for someone new to the stitch. Meanwhile, intermediate beaders will like how the versatile components can be combined, or altered using different sizes of beads!

The beaded beads from 'The Floral Wreaths Bracelet' are made in a slightly different way, but are embellished using the same method. Again, the instructions and diagrams were clear enough for a beginner to follow but overall, I didn't like them as much as the components from 'The Hearts & Rosettes Necklace'. I felt that, as a beaded bead, they weren't quite sturdy enough - and they were a bit too chunky for me to consider using in a bracelet! I'm waiting on some champagne chain, to turn them into earrings - with the chain running through the centre, they'll look like little wheels!

If you have made any pieces from The Best Of Beadwork: Twelve Modern Vintage Projects, please share your projects with us using the Mr Linky.

• Please link directly to your The Best Of Beadwork: Twelve Modern Vintage Projects blog post, so that we can find it easily.
• Please leave a comment here when you link up your project. 
• Please try to visit the blogs of other participants when you can. We all love a bit of love!

We'll be issuing a new Bead, Book & Bounce challenge tomorrow, so please do pop back to see what book we'll be working from over the next two months. I can't wait to get started!

Clair x

The Best Of Beadwork: Twelve Modern Vintage Projects {Bead, Book & Bounce}

Each month, as part of our regular feature Bead, Book & Bounce, we choose one of the most popular beading and jewellery making books and challenge our readers to make something inspired by the techniques or projects covered within it's pages. (We've recently made a few changes to the way that Bead, Book & Bounce will work, so please be sure to check out the new details on our new dedicated Bead, Book & Bounce Page.)

For the next two months, we'll be working on projects from The Best Of Beadwork: Twelve Modern Vintage Projects. The book includes several designs for necklaces, bracelets and earrings - all with a vintage twist. The majority of the patterns included in the book are versatile, with components which could potentially be used to create a variety of projects - and, with a range of vintage style projects - there should be something to suit everyone's tastes!

As each of the projects included in The Best Of Beadwork: Twelve Modern Vintage Projects has previously been published in Beadwork Magazine, you may find that you already have one (or more) of the projects already. But, if you don't, several of the patterns included can be found on the deisgner's website, or are available for download - including one free one!

So, if you don't fancy purchasing the full book, but do fancy joining in with Bead, Book & Bounce, here's where you can find each of the patterns included in the book - 

Luscious Links - Shelley Nybakke. Pattern first appeared in Beadwork, February/March 2008. The Luscious Links Redux is now available from Shelley's etsy store - SturdyGirlDesigns.

Artsy Angles - Michele Anderson. Pattern first appeared in Beadwork, February/March 2008.

Disco Squares - Marcia DeCoster. Pattern first appeared in Beadwork, April/May 2009.

Antique Connections Cuff - Melinda Barta. Pattern first appeared in Beadwork, April/May 2009.

Retro Ruffles Cuff - Rachel Nelson Smith. Pattern first appeared in Beadwork, February/March 2010.

Metallic Ribbon Bracelet - Venetia Perry. Pattern first appeared in Beadwork, February/March 2010.

Ribbon Blossom Brooch - Pattern first appeared in Beadwork, December/January 2010.

Deco Lotus Earrings - Gwen Fisher. Pattern first appeared in Beadwork, October/November 2009.

Rivoli Renaissance Necklace - Laura McCabe. Pattern first appeared in Beadwork, February/March 2010. Now available, for free, in Beadwork's Collection: Create Jewelry With Crystal.

Endless Circles Necklace - Arlene Baker. Pattern first appeared in Beadwork,

Floral Wreaths Bracelet - Amy Haftkowycz. Pattern first appeared in Beadwork, April/May 2010. Interweave also sells the Floral Wreaths Bracelet as a downloadable pattern.

Hearts & Rosettes Necklace - Barbara Falkowitz. Pattern first appeared in Beadwork, April/May 2010. Interweave also sells the Hearts & Rosettes Necklace as a downloadable pattern.

We'll reveal the results of everyone's beadiness on the 6th February 2014. Plenty of time to rummage through your old magazines, find a download or order the book for yourself!

I Can Herringbone: The Reveal {Bead, Book & Bounce}

As part of our regular feature Bead, Book & Bounce, we choose one of the most popular beading and jewellery making books and challenge our readers to make something inspired by the techniques or projects covered within it's pages. Over the last two months, we've been working from I Can Herringbone by Melissa Grakowsky.

Jane K chose to work on one of the book's free projects - The Athena Necklace - and has created her own version by altering it a little to work with some beautiful lampwork beads. Jane said that she'd had no idea what to do with these lampwork beads, but that this seemed like the perfect project. I'd have to agree, wouldn't you? 

Although Jane doesn't own the book, she did say that she enjoyed utilising herringbone stitch and will definitely use the techniques that she picked up when she works with lampwork beads again, as she enjoys putting seed beads and lampwork together. And, Jane's project is all from stash, so I think she deserves a Gold Star!!! 

Yasmine, who's a first time 'Bead, Book & Bouncer' has also joined us this month, with a project inspired by the book's cover project - The Sweet Sets Necklace - and a combination of the techniques she learnt from I Can Herringbone. She's created a lovely, twisted bracelet and has even provided a tutorial for it on her blog (which is linked below.)

Yasmine said that after tackling the book and working with Melissa's impressive tutorials, she really does feel that she 'Can Herringbone'. Result!

If you have made any pieces from I Can Herringbone, please share your projects with us using the Mr Linky. 

• Please link directly to your I Can Herringbone blog post, so that we can find it easily. 
• Please leave a comment here when you link up your project. 
• Please try to visit the blogs of other participants when you can. We all love a bit of love! 

We'll be issuing a new Bead, Book & Bounce challenge tomorrow, so please do pop back to see what book we'll be working from over the next two months. I can't wait to get started!

Bead, Book & Bounce Reveal - Postponed

Just a little note to let you all know that, following feedback, we've decided to postpone the reveal of the current Bead, Book & Bounce until the 6th December. We'll also be returning to a schedule which allows participants to work on their projects for two months.

Hopefully this means that members without the book can find the time to borrow one (from friends or their local library) or to buy a copy (if they would like to.) 

Thanks for all of your support with the project! 

Clair x

I Can Herringbone {Bead, Book & Bounce}

Each month, as part of our regular feature Bead, Book & Bounce, we choose one of the most popular beading and jewellery making books and challenge our readers to make something inspired by the techniques or projects covered within it's pages. (We've recently made a few changes to the way that Bead, Book & Bounce will work, so please be sure to check out the new details on our new dedicated Bead, Book & Bounce Page.)

This month, we've chosen to work with Melissa Grakowsky's, I Can Herringbone. The book contains twenty-six projects, from beginner level to advanced, including earrings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants - and covers flat, circular and tubular forms of herringbone! There's a little something in there for everyone! 

"Steps and concepts are broken down but not to the point that someone with some beading experience would get bored." - Tammy Powley, About.Com

Reviews - 

Speedie Beadie has written a wonderful review, I (Really) Can Herringbone, and has shared several projects from the book. I only wish that we could transport all of our readers to The Gulf Of Mexico for the month, so that we could all experience the book in the same way! There is also a fantastic overview of the book at Bella Online.

Free Projects - 

Lark Craft's have released two free projects from the book - Braided Bracelet and Athena Necklace - so, if the book isn't already on your bookshelf, you can still join in with this month's Bead, Book & Bounce. 

More From Melissa Grakowsky - 

You might like to visit Melissa's website MGS Designs to see more of her beautiful work. The website includes a Gallery, Blog and Pattern Store.

We'll be back on the 6th December to reveal the projects made from, or inspired by, I Can Herringbone during the month! I do hope that you'll be able to join in! x

Beaded Colorways: The Reveal {Bead, Book & Bounce}

Each month, as part of our regular feature Bead, Book & Bounce, we choose one of the most popular beading and jewellery making books and challenge our readers to make something inspired by the techniques or projects covered within it's pages. Over the last two months, we've been working from Beaded Colorways by Beverly Ash Gilbert. 

If you have made any pieces from Beaded Colorways, please share your own projects with us using the Mr Linky. 

• Please link directly to your Beaded Colorways blog post, so that we can find it easily. 
• Please leave a comment here when you link up your project. 
• Please try to visit the blogs of other participants when you can. We all love a bit of love! 

We'll be issuing a new Bead, Book & Bounce challenge tomorrow, so please do pop back to see what book we'll be working from over the next two months. I can't wait to get started!

Beaded Colorways {Bead, Book & Bounce}

Each month, as part of our regular feature Bead, Book & Bounce, we choose one of the most popular beading and jewellery making books and challenge our readers to make something inspired by the techniques or projects covered within it's pages. Over the next two months, we'll be working from Beaded Colorways by Beverly Ash Gilbert. 

Beaded Colourways covers - the tools and techniques you will need to gain confidence when working with colour and enhance your beadwork; step-by-step instructions for projects that make put the theory into practice; and freeform beading techniques that can be used to create your own unique projects!

"I was really impressed...a book that covers colour theory in exhaustive detail." -  Shala Kerrigan, Book Review: Beaded Colorways.

Projects In Other Places - 

Beaded Colorways includes several 'Wanderlust Projects' - Wander With Color, Wander With Flair, The Wanderlust Bracelet and The Wanderlust Necklace, as well as instructions for creating Rippled Netting and the instructions for each of these projects are available as individual downloads from BeverlyAshGilbert.Com.

And, If You're Interested - 

Beverly's website, BeverlyAshGilbert.Com, is home to a beautiful gallery of stunning beadwork, paintings, digital art and photographs - as well as a dedicated Color Inspiration section - all designed to inspire your work with color. 

When's The Reveal - 

The reveal will be on the 6th September.

Creating Crystal Jewellery: The Reveal {Bead, Book & Bounce}

Each month, as part of our regular feature - Bead, Book & Bounce - we choose one of the most popular beading and jewellery making books and challenge our readers to dust off the books on their shelves and create projects from their neglected library. 

Over the last two months, we've been working from Laura McCabe's much loved book, Creating Crystal Jewellery, beading and bezelling with lots of Swarovski Sparkle.

The lovely Vicky Roberts tells me that Creating Crystal Jewellery is one of her favourite beading books. "It's an excellent resource, for advanced beaders as well as absolute beginners, because there's a range of projects to suit all levels. There's also an extremely handy reference section at the beginning of the book that tells you how many seed beads are needed to start a bezel for different sizes and shapes of Swarovski Rivolis, Stones & Shapes."

Using a combination of techniques covered in the patterns for the Crystal Burst Ring and Crystal Burst Bracelet, Vicky has made a beautiful pair of crystal cascade style earrings, which match the simple - but stunning - Spiral Stitch Bracelet that she has made up using the same materials. I'm hoping that she won't notice if I steal them the very next time that I'm at The Bead Shop Liverpool!

Bead, Book & Bounce 'Regular', Ericka Stafford, has also been busy bezelling - making this beautiful My Crown Jewels Pendant. Ericka says "Although probably not suitable for an absolute beginner, I feel that most beaders would be able to follow her instructions and make something to be proud of! This is one of my favourite books and I use it frequently. It's even more special as Laura signed it for me at the first of her workshops I attended! She is such a lovely person and a brilliant teacher too."

A dab hand now at using Laura's methods to bezel stones, Ericka had no difficulties with that part of the pattern. However, creating the tabs became a little bit of a trial and she turned to fellow OTTBS Facebook Group Member, Kim - whose own version of the pendant inspired Ericka's choice for this project!

"I found stitching the tabs straightforward, but when I came to add the top and bottom I realized that I had made a mistake, as I was unable to add three stitches and still have the tabs in the centres. I managed to remedy this by only adding two beads for the tabs instead of three! This worked ok, but obviously my corner gap was then two big for the 3mm beads. I found that using 4mm beads instead solved this problem and fitted the space nicely. Kim kindly explained where I had gone wrong, so next time I am sure I will be able to make it perfect!"

I'm thinking that it looks like perfection, as it is - and especially love Ericka's colour choice!

If you have made any pieces from Creating Crystal Jewellery, please share your own projects with us using the Mr Linky. 

• Please link directly to your Creating Crystal Jewellery blog post, so that we can find it easily. 
• Please leave a comment here when you link up your project. 
• Please try to visit the blogs of other participants when you can. We all love a bit of love!

We'll be issuing a new Bead, Book & Bounce challenge tomorrow, so please do pop back to see what book we'll be working from over the next two months - it's a good one!

Creating Crystal Jewelry {Bead, Book & Bounce}

Hello! Hello! Are you all ready to find out what the next book in our Bead, Book & Bounce feature will be? I just love cracking the spine on a new book (or blowing the dust off an old one!) So, without further ado, let me tell you that the next book in the series will be Creating Crystal Jewelry by Laura McCabe. 

First published in 2008, Creating Crystal Jewelry was one of the first books to concentrate solely on working with Swarovski Crystal. Laura's book includes sixty-six amazing designs incorporating Rivolis, Crystals, Dentelles. There's a lot of sparkle! 

"Her instructions are very clear and easy to follow, with an excellent section on open-backed bezeling techniques - including a particularly useful chart on how many beads to use to begin a bezel for different sizes of rivolis." Silverhill Designs - Beader's Bookshelf Review. 

Projects In Other Places - 

There are several of Laura McCabe's patterns available as free downloads, via Lark Crafts. Starflower Earrings and Well Kept Secret Necklace are all from Embellished Beadweaving, which is part of the Lark Craft Beadweaving Masterclass Series. Laura's Artisan Patterns and Kits are also available from her website, Just Let Me Bead. 

And, If You're Interested - 

The Lark Crafts Interview With Laura McCabe includes information about Laura's sources of inspiration and influence and her website, Just Let Me Bead is a vertiable feast of eye candy. 

When's The Reveal - 

6th July.

Beaded Allure: The Reveal {Bead, Book & Bounce}

Each month, as part of our regular feature - Bead, Book & Bounce - we choose one of the most popular beading and jewellery making books and challenge our readers to dust off the books on their shelves and create projects from their neglected library. 

Inspired by the beautifully, romantic projects included in Kelly Wiese's Beaded Allure, our members have been busy beading. And now it's time for us all to reveal the results of our efforts over the last two months.

Kristen has been a busy beader, creating three (rather fantastic) pieces from Beaded Allure. I'm guessing that she liked the book!

Wavy Rosette Necklace, P115

Scalloped Lace Necklace, P71

Crytal Bracelet, P42

Kristen has emulated the colour choices in Kelly's original pieces, aiming to keep her projects beautifully romantic. Personally, I thinked she's cracked it, aren't they wonderful?

If you have made any pieces from Beaded Allure, please share your own projects with us using the Mr Linky.

Please link directly to your Beaded Allure blog post, so that we can find it easily.

Please leave a comment here when you link up your project.

Please try to visit the blogs of other participants when you can. We all love a bit of love!

And don't forget that we're still working on projects from Classical Elegance by Maggie Meister, with a new reveal on the 6th June.

Classical Elegance {Bead, Book & Bounce}

I'm a little excited to let you all know that the latest book in our Bead, Book & Bounce feature will be Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance. Swoon! Classical Elegance includes a balanced selection of earrings, bracelets and necklaces, all isnpired by classical art, architecture and jewellery.

"Every single piece... is wonderful"
The Beading Gem - Book Review: Classical Elegance

Patterns In Other Places -

If Classical Elegance hasn't yet made it onto your bookshelf, then you'll be pleased to know that there are several projects, available as free downloads. The Laksmi Pendant and The Artemisia Earrings both feature in the printed version of Classical Elegance, whilst The Fiore Earrings and The Liternum Brooch were both shortlisted for inclusion, but didn't quite make it!

And, If You're Interested -

You can also read an Interview With Maggie Meister, with advice for budding beadweavers and an insight into Maggie's design principles. Maggie's beautiful website, Amphora Designs, is home to Maggie's Blog, Workshop Schedule and Il Marcato (The Market.)

When's The Reveal - 

The reveal for projects made from Classical Elegance will be the 6th June.

Beaded Fantasies: The Reveal {Bead, Book & Bounce}

For the last two months our members have been busy creating pieces inspired by the beautiful projects in Sabine Lippert's Beaded Fantasies.And, when I announced the book over in the OTTBS Facebook Group, there was a massive flurry of activity as members of the group that already had the book added photographs to the Beaded Fantasies Album. It was so inspiring! 

Since then our members have 'oohed and ahhed' and, eventually, beaded - and now it's time to reveal the results of our efforts, as we show off our projects  inspired by techniques and tutorials from Beaded Fantasies. Let's have a look at some of the projects that our members have made over the last two months shall we?

Carol has been busy beading these beautiful Sweet Eighteen Earrings. Don't you just love the splash of spring colours? Carol says "I found the instructions clear and easy to understand. The earrings were quick to make up and, provided I kept a tight tension, especially on the back, the beads went into their positions as on the picture. As I was pulling the beads tight at the back, I kept my fingers over the front ones, so that they continued to lay flat. Most enjoyable and I am looking forward to making more projects from this book!"

Gail has made this rather spectacular version of the Les Fleur Necklace. "Having made a La Fleur Bracelet as a Christmas present I decided I wanted one for myself, but then decided I wear necklaces more than bracelets these days so changed my mind and bought some larger rivolis and pearls. I really like the idea of how the rivolis link, but had to frog the links several times when I realised I’d got it slightly misaligned." 

Since buying the book, Gail has also tried the RAW Ribs Bracelet, Spikey Tops Bracelet, Granada Brooch and Volcanoes Necklace and has really enjoyed making each of the projects though she admits that making so many identical components for the Volcanoes Necklace "drove me a little nuts!" "I love bezelling and it’s great to find such different methods which show off the rivolis. My only criticism of the book is the lack of clasps which are more in keeping with the beauty of the designs. But it’s only a small niggle."

And lastly, these fine projects from Jane, who has been busy making up a La Fleur Bracelet, a Spikey Tops Bracelet - and who loves the RAW Ribs Bracelet so much that she's made two! 

Phew! What amazing pieces - and all inspired by just one book! Please do share your own projects with us using the Mr Linky.

• Please link directly to your Beaded Fantasies blog post, so that we can find it easily. 
• Please leave a comment here when you link up your project. 
• Please try to visit the blogs of other participants when you can. We all love a bit of love! 

And don't forget that we're still working on projects from Kelly Wiese's Beaded Allure with a new reveal on the 6th May.

Beaded Allure {Bead, Book & Bounce}

For those of us who cannot wait for the release of A Beaded Romance, I'm pleased to announce that the latest book in our Bead, Book & Bounce feature is Kelly Wiese's Beaded Allure. There's nothing like revisiting an old favourite!

Beaded Allure contains twenty-five beautiful projects with the romantic in mind. Each with clear, detailed instructions, the projects work through ten beadweaving stitches and techniques - including bezelling and bead embroidery. 

"It’s not really a beading book at all. It’s a jewelry making book, with an emphasis on beadweaving. The tone suggests that the projects are intended for anyone and everyone, not just those of us who are already hopelessly obsessed with seed beads." Inspirational Beading: Book Review, Beaded Allure

Patterns In Other Places -

Having been publised regularly in Beadwork Magazine, the vast majority of Kelly Wiese's Patterns are available for download. There are also many, many beautiful patterns for earrings, bracelets and necklaces - available as kits or patterns - on Kelly's wonderful website, The Bead Parlor. 

And, If You're Interested -

You can see more of Kelly's stunning designs in The Bead Parlor Gallery. 

When's The Reveal - 

The reveal for projects made from Beaded Allure will be the 6th May.

Japanese Beadwork: The Reveal {Bead, Book & Bounce}

Each month, as part of our Bead, Book & Bounce feature, we choose one of the most popular beading and jewellery making books and challenge our readers to dust off the books on their shelves and create projects from their neglected library. Over the past few months, we've all been working on projects from Japanese Beadwork by Sonoko Nozue. 

Part of Lark Crafts, Beadweaving Master Class Series, Japanese Beadwork includes twenty-five beadweaving projects - including necklaces, bracelets and brooches.

Due to technical issues (ie. building work!) I'm running really late with the reveal this month, but the time has now come for us to share our projects inspired - finished or not - by the tutorials, techniques or inspirational pieces included in Japanese Beadwork. 

Susan Sassoon created this amazing version of the free download, Sonoko Wave. Here's what Susan had to say about the pattern. 

"The project was unusual because it required you to bead perpendicular to the way I'm used to beading a necklace. Usually, I start with a tube and bead around and around to the required length. Here, we were instructed to start with one row, the full length of the necklace and add rows alongside it. It didn't look like much as I progressed, until the very last step, where the zipping up into a tube created the magic!"

"While I love the result, I am a bit disappointed in the length. Because of the construction method, additional length was difficult to add and I feel that the length in the instructions was much too short. I had to improvise in order to make this wearable for me. I may try it again, or at least use the technique, but because of the spiraling effect, I think it will be difficult to estimate the required length from the start.

I found the instructions and diagrams very brief but clear, just how I like them!"

You can share your own projects with us using the Mr Linky. 

• Please link directly to your Japanese Beadwork blog post, so that we can find it easily. 
• Please leave a comment here when you link up your project. 
• Please try to visit the blogs of other participants when you can. We all love a bit of love!

And don't forget that we're still working on projects from Sabine Lippert's Beaded Fantasies with a new reveal on the 6th April.

Beaded Fantasies {Bead, Book & Bounce}

I'm so excited to announce that the latest book in our Bead, Book & Bounce feature is Sabine Lippert's Beaded Fantasies. As always, if you have already finished projects from our Bead, Book & Bounce choice, you're welcome to share them when we 'reveal and review', or you might like to create additional projects using the patterns as an inspiration and changing them to suit your tastes!

"This book is a glorious riot of colour and beautiful beads." Dee Wingrove Smith.

Read the remainder of Dee's Book Review: Sabine Lippert's Beaded Fantasies on her wonderful blog, Beady Musings. There is also an excellent review of Beaded Fantasies on the Speedie Beadie blog.

Patterns In Other Places -

If Beaded Fantasties isn't already on your bookshelf, or you're not quite ready to commit to a purchase, there are two free downloadable projects available from the Lark Crafts Blog - Les Fleurs Necklace and Purple Rope Necklace. Both are beyond beautiful!

And, If You're Interested -

Sabine's blog, Try To Bead, is a veritable feast of delicious projects including an inspirational gallery, project kits and free patterns. You can also read an Interview With Sabine Lippert, with advice for budding beaders and would be designers!

The Art & Elegance Of Beadweaving: The Reveal {Bead, Book & Bounce}

In 2012, we introduced a new blog feature - Bead, Book & Bounce. We've chosen some of the most popular beading and jewellery making books and one by one we've been challenging our readers to dust off the books on their shelves and create projects from their neglected library. 

Over the past few months, we've all been working on projects from The Art & Elegance of Beadweaving by Carol Wilcox Wells. Well received - and well loved - in the beading community, this book contains a wide range of projects all inspired by some of the most popular beadweaving stitches.

   

It's now time for us to share our projects, finished or not, that have been inspired by the tutorials, techniques or gallery pieces included in The Art & Elegance of Beadweaving. We're starting here on the blog with two wonderful projects by Susan Sassoon. Susan says "I tend to change things up a bit rather than follow a pattern directly, so my entries here may not look too much like the proejcts, but they started out with the main stitch from the pattern and then I took it elsewhere!"

"The black and silver triple curved necklace was inspired by Carol Horn's rainbow necklace - only I used my own size beads and created a triple curve instead of the single curve."

"The necklace with the diamond shaped pendant started off as the choker with a secret necklace but I preferred a V shaped necklace instead of the rounded one, so I changed it up."

How amazing are Susan's projects? I really love that she's managed to create pieces inspired by the book, but with her own twists. Please share your own projects with us using the Mr Linky.

* Please link directly to your reveal and review blog post, so that we can find it easily. 

* Please leave a comment here when you link up your project. 

* Please try to visit the blogs of other participants when you can. We all love a bit of love! 

And don't forget that we're still working on projects from Sonoko Nozue's Japanese Beadweaving, with the new reveal on the 6th March.

Japanese Beadwork {Bead, Book & Bounce}

Without further ado, I'm so excited to announce that the latest book in our Bead, Book & Bounce feature is Japanese Beadwork by Sonoko Nozue. As always, if you have already finished projects inspired by our Bead, Book & Bounce choice, you're welcome to share them in the OTTBS Facebook Group. It really does encourage everyone to dust off their own copy of the book (or their wallet) and start creating! 

The Fast & Furious Beader, Review: Japanese Beadwork With Sonoko Nozue

Crescendoh: Book, Japanese Beadwork With Sonoko Nozue.

Patterns In Other Places -

Happily, if Japanese Beadwork isn't already on your bookshelf - and you're not quite ready to commit to a purchase - there are two free downloadable projects available from the Lark Crafts Blog. I'm expecting to see several versions of the Crystal Rose Necklace and the Sonoko Wave.

And, If You're Interested -

You can visit Sonoko's Blog, Sonoko Beads - but do be aware that you'll need a translation tool - for additional, rather swoonsome photographs!

Little Bead Boxes: The Reveal {Bead, Book & Bounce}

So, the time has come for our next Bead, Book & Bounce Reveal. In June, we chose some of the most popular beading books - and one by one - we're challenging our readers to dust off the books on their shelves. Over the last few months, everyone has been busy beading pieces inspired by the beautiful projects in Julia S.Pretl's Little Bead Boxes. 

When I announced the book over in the OTTBS Facebook Group, there was a flurry of activity as members of the group that already had the book added photographs to the Little Bead Boxes Album. And, what I've loved about this round of Bead, Book & Bounce is that there has also been a lot of activity - works in progress; problem solving; exclamations of disgust at tricky moments - while the members have worked on their pieces. It's so wonderful to see!

But, the time has now come for us to share our projects inspired - finished or not - by the tutorials, techniques or inspirational pieces included in Little Bead Boxes. You can share your own projects with us using the Mr Linky. 

• Please link directly to your Little Bead Boxes blog post, so that we can find it easily. 
• Please leave a comment here when you link up your project. 
• Please try to visit the blogs of other participants when you can. We all love a bit of love!

And don't forget that we're still working on projects from Carol's Wilcox's, The Art & Elegance Of Beadweaving, with a new reveal on the 6th December.

The Art & Elegance Of Beadweaving {Bead, Book & Bounce}

Gosh! In all the excitement of making changes to the blog layout and look, I completely forgot to tell you about the latest Bead, Book & Bounce. So, without further ado, I can happily reveal that over the next two months we'll be working with The Art & Elegance Of Beadweaving by Carol Wilcox.

I'll be encouraging you all to dust off this classic and join the growing numbers of participants who are sharing the projects they've made, along with some thoughts about each book.

The Bead Wrangler, Book Review: The Art & Elegance Of Beadweaving

Rocky Mountain Bead Society, Review: The Art & Elegance Of Beadweaving

And, If You're Interested -

Be inspired by this Lark Crafts Interview With Carol Wilcox Wells or visit the School Of Beadwork, where Carol - and fellow beader Melanie Potter - have created a website full of articles, kits and tutorials.

Don't Forget - 

We're still working on patterns from Little Bead Boxes. We'll be revealing our finished projects on the 6th November!