The February Giveaway

Hello! I'm happy to announce that I'm sponsoring this month's OTTBS Giveaway - and I have a little bit of a treat ready. I'm going to be giving one lucky winner a copy of Jean Power's Compendium Of Beading Techniques.

For a chance to win this amazing book, just comment on this post by 12 Noon (GMT) on Thursday 27th February. The winner will be drawn at random and announced, here on the blog, on the 28th February. This giveaway is open to entrants worldwide.

 

Clair x

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

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!

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!

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!

Bead Romantique: The Reveal {Bead, Book & Bounce}

So, the time has come for our very, first 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 Lisa Kan's Bead Romantique and, today, we'll share a couple of our reader's finished projects with you.

   

Here's Ericka's version of the Medici Rhinestone Necklace, which features on the front cover of Bead Romantique. Ericka has changed the pattern a little by using a different shape and colour of rivoli and some stunning furnace glass beads created by David Christensen. Whilst still recognisably the same necklace, Ericka's beautiful necklace shows how easy it is to create an adaptation which suits your style and stash!  Ericka says that, although she needed to adjust the pattern to accommodate her round rivolis, she found the instructions really easy to follow. That's what we like to hear!

   

Next up, Gillie has created her own version of the Victorian Diamond Cuff - though apparently choosing which piece to make was quite difficult! Thankfully the pattern itself is lovely, with clear instructions and Gillie really enjoyed making it! Sadly though, funds didn't quite run to an investment in Margarita Beads, so Gillie has adapted the pattern and included sequins to give the cuff a bit of sparkle. She's not thrilled with the results and might adapt her cuff when she has the opportunity, but I'm sure we'll all agree that it looks awesome.

 

So, it seems that so far, our readers are impressed with the clear, simple instructions in Bead Romantique and are just as happy with the stunning results of their efforts. Now it's over to you. You can link up any projects that have been inspired by Bead Romantique using the Mr. Linky below.   

• Please link directly to your Bead Romantique 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!

Bead Romantique {Bead, Book & Bounce}

The waiting is finally over and I'm delighted to announce that we'll be starting our new feature - Bead Book & Bounce - with one of the most beautiful beading books on my shelf, Bead Romantique by Lisa Kan. There are seventeen delicious projects to choose from including necklaces, earrings and bracelets made with a combination of seed beads, chain and sparkles. There truly is something for everyone in this amazing book, so embrace your romantic side. 

We'll be encouraging you to share your own review of the book and, of course, anything you make inspired by Lisa Kan's beautiful projects during our reveal feature in August. (You can read a little bit more about how this works in our Introducing - Bead Book & Bounce article, but we'll always be here to guide you along.)

"Inspired by art history, artist Lisa Kan offers a truly unique jewelry collection with a romantic yet modern sensibility. Bead Romantique: Elegant Beadweaving Designs features seventeen step-by-step designs inspired by the Gothic, Renaissance, Victorian, and Art Nouveau eras reinterpreted in her distinctive contemporary style. Emphasizing a mix of vintage findings, beads, lampwork, buttons, and modern components, Lisa's jewelry brings a feminine mystique and sophistication to beadwork design." - Interweave Press

Fit To Print Book Review: Bead Romantique

Jewelry Artist Book Review: Bead Romantique

Bella Online Book Review: Bead Romantique

Projects In Other Places - 

Deco Collar was featured in Beadwork, February/March 2008 which is still available as a digital download and the V Scallop Necklace was featured as a free project on Beading Daily in March 2008. Although the download is no longer available, it's possible that some of you may have a copy downloaded or hidden away in your e-mail folders, as it was also available to subscribers of Beading Daily's regular e-mail newsletter. Get searching! 

And, If You're Interested - 

You can read an Interview With Lisa Kan; check out a full list of the Bead Romantique Project Seed Bead Colours; or visit Lisa Kan Designs to see some more of Lisa's beautiful work.

We really hope that you'll enjoy this new feature, but we know that there may be a few questions. Please feel free to ask them here in the comments or over in the Facebook Group, so that we can put together a little Q&A. 

Introducing - Bead, Book & Bounce

I can’t speak for everyone else, but I own a beautiful collection of books that have been given to me by friends and family - who seemed to believe that I had mastered each and every beading stitch and had the confidence to tackle some complex projects. So far, I haven't made a single project! 

It’s all looked a little bit over-facing, but I think it’s about time that I challenged myself and I’d very much like you to all to join me in dusting off your beading books with our new feature - Bead, Book & Bounce.

We’ve chosen some of the most popular beading books and each month, we’d like you to join us in choosing a project from that book - perhaps one that you’ve always had your eye on - to make along with us for the next two months.

We’ve tried hard to choose books with a variety of projects - so that no matter what your interests, skill level or budget – there should be something for you.

How It Will Work

Start Date – On the 7^th of each month, we’ll reveal the name of the beading book that we’ll be working from over the next two months. We’ll link to existing book reviews and projects that have been made from, or inspired by, the book. You’ll then have two months to blow the cobwebs off your own copy, sort through your beadstash and work on a project from the current book.

Projects – You can choose any project from within the current book and you’re welcome to make that project ‘as is’ or make your own adjustments - whether that be to colour, beads or the basic pattern. We do not want to limit you, we want to encourage you!

Reveal Date – On the reveal date – the 6^th of each month - we’ll post a list of participants on the main OTTBS Blog. We’ll then encourage you to ‘bounce’ across to everyone’s individual blog to read their personal reviews of the book and see some photographs of their finished project. That way, everyone gets to show off their amazing work!

Anyone who doesn’t have their own blog, can upload photographs to folders on the Facebook Group or to our FlickrPool - so they won’t miss out on having their work ‘oohed and ahhed’ over by other participants.

Note: Once underway, there will always be two beading books in progression. So, you could find yourselves working on two projects at once - but only if you want to. There’s no pressure. We just want to keep things interesting.

Apart from the Bead Stash....

I also have a ridiculous amount of beading magazines and books. I get Bead & Button, Beadwork, BeadStyle, Bead Unique and Bead every issue and occasionally pick up other mags if something catches my eye. I also have a lot of books, I can't take a photo as they are packed away while we decorate. I rarely make anything from a mag these days but do frequently spend an evening going back over them for inspiration, so I do feel that I use them regularly and so they are worth buying. I did recently destash quite a few BeadStyle magazines to my work friend Sam, who is thinking of starting to make jewellery (yay, another convert!) and I plan to give some to another colleague whose mum wants to take up the hobby.

I look through my books less often so I feel that I should really try to make more use of them. I think that this weekend I will try to find some time to look through the books and make a list of 5 projects to do some stashbusting with in the next 3 months. I will list them here and track my progress. Hopefully this approach will mean that I use up a lot of beads and make proper use of my beading library.

Do you have any beading books that you don't feel you make proper use of?

Sarahx