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Beading Friday

As promised I spent a chunk of time today creating two items using beads.

The first idea was co-opted from Jami, who has been wearing a lovely beaded wrap bracelet lately in metallic tones.  I thought I'd duplicate it as best as I could.  While in the States I purchased a blend of seed beads with metallic finishes in gold and polished hematite, as well as a few crystal and smoky quartz beads.  Left over from another project were brushed brass bugle beads in a quantity too small for most projects, but the perfect amount for this task.  Want to see what I made?

The brass closure can be seen in the third loop from the bottom of the photo
The bracelet was made to the perfect length for my wrist and wraps around it six times.  I know magnetic closures aren't the safest bracelet clasps, but I happen to like them, so one was added in a brass colour.  (It is visible in the photo above.)

Glad no one saw me taking this photo; it was a juggling act
Hopefully the close up allows you to see how the bracelet looks. My first scheduled beading project was fast, fun and the end result is something to be proud of as well.  I have a bit of new bling.

The second project of the day is for Miss A; another Xmas ornament needed to be made for her.  Miss M's was revealed here.  (Now that I look back at the post I didn't identify that first photo as the one I selected for Miss M.  I guess the cat is out of the bag about that gift now.)

Combining colours was never a strength for me, so when I laid out the pinkish gray bugle beads with the purple seed beads I hesitated.  Then I found the mauve accent beads and wondered if the whole thing would work, so I put together a couple of ladders to see.  I chanced it since an expert at putting colours together told me to avoid perfectly matching colours.  She says that type of combination can be boring.

Sometimes it all comes together the way you want it to

The combination, at least to me, worked so I pressed forward.  The ornament cover came together quickly; only four ladders needed to be made because the bugle beads were long and there has to be enough space for the tiers of beads to sit between the ladders.  Six tiers were added with another accent bead added on the fourth tier.  Here's a look at the finished ornament as it overlooks one of the views from my office.

Seems the ornament enjoys the view as much as I do
The teardrop shaped ornament is a personal favorite.  It's perfect for an infant during her first Xmas.  Now it just needs 2016 added to it.

 I am a happy beader.  It was a great day for beading.

Next up ~~ a fully completed Fiona Baby Sundress.



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