Trying Something New

 I've never been a seed beader - too fiddly for me, and the need to follow precise, detailed directions is not really my forte. Maybe the pandemic is robbing me of my sanity, because, against all reason, I decided to make a pair of seed beaded earrings. 

About those directions....I decided to substitute these pretty metallic brass colored size 11 beads for the size 6's that the directions called for. I discovered that two size 11's were similar in size to one size 6.  I felt so clever. But look carefully and you'll see where I went astray. Did you find it? On the bridge, below the ear hook, I used two seed beads on one earring and one seed bead on the other. Oops! Oh well. These are going to be mine and if anyone is close enough to notice this mistake then they seriously need to back up! By the time I wove the third earring - yes, you heard that right, I had to totally rip out #2 and start over again...anyway earring  #3 was easier. 

My hat's off to all you masterful seed beaders. Your work is truly impressive!

The seed bead challenged beader

Linda Landig Jewelry

Beaded embellishments

Hello Earring Folk!

A brief one from me this time. Look at these gorgeous ceramic connectors by Petra Carpreau. They have a beautiful soft bronze glaze. Petra's connectors are always fabulous -so versatile. I'm often tempted to just pop them on a pair of earwires and leave them be! However, I thought I'd play with these a little.

In both pairs of earrings, I've used silver and bronze seeds beads wrapped on wire. I love the simplicity of these pebble connectors -they're very tactile. I've added oxidised brass hoops to frame the seed beads and replicate the shape of the pebbles.

This next pair feature Petra's connectors and her super popular ceramic drops. They both have the same bronze glaze, and I added the seed beads to add a little boho flair to them. These are party earrings I think!

So that's me done for this month. I'll be back at the beginning of December

Sue

Utterly Lovely Stuff

Super duos

Ahhhh, the tiny little wonders of seed beads.
As you might know already I love to work with tiny seed beads. The colors, the shapes and sizes, they give endless possibilities.  When I find myself without inspiration I return back to bead weaving and bead embroidery. Somehow, working with the little ones relaxes my mind and brings back my mojo.
Here are two examples of earrings I made with beautiful lampwork beads made by Karen Kordan.
I found the basis for this design in this tutorial on youtube by Beadifulnights. I adjusted it a bit and it is really easy to make.

Here the lampwork beads have beautiful purple, blue and green hues. I paired them with iris black magatama's, super duo's in two colors pink, turquoise AB crystals and rose gold delica's. Of course with handmade ear wires by my friend Lucy Haslam.

The lampwork beads in these earrings have orange, yellow and brown hues with silver sparkles. I paired them with black super duo's, Swarovski diamond black AB crystals, topaz Delica's and ear wires by Lucy.

These will be available in my show on Facebook on December 3 :)

Thank you so much for looking and your support for Earrings Everyday :)
And you know I love to read your comments, so don't be shy and leave some words.
See you in two weeks.

Wishing you all a wonderful day, full of joy, laughter and tiny little wonders,
Janine
Esfera Jewelry

In Praise of the Humble Seed Bead

The humble seed bead. A staple of every jewellery maker, but are they always given the credit they deserve? I'm not a beadweaver, and thoroughly admire the patience of those who are, but I do like to use them judiciously in my designs. They're marvellous for adding texture, picking up colours and creating an echo. This week I'm looking at a few ways I've been using them lately.

The first pair feature dramatic lampwork shells by Joanne Joyce. I've been buying beads from Joanne for almost 10 years now; she lives not too far from me in Lancashire. I love the colours in the frit she used, and the seed beads on black irish waxed linen cord were perfect to highlight them. The textured ceramics are by HappyFallout .

Next - simple matte black seed beads emphasise the black in these fabulous leopardskin  jasper beads. This is a pair I made to complement a bracelet - so not too complex.
     






     And the last - like peas in a pod - wired down some rustic, organic leaves by Helen Backhouse.

                                           How do you use yours? Experiment a little!

                  See you again in two weeks, and I hope the weather is treating you gently.  
                                                                    Lindsay x

                                                                My Etsy shop
                                                            My Facebook page