Bead Tool

I realized it has been a while since I have mentioned the bead pattern editing software I use.

I definitely want to get the word out there to people about Christopher's Bead Tool.  It has to be my favorite pattern designing software. (And I have tried others!)

Bead Tool was designed with beaders in mind, not computer programmers.  It's very intuitive and easy to use.  I especially like that I can over lay the transparent bead graph over one of my pictures, and "trace" over the images.

For more about this technique, check out my posts!
colouring book technique, post 1
colouring book technique, post 2

I also can't just have a text only post, especially since I just got my new dish today! (Whoo-hoo! - a day late, but worth the wait! Mega bytes here we come!)

I hope you enjoy this blue geometric floral design.  It would make a great winter bracelet design, with it's icy white and chilly blue colour scheme.

Children's Classes, part 3

Two of the Summer classes offered will be Traditional Friendship Bracelets and Macrame.

Shown above is the "Candy Stripe" friendship bracelet.

The example above, orange turquoise and yellow is a friendship anklet, done in the pattern known as Chinese Staircase or spiral.

This bracelet, in progress, is a series of alternated square knots. It is a pretty traditional macrame pattern. By using several colours, the knotting pattern is more visable.

This sample is a series of repeating half knots, which creates a tightly coiled spiral of knots. It is good for bracelets as well as chokers.

In the class, we will be using wooden beads in adition to hemp, embroidery floss, and yarns.

For a full listing of classes you can go to http://www.bedfordartacademy.org/

Children's classes, part 1 Fabric Friendship Bracelets

I plan on teaching some childrens classes at the Bedford Academy of Arts this Summer. One of the classes will be fabric friendship bracelets.

The samples above were made in a hurry, and don't have any bead embellishments, but I have already purchased some beads for the kids to use, in addition to the ribbon and embroidery.

One of the great things about this project - kids will be learning running stitch, stem stitch, lazy daisy stitch, and sewing on a button or velcro. It is also pretty quick - just right for a morning class.

I will try to have some more samples up soon, as well. Preferably with beads. But since it is a class I'm teaching, and it's jewelry - I figure I can get away with putting here.

I want to share the post from Cornflower Blue that inspired my versions of the friendship bracelet. Rachel has a tutorial here: http://cornflowerbluestudio.blogspot.com/2008/04/whip-up.html

4-H teen project

Here's a pic of the bracelet I will teach at 4-H camp this summer. This is a basic macrame project that slides to adjust over the hand. I tried to keep it neutral so that boys and girls would like it.

I will have the younger kids project ready to photograph later today or in the morning. They are doing paper beads.