Glazing the Beads

I posted a large picture of this recent looming, just yesterday. Here is what it looks like today. I was planning on trying out a new and different technique, 'Glazing' the finish of the beads. This created an Antique Look, not unlike deciding to 'Oxidize' or 'Not to Oxidize'...is the best way I can explain it.


The entire cuff was coated then wiped and a finish applied to hold the coloring in place. I also had to take into consideration the fact the beads 'spin' while loomed.

I think this is going to be a fun technique to play around with, more in the future. I'll bet the first thoughts that come to mind are, "Why not just use the color beads you want instead of glazing them to become something else?" This is what I thought too, but this method is an entirely different feel. One point that has to be kept in mind, looming is a two dimensional means of weaving beads. Designing patterns and techniques to create graphs for looming are a must, when deciding what to loom. My experiments come from this fact. What are your thoughts?

Looming with Powder Matte Finish Beads

These beads have such a gorgeous finish that I just want to share this picture. I'll be posting more about my latest looming adventure, but for now, look at these glorious beads!

This is all part of my new idea, or new technique, so the matte powder finish was not by chance.

BBQ Pendant Whimsy

One more quick photo, of something other then a bead looming....the matching Pendant to the Earrings I posted the other day, "Butta-Bing BBQ"!



I have made similar pendants, in this style. Finding the right photo, printing, sizing, include a proper paper stock for the backing, adhere to a Glass Cabachon then bead bezel the surrounding edges. Each are sewn together, along with a bead tube, on top to create a bail.

OK, my side tracking is now over. I'll get back to my regularly scheduled "Bead Looming" and "Writing".

BBQ Earring Whimsy

I always seem to slip something small, into my daily 'bead looming schedule'. This time, I think it is worth sharing!


It is "B-B-Q Competition Time"! I have been sharing photos of my Husband, Pete, smoking ribs and beef on his 'Big Green Egg' (you may have to search that one to understand). His Mentor is a true 'Competitor' and travels the different venues to try out his hand for a shot at 'placing' his rendition of the 'Best Rub' and 'Perfectly Cooked' Meat. He is also a good friend of ours. Chris and his wife both stay active during this time, traveling and bringing back the best sample of Smoked Goodies you can imagine. They are starting their season this weekend, so I decided to send off a 'Good Luck Charm'....a pair of earrings resembling their Logo!



As you can see from the various views below, I hand wove a likeness of a Pig, in the same colors as what is on their tee shirts and the Logo above. Instead of drawing the 'signture' glasses into the pattern, I thought like I usually do, "3D"!



The back view gives a better idea of the original pattern I worked up, then added each piece to create the total look.



I love adding dimension to my beading, even if it is off loom and small. Bead Art is gorgeous on it own, just seeing all those wonderful orbs in various sizes, held together in a particular design. But, thinking beyond the original thought, to add a 'dimension' can take that same idea from a pair of 'Earrings' (in this case) to 'Bead Art'. A two dimensional picture of a pig wearing glasses would have been great, but now these earrings become something more.

There have been many times, during my Blog, I've mentioned the idea of trying to look outside the flat dimension of looming and add something more to 'kick it up'. This Post is just another example of how you can teach yourself to look at patterns and ideas for that 'added extra' to bring your looming to another level. Looming is a '2D' form, but you can think about how to bring any pattern above a flat design and introduce a better rendition, of your original idea.

Revisting the Laurel & Hardy Cuff

Now that some contest submissions and pressures are out of the way, I decided to 'revisit' my "Laurel & Hardy" cuff. My thoughts are to create a montage of bead bezel glass cabs, to include fun photos from Laurel & Hardy Movies, creating the focal for this cuff. I am not exactly sure how this will play out, but I am willing to take some chances and work out some ideas.

It is a perfect time to get back onto this idea, because we are leaving by train tomorrow for some College Stops, along the way, so my Daughter, Olivia can visit and see what Colleges will meet her dreams. I thought I could take along the glass cabs and some beads to bezel them while we ride.

Just to review, I pulled up some black and white photos of Laurel and Hardy, from the web, then down loaded them in to my Photo Management Program. Since my cuff was designed as a 'Sepia' tone, I also turned the black and white photos into the same color way.

Oh, and I also thing 'swivel' style lobster claw clasps are in order, for this finish!

'Perlen Poesie' Has Beadwork Going On!

This post is well worth the link I am going to share. Perlen Poesie is a beading magazine published in Germany. They have held their first contest to include every type of bead weaving, off and on loom, as well as crochet, embroidery and other techniques. It is truly worth a visit!

I'll start you off with the 'Loomwork' submissions. After skimming through these, and voting if you feel up to it :) , be sure to visit the other weaving techniques. There is some serious eye candy to be had by all! One of my favorite off loom works is this one called "Twilight". I love the way the bead colors just spill over the edge of the embroidering! Take some time and look through all of the wonderful submissions!

You may also notice there are not as many 'Loomwork' entries as there are other bead techniques. Stick around though, I plan to change that!

I have finally completed my Lotus SLN!

I wanted to share the picture of it still on my Mirrix, showing how I completed 95% of this necklace, while still attached to the loom. It works perfectly for holding my piece, while I add accents. The only thing left to complete, after this was cut, to finish off some warps, (my personal 'warp management' methods) and added the silver edging to the outside edges.

Below are pictures of the necklace, in various views!












I have decided to name this necklace 'Sesen'. Lotus flowers have been influential in cultures across the world from ancient times until today, from ancient Egypt and India to all across Asia. They have been associated with the human soul, gods and goddesses and featured in stories and legends. The meaning of a lotus flower ranges from divine purity and enlightenment, as in Buddhism, wealth, as in Hinduism, to rebirth, as in the ancient Egyptian religion. Many of the ancient meanings are still in use today. Sesen means 'To Wish For More'.

Here is a final posting, showing the back of this necklace. I was very careful to add the petals and not having one thread show on the other side! I also included my initials!