A Designer Loom, to fit your Bead Loom Weaving Style!

I have been perfecting a loom design, since I have been teaching, or even before. 

Now, I have moved up a notch to also offer an original designer loom finish, too! 

Here are a few, of the latest looms, recently created, with many other

colors and patterns to choose. 

I'm sure you will be seeing these, being used, in some of my future classes!

"Giving Clear Thanks" this Gorgeous Fall Season!

Such a gorgeous time of year and my favorite. In celebration, of the gorgeous colors around us, I created a new cuff . This cuff design includes the pure aspects of
The Fall Season. 

The picture below shows why I titled this new cuff pattern "Giving Clear Thanks". 

You can see how the background is woven with a transparent line of Delicas. 

This allows the opaque design to show more dimensional.

A Bead Loom Tree Trimming Party!

Weaving Along the Warps, with Interlocking Beads!

I am teaching a class, at BEAD SOUP , next Saturday. It was arranged for me to include those who were in my first few classes, Not only was I new to teaching, but they were new to bead weaving, on a loom. Well, we've all come a long way, Baby!

This cuff is sharing a method I had fun figuring out. I pulled every bead style I could think of, in 14kt Gold overlay, Gold Permanent Finish Glass Beads and Opal. Also thrown in,are some crystals, Glacier Air Opal and Pacific Opal. 

I believe the beads actually created their own pattern, 

as you can see how this has dimension in areas and 2D in others.

The width allowed me to attach two clasps. 

The relief filigree was a perfect match, but I decided to also Gilt an Opal Patina, over the filigree. 

Notice how this stands on it's own, even on the scalloped points? 

This too is due to the interlocking structure of the selected beads.

Thanks to BEAD SOUP, for offering me this chance to share my love of the bead loom. And, thank you to all the students who supported me. They have been creating such gorgeous things, along the warps. I see them when ever I visit the store. 

Hummingbird stopped in action, with beads on a loom!

I have been creating painted patterns, for quite sometime. Lately, I started to realize a lesson learned, during my days as a Photography Major. Motion in pictures can be stopped, according to the camera speed selection. I decided to do the same, in my pattern program....adjust the speed! 

Hummingbirds flap their wings so darn fast, it is hard to even see them. Mainly noticed is their body gracefully hovering over a flower. I wanted to include that fact, in this pattern.

The pattern of wings are dabbled in silver lined beads, mixing with the blue background colors to offer a sense of movement, in flight. 

Adding more to the dimension, of the pattern subject, I created a silver netting, over the cuff and surrounded the picture like a framed portrait. This adds a vintage feel. 

The netting is secured, at all intersecting points and the edge includes 4mm glass pearls, in pink. A Silver Clasp is glazed, with patina, in a shade of green, matching the leaves.

Note: You may be able to see a hint of the back. The netting does not effect the neat finish.

A Field of Poppies, bead loom woven cuff!

Not much to say, but share the pictures of this latest cuff. I am in love all over again, with beading on a loom! :D  I reworked a pattern, I created a few months ago. In this rendition, I added two colors to the background, creating depth of field, more greens to offer shadows to the stems and changed out two reds, to recreate the realistic Poppy.

My choice, of Turquoise, for the edge was something I decided, long before I made the pattern. There was just something about realizing the match up, of reds, off white and turquoise.

Summer Time on The Bead Loom!

Part one, of a two part class, "Loom University" on BEAD SOUP Campus! Actually, we are at BEAD SOUP, in Savage Maryland, where I share my skills for weaving beads, on a loom. Class projects included the cuffs, "Flip Flop Zentangle" and "Flying High". Both, of these cuffs, have been shared here, on my Blog. Scroll through to take a look. We had a very electric time!! You will enjoy these pictures

Everyone picked which pattern they wanted to create, in class. 

Each student receives both patterns, but only one in class. 

Bead Soup offers the beads in one gram packages, so the cost of supplies, for these cuff, are low

Everyone wore Flip Flops, or brought them! We saw some cute versions, not just on the loom

Everyone was given an empty pattern, as well as the flip flop pattern I created. That way, they were able to draw and create their version of a flip flop, to be included in this cuff. We got underway with weaving, but I am sure there will be surprises at Part Two Class, on Saturday.

Notice Eunice, standing. She has joined in all of my classes. Eunice prefers to stand to weave. Therefore, I had a special loom created just for her...it is taller than the others!!

Much of my instruction is offered on a large screen TV, seen here in the background.

What makes the choice of cuff patterns great, is how each student learns double the technique, as each cuff offers something different.

These are the best "thongs" of the day!! LOL Donna, French Flower Artiste Extraordinaire made these. LMAO! I love the flower topper too.

Maureen sported her version of a flip flop

Lisa was totally prepared for today. I love these.

Finally, two of us came prepared to take the heat! LOL My shirt was a gift from Caron Reid and Lisa said she bought her years ago. No whistling please!

Option one. "Flip Flop Zentangle"

Option two. "Flying High"

Next session is on August 9 & 16, 2014. Call BEAD SOUP for reservations 240-456-4568!

Framing Bead Loom Woven Art

I believe the frame is as important, to a painting/picture, as the image itself. Not unlike wall hung art, I like to consider such a finish, for my bead art. In my case, more often then none, it is an edging. 

Here is my latest piece, still on the warps. 

I have a few new ideas, to finalize the edges. With so much color splashed throughout, I will be considering the best means to tie this all together. 

Let me work on my new crazy idea, then share later :D

Spring into Summer!My latest Bead Loom Woven Cuffs

Busy, busy, busy! The latest, off my bead loom, is this "Lazy Tulip Cuff"

Edged with Cream Glass Pearls and Permanent Gold Metallic 11/0 seed beads. I created the pattern, using 11/0 Delicas. The 3D petal, was secured on top, covering the crystal stamens.

The leaf and petal, extensions, were aligned with the woven pearl suspended edge.

The picture below shows how the negative space was created, on the loom.

Keeping with the theme of 'negative space', I included a scalloped edging, of pearls and gold beads.

Summer Bead Loom Classes are kicking off, with the next two patterns.

"Flip Flop Zentangle".

Then Students may weave my pattern, or offered a chance to recreate their own flip flop designs.

These are clipped to a clothes line, of sorts, with a matte transparent background. 

This way, the flip flops jump off the cuff and the transparent offer a little of your skin tone to shine through.

The second option, offered to the students, is the cuff below,

"Flying High!"

This pattern offers a glimpse into a day at the beach. Each bead finish was selected to offer something to this scene. A sun shines hot, using bright metallic beads finishes, where as the seagull is an opaque line, against the matte beaded shy and clouds. The water offers a silver lining and the beach resonates galvanized sand. A sand bar hold some shells and beach glass, crystals also offering a charm bracelet of beach related charms. 

My summer classes begin, on June 21 & 28, at BEAD SOUP, in Savage Maryland.

August 9th & 16th, are the next dates, continuing to offer unique bead loom techniques!

Spring Time, on a Bead Loom!

Spring is finally here!

In celebration, my next 'Bead Loom Class', will have a flower theme. 

"Daised Cuff", below, offers 3D petals arranged in tailored spacing.

The upper edge is actually 'wire crochet'. This is called 'capture chain'

 because it also has a line of 'ball chain' running inside.

Next cuff offered, for this class, is a velvety petal 'Cone Flower'.

The background is woven using 'Tru Cut Permanent Metallic Silver Beads'. 

You can notice a slight glint of light, in this picture. It occurs when the light hits a few of the cut edges.

The petals and leaves are 'matte finish', offering a great contract to the silver background.

Another 'Cone Flower' color way, below. This time with Teals and Black. 

The pattern offers more flowers, in this garden. 

A detailed fringe, using Superduos and crystals, offer a nice sway of Spring!

Each of the cuffs have a 3D addition, in petals or a leaf. 

I am not very versed, in hand weaving beads, or using some of the amazing style beads available today, 

but I did try my hand at weaving a pair of matching earrings!

Now that this line up is complete, I am ready for April 5th and April 12th,

the two day class being held at BEAD SOUP, in Savage Maryland.

June will be my next session, (June 21st & June 28th), sharing all I know, about the bead loom.

I am thinking a 'Summer Theme'!

Adorning Patterns Beyond the Warps!

I recently shared some patterns I created, specifically for the students at Bead Soup. The 'Mystery Loom Class" was a huge success. Now, I am looking over some of those patterns, wanting to recreate a few myself! The "Kitty Boo" was such a whimsical design, I just had to weave it.

The edgings are completed using Super Duo Beads, crystals and 11/0 seed beads. The clasp is still underway, being cut and finished, so any final pictures will be available on my website. This picture is being posted in hopes to offer some inspiration.

Consider adding hand weaving stitches, of beads, to your warp edges. These initially add width, but they also add further to the simplest of patterns.

While working up the final pattern, for my Spring Class, at Bead Soup, (April 5 and April 12, 2014. Call for reservations.), I am starting to recreate some Summer themed patterns. The one below is a serene look at waves beating the beach.

Now, I will be dragging out the Adirondack Chairs and some Flip Flops!!

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One more thought. I receive emails, daily, requesting info, about the proper loom and warp management techniques. I am putting together a detailed post, offering some of my thoughts on specific looms, in the industry, and techniques a bead weaver can consider. Stay tuned :D

"A Mystery Bead Loom Weaving Class"

It was an awesome event!
I can't begin to explain the lessons learned and the friends we made.
But, I will try to do so, with each picture I share here, in the caption.

Since all patterns were gifted, to each student, as their personal OOAK cuff, they were able to make the decision whether or not to allow their pattern to be sold, should another student want it. All but two were up for sale, and many many many went out the door, along with the necessary bead colors, for this
ONE DAY PATTERN SALE.

Each Student was handed a "Bead Legend" and a "Word Chart"...not knowing what they will be weaving, only seeing the colors. It seemed there were faster weavers this day, then in any other class I taught. Everyone wanted to see the picture come to life.

Below, is the other side of the room, knowing they are a bit behind the rest...but determined to hang those beads on the warps!

Emily asked me, first thing in the morning, "Erin. Would you mind helping me create a golf themed cuff pattern." Of course, as I always kid, "No way!" As she gathered more rows on the warps...she laughed out loud...."It is GOLF!!"

This is how far Emily completed, half way through class.
Also shown, the original pattern created, for her._____________________________________________

Mary was very anxious to see what her pattern became.
She wove faster than I have ever seen.....at warp speed!_____________________________________________

Maureen's frog will also receive a beaded 3D flower,
to sit ontop of the stems/leaves this frog is holding._____________________________________________

Another of my favorite patterns....this is a BEE theme.
Bees have been included in Jewelry designs, for centuries.
I thought this the best offering to Avie, as her skills and design concepts mimic a bee gathering glorious pieces, from a garden,
then recreating something special....honey.
For Avie, she gathers beads and recreates gorgeous wearable bead art._____________________________________________

Betty's theme is her passion...sewing and smocking._____________________________________________

Deb collects Teddy Bears.
She has such an extensive collection that it will passed on for exhibits one day._____________________________________________

Eunice adores neon colors.
We had fun waiting, for her to see this Koi Fish Pattern come to life._____________________________________________

Mickey...is actually weaving a Mickey cuff!_____________________________________________

Beth loves to travel to shores where lighthouses abound.
She too was unsure, of this pattern, for many rows._____________________________________________

Nancy is a fine needle artist.
This "Asian Floral Motif" is perfect, hoping she'll add more embroidered accents._____________________________________________

Lisa was challenged, not only with the pattern subject, but also with the technique.
Her "Munchkin", a Pomeranian, will be completed,
with sparkles surrounding the portrait._____________________________________________

Susan has one of the best blogs...Plays With Needles. Be sure to stop in and see what wonderful things Susan creates and shares. This cuff is a rendition, of her Blog Header._____________________________________________

Poor Anna...had no idea and was last checking in, with the theme.
Yarn and Knitting Needles were part of how Anna first met everyone at Bead Soup._____________________________________________

Linda was feeling left out, with only 4 bead colors.
But when you see the final piece, as in the pattern sample above,
it shares what drove me to create in four colors._____________________________________________

The following are the final patterns, offered in class.
Some students were unable to make the class, due to a snow storm or illness and another was working to swap out colors. I hope these pattern find them all well!

This class offered more lessons, than I have ever been able to share in past classes. The Students experienced the thrill, of watching a pattern come to life, from the perspective, of a Designer, setting out on their first trial. They calculated the beads needed and we discussed many options for edging and accents. We are now discussing a class offering a 'hands on tutorial', of how I create patterns, for the loom. There is no date set, but I think it is already sold out!

One final thought. I feel I have given each one a canvas to work so they may add their personal creativity. I am also suggesting they name their final piece, which is not something many students need to do. I am looking forward to see all the final cuffs!