Bead Loom Weaving, Highlighted in 'Beading Polska Magazine'!

I am very excited to receive these three pages, which will be published in the December/January Issue of 'Beading Polska Magazine'!

This entire year has been a 'bead loom whirlwind'. Started off teaching, at Bead Soup, last February. Eight fun filled, loomalisious, beadawesome classes completed, along with many new Loomatic Friends! Thrown in were a few published patterns. Now, I'm ending the year on another positive and a new venue for spreading the 'loom love'.

The cover article, being published in 'Beading Polska Magazine', December/January 2013. This is the Lotus Split Loom Necklace, woven on the loom, using my ©Weighted Warp Method, of weaving beads.

Page 2, of the article in 'Beading Polska Magazine'. The top picture is one of my Finger Rings, hand woven, not created on as loom. The editor just didn't want to publish without this being included, even though I mentioned it was had woven. The center picture is a three dimensional cuff of 'Forget Me Nots'. This pattern is actually sold at Bead Soup in Savage Mills Maryland. The last photograph is a 'Smocked Cuff', woven on the loom.

The third and final page, of this article, in 'Beading Polska Magazine', offers three pictures, two of which were classes taught this past year, at Bead Soup. The first cuff is a Santa Claus Cuff with a List that is so long, it wraps three times around the wrist, along with the cuff! Secondly, a multiple use of various style beads, all bouncing individually, along the warps. Finally, a smocked amulet bag, which was the focus, of my class, this past August 2013.

Thank you, to 'Beading Polska', for highlighting my art. But most of all, realizing the need, to introduce the loom, on new levels. YEAH!!!!!

A Gingerbread Man Cuff that cries, "Bite me"!

I am off, onto my next loom adventure.
Recently, I sent a pattern to BEAD SOUP, the store I teach "Weaving on a Loom", for sale. After sending it, I decided to make one myself. Here is the original pattern:

As you can see, from the first picture above, I have made some design changes. Removing the upper red background, then forming the upper edge, in the figure of the Gingerbread Man. I is a great way to force a design to stand out, in it's entirety, without having to widen the cuff. Second, I changed the colors offered, in the original pattern, to a more realistic variation, of a cookie. The pattern itself selects three hues of gold Delica 11/0 beads, which is also scrumptious. Finally, I am weaving with 11/0 metallic gold lined opal Japanese glass beads, recreating the 3D impression of "icing". This effect truly offers a new and different aspect, to many ideas and designs.

With so much more to complete and many other accents waiting to be added, this could become a Gingerbread Man you might just want to 'Bite'!! :D I'll share more later.

Santa has options!

In my last blog post, below, I shared the Class Cuff, for my class at BEAD SOUP, on December 7. This is the second option I am offering the students, with the first being the cuff in my last blog post, below.

They will be able to select the type of clasp they prefer, the findings, of silver or gold, adding a longer list or not, including a more festive edging and a skin tone option.

My next cuff will have a 'Snowman' theme! I can't wait to create a cute pattern, which is going to be my January class, 18th and 25th. Call Bead Soup to make your reservation or I'll be posting more, on this class, later :D

Santa Clause is coming to town!

This is the cuff, I will be teaching at Bead Soup, December 7th, 11:00-5:00. It is a one day offering, to those who took multiple classes, with me, over the past year. If you are familiar, with my finishing methods, and know you an attach the clasp of your choice, please call the store to reserve a seat: 240-456-4568.

I scheduled this class, for a one day only, so we can share more in depth techniques. The day will be spent learning how to weave in sections and add extensions as we go, then to utilize a second loom, for all the added extras! We will talk about edging options, multiple warp management methds and utilizing more than just beads. I will also have this pattern in other finishes and cultures, to select. It has been a wonderful year, of sharing the love, of a loom. This class will be the highlight.

In January 2014, I will begin teaching 'Beginner' classes again, still mixing in some more advanced classes too. So if you want to learn, from the beginning, please call the store to reserve your seat. We already have half the class filled. These two days of class will be held on Saturday January 18th, then finishing up on January 25th. Both days will extend from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. Of course, I won't let you off so easy...you will have homework to complete :D

Now is a good time to also mention a February class scheduled too! This class will be a 'Mystery Weave Class'. In other words, every student will be handed a color way choice and only a word chart. They will weave, from the chart, watching one, of my patterns, come to life. I think half the fun, of weaving on a loom, is seeing the pattern pop up, on the warps. February's class will offer the same excitement, only magnified! The second part of this class, will also be a mystery finishing idea. I'll be writing more, about this, in the next few months.

Thank you again, to all of the students and to Bead Soup, for a wonderful Loomie Year!

A Trimmed Tree Cuff!

I really enjoyed decorating this Christmas Tree Cuff! It all started with an idea to make a tree, extending over the edges of the loom woven cuff. What I ended up doing, was adding layer, after layer, of tree branches!

Then I added the Christmas Baubles, using 6/0, 8/0 and 11/0 silver lined glass beads.

Next came the 12mm Crystal Topaz Swarovski Chrystal Star and some strung popcorn. The popcorn is 11/0, 15/0, 13/0 charlottes and 22/0 glass beads, in colors of off white and brown.

Candy Canes were a must, so these were made out of poly clay.

The tree stands out, within the silver metallic background, but the edgings of crystals, top and bottom, really add some sparkle. The Star is a Swarovski Crystal too!

The width of this cuff, demanded a double clasp, which I find to be perfect.

Every tree has to have presents underneath, so I decided on this custom made ceramic beads. Adding to the look of a cuff, I strung them with sterling silver findings.

Finally, the cuff actually gives off a pine scent! I secured a webbing of organza, as a pocket in the back. I have pine scent sticks to slip inside and really get the feel of a fresh cut Christmas Tree!

Trimmed the Cuff, of a Tree Cuff!

Now, I am truly ready to "trim" the tree, itself!

The edges, of the cuff, are now lined with crystals. The top line are 'black diamonds', which offer a nice color, against the Silver metallic background. I considered 'crystal' crystals, but they played to light, to me.

Light Siam Red, edge the lower portion. Notice how they even shine through the base off the tree. I had to wear sunglasses, while weaving, lol. Below the large crystals is a 'swag' of silver lined 11/0 seed beads.

Next, come the balls, or baubles. Does the same size ball hang all over the tree? Or, do larger balls get placed in the lower portion, with smaller sized balls, at the time. My Husband and I have talked about this, every time we trimmed a tree together. What are you thoughts?

Trimming a Loom Woven Tree Cuff!

Getting into the season, early, seems to be second nature. I'll be teaching another class, on December 7th, 2013, at Bead Soup. The cuff class is called, "He's Checking It Twice", a variation of a cuff I made recently. I'll share this cuff soon.

While working out some of the design ideas, for the December class cuff, I came across another pattern, I made almost three years ago. I'll be trimming this cuff, with tree like baubles! I am having some fun here! My mind is racing, with trimming ideas, but there is one I can't wait to share....later :D In the meantime, take a second look, at your Holiday bead patterns. Maybe there are ways to kick it up and create, on a fun level, never considered before.

For now, I am finalizing the class cuff, and will send out further information, on the class, soon.