Summers here in the Adirondack Mountains can be hot. Maybe
it's just because we're all so used to spending four or five months dealing
with sub-zero temperatures, but as soon as the mercury rises, all I can think
about is sitting in the pool and cold drinks! But summers are also a great time
to take advantage of the sun and the nice weather and a chance to sit on my
back porch with my beads on a warm summer evening. Summers are short up here,
so sometimes I'll look through my beading projects to see if I can recapture a
little bit of summer's light and warmth during the dark days of winter. With
that in mind, check out my five favorite summer beading projects:
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Dulcey Heller's Wish Upon a Starfish is a great introduction
to shaped beadwork. Stitch up a few of these tubular peyote starfish in your
favorite colors as mementos of a trip to the beach. Add embellishments like
charms and pearls for a pretty beach-themed beaded sculpture. |
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Daisy chain was one of the first off-loom beadweaving
stitches I learned, and I love Dustin Wedekind's updated Daisy Chain variations. Daisy chain works up fast and makes beautiful, light little bracelets and anklets that
you'll want to wear long after summer vacation is over. |
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Brick stitch is another one of my favorite off-loom
beadweaving stitches, and Kerrie Slade's Periwinkle Choker combines both flat
and circular brick stitch to make delicate little flowers. Beading projects
made from components are another favorite of mine because even after finishing
just one piece, I feel as if I've accomplished something! |
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Another fun variation on peyote stitch is used in Nicole
Campanella's Summer Rings Peyote Stitched Anklet. (You might remember Nicole is
the originator and distributor of Nicole's Bead Backing for bead embroidery!)
Whip up a bunch of these little peyote stitched rings to make a bracelet,
anklet or necklace, or if you're short on time, make a pair of them for sweet
little summery earrings. |
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Of course, summer also means lots of weddings and outdoor
parties. If you need a little something dressy for your next outdoor event,
Marcia DeCoster's Summer Soiree necklace is just the thing. Made with pearls, crystals
and sequins, this will add a lively splash of sparkle to your favorite summer
dress. |
If you're tempted by any of these lovely summer beading
projects, there's even better news: all projects in the Beading Daily shop are
on sale for a limited time! Whether you're planning a coast-to-coast road trip
or just a couple of days off to relax and bead, check out all the great beading
projects in the Beading Daily shop and bead up a little bit of summer fun!
Bead Happy,
Jennifer
Filed under: Bead Embroidery, Peyote stitch, Pearls, Crystals, Beaded Beads, Bead Making, Brick Stitch, How To Bead, Seed Bead Patterns, Bead-weaving, Bracelet Making, Beaded Jewelry Design, Beads, Beading Daily