4 Beaded Bead Projects

Editor — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:00:00 GMT

Making Ladder Stitch Beads Step by Step

Beading Daily Reader Chris O. asked for illustrations for this week's featured project, the Lazy-B Ranch Bracelet. I took some quick step-by-step photos at my kitchen table. I used dark thread so that you could see it in the photos, but you'll probably want to use thread that matches your beads.

1. String 4 beads.	2. Arrange into 2 columns.	3. Keep adding beads 2 at a time.
4. 4 columns of beads.	5. Ladder-stitched cube.	6. String the stitched cube next to other loose beads.

Four Beaded Bead Projects

If you love beaded beads, here are a four projects that use them. If you're new to the world of beaded beads, rather than completing an entire bracelet or necklace, create one beaded bead for a simple necklace pendant or a dramatic pin.

Crystallicious Bracelet

Fibers Meets Beads

Crystalicious Bracelet by Bonnie Clewans combines crystals and Japanese seed beads with netting stitch. There are instructions for two types of "beaded beads"--beaded cylinders and beaded rosettes.
Fiber Meets Beads by Kathleen Lynam also includes directions for two types of beads--one that uses right-angle weave and another that uses netting to cover a large wooden bead.
Necklace in Wire and Beads by Gwen Blakely uses bead crochet to create beaded beads. (From Interweave Crochet magazine)
Rounds of Color Patterns by Kimberley Price covers small wooden craft spools with peyote stitch. (This is a set of color charts only--no written instructions.)

Need more beaded beads? Beadwork Creates Beaded Beads by Jean Campbell includes instructions for 30 beaded beads, using flat peyote stitch, right-angle weave, netting, brick stitch, tubular peyote, circular peyote, Dutch spiral, square stitch, wireworking, herringbone stitch, and triangle stitch. Whew!

Charity Beading Event
Beadapalooza 2
Saturday, November 10, 2007, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Chicago area glass artists will be making beads for Beads of Courage, a program for children with cancer, at the Blue Fire Beads and Jewelry store in New Lenox, Illinois. For directions and more information, visit www.bluefirebeads.com.

Coming Next Week: Projects from Step by Step Wire Jewelry, plus the results of the beaded home decor poll.

Holiday Beading: Do you have a beautiful piece of jewelry that you always wear to holiday parties or a special beaded ornament? I'm working on an inspirational gallery of holiday-related projects by Beading Daily readers. Please send in links to your website or blog by November 25. Thanks!

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She is going to try and go to a new (to her) bead shop this weekend. Oh, the possibilities!

Ladder Stitch Beaded Bead Bracelet

Editor — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Ladder Stitch Beaded Bead Bracelet a.k.a. "Lazy-B Ranch" Bracelet

I made this Western-inspired bracelet for the December 2007/January 2008 Beadwork challenge. At the time I designed it, I had just attended a local rodeo and was absolutely fascinated with the jewelry I saw there. It looked rough and polished at the same time. I love playing with contrasts in my designs.

The Story Behind the Bracelet Name

So why did I call this the "Lazy-B Ranch" bracelet? Here's a hint: The "b" stands for "bead." (What did you think it stood for?) I was originally planning on stitching the rondelles together for a single beaded bead, but when I strung the ladder stitched cube and two single beads, I realized that you couldn't tell whether it was one piece or not. (Look at the photo--if I didn't point it out to you, could you tell?) The choice was clear--spend more time stitching the rest of the beads together, or go ahead and string the bracelet and move on to my next project. (If Margot Potter hadn't already claimed "The Impatient Beader", I would so be there!)

More Challenge Projects from Beadwork

The editors work on these challenge projects in secret, so it was a surprise that we all ended up making bracelets! See the other bracelets (a pink right-angle weave bracelet, a contemporary silver and brown quartz bracelet, and a bead embroidered cuff) in the December 2007/January 2008 issue of Beadwork magazine.

At left: The original December/January Beadwork challenge kit from Dakota Stones contained smoky quartz, pink opal beads, and green opal nuggets. What would you have done with those beads?

We Love Beaded Beads!

Sooner or later, most beaders will try to create their own beads. In a summer poll, I asked Beading Daily readers what kinds of beads they were currently obsessed with making. The results:

beaded beads (33%)
lampwork (14%)
polymer clay (13%)
metalwork (8%)

Other answers included: wood, resin, paper, metal clay, clay/ceramic, enamel, mixed media, and felt.

Coming Wednesday: Bead quilts by Beading Daily readers and a new poll.

Thanks to everyone who sent email or posted comments about the Cats, Beads, and Kitchen Table post last Friday. I laughed the entire time I was writing it, despite the many Deeply Concerned looks I was getting from the good folks at Interweave Press as they walked by my desk and saw that I was all alone.

A Story Update on The Amazing Power of Beads: Cathi and her husband are back at the resort after the fire, but things are a long way from normal yet. Many services that we take for granted--like phone and email--have not been restored. She appreciates all your good thoughts during this difficult tme.

Michelle Mach is the editor of Beading Daily. She finds beaded beads fascinating and admires those beaders who can create them with 20 different colors of size 15 beads. Patience!

Daily Blogs : beaded beads

4 Beaded Bead Projects

Ladder Stitch Beaded Bead Bracelet