Just got the latest Beadwork...

 ... and had to post a message to say thank you to Marlene and the team, it's a real cracker of an issue (and I am NOT just saying that because it's got one of my projects in it) with a really good balance between stringing and stitching, formal and freeform, organic and geometric, seed beads and wire and gemstones, plus a Bead Boy Masterclass as the icing on the cake!

Please keep doing whatever it is you're doing, because as far as I'm concerned you're getting it exactly right. This is just what I want from a beading magazine. It's been such fun working with you all too!

Hey, I don't have that issue yet!  Now I'm going to be pining for it...oh wait, I'm always pining for a new bead mag.  I have to stretch out my reading so I don't run out before the next one gets here, or I have to start reading through my back issues.  Or, actually MAKE something...

Got my copy today, and I read the whole thing cover to cover!  So much for stretching out the reading...

I love this issue also.  There was so much inspiration I can hardly wait to work on something.  I've got bits and pieces from several projects between Beadwork and B&B's Right Angle Weave mag that I want to mishmash.

Thank you, thank you Dustin for showing me what to do with all my mini Tabasco bottles!  That is a fantastic necklace, and I love the toggle clasp.  For future reference, my hubby saved me a bunch them that came with his MRE's when he was in Iraq.  I imagine they still do...

Got my Sept/Oct issue a couple of days ago.

Think I'll try the Byzantine cross, modified to suit my purposes, and the beaded chain from farther on in the mag, modified also.  That'll keep me busy for a while, with all the other unfinished work I have, including two ropes and three crosses!

Stan B.

I just received that issue yesterday.I love it!

I couldn't wait to sit and go through it. I still  have to read all the articles, but I took a quick look at all the designs. I Really like that cross also.

I am very intrigued with the one on the cover. I have a agate slab I have been threatening to bead around it to make a bezel.  I just didn't know just where to start. The slab is a lot larger than a rivoli, but maybe this project will help me figure it out somewhat.

Sue B:

I am very intrigued with the one on the cover. I have a agate slab I have been threatening to bead around it to make a bezel.  I just didn't know just where to start. The slab is a lot larger than a rivoli, but maybe this project will help me figure it out somewhat.

GO FOR IT !

Stan B.

Thanks Stan for the words of encouragement. 

I once went wild  and created a necklace that was a little over board for me. I am trying to get outside that box when it comes to using more color. The necklace I speak of I feel in love with the focal bead which is ceramic. I didn't know what I would do with it but I went home and pulled out every bead I had that went with it and put them all into a plastic sandwich bag and put it on my desk where it stayed for several months marring each other.  The results I have posted on my "photo bucket". It's called " Gold Rush"  take a look and see what you think....... I know I still need some work on putting colors together.

That is a nice pendant Sue, and it doesn't look to me like you had any problems with the colors.  I think it looks just fine.  It's hard sometimes to judge your own color choices though.  It happens to me as well.  Usually it's better than I think it is.  The hardest thing for me is picking out seed bead colors for a woven project.  They always look different in the bag or on a tray than they do when they're woven together, and then I'm ripping things apart and picking out new ones.

Thanks Jeni.

It's hard to see but the top left and bottom right of the focal has a gold nugget like finish on it. I loved it then and still do.

Yes, seed beads are very hard to pick out. I am making a bracelet that I designed in "Easy Bead Pattern" and I picked out two colors that I just loved. However as I started to do the weaving I discovred that the beads I picked out were not good for the project I was doing. The pattern that I worked so hard to make was lost in the colors. I made it a two color pattern and I am sure it will work out with different beads. Well, to make a long story short I am going on with the bracelet eventhough you lose the pattern, it lookes like shark skin. the way it looks like one color from one agnle and a different color from another. It is still kool!  OOPS just dated myself with that word LOL. Oh well you all know I am old   ....And yes; I will make another bracelet  of that design in a better color choice.

I think your Gold Rush is beautiful. The great thing about it is that it could be worn with many colors. I think that is something that people like. That way they can wear it more and not be limited to just one outfit.

Anyway...BEAUTIFUL! 

Thanks Sheila!!!

Glad your pattern is turning out well, if different than originally intended Sue.  I have been playing with my Bead Creator Pro program and it creates great patterns, but the problem I ran into was when I printed one out, there were so many colors it was impossible to tell which one goes where.  I like the look of the color patterns, but it would be nice to have an option to use symbols instead like a x-stitch pattern so it's easier to differentiate them.  Guess I'll have to mess with it some more.  It's a good program but since I'm only a casual pattern designer it's a bit over my head.  I'm more a pen & graph paper gal.  I guess this discussion is starting to belong in the software post though..

Jeni,

I have a hard time reading a graph. I get lost in the midde somewhere never to find my way out again.  So  under "file" you can have it turned into a word graph. I did that with great success. The only problem with the word read out; is that the program does not suport the double drop peyote.

 I finished the one last night and am about to start another with different colors. I think this one will look more like what I intended it to look like.

This is the first time I have heard of a Bead Creator program.  Where can you find them?  I have never seen one in any of the beading or craft stores around here.  That's probably exactly what I need to help me with design creation, given my complete lack of imagination or even where to start with an original design!

Paula

(Just joined the forum today and I am thoroughly enjoying all the hints, tips, and ideas ya'll have)

 Just drop the guy a line if you like it and it's yours for free.

 http://easybeadpatterns.com 

 The programmer wrote it for his mom and decided to give it away. I'm quite sure that he would not refuse a donation, but it's not required. Enjoy.

 Billy ;o)