Ah Ha! My spiral rope!

Cat, Deb and Jeni - thanks! I finally had my moment and figured it out.

Here's my Christmas Berries.

I hope you all like it. My daughter now has me making her one.  :)

cb

Hey, that turned out great!  It wasn't too hard right?

Actually NO! :)  Love this.  So, what is the best thread to use?  (ah, something else for me to spend money on)

 The colors are sooo christmas! This same Sprial Rope, makes the cutest Wreath Earrings too.

the ideas are limitless with Spiral Ropes. Go get-um!

Good Job!

Wreath earrings!!!!!!!  just use smaller beads? I used 8 for the bracelet.  although I may go blind using anything smaller......

 The wreaths work up cute in "Delicas", I use 15/0 hex mostly because they cost less. I use 11/0 also, The Wreaths make cute zipper pulls, backpak, purse,cell phone,etc.

 I use "Dollar Tree Reading glasses". I think,I have 2.75 & 3.00. Harbor Frieght had the ones clip on your glasses $1.98)

(I could send you some, if you don't have Dollar tree or Habro Frieght)?

Court - This is just lovely.  Can we get a closeup?  I'd like to see how you finished the ends.

Lita

Either Nymo or your choice of fishing line (4-6lb test) would work fine.  I have to say after using Fireline a couple of times I see why people like it so much.  You're right-one more thing to spend money on!

Mary, thanks we have a $ store.....i may try wreaths.....

Jeni, if i want to go big and use swarovski's, what should I use?

cb

For Swarks I'd definitely use fishing line since the crystal edges are so sharp.  You can get away with Nymo D if you're putting seed beads on either side of the crystals, but I'd reinforce it.

 This looks GREAT! And I did something with swarks on fireline #4, it broke (end of the first day I wore it). Now, there weren't any seed beads acting as bumpers, but I wouldn't use #4 with swarks if you can avoid it.

Lois

 Great Courtney! I'm so glad you were able to do it! I love spiral rope!

Before I went completely broke I ordered a bunch of seed beads in Halloween and Christmas colors for this exact reason. I got Halloween done (well not really still have UFO) but I have to move on to Christmas now.

JSmaz:

I have to say after using Fireline a couple of times I see why people like it so much.

I'm not just crazy and inexperienced then?! I used Nymo on my very first spiral, the black and white one I stitched summer of 08. I used Thread Heaven and everything and I couldn't stand that thread! Probably the reason I stayed away from trying again for so long. I love Fireline, it doesn't tangle, knots are easily removed if you do get one, it doesn't fray all over the place, and my hands don't get waxy!

If you get Fireline from your local sports store it's much cheaper than FMG. I paid $13 for 125 yd spool. I believe it's $9 for 50 yd at FMG. Walmart carries it too. Don't know if that will help you Jeni but hopefully it will others.

I think I've looked just about everywhere for good prices on Fireline and it's pretty near the same at most sporting goods stores.  I have a 50yd spool of smoke color but I'd like to get some crystal as well.  One more thing to add to my Christmas list...

Courtney ~ Love the Christmas theme.  Thank you for sharing

 Nice spiral! 

So, did everyone see the twist on the simple spiral (pun intended) in the new Bead & Button?  They have a pattern in that shows you how to make it flat....if you haven't seen it...check it out :)

I've recently become a convert to Fireline. If I'm using just seed beads I prefer Silamide and love that it comes in so many colors but for crystals and bugles, and other sharp beads it has to be Fireline.  I just finished a roll of smoke and need to buy more but I needed some heavier weight for the netted piece I'm working on so I bought a 0.2mm at Walmart.  I love that you can get lots of different weights.

Oh...and don't forget that if you need it to be a certain color you can take a Sharpie permanent marker to the crystal.