Custom focals made with resin are heartfelt gifts at any time of year. Dip into
your paper-crafting stash to make each one as unique as its recipient. Colorful
glass beads and peyote-stitched rings combine with metal chain to complete the
handmade look. This is a companion project to Katie's Beading Secrets in the December
2009/January 2010 issue of Beadwork.
Create a variety of dramatic, glittery focal points like those shown here using
a combination of striking beads, pendants and interchangeable stick bails. A subtly
sparkly, modified daisy chain strap works up in an evening and provides an all-purpose
background for all of the pendants you can dream up. This project is a companion
to Katie's Beading Secrets in the October/November 2009 issue of Beadwork.
Herringbone tubes meet trendy charm accents in this quick, fashionable design
that has hidden meanings: To reinforce the dream theme, Katie chose purple tones
for creativity, a hummingbird charm for moving forward, and an eye charm for insight.
This is a companion project to Katie's Beading Secrets in the August/September
2009 issue of Beadwork.
The leafy tendrils on the etched-shell donut were the inspiration for this long,
lean design. Learn to create a simple peyote bail with matte hematite size 11
seed beads and how to turn a donut into a focal clasp. The finished necklace is
25" (adjustable). This is a companion project to Katie's Beading Secrets
in the June/July 2009 issue of Beadwork.
Katie Hacker went daisy crazy with this artsy, asymmetrical design. Beyond providing
transitions between the wire-wrapped focal section and the ladder-stitched straps,
the pinwheels also punctuate the necklace with color and provide dramatic places
for the eye to rest while taking in the entire design. This is a companion project
to Katie's Beading Secrets in the April/May 2009 issue of Beadwork.
If you loved Melinda’s custom Pretty Sneaky Snap Clasp that doubled as a
pendant, finish off the design with an embellished right-angle-weave bracelet
strap. For the clasp, see her Custom Cool department in the December 2008/January
2009 issue of Beadwork.
Egyptian Cuff
by Shelly Nybakke December 2008/January 2009
This metal-bead cuff has just the right amount of crystal sparkle, worthy of
an Egyptian princess. Worked in segments, the multilayer right-angle-weave rectangles
are first woven, then connected with loops of beads.
