Shangri-La

Hahahahaha, I don't know why I titled this post "Shangri-La".  I just looked at these earrings and tried to describe the shizzam, the sparkle, the sexy and feminine feeling that they give me.....and some where in that..."Shangri-La" came to mind. hehehehehe...

So, do you know the story behind Shangri-La?  I'll have to admit, I didn't.  It was just something I heard as a kid.  And I like the way it sounds.  It always sounds fun and makes me "shake my shimmy" when I say it.

So I googled (I'm the google master) and here's the WIKIPEDIA skinny on "Shangri-La":


Shangri-La is a fictional place described in the 1933 novel Lost Horizon by British author James Hilton. Hilton describes Shangri-La as a mystical, harmonious valley, gently guided from alamasery, enclosed in the western end of the Kunlun Mountains. Shangri-La has become synonymous with any earthly paradise but particularly a mythical Himalayan utopia — a permanently happy land, isolated from the outside world. In the novel Lost Horizon, the people who live at Shangri-La are almost immortal, living years beyond the normal lifespan and only very slowly aging in appearance. The word also evokes the imagery of exoticism of the Orient. In the ancient Tibetan scriptures, existence of seven such places is mentioned as Nghe-Beyul Khimpalung.^[1] Khembalung is one of several beyuls ("hidden lands" similar to Shangri-La) believed to have been created by Padmasambhavain the 8th century as idylic, sacred places of refuge for Buddhists during times of strife (Reinhard 1978).

The use of the term Shangri-La is frequently cited^{[by whom?]} as a modern reference to Shambhala, a mythical kingdom in Tibetan Buddhisttradition, which was sought by Eastern and Western explorers; Hilton was also inspired by then-current National Geographic articles onTibet, which referenced the legend.^{[citation needed]}

A perfect and fitting name for these snazzy little joints, right?

So here's where I get all "artsy fartsy" on you.....I believe truly, that when you have a talent or gift....specifically something crafty....it starts with a vision and it will evolve to become what it wants to be.  I'm just the messenger! *smiles*

For the supplies I used memory wire for the hoops and a small gold jump ring to attach the earring post.  I chose 8/0 silver lined, RB coated Hex beads in Dark Root Beer and Rosaline.  To create the fringe, I used Fireline beading thread in Crystal. To secure, besides the series of knots, I did a very light coating of E600 bonding glue.

I didn't anticipate that they were going to take so long to complete...and maybe if I had sat still with just this project, I would have completed them faster.  But of course, there's mommy duties to be attended and of course, work everyday (boy...I wish sometimes, I didn't have to punch a clock....but I'm thankful...THANKFUL for my job).....but honestly....I was exhausted while I created these.  But I LOVE how they turned out!  Now that I have the motions together....I'm sure I can get them done faster....and I'm looking forward to making these in different colors and combinations!

I'm in love with these sexy mamas!

Round n' Round

Sometimes just something quick and simple will get me through the night.  Although, I'm going to revise the wire work, so that it's more symmetrical to the disc, I like the idea of this earring....so I'll be taking this back to the drawing board.

What Are Little Girls Made Of....

Happy Friday!

One of my favorite, most versatile beading stitches is the SPIRAL ROPE STITCH.  This stitch is super easy and builds up quickly!   So if you're like me....(almost) instant gratification ALWAYS works for me. *smiles*

As you know, I've committed myself to "get in the craft" every evening; whether it's cleaning up, rearranging, reorganizing or creating, spending some time with my beads and my imagination has become very important to me.  Not only is it developing me as a jewelry designer but it's SO relaxing!

So, this (well, yesterday) evening - I wanted to do something that looked a little more intricate.  My evening creations (as you see) have been mostly earrings.  They're quick and pretty easy, even if it takes a couple of attempts before I'm happy.  I wanted to do something different so I decided on a bracelet, with the spiral stitch.

"Bubble Gum Custard"

The GREAT thing about the spiral stitch is that you can pick ANY bead, any color combo, any size and get ALL different looks!  This was my first time using multiple shapes and colored beads.  Typically, it's a two color deal and I'll have at it.  However, this bracelet was a combination of bubblegum pink (size 6o) seed beads for the core and the outer spiral consists of burgundy (size 6o), iridescent clear (size 6o), silver spacer balls (they are around 4mm), iridescent clear 6mm (maybe it was 8mm) bicone and another iridescent, translucent, peachy silver-lined size 6o seed bead!  *phew!*

I know that there are a couple of different tutorials available online that you can find (I've attached the link to one below that I thought was really easy to follow for a beginner....great pictures to help you out!) but for myself and this bracelet, I did the following steps:

1. Cut a length of Fireline (in the color: Crystal) that is comfortable for you to work with.  I used about 3 feet. I'm not a fan of tying off and on more beading thread so unless it's impossible to complete a project on one length....I try to estimate the length needed.  
2. Leaving about 6-8 inches for the tail, string on 5 core beads. Those would be the pink beads you see. *OPTIONAL* Before stringing on the 5 core beads, tie on a stop bead of a color COMPLETELY separate and easy to recognize as the one that "doesn't belong".
3. String on a random combo of 4 beads. Because I have the bicone and it's a little larger than the other beads, I did keep it consistently the second bead. 
4.  Now that you have 9 beads on your string, take the needle up through the 5 core beads, pull through the full length of string.  The random 4 will line up next to the core.
5. Pick up 1 core bead and 4 random combos and repeat the path of the stitch.  HOWEVER this time, enter into the 2nd core bead.  This is called "stepping up" - this will leave you to sew through the last 4 beads from the first unit)
6. Drop down the beads you just strung and well - look at that! A core bead!  Sew through the 1 core bead, that gives you the 5 core beads that you need to sew through to complete the unit.  ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS ---  *SEW THROUGH 5, 4 ON THE SIDE*. Pull through the length of FireLine, snug fit, 4 beads fall to the side.  
7. Pick up 1 core bead and random 4 combo, step up to the next unit, sew through 5 core beads, pull through the length of FireLine, snug fit, 4 beads fall to the side.

You'll start to quickly see the spiral happening at this point!  Easy peazy! 

I used the antique silver heart toggle clasp to finish it off and Voila!  

Very happy with the way it turned out!

Beading friends, what's your favorite stitch??

I didn't learn this stitch from the web site below but I thought it would be helpful to a beginner to take a looksie! 

Courtesy of Ruby's Bead Work - Spiral Rope Tutorial - Click Here!

What have I been doing???

So as I'm going through pictures that I've uploaded, so they are there for the blog....I noticed some that I haven't shared with you!  So here they are:

I found an app on my phone that would do this kind of framed display of the pictures.  This is a "charm" styled bracelet with matching earrings set.  Silver stardust beads, pre-fabricated wire donuts and small chunks of clear  agate beads.

The Earrings catch light nicely and they're long but comfortable!

Here's the bracelet, set on silver chain...super duper fun!

I'm still here....

Bonjour, mes amis!

Just a quick hello! I've been away a little bit.  My birthday was on Sunday (Feb 19) and I did experience a little bit of a funk....not feeling creative or inspired so a few days have gone by that I haven't created anything.  :-(

On Monday, I went to what used to be one of my favorite bead stores, The Bead Fetish.  They're a little a lot pricey....but they do have some interesting beads.  The staff are always nice and helpful.  I haven't gone to the store in about a year....mainly because of their prices....and because I was doing so much jewelry making - I just couldn't afford it.  So, my daughter and I went to meet up with a friend who just purchased the "Butterfly Garden" earrings & bracelet.  It was a beautiful afternoon.  We walked around Midtown.  Went into some really fun stores, before and after we visited the bead store. I love how eccentric and funky the story is.  Well....it used to be.  Seems they moved over a storefront.  When I went in, I was knocked off kilter for a minute.  I was so lost.  It's not a huge store by far....but something was a muck.  It's just a gallery, lined with beads, tables with filled with bead trays....things looked unusually dusty and the flare...the spark  and fun was gone.  It just wasn't the same bead shopping experience that I'm used to with them.  *sad face*

I picked up a few things, just wire....some head pins....and a small package of beads.  Even that was about $40!

I hope my disappointment isn't discouraging to anybody in the area, the store owner or anybody that should so happen to stumble upon this blog.  But, it was like....*thinking*....it almost felt like seeing a childhood friend after years passed, and they don't recognize you anymore.

Maybe if they painted one of the walls with pink and red polka dots like the one above...The music they play is good!  But....the store....lost a little of its uniqueness.  Have this ever happened to you?  Maybe not even a bead store, but a familiar place that you may not have gone to in a while...but you expect a certain feeling when you get there.....and when you get there....it's all changed?

After the storm....

Happy Thursday!

One more day and on to the weekend!  I can't wait!  Not that I have much planned or should I say...anything planned at all really, I just need the downtime and the freedom to choose what time I get out of bed!

During the week, it seems as though my days can be so stressful, not ever feeling completely rested each morning.  Between work, teenagers, work, and trying to keep myself focused and committed to creating at least one piece every evening and the energy to blog about it.  :-/  I guess I didn't think I'd  burn out so quickly.

At the start of the week, my work area looked a hot mess! I had stuff EVERYwhere!  The positive side of this wipe-out, when I faced it,  it was a reminder that I am keeping to my promise to myself! Yes!  I am working!  I am creating!  It's a good thing when you see the small victories. You have to remember to pat yourself on the back, sometimes. :-)

HOWEVER, now that I've created this wonderful mess....I can't think!  The clutter has started to crowd my energy, over stimulate my senses and slow me down.

*DEEP BREATH IN*

*EXHALE*

THAT'S BETTER.....

*organizing in progress*

So I started thinking how can I better organize things so I won't end up with a heaping pile of findings, charms, beads and wires.

Hmmmmm.....

So this is what happened ---->

I used to have a small room in the previous house that I lived in.  Some sort of "storage" closet, that was nearly big enough to be called a "small bedroom".  It was great to work in when I first started beading....then when my supplies out grew that space, I moved the table into my bedroom and would run back and forth for beads.  *sigh*

Now in my new place, there is no extra room, so I have to work in the kitchen.  It works I guess.  Sometimes those chairs get pretty uncomfortable. BUT the really great thing I was able to do was , pull out the organizers and put them on the table top!  Now, I'm able to see most of my beads and with them at my fingertips, EASY ACCESS and hardly any clean up! You can find them in the hardware section of Walmart, K-Mart, Targets....or probably just in your regular hardware stores.

These are AWESOME for Bead storage!  

The drawers (as you see in the picture above) come in all different sizes.  One of the two that I have are all the smaller compartments and the other is all of the larger.  Since I'll be looking to get another one, I think this mixed combination will be great!

Well, now that I've gotten all cleaned up and spiffy.....

"Let the designing begin!!"

What a Mess!!

I've got a task ahead of me! Yikes! I'll be spending the evening reorganizing and cleaning my work area. Then and only then can I create!

Tainted Love....

Here's what St. Valentines' Day inspired for me last night....

I call it....

"Burning Love"

I love the velvety feel of the rubberized acrylic beads.  My kids call them "sexy beads". Hahahaha! 

I really wanted to do something in theme of the "holiday".  Actually, I've always wanted to get inspired by the seasons and holidays, but typical me....I'd always put it off.  I told you guys, 2012 was a new year of new beginnings for me.  I'm going to stop procrastinating and just "gettur done"!

When Valentines' Day come around, I've never been one to get worked up about it....like the belief about women and this day...says I should. I am one of those that believe, it shouldn't be this one day that you show me that you love me or care for me.  If I ever had a valentine or got a gift or something, I appreciate the gesture but truly, love should be expressed as often as possible. That's something I try to live my life by.  How sad it would be if we REALLY only had this ONE day to let EVERYBODY know how much we loved them?  

Matching Earrings

Rose Toggle Clasps

But of course, Daaarrrrling.....

I have a love for old movies...classic black and whites....Bette Davis and Audrey Hepburn....love, love, love, love....*sigh*.....it's like one of my favorite ways to pass a rainy weekend with my kids.....well, my daughter at least.  She loves old movies too.  My son.  On the other hand.  Well,.......he's a gamer.....so if it doesn't shoot, curse or set fire on the screen....he's just not interested. :-)

Chandelier earrings remind me of old Hollywood glamour.  So last night, this is what I created.  I love 'em!  Light blue crystal "tear drop" shaped beads with silver findings.  They are light and comfortable on the lobe.  They catch light beautifully....just enough to catch an eye but not too much!  

Lost and Found!

Yaaaayyyy!!!  The necklace has been "found".  My daughter's friend is going to pass it to my son at school today so hopefully, we'll see it this evening.  *phew!*  I wonder now if my daughter just dropped it some where or if it was actually taken, discovered, convicted and confiscated.  Alls I know.....I'm just glad it's back!

Sooooo, on to today's (well, last night's completed work).....

I LOVE this cuff and the way it turned out!  I had been wanting to work with tila beads.  I love how uniformed they are.  So about a weekend ago on my last run to the bead store (1/23/12) I specifically went with the intention of getting a supply however when I asked where they were displayed, one of the owners (I think she's the owner of the store) suggested these flat square two holed beads.  Same concept, comparative in price/quantity but more variety in color choices, well in that store at least. Also, she mentioned that she preferred the way these beads lay in a project over tilas. Cool.  I'll try these then!

I participate in many jewelry design/beading communities....which is where I learn about different beads, get inspired and purchase patterns.  I first saw tila beads in a few designs by one of my favorite pattern makers/designers Debger Designs and then I saw a similar style by Beadaholique on Youtube video, so I adapted the style for myself and here's what I created.  I like it! *smiles*

I used 11-o rose silver lined seed beads for a decorative fringe edge and a little bit of sparkle, 6mm light rose fire polished czech glass for the center row and the flat square beads.  I did like the overall feel of the cuff after it was completed.  The weight and the "slink" of it feels so luxurious.  After I finished, before putting on the clasps, I wondered if I should have used another color to give a bit of contrast....hmmmm?.....oh well, too late.....I still think it's pretty sexy just the way it is.  

Oh....here's the clasps that I used....worked well for such a wide bracelet....well, I guess it's technically a "cuff" now, right?  I never really know when it qualifies but I do know when it's a bangle! hehehehe :-)

The gold 4 strand sliding clasps gives it that extra kick of elegance I think!  

I must confess...this is probably my least favorite clasps with seed beads....they are a pill to get on!  But with a little patience and focus....it really does make all the difference to the end product!  

I'll try another project with tila beads on another go 'round, just to work with them and compare the results....but I'm happy with what it came out to be.

Whatcha think?