Beads Beading Beaded

BEAD Magazine and Bead Looming

2012-01-06T11:47:00.006-05:00

I am very proud to announce my bead looming will be included in the Feb/Mar 2012, Issue #36 of 'BEAD Magazine', published out of England. Notice that one of my cuffs made the cover!

This Issue is has an Asian Theme and chock full of projects from paper beads to bead looming! I am so excited to see bead looming get a bit more exposure than it seems to get. I also love working along with the Editor and people of BEAD.

Be sure to consider buying a copy of this Issue, or future Issues. I am sharing patterns for the first time, in a public venue. Other issues will also include some bead looming patterns and techniques, I do not share anywhere else.

My bead looming will be exclusive to this Magazine. So if you feel you want to learn more, than consider BEAD! We are also discussing some other fun projects, you may have seen on my Blog or Website!
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NOTE: Since this post about BEAD, I have been asked of its availability. Here is some info I know:

BEAD WRITES: We have a US office too if you have any inquiries - Ashdown.Inc or www.hobbyworld.tv

DORRIE WROTE: I get the i-mag subscription. I have gotten it for 3 years now and love it! It would be nice to have the printed, but I read through it online and then I print off what I want to make. I highly recommend this Bead mag. I think you can get printed to the US, but not sure.

BEAD WRITES: You can - it should be available in some larger Barnes and Noble, some bead stores, but you can also subscribe to it and get it delivered, but it will arrive quite a bit later than it does for UK subscribers.

Gerber Daisy Between the Lines

2012-01-02T10:47:00.007-05:00

This cuff is complete. The name "Gerber Daisy Between the Lines" refers to the Tex 400 cords, (lines of color), I included.

When I last posted, I was starting to consider the fringe idea. Here is a picture of how I attached the fringe.

Keeping each strand wide apart from another, allowed the Tex 400 Warp Cords to show through.

The glass leaves are green greasy and include a gun metal bead. I made the clasp, with a butterfly accent.

With so much else going on, in this cuff, I only used the decorative clasp on one side, as opposed to adding two.

These green spiral beads are custom made lampwork. All of the findings are gunmetal.

Simply Edge while making clasp

2011-12-17T22:11:00.017-05:00

Many design ideas tend to come together, while looming. Sometimes, I even feel that my new idea is so good, I want my fingers to move faster. Then, I can finish what I am working on to start the new idea, before I forget it! Thus is a good reason to have a journal by you, while beading. So much is learned as you bead. The time it takes to create with seed beads, the more time you have to conjure up wonderful plans for the next creation.

You may recall one of my recent cuffs, using C-Lon Tex 400 for the warps. I was loomed it 'row-by-row'. It was also the cuff being loomed when I came up with a new idea of how to create a custom clasp. Here is the clasp I attached to that cuff.

Now I want to follow up with another custom created clasp,
for this 'Gerber Daisy Cuff'.
I will use gunmetal for all the findings, in this cuff. Gunmetal finishes will match perfectly.
There are some wild, fun, bright colors in this pattern, not to mention the extension of each petal and the over hang of my 'symbolic leaf design', so a simple edge would be best. The matte black is also a perfect color to extend, for this edge.

My personal favorite edging is a simple, single line of turned beads. I started using this idea on my loomings years ago. I call it just that, a ©Simple Turned Bead Edge.

To complete this edge, you will be running your needle in and out of the last loomed edge of loomed beads. Usually, I am looking to not create a bulk of thread, turning my thread in and out of the same beads. This design, using the thick warp threads, don't make a difference. I'll be turning my thread through the same two beads, every pass because the line of thick thread will hide all of extra passes of thread.

Many are already completed, but let me begin with how to do this ©Simple Turned Bead Edging. Above you see I attached a matte black 'seed bead' (not Delicas, for this type of edging).

Below, I added another matte black seed bead, but turned my needle back into the same row I just exited. Notice how I will be falling in and out of each bead more than once. It is the turn back out, that I mentioned above, where the thread could become too thick, turning at the same loomed beads. The thick Tex 400 warp will help it not be a problem, but remember to keep this in mind, when looming with thinner warps.

Shown below, I am exiting to the right again. In essence, you will be looping your thread around sets of loomed beads, adding a single 11/0 seed bead with every pass.

Once you reach the end of the cuff edge, or are butt against the extended design, turn your needle and thread back through every bead you just added. This will not only secure them on the edge, but will eliminate them from falling forward and backward from each other bead, while being worn.

To complete the other side of the petal extensions, I attached a new thread, completing the same steps I outlined above.

Looking at this closely, I decided not to edge the side where I warped with C-Lon Tex 400, in green. Personally, I never leave a bead open along an edge, a pet peeve of mine, but the thickness of the Tex 400 carries enough weight to fill that gap, covering the entire thickness of the loomed Delicas.

Knowing earlier I wasn't edging 'both' sides of the cuff edge, I completed the 'symbolic leaf design'. Otherwise, I would have edged, then added the leaf design. Since edging is a fixed step, in all of my loomed creations, I think ahead as far as I can to realize what step is best completed first, an extended design or the edging.

Next, I will complete the fringe idea, but right now, I am still looking over my stash of beads to pick what I think will work best :)

Adding a free form leaf design

2011-12-16T14:54:00.007-05:00

In the large black area, I continued to loom below the Gerber Daisy head, I will add a 'free form' symbolic leaf. This leaf will hold the fringes I am adding. But first, let me share how I added this design aspect.

In the picture above, you can see how I first strung 11/0 Japanese Seed beads on to a line of 12 lb Wildfire thread, in green. The strung section was roughly attached to my looming using the bead stops.

A new piece of thread, 10 lb green Wildfire, was threaded and followed inside the same pre-strung beads to attach the entire leaf section. A bead was added, during my second pass with the 10 lb Wildfire, to make the turn or a point of the leaf.

The thickness of the two threads helped to keep the green bead
shaped into the leaf design.

Below you can see I am also adding more 11/0 seed beads to create a double line, which will also be holding the fringes I'll add. Fringes are usually hung from the very edge, but this time, I am planning to start the fringes in the center of the looming. These beads will be that starting point.

Notice in both pictures, up and below, how I am using the 'warp' threads to secure all of my 3D accents. This is not only more secure, but I will not break any beads, should I need to make many passes to complete. When finished, you won't see any threads on the back of the loomed cuff base.

This is as far as I will add an accent. The fringes will be spaced wide apart, when attached, so you will still be able to see the Tex 400 cords used for warping.

Usually, I bead edge every cuff, but this time, I am only going to bead edge one side of this cuff. The edge, where the leaf design extends, will not be edged with beads. The C-Lon Tex 400 Cord, warped on that outer edge, is sufficient to create a finished edge. If I were adding a bead edge, I would have added it before I created the symbolic leaf design.

Adding petals "off" the loomed edge

2011-12-10T21:59:00.021-05:00

I have loomed most of the Gerber Daisy, or the portions that will be 'loomed' and not hand woven additional, off the edge. I turn my loom in its side, to work on a horizontal level, with the loomed edge.

These few loomed lines are no where near the total length I want to complete, for a perfect fitting cuff, but I always stop to complete my 3D accents. This way, I will have a better feel for how much 'weight' these accents will offer, in the finished cuff. After adding all the petals, I will consider if I should loom further 'upward' to complete the proper cuff length, or loom further 'downward'.

I have preplanned how many petals and which ones will lay in the background and which ones will be front-n-center. Notice in the following pictures, how I skip a petal to add one, then return to include the one I skipped. Again, this is to keep a perspective of the petals and how they will lay in the finished beading.

This next petal will sit forward on the loom edge and in front of the two I just added. To allow an overlap, over the first two petals, I needed to begin with a ladder stitch. At the point I want this petal to meet the loom edge, which is the only way I want to attach it to this cuff, I will begin using the outer most warp to secure the rest of the same ladder stitching of beads.

I also want this petal to over lap the one I finished to its right. Therefore, I am adding more beads, in a ladder stitch, again not attached to the outer warp.

Following the base I created, the petal rises upwards. Both sides of this petal are now 'over lapping' the petals I first created, making this one 'front-n-center' of the three.

These over laps, I created, needed to be secured to the looming as well. I turned the loom up. This makes it easier for me to now bead further 'over' the original loomed pattern, following the original loomed pattern in bead colors.

This 'over hang' is secured to the original looming.

You can follow the next three photographs as they show how the rest of the petals were added, just as explained above. Each petal was well thought out for position and colors, before I started adding the first petal.

The last petal was added. I am happy with how they overlap comfortably create a realistic looking flower with a spray of petals. You can see, in the photo below, the bleed of each petal, over hanging the looming, blends in perfectly. It also secures each petal to the loomed cuff.

While completing each petal, I thought more about how I want to loom this to a perfect cuff size and how this Gerber Daisy will play a part in this final design. Therefore, I loomed further down, keeping the Daisy to the upper end of the cuff. There are still further rows, needing to be loomed above the daisy. Some to complete petals, and a few to handle my clasp idea. Other than that, I loomed more rows to fall below the Daisy.

I have some ideas in filling out the lower portion of this cuff, but it will have to offer a balance to the glorious weight, of the Gerber Daisy Head, above. The C-Lon Tex 400 warps, in the colors I chose, stand out so nicely against the matte black Delicas. I don't want to hide these, but I do want to balance this cuff.

More about weft color selection & Delicas

2011-12-05T11:12:00.006-05:00

During the planning process, of looming bright colors using C-Lon Tex 400, I had to make a weft color decision, that truly makes a difference. I have always suggested using 'just' white weft threads. They won't show between the rows and offer the bead color selections a chance to really shine.

Using The thick cords, not only adds to the over all width of the looming, (keep this in mind for the type of clasp you will be measuring to add), but also makes your weft thread color evident. In the picture below, you can see the 'green wefts' crossing over each if the Tex 400 warps.

I could have selected using black, which would definitely tie into the over look, but I wanted to continue the 'wild' or 'unorthodox' feeling these threads and this design offer. Now you can see the green wefts crossing over and it doesn't give you a feeling of being out of place at all.

Also, my bead finish choices played a part in the weft color selection. I decided to use only opaque finish beads. This way, no matter what color weft I chose, it didn't effect the true bead color I want to keep. [Link from a previous post regarding the weft color choice.] Remember to keep these points in mind, when you plan out, looming with C-Lon Tex 400.

You'll also notice a difference in how you run your needle back through the looming row. The Tex 400 forces the beads to hang 'below' the thick threads. If you feel you have a hard time pushing the beads up between warps now, more prevalent with 'tubular shaped beads' than with other seed beads, ready yourself to push harder.

I would run my needle, back across the row, taking a section of beads at a time. This would include just the beads that lie between each set of Tex 400.

This turned out to be a very relaxing form of looming, for me. I know it takes more time, but it feels right.

Finally, I am not known for pointing out any of my mistakes, but for the sake of sharing all I know, I'll point out the bad choice of a bead I made. This confession should also be a good learning lesson......notice the beads in this picture again, the same I posted first.

The circle points out a bead, not as perfectly sized, for a Delica. Yes. Delicas are not perfectly shaped as we think. More times than not, I read how people suggest Delicas being perfect for bead looming and having an evenly sized bead to loom. They are much more even than most seed beads, but still have their faults. You may consider a bit of culling, during your looming with Delicas.

Some colors are blatantly different, in size and shape. For instance, the matte black is a lighter and thinner bead, than the opaques sold by Miyuki. If you do want to consider a very precise shaped bead, much more even than Delicas, Aikos. They are expensive and do not come in the same number of colors, as a Delica. I would suggest everyone buying at least a few colors and trying them out. For me, I love having over 971 colors to select, growing each year, and will continue to loom with Delicas.

Creating more with C-Lon Tex 400 Thread

2011-12-02T12:41:00.009-05:00

My further interest, experimenting with alternate ideas to warp, and the colors available in C-Lon Tex 400 Cord, brought me to create my next pattern and cuff. I want to share my thoughts, as I go, so maybe you too can find something useful to incorporate as warps, for your own creative bead loomings.

I pulled out these bright colors and matched it with using black Wildfire. Notice the difference in thread thickness, between all of the selections I made. This should create a texture, as well as a unique design to loom.

Furthering my interest, to work up different free-form designs, I warped the loom in an A-Symmetrical arrangement. I could have warpped less for each row of beading. There is no reason to have 'warps' separating 'each bead'. This too will create a different look.

Below is a sample of how I once loomed a pattern having more than one bead in between two warps.

It may be hard to notice, from such a close up picture, but by eliminating the number of warps, between each row of beads loomed, you can brighten the color of beads even further. You may recall I always recommend using a 'white' weft, no matter what color warps are being used. The white also brings out the brightness of a bead color, but less warps, too, also create that 'wow' color.

I haven't tried looming more than three beads wide, in between two warps, but it is safe to say you can securely loom two or three beads wide, with on two warps.

Now that I explained my warp color intentions, let me share a picture of how I played these warps into my pattern idea.

I am using a matte black background so the bright warp colors will shine through. These were placed so the warp color seems to have 'bled' the same color from the pattern I am looming.

We will be looming this cuff together, in pictures and blog posts, so you will see and understand some of my thinking on this idea. Again, my warp management methods will allow a finish with such thick warps. I may share that part too...stay tuned.

Finally, This may seem to introduce an inner desire to loom with textiles, but I really do not think I'll leave my 971 Delica colors, on the shelf!

Adding character to a finished cuff

2011-11-22T13:58:00.003-05:00

I made a small change to the 'Tangled Tree Light' cuff, shared in an earlier post, below. The addition of an 'electric plug' added the character I try to include, with all of my loomings. This idea, in particular, was suggested by someone who saw my original cuff, thinking the tree was a 'plug'. I ran with it, finding these brass plugs.

Try to continue your design, off the loom too. Many times I write about how a looming falls on the 'pattern idea'. One reason is due to the 'two dimensional' aspect of looming. The pattern idea, or graph, is what makes the beads jump off the warps. Adding a twist, to the already great pattern, makes a difference in your piece being cherished, for more than just a loomed art!

A Victorian Feel, Simplicitic Cuff

2011-11-09T12:29:00.004-05:00

Title: "Layers of Sunshine" (2011)
Designer: Erin Simonetti
Techniques: 11/0 Delica Loomed Layers using the Extended Pattern Format, Kumi, Warp Threads, Antique Bronze Metal Accents, Custom Created Bronze Clasp
Beads: 15/0 Japanese Glass Beads, 11/0 Delicas, 3mm/4mm/8mm Swarovski Glass Pearls (Burgundy), Antique Bronze Metal Beads/Caps/Chains

I have completed the cuff, I was sharing below. Now you can see the finished piece knowing how I loomed each row, to allow for the large Swarovski Pearls to be incorporated into the pattern. Otherwise, I would have not been able to recreate a swirling, of the pearls, but maybe a straight line, as in the earlier Kumi Warp cuff shared below, too.

My thoughts were to allow the green color, of the Kumi Threads, to show along with the gold lined Delicas and Burgundy Swarovski Pearls. This is one reason I did not edge the cuff with a beaded design, as I usually do. I did want to create a bit of movement, so I included a few dangles of wire wrapped pearls and bronze findings.

The clasp is something you will see more in my pieces. It is custom created using filigree stampings.

Originally, I completed the cuff with many more dangles, under the center medallion, but took a second look and started to clip them with my cutters, like pruning a rose bush. I left the center three, thinking they are just enough and not too much to take away from the simplicity of the cuff's design.

I just ordered many more colors of the thick thread, so I plan on working with other colors and ideas. I also have a strange need to work a bit with strands of pearls or crystals :)

A Tangled Tree Bulb, Cuff!

2011-11-07T19:58:00.003-05:00

Title: 'Tangled Tree Bulbs' (2011)
Designer: Erin Simonetti
Techniques: 1.8mm Glass Cubes Loomed, 3D 15/0 Japanese Glass Beads accented on top as the wires, 8mm Permanent Gold Metallic Glass Beads edging, Crystals, Doll House Light Bulbs, Antique Bronze Metal Findings.
Beads: 15/0 & 8mm Japanese Glass Beads, 1.8mm Glass Cubes

I guess I am slipping this latest cuff in to the mix of what I am presently looming. Our FB Group, 'A Bead Looming Intervention' is having a swap. There are two themes you can select to join, 'Holiday Theme' or 'General Theme'. Our photos of the completed cuff is due my 11/12 then it should be packaged and sent to the corresponding recipient by 11/19. This was such a great way to get to know each other Member better and realize what a wonderful group of talented loomers we have! I'll be sure to post the cuff I received!

Detailing the Design

2011-11-02T11:44:00.005-04:00

I have completed looming each row, as shared in the post prior to this one. Now I am detailing the scroll of pearls, included in this graphed pattern.

Here, I am connecting a line of 15/0 glass seed beads, in a similar Ginger color, as the Swarovski Pearls.

The added pearl design gave an interesting look, of the over all looming, but now that I am detailing it, the scroll pops!

Just another way you can add some interesting design elements to your looming. I like looking for ways to add that third dimension, but sometimes it turns out to be more important to add this dimension to detail the design.

More looming with Kumi Threads

2011-10-28T22:38:00.003-04:00

I strung my loom with more Kumi Threads. This pattern is taking me into something totally different, for me. I am looming one row at a time so I can complete a pattern I created. This is something along the lines of a fillet crochet pattern. Keep with me as I will post as I progress, with this very new idea!

Kumi Warps...Loomed 11/0 Delicas!

2011-10-27T11:40:00.005-04:00

Title: 'untitled' (2011)
Designer: Erin Simonetti
Techniques: 11/0 Delica Loomed using the Extended Pattern Format, Kumi Warp Threads, Appliqued with Metal Accents
Beads: 15/0 Japanese Glass Beads, 11/0 Delicas, Antique Bronze Metal Beads/Caps/Chains

As a follow up to what I have been sharing recently, I can now offer the completed cuff. I love the use of Kumi Threads for the warps and will continue to pursue this avenue. The warp management methods I offer make using any thread, for the warps, fair game. Even wire!

You can see in this photo the wonderful body and stiffness the Kumi Threads give the final cuff. Yet, it is still quite pliable and comfortable to wear.

Zipping up the cuff has begun!

2011-10-24T19:37:00.005-04:00

I am using Antique Bronze findings for this cuff. The caps really add some additional interest to the design.

You'll notice I started zipping in the center of the cuff. This made it easier to center the entire zipping portion down the middle.

I'll also be adding some hand woven extensions, after completing the zip.

Zipping up two lomed strips, for one cuff

2011-10-22T22:10:00.004-04:00

Following up on my last post, I am waiting for some bead caps to arrive so I can zip up these two loomed strips, using Kumi Thread, to create the finished width of the cuff. The cup of beads are ceramic beads I'll use for the zip.

Once the center is finalized and zipped, I can then finish the rows of looming above and below this section to create the entire length of the cuff. I have to wait and see how much space is needed to zip, before I know how many beads wide in a row to loom, for the finish.

I'll post again after my supplies arrive and I can finish.

Using thick Thread or Cord for the Warps

2011-10-20T13:18:00.005-04:00

I may have touched on this idea before, but it is well worth sharing again. My loom is warped with cording, usually sold for Kumihimo. This would be good for use because it is already sold for jewelry and will wear well, when finished. Also, it comes in some gorgeous color ways.

Sometime very soon, I will be able to share my 'warp management techniques' in a book, so it will be clear how these thick threads can be used as the warps with no worry of running them back through the rows of beads. For now, I will enjoy sharing how this technique can add some drama to your looming, from the 'thread' aspect as opposed to the 'bead color selection'.

You will notice I am still using a white weft, mainly because of the 'color lined' beads I included. The halo of the 'color lined' green bead adds a great design style, especially when paired with opaques.

UPDATED PHOTO:

I'll share more pictures as I progress with this looming.

A Montage of the Same Pattern

2011-10-18T13:25:00.005-04:00

My last post shared the Fringe Idea, as seen in a cuff above. There is so much more to this story. But for now, I just want to share a montage of three cuffs, all completed from the same pattern I graphed, but in different ways. This offers a concept that patterns are wonderful to follow, but they can also be changed to create something very different,
putting your own mark on the finished looming.

Fringed Edging: Bullion, Gimp or Braided?

2011-10-07T23:11:00.003-04:00

Recently, I was inspired to look at fringes, added to my loomed edges, in a different light. Not all 'f-r-i-n-g-e' has to be close together, bunched up or contemplated to lay very close. As a matter of fact, fringes are also just as dramatic when the space 'in between' each length of beaded length,
is equally considered.

This sample of fringing I completed, on a latest looming, shows the dramatic effect that can be acquired by considering using larger beads and spacing them further apart. These white Swarovski Pearls range in size of 4mm to 10mm. I spaced each line of beads the distance apart to consider how the largest beads, at the bottom, will be effected. They do not touch, yet are so close.

This design of fringing reminds me of a wonderful Bullion Fringe surrounding a 1920's upholstered over stuffed chair or even thick Gimp and Braiding. Layers of beads, attached at the loomed edge, can really make a simple pattern become a piece of loomed art.

I passed beads across the edge four times to create this fringe. Each pass added a layer of beading to create the build.

Fringed Edge, Loomed On Separate Layers

2011-09-23T00:03:00.007-04:00

Still in process of finishing some ideas for the Christmas Tree Cuff, shown further down.

Because the tree extensions, in the pattern, hang over the edge of the looming, I am not able to create a fringe to fall 'below' the tree, as well as on either side. Therefore, I decided to loom a thin strip, three beads wide, fringe it, then attach this to the back of the Christmas Tree Cuff. This way, the fringes will hang completely across the length of the finished cuff.

Looking at it, now that it is cut from the loom, I see possibilities of looming something like this as a cuff, alone! I would, however, add an edging to the upper edge. Just a simple edging, but something to close the bead openings, as I do with all of my creations.

This feels wonderful wrapped around my wrist. I'll have to revisit this idea again, later!

Looming with Large and Small Beads

2011-09-18T14:51:00.009-04:00

Recently, some one emailed me a note asking if I am familiar with this style of looming, 'large and small' beads on the same warp set up.

I have made many like this. The email made me decide to share this technique, as it can lead to many other design ideas!

The loom is warped to handle the wide width of the beads in the center, looming across the top first to hold the cuff width, then only loomed down one side.

Notice how the loom is warped. Many warps are wider apart then how they would be wrapped if you were looming small seed beads, one in between two warps. These warp widths are warped to handle 'more than one seed bead across' or 'in between two warps', even 'one large bead in between the same warps'.

Keeping the warp width bead count in mind, loom the first row, completely across the entire width of the cuff, to hold the spaces open for more looming downwards.

The picture above depicts me looming two seeds bead in between two warps and one seed bead in the row, along the outside edge. The width of the warps in the center, not yet loomed, were sized far enough apart to hand three seed beads across or one large bead in between two warps.

When I got to the desired length, I also loomed across the base.

Then I started the other side, the same way, looming just up the edges. Notice that I also used two beads per warps, giving a different look to the loomed beads. No one says we have to loom just one bead per warp pair!!!

When both sides were done, I began to fill the center, as shown below. I ran the weft through two beads, not the entire row, to loom the larger, (4mm) size beads down the center. This allows more room inside the outer beads for me to finalize, with an edging.

The 4mm were equal to three of the 11/0. Again, just a bit of calculation, but not much. Since many options can be available to create a similar looming, decide how many seed beads equal the large size bead width you are also looming, before warping the loom.

Once the entire length of this cuff was loomed, in this manner, I added the edging. I am not sharing this portion, for finishing the cuff, in this Blog post. You can use options I have shared in other posts, here in this Blog.

Usually I suggest warping the loom with a matching thread color, to the predominant bead color you are looming. However, to make a creative statement, I used a black thread this time. Because the warps are not running between every single seed bead, the dark warp thread give off a wide stripe feeling. As a matter of fact, I am going to use some line green or royal blue (with light color beads) to create another cuff using a loud color warp thread.

White weft threads are also a staple suggestion I give, but because you are turning the weft through rows of beads already loomed, multiple times, it would be better to continue the weft in the same color you warped. Don't forget to consider how the weft becomes the 'bead color boss', as I shared in another Blog post! This knowledge may also help you decide the bead finishes you choose. Here I opted for 'opaque' bead finishes, to handle the black weft thread and not change the color of my beads.

Adding Hand Woven Accents!

2011-09-12T22:09:00.003-04:00

I have completed the entire base, of this Christmas Tree Cuff. Here you can see I added three separate sections, creating the entire flow of the branches, along the bottom. This was not only the best way to complete this design, for the look of tree branches, but thinking further ahead...how the cuff will wrap around my wrist while being worn. Completing the design this way, the branches will sweep upwards on the ends, keeping the three front and center as opposed to totally wrapping around my wrist. I'll point this fact out again, when I share pictures of the completed cuff.

I started with the left lower portion, keeping the inside beaded section attached to the loom.

This addition what half hand woven and the rest completed directly on the edge of the looming. The tree will now have movement, as I mentioned in the first paragraph, in this post.

Let me share the stages that went into creating these beaded additions.

First, I hand wove a portion of the tree, based on a pattern I created, printing it in a loom and a brick stitch pattern. Working with both patterns, I drew a pencil around the sections I wanted to add as a 3D effect.

There is a long tail, of thread, at both ends of the off loom beading. One end is to attach the finished piece and the other will be used to continue the beading, along the loomed edge.

Once the beaded section was completed by hand, as far as I wanted it to hang over the loomed pattern, I turned the work to continue with my hand weaving. Once I finished the last bead, of the separate bead section, the loomed edge was used as the 'pick up thread' so I could continue with the penciled pattern. This also is the stage that it will now be attached to the looming.

When I reached the end of my pattern, for this particular section, I turned to run the weaving in the opposite direction. Exactly as is completed for any type of hand weaving.

I continue back and forth till my pattern is complete.

Each of the thread tails are then used to secure the top and portions of these beaded additions, to the looming.

The first picture, shown in this Blog Post, is sharing how I included three separate sections for the base of this tree. The center portion was a bit different, only in the fact I hand wove two sections, (left and right) before starting my attachment to the loomed edge.

I am working on each level of this tree, so it will be completely covered with layers of branches.

Cuff WIP!

2011-09-10T19:20:00.004-04:00

While working on a new pattern, it came to me that I haven't been sharing WIPs much, in my Blog. So, here is a picture of my next pattern, 'Work In Progress'.

Even though there are necessary changes I need to make to my bead journal of colors, I still prefer to work out a pattern and make bead color changes. Then, if the pattern is ever sold or shared, I know for a fact that it will work out perfect. One thing I will continue to say, "Never, ever purchase a bead looming pattern, if a graphic picture is the subject, without seeing it loomed first." So many patterns are sold, without being actually loomed. It can be very disheartening to purchase the pattern and all of the beads, only to find out, while looming, the colors are nothing like the pattern's picture depicts.

I have some extras to add to this cuff, but I am sure the subject matter is easy to figure out!

'Perlen Poesie' IBA 2011, Contest Results!

2011-09-08T12:52:00.007-04:00

It is wonderful news for 'Bead Looming'!
Of course, I am very happy and overwhelmed to have 'Placed', 1st & 2nd,
with my two entries:

"Spring Has Sprung"
1st PLACE, BEAD LOOMING

"A Glorious Day"
Tied, 2nd PLACE, BEAD LOOMING

'Perlen Poesie', (A Popular Beading Magazine, Published in Germany), has made a wonderful decision to include 'Bead Looming' as a separate category, in their First Annual Beading Contest! I was so happy to see this listing and it was a given, for me, to enter! My hopes are to expose more, of this beading technique. Whether it be in 'beading contest categories', 'the subject of bead weaving articles', 'included as a subscriber's bead work, in bead magazines', 'on the cover of publications', 'a focused web site', or 'huddling Groups of Bead Loomers, on FB, (which is going on now..read my side bar notes)!

I realize the lack of interest may be due to the lack of means to 'manage the warps'. My methods, devised over my many years of looming beads, are the absolute best and finest techniques to make those warps disappear. Of course there have been other new techniques too, which can also be considered. However, I feel so strong about my means of warp management that I am presently working on a venue to share it with everyone, making the first part of the year 2012 the year of "Bringing Bead Looming To The Forefront Of Beading Techniques!" Waiting for a decision to publish a book and being told, "It is all about timing", is not my mode any more!

A new Loomed Christmas Cuff, 'Fat Santa'!

2011-09-07T18:06:00.003-04:00

This may seem early to post such a pattern, but it won't be until Christmas, or after the first of the year, that I can share some new and exciting news with everyone! I think this new venture is going to offer more insight into my looming techniques, to everyone!

My 'Fat Santa' loomed cuff, shown aboive, includes a bead swag of holly and berries, with 15/0 gold metallic ribbon. Then, a beaded Christmas Tree and Rudolph are creating the charms that dangle while wearing. The top of this picture shows the adjustable chain. I added some lamp work glass beads, candy and a tree bulb!

I am sharing one Christmas cuff here, but have been working on many new patterns, which I will share little by little!

Loomed Needle Case & Scissor Holder!

2011-09-02T11:52:00.010-04:00

Being an avid beader, I too need a special place to keep my needles and scissors. It also helps to have something pretty to use, while bead looming! I have loomed needles cases before, but recently revamped the pattern.

This case has a graphed pattern of a silver needle, being threaded with 15/o gold metallic glass seed beads and Iris Blue Potato Pearls. The length of this case is perfect to hold my loooong looming needles.

Because I also use short needles, for finishing and sometimes narrows strips of looming, I also created a second loomed layer, on the back. This is now a handy little pocket to hold my shorter beading needles. My initial made the perfect graphic.

Before I totally zipped up the sides, I added a swatch of 'bead mat' to hold any single needles or those I like to have held for the next time I pick up a loom! The inside then doubles as a case to hold my long needles and to hold any needles in use.

After thinking hard on ways to make a holder for my beading scissors, I decided to stay with my usual mode of, sticking them into a rubberized wine bottle cork. This holds them well, with out any damage to the scissor tips. The rubberized cork also mends itself when not in use, so it can hold any size scissors, should I decide to change the type I prefer.

Here again are the same Delica bead colors used to loom the needles case. I also included the Iris Blue Potato Pearls and capped it off with a Deep Blue 18mm Rivoli and Permanent Gold Metallic seed beads, 11/o.

The opposite end is finished with a large surround to frame the rubberized cork, again to accommodate more then one size of scissors, if needed.

This is the most interesting and total Ah-Ha moment for me, a loomed circle sleeve to wrap around the rubberized cork! My first thought was to hand weave a sleeve, but I am so much more comfortable behind a loom. I knew there had to be ways to create this sleeve on a loom, so I tried out some of my techniques I invented to finish other loomed pieces, (using my warp management techniques).

You can see the close is flawless! I was so happy this worked out for me.

Now I have another chapter to include in my book! I would bet there are also ways to loom rings....hmmmm....let me think on this one!