The Feathers tutorial can be adapted to make these bracelets. An extra row of magatama beads is added in the centre of the braid on one side only. The advantage of this is that you can get the full magatama look, but use far fewer beads. In addition the bracelet sits beautifully on the wrist because the inside of the …
There are few things more satisfying than finding just what you need in a forgotten corner of your crafting stash. I was sent an amazing array of magatama beads by the lovely Jamie North and couldn’t wait to get started on them. I wanted to make something to go with a particular top so I picked out some delicious beads …
Cats really know how to show their disdain for you efforts, don’t they? I don’t mind if Benson has a little sniff at or play with my kumihimo, but this is going too far!
I was really delighted to learn that my latest Kumihimo design is featured on this month’s Beads & Beyond magazine. It should be in the shops now, so look out for it and if you see it tucked behind other magazines, please do me a favour and bring it to the front! Kumihimo deserves to take centre stage. The design …
A friend asked me to make her a bracelet for a special event, in brown and orange, which would make a real statement and be a bit of fun. It was to be worn with a plain brown dress, with no other jewellery or accessories. I raided my stash and found these ultra reflective beads. I have no idea what …
What a simply beautiful interpretation of my Luscious Lentils tutorial by Jamie North. She has used size 8 seed beads and glass dagger beads. The colours are just gorgeous. It is really exciting for me to see such a special bracelet made from my tutorial and I have to say that Jamie has a real way with beads. I think …
It is never a good idea to settle down to threading on a complicated beaded pattern when you are tired. Something is bound to go wrong. Last night I was keen to get this bracelet finished, so I battled on and then suddenly saw this bead out of place. I unbraided up to that point and recounted the beads on …
The bracelet in my Precious Posy tutorial is a riot of colourful flowers, but this doesn’t have to be the case. If you want something sleek and sophistocated you can swap the flowers and larger beads for seed beads in another colour. You will need the chart in the tutorial to get this effect of one colour on top and …
I have been very busy recently writing a tutorial for Beads & Beyond magazine. Obviously I can’t give too much away, but here is a glimpse of some of the tools and materials I have been using! I love the autumnal tones of the wire and I have really enjoyed working with such pliable and well-behaved wire! I never know …
One of the most exciting things about writing tutorials is seeing what other people make. A design can go in a completely new direction in someone else’s hands. A great example of this is Jamie North’s fabulous interpretation of my wire bracelet. Not only is the execution of the wire braiding really precise and even, but the choice of clasp …
