There is more than just one spider climbing up this water spout! I couldn’t resist these little fellows and they work so well in the Sitting Pretty bracelet. I interspersed them with lilac crackle beads and used one of the beads to finish off the cone. The pattern is very versatile and the sides of the braid can be lengthened …
I was contacted a while ago by the editor of Digital Beading Australia and asked to contribute a tutorial. We were still enjoying warm summer weather then and autumn was on its way, but I had to forget all of that and think up something light and fresh for the Australian spring. I had just taken possession of some of …
My latest tutorial is finally ready to be published. I had hoped that it would be on the website a couple of weeks ago, but all sorts of things have come in my way. The good news is that it has just gone into the shop. I will be very interested to see how this sells because it is my …
Here is another way of using the Feathers Tutorial. Contrasting bracelets look great worn together and can work well when the same beads are used for both bracelets and the cord is contrasted, as in this example. Alternatively, you can keep the cord the same and use contrasting beads. The clasps I have used are probably better suited to necklaces …
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 …
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 …
