The Blog

Getting Ready for Halloween

With Halloween coming up I thought this spider web design might be of interest. If you have ever made a tree of life wire pendant you will know that they are surprisingly easy to make and great fun. This design is made in much the same way and is not at all difficult. The key to it is using very …

I’ve gone digital!

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 …

It is finally ready!

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 …

Black and Gold Contrast Bracelets

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 …

A new look for the Feathers Tutorial

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 …

Purple Feathers

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 …

How disrespectful!

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!

Read all about it … Kumihimo on the front cover!

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 …

Shiny, shiny, shiny!

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 …

Wow!

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 …