Michael's to the Rescue!

I decided that my daughter's necklace needed something more... After almost finishing it, it seemed that there was not really a repitition of the exact color of the kiwi jade in the necklace proper. I scanned all my many boxes of beads, but couldn't find anything that exact color, texture and opacity. I went to Michaels and found the same stone - they were calling it Korean Jade - and then was able to find more beads in that tonal range. I may or may not use all of them in the design, but I was delighted to have more options!

I haven't been to Michael's in a long while, and I was delighted in the variety of beads and findings that they had. Of course some of it is junk and you need to know what you are looking for. I probably wouldn't buy my main stash there. But it's good to know I have a local resource.

I couldn't find the teal beads I need to finish the watchband though. I heard from BeadFX, they WERE bought there, but are now discontinued. I'll wait a little longer and see if any turn up, but otherwise I'm going to have to take the watchband apart and remake it. Unfortunately, with all the knotting I've done, it's probably going to have to be SNIP and redo. Will keep you posted.

Got a full time job, started yesterday, so I don't know how that's gonna affect my beading. I'm working 3 to 11:30 pm for training and not sure what the regular schedule will be.

Free Patterns!

I've really enjoyed posting on my blog so far, and I hope you've enjoyed it too. It occurred to me that some of you may not have visited my website as yet and took advantage of my free patterns.
Angel Jewelry
Beaded Cabochon
Beading Basics
Cowgirl Valentine
Gem Heart Bracelet

Let me know if these are helpful to you. Bead Blessed!

Fresh Kiwi Update

I had some time tonight to work on my daughter's necklace tonight. I finished one side of the necklace and the clasp. I may interweave another row of seed beads if I can find the right color, I haven't decided for sure yet.

I also started on the bracelet. I've been looking for a full time job and finally found one... so my beading time may suffer! You either have time to bead and no money to buy more beads... or no time to bead and still no money to buy beads! My hubby thinks the number of beads I have already is scandalous and says I can't die until I use them all up. I may live forever or even longer! LOL

Beads Needed for Watchband

Hopefully this pic shows a little more clearly the beads I need... They are a slightly flattened, very rich teal, transparent glass bead about 9x5mm. I thought I bought them from BeadFX but didn't see anything like them on the website. If you have any idea where I can get a few, please let me know! I probably need less than a dozen. Thanks!

Fresh Kiwi Jade

Fresh Kiwi Jade!

I finished my Sun-Moons-Stars set and have listed it on Artfire.
This pic shows the sparkle of this amazing set, but the colors are a bit faded from the glare.

This is truer to the bead colors but you can't really see the sparkle! I was pleased with how it turned out.

Bad news about my watch band, I ran out of the main beads I needed and can't find a supplier! I really hate the idea of starting all over.

I started a new set for my daughter's birthday coming up in March. It's called Fresh Kiwi Jade, and here's a sneak preview! I bought the center piece and the FWPs from Pizazz, who recently went out of business. Such a refreshing unusual color! My daughter loves green, so I think she'll be pleased. Let me know what you think!

Here are the beads I'm going to use for the bracelet (I think!).