Love Me, Love Me Not Bracelet

I felt a bit uneasy since complaining about my last embroider project; which sits unfinished still, however, after completing a flat peyote bracelet, I don't feel so bad.  Whipping up that flat peyote bracelet was soooo relaxing and I really had a chance to sit and meditate on some of the more important things in life.

I started with a B&W pattern by KFS that I found on Pinterest:

I chose this pattern because the December challenge for my OTTBS group was black and white with 1 additional color. I really loved the simplicity of the pattern and felt that I could incorporate a single color due to the one central element.

I started with the black and white and then decided to add a pop of teal metallic beads

I really love the end result and I added a simple beaded toggle clasp

This shot is more true to the real color of the teal beads

Now I must digress for a moment, I used some Toho cylinder beads that I bought (on sale) from A.C. Moore.  However, even though I have a nice selection of these beads, I have never used them and I hate them.  They are so wonky and inconsistent and I had a hard time continuing this piece because the beads were just not uniform.  I am used to beading with Miyuki delica beads and truly I am spoiled by the exact nature of delicas.  As usual, you get what you pay for, and I will never complain about the price of delicas again because it is obvious that Miyuki delicas trump Toho cylinder beads.

(Note: I am just referencing Toho cylinder beads, Toho seed beads are still #1 in my book)

All in all, I love the piece, but the Toho's are so annoying and I am seriously considering beading this pattern up using Miyuki delicas, but not right now.  I am going to work on something else that is relaxing (maybe I will give that bead embroider project another go ;-) )

Cabochon and Button Swap

I am so excited, I have finally have received the cabochon and buttons swap box. There were so many treasures to pick from within the box.

I particularly love the gemstone cabs 

The swap box concept involves taking out items you like that others have contributed and then putting in items from your own stash and sending it on to the next person so that they can swap out items.

I put in the following treasures:

I am so happy to share some of my favorite items with others and enjoyed this swap!

Ho Hum Bead Embroidery Aint So Fun

Whoa, ummm normally I fall into a welcomed trance when I bead, however, this project is really challenging for me.

This is a piece that I am working on for the 2013 Bead East Tenth Anniversary Challenge and I am not certain if it is because of the beads or the deadline but I am not feeling this piece.

The bead selection is just not what I would work with, and part of the challenge is to use 75% of the included beads only. The problem I am having is I have to think too much and since this is a freeform embroidery, the design is taking shape as I bead, so I am constantly thinking about where to put what.

I don't hate the piece, I am just feeling bored by it at this point, there are SO MANY BEADS (never thought I would ever say that). I just want it all to be over, but noooooo, I still have a gang of beads all over my board.

Hopefully I will make the deadline, but if I don't, I won't be too upset.