Beaded Ubuntu Dish - Updated 1/31/26

January 31, 2026--Done!!  I added two additional rows of beads to the upper edge, then bezelled the center Rivoli.  Bezelling anything is very new to me and my inexperience shows--mine is a little off center.  But it's done and I'm pretty happy with it.  And my rings, earrings, etc. look wonderful sitting in the dish.

Ubunto Dish Completed Top View

Ubunto Dish Completed Side View

Ubuntu Dish Sitting on Bath Countertop Holding Jewelry

January 22, 2026--All 14 panels have been beaded and stitched together, and I love how lacy it looks.  This is larger than expected (about 5" in diameter).  The bead colors (white with navy and gold edges) are perfect together.  Next up is the bezelled Rivoli placed in the center of the dish.  I have very little (almost none) experience in doing this, so I see lots of "two steps backward for every one forward" in my future.  Wish me luck.

Ubuntu Dish in Process - Side View

Ubuntu Dish in Process - Top View

January 11, 2026--I'm a member of the Seed Beads and More Facebook page where I found a free pattern designed by Cath Thomas called Ubuntu Dish for 2025 International Bead Week (IBW).  The project, as designed, is done with different color beads for each of the 14 "panels".  I decided to work up mine in all white with a navy blue and gold edge.  

I hesitated to tackle this, not knowing if I would be able to do such a complicated project.  However, after sitting down for an hour or so to completely comprehend the instructions, I found that I could easily work this up because the instructions were so well done.  And I also discovered that yes, you can teach an old dog a new trick or two.

Here's the project as designed:

Ubuntu Dish as Designed

Here it is in my colorway.  So far, I've done 4 of the 14 panels:

Ubuntu Dish - 4 Panels Done to date

This will be perfect to place on my bath vanity for holding rings, earrings, etc. that I wear every day.