Necklace and Bracelet Beaded Ombre - 3/12/26

March 26, 2026--I just finished another beaded necklace and bracelet set, Ombre, by Rebeca Ann Combs of Design & Adorn. I love how the colors transition from deep navy blue to speckled gold.

The pieces were created using a Kumihimo disk with eight lengths of beaded cord, and the instructions were clear, well written, and easy to follow. Through this project, I learned how to cover a metal magnetic end cap using peyote‑stitched Delica beads—a small detail that adds a beautiful, professional finish and was surprisingly easy to do.

Necklace and Bracelet Beaded Ombre

Kumihimo Disk Setup

Necklace Beaded Casual Friday - 2/18/26

February 18, 2026--Thoroughly enjoyed beading up this necklace called Casual Friday designed by Glenda Paunonen of Beads Gond Wild.  I purchased the full kit which included all the beads, pendant, clasp and thread, along with an easy to read and understand set of instructions.    The pendant is removable, so I can wear something different with the necklace.  Love options.

Necklace Casual Friday Finished

Necklace Casual Friday Being Worn

Necklace Beaded Dreaming of Venice - 2/12/26

 February 12, 2026--Here's another beaded necklace I worked up designed by Design and Adorn called Dreaming of Venice.  I ordered the full kit which included an excellent set of instructions, beads, pendant, string, needle, Tierra Cast toggle clasp and endcaps, jump rings, etc.  This necklace is done using a Kumihimo disk which I love--it makes for a very portable project since the beads are pre-strung, and each string is rolled up on a bobbin (8 of them).   I love the "ombre" color movement from light, silvery blue on the sides to black with gold interspersed in the center.    In fact, the hardest thing about this necklace was the exact count required for stringing up the beads.  Once that's done, it's easy to move forward on the disk.

The last time I worked up one of these Kumihimo necklaces, I learned how to easily fix errors, so was able to do this while working with the light blue, silvery beads.  Once I started placing black beads, I see now that I missed a few.  Fortunately, the spots with the missing beads are not visible, so I'm not going to stress about it.  

Necklace and Bracelet Beaded Chenille Stitch - 2/11/26

February 11, 2026--I worked on this project off and on for over a period of 12 months, even having to order more dark blue beads.  The color of the #8 blue beads is called Montana, and I've used this color in other beaded projects--love it.  The size 8 white beads are a mix of matte, shiny, clear, opaque, etc. called "White Wedding Mix".  I like how it seems to give depth to the chenille stitch.  The instructions were done by Jill Wiseman Designs and these, along with her YouTube videos, made the stitch extremely easy to work up.  Next time I'll make a necklace set using size 11 beads.  It'll be narrower but will make an excellent "rope" for an embellished pendant.

Necklace and Bracelet Beaded Chenille Stitch

I just realized I haven't posted anything about beaded jewelry since September of 2024.  That's too long.

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.

Bracelet Beaded Windows to the Past - Updated 3/27/25

March 27, 2025--This project has died on the vine.  I found that I'm too inexperienced to do this bracelet and was constantly undoing and redoing every step.  Then redoing it again.  This actually became a very "unfun" project and I decided enough was enough.  I took it all apart, stored the beads in their little bags, and put everything away.  Maybe I'll tackle this another day, or maybe I won't.

I feel much better now that I've made that decision and can move on to something new (and more wearable).

October 3, 2024--I'm working on a beautiful, beaded bracelet designed by Cynthia Rutledge called Windows to the Past.  I took this as a zoom class last month and even though I didn't learn much (the class was more of a stitch-in with participants who knew the instructor well), I'm managing to muddle through.  So far, I've redone the large CZ bezel twice and, for the second time, am beading up the large piece that goes around the CZ.  The band itself is odd count peyote with a very different method of "turning" using a step up, step down, process.  Directions have to be followed precisely.   This project is a serious challenge for me, but so far, I'm up to the task.  Here's what I've accomplished so far:

Bracelet Beaded Windows to the Past In Process

Like in needlepoint, there's lots of thread spaghetti when taking a class.

Scarf Chevron Beaded - Updated 9/12/25

September 12, 2025--Won a 1st Place Ribbon in the Beading category at Rehoboth Beach Museum's 13th Annual Needlework Exhibition in Rehoboth Beach, DE.  So pleased.

September 14, 2024--While attending the Makers' Festival (bead show) in Lancaster, PA at the beginning of August, I had the pleasure of meeting Barb, the owner of Owl Be Beading out of Bethlehem, PA.  I purchased her Chevron Scarf kit in the silver, grey, black and blue colorway which I've just completed.  I love it!  The photos below don't do the colors justice, and I still need to learn how to best have the folds hang around my neck.   The scarf is beaded with size 11 beads and the pattern was very detailed and easy to follow.  I'm considering doing another in a gold/black/tan colorway.

Scarf Chevron Finished

Scarf Chevron Finished Shown Flat

Scarf Chevron Finished Shown around Neck

Owl Be Beading has Zoom bead-ins on Wednesday evenings and I hope to be able to participate in this activity soon.  

Bracelet and Necklace Super Duo Rope Designed by Susan Sassoon - 9/4/24

September 4, 2024--Some time ago I acquired a pattern to make a rope necklace designed by Susan Sassoon using Super Duo beads.  After searching online for some colors I might like, and not finding anything that appealed to me, I decided to see if I could find something that would work while at the Makers Festival in Lancaster, PA that took place at the beginning of August.   Unfortunately, there wasn't much of a selection to be found, so I landed up with some gold "mixes" as well as something called Milky Way mix.   Then, after getting about 6" worked up, I ran out of beads and had a devil of a time finding more.  Red Panda Beads to the rescue.  Note to self--when purchasing stuff from vendors at the Maker Festival and other similar venues, be sure to buy plenty because if you run out, the likelihood of being able to purchase more from the vendor is slim to none.  

After ordering more beads, I had enough to also make a bracelet.  Very happy with how both came out.  The magnetic clasps (also purchased at the above-mentioned Makers festival) work wonderfully and I'm glad I have more on hand for future projects.  I can even elongate the necklace by adding the bracelet to the back.  Looks really good.

Bracelet and Necklace Super Duo Beads Designed by Susan Sassoon

The four spirals consist of Milky Way Mix black, Milky Way Mix variegated (separated the two colors to make two of the spirals), matte gold, and a matte gold mix.  Much prettier in person than in the photo.

Bracelet and Necklace Kumihimo Beading Amethyst-Topaz - Updated 8/7/24

August 7, 2024--Now the necklace has a matching bracelet.  Love how the multi-colored beads shine and shimmer.  This time, instead of using wire to secure the end caps, I'm trying the E6000 glue.  So far so good.

Bracelet Kumihimo Beading Amethyst-Topaz

July 21, 2024--I was finally able to gather up all the "hardware" needed to finish this necklace.  Firstly, I had to purchase a caliper in order to know how wide and how deep the end caps needed to be.  Then to find end caps in a dark bronze color I wanted along with matching crimp beads and wire.  Amazon to the rescue--I was able to purchase these bits and pieces (called "findings" by beading stores) in varieties of sizes and colors.  So today I put it all together and here's a photo of the results (BTW, it looks gorgeous with just about all of my tops).

Necklace Kumihimo Beading Finished

Necklace Kumihimo Beading End Caps and Clasp

June 30, 2024--I wanted to learn another method of beading and came across Jill Wiseman's DVD entitled "Kumihimo with Beads" which explained everything I wanted to learn.  She covered how to set up the Kumihimo disc, how to place beads on the cords (and how many to use), how to weave the cords, how to finish the project using various clasps, wires, crimps, end capes, etc.   

Most important for me was how to fix a mistake (missing a bead, for example) by reversing the steps until you get to the spot that needs repair, then how to figure out where to start again.  I found myself using her repair technique more than once and the results were perfect.   

I've finished beading the necklace and am waiting on orders for the finishing items (end caps, wire, clasp, etc.).   Here's the necklace ready for the finishing hardware.  It's 29" long and I can fold a knot in the front to shorten the length if desired.  The Amethyst Topaz size 8 beads using a medium gold cord were purchased from The Twisted Bead in Annapolis, MD.  

I'm now going to look for more ideas of using various sizes and types of beads on my Kumihimo disc.

Necklace Kumihimo Beads Completed

Necklace Kumihimo Beads on Cords with alligator weight for tension control

Necklace Kumihimo Set Up on Disc

DVD Video Screen Shot

Necklace and Bracelet Shell Game - Updated 7/6/24

July 6, 2024--Loved the Shell Game bracelet so much that I ordered more beads to make a necklace.  Fortunately, Jill Wiseman had the same bronze size 8 and 11 beads available.  The bugle beads, even though they have the same number, are just a bit darker than the ones used for the bracelet, but not enough to bother me.   Here it is.

Necklace Shell Game

May 17, 2024--I've just finished another beaded bracelet and love how different this one is compared to others I've done.   This one, called Shell Game, is designed by June Wiseman and took just a few hours to work up.    I'd love to have a necklace using this pattern, so may call Jill Wiseman to see if the same beads are available.

Bracelet Beaded Shell Game Finished

Bracelet and Earrings Tila Bead Stackers - Updated 6/9/24

June 9, 2024--Worked up a pair of earrings to match the bracelet and think they came out rather cute.  

Bracelet and Earrings Tila Bead Stackers 

June 4, 2024--Loved beading up this bracelet and was able to do it in one day.  This is a free pattern designed by Deborah Roberti using full, half and quarter size Tila beads along with size 11 Delica beads purchased from Red Panda.  

I stumbled upon this online bead shop and found they often kit up various projects which makes it easy to do one-stop shopping.  They offered free shipping and were having a holiday and anniversary sale--perfect!  Now I'd like to bead up some matching earrings.

Bracelet Tila Bead Stackers on Wrist

This will look wonderful with blue jeans (which I practically live in).

Bracelet and Earrings Gala - 6/7/24

June 7, 2024--I fell in love with this free bracelet and earrings pattern called "Gala" designed by Deborah Roberti in 2022.  This was another one of those projects where Red Panda Beads put together a kit for me with beads purchased during their big holiday and anniversary sale.   The instructions called for a large tear drop bead as part of the earrings, but none, except for large, heavy ones, were available, so I just copied the bracelet sequence, and like how it came out.

Bracelet and Earrings Gala Finished

Bracelet and Earrings June 2012 Design - 5/29/24

May 29, 2024--This is another Deb Moffett-Hall bracelet and earrings set I've just finished beading from her 2012 monthly series.  It has lots of sparkle and will look great with just about anything.  

Bracelet and Earrings June 2012 Design Finished

Star 3D Five-Pointed Peyote Beaded - Updated 5/20/24

May 20, 2024--And now there are two.  I loved the pattern to this 3D Peyote Beaded Star so much that I just had to make another one--this time in navy blue with white bicones.   I'm amazed at how different it looks even though everything except the colors is the same.  Same size beads, same pattern, same size bicones, etc.  I suspect it's because the gold Delica beads surrounding the bicones are so light and pale, they don't show up as much on the white star as the do on the blue one, making the triangles on the blue star look so much larger.  Interesting effect.

Star Beaded Peyote 3D - Strictly Beading in Blue - Finished

Star Beaded Peyote 3D - Strictly Beading, One in Blue, One in White - Finished

April 2, 2024--After working up the 3D 5-pointed mini beaded stars, I just knew this beauty would be next.  It's a larger 5-pointed 3D star designed by Phyllis Zunte and I found the pattern on Etsy.  You can see the back of the star through the center opening.   It has lots of dimension and sparkle.  As you can see in the photos below, the star is made up of five "warped" squares that are zipped together.  I'm discovering lots of patterns using this technique, but for now, I think I'll stitch this one again with dark blue seed beads and pearl colored bicones outlined in gold seed beads.

Star Beaded Peyote 3D - Strictly Beading - Finished

Star Beaded Peyote 3D - Strictly Beading - Finished Side View

Star Beaded Peyote 3D - Strictly Beading - 5 Sections

Star Beaded Peyote 3D - Strictly Beading - 1 Section

Star Beaded Peyote 3D - Strictly Beading - 4 Sections Stitched Together

Bracelet and Earrings December 2012 Design

April 26, 2024--Just finished beading up this adorable bracelet and earrings set designed by Deb Moffett-Hall entitled December 2012.   It's made with gold and copper beads along with bronze fire polish gems.  The earrings are the first I've ever done and had no trouble with Deb's wonderful instructions.

The set will be fun to wear.

Bracelet and Earrings December 2012 Pattern Finished

Bracelet Beaded Filled Right Angle Weave - 3/9/24

March 9, 2024--Yesterday I took a class from Donna Baratta at the Rehoboth Beach Art League on how to work up a filled right angle weave bracelet.  She supplied everything we needed--beads, button for closure, thread, needles, lighting, scissors, bead mat, written instructions, etc.  Love this technique and we managed to get everything done in the time allotted (4 hours).  I now want to make this again, but two additional rows wider.  Here it is with silvery white seed beads and very shiny dark blue 4mm Czech fire polished crystals.  

Bracelet Beaded Filled Right Angle Weave Finished

Stars Beaded Mini 3D Warped 5 Pointed - 12/20/23

December 20, 2023--Recently learned how to bead up this adorable mini five-pointed warped star, so of course, I had to do two of them.  It starts off in the shape of a folded over square, worked up five times, then zippered together.   Fun.

Star Beaded Mini 5 Point Warped Bordeau Mix

Star Beaded Mini 5 Point Warped Neutrals Mix

Star Beaded Mini 5 Point Warped Stars

Red area is one of five "squares" that is folded in half (the warping occurs in the center of the square).  The diagonal lines show where the squares are "zippered" together.

This shows the fifth square getting zippered to the first square, but only after stuffing is inserted. 

Bracelet Flat Herringbone with Two Hole Duo Beads - 12/13/23

December 13, 2023--I continue to learn new things every time I bead up a project.  This time it was how to make a flat herringbone bracelet with two-hole "duo" and seed beads using a free pattern from Jill Wiseman Designs.   It was fun to do.  However, finding just the right colors proved to be a bit more daunting.  I found a shop in Annapolis, MD called the Twisted Bead which had multi-colored packs of Duo beads.  I chose one which contained dark bronze, light blue, very pale blue, silver and clear duo beads.   An interesting selection.  I used dark bronze seed beads to connect the Duo beads.

I tried to be random at how I placed the Duo beads, but found I just had to pick out the five colors to place in each row.   Then I worked very hard NOT to have the colors line up next to, on top of, or below each other.  Whew.   Random--nope!

Bracelet Flat Herringbone with Two Hole Duo Beads

Beaded Bracelet Peyote Silk Flowers - 9/19/23

September 19, 2023--Won 2nd Place Ribbon in the Beadwork category at Rehoboth Beach Museum's 11th Annual Needlework Exhibition in Rehoboth Beach, DE.  So pleased.

April 20, 2023--Another bracelet worked up.  This one is done in the peyote stitch with lots of color changes.  Learned so much with this one--how to organize lots of different bead colors on my beading tray, how to decrease the bracelet ends, how to make a "ruffled" side edge with beads, how to place a tubular clasp with decorative beading, etc.  Thank you to Beads Gone Wild for another excellent kit with easy to understand instructions.

Bracelet Peyote Silk Flowers Laid Flat

Bracelet Peyote Silk Flowers On Wrist

Bracelet Peyote Silk Flowers On Wrist