Necklace Beaded Kumihimo Mixed Metals - 3/18/26

March 18, 2026--I recently finished another Kumihimo beaded necklace kit designed by Rebecca Combs of Design and Adorn.  I love how it came it and look forward to wearing it with my neutrals.

Necklace Beaded Kumihimo Mixed Metals

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.

Pin Poinsettia 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.

June 27, 2025--Done!  I was obsessed with working on this pin and got it done in no time.  Loved learning how this design was "built up" and shaped.   

I had some bar pins on hand (cannot remember why I purchased them and am surprised I was able to find them so easily), so stitched one to the back and it's now ready to wear as a pin.

Here's the result:

Pin Poinsettia Beaded Completed

Pin Poinsettia Beaded Side View

Pin Poinsettia Beaded Back View

Bar Pins for Poinsettia Pin

 Please see the post below for more information about this project. 

June 25, 2025--Yesterday I worked on the beaded poinsettia pin class taught by Kay Ackerman at the EGA MAR 2025 Seminar in Gettysburg, PA and got through Page 14.  Whew.  I've done some flat peyote beaded bracelets but never learned how to make 3D items, so this class was perfect.  Below is my progress to date as well as a project photo showing what the poinsettia should look like when I get it done (fingers crossed this will happen).

Pin Poinsettia Beaded Through Page 14

Pin Poinsettia Project Photo Size View

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

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 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

Bracelet Peyote Marrakesh - Updated 9/17/24

September 17, 2024--Won a 1st Place Ribbon in the Beadwork category at Rehoboth Beach Museum's 12th Annual Needlework Exhibition in Rehoboth Beach, DE.  So pleased.

September 18, 2023--I just finished peyote beading this beautiful bracelet kit designed by June Wiseman of Jill Wiseman Designs.   The written instructions were wonderful, and if you need extra help, Jill has lots of YouTube videos that cover all aspects of beading, from full projects to separate techniques.   

I wish you could see the sparkle of this bracelet.  I added the gold picot edge using size 15 seed beads to hide the thread along the edges that could be seen.  With this kit I learned how to make a beaded toggle along with a peyote beaded loop.   Now I know how to finish my bracelets and necklaces without having to purchase metal toggles, sliding locks, etc.

Bracelet Peyote Marrakesh Flat

Russian Spiral Bracelet - 05/15/23

May 15, 2023--I now have a bracelet to match the Russian Spiral necklace (see below).  Matchie, matchie, I say.  And I love how it sparkles and can be dressed up or down.  I now see myself wearing these two pieces with blue jeans quite often.

Russian Spiral Bracelet 2023-05

May 11, 2023--As I fall deeper into the rabbit hole of beaded jewelry making, I have another item to show off, so to speak.  This time its's a Russian Spiral necklace using the pattern given me at a bracelet class taken from Karen Baratta but elongated into necklace length from which I can hang various pendants.  The beads used are silver-lined straw gold, size 11, and silver-lined cobalt blue, size 8.  This is so pretty that I want to now make a matching bracelet and a pendant (stay tuned for this one).

Russian Spiral Beaded Necklace 2023-05-11

Russian Spiral Necklace - 5/11/23

May 11, 2023--As I fall deeper into the rabbit hole of beaded jewelry making, I have another item to show off, so to speak.  This time its's a Russian Spiral necklace using the pattern given me at a bracelet class taken from Karen Baratta but elongated into necklace length from which I can hang various pendants.  The beads used are silver-lined straw gold, size 11, and silver-lined cobalt blue, size 8.  This is so pretty that I want to now make a matching bracelet and a pendant (stay tuned for this one).

Russian Spiral Beaded Necklace 2023-05-11

Beaded Bracelet Peyote Dogwood - 4/1/23

April 1, 2023--I'm hooked on working up beaded bracelets, and this time it's a peyote beaded one with a dogwood button clasp.  I love the YouTube videos produced by Beads Gone Wild, the shop where I purchased the kit for this bracelet.  They give you lots of detailed instructions, much of which can be used in other projects.   

And I'm continuing to work on my ANG Master Needlepointer Certificate Program, Stage 2.  All of the designing, drafting and testing on the last section of this project have been done and I'm happily stitching away.  I actually believe the stitching and report will be completed in plenty of time (deadline for mailing is about April 17th).   I should be able to blog about it once the piece has been "graded", sometime in early Summer.  Stay tuned.

Bracelet Dogwood Peyote Laid Out

Bracelet Dogwood Peyote

Beaded Bracelet Holiday Russian Spiral - 3/26/23

March 26, 2023--Here I go--deeper into the rabbit hole of beading delight.  I ordered some kits on sale from Beads Gone Wild and easily completed this beautiful Holiday Russian Spiral bracelet.   The kit had everything--beads, thread, toggle hardware, instructions, needles, etc.  I was also able to find additional video instructions on YouTube.  

Now I have to discipline myself to finish Stage 2 of ANG's Master Needlepointer Certification program.  The last portion required some serious planning, drafting, graphing, etc.  That's behind me now and all I need do is stitch it up.  It all still requires a lot of counting.  Whine, whine....wine, wine.

Holiday Russian Spiral Bracelet--kit by Beads Gone Wild

Bracelet Beaded Taught by Dinna V - 2/23/23

February 23, 2023--Yesterday I met with a group of serious beaded jewelry makers and am about to fall into a delightful rabbit hole.    Our host showed us her gorgeous necklaces and bracelets and found a simple bracelet design for me to copy.   She even gave me the supplies to work it up.  

The pattern is simple enough--one large bead, then add five seed beads, a small bead, then 5 seed beads.  That's basically it.  Of course, sewing it together requires a particular technique, but that's for the experts to teach.  

Now I really want to make more of everything, especially peyote beaded pieces.  

I know making beaded jewelry isn't needlepoint, but it does involve one half of the needlepoint requirement of “any counted or free stitchery worked by hand with a threaded needle on a readily counted ground” (I have a threaded needle in hand to make jewelry).   So, I'm good with it and will call it "needlework".

Thank you, Dinna V, for supplying me with the beautiful beads, thread and clasp to work up the bracelet pictured below.  

Bracelet Russian Spiral Beaded - 1/20/23

January 20, 2023--Ever since I learned the Peyote Stitch to make the needle case cover while on the Rhine River Cruise last spring (click here), I've wanted to learn more about making things with beads.  At the Rehoboth Beach Needlework Exhibition, I met an award-winning beading artist who got me in touch with a local bead teacher named Donna Baratta who teaches beaded jewelry classes out of the Rehoboth Art League facility.

So yesterday I was finally able to set in motion my plans for beaded jewelry making and I'm a happy camper indeed.  Below are photos of my results after 4 hours in class.   The bracelet is made with size 8 brown and size 11 gold seed beads.  I also discovered there's a bead shop in Laurel, MD, about 2 hours from my home, called Bead Soup that should satisfy my bead lust, so to speak.  Stay tuned for more in the months and years ahead.

I highly recommend taking a class with Donna.  She's very patient, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about everything beading.

Bracelet Russian Spiral Closed

Bracelet Russian Spiral Closeup of Toggle

Bracelet Russian Spiral Open