Bead blog recap weeks 48-49

New Baroque finish. Photo courtsey of Miyuki Co, Ltd

A little belated, but here it is: Manekis pärlblogg in review, a summary of the last two weeks of blogging on my other blog. Everything from bead shop guides and bead embroidery techniques to contest tips and new bead finishes (I so want some of those Baroque seed beads now!).




Seed bead ring contest
Spanish bead shop Beads Perles have announced their latest beading contest. This time you should create a unique fingerring using seed beads as the main component.

Sneakpeak at the Swedish bead shop  map
I'm mentioned the map here on the blog once before. Now it's got an overhaul and a new home. Will soon be writing more about it on this blog too.

American turquoise mines
Find a map showing where different american turquoises are found, including such famed names as Sleeping Beauty.

Bead cap embroidery
Bead caps are often used in stringing and similar techniques, but they can also be used in bead embroidery. Usually used to frame or support beads, but they can also be used on their own.

Rizo -- new bead shape
Sabine Lippert have unveiled a new shape of czech pressed-glass bead called Rizo. Rizo is a rice-shaped top-drilled bead, bridging the gap between daggers and drops.

Smashed penny jewellery
Smashed pennies, aka elongated coins or souvenir pennies, can be turned into jewellery. Find many ideas here.

Beaded stem stitch
Stem stitch is a simple yet striking bead embroidery stitch. Use one colour or two-three to get the illusion of twisted cords.

December bead soup palette, part one
The base for the long simmering bead soup that'll be added to throughout the month. Also published on this blog.

Baroque pearl finish from Miyuki
Miyuki has presented a new finish for large seed beads and acrylic pearls. Baroque is a deliciously textured pearl finish.

Gothenburg bead conference sign-up opens
December 1st was the first day to sign-up for the new bead meet in Göteborg/Gothenburg in spring.

Thimble jewellery
Ideas and projects for turning thimbles into pendants and jewellery.

Embellish jewellery components
Add crystals to metal jewellery components, including filigrees and DIY wire components.

Clump beading
Fun and interesting dimensional bead embroidery technique.

DIY abacus -- from maxi to mini
Learn how to make abacused that can be used for wall art, educational toys, counting or even jewellery -- using everyting from chunky and cheap wooden beads to swarovski crystals.

Ornament hangers
Make simple or beaded ornament hooks/hangers for your favourite christmas ornaments.

Christmas ornament swap
Slöjdakademin has arranged a swedish ornament swap this year too.

Panduro Hobby craft contest
Show how to make your best craft project or idea for a chance to win giftcards at the scandinavian chain of craft shops.