Tag: beading

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Award Winning Designs

Designed and Created by Me

Several of my designs have won awards which is always an honour when competing with peers.  

I enjoy competing in these exhibitions and competitions, as some have a theme to adhere to and that is a great way to get out of my comfort zone and learn a new technique or use a new material.

Immogen

1st Place - Jewellery Category - Perth Royal Show

Links of Artistic wire in Gunmetal were hand formed on a WigJig. They are linked to the Gunmetal wire wrapped Czech Jablonex Vitrial bicones by Boho Gold jump rings.

13 more Jablonex Vitrial bicones dangle from Boho Gold headpins. Satin ribbons form the clasp enabling the design to be worn at a range of lengths. 

Citrus Garden

2nd Place - Beading Category - Perth Royal Show

More than 130 single Xilion cut 4mm Swarovski crystals in Jonquil, Light topaz, Sunflower and Swarovski 5301 in Sun are matched with Miyuki 11/0 Transparent AB Green Delicas in this gorgeous necklace. 

Swarovski Crystal diamantes and a faceted teardrop complete the design.

Tropical Adventures

3rd Place - Original Design Category - Perth Royal Show

Award winning design: Chenille stitched long necklace

Sections of tubular chenille stitch in yellow and green are punctuated with sections of Czech druk beads and tiny silver stars. 

A beautiful Lamp-work bead (looks a bit like a pineapple) and beaded tassel hangs from a Peyote stitched bail.

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Betty

1st Place - Beading - Woven (on or off Loom) Division

This gorgeous bracelet received 1st Place in the Beading – Woven (on or off Loom) Division of the West Australian Lapidary and Rockhunting Clubs Annual Awards.

Transparent cherry red glass beads & opaque metallic gold mix glass seed-beads are combined with stitching and wire to create this cheerful bracelet.

5 sets of “cherry” charms are created using the same red glass beads and Czech pressed glass leaves.

A lobster claw clasp and extension chain complete the design. From the extension chain drips another red glass bead.

Frances

2nd Place - Beading - Woven (on or off Loom) Division

Like a wild but contained garden. Gorgeous transparent Czech pressed glass bell flowers and leaves drip from these spirals like buds bursting into bloom.

I am excited to say this beautiful Frances Green Spiral Rope Necklace has just been awarded 2nd place in the Beading – Woven (on or off Loom) Division of the West Australian Lapidary and Rockhunting Clubs Annual Awards.

Petra

2nd Place - Wired or Strung - Ready to Wear Division

The West Australian Lapidary and Rockhunting Club’s Annual Competition.

A piece of jewellery wired or strung together. Jewellery must be ready to wear. Judging is based on aesthetics, originality and design.

Awards and Trophy from the West Australian Lapidary and Rockhunting Club’s Annual Competition

Ceres

2nd Place - Theme (Scarecrow) - Perth Royal Show

Hand drilled scrabble tiles, glass beads and crystal faceted teardrops for Scarecrow themed competition at Perth Royal Show
Ceres - 2nd Place - Theme (Scarecrow) - Perth Royal Show - certificate

To honour the Year of the Farmer, the theme for this competition was “Scarecrow”.

Winning Second Place in the Perth Royal Show for Ceres was a very happy and humbling experience, as there are some fabulous beaders in our community.

Wanting to do something out of the box, I consequently came up with this design and hence called her Ceres.  Which I thought was especially relevant as she was the Goddess of sowing and reaping.

Each wooden scrabble tile was hand-drilled to create the thread-path I wanted, as a result all the threads are internal and can not be seen outside the tiles.

Beach Bag

Joint Award Winner - Theme (Summer) - Bead Guild of WA Inc

Beach Bag - Joint Award Winner - Theme (Summer) - Bead Guild of WA Inc
Beach Bag close up - Joint Award Winner - Theme (Summer) - Bead Guild of WA Inc

“Summer” Theme Bead Guild of WA challenge – This colourful Beach Bag design was chosen as a joint winner!

The title of the Bead Guild Members “Challenge” was ‘Summer’ and most noteworthy, members could make anything they wished from the beads supplied.

They could use as much or as little as they like from the kit, and in addition they could add more from their own stash but earnt points for each bead/item used from the kit.

When telling us the outlines of the challenge, Di did say that she could be evil, and on seeing the amount of fibre and the colour combinations – I am apt to believe her. Still, challenges and competitions are a great way of getting the creative juices flowing.

The kit contained, memory wire, chain, seed-beads, lamp-worked beads, bugles, crackle beads, pearls, flower beads and 5 different forms of fibre.

Deandra

First Place Award Winner - Cockburn Community & Cultural Council Inc

Deandra - First Place Award Winner - Cockburn Community & Cultural Council Inc certificate

My piece, “Deandra” won First Place at the Cockburn Community & Cultural Council Inc Awards in the Jewellery – Wearable division.

Diamond shaped components are joined with handmade links of wire and Czech fire-polished glass. A pressed brass stamping creates the base of the pendant. In addition, it is highlighted with Czech Jablonex Vitrial bicones and Boho Gold round corrugated metal beads.

Furthermore, additional drops of Vitrial bicones and Boho Gold metal beads are suspended from many of the jump rings creating lots of movement and sparkle to the design. Finally, a neck ring is wrapped with Gunmetal coloured wire while the centre features more sparkling Vitrial bicones.

Monocco

First Place Award Winner - Non Seed Bead Division - Bead Guild of WA inc

The piece “Morocco” won First Place in the non-seed bead category.

I was excited with the result as the Judges were leaders in their fields and I was competing against some wonderful beaders.

This design was made from lazer cut Cherry wood components linked with wire wrapping and Swarovski Crystals.

I hope you found this page helpful.

I would love you to bookmark it for the future, or even better, share it!

I have a fabulous range of original and unique one-of-a-kind pieces currently available in my online store or you can contact me to arrange a custom made piece – just for you.

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Beading Classes: Unleash your creativity

Beading classes are available for individuals or small groups

Classes for Individuals or Small Groups

Beading classes are a fun and relaxed way to learn a new skill.  You can bring your own beads or old jewellery and learn the techniques to create something new.  Individual classes can generally be adapted to suit your abilities and you can choose which classes to participate in and when.

Class Availability and Prices may change – Please contact me to confirm

Choose from the following Class options:

  • Stringing and crimping a simple necklace
  • Making wire loops for earrings
  • Wire wrapping a charm bracelet
  • Peyote stitched cuff bracelet (simple)
  • Peyote stitched cuff bracelet (embellished)
  • Using other stitching techniques
  • Simple wire weaving
  • Multi-strand necklace
  • Spiral rope necklace
  • Suncatchers / Brooches
  • And more. If you have a request that is not on the above list, please ask 

Class Price: includes light refreshments

  • Individual (1:1) Class: $40.00
  • Small Group Classes: $36.00 (2 – 6 people): save 10% per group

What to Bring?

  • Bring your own tools and beading materials if you have them. 
  • The price doesn’t include beads and materials and you are welcome to bring your own.
  • I have a selection of tools and beading mats you may use during class (so don’t stress if you don’t have your own)
  • Many beads and findings are available for sale before or after the class, but it is not essential to purchase from me to take the class (although it would be great).
  • Please bring a container with a secure lid, to transport your beading piece and supplies (a lunch box size is generally great)
  • Limited Classes can be run at your venue. Please contact me for further information availability and pricing.

Getting Married: Planning your bridal jewellery?

Do you have some ideas you like but cant find just the right thing out there? Then make it yourself. I can help you design and teach you the techniques to create your very own piece of jewellery. Classes can be tailored to individual or small groups (up to 6 people) so bring the bridesmaids as well.

Beading Classes make a Crafty Gift Idea

Looking for a special gift idea. Gift Vouchers are available and the lucky recipient has 3 years (36 months) to use them. See my blog post on Gift Vouchers for the details and contact me it you have any special requests.

goft certificate gift voucher gift card personalised colours amount greetin

I have a fabulous range of original and unique one-of-a-kind pieces currently available in my online store or you can contact me to arrange a custom made piece – just for you.

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Jewellery Jargon

Findings

Findings, is a word used in beadwork and jewellery making, that may sound confusing in descriptions or statements. This post will hopefully help you to understand what the items I mention actually are and how I use them in my designs.  I have another post on clasp styles that you might also find helpful.

Wire Guardians

Wire guardians, Wire protectors, French wire, Bouillon, Gimp

wire guardian findings

Beading wire and threads can be damaged by the wear and tear of clasps and other components.

A wire guardian or wire protector is a little horseshoe-shaped tube through which beading wire or thread is passed. The arched section is open on one side for ease of threading, but the solid sections protect the wire from wear on clasps or connectors.

Sometimes I may use Bullion/French wire which does the same thing but is a different product and not as firm. (It looks like a little soft spring)

Crimps & Crimp Covers

Crimp beads, Crimp tubes, Crimp covers, Charlottes and Bead-tips

crimp beads and crimp cover bead findings

Crimp beads are generally round or tubed.  Once in position over the wire they are crimped or squashed into place to secure the wires.

The crimp covers are round beads that have an open seam. Once the wire has been crimped into place, a cover is positioned over the original crimp and is gently closed along its seam. This provides a neat appearance but also protects you or delicate clothing from the sharp edges that may be on some flattened crimps by covering them.

Similar covers are made to hide the knots in thread and cord.  This style is in the centre back of this picture.

In the photo above you can see how all these elements come together to create a neat look which protects the wire and the beads.

Beading Wire

Nylon Coated Beading Wire

beading wire findings

Beading wire is a stringing material made up of several thin stainless-steel strands . It’s generally coated with a layer of nylon that protects the wires from wear and tear and gives it a softer, more supple feel. The coating can be clear or coloured allowing a better match to the colour of the beads or gemstones.

In general the larger the number of strands of wire strands the more flexible and string-like it will feel while a smaller number of strand gives a stiffer and more kinkable thread. 

The beading wire is usually made up of 7, 19 and 49 strands and range in diameter from fine to thick and like fishing wire each have a different “break” strength and a different cost factor.

I hope you found this page helpful.

Do you have any suggestions or requests for information on other terminology that you are unsure of.
I would love to hear from you 

I would love you to bookmark it for the future, or even better, share it!

I have a fabulous range of original and unique one-of-a-kind pieces currently available in my online store or you can contact me to arrange a custom made piece – just for you.

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