Bead Weaving

This post has two purposes. One to talk about crafting and the learning process. The other is to show off some of the beadwork I've done this summer.

First, we should talk about that learning process. I have been yearning to work with my beads, and I've been wanting to learn how to do peyote stitch. I checked this book out of our local library at the beginning of June:



I read a few pages. I mean only a few. I looked through the pictures and the projects were beautiful, but reading? I had to start at the beginning, of course, and practice that. I might be able to go back to that book again sometime in July, for project ideas, and further instructions. In the mean time, I can share some of the advice the author gave, and how well that advice has worked for me so far.

She begins with an explanation of many different types of beads, and advises using beads that are very uniform for peyote stitch projects. I dug through my bead box and tried a couple different possibilities, with  varying success. I should also step back and say I also wanted to use beading wire to do these projects, and that has NOT been successful. I have had to use beading thread because basically, the wire has not been flexible enough. I guess with some very large beads it might work, but nothing that I have done so far.

practice, practice, practice

I tried these beads, and although they aren't as uniform as my next attempt, there was some learning done. One thing was that I just randomly selected the beads, and I think I had some directional issues an other placement problems. For my next project, I decided to alternate rows of color so that I could more easily get used to threading through the correct bead.

Piece in process

I alternated rows of a shiny black bead, and a variegated purple. They were more uniform, although smaller than I really wanted. The thread is a spool that I had, and it was pretty easy to use. It had been treated for beadwork although I did wax the tip to keep it from fraying.

almost finished bracelet

To finish the weaving, I wove the thread between the last row and the first row, creating a slip on bracelet. Now, I need to deal with the threads. My plan is a drop of superglue or nail polish on the knots, then weaving the thread between the beads. I think I will have to use a needle to do that, and I don't think needle and thread will fit through the beads I have. Hmmm that might be one of the tips I need to look up in the book next time.

For my next project, I used bigger beads, but still ended up using thread. The wire just wouldn't weave the beads close enough together. This one was worked basically in a spiral so I ended up with a tube, although most of the rest is pretty much like the first one. I may lose this bracelet to Raine, though. She tried it on and walked away. I only got it back so I could take pictures.

coppery tube bracelet

Two things I liked about this project. First, since the beads were bigger, it went a lot faster, and since the bigger beads have bigger holes, I could knot thread together and it would still fit through the beads. Second, since it is a tube, I could hide the thread ends in the center of the tube. I like things that are finished when they are finished.

So, beginner bead weaving... learning from a book. Not the only book I'll be looking at this summer!

Wait, Wait, I AM Making Stuff...

Summer should be time for those creative pursuits that I don't have time or energy for during the school year. This summer I haven't felt like I've been taking advantage of that. I almost feel like I'm procrastinating doing any projects. Time to do the dishes, the laundry, the....

When I really thought about it today, I've actually been working on a variety of projects. Just not blasting my way through them. First, while I still haven't put hair on this doll

sorry, baldy...

I have been working my way through the instruction book and making other outfits and accessories.

I checked a book out of the library on doing peyote stitch with beads. It took me several tries to get it to even look this good

not very good at all, really.

The author made a point of saying how important it was to get beads that have uniform size, and she was right, but those were a little bigger than the seed beads I'm working with now. Since the peyote stitch is kind of an alternating bead pattern, I thought that using two different colors of beads would help me not double back on my work or stuff like that. I think it did help with that, too. Here is the piece I'm working on now, that I will happy making into a bracelet.

I like the varigations on purple beads in this.

Of course I had a couple of tops in the basket, waiting to be finished, and I got one done in time to wear it during a 3 day training we went to in Ruidoso. The other is still there, patiently waiting for its turn. Soon, I say. Soon. Other clothing on the horizon as well. I want to work on some knit pieces, and the tub with khaki solid & print was calling to me pretty strongly today.

In addition, I've been working on my quilt blocks. I had made a stack of blocks to sew together, and I've been working on them. Slowly, it seems. I don't want to rearrange the pieces by accident and change the block pattern. Then it is a lot of back and forth from the sewing machine to the ironing board. I miss my sewing buddy with this project because we have partnered up on this task in the past. Roxanne is recovering from weight loss surgery, and I hope she will be up for joining me SOON!

Still loving the blue/brown combination.

At least some of these projects will get their very own posts as I finish - or at least progress - with them, and think about my process, and what I learn with each project. Not procrastinating after all.

Nature and Creative Process

I got to revive my camping spirit last week. My husband and I bought a small trailer, and I got to spend a week in the Gila Wilderness - or at least one of the tamer parts of it. My brother and my daughter and I were there the whole time, my husband came when his work schedule allowed, and some friends joined us as their schedule allowed as well. There was hiking, and sitting around a campsite reading and relaxing, there was rain, and good food... and some not-so-good for you food. I mean if you have a campfire, there must be marshmallows around somewhere, right?

We got to see some deer, and some hawks and bats. We heard - but never saw - some turkeys in the evenings. And there were lizards everywhere.

hanging out on a tree

The lake was at a much lower water level than I had ever seen it before, but NM has been in a drought for some years now. The dam had gotten some needed repairs, and the water looked good. The ducks were out and so were the goldfish. Yes. Goldfish. Big ones. The little fishing piers they had installed at various points around the lake were sadly resting on dry land, with no water near. There was almost a walking path to the little island (that was much bigger than usual this year). It may sound like I'm complaining, but I'm not. I am concerned about a place I hold dear childhood memories of, and I was so happy to get to go get reacquainted with it.

view of the island, the dam, and some dry bits that should be wet bits

The hikes were often a physical challenge to my old, fat self, but I was up for them. Slow, but moving! I was happy to be outdoors, and in nature, where I have always gotten creative inspiration. Colors, patterns, organic shapes. Beauty and peace, flow and resilience are all there for the finding.

sunset of course

And there should be fun!

Carl made a campfire - you know, for marshmallows

Raine tried out the hammock!

We hiked up to see the cliff dwellings

And we touched base with friends and family without the distractions of busy lives...

If that doesn't bring some happy creativity to my brain, I don't know what will.

butterfly... or moth?