Beadhive Divas

Beadhive Divas Challenge using wire

2010-11-18T19:34:00.005+13:00

Sam's beautiful creation

Leanne's amazing work

Catherine

Lindy's inspirational piece

Cushla's cheerful piece

Tarn's mixture of work

Working with wire

2010-11-10T23:39:00.004+13:00

Just to show how talented we are at Beadhive Divas-

Here is Lindys creation. Very stunning :D

2010-07-18T09:39:00.029+12:00

TA DAHHHHH !!!!!!!

Our recent challenge - "Little Black Dress"

Everyone was sent approx 40 small pearl oats (rice shaped seed beads). They had to make a necklace, bracelet or brooch using as many of the pearls as possible plus they could add beads or findings from their own stash as well.

Such clever ladies - all of them - who could have thought there were so many ways to incorporate 40 tiny pearls into a creation to wear with your LBD :)
Here they are in the order they were received.

From Tania - "Moonlight" Using Pearls, Jet Swarovski Crystals and a basic netting stitch, I created a piece suitable for evening wear, prom or a bridesmaid. I love the way it flows and drapes so softly.

From Lisa W " Little Silver Necklace" I used these beads as that is what I had in my stash! And you would wear this necklace because it would go with the dress! What other reason would there be!

And yes, that is me in the picture! It may have been a few years ago now! lol Incidentally, that is what I was wearing when I met my now husband!

From Sam "Experimental"

From Lisa B "Centre of Attention" (Lisa’s internet had a hissy and wouldn’t send her other files)

From Catherine “Black and White Rag” I peer into the mirror at my made up face. Is it good enough for a night out? Yes, it will do, now for the hair. Remove rollers and then brush it to the smooth fashionable ”Doris Day” look. Perfect – well almost. Now for the dress! My little black dress. Scooped neckline, tight over the bust and down to the waist, then flared out in a full skirt with numerous petticoats to hold it out! Flowers made from the same fabric arch down from the left waist, to the opposite side at the hem. My all time favourite dress. Now the heels. Inches high on thin, thin heels, making me look taller and slimmer. Another check in the mirror and I’m pleased with what I see. However, there’s something missing! I need a little something extra. I open my jewellery box and select a pair of black and white dangly earrings. Good but more is needed and I take out a black and white necklace, long strands of black and white attach to a flower with a tassel of white beads hanging beside them. Perfect – my black and white rag necklace. I take another look in the mirror and am pleased with the finished look. Off I go to the concert with Winifred Atwell playing the piano and I know for sure she will play “The Black and White Rag” which is so popular and I love it! Afterwards, we’ll go to the dance at the Spotlight where I’m sure my black and white rag will be admired as much as my little black dress!

From Marie “Elliptical Elegance” This design should be worn with a low cut little black dress, with hair up and studded with the pearl beads matching the necklace.

The necklace itself is made with black seed beads and black round beads to offset the beauty of the pearl beads. The large faceted black bead at the bottom represents the fun and good times of a disco ball.

From Jen "Tribute to June" The reason for making this is, the bead challenge was organized by June. The beads were donated by June. The item was made in the month of June, and hidden amongst the copper wire is a 'nugget' also from June. As to the occasion.........Alas, I'm unable to attend any occasion in this particular "Little Black Dress", as the darn thing has 'shrunk'! So Posh Gertie will take my place, as she is a size nothing (the cow!) and I hope she has a jolly good time at all the special occasions wearing not only MY dress but also the brooch, as it looks beautiful against the black background. (I can still fit into the hat though!).

From Amanda “"Starry Night" I've called it "Starry Night" for two reasons -

1. It reminds me of the "Starry Night" painting by Vincent Van Gogh

2. I think this is really only fit to be worn on the red carpet, with said LBD, glistening and sparkling in front of the paparazzi ;)

From Penny “Isabel” It was a balmy summers evening. There were tables and chairs set out in the garden. Guests were arriving in twos and threes. Music was playing quietly. Isabel was worried about her little black dress, was it too short or not formal enough. She hadn't been to a cocktail party before unless she counted the student 'cocktail parties' which were at the opposite end of the spectrum to tonights event.

She was handed a glass, the drink was a golden colour. It tasted a little like oranges but richer. Isabel started to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, her nerves were disappearing.

From Paula "Grace Kelly" I have an image in my head of the lovely late Princess Grace grandly stepping out onto the ballroom floor. She has chosen to wear her 'little black dress' for this occasion with a pearl and crystal choker. During the night she has decided to switch it for a bracelet - aha!!! She has taken the toggle extension off and voila!! A pearl and crystal bracelet!

From Robyn " Elegantly Simple". I think it would be worn by a young person attending a formal dinner.

From Emma – “Anemone” (as in sea anemone). I wanted it to be simple and elegant and have a little bit of a vintage feel as it is to be worn with this gorgeous vintage 1950's cocktail dress. I will of course be attending a cocktail party in said cocktail dress, complete with black satin gloves and beautiful kitten heeled slingback shoes. I will have my hair up in a french pleat (think Hepburn) and a similar anemone will be in that. I will of course be 15 years younger and 2 dress sizes smaller, hahaha!

From Leeanne -

From Lindy – On a cold dark night I needed something to wear to the Premiere of a film. The dress code, Little Black Dress. I needed a necklace to go with it and I wanted something that reminded me of sunshine. The dangling pearls on wire are supposed to be the suns rays, warming me up in deep freeze of winter. I felt the necklace should be taken with a bottle of red wine which usually accompanies night's out in winter.

Morning Divas

2010-06-13T11:20:00.002+12:00

Just added a link to my blog - can't promise how often I add to it, fraid I don't have a very good track record so far lol.

But the intention is there, perhaps now I've actually gone public with it I will do better :-)

Autumn Bead Swap

2010-05-05T15:54:00.005+12:00

Hi Diva's :)

Penny (who has already posted her pic - above), Lisa (jstask), Lindy and Annette all participated in the Autumn Bead Swap...and without further ado, here are their wonderful pieces!

Well done ladies - gorgeous!

(Sorry the pics aren't in order - Blogger is playing up on me!).

Cheers,

Amanda :)

2010-04-25T19:21:00.006+12:00

Here is my beadswap necklace with lovely oval carnelian and agate beads that lindy marie sent me. I added two small carnelian beads that I had into the necklace and made a pair of earrings wth the two remaining carnelian oval beads that lindy sent me. Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo of those so will do that tomorrow since its dark now!

Heres a pic of the whole necklace. It is right angle weave with bigger beads added to one side to make the curves.

Cheers
Penny

June's (wisconsin) contributions

2010-04-22T16:18:00.002+12:00

#3 - Good practice for my lack of wire wrapping skills lol

2010-04-22T16:17:00.001+12:00

# 2 - Lots of Amber with a couple of Moukaite

2010-04-22T16:08:00.007+12:00

Autumn themes abounded once I looked at my stash lol

#1 - Autumn Jasper, Olive New Jade, some Swarovski and a resin coated orchid

Jens YOJ (Autumn)

2010-04-21T18:10:00.003+12:00

Decided to give the crochet hook a rest! Made this by just making loops in the wire between the beads and went through my very depleted stash and found all sorts of Autumny colours to use.

Although I did buy some very gorgeous rose coloured large seed beads and same sort of colour leaves too. (Cause a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do!).

Autumn themed YOJ piece from Amanda

2010-04-18T18:20:00.003+12:00

Hi Diva's :)

I didn't know if I was going to have time to participate in this month's YOJ theme, but guess what? I "made" time :) (The housework will always be there LOL!).

Here it is - posted a couple of pics, so you can see the several ways of wearing this necklace (long or short). It's chocka with Carnelian, Citrine, Goldstone, Red Tigers Eye, Rutilated Quartz, Cherry Quartz, Garnet, Orange Quartz and sparkly plummy Swarovski crystals :) I love the copper with these colours - so rich and warm. The idea was to create something that you could wear with jumpers and warmer things, as well as with shirts etc, if you like to layer in autumn as I do... ;)

Cheers,

Amanda ("Pallina" for the newbies)

YOJ pic for boito : )

2010-04-15T18:03:00.004+12:00

It is a variation of herringbone stitch made super twisty. Kind of quirky I thought but sits very nicely when worn. Fire agate bead in the centre, with 8mm bronzite beads either side and a few 4m czech firepolish beads.

Enjoy from penny

2010-02-13T16:39:00.003+13:00

Hi Divas

Here is the angel I made with beads from Snoopi I couldn't get th picture below my words for some reason it just didn't want to move.

Here is the necklace I made with her. (well actually the second idea I had the first morped into something very different so wont be finished for a while - thanks to angel for the inspiration)

I used seedies, hex cut seedies and some yummy purple lightening beads that are very close to the angels skirt in real life, for some reason my ccamera thinks that angel is more blue than purple......

Penny

My Wee Angel Pin.

2010-02-11T16:29:00.003+13:00

Hi Girls, a piccy of my wee angel pin, first off the beads lisa (jstask) sent me, thankyou lisa :).

And here's my finished piece "My Angel Pin" and she looks quite adorable on my lovely handcrochet black vest :).

A special "Thanks" to Lisa for organinsing, great Job!!!

Hi all..... loving the wee angels.

2010-02-09T20:36:00.004+13:00

Here's my efforts.

Here's my beads received from Paula.

So pretty, and as I could get a couple of angels from that lot, I decided to add a few more beads and made some wings, and lo and behold a bit of Pink Angel Bead Bling was born.....

Jen.

Big Sister Little Sister

2010-02-08T11:22:00.005+13:00

As soon as I saw the exuberant little cutie Lisa (davlis) sent me I knew she had to have a big sister who was more demure to keep her in check.

June (wisconsin)

Angel Swap

2010-02-05T22:06:00.005+13:00

The cute wee angel June sent me!....

And what I did with it!

Lisa :o)

(davlis)

Seceret Santa Piece

2010-02-05T21:17:00.005+13:00

Here it is at last. Many thanks to my secret Santa.
Jstask (Lisa)

Angel Swap

2010-02-05T19:59:00.004+13:00

Hi ladies,

Managed to get the pictures loaded after a lot of trial and error. The beads were send to me via Leanne and this is what I created with them.
The Beads before I started. (Sorry should have loaded this second)

2010-01-27T11:33:00.004+13:00

Well, here it is......FINALLY!! And a pic of me wearing it, brace yourselves!!! Actually, you can relax, it's just my arm....

Thank you so much again to my SS, as you can see, they are both gorgeous!! I have worn the bracelet heaps already, it matches my TM shirt perfectly!! lol The pin, though, will have to wait for much cooler weather! I sweltered just for you lot to take this pic! So I hope you appreciate it! lol

Lisa :o) (davlis)

2010-01-21T21:20:00.006+13:00

Hi Divas

I have a picture of the lovely bracelet that was sent to me for SS.

The picture is a bit blurry unfortunately. It is lovely to wear.

I have also been busy making cool things heres some pictures.

Another blurry photo sorry, I took photo in a hurry on a nasty cloudy day before Xmas as I had to deliver it to my friend for her present. It was orignally a bracelet pattern in B& B mag, my friend saw it and said it would be lovely as a choker so I took the hint!

This is a section of a bracelet that I made for a YOJ competion on Beading Forum - Powered by vBulletin . It is a neat forum - Australian, full of heaps of advice and great pictures.

I also have made myself a little blog - not sure how to put it on here? http://beadingfarmer.blogspot.com/

I am on Felt and working on an Artfire shop. So super busy.

Really looking foreward to the angel beadswap too.

Cheers
Penny (aka Jodlbauer on TM)

SS # 2 Leeanne's Piece. "PINK ICE"

2010-01-03T10:48:00.005+13:00

OMG!!! no make up!, grey hair showing!, new glasses, first thing in the morning look!, still in my pj's!!! but did have my first cup of java lol...
I was the one whom got this Secret Santa Swap started, so only befitting that I put up my picture as well.
You lovely ladies sent me a wee surprize package of swaroski beads in colors of crystal ab, pinks and mauves and thought that I would partake and make up something using them, "PINK ICE".
I have to say thanks to you all for this lovely gift of friendship and is recieved with love and gratitude from the heart.
I used a part of design by 'Lisa Khan' in the latest beadwork magazine and then put my lil twist on it ;). She used pearls, I used the swaroski beads in a graduated form with tiny sz 15 silver and light mauve seed beads. This piece took about 20 hours to make up, hence my beady eyes he he.
I also got a pretty wee bracelet as well from a SS but I have forgotten to take a pic, sorry.
I hope all you lovely Diva's enjoyed partaking in this swap, I have and thank you all. Leeanne.

Looks like I'm the first to blog with SS pics.......

2009-12-30T20:58:00.005+13:00

S'ok it's not a problem, here goes........

And a rather posed pic of me wearing it.
Heheh I was rather chuffed that it went quite well with my new top bought last month! I kid you not. So there you go ladies..........NEXT!? Jen. X

Tis the night before Christmas........

2009-12-24T22:07:00.003+13:00

and peace reigns within. Not a bead or a button is in sight of these wimmin. So lay your heads gently on the pillow tonight, for morning will bring such a wonder of delight.
Merry Christmas Divas. XXX

My sisters xmas present

2009-12-19T18:40:00.003+13:00

A herringbone and caged bead necklace. I used twisted tubular herringbone with delica steel grey beads and czech silerlined blue and grey beads. Then caged the lampwork beads with miyuki cubes and silver hex beads. The pictures aren't too flash sorry.

Don't worry she wont look on here...

Also I wanted to post a link to the most amazing blog I found today, it's beadweaving and written in hungarian but the pictures speak for themselves.
http://vezsuzsigyongyei.blogspot.com/

Cheers
Penny

P.S.

I just got photos of my first finished spiral experiment I took a bit of inspiration from The Beading Banshee. It is a variation on dutch spiral, I started following her patttern but soon took off in my own direction.

The Tease - the rest of the Parts :)

2009-12-06T11:24:00.006+13:00

In my efforts of the last few weeks, other than fixing my puter :(

I have been working on my "The Tease" and have got it all finished (woo hoo) but "forever rushing into things me" forgot to stop! and take all the separate pics along the way so here's the ones I did manage to get and The Final finished product. I will however on my blog ( beadweaver) over the next few weeks I will put up the details of each part in more detail for you :).

The Second Part is The Petersburg Chain:

The Second Picture is the two chains side by side, hmmmm your thinking well now it get interesting, heres the third part ( close up)

That is the two sewn together, ok now lets flip over and see what else I did :).

.....And now Just to put you out of your misery or confusion? here's the finished Product, just remember I will be adding all the details on my blog for you if your interested ;)

ps. sorry about the lousy pics :). Leeanne.

My "Images" YOJ Piece, Iconic Silver Fern.

2009-11-17T15:56:00.002+13:00

Well here it is... my twist on the "images" yoj theme, I decided to use an Iconic Image we are all used to seeing.
The Silver Fern,
I did send it to the beadaholic comp but alas not a mention, never mind. I used the herringbone stitch and made all the leaves individually and then sewed them all together with graduated swaroski bicones, it all took awhile... and then attached a brooch pin at the back...phew... I still love it!!! Now this pic is the first of my "tease" on the TM board and took me about 3 1/2 hours to make last night and measures 38 inches long....
This piece of the necklace uses "the chevron chain stitch" with sz 15 hermatite, sz 11 silver lined seed beads and then a couple of silver glass pearls, a black 12mm czech & 2 pale gold czech beads.

So now onto the second part of the necklace, which I will post in a day or so. Hugs leeanne.

My Curvy Brooch Pin - Finally

2009-11-16T16:35:00.005+13:00

Hi girls, I have finally got around to getting this picture up of my Yoj Piece, it's a brooch of course :). I had rather a mental block with that months theme.

I was thinking about Melbourne Cup Day and all the pretty flowers, hats, clothing and thought about doing this brooch. So off hunting I went... into the abyss called my store room, jeeesss forgot how dark it was in there lol. But anyhow I found a lil bit of Blue/Green ribbon, some blue organza ribbon, some felt and then went on a peruse though the bead stash, wha la! selection made and off I went.

Gathering ribbon, stitching in beads & sequins, then free forming the cuvry bits then it needed something..... hmmm....found it!!! one of Junes lovely sew on Rivoli Beads... Perfect! Done!

But its only taken me weeks!!! to get the picture done, camera battery (power charged) needed replacing grrrr.....excuses excuses but never the less all done now.

It is different and might have a go at a couple more but let me know what you think :) Just the Photos a bit iffy.....

Out of Africa Necklace

2009-11-10T18:45:00.002+13:00

Created this and posted picture to Tm MB but Jen can't view pictures so posted here for her as well. I have used finger coral and fresh water pearls with copper accents.

Jens YOJ (Curves)

2009-10-28T17:22:00.003+13:00

Earrings for a change! Haven't made many of late so it's a nice change. These are Curvy Tigers, being that the beads are Tiger Eye chips.

A few of the things that have been keeping me busy...

2009-10-28T11:59:00.006+13:00

I haven't been doing all that much lately, but here are a couple of pieces that I made up....

This is 'Arwen Undomiel' as it's something I think an Elf would wear, and it was inspired by the colours of a beautiful blue and silver dress worn by Live Tyler in LOTR. Sterling silver and kyanite. This also has curlicue links further around the the necklace

Next is a Peruvian pink opal in sterling silver I made for a wedding I went to. The colours were a perfect match for the outfit. Don't you just LOVE that!? :)

Lastly a fun piece featuring a lampwork glass seahorse. I didn't have to do much but string the beads, a relaxing change from the wire wrapping. This photo doesn't quite capture it, but it gives the overall idea.

-Vera

Ear Candy I Created

2009-10-25T21:15:00.002+13:00

Hope the picture turns out okay this time.

2009-10-22T09:06:00.004+13:00

Hi all

This is the first time for me on here to actually post, so I thought it was about time!! Oooohhhh, my first Blog!

Amanda, I don't know how you do it chicky! That must have taken hours and hours - gorgeous!!

And Penny, those are totally cool!

I made this a little while ago, but couldn't figure out how to make the three threads, (which are tigertail) wind artfully around each other and stay there!!! So I left it as is, lol.

Lisa (Davlis) Just so you know which one!

Busy

2009-10-20T20:18:00.004+13:00

Hi all I have been lurking and looking at the posts every once and a while and there is some beautiful skilled work going on. Inspiring.
I thought I would post some pictures of what I have been doing lately. Can anyone tell I got a new book! LOL. The first two are from the book Zulu Inspired Beadweaving Techniques, by Dianne Fitzgerald. The last picture is my own design using tubular polygon stitch.

This one is a square chain though the picture is a little out of focus.

This is a triangle chain. I have also discovered the button clasp cool as it is part of the piece and sewn on at the beginning and end.

This was an experiment with a polygon chain and a red and gold focus bead. I like how it turned out. Especially working in red not a colour I normally have any inclination to use. Funny really I find it hard to use colours that don't suit me.

Hope you enjoyed looking.

Cheers
Penny

Meet "Curvaceous" :)

2009-10-17T21:25:00.004+13:00

Hey diva's :)

I just finished my YOJ project - "Curvaceous". I used, as a base, a lovely flat round Ruby Crazy Lace Agate bead and worked around that :)

I must say, I had real fun with this challenge, and it's certainly brought some of my old mojo back, so I think I'll continue to explore this "curvy" thing for a wee bit longer :)

Hope everyone else is enjoying it too!

Cheers,

~Amanda

Sweet Sixteen

2009-10-15T10:41:00.003+13:00

This is a bracelet that has been made for my son's girlfriend, who are celebrating their first 6 months together awww.....

He was rather insistent on the color of beads to be used ! purples, pinks & blacks and even picked all the metal beads and the clasp as well. It has amongst the beads 6 tiny silver color hearts, one for each month awww...

I think I have raised a romantic :)

I had to make the jump rings, I made them from 20g artistic wire in 6mm rounds, he he I had to use one my lonely knitting needles, and used two together all along the length of the chain.

I quite like the effect but wondered whether I should have three?

Any way the overall finished bracelet is pleasing, I am not one for making this type of bracelet, only because I forgot how sore your finger tips get and my nails are alot shorter lol.

Enjoy Leeanne

YOJ for October - "Curves"

2009-10-08T00:31:00.005+13:00

Hi Diva's :)

I just did the draw for this month's YOJ theme, and it's "Curves"...so go forth and create! Personally, I have no ideas yet...eek!

I've been busy with other stuff of late, but I did manage to make these gifts recently, for friends and family...

This is a bracelet I made for my friend Lisa, who's a huge "Supernatural" fan. It uses brass charms that have links to the TV programme "Supernatural":

This necklace was made for Lisa's teenage daughter, who's going through abit of a rough time at the moment (to cheer her up):

And this necklace was made for my cousin, who has very simple and contemporary taste. I used an oval wooden flat bead with hammered wire accents:

Hope everyone's keeping well and managing at least a wee bit of beading time...it'll soon be summer (bring it on, I say!), and hopefully my mojo will have returned :)

~Amanda

Where have all the beadies gone.....?

2009-10-06T22:00:00.004+13:00

long time passing. I like that song. It's been a bit cold on it just lately, typical spring time weather. Got a couple of orders which is rather lovely. And the pic above is another beaded button I've recently finished. And why is it that the pic doesn't come out when I'm posting, it's just all gobbledy gook, so I can't move the s*****g thing around like I can on my blog page. Weird!
Oh well if anyone is viewing any time soon........
Jen.

Good morning divas......

2009-09-28T11:01:00.010+13:00

Another lovely rainy day (always seems to be raining when I blog).

Hmmm interesting! Have just taken pics of my September YOJ (Images). The image is a wee wee little pic of 'baby me' art gelled onto a button and embellished around with seed beads into a netted pattern. I've also added a couple of baby bell flower beads at the base of the beaded bail. I've put it on a ribbon for the time being, might change that at a later date, and the clasp is one of my favourites, a 'copper' flower toggle clasp. Ok, time to get out of the jim jams and start the day! Have a great day. Jen.

2009-09-23T12:08:00.002+12:00

Hi Everyone. June has told me so much about you all and the very clever things you do. I see the things she gets sent for the bead swap and marvel at what you all make out of what you get given. I make some bridal jewellery and the odd fashion range jewellery too, which I love doing. Have just made a bunch of stuff for the ANZFW Basquesse show which was a lot of fun and I got to raid June's stash of course. Keep up the great work and I look forward to following the blogs from now on, I think you are all very clever.

YOJ: Images

2009-09-23T10:22:00.004+12:00

Hey guys,

Miss8 is home sick today, so just grabbing a few moments to try and catch up on some stuff while I can :)

Here's my YOJ for September - the image is glued to a glass dome and then peyoted around. The "strap" is also peyoted, trapping Swarovski pearls. The purple teardrops are Cubic Zirconia's.

I love the Victorian look of this :) Hope everyone is going well with their YOJ's too - can't wait to see them!

Catch up soon!

Amanda :)

Bead Swap Pendant

2009-09-20T12:27:00.003+12:00

Hi Ladies,

I am so sorry for the delay, our house is chaos at the moment! Jen sent me an email to remind me, and I just had to make some time to finish it this morning. Thanks Jen!

As the focal already has a pattern, I wanted something really simple so it wouldn't be 'too much'. I don't usually do symmetrical designs, especially geometric looking ones, so this was something outside the square for me. This used jeweller's bronze wire and an onyx bead and is teamed with a stainless steel cable.

Sorry, I thought I had a before photo! Don't be surprised if I re-do this one at some stage if it doesn't grow on me

Vera

Leeanne's New/Old website news

2009-09-06T09:41:00.002+12:00

I have just acquired the "Beadweaver" website from lynne, so over the next few weeks I will be uploading my new and older beadwoven jewellery.
Hopefully I will be putting together a tips and techniques page as well as some other interesting bits and bobs that refer to beadweaving etc. But no changes have been made just yet!!!, I will be busy taking lots of pic's etc and editing information to put up for everyones use.
I will be keeping my other site "Donniere's Design Boutique" and will be showcasing other peoples work for sale as well as my own.
So if you are interested in showing off your wares etc for sale, "at no cost" and or have any info that you think is of interest to others in our beading community let me know via my email etc.
A rather exciting adventure ahead for all and I am very grateful to Lynne for her assistance etc etc and would just like to say a big "THANK YOU".

Bead Swap results!

2009-09-01T18:55:00.006+12:00

Sorry we've had abit of a delay with this :) There's still one more entry to come in, but I'm hoping that Vera can post it herself, when she's finished it, so that we can all enjoy the results without any further ado :D

Thanks to everyone who participated - some great pieces here, hope you all had fun creating them!

~Amanda :)

Leeanne's August YOJ Piece.

2009-08-30T18:22:00.003+12:00

Well I had a bit of fun with this piece all to typical though for this era, so I had to put my touch on it. I was born in the mid sixties so focused on the later part.
I used an belt buckle, cut one side of the centre bar and bent it into shape. Then I wired around it with some size 6 hex beads in my fav colorway. In the centre I cut up some long twisted silver bugles and wired into place, then just some silver belcher chain. Enjoy, its look fab on :D.

My VERY LATE July YOJ Piece.

2009-08-30T17:46:00.004+12:00

Leeanne Here:- This peice is called "Burning Sands", I will explain :D.
This is not my original piece for July's Yoj Theme, Precious, I ran out of beads, waaaa!!!
I intended doing an elaborate piece but alas big idea, lots of work not enough beads and no time.
So I came up with this piece, The Focal Pendant Bead is one of Deb's amazing beads and is actually called "Burning Sands", so why change a good thing. I used a mix of czech crystals, glass pearls, long gold bugles etc to blend with what Deb has created in her bead, many thanks Deb.

Jen's YOJ the 1960's.

2009-08-28T16:32:00.003+12:00

Decided to dump the medallion idea and went with the flower power theme.

Very little activity here..........

2009-08-15T09:02:00.005+12:00

I've now set up my own blog and pop in here from time to time, but I see it hasn't changed much since last time I did! Anyway hurry up, I'm dying to see the bead swap pieces. This morning in beautiful Blenheim it's pouring! Perhaps I'll be visiting the 1960's, I've tried twice this week and no luck. Anyone like Cliff Richard?
Jen.

Jens YOJ (Precious)

2009-08-06T15:32:00.004+12:00

Well done Amanda, love both pieces. Finally getting back to beading after a few days of 'domestic stuff' mainly outside, house cleaning and garden tidy. Am absolutely stuffed so looking forward to a few days of sitting quietly at my new desk and creating, hopefully! Mean time here's 'my precious', I can even say it in a gollum voice (LOTR). When I picked this button out of my stash I actually said 'well hello my little precious', and a star was born! Oh cut the crap Jen, here she is.

My July YOJ piece (abit late!)

2009-08-05T23:07:00.006+12:00

Sorry guys - been manic of late! Just realised that I forgot to post my July "Precious" YOJ piece, so here it is :) It's a piece of aluminium that I stamped, then drilled and attached a Chalcedony teardrop to. Quite simple, but I like it.

The theme for August's YOJ is "1960's" too - which should be fun! Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with for that!

And we have 4 entries completed so far for the Bead Swap. A few more to go till I can do the Big Reveal :)

Finally, I've had this gorgeous emerald for about a year now, too scared to use it! But it's my favourite stone, so I decided to keep it...only I couldn't decide what I wanted to do with it...! The other day I peyoted around it and now wear it as a pendant : ) I'm not 100% sure that this is how it will stay as I now envision it in a wire setting...so we'll see...!!

Hope everyone is well.

~Amanda

2009-07-26T12:30:00.002+12:00

Oh dear and Wow! If you click on the photo it comes up right 'in ya face', and I can see a wee bit of thread, will have to put on magnifying glasses and sort that out.
Jen.

2009-07-26T12:19:00.004+12:00

Here it is, the beaded button with hidden depths! I'm sure that's a wee glimpse of the ocean with sun on the hills. Pity about the scratch or whatever it is, it shows more in the photo.

Not sure which is the best pic so here's two. Off out for Sunday roast lunch.....enjoy your day!

Jen.

2009-07-21T18:15:00.006+12:00

Perhaps if I start others will follow! It's soooo quiet!! Hi gals, Jen here. Got my bead swap piece today from Lynne, very nice. I'm still beading around these buttons but must get better seed beads, won't be long Lynne. In the mean time here's a pic or two.

Bead Swap 10 - Draw done!

2009-07-15T11:08:00.003+12:00

And rules sent out! 7 of us participating this time round and we're in for a challenge...! Thanks to all who're taking part - now, let's have some FUN!!

~Amanda :D

Bead Swap 10 - Last Chance!

2009-07-14T09:32:00.002+12:00

Last chance to sign up for the next bead swap is today, girls! Please email me using the link at the top of the right hand side of this post by the end of the day if you want to be in. I'll do the draw tomorrow :)

Only 5 of us so far - please join us - it'll be fun, I promise! If you're in a rut, a bead swap is a great way to kick you out of it by making you look outside of the square for a solution! And this bead swap, you'll only be sending ONE BEAD, so no excuses that you don't have enough in your stash to choose from!!

Amanda :)

BEAD SWAP 09

2009-07-07T21:26:00.003+12:00

Hi girls, your pictures have been uploaded to our photoshop site please check your email for the link or here www.photoshop.com/user/beadhivedivas
So enjoy your hardwork especially our newbies, many thanks to you all for participating. Beady Hugs From LEEANNE.

Next Bead Swap

2009-07-07T13:37:00.002+12:00

Please email me using the link to the right hand side if you want to join in the fun!

Cheers,
Amanda :)

some new projects

2009-07-02T19:54:00.006+12:00

Hullo Ladies!

I have a couple of new pieces finished and I am looking to show them off!

this is 'Lapis Diva' in sterling silver with a light patina and a deep rich lapis lazuli cab. This diva is simple and elegant

next is 'Labradorite Storm' since the fire in the stone looks like lightning, and the curls are inspired by the drizzles of raindrops on an uneven surface. Also sterling silver but with a darker patina to complement the dark grays in the labradorite.

lastly a pretty necklace in labradorite which I can't seem to
photograph decently enough to show just how much fire all these beads have, everything from deep golds to light teal to deeper cobalt blue. The focal has a woven wire bail, and there are Bali sterling silver accents and a touch of Swarovski Crystal Silver Shade bicones for a hint of sparkle.

What can I say, I wish there were more hours in a day. I doubt I am the only one to feel that way!

Cheers
vera

YOJ Theme for July: PRECIOUS

2009-07-02T00:12:00.002+12:00

That's right fellow diva's - the theme for July's YOJ is PRECIOUS.

So....go forth and create :)

~Amanda

Adventures in wire

2009-07-01T21:29:00.003+12:00

Hi Ladies,

Wooooo, my first blog post! Well, I've had a busy few days of it, but found some time to muck around with copper wire and thought I would share the results... including my first real attempt at a ring. The wrapping is a bit off, but in general I'm not unpleased with it. Since it's not perfect, I can't sell it and will have to keep it, what a pity! So here we have (if I can do this without mucking up the photo's) Paua and Swarovski earrings, Ruby cab pendant in braided bezel, and Black onyx and freshwater pearl ring.

Have a lovely evening ladies,

Doc

2009-07-01T07:50:00.002+12:00

Hi Girls

Not really bead related this morning but I had to tell you guys. A friend and I have been doing cooking nights with recipies we have seen made on TV. Last night we did a Nigella Lawson recipe, OMG YUM!!!! Heres the link http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/nigella-lawson/lemon-risotto-recipe/index.html (Hope I am allowed to put that there). It was so easy to make, would have been scrummy if we didn't add the cream at the end (probably a lot healthier too!).
Will be beading again today yay! Nearly finished my fencing knot wire earings, just consdering whether or not to give the wire a bit of a bash to flatten might have to do an experimental one...

Cheers
Penny

Reminder re blog posts :)

2009-06-30T23:10:00.006+12:00

Just a quick reminder for everyone: If commenting on each other's posts, it's probably best that we go to the post in question and just leave a comment on it (by clicking on the COMMENTS button underneath the actual post). Otherwise the blog is going to be over-run with "comment posts" and feedback might be
missed :( That way, if you're looking for feedback, you know to check your original post and you should find it there :)

And also - if you need to edit your post (ie: add your name, something you forgot first time round etc!), just use the instructions at the bottom of this post :) If you're not sure about anything, just drop me an email and I'll be happy to explain/talk you through it. Easy peasy!

It's great to see so many of us participating in the blog! Thanks for taking the concept of this blog on board and using it as it was meant to be used - as a community thing, as a record of our growth as artists and as a community, for asking and giving advice and to give and receive feedback - brilliant!

As you were :)

Amanda

Can't believe I actually did that

2009-06-30T20:30:00.002+12:00

Wow, my *****FIRST EVER **** BLOG

In all that excitement I forgot to mention I'll probably beat the shit out of the angles to create a bit of surface interest - and the cubes are the colour Siam. They look a bit dark in the photo.

Square YOJ

2009-06-30T20:22:00.002+12:00

Hi June here:

This is my “square yoj”

First earring took about an hour by the time I’d interpreted the idea in my brain into the physical concept, second earring took about 10 mins lol, all hand made in sterling including the ear wires. I was quite pleased with the design overall. Showed them to my dear SO who pointed out they were right angles, not squares. Yeah right. Had to point out that the pearls and cube focals are actually square and if you run a line down through the centre of the design you end up with lots of visual squares – well that’s the story behind the design anyway and I’m sticking to it lol.

Great blog site everyone, lovely to see all the talented work.

YOJ: Leeanne

2009-06-30T19:58:00.003+12:00

Oh My WOW!!! Leeanne, that piece is so gorgeous, intricate, precise and truly stunning. Your work is so neat and a pleasure to see. I love the look of the clasp you used... and it looks perfect. I am sure it sits beautifully on the wrist... because it looks like it would from the "closed" picture you posted. I LOVE IT!! .. Lorraine

MY Square YOJ piece is done!!!

2009-06-30T15:36:00.003+12:00

PHEW!!!
I did not think I would ever get my head around this one, square indeed!!! lol.
But it is finished yay, all the squares were individually made and then put together. I am however not happy with the clasp, it does not sit flat once upon your wrist so will change to a slider clasp as soon as my order arrives.

Although this is about my fourth!!! atempt at this and have plenty of square bits in UFO box now to play with later on he he. It looks so simple but is really quite a difficult and technical piece I am pleased with the over all result. :).

Lots of beady hugs Leeanne

YOJ suggestions

2009-06-30T00:07:00.003+12:00

YOJ suggestions: Paisley, Ethnic or Tribal, Vintage , Bling, Wired, Spring, Ocean, Chunky :) :) okay it is late hee hee Night all xx Lorraine

Hi there Divas "waving"

2009-06-29T23:56:00.002+12:00

Amanda, you did a great job on this... what a good idea. It looks amazing and Yes, it is going to be one "Rocking" blog. Way more personal and much better than the MB. It is awesome! I hope everyone is well and being madly creative. I have been a little all over the place in the past week and am looking forward to some "me" time as of next week. :) :) Take care everyone, keep warm and happy beading. xx Lorraine

Crochet

2009-06-29T17:21:00.003+12:00

Penny, your show browbands look fantastic - such alot of work gone into them, you can see that!

Boy am I peeved...I especially set aside an hour this afternoon to update my website, took all the photos, edited them - went to add them to my listings and they won't bl**dy add! I get some sort of weirdo error message instead - arrrgh! So frustrating, as I can add the items and any photos within the listing, just can't add the thumbnail and larger image of the thumbnail. Grrrrrrrr!! So, I've emailed my webhost, now waiting for them to fix it so I can get onto the adding new stuff part. But, as they're in the US and I'm here, it probably won't be till tomorrow. Again: arrgh! Best laid plans of mice and men eh?!

So, in the meantime, thought I'd come in and share with you my crochet bracelet that I was working on over the weekend. I spent a good part of the weekend making a pair of curtains and roman blind for our bedroom (they look great!) but managed to also get the bracelet finished. Had such fun crocheting - had forgotten how much I enjoyed it!

I made the bracelet using silk yarn, then added the beads afterwards. The closure is by MOP button. It's so light and silky to wear, am definately going to explore this crochet thing more :)

~ Amanda

2009-06-29T00:13:00.003+12:00

Hi All
Its been a bit busy here for the last few days. Due to having a nasty infected finger tip pushed a needle into it while trying to go fast handsewing leather. I have been making up bits and pieces on the loom for horses show browbands. I have a few pics.

So thats been fun though I am still having problems about the best way to attach to leather, for durability, although they are only for show use they still need to be able to stand a certain amount of wear and tear. I have settled for stitching felt over the leather and attaching the beads to that. Next project is to inlay a string of beads and sandwich them in the leather. I think I will have to add some glue too. Still mulling over how to best do it. Also cutting leather is hard, straight lines are a pain, as you hit a hard bit the knife goes off on an angle.
Oh well, I am sure it is practice and since I bought a whole hide I have plenty to practice on.

Cheers Happy beading everyone
Penny

wow!

2009-06-26T20:54:00.002+12:00

Your beaded pictures are amazing Lynn. What a very patient and clever soul you are.
Amanda for the YOJ would using a colour theme be too basic? ie. just one colour but different shades? or one type of shape or bead only eg just delicas or crystals etc or is that too restrictive? Hope everyone had a great day, Cheers Bronwyn

2009-06-26T16:25:00.001+12:00

Hi fellow diva's. Thought I would drop in and try out blogging as apart from TM have never done this before. Great site Amanda. Am thoroughly delighted because I can get onto Firebird Flamework through the link posted here and can finally drool over the beads. Lisa B

Delica Beads

2009-06-26T16:23:00.010+12:00

I thought I would share a little of my experience with these magic little beads as they were part of my initial enthusiasm for beadweaving and I was fortunate to begin with them so didn't have to struggle with round seed beads and peyote stitch. The magic of delicas is that they are a very uniform cylindrical shape and knit together with great ease. Check the pic out that I copied from the Miyuki site.

Miyuki makes these beads as well as a variety of other seed beads. They are not as cheap as alot of other seeds but the xtra cost is worth the price as you don't end up throwing so many out. The colours last well and come in a great range. Delica beads are about twice the price of standard size 11 seed beads but they are slightly smaller so you get more for your dollar.

My first ever project was a mammoth task as I got it in my head that I wanted to make a picture of my youngest daughter as a baby. I had purchased a program called Beadcreator that you could design your own patterns with or use photos that converted to a bead pattern. I wanted to do a photo conversion so off I went. I learnt alot! Computer programs are clever but they cannot deal with the finish of beads effectively and I just took what the program gave me and went to it. The end product is kinda cool (see badly taken photo) but its mismash because different finishes lead to some parts jumping out and some parts receding in the pattern. It is also very hard to photograph with light hitting the piece and refracting off all over the place. This piece took a LONG time...even at several hours a day. This is where I built patience and branded myself with some sort of crazy compulsive disorder!! The piece is about 50 cm high and 45 cm wide and my favorite aspect it that it feels like fabric and I can just roll it up...glass that can be rolled is pretty cool!

I now use the delicas to make mi nature kimonos after being inspired by Madelyn Ricks and Sharmini Wirasekara over at mostlyglass

This is a quarter of the back of the current piece I am weaving - a gift for my spiritual teacher based on the Taj Mahal.

And here is my teacher in delicas

So its really cool what you can do!

I started importing the delicas along with size 11 Miyuki seed beads when I could not get what I wanted in New Zealand for the price and quality beads I wanted. There are hundreds of delica colours and I stock just over 100 of them so it makes it really hard to choose colours. I want to start playing more with blending finishes so I can get an artistic 3D look out of a 2D image but I also like making 3D shapes such as woven flowers and the beading around cabachons.

If anyone wants to know more about these magic beads please feel free to ask and I will do my best...Cheers...Lynne

WANTED: Suggestions for Year of Jewellery Themes

2009-06-26T11:18:00.004+12:00

Hey fellow diva's :)

I'm looking for suggestions for themes for our YOJ projects. Preferably one word (as it makes interpretation wider). I have a few left in my kitty, but could do with stocking it up!

FYI, when I do the YOJ theme draw on the 1st of each month, I literally draw them out of a hat (well, not a hat...more like a Caithness crystal vase, if you want the truth LOL!). So the theme for each month is just as much of a surprise to me as it is to you!

So, if you have any one-word suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below :)

Pouring with rain here...very miserable. Hope you're warmer, wherever you are!

~ Amanda

PS: Also, for those newbies to blogging: If you need to edit a post to add your name, just sign in, and either go to the DASHBOARD, click on EDIT POSTS, choose your post and click on EDIT to add your name, or just use the "VIEW BLOG" button if you've just added your post, and then click on the little spanner/screwdriver icon at the bottom right hand corner of your blog post and then add your name there :)

Oh dear

2009-06-25T17:23:00.001+12:00

The last post was me: Bronwyn I must not forget to add my name !! naughty or I will get 10 lines; I must not .....

Good evening ladies

2009-06-25T17:17:00.002+12:00

This is my first post here. Woohoo, Thanks Amanda :). I wanted to show you all what I have been up to and ask for some opinions on them. I love them but do others is the question! Lol. I thought I would sell them for $10 each? I have posted 2 pictures, one taken in daylight(the one with the small number) and one taken just now (the colours dont show up as good). Any comments would be great thank you :)
Hope you all had a great day and hugs to all. :)

That last post was me

2009-06-25T13:01:00.001+12:00

Jen (the forgetful)

Really nice work Amanda

2009-06-25T12:53:00.000+12:00

you seem to have really got into your stride now with the old peyote! Now tell me someone, anyone!What exactly are 'delica's? I've got a few patterns for peyote stitch and they say to use them, and of course I've just used small seed beads, sometimes results are good and sometimes they end up over the other side of the room!! I'm using some vintage buttons also so would like the end product to look good. Gosh it's very cold now, suns gone heaters on. And what time zone is this blog page on? It's Thursday 25th June, time 1.00pm NZ time.

Good Morning

2009-06-25T09:01:00.000+12:00

Well there are a few of us blogging now, its really cool thanks so much to Amanda for setting this up. I spent ages googling for other like minded beaders in NZ then stumbled onto the TM message board, but this is way better. I did find your website Lynne but would have prefered to buy beads from there rather than TM. Different strokes for different folks though, Lovely pictures of your work though.
When I have some more pictures I will figure out how to upload those to the blog.
Have a great day everyone I am off to make another coffee and do some more beading.

Penny

New Peyote Pieces

2009-06-25T00:39:00.000+12:00

Been busy peyote-ing again :)

Here are my new pieces (yet to be uploaded to my website...a job for another day!). May I just say, once again, how much I am loving working with Delica's! They're AWESOME! They make peyote so much easier :)

This is an earring...second one to follow shortly LOL!

This is a pair of pale purple/pale pink earrings:

And this is the button I've been trying to peyote around (prior to the lovely Delica's arriving! Note to self: never use second-rate seed beads again for work like this!). And yes, I made matching earrings (of course!! LOL).

And now, off to bed...g'night everyone :)

~Amanda

this is awesome

2009-06-24T09:56:00.000+12:00

Thanks so much for setting this up and letting us all join in! It's going to be great to have the freedom to just chat without worrying about what we are allowed to say.

Bead Swap: Update and New One?

2009-06-24T09:31:00.001+12:00

Leeanne, how are we going for the Bead Swap entries? Barring Edith, who is at the moment rather busy mending :) Any chance we can see the results soon? How many others are we waiting on?

I'm keen to organise the next one using Vanessa's proposed theme...

Once this one is out of the way, I'll post the details again and get an idea of who's interested.

As to what I've been up to - more peyote!! Been having so much fun with Lynne's lovely delica's, which arrived yesterday :) Man, what a difference peyoteing (sp?) with the "proper" delica's - so uniform, they make the work look fantastic! And the colours are sooooo purrrrdy :)

Pics to come - but for now I'll just say that FINALLY (after 3 tries previously with cheap beads and without a clue as to what I was doing, IE: making the first row too tight) I have managed to peyote around a pretty button I have. And it looks fab! Like I say, pics to follow (hopefully tonight, if all goes well!).

Hope everyone has a lovely creative day...and keeps warm...it's freezing cold here!

~Amanda

Jens YOJ (Square)

2009-06-23T18:00:00.000+12:00

Hi again! Right, now Amanda has pointed me in the right direction here goes. It worked! I'm having so much fun with these chinese knots. posted 6.07pm 23/6/09

Well done Amanda

2009-06-23T17:11:00.000+12:00

Like the others have said, this is great of you to set this up. Now I haven't a clue about 'blogging'! As I've never done it before, so bear with me for now, although I did manage to sign in ok! I'm not sure what 'labels for this post' is all about, so will ignore for now and see what happens.
Must look at downloading a photo.
Jen.

Reminder: Year of Jewellery for June: "Square"

2009-06-23T10:44:00.001+12:00

Not pushing, so don't panic! Just wondering how the YOJ thing is going for you all so far...hopefully the ideas are flowing by now!

For once, my idea came pretty early on in the month, so here's my Square piece (for the new blog!):

If you're still struggling...here's something that might just help...
Amanda :)

How Clever Amanda

2009-06-23T08:49:00.000+12:00

You make me smile with a lil tear in my eye,
I just so love it and many thanks to you. Well done sweet!!!
It will be nice to just pop in here with out "restrictions" and have our say.
We from the draconion TM forum appreciate your hard work, beady hugs to you. Oh before I forget please have a look at my beaded bead earrings I listed on TM, he he ... aka ladygray
How liberating to say that!!!

Leeanne.

Amanda...Your the Bomb!

2009-06-23T08:17:00.000+12:00

Naturecraft Lynne here......

I'll get this ball rolling by waxing lyrical about the great job Amanda has done in getting this blog together...well done girl!!...

We praise alot at the beadhive diva headquarters, aka 'Trademe NZ' but it really is justified...This community is a great team. I feel inspired to write here, and that is saying alot considering I have a nice site and blog already. Unfortunately I am uninspired to say or add much there at all. I like community and at times its just nice to sink into those arms that some other magic woman has created, like a hot soapy bath that hubby has run for you. I really appreciate that I can just come and hang out here, so thanks so much Amanda...I am breathing easy:-)).

Having said that, I did gasp a little at having ' not much' at the end of my link to 'Beadweaver'. Time to get my 'shit' together me thinks. I had Beadweaver made by a fabulous American chicky over a year ago, specifically to sell my beads. Alas I have never followed through and decided to just stick to trademe as 'point of sale'. Instead I now feature 'Leeanne' and her wonderful pieces of jewellery. I do intend to add other artists (including myself) as the 'tiny bead' fiends reveal themselves.

I have been very quiet on the tiny bead front...things are busy with a new job as local Arts Worker a few hours a week and setting up my dance movement fitness classes here in little old Golden Bay. I am working on a minature kimono however and the final sleeve is in progress. I will post pics when I get a moment.

Happy blogging everybody!!

New blog!

2009-06-22T23:42:00.001+12:00

Woot woot! Finally - we have a place we can call our own :)

Here, we can post pics of our designs in the bead swaps or Year of Jewellery pieces, or just share what we've been up to with each other.

Bring on the creative genius that is the Beadhive Diva's!!

~Amanda