Journey into beading

Today I'm opening the lid on my new beady box and hope you will enjoy sharing my hobby with me and other beaders out in blogland. Although this is my third blog, it has taken an age to set up. I seem to have forgotten how to do anything regarding blogging and have made mistake after mistake in creating a personal banner and just getting it uploaded was soooooo frustrating!! Anyway upwards and onwards as they say!  And so the box is open..........!
 
Today's delve into the box reveals that I use semi precious gemstones in my jewellery. I  love the tactile nature of stones - they are cold to touch, smooth to feel, exciting in colour, and make me feel good when I wear them.   I now have beads to match everything in my wardrobe!   Did I mentioned that this hobby is very addictive?

 

 

I made these pieces last year from beads purchased from Beads Direct and China.  From the close-up you will be able to see the individuality of the stones.   



Beads and findings used for this 7.3/4" bracelet: 

Bowenite: tablet 10 mm x 15 mm

                   three sided rice 10 mm x 20 mm

Golden Sandstone: 6mm rounds

Red Agate:  rice 10 mm x 30mm (in the necklace)

Beading wire, crimp beads, clasp,

 

Bowenite it is said: "can bring success to all pursuits or to make a clean break from past traumas/environments. This stone is a true symbol of love, friendship and thankfulness." from the web.  I just love the colours and marbling but if theres any truth in these words - I like them too because they fit the day and are shown in love, friendship and thankfulness for your support!
 
One of the things that I've found difficult to get my head round when I started beading were sizes - if you view them on the telly they look so big, but in reality much small than you thought!  There are also many shapes, so I thought it would be useful to give this info should you be tempted to have a go yourself.  I've made numerous mistakes in buying the wrong thickness/thinness of wire ,findings and tools which I will past on to you, and I would welcome your advice/experiences on any area that will help the box become as useful source of info as the cupboard.
 
I hope you will find the box full of interesting jewellery, colour and information - I will shortly open my Friday Followers Gallery, so didn't forget to contact me and we can get together and arrange to view your work. 
 
Thanks for dropping by - let's have some creative fun together.

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