Sunday 10 November 2013

Soutache at The Oxford Bead Shop...

Another project I've just finished - a soutache bib necklace.


I learnt soutache earlier this year when I did a day workshop with Mum, Amy and Lucy.  Amy owns The Oxford Bead Shop where she runs many workshops (including soutache) as well as selling everything you could ever need for jewellery making.  I know I'm biased but she is an excellent teacher!  I'll share some pictures of the shop soon but in the meantime you can check out her website here.



Saturday 9 November 2013

I've been 'baking'...

I've been busy in the shed making some new cupcake beads.  Lots of lovely colours and some 'chocolate' too!


I'll be making them into necklaces and onto my etsy store very soon.

Saturday 12 October 2013

2013 embroidered calendar...


Another project I have had for months - this one bought at the end of last year from Carina of Polka & Bloom.


It's completed in DMC stranded cotton using mainly satin and split stitch which took a surprisingly long time to finish.  I seriously thought it would be 2014 before I got this done.


I finished it about 3 months ago but still need to make it up into something - not sure what though as I've left it rather late!


New necklaces...

A few more necklaces listed on etsy...


This time an opalite and fine silver pendant with handmade findings and heart charm, and a handmade lampwork flower bead with fine silver bead cap and Swarovski crystal.

Saturday 5 October 2013

New Cupcake Necklaces

I've just listed some new cupcake necklaces for sale in my Etsy store.



The glass cupcakes are made on a lampwork torch and finished off with sterling silver findings and chains.  I've been working on some christmas themed ones today - never to early to get started!

"Life is Beautiful" sampler...

Whilst browsing Pinterest I came across this lovely sampler from Stacey at Bakercourt. She has generously put a free pattern for this Spring Sampler on her blog so if you would like to embroider your own go on over and check it out.


I used DMC Perle Cotton #8 and had fun using a variety of embroidery stitches and colours on this pretty design. Now I just need an embroidery hoop to use as a frame.




Saturday 28 September 2013

Happy Day stitching sampler...

I've had this Pam Garrison sampler for about 2 years so figured it was about time I embroidered it.


It came preprinted on white cotton and was lovely to sew. I usually use DMC stranded cottons for embroidery but thought I'd try out DMC Perle cotton #8 after reading Charlotte Lyons blog. I loved the fact it didn't need splitting and didn't tangle as bad. The colours available are gorgeous and so I was able to keep everything really bright and cheerful. 


Now I just need to decide what to do with it.  I think I'm favouring adding a patchwork border and making it up into a cushion.


If you want to try this yourself then Pam has them listed in her etsy shop.

Saturday 21 September 2013

A workshop with Abigail Brown...

Better late than never.  I've finally taken photographs of the bird I made on a workshop I did with Abigail Brown back in June!  Abigail makes the most wonderful fabric birds which I've been lusting after for ages so when I saw she was hosting workshops I had to sign up.



The workshop was held in her gorgeous studio at Cockpit Arts in London.  Seven of us were taking the workshop so armed with cups of tea we settled down around the work table ready to begin.  Abigail had already sewn together our fabric choice for the bird itself as we wouldn't have had enough time for all the embellishing if we did it on the day.  That was fine by me as I couldn't wait to get started with all the gorgeous fabrics Abigail had piled high on the work table.  First... to stuff the bird with more stuffing than I thought possible - it was completely solid by the time Abigail told us we had enough in there.  Now for the fabric.

After selecting a few fabrics we got started snipping and applying the pretty fabric scraps to our bird and soon their personalities emerged.


It was hard to stop adding fabric as there was so much to choose from but eventually she looked complete.  Embroidered eyes and tiny stitches finished her off beautifully.


Here are a few of the creations made by the other lovely ladies on the day - I love how different they all are.


Thank you Abigail for such a wonderful and inspiring day!

Tuesday 21 May 2013

and the Folksy shop...

Everything currently available in my Folksy shop...

 Greens, turquoise and fine silver trails - £10

Grey Skies - £10

 Lavender and Peas - £10

 Spring Greens - £10

Pink Blossom - £10

 Vintage pastels - £10
 Ladybirds - £10

 Sunny ladybirds - £10

 Circus Spots 2 - £10
 Circus - £10
 Aquamarine spring - £10

 Circus Spots - £10

Cheery Brights - SOLD

Just stocked up my etsy shop.  They all look so colourful like this.

Monday 20 May 2013

etsy listings...

I had to share these tonight - my current Etsy listings. Everything is made by me in my little studio (well, shed) in the beautiful English countryside.




Sea green lampwork bead set  - £10

 Pink, black and amber lampwork bead set - £15

SOLD

Finally - a shop (or two)!



I've done it.  I (finally) set up my Etsy and Folksy shops last night and have made my first sale.  Excited  doesn't even come close!  I'm going to use both sites until I see which one works best for me and will share everything here too but in the meantime everything currently for sale can be found here...

https://www.etsy.com/shop/thebeadedteapot
http://folksy.com/shops/Thebeadedteapot

Thank you so much to my first customer - your beads will be on their way to you tomorrow.


Tuesday 5 March 2013


Pattern: Hindia, Studio183

This pattern is fabulous.  Really easy to make with an amazing end result.  I used coral Swarovski pearls for the centres, a mix of seed and delica beads in turquoise and coral and finished it with sterling chain for the back of the neck.  The opaque beads make this a very wearable necklace - but I can't wait to make one full of sparkle next time.  Maybe something 'Bollywood' inspired?

Sunday 3 March 2013

Daisies 2


Pattern: Sabine Lippert

Finally finished!  I love this one - the gold seedbeads are gorgeous and the 2xAB crystals add just the right amount of sparkle.

Sunday 24 February 2013

Granada

Pattern: Sabine Lippert's Beaded Fantasies

OK, so I got sidetracked yesterday with this lovely pattern and some amazing neon orange Swarovski 6mm pearls.


The rivoli is from eBay seller Beading in the Rain and I've had it forever.  I could never find the perfect project for it - until now.  The neon orange sets off the bright pink stone perfectly.  I'd recommend checking out Beading in the Rain.  They have the most beautiful custom coated Swarovski rivoli's amongst their huge collection of new and vintage crystal - it's impossible not to spend a fortune!

Right, Daisies next...

Saturday 23 February 2013

Daisies



Pattern: Daisies, Sabine Lippert

Not only does Sabine create beautiful beadwork she also writes really easy to understand patterns.  This one uses the new Rizo beads (I bought mine from Stitchncraft).  The colour combinations are endless - I'm trying 24k gold plated beads with Swarovski Chrysolite Opal 2XAB next.

Sheherazade's Ring


Pattern: Sabine Lippert

Thursday 3 January 2013