A New To Me Technique (& What Kept Me SO Busy)

Thank you so much for your very kind and encouraging words about my journey back into papercrafting! You know how to make a girl feel good. In true timely fashion, I just got done reading my Weekly Inkling newsletter from SplitcoastStampers and someone asked about using the Cuttlebug to cut felt. There was a link to a thread on the forum about that very topic. You can check it out here. I never knew (or thought much about) how many things you can cut with the Cuttlebug (or similar type device). Very COOL! *Ü*

I wanted to share with you some goodies I made as Christmas presents. I couldn't share them before because the recipients read my blog and I didn't want to spoil the surprise. I have Erin G. to thank for the inspiration to even try this new to me technique...Bead Crochet! Erin posted back in November about a class she took on Crocheted Jewelry. You can create some amazing looking jewelry! In investigating this technique for myself, I came across some how to books on Bead Crochet. It really, really intrigued me and I was off and buying beads, thread and a couple of how-to books. (I even picked up one that shows how to do the type of crocheting Erin learned-but I haven't had a chance to try it, yet).

Here's what I ended up creating. It's a necklace and I used size 6 or E beads strung in a pattern. I chose a simple magnetic clasp.

Once I got the hang of the technique (the hardest part was the beginning and making sure I was stitching in the right places in the first few rounds), I wanted to try using different sized beads. Please excuse the blurry photo. I didn't realize until after I sent off the bracelet that it wasn't the best picture. I used two different sized beads for this one. I really like the textured look.

Then I got really brave and tried THREE different sized beads! I just love how this one came out and it wasn't nearly as difficult as it may look. It's a matter of stringing the beads in a particular pattern. Once that's done then you just do the single crochet stitch over and over and over again! LOL

I had plans to make many more of these for gifts, but I simply ran out of time. My enthusiasm certainly is greater than the physical ability to actually complete all the projects I want create. I guess maybe if I start working on projects now, I'll have a ready stash for NEXT Christmas! LOL

I've been anxious to share these, but had to wait until I heard back from all the recipients. Then I knew I was in the clear to share. Yay!

Hope you have a Wonderful Wednesday!