Wednesday, December 30, 2009

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!
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7 comments:

Kim Burmeister said...

You are amazing, Jeanne! You try all these new projects and they are fantastic!

Sharli Schaitberger said...

I think you are a craft genius.

Thanks for the tip about felt and the CB. I never knew that!!! Now those dies to cut swirls and things seem much more attractive to me (uh oh!)

Hugs.

Sarah said...

WOW Jeanne these are awesome. You are so flippin' talented. Thanks for the link on felt.

stampmonkey said...

Wow, Jeanne! Your talents just don't stop! These crocheted beading projects are beautiful --I didn't even realize one could crochet things like this!

Sorry I've been so MIA...I know I've missed a BUNCH of your posts and will definitely read through them, but I doubt I'll be able to comment on each one (I'm sorry).

big hugs, and wishing you a happy new year!

Kathi Carlson said...

Amazing!! And done by one who obviously hasn't reached the bifocal stage. LOL. All pretty but that third one is unbelievable. Prejudice on my part maybe!

Now, I'm off to check out the link on cutting felt with the Cuttlebug. I've done it but there might be a better way. Thanks for sharing!!

~Wendy Tunison said...

Jeanne...you are simply amazing. You never cease to amaze me with your talents.

Maricar said...

Gorgeous.