tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56262279773053911562024-03-13T22:18:14.529-07:00nj designsNorma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-16800602208724140352019-12-15T09:46:00.000-08:002019-12-15T09:46:06.678-08:00Chrysanthemum Star <div style="text-align: center;">
I am obviously not a good blogger!! It has been years since I posted anything. </div>
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I wanted to give everyone a little Christmas present from me to you!! So below is a tutorial for Chrysanthemun Star Earrings or Small Pendant. The beaded size is 1 and 7/8 inches long by 1 and 1/8 inches wide without jump ring or ear wires. <br />
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Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-85477583904512802932018-07-20T05:26:00.000-07:002018-07-20T05:26:16.192-07:00Bead and Button Show Master ClassI participated in a Master class at the 2018 Bead and Button Show and my experience was great!!! The class I took was Cynthia Rutledge's Beadwork & Metal: Meet in the Middle! In the class students chose patina'd copper sheets to use in making boxes! The boxes are reminiscent of snuff boxes used in 1700-1800s which could be very decorative. To make these boxes students used their beading skills to bezel and connect the copper together to form box shapes. While doing this adornments were "bezeled" and attached as well. Below are two of my boxes and I plan on making a third when time permits...<br />
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If you get a chance, take this class!! I learned so much!!!</div>
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Thank you, Cynthia Rutledge!!!</div>
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Happy beading!!</div>
Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-33683006365725741732018-04-04T09:35:00.000-07:002018-04-04T09:35:32.030-07:00StormDuos BeadsPotomac Bead Company has released their new bead StormDuo! I love the twist of these beads. They add a sophistication to beadwork. I designed these Shield Earrings using them.<br />
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Here is the tutorial for you to use to make your own set....Enjoy!! Remember to get your StormDuos from Potomac Bead Company!!</div>
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<br />Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-23179399376922512102018-01-29T05:27:00.001-08:002018-01-29T05:29:27.932-08:00Three Pearls Earrings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Three Pearl Earrings are made with Arcos, Swarovski glass pearls, and seed beads. It is not a complicated beading project. I am posting it here for you guys to say 'thank you" for hanging in with my sporadic blog posts! Also it is a good example of my newer tutorials that I sell in my Etsy shop! Enjoy!!</div>
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Happy beading!!</div>
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<br />Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-76572378060656967322018-01-09T10:09:00.000-08:002018-01-09T10:09:22.960-08:00A New Design with a New CrystalIt has been quite a while since my last blog...what can I say? Life got in the way!! But it's a new year and time to try to blog more!<br />
After a hiatus in beading due to a right thumb injury, I am finally able to bead again! I am currently working on the tutorial for Star Dew...<br />
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Star Dew uses a small Swarovski trilliant that I found while browsing Fire Mountain Gems. I loved the shield shape of the crystal and decided that it would make an interesting drop. To the trilliant drop I added a bezeled Swarovski glass pearl. I wanted the main focal to be a 'wow' factor, so I used a 27mm Swarovski crystal and edged it with small pearls and crystal bicones.</div>
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The neck chain is done in two parts on each side. The part that connects to the focal is edged with crystal bicones to add more bling! I don't like the sharp feel of bicones next to my skin so the rest of the neck chain uses seed beads. </div>
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I hope to finish this tutorial and have it listed within the next two weeks. Happy beading!!</div>
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Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-28258641323679307942016-11-08T12:33:00.000-08:002016-11-08T12:33:32.803-08:00Sparkly Space InvadersNow that you can get the new AVA beads from The Potomac Bead Company, I decided that you need a freebie tutorial for earrings. Here is my design called Sparkly Space Invaders...I hope you enjoy making them!!<br />
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I used a Sahara briolette, Crystal Amber Full AVAs, Toho #460K drop, and Miyuki #191 for the seed beads. I would love to see the colors you choose!!!</div>
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Happy beading!!</div>
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Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-70570639002197834012016-10-27T13:57:00.000-07:002016-10-27T13:57:12.641-07:00New AVA beads I was one of the designers chosen to play with the new AVA beads developed by The Potomac Bead Company. I received three colors of the beads; Crystal Labrador Full, Crystal Amber Full, and Crystal Capri Gold Full. My friend who is a retired third grade teacher calls them Less Than and Greater Than beads, because to her that is exactly what they look like. AVAs measure 10X4mm and have two holes. I really like the heft of the beads.<br />
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I had a great time playing with the AVAs. I made two bracelet designs, Holly Points and Let It Go. <br />
Holly Points is being made into a freebie video that you can get on The Potomac Bead Company website. I will also sell a downloadable pdf of the diagrams in my Etsy shop for those of us who like diagrams.<br />
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Let It Go will be available to purchase in my Etsy shop when the tutorial is available. <br />
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I also designed a pair of earrings called Sparkly Space Invaders. I am hoping to get the tutorial written up and posted here as a freebie... So much work so little time!!<br />
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AVAs will be available for purchase on The Potomac Bead Company's website later this month with more colors becoming available in November. I think you will enjoy playing with them as much as I have! There are other new design tutorials becoming available from other designers!! <br />
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Happy beading!! Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-43110849957544226072016-10-01T09:36:00.001-07:002016-10-03T05:17:17.325-07:00Getting Motifs to Lay Correctly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Antigonian Bracelet is my newest tutorial...so new it has not been released yet! I made the prototype bracelet this past early summer. It is the turquoise and silver photo. While both versions look similar they are beaded totally differently.<br />
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I loved the way the prototype looked but was not happy with the way the dome beads fit inside of the beaded bezel. They had a tendency to slip and flip forward making the dome insecure.<br />
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I beaded three different versions of the motif that appeared the same but had different bezel designs. Below is a photo of the three versions taken from overhead. See how similar they look. (Please disregard the dome bead with a lot of blue, I think it got mixed up in the wrong color bin.) The main difference is how much surface area of the dome is showing. The third motif appears larger!<br />
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Here is a photo of the same versions taken from the back side. You can see the different bezel backs. The third is the prototype design. I used a wheel type bezel. This is the one where the dome bead moved and could flip forward. The second and first motif have very similar backs but the main difference in the way they lay is shown from the side view photo.</div>
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Notice how the second motif does not lay flat against the base surface. It sets much too high. The first motif lays flat and will look the best when worn as a bracelet.</div>
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When designing jewelry there are many more things that have to be worked out other than the visual harmony of the design. A designer has to be able to design something that will lay against the body and move accordingly. The main focal (dome bead in this example) needs to be bezeled in such a way that it will not move around and flip forward or backward. It needs to fit tightly, but lay flat and not sit up from the base surface. </div>
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I hope this quick blog post will help others out there is cyber-land when designing their own jewelry!! Happy beading!!</div>
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<br />Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-11591088139787203002016-06-29T14:30:00.001-07:002016-06-29T14:30:30.665-07:00Using only Metallic Finish Beads in a DesignIn writing up the tutorial for Grotto Flower, I decided to challenge myself to try and use only metallic finish seed beads. It is typically not a good design idea, but I wanted to see if I could! <br />
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In the original design I used solid color, color lined, metallic, and AB finish beads and was very happy about the way it turned out!<br />
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When I made the second colorway, I focused on using similar shades with different finishes. The matte green really set off the petals of the large flower. The bronze added a needed deep shade to anchor the greens. This color version is my favorite!</div>
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My first challenge in using only metallic finish beads was determining the colorway! I chose a split complement design. The general colors were violet, yellow, and green. I chose Miyuki #4220 Galvanized eggplant as my violet, Miyuki #4205 (DB #1835) Zest as my yellow, and Miyuki #465 Dark Green Iris as my green. <br />
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As you can see all seed beads are metallic. They do have the same shiny consistency which doesn't really help the eyes to settle on one part. The colors do help though. If I were to do this colorway again I would use a Delica that matched the Dark Green Iris, which would bring the dark shade in around the lilac center gumdrop bead in each flower motif.</div>
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Now which one of these three is your favorite? This design tutorial will be released soon in my Etsy shop and you can try your own colorway!!!</div>
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Happy beading!!</div>
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Norma Jean</div>
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Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-80227547080660206202016-03-23T12:11:00.001-07:002016-03-23T12:11:10.851-07:00Another Design IssueThis is Nexus Blossom Bracelet. It is made with RounDuos and seed beads that surround a rivoli to make a crystal flower. The photo below shows the bracelet flat. It is a beautiful design, but there is a problem!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-usELOelInWM/VvLnzr6o7jI/AAAAAAAAAhM/NCngjZ67CwcULxwfxb5Sz6cEmvYfH21ZQ/s1600/PC140032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-usELOelInWM/VvLnzr6o7jI/AAAAAAAAAhM/NCngjZ67CwcULxwfxb5Sz6cEmvYfH21ZQ/s320/PC140032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made this late last year, but did not like the way it sat on my wrist. I loved the flowers but the connection between the flowers was too large causing the flowers to lay far apart, which looked funny when it curved around my wrist.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BZk5nzoqxjc/VvLnzCg-QUI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/0dNzVc_euJYFd_I0morxwbaiflycLG99w/s1600/PC140026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BZk5nzoqxjc/VvLnzCg-QUI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/0dNzVc_euJYFd_I0morxwbaiflycLG99w/s320/PC140026.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UtBxbwNiP4A/VvLntbbKQfI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/uyVijGclCwMK8F8-w0Fa5aIWF4yuq1EDg/s1600/P3230002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UtBxbwNiP4A/VvLntbbKQfI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/uyVijGclCwMK8F8-w0Fa5aIWF4yuq1EDg/s320/P3230002.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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After many explorations with different connections, I finally came up with this new version. While this colorway is different, perhaps you can see that the flower connections are shorter so the flowers are closer together. This bracelet version lays very nicely on the wrist.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jt9atKtTuZc/VvLnuxfBTSI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/_urRFIAkusIKy7b81PgSroXTBYAXJhwog/s1600/P3230007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jt9atKtTuZc/VvLnuxfBTSI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/_urRFIAkusIKy7b81PgSroXTBYAXJhwog/s320/P3230007.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
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Here is a photo of the two bracelets side by side so the flower connectors' size can be compared! I am off now to start writing the tutorial for the final version of Nexus Flowers Bracelet!!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TH4MsghGE-8/VvLnvErnE-I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/P8Ks_tN2dvUvYzxCvvdXxfzF_2NBKZ11A/s1600/P3230011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TH4MsghGE-8/VvLnvErnE-I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/P8Ks_tN2dvUvYzxCvvdXxfzF_2NBKZ11A/s320/P3230011.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
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Look for it soon in my Etsy shop!! Happy Beading!!<br />
Norma JeanNorma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-24983860666444312492016-02-23T09:15:00.000-08:002016-02-23T09:15:12.854-08:00Working through Design IssuesA good cohesive design is not only about choosing colors that look good together, but is about a whole slew of checkpoints that must work together. One of these checkpoints is wear ability! Here is a beautiful bracelet I made incorporating two hole Hex beads. If you notice the hex pattern is used around the Cabs along each side of the bracelet. This is the repeating patterns that is a part of good cohesive design. But the bracelet does not lay flat when worn. The RounDous bunch forward. It is not a tension issue but a design issue. So it is not a good cohesive design!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WXtsVG8i2rw/VsyQQogQ0yI/AAAAAAAAAgY/17hpShf22lw/s1600/P2230015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WXtsVG8i2rw/VsyQQogQ0yI/AAAAAAAAAgY/17hpShf22lw/s320/P2230015.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZG_d5Vlhvg/VsyQCnh_msI/AAAAAAAAAgc/ICeWBq3eN_Y/s1600/P2230005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZG_d5Vlhvg/VsyQCnh_msI/AAAAAAAAAgc/ICeWBq3eN_Y/s320/P2230005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Notice the RounDuos are bunched forward in this photo.<br />
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Here I have fixed the issue with the RounDuos by somewhat changing the thread paths. Now they lay flat, but I used so much thread that I could not get the edge beading in. On this design, which is very pretty, the cab motifs tend to flop forward because they are not attached to the center beadwork. So now the RounDuo bunching issue is fixed but there is another issue with too much thread so I can't get the cab motifs attached so they will lay flat.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdL3vfdstog/VsyQD6Ga1XI/AAAAAAAAAgc/n4BKHSJim00/s1600/P2230007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdL3vfdstog/VsyQD6Ga1XI/AAAAAAAAAgc/n4BKHSJim00/s320/P2230007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the final bracelet. It is made totally differently from the first two bracelets. The thread paths are different and actually easier! It makes up more quickly that the previous two bracelet designs. This is the keeper! The RounDuos lay flat, thread does not fill up the beads, and the cab motifs are attached. Making a good cohesive design takes a lot of thought and trial and error!! Designers have to be patient and never give up when designing!!<br />
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Happy beading everyone!!!</div>
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Norma Jean</div>
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<br />Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-18863106670893385672015-12-14T12:07:00.000-08:002015-12-14T12:07:44.714-08:002016 PreviewIt has been a year since I posted last! At the beginning of this year my husband and I took a leadership role in a social club to which we belong. It was very time consuming and something had to give. Well, blogging gave!! I had little time to bead as well, but did manage somewhat! Now that the year is almost over, things have slowed down! So I have been beading quite a bit!<br />
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I want to give you guys a heads up about some of my new tutorial designs that will be appearing early 2016 in my Etsy shop! I am so excited to show these....<br />
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<b> Kisses and Diamonds Forever</b><br />
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This design uses Dome beads, little button beads, and rocaille seed beads. A friend who owns a bead shop sent me the button beads so that I could explore! I hope she enjoys this design!</div>
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<b>Triumvirate Crest</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfSXO7rsrYY/Vm8acAgStYI/AAAAAAAAAe0/CzfUZC0F_yk/s1600/PC140007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfSXO7rsrYY/Vm8acAgStYI/AAAAAAAAAe0/CzfUZC0F_yk/s320/PC140007.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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I used 10X8mm mounted crystals with crystal bicones and rocaille seed beads to create this crest design. I found the mounted crystals at Bead & Button this past year and fell in love with them. So you will probably see more designs by me using them.</div>
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<b>Thoraxian Stars</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFC-FW__gh4/Vm8agd8HVVI/AAAAAAAAAfE/yEKSUk42380/s1600/PC140013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFC-FW__gh4/Vm8agd8HVVI/AAAAAAAAAfE/yEKSUk42380/s320/PC140013.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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Thoraxian Stars is a reversible necklace that uses two hole crescent beads, glass pearls and rocaille seed beads. This is my second favorite of my new designs. I really love the Crescent beads!</div>
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<b>Valor Bracelet</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AS8LXKLIpPQ/Vm8antdgOaI/AAAAAAAAAfU/Y_lq0oQ35BQ/s1600/PC140020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AS8LXKLIpPQ/Vm8antdgOaI/AAAAAAAAAfU/Y_lq0oQ35BQ/s320/PC140020.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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This bracelet design uses the two hole cabs, crystal bicones, and rocaille seed beads. The luminous quality of the two hole cabs gives this design the necessary sheen, but makes it hard to photograph.</div>
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<b>Thorbardin Bracelet</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XcUMpJJ-CE/Vm8apstdmBI/AAAAAAAAAfc/Pg2rbEBVmfU/s1600/PC140022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XcUMpJJ-CE/Vm8apstdmBI/AAAAAAAAAfc/Pg2rbEBVmfU/s320/PC140022.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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Thorbardin uses Delicas and rocaille seed beads. This is my favorite design so far!! It is a layered bracelet and looks rich and regal.</div>
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<b>Nexus Blossoms</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ian1l70Xkc/Vm8auVhjzaI/AAAAAAAAAfo/xZdeiN3Mlv8/s1600/PC140026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ian1l70Xkc/Vm8auVhjzaI/AAAAAAAAAfo/xZdeiN3Mlv8/s320/PC140026.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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This is one design that I am still working on. I do not like the spacing between the blossoms and hopefully I will think of a better way to connect them. The bracelet is made with two hole RounDuos (found at Potomac Beads), crystal rivolis, and rocaille seed beads. I like the RounDuos and how they add texture to this design.</div>
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I hope you enjoy these new designs and continue to follow me!!</div>
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Norma Jean</div>
Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-9958158954267594102014-08-13T08:17:00.000-07:002014-08-13T08:17:39.688-07:00Pearl Coin EarringsI am definitely not cut out to be a blogger!!! So sorry it has taken me this long to create a new post, but I have been very busy in my personal life!!!<br />
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Here are my Pearl Coin Earrings!! I have attached the instructions so you can make your own pair!! They are a thank you for everyone who likes my designs and especially for those of you who frequent my Etsy shop!!! Happy beading!!!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSz54B9a3l4/U-uA9EeMWEI/AAAAAAAAAeA/-A5RMVswO5M/s1600/Pearl%2BCoin%2BEarrings5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSz54B9a3l4/U-uA9EeMWEI/AAAAAAAAAeA/-A5RMVswO5M/s1600/Pearl%2BCoin%2BEarrings5.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-61004042241170912722014-04-21T09:41:00.002-07:002014-04-21T09:41:56.113-07:00Overactive MuseI have seen several designers post about their Muses going on vacation! Sometimes, I wish mine would! It seems as though I have an overactive Muse! I can't even finish one thing without having tons of inspirations as to how to do other things! Because of this Muse Overactivity, I have many designs awaiting instruction writing.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqB-GE8jri0/U1VGSl1t8rI/AAAAAAAAAcA/_bkqskD0X_E/s1600/P4210037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqB-GE8jri0/U1VGSl1t8rI/AAAAAAAAAcA/_bkqskD0X_E/s1600/P4210037.jpg" height="320" width="298" /></a></div>
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Typically, I tend to leave these designs out on my worktable! Thank goodness my table takes up a whole wall of my studio! The designs were distracting me so unfortunately, I have had to start putting them away....but that leads to forgetting about them! Somehow the designs need to stay foremost in my mind!!!<br />
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One thing that tends to figure greatly in this lack of timely instruction writing is also the short attention span of my interest in a specific design! I have a tendency to figure out some design (Afterall, its all about solving problems!), and then moving on to the next idea!! I am always seeking something new and exciting! I wonder what psychologists would say about that?! <br />
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Another thing that impairs my ability to be timely in writing instructions is my short short term memory! If I don't write/draw a design idea when it hits me, I forget about it! Therefore, I have lots of notes that I have to save for later to try out ideas! There just simply is not enough time to do it all!!!<br />
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In trying to figure out how to deal with this issue, I have posed the question of having someone else write instructions for me! But then I think of the time involved in having to explain how I would like the instructions written and how to actually bead the design, not to mention the cost of hiring someone who would actually want to do something like this! <br />
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I wish my Muse would be interested in a vacation for a week or two so I could get more instructions written!! I hope you have enjoyed looking at my newer designs awaiting my time to write the instructions!!!<br />
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<br />Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-3778897776664656992014-02-25T06:08:00.000-08:002014-02-25T06:08:12.665-08:00Stud Bracelet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tbM_uj3gboo/Uwyfu560dQI/AAAAAAAAAZo/-mzi4Heh2O4/s1600/P2150050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tbM_uj3gboo/Uwyfu560dQI/AAAAAAAAAZo/-mzi4Heh2O4/s1600/P2150050.jpg" height="162" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love this bracelet! It takes around an hour to make so you can wear it the day you make it!! Below the photos you will find jpegs that show the complete directions on how to make your own Stud Bracelet! Please enjoy and give me the design credit when you share your own version!!! Thank you all for supporting me! Happy beading!!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-jVbqqNIMM/UwyiLc_RJtI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/wFHKzh0Spso/s1600/Stud+Bracelet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-jVbqqNIMM/UwyiLc_RJtI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/wFHKzh0Spso/s1600/Stud+Bracelet2.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-71256053785889604812014-02-20T09:29:00.000-08:002014-02-20T09:29:03.836-08:00A Little Bit of Organization Goes a Long WayA little bit of organization goes a long way! I have a large table area for beading which frequently (everyday) looks like this:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h7F7Owl7dnw/UwYzXc3e4jI/AAAAAAAAAYg/3GppvXBmgQI/s1600/P2180003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h7F7Owl7dnw/UwYzXc3e4jI/AAAAAAAAAYg/3GppvXBmgQI/s1600/P2180003.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The above photo shows where I sit to actually bead. I have my music there and all the other beading items at hand. Moving slightly to the left is this area.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tLVFFNDrSqs/UwYzaoCQEyI/AAAAAAAAAYo/8OTSOdj5tSo/s1600/P2180004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tLVFFNDrSqs/UwYzaoCQEyI/AAAAAAAAAYo/8OTSOdj5tSo/s1600/P2180004.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I use it to stack the pieces I am currently working on. I get bored, frustrated, or loose sight of a design so I just box it up and set the beading mats here for later use, hoping inspiration comes quickly. You will also notice that I use a lot of late post it notes for lists, design, or just notes on what I am working on.</div>
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Moving further to the left is this area:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8l_ZgrmT62k/UwYzcFDaRvI/AAAAAAAAAYw/wBz9sYxPJ3U/s1600/P2180005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8l_ZgrmT62k/UwYzcFDaRvI/AAAAAAAAAYw/wBz9sYxPJ3U/s1600/P2180005.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here I have more storage for projects that I need more time to figure out what to do with. Some I even leave on my paper mat just so I can see them and keep them currently in my memory! </div>
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Now for the important part...Can you see the plastic containers in the photo above? They are my organization idea that I wanted to show you. There is a larger one to the top right of photo. Inside it are several more smaller ones.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S3Rl-Q4D0B0/UwY0FIbqScI/AAAAAAAAAZU/3F41sBr7PZo/s1600/P2180009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S3Rl-Q4D0B0/UwY0FIbqScI/AAAAAAAAAZU/3F41sBr7PZo/s1600/P2180009.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a close up of the larger container with the smaller ones inside. These containers are made to hold and organize photos. You can get them in the size as above that contain 6 smaller boxes or a larger size that contain <u>many</u> more. I do have some of the larger ones but I do not keep them out on my beading table.<br />
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Here is a photo of one of the individual photo containers opened. I like this storage solution because my post it note paper fits nicely inside the box along with the sample project. The bead containers I use fit inside as well. They can also be stacked with your bead mat so that nothing gets lost. All the materials needed are right there. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b3B0kiALChk/UwYz8x4wDbI/AAAAAAAAAZM/NvvqQfXn4CA/s1600/P2180008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b3B0kiALChk/UwYz8x4wDbI/AAAAAAAAAZM/NvvqQfXn4CA/s1600/P2180008.jpg" height="288" width="320" /></a></div>
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These containers can be purchased at just about any hobby/craft store! I can't remember how much they cost because I have had them for so long and reuse them all the time!</div>
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Happy beading!!</div>
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Stay tuned...I am working on a freebie beading pattern to be posted here! </div>
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<br />Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-74916076923410016392013-12-04T10:01:00.000-08:002013-12-04T10:01:22.834-08:00Christmas FeverI'm in full beading mode.....doing Christmas ornaments when I should be working on things that I have started. They need to get finished up before....I don't know...year's end!!<br />
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Maybe those Elves, who work hard to create toys for Santa to deliver, will show up and complete these.....</div>
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I have a bracelet and two earring designs that I need to write instructions for. The bracelet would match my Sunrise Pagoda Necklace....</div>
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Here are one set of earring designs. I used peanuts and seed beads for the tops!</div>
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These earrings I made for me to wear for the holidays. The one on the left was my first try...I made the second one and decided it was a keeper. And of course I love them and must write up instructions.....</div>
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This is a bottom portion of a new pendant design. I stopped work on it when I started the top and rope section. I didn't like what I came up with, so now I have to redo the top section and rope...Muse, where are you???</div>
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I designed this as a bracelet! It is gorgeous, but doesn't work as a bracelet....I have to figure out what I am going to do with it....</div>
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I love these stars...they are so easy to make and look so sparkley! But I don't know what to make of them...<br />
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All I want for Christmas is a visit from those work crazed elves to finish up my work for me!!!!!</div>
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Oh well, I'm off to finish up another Christmas Ornament!!!</div>
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Happy beading!!</div>
Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-59019732720167737352013-11-07T06:06:00.001-08:002013-11-07T06:06:19.573-08:00Playing with BaublesFirst I would like to say that I love the word, "baubles". Baubles, baubles, baubles!!<br />
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I have been playing around with beads lately making these small pendant like things that I call baubles. I am trying to figure out what to do with them. I thought that they would make small pendants, but I'm not too keen on that idea. Small Christmas ornaments? Nah! What I probably need to do is put several together to form a nice necklace or bracelet....I just can't figure out how right now!!! Do any of you have any ideas? Please let me know! Also, how about tutorials for just baubles? Would anyone be interested in those? Again, please let me know your ideas!!<br />
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<br />Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-83570730620177515492013-10-30T08:58:00.003-07:002013-10-30T08:58:59.302-07:00Reading Peyote PatternsGreat link for reading peyote patterns!!!<br />
<a href="http://www.rubysbeadwork.com/ReadingPeyotePatterns.html">http://www.rubysbeadwork.com/ReadingPeyotePatterns.html</a>Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-1779848835354584102013-10-28T09:12:00.001-07:002013-10-28T09:12:37.287-07:00Taking Photos of JewelryI am not a photographer! With that said, I feel that I do take good photos of my jewelry and some of you out there in the internet world must agree somewhat. I have had several people ask about my camera and how I photograph my jewelry. I am writing this post to answer those questions.<div>
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The camera I use is an Olympus Stylus-90000. It is at least 5 years old. It is a point and shoot type camera, but with some changable functions.</div>
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<a href="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4977498890307893&w=243&h=169&c=7&rs=1&pid=1.7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4977498890307893&w=243&h=169&c=7&rs=1&pid=1.7" width="400" /></a></div>
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I do use a light box that I purchased. Here are some photos of it. Keep in mind that I keep it in a storage closet!</div>
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Notice that in the photos there is a tripod for my camera. I tend to shake and move the camera about when I take photos without my tripod! I don't think that the brand of light box nor lights make that much of a difference. I feel that one must use the settings on the camera to take better photos.</div>
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The settings I use on my camera are WB (white balance), macro, and +/-. I set my WB to the sun symbol for bright light. I use the macro "on" setting (flower symbol)...sometimes I even use the super macro setting. These help, but I have found that the +/- (I think its called the aperature.) is the most imortant. On my camera I can display a bar graph of the lighting and I know to keep the red next to the right side of the graph. I take several photos at the +/- on 0.0 then move up to +0.3, +0.7, and/or +1.0. I download the photos to my computer and choose the best looking one as the one I save. If I happen to use a black background, I tend to move the +/- into the negative numbers and do the same thing.</div>
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I know that a lot of people use a photo editing program on the computer to enhance their photos. I saved my Microsoft Office Picture Manager from 2003 and still use it if I need to crop or brighten. I like that I can change the light, medium, and dark areas with this program. Plus it is easy to use!</div>
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These are the things I do to take photos of my jewelry. I hope it will help some others out there! Remember I am not a photographer and all my learnings have occurred from trial and error! And a lot of errors!!!</div>
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Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-22537509080520357282013-07-10T06:59:00.000-07:002013-07-10T07:01:39.039-07:00Creating a New DesignFor those of you who do not know me personally, you may find it hard to believe that I have a very hard time following other designers instructions! No, it's not because their instructions are bad (usually they are better than mine)! It's because I can't shut off my mind. I am always thinking...Why do it this way?... What if I did it that way? I usually screw up the beadwork! In doing this, new designs are developed! (One must always have a positive side to any undesirable attribute!)<br />
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I came up with this X pattern when playing around with my beads and thought, "Aah-ha, this will be great! <br />
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So I put several Xs together and there it was...a beautiful bracelet! However, when I put this bracelet on, it collapsed in upon itself. So I moped around for a day and dreamed about how to "fix" it. Hey sometimes it works! Don't laugh! It definitely worked this time. With the addition of several 3 bead bridges stragetically placed between the motifs, no longer did the bracelet collapse! So now I have a new design! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ux41QpUY2ZY/Ud1jw1yNjDI/AAAAAAAAAVE/REE7qjvGGG0/s1600/P6280138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ux41QpUY2ZY/Ud1jw1yNjDI/AAAAAAAAAVE/REE7qjvGGG0/s320/P6280138.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look carefully between the center motif and the end motifs. Notice there are no connecting bridge beads. This bracelet collasped!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Compare this photo to the one above and notice the connecting bridge beads that keep this bracelet from collapsing!</td></tr>
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But did I stop there....NO! I had to see what would happen if I changed the direction of the Xs, and another design was developed! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfVMK5wSP8c/Ud1j-__NJQI/AAAAAAAAAVc/C0qbRO8xIWQ/s1600/P7100009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfVMK5wSP8c/Ud1j-__NJQI/AAAAAAAAAVc/C0qbRO8xIWQ/s320/P7100009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice that now the connecting bridge beads are in a different place. Yes, I had to add them here to keep this bracelet's structure!</td></tr>
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I am in the process of writing an instruction packet for this new design. I call it Morning Dew. There are 3 bracelet possiblities and a pair of earrings included! </div>
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One bracelet design not pictured is just a straight line of motifs connected together for those beaders who like a simple design! Happy beading!!!<br />
Norma JeanNorma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-16457749304592604472013-06-27T05:38:00.000-07:002013-06-27T05:38:36.356-07:00RIght Angle WeaveJust the other day I was teaching a bracelet class where the students had to make a second row of right angle weave. The first row was fine and fast...everyone "got" it. But that naughty second row just causes some people to want to scream. I do understand the reason.... In RAW it takes two rounds to finish one complete stitch. That figure 8 with the change in direction just trips people up. So I put together a diagram and I have it here as a freebie! Enjoy! Happy beading!!<br />
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Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-55248725173360829852013-04-08T06:16:00.000-07:002013-04-08T06:16:24.062-07:00Deciding what to BeadAfter a weekend of yard work, I am itching to get back to my beading!!! I have started several projects as usual and need to finish them!!! I will need to make a decision about which one to work on!!!<br />
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I would love to work on these flowers but I need more daggers this color and I still haven't figured out where this is going. I could have 3 flowers front and center on a necklace but that's been done so much!! I would like to use the just ready to open flower but it seems a little big. This will just have to wait.....my right brain needs to relax and work out the details!!!</div>
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Below is the bottom part of a pendant where I tried doing something different....I added wire to it! I need to design a substantional bail for this that echos the shape reversed. I am almost out of the green seed beads and have ordered more, so I guess I can't work on this until they come in!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCYM1pWSoE8/UWK_vKvSngI/AAAAAAAAATc/f1KtG_H3F5s/s1600/P4080002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCYM1pWSoE8/UWK_vKvSngI/AAAAAAAAATc/f1KtG_H3F5s/s320/P4080002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think I'll work on this necklace!! I love the crown on the Swarovski pear shaped crystal. I want this to have a royal feel. The neck rope is small...made with size 15 seed beads. I plan on adding an embellishment on every other section! Yes...I definitely think I'll work on this!!!</div>
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But then again....I have been playing around with some of the new 2 hole bead shapes. I'm not satisfied with any of these as yet...but I could try exploring some more!!!</div>
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If you want to know what I <u>did</u> finally work on...check my Facebook posts....I'll definitely post a photo when I finish my work!!!</div>
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Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-4449439508347023162013-03-29T09:06:00.000-07:002013-03-29T09:06:19.177-07:00Exploring the Possibilities with Super DuosI see all these wonderful designs using Super duos and Twins! They are all over the internet and Pinterest...free and fee based tutorials! There are so many, but the thing I notice the most about them is that most designs are based on a flat plane, where the Super duo just adds length or width. I even have one of these designs!<br />
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But what if we think of using Super duos to form another level to our work...yes actually making something 3D. Here is a sample of this:<br />
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Imagine the possibilities...this could become a bangle or component for something else! Try to use those specialty beads in new and different ways!!! Be creative!!! Make mistakes!!! Create something new!!!Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5626227977305391156.post-3074933373616430062012-10-24T12:56:00.001-07:002012-10-24T12:56:38.861-07:00Southern Bead Retreat Projects<div>
The Southern Bead Retreat takes place every two years at Callaway Gardens, located in rural south Georgia. I drove down depending upon my phone for directions! When I ended up in a deserted parking lot on Commerce Street in Pine Mountain, GA, I decided it was time to talk to a real person for directions! I was so close...it took less than five minutes to get to Callaway. I checked in, unloaded and went to take my first class from Kimberly Stathsis. She is an outstanding teacher, who writes the best instructions ever!! Here are the earrings I made in class!</div>
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They have a post bezeled behind the top tiny pearl. The bottom pearl is encased in a nice pillow. I just love this colorway!!!</div>
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Day two of the retreat was with Marcia DeCoster. She rocks! I learned how to do a fast herringbone. Here is the necklace I made in her class.</div>
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The focal is a hand painted (by Marcia) wooden ball that is surrounded by a net of seed beads and crystals. On the bottom is a wonderful sparkley bezeled rivoli. The collar tops the focal and is hung on a beautiful fuchsia silk ribbon.</div>
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Day three was with Cynthia Rutledge. She is a very patient teacher and an elegant lady! Here is the wearable art necklace I made in her class.</div>
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The focal is a ceramic cab that depicts a famous painting. Cynthia had many different cabs to choose from, some were especially artistic! I especially loved making the dangle and the two beaded buttons for the closure. I didn't enjoy making the tiny jump rings and placing them in the tiny space provided for the connections! It was just a me thing as they weren't hard to make!!!</div>
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Day four was my shopping day....we won't go there except to say I had a blast!!!</div>
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Day five was with Sherry Serafini. Her designs are fabulous and she is a very enthusiastic and creative teacher! Here is the bracelet I made in her class.</div>
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We used set crystals and bezeled them and embellished around them to make bead embroidery components. The focal cab was done in a similiar fashion. Then the components were connected with seed beads and crystal. The photo doesn't do the bracelet justice!! </div>
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Day six was with Dianne Fitzgerald. She is just full of knowledge about beading!!! We worked with right angle weave to make this bracelet.</div>
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I love the bling of this bracelet and we only had to count to four to make it!! I finished the bracelet early and was so excited to wear it!!!</div>
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Day seven, the last day, was spent with Huib Petersen. He is such a fun teacher with great stories! We were given the option of just making the ladybug with size 8 seed beads or the whole bracelet kit with size 11 seed beads. I chose the size 11 seed beads. Here is my ladybug and aphid!!!</div>
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This was by far the most challenging project of the week! First I started with the wrong number of beads (I only had to count to four yesterday!) then I had to start over to get my increases in the right place! Completed the project was a bracelet with bugs atop, but I chose to just make the bugs! I think they are so cute!!! I learned a lot about increasing and decreasing in peyote stitch!!!</div>
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All in all the week was filled with fun and lots of new learnings!! I made so many new friends!!! I didn't want to leave!!!</div>
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Happy beading!!</div>
Norma Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03855140763526434333noreply@blogger.com1