Bead Blog

An exciting week....

It’s been an exciting week here at Bead! Issue 37 went off to print. Our April/May edition is a real treat – packed full of spring inspired projects with a hint of a vintage feel.

We’ve got profiles on UK artists Heather Kingsley-Heath and Bonnie McGough as well as stunning projects from both, including this beautiful beadwork necklace from Heather.

 

I’ve had a sneaky go at it myself, this is what as I’ve got so far… 

 

As well as all the excitement of Bead going off to print we’ve also had Claire Humpherson from Beads Direct in the Bead.TV studio. She came down armed with epoxy clay, wire and plenty of Swarovski Elements, so look out for her projects coming soon to Bead.TV.

 Last week was busy too, I went along to the Craft, Hobby and Stitch show at the NEC, where it was great to see all the new trends in the beading world. Whilst there I also took a class with Linda Peterson and tried my hand at Mocume Gane polymer clay beads. So much fun!

 Talking of shows, it’s not long until The Big Bead Show! Can you believe it’s going to be March tomorrow!? That means it’s only 31 sleeps until beads take over Sandown Park! There’s still time to take advantage of early bird ticket and workshop prices. Places have already started filling up for the Taster Classes, with one class already sold out, so you’d do well to book soon rather than leaving it to the day of the show.

 After all this excitement I’m looking forward to an evening of catch up with beady friends tonight, although usually very little beading is actually done!

 Ooh by the way, I don’t think I’ve introduced you yet to the newest members of the Bead team – meet Harry and Marvin, my new guinea pigs!

 

That’s all from me for now. Happy Beading!

 x Chloe x

 

Valentine’s Inspired Treats plus a Free Project!

Let’s face it, whether you're single or in a relationship, Valentine’s is as good an excuse as any to eat some chocolate! However if you’re counting the calories then why not try some of our delectable Valentines inspired treats available from Hobbyworld.tv – guaranteed to be enjoyable AND guilt free!

Delicious Choclate Bar Earrings – edible looking chocolate made from Polymer Clay! 
Heart Charms – Have a go at these cute beaded hearts by Liz Thornton. 
All Loved Up – This quick and classic set is a perfect treat for yourself. 
Vintage Heart Button – A fun and funky lampwork project from Sabine Little.

Or check out Linda Jones’ newest film now available on Bead.TV. Try you hand at this stunning wirework and bead heart pendant.

Free Project!

I loved making the polymer clay chocolate bars (from issue 27 of Bead), and they inspired me to create some really mini chocolate charms of my own! So I thought I’d show you how to make these easy mini chocs, perfect for adding to earrings or charm bracelets.

Bead Store:
Brown polymer clay 
Headpins

Tool Box:
Tissue Blade
Glaze/Varnish Tile to work on
Paintbrush

Condition the polymer clay first by using either a pasta machine or by massaging it in your hands.

To make the round choccys:
Take a small piece of the clay and shape it in to a round ball. You can do this by rolling it between your palms or gently against the tile. I made two approx 7mm big and one slightly larger, approx. 9mm.

To make the caramel swirl:
Make a ball as before approx. 10mm big, then press it gently on to the tile to flatten the bottom.
Take a small pinch of clay and use your fingertips to roll out a thin sausage approx. 1mm in thickness. Pinch one end to create a tip, then press on to the bead at one side. Create an S shape across the bead. Use either the tissue bead or your fingernail to gently cut the clay. Pinch the end of the sausage as at the beginning and press into the base. Press gently to ensure the S is attached.

To make the Fudge Delight:
Take a piece of clay and squish it into a rough oblong. This doesn’t have to look perfect as is part of the charm. Flatten the base as before. Use the rest of your thin sausage to add three stripes to the top of your bead. You could use a headpin or thin tool to draw swirls or other shapes into your beads. Why not try a heart for some romantic chocs?

Leave your beads to rest, then once they are firmer pierce them through the centre with headpins. Bake as per the manufacture’s instructions. Once cool, bend into loops and varnish. (Or varnish first, before making loops, depending on what works best for you).

Happy Beading!

x Chloe x

Brr it’s cold out there!

So why not keep warm this weekend by snuggling up inside with the latest films from Bead.TV! Released today – new films include Squiggle Ring by Linda Jones. Linda shows you how to use beads and wire to create a chunky fashion ring. You can also try your hand at making your own paper beads and see some great ideas for organising your handmade earrings. Check out these and many more great films now on Bead.TV.

Talking of handmade beads, I’ve had an exciting day in the office today! I had the really difficult job of picking the winners to be published in Issue 37’s Reader’s Challenge. The theme was ‘Handmade Beads’ and we’ve had so many fantastic entries ranging from glass to paper, polymer clay to metal, it was really was tough to decide!

I also got a massive pile of post! I always love getting post and get envious glares from other members of staff as I rip open my envelopes! Mainly because where other people get invoices and queries, I get gorgeous beady goodies and jewellery to admire! And I got a bumper postbag today! It included several projects for the next few issues, a lovely selection of beads for next issue’s bead soup and some books for review. Brilliant!

 

Don’t forget there’s still time to book your place on one of the exclusive taster workshops running at The Big Bead Show on March 31^st. To see the full range of classes and take advantage of the discounted early bird price visit www.thebigbeadshow.co.uk 56 sleeps to go!

 Keep warm and keep beading! Have an excellent weekend.

 x Chloe x