Back at last!

Wow, it has been really long time since I have been here. I have been so busy with my website blog, Facebook page and of course, creating beautiful treasures of the beaded variety. I wanted to show you my latest addiction, bead embroidery. I remember when I began beading I swore I would never sew those tiny little beads and here I am...sewing all those tiny little beads.

As you can see, I make no pattern, it is all done freestyle. I put a large cabochon in the center and take it from there.
Make sure to stop by for an exploration to bead embroidered cuffs. I will take you through the next cuff from beginning to end with photos and exlanations. Come with me at Divella Delights!

New! Spring Knit, Felted Clutch

These beautiful bags measure roughly 10"x6"x2" and are felted very thick. First I hand knit them using exquisite woolen fibers then I felt them. After they are dry I add the embellishments.
I make the felted adornments as well and any items with needle felt are also done by yours truly. Naturally I also so all the beading. About the only thing I don’t do is raise the animals and spin the yarn.
This series will be going to the local shop when I get a dozen made. At that point they will no longer be available on line.
I am having a sale on my site at http://www.divelladelights.com/ on selected hats and jewelry so come by for a visit!

NEW Peyote Stitch Jewels

Check out the new bracelets! I love the green one and think I will keep it. I have it and tons more on my website at http://www.divelladelights.com/

Vase Completed...

My beaded Vase is at last completed, now onto the next...but which one? I think I am in the mood for a small one but I really liked the last one. And then what theme? Any ideas?

Peyote Stitch and Knit One Pearl Too

As the vase nears completion so does the bracelet. The direction of the vase is hard to see but after I finish beading the actual vase I will add the embellishments. I have decided on a title...Midnight Garden so I will be going with that theme. There will be beaded flowers, leaves and a few dragonflies, perhaps a butterfly and I am thinking vines...we'll see. I go back and forth between the two and now I have thrown in a sweater into the mix. I made the boyfriend sweater a few years ago and actually married the guy! Against the old wives tale for certain. Anyway he is due for another and here is the beginning of that...did this last night watching some tube with my honey. I am adding a copper crochet necklace to the batch of projects tonight, although I have to get that done for a special order at the jewelry store. I love having a few different things going on at once, it keeps me from getting bored. The free form peyote is really good for me as I tend to be OCD and very black and white. Abstract has never come easy for me, I do better with realism so this is quite a stretch.

You can see another little vase peeking out from behind, that'll be the next one while I wait for the shipment of larger ones to come in.

I will be taking a break pretty soon as I will be driving my daughter's car down to her in Florida where she is in "A" School in the Navy. I can't wait to see her as well as get out of the snow for a few days, we have had so much. Well, I had better get back to it...more tomorrow unless I finish it today...as if.

The Beaded Vase Continues

The Beaded Vase continues…
I had to resist the urge to take it apart and start over so I began the bracelet pictured here. I have to keep in mind that this is a learning tool and not a for sale project. I have learned a lot in this process and have been busy taking notes with photos. I think part of the reason I want to start over is because I am afraid of getting to the bottom and I am nearly there. The bottom of course, has to be completely flat so it is stable. Then there is the top up over the lip. One thing I am happy about and that is the choice of thread I used. I did not think about the end sue when I began and it is strictly a stroke of luck that I used Fireline. It won’t matter if it gets wet, king of important in a vase.
I also have a picture in my head I am anxious to begin after seeing some of the patterns emerge from this experiment.
I found a place on line where I can get the vases at a reasonable price and I am resisting the urge to order more until after I complete this one to make sure I can even do it. I have to order 12 at a time to get a price break and I really have no other use for them aside from these beaded vases.
Hopefully I can get this completed today, or at least the bottom.

Peyote Vase Fixes

Ok so one step at a time. When I made the error of increasing too fast it left a little hole...I wish I would have taken a photo of that before I attached the flower shown here. I took a small vintage Lucite flower, a genuine pearl and attached it over the hole with a 3-seed bead picot. If you look to the right of the flower there is a spot I don't like so I making a Russian Leaf to put there and actually I will put this leaf in progress and 2 smaller ones for a little grouping to be more aesthetically pleasing.
I have searched for and looked at and purchased a lot of Russian Leaf instructions and have 2 favorites. I need to have instructions that are very clear and detailed. I learn best by doing so the whole reading and applying is not the easiest for me. I found 2 sources that are excellent: Russian Leaf Instructions by Suzanne Cooper available here http://www.suzannecooper.com/ and this Shanasta Saling's instructions for a Russian Leaf Pendant in the Bead and Button book here: http://books.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=the+best+of+bead+and+button
If you are looking for some good instructions take a look at these and save yourself some money and time.
Back to the vase...So I will put little groupings of flowers and leaves here and there to incorporate it all into the design. Come back and see the progress continue.

The Vase Continues

Not much progress has been made for the last couple of days due to my back and hip being out of whack. That will surely change now that my husband bought me a wonderful new drafting chair to work on. When I sat on it I wanted to roll it home! We re- organized my studio so the computer is on a table the same height as my work table so I can get rid of that old metal folding chair and use this new one at the computer as well.
The vase is certainly a challenge for me but lots of fun at the same time. I have learned a lot doing this one and there is a part of me that wants to take it all apart and start over. The fact that I have found these vases fairly cheap may prevent that but the part of me that is OCD says otherwise. I find myself looking around at other items I can bead over so I certain this is an addiction. Think there is a 12 step program for beaders? I may need it soon.
I had someone ask why I did not bead the top, here is why: the vase begins at the smallest part and when I am finished beading down and get the bottom finished I will then go back to the top and finish it up over the lip.
Well, I am going to roll on over to my work table and get to it...more tomorrow!

Peyote Stitch Trials

This is a lot of fun, although quite painful. My hip is not well this morning so my mission today is to find a drafting chair or something similar that will give me the height and some good support. This chair is just not good for my back. I have a pain in my shoulder as well which I suspect is due to the chair as well.
The vase is coming along and is quite addictive. I am learning some things about peyote stitch in the process and this is probably a vase I will keep. A couple of hints for anyone who wants to do one of these:
1. Keep your increases several beads away from a step up if you can
2. Never increase near a square bead.
So what I have figured out is that when I see an increase coming I have to plan more carefully.
I also cruised around and found a good price on glass vases...told you it was addictive. I am going to wait until I finish this one, I am a little spooked by the top and bottom.
The bottom I know has to be all the same size beads so I figure about 1/8" from the bottom I will switch to all the same size, probably #8. I am not good at decreases yet but this will surely give me practice! As for the top that should not be that bad...invert the vase and bead down over the lip and decrease a row. Sounds easy, we'll see.

Peyote Stitch Beaded Vase Trials

My daughter asked me for one of my free form peyote stitch bracelets in green for her birthday. I wanted to learn how to do leaves anyway so it was a great project. I bought Peyote stitch Beading Projects by Bead and Button to learn the leaves. This was a very good book with detailed instructions that are very, very good. Anyway, it also had a beaded vase project in it also done in free form peyote stitch. the one in the book is stunning done in earthy colors which I love. I do not have a surplus of those colors but long ago I bought a couple of kilos of beads when I was shopping with Fire Mountain for my beads. I have since switched to a local supplier for several reasons. Back to the vase. I had this old glass vase and a bunch of beads that I did not want to use for jewelry as I prefer uniform size which these are not. It would be easier I think to do it in my new beads but I don't buy those by the kilo yet so I don't have enough on hand for the entire project.
The same daughter mentioned above has been after me to do beaded flowers. Perhaps if this turns out well I will try my hand at those next.
Funny how things progress and attitudes change. I swore when I began making jewelry that I would never do the stitch work or work on a loom...now I am thinking about the loom and have definitely found a love for the stitch work although it does take a lot of time!
Wish me luck!! Anyone with any tips...tip away!

Huge Gemstone Sale

I am offering 20% on my gemstone necklaces and gemstone necklace sets until midnight February 13th for Valentine's Day. I will be shipping twice daily. Above are a couple of samples of the different styles I have. All my jewelry is handmade by me and are made with genuine gemstones, pearls, sterling and golf filled wire. You will find no plated materials unless specifically noted in the item description.

Crocheted Bracelets

Are you like everyone else this year and looking for low cost gifts? These crocheted bracelets are beautiful gifts and very reasonable. What is really wonderful is that they allow you to give a piece of handsome handmade jewelry without breaking the bank.
Fabulous, wonderful and colorful, durable, not to mention easy; just roll on and off, no claps to fiddle with! These crocheted bracelets are made with heavy-duty cord to give you years of enjoyment. They are available in most any color.

I have many more in my shop at www.divelladelights.com so come by and check out the beautiful new crocheted bracelets today

Centipede Bracelets

This design I am working on reminds me of a Centipede. It came about as a result of my woven designs when the local jewelry store requested hat I come up with something a little less expensive this year for the Holiday season. So when I went to photograph my first Caterpillar bracelet I laid it out and it screamed out " I am a Centipede" to me so there you have it. I use hundreds of tiny seed beads and a variety of gemstones and pearls and Swarovski crystals in each of the Centipede bracelets. I also use a heavy-duty stretchy cord and double it so they are very sturdy and at the same time they will fit most women. I can’t say one size fits all because that is never the case from my experience.
Although each Centipede bracelet takes me well over an hour to create, I love doing them. I like the beaded toggle clasps, I feel they give the pieces continuity and they are easy to work with. Oh right, I make those too. The have a wonderful slinky feel to them when you wear them and lots of movement and a little sparkle. The Christmas Centipede has 2 original lampwork beads I purchased from Libelula Designs.
They are very affordable so this year I think every woman needs a Centipede Bracelet!

Gemstone Chunky Jewelry, New Designs

I have been busy! The local jewelry store I wholesale to has suggested that this year is going to be a low cost buying season and asked me to come up with something less costly than my usual design. I came up with these 3 strand gemstone necklaces that can be worn as 3 strands for a more classic look or you can simply give them a twist for a more modern, chunky look. They look really great over a turtleneck but I prefer he way they feel on bare skin. they are available on my website at http://www.divelladelights.com/ for a short time at the wholesale price. The price depends on the gemstones used. I do have photos on the website of all the necklaces on a mannequin worn in both fashions. I have agreed to raise the prices to retail once I fill her orders so get them while you can! I am also running a coupon at 15% off until 10/15/08. Simply go to the website and click on the grand opening link at the top of the main page. Enter the code gopen08 and the prices will drop automatically. There are earrings to match available in the earrings section and you can use the coupon on nearly everything!

Falling for Polymer

I love the colors this time of year, I think it comes from being raised in New England. Jennifer lives in New York Sate and studied anthropology, sculpture and painting in college. About 5 years ago she began working with polymer clay and I would say from the looks of her work she has mastered the art. Her jewelry is very detailed and absolutely exquisite as you can see. You can see more at her shop at http://jennifermorrisbeads.etsy.com/ It was very difficult to only select 4 photos but I have to leave something for you to see in her shop! Cruise into the sold section while you are there for more delightful eye candy.

Falling Leaves

In honor of my new website and my love for the fabulous Fall in New England I have created this new set. It was created with genuine gemstones, pearls, vintage Lucite and gold. You can see more about it at my new website http://www.divelladelights.com/. If you go by please sign the guestbook!

Beading Masks

With Halloween coming up CUBE Gallery http://www.thecubegallery.com/is currently seeking submissions for their first juried show of masks and hats. Since I am in that gallery already with my jewelry I have decided to try my hand at a beaded mask...no easy task. I am using free form peyote stitch so far. I will be using some gemstones and pearls as well but I have not decided which as of yet. The primary colors in the mask are going to be purple,gold and green and I am hoping it is going to be wearable as well as artistic.

It will be a 3/4 face mask coming down to the tip of the nose. perhaps if things go really well it will cover the entire face. I looked for some sort of book to guide me but could find nothing. I will also be making some hats, but this piece is the real challenge. I am hoping to have it done by the end of next week! Ideas, tips or suggestions?

Creating a new studio on a dime

Well, not a dime exactly, but really cheap. My studio space used to be 9x12 with no closet space and I needed more room as I expanded to different mediums. I went upstairs into this old room. First thingI did was rip up the old carpet. I forgot to take photos before I began but the room I re-made was the color of the trim in the first photo...brown. Walls, trim, floor, everything brown...YUK. So I bought a gallon of KILZ primer and primed the entire room. Then the walls went white, one gallon and the trim two-toned sage (my favorite color)...1 quart of each. The room had one outlet and with all the lights, computer, sewing machine, etc I needed more so my wonderful husband put this room on it's own circuit and put in additional outlets. We put OSB on the floor to prepare for hardwood flooring at a later date, and a fixture track lighting unit, those are way cool! So far $157.20.

I looked around at the old furniture and scrap wood that has been downstairs for 6 years or so and came up with all my shelves, tables etc...still $157.20. My new studio is 10x13 with built in drawers, closets and cubby holes. Much more storage and lots of wonderful well lit space to create in.

Now all of my yarn is on drawers as are all my office and packing supplies. My gems are hung on the same old corkboards so I can see them and my beads are all neatly arranged by size and color so I can spot those easily too. My sewing stuff is in the closet which we took the doors off of and put shelves in. My table is now in the middle of the room which allows me to have have different stations around the table...general beading station with a separate design area; wire jig, hammering, you get the picture. I just love it!! So for $157.20, one weekend and a trip to Home Depot I have a beautiful new studio. Now I have to get to work!!!

ART IN MAINE

I live and work in Maine and I love it here. In an effort to help out fellow Artisans and Crafters from Maine I am going to be featuring all kinds of local work; knit, crochet, paintings, pottery, lighting, clothing, just to name a few. Check back often or better yet just subscribe to the blog. There is a lot of wonderful talent here in Maine and my goal is to show you as much as I can in the upcoming months. Buy handmade!!! Many Artisans accept custom orders and they are very reasonable. Wouldn't you rather give a beautiful, quality handmade item than something mass produced? I will even feature patterns if you have the time and energy to make gifts yourself. I am going back to a desk job full time in an attempt to keep my bills paid so I may not be writing every day although I will certainly try. I was hoping to take a full year off but with the economy today I am not selling quite enough jewelry to live on. I am sure that is true of some of my fellow artisans so I hope this will help us all!

More Beautiful Lampwork Beads

Luscious rose lampwork beads! Here is another great Etsy find! These lampwork beads, all properly kiln annealed, were designed and created by Sandy at Urban Oasis Art Studio in California. Visit her Etsy shop at http://www.urbanoasis60.etsy.com and take a look at all the beautiful designs she has listed there. On her main page you will also find info about her other 2 shops containing hand knit items and hand-dyed yarns and a supply shop where you can find jewelry making supplies, beads and her own jewelry designs.