Copper Canyon Micro-Macrame Bracelet

What's with all the micro-macrame? Well, two reasons. I'm waiting for a new torch set-up to arrive and it's also still fairly warm here in the desert. In the upper 90's, maybe even close to 100 yesterday. Even so, I can see how all this knotting activity could be addicting. The endless play with colors, patterns and combinations. Plus, I have to do something with all those beads I've been making and collecting.

Tonopah Dreams Micro-Macrame Bracelet

Another try at micro-macrame knotting. Inspired by the book : Micro-Macrame 30 Beaded Designs For Jewelry Using Crystals and Cords by Annika deGroot. I modified the closures, but basically followed the pattern for the Baroque Bracelet. I must say that working with the small size 11 seed beads was a humbling exercise.

Cottonwood Canyon Micro-Macrame Bracelet

Another attempt at knotting cavandoli micro-macrame style. This bracelet pattern and directions are from Bead and Button book : Beaded Macrame Jewelry, embellished bracelet by Linnea Lockwood Gambino. It took a bit of reading and re-reading the directions, but the final outcome is worth the effort.

Micro Macrame Bracelet

This is my first attempt at micro-macrame jewelry, also known as cavandoli knotting. The pattern and design are from the book: Beaded Macrame Jewelry by Sherri Haab. I used materials that I had on hand; Irish waxed linen thread, small beads and a shank button. The book is a handy guidepost with clear illustrations, design patterns, photographs and detailed instructions. I'd recommend taking a look at it if you are interested in trying your hand at this type of knot work.

Bird Nest Necklaces and Etched Metal

Etched, stamped and cold connected metal pieces with a bit of lampworked glass beads and wire wrap.

i WisH...

I wish I had more time to play...

Boro Implosion Glass Pendants

Santa delivered some borosilicate glass. This is my first attempt at melting borosilicate and using an off mandrel pendant technique. It could rapidly become a new obsession for me.

Turquoise Key Focal Bead

Turquoise Rain Lampwork Focal Bead

Fibula Pins and Lampwork Beads

The cooler temperatures have inspired the creation of some "fibula" pins using copper and lampwork beads. The center heart design courtesy of a wire wrap tutorial by "Jewlie Beads" (Julie Sigmund). I'm not much for following exact directions, so the heart has my own spin on the pin. 

Garden Inspired Paper Doll

I've been on a paper doll fairy kick for the last month or so. Something so fun about making these little ladies. The inspiration for this one came from planting ocotillo seedlings in the garden. It's a late evening affair these past few  weeks. Too hot during the daylight hours for me to even think about working outside or torching lampwork beads. Enjoy.

Big Hole Beads-Pandora, Troll, or Biagi

Finished up a special order this week for twenty big hole beads. 

These fit nicely on Pandora, Biagi and Troll bracelets. 

Beads, Really Big Beads

The torch is set up and running again. Making more big hole beads as requests come in for beads to put on Pandora, Biagi, Camilla and Troll Bracelets and Necklaces. All of the sudden these beads appear to be in demand with the locals. Having great fun making them.

Art journaling with thebeadingyogini

So my glass studio is in the middle of a remodel and I've had a bit of time with idle hands (and we all know that old saying about idle hands being the devil's playground or something along those lines.) I've decided to art journal this year and I'm adding this activity to all my other creative outlets. So far it's been great fun and if it's something you might want to try, you can take online classes with the talented Kelly Kilmer (check out the Prompt A Day site link in the upper right hand corner here.) The two photos are my favorite pages for the month of January. You may also want to check out the DVD 1000 Journals for creative inspiration.

The Las Vegas Blizzard 2008

Here's what we do when it snows in Las Vegas. Actually it snows almost every winter in Blue Diamond, but it usually does not accumulate or stick around very long. It reminded me of winters spent in New England. Except for the desert plants dusted with snow. I'm glad the effects don't last as long as those of a wicked Nor'Easter.

thebeadingyogini - flat lapping is FUN

Another new venture in the most absorbing world of glass bead making. Pretty satisfying grinding away at the glass and exposing the surprise under the surface. Mind you it is time consuming to polish that little bead after all the fun of the grinding is done.

the beading yogini - what's blooming here?

Wow abundance in nature...this San Pedro took it to the limit today. There must be at least a dozen or more blooms on this San Pedro cactus. Cacti are strange plants, some years nothing and then bam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the beading yogini-oh my it's gooey! NOT FOR SALE

Another ultra fine day in the Mojave Desert. This piece was a reworked focal for a fabulous person named Dr. Clarissa. She takes great care of the critters at the nursery and has been especially good to my lil critter. Many small lampwork beads for a BIG THANKS>Big thanks.

Flowered Almond Earrings

What can I say, messing around with wire again when I should be working. Oh wait playing around with wire is working if you are a wire wrapper. It's all so twisted sometimes.

Black and Blue Lampwork Woven Bracelet

This bracelet was made using a technique from Stephanie Sersich. I think it's called Treasures style bracelet. Using waxed linen and cotton and weaving the beads. The Beading Yogini.