Sometimes, you just need something quick & easy....

As much as I love to do the complicated things, to push the limits, to be innovative and creative; there are times when I just need to do something simple. 

There are times when I just need to get in there, work on the project and complete it in a short period of time.  Sometimes I just need the feeling of accomplishment that a finished project brings.

Other times, I need a quick gift for a friend.  I love to make hand-made items to give to family and friends to celebrate special occasions, but I must admit that sometimes I am pressed for time and just need something that will work up quickly.

Oh, and did I mention that it is a bonus when the piece really looks good???  Here is an example of my latest quick & easy piece which I think has some great impact.

Wolf Tracks Earring

These earrings are done in a simple brick stitch design with a simple fringe pattern.  They work up very quickly and easily. 

But, I  must confess, these are a gift that I am giving to myself.  I can't bear to part with this pair.  I think it goes so well with my matching cuff, business card holder, and lighter cover, and bangle.  This one is going in my jewelry box.  But I will be posting the pattern soon. 

And if you are looking for some other "quick & easy" projects, may I suggest:

Indian Summer Earrings & Tube Beads

A Wave We Go Earrings

Stars & Stripes Earrings

Flower Power Earrings

So, if you are looking for something quick & easy, or just need a quick gift for a friend, I hope you will check out these patterns and experience the satisfaction of a job well done that I am feeling right now.

Blessings,

Beth

Native-style beadweaving patterns available at:

http://www.beadpatternsboutique.com/ & http://www.thebeadcoop.com/

You don't know how well you know something until...

My new "Even Count Tubular Peyote Stitch Tutorial

This week I found out how well I know Even Count Tubular Peyote stitch.  I spent the better part of the week writing a step-by-step tutorial for this stitch and discovered some things about myself in the process.

No matter how well you think you know how to do something, I believe that you don't really know it well until you try to break it down to teach it to someone else.

When you try to put a process on paper, illustrate each step so that everyone can understand it, describe the process in words, photos and diagrams, then it becomes a part of you.

Sometimes it is amazing to me how hard it is to explain something that I have done so many times to someone who has never done it before.  Things that I can do without thinking I have to take apart mentally and try to display on a page.  In fact, I found myself having to do a project as I created the tutorial so that I was sure I did not miss a step.

It was a good experience for me.  A lot came out of it.  The obvious thing is the new "Even Count Tubular Peyote Stitch Tutorial" that I now have posted on the sites where I offer my patterns.  But during the process, I also learned how to compress photos with my publishing software, and which pdf publisher would give me the easiest pdf for other to download.

I also learned how to use some new "widgets" on http://www.beadpatternsboutique.com/ to give my fellow beaders some customized features when the choose my patterns. 

My new Beaded Hair Stick

I also created a new pattern for a Beaded Hair Stick.  The complete pattern, including the instructions for making a point on the stick and adding the beads at the top, are included with the new tutorial. 

Oh, yes, and I even found some time for beading.  Check out the new pieces that I have been working on.

Wolf Tracks Card Holder                  Ring of Roses Bangle                     Queen of Hearts Bangle

These should all be ready to post in the next week or so.

So, all in all, I would say it has been a good week.  I learned a lot, beaded some, and just kept moving forward.  Afterall, isn't that what this journey we call "life" is really about?

Blessings,

Beth "Bouncing Wolf" Rudy

Native style beadweaving patterns available at:

http://www.beadpatternsboutique.com/

& http://www.thebeadcoop.com/