May 15, 2013

A Time to Stitch 3 Blog Hop Reveal

It's been a long time coming but today is the reveal for A Time to Stitch 3, hosted by two wonderful ladies Therese and Christine.  I wouldn't miss this blog hop for anything.  I always have fun and learn something new while sharing with some truly awesome and inspiring bead weavers.  In fact, I feel humbled to be in this group but I love being here..  It's like being in Kindergarten and having your big sister in college come to visit your blog.  These ladies are truly awesome in their creative abilities so make sure you go visit each and every one.  

I have been in a bead weaving and jewelry making funk for a while - just can't seem to get my act together in that creative department.  So when you can't do something - you need to just DO IT!  I jumped on board and then procrastinated for several weeks because I knew I had to learn some new stitches.  This is what Therese and Christine asked of us:


You choose One (or more) of the following Flat Stitches ~ Brick, Ladder, or Square

                                            AND

One (or more) of the following Spiral Stitches ~ Russian Spiral, Cellini Spiral, or African Helix. 

So you will choose at least One Flat and One Spiral for the Hop.

Ok then....where do I start?  I watched several tutorials that Christine posted and decided to try a spiral because those were making me panic.  I tried African Helix and it didn't go well.  Fail!  Ok let's go on to flat stitches...so took a look at those.  I started experimentng with a brick stitch tutorial and it went very well.  Here is the finished bracelet I made:

 I used 7/0 red opaque three cut picasso czech beads that I have been holding for a while. The sections were made using brick stitch as I was trying to figure the stitch out.  I liked it so much I then had to figure out how to make it into a finished bracelet.  I did not take a picture of the two outside sections. 


I had some 2/0 three cut opaque red and yellow picasso czech beads which are stunning.  I love three cut beads!  So I just started stitching  the pieces together with more red three cut beads until it was joined into one piece.
I strung on a Saki Bronze clasp that I have been hoarding.  I think it adds texture and aged bronze is the perfect metal compliment.  It was not complete until I added a picot edging to give it a bit more width and fullness.  I am pretty happy with this.

Then to figure out the spiral .....in desperation I tried Russian spiral from a tutorial and it worked perfectly the first time.  I was shocked and amazed.  
I strung the spiral segment onto beading wire, added black pearls and accent 32/0 three cut czech picasso beads to complete the main neck piece.  
I had this little turquoise pony bead with coral inlay (from Treehouse Studios) and it was my inspiration for adding the beadwork and fringe in colors to match. The finished necklace ended up better than I could have imagined...!

This week I ordered a tutorial from Mortira and got playing around with it and made these cute little star fish using brick stitch.  
They were such fun to make - I couldn't stop!  I am going to make more to put on my grand daughters sandals.  I think they will love that cool addition don't you?


Did I have fun getting back into bead weaving?  You bet I did!  I can't wait to do more.  Thanks Christine and Therese for hosting this again.  You make it fun and push us to get out of our comfort zone.  Can't wait to see what everyone made.  Here is the list so go see what they made.  

Thanks for stopping by.  

Katherine Gale -  you are here!

12 comments:

AntiquityTravelers said...

Wonderful! your first piece is just gorgeous and beautifully earthy. I absolutely LOVE the second one with the pony bead - wow that is awesome! and what little girl wouldn't want those on her sandals? they're perfect

kimmykats said...

Katherine, my head was nodding right along with you! I have been in a creative funk too so have taken to reading and working in my gardens. Your pony necklace is gorgeous...the colors just spoke to me. Katherine you just nailed it!!! I was very happy with the Russian Spiral too...it just worked. I have enjoyed your picture post too...I think I could easily sit and gaze.

Christine Altmiller said...

I am so glad you powered through the funk and DID IT, Katherine! You always bring so much beauty to the hops. The stars are so fun and summery and pretty~you guys will have fun with them on your sandals and elsewhere this summer :-)
The necklace is so beautiful and looks Native meets Folk, with the great textures, beautiful colors, with a bit of whimsy. I Love it!!! And the bracelet~how did you do that?!? It is really really earthy and meandering and very very rich and beautiful. I love 3 cuts too! Thanks so much for pushing yourself and for sharing with Therese, myself, and all the other hoppers :-)

Bobbie said...

Good for you, for jumping back into the beadweaving pool and doing such a great job on your pieces! I love how we each have such different takes on the stitches - your bracelet is adorable! And I'm completely impressed that you conquered Russian spiral so easily -- it bamboozled me for several days. And those brick stitch stars are fantastic fun!

Therese's Treasures said...

Hi Katherine,
I am so glad that Christine and I could give you the push you needed to get back in to creating beautiful beaded jewelry again. I love all of your pieces they are all very beautiful. The brick stitched bracelet is something I would love to wear often. The Russian spiral necklace is gorgeous and looks like it would be a fun piece to wear. Those little star fish would look very cute as decoration on a pair of flip flops. Thank you Katherine for participating in mine and Christine's challenge I hope that you will join us for round 4.
Therese

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

Now this post is just full of beading inspiration! Those flowers would be an awesome addition to your grand daughter's sandals! I have to say, as a non-bead weaver, that bail on your focal is just so gorgeous - what a show stopper you have created! Beautiful work!

Karin Slaton said...

Awesome combination of beads in your bracelet. It would be perfect to wear alone or layered with summer bangles. And your Russian spiral necklace with its delicious bail and fringe is just fantastic. I'm so impressed with your success with this stitch - it took me no less than 5 tutorials and 2 days to stitch something even resembling a spiral! Beautiful work!

Maryanne said...

I love your pieces, Katherine. The Russian spiral is beautiful!

Pepita said...

The bracelet is very nice with those earthy colors, but my eye was immediately catched by that beautiful necklace with the pony. You've made a perfect match!!!

Bits of Learning said...

Katherine, you jumped back in and nailed it! Both pieces are exquisite and the color palettes are fantastic. Beautiful work!!!

Becky Pancake said...

Good job Katherine. The Russian spiral necklace is awesome. I bet your Granddaughters will like the starfish on their sandals. That's a way cool idea.

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