Tiny Triangle Box

Tiny Triangle Box, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

I finished the box I was experimenting with last week. It's only a little bigger than an inch along one side with the lid an inch and a half. Actually, I made the lid a little too big (boo-hoo). I took a guess at the the number of rows needed before starting the side and wanted to make sure it would fit over the box. I'll probably attach a short chain of beads so the two pieces stay together.

Dutch Spiral Necklace-It's Finished !

Dutch Spiral Necklace, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

UPDATE !!! Mom loved the necklace !!!

Back in November, my mom commissioned me to make a necklace in brown, cream and black beads. I have been planning to get around to the dutch spiral technique, and finally gave it a shot. I like how the necklace turned out, but I won't be doing another one anytime soon. I like to work tight, but this stitch is so unbelievably floppy, I just couldn't get a grip on it. After hours and days of fighting it like a snake, I gave up and finished the necklace with tubular herringbone stitch and a vintage glass button. Haven't given it to mom yet, because I had to get a couple photos done first.

Amber Glass Earrings

Amber Glass Earrings, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

Just tried the brick stitch technique to make these earrings. Since I haven't figured out how to keep the glass bead to stay flat with the beadwork, I think I'll use round or oval beads for the center next time.

Zoya is a Winner !

My dear friend, Zoya Gutina has won again in the Rings & Things "Your Designs Rock !" competition ! She won first place in the glass category with her Mermaid's Garden entry and honorable mention in the gemstones and pearls category with her Egyptian Nights. Take a minute to feast your eyes on these beadwoven beauties and see more of her dazzling beadwork here. If you are ever in the Washington, DC area, make sure to stop by the Potomac Craftsmen Fiber Gallery at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria. Zoya always has some of her wonderful beadwork on display there.

Elan Calendar May '08

Elan Calendar May '08, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

Elan magazine published my "Embarcadero Palm" necklace in this month's issue. It's on the calendar page to promote the Artists' Undertaking Gallery May group show entitled "Art Springs Eternal." Elan magazine is marketed to high-end real estate buyers and shoppers in upscale neighborhoods in Northern Virginia. It's my first magazine publication !

My Lovely Beads Newsletter

I've been featured in Zoya's newsletter this month ! Click here to read it, then make sure to visit her website to see her fabulous beaded creations. Zoya's latest work was accepted into the Bead & Button competition and she was also juried into the Torpedo Factory Art Center as a studio artist. Go Zoya and thank you for featuring me ! and hurray for beadweaving finally getting respect as an art form !

Free Money !

....spend it HERE !!!
I just signed up for RME (Revolution Money Exchange) after reading about it in the Etsy forums. It's a no-fee version of PayPal. There are quite a few Etsy sellers who are accepting it now, and when you sign up, they automatically put $25.00 in your account. If you put a button on your website or blog, you can get $10.00 for referrals (hint, hint...look to the left...see a large green button ?).

April Etsy BeadWeavers Challenge

April Etsy BeadWeavers Challenge, originally uploaded by Sand Fibers.

UPDATE: WE HAVE WINNER !!! Wolf took the top prize with her unbelievable creation, Flower of Fire's Heart Congratulations, Wolf !!! Even though voting is over, it's not too late to have a closer look at all the wonderful beadwork. See the list below.

1. Flaming Roses by artzilla
2. Hades Garden Beadwoven Bracelet by myfairladyvt4
3. The Flower of Fire Brooch by enchantedbeads
4. Flames and Flowers by enchantedbeads
5. Le Sacre du Printemps- Blue Flame by SalamanderHouse
6. Slave Bracelet- Blue Flames on Rose Buds by valhallaforge
7. Hana-Bi by thebeadedlily
8. Blaze - Peyote Cuff Bracelet by totallytwisted
9. Flame Flower Necklace by clairecreations
10. Fire Daisy Choker by nemeton
11. Mephaestus and Pan by ThreeFatesDesign
12. Fire and Flowers Bracelet by Emarah
13. Blazing Blossoms Amulet Necklace Waiting Room Series 2 by cigarboxbeads
14. Tattoo Flames Bracelet by PinkPoochDesigns
15. Firewheel by SweetFreedom
16. LUCIFER'S TONGUE Beaded Lariat by dawnchastain
17. Flower of Fire's Heart by DantesSpirit
18. Huang by SilverDragon
19. Flamboyant Flower Brooch by enchantedbeads
20. Mi Cala en Llamas by lolos
21. Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire by jstinson
22. Petals of Flame Bracelet by AmethystRavenstar
23. Fire and Flowers by BeadedKeepsakes
24. Blazing Flowers by triz
25. Fire Lotus by hands2heal
26. Fire Blossom by playnwithbeads
27. Flower of Flame by onathousandhills
28. A Moth to Fire and Flowers by PFordCustomJewelry
29. Ring of Fire by ThePreciousBeads
30. Summer Flame by SandFibers