Spring Fever Challenge.

We've been a bit distracted with all the new pretties that have been arriving in the shop lately and haven't posted for a while. But what a nice post to get us back up and running... The Spring Fever Challenge run by Blueberri Beads, Thea Elements and Smitten Beads.

I was quite excited to get my pack and see what surprise components I had to play with. But as the name suggests, it was definitely a challenge for me. True to form, the components Lesley and Caroline sent are beautiful and the ribbon from Smitten Beads was yummy. The main challenge for me was the colours, as these are not what i would usually choose for myself.

So after i got over the colour phobe moment I needed to work out the design. Well I played around with the idea of wiring it all together, but in the end I decided to do what I do best and use bead embroidery. I didn't want the birds to hang off the main flower focal, so I embroidered round them as if they are sitting on the flower itself. Coming off the focal I strung a few seeds, some of the new gorgeous Czech beads that we recently got in the shop (I've been dying to use them :)) and a little bit of Swarovski crystal. I attached this to the ribbon and added a handmade clasp.

And here he is...

Overall I'm in love with this design as its a bit different to what i'd usually do in my embroidery. So i would like to say a bit thank you to Caroline, Lesley and Claire for including me in this challenge. Hope everyone likes what i made and now i'm off to see what everyone else has done.

Vicky xx

Lesley Watt - http://thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.co.uk

Caroline Dewison - http://www.blueberribeads.co.uk 

Emma Quinn - http://patinafinishes.blogspot.co.uk/

Kathy Lindemer - http://bay-moon-design.blogspot.co.uk 

Lori Bowring Michaud - http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com/

Leigh Thow - http://jewellrleigh.blogspot.co.uk

Ailsa Jackson - http://katzjewellery.blogspot.co.uk/

Steph L - http://stringaholic.blogspot.co.uk/

Kristi Harrison - http://kristibasket-itsanewday.blogspot.co.uk/

Merja - http://helmiriippuvuus.blogspot.fi

Lucy Haslam - http://faerystone.blogspot.co.uk/

Penny Neville - http://copperpennydesigns.blogspot.co.uk/

Linda - http://earth-shinedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/

Kristen Stewart - http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.co.uk/

Erin Prais – Hintz – http://treasures-found.blogspot.co.uk/

Klassy Joolz - http://klassyjoolz.blogspot.co.uk/

Jenny Argyle - http://keithagnestutorialsdesigns.blogspot.co.uk

Shaiha - http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com

Claire Lockwood - http://www.somethingtodowithyourhands.com/

Patti Gasparino - http://www.mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com/

Suhana Hart - http://www.buttonedupbeads.blogspot.co.uk

Toltec Jewels - JewelSchoolFriends.com 

'Fireworks' monthly challenge projects and a winner!!

I can only apologise for the late post of the challenge guys. Unfortunately like most people at winter time I've also had a nasty little bug. 

I was so looking forward to seeing what beautiful, colourful creations you all came up with, so here are the lovely entries from this month's challenge that make us think of everything about beautiful "fireworks". 

Entrants were welcome to interpret the 'Fireworks' theme in any way that they liked. It's now time for us to share our entries and, of course, announce the winner of the £15 voucher code for The Bead Shop Liverpool. 


Yasmine

Fab little ring in vibrant yellow and black.

Asri

This little pendant is beautiful soutache and bright coloured beads.

Carol

Stunning little coloured stars earrings.

Carolyn

These lovely little earrings look like little rockets with the tails following them.

Sue

Miracle beads and wire work necklace in gorgeous vibrant pink.

Deb

Beautiful netted necklace using seed and bugle beads

Ev

A gorgeous necklace that looks like sparklers.

All the entries are absolutely stunning and we are so happy you all took part. The winner was chosen at random! and, at the top of the list is....

Ev! Congratulations! Ev, please e-mail us at info@thebeadshopliverpool.co.uk, so that we can send your your voucher code!

Free Star Earring Pattern.

So the time is coming around to Xmas and we're all looking for the perfect little gifts. So here at The Bead Shop we thought we'd make a simple, but eye catching pattern for a little stocking filler.

Materials: (all available from The Bead Shop Liverpool) www.thebeadshopliverpool.co.uk
5g Size 11 Seed Beads
1g of each colour Size 15 Seed Bead
4mm x 3mm Oval Chain
Fireline
Needle
12 Jump Rings
2 Earwires

Step 1: Pick up eight size 11 Seed Beads.

Step 2: Go back through all the size 11/0s (from the tail upwards) picked up in the previous round to form a ring

Step 3: Coming out of a size 11/0, pick up a size 15/0 and go straight into the next size 11/0 along.

 Step 4: Continue adding 15/0s between all the 11/0s.

Step 5: Coming out of a 15/0 that you added in the previous round, pick up two 15/0s and go forward into the next 15/0 along. Repeat this step all the way around

Step 6. Come up through the first 15/0 in one of the sets of 2 that you added in the previous round. Pick up a 15/0 and go straight down through the second 15/0 from the set of two that you added in the previous round. Also go down through the 15/0 from step 4 and up into the first 15/0 from the next set of two added in the previous round. Continue this all the way around.

 Step 7: You star should now look like this. Weave in the threads.

Step 8: Cut lenghs of chain to your desired length. Using a jump ring, go through the centre of the star and a link on the chain to join.

Step 9: Repeat all previous steps to make 5 stars. Attached all 5 lengths of chain to one main jump ring. Also attach the ear wire to this jump ring.

Step 10: Repeat all steps to make the other earring.

Enjoy your earrings whether they are for your or a loved one.

'Fireworks' (The Monthly Challenge)

On the 1st of each month we'll be posting a challenge theme to inspire your jewellery making - whether you're a seed beader, stringer, metal clay worker, kumihimo lover or an all round beadaholic! 

With winter fast approaching and the cold nights drawing in, its easy to get drawn into a darker mood. So we thought with bonfire night on our doorsteps, we'd add a bit of colour to our monthly challenge and make this month 'Fireworks'! So we want to see the bright, vibrant colours of a rocket squealing through the sky, a spinning Catherine wheel or beautiful golden sparklers. We want to see your designs that have been inspired by fireworks. Designs must be made especially for the challenge.

Images taken from google images

Does It Have To Be My Own Design? 

Not at all. We are happy for you to use designs from books, magazines or tutorials - or include elements inspired by other designers. However, we do ask that you remember to credit the designers when sending us your entries. 

Do You Accept Entries From Outside The UK? 

The Bead Shop Liverpool mails internationally so, yes, we are happy to except entries from outside the UK! 

When's The Deadline For Entries? 

The deadline for entries is the 25th of November 2013. Entries received after the 25th November will not be counted. We'll be sharing all entries on the blog - and announcing the winner - on the 28th November 2013. 

And How Do I Enter? 

Please send an e-mail to info@thebeadshopliverpool.co.uk and include your name, e-mail address, details of your design and, of course, a photograph!

'October'! monthly challenge projects and a winner!!

So what an October we've had. Mile high winds and rain! But on my way in to the Bead Shop today the sun is shining, the leaves are falling in that beautiful browny/red colour and the air is crisp. It's Halloween and i hope you all have your sweets ready for the lovely little trick or treater's that come around dressed as ghouls and goblins. 

So here are the lovely entries from this month's challenge that make us think of everything that October encompases. Entrants were welcome to interpret the 'October' theme in any way that they liked. It's now time for us to share our entries and, of course, announce the winner of the £15 voucher code for The Bead Shop Liverpool. 

Ana

"I associate the month of October with leaves changing colours and falling from trees, so I chose a pattern by Viktoria Szabo (VikisBeadingTutorial) called Leaf of Olwen for beading a pair of elegant earrings."

Sue

Poppy Brooch in beautiful reds and greens.

Deb

Beaded bead earrings using Swarovski pearls and crystal in Autumn colours.

Asri

Fun Polymer clay pumpkin earrings. Tutorial by http://www.cookonstrike.com/

Ev

"My necklace of blue an gold tiger's eye with frosted yellow and dark maroon top drilled flowers and gold seed beads is 18" long and has hoop earrings to go with it...to me, these colors represent the fading gold of autumn leaves and the blue gray of the sky, with the few bright an sunny days that we sometimes see before winter arrives represented by the bright gold of the seed beads

All the entries are absolutely stunning and we are so happy you all took part. The winner was chosen at random! and, at the top of the list is....

Deb! Congratulations! Deb, please e-mail us at info@thebeadshopliverpool.co.uk, so that we can send your your voucher code!