Bead Mavens Challenge

Congratulations to the winners in the latest challenge. Here is my entry. Perhaps a little utilitarian, but it was meant to give the wearer multiple options. The sections of rope (upper r and l) can be looped onto the main rope with a Hercules knot, to form 2 different lariats.

More beaded beads

Gradually working my way through my collection.  Over the past few months I've tried to find as many different patterns as I can for beaded beads. Here are some that are a variation of "Rose Window" from Beadinfinitum.

Beaded beads

These are from a pattern from DeEva design: http://www.etsy.com/shop/deevadesign?ref=ss_profile

The instructions make the very large focal bead (rear) which I later modified to make a smaller versions.

Beaded Beads

Finally took some time to post photos of the different types of beaded beads I've been working on.

Honeycomb Bangle

Lenore from http://www.2beadornot2bead.com.au/ 
mentioned that some people have found Cynthia Rutledge's pattern frustrating because of the difficulty in fitting the rondelle/donut beads.
By sheer good luck, the first one I made using amethyst coloured chinese rondelles worked perfectly.  I used a base of 43 units (big hands!) and the beads sat beautifully in the prepared band.
Decided to make the next one smaller - 41 units but couldn't find rondelles of the same dimension. The cobalt blue ones sat in the band with about 2cm of space, but when all the cross beading is completed, the space was absorbed.

Cynthia Rutledge's site has a pdf for download that has some extra info about making this bracelet, but I have found the surest way to see if the rondelles are appropriate is to string them and try them on your wrist - if 38-42 beads make a length that is way too long for a bangle, each bead is too wide and simply can't be made to fit. Beads that are too narrow can be eased along the bangle and the spaces are disguised by the overlay.

Odd Count Peyote

Some photos of my latest bracelet based on a design by Met Inmon. It proved to be a great exercise in odd count turns.  The button I used could be counted as vintage since I'm pretty sure it originally came from Mum's button box. Can't decide whether that confirms that you should never throw anything away or that I am a tragic hoarder.

Chrysocolla Rope

This one is a departure from my long ropes.  It's a double strand and more symetrical with the various beaded beads of chrysocolla and carnelian.