The first one is from a pattern in Diane Fitzgerald's Zulu Beadwork book. I love this design but am terrified that it is not structurally sound since it relies on thread looped on thread rather than thread sewn through beads. So I am going to keep it and wear it and if it holds up, make more for friends, 'cause it is awesome.
The copper and dusky blue beads are both from Ding's in Winston-Salem, NC where I was for a week of my uber-vacation. I highly recommend Ding's for bead-weavers in or visiting NC. It carries the full line of Miyuki at good prices; excellent findings; friendly and enthusiastic owners; and, you can get your clothes altered while you shop!
This next bracelet I made up myself (not very hard, as it is just Peyote with fringe and a button from the Bead Show for a clasp, with a simple loop). Not thrilled about how the loop/button combo spaced out. Any advice?
The beads are twisted hexes, very irregular length but I would guess generally size 8. The button is pressed glass, bought at the Raven's stand at Bead Show 2011.
Finally, a Kumihimo braid I finally capped and finished after doing the actual braid on the flight to Colombia in October.
These are size 8 Picasso beads in one stripe, and a size 8 matte in the other, in a similar shade. This type of stripe is achieved by laying out your strands in a 2 Picasso - 2 matte - 2 Picasso - 2 matte configuration. Kumihimo is ideal for airplanes as there are no needles and no loose beads, no fuss no muss, and the flight attendants are always very intrigued. It is easy! Get a kit and get started!
