Saturday, September 18, 2010

Monday, September 13, 2010

FREE! Part II

More wonderful and FREE beadweaving patterns on the Web:

Alexis Beads/Perlen
Alexis is known for having one of the most comprehensive lists of beading links on the Web but she has also posted numerous beautiful free patterns, available in English, German and French and downloadable in PDF form:


Bead-Patterns.com
If you click on the "Free" tab, you will find over 300 free beading patterns, stitch instructions and tips, all downloadable in PDF format, including some of my patterns and some of my favorites, like Jann Christiansen's Sealed With A Kiss Bracelet:


Bead Weaving Patterns by Sandra D. Halpenny
Along with hundreds of gorgeous patterns for sale, Sandy also has about 14 free patterns available on her Web site, including two free snowflake patterns:


Part III coming soon!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

New pattern uploaded: the Crystal Wiggle Bracelet

I just uploaded a new pattern to my Web site: Crystal Wiggle Bracelet, $4, also available at Bead-patterns.com:


This bracelet is made by combining hana-ami motifs and then running FireLine through the outer edge of seed beads and fire-polished beads to firm up the "wiggle" and give the bracelet some added strength and smoothness. The pattern is fully illustrated with detailed step-by-step instructions and would look great in holiday colors.

Friday, September 10, 2010

FREE!

Every time I post a free pattern, there are always a number of beaders who email to thank me for my generosity. When I look at some of the other "free" patterns and instructions out there on the Web, I am always amazed and proud to be part of such a generous community of artists. So, for those of you who are not aware of just how much wonderful "free" stuff is out there, this will be the first of a multi-blog series.

Ruby's Jewelry Design & Beadwork
Whenever beaders email and ask where I think the best place is for a beginner to start learning how to beadweave, I always send them to Ruby's site and tell them to order a copy of Beading with Ruby. However, Ruby also has loads of free tutorials up at RubysBeadwork.com and they are all well-illustrated, step-by-step and excellent. It's quite a varied collection, reflecting years of hard work. My favorites are her Herringbone stitch bracelets:



Whimbeads Free Beading Tutorials
This is where I learned to bezel a rivoli and there's also intructions for a Flat Undulating Herringbone Bracelet that is just awesome. For those of you who have been wanting to try out Miyuki's new Tila beads, Whimbeads just uploaded their Spikey TILA Bead Bracelet Tutorial:


Eva Maria Keiser Designs
If you are looking to learn some really unique beadweaving—and especially if you are a fan of the beaded bead—then check out Eva's "Complimentary" instructions, available for download in PDF form when you click on an image on the Learn page, with more free patterns available on her blog.


I look at her work in her blog and think, "Oh my heavens... never in a million years would I find the talent to create this kind of intricate beauty" but many of her free patterns certainly make me want to try.

More soon!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010