the Akamai Knitter

So I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’ve been consumed by the seed beads. Only I’ve missed my shiny, so when the new Step By Step Wire Jewelry came in the mail, I was inspired to try one of the projects.

This is what I came up with.

Of course it’s a little different then the project in the magazine, but whatever. I didn’t stray too far from the original design.

That is until the second and third piece. I’m calling them Medusa’s Nests.

I originally just left the edges alone, but genius Jamie suggested I coil square wire all around the piece. I’m not sure she meant to coil it the way I did, but that’s the only square wire I had on hand.

This piece was done with an earring hoop frame.

The earring hoop is made with a really thin wire, so I decided to make my own frame with a sturdier wire. That’s what I did with the third pendant.

The kitty bead is from Green Girl Studios and was the basic inspiration for the pendant. There’s a bead show rolling into town next weekend and if you wear a piece with one of their beads you get a free bead!

I’m not sure how Andrew from Green Girl will like what I did to their bead, but I used it and I’m gonna wear it.

You see, I’m really ambivalent about my latest creations. I can see they’re not for everyone. I mean, you should have seen my mother’s face when I showed her the purple pendant. She has very classic and simple taste.

So when I wore one to a class at The Bead Gallery and I received compliments, I ended up acting like a fool, asking people “Are you sure it’s not too garish?” or “You don’t think it’s gaudy?”

Yeah. Way to take a compliment!

But since I did indeed receive compliments and I have a lot of fun making these, you’ll probably see them pop up in the shop.

That is if I don’t drown in seed beads.

Happy Thursday, folks!

Remember this yarn?

I spun it from this beautiful combed top, dyed from by the talented Margot of Forest Fiber Works.

photo courtesy of Forest Fiber Works

Then the fabulous Katie of Two Hills Designs took the yarn and created this.

photo coutersy of Two Hills Designs

So there you have it. A collaboration of three fiber artists who were pretty much strangers! What a wonderful way to come together.

The cats were so impressed they disappeared on me. o.O

Happy Wednesday folks. :)

On Saturday I took a bead embroidery class with a couple of my bead girls over at Bella Beads.  Our teacher was Norieta and not only is she an accomplished bead artist, she has the patience of a saint. She was also endlessly entertaining. She had us laughing and smiling throughout the four hours we were there.

Yes, you read right. Four hours.

And here’s what I got accomplished.

What’s not pictured there is a bracelet blank that we had to glue some fabric onto then sew the edges onto. You would not believe the mess I made! Getting a needle through fake suede is not my thing.

Norieta had to help me, hold my hand, rescue me, etc. etc.  It was sad, people. Very sad.

Also? Glue and I mostly have a hate/hate relationship.

I can’t even look at that bracelet blank without shuddering.

Here’s an example of Norieta’s work and what I hope to exemplify. This bracelet doesn’t have the brass bracelet form though.

Luckily, there was pastry to decrease the frustration when I couldn’t whip one up like that in the four hours we had.

It was so good, I forgot to take a photo before I started nomming on it. There might have also been some Korean sushi. Mmm.

It was a wonderful Saturday when all was said and done despite the fact that I went home cross-eyed and exhausted.

I hope you all had a great one too!

I”ll leave you with the fabulous Norieta and her glorious smile.*

*If you’re interested in the seeing more of the necklace she’s holding,  here’s a close-up.

I finished the Star Crossed Slouchy Beret (Ravelry) last night and I am ecstatic.

Stats:

Pattern:  Star Crossed Slouchy Beret

Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted – Cypress

Needles: size 10US and 11US

Started: February 12, 2010

Finished: February 16, 2010

This project just annoyed me to no end. It wasn’t the pattern, which was well written and easy to follow. It wasn’t the yarn, which was simply divine.

It was the needles.  I used 16″ Addi Turbo Circulars for the most part and there just wasn’t much to grab on to. My hands ached trying to hold on to what there was of it.

Evil needles. Very evil.

Now that the hat is done, I’m now finished with the Ravelympics. I could attempt to finish the Lyra (Ravelry) for the WIP Event by the 28th, but I really doubt I have the time for that. I have two beading classes within that time frame and I’m sure that’s going to sway my focus away from the knitting.

Let’s face it. I have the attention span of a hamster.

So I think I’m just going to do my own thing and be glad I was able to participate, even if it was for just a short amount of time.

Look who woke up!

Happy Wednesday, people!

I made a deal with Cookie because she’s such a good friend. She sends me beads and I make her jewelry. In return, I get paid in beads. Cookie likes the simple stuff, so this works even more to my advantage.

As I was making her jewelry, I was inspired to keep on going with the simple.

Sterling Silver Crimson Red Glass Earrings

Sterling Silver Carved Cherry Red Glass Earrings

Black and Silver Lampworked Glass Earrings

Thank you, Cookie for the inspiration!

Sometimes less is really more. Not to mention there’s a certain restfulness in such simplicity. :)

Speaking of rest.

Since I once again woke up at 6:30am, which is waaaay too early for me considering how late I go to bed,  I do believe Quincy has the right idea.

Happy Tuesday, folks!