On A String

 One of the things I get asked about a lot is how do I come up with designs and track my progress. I sat down and thought about it - it's as simple as a notebook and a pen.  Which sound easy right? But, there's a bit more organisation and process to it.  I generally record everytime I bead, what I've done, in just a few simple lines. I also keep a tally of what I need to buy next time I'm putting in an online order or visiting a bead shop. And I also keep a sketch book close by for when I'm either coming up with a new design, or planning a tutorial for a workshop.  So with that all in mind, I decided to plan a beading journal to fill what I saw as a gap in the market - a tool for beaders to capture the essentials of their beading journey in one spot.  I consulted with some of my beading friends, and designed ' My Beading Journal ' as a physical resource for beaders of all skill levels.  With elements including: - Favourite bead stores, social accounts and d...

Traditionally each year, the 14th of February is Valentine's Day. A day for expressing your heartfelt feelings for your loved ones - partner, friends, family and even your pets! And the ultimate symbol of Valentine's Day is a heart. Whether it's the iconic Cupid with his arrow shooting through a heart, or hearts emblazoned on cards holding hopes and dreams, a heart is representative of this special day of love.  Beading and hearts go hand in hand - and I've utilised a few in my beading journey.  One of my favourite projects ever is the 'Winged Heart', by designer Sherry Serafini ( https://sherryserafiniart.com/). I made this heart way back in my beading journey, and it is still one of my favourite pieces to wear. Funky and edgy is how I would describe Sherry's style, and this piece is one that has been a foundation for building and learning techniques in bead embroidery.  It uses a Raku clay fired heart as its centre focus made by Marianne Kasparian of MAK (...

Statement jewellery can be defined as jewellery that is striking (as in bold colours or shape), large (as in size) or unique (as in unusual design). It can be a large, detailed and intricate statement necklace or pendant, bold and bright earrings, or a large colourful cuff style bracelet. Statement jewellery is not the ‘minimalist’ style – it is not fine or delicate. It is designed to make a statement with your outfit, to draw attention and to spark conversation. How to wear Statement Jewellery Whilst Hollywood movie stars wear statement pieces on the red carpet, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion, make statement jewellery the stand out piece in your everyday wear. It is an awesome way to add a much needed lift to an everyday outfit. Here are ten ways to wear statement jewellery: With a plain white t-shirt, simple jacket and pants, a statement pendant necklace stands out and brings life and colour to an otherwise monochrome outfit. Bold and bright earrings are on...

Beading has a long and colourful history – with archaeologists and historians noting beadwork in Europe dating back to a time with shells and animal bones here used as beads in necklaces. The glass bead makers of Murano in Italy were creating their spectacular pieces at the end of the 14 th century, and French beaded flowers were being made as early as the 16 th century. Beads have been used as a bartering and monetary system, and throughout many cultures, beads have decorated costumes, headwear, footwear and jewellery.  How did I start beading? About 15 years ago, I watched a friend make a pair of simple earrings, by simply stringing some beads onto wire, and then looping them to make earring wires. And I was literally hooked. My thirst for knowledge of this wonderful craft continues to this day, and is fuelled by my membership in groups such as the Bead Society of Victoria , and travelling to worldwide exhibitions such as the Bead and Button Show , which was held annu...