The official Kastenfrosch Jewlery Swap Part II

Yay! I'm glad you like it. This is fun!

Thanks for posting a picture of it.

 

im already excited for the next swap hehehe

 

Oh m od levi, that bracelett yo made is so beautiful!

 

Aw, thanks.
I love this swap thing.
I am just so curious to see what comes.

 

I sent off my little package today! I hope you like it
I can't wait to get mine!

 

I got my bracelets from Tarabelle today. I love them, thank you so much. *hugs* This was a really fun swap.

 

Firstly, I have to apologize to who is getting mine as it didn't make the post today (Monday) as I'd planned, so, it'll go out tomorrow. Sorry for the delay!

Secondly, I got my bracelets today! Thanks redfraggle42, they are most keen. That chainmail one must have taken forever to put together. I confess that the soda can tab one is my favorite though, as I've never seen anything like it before and it's a lot of fun.

I agree with sensamelia, I can't wait 'til the next swap too. tee hee hee hee....

And lastly, I also agree with everyone else on your bracelet Levi. That is very pretty. How long did it take you to do that? And how in the world did you do that? I've been wanting to learn how to do different things with beading, like making patterns into things and such. Would you reccommend any good how to books?

 

Thanks.
I don't know how long it took. Hours. I usually do a project like that whenever I have a free minute until it's done. I probably did it when I should have been studying or cleaning my house. That's when I get the most craft stuff done.

It's flat peyote stitch with size 11 seed beads. A person taught me how to do that stitch years ago. (He wrote a book about it...I can't remember what it was called...:H ) Now that I know how to do the stitch, I just make my own patterns.

My favorite bead book is The Big Book of Beautiful Beads. It's actually four books in one. It's fantastic. It has books in it that describe how to do flat peyote stitch, but it's kind of an investment just to learn one stitch. (I got mine super cheap on sale, though.) I bet you could find a website to teach you. Or get a copy of that magazine, I think it's called Bead and Button. In every issue there's a section that explains how to do basic stitches. Or go to the library.

Once you learn how, you'll be surprised at how simple it really is. And then you'll be addicted, too.

Happy beading.

I love all of these bracelets that people have contributed to the swap. It's so cool that we end up with such a variety.

 

Thanks for the tip!

I was actually in a book store the other day and picked up a copy of The Beader's Companion--it's a small and easily portable book that has descriptions on how to do different stitches and also a variety of other beading related info in it. It's pretty cool. I think I'll check out the book you mentioned though, as it probably has lengthier instructions in it on doing the stitches. In the book I got, because it's more of a handy reference book, some of the instructions are kind of hard for me to understand.

I agree. I thought the neatest thing about the swap was that everyone did something completely different! I hope we do this again soon, it was a lot of fun.

 

I agree. I thought the neatest thing about the swap was that everyone did something completely different! I hope we do this again soon, it was a lot of fun. [/QUOTE]hey me too cant wait i love these swaps

 

That beader's companion sounds handy. I have a knitter's companion that I keep in my knitting basket/bag. Very helpful. I agree, though, that that's really more helpful once you have a basic understanding.

I actually learned to knit from books. I first tried that with books from the library about 8 years ago, before it was popular. The books SUCKED. They were all about 40 years old. Now I own a book that's meant to teach kids all about knitting and it's great, much more visual.

I'm looking through the Big Book of Beautiful Beads and actually, 3 of the books in it have sections that teach you how to do peyote stitch. It has so much more, though, too, about techniques for just about every kind of beading I've ever heard of.

When I bought the Big Book of Beautiful Beads I felt like I was stealing it. I got it at some big book store like Borders or something. I had gotten a gift certificate as a present. It was sitting on a bargain table. I couldn't believe it. It has 4 books in it. The first one is Quick and Easy Beaded Jewelry by Elizabeth Gourley and Ellen Talbot. It has a variety of techniques and projects, including a section explaining flat and round peyote stitch and sections with projects to use each technique.

I think the 2nd book is my favorite, Beaded Adornment by Jeanette Shanigan. That actually has a good section on how to do peyote stitch. It has gorgeous projects in it. It has beautiful pictures of beadwork done by Alaskan artists. I had no idea there was such a beading scene up there. Some of the work is mind-blowing.

The 3rd book is The Complete Guide to Beading Techniques. It also has good visuals and good explanations of how to do a lot of stitches, including peyote stitch.

The fourth book is about making flowers with beads and wire, which I have no desire to do.

So. I know, that's more info than you wanted. But I'm obsessed with 2 things, crafts and good books. I can't help it.

 

I got my bracelet and I'm so happy. Kastenfrosch, it's beautiful! I love it. A work of art. That little felted pouch is so nice, too! I'm going to stash it because if my daughter sees it she'll immediately decide that it's a little doll's bed or something and take it from me.

It really couldn't have come at a better time, either. I needed some cheering up today.

 

And what great clasps they are! Not only did sweetersappe send these two great bracelets but she sent another one of blue glass as well as a green necklace made out of those tiny beads, all wrapped in a purple tie dye cloth. Oh and some loose beads and shells, too. Rocking~! These are great, there's no way I could do those with the little beads. Oh, and citrine (or topaz) is my birthstone. It's all good.

I can't wait for the next swap!!!!!!!!!

 

i cant wait for the next one too tarabelle

 

has my package not arrived yet i sent last weekend

 

Thanks! I'm glad you like them! I love the tiny beads, but I think using them all the time is ruining my eyesight.
That fabric is left over from a dress I made for my daughter. I have been using it to make doll clothes. But, it's just cheap dye and it will fade, so if you make something out of it, beware.
I haven'e recieved my bracelet yet, I'm going crazy with anticipation!

 

i think your getting my ones
i have sent them i sent three and a box
hope they arrive soon

 

I'm using it as a table cloth for a stool I'm using as a TV stand of sorts. For the beading frenzy, ya know. I love it. My bedroom is greens with some purple and red accents. It goes perfectly. Such a nice addition to the swap.

 

Yeah!!! I can't wait!

And, Tara, I'm glad that fabric is getting put to good use. It made a very cute little dress for Meleah and for her baby doll as well.

 

My bracelets came today! They are lovely sensamelia! I think I am going to have fight my daughter for the silver one! I would post a pic of her wearing all 3, but I can't find my camera. Thank you so very much