Monday 8 March 2010

Core Beaded Beads ...




Nearly two years ago, when I first saw some beautiful silver core lampwork beads, I had the idea that I would like to try and replicate them in beadwork.  It's a very simple idea, but for some reason it has taken me this long to find the right method and the best stitches to 'build' these.  I use the word 'build' because beading (especially sculptural beadwork) can be a bit like that sometimes - you know you want to build a house, but what bricks to use?  I tried many different stitches and have a big bag full of beaded beads of various shapes, sizes and colours that just weren't quite right.  Some were the wrong shape or size and some wouldn't hold their shape enough and were just a little bit too 'squishy', but finally, I think I am happy with the end result and here are my Core Beaded Beads.






Of course this type of glass bead is very popular at the moment and you often see them threaded on to silver snake chains, so I thought I would complete the effect and make one of those too.  I made a bracelet length and a necklace length and tried out some different colours and patterns.  That is a whole lot of stitching but I am pleased with the results.  I named the first one 'Warrior Queen' as the gunmetal beads reminded me of chainmaille and the metallic purple made me think of royalty.  I stuck with the theme and so went on to make 'Elven Queen' in greens and purples with a gold core and then 'Tudor Queen' in black and white.  These are really satisfying beads to make, they only take a couple of hours each, you can make them in an almost endless variety of colours and they are very easy to wear.  My current favourite way to wear these is to string a few of them onto a piece of velvet ribbon and tie it round my wrist as it stops the beads rolling around.




If you would like to make your own Core Beaded Beads, the pattern is for sale on my website. 

17 comments:

  1. They're wonderful! What a great idea.

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  2. Pure genius, Kerrie! I have never met a beading tutorial I wanted to buy until now. I've already snagged this one, and I expected to (and would have gladly paid) at least twice as much for it. Seriously. Most excellent work.

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  3. Beautiful work Kerrie, I epecially like warrior Queen, you really are a marvel!

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  4. These beaded beads are great...just bought them :-) Can not wait to start beading them...

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  5. I don't know if it's a sign of the ageing process but when I first saw the photos on the forum I thought that was a silver chain. That's why I suggested that you should make a beaded one! That's me underestimating the detail you put in your work! Stunning pieces all of them!

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  6. I just love beaded beads. And yours are really, really nice. Love them!
    Greetings from "Down Under"..:)

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  7. Clever lady! They're really lovely.
    Having fought and lost the battle with a peyote "triangle" this weekend, I admire your patience!

    Jo :-)

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  8. Hi Kerrie,
    These are absolutely stunning! You know I always love your work but these are just fantastic. Just bought your tutorial and can't wait to stitch some up for myself. Gorgeous!

    Rebecca x

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  9. Kerrie, I had to play with these last night...so awesome, lady!

    I've written a review on my blog you might like to see:

    http://julsbeads.blogspot.com/2010/03/do-all-deviant-babies-lead-to-talking.html

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  10. So beautiful! I love this beads! And the colours are also fantastic!
    Many greetings,
    Nicki

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  11. Oh these are gorgeous - I have 2 Pandora bracelets and cannot wait to give this a go... Julianna has assured me they are easy and so nice if I make one I must send it to her so she can eat it lol

    Karyn ♥

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  12. Wow, beautiful. I love this beads.
    greetings from
    Karin

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  13. Thank you so much for all your fantastic comments everyone! I'm so glad you like the beads and I hope everyone that purchased the tutorial is having fun creating their Core Beaded Beads :0)

    Kerrie ♥

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  14. Fantastic idea, lovely tutorial. I cannot wait to make one in every colour I have available. Thanks Kerrie.

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  15. your work is just amazing. These corebeads are so sweet,and your flowers are so beautiful! Congrats on the interview.

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