Beaded Bead Pattern Challenge 2019

So, here we are: the start of another new year. Have you set yourself a resolution? Is there something you want to achieve in 2019? Well, I’m announcing my personal challenge here so all of you can help me to make sure I achieve it this year. I’m going to undertake a beaded bead pattern challenge.

‘What on earth is that?’ I hear you ask. Well, let me first explain. Then I’ll tell you how you can help me on this…

What is the beaded bead pattern challenge?

Let me share a little story with you, to explain how my beaded bead pattern challenge came about.

If you follow my blog regularly, then you’ve probably heard me mention the Facebook group, ‘Seed Beads and More’. In my opinion, this is the best organised, most friendly and welcoming beading group on social media. (And no, I haven’t been paid to say that!). I’ll spare you my sermon on why I make those bold claims, but if you want to find out for yourself, check out the group here>>

This group partakes of a monthly beadalong, on a different theme each month. They also have some annual beadalong events. So, for 2019, one of these is a beaded bead event. It’s very simple: you just need to make as many beaded beads as you can/want throughout the year. Share photos in the group and hopefully inspire others to try a beaded bead or two as well.

Well, I love making beaded beads. I already have a collection of 22 beaded bead patterns available on here. You can check them out here if you want>>

So, how could I resist taking part in this challenge? But, in  the interests of making it really challenging, I’ve made up a few extra rules of my own…

The rules for my beaded bead pattern challenge

I am challenging myself to publish 50 new beaded bead patterns this year.

Why 50? Well, I decided I could probably manage to create a new beaded bead each week. So, that should be 52 patterns. But then I thought about what I will do with all these beaded beads…

How about, string them all on a special necklace?

Well, if I’m going to do that, I will need a bit of time to make the necklace. And, having just come through Christmas and New Year, I’m well aware that those last 2 weeks of the year all get a bit crazy. So, it seemed to make sense to reserve them for making the necklace and showing you the results…. If I manage to meet the challenge!

Plus, 50 is just a nice round number!

How can you help me?

I don’t normally suffer from a shortage of inspiration. But it does occur to me that I might get a few mental blocks if I am trying to make a new design each week. So, this is where you all come in…

If you have any suggestions, please let me know by leaving a comment below.

I’ve included some of my existing beaded bead designs in this post, so you can see what I’ve made in the past. (And don’t forget, you can browse the whole collection here>>)

I guess my current collection falls into two broad categories:

• Beads that are a ‘thing’, like the liquorice allsorts, flowers or chocolates
• Beaded beads made with shaped seed beads

So, if you can think of any other item that would make a good beaded bead pattern, then please suggest it. Or, if you would like to try using a particular type of seed bead to make a beaded bead, then please suggest that. I can then come up with a pattern for you.

Finally, if you want a beaded bead that uses a particular stitch or technique, then leave that request in the comments.

And, just to make this a little bit more fun for you, I’m going to offer you something in return. (Other than the fun of watching me try this challenge!)…

If I manage to publish a beaded bead pattern that uses your suggestion, I will give you the pattern for free.

My first beaded bead pattern for 2019

Happily, fired up with enthusiasm, I’ve already managed to design one beaded bead and publish the pattern. So, let me introduce you to my Superduo cushion beaded beads…

Get the superduo cushion beaded beads pattern here>>

These are super-quick to make and have a lovely ‘squidgy’ feel to them.

Currently, I have no idea what I’m going to make next week. So, any inspiration you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Oh, and please tell your beading friends about this – the more people who can help me along the way, the more fun this will be!

I’ll be writing a little more about beaded beads on my blog, so stay tuned for that.

And if you want to make sure you see each new beaded bead pattern as it comes out, make sure you are signed up to my mailing list>>

Right, wish me luck…!