Beading Competitions and New Stuff

So, time for another monthly update…my goodness, this year is flying by! For me, May has been all about beading competitions…

Well, not just about beading competitions: I have published some new patterns and kits as well. Plus, I’ve brought you some fabulous new beads.

So, did you miss out on that?

Beading Competitions…

Well, I don’t want you to miss out on this. You have the chance to win a choice of three fabulous prizes in my Paisley Duo inspired beading competition.

Today is the last day to enter, so if you haven’t done so, you’d better get a wriggle on! Just click on this link to enter now>>

Then, the other beading competition… This one involves an entry of mine that reached the finals. The competition in question? Well, it’s Bead Dreams 2018. So, if you missed my blog post about that, catch up here>>

You can also view all the finalists and cast your vote in the People’s Choice Awards. Voting closes on 7th June. So, make sure your vote counts!

Cast your vote here>>

New Beads

Well, that’s it for beading competitions. But one of my beading competitions was inspired by one of this month’s new beads. Have you seen the Paisley Duo beads yet? They are full of scrumptious summer colours in the new Tutti Frutti range. As you’re about to see, I’ve been trying them out in a few projects too. So, check out the Paisley Duos here>>

Then, have you been keeping track of the new Potomac Bead Company products? After their incredibly successful AVA beads, the latest fabulous shape from them is the StormDuo. If you haven’t used it yet, choose a colour and try some now>>

And before you ask, yes, this month has been all about the two-holed beads. I have another fabulous new shape to share in the Nib-bits. So, check those out here>>

Last, but not least, a bead that I want to use a lot more: the Candy bead. I just couldn’t resist these fabulous summer colours. So, watch for more patterns from me. But meanwhile, what will you do with yours? Well, take a look and start planning now>>

New Patterns

I didn’t have a theme for May. So, my new beading patterns have been quite eclectic. I hope you’ll find something that you like.

So, I did try some experiments with some of my new beads. I found the Paisley Duos were great for decorating a new beaded box.

They also work really well with a mix of other beads. So, I put them, along with the Nib Bits, through their paces in this flower meadow necklace.

Did you spot the Carrier beads in there? Well yes, I have now got some more in stock, along with some new colours. So, I wanted to try showing their beauty without the Peyote covers. What did I end up with?…this stylish bracelet.

And, if bracelets are your thing, how about this summery bangle? Again, a little experiment with Paisley Duos.

If you need more of a challenge with those multi-holed beads, then I invite you to try these stunning beaded beads.

Seed beads only

I didn’t just play with shaped beads! Oh no, I also have a lovely seed bead pattern you might enjoy. Again, this is floral, pretty and perfect for the summer. So, grab your copy of the tartan bracelet pattern here>>

Then, right back at the start of the month, I introduced my flower beaded box. This one uses size 11 delicas, so it’s perfect for all you traditionalists! Grab your pattern here>>

Coming full circle, I’m ending this month with another new beaded box. This time, I’m back to the size 10 delicas and I added a handful of Paisley Duos. There’s also a fun story behind this pattern. So, find out more here>>

Beaded box kits

I know that a lot of my beaded boxes use quite a few different beads. So, I’m continuing to try and make your life easier by putting together kits for these projects.

This month, I’ve added kits for the ‘Death by Chocolate’ cupcake, my very popular flower basket box, the Paisley Duo beaded box and the Pastrami on Rye box.

I will continue to add more kits. If there is something you particularly want, then just send me an email and I will try to sort it out.

Check out all the beaded box kits here>>

What next…?

Well, I am planning a theme for next month. It has been inspired by one of my beading competitions…

I have received a lot of requests for a pattern for my beehive. I’m afraid I didn’t make notes when I made it. So, this one is going to remain personal to me.

But, I do have individual patterns for some elements of it. So, I will be publishing those next month.

I also plan to develop some of the ideas. So, those of you who wanted more beaded drawers, you won’t be disappointed!

Now, what can all this have in common?… Well, a theme of Nature.

So, June will be all about projects inspired by nature…