Description
This Starfish beaded box pattern is my TOHO Challenge entry for 2019. If you want to find out more about the challenge, take a look at this blog post>>
Materials
The Starfish beaded box uses the following materials – all TOHO brand
- Size 15 seed beads
- Size 11 seed beads
- Demi Round Beads in size 11
- Size 8 seed beads
- Demi Round Beads in size 8
- Demi Round Beads in size 6
- Aiko beads in size 11
- 6mm round beads
You will also need you favourite beading thread. Please make sure you choose something that gives you good tension. My personal preference is Fireline, but you may prefer something different.
The pattern includes the list of actual bead colours that I used. However, I am inviting you to find your own colour combinations. So, you might choose to use the same colour palette as me. Or you may prefer to try something entirely different.
I have included a lot of detailed photos, so you can see how I created the ombre effect for my box.
Experience and Techniques
This is an advanced beading project. You will be working in Peyote Stitch – using circular, tubular and odd count variations.
I have assumed that you already know the basics of these techniques. However, if that is not the case, you can download free tutorials from this website.
About the Starfish beaded box
When I was invited to take part in the 2019 TOHO challenge, I was thrilled! I received my pack of beads and a theme: a Californian beach at sunset.
My remit was to make a piece of beadwork that showcased my style. So, I just knew I had to make a beaded box. It didn’t take me long to come up with the Starfish idea. I’m not sure whether my little Starfish has found itself washed up on the beach, or is still invisible in the sea. But as we humans admire the sunset, how often do we think about the coastal creatures and their world beside us?
So, the Starfish beaded box has five drawers – the five legs – plus a central box with a hinged lid. It measures about 5″ across and is just under 2″ high at the centre. This pattern gives you comprehensive instructions for making your own Starfish beaded box.
I chose to make a ‘sea’ base for my box in order to use the entire colour palette from my challenge pack. However, I made this using a lot of freeform techniques. So, I haven’t written up a pattern for that part. If you feel adventurous, you can try adding your own ‘sea’ design. But I also love the little beaded box just on its own.
