Dance 'til Dawn

My beading desk didn't stay tidy and bare for long. It's covered with beads in pink, blue and blush, all jostling to be included in my 'Dance 'til Dawn necklace.

Have almost done the central panel and have a clear idea of how it will progress. The 3 drops at the base will be beadwork which will help to add interest and movement.

A big blue bead

I love deep blue glass beads, they remind me of apothecary bottles. I fell in love with this large focal bead as soon as I saw it, but have been waiting for just the right beads to come along to team with it. At last I found them. Combined with sections of bead weaving they make a necklace that would look just lovely with a V neck top.

Now the desk is bare and tidy again – onwards to the next project, not sure what that will be, so an inspiration gathering walk is planned for later today.

Bees, buckwheat and beads

I find needle felting a wonderful way to make a foundation for bead embroidery. There is a real satisfaction in using a material that is 100% natural. What I never liked though was the foam you use as a base when prodding the fibres. I found it a bit ‘nails on blackboard’ if you see what I mean. But I received a new pad last week, made of hessian and filled with buckwheat. Much nicer and it came beautifully wrapped from the Felt Pixie, with some sample needles.

 I was inspired to make a necklace inspired by lavender and honey and spent an age ferreting in my bead collection to find beads to make the centrepiece. Then I came across this lovely handmade bead with a drizzle pattern on it. Perfect!