Monday, November 17, 2014

Next, join the medallions on the sides.  Here, depending on the size of your ball, you'll have to experiment.
Then, add your fringe, if desired.  On the pink ball, I did straight fringe in varying lengths, and on the blue ball, I'm adding a simple branch fringe.

There is no right or wrong way, so have fun with them.  Experiment!

Saturday, November 15, 2014


So now we're ready to assemble.  Again, my ball is 1 1/2".  If yours is larger, you will need to make adjustments.   I've made 4 medallions.  To attach them, you'll need a top ring around the ball.  Since there are four medallions, the number of beads in the top ring should be divisible by four.  I have 24 beads in my ring around the top of the ball.
Now we'll divide that 24 bead ring by 4.  Add 7 beads to the thread and stitch through every 6th bead, 4 times. 
after adding the 4th group of 7 beads, work down 3 of the first 7 bead group.  Stitch through one of the medallions and back through the next 3 beads.  Through the 6th bead again and down through 3 beads of the next swag.



Thursday, November 13, 2014

Miniature Christmas Ball Ornament
This is a 1 1/2" ornament ball.  You can make adjustments for a slightly larger or smaller ball.
These are the directions for the medallion portion.  You will need 4 of them for a ball this size.
First - thread on 5 11/0's and tie in circle
Next add 1 11/0 in between each of the first 5 beads.  You 'll now have what looks like a little star.
Next add 2 superduos in between each of the last five 11/0's
Then add 1 Superduo in between each of the previous rows' superduos
Next row, we'll add 1 4mm pearl in between each superduo.  You can use 4mm bicones here, but be
careful, they will scratch the finish on the ball.

Next row, add 5 11/0s over each pearl.
That completes the medallion - you'll need 4 of these for the 1 1/2" ball.  Next installment, we'll connect these medallions.


Thursday, June 5, 2014

Cellini

Cellini beading is basically even count peyote stitch but graduated sizes of beads are used.
You can work in flat, straight lines or diagonal, or even a pattern.  You can work in tubular peyote in
a spiral pattern or straight rows.  If you want to work in a chevron pattern, you may need to use odd
count peyote, depending on how the pattern repeats.
It's a good idea to start the piece with an even amount of rows of the 11 delica or seed bead first. 
When you break between the pattern of graduated sizes, use the same amount of rows for the break.