Pearly Netted Bangle VII - Remedy

If your completed bangle is way too short, it is possible to lengthen the tubular netting on both sides.

To lengthen the front portion, use the beginning thread tail and go through the row of seed beads in a reverse direction until your three main coloured beads come out. Continue your tubular netting from there and end it by adding the main coloured beads back later (as stated in your manual).

Thus it is a good idea to keep a long thread tail from the beginning in case more stitching is needed.

Feedback from Student

Our student, Lynda has kindly emailed me about her experience with the DesignaSeal and TOHO Permanent Galvanized seed beads. Here's what she says.

"I have tried using wet cotton buds to clean off the excess (DesignaSeal) on the quartz & it works.. neat & gd.. I have also been using Toho Silver Galvanized Permanent - is perfectly good.."

Thank you, Lynda!

Get Organised!

I found this A5 clear file folder at Popular Bookstore (Bukit Timah Plaza branch) which is a perfect solution to store Beady Girl's instruction manuals. Each file contains 30 sleeves and refills can also be purchased at the bookshop.

DIY Project - Notice Board

While decorating for my new beading/craft room, I thought of not having a conventional looking notice board to be hung on the wall. Thus, I decided to do a quick DIY project to dress it up abit.

Materials and Tools:
1. Framed Cord Board (Size up to individual) or Canvass Board
2. Piece of Fabric (Size larger than board by at least 2 inches) - The retro designed fabric that I have used came from Jo-Ann which is actually meant for home decor. I feel that a hardier fabric works better for this project.
3. Brown Tape (used normally for picture framing)
4. Scissors, Ruler, Big Stapler

Duration of Project: 10 minutes

Method:
Spread the fabric over the cord board and staple one side firmly onto the wooden frame at intervals. Pull the fabric tight at the opposite end and repeat the process. For the remaining two sides, make neat folds at the corners before stapling them onto the board. Trim the excess fabric and cover it up with the brown tape.

Voila! You have made yourself a one-of-a-kind notice board!

Timeless Beauty Watch Revisited

The Timeless Beauty Watch has always been one of my favourite jewellery pieces and class projects. When I first created the piece, I used the button and loop method for the clasp (Picture 1).

I didn't think it is very secure so I created another version which uses the button hole method (Picture 2). I preferred version 2 as the Swarovski crystal button blends in nicely into the piece and makes the watch looks secured and elegant.

However, I have received feedback from a few students about this button hole method. Firstly, the constant pulling of the straps causes the nylon thread to stretch which in turn causes the watch to loosen. Secondly, the button hole is too big for the button (although the length equals to the button diameter) and as a result, it comes off easily when worn. This problem can usually be fixed if more stitching is done around the clasp area but the tiny seed beads can only contain "x" number of threads going through.

With these challenges surfacing, I decided to try out a third method using a Slide Lock Tube clasp. This type of clasp comes in different lengths, some in 4 strands, some in 5 strands and etc. The one I have used is a 4 strand clasp and measures about 26mm which is similar to the width of the watch face. You just have to stitch the clasp holes to the main strap and secure it twice.

These clasps are available for purchase under Miscellaneous items at our online beads shop.