Vacation Notice 13 - 24 August 09

I will be travelling from 13 - 24 August. Our online store will be closed during this period and any orders received will be processed after my return. If you have any queries on the classes, please kindly contact Beads Cage directly.

Thank you!

'Rivolis Rings' Bracelet Part II

Pre-Order for 'Rivolis Rings' Materials Kit

Step 1:
Choose ten 10.7mm rivolis from the list of colours available as shown below. I used a mix of Fuschia and Light Rose rivolis for mine. You can order as many or as little rivolis you like, no restrictions on the number.

Step 2:
Choose either Size 15 Galvanised Gold Metallic Seed Beads or Size 15 Galvanised Silver Metallic Seed Beads.

Step 3:
Email your request to info@beadygirl.com by 10 August.

Remarks:
- The Delica seed beads will be matched according to your rivolis choice.
- A simple instructional note will be enclosed with the kit.
- Please note that Beady Girl will not be carrying stocks of these rivolis and if you need more, we will have to make a special order.

My "5-minute" Project - Rivolis Rings Bracelet Pt I

No, I didn't stitch this bracelet in 5 minutes time, but in many, many intervals of 5-minute. Now that I am so tied down with my kids and household chores, having time to bead is a rarity. Nevertheless, I am glad to finish this project in time for August.

The 'Rivolis Rings' bracelet was created in conjunction with our September class on 'Rivolis Chain' bracelet. I wanted to show the flexibiity of the techniques in two different designs. Both involve creating bezeled rivolis and attached to tubular peyote rings. These are just two of the designs and there are many ways you can play around with the two elements.

For the 'Rivolis Rings' bracelet, I have used 10.7mm round rivolis and size 15 seed beads to stitch up the tubular peyote rings. This project calls for the size 15 seed beads as they will make the bracelet more intricate as compared to using the size 11 seed beads. The rings are made in varying sizes to make it look more abstract. I finished the project by applying a layer of DesignaSeal to seal in the silver coating on the metallic seed beads.

If you like to learn how to create this bracelet, a similar course on 'Rivolis Chain' bracelet will be introduced in September. Tips on creating the 'Rivolis Rings' bracelet will be discussed.

If you are already an experienced beader and would like to create the 'Rivolis Rings' bracelet, you may purchase our materials kit (see below) and a simple instructional note will be enclosed. Please note that you have to know how to stitch bezels and circular peyote rings in order to complete the project.

Pre-Order for the Materials Kit
~ 10.7mm Swarovski Crystal Rivolis - 10 units ($25)
~ Size 15 Miyuki Galvanised Metallic Seed Beads - 20gm ($10.80)
~ Size 11 Delica Seed Beads - 5gm ($4.50)

Total Kit Cost : $40.30

If you are interested in the kit, please make a pre-order by 10 August by sending us an email at info@beadygirl.com. The kits will be available after 24 August.

August Crafter - Rachel Nelson-Smith

It is my great pleasure to introduce our August Crafter - Beadmaster Rachel Nelson-Smith, who is also the person behind my fanatic over seed beads weaving.

I used to live very close to downtown San Mateo in the Bay Area and there is a beads store called Beading Frenzy which I frequent regularly. On one of those visits, the shop was promoting a course on Basic Peyote Cuff. I did not know what peyote stitch is then as I did mostly stringing and wire-works. However, Rachel's stunning cuff convinced me to sign up for the class. One class led to another and the rest is history.

Rachel is a very talented master beadweaver and has a distinctive style to her works. Here is an extract from her biography "...work is infused with her unique combination of fabrication techniques. With a wealth of knowledge and fearless adventure, needle and tools shape bold and vibrant works alive with enormous energy and dynamism. Finding inspiration in surrounding nature, pure color, and beads themselves, Rachel creates pieces reflecting the world she sees around her." (read about her full bio)

Rachel teaches extensively throughout the country and at national beads show like the Bead & Button in US. Her choice of materials makes her works so vibrant. Not forgetting the designs are unique but yet practical and sophisticated at the same time. I have been fortunate to learn from Rachel as she is always so gracious in sharing her knowledge.

Rachel has had her projects published in several beading periodicals and come this September, she will have her first book, entitled 'Seed Bead Fusion' published! It contains 18 gorgeous projects with detailed directions, designing insights, and etc. A preview of the projects are available at her homepage. It has my favourite Ootheca Cuff project which I am sure anyone will fall in love with it. (Read more about the book from Ms Jean Campbell's review)

To Rachel : Heartiest congratulations on the launch of your book and thank you for the wonderful beading experiences I had with you.

Photos are courtesy of Rachel Nelson.

Cellini Spiral

Here are some projects completed by myself and students using the Cellini Spiral technique. The 30 Aug class is almost full (1 seat left) , if you have not registered for it, you may do so either online or in-person at Beads Cage.

Gold Hues Cellini Spiral with Aventurine Fused Glass Pendant

Cellini Spiral Bangle

Partial Cellini Spiral Necklace by Christine Lim

Full Cellini Spiral Necklace by Wendy Lo

Cellini Spiral Bangle by Phyllis Koh

Swarovski Crystal Rivolis

Recently, I received enquiries on the availability of the Swarovski Crystal Rivolis Teardrop 18mm by 13mm which we brought in earlier on. I am sorry to inform that those were a one-time-off sale so while stocks last. If they become available again, we would be glad to inform you.

New Classes

Beady Girl will be commencing her series of classes from 30 August onwards. Students can expect a wide variety of bead weaving techniques, including the old favourites and brand-new projects.

Beginning on 30 August is our 'Cellini Spiral Bracelet' class. Cellini Spiral is a modified version of the tubular peyote stitch. It uses different sized seed beads to create a beautiful spiral design in either a bracelet or necklace. Students will also learn the variations of closures and ideas to embellish the piece. This class is an intermediate one and is suitable for those who already know the basic peyote stitch.

Date/Day: 30 August, Sunday

Time: 3pm - 5pm

Location: Beads Cage at Centrepoint

Registration: Online or in person at Beads Cage

*Only 1 seat left!

We Are Back!

Beadygirl homepage and email accounts are now in operation. We thank you for your kind patience during its maintenance period.

If you are still unable to view our online site, please try to clear your browser cache and follow the instructions below.

Instructions on how to clear your cache in the following browsers:

* Firefox:

Open Firefox and go to Tools

Clear Private Data.

Choose which items you wish to clear and click Clear Private Data Now.

* Internet Explorer 6:

Open Internet Explorer 6 and go to Tools > Internet Options > General.

Click Delete Files.

Check the box next to Delete all offline content in the window that opens and click OK.

* Internet Explorer 7:

Open Internet Explorer 7 and go to Tools > Internet Options > General. Under Browsing history click Delete.

Choose which items you wish to delete and click the Delete button next to each item to delete it.

* Safari:

Open Safari and go to Safari Empty Cache.

Click Empty in the window tha opens to clear the cache.

* Opera:

Open Opera and go to Tools > Delete private data. Choose which items you wish to delete and click Delete.

Thanks to Lis of Simple Arts Planet for providing this valuable information.

July Crafter - The Laughing House

I chanced upon 'The Laughing House' while surfing the Etsy site one day. 'The Laughing House' carries a range of beautiful purses, like organiser clutch, tool bags, bible/journal covers, camera cases, wristlets, accordian purses and etc. As a bag lover, I couldn't resist not looking at them and gave myself a reason to buy my first organiser clutch wristlet. I said it is the first, because subsequently, I made 3 more purchases!

The second purchase was a 3-in-1 Organiser Clutch Purse that Winniel (the owner) has customised with my own material. I have this beautiful paisely printed cloth which I bought from US and I thought it will be perfect to turn it into a clutch purse for my beading tools. The third purchase was also a customised work. I have requested Winniel to make me a larger sized purse to store Marcus's diapering necessities. Winniel gave me alot of constructive suggestions and I am very happy with the final result. The fourth purchase was a gift for my friend who has been a really great supporter of Beady Girl. I got her a 3-in-1 Organiser Clutch Purse as well which is multi-functional.

'The Laughing House' is a local business, run by Winniel and the woman behind the great works is her beloved Mom. It is a perfect mother and daughter partnership where Winniel does the marketing and business aspects, and her Mom produces the masterpieces. Winniel has a great eye for beautiful fabrics and this is part of the reason why her bags are so sought after. Mom's workmanship is superb and I have to emphasize that the purses are really very well-made in my opinion.

Besides having a good product, Winniel also wins her customers over with her great personality. She is an extremely friendly and helpful lady, and it is always a great joy corresponding with her. After several conversations with her, we found out we are actually schoolmates from high school!

So, if you are looking for one-of-a-kind handcrafted purses, do check out 'The Laughing House'! I know I will definitely be back for more!

Handcrafted Gifts

Last week, I received an envelope packed with many lovely gifts from my Californian friend, Jennifer (of JeynReyn & LoveMeDo). She has made Marcus a bunny teether and two butt wipes, and included a pair of booties and an infant toy.

At first glance, I didn't realise the bunny teether was handmade by Jenn because it looks like it came from a novelty boutique item. She has used a very sweet pastel blue material to make the bunny and an organic wood ring for the teether. It is very thoughtful of her to have everything stitched with thread so as not to cause any hazard (e.g. buttons) to the young infant.

I love the cloth butt wipes as well. They are great for keeping the delicate skin dry.

Not forgetting the other two gifts; the booties are a cutie pair and the infant toy will be a great companion during Marcus's car ride.

Jenn, thank you very much for these gifts made with great love!