secrets revealed
unit 5
Exploring
Sometimes it is fun to take a different path.
It seems many beaded projects are about jewelry when really the possibilities are endless. In this unit you will be working on an object. We won't be covering the object with beads, but rather a flat area or section.
We will also be making a bracelet and learning the art of using fur. Some people don't like the idea of using fur, and I understand that. But being a shamanic practitioner myself I like to honor the animal and the energy it shares. It adds a beauty that is unachievable in any other way.
unit 5 Part one
The object
Objects are everywhere, I am sure your house is full of them as is mine. What you are looking for is an object that calls to be adorned with beads. It can be as simple as an old box or new, a vase or purse. Warning, once you start you won't be able to stop looking for objects to bead upon. I will also cover how to use the checker board stitch.
Below you will find written content and photos on how I adorned the above little red box. The video that follows gives more detail to the process.
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Assignment Unit 5 Part One
Bead on an Object.
Find the object and measure and make a pattern of the area you wish to cover. If your area is going to be free form than just get a general idea of size,
Transfer your pattern onto your foundation. Make sure to include grid lines. In the above photo we are layering so we will bead around the top layer first. In this way I know how far to space my lower layer.
With the lower layer components glued in place I can now glue the top layer, and continue to add components and beads.
I added a checker board stitch which I cover in the video. I also beaded some small cabochons which will be glued to the side of the box.
Adding fur
Draw a pattern on paper of the shape you want your fur to be.
Transfer the pattern to the back of your fur, keeping in mind the flow or grain of the fur. Cut using a utility knife on the back of the fur.
Use Tacky glue and glue in place. Tack around the fir to your foundation. Be careful to not pull the fur into the thread.
Stitch a row of beads around the fur as you would a cabochon. Be careful to not stitch the fur in with the beads.
Unit 5 Part Two
the bracelet
There are many kinds of bracelets you can make, I like the cuff style because it allows for freedom of size. But if your are making a bracelet for yourself then you know exactly the size you want. If you're not using a cuff you can still make the design wider and use cardboard as a lining to stiffen it and give support the edge.
The bracelet I made has ribbon behind it I love the way it brings such wonderful colors into the piece. You could also use cork fabric or leather.
Check out the photos and written content below, followed by a video showing the journey of working with otter fur.
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Assignment for Unit 5 Part two
Make a bracelet
After laying out your bracelet cut your foundation to size. Add grid lines to help keep it centered and balanced. Glue your center component in place using E6000 or two part Epoxy.
If using fur figure out where and how much space you will need. I find it easier to add it later rather than having to work around it. I layered two pieces from Unit 1 on top of the center component. Stitching them down to the foundation.
Keep adding and beading using the grid lines to help you balance the piece.
Once you trim the piece it can be made into any kind of bracelet you want. Or even added to an object.