New Pattern Coming Soon

I am currently working on my next pattern - "Diamonds Bracelet". I got the photography done last week and thought I would have the pattern ready in just a few days. Well, ummm, I guess I am not so good at estimating how long something will take.

I now have all the photography edited and about 1/3 of the text written. Then the pattern will need to be formatted for pdf...so, I now estimate it will take me at least another week to complete this project. I hope it will take less, but...I am trying to learn my lesson.

To anyone I previously told that this pattern should be ready in "a few days", I apologize.

This pattern will be comprised of two separate pdf documents - "Diamonds Bracelet" and "Diamonds Variations". The basic pattern is written for the button closure and uses heavier cord and no large focal beads. "Variations" will include instructions for closure with lobster claw clasp as well as using larger focal beads and C-lon cord.

While I was playing with this design for pattern making, I could not resist using the motif for a necklace to match one of the Diamonds Bracelets. Some of my cords ran short as I got to the centerpiece and I had to creatively work them out. As always, the prototype teaches me what works and what doesn't. I think my next one (whenever I get around to it) will be much better. In fact, I am hoping to make an improved set for the Fire Mountain Gems annual beading contest.

Well, I guess I should get back to work on writing that text...

Full Circle

I have come full circle. Since I began my online jewelry adventure, I have tried several website variations, only to return to Blogger. I am happy to be back. I realize I may sound a bit "eccentric", shall we say; but I feel as if I have come home.

Blogger is very easy to maintain and that is a big plus. Now, that I have the frustration of getting my domain name to point to this blog all behind me, all is well.

Actually, Blogger has not that often been difficult for me. When I bought the domain name for KnotGypsy's Kitchen Chronicles, I bought it through Google and I had no headaches at all. Google has everything automated through GoDaddy (where the domain is registered).

I ran into problems with this blog because I had my domain registered at Bravenet and had to handle the configuration myself. I had additional problems because I had used the domain name with another website and the configuration retained some of those settings. I am not much of a techie, so I did not realize I needed to get rid of those settings. I did not even know what they were for!

Live and Learn. Sometimes we jump over the fence because the grass looks greener only to find that, actually, we had just left the greener grass! So, we try to return.

A few years ago, I sent some jewelry to a friend to put in her seamstress shop. Her business has grown and she no longer has room to keep my jewelry on consignment. She has returned it to me along with several pieces of display equipment! What a friend!

So, for another return to a beginning, I decided to post photos of some of these older pieces (including the photo above). These bracelets and matching earrings were the results of my experiments with my "Lattice" series. I will be listing them at my Etsy Shop (at a discount) over the next several days. So, keep checking.

Arrow - A new Variation of Diamonds

I was playing with my new beads (again, still) and I really wanted to use the new bugle beads. The problem was that I only have a couple of designs that utilize bugle beads...so...I came up with a new variation on the basic "Diamonds" pattern.

This orange and red one was the first I tried (after making a sampler). I used a button closure because I wanted to see how it would work for this design. I like it alright, but it is a little bulky. So, I get to keep this one!

Then, I wanted to use colors of storm and water...and I varied the "diamond" segment by omitting the 6mm round focal and making it a "double diamond lattice work" segment. I also extended it with a 3rd motif set to make a large bracelet. The harmony of colors gives the "double diamond" a textured look. I did rather like this one...

Next, I wanted to play with contrast in colors. I also experimented with leaving off part of the beginning/ending segments to make a medium sized bracelet. I am not sure I like where I put the "pearly" seed beads...a little too busy? Ah, well, I have learned that sometimes when I think something did not work, someone disagrees with me - turns out, that is the piece they like best!

Lastly, but certainly not least, I wanted to use those cream and brown marbled focal beads...they look like chocolate, cream, and caramel...mmmmm...yum. Here I used the "pearly cream" seed beads in a more focused way and I do like the results...I want to keep this one even more than I want to keep the orange one. I love fire and I love chocolate! Can't I keep both???

See What I Did With Those New Beads...

More results with my new beads, using those beads and my pattern "Lacy Ripples Bracelet" and "Victorian Lace Earrings"




Want to learn how to make these yourself? Check out my patterns and kits for sale at My Etsy Shop.

Beads! Beads! Beads!

New Beads! I love getting a new set of beads...so many colors. (drool, errrr, excuse me).

The last time I tried Czechoslavakian seed beads, their holes seemed a bit small. But oh the colors...so I bravely tried again (and how!). Since that time, I have discovered that C-lon cord can occasionally be flattened out in places. This makes the tip too wide to easily fit through those tiny holes. But, if I trim off the flattened part (and re-treat with fingernail polish of course), the resultant rounder tip will more easily fit. So, I ordered some Czech size 11 seed beads in all kinds of colors...They worked great! The hole sizes were just fine.

Find Seed and Bugle Beads here at Fire Mountain Gems.


Then, I was craving some new focals. Yes, I still love those faceted Czech fire-polished beads (they sparkle so nicely and their holes are reliably the right size), but I like to experiment. I really like the round Druk beads. They have a lot of finishes to choose from...but, again, hole size is a problem. Some of my micro macrame designs require 4 strands of cord to pass through the bead hole. I have found that the holes in the 6mm and 8mm sizes, the holes will only allow 2 strands of cord. Only the 10mm will allow 4 strands. So....I went ahead and bought a bunch. I will use the 10mm's in "Spirals" anklets (which require 4 strands to pass through the bead holes) without a lot of problems. And, most of my other designs require only 1-2 strands to pass through bead holes....As you can see in photo below of "Lacy Ripples Bracelet in Lustrous Blue" that the Druk beads worked fine.

Find Czech Glass Beads (both fire-polished, druk, and much more) at Fire Mountain Gems.

"Lacy Ripples Bracelet in Lustrous Blue"
Beaded with Druk blue lustre beads (6mm, 8mm, 10mm) and subtly highlighted with size 11 Czech seed beads in iridescent blueish gray along the edges.

Victorian Lace Necklace and Earrings - Earth Goddess

I loved the colors of the first bracelet with matching earrings in previous post "Beading Fever", I had to try them in this "Victorian Lace" design. I am very happy with the results. The colors remind me of "the fires of earth"...

I used a variety of glass and fire-polished crystal beads in this micro macrame set. And, yes, I have listed it at my Etsy Shop.

Beading Fever

Apparently my muse was not done with me yet...

In my previous post "Riding the Waves", I said I was tempted to keep the bracelet with the orange gemstone chips. I have changed my mind. I want to keep this one.



It is reversible, too.



I also made some earrings to go with it.



I have also finished this one with snowflake obsidian beads.



My creative energies come in waves. For awhile, I will be empty and unable to create anything. I do have various tricks to trigger my creativity, but it can be difficult at times. Then, when a creative wave hits me, I am in a fever. Ideas spill over and I even have trouble sleeping. I don't want to eat or do anything but bead. This past week is one of those times. I get so exhausted, but I admit I love it anyway.

Riding the Waves

While playing with my basic "Waves" pattern, varying the beads I use. I dug into my stash of leftover beads and found some of various colors, shapes and sizes. Some are gemstone chips, some pressed glass, and some faceted. I have had a blast! I ended up making 5 bracelets and a choker (or collar) necklace. I am in the middle of another bracelet and the ideas are not slowing down...

(Photo at top shows my new creations in order from top to bottom. )

First, I did a simple variation - adding some stone beads in the "waves" part of the bracelet. I wanted to use my new imitation "cherry quartz" beads as focals and matched the rest of the bracelet to them. I tried a vermeil (gold-plated over sterling silver) hook and eye closure.

Second, I used orange gemston chips (sorry, I don't what they are) and green focals. This time I used a button closure without a tassel. I am sorely tempted to keep this one for my personal collection.

Third, I used an assortment of mixed glass beads in various shapes in aqua, teal, and white. This time, I started with the button and ended with the button hole with a tassel. I think this is my favorite closure for this bracelet series as it allows the bracelet to be worn with either side showing - reversible!

Fourth, I had to try for a necklace that could be worn as a choker or as a collar. I have wanted to use this assortment of white and clear beads for some time. I think this necklace, if worn with side A showing, would look great with that little black dress. Or, if worn with side B showing, It makes a beautiful bridal necklace. (In photo above, I folded the necklace so as to show both sides - B on top, A on bottom.)

Fifth, for those who like purple, I made the next bracelet with a variety of purple beads of varying shades and textures. I tried a sterling silver lobster claw on this one. I still like the button closure with a tassel.

Sixth, I had this assortment of beads just sitting around waiting for its chance. I think this is where the beads belong. I returned to the button closure with a tassel and I love it.

Here's a close-up:

Spirals Lariat Necklaces

As I am transferring content from the other website over here, I have decided to rewrite some of it and in this case combine some related posts to create one post showcasing my "Spiral Lariat Necklaces".

The one in photo above, I used only black cord, gray seed beads and purple Czechoslavakian fire-polished crystal round focal beads. I like the dual neutrals with the purple contrast - this is one of my favorite lariats.

This next one has purple cord with cobalt blue facted Czechoslavakian fire-polished crystal round focal beads. Sort of a traditional look with a twist. This one is currently listed at my Etsy Shop. See "Necklaces" section.

This one used up some brown oval glass beads I had in my stash, as well as some other amber and brown glass ones. I think it all worked out pretty nice, and this is another one of my favorite lariats. This one is currently listed at my Etsy Shop. See "Necklaces" section.
This last one deserves the full description:

I used a little subtle asymmetry between the beaded segments in the body of the lariat and the beaded segments heading the tassels. In the body, the segments are comprised of the triangular bead surrounded by the dark teal beads. The tassel head segments are comprised of the triangular bead surrounded by one dark teal bead and one clear bead.

Then, a little asymmetry between the segments in the head of the tassels and the beaded segments at the bottom of the tassels. The tassel head segment has no spacer beads within (only at each end as on all segments). The segments at bottom of tassel does have spacer beads. See tassel on right in photo below.

Then, I began the second tassel fully intending to make it just like the first one. But, I made a mistake and missed one of the spacer beads. I tied it off before finding the mistake. I had pulled that ending knot too tightly to undo. I was now in a quandary. I did not want to lose all the work I put into the lariat! How could I fix this? How could I fix it without being obvious that I was “just fixing” it. Then, because I already had asymmetry on the brain, an idea came to me. Make the second tassel a more intense study of asymmetry! So, I finished off the strands as follows: One strand has no spacers, one has all the spacers, one has the spacer missing between the first two beads, and one has the spacer missing between the last two beads.

I really liked the result, but was afraid I was no longer objective. I asked my husband what he thought. He loved it. The asymmetry is a bit subtle and you don’t notice it right away. You just kind of notice there is something interesting about the necklace. Then, you look closer and…

Necessity is the mother of invention, is it not? I think I may experiment some more with asymmetry!

When it came to naming it, I was thinking something that suggests winter, ice, etc. We tossed out several names until I said “Winter Wonder”, sort of traditional sounding. My husband cinched it when he said that it fits because when you look at the necklace you “wonder” what is so interesting, and then you “wonder” if she did it on purpose!

Here is the finished lariat necklace. I must say this is my very favorite lariat yet...so, if no one buys it, it's mine! Right now it is on consignment at my favorite local coffee shop - Chiro Java in Seguin, Texas.

I've Been Using Up My Stock of Beads and Cord

I want to make room for new beads and cord! So, a couple of weeks ago, I made these bracelets in an effort to use of some leftover beads. So far, I have listed the brown one at My Etsy Shop. I will be listing the other two over the next couple of days. (Gotta take advantage of the "time machine".) I posted this photo under "Now Showing", but it is not a very large view, so I apologize to anyone who was frustrated trying to see these bracelets.

Finally, Some Kits for "Fans Earrings Pattern"

I finally got some kits put together yesterday. I put together 4 kits for "Fans Earrings Pattern" and listed them at my Etsy Shop. They match the kits I have listed for "Fans Bracelet Pattern" as well, so you can make matching bracelets and earrings. Find them in the "Kits" section of My Etsy Shop.

I was motivated so I put together 3 kits for each of my 5 patterns to take to the upcoming DIY Factory Show. I am getting excited about this show. Today, after I do some housework and make my grocery shopping list, I will be working on display equipment. I have a few ideas...

Well, I better get to work, bye for now.

Knot! News - Weekly Update

Another week already?

This past week I have been working on getting ready for the upcoming show. You know, getting my display equipment together, figuring out what all I need, etc. Today I must go into San Antonio to get my tax permit and then to a meeting for the show. I'll be dropping off business cards for the goody bags (for the first 75 people to come in the door) and picking up flyers. The show will be on Oct 20, which will be coming up soon. If you are in the San Antonio area, I hope you will stop by and see what we artisans have to offer. Go to DIY Factory for more info.

I have also been beading. Some for the show and perhaps some for my Etsy shop. I have not yet decided what I will leave in my Etsy shop and what I will be taking to the show. Another of those things I need to get done. Here are some of my new pieces. Remember to click images for larger view.

Nouveau Earrings with Gemstone Chips (Sorry, I don't know what kind of stone).

And matching bracelet

And in green with malachite chips and size 11 seed beads with a blue undertone

Of course a matching bracelet.

I also did a set in blue and am working on a set in red.

I did work some on the "Lacy Ripples Bracelet Pattern", but am not yet finished. I do tend to bite off more than I can chew. I am working on this.

And, wellllll, I goofed off some this week, too. I got caught up in a book I was reading and could not put it down. Has this ever happened to you?

Knot! News - Weekly Update

What a week! I have spent much of my time caring for Bella and worrying about her. I also spent some time on the more mundane chores of life - like laundry.

Even so, I have finished the pattern for "Fans Earrings"! (Photo at right.) Find it for sale under the "Patterns" section of My Etsy Shop. I hope to get some kits put together this weekend.



I have been working on some slave bracelets and I believe I have a couple of basic designs worked out. What do you think?

(Remember to click image for larger view).

Announcements:

1. As I have been integrating my "WorkShop" into my main website, my forum will soon be deleted. The blogging format of WordPress allows comments on all posts (but not pages at this time). So, I am using it like a forum. I will also be posting some other "forum" type topics in the future.

To find or post questions and answers related to my patterns, go to KnotGypsyDesgins.com and look under "WorkShop" in the "Index" (in sidebar). Click on "Patterns and Kits" and scroll down to the applicable pattern. Questions and answers will be posted in the comments section. Feel free to post your own questions, answers, or comments there. In fact, please feel free to leave comments on any post that give you the opportunity. Or, if you wish to contact me, find the "Contact" page under "General Information" (in sidebar). I have edited my patterns to reflect this change.

2. I realized that some may wonder how to pin cords to their work surface...So, I have added "Slip Knot (for pinning cords to work surface)" to my "Basic Macrame Knots" collection. I have added it to all my patterns as well. I will be posting my basic knots instructions on my website sometime in the future as well.

Well, I have a lot more work to do, so "bye for now, and have a great weekend".

Ripples and Lace

(Remember, you can click on images to get a larger view).

As I said in last week's "Knot! News", I have completed the photography for "Ripple Bracelet Pattern". I have now gotten the photography done for the matching earrings.

Then, of course, I had to play around with the design. I had so much fun with it, I am having trouble getting motivated to work on the text for the patterns! But, I will. I promise. Here are some of the results of my experimentation this weekend.

First, I played with color:

Then, I wondered what I could do with the overall shape. Using fewer focal beads and some with different shapes, here is what I did:

These next two pairs of earrings have already been listed at My Etsy Shop.

These earrings were easy and fun to make. Once getting the hang of the pattern, none took longer than about an hour to make. The final pattern will include instructions for these variations.

And of course, I wanted to play around with a variation of this design in a bracelet:

Given these variations having a variety of shapes, "Ripple" no longer seems a relevant name. They remind me more of lace, Victorian lace. So, I think I will name the bracelet at top "Rippled Lace" and for the others, "Victorian Lace". What do you think? If you can come up with a better name, please leave a comment as I am open to suggestions.

I have played around some more since taking these photos. I have made some more earrings, another bracelet and a necklace. I think I have a nice beginning for my Fall 2007 Collection. Of course, I will show you once I get the photos done. Working with this design has given me even more ideas...But, I need to write the text for the above patterns and get them listed so those of you who are interested can make some, too. Share the fun! Bye for now.

Knot! News - Weekly Update

I have been feeling funky this week. My brain does not want to cooperate with my plans and goals. I did get some work done with my Squidoo lenses, but...

Not much else. I made every effort. I set up to work on a pattern for the earrings to match the "Fans Bracelet Pattern". I cut the cords, got my work surface and other materials together. Then, nothing. I got the camera out and set up my photo shooting area. Nothing. I just could not make my brain get to work. Has anyone else ever had this happen?

I do have this photo (top right) of "Ripple Choker in Gray and Pink" to show you. I made it a week or so ago, but have been holding onto it for some reason. Maybe for just this sort of situation when I don't have anything else...

Perhaps my concern over my cat (Bella) contributed to my funk, but it does not explain it entirely. I do occasionally have these funks, I always recover and I am confident I will get over this one as well.

When it happens, I just try to do other tasks. Like getting caught up on some housework, laundry, etc. And I did this time, too. Then, I give myself permission to "goof off" a little. I tried playing some computer games, but could not get my brain to participate with that either.

I wrote some entries for my personal blog "The Other Side of My Life". I surfed some other blogs, played with my sidebar, added some links...And here I am today trying to account for my week.

We postponed our sailing trip (last Sunday) for this coming Sunday, but it has been raining again. So, depending on the weather, we may or may not go. If the weather permits, perhaps it is what I need. If the weather does not permit, I probably need to find something else to clear my head.

Yin Yang

There is a little bit of light in darkness, and a little bit of darkness in the light. That is what this simple little design of alternating segments reminds me of.

Not so much in this first one, but in the following pieces it becomes more clear. Remember, you can click on images for larger view.

I hope to begin listing these pieces in My Etsy Shop today.

How about a necklace to match?

Yin Yang Bracelet in Pink and Green

UPDATE: I have begun writing the text for the "Fans" pattern. Sorry, I have not gotten further along. This week, we have had a lot of thunderstorms. Even with surge protection, I do not trust my computer to a Texas thunderstorm! Especially in an old house with a tin roof. So I have had to unplug several times this week. If the weather holds, I should be able to finish up early next week.

Same goes for progress on the new website.

Ripple - A New Design Series is Born

My latest experimentation in beaded micro macrame has resulted in a new series - "Ripple".

At right is the prototype, and I am keeping it for my personal collection.

The first one has a few design flaws which I corrected in this next one, "Ripple Bracelet in Green and Black" . (Click on link to find it listed at my Etsy Shop).


Then I experimented some more with this next one in brown, bronze and green. I am still working out some of the finer points and I misjudged how long to cut the cords. I will need to redo it and hope to have a completed version in a few weeks. I have to let a design "rest" sometimes before I am ready to go back to it. This is one of those times because I must start over. (I hate starting over!)


UPDATE ON NEW SITE: Not a lot more accomplished this week due to a personal crisis in our lives. The crisis is now resolved and hopefully I will return to the challenge of building my new website next Monday...Until then, Happy Weekend and Happy Friday the 13th!

Regrouping...Again...Still...Some More...

I have kind of locked up on the issue about what to do with my website ideas.

I do really like Blogger. I think I want to keep this blog here. It is comfortable, familiar, people know me...And I don't look forward to moving...

I like WordPress as a blogging/website building software. It does have possibilities...

Do I want a site to sell from? Would that be more professional? Maybe for my higher end pieces?

I like Etsy a lot. Besides the tangible benefits of the feedback system, easy interface, and the low cost; they have a rather nice and friendly community there. I also like that they are a socially and environmentally principled business.

I found an interesting free shopping cart - Zen Cart . I still need to check it out some more.

I want something professional looking, but I am not a "techie" type and on a tight budget for now.

What to do? What to do?

I know, I said I had made up my mind a while back to unify my blog and website with the WordPress software and paid hosting. But then I found Zen Cart...and I waffled. So, I decided to not make any changes until I was sure.

The time has come to decide. I have had time these past few months to learn some things, and try some things out, but I don't want to just keep moving around, and changing my sites. I want to stabilize with something that will grow with me. I am focusing on this issue this week. My goal is to make a decision this week.

In other news, I have been doing those hated administrative tasks. Reorganizing files, standardizing my listing system, reorganizing inventory and supplies, etc. - you know, all those things we hate to do, but the benefit of getting them done will streamline my process and save time in the long run. "Efficiency is important".

I have managed to get some beading done, as well. I got the clasp on the bracelet I showed you last week. Here it is in its completed state:
And I played with some more gemstone chips. I love the way these pieces feel, and I love the "ordered chaos" look of the chips.

These pieces will be available at My Etsy Shop by the weekend.


Wish me luck on deciding what to do.

Beaded Crochet Ponytail Holders

A great way to cool off for summer! Get that hair up off your neck with one of these. You can find some at My Etsy Shop later today, or read on to find out how to make your own.

A good cure for burn-out is something new to play with! I had gone out to lunch with a friend of mine last week. She was wearing a cute ponytail holder. It was crocheted, so I thought "I could do this". Well, when I got home, I started right on it. This yellow one is one of my end results.

The next photo is of the first one I actually made. Except for the color of course, it looks very much like the one my friend wore. I chose a Scunci brand elastic ponytail holder with no metal parts. Then I strung about 60 to 80 size 6 seed beads on a ball of crochet cotton. I then crocheted about 60 to 80 single crochet stitches around the ponytail holder for the first row. The second row is 1 double crochet stitch into each single crochet with 1 chain stitch between each double crochet. On the third row, 1 double crochet on the chain stitches with: 1 chain stitch without a bead and 1 chain stitch with a bead in between each double crochet.

Then I just played around with the number of rows, and the number of single crochet stitches to start with, etc. These next two are what I came up with.

Then, I wondered how it would look with fuzzy yarn. Something to keep your ponytail warm in the winter!

I then decided to try some of my Omega Brand nylon crochet thread, and went for a frillier look. I achieved it by crocheting at least 80 single crochet stitches to the first row. Then for the second (and final) row, I stitched a single crochet stitch into each single crochet (of the first row) with 3 chains in between (the second one having the bead slipped in).

Feel free to try this yourself, I reserve no copyright on this pattern. If you are a crocheter, you should find it fairly easy to figure out. I encourage you to experiment to get the look you want. They were a lot of fun, as it takes just about a half hour to make one (once you get your pattern down). Part of that half hour is stringing all those beads in the beginning!

Celebrate Summer by Showing Off Your Ankles

My cure for burnout was to make some "Spirals Anklets". They are easy and quick to make; giving me immediate gratification. No, I didn't buy new beads yet. I am waiting until I can afford to make it a big order. So I just went into my bead stash and began using up some beads I have had lying around.

I have made 14 anklets so far. I made them in a variety of colors and sizes. I am out of buttons as I put them all in the kits for the tutorials. So, as you can see, I just used lobster claw clasps.

I just listed 4 of them in My Etsy Shop, and will be listing the rest over the weekend. Gotta take advantage of "The Time Machine". (The Etsy "Buy" page has several ways to search for items. "The Time Machine" shows recently listed items.)

Sorry, I have not yet finished the newest tutorial "Waves". I have selected the materials and cut the cords. I should be able to get the photography done on Monday or Tuesday. Hopefully I will have it all done by next weekend.