Bead Dreamz Group

Fish Swap 2011

2011-11-07T15:30:00.003-05:00

Our members had a blast making different fish, most starting with the same, basic tubular peyote body, then adding whatever embellishments to make their fish spectacularly individual. We think you will enjoy each and every one of them!

Get on board with the Magazine Challenge!

2010-12-14T21:11:00.003-05:00

Do you have a subscription to Beadwork? Bead and Button? Are you actually doing any of the beautiful projects they work so hard to provide for us in each issue? No? Guess what! Neither are most of the rest of us! Our latest challenge, the Magazine Challenge aims to stop that!

The challenge is to take a look at your magazines for the next year, pick a project, and DO IT! And/Or, if you have any old issues laying around with projects that are still on your "to do" list, put them at the top of the pile. We pay for these magazines, don't we? Then why aren't we using them? Good question.

For those who would like to participate but don't subscribe, there's a way for you to participate! Simply go to Bead and Button's or Beadwork's/Beading Daily's project sites and pick a free one! We're giving lists of "example" projects from those sites in case you don't want to search.

The challenge runs through January 2012 (because the magazines are produced every other month and the last issue for this challenge will be December 2011/January 2012).

If you're not a Beaddreamz member, join us and have some fun with your magazines. If you are a member, pull out your magazines and join us!

Some entries have already been submitted. Here is a slideshow created by Aryd'ell to show you what members have already done:

Beadwork Magazine - International Discrimination?

2010-05-25T03:17:00.009-04:00

As readers of Beadwork Magazine know, in every issue there is a section called "The Challenge." Readers are encouraged to send in photos of their own beadwork to demonstrate to the editors that they have what it takes in creativity to participate in the magazine's Challenge. The chosen participant for each issue is sent a selection of beads with which to compose a creative piece that may be featured in a future issue alongside pieces made by artists on the Beadwork staff using the same selection of beads. The bead packets are provided to Beadwork by manufacturers and bead sellers – a great advertising tool.

Before going any further, we'd like to assure you that we love Beadwork magazine and in no way wish to deny the quality of the magazine.

Of course "The Challenge" has rules and restrictions, one of which is clearly stated in each issue featuring "The Challenge." "Due to International shipping costs, this Challenge is limited to residents of the United States and Canada."

One Beaddreamz member, Jeanne of New Jersey, cries foul! Using the excuse of "international shipping costs" to exclude worldwide readers is riduculous when Beadwork receives discounted shipping rates and indeed mails their publication to bead enthusiasts all over the world. There are many highly skilled members of Beaddreamz who live outside of North America, not to mention worldwide readers of the magazine, and we are outraged on their behalf! Honestly, how much does it really cost to mail a small packet of beads anywhere in the world? Remember, Beadwork does not pay for the beads, just the postage.

Do you agree or disagree? Our own Jeanne has composed a letter and sent it to the editors of Beadwork, admonishing them for this unfair restriction. Let's tell Beadwork how we feel! You can download and print a copy of Jeanne's letter here:
http://www.calameo.com/read/0001512173575828974e2

The mailing address is shown on the letter. All you have to do is sign it and send it off.

Sound off about your feelings regarding Beadwork's challenge restrictions. We'd love to know what you have to say!

WT Swaps Come Home to Roost!

2010-04-06T14:31:00.007-04:00

Swappers sent beads to their swappees, beads they were stumped by, or had had for a long time, without being able to figure out what to make with those beads.
Their swap buddies took those beads, added a few of their own, then sent back a finished creation in their swapper's size!
What fun we all had, and just look at the lovely creations!

Just Beachy!

2010-03-03T01:48:00.004-05:00

Our "Ocean Adventures" challenge ran throughout January and February. The simple task: make something that reminds you of the ocean. Boy, did our members deliver! This challenge resulted in some extremely gorgeous and unique works of art from the group members. Feast your eyes:

Bead Embroidered Buttons

2010-02-10T19:08:00.001-05:00

Recently a few of our members played around with buttons and bead-embroidered these little lovelies. Aren't they gorgeous? Click on the image to get a larger view.

The Polls are Completed!

2010-01-13T07:58:00.002-05:00

Each month Beaddreamz polls our members to tell us which of the most recent challenge or other activity pieces were their favorites. For December, the polls were just closed and here are the results:

(Pictures can be seen in the slide shows below)

Christmas Beaded Ornament Challenge
Receiving the most votes: Panel Deco by Lynn M.
First Runner Up: Victorian Lace by Gale of AZ
Second Runner Up: Seed Pillow Balloon by Jeanne of NJ

December 2009 Calendar Challenge
Receiving the most votes: "Ice Queen" by Aryd'ell
First Runner Up: "Pearl and Seed" by Jeanne of NJ
Tied for Second Runner Up:
"Black and Silver" by Jeanne of NJ AND
"Christmas Plenty" by Aryd'ell

Congratulations, ladies, and special thanks to all of the members whose beautiful work gave us holiday cheer! You are all winners!

December and Christmas 2009

2010-01-04T01:07:00.017-05:00

Double the Pleasure!

Below are photos of beautiful beaded ornaments created by our members for our Christmas Beaded Ornament Challenge.

And here are photos of our members' contribution to our December 2009 BeadDreamz Challenge.

Beautiful work ladies!

A Show of Hands

2009-12-09T21:06:00.005-05:00

This beautiful beading was created by our members in our recent Hand Challenge which was conducted on both Beaded Art Dolls group and BeadDreamz Group. Congratulations to all who completed the challenge. These are certainly impressive works of art!

Can You Believe It's December Already?

2009-12-02T02:31:00.002-05:00

In just a few weeks, Christmas will be here. It's hard to believe that 2009 is almost over. Here's an early gift for you - the pictures of the beautiful work submitted for the November Calendar Challenge! Once again, members have contributed some stunning designs! Way to go, members!

Remember, a poll will be created in a few days for the members to choose their favorites from the following:

Big News : Rope Challenge Favorites Chosen!

2009-11-16T18:21:00.002-05:00

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

Our group members have chosen their favorite pieces from the Rope Challenge! Everyone did such great work in this challenge that it was especially hard to choose. Your humble blogger is honored to have her work chosen as one of the favorites. Many many thanks, friends! Here are your favorites:

1. "Pearl Spiral Lariat: by yours truly (thank you again!)
2. "Sweet Whisper" by Lorraine
3. "Acorns & Oak Leaves" by Lanai
4. "Nacre" by Julia

Rope Challenge Comes To An End

2009-11-09T02:44:00.006-05:00

The creativity shown in the Rope Challenge is absolutely incredible! We have 19 entries, each as unique and beautiful as the next. Our members have outdone themselves!

Members, look for a poll in the next few days to choose favorites in this challenge. It will be harder than usual to pick just one. Individual photos are in the Rope Challenge folder and can be seen by clicking here. You can also check out the slide show below:

[Edit] Apologies to Gerlinde for initially crediting Lorraine with Gerlinde's two entries. Blogger brain fart!

Boo!-Tiful Work in the October Calendar Challenge

2009-11-04T00:28:00.003-05:00

Halloween is over and there is absolutely nothing scary about October's Calendar Challenge entries. As usual, all were beautiful and unique. Thanks to everyone who entered! Here are the entries.

Beaded Opulence: The Review

2009-10-22T00:43:00.005-04:00

BeadDreamz is lucky enough to have, as a member, amazing bead artist and published author Marcia Decoster. Her new book, "Beaded Opulence: Elegant Jewelry Projects with Right Angle Weave," has inspired many of our members to dig into their bead stashes and start creating!

As a side note: Did you know that BeadDreamz is the friendliest beading-related group on yahoo? That's the humble opinion of your blogger, anyway!

One of our wonderful members, Barb Grainger, took the time to write out a review of "Beaded Opulence" and share it with us on the group. We appreciate it, Barb! With the permission of both Barb and Marcia, here is the review in its entirety.

-----
Well done Marica! A beautifully executed book full of eye candy and fun projects, 'Beaded Opulence' has something for everyone from beginner to advanced beader. The book teaches basic single needle right angle weave (RAW) techniques including: basic stitch, flat and tubular techniques, edge and internal increasing and decreasing, shaping, creating curves, joining and surface embellishment. DeCoster even tells the reader how to cut a piece apart yet maintain it's structural integrity. An eight page gallery section shows gorgeous pieces from such artists as Nan C. Meinhardt, Jeanette Cook and Rachel Nelson-Smith.

The projects range from a basic RAW bracelet, "Spun Glass", to an intermediate level, "Urchin" beaded bead project, to advanced projects such as "Etruscan Treasure" necklace which features a RAW captured Swarovski rivoli. The "beads' in the instructional graphics are not numbered but the illustrations are backed up with well written text. My only wish for this book would be more close-up, detailed graphics on some sections of the more complicated projects. Having said that, DeCoster's book is a wonderful addition to any beading library. Get it, bead it, enjoy it! Congratulations Marica.
-----

September 2009 Calendar Favorites!

2009-10-14T01:16:00.010-04:00

We are very pleased to announce the winners of the favorites poll for the September 2009 Calendar Challenge! Three of the four top spots were secured by Lorraine, who is a new member of our group. Kudos to Lorraine for keeping the rest of us on our toes, and congrats to Kassie for taking the other spot (we announce first, second, and third place, and this month there was a tie for third). As always, thanks to all the group members for their gorgeous work!

First Place: Golden Lustre By Lorraine

Second Place: Dancing Flamingo by Lorraine

There was a tie for Third Place:

Blue Jean Bracelet by Kassie

Blushing Diamonds by Lorraine

September 2009 Calendar Challenge

2009-10-05T03:09:00.004-04:00

Another beautiful selection of beading has been entered into our September challenge. Members please don't forget to visit our poll on group and cast a vote for your favorite.

Our Calendar Challenge officially ended this month but because some members are keen to continue we are extending the monthly challenge to the end of this year so get your beads and keep beading.

August 2009 Calendar Challenge - Can You Believe It's Been A Year?

2009-09-02T10:25:00.006-04:00

Amazing how time flies, isn't it? It seems like only yesterday that we started our one-year-long Calendar Challenge. It was fun being creative, and often difficult to create one unique piece per month. But somehow, a few of us did it! Great job, group!

Here are the entries for August. Members, watch for the upcoming poll where we will choose our favorites for the month! As usual, it will be hard to choose just one.

July Calendar Challenge Favorites

2009-08-16T02:23:00.006-04:00

This month's entries were particularly beautiful, but the group has chosen the favorites for July. Here are the top three:

"Urchin Lariat" by Bev

"Pink Flower Lariat" by Jeanne

"To Russia With Love" by Lynn

Congratulations to all of the winners! We love your work and we love you!

Looking for Something Unusual?

2009-08-03T02:47:00.003-04:00

During the month of July, Beaddreamz hosted an "Out of the Ordinary" challenge. The idea was to put together a piece using elements that are unusual or out of your regular comfort zone. We saw bead crochet and micromacrame, to name two examples. Thanks to everyone who participated! You can see the wonderful entries here:

July Calendar Challenge!

2009-07-31T04:37:00.003-04:00

Another month has gone by and we have a new crop of beautiful pieces to delight your senses! Group members, stay tuned for this month's poll to choose the favorites. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Check out the eye candy here:

Group History - Our first swap in 2007 - Beaded Fish

2009-07-15T04:15:00.005-04:00

While archiving some of our old photos I came across these cute little fish which were part of a swap during our first year and thought our members might like to take a peek. Some of the fish are swimming backwards - sorry about that but that's the way the slideshow goes!!

Check out the entries in the June Calendar and Art Deco challenges!

2009-07-04T07:44:00.006-04:00

June was quite a busy month for the Beaddreamz group! Two challenges came to a close on June 30.

Our ongoing calendar challenge saw eight entries for June. A wide variety of techniques were shown, including triangle weave, freeform, and peyote. There were also two very striking entries that demonstrated bead embroidery. Once again, group members will have a difficult time choosing the favorite for June. The poll, which can be found here, will close on July 10. Members, be sure and vote! Here's a look at the June Calendar Challenge entries:

There were also eight entries in the Art Deco challenge. Members did a great job creating very diverse pieces showcasing the Art Deco era. Wikipedia defines Art Deco as "a popular international art design movement from 1925 until the 1940s, affecting the decorative arts such as architecture, interior design, and industrial design, as well as the visual arts such as fashion, painting, the graphic arts, and film. At the time, this style was seen as elegant, glamorous, functional, and modern." Their very informative Art Deco page can be found here.

Group members, don't forget to vote for the Art Deco favorite in the poll, which also closes on July 10. You can take a look at the gorgeous entries here:

Thanks to everyone who participated!

May Calendar Challenge Favorites Announced!

2009-06-13T05:29:00.007-04:00

Congratulations to Bev M. for her "Rio Dulce" bracelet taking the top spot as a favorite for the May Calendar Challenge! This gorgeous bracelet is a Marcia DeCoster pattern interpreted spectacularly by Bev.

Close behind "Rio Dulce" is Lynn M.'s "Wings" necklace. Lynn is a master of freeform beading and it really shows in this exciting piece. The cab was made by our own Harry S.

In third place is Jersey Jeanne's "Geisha in the Gold Pagoda." Jeanne recently found the little lampwork geisha, and her sister, hiding in a box in a closet, where they had been for two years and were thought to be lost! The delicate little geisha is accented beautifully by the rest of the beadwork.

All of the entries for May were gorgeous and, as usual, it was very hard to pick just one to vote for! Thank you to everyone who participated! These three ladies and their wonderful work are very well deserving of this recognition. Photos of all of the entries, including the three favorites, can be found in the slideshow below. We are definitely looking forward to seeing the lineup for June.

Calendar Challenge - May 2009

2009-06-03T23:57:00.009-04:00

Another month goes by and more beautiful beading has been produced for May in our Calendar Challenge. Congratulations ladies - you do us proud!

Herringbone Challenge

2009-05-05T08:38:00.005-04:00

Check these beauties out. Bead Dreamz members were challenged to learn or design a necklace, bracelet, or ring using the herringbone stitch. Just look at the variety of jewelry that was created. Congratulations to all!

March Calendar Challenge

2009-04-10T08:32:00.008-04:00

Congratulations to this month's entries for the Beadz Calendar Challenge. While there were a whole host of projects, these shown here were voted the favorites of the Bead Dreamz Yahoo Group. Joan and Penny tied as the favorites. Don't you just love Ladybug Delights and Sssssparkle Bracelet? Coming in next was Jeanne in NJ's Trillium pin. What a delightful flower! Since there was a tie for the favorite, Aryd'ell's Spring Wave is in the third spot. Congrats to these four beaders, and please remember, even if your piece isn't shown here, everyone's design is special.

February Calendar Challenge

2009-03-02T14:27:00.007-05:00

Grapes to lacy necklaces are the designs for this month. Aren't they wonderful? Congratulations to all who entered this month's bead-a-long. You are all winners!

Do you know about the Beaded Beads Swap/Challenge?

2009-02-04T14:39:00.010-05:00

Above are only some of the entries for Beaddreamz's latest Swap/Challenge. Member's were encouraged to make beaded beads. Aryd'ell is our Swap Mistress and she gets to see these beautiful creations first hand. More entries can be seen by joining Beaddreamz Yahoo Group.

January Beadz Project

2009-02-02T05:28:00.005-05:00

The creations for January are stunning. Aren't they? What will our members come up with next? Stay tuned.....

December Beadz Calendar Project

2009-01-01T23:35:00.010-05:00

These are the December entries on Bead Dreamz. Don't they make exceptional eye candy? Do you have a favorite? Join us on this Yahoo group to find out which are the members' favorites. One may join here Bead Dreamz

Cab Swap

2008-12-11T21:20:00.004-05:00

These lovely cabs were designed for a swap between members. Thank you for participating and thanks for the lovely creations. All are beautiful and their new owners are delighted with them. Enjoy! If you would like to join us and learn to create these beauties, please click here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/beaddreamz/

November Calendar Creations

2008-12-01T21:28:00.006-05:00

Wonderful designs, aren't they? If you would like to see more, please join us on Beaddreamz.

October Favorites

2008-11-10T10:13:00.011-05:00

Falling in October by Sunni - 1st favorite

Kathleen's Locket by Bev M - 2nd favorite

Coracao Patchwork by Tuka - Equal 3rd favorite

Fade to Black by Carol - Equal 3rd favorite

Congratulations to these four entries and to all who entered. The group really is the winner for being showered with all the beautiful designs and gorgeous eye candy.

October Beadz Calender Challenge

2008-11-01T18:30:00.003-04:00

Members of Bead Dreamz Group are invited to vote in the latest poll for favorite of the month. Here are your entries:

Poll Results for September

2008-10-11T12:05:00.003-04:00

Our members have voted for their favorites for the September Beadz Calendar Challenge and the results are as follows:

Am I Blue by Lynn
Indian Summer by Jeanne in NJ
Ring from the Sea by Maria Teresa

Congratulations to these members and a big thank you to all members who are participating in our year-long challenge. Photos can be seen in earlier posts on this blog.

We eagerly look forward to seeing what our members create for the month of October.

September's Beadz Bead-along

2008-10-03T17:29:00.006-04:00

BeadDreamz group commenced it's first ever annual challenge this year and September entries show just how talented our members are. No parameters have been set and each member will bead an item of their choice each month. What a wonderful variety we have for our first month. Congratulations to all those who entered this year-long challenge. We look forward to seeing interesting and varied work month to month.

Favorites for Sharon 'Harry's Ring Challenge

2008-09-09T21:43:00.013-04:00

by Lynn M

Sunrise by Christina

These are the top two favorites in the Beaddreamz Ring Challenge. There was a three way tie for third and because there were limited entries, the choices were changed to the top two instead of three as usual. Both rings are quite lovely, as were all the entries in this challenge. Congratulations!

And The Favorites Are...

2008-09-09T21:28:00.010-04:00

Unnamed by Maria Teresa

Tidal Pool by Debra

Hours Before Dawn by Deb in PA

These are the top three favorites in the Freeform Peyote Bracelet Challenge. Congratulations to the three of you. Did the voting reflect the one you thought would be the favorite?

Sharon 'Harry' Solly's Ring Challenge

2008-09-02T18:09:00.005-04:00

These rings were created by using instructions by Sharon 'Harry' Solly. It shows clearly how members adapt instructions and develop their own designs from the same idea. Each one of these rings are unique. Congratulations to all who entered this challenge and next week the three favorites will be posted.

And The Winner Is?

2008-09-02T17:45:00.009-04:00

These are the entries for the Peyote Freeform Bracelet Challenge. All of the entries are winners, but the members of Beaddreamz are now in the process of picking their favorite. Which one will it be? Will you agree with their choice? Check back next week to see which bracelet was chosen the top favorite.

And the Surprise Challenge Is....

2008-08-18T19:27:00.005-04:00

September 1, 2008 through August 31, 2009
12 designs of any type of jewelry or bead embroidery.
Beads must be an integral part of the design. This allows
for almost anything like beaded boxes, brooches, small
wall hangings, etc. It doesn't have to be your own design.
It may be made from a pattern, a magazine, or from
someone else's idea. You don’t have to do the same
type of creation for the different months.

Designs must reflect the month it is created for.
For example, October may be orange and black earrings
for those in the states and December may be
something red and green or icy blue. It doesn't have to
be a holiday design, but can be. It may represent a
birthday, anniversary, or special event in one's life.
Be Creative.

Sign up in the database.
(Become a member of Beaddreamz, if not already)

Please make the commitment to make 12 designs.
Remember there will be other challenges during this
year also. If joining late, the number of creations
would equal the amount of months left. If you cannot
make the commitment for 12, you still may sign up for
the challenge. Vote on the three best for each
month - not necessarily the best piece, but the one
that signifies the best design for the month it was created for.
All designs will be shown on this Blog.
Vote for the best three of the year, not necessarily
from the three best of the month.

Jeanne will answer any questions and will coordinate the bead-a-long.

Interesting Idea?

2008-08-08T15:19:00.002-04:00

Just a note to let you know a surprise bead-a-long is coming in a few days. Keep your eyes posted for the note. It will be announced on the group. Who will be the first to guess what it will be?

Present Challenge and Idea for Future One

2008-07-29T15:40:00.005-04:00

In the last couple of months Aryd'ell has treated our members to step by step instructions, including work-in-progress photographs, on how to create a freeform bracelet. These lessons offer a variety of techniques to enable members to expand their beading knowledge and hopefully work outside their comfort zone. This photograph shows the first of Aryd'ell's finished bracelets. Isn't it magnificent?

Members have already started to share their freeform efforts with the group in an array of colors and each unique. Some members have done two, or even three since the beginning of the challenge.

Another interesting idea has popped up from our member Rosalie. Perhaps we should think about a Caterpillar bracelet challenge in the future? This would be an excellent idea for using your 'bead soup' collection.

Rosalie's Ideas

Caterpillar

Spring Garden

Debra's Fantastic Beaded Vase

2008-07-12T12:43:00.006-04:00

Our member, Debra, has created this absolutely fabulous vase for the BFAC project. How she can part with it is beyond me. Debra is hosting a bead-a-long for Bead Dreamz that runs from September to November. It is a beaded cab with an optional swap. Details are finalized and will be announced soon. Sign-ups have already begun. Make sure you join us and benefit from Debra's superb beading knowledge. Congratulations, Debra. This vase is incredible.

Magic Carpet Challenge Favorite

2008-06-22T11:12:00.006-04:00

Lotus

Congratulations to Karol, whose Magic Carpet Challenge entry was voted as the favorite among the ten entries. This is a spectacular design and Karol spent many hours beading this carpet. Thank you, Karol, for sharing this beautiful piece.

A thank you also goes out to the other participants. The vote was close and all the entries are amazing and their designs are fantastic. Everyone is a winner.

2008-06-12T22:57:00.002-04:00

Hello to Visitors and Members!!!

BAD (Beaded Art Dolls yahoo group) and BDZ (Bead Dreamz yahoo group) have a lot to offer in the way of challenges and swaps and if you are interested in participating, please make sure you are a member so that you can join in. Links to our groups are on the right hand side of this blog.

BAD July/August/September Bead-along - I am aware that members are busy with their Symbolic Class Doll and Four Seasons Round Robin preparations but I would like to remind you that in July we intend to start a new bead-along, inspired by Robin Atkins. Robin has generously offered to introduce a special project to BAD and will give a helping hand and share her ideas with us along the way. I am hoping that members who are doing the Symbolic class will be eager to participate and put their new knowledge into practice.

BAD Puzzle Piece Doll Bead-along has ended and produced wonderful results. I am so proud of everyone and their work. I hope YOU have voted.

BAD Sampler Doll Bead-along is still in progress, finishing at the end of this month. Jeanne certainly placed a real challenge before us when she specified a beaded face. Well, we seem to be managing it with a varying degree of skill and having a giggle at the same time.

BDZ Magic Carpet challenge is almost finished. Moderators made a decision a little while ago that any challenge with less than 10 entries would not have a poll for voting on our favorite. It seems a shame when there are so many beautiful carpets. If any member would like to comment on this, please feel free.

BDZ Spring Panel Swap/Challenge finishes at the end of June and we probably won't see photos until after the swap. These darling little panels are something to look forward to.

BDZ starts a new challenge/instructions/bead-along on July 1 which is a freeform bracelet and ring with Aryd'ell and Sharon Harry. Don't forget to sign up.

BDZ also has a special challenge/swap running September 21 to mid November hosted by Debra Pyeatt. If you want to learn from an exceptional beader, you must sign in for this one.

Always remember that if you have any ideas, suggestions or comments regarding our groups, we love to hear from you. We need your input to make these groups interesting and fun.

On behalf of owners and moderators of both groups, a big THANK YOU to everyone for your continued support.

Lynn

Tassels

2008-05-27T21:11:00.004-04:00

Members of Bead Dreamz love to create anything with beads from jewelry to home furnishings to charms. This time the group designed tassels. Some were created to hang around the house, while others will accompany the creator's cell phone or key chain. All of these are lovely. Don't you agree?

Magic Carpets

2008-05-13T23:27:00.011-04:00

Currently on Beaddreamz the members are working on creating a magic carpet. This challenge was scheduled to end on May 31st. One of the members has asked for an extension for the entire group and now the challenge will end on June 15th. Although some of the group have finished putting their magic of beads into their carpet designs; others are having difficulty either finding the magic or finding time to complete their projects. Here are the completed entries:

Lynn's Orient Express

Penny's Floral Fantasy

Sue R.

Susan

Christina

Eye Candy

2008-04-29T16:51:00.011-04:00

Heather's Mother and Child

Carol's first embroidery cuff

Two of our members signed up for our recent Cuff Challenges. Due to other obligations, they didn't finish with the rest of the group and weren't in the poll to be judged as a favorite. Both cuffs are lovely and have different designs. One is a flat bracelet and the other is done with the blank inside. They deserve to be mentioned and placed on the blog for all to admire. Congratulations to both beaders. It is a job well done and it confirms that the old adage is correct, "It is better to be late, then never." Enjoy the eye candy.

Antiques Roadshow, Beaded Bags, and Rocks

2008-04-16T18:43:00.020-04:00

http://www.northwestmuseum.org/northwestmuseum/sub.aspx?id=593
Pictures borrrowed from the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture

While not being able to sleep last night, I needed something to watch on TV. All my favorite home improvement and cooking shows were repeats, so I turned on Antiques Roadshow. This is a show where people bring in their unusual collectables for an expert appraisal. This particular episode was from Spokane, Washington, USA. During the broadcast, there are out-takes from popular museums in the area. Last night the host visited the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture in Spokane. The TV show was particularly interesting because the topic of discussion was the beaded bags pictured above.

These are ordinary bags that someone (probably an American Indian) created in the late 1800's or early 1900's. Value of the beaded bags range from $2,500 to $4,000. One point that stood out during the show was the order the design on the blue bag was created. The artist draws the what he/she wants to bead first. Then the picture is beaded next and finally, the background is filled in. I was taught to bead from the center out. Were you? Could our beaded rocks in the future be worth thousands? It is too early to tell.

Sue's Zebra Rock

Kristen's Easter Egg

Jo's Top of the Tide Pool Rock

Sue's Giraffe Rock

2008 Bead Cuff Challenge

2008-03-20T01:59:00.028-04:00

Final Poll Favorites

Congratulations to Christina, Penny, and Kristen on being voted favorites by the group in the cuff poll. I am truly amazed at the wonderful work turned out by our members. There is so much talent in such a little group. Thank you to everyone for taking on this challenge. Lynn

Christina

Penny

Kristen

Kumihimo

2008-03-13T18:47:00.008-04:00

Aryd'ell has inspired the Bead Dreamz Group members to try kumihimo, a Japanese weave or braid. She has coined a new term, kumibeado, because as a bead group, one has to add beads to the kumihimo fibers. Traditionally one uses a marudai which is like a wooden stool with a hole in the middle, but Aryd'ell found a foam marudai that one can hold in one's hand. It makes for a fast and effortless way to braid and add beads. Jackie went as far as to take a class in the traditional method and also taught her grandson how to weave. The picture on the left shows the result. The three of us encourage all of the other members to try kumibeado. Please watch for other pictures as more members become involved.

2008 Challenge - Bead Cuff

2008-03-10T23:32:00.030-04:00

These beauties were created, most as the owner's first beaded cuff, for a challenge on Bead Dreamz! There are as many different styles, colors, and designs as there are creators...please enjoy! Although all the creations are winners in the group's estimation, two designers will be picked as having the best beaded cuffs by all the members of this group. Those will be featured later in the week. Check back to see if your favorites are picked.

Magic Carpet Challenge

2008-02-16T09:56:00.002-05:00

Our Beaddreamz Magic Carpets challenge, hosted by Kristen, will commence at the beginning of March and proceed through until the end of May. We hope to challenge members to create a gorgeous little carpet combining bead and thread embroidery. This photo shows a perfect example of what can be achieved.

Kristen has chosen a 'floral' theme and has offered ideas on how this theme can be interpreted. Her suggestions include an underwater garden, complete with fish or seashell flowers, a shadow garden inspired by shadows thrown by flowers on a sidewalk, window or wooden floor or flowers represented by geometric designs of diamonds, squares, octagons, curves, etc.

Close-up of a carpet!

Challengers will be given every assistance from choosing the best materials to use through to how to present the finished embroidery. Stitches and other techniques will be shared along the way.

Please consider joining in. The more the merrier.

Hello members and welcome new visitors!

2008-02-10T02:41:00.001-05:00

We are pleased to present another wonderful selection of bead art by our members. Our blog is relatively new and we hope in the future to feature beadwork created by all our members. Please keep watching for YOUR work. Lynn and Aryd'ell

Lots to do, lots to see, and many Friends to meet!

2008-01-28T23:04:00.000-05:00

That's us at Beaddreamz! Throughout the year, there will be challenges, or bead-alongs with themes, where you can learn a new technique by beading the project at home, and asking questions of the group as needed. There will be swaps to share, and perhaps even a round robin or two, where projects are passed from their originators, through the creative hands of a small group, to finally end up home, completely finished and ready to enjoy!
You will find tips on techniques, links to all sorts of materials, and enough eye-candy in our photo section to give even the most jaded beader a mental and emotional bead-high!
Best of all, you will find beaders of all types and skill levels, ready to share their projects, and a bit of their lives, with you.
If this sounds like something you would enjoy, please follow the link and join us for a bit of beady fun!
Lynn and Aryd'ell

Member's creations

2008-01-28T06:26:00.001-05:00

We are proud to present a small selection of the beautiful beading created by our members. Please visit often as we will continue to add items on a regular basis.