Japanese Beading Blues

G-Clef Motif

2011-12-26T09:07:00.002-06:00

The picture at left is a G-Clef motif designed by Tomoko Yoshikawa. The pattern is available in her book, "Beads Story,"
This has actually been made for a while, but it was a Christmas gift for the director of our church's bell choir, so I kept it under wraps.

It was a lot of fun to make (I listened to "Oliver Twist" while making it,) and Yoshikawa's documentation is very easy to follow.

Here is another picture on my mannequin.

I've added a link to Yoshikawa's site on the left menu bar.

Come, thou long awaited book . . . .

2011-12-24T08:16:00.000-06:00

As much as I grumble about my child's predilection for Japanese games, this time it advanced my interests as well. YesAsia had the cheapest price for Final Fantasy Type 0, so I figured, since I was ordering anyway, I might as well maximize shipping and get a book I've wanted for months.

I finally got Naomi Yogo's Swarovski Wire Mode book. This is my first book by Yogo, although I've been aware of her for years. She had a lot of ads in for her workshops in my bead books. (She's very pretty and usually had a dog in her picture.)

This book was created in collaboration with Swarovski, so every items is drenched in crystals. What I was most interested in, though, is her technique of wrapping rhinestone chain around fancy stones in settings. Thanks to the excellent photos and documentation, now I know the secret. All the works are gorgeous.

I've added a link to Naomi's site on the left menu bar. Take a stroll. She makes far more than jewelry with wire. It's quite impressive.

Today is Christmas Eve. I've made a couple of bead-related gifts I need to photograph and share. I'll try to get it done.

Deal of the Day

2011-10-31T14:29:00.002-05:00

Occasionally, I get emails asking about the availability and price range of certain books. So when I saw Beads Style Cool 2 by Shizuya for sale at Traplett's shop on Etsy, I had to share. This is a pretty hard to come by book, and the price is excellent.

Beads Style Cool 2 for $24 plus shipping

Good luck.

New Beans Okinawa Tutorial Video

2011-09-26T14:56:00.000-05:00

Beans Okinawa has posted a new video. This one shows the stitching pattern for one of her newer designs, Trico.

My Powerful Ojo

2011-04-19T15:18:00.004-05:00

Ojo is technically "eye" in Spanish, but culturally it is the "evil eye." It's like a jinx. You say one thing, you put a jinx on it so the opposite happens.

Well, my Perles Report entry used my powerful ojo to get Swarovski sew on settings in brass from a US dealer.

Browsing on Etsy today, I saw that Flowerchylde now carries 10 and 12mm settings for 4470s in raw brass. No, it's not the selection available at Perles, but you have to start somewhere!

Beans-Okinawa Free Recipe Update

2011-03-27T10:04:00.003-05:00

During my regular stroll through fave Japanese bead sites, I noticed Yaeko Kuwano (nee Yamada. I'm guessing felicitations are in order?) has updated her site with four new free recipes.

Enjoy!

What I've been Doing

2011-02-11T08:40:00.005-06:00

Last November, my sister in law, Julie, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her good friend and co-worker approached me with the idea of making support bracelets and suggested black leather and pink pearl bracelets. I added some custom made SS charms with Julie's name and a pink ribbon charm. Left is a picture of the bracelet I made for Julie. It's a triple wrap bracelet.

I had the hardest time getting the pearls, if you can believe it. My first order was for five hundred pearls with Shipwreck Beads. They reduced my order to 200 with no explanation. No "sorry this is all we've got", "we didn't believe you really wanted 500"--nothing. This is a site that actually charges handling. If you're going to charge me for handling, you'd better handle my order properly. Reducing my order with no comment makes it look like you're just out to get more handling charges. Shipwreck Beads will not have my custom again.

My second vendor was Waltersbeads on Etsy. There was again a quantity snafu, but Walter was extremely responsive and apologetic and made swift reparation. Walter will be getting my custom again.

It's hard to get excited about beading right now thanks to my cat and his sudden change in . . . habits. Because of this, I have to leave my closet door closed which makes it hella freezing in there. The recent cold snaps mean all the space heaters have already been snapped up. This cold can't last forever, right? This is Houston, after all.

The Perles Report

2011-01-12T17:00:00.009-06:00

I got my package in the mail today from France. Yay! Well worth the short wait.

As you can see, it came packaged to travel across the Pond. :D

Feast your eyes on something I cannot get from a US vendor: Swarovski sew-on setting in vintage brass.
I've been looking at these in my bead books for years, and have searched through I-don't-know how many pages of Google searches. Gold and silver plate sew-on settings not impossible to find. You want a 4470 setting in vintage brass? Give it up domestically. They're on Japanese sites, of course, but there's more of a language barrier (can you trust Google Translate?) and most sites do not seem to ship overseas. But Perles & Co. has their site available in English and lists internationally shipping charges up front.

Look at these beautiful 4470s in crystal:
I also got some 6mm dentelles in crystal and Pacific Opal.

I'm completely thrilled with my order. I will be using Perles & Co. again. Now all I want to do is bead, but my children must be fed--again! My son has conned me into making chicken fried steak with his baby blues, so I have to go cook.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-07T17:00:00.004-06:00

A very happy new year to anyone reading. As usual, I've let this blog die, and must now use herculean measures to resurrect it!

*loud noises, scraping, grunting*

Now that done, on to the news!

Again I traveled to San Francisco to visit Kimberly and BABE. Ben Franklin was wrong. There are three things certain in this life: death, taxes and having a utterly FABULOUS time visiting Kimberly! Total and complete fun. There was bead stores, beading, tomato bisque, bloody marys and chicken fried steak--and that's just a rough outline. Trust me, it was invigorating, reviving and just downright uber fun. ZOMG--and her puppies and kitty! Words fail. I'll just say TOO MUCH FUN again in all caps, and you'll get the idea.

Kimberly had a house party she called a "Handmade H00-Ha." She invited a few of her crafting friends to bring over their stuff and extra friends to shop. There was hors d'oeurvres, bloody marys, mimosas, girl talk and shopping. A splendid time was had by all, plus I sold lots of jewelry! YAY! Money to spend on more beads!

We (of course) went to Japantown and had the BEST noodle soup. I picked up only two books this year; the selection was slim. I had really really really hoped they would have Yoko Shimizu's newest. As it was, I picked up a new Beads Bee and a new Best of Best Beads Bee. I shall probably have to be a naughty girl again and order from Amazon.co.jp if I want Yoko's new book.

I did win an auction on eBay and got the Beads Book Special for a $13, including shipping. This has come up for sale many times, but I couldn't quite pull the trigger on it. I was thrilled to see for auction at that price.

I also have screwed my courage to the sticking place and ordered from Perles & Co. They carry Swarovski settings in different sizes and finishes. I've got a bunch of 4470 settings in antique brass coming. *quivers* So excited. I'll let you know how that transaction works out.

Also, I've finally updated my photostream to reflect my new books. It was sorely out of date.

Pink Camouflage

2010-10-06T07:50:00.004-05:00

I made a new camouflage bracelet for this year's Ducks Unlimited banquet. I departed from SAKISS's pattern more this year, making the camouflage pattern cover the entire bracelet and added a magnetic rhinestone clasp. Daren thinks the clasp looks out of place, but I like it. It glams up the bracelet IMO.

The picture's not all that crisp, but I must say that while I don't enjoy making this, it does turn out to be a very compelling piece of jewelry on your wrist. It's a very wide bracelet. If I do it next year, maybe I'll use 3mm bicones.

Yes, I will not be happy until my eyesight is completely gone!

I booked my trip to San Francisco. YAY! I can't wait.

A Bit of Success

2010-09-15T07:31:00.004-05:00

I got an order on Etsy to copy an item for four bridesmaids' necklaces. Had a bit of a scare getting the beads in time. Note to self: when you really, really need something according to a particular time frame, it will probably take its sweet time just to see how much stress you I can take.

Fortunately, it all turned out well. She hasn't left feedback on Etsy, but she did convo me to let me know they arrived. She didn't express disappointment, so I guess they were fine.

I also sold several pieces at a home show my friend, Pam, held. I'm pretty flush with beads money right now, which is great since my BABE trip is coming up. *quivers with excitement*

I'm hoping to make it to Big Stone Beads Friday to get the crystals I need to make another camouflage bracelet for Daren's DU banquet. Going to go pink this time. ;)

Look. At. This.

2010-06-10T15:25:00.006-05:00

Yeah, yeah, it's me. You know, the girl who never blogs . . . except when there's something hella cool to share! See that pic on the left? That's a new design by Yaeko Yamada from Bean's Okinawa.

Check out this vid to see what you can't in the picture.

How cool is that? A changeable ring finding. Can I just curse the Pacific Ocean again for coming between me and the coolest bead stuff eva? Honestly, this will take ten years to make it to the US.

Bad Girl.

2010-03-24T14:43:00.004-05:00

I went to Amazon.com.jp yesterday and bought four new books. Yep. FOUR. Yoko Shimizu has had a new book out for months, and it's been eating me alive. I had hoped to pick it up in San Fran last November, but Kinokuniya didn't have it.

So I took it upon myself to get my own copy, and if I have to pay exorbitant shipping, it might as well be worth it, ne? So I also got a Best of Beads Bee, another book by the author of Beads Story, and a complete impulse purchase of a book I've never seen before but feature button jewelry. Its cover is this entry's photo.

While the shipping is expensive, I have to say it's good shipping, so they should be here in a week.

I also added new items to my shop on Etsy.

Update Melange . . .

2010-01-23T10:45:00.004-06:00

Just a quick entry to catch up on things that I haven't blogged about.

As you can see from the picture, I have finally completed Shizuya's "Nightmare" from Complex Beads. This has been--for some reason--a drawn out project. Shizuya's documentation is normally impeccable. However, this variation called for a 14mm 2070 cabochon, a size that seemed far too small for the completed project. I downsized from size 8 hex beads (3mm) to size 10 in an effort to reduce the face size. I finally was happy with an 18 mm 2070. While I'm not a goth type, this piece is just too cool to not wear occasionally.

My friend, Pam (who sells Beijo bags) and I shared a table again at the Taylor HS "prom extravaganza" which is a fashion show and fundraiser. I spent a lot of time making things I thought were "young" and at a price point that would be comfortable. Didn't. Sell. One. Thing. Neither did Pam. Some people did pick up my card and asked if I could to custom work to match a dress that hadn't been picked out yet, so perhaps I might get some business from that. I'm not hopeful. Pam and I decided that this show was scheduled waaay to early for people to acually buy, so we may not do it next year.

And last, I went to the International Gem and Jewelry Show at the Reliant Center. I brought my sales tax license so I was able to go into the wholesale area. It was wonderful! I wish I'd had more money to spend, but as it was I feel I got some needed supplies at great prices. Sadly, it was $16.00 just to attend between admission and parking, but it was an eye opening experience.

I know I still haven't posted information about my new books. I haven't forgotten!

And the title for World's Worst Blogger goes to:

2009-12-12T11:05:00.004-06:00

Me.

Yeah, I know, I generally suck at keeping on top of this blog, even when I have wonderful and neat things to show you.

Like my annual trek to San Francisco! Yes, life (and my husband *blows kisses*) were good to me again this year, and I got to visit my BFF Kimberly in San Fran again for BABE. Despite a SNAFU at the very start (I'm not saying!) it was even more wonderful than last year! First, we found a fabulous new bead store to visit! Kiowa Rose in Fremont, CA rocks! They have an Awesome Selection of Czech glass! It was tough to control ourselves, I must say. It was that Awesome. Check out the link, and I'm sure you'll agree that it's a must-visit if you're in the area. They have a drawing where you win a selection of beads, then create something to enter into another competition. Kimberly won! She blogs about it here, and shows you pictures of the beads and her creation. Very lovely.

We went to Japantown again, and Kinokuniya, the Japanese book store came through again. I know have two new Beads Bee's and two new My Beads Style's and a new 50 Beads book. A little disappointed they didn't have Yoko Shimizu's new book, but Beads Bee Vol. 23 features Yoko's work with a few recipes. I'll detail in another entry. I also got my hands on some new ceramics at Shiki, and some fabulous new containers at a new "dollar-fifty store" in the mall.

Other than beading--which, let's face it, is reason enough--there was other fabulous shopping, eating, and we had a great time taking Taffy, her new dog, on walks in a vain attempt to wear her out. We have found the perpetual motion machine, and it's name is Taffy!

Thanks, Kimberly, for letting me come! It was PERFECT!

Beading for Hunters . . . .

2009-09-12T17:56:00.011-05:00

Well, my husband recently signed on to be the area chairman for our local Ducks Unlimited chapter. He asked me to make a couple of things for their banquet auction.

My first though was a duck pattern from Motif Beads by Keiko Kitamura. Trouble is, she documents like no other artist, and I've never really figured it out. I was determined however, and once I put my mind to it I figured it out. I actually think it's easier to follow than most animal since the circular nature can be tough to follow.

Here he is. He's going on a leather cord to be a pendant because Daren thinks it should be "jewelry", but I think he's cute as is.
Those are 3mm bicones, so he's a little bigger than a quarter. :D

The second piece I made is Sakiko Kusinagi's "Camouflage Bracelet" from her second book, "Favorite Beads Jewelry." I like Sakiss, but her documentation leaves much to be desired. 400 4mm crystals, in varying shades of green, all documented in a black and white drawing with shades of grey to tell me the color pattern. Did I mention the drawing was less than scale? Let me just say I won't be disappointed to never make another one. Actually, I can't make another one since Swarovski discontinued two of the colors. I was wondering how it might look in pink camouflage?

New Works

2009-07-21T16:01:00.009-05:00

A few pics of recent projects. Most are going for consignment, but a couple will be in my Etsy shop. I'm having a real hard time letting go of the moonstone/smoky quartz stuff. I think it's some of the pretties stuff I've every made.

New Books!

2009-07-13T08:54:00.005-05:00

I've been remiss in sharing my new books. One the left is one I'm pretty excited about, Beads Story by Noriko Kitsukawa. At this point in my collecting, I've got to be pretty stunned by something to really want a book, (unless it's one of my fave five, natch.) This book has the most amazing treble clef motif. Truly stunning. It's a well photographed and documented book, with both jewelry and petit motifs like you see at the left. This author has a new book out this month, and already I'm watching for it to hit my sellers. *shakes fist at Amazon.jp for raising shipping rates*

The second book is one by the inimitable Yoko, another wedding book--"White Beads Jewerly for Happy Wedding." This book is interesting because it's published by Mook as a part of the "My Beads Style" series, so the size and documentation are the same as that series. I can't say as I prefer it to her earlier "boutique" books. I've not a big fan of using people to model the jewelry in pictures. It seems to result in less jewerly-oriented pictures in my opinion. The works are stunning, as usual though, and it amazes me how many American brides get married with either nothing or a boring strand of pearls when their jewelry could be as special as that dress they spent weeks picking out and beaucoup bucks buying. I've added a link to Yoko's site, Laciq Beads on the left sidebar.

She replied!

2009-07-07T08:20:00.004-05:00

Wow.

I got a reply from Yaeko the next day. She said she has never shipped overseas but was willing to give it a try. Her cart system does not accept international credit cards though, so I will need to do it all by mail with a USPS money order.

She was so nice, and her English is excellent. She went to school in the US years ago, she said, and apologized for her "bad English" since she hadn't used it in years. :D

I want to order Daybreak because I LOVE IT and because it displays some of the techniques I'm trying to figure out . I want to order another kit because shipping will be EMS ($20) and want to get the most out of it. I'd like it to be something more "everyday" that I can wear more often. Maybe this one?

Of course the yen is climbing, so I need to order soon.

Yeah, that's my courage on the sticking post!

2009-06-23T15:31:00.003-05:00

I finally got enough nerve to email Yaeko Yamada of Bean's Okinawa to ask if she will ship her kits to the USA.

Why I'm worried about looking foolish for emailing someone in Japan in English is beyond me. I will never be fortunate enough to meet Yamada-san. Even if my dreams come true and we go to Japan, we probably will not journey to Okinawa. The odds of her saying "you're the little gai-jin who emailed me in English! Tut-tut!" are smaller than me winning an Oscar.

Still, I angst. But nothing ventured, nothing gained, eh? Maybe I'll be lucky and get an email back saying "of course we ship our kits to the USA! Which ones would you like?"

If that happens, my virtual friends, you will be the first to know!

Early Wedding Pics

2009-05-12T09:44:00.004-05:00

Julie hired a fabulous photographer to take her wedding pictures. Here's just a sneak peak of her brilliant work at Julie and Glenn's wedding.

Jacqueline Reitz Photography

Congratulations and have a wonderful life, you two.

Wedding Jewerly

2009-04-28T17:36:00.012-05:00

My brother, nearing fifty, is finally marrying the woman of his dreams this weekend. I made two pieces of jewelry for Julie to pick from. Her only instructions were "vintage-y." O.o

The first shown is made with 3 Swarovski 18x13 pear shape fancy cut crystals in Crystal Moonlight, and Swarovski pearls in the new platinum color. It's made to sit right at the base of the throat. The center motif is made using a perforated brooch finding.

This one below Czech fire polish beads and 10mm Swarovski 4470s set in brass. There's a love little brass motif of lovebirds in the center.

So here's hoping she likes one. :D

New Books!

2009-04-21T16:18:00.007-05:00

I ordered two new bead books: Beads Bee vols. 20 & 21 (pictured left.)

I consider Beads Bee to be the equivalent of the English Bead and Button magazine in that it seems intended for more accomplished beaders. The patterns refect this in that they're not as detailed as the patterns I find in other Japanese magazines or artist's books.

I also realized I can recognize five Japanese bead artists on sight. I guess that's a good thing. :D

My brother is getting married in two weeks. I have to make jewelry for it. I think I'm going to make two things and let her pick.

Consignment update: Have sold a few things, including a Shizuya heart and this necklace. I just took her a bunch of new things. It's been two months. I'm going to give it six before I think it's not the right venue for my stuff.

First Trunk Show! LOL

2009-04-08T08:46:00.004-05:00

Sort of. My friend Pam and I did an antique car show last weekend. It was a two day event, but Sunday was soooo windy we set up my jewelry in the back of her car to keep it from being blown over.

Neither of us did well. Pam sold one purse, and I sold one pair of earrings. The good news is that there was no vendor fee so we weren't under any pressure to "make back" our investment.

There were some beautiful cars there though, many matching Pam's purses! We took one pic of her holding the Promise purse in front of a car. We wanted to set the purse on top of the car, but we instinctively knew that would not be welcome. These cars are show only. :D

I'm taking more jewelry down to League City on consignment today. Hopefully I will discover this at least has been a success and get some $$. I need more beads!

New works for me and for you!

2009-03-01T17:43:00.005-06:00

I've been beading like a good little beader, and I finally used the beautiful lampwork beads I bought at BABE last November. The picture to the left is the finished necklace, but you need to click here to really appreciate how gorgeous these beads are. They are made by Grace Ma. Get your own. These are mine. :D

I have put several new items in my store--another heart motif (this time in red, ) chandalier earrings and a funky cuff bracelet. Rather excited about the earrings as I used some rhinestones I've had since the beginning. I always get a thrill when I finally use something. Who says I buy stuff I don't need? I need it all; it's just not clear when I may need it.

Please stop by and take a look. I would love any feedback. Purchases are also welcome. *winks*

First Public Show

2009-02-01T12:55:00.005-06:00

I am fortunate to have for a friend Pam Alloway-Mueller. Pam sells Beijo handbags at shows and was kind enough to allow me to share her table at the Taylor High School prom fashion show.

It was a good way to force me to do things I've been avoiding--pricing pieces, etc. Despite my background in as a financial aid administrator, I find "bead administration" to be far less engaging. But with the show looming, I spent an entire day pricing, making tags, gathering items I thought I would need to sell at a show.

I sold two things and received many compliments on my work which was very encouraging. I would like to do more shows like this, although I think I will need to bite the bullet regarding credit card sales. No one carries cash anymore thanks to the pervasiveness of debit card machines at checkouts. Let's face it--we've all been caught so cash deficient we used our debit cards for a $2.00 sale. :D

New Book!

2009-01-28T09:01:00.003-06:00

Random searches on Ebay do occaisionally pay off. That's how I got my hands on Shizuya's "Bead Style Cool" for seven bucks---including shipping. INSANELY good deal. I couldn't buy it in Japan for that.

It's more of Shizuya's distinctive "goth" style. I'd love to chat with him about how he figures out what he does. His works are so intricate from both sides--all sides.

I have a new appeciation because I've been working on a pattern from Complex Beads, "Peach", which is one of the best 3D heart patterns I've seen. You insert two 12mm beads into the heart as support. Here's a picture:

The pink and the red one are for a friend's nieces. The black one I made with Valentine's day in mind. Surely there's some jaded dumpee who needs a way to express her true feeling regarding love? LOL

Merry Christmas to Me!

2009-01-14T10:15:00.005-06:00

For Christmas, my husband bought me a set of Japanese beading tools. Lisa Kan was making a set available on her site, so I pointed it out to my husband as a potential Christmas gift. I'm rather impressed he got them since it required a little more work than "click to buy." :D

There are five different tools---four types of pliers and one flush cutter. The tips of the needle and round nose pliers are tiny. The steel is very hard. Twice I've compressed my way through 24 gauge silver wire. *insert joke about not knowing my own strength* The coiled spring handles means they don't get caught on the edge of my tool bin when I hang them.

Overall, I'm thrilled with them. My one quibble is the handles are all the same color, so I have too look at the actual tool rather just grab the "right" color.

My Etsy Store

2009-01-07T15:06:00.003-06:00

After months of hemming and hawing--never attractive, I know---I am proud to say Lisa's Bead Closet is open for business.

Not much listed yet; I confess I'm having trouble taking decent photos of some items. Please stop by and take a look ( and buy, of course. Valentine's day is coming quickly.)

Interesting Blog

2008-12-21T08:37:00.003-06:00

Trolling my favorite Japanese sites for new products NOT coming to a store near me anytime soon, *shakes angry fist at Pacific Ocean* I found an adorable blog on X-sense's site: "Event Hiroba." The initial entry is about a Miki Chikako show. I found the "eco bags" intersting and the Christmas pins as well.

There are also a few entries dedicated to a costume jewelry workshop featuring the work of Miriam Hasukeru--Miriam Haskell. One of the largest collections of Miriam Haskell jewelry is in Japan. At the workshop, it appears they examined the techniques used to manufacture Haskell's dense designs. They're also pictures of the blogger and friends getting to try on some of these magnificent pieces.

Return to Life

2008-12-08T15:41:00.006-06:00

I had a bit of a Lost Weekend (again.) No details necessary, but Friday will be the last day of said Weekend.

My BFF Kimberly, actress, authoress and Extrodinary Friend Deluxe, let me come visit her in the Bay Area for the Bay Area Bead Extravaganza. There are no words for how extremely Fab and Gear (and stuff like that) the visit was. It was a Real World kick in the patootie for someone who has been lost in the virtual world for too long.

To sum up, a splendid time was had by all. BABE rocked, Kimberly and I beaded and shopped and ate. What more could a girl want? Oh yes, new Japanese Bead Books!

There's a Japanese book store in Japan Town in SF: Kinokuniya. I got four new books. A new Yoko Shimizu book pictured above, as well as a new Sakiss book, My Beads Style 12 and a 50 Beads book. Yoko stuns with her simplicity, Sakiss's colors pop, and there's a new "sumo vs. beads" section in My Beads Style. (Yuks all around. :D )

Perhaps the most important thing I got from Kimberly is a name for my etsy store: Lisa's Bead Closet. I was sort of favoring "Beadings by Lisa" but I guess it wasn't meant to be. LOL My store will be at www.lisabiizu.etsy.com. Please stop by in the near future to see my creations in Japanese style beaded jewelry.

Kimberly--I love you. *hugs*

New Bead Book

2008-09-03T08:32:00.002-05:00

I couldn't believe my luck when Traplett's Shop showed Yoko Shimizu's "Making Couture Beads Jewelry" for sale. Her books never come up for sale in online resale shops.

Yoko is such a creative, yet simple designer. She works almost exclusively with silver and gemstone, and she puts them to together in very tactile and soothing ways. In this book she mixes leather cord into chain, giving a casual and strong feel to what might otherwise be something merely "pretty."

She owns Bead-Balance, an online shop where she sells bead kits and supplies.

I want these!

2008-09-01T18:03:00.003-05:00

We all know the Japanese are years ahead of us in electronics, but they've got some pretty nifty bead products we don't see either. Case in point: the cabochon setting to the left.

Now, regular Swarovski sew-on settings are nice, but they're limited because the number of holes is limited. Look what Marque en Verre has done--eight holes! The setting itself is gorgeous, but the extra holes mean greater ability to create anything you want around the bead.

The finish is also a plus; I love the vintage look. Swarovski sew-on settings come in finishes other than gold and silver plate, but US venders don't carry them (or if they do they're wholesale only.) I have learned to antique brass myself, but once the settings are plated, they don't antique well. >.<

Back to browsing and drooling over things I can't have. . . .

Toho Beading Thread: Tegusu

2008-08-28T09:32:00.004-05:00

Fusion Beads now carries Toho Beading Thread, or as the Japanese call it "tegusu" (テグス). It is merely monofilament like I've been using, although it's more expensive than the 1000 yards/$4.00 line I got when I started.

The first thing I noticed is that it's silkier, smoother. Regular "fishing line" has a dull appearance, and if you pass the thread through multiple times, you will feel it "rub" against itself. Not so with the Toho. I ran #1 through a size 13 Charlotte 3 times with ease. It's also more flexible, which is an advantage when tying knots.

As I said, it's more expense, but not cost prohibative, although when I'm working out a pattern I'll reach for my $4.00 line and save the tegusu for the final product. There are 3 sizes with size 1 being the thinnest.

Busy and Lazy . . . can they co-exist?

2008-08-27T15:23:00.007-05:00

Well, I have been beading, but I've also bought some new books that I've been very lax about sharing.

The first is a Paolo Bottoni (ISBN4-07-239847-0) book that *speaks very softly* is a bit of a disappointment. *ducks* I don't regret having it, natch, but there's something too bright about it, too . . . I can't quite place my finger on it.

This next is part of the Beads Works series.(ISBN4-408-62498-5) I got it at a great price from a seller on Etsy. It's a good basic book and shows me what the Beads Works series is like.

Last is a new My Beads Style 11 (ISBN978-4-537-12121-6). Since Beads Book appears to have stopped, I favor this series. Lots of patterns, and Shizuya has an association with them since he has many patterns in this series. There's a pretty funny article with him showing a sumo how to bead. I guess they thought "big guy+small beads=big laughs." It's got a nice wire section as well.

I have new works to post as well, and a review of Toho tegusu that FusionBeads is carrying, but I will save those for another day.

New works

2008-07-26T08:25:00.004-05:00

Just a few pics of things:

Another vintage button necklace. I really need to get a larger white bust. Things look so cramped on this one.

Cross Necklace by Paolo Bottoni This was made as a gift for a friend, but then I chickened out on sending it. She's coming for a visit soon though. Maybe she'll like it.

Ring pattern by Takako Samejima, colors by Sakiss.

Hair Do-dads (that's a technical term. :P) These are actually fun to make.

I've had my first disappointment buying a bead book. I ordered one, only to get another---and it was Bead Fantasies II, a book I already own. Contacted the vendor. Hope to have a good resolution. I'll let you know either way.

That's all I really have for now. Just drove back from my dad's in East Texas, and of course I stopped at Bead Crazee in Tyler. I can have my own bead store for $50K. Just think: for that price I can work seventy hours a week for three years before I turn a profit. On the flip side, when the door locks at night, I can just roll in beads. *thinks* $50K may be getting off cheap. :D

Gone, but not forgotten

2008-07-13T17:26:00.005-05:00

One of my husband's co-workers asked him to ask me to bring some of my jewelry to a retirement party last night. She'd expressed an interest in it, he said, and wanted to see it.

I was really nervous about it because, well . . . I like what I do and think it's pretty but getting real feedback scares me. It's no fun to share only to hear the crickets chirping or "Wow- look at the time!"

But it went well. Really well actually. I sold two pieces. Which was awkward in a way because I hadn't really thought that anyone would want to buy what I had, just might say "could you make me this in blue?" I hadn't even thought about what I would charge for anything. They (a couple of other women came over as well) started asking me "how much for this?" and I sort of freaked. Well--not freak freak. I didn't start blubbering or spazzing, but I did feel really foolish for not considering it might happen and wouldn't being prepared be a smart thing to do?

But then I'm always surprised when people like what I do, and I've learned to have very low expectations so as to avoid disappointment. The flip side is that I feel overwhelmed by positive feedback and *cough* freak. I'm sure I made a right fool of myself stammering "I really don't know how much. I hadn't thought about it."

Which brings me to my "shout out" thank you to Sarah Marr, the spouse of one of my husband's collegues. She owns her own handbag company, Episode 39, and was so supportive and helpful in my unplanned distress. Thank you very, very much. *bows low* Also thank you to Marty for taking in interest in my work and starting the whole thing. *hugs*

One of the pieces I sold is pictured above. It's made from vintage buttons and some gorgeous turquoise czech glass beads. I was sad to see it go because I was rather fond of it, but who knows when I would've gotten a chance to wear it, so it's gone to a better place. I also sold another necklace of mine that I'm afraid I never took a picture of, but it's gone to a better place too. I'm sure it was bored to death hanging in my closet.

I was also lucky enough to get some "orders" for rings, so I've got "official beadwork" to do. Both literal and figurative: I've got to get over my shyness regarding cost. People deserve a professional transaction.

New works

2008-07-09T14:12:00.005-05:00

This is a cross necklace I made for my mother in law. It was tough to get a good picture due to the reflection off the crystals. Too tough, apparantly, to succeed. I tried to photoshop it out. This is a close up of the cross. This is a really clever pattern from Flora Beads by Noriko Hazama and Kiyoka Hina. You string one long sequence of beads then "fold" them into the cross shape. Never would have thought of it. :D

Multi-tasking . . .

2008-07-09T13:54:00.006-05:00

Been a busy beader lately. Books on CD make it very easy to bead. No longer do I have to choose between two favorite activities! Books I've "read" while beading:

Lisey's Story by Stephen King
Cell by Stephen King
A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick (read by Paul Giamatti---truly a masterpiece!)
Saving Fish from Drowning by Amy Tan

Currently I'm listening to The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. It's a beautifully told story. I put myself on the waiting list for A Thousand Splendid Suns. I've also got Prey by Michael Crichton ( on clearance for $10. Felt like a steal,) and Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. I try to get them from the library when I can or buy them used. (Wouldn't want the expense to cut into my bead budget. LOL)

What was that, dear? What do you mean " a budget implies controlling expenses?" >.<

I know people who have a hard time sitting still to read enjoy CD books, but I've never had a problem curling up with a book and getting lost. I'd always assigned them to people with ADD or long commutes, you know? It's been a pleasant surprise how much I enjoy them and how they've increased my ability to find time to bead. It's like double the time for myself now!

Ta-da!

2008-06-16T10:14:00.006-05:00

I finally completed my ビーズ Book collection. I present Vol. 4 (ISBN: 978-4898297087) I emailed Pompadour from Simply Pretty Japanese Bead Books on eBay, and (s)he immediately found a copy to sell me. I made a beautiful necklace for my brother's fiance, then promptly let her leave w/o taking a picture.

Lots of Swarovski patterns. It's a pity they don't seem to publish this series anymore. I really like it. There's probably 30 patterns in each volume one (the last one.)

I also got a good deal on "My Beads Accessories" (ISBN: 978-4537019889) by Takako Samejima. It's an early book, never translated into English.

I have made two necklaces with vintage buttons, and I hope to have decent pictures to share.

New Bead Book

2008-05-20T16:53:00.004-05:00

I finally got a copy of "Diamond Beads Jewels" (ISBN-978-4796646932.) It's a collection of designs by famous artists including Takako Samejima, Uta Ohno, Mika Tsukamoto and others using stones in settings. Lots of interesting ideas, but my only complaint is that the books shows how to assemble the pieces with actual pictures. This is not nearly as instructive as drawings since drawings will have arrows clarifying which direction you should be going in.

I got it at a good price from Karen's Eclectic Corner on eBay, and as always, it was a good shopping experience.

PS: Pompadour from Simply Pretty Japanese Bead Books has tracked down volume 4 of the ビーズ Book series. Once I have that my collection will be complete. *rethinks* Of that series, that is. My Japanese bead book collection can never be complete, can it?

Fabulous Bead Store in Tyler

2008-05-09T07:31:00.005-05:00

I drove up to East Texas to visit my dad (and Canton First Monday,) and finally found the bead store in Tyler. It's called "Bead Crazee" on Broadway (AKA US Hwy. 69) south of Loop 323. (Phone: 903-581-7676)

You really have to see the Czech glass collection to believe it. It's utterly stunning. I mean, I've seen a LOT of Czech glass, but this store has the best selection I've ever seen. Colors, shapes and sizes that just made me want to do the Wilma Flintstone ("Charge it!")

The owner had just received the new permanent finish seed beads by Toho, so I had to get a few tubes. Since I wear at least a beaded ring every day, these beads will definitely give longer life to items like rings that get substantial wear.

The owners were wonderfully friendly and helpful. What a delightful surprise. Shopping for beads really is the best way to stretch one's legs on a long car trip, don't you think?

For those who are interested, I have finally compiled my collection of bead books onto Photobucket and added ISBN numbers.

Many Pretties

2008-04-28T17:14:00.007-05:00

First things first: New Bead Book: My Beads Style 10. (ISBN978-4-537-11483-6) This was a very good deal on Etsy, but the last thing I need is another series to collect. And since this one is "10" goodness only knows how many others I need. O.o

On to the pics.

This is Cross Window Ring by Sakiss. My MIL requested it, then I forgot about it (sorry!) then I made it.

An adorable little flower ring from Antique Style Beaded Jewelry. Working on those wire skills. ;) The antique brass wire is from Vintage Bead shop at left.

A ring made with a perforated band. Very cool and easy to do. I got these from Beadsupplies at Etsy.

Tile ring. I found these cool flat square beads and got the idea to make a "brick" bracelet. Then I realized I didn't have enough. :( But they made a cute ring.

My own Dragon Treasure. :) OK, it's really the Framing Ring by Sakiss, but my friend Teri calls rhinestones like these "dragon treasure," which sounds way cooler. :D

Pick Holder by Shizuya. I made this in the hope my son would like it (he plays guitar.) Unfortunately once I got it made, the picks didn't fit. Turns out it's for bass picks (which are larger.) So if anyone knows someone who plays bass . . . .

My UT bling. I got these gorgeous burnt orange CZ triangles in San Francisco when I was visiting my friend Kimberly.

Bracelet by Paolo Bottoni. I got these great beads in Hawaii. I'll never find them again. This is a great pattern isn't it?

Why do the prettiest things take the crappiest pictures? This is a necklace I made for me using the 4470s in Pacific Opal. Closer shot. This really turned out stunning. Nowhere to wear it, but that's not the point, now is it?

Beans Updated

2008-04-17T16:51:00.002-05:00

Beans-Okinawa was updated with Yamada-san's new design. *sigh* I wish I had to nerve to email her to ask if she'll ship her kits to the States.

New Bead Book

2008-04-15T10:59:00.005-05:00

This is my first book by Uta-Ono. Google tells me the title is "Beads to Make Nice Ring, Casual to Elegant." (ISBN 4091033776) Ono's biggest strength is her eye for texture. She's always putting interesting things together in very earthy or touchable ways. Documentation is so-so. I got it for a very nice price on Etsy though, so I'm glad it's in my collection.

My First Tiara

2008-04-09T12:27:00.008-05:00

If there's one thing I'd really like to do with beads, it would be to make special occasion jewelry. Weddings, proms--that sort of thing. It's a niche market, to be sure, but I've been totally inspired by the works of bead artists like the one(s) who wrote the book at left.

One thing I think might sell well would be tiaras. Brides wear them, of course, but in Texas there's a very large Hispanic contingency, and one of the hallmarks of a Hispanic girl's life is having a Quinceañera--a celebration to mark a young girl coming of age. These often involve large formal parties, and the young girl wears a crown or tiara. "So I've got that going for me." (Points for the subreference.)

To that end, I made my first tiara today. The pattern came from the book above. It seemed simple enough for a first try, and I had almost everything. I didn't have enough white 10mm pearls, so I substituted the blue ones. I sort of like it. :D I learning a lot making it, and I'm pretty proud of myself.

No self-control = new beads

2008-04-05T09:19:00.003-05:00

I saw these at Glimmer Bead Trust on Etsy. Couldn't control myself. The luster just overwhelmed me, and the fact they were center-drilled meant I had to have them.

Esty has some very nice bead vendors if you're looking for a new place to find beads. I've linked to one below, but for gemstones I lust at Glimmer Bead Trust, Norah's Beads, and JenniferLoveBeads.

New works

2008-03-28T10:22:00.004-05:00

Two pieces:

This is from Bead Fantasies II by Takako Samejima. I confess to not liking the pattern in the book. It's too washed out looking. I had these adorable sunstone rondells though, and was looking for something to do with them because, you know, husbands expect us to buy beads for some other reason than fondling. :D I threw in some other beads I've been fondling er. . . had in my drawer forever (the unakite 2mm and the UT orange bicones) and discovered I liked the pattern after all; it just needed more definition.

The second is a cross from Complex Beads by Shizuya. This particular piece is called "Pray." It's a gift for our intern pastor at our old church in Anchorage. Shizuya's work is always so interesting, even if it's not always to my taste. I'm just not goth enough, I guess.

New Bead Books!

2008-03-27T08:43:00.010-05:00

I got two new bead books from Yes Asia.

First, ビーズ-ビ Vol. 18. I don't like Beads Bee as much as Bead Book because they don't have as many patterns as the other (and I don't think their documentation is as easy to figure out,) but there's an interview with Yoko Yamada of Beans-Okinawa
Can't read it, natch, but there are two of her patterns included.

I also got ビーズで作る、クチュールジュエリー〈2〉, which I believe translates to "making couture beads jewelery" by Yoko Shimizu. The cover has intrigued me for a long time, and none of my eBay vendors ever carried it so I've never been able to get an idea of the design style inside. It's a beautiful book, beautifully photographed and with clear documentation. There's also little essays by her sprinkled throughout which, of course, I can't enjoy, but it's clear from the book design she's a rather artsy sort. ;)

In other BIG NEWS I have found a US vendor that carries some Japanese components I have been searching for for . . . well, since I started this! Specifically perforated ring findings and mounted CZs. I can even get them in antique finishes! The only drawback is that they want you to order by email, but hopefully they will have a real "online shop" soon.

Pictures of recent works

2008-03-12T09:58:00.005-05:00

Went on a beading tear recently. Here are some pics.

Ring for Julie. This is from Sakiss's Adding Beaded Jewelry Essence to Your Wardrobe. It's called "Framing Ring." The rhinestone didn't fit quite like it should, so I played with it until it did. :D

Bracelet for Julie. It's from The Beader's Palatte, which is an English translation of a Paolo Bottoni's Favorite Beads Accessory. I've made this bracelet four (?) times. At least. The first time I forgot to take a picture. Two. Three. Four. OK, this makes five.

Bracelet for Shelly. This is from Bead Fantasies.

Bracelet for Shelly. From Sakiss, this is actually called the "Shelly" bracelet.

Green necklace for me. Hey, I get to keep some, don't I? Close up of motif. This is a Samejima pattern from ビーズ Book.

Pink Ring. From this book. It's pretty, but the 6mm bicones underneath make it awkward to put on (and somewhat painful.)

Links Up

2008-03-03T10:23:00.002-06:00

I've started posting links to resources I've found and used to make jewelry. So much of what I see in my books isn't available at most online shops, so I've used some creative googling to find what's in my lists.

clears throat

2008-02-29T08:31:00.002-06:00

Welcome. Since googling "Japanese-style beading" turns up nothing but hundreds of Delica references, I thought I would create a resource for those interested in Japanese-style beading.

And try to justify the *cough* dollars I've spent on beads.

Japanese Beading Blues

G-Clef Motif

Come, thou long awaited book . . . .

Deal of the Day

New Beans Okinawa Tutorial Video

My Powerful Ojo

Beans-Okinawa Free Recipe Update

What I've been Doing

The Perles Report

Happy New Year!

Pink Camouflage

A Bit of Success

Look. At. This.

Bad Girl.

Update Melange . . .

And the title for World's Worst Blogger goes to:

Beading for Hunters . . . .

New Works

New Books!

She replied!

Yeah, that's my courage on the sticking post!

Early Wedding Pics

Wedding Jewerly

New Books!

First Trunk Show! LOL

New works for me and for you!

First Public Show

New Book!

Merry Christmas to Me!

My Etsy Store

Interesting Blog

Return to Life

New Bead Book

I want these!

Toho Beading Thread: Tegusu

Busy and Lazy . . . can they co-exist?

New works

Gone, but not forgotten

New works

Multi-tasking . . .

Ta-da!

New Bead Book

Fabulous Bead Store in Tyler

Many Pretties

Beans Updated

New Bead Book

My First Tiara

No self-control = new beads

New works

New Bead Books!

Pictures of recent works

Links Up

*clears throat*

clears throat