The Design Gallery
Follow along with step-by-step beading projects and share your designs with beaders around the world—it’s quick & easy!
Chatter
on “Interlocked Rings Earrings”:“Rings are in! Nice way to brush up on our skills or learn to do…” read »
- on “Fern Hoop Earrings”:
“Absolutely Awesome! The description says the links are plated, so I'm a bit confused. …” read »
- on “Shell Cove Earrings”:
“Love the combo of the Opal acetate (which looks like MOP), the shell links, and coconut--great…” read »
on “Heishi Hoops”:“My favorite style--the hoop ear wires are a blast to create with!…” read »
on “Tropical Monstera Earrings”:“Beautiful way to frame the Abalone acetate leaves! The fancy ear posts make this extra…” read »
on “Tropical Monstera Earrings”:“Thanks Pam!…” read »
on “Shell Cove Earrings”:“Another delightful pair of earrings! I must amend the fact that I love all 5…” read »
on “Heishi Hoops”:“Another fantastic earring! To be honest I love all 4 pairs.…” read »
- on “Tropical Monstera Earrings”:
“These are my favorite earrings!…” read »
on “Sunburst Chandelier Earrings”:“Thank you!…” read »
- on “More Vintage Czech Beads”:
“This is a beautiful eclectic necklace and earrings! I love it!…” read »
on “A Few More”:“That blue one has great appeal! Agree about the hula.…” read »
on “The hills are alive🎼”:“Well most of my comment didn’t post. …” read »
- on “The hills are alive🎼”:
“LRC, actually 3 hairs…” read »
on “A Few More”:“Interesting collection with great components. I especially like the blue pendant. It looks like…” read »
on “The hills are alive🎼”:“Wonderful color and an absolutely beautiful design! What size brush did you use... one with…” read »
on “New and Old Stuff”:“Love those vintage beads. They look right at home in this bright and cheerful design.…” read »
- on “Green dream”:
“Wow! I have to agree with all of the above. This is a fabulous…” read »
on “Second piece from Nancy”:“Wow! I love the design and the beads are lovely.very organic…” read »
on “Green dream”:“Thanks, everyone, for your kind words.…” read »
- on “Green dream”:
“I agree with what everyone else has said. I have tried chain maille on a…” read »
on “Green dream”:“Exquisite! The chainmaille is really wonderful and the green seed beads really add charm to it.…” read »
on “Green dream”:“Great piece!! I also admire anyone that can accomplish chainmaille work like you have. My hands…” read »
on “Green dream”:“This is beautiful chainmaille work. My arthritic fingers salute you! The chain pattern with the green…” read »
- on “Green dream”:
“Beautiful work! I love how the little seeds flair out on the sides creating the…” read »
- on “New and Old Stuff”:
“Thanks you all for your comments!! Yes, Crystal, those are the marigold wood beads. I like…” read »
on “Sunburst Chandelier Earrings”:“These earrings are stunning. The seaglass bicones light up next to the capiz shell.…” read »
- on “A Few More”:
“I like all of these designs, especially what you did with the gold focal piece.…” read »
- on “New and Old Stuff”:
“I do like those vintage end of day beads. This version really compliments them.…” read »
- on “The hills are alive🎼”:
“These earrings are beautifully done. The alcohol inks give your detailed mini masterpieces a luminous quality.…” read »
on “Beach Goddess Stacked Bracelets”:“Awesome degine..https://erijewelry.com/…” read »
- on “New and Old Stuff”:
“The vintage Czech beads have much more impact lined up--they are so colorful--hope you got bunches…” read »
on “African sunset”:“I'm diggin' the tribal vibe! Love the brass element.…” read »
- on “A Few More”:
“Nice pieces Jane. I like how you highlighted the woven focal with the drop extension.…” read »
- on “The hills are alive🎼”:
“Oh Robin, I am so sorry to hear about the tornadoes. I am glad your…” read »
- on “The hills are alive🎼”:
“CC, no, it’s not a view from my house. I live in east Texas, piney woods.…” read »
- on “The hills are alive🎼”:
“Robin, these are absolutely incredible! The mountains & trees are so very realistic & beautifully…” read »
- on “Black Beauty”:
“I really like this! Very cute!…” read »
- on “A Few More”:
“I really like your seed bead work on the blue one. All very nice!…” read »
on “New and Old Stuff”:“Both bracelets are great designs! The Orange one is my favorite! Fall is a…” read »
Sun Catcher
About this design:
It has been quite a while since I made a sun catcher. Since I like the ones that are trees I made a Jacaranda. They are quite common in the San Diego area and there are several in my neighborhood.
The first trees I made were smaller sizes for pendants. I used beads in them instead of chips. When I started making the larger sizes I found chips looked better than beads.
This tree is in a 4" circle made with 14ga copper wire. The trunk of the tree and the branches are made with 24ga copper wire. When you get all of the wires twisted together for the trunk they aren't too difficult to handle. However, when you start spreading the wires for the branches you're just a short step away from chaos. Instead of making roots with the wire like you have on a tree of life I wrap them around the frame at the bottom to make a solid base. Stringing the chips has its own set of problems. The biggest one is some of the holes in the chips are so tiny they are hard to see. Glasses that magnify are a big help.
Components:
14ga and 24ga copper wire, amethyst, green glass and peridot chipsRead the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On Mar 18, 2023 at 3:50 pm #
dolllady aka Pam says:This is absolutely gorgeous! Kiddos to you OFF for this outstanding piece!
On Mar 21, 2023 at 4:44 pm #
Beady Little Eyes says:Beautiful Jacaranda. A 4 inch circle is great for a sun catcher. Just beautiful.
On Mar 22, 2023 at 4:00 am #
K Ralston says:So pretty for catching the sun. Hopefully there will be sun soon.