<![CDATA[Bead At Home with Teri - Beginning Beader's Blog]]>

<![CDATA[Bead At Home with Teri - Beginning Beader's Blog]]>Sat, 26 May 2012 12:10:15 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Charmed Jewelry to commemorate the 138th KY Derby]]>Sat, 05 May 2012 17:23:12 -0500http://www.beadathome.com/2/post/2012/05/charmed-jewelry-to-commemorate-the-138th-ky-derby.html

Do you like charm bracelets?

Charms are a great way to commemorate an event in your life.

You've heard of the Pandora bracelets? A charm bead bracelet.

Charm bracelets are easy to create. No experience necessary and a definite 'DIY' (do it yourself.

Do you have memorable events coming up this year? Attending the KY Derby, milestone birthday, special trips, Mother's day, graduations, baby birth?

Any event calls for a memento of a charm to start your memory jewelry.

Check out this beading supplier, Bead and Charms, that sells lots of charms for many events to help you get started.

By the way, Happy Derby Day.

]]><![CDATA[The First Saturday of May Inspires KY Derby Jewelry]]>Fri, 04 May 2012 17:10:13 -0500http://www.beadathome.com/2/post/2012/05/the-first-saturday-of-may-ky-derby-jewelry-inspirations.html

Inspiration can be found in many ways. One inspiration for me is happening this weekend in Louisville, KY.

The first Saturday of May, every year, is the KY Derby and this year will be the 138th 'Run for the Roses'.

Growing up in Louisville, the home of the KY Derby, the derby was every where and participating in the festivities are a must.

One of the highlights of the KY Derby every year is the fashion. There are all day televised shows with highlights in 'Millionaire Row' at the Churchill Downs to the local parties and the visiting celebrities. So fashion was a must and the focal accessory are the hats.

Even if you aren't going to Millionaire's Row, hats are still the top hot fashion for women.

Local parties around Louisville may incorporate hats as part of the derby party theme. There may be a 'best derby hat', 'silliest derby hat', 'most creative hat' contest at the local parties. Or there maybe free admission to a party with a hat or wearing a hat may be necessary just to protect yourself from the hot sun for the day.

Regardless hats are the top accessories and enhancing that accessory isn't too far behind.

Jewelry, necklaces, earrings or bracelets are needed to finish off your outfit.

I have shared here a few inspirations I have created over the years. These are the only ones that I've actually taken pictures of.

I hope you enjoy my journal of derby jewelry to get your creative juices going.

Feel free to leave a comment if you have inspirations to share.

If you are not familiar with the KY Derby each of these charms represent a significant event that takes place during the derby festivities.

When I lived in Louisville the derby festivities were only one week and started the Saturday before with a Balloon Race. That's been 20 years ago and now the derby festivities start 2 weeks before race day.

Some of the festivities that I favored were the steam boat race and the Pegasus parade. Louisville's city icon is the fleur-de-lis, the mint leaf represents the icon drink 'mint julep' for the derby.

These are the 'Run for the Roses' earrings.

This is another charmed bracelet for the events associated with the KY Derby. The hat for the main focal fashion accessory that defines Derby fashion. The Pegasus for the Pegasus parade on the Thursday before the main race day. Ships wheel for the steam boat race between the 'Belle of Louisville' and the visiting 'Delta Queen'. The balloon for the great Balloon race is weather permits. The horse head with a ring of roses around the neck for the 'Running of the Roses' and then a rose charm to finish it off.

I hope you enjoyed my little trip down memory lane and if you have not experienced the KY Derby maybe one day you may venture to it just for a taste of southern charm that Louisville renders it's guest this time of year.

Thanks for stopping for a visit and ya'll come back now, ya hear!

]]><![CDATA['E' is for Earrings]]>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 23:05:24 -0500http://www.beadathome.com/2/post/2012/02/e-is-for-earrings.html

I don't think there is any piece of jewelry I like better than earrings. They can be simple, elegant, fun, festive just like any piece of jewelry but my most favorite thing is making earrings.

These small statements of fashion can sport so many looks and earrings just finish an outfit.

They are quick and easy. Simple or intricate, long or short.

There are so many different looks that you can come up with for earrings that you could wear a different pair of earrings for every day and never wear the same pair. But you would find that hard if you have a favorite set.

Personally I don't feel completely dressed unless I have a pair of earrings on, I feel my ear lobes are naked and it feels funny since I have been wearing them for so long.

I created this article 'E' is for Earrings sharing design ideas and I have included a tutorial from Beadstyle magazine.

Check it out by clicking on the picture if you like earrings as much as I do. Then leave me a message either there or here. I look fwd to hearing from you soon.

Happy Beading.

]]><![CDATA[2012 Color of the Year]]>Sat, 25 Feb 2012 16:20:06 -0500http://www.beadathome.com/2/post/2012/02/2012-color-of-the-year.html

Color plays a big roll in designing jewelry.

How do you determine what color to use; nature, personal taste, wardrobe, trends?

There are many ways to determine this. I receive periodical e-mails from beading resources to keep up on design and color trends through the season so that I can then pass along the information to you.

Color is a main attraction that keeps me engaged in bead work, jewelry making and producing class kit projects. Colors and textures grab our interest and keep us hooked.

Being a crafts enthusiast we love using our senses and working with colors is part of this.

Colors and color combos go through cycles to keep the interest flowing. What color is popular this year may go out next year but will cycle back around again.

From Fire Mountain Gems comes the announcement that the 2012's Color of the Year, 'Tangerine Tango'. I bet you will like it.

The photo above is from Fire Mountain Gems and if you click on the picture it will take you to their page with a nice selection of beads in the 2012 color of the year, Tangerine Tango.

You may love this color but don't dare wear it. Being able to work with and incorporate color pallets that don't work well with our skin tone keeps the creative juices flowing.

The next best thing is to design creations for others. How rewarding it will be for you to see your works on your friends, family and clients.

Check out 'Tangerine Tango' the new 2012 color of the year and then I invite you to come back and share some of your designs with us.

I'll look forward to seeing your creations.

]]><![CDATA[Happy 2012!]]>Mon, 02 Jan 2012 10:44:10 -0500http://www.beadathome.com/2/post/2012/01/happy-2012.html

With every new year comes new hopes and dreams. A renewal of what lies ahead of us in the new year.

2012 brings new ideas, creations and so much more.

I ask myself this new year, how do I keep this new fresh feeling alive everyday this year?

The conclusion?

You just do. This may be easier said than done.

But let's break it down, we have 12 new starts to every month, 52 brand new weeks and 365 new days to start fresh and this year being leap year brings an extra day.

How fortunate.

Every new day is a blessing and I look forward to sharing so much with you.

What will you do this 2012 to keep it fresh and new?

Here is one for me 'Jewelry with Purpose'. Watch for more or go visit right now.

]]><![CDATA[November Issue of BeadStyle Magazine Now Available]]>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:12:35 -0500http://www.beadathome.com/2/post/2011/11/november-issue-of-beadstyle-magazine-now-available.html

Hello Beading Buddies; Have you gotten your recent issue of 'BeadStyle'? The November issue is now on the stands. I always look forward to the new issues of this publication.

Beadstyle is a beading publication that is focused on the beginning beader. Those that are just starting out and trying to get their footing to understand all of what goes into learning to make jewelry.

There are always lots of easy projects to explore. All projects have a list of supplies and step by step instruction to complete the jewelry.

If you would like to subscribe to BeadStyle I have provided a link. By clicking on the BeadStyle picture, you can purchase your subscription through Amazon.com or visit your local craft store to pick up a magazine and send in a subscription card you will find within the pages of this fun magazine.

]]><![CDATA[Halloween Jewelry Fun!]]>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:49:24 -0500http://www.beadathome.com/2/post/2011/10/halloween-jewelry-fun.html

Seasonal jewelry is a fun time to explore may ways to create new looks with old icons. Here is a favorite icon I love using when creating Halloween jewelry, the candy corn. (although I must admit I do not like to eat candy corn)

Don't limit yourself to icons either. Each season has a pallette of colors to choose from.

Allow your creativity to flow from the color schemes of the season. Can you think of any other time you can wear orange, yellow and white with out fear of looking like a candy corn?

Have fun with seasonal jewelry using either icons or color schemes, what ever you choose to use let your creatvity flow and then come back here and share it with us. We want to hear from you.

]]><![CDATA[Basic Bead Findings]]>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:04:24 -0500http://www.beadathome.com/2/post/2011/10/basic-bead-findings.html

Before we continue talking about how to store our beading supplies let's take a look at some of the supplies that will be stored.

We know there will be beads and tools, but what else is there?

Let's focus on the basic jewelry findings to have on hand for a beginner to complete our projects.

What is a finding?

Beading and jewelry findings are the basic components that complete a beading project. Findings hold your jewelry together and can also be incorporated into the design of most pieces of jewelry.

Let's look at a quick list of what I suggest to have on hand:

For bracelets, necklaces and anklets you will need a spool of beading wire, spool of elastic, crimps, clasp and seed beads are optional.

For earrings you will need ear wires, head pins or eye pins.

Then for general use I recommend to have jump rings or spring rings on hand.

These are not the only findiings you will be using or needing but this is the minimum of the basic findings needed. We'll talk more about other findings as we learn and develop our techniques.

And let me stress, if you don't learn anything else from me learn this. What I find to be the most important part of learning to make jewelry is to learn the techniques first. That is laying the foundation, getting your footing to build on your new knowledge. Get yourself familiar with the techniques, get to a comfort zone or at the least close to it and then learning about all the many components and materials you will be using to create your designs will come so much easier.

Now, back to the jewelry findings. You may be asking, so what are all of these findings and what do they look like? That's a good question and one I ask myself every time I learn a new component.

I have covered this thoroughly in an article titled 'Bead Findings for the Beginner'.

Let's explore more and understand these basic findings so that you will have a better understanding of how to store your supplies.

As always, Happy Beading!!

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]]><![CDATA[Beading Storage Containers]]>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:37:05 -0500http://www.beadathome.com/2/post/2011/10/beading-storage-containers.html

Let's talk a bit about how to store your beading supplies. Let's talk bead containers.

Containers, just as most things, come in lots of shapes, sizes, styles and colors.

First, ask yourself these two questions, "What supplies am I storing?" and "Where am I going to store my supplies?".

Once you answer these, it will help narrow your selection of containers.

Let's look at a few options that may be considered and then let's look at some storage solutions.

Options of Supplies: Beads; tools; magazines, books and catalogs; spools of wire; findings and the list goes on, you fill in the rest.

Options of storage space: Closet; Drawers; Cabinets; Shelves.

Closet - Bags and Hooks; Peg Board

Drawers - Stackables; flat divided containers with closing lid

Cabinets - toolbox

Shelves - Boxes; Beadboards

Theses are just a few options and solutions to storing your beads and beading supplies. I will follow up on this particular topic to give more thought in depth. For now answer the two questions posed to you above and see what solutions you come up with.

I would invite you to post your comments and suggestions of what you are doing for storage to help give beginning beading enthusiast ideas to pull from.

Beaded Blessings.

]]><![CDATA[Finding the Right Beading Publication]]>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:32:35 -0500http://www.beadathome.com/2/post/2011/10/beading-publications.html

Beading publications are a great resource for the beginning beader to get a taste of what to expect.

You have an option between beading magazines and beading books. I have purchased both and my personal preference is investing in subscriptions to some of the beading magazines available.

With beautiful illustrations, explaintations of the process and countless resources of suppliers gives a good overview on difficultly and idea of the work involved in each project.

For the beginner in beading my all time favorite beading magazine is 'BeadStyle'.

BeadStyle is focused and dedicated strictly to the beginner but not all the projects look like a beginner project.

This publication is a sister magazine to 'Bead and Button' and is published every other month. The nominal fee is worth every penny with all the information, guides and resources that are provided.

I keep all my publications to referrence back to see how styles have changed and find they have changed very little. Or nostagia to see when new products or components were introduced.

For more information on Beadstyle you can check out their website or click on the magazine below to purchase your subscription today.

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