Work In Progress - Beaded Chain Necklace

I've been making real progress in moving away from my anxiety and depression.  It still fogs up my mind, but I've been going out and I've even found a bead shop (Beading Amazing) near to where I live, which gives me an excuse to get out.  I'm using beads that I bought from there in my latest project.

I love learning new stitches, and recently I learned how to do CRAW (Cubic Right-Angle Weave) and I'm currently making this beaded chain necklace.  Once I get the length I want, I'm going to tie a ribbon to either end.  It's slow going, but here's what I have so far.

The idea is totally not my own - it came from Sage's Cupboard and her tutorial for Right-Angle Weave on Inspirational Beading - although I didn't end up using that tutorial as I actually found the CRAW easier, once I'd got the hang of it. Plus it seemed cumbersome to bead the length you needed and then zip it up, when you could just stitch the whole thing in one go!

I used Preciosa Czech seed beads in the Honey Butter colour mix as I wanted a gold chain look, with a twist.  They're size 11/0s, which I really don't recommend using if it's your first time doing CRAW.  I'm just stubborn!  I had to make a rough piece using fire-polished crystals first so I could get the hang of how the stitch worked.  I find I can do it without thinking now.  I also have the Pebblestone mix, which I think would look pretty in this stitch too.  So I might try that once I finish this one.

I highly recommend watching this YouTube video if you're interested in learning this stitch.  This was the only tutorial I came across which clearly explained what to do after you've got that little ball of beads in your fingers and you can't figure out which is the top or the bottom or where the hell you're supposed to make the next stitch:



I'll let you know when it's finished!

=:x

Mistakes & Work in Progress

Hi everyone, I haven't forgotten to upload but recent projects have been kicking my ass!

I'm trying a Cellini spiral for my next addition to the I Heart...Collection, however I wasn't pleased with my first attempt.

Belated Happy New Year!

Hi everyone!
I'm sorry I've been away for such a long time, but I've been having a lot of family problems and I've been quite ill.  I'm slowly getting back into things and I'm currently designing my first ever collection for the Spring!  It's going to be based around sweets and sweet things, so expect lots of bright colours and fun designs.  I do have some quick designs that I made while I was getting better and I'll try and post them at the weekend so you'll have something new to drool over while I'm finishing this collection.  I went a bit mad in the January sales too, so I have new beads, some of which I'll be unveiling with the Spring collection.  I can't wait to show you!

Love Kym xxx

Fun with wire & beads

The last few weeks I've mainly been testing out new techniques and having fun with new designs.  These aren't for sale, but they give you an idea of what I've been doing and what things you can expect to be coming to X99 Jewellery.

Celtic loop ring

Purple & grey Lattice Bracelet

The lattice bracelet is customisable, as I'll show you later with one I was commissioned to make for my Gran.