Gail Nettles

I've got some new peyote bracelet tutorials for you!  One is free, and the other one has such a teensy price that it's almost free.

So without any further ado, how about some ebook tutorials, for your peyote-beading pleasure!

Peyote Bracelet Tutorials

"Exploring All Angles" Bracelet, in the Even Count Peyote Bracelets Tutorial

It doesn't matter if you have never seen the peyote bead stitch before, or if you are a dyed-in-the-wool peyote veteran.  Check out these two pages, each with an ebook tutorial:

Basics of Even Count Peyote:  Especially for anyone who either doesn't know how to bead the peyote stitch, or is a little rusty.  Not only do you learn how to do flat even-count peyote, but there is even a project called "Windows and Doors", which is a unique bracelet.  And the ebook is free!

Even Count Peyote Bracelets:  Now that you know how to peyote bead, here are six gorgeous bracelets for you to make.  You'll learn how to use some of the more unusually-shaped seed beads, as well as learn bead embroidery on peyote!  OK, it's not free, but it's ultra-reasonably priced, especially since it has 6 projects and tons of close-up photos!  (And available for immediate download, to boot.)

"Windows and Doors" Bracelet, from the Basics of Even Count Peyote Tutorial

They are over on my new site, Beaded Jewelry Diva, which I am dedicating to beading tutorials (both free and almost-free).

So come on over and see me there; I have lots more tutorials for you there, and I'm always adding new ones for your jewelry-making pleasure!

Just what is it that inspires you, when it comes to making jewelry?  Is it color?  A pattern on a piece of fabric?  Something from nature?  Perhaps found objects?

I did something yesterday that I rarely do -- went to the beach.  Even though I live fairly close to the Florida coast, I prefer quiet beaches; and around here, they are crowded on weekends.

But yesterday, hubby and I drove about 50 miles north and found a beautiful little beach that had few people (even on a hot sunny Saturday in May).  And wonder of wonders, there were seashells -- more than I had ever imagined.  This little stretch of beach had Sanibel Island (a world-famous shelling location) beat, hands down!

But I'm getting away from myself.  What I'm getting at is that looking at the shells, in their varied color combinations and shapes, I picked up a few (ok, quite a bit more than a few) to take home.  Some were solely based on wonderful color combos.  Others because their beautiful shapes would look wonderful in jewelry.

But these shells are inspiring me to color combinations I might not have otherwise selected.  Ideas for designs that are off my beaten path (i.e. more than just peyote).

In my case, it was a combination of color and form that has inspired me.  What is it that inspires you?

If you find your jewelry is lacking a spark these days, why not get outdoors and look around?  Maybe there are flowers or trees or even lowly mushrooms that give you ideas that are a little outside your normal work, be it color, format or some combination.

Adventures in makeup?  Yep, and I'm having a blast.  But first -- a little background so you know why I'm having fun.

I'm getting to be a certain age...ok, I'll admit it, I'm 48 as I write this.  And because I've been telecommuting for the last 9 years, makeup (along with my nemesis, pantyhose) has been lacking in my day-to-day life.

Well I used to have pretty nice skin, and I've always gone in for a natural look anyway.  So why bother was my motto.  Until I saw a photo of myself recently with just some powder and mascara, and the ugly truth reared its head.  I'm no longer looking like I was in my 30s.  And while I might not look my age, I need help!  (Oh boy do I need it.)

Adventures With Mineral Makeup

I've never really been a fan of liquid foundations, and I like the Mineral Veil setting powder from Bare Escentuals, so I got some mineral foundation.  (OK, I did have some from another manufacturer, but it was too light for me so I rarely used it.)  Actually, I got two of the "Get Started" kits -- one for the face and one for the eyes and lips.  Glad I did, since I got a lot with one fell swoop.

Good start, and it make me look a lot better, but I wondered what else was out there?

It's a Brand New World

As I've since come to find out, there is a whole world I didn't really know existed!  I mean, I was using techniques I learned in my 20s, and now that 50 is looming, I need new ways of doing things.  I've always had semi-dark circles under my eyes that foundation alone used to cover, but now I have darker circles and (horrors!) excess baggage under my eyes.  Along with fine lines when I smile.

Not to mention the rosacea that has blossomed like poppies in a field across my cheeks.  *sigh*  What's a gal to do?

Thanks to YouTube, I've learned a ton of stuff.  From ways to make my hooded eyes look less hooded, to keeping my eyeshadow from doing the dreaded "creep" 3 hours after putting it on, to making my rosacea a thing of the past.  My skin might not look flawless, but it looks a 1,000% better!

Are You a Makeup Junkie Wannabe?

Well, I've turned into one, and I've had such a blast that I created a whole new site -- Minerals Cosmetics.  I'm doing lots of trials of different cosmetics (as I write this, I'm running 2 separate tests -- one for the face and one for the eyes).   Plus finding good YouTube videos demoing various techniques.  And letting you know where I get some good makeup deals that include freebies and free shipping!

And yes, I will be putting photos of my problem areas to the test.  I really do hate the thought of my face appearing "bare naked" for the camera (it might break), but I will at least do before and afters of various areas -- like eyes, rosacea, fine lines, etc. 

So, if you're curious, want makeup tips, places to get deals online, reviews...why not come over and join me?  Let's have fun together!

I got to thinking about what's up with jewelry the other day.  We've run into some chilly weather and it's too soon to start the veggie garden.  Time for jewelry, perhaps?

The Curse of the Peyote

I should say organic peyote, because regular peyote is pretty easy to teach.  After I finished up my viking knit tutorial, I decided to start on one for free-form organically-designed peyote.  But here's the problem; how can I teach something that I do on a whim?  And how do I provide a pattern for something really free-form?

So I've been trying to come up with some patterns that are free-form enough to get you started, along with one that falls into the "Wow, where did you get that!" category.

I'm thinking about a pair of earrings (basic freeform), a pendant (a little more challenging) and then a knock-em-out bracelet.

Stay tuned -- I'm still working on it!

Another Jewelry Auction Site

I came across another jewelry auction site that looked rather interesting.  And while they don't have a ton of hand-made jewelry, they do have some nice pieces with precious gems -- amethyst, opal, etc.

Anyway, right now they have a $25 coupon -- $25 off your first purchase.  And yes, there are plenty of items for $40 and under, so you stand a chance of getting something really nice for a great price (the word "free" comes to mind). So, go on and check it out and get your $25 off coupon.

Viking Knit In Sterling

I made a really pretty necklace in sterling silver for a gift and darn -- I forgot to get a photo before I sent it off!  I'll see if the recipient will be so kind as to take a photo and send it on to me.

I made it with 24 g sterling wire, dead soft.  Ohhh, was it ever nice to work with!  Dead soft copper is pretty decent but the silver was even easier to work with.  At any rate,  I made it in a single knit, using 6 petals.  It ended up substantial, but still had a bit of a lacy look to it -- very nice, if I do say so myself. 

Of course I made the end caps, from 18 g sterling.  I went rummaging around and found some sterling beads, around 12mm that had been sitting around for a few years.

I finished with an S-hook clasp I made from 18 g sterling.  I made it a little fancier by wrapping it with 26 g sterling wire.  Had to end up using my hammer a little to harden it up some, but it was stiff enough to be safe.

Unfortunately, I don't think I have enough sterling left over to make myself a necklace.  Unless maybe I use some of my lampwork to add to the length some.  Hmmm -- maybe it's time to fire up the torch again!