FABRIC BEADS - I Love Them

Friday nights I sit down to watch some television and I have a small TV tray ready with some extremely low tech tools; scissors, beading needles and a crochet needle.

I cut a strip of this fabulous embroidered fabric to play with earlier in the day. No ruler required. I also cut a strip of felt to use as a liner.

Using a crochet needle to keep the bead shape I hand sewed these beads. No pattern required. No plan. Whatever beads on my tray call to me get sewed onto the bead.

The sewing gets faster and faster now. I had time to make the three big beads and four spacer beads in just the one evening. I have been telling you for the last month that I learned how to make these in an online class with Alma. She is still posting new videos for us even though the class is over! More bead ideas and instructions. There is so much to try!

Time is so precious right now that I have to make sure I don't over do it with this new craft. Friday nights are now beading nights. I can't wait to see what might happen next week!

Now, let me highlight all the amazing links there are from my beading gang!

A Bead A Day
Are you thinking of branching out into polymer clay work? Lisa has gathered some blog reader feedback on how to get started. About.com Jewelry Making
Are you in or out when it comes to plated metals? This polls seems to indicate a mixed bag. Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene Announces the September Monthly Challenge. Come gain inspiration from Barbier. Barbe Saint John
Stamped Metal Jewelry book review! Beading Arts
Have you tried wool roving in your jewelry designs? See what Cyndi has been doing with this fascinating material! Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi is thrilled to go down a new artistic road with paper pendants! Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva
Wondering what Cindy's really like? Come see her first ever video and find out if she's really that quirky! Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie celebrates the start of school season with a series of Friday book giveaways, starting with Creative Paper Jewelry. Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei takes a bit of a directional turn, in business. You may want to read this! Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
It is Jean's birthday month! To celebrate, she is reposting a review of a lovely book by Cathy Jakicic which she is particularly fond of!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton

Margot Potter recently debuted her new book, "Bead Chic". Find out how you can win a copy with this week's Thursday Giveaway!