Jo Spick Beadwork: December 2010

My Beadwork Blog and Gallery

Beading is a bit of an obsession. My beadwork blog is home to my thoughts on pieces I am working on, techniques I am learning, and my beading inspirations. I live in Bournemouth, Dorset and am mum to two gorgeous young children. I volunteer at both school and toddler group, and work part-time in online ad production. I try to fit in as much beading here and there as I can, for both relaxation, and to stretch and expand my creative side. I've learnt a variety of textile crafts over the years, but have always loved jewellery-making. I enjoy wirework, but beadweaving and bead embroidery have proved to be my favourite mediums, and it is these types of beadwork that I always seem to come back to. I love the colour and feel of beads, planning new projects, learning new techniques and of course, bead shopping! I read a wide variety of beading magazines and books, and apart from the occasional workshop, am primarily self-taught.

Thursday, 16 December 2010

So many projects, so little time!

As usual I haven't managed to stick to one project! Everyday commitments have thwarted most beady activity, but I've got a couple of things to dip in and out of. I've started a Laura McCabe bracelet but had to stop that as more beads were needed as it didn't look quite right.......the spiral rope is still on the go.......and I received some more gorgeous cabachons from Rosebudlia. I endeavour to finish some of these things after Christmas, but here is a pendant I finished that was a weekend project....this colour scheme may become one of my favourites!

Thursday, 2 December 2010

Bead Soup Spiral Rope is progressing!

I am getting through my spiral rope to go with my fabulous orange focal bead (see 'Lampwork Inspiration). I'm adding to it here and there when time allows so hopefully it should be finished in the not too distant future. I've found spiral ropes with same size or just 2 colours of beads work up quickly. This is going more slowly as the beads need to be selected differently on each loop so the sizes, colours and shapes both look and sit well together without being too regular. I experimented, and one larger bead per loop gave the spiral a more defined form than the completely random variety I started with, so I'm continuing with that. I just need to stay focused without straying towards cabachon work in the meantime!