I have no idea where the summer went but I'm glad it's over because that means one thing. Yes! It's gift beading season!
My work space is covered in beads and LED tea lights and acrylic coasters as well as a new bracelet design that I'm anxious to start.
First up is the subject of beaded coasters. I have long wondered if the acrylic coasters that I've seen for embroidery, cross stitch or photographs would handle a beaded piece. Well, yes they do and that opened up a whole new world of patterns and projects for me.
Naturally, my first one was for me and I love it.
These acrylic coasters come in two pieces. The front piece holds the beaded piece and the back piece snaps on. These are not dishwasher safe by the way.
Every one of my coaster patterns (found here) fit in these acrylic coasters.
I had a devil of a time finding the coaster blanks but I know someone who did find them and did stock them in her shop. Please buy your coaster blanks from Carols Beady Patterns on Etsy. I know first hand that she is efficient, honest and actually a very nice lady. She also designs coaster patterns so drop in and visit her.
Tea Light covers were another new venture for me this year. These are not intended for use on an open flame tea light by the way. The heat would melt the thread and possibly cause a fire so please use the LED tea lights. Most of my tea light patterns are beaded flat and then zipped into a tube that just sits on top of the tea light. I do have two that are tubular peyote stitch though.
How completely cute are these? I keep these little LED tea lights around in case of a power outage or sometimes, just because they are super cute.
Last but not least, Pen Wraps! Since discovering these little gems, I have made quite a few and I gift them too. The pen wraps that I design are sized to fit a Pilot G2 pen. What is that, you ask? Pilot G2 pens are amazing. Not only is the ink the same colour as the pen but they write beautifully too. These are quick little projects and they make great gifts.
You will often see the patterns on Etsy presented like this:
Notice that we (designers) tend to use the digital image created by our bead design programs to show the pen wrap flat so you can see the entire design. To the right, is the beaded version of the pen. You can only see part of the design. The only problem with digital representations of beading patterns is the difference between the colour in the program and the colour in real life. If you can tell the difference between a digital representation of a beading pattern and the real thing, you won't be fooled. Sadly many people don't know the difference and are disappointed in the end result. I use tested colour palettes if I'm presenting a pattern in a digital representation. You can trust my patterns. I test every colour combination!
So there you have it, coasters and tea lights and pen wraps make wonderful holiday gifts.
~Bead beautiful things~