Saturday, April 6, 2013

Traveling with Beads

Yes, I am actually posting something new, about beads, and with pictures. 
Just a Tote Bag

I am away from my new home in training.  Of course I wanted to take some beads with me.  Who knows, it might even save me from temptation should I visit a bead store.

To begin with, I stuffed everything in a tote bag.

Inside the tote bag are containers holding more beads plus some strands and bagged beads.

Now, I grabbed all of these beads out of my stash at the last moment before I left home.  

Doesn't seem like much inside the tote.
Really, it is just a normal sized tote.  But I stuffed a lot into it.
The entire contents

The above represents my new project.  I have several choices. 
  1. I purchased Hindia from Studio 183.  I have had my eye on this necklace for some time.
  2. I also purchased Fancy Fish from Skunk Hill Studios.  I would call it an impulse purchase, but for the fact that I thought about it for quite a few days; however, I had not planned on making the purchase quite yet.
  3. My parents took a trip to Greece and my Mom brought me back beads with the intent that I make something.  
Beads from Greece
 Inside the tote are some larger beads.
Bagged beads and strands
Light blue beads
Indigo and white beads
Because I was pulling all of this together at the last minute I grabbed a bunch of larger seed beads that would suit whichever project I chose to work on.
Larger seed beads and a few 15/0's to test my eyes
Delicas
Of course I had to bring quite a few delica's pictured above.  That left room for some Czech seed beads, pearls, and a few more delica beads just for good measure pictured below.
Czech seed beads, pearls, and a few extra delica beads.
Beading does require tools.  I put together a tool box with yet another box inside.
Inside the tool box
I do not know what you consider essential tools.  I grabbed a magnifying glass (a Christmas time treat from Target), a brass bead gauge, a good sharpie, small ruler, fireline, hemostats (these work wonderfully as a delicate set of pliers), scissors, zip lock bags, a note regarding the beads I need for the Hindia necklace, and finally a small box for even smaller tools.
Small essentials
The small box contains three sizes of bead needles, used needles, bees wax, bead trays, and a set of wire earrings that were never finished.

I have been contemplating how to finish those Greece beads- multi strand or single strand?  The multi strand has just about created itself in my mind.  Of course that never works out the way I envision it.

6 comments:

  1. Wow. Make something fun, because you have some very fun beads to play with here, and super well packed!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Marsha. I started work on the new necklace- using the beads from Greece and of course the plan has already changed! Not a bad thing, this is a very flexible project.

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  2. OMG the Hindia pattern is gorgeous as well as versatile - I am seriously thinking of ordering it for myself. And Fancy Fish is adorable ! BTW - where did you buy that Magic Tote of yours ? I swear it must be larger on the inside than it is on the outside . . . you certainly managed to get a small bead shop stashed into it. lol

    Can't wait to see all of your creations, your creativity always blows my mind. :)

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    Replies
    1. I have been admiring the Hindia pattern for quite some time.

      The Fancy Fish are just plain fun. Perfect for summer.

      As for the magic tote, I think you called that one right. I did not manage to get quite everything I need in it. Turns out most of the Delicas and Czech seed beads I grabbed are either larger or smaller than the standard 11/0.

      Thank you so much for the compliment.

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  3. I have to agree that your tote definitely seems larger on the inside than on the outside - I am soo impressed with how much you fit in there. Looks like you've put together an extremely versatile selection. And I'm tickled that you took my pattern along. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

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    Replies
    1. I am working on the Greek beads first Karen- no fish in this round.

      I love those fish! I do need to make some for summer. Now I just need to think about how I am going to use them once I make them.

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