Monday, September 10, 2012

All Aglow

Another customer asked me to make her one of my stretchy chainmaille bracelets using glow-in-the-dark rings.  I made it for her, and then I wanted to take a picture of it, since I haven't taken pictures of any of the other glow-in-the-dark ones that I've made.  I wasn't sure how it would come out since I was taking it in complete darkness, but my camera did a pretty good job.

This is how the regular stretchy bracelets look.
And here is the glow bracelet.
I probably should have taken a picture of what it looks like in the daylight also, but too late now, I've already sent it to her.  Oh, well, next time.  And I'm sure there will be a next time, as these bracelets have proven to be pretty popular.

Cat

Sunday, September 02, 2012

Ready To Start!

I have finally sourced all of the materials I need to make the Tatiana necklace, from Manek-Manek.  I never thought it would take me so long to get everything. 

First, it took me forever to find the 14x10mm octagon crystal called for in the pattern.  I finally found some at a place called Glitz and Glamour.  I'd never heard of them before, and their website isn't very fancy nor does it offer a wide color range, but they had what I wanted!  I have to say, I was very happy with their service.  They shipped quickly, and everything was labeled nicely for me.  I'll definitely order from them again.

Then, I was disappointed that 2mm Swarovski bi-cones aren't made anymore, after I looked everywhere for them.  They aren't called for in the pattern, but I want to use them instead of 11/0 seed beads to embellish the columns going across the necklace.  I finally found out that the 2.5mm bi-cones are actually 2mm long and 2.5 wide, so I think they'll work and I ordered them from Fusion Beads.

So, now that I had my crystals, I had to pick seed beads out to match.  That always takes me a long time, but I finally settled on silver and a bluish-grey, in 11/0, 15/ and size 15 charlotte.  The 15 charlottes weren't easy to find either.  I don't remember now where I got them.  I think it was my local bead store.

So, now I have my kit all set up, I'm going to be babysitting for my daughter tonight, and I can finally get started on my necklace!  I can't wait!


Cat