A Black Cat Charm for Halloween

I've been anxious to start on the patterns from Barbara Elbe's Beaded Image II book and I'm pleased to say that I just completed my first project using one of her designs.  The pattern is the Persian Cat that I modified by using black and gray seed beads to celebrate Halloween.  Here is my Black Cat charm.

Black Cat Cell Phone Charm

Materials Used:
*Toho size 11 seed beads in jet black, opaque gray, opaque frosted oxblood, silver-lined grayand silver-lined light topaz.
*Fireline 6 lb, smoke
*Cell phone strap
*Aluminum bell

Weaving Technique:  Brick Stitch

Pattern by Barbara Elbe
On sale at Handmade + Cute

Beadwoven Owl Cell Phone Charm

I got side-tracked.  Instead of completing the other side of my fan earring, I worked on a owl charm.  I do that quite often...getting distracted and wanting to start a new design.

Here's my owl:

Beadwoven Owl Cell Phone Charm

Materials Used:
*Toho size 11 seed beads in jet black, opaque terra cotta, opaque oxblood, opaque light beige, opaque lustered pumpkin, opaque green apple, silver-lined green grass.
*Fireline 6 lb, smoke
*Cell phone strap
*Aluminum bell
Weaving Technique:  Brick Stitch

A design by Handmade + Cute.

Special Bead Project

Hi. My mom is working on a special bead project so I'm (her daughter) taking over for her. She is working very hard on the project.

        Here is a picture of the special bead project she is working on.

Aloha,

KK

A Charm for the Arkansas Razorbacks (and a friend)

I have a customer who has more faith in me than I have in myself.  She inspires me with creative ideas and opens me up to trying new designs.  She is patient, kind, always positive and encouraging.  She has a beautiful soul.

Recently she asked me to create a charm for the fans of the Arkansas Razorbacks.  With butterflies in my belly, I agreed to this latest challenge.  Now these Arkansas hogs are very mean looking and finding cuteness in their frightening faces seemed impossible.  I almost gave up before I started!  The cutest boar that I could find was the tusked red mascot that prances around at sporting events and that became my model for the Arkansas Razorbacks beaded charm.   Here is my interpretation.  I hope she likes...

The Spiders That Hate Me!

These spiders hate me!  I don't know why!!!  I've treated these creepy creatures with love; I've shown great care in its design and the bead weaving technique but the process has been riddled with challenges.  I've reworked the pattern several times and persevered through knots and tangled thread.  The design is not new to me and the brick stitch method is one that I am very familiar with, but yet I falter and mess up.  I am finally complete and satisfied with my work.  These arachnids are grinning at me with their menacing fangs on display and I celebrate...too soon!  My blog post is gone...kapoof!

I've gotten the hint you crawly thing so I'm selling you.

Soon on Etsy. 
Handwoven seed bead spiders.  Stitched with size 11 Japanese seed beads.  Get them as earrings or as a charm.  Needs love.

This Little Piggy Charm

This little piggy built her home out of Japanese Toho seed beads that withstood the huff and puff of the wolf's halitosis breath.  After her scary experience, Piggy knows that life is to be enjoyed so she indulges in cheesecake whenever possible.  You can help Piggy live happily ever after - she would love to hang around and charm you all day long.  Adoption information here.

The Making of a Heart

A very nice customer has asked to me bead her some heart charms in red and pink.  I enjoy making hearts because hearts are sweet expressions of love yet they are relatively simple to make.  Here is how I make my hearts.

My supplies include:

1. My heart pattern.
2. FireLine thread, .006 (4lb. size B).
3. Size 11 Toho seed beads in silver lined ruby, silver lined pink plus a transparent crystal to form the "invisible" loop for hanging.
4. Size 12 bead needles.
5. A felt-like pad for holding my loose beads so the beads don't roll all over the place.

I also need:

5. My old lady reading glasses.
6. Nice Hawaiian sunshine for natural lighting.

The stitch I use to weave the beads together is the brick stitch technique and although I sometimes use quilting thread for stitching, I like FireLine because it is strong and does not stretch; therefore, my project keeps its shape.  FireLine is really a fishing line but it is a staple supply for many beaders.  I buy my FireLine from FusionBeads.com for its prices and free shipping to Hawaii (hooray!).

I'm lucky to live in Hawaii where there is an abundance of bright beautiful sunshine.  Natural lighting allows me to see the true color of the beads as well as my stitches.  Many times I have tried weaving throughout the night using a lamp or overhead lights only to toss my project away the next day because of mistakes.  I've learned my lesson!

Here are my finished beaded heart charms.

I have 2 more to go but the sun is setting so I'll continue tomorrow. 

Please visit me on Etsy at Handmade + Cute to see the rest of my beaded charms.

Fire Truck Charms

I have been working on these Fire Trucks and could not decide which one I wanted to list so I decided to list all three.

Here is my fleet of Fire Truck Seed Bead Charms. 

Come check these out at Handmade + Cute, Etsy

Firefighter Helmet, Boots and a Fire Hydrant Charm

These firefighter designs have been made by special request but these handwoven beaded designs will live on and can be yours too.  All accessories may be special ordered if you do not see it in my shop at Handmade + Cute, Etsy.

This firefighter collection includes a helmet...

... boots...

and a fire hydrant...

Fire Truck and Axe coming soon.

Pug Charm

Those who know a pug, know that there is much in this little dog. A great friend and companion, carry this cute pug seed bead charm with you wherever you go.


Handmade with Japanese seed beads, this pug measures 2.5 cm. at its widest point and 2.75 cm. in height, without hardware. The charm is attached to a silver spring clasp and is accented with a tiny aluminum bell. The total length of the pug charm, with clasp, is approximately 4.75 cm.

I'm happy to say that this pug will be adopted soon but if you want to place an order for the next litter, visit me at Handmade + Cute, Etsy.

Cheerleader Charm

Rah-Rah-Shish-Boom-Bah!

Cheerleader Seed Bead charm - a perky and cute cheerleader with her festive pom-poms.


Handmade with Japanese seed beads in turquoise, brown, beige, silver-lined aquamarine and gray, The pom-pom is layered for a shiny 3D effect. The charm is attached to a silver spring clasp and accented with a little red bell.

Available at Handmade + Cute, Etsy.

Santa Cell Phone Charm

Yeah, yeah...I know!  I, too, get a little bothered when I see Christmas decorations up in the shopping malls when we haven't celebrated Halloween yet. But I'm getting into to the spirit of Christmas in July and added a Santa Cell Phone Charm to my shop.

Bah Humbug to you too!



Hamster Cell Phone Charm

When I think of rodents, I think of beady eyes and nasty gnawing teeth. This hamster, however, is a different type of rodent - a handbeaded seed bead charm that is so domesticated and tame that it will hang out on your cell phone or anywhere you want it to be.

Sweet and enjoyable, this hamster is carefully beaded with Japanese seed beads and measures 3 cm. in width and 3 cm. in height. The charm is attached to a yellow cell phone strap and includes a tiny aluminum bell. This cute accessory has a total length that is approximately 9 cm.

Available on Etsy, Handmade + Cute!

Lanterns of Love

I "un-vacationed" my Etsy shop so now it's back online and open for business. I've been able to work on a few new beaded designs but my vacation goal was to complete my order for the "Lanterns of Love" charity listing.

Originally called, Lanterns for Japan, I changed the name to Lanterns of Love - inspired by a wonderful customer. Now, when you make a lantern purchase, you can choose to make a donation to the Japan Relief Effort (Japan Red Cross Society) or the American Red Cross relief efforts in Alabama (Madison/Marshall County, Alabama, American Red Cross Chapter).  

The American Red Cross Disaster Relief enables the Red Cross to provide assistance  to victims of the U.S. tornado disaster.  Alabama was the hardest hit state.  The Red Cross has served meals, provided shelter, supplied clean-up, comfort kits and health services to those affected by the loss and destruction of the storm.  On rare occasions, donations may exceed the expenses for a specific disaster and in this case, contributions are used to serve those affected by other disasters.  To learn more about the American Red Cross relief efforts in Alabama, please visit http://redcross.org/ or call 256-536-0084.

Thanks everyone!

Temperamental Siamese Kitty Charm

Temperamental Siamese Kitty Charm

with Cell Phone Strap

More Info.

Siamese cats may be a little loud and temperamental but legend has it that these kitties ward away evil spirits and bring you good luck. Boost your odds of a lucky day with this Siamese Kitty Seed Bead Charm handmade by weaving tiny size 11 Japanese seed beads into this cute design. Looks great on a cell phone, keychain, bag and more!

Kitty measures 2.5 cm. in width and 3.5 cm. in height from tip of ears to bottom of floral collar. The flower on kitty's collar is a shiny glass bead. The charm is attached to a bright green 5.5 cm. cell phone strap and incliudes a coordinating chiming bell.

You will receive 1 Siamese Kitty Charm with your order but if you want more, please feel free to let me know. Strap and bell colors may differ.

Please remember that items in this store are not toys and not for young children. Jewelry is recommended for ages 12 +. Charms are recommended for ages 6+.

Have a question?
Contact me
View shop policies

Sweet Beagle Seed Bead Charm

Handmade + Cute

Sweet Beagle Seed Bead Charm

with Cell Phone Strap

More Info.

I'm a hound dog. awhoo wooo wooo! How about some little TLC doggie daycare for this loving and gentle Beagle? This sweet Beagle seed bead charm represents a sociable, brave and intelligent friend - a perfect gift! Works well on a cell phone, bag, backpack, keychain and more.

The charm is carefully hand beaded with size 8 Japanese seed beads and measures 3 cm. wide and 2.25 cm. height. The charm is attached to a yellow cell phone strap that measures. 5.5 cm in lenght and includes a tiny bell.

You will receive 1 Beagle Charm with your order but if you want more, please feel free to let me know. Strap and bell colors may differ.

Please remember that items in this store are not toys and not for young children. Jewelry is recommended for ages 12 +. Charms are recommended for ages 6+.

Have a question?
Contact me
View shop policies

Thanks for stopping by!