Awwww-inspired Seal Pup Earrings

Seal Pup Beaded Earrings

Awwww....When I see fuzzy, white seal pups on calendar pages, my heart just melts.  Seal pups are the most endearing babies on the universe and I would not be able to call my Etsy shop, Handmade + Cute, if I didn't list a seal pup at one time or another.

With this goal in mind, I created a simple pup pattern on a brick stitch chart and used size 11 Toho seed beads.  I chose three colors for this project - opaque lustered white for the face and body, opaque lustered baby pink for the cheeks and opaque jet black for the eyes and nose.  For this small, lightweight design, I used transparent quilting thread to weave the beads together.  The finished seal pup is attached is surgical steel, nickel free ear wires.

The finished work measures about 1.75 cm. in width and 1.5 cm. in height.  The entire length with the ear wire is about 3 cm.  

I haven't yet listed this in my shop but it should be up soon.  Please stop by and visit me.  

Thanks! 

Netted Beadwork Book

I borrowed a very nice bead book from the public library called Netted Beadwork: A Beadwork How-To Book by Diane Fitzgerald.  I've never worked on netted beading projects before but I want to learn how to make those beautiful and intricate three-dimensional wrapped pieces.  Christmas is coming up and I think it will be nice to give lacey ornaments as handmade keepsake gifts.

I practiced making lace chains and also worked on flowers.  I do wish this book had more instructional photos so I could follow along visually.  I find that I enjoy netted beading and would love to keep this book as a reference but the library is all about "borrowing" so I went to Amazon.com.  Hooray, I found the book from an outside seller, unfortunately at a very hefty price of $120.97!  I'm not kidding! 

To perfect my netted beading technique, I'd like to find a good how-to book.  If you could recommend one, I'd be very grateful!

Exclusive Handmade Discounts

Handmade sellers now offer money saving discounts on their unique products by providing coupon codes and other incentives to buyers.  One site that caters to those who love to buy handmade is called Heartsy.  Heartsy features carefully selected items  that are made by very talented designers.  Buyers within the Heartsy community also have a voice and can help decide which artisan to highlight.

Today I purchased a voucher to receive $10.00 of a $24.00 purchase from SodaCanShop.  There are so many wonderful and amazing recycled jewelry, magnets and ornaments at the SodaCanShop, I know I will have such fun shopping!

I'm happy to extend you an invitation to join Heartsy today and view all the amazing discounted handmade goodies.  Come on by!